Merced Arts Wrap for Oct. 31, 2014
Merced Symphony Fall Concert
The Merced Symphony opens its 2014-15 season on Saturday. The concert will be the Symphony’s first under Ming Luke, its new conductor. The program will feature pieces from Bach, Mozart and Beethoven, the Symphony said in a news release. It will open with Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” followed by Bach’s “Concerto for Violin and Oboe.”
Soloists are Heather Powell and Jesse Barrett. The second half of the program feature’s Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5.”
This is the Symphony’s 57th year. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Merced Theatre, 301 W. Main St. Tickets are $39 for adults and $14 for students. They are available at the box office or online at www.mercedtheatre.org.
‘Carrie: The Musical’
“Carrie: The Musical” will be onstage at Playhouse Merced through Sunday. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For tickets, see www.facebook.com/PlayhouseMerced, call (209) 725-8587 or visit the box office at 452 W. Main St. in downtown Merced.
Dia De Los Muertos event
A special opening of the Merced Multicultural Center’s Dia De Los Muertos gallery exhibit is scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 645 W. Main St in downtown Merced. Curated by Ruben Sanchez, the gallery exhibit features alters, masks and paintings by local artists in celebration of the Day of the Dead. A traditional Dia De Los Muertos procession hosted by Lillian Sanchez will be walked at 6:30 p.m. from the Arts Center to the Merced Theater and back, according to the event’s Facebook page. The event is free and open to the public.
Drama Island at Playhouse
Playhouse Merced’s live game show is back in full force as Drama Island returns. This season Playhouse tackles family, friend and co-worker ties, as five couples compete, each trying to get prize money and glory. Drama Island happens at 7 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 16, according to the group’s Facebook page. Tickets are $20 for all shows or a roll of the dice at the door. Playhouse Merced is at 452 W. Main St.
Speaker and songwriter to appear
Humorist, songwriter and inspirational speaker Aaron Wilburn is coming to Merced. A featured artist on many Gaither Homecoming videos and tours, Wilburn’s comedy routines have garnered more than 15 million views on YouTube. As a songwriter, he has received multiple Dove and Grammy Award nominations over the years. He is scheduled to appear at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 at Calvary Temple Worship Center, 2740 N. Highway 59 in Merced. Free admission. Also scheduled to appear is Bridge of Grace
Live music at Star Club
Live music happens at the Star Club from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. today and Saturday, 1331 W. Main St., Merced. There is no cover charge. You must be at least 21 to enter.
Events at the Partisan
The Partisan has a variety of events during the week, including open mike at 7 p.m. Mondays, Braingazm trivia at 8 p.m. Tuesdays, and Kamikaze Karaoke at 9 p.m. Wednesdays. The Partisan is at 432 W. Main St.
Vets holiday bazaar
The American Legion Post 83 Merced hosts its Fall Holiday Fair Bazaar, featuring crafts and antiques, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendors must apply by next Friday. Call Linda Perry at (209) 769-8499 or email jackperry@alr83.org.
Harmony Valley Chorus
The Harmony Valley Chorus of Sweet Adelines International invites the public to join its Women’s Holiday Chorus through Dec. 9. Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the social hall of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 1455 E. Yosemite Ave.
Holiday boutique
A holiday boutique with home fall and Christmas decorations, artwork by local artists and homemade bath products is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 1620 Patricia Lane in Merced. For a preview of some of the items, visit www.facebook.com/thingsmostbeautiful. Charge cards will be accepted. Four raffles will be held each day and the proceeds will benefit the Merced Rescue Mission along with a portion of all sales. Must be present to win. Tickets are $1 each. Primary contact: Bonnie Medearis (209) 500-8888.
Vets holiday bazaar
The American Legion Post 83 Merced will host its second annual Fall Holiday Fair Bazaar featuring crafts and antiques 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendors must apply by today. Booths are 10 by 10 feet for a $65, tax-deductible donation (both days). The fundraiser benefits local veterans’ needs and the preservation of the historic Veterans Memorial Building. For more information, call Linda Perry at (209) 769-8499, email jackperry@alr83.org, or go to the American Legion Post 83 Merced’s Facebook page.
Gateway Fall Festival
Gateway Community Church will hold its Fall Festival from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. tonight at 353 E. Donna Drive. The event will feature carnival games, food, bounce houses, prizes, candy and more. For more information call (209) 723-4283.
Atwater High Haunted House
Atwater High Performing Arts will present its Haunted House and Fun House, 2201 Fruitland Ave. in Atwater. The haunted house is open 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Adults $5, kids $3.
If you have an event that you would like to have listed in Arts Wrap, email aroundtown@mercedsunstar.com. Include “Merced Arts Wrap event” in the email’s subject heading.
This story was originally published October 30, 2014 at 11:50 AM with the headline "Merced Arts Wrap for Oct. 31, 2014."