Around Town, Nov. 1, 2014

Merced Symphony fall concert

The Merced Symphony opens its 2014-15 season tonight. 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 features 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.

Novel writing month kickoff event

Merced County Arts Council is sponsoring a series of events to celebrate National Novel Writing Month. The literary marathon begins with a kick-off party 2 p.m. today at Coffee Bandits, 309 W. Main St. Writers will receive encouragement, assistance with brainstorming, and answers to any questions they have about writing a novel in the duration of a month. During the kickoff, sign-ups will be taken for group writing and brainstorming sessions throughout the month of November. For more information about the MCAC and their events for writers, please contact Laura Phillips at (209) 388-1090.

‘Carrie: The Musical’

“Carrie: The Musical” will be onstage at Playhouse Merced through Sunday. Performances are 7:30 p.m. tonight and 2 p.m. Sunday. 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 altars, 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 Theatre 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.

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. today 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 at 939 W. Main St. 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.

Successful Thinkers Network Meeting

The Successful Thinkers Network, which includes residents from Merced and Stanislaus counties, meets from noon to 2 p.m. evert Tuesday at the Four Seasons Chinese Buffet in Modesto, 1800 Prescott Road. For more information call Gail Wilson at (209) 712-8997.

This story was originally published October 31, 2014 at 3:51 PM with the headline "Around Town, Nov. 1, 2014."