AROUND TOWN

Legion open-mike night

Cottonwood Creek will be the featured act at open-mike night tonight at the American Legion, 939 W. Main St. The event begins with the featured performers at 6 p.m., followed by open mike at 7 p.m. No cover charge. Tri-tip sandwiches and potato salad are available for $6. All proceeds go toward programs for youth and vets. For more information, call Ed Benes at (209) 658-2663.

Pacific Boychoir to return

The Pacific Boychoir is scheduled to return to the Merced Theatre, 301 W. Main St., at 7 tonight. The choir, made up of boys age 10 to 18, won three Grammys for recordings with the San Francisco Symphony. The boys also have performed in cathedrals and other venues in Russia, China, Argentina and Australia, among others. Tickets are $30 to $35. For tickets and information, visit tickets.mercedtheatre.org or call (209) 381-0100.

‘Art of Giving’ showcase

Mariposa Art Company is scheduled to hold its “Art of Giving” showcase, which includes works from 20 artists, from 7 to 10 tonight at 1637 M St. Performances will be by Defiant Strike Crew and Squalid the Troll. Admission is free, and raffle tickets will be given with each donation. The art company is collecting canned food, toys and individually wrapped cookies.

Holiday bake sale

New Beginnings for Merced County Animals is holding its annual holiday bake sale from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today at Christina’s Fine Clothing, 2852 G Street in Merced. The bake sale will feature tons of goodies for people and dogs, as well as a raffle. Come enjoy a tasty treat while helping an animal in need. For more information call Emily at (209) 628-0296.

Christmas concert

St. Patrick Catholic Church plans its 10th annual Christmas Concert: The Festival of Lessons and Carols at 5 p.m. today at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 671 E. Yosemite Ave. Several different choirs will be accompanied by a guest string quartet, and will ask for audience participation during the caroling portion. All ages are welcome. There is no charge, but organizers plan to take an offering. For more information, call the church office at (209) 383-3924.

Menudo at Club Mercedes

Club Mercedes, a nonprofit organization, continues to serve Menudo every Sunday at 569 W. 9th St. in Merced. Serving time is 8 a.m. until noon, or until the food sells out. Prices are $7 for a small bowl or $8 for a large bowl. Hot tortillas, sweet bread and coffee is included, $5 Bloody Mary specials as wells as other beverages are available. For information, call the club after 4 pm Monday through Friday, (209) 383-9906.

Holiday blood drive

BloodSource Merced is hosting its 2014 Season of Giving drive until Dec. 31. Blood donors will receive a commemorative T-shirt and other items. Last year, more than 900 people gave blood, helping to save more than 2,700 lives. The group hopes to collect more than 1,000 donations this month to help 3,000 local patients. BloodSouce is at 382 E. Yosemite Ave., Merced, and 1040 W. Monte Vista Ave., Turlock. For more information, go to www.bloodsource.org or call (866) 822-5663 to schedule a donation appointment.

This story was originally published December 12, 2014 at 6:15 PM with the headline "AROUND TOWN."