Around Town (11/13/14)

Staged reading of ‘Titus’

Merced Shakes will present a staged reading of the Shakespeare tragedy “Titus Andronicus” at 7:30 p.m. today at Playhouse Merced, 452 W. Main St.. Tickets are $5 at the door. For more information, call (209) 723-3265.

21 Chairs gala-auction

The 21 Chairs Project gala-auction is scheduled for Saturday at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center, with proceeds going to the Merced Symphony Association’s educational program. Twenty-one artists were challenged to create a unique functional piece of art – something that stops people in their tracks or starts a conversation. Social and preview are at 5:30 p.m., with hors d’oeuvres and no-host bar at 7 p.m. The center is at 645 W. Main St. Entrance is free; $5 to bid on the items.

La Ultima Risa

The Mariposa Art Co. will be throwing La Ultima Risa Closing Party featuring the music of Tres Muertos, a three-piece psychobilly band from San Fernando. The show will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 22 at 1637 M St.. The closing party will be the last chance to purchase artwork from more than 30 different local artists. This is a free event.

Harmony Valley Chorus

The Harmony Valley Chorus of Sweet Adelines International invites the public to join its Women’s Holiday Chorus, from now 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., Merced. A performance will be at the annual Open House at the Merced County Courthouse Museum.

2015 tours slideshow

A free slideshow presentation of 2015 tours by Merced College Community Services is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at 630 W. 19th St. Refreshments will be served. RSVP at (209) 384-6224 or email at communitysvc@mccd.edu by Monday.

Chamber dinner, auction

The Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce will hold its 27th annual Cioppino Dinner and Auction on Friday at St. Patrick’s Hall, 671 E. Yosemite Ave. Individual tickets are $50, table of eight $400, and Gold Sponsor $600. A Gold Sponsor includes a table of eight with complimentary drink tickets and advertising in the dinner program. Doors open at 5 p.m., silent auction at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. For more information, call (209) 384-7092.

Financial aid for women

Women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families and seek financial assistance to continue their higher education or receive training can apply for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women. Contact Geri Brown at (209) 723-2990 or justnow@comcast.net for applications. Deadline is Saturday.

Steak fundraiser

The Atwater Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9946 will hold its Steak Dinner Fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at 1390 Broadway Ave. in Atwater. The dinner includes steak cooked to order, baked potato and roll. Cost is $10 in advance, $12 at the door. For more information, call (209) 358-7224.

Menudo every Sunday

The nonprofit Club Mercedes serves menudo every Sunday at 569 W. Ninth St. Serving time is 8 a.m. until noon, or until sold out. Prices are $7 for a small bowl or $8 for a large bowl. Hot tortillas, sweet bread and coffee are included; $5 Bloody Mary specials and other beverages are available. For more information, call the club after 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at (209) 383-9906.

This story was originally published November 12, 2014 at 5:03 PM with the headline "Around Town (11/13/14)."