Merced Arts Wrap for Dec. 5, 2014

‘Oliver!’ at Playhouse Merced

Playhouse Merced’s production of “Oliver!” runs through Sunday. The show wull be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Adapted from the Charles Dickens classic “Oliver Twist,” “Oliver!” chronicles the life of a young orphan in 19th century London. Purchase tickets by going online to www.facebook.com/PlayhouseMerced, calling (209) 725-8587 or visiting the box office at 452 W. Main St. in downtown Merced, open 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The show is rated “E” for “everyone.”

Live music at Star Club

Live music happens at the Star Club from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. both Friday and Saturday night at 1331 W. Main St., Merced. There is no cover charge. You must be at least 21 to enter.

Exhibits at the Arts Center

The Merced Multicultural Arts Center is hosting a group of exhibits by Martin Castro, Elaine Sachs and Edwin Macaraeg, along with “The Really Big Show” in the Arbor Gallery. The center is at 645 W. Main St. in downtown Merced. Entrance is free. The exhibit runs through Jan. 9; hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. For more information about the exhibit or the Merced County Arts Council, go to www.artsmerced.org or call (209) 388-1090.

Pacific Boychoir

The Pacific Boychoir is scheduled to return to the Merced Theatre, 301 W. Main St., at 7 p.m. Dec. 13. The choir, made up of boys age 10 to 18, won three Grammys for recordings with the San Francisco Orchestra. The boys also have performed in cathedrals and other venues in Russia, China, Argentina and Australia, among others. Tickets are $30-$35. For tickets and information, visit tickets.mercedtheatre.org or call (209) 381-0100.

Library book sale

The Friends of the Merced County Public Library will hold their annual Christmas/Holiday Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday on the library’s main floor, 2100 O St. Donations will be accepted before the book sale.

Harmony Valley Chorus

The Harmony Valley Chorus of Sweet Adelines International invites the public to join its Women’s Holiday Chorus now through Dec. 9. Rehearsals are from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the social hall of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 1455 E. Yosemite Ave., Merced.

Events at Kewl Cats

Kewl Cats, 1111 Motel Drive, has karaoke from 9 p.m. until closing, Monday through Thursday. DJ/dancing from 9 p.m. to closing every Friday, no cover, ages 21 and up only. Doors open at 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday; $2 beers and $2 well drinks from 3 to 6 p.m. Happy hour all night long Monday through Thursday.

Every Atlas at the Partisan

Every Atlas and Mourning Mountains are scheduled to perform at 9 p.m. Friday at The Partisan, 432 W. Main St. in downtown Merced. Admission is $5; ages 21 and up only.

Artisan Fair

The third annual Holiday Artisan Fair and Arbor Gallery’s Christmas Open House will fill the Merced Multicultural Arts Center with locally created items from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Regional artisans in art and ag will be selling items including handmade Santas and ornaments; olive oil, dried fruit and nuts; silk scarves, jewelry and holiday décor. The arts center is at 645 W. Main St.

‘The Nutcracker’

The Merced Academy of Dance will perform “The Nutcracker” at the Buhach Colony High School Theater Friday and Saturday night at 8. A Sunday matinee performance will take place at 2 p.m. Tickets for the full-length classic ballet cost $18 general and $15 for children under 12 and senior citizens.

Holiday craft fair

Central Presbyterian Church will hold a craft fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 1920 Canal St. Admission is free. Browse more than 35 vendors for unique gifts. The event will also include a homemade chili luncheon, raffle and free hot cider.

Mariposa Art Company showcase

Mariposa Art Company is scheduled to hold its “Art of Giving” showcase, which includes works from 20 artists, from 7 to 10 p.m. Dec. 13 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.

This story was originally published December 4, 2014 at 5:29 PM with the headline "Merced Arts Wrap for Dec. 5, 2014."