A touch of Barcelona comes to Baltimore

2. Caleb Stine’s ‘Round the Mountain’

Caleb Stine, headlining tonight’s “Round the Mountain” gig, digs into America’s vital musical roots with pre-eminent hammer dulcimer player Ken Kolodner, traditional Irish fiddle player Jim Eagan and fellow Irish players Dan Isaacson and Danny Noveck. The Baltimore Shape Note Singers and a few more special Baltimore folk and traditional musicians play everything from Appalachian ballads to Irish reels. Details: 8 p.m. Saturday, Creative Alliance at The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave., Baltimore; $15 to $17. 410-276-1651; www.creativealliance.org

3. Bruce Barth Quartet

The Baltimore Chamber Jazz Society continues its eighteenth season at The Baltimore Museum of Art this Sunday with The Bruce Barth Quartet. Lead vocalist Barth possesses a modern and original voice, with great expressive depth. His music is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition, and encompasses the wide scope of his life and musical experiences, from recollections of the old West to forays into the blues and Latin music. Take in some art while you’re there. The BMA will offer a free pre-concert gallery tour beginning at 3:45 p.m. Details: 5 p.m. Sunday; The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore; $26 to $28. 410-385-5888;

www.baltimorechamberjazz.org.

4. Tea Leaf Green, Mad Sweet Pangs

San Francisco rock quartet Tea Leaf Green joins Mad Sweet Pangs for an evening set. Details: 8 p.m. Saturday, Recher Theatre, 512 York Road, Towson; $15. 410-337-7178 www.rechertheatre.com

5. Shemekia Copeland

This chanteuse belts out joyful, rebellious bluesy tunes, with KJ Denhert warming up the microphone. Details: 7:30 p.m. Monday; Rams Head OnStage, 33 West St., Annapolis; $30. www.ramsheadonstage.com

Exhibits

1. Winterfest 2008

See gorgeous, season-inspired vases, bowls and other ceramics. Baltimore Clayworks hosts Winterfest 2008, the annual invitational holiday expedition that features established and emerging ceramic artists from all over the country. Details: 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Jazz Preview ($20 to $25); 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Baltimore Clayworks, 5707 Smith Ave., Baltimore; free. 410-578-1919; www.baltimoreclayworks.org

2. Joyce J. Scott’s ‘Painful Death / Painless Life’

 A descendant of Africans, Native Americans, and Scots brought to the Carolinas as slaves, Joyce J. Scott was born in Baltimore in 1948. She continues her family’s rich tradition as both a storyteller and an object maker, enveloping her experiences & memories into both. This exhibit, opening Saturday, examines and celebrates Scott’s newest works driven by a relentless need to challenge aesthetic concepts, the hierarchy of materials and human interaction. Through January 23. DETAILS: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday; Goya Contemporary / Goya-Girl Press, 3000 Chestnut Ave, Mill #214, Baltimore. 410-366-2001; www.goyacontemporary.com

3. Ruth Pettus’ ‘From an Overgrown Path’

Known for her paintings of abstract landscapes and haunting figurative imagery, Ruth Pettus’s latest installation is divergent and surprising. Through Jan. 7. Details: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday; Saturday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Art Gallery, Stevenson University, 1525 Greenspring Valley Road, Stevenson 443/334-2163.

4. Heishman and Jawetz Exhibit

MICA student Al Heishman’s new works and Gil Jawetz’s figurative paintings are part of a dynamic new exhibit. Details: 11:30 a.m. to close (time varies) Tuesday to Friday; Flip’s at Clipper Mill, 1601 Union Ave., Baltimore. 443-874-4469; www.myspace.com/flipsatclippermill

5. Los Caprichos by Francisco Goya y Lucientes

Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (1746-1828) has often been referred to as the “Father of modern art.” This exhibition features select aquatint prints from Goya’s largest graphic work, Los Caprichos. These “impulsive fantasies,” as the name implies, are masterful political, anti-clerical and allegorical prints inspired by the terror of the French Revolution, Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Philosophie, and Spain’s contrasting reaction to the revolution. Through Dec. 17. Details: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, lecture; gallery open noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Mitchell Gallery at Mellon Hall, St. John’s College, 60 College Ave., Annapolis. 410-626-2556

Reader’s choice

Stella Benkler

Occupation: Executive director, France-Merrick Performing Arts Center (Hippodrome Theatre)

Neighborhood: Reisterstown, Baltimore County

Self-description: As the Executive Director of the FMPAC and a mother of two young girls, my life is usually full speed ahead. Both performing and creative arts of all sorts appeal to me and that’s usually reflected in the activities my family participates in.

1. Dr. Seuss’ ‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas’

It’s going to be a very GREEN week! Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” launches its national tour at the theater this week. I can’t wait to bring my daughter to the show on Saturday and experience it through her eyes. It’s the best way to get into the holiday spirit. Details: 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday; The Hippodrome, 12 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore; tickets starting at $25; 410-837-7400.

2. Dance Class

I have two young daughters and there is nothing they love more than going to dance class on Saturday mornings at Karen Sachs Dance Academy in Reisterstown. Every day they ask, “Is today Saturday?” and when the answer is yes, they leap out of bed and run to get their ‘princess outfits.’ Every week we are treated to a show. Details: Karen Sachs Academy of Dance, 3 Main St., Reisterstown; 410-833-3733.

3. Post Dance Class Tailgating

The dance class ritual would not be complete without visiting the Dunkin Donuts across the street. Those munchkins are addictive!

4. Dinner at the Lebanese Taverna

And now, it’s grown-up time — nothing caps off a family fun day better than dinner for two. My husband and I love this chance to catch up and loosen up with food and drinks. Lebanese Taverna is a favorite. Details: Lebanese Taverna, 719 S. President St., Baltimore; 410-244-5533.

5. Knitting Class

Wrap it all up with yarn — I’m finally taking advantage of last year’s birthday present and taking a knitting class at Woolstock Yarn Store in Reisterstown. I love the idea of being able to create something myself and I’ve always wanted to learn. Details: Woolstock Yarn Shop, 4872 Butler Road, Glyndon; 410-517-1020.

Post Date

1. Get handsy for charity

Hands Across The Americas will hold its 8th annual Fundraiser Gala to fund health care for children and families in developing countries throughout the Americas. The festivities will include silent and live auctions, dancing to Tony Berry and New Money, dinner and an open bar. Details: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; Valley Mansion, 594 Cranbrook Road, Cockeysville; $200; 410-561-8054, www.handsata.org.

2. Fine dining for fine price

Before you cut dining out from your tight budget, consider the fixed-priced meals at Blue Sea Grill in downtown Baltimore and Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Baltimore, Annapolis and Pikesville. The affordable, multi-course meal at the Blue Sea will cost $29.95 and includes a choice of lobster bisque or chopped salad. All entrees are followed by apple pie for dessert.

Meals at Ruth’s Chris are $35.95. Guests select a choice of soup or salad, entrée and accompaniment. Details: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Blue Sea Grill, 614 Water St., Baltimore; $29.95; 410-837-7300 or visit www.blueseagrill.com. Hours depend upon Ruth’s Chris Steak House location; four locations throughout Maryland; $35.97; www.serioussteaks.com.

3. The ultimate love story, opera style

Charles Gounod takes Shakespeare’s timeless tragic love story to a whole new level in his interpretation of “Romeo and Juliet” filmed at the Salzburg Festival 2008. Jonathan Palevsky, program director of WBJC 91.5 FM Baltimore’s Classical Music Station, will give a 15-minute introduction to the opera before both screenings. Details: 6:45 p.m. Sunday, 3:45 p.m. Tuesday; The Charles Theatre, 1711 N. Charles St., Baltimore; $20; www.thecharles.com.

4. Beethoven Violin Concerto

Proclaimed the Mount Everest of the violin repertoire, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto challenges even the most accomplished violinist.

Details: 8 p.m. today and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday; The Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore; $26 to $60; 1-877-BSO-1444, www.bsomusic.org.

5. Radio City Music Hall Trip

Start your weekend early with a day trip sponsored by The Franklin Square Hospital Center Auxiliary to New York City to see the inimitable Christmas Spectacular show starring the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. The trip includes orchestra seats, a continental breakfast, games, prizes and raffles. Details 7:30 a.m. departs from White Marsh, 10:30 p.m. returns; $145; 410-284-0573 or 443-777-7240.

Cheap date

1. ‘The Most Interesting Show in the World’

Sword-swallowers and contortionists headline the quirky and entertaining “The Most Interesting Show in the World,” sponsored by Dos Equis. Details: 8 p.m., Recher Theatre, 512 York Road, Baltimore; Free; 410-337-7178, www.dosequis.com/mostinterestingshow.

2. ‘Winterfest’ Jazz Preview 2008

Baltimore Clayworks’ Winterfest preview evening boasts live jazz music, wine, hors d’oeuvres and the opportunity to be the first to purchase from ever-popular Winterfest exhibit. All proceeds support Clayworks’ programs in the community. Details: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday; Baltimore Clayworks, 5707 Smith Ave., Baltimore; $20 members, $25 non-members; 410-578-1919, www.baltimoreclayworks.org.

3. ‘Say it three times fast’ — Stuart Saunders Smith’s show

Smith will perform his jazz and avant garde compositions, regularly played throughout North America and Western Europe. Details: 8 p.m.; Fine Arts Recital Hall at University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore; $7 general admission, $3 seniors, free for students with ID; 410-752-8950, www.umbc.edu/newsevents/arts/calendar.

4. Art on the Gwynns Falls Trail

Among the trail’s beautiful natural offerings are more than 20 sculptures created by local artists primarily with natural and recycled materials such as grass, reeds and records. Details: Through Nov. 22; Gwynns Falls Trail, 4500 N. Franklintown Road at Winans Meadow Trailhead, Baltimore; Free; www.gwynnsfallstrail.org.

5. One euphoric evening

The genre-bending film “Euphoria” asks the question: “In a country built on the pursuit of happiness, is it working? Are you happy?” The science-based film begins with Baltimore director Lee Boot, acting as narrator, traveling across the United States to define the real American Dream. Details: 7:30 p.m. today and 2 p.m. Saturday; The Senator, 5904 York Road, Baltimore; $10; www.senator.com.

Gatherings

1. 510 READINGS: Deborah Rudacille, Lia Purpura, Brian Eden

Three great local authors read recently published works. Published non-fiction author Deborah Rudacille, a graduate of the writing seminars program at Johns Hopkins University, is awaiting the publication of her book about Baltimore steelworkers, “Roots of Steel,” in 2009. Lia Purpura is the author of “The Brighter The Veil,” winner of the Towson University Prize in Literature. Brian Eden is an advertising copywriter and the author of the blog Walkamileinmyunderpants.com. Details: 5 p.m. Saturday; MINÁS, 815 W. 36th St., Baltimore; free. 410-732-4258; www.minasgalleryandboutique.com

[image: Brian Eden]

2. Christmas Thyme Farmhouse Craft Show

Experience Christmas “thyme” in an 1860 farmhouse at a show full of handmade crafts by crafters in the tri-state area. Purchase candles and works of folksy art and Christmas decor. Details: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday to Sunday. Christmas Thyme at Sycamore Heights Craft Show, 20703 Jefferson Blvd., Hagerstown. 301-665-2882

3. Santa Claus Anonymous Wine Tasting Fund Raiser

This 17th-annual wine tasting benefits less-fortunate families during the holiday time. Attendees will enjoy local, domestic and international wines and select microbrews courtesy of Chesapeake Wine Company. A festive buffet and holiday silent auction make this a night to remember. Details: 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday; The Silo Point, 1700 Beason St., Baltimore. 410-685-483; www.santaclausanonymous.org

4. Charming Hostess, Adrienne Anemone, Good Morning Heartache, Theresa Columbus

A four-course feast of fantastic female entertainers hits the Strand Theater just in time to whet your appetite for the coming holiday season. Charming Hostess, featuring the world-famous nerdy-sexy vocal powerhouse Jewlia Eisenberg, revisits Baltimore with their harmonic convergence of mysticism and music. Adrienne Anemone, a hit at this year’s Transmodern Festival, returns with her dark-folk song craft and performance art. Local theater phenomenon Theresa Columbus presents a new piece, and Good Morning Heartache, the new Billie Holiday cover band featuring Nikki Smith (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and Santina Gutierrez, debuts. Details: 8 p.m. Friday, The Strand Theater, 1823 N. Charles St., Baltimore; $14. www.strandtheatercompany.org

[image: Adrienne Anemone]

5. Mohja Kahf Reading

Award-winning author Mohja Kahf gives a reading of her works, including her most recent novel, “The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf,” voted the book for 2008 in the One Book, One Bloomington program sponsored by the Arts Council of Bloomington, Ind. In 2004, she was a finalist for the Paterson Prize with e-mails from Scheherazad, a book of poetry. Books will be available at the event for purchase and signing. 7 p.m. Thursday, Doyle Formal Lounge, College of Notre Dame of Maryland, 4701 N. Charles St., Baltimore. 410-532-5535; www.ndm.edu.

Family

1. Cookie Decorating

Create visually stunning, delicious masterpieces to share with family and friends. Details: 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday; Humanities Building, AACC Arnold campus, 101 College Parkway; $70 includes supplies. Advance registration required to 410-777-2325 or www.aacc.edu/recreg

2. Tree-tectives

Become tree-tectives (tree detectives) and try to determine all the products that come from trees and all the benefits that trees give us. Join a naturalist in doing activities and a craft involving trees. For ages 6-12. Details: 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday; Visitor Center. 5100 Deer Park Road, Owings Mills; $5. Sign up in advance by calling 410-461-5005

3. Winnie the Pooh

This Saturday, Barnes & Noble hosts a special children’s story time with an appearance by Winnie the Pooh. DETAILS: 10:30 a.m. Saturday; Barnes & Noble at Johns Hopkins, 3330 St. Paul St., Baltimore; free. 410-662-5850

4. Uncle Pete at Port Discovery

Enjoy an interactive, musical performance with Uncle Pete! Details: 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday; MPT Studio, Port Discovery, 35 Market Place, Baltimore; free with $10.75 admission (children 2 and under free). 410-727-8120; www.portdiscovery.org

5. Guinness World Record Day

Celebrate Guinness World Record Day! All day on Thursday, children ages 2 to 8 are invited to explore basic physics principles with simple experiments and hands-on creations. Details: Various times, Thursday; Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. 410-685-5225; Mdsci.org

Theater

1. ‘Metaphasia’

The Carroll Arts Center’s fall musical “Metaphasia,” is performed by cast of 45 local middle-school aged actors. The play is a radical re-telling of the Grimms’ Fairy Tale “Twelve Dancing Princesses.” It is filled with singing, dancing, colorful costumes, sinister witches, annoying little brothers and magical performances. Details: 7 p.m. Friday; 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday; Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster. $7 to $10. 410-848-7272; www.carr.org/arts.

 [image: metaphasia-press-photo]

2. ‘Right You Are (If You Think You Are)’

The Baltimore School for the Arts’ fall spectacular, featuring the senior acting ensemble, explores the subjectivity of truth and the importance of privacy. Details: 7 p.m. Wednesday to Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Baltimore School for the Arts, 712 Cathedral St., Baltimore; $5 to $10. 443-642-5167; Bsfa.org

3. ‘A Jew Grows in Brooklyn’

This true story is a comedy musical about writer Jake Ehrenreich’s struggle to fit in as the son of Yiddish-speaking parents in Brownsville, N.Y. It opens Wednesday. Details: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 5 p.m. .Sunday. The Gordon Center for Performing Arts, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Owings Mills; $45 to $55. 410-356-7469

4. ‘Twelve Angry Men’

Local actors do their take on Reginald Rose’s 1950s screenplay and film that tells the story of a jury member who tries to persuade the other 11 members to acquit the suspect on trial on the basis of reasonable doubt. Details: 8 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday. University of Baltimore, Performing Arts Theatre, 1420 N. Charles St., Baltimore; $5 to $10. 410-837-4053; Ubalt.edu

5. ‘Night of the Blackbird’

When a band takes its name out of a Flannery O’Connor short story, one shouldn’t be surprised when it seeks out the collaboration of writers. Local musicians Red Sammy plan on just that, a night of words, theater and music. Night of the Blackbird is call and response between the band’s songs and literary works read aloud by Baltimore writers Steve Matanle and Joseph Young. DETAILS: 7 p.m. Saturday; Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., Baltimore; $5 to $10. www.theatreproject.org