The Arts In Brief

Big names to help christen MJC auditorium

Modesto Junior College is bringing in famous guest speakers and a renowned choral group to its spiffy new auditorium this school year.

• First up on Nov. 15 is Frank Rich, op-ed columnist and former theater critic for the New York Times, where he has worked since 1980. His childhood memoir, "Ghost Light," was published in 2000. A collection of his drama reviews, "Hot Seat: Theater Criticism for The New York Times, 1980-1993," was published in 1998.

For more information, call 575-6776.

Playhouse Merced gala

Playhouse Merced's annual fund-raising gala will be held Aug. 16 at Morning Glory Gardens (formerly the Red Rock Winery) on Highway 140 just outside of Merced. The program will begin at 6 p.m. and is titled "Magic in the Moonlight." It will include appetizers, drinks, dinner by Gourmet Everyday Catering, a live auction and dancing. There also will be a cigar and port bar. Tickets are $75 for two drink tickets and wine with dinner. Pick them up at the theater box office, 452 W. Main St., or order them at 725-8587.

Ripon music series

The Ripon Arts League has announced its lineup for its 15th annual season:

• Sept. 11 — In the Mood, swing band
• Oct. 7 — Sons of the San Joaquin, country band
• Nov. 18 — The Limeliters, folk group
• Feb. 3 — Joni Morris, country singer
• March 12 — Kerry Christensen, yodeler

Performances are held in Ripon High School's multipurpose room and are open to series subscribers only. The cost to attend all five concerts plus one concert of choice in the Manteca Kindred Arts series is $30. The series gets more than 600 subscribers, with 300 to 500 typically attending each show. For tickets, call 599-3223.

New Oakdale gallery

Three local artists are displaying their works at a new gallery in Kara's Skin Care Studio in Oakdale. David Rodrigues' paintings feature bold paint strokes and jarring contrasts of color. Joey Huestis is showing several photographs of such subjects as jellyfish and a concert crowd, while Donna Chelli is showing her handmade jewelry. A reception is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Kara's, 154 S. Yosemite Ave., Suite D (upstairs). Call 847-1966.

Artel show winner

Betty Dowdy's oil painting of a crying toddler, "Unhappy," won the viewers' choice award of the student art show at Artel Art Center in McHenry Village in Modesto. The award was announced at the closing reception July 26. More than 75 works were on display. All of the artists took classes at the art center. For more information, call 527-5678.