6 things to do in the Modesto Area

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1 Doobie Brother

Just four months after playing Ironstone Winery in Murphys, Michael McDonald is coming to Turlock for his holiday concert. The former member of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers is famous for such hits as "Takin' it to the Streets," "Minute by Minute," and "What a Fool Believes." For this show, he'll sing both his greatest hits and classic holiday hits off his two Christmas albums.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Turlock Community Theatre, 1574 E. Canal Drive
TICKETS: $55-$79
CALL: 668-1169

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2 Tommy Castro

San Francisco favorite Tommy Castro brings his brand of rock, blues and Memphis soul back to the State Theatre. Guitar Magazine called his music "straightforward, grooving blues that'll get your feet moving." Take three cans of food for the Community Can Tree for a chance to win a guitar autographed by Castro.

WHEN: 8 p.m. today
WHERE: State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto
TICKETS: $20 (Sold out)
CALL: 527-4697

3 Jewish spirits

Celebrate Hanukkah by attending "Latkes and Vodkas," a 21-and-older fund-raiser for scholarships. The event features latkas (Jewish potato pancakes), vodka, wine, soft drinks, hors d'oeuvres and live music.

WHEN: 7-11 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Congregation Beth Shalom, 1705 Sherwood Ave., Modesto
TICKETS: $35; proceeds benefit youth scholarships
CALL: 571-6060

4 Poetry slam

Modesto's sixth annual invitational poetry slam, the Ill List, is again expected to sell out. Performance poets compete in three rounds, with the winners taking home $1,500 in cash prizes. Competing poets are Ainsley Burrows, Original Woman, Jamie De Wolf, Michael Simms, Buddy Wakefield, Queen Sheba, Jaylee Alde and The Saint. Special guest is the Radiowaves go-go dance troupe.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto
TICKETS: $15 general, $22.50 middle reserved, $30 premium reserved
CALL: 527-4697

5 'Nutcracker'

Christmas isn't Christmas without Tchaikovsky's ballet "The Nutcracker." A young girl watches her nutcracker doll fight off mice and then transform into a handsome prince. Central West Ballet's production features some 160 dancers, with different groups of dancers performing at different shows.

WHEN: 7 p.m. today, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday; through Dec. 20
WHERE: Rogers Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $25-$50
CALL: 338-2100

6 Holiday shop

Columbia's merry merchants are staying open late. Hear Christmas carols from children, listen to stories, much on roasted chestnuts, gingerbread and more. Enjoy a free carriage ride on decorated Main Street.

WHEN:5-8 p.m. today and Saturday
WHERE: Columbia State Historic Park, off Parrotts Ferry Road, Columbia
ADMISSION: Free
CALL: 536-1672