In Brief: Events in the Modesto region

Very Merry at the State

The holidays arrive with gusto at the State Theatre on Sunday during a "A Very Merry Holiday Happening."

The state will throw a family party featuring music, storytelling, treats, whimsical decorations and a screening of the 1994 film "The Santa Clause."

Families who arrive early for the film will be entertained by an organ concert and stories in the theater, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland with trees, garland, oversized toys and props from "Babes in Toyland."

"The Santa Clause" stars Tim Allen in a holiday comedy about a dad who finds out the hard way that he's the new Santa.

There will be two seatings Sunday: doors open at 9:30 a.m. for the film at 11 a.m.; and at 2 p.m. for the 3:30 p.m. showing.

The State is at 1307 J St., Modesto. Tickets are $6 general, $4 age 12 and under. Call (209) 527-4697 or go to www.thestate.org.

Lisa Lisa at Fat Cat

Freestyle 1980s pop star Lisa Lisa returns to Modesto on Dec. 8 with a show at the Fat Cat Music House & Lounge.

Lisa Lisa — along with her former band Cult Jam — is known for such '80s hits as "Head to Toe" and "Lost in Emotion." In recent years, the singer has released solo albums and had acting roles on television.

Doors open at 9 p.m. for the11:30 p.m. Dec. 8 show at the Fat Cat, 930 11th St., Modesto. Tickets are $20. Call (209) 846-0695 or see www.fatcatmodesto.com.

Mercy Me at Gallo

Award-winning Christian band Mercy Me brings its Christmas tour to the Gallo Center for the Arts in a sold-out show next week.

Mercy Me, with hits including "I Can Only Imagine" and "God With Us," performs at 8 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Gallo Center, 1000 I St., Modesto.

For a full story and interview with Mercy Me, see Sunday's Faith and Values section of The Bee.

'The Dude' at the State

The State Theatre's Cult Classic film series continues Thursday with the hit film "The Big Lebowski."

The comedy-thriller stars Jeff Bridges as Jeffrey Lebowski, an unemployed LA slacker and avid bowler who refers to himself as "The Dude."

Thursday's screening is at 7 p.m. at the State, 1307 J St., Modesto. Tickets are $6. Call (209) 527-4697 or go to www.thestate.org.

Warren Miller film

Also set for screening at the State Theatre is the latest Warren Miller ski film, "Flow State," to be shown tonight and Saturday as a fund-raiser for the Society for Handicapped Children & Adults.

The 63rd Warren Miller Entertainment film, "Flow State" is hosted by Jonny Moseley and includes world-class skiers such as Ted Ligety, Colby West and Jess McMillan through a tour of the world's most striking mountains — including peaks in Japan, Switzerland, Norway and beyond.

Tickets are $20 and include a lift ticket to Bear Valley. Screenings are at 6:30 and 9 p.m. tonight, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the State, 1307 J St., Modesto. Call (209) 527-4697 or go to www.thestate.org.