7 Things to do around Modesto this week

Ill List 9

The Ill List 9: A Poetry Slam Invitational brings together eight top poets who will compete for a $1,000 first prize and $500 second prize. Among the competitors is Taylor Mali, a four-time National Poetry Slam champion and the author of two collections of poetry and a book of essays: "What Teachers Make: In Praise of the Greatest Job in the World." Winners will be chosen by judges randomly selected from the audience. The crowd is encouraged to applaud or boo poems. Audience members should expect adult language and content – this is a free speech event.

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto

TICKETS: $15-$30

CALL: (209) 527-4697

ONLINE: www.thestate.org

‘Gift of Song’

The Youth Entertainment Stage Company presents its third annual holiday show “Gift of Song.” The program features beloved Broadway classics and seasonal hits. Proceeds benefit the Costa Family Fund, which provides arts experiences for underprivileged students.

WHEN: 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Foster Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000I St., Modesto

TICKETS: $8-$15

CALL: (209) 338-2100

ONLINE: www.galloarts.org

‘The Elves and the Shoemaker’

California Theatre Center presents its annual holiday production of “The Elves and the Shoemaker.” The show is about two merry elves who arrive at a small village in the Black Forest to discover a poor, gentle shoemaker who needs assistance. They save him from a bleak, unhappy Christmas. For grades pre-K to 5.

WHEN: 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Foster Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto

TICKETS: $8-$15

CALL: (209) 338-2100

ONLINE: www.galloarts.org

Latkes and Vodkas

Congregation Beth Shalom presents its annual holiday party “Latkes and Vodkas.” For a $30 ticket in advance, each attendee gets three cocktails, an all-you can eat latke bar and hors d’oeuvres. Additional drinks are $5 each. Modesto blues band Big Earl and the Cryin’ Shame will perform.

WHEN: 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Congregation Beth Shalom, 1705 Sherwood Ave., Modesto

TICKETS: $30 in advance, $33 at the door. 21 and older only.

CALL: (209) 571-6060

Holiday craft fair

Tuolumne River Lodge hosts its second annual Holiday Craft Fair. More than 35 vendors will sell their crafts. In between shopping, enjoy homemade chicken tortellini soup, chicken parmesan sandwiches, fresh baked cookies and hot cider.

WHEN: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Tuolumne River Lodge, 2429 River Road, Modesto

TICKETS: Free

CALL: (209) 537-6651

Holiday Festival of Choirs

Modesto Junior College is presenting its annual Holiday Festival of Choirs under the direction of Richard Colla. Featured performers are the MJC Concert Choir and Chamber Singers. Some voice students will sing solos and a barbershop quartet.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. today

WHERE: Modesto Junior College main auditorium, 435 College Ave.

TICKETS: $5 general, $4 students and seniors

CALL: (209) 575-6081

MercyMe

Texas Christian rock band MercyMe brings its Christmas tour to Modesto. The band gained mainstream recognition with its 2003 cross-over single “I Can Only Imagine.” In 2010, the song was certified platinum with more than 1million digital downloads. The group has won eight Dove Awards and numerous Grammy nominations.

WHEN: 8 p.m. today

WHERE: Rogers Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto

TICKETS: $49-$79

CALL: (209) 338-2100

ONLINE: www.galloarts.org