Calendar: Events in and around Modesto

FESTIVAL & FAIRS

WINTER BIRD FESTIVAL

Jan. 26

All day event featuring exhibits, food, shows and speakers. Photo and bird wildlife tours will also be available for an additional cost. For full schedule and information please call or visit website. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. McCaffrey Middle School, 997 Park Terrace Drive, Galt. (209) 366-7115. www.ci.galt.ca.us

FILM

"BRAVE"

Jan. 19

Showing of the popular Disney animated film. 2 p.m. Oakdale Library, 151 S. First Ave. Free.

GALLO CENTERFOR THE ARTS

"DREAMGIRLS"

Jan. 11-13

The story of an up-and-coming 1960s girl singing group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. 2 p.m., Jan. 12, 13; 7 p.m., Jan. 13; 8 p.m., Jan. 11, 12.

"MISS NELSON IS MISSING"

Jan. 13

Musical comedy back by popular demand. The kind and clever Miss Nelson masquerades as the infamous Viola Swamp, a nasty substitute, in order to teach her unruly class just what a good and fair teacher she is. For grades K–5. 2 and 4 p.m.

HIGHWAYMEN TRIBUTE

Jan. 14

The original Highwaymen, formed in 1985 and consisted of Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash. The Highwaymen: A Musical Tribute is a recreation of that band. 7 p.m.

RAIN: TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES

Jan. 15-17

Performs the full range of The Beatles' discography. 7:30 p.m.

ETH-NOH-TEC

Jan. 17

Eth-Noh-Tec produces and performs contemporary presentations of traditional folktales from the many countries and cultures of Asia — including China, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Tibet, and India — through storytelling, theater, dance and music. 7 p.m.

AN EVENING WITH KRIS KRISTOFFERSON

Jan. 18

8 p.m.

ROCK YOUR STYLEDANCE SHOW

Jan. 19

The 5678 Dance Company will perform award-winning dance pieces from the 2012-13 dance season. Dancers ages range from 7-25 and styles include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Broadway, lyrical and Bollywood. 6 p.m.

THE NEW YORK TENORS

Jan. 19

The New York Tenors combine the artistry of three men who showcase of some of the world's greatest vocals and repertoire. 8 p.m.

BAD BOYS OF DANCE

Jan. 22

Rasta Thomas' Bad Boys of Dance exhibits versatility and bravura with masterful choreography fusing today's most popular dance styles such as contemporary, jazz, musical theater, ballet and more. 7:30 p.m.

CLINT BLACK

Jan. 23

8 p.m.

ANITA RENFROE

Jan. 24

Comedian and author became an overnight Internet sensation when a YouTube video of her singing everything a mother says to her children in a single day to the tune of "The William Tell Overture" in just two minutes and 55 seconds was viewed by millions. 7 p.m.

"NUNSET BOULEVARD" STARRING CINDY WILLIAMS

Jan. 25

The Little Sisters of Hoboken have been invited to sing at the Hollywood Bowl. They are thrilled at the prospect until they arrive and realize that they are booked into the Hollywood Bowl-A-Rama. 8 p.m.

MODESTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDS GALA

Jan. 26

Celebrating the winners of the Members Choice Awards and 30 years of Leadership Modesto! Modesto's finest restaurants will serve up their most famous and well loved dishes along with carving stations, a sushi bar and an array of delectable delights to tempt your taste buds.

THE PIANO LESSON

Jan. 31-Feb. 3

The haunting, classic, and Pultizer Prize-winning play by August Wilson. 7 p.m., Thursday; 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m., Sunday

"LA TRAVIATA"

Feb. 1-3

A time of excess and defying traditional cultural expectations makes San Francisco in the 1980s, in the midst of the AIDS epidemic, the setting for Verdi's famously melodic opera. Presented by Townsend Opera. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Sunday.

"THE VELVETEEN RABBIT"

Feb. 5

Production combines theater with an original musical score, life-sized puppets, masks and magic in a charming tale of love and devotion. Geared to ages 4 to 10. 7 p.m.

The Gallo Center for the Arts is located at 1000 I St., Modesto. Box office (209) 338-2100. www.galloarts.org.

MUSIC

THE MODESTO TRADITIONAL JAZZ SOCIETY

Noon jam sets; 1 p.m. featured band. Third Sundays. Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 1612 Sisk Road, Modesto. $8-$12. (209) 524-3517.

TOM RIGNEY AND FLAMBEAU

Jan. 12

Blues and roots violinist. 8 p.m. West Side Theatre, 1331 Main St., Newman. $19-22. Children and students pay half price. (209) 862-4490. www.westsidetheatre.org

TOTALLY ELVIS

Jan. 12

Tribute show starring Lloyd Aron Douglas and the G-Land Band. Musicians also will appear as Buddy Holly and Marilyn Monroe. 8 p.m. Merced Theatre, 301 W. Main St. 323- 850-0825. www.totallyelvis.com

TURLOCK UKE JAMS

Jan. 12

All ages and skill levels welcome. 10:30 a.m. Carnegie Arts Center, 250 N. Broadway, Turlock. www.turlockukejamz.org

FOG VALLEY DRIFTERS

Jan 13

Local bluegrass and roots group. Attendees are invited to play in a jam session following the performance. 3 p.m. Congregation Beth Shalom, 1705 Sherwood Ave., Modesto. (209) 571-6060. www.cbsmodesto.org/concerts

JAZZ VESPERS

Jan. 13

5 p.m. First United Methodist Church, Modesto, 1601 I St. Free.

MARIO FLORES BAND AND JOHNNY VALDEZ

Jan. 13

2 p.m. Stage 3 Theatre, 208 S. Green St., Sonora. $15. (209) 536-1778.

THE DIXIE MELODY BOYS

Jan. 16

Southern gospel quartet. 7 p.m. Richland Faith Assembly of God, 1201 Richland Ave., Ceres. Free with an offering.

CLAUDIA RUSSELL AND BRUCE KAPLAN

Jan. 18

Award-winning duo playing folk, blues and country. 8 p.m. Central Grace Community Church, 918 Sierra Drive, Modesto.

BOYS OF SUMMER: "AN EAGLES TRIBUTE"

Jan. 19

8 p.m. West Side Theatre, 1331 Main St., Newman. $19-22. Children and students pay half price. . (209) 862-4490. www.westsidetheatre.org

DAVIS HIGH DRAMA CLUB BENEFIT CONCERT

Jan. 19

Benefit for Children's Organ Transplant Association featuring music by Home Grown, Lew Winter and Larry Krause. 7 p.m. Davis High School, Little Theatre, 1200 West Rumble Road, Modesto. $10 and a canned food donation. (209) 575-8524.

BIG BAND PLAYS THE BLUES

Jan. 20

25-piece big band with guest guitarist Johnny Valdez. 3 p.m. Columbia College Dogwood Theatre, 1160 Columbia College Drive, Sonora. $15. (209) 588-5126.

JOHN MCCUTCHEON

Jan. 22

Six-time Grammy nominated folk musician. Benefit for the Modesto Peace/Life Center. 7 p.m. Modesto Church of the Brethren, 2301 Woodland Ave., Modesto. $5-23.. (209) 523-1438. www.stanislausconnections.org

FISHBONE

Jan. 26

6:30 p.m. Merced Theatre, 301 W. Main St. $25. (209) 381-0500. www.fishbone.net

KEITH SWEAT

Feb. 13

7 p.m. doors; 8 p.m. show. Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E. Main St., Stockton. $39.50 and $49.50. (209) 846-5777.

SLIDE GUITARIST DENNIS JOHNSON

March 16

West Side Theatre, 1331 Main St., Newman.

THEATER

"DEARLY DEPARTED"

Through Jan. 20

A two-act comedy about an eccentric Southern family who gather together for the funeral of the patriarch.7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m., Sundays. Merced County Arts Council, 645 W. Main, Merced. $8-$20. (209) 725-8587. www.playhousemerced.com

"BUDDY"

March 2-April 21

The story of how the Buddy Holly became the world's top recording artist with a show that features Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper, plus more than 20 of Holly's greatest hits. Sierra Repertory Theatre 2013 season opening production. 8 p.m. Saturday; 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday; 2 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. East Sonora-Sierra Repertory Theatre, 13891 Mono Way, Sonora. $18-$30. (209) 532-0502.

THE STATE THEATRE

FILM: "A LATEQUARTET"

Through Jan. 11

The four members of a world-renowned string quartet struggle to stay together in the face of death, competing egos and lust. Call for times

FILM: "A ROYALAFFAIR"

Through Jan. 18

This Danish film is the true story of an ordinary man who wins the queen's heart and starts a revolution. Call for times.

FILM: "THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE"

Through Jan. 24

In 1989, five black and Latino teenagers were arrested and charged with brutally raping a white female jogger in Central Park. The five would spend years in prison for a crime they didn't commit. Call for times

FILM: "FARGO"

Jan. 15

Modesto Film Society Cinema Club presentation. Discussion will follow film. 7 p.m.

TOWER OF POWER

Jan. 16

7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show. $40-50.

FILM: "THE SESSIONS"

Jan. 18-28

The story of a man confined to an iron lung who is determined, at age 38, to lose his virginity. Starring Academy Award winner Helen Hunt and nominees John Hawkes and William H. Macy. Call for times.

FILM: "GONE WITH THE WIND"

Jan. 20

Presented by the Modesto Film Society. 2 p.m.

INAUGURATION PARTY AND BROADCAST FROM D.C.

Jan. 21

Join the local Democratic Women's Club of Stanislaus County for a celebratory night of food, margaritas and live entertainment before settling in to watch a broadcast of President Barack Obama's public swearing-in on the steps of the Capitol. 5 p.m. $5 students with ID, $10 general..

SCIENCE ON SCREEN: FILM AND SPEAKER

Jan. 27

Showing of "Contact," starring Jodie Foster as Dr. Ellie Arroway who, after years of searching, finds conclusive radio proof of intelligent aliens. Followed by speaker, Jill Tarter, Ph.D., longtime director of SETI and the inspiration for the lead character in Carl Sagan's novel, "Contact," on which the film is based. 2 p.m.

FILM: "MARY POPPINS"

Feb. 17

Classic film starring Julie Andrews. Presented by the Modesto Film Society. 3 p.m.

HEARTBREAKER: THE LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE

Feb. 23

Reserved Seating Only. 7:30 p.m. $20-38.

JOURNEY UNAUTHORIZED

March 16

West Coast Performing Arts Presenters presents tribute to Journey in this live musical performance. 8 p.m. $20 students, $36 seniors, $38 adults.

The State Theatre is at 1307 J St., Modesto. Call (209) 527-4697. www.thestate.org

ARTS

ALOFTART GALLERY

(209) 588-8604

Jan. 12, "New Years Melange: A Preview of Things to Come." Reception from 5-8 p.m. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Thursday-Saturday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. 167 S. Washington St., Sonora. www.aloftartgallery.com

ART ON MAIN

(209) 728-1888

Exhibits of local artists. Gallery Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday,11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 466-B Main St., Murphys.

BARKIN' DOGGRILL

(209) 572-2341

Jan. 17, Third Thursday Art Walk.5-9 p.m. 940 11th St., Modesto.

BUILDING IMAGINATIONCENTER

(209) 585-6712

Jan. 17, Third Thursday Art Walk. 1009 J St., Modesto.

C'EST JOLI

(209) 324-7111

Ongoing art by Brad and Nancy Hawn. Gallery hours: 1 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. 920 13th St., Modesto.

CARNEGIE ARTS CENTER

(209) 632-5761

Through Feb. 3, "Lines and Colors: Celebrating Degas" a juried exhibition; Through Jan. 13, "Edgar Degas, The Private Impressionist". Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. 250 N. Broadway, Turlock. $10 general; $9 seniors.

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ART ASSOCIATION AND MISTLIN GALLERY

(209) 529-3369

Jan. 15-Feb. 9, Young Masters Art Show. Gallery hours: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; noon-4 p.m. Saturday. 1015 J St., Modesto. Free. Jan. 17, Third Thursday Art Walk. www.ccartassn.org

CHARTREUSE MUSE GALLERY AND ART SCHOOL

(209) 522-0935

Jan. 17, Third Thursday Art Walk. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. 918 10th St., Modesto. www.thechartreusemuse.com

CROW TRADING CO.

(209) 579-2173

Jan. 17, Third Thursday Art Walk. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. 1208 J St. www.crowtrading.com

DELICATO VINEYARDS

(209) 824-3401

Jan. 13-Feb. 2, 25th annual Fine Art Show. 12001 S. Highway 99, Manteca. Free.

DEZIGNZ

(209) 846-0889

Jan. 17, Third Thursday Art Walk. 1012 15th St., Modesto.

DOWNTOWN MERCED

(209) 658-2587

Jan. 19, Art Hop. , Merced.

DOWNTOWN

MODESTO

(209) 529-9303

Jan. 17, Third Thursday Art Walk. 5-9 p.m.

FIRST STREETFRAME CO.

(209) 667-7332

Ongoing, paintings and photographs. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. 226 N. First St., Turlock.

GALLERY 909

(209) 667-3959

Ongoing, art by California State University, Stanislaus, students. Jan. 17, Third Thursday Art Walk. 909 Tenth St., Modesto.

GREAT VALLEY MUSEUM

(209) 575-6196

Through Jan. 31, "Visions of the Underworld". Gallery hours,9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Call for event times. 1100 Stoddard Ave., Modesto. $1 admission.

INTRINSIC ELEMENTS

(209) 534-1702

Jan. 17, Third Thursday Art Walk. 5-9 p.m. 1214 J St., Modesto.

MERCED COUNTY COURTHOUSE MUSEUM

(209) 723-2401

Through Jan. 27, "Merced College:50 years of Educational Excellence." Exhibit Hours: 1-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. 21st and N streets, Merced.

MERCED MULTICULTURAL ARTS CENTER

(209) 388-1090

Through Feb. 1, "California Fibers." Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday. 645 West Main St. Free. www.artsofmerced.org

PAPER PLANES TATTOO AND ART STUDIO

(209) 324-1543

Jan. 17, Third Thursday Art Walk. 1303 J St., Modesto.

PEER RECOVERY ARTS PROJECT

(209) 581-1695

Jan. 17, Third Thursday Art Walk. 1222 J St., Modesto.

STANISLAUS CLERK-RECORDER OFFICE

(209) 869-4804

Ongoing, Carol Earle and Eva Williams. Exhibit hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. 1021 I St., Modesto. Free.

TREWIN FRAMERY

(209) 818-6004

Ongoing, Rodney Lough Jr., Tom Pickurel, Chella, Edward Mendes. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. 5170 Pentecost Drive, Suite 1, Modesto.

UNIQUEBOUTIQUES

(209) 523-3000

Ongoing, 10 local artists. Exhibit hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 180 Leveland Lane, Modesto.

DANCE

FRIDAY NIGHTFOLK DANCING

Ongoing

Learn dances from around the world. All ages and skill levels welcome. 7:30 p.m., beginners lesson; 8 p.m., intermediate lesson, 8:30 p.m., mixed dance. Carnegie Arts Center, 250 N. Broadway, Turlock. $7 adult, free for children and students. (209) 480-0387.

BALLET FOLKLORICO XOCHIPILLI Y LOS FALCONES

Jan. 19

Traditional dances and music from Mexico. 12:30 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St., Modesto. (209) 558-7814.

ODDS & ENDS

CLASSIC AIRCRAFT DISPLAYS

Ongoing

Antique aircraft display. Sponsored by the Commemorative Air Force. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Second Saturdays. Modesto City County Airport, 700 Tioga Drive, Hangar 1. (209) 526-5868. www.cafvalleysquadron.org

TELESCOPE NIGHT

Ongoing

Presented by the MJC Astronomy Club. Open to the public, all ages welcome. Free parking, concessions available. Bring blankets or chairs to make your space adventure more comfortable. 8-10 p.m. First Friday of the month. Modesto Junior College, East Campus, Science Building Lawn Free.

AIRCRAFT DISPLAY

Ongoing

9 a.m.-2 p.m. fourth Saturdays. Turlock Municipal Airport, 13602 Newport Road, Turlock.(209) 620-6312.

AIRPLANE EXHIBIT

Ongoing

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Castle Air Museum, 5050 Santa Fe Drive, Atwater. $12 adults; $8 seniors; $5 youth 6-17; free age 5 and under. (209) 723-2178.

BOLERO WITH SHARON GREENHAGEN AND BILL RILEY

Jan. 12

An evening of ballroom lesson and social dancing. Sponsored by USA Dance. 7-8 p.m., Lesson; 8 - 10 p.m., Social Dancing. IOOF Lodge, 6941 Hughson Ave, Hughson. $3.50-$7 for nonmembers. (209) 614-8048.

BOOK SIGNING AND LECTURE

Jan. 12

Discussion with author, Ruben J. Guzman on living a "wholistic" life. Live music and appetizers. 4 p.m. Peer Recovery Arts Project, 1222 J St., Modesto. Free. (209) 529-5360.

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN'SCLUB

Jan. 12

Member recruitment drive. 11 a.m. McHenry's Restaurant, 1445 McHenry Ave. (209) 303-4042.

SCRAPBOOKING WITH ANNA SOTO

Jan. 12-26

Some materials provided, participants encouraged to bring their own. 12:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St., Modesto. Free. (209) 558-7814.

MODESTO AREA T-BIRD CLUB

Jan. 13

Noon Clarion Hotel, 1612 Sisk Road, Modesto. (209) 538-1130.

DELTA TULE TREKKERS

Jan. 14

Guests are welcome. 6 p.m. Angelanos, 1020 N. Main St., Manteca. (209) 931-1565.

TURLOCK GARDEN CLUB

Jan. 14

Session on tree and rose pruning presented by Juan Vargas. Guests are welcome. Noon. Senior Center-Turlock, 1191 Cahill St., Turlock. (209) 668-4808.

PFLAG BINGO

Jan. 15

6 p.m., meeting; 7 p.m., bingo. Emanuel Lutheran Church, 324 College Ave., Modesto. (209) 566-2468. www.pflagmodesto.org

MODESTO LIBRARY BOOK CLUB

Jan. 16

Book lovers meet to discuss "I Capture the Castle" by Dodie Smith. 7 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St., Modesto. (209) 572-3420.

CERES GARDEN CLUB MEETING

Jan. 17

Guest Speaker will be Rosy McKenney. Open to the public. 11:30 a.m. Ceres Community Center, 2701 Fourth St.

VALLEY FUTURES FORUM: AMANDA EAKEN

Jan. 17

Presentation and discussion about sustainable community strategies in the San Joaquin Valley. Amanda Eaken is the Deputy Director of the Natural Resources Defense Council. 5-6:30 p.m. Modesto Junior College, Forum Building 102 $10.

AUDUBON SOCIETY EVENT: "THINKING LIKE A NATURALIST"

Jan. 18

Presentation from John Muir Laws demonstrating simple and fun techniques for recreational nature study. 7 p.m. College Avenue Congregational Church, Fellowship Hall, 1341 College Ave. . Free. (209) 985-7106.

RIVERBANK COMMUNITY AWARDS BANQUET

Jan. 19

Dinner and auction to honor outstanding Riverbank residents. 6 p.m., social hour; 7 p.m., dinner and awards. Riverbank Community Center, 3600 Santa Fe St. $15. (209) 863-7122.

MLK 18TH ANNUAL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Jan. 20

Featured speaker will be Fr. Ray Bourgeois, a human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee. 2 p.m. Sonora High School auditorium, 430 N. Washington St. Free.

HEART OF THE VALLEY QUILT AND TEXTILE ARTS SHOW

Jan. 19-20

Quilts, art quilts, wearables, exhibits, demonstrations, door prizes, raffle quilt, raffle baskets, refreshments and vendors. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Modesto Centre Plaza, 1000 L St. $7, children under 12 free. (209) 883-1912 or (209) 577-2001.

DARWIN'S EPIC JOURNEY

Jan. 25

Presentation by Dr. Jim Youngblom, biology professor at California State University, Stanislaus. 7:30 p.m. Modesto Junior College, East Campus, Forum 110, 435 College Ave. Free. (209) 575-6173.

B-GREEN RECYCLE DAY

Jan. 26

Fund-raiser for the Modesto Dog Park. Recycling bottles, cans, plastics, e-waste and documents. Giveaways from Boyett Petroleum. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Cruisers, 4931 McHenry Ave. (209) 521-3857. www.friendsofmodestodogpark.com

SIERRA CLUB WINTER HIKE

Jan. 26

Easy 4-mile hike along the Tuolumne River. Meet in the parking lot; children and dogs welcome. 9:30 a.m. American Legion Hall, 1001 S. Santa Cruz Ave. . Free. (209) 549-9155.

TURLOCK SWAP MEET

Jan. 26-27

4th annual Modesto Area A's Model A Ford Club of America swap meet. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. $10 Saturday, $5 Sunday, children under 12 free. (209) 571-1232.

TALENT

YOUNG MASTERS ART SHOW

Jan. 11-12

Young artists preschool through high school are invited to enter the 38th annual event. Categories include: painting, drawing, photography and sculpture. Mistlin Art Gallery, 1015 J St., Modesto. $2 Entry fee, limit two submissions. (209) 529-3369.

AUDITIONS FOR SINGING GROUP

Jan. 14

Women's a capella singing group Sweet Harmony is accepting new singers. 7 p.m. Ripon Library, 333 W. Main St. (209) 838-1690.

TEEN VIDEO CONTEST

March 9

Teens can be the star in a video they create by making an original movie trailer about their favorite book. Open to ages 13-18. For full information and entry form contact your local library. All video entries must be received by 5 p.m. (209) 558-7817. www.stanislauslibrary.org

CASINOS

CHICKEN RANCH

(800) 752-4646

16929 Chicken Ranch Road, Jamestown. www.chickenranchbingo.com

THUNDER VALLEY

(877) 468-8777

1200 Athens Ave., Lincoln. www.thundervalleycasino.com

CHUKCHANSI GOLD

(866) 794-6946

711 Lucky Lane, Coarsegold. www.chukchansigold.com

JACKSON RANCHERIA

(800) 822-9466

Jan. 20, The Whispers. 12222 New York Ranch Road, Jackson. www.jacksonrancheria.com

RED HAWK CASINO

(888) 573-3495

Jan. 11, 12, Ice House Blues and Cover Me Badd; Jan. 13, Northern Heat; Jan. 14-17, Summer of Love; Jan. 18,19, Live by the Groove; Jan. 18, Spazmatics, Placerville. www.redhawkcasino.com

BLACK OAK

(877) 747-8777

Jan. 11, The Highwaymen; Jan. 12, Steel Breeze; Jan. 17, World Championship Karaoke; Jan. 18, Clean Slate. 19400 Tuolumne Road North, Tuolumne. www.blackoakcasino.com.

CACHE CREEK

(800) 772-2243

14455 Highway 16, Brooks. www.cachecreek.com

COFFEEHOUSES

MODESTO BAHA'I CENTER

(209) 579-1946

First and third Fridays, Cafe Night. 1100 Carver Road, Suite 10.

HUGHSON COFFEE COMPANY

(209) 883-0828

Ongoing live music. 6724 E. Whitmore, Suite J.

QUEEN BEAN COFFEE HOUSE

(209) 521-8000

Sundays, open mic. 1126 14th St., Modesto.

FOOD & FUN

SIERRA RAILROAD DINNER TRAIN

Ongoing

Murder Mystery Trains, Sunset Dinner and Wild West trains, Sunday brunch trains. Call or check website for times and prices. Sierra Railroad Golden Sunset and Daylight Trains, 330 S. Sierra Ave., Oakdale. 800-866-1690. www.sierrarailroad.com

VFW BREAKFAST

Ongoing

Sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. 7:30-11 a.m. Sundays. Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall-Modesto, 2801 W. Hatch Road. $6. (209) 537-3360.

VFW DINNER

Ongoing

Friday night dinner hosted by the VFW Post 3199. 5-7 p.m. Fridays. Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall-Modesto, 2801 W. Hatch Road. Small donation. (209) 537-3360.

HISTORY CENTER BREAKFAST

Ongoing

Presented by Northern Mariposa County History Center. Eggs, ham or sausage, all-you-can-eat pancakes and fresh fruit. 8-11 a.m. Second Sundays. Coulterville School House, Broadway and Cemetery. $5 adults; $3 children.

RIPON VFW FRIDAY NIGHT DINNERS

Ongoing

Hosted by Ripon VFW Post 1051. 5:30-7 p.m. Fridays. Veterans of Foreign Wars - Ripon, 12455 W. Ripon Road. Small donation required. (209) 599-6815.

RIPON VFW WEDNESDAY LUNCH

Ongoing

Hosted by VFW 1051 of Ripon. Chicken strips, burgers, fish or shrimp with fries. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Veterans of Foreign Wars - Ripon, 12455 W. Ripon Road. Small donation required. (209) 599-6815.

TURLOCK VFW HAMBURGER NIGHTS

Ongoing

VFW Auxiliary weekly hamburger nights. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries. 5-8 p.m. Fridays. Veterans of Foreign Wars-Turlock, 1405 E. Linwood Ave. $2-$6.50. (209) 668-9710.

MERCED CERTIFIED FARMERS' MARKET

Ongoing

8 a.m.-noon. Saturday. 19th and N Streets, Merced. (209) 667-2916.

FOE BREAKFAST

Ongoing

Hosted by Fraternal Order of Eagles. 8-11 a.m. First Sundays. Eagles Hall, 126 Camellia Way, Modesto. $5. (209) 577-2298.

STEAK NIGHT

Ongoing

Steak dinner, full salad bar, no-host bar. Hosted by the Fraternal Order of Eagles. 5 p.m. social; 7 p.m. dinner. First Fridays. Eagles Hall, 126 Camellia Way, Modesto. $12. (209) 577-2298.

MPPA MARINATED CRAB FEED AND DANCE

Jan. 12

Dinner with dance following. 6 p.m. California Ballroom, 432 Sixth St., Modesto. $40. (209) 505-3624.

SOS CLUB CRAB FEED

Jan. 18

Dinner and Dance. 6-9 p.m. SOS Club, 819 Sunset Ave., Modesto. $40. (209) 578-5801.

BEYER HS CRAB FEST

Jan. 19

Benefits Beyer High School Renaissance program. 5 p.m. St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Father O'Hare Hall, 1813 Oakdale Road, Modesto. $40, $300 table for eight. (209) 576-4309.

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL CRAB FEED

Jan. 19

Benefit for local charities. 5:30-7 p.m. Tuolumne Veteran's Memorial Hall, 18375 Fir Ave., Tuolumne. $40. (209) 928-1616.

SPAGHETTI DINNER

Jan. 26

All-you-can-eat dinner. Take out available. 4:30-7 p.m. Escalon United Methodist Church, Highway 120 at Brayton Ave., Escalon. $3.50 children, $7.50 adults. (209) 838-2020.

ANNUAL GALA

Jan. 26

Fund-raiser hosted by the Guild of the McHenry Museum and Historical Society. Hosted cocktail hour and hors d'oeuvres, silent auction, dinner and entertainment by classical guitarist Darin Morris. 5:30 p.m. McHenry Museum, 1402 I St., Modesto. $80. (209) 529-9169 or (209) 575-1359.

MPPA CRAB CIOPPINO DINNER AND DANCE

Jan. 26

Crab cioppino with dance following. 4 p.m. California Ballroom, 432 Sixth St., Modesto. $45. (209) 505-3624.

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER

Jan. 26

Four-course meal and show. Wearing costumes is optional but encouraged. 5:30 p.m., cocktails; 6 p.m., dinner and show. Mountain Ranch Town Hall, 8049 Washington St. $20, adults only. (209) 754-4073.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Jan. 26

Johansen Ag Boosters fundraiser. Includes pancakes, bacon, eggs and a drink. 8-10 a.m. Applebee's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, 2449 Claribel Road, Riverbank. $7.50. (209) 408-9892.

LIVINGSTON VFW SUNDAY BREAKFAST

Starting Jan. 27

Hosted by the Livingston/Delhi Veteran's of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary. 8 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Sundays. Livingston Veterans Memorial Hall, 1605 Seventh St. $5 children; $7 adults. (209) 599-6815.

LIVINGSTON VFW HAMBURGER NIGHTS

Jan. 31

VFW Auxiliary weekly hamburger nights. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries. 5-8 p.m. Fridays Livingston Veterans Memorial Hall, 1605 Seventh St. $2-$6.50. (209) 394-2059. www.vfwlivingston.com

FOR KIDS

PARA LOS NINOSPROGRAM

Saturdays

Every Saturday morning, bilingual stories, Songs and Rhymes for Preschoolers and their families. Presented by the Cesar Chavez Committee. 10-11 a.m. Los Banos Library, 1312 7th St. Free. (209) 826-5254.

MODESTO BANQUET HALL

Ongoing

School Night featuring teen dances for 18 and under with school ID. Local bands and DJs. 4-10 p.m. Fridays. Modesto Banquet Hall, 810 N. 9th St., Modesto. $5. (209) 222-8802.

KIDS CLASSES

Jan. 12-March 16

The classes offered are Tae Kwon Do for Tots, to develop coordination and balance for ages 3-4 and Kidsafe Self Defense, which focuses on basic blocks, lunches and kicks for ages 5-12. Saturdays, 9-9:30 a.m., Tae Kwon Do; 9:30-10:10 a.m., self-defense Riverbank Community Gym, 3625 Santa Fe St., Riverbank. $65. (209) 863-7150. www.riverbankrecreation.com

STORY TELLING

Jan. 14-17

Listen to the picture book nominees for the California Young Reader Medal. All ages welcome. 3:30 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St., Modesto. Free. (209) 558-7810.