Calendar: Events across the Modesto region

From the PBS show, a journey through Christmas in Ireland and its traditions. 3 and 7:30 p.m Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. Foster Family Theater. $29-$49.

James Tormé – son of legendary crooner Mel Tormé – joins the Modesto Symphony and MSO Chorus to present a concert of holiday classics. 8 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. Saturday. Mary Stuart Rogers Theater. $37-$92.

Central West Ballet’s annual holiday production. Times vary. Mary Stuart Rogers Theater. $19-$44.

Play revolves around its central character, Maria, a little girl from a Hispanic family on Christmas Eve. A story of temptation that both children and adults can understand. 7:30 p.m. Foster Family Theater. $12-$25.

Central West Ballet’s annual holiday production gets jazzy update. Tchaikovsky’s famous score to the sounds of legendary jazz greats like Duke Ellington. 7:30 p.m. Mary Stuart Rogers Theater. $20-$75.

Funstrummers. Songbooks provided. 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1600 Carver Road, Modesto. Donation. 209-505-3216.

6 p.m. Wednesdays. First United Methodist Church, 850 16th St. at I Street. 209-505-3216.

Men’s barbershop-style a cappella chorus rehearsals. 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Mancini Hall, 718 Tuolumne Blvd., Modesto. 209-524-6139.

Sunday, Dec. 18, Midnight Rose Jazz Band. 1 p.m. featured band. Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 1612 Sisk Road, Modesto. $8-$12.

Brief ukulele lessons and tips. Other acoustic instruments welcome. 10 a.m.-noon Thursdays. Carnegie Arts Center, 250 N. Broadway, Turlock. Free. 209-634-3311 or 209-667-2272.

2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, “It’s a Big Band Christmas”; Feb. 3-4, Big Band Jazz Festival Weekend; March 3-4, “Legends of Jazz” Festival Weekend; April 16, Latin Jazz with Mario Flores Band and Johnny Valdes. Columbia College Dogwood Theater, 11600 Columbia College Drive, Sonora. $100 full season; $15-$25 individual. 209-559-0565.

Featuring guest drummer Carl Allen. 7:30 p.m. Stanislaus State Bernell & Flora Snider Recital Hall, 1 University Circle, Turlock. $12. 209-668-3958. www.csustan.edu/soa/events.

Grammy-winning blues artist. 7:30 p.m. Turlock Community Theatre, 1574 E. Canal Drive. $36-$56.

www.turlocktheatre.org.

2 and 6 p.m. Stanislaus State Bernell & Flora Snider Recital Hall, 1 University Circle, Turlock. $12. 209-668-3958.

www.csustan.edu/soa/events.

7:30 p.m. Stanislaus State Bernell & Flora Snider Recital Hall, 1 University Circle, Turlock. $12. 209-668-3958.

www.csustan.edu/soa/events.

Acoustic music by Megan Lynch Chowning and Mary Sue Englund. 7:30 p.m. Gottschalk Music Center recital hall, 1502 E St., Modesto. $15 general; free age 12 and under. 209-543-5306. modestounplugged@yahoo.com.

7:30 p.m. Stanislaus State Bernell & Flora Snider Recital Hall, 1 University Circle, Turlock. $12. 209-668-3958.

www.csustan.edu/soa/events.

Film follows Aisholpan, a 13-year-old girl, as she trains to become the first female in 12 generations of her Kazakh family to become an eagle hunter, and rises to the pinnacle of a tradition that has been handed down from father to son for centuries. $8-$10.

Hailed by critics as the best film of the year, it tells the tender, heartbreaking story of a young man’s struggle to find himself, as told across three defining chapters in his life. $10.

Rebecca Hall stars in the story of a woman who finds herself caught in the crosshairs of a spiraling personal life and career crisis. $8-$10.

In this 67th annual Warren Miller film, take a free-ski adventure with industry veterans Ingrid Backstrom and Wendy Fisher in Crested Butte, tour Eastern Greenland by dog sled with Seth Wescott and Rob Kingwill and follow Jess McMillan and Grete Eliassen on a Swiss holiday aboard the Glacier Express. Screenings benefit the Society for Disabilities, which is dedicated to improving the quality of life and self-sufficiency for children and adults in Stanislaus County. 7 p.m. Friday; 4 and 7:30 p.m Saturday. $20; ticket buyers receive a free ski pass.

Director Fred Peabody profiles American independent journalist I.F. Stone, who wrote a weekly, four-page newsletter from 1953 to 1971 that investigated topics ignored by the mainstream media. $8-$10.

Poetry slam invitational. 7:30 p.m. Sold out.

Modesto Film Society presents L. Frank Baum’s classic tale. 2 p.m. $8.

Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python. Prospect Theater Project, 1214 K St., Modesto. $10-$20.

Play by Mac Wellman, directed by Jere O’Donnell. Stanislaus State Studio Theatre, 1 University Circle, Turlock. 209-668-3959. www.csustan.edu/soa.

Denair Gaslight Theater production. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m Sunday.

Saturday, Dec. 3-Jan. 14, Carolyn Ahlem with reception Thursday, Dec. 8. Fall Workshops Saturdays, with “Intro to Photoshop” Dec. 3. 135 W. Main St., Turlock. $50 each. www.csustan.edu/soa.

Dec. 15, Third Thursday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m. 940 11th St., Modesto.

Saturday, Dec. 3-Jan. 14, Paul Taylor with reception Thursday, Dec. 8. 135 W. Main St., Turlock.

www.csustan.edu/soa.

Through December, Vern Fergel. Dec. 15, Third Thursday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday. 1224 K St., Modesto.

Through Friday, Dec. 23, Dixie Salazar, in conjunction with Social Justice in the Central Valley conference. 1 University Circle, Turlock.

Through Saturday, Dec. 3, “Home for the Holidays” member show; Dec. 15, Third Thursday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m. Gallery hours: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; noon-4 p.m. Saturday. 1015 J St., Modesto. Free.

Dec. 15, Third Thursday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. 918 10th St., Modesto.

www.thechartreusemuse.com.

Dec. 15, Third Thursday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m. 915 10th St., Modesto.

Dec. 15, Third Thursday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m.

modestoartwalk.com.

Dec. 15, Third Thursday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m. 1003 12th St., Modesto.

Gustine Museum Historical Society presents “From Head to Toe” featuring vintage hats and shoes. Gallery hours: 1-4 p.m. Thursday and Sunday. 397 Fourth St. www.gustinehistoricalsociety.org.

Ongoing, Mary A. Scheinuck, Waldemar “Walt” Scheinuck and other California artists. Gallery hours: Open by appointment. 18091 Hart Lane, Manteca.

Exhibits of a county recorder’s office, a general store and a re-created blacksmith shop. Gallery hours: noon-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. 1402 I St., Modesto. Free.

Dec. 15, Third Thursday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 1222 J St., Modesto. www.peerrecoveryartproject.org.

Dec. 15, Third Thursday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m. 1030 J. St., Modesto.

www.preservationcoffee.com.

Ongoing artists exhibit. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. 1031 W. Orangeburg Ave., Modesto.

Dec. 15, Third Thursday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m. 1313 J St., Modesto. stillsmokingstore.tripod.com.

Ongoing, “Rhett Regina Owings: Monterey Coast.” Gallery hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fridays. 132 S. Center St., Turlock.

Ongoing, 10 local artists. Exhibit hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 4459 Spyres Way, Suite A, Modesto.

Folk dancing lessons. No partner or experience necessary. Open to teens and older. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Fridays. $5. 209-634-8843 or 209-480-0387.

Community-based ukulele strum and singalong. Open to all ages and skill levels, as well as other acoustic instruments. 10:30 a.m. Free.

www.turlockukejamz.org.

Exhibit “100 Years of Original Illustration from the Art Kandy Collection,” curated for the Carnegie’s centennial celebration.

Four regional poets present readings of original work, followed by an open mic session. This month’s featured poets: Stella Beratlis, Gillian Wegner, Rhony Bhopla and debee loyd. Hosted by the Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center. 2-3 p.m.

Celebrate the season with a winter concert featuring jazzy renditions of everyone’s favorite Christmas music. 7:30-9 p.m. $8.

16929 Chicken Ranch Road, Jamestown. 209-984-4806. www.chickenranchcasino.com.

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

12222 New York Ranch Road, Jackson.

www.jacksoncasino.com.

1 Red Hawk Parkway, Placerville. www.redhawkcasino.com.

14455 Highway 16, Brooks. www.cachecreek.com.

Friday, Dec. 2, Ruckatan Latin Tribe; Saturday, Dec. 3, Journey Revisited; Thursday, Dec. 8, Black Irish Christmas; Friday, Dec. 9, Jelly Bread; Saturday, Dec. 10, Shane Dwight; Thursday, Dec. 15, Jill and the Giants; Friday, Dec. 16, Coco Montoya; Saturday, Dec. 17, Elena Keating and the R&B Allstars; Thursday, Dec. 22, Rock of Ages; Friday, Dec. 23, Brad Wilson and the Rollin’ Blues Thunder Band; Saturday, Dec. 24, Gotcha Covered; Thursday, Dec. 29, Little Fuller Band; Friday, Dec. 30, Lacy J. Dalton; Saturday, Dec. 31, Thundercover. 19400 Tuolumne Road N., Tuolumne.

711 Lucky Lane, Coarsegold.

Comedy plus music by Jordan Waters. Comedians are Marcus Peverill, David Stolowitz, Kenneth Campbell, Rhoda Ramone, Jason Anderson, Jason Sohm; Saul Trujillo headlines; hosted by A.J. DeMello. Music 7 p.m.; comedy 7:30 p.m. Free; donations go to Salvation Army of Modesto. Queen Bean Coffeehouse 1126 14th St., Modesto.

“Mike and Molly” star. 7:30 p.m. Turlock Community Theatre, 1574 E. Canal Drive. $39-$59. www.turlocktheatre.org.

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

www.sierrarailroad.com.

7-11 a.m. Sundays. Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 2801 W. Hatch Road, Modesto. $7. 209-537-3360.

Friday night dinner by VFW Post 3199. 4-7 p.m. Fridays. Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall-Modesto, 2801 W. Hatch Road. $6-$10. 209-537-3360.

Presented by Northern Mariposa County History Center. 8-11 a.m. second Sundays. Coulterville School House, Broadway and Cemetery. $5 adults; $3 children.

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

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

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

Livingston VFW monthly hamburger night. 5-7 p.m. last Thursdays. Livingston Veterans Memorial Hall, 1605 Seventh St. $2-$4.50. 209-394-2059. www.vfwlivingston.com.

Year-round. 8 a.m.-noon. Saturdays. 16th Street and Canal, Merced. 209-389-4175.

Hosted by Fraternal Order of Eagles. 8-11 a.m. first Sundays. Eagles Hall, 126 Camellia Way, Modesto. $6. 209-577-2298.

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.

8 a.m.-noon first Sundays. IOOF Hall, Main Street, Knights Ferry. $5.

Monthly luncheon. 11:15 a.m. third Wednesdays. Denair Community Center, 3850 N. Gratton Road. 209-632-0011.

www.sirinc.org.

8-11 a.m. second Sundays. Odd Fellows Hall, 30018 Yosemite Blvd., La Grange. $6. 209-853-2128

Social club for seniors age 65-plus. 8-8:30 a.m. Sundays. Perko’s, 3848 McHenry Ave., Modesto. 209-576-0279.

7 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. 16th Street, between H and I streets. 209-605-8536.

5 p.m. Thursdays. Main Street, Columbia State Historic Park. Free 209-499-8273.

City of Livingston hosts third annual Court of Trees. Old Court Theater, downtown Livingston. 209-394-8830.

Participants will be guided through the decorated town during the walking play “The Grand Holiday Raffle!” Every 15 minutes beginning a 5:30 p.m. Columbia State Historic Park. $25 adults; $15 ages 9-17; free ages 8 and under. www.friendsofcolumbiashp.com.

NATIVITY FESTIVAL ▪  Friday-Sunday, Dec. 2-4

More than 300 Nativity scenes from around the world. Musical presentations by local groups as well as live broadcast of Mormon Tabernacle Choir 7 p.m. Sunday. Festival open 3-8 p.m. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 731 El Vista Ave., Modesto. Free. www.ModestoNativity.blogspot.com.

This 38th annual event has the theme “Superhero Style” and begins at 6:30 p.m. with a lighted parade on historic Main Street beginning at Canal Drive. Holiday music and vendors will be set up on Main Street from Palm Street to Broadway to begin the event at 4 p.m. 209-668-5594.

An old-fashioned celebration in the foothills community features a holiday parade. Also planned are treats and local wines with musicians and carolers filling the streets with sounds of the seasons. Santa arrives in the parade to light the tree and take photos with children. Free. 5-8 p.m.

www.visitmurphys.com.

Columbia College Community Chorus with orchestra holiday program. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. $10 presale; $12 at the door; $5 age 12 and under. Sonora Opera Hall, 250 S. Washington St. 209-586-5965.

Art, handmade, vintage items and gourmet goodies. Santa will make an appearance. Noon-6 p.m. One Church Bethel Campus, 2625 Scenic Drive, Modesto. 209-572-3117.

Venture back to the Victorian era inside and outside the McHenry Mansion, which will be decorated in Christmas splendor. Costumed carolers, stories of Christmases past, plus a street fair with crafts and the Modesto farmers market. Horse-drawn wagon rides from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $2-$3. Free festival runs 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. McHenry Mansion, 906 15th St., Modesto, and outside down 15th Street. www.mchenrymuseum.org.

After spending the day at the Dickens Faire, enjoy the city of Modesto’s holiday parade, “Miracle on 10th Street,” in downtown beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the corner of 14th and I streets. After, trees will be set aglow at Tenth Street Plaza. The event also kicks off an ongoing Rockin’ Holiday at Tenth Street Plaza in December that will feature lights, garland, retro decorations, music, local vendors and music. 209-577-5344.

The grand opening of Ceres’ Christmas Tree Lane, the region’s largest magical nightly neighborhood display of lights and decorations, kicks off with a festival at Smyrna Park on Moffett Road at 5:30 p.m. The event includes pictures with Santa, refreshments and performances by local talent; carriage and trolly rides through Christmas Tree Lane will be offered until 9:30 p.m. The ribbon-cutting for Christmas Tree Lane will be around 7:30 p.m. followed by a parade through the neighborhood. Free; donations accepted. 209-538-5682.

Waterford’s fourth annual lighted parade. New this year will be a synthetic ice rink set up for the day at 12717 Bentley St. from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Presale skating tickets are $10 per 45-minute session, available at City Hall. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at Waterford Middle School where cookies and photos with Santa will be available in the school gym. 209-874-2328.

The Hughson Chamber of Commerce fetes the season with a entertainment and tree lighting in Centennial Park, vendors and parade. Noon-7 p.m., parade 5:30 p.m. Free. Downtown Hughson. 209-883-0811.

Denair Gaslight Conservatory Theater and Lions Club sponsor with refreshments, carols, Santa. 6 p.m. 3908 N Gratton Road.

The annual Parade of Lights in downtown Escalon begins at 5:30 p.m. Before and after, a vendor fair with music and dance performances will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. Visits with Santa and music by Lillana Cajias at 4:45 and 7 p.m. Free. Main Street, Escalon. 209-838-2793.

50th annual event featuring a tour of five decorated homes, tea, boutique. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Mother Lode homes; events at Church of the 49ers. $25. aauwsonora.org.

Clothes, crafts, clothes, jewelry, gifts, food. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1520 Rose Ave., Modesto. Modesto Free Methodist Church. 209-522-3583.

Featuring 36 vendors with homemade and other items. Homemade lunch and other treats available for purchase. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuolumne River Lodge, 2429 River Road, Modesto. 209-537-6651.

Craft fair starts at 9 a.m. at the Vets Hall, 189 Pine St., Valley Springs. Parade 10 a.m. on Daphne Street.

www.valleyspringsABA.com.

Handmade crafts and baked goods. Brunch and door prizes. Proceeds benefit Bethany Christian Services. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church, social hall, 333 S. Wilma, Ripon. 209-522-5121.

Community event includes visits with Santa, making holiday cards for Operation Gratitude, decorating Christmas ornaments, hot chocolate, crafts, cookies, games for kids and a toy drive. Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation for a local charity. 9 a.m.-noon. Brightwood College, 5172 Kiernan Court, Salida.

Modesto Garden Club event featuring more than 30 unique table settings using fresh flowers, cherished china and holiday decorations; light refreshments. 1-7 p.m. Del Rio Country Club, 801 Stewart Road, Modesto. Light refreshments served. $10. 209-523-1420.

Hors d’oeuvres, select wines and silent auction. The annual holiday fundraiser benefits the most frail and elderly of the older adult population in our local community. 5:30-8 p.m. McHenry Museum, 1402 I St., Modesto. $40. www.stanislausseniorfoundation.org.

Artisans and vendors selling handmade jewelry, quilts, scarves, soaps, Christmas items and more. Noon-7 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Waterford Assembly of God Church, 150 N. Pasadena Ave., Waterford. 209-402-8616.

A Christmas Boutique will be held at the Lathrop Senior Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., including breakfast with Santa for $10. At 11 a.m., the Lathrop Christmas Parade will march down Fifth Street with the theme “Inside Santa’s Workshop.” 209-941-7370.

Hallelujah Brass joins for Christmas-themed music. 7 p.m. Immanuel Christian Reformed Church, 517 Orange Ave., Ripon. Offering taken for Bethany Christian Services of Modesto. 209-599-6163.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. IOOF Hall, 30018 Yosemite Blvd., La Grange.

Excursion rides on Saturdays and Sundays. South Fifth Avenue at Reservoir Road, Jamestown. $15 adults; $10 6-17; free under 6 and members. 209-984-3953. www.railtown1897.org.

Meeting and lunch open to all women in the valley. First Tuesdays, noon-2:30 p.m. Oakdale Country Club, North Stearns Road, Oakdale. $16. 209-606-7727.

Toastmasters club Daybreakers 1388. 6:15-7:20 a.m. second, third and fourth Wednesdays. Denny’s, 1525 McHenry Ave., Modesto. www.toastmasters.org.

7 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays. Samaritan Village, 7700 Fox Road, Hughson. 209-384-7128 or 209-631-9458.

Noon-1 p.m. second and fourth Mondays. Fuddruckers, 3848 McHenry Ave., Modesto. 209-390-6607.

Presented by Oakdale Grange No. 435. Food and drink free. 7-9:30 p.m. second Fridays. Oakdale Grange Hall, Lambuth and F streets. $10. 209-556-8524 or 209-838-7421.

Operating train layouts, trains and accessories for sale, new and used. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Stanislaus Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. $5; free age 11 and under. www.sjvtoytrainoperatorsinc.com.

Cars and motorcycles, food, raffle. Christmas toys collected for local charities. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Regal Theater, 3969 McHenry Ave., Modesto. Entry one toy $10 value. 209-521-2675.

Performers and cosplayers, crafts and activities, open mike and dance floor. 7 p.m. Barnes and Noble, 3501 McHenry Ave., Modesto. Free. 209-521-1118.

“Stanislaus Indian Wars II,” presented by docent Bill Bucknam. 2 p.m. McHenry Museum, 14th and I streets, Modesto. Free.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuolumne County Library in Sonora. 209-533-0593.

Dancing and socializing. Different themes monthly. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Riverbank Community Center, 3600 Santa Fe St. $4 members; $6 nonmembers; $12 annual membership. 209-521-7194.

7:30-10 p.m. Wednesdays. Turlock Senior Center, 1191 Cahill St.

Social time for singles age 50 and older. 5:30 p.m. first and third Fridays. Bel Piatto Restaurant, 1000 Kansas Ave., Modesto. 209-883-2685.

Dance on Tuesdays, second Fridays. First-time guests are free. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays; 7-10 p.m. second Fridays. Modesto Senior Center, 211 Bodem St. Day: $4 members, $6 nonmembers; night: $5 and $7. 209-534-7663.

Rock and country band. 1-4 p.m. second and fourth Sundays. Manteca Senior Center, 295 Cherry Lane. $4. 209-825-0116.

Monthly dances. 7-10 p.m. second Saturdays. Odd Fellows Hall, 6941 Hughson Ave., Hughson. $5 members; $7 nonmembers. 209-614-8048.

7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Oakdale Grange Hall, Lambuth and F streets. $4. 209-526-4452.

Square dance club workshop nights. 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays. American Legion Hall, 75 Bothun Road, Turlock. 209-996-0844. www.facebook.com/turlock.steppinpards.

Potluck meal with prizes. 6 p.m. second Fridays; 1 p.m. fourth Sundays. Hughson Senior Center, 2307 Fourth St. $2 door; $8 membership. 209-538-0362.

Workshop Wednesdays and Saturday Party Nights. Open to singles, couples and children ages 12 and up. 7 p.m. Wednesdays and third Saturdays. Oakdale Grange Hall, Lambuth and F streets. $3-$6; $20 annual dues. 209-236-1628.

www.singleskirtsnflirts.ccsda.org.

Argentine tango practice. Socialize and practice your tango. 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays. Ralston’s Goat, 1001 10th St., Modesto. Free. 209-522-1571. www.modestotango.com.

This story was originally published November 29, 2016 at 8:18 PM with the headline "Calendar: Events across the Modesto region."