Calendar: Events across the Modesto region

Musical showcase of the “Big Easy” features a loving tribute to Louis Armstrong. Presented by the Modesto Symphony Orchestra. 8 p.m. $17-$89.

Juline School of Dance presentation. 7 p.m. $10-$15.

Comedy and juggling. 7:30 p.m. $15-$35.

The magic and music of the movies, featuring Scott Coulter, Jessica Hendy and John Boswell. 2 p.m. $19-$59.

Chamber music featuring the quartet and Modesto Junior College music department. Part of the 2015 Guitarraganza guitar festival. 4 p.m. $20-$35.

Fifty minutes of verbatim performance from the first half of this bestselling contemporary novel. Pre- and post-show interactive discussion. 7:30 p.m. $15-$25.

Celebrity chef brings his brand of quirky humor and culinary-science antics to the stage with a two-hour show offering his unique blend of stand-up comedy, food experimentation, talk-show fun, multimedia lecture and, for the first time, live music. 7:30 p.m. $39-$89.

1980s adaptation of the classic story presented by Grace Davis High School. 7 p.m. $15-$25.

Young Croatian cellists Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser. 7:30 p.m. Sold out.

Featuring trumpeter Scotty Barnhart and vocalist Carmen Bradford. 7:30 p.m. $29-$69.

Bilingual Spanish-English musical for children and family audiences about how one girl can challenge her identity in a modern society while embracing her rich heritage. 2 p.m. $8-$15.

Irish and Celtic music, song and dance presented by an all-female lineup of Irish step dancers. 8 p.m. $19-$59.

Concert rock violinist. 3 p.m. $20-$30.

Part of the Guitarraganza 2015 guitar festival presented by the music departments of Modesto Junior College, San Joaquin Delta College, University of the Pacific and Sacramento State University. 1 p.m. Modesto Junior College, East Campus, Little Theatre, 435 College Ave., free. (209) 575-6776.

Relaxed tenor country singer and a storyteller and top-notch pickers who play cowboy jazz, Tex-Mex waltzes, country ballads and soulful R&B. 7 p.m. doors; 8 p.m. show. West Side Theatre, 1331 Main St., Newman. $24 general; $28 reserved. (209) 862-4490.

Part of the Guitarraganza 2015 guitar festival presented by the music departments of Modesto Junior College, San Joaquin Delta College, University of the Pacific and Sacramento State University. 7:30 p.m. United Presbyterian Church, 1700 Carver Road. $10 general; $5 students and seniors. (209) 575-6776.

Featuring the David Thom Band. 7 p.m. doors; 8 p.m. show. West Side Theatre, 1331 Main St., Newman. $12 general; $15 reserved. (209) 862-4490.

Part of the Guitarraganza 2015 guitar festival presented by the music departments of Modesto Junior College, San Joaquin Delta College, University of the Pacific and Sacramento State University. 2 p.m. Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 1600 Carver Road. $10 general; $5 students and seniors. (209) 575-6776.

Part of the Guitarraganza 2015 guitar festival presented by the music departments of Modesto Junior College, San Joaquin Delta College, University of the Pacific and Sacramento State University. 7:30 p.m. Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 1600 Carver Road. $120 general; $10 students and seniors. (209) 575-6776.

Center Stage Unplugged concert featuring Jackie Bristow and Anthony Edwards. Presented by Modesto Unplugged. 6 p.m. doors; 6:30 p.m. concert. Center Stage Conservatory, Lower Level Studio, 948 11th St. $10. (209) 846-0179.

Elvis tribute event. 7 p.m. Bob Hope Theatre, 242 E. Main St., Stockton. $35-$55. 800-745-3000.

7:30 p.m. Snider Music Recital Hall, CSU Stanislaus, 1 University Circle. Turlock. $12 general; $8 students and seniors. (209) 667-3958.

7 p.m. Immanuel Christian Reformed Church, 517 Orange Ave., Ripon (209) 599-6163.

7:30 p.m. Snider Music Rcital Hall, CSU Stanislaus, 1 University Circle. Turlock. $12 general; $8 students and seniors. (209) 667-3958.

Celebration of the birthday of composer Johann Sebastian Bach presented by the Modesto Junior College Community Orchestra. 11:30 a.m. Tenth Street Plaza, 1010 10th St. Free. (209) 575-6646.

Bluegrass music presented by Richland Ministries. 6 p.m. Calvary Baptist Church, 1732 Miller Ave. Free. (209) 524-0922.

Western music with special guest Annie Lydon. 7:30 p.m. Merced Theatre, 301 W. Main St., Merced. $25-$30. (209) 381-0500.

Annual Ernie Bucio MJC music scholarship fundraiser featuring nonstop music. Noon-9 p.m. Barkin’ Dog Grill, 940 11th St. Free-will offering.

Center Stage Unplugged concert featuring Frankie Boots and the County Line and the Dustbowl Children, country and Americana music. Presented by Modesto Unplugged. 6 p.m. doors; 6:30 p.m. concert. Center Stage Conservatory, Lower Level Studio, 948 11th St. $10. (209) 846-0179.

Comedy chronicling the adventures of four vampire roommates trying to get by in a modern world that’s not always hospitable to the undead.

Follow-up film to John Boorman’s five-time Oscar-nominated 1987 film “Hope and Glory.”

Speaker David Richards, computational physicist presents lecture on stimulating the human heart. Film “Iron Man” follows lecture. 8:30 a.m. doors; 9 a.m. lecture; 10 a.m. film. Part of the Science on Screen educational series for middle, high school and college students. Free.

Film adaptation of William Inge’s romantic comedy-drama starring Marilyn Monroe as a woman who can’t understand why she brings out the worst in men. A Modesto Film Society presentation. 2 p.m.

Presentation will address the science of taste, and will include many of Brillat-Savarin’s discourses on the pleasures of the table. 6 p.m. doors; 7 p.m. presentation. $8.

Speaker Beth Vitalis, biologist, presents lecture on “Protein Models Reveal Secrets.” Film “Contagion” follows lecture. 8:30 a.m. doors; 9 a.m. lecture; 10 a.m. film. Part of the Science on Screen educational series for middle, high school and college students. Free.

Two warriors in pursuit of a stolen sword and a notorious fugitive are led to an impetuous, physically skilled, adolescent nobleman’s daughter, who is at a crossroads in her life. A Modesto Film Society Cinema Club presentation. 2 p.m.

Story follows a baker and his wife who wish to have a child; Cinderella who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. Recommend for 13 and over. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Playhouse Merced, 452 W. Main St. $10-$22. (209) 725-8587.

During an ostentatious wedding reception, five reluctant, identically clad bridesmaids hide out in an upstairs bedroom, each with her own reason to avoid the proceedings. 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Stage 3 Theatre, 208 S. Green St., Sonora. $17-$25. (209) 536-1778.

Center Stage Conservatory presents play by Rajiv Joseph. An accident-prone daredevil and a corrosive masochist navigate friendship, love and the squishy parts that lie in between. Performance on March 19 will be “pay what you can” night. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Thursday, March 19; 2 p.m. Sunday March 15, 22. $15 general; $10 students. (209) 846-0179.

Mary Poppins arrives on the doorstep of the troubled Banks family and, using a “practically perfect” combination of magic and common sense, takes the children on a magical and memorable journey. March 5 performance features Ladies Night Out with pre-performance vendors, raffle and shopping. 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday. Sierra Repertory East Sonora Theatre, 13891 Mono Way. $18-$35. (209) 532-3120.

American classic performed by Downey High School. Reserved tickets available at showtix4u.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m. March 22. Thomas Downey High School, Auditorium, 1000 Coffee Road. $10 adults; $8 seniors and students. (209) 576-4211.

Favorite Dr. Seuss characters dance and sing. Presented by Big Valley Christian student performers. 5 and 8 p.m. Big Valley Grace, “The Venue,” 4040 Tully Road. $5. (209) 527-3481.

Sketch comedy guest artist production. 8 p.m. CSU, Stanislaus, Studio Theatre, 1 University Circle. Turlock. $5. (209) 667-3958.

William Shakespeare’s classic tale of love and tragedy presented by Modesto Junior College theater department. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, March 29. Modesto Junior College, East Campus, Performing Arts and Media Center, 435 College Ave. $5-$10 (209) 575-6776.

Farcical black comedy revolving around the Brewster family, descended from the “Mayflower,” but now composed of insane homicidal maniacs, presented by the West Side Players. 6:30 doors; 7 p.m. show Friday-Saturday; 2:30 p.m. doors, 3 p.m. show Sunday. West Side Theatre, 1331 Main St., Newman $15 general; $18 reserved. (209) 862-4490.

Through May 1, Daniel Edwards exhibit. Gallery hours: noon-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. 139 W. Main St., Turlock. Free.

April 25-26, Stanislaus County Artist Open Studio Tour, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost of map, $10. April 11, 17-18, artist studio preview shows.

Ongoing, work by Brad and Nancy Hawn. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. 920 13th St., Modesto.

Through April 1, printmaking from Los Angeles, Ryan McIntosh and Daniel Rolnick, artist reception March 19, 5:30 p.m. Gallery hours: noon-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 6-9 p.m. Thursday; noon-4 p.m. Saturday. 1 University Center, Turlock. Free. www.csustan.edu

March 14-April 19, “ArtSpirit” the 18th annual High School Juried Exhibition with art from students at Calaveras, Bret Harte and Mountain Oaks high schools. Artist reception, March 14, 1 p.m. Gallery hours: 18 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 22 N. Main St., San Andreas. www.calaverasarts.org.

Through March 21, “Young @ Art”; March 19, Third Thursday Art Walk. Gallery hours: 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; noon-4 p.m. Saturday. 1015 J St., Modesto. Free. www.ccartassn.org

March 19, 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

March 19, Third Thursday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. 1208 J St. www.crowtrading.com

March 19, Third Thursday Art Walk. 5-9 p.m.

Through April 2, “Inspired by Nature” exhibit by Linda Abbott and Marilyn Wear. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. 226 N. First St., Turlock. www.firststreetgalleries.com

March 19, Third Thursday Art Walk, reception and artist talks, 5:30 p.m. 909 10th St., Modesto.

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: Tuesday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m. 1402 I St., Modesto. Free.

March 19-July 19, “Promoting Merced: A County of Many Resources” exhibit. Opening reception, March 19 6 p.m. Museum hours: 1-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. 21st and N streets, Merced.

March 21-26, Modesto City Schools Youth Art Month show. Awards reception March 26 5-7 p.m. Gallery Hours: 10 a.m-5 p.m Monday-Wednesday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday. 435 College Avenue. Free.

Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 355 E. F St. , Oakdale. $1. www.oakdalecowboymuseum.org

Tuesday-Thursday; noon-4 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. 189 S. Washington St., Sonora. www.outofhandclay.org

March 19, Third Thursday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 1222 J St., Modesto. www.peerartrecoveryproject.org

March 19, Third Thursday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m. 1030 J. St., Modesto. www.preservationcoffee.com

Ongoing artists exhibit. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 3012 McHenry Ave., Modesto.

Through March 28, “Between the Harps & Snakes” exhibit of Irish landscapes by Patrick Michael Karnahan. 140 S. Washington St., Sonora. www.sonorajoes.com.

Through April 3, Interpretive Exhibition, “Think! Create! Share!” 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 1100 H St.

March 26, fourth annual “The Art of Justice Celebration and Fundraiser.” Child-inspired art show and sale, silent auction, artist meet and greet. 5:30-8:30 p.m., $20 advance; $25 door. 1625 I St.

April 6-May 5, 10th annual Bobcat Art Show, artist reception April 13, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Thursday. 5200 North Lake Road, Merced.

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

Yosemite Renaissance is celebrating its 30th year with an exhibit of 49 paintings, photographs, prints and sculptures by 47 artists. Gallery hours: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. daily. 9037 Village Drive, Yosemite Valley.

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

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 of paintings by Chella and photographs by Dan Kasser, a unique pairing and perspective on Valley themes. $5 nonmembers; free members.

Members of the Pen Women, a regional group of artists, writers, and creative women, share their talents with an exhibition of artwork that inspires poetry.

Certified Irish Step Dance instructor Glynis Gawn and the Van Dieman’s Band host an evening of Irish dancing, music and fun. 7 p.m. Free.

Informal gallery talk with artist/educators Dan Kasser and Chella about the current exhibition of their works in the Ferrari Gallery. 2 p.m. Free.

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

March 14, Gladiator Challenge: St. Paddy Whack; March 21, Chippendales. 1200 Athens Ave., Lincoln. www.thundervalleycasino.com

12222 New York Ranch Road, Jackson. www.jacksoncasino.com

March 13, Colleen Heauser; March 13-14, Nathan Owens Band; March 15, Two Steps Down. 1 Red Hawk Parkway, Placerville. www.redhawkcasino.com

March 15, Taylor Dayne; March 21, Lavell Crawford. 14455 Highway 16, Brooks. www.cachecreek.com

March 13, Sun Kings; March 14, Shane Dwight; March 19, The Tour Guides; March 20, Twice as Good Blues; March 21, Chains Required. 19400 Tuolumne Road North.

First Wednesdays, Filmmaker Social Club; Sundays, open mike. 1126 14th St., Modesto.

Serena Gamboa, Aaron Kromann, Johnny Creal, Jason Williams and El Roberto. 8 p.m. Mariachi’s Restaurant, 2669 Geer Road, Turlock. $6. (209) 531-3517.

Original sketch comedy with wife and husband team presented by the Department of Theatre, CSU Stanislaus School of Arts. 8 p.m. CSU Stanislaus, Studio Theatre, One University Circle, Turlock. $12 general; $10 students and seniors. (209) 667-3958.

Valley’s largest pub crawl, featuring 25 custom pubs, games, live entertainment, dancing. 21-and-older event. 3 p.m. Downtown Modesto. $12.

Community celebration featuring pancake breakfast, Irish Day parade, bagpipes, singers, dancers, musicians, and jugglers. Kids activities including pony rides. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Main Street, Murphys.

Classic movie presentation with pre-movie entertainment featuring Elaine Horn, look-alike impersonator of the young Judy as Dorothy Gale, exhibit of Wizard of Oz artwork and performance by the Stockton Portsmen Barbershop Chorus. March 14 showing is geared toward individuals with special needs. 1 p.m. doors; 2 p.m. film. Bob Hope Theater, 242 E. Main St., Stockton. $8 adults; $4 children and students with ID. (209) 337-4673.

Pancake breakfast and plant sale, proceeds benefit summer camp scholarships. 8 a.m.-noon. First Christian Church, 180 S. Denair, Turlock. $8 adults; $4 children. (209) 634-6635.

“Spring Time in Paris”-themed Modesto Gospel Mission annual Tea and Fashion Show. 1 p.m. SOS Club, 819 Sunset Ave. $40 individual; $75 pair; $350 table of 8. (209) 529-8259.

No-host bar and dinner. 4 p.m. SOS Club, 819 Sunset Ave. $18 (209) 529-8259.

Traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner. Entertainment by the Fiddle Gang. Presented by the Presbyterian Women’s Group of Columbia’s Church of the 49ers. 5-7 p.m. Church of the 49ers, 11155 Jackson St. Columbia. $5-$13. (209) 532-6604.

Bob Hoegh “Thanks for the Memories” event. All coaches, former players and friends are welcome to attend and share memories and stories. Cold cut buffet will be served. 1 p.m. SOS Club, 819 Sunset Ave. (209) 408-0487 or (209) 604-2013.

McHenry Museum fundraising bunco party. Light supper refreshments, special drawing. Reservations required, space is limited. 6 p.m. McHenry Museum, 1401 I St. $20 per person. (209) 678-8992.

Wine and food selections, live and silent auction, raffle. 5-7 p.m. Meadow Plaza, 23000 Meadow Drive, Twain Harte. $35. (209) 928-1616.

Annual Irish Days pancake breakfast with pancakes, ham, scrambled eggs, juice, tea and coffee. 8-10:30 a.m. First Congregational United Church of Christ, 509 Algiers St., Murphys. $7 adults; $4 children under 10. (209) 728-3141.

Eighth annual “Build Your Own Omelet Dinner” including omelet, potatoes, biscuits, fruit and beverage. 4:30-7 p.m. Escalon United Methodist Church, 2000 Jackson Ave., Escalon. $8 adults, $4 children under 10, children under 5 are free. (209) 838-2792.

Knights Ferry Civil War Days spaghetti dinner fundraiser. Raffle. 5-8 p.m. Knights Ferry Community Club, Main St. $7 adults; $4 children 10 and under. (209) 847-6245.

Ballet, tap, jazz and Mommy & Me classes offered for all ages. Central West Ballet, 5039 Pentecost, Modesto. $10 per class. (209) 576-8957. www.centralwestballet.org

Group geared for children 8 and up. Each month club members will be invited to discuss various books, participate in crafts and watch excerpts from films. Refreshments available. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Second Friday Tuolumne County Library, 480 Greenley Road, Sonora. (209) 533-5507.

Participants will create Snuggles, security blankets for shelter animals. Snuggles will be donated to the Stanislaus County Animal Shelter. 2 p.m. Riverbank Library, 3442 Santa Fe St., Riverbank. (209) 869-7008.

Program offering insights into couponing with tips on saving money at the grocery store and more. 3:30 p.m. Salida Library, 4835 Sisk Road. (209) 543-7353.

Participants enjoy free compliments, inspirations and uplifting quotes and contribute to the library’s “Happiness Wall.” Modesto Library, 1500 I St. (209) 558-7814.

Children may create a lucky penny necklace to take home. 3 p.m. Hughson Library, 2412A Third St., Hughson. (209) 883-2293.

Children are invited to fold and tuck to make a paper owl. 3:30 p.m. Waterford Library, 324 E St., Waterford. (209) 874-2191.

Participants will make a rainbow chain with a shiny “pot of gold” at the end. 4 p.m. Turlock Library, 550 Minaret Ave., Turlock. (209) 664-8100.

Presentation of the film “The Lorax.” Participants are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner and blanket. Children may come in pajamas. Beverage and popcorn provided. 6 p.m. Salida Library, 4825 Sisk Road. (209) 543-7353.

All ages can build LEGO displays for the library. Children under age four are welcome to participate with direct parental supervision. 3:30 p.m. Modesto Library, 1500 I St. (209) 558-7814.

Children, tweens and teens may take part in the library’s Craft Redo Day. Craft materials and instructions will be provided. 1 p.m. Keyes Library, 4420 Maud Ave., Keyes (209) 664-8006.

Make and decorate your own crazy creature from ice pop sticks. 3:30 p.m. Patterson Library, 46 N. Salado, Patterson. (209) 892-6473.

Learn how to juice and the health benefits of juicing. 3:30 p.m. Patterson Library, 46 N. Salado, Patterson. (209) 892-6473.

Crafters will use clothespins and wire to create wreaths to be decorated for any occasion or season. Program recommended for ages 14 and older. Registration is required. 7 p.m. Turlock Library, 550 Minaret Ave., Turlock. (209) 664-8100.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers who are trained by the IRS will provide assistance with tax preparation. Space is limited and registration is required. 3-7 p.m. Riverbank Library, 3442 Santa Fe St., Riverbank. (209) 869-7008.

Kindergarten through third grade students and their families are invited to “Building STEAM with Dia: Paint a Masterpiece.” Refreshments served. 3:30 p.m. Oakdale Library, 151 S. First Ave., Oakdale. (209) 847-4204.

Kindergarten through second grade students may participate in Crazy 8’s Math Club. March 19, to learn about coins by weighing, flipping, and rolling them. 4 p.m. Denair Library, 4801 Kersey Road, Denair. (209) 634-1283.

Children may create a “paper roll bug” using paper rolls and personalized touches. 1:30 p.m. Newman Library, 1305 Kern St., Newman. (209) 862-2010.

Games, puzzles, activities for all. Old classics and new, featuring board games, card games, and games of skill and chance. 4 p.m. Turlock Library, 550 Minaret Ave., Turlock. (209) 664-8100.

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

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

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.

6:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Perko’s Cafe, 2120 Patterson Road, Riverbank. (209) 342-7358.

Variety of fitness classes including senior classes and beginning line dancing. No registration or membership required. Monday-Friday, call for times. Centenary Methodist Church, 1911 Toyon Ave. Donation. (209) 988-5655. www.centenarychurch.net

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

The Healthy Aging Association offers group exercise classes for those 60 and older. Classes range from strength training, aerobics or tai chi. Call for information on class location and times. Healthy Aging Association, 121 Downey Ave., Suite 102. Free. (209) 523-2800.

Valley Super Singles weekly social time for singles age 50 and older. 5:30 p.m., First and third Fridays. Bel Piatto Restaurant, 1000 Kansas Ave. (209) 614-4404.

Oakdale Grange #435 presents Bunko Nite. Food and drink free. 7-9:30 p.m. First Fridays. Oakdale Grange Hall , Lambuth and F streets, Oakdale. $10 per person, donation. (209) 556-8524 or (209) 838-7421.

March 14, Sonora Writers Group meeting features guest presenter Salvatore Salerno. Call for location. 10:30 a.m. Second Saturday. Various locations (209) 734-8097.

The Camellia Society of Modesto meetings. All interested in camellias and seeking to learn about camellia culture are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served. Some meeting topics this season will include: bugs, square gardening, herbs and water gardens. 1:30 p.m. Second Sundays. One Church Bethel Campus Free. (209) 522-0147 or (209) 576-0831.

Support group for those either writing for themselves or for publication. 5:30-7 p.m. Merced Multicultural Arts Center, 645 W. Main St. Free.

Ballroom dance lessons hosted by the city of Modesto Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods department. 6:30-8 p.m. Modesto Senior Center, 211 Bodem St. $42 for 8 sessions. (209) 341-2974.

Belly dancing classes hosted by the city of Modesto Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods department. 6-7 p.m. Modesto Senior Center, 211 Bodem St. $45 for 8 sessions. (209) 341-2974.

Modesto Junior College “New Student Day” featuring enrollment opportunity for high school seniors, workshops on PiratesNet access and campus tours. Additional sessions and information for parents. 8 a.m. Modesto Junior College, East Campus, Performing and Media Arts Center, 435 College Ave. Free. (209) 575-6789.

The Studio 49 Fiber Arts group monthly meeting for those interested in spinning, weaving, knitting, crocheting or anything related to the fiber arts. Visitors welcome. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuloume County Library, 480 Greenley Road, Sonora. Free. (209) 533-0593.

Tuolumne County Trivia Bee, finger food and wine and beer bar. 5:30 p.m. Sonora Opera Hall, 250 S Washington St. Sonora. $15. (209) 694-2727.

Mother Lode Mineral Society of California Presents the 49th annual Gem, Jewelry and Rock Show. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. $6 adults; children under 12 free with paid admission.

Central Sierra Audubon Society presentation featuring the program “No Birdbrains Here: The Latest on Bird Learning, Instinct and Intelligence” presented by Susan Schneider. 7 p.m. Tuolumne County Library, 480 Greenley Road. Free. (209) 532-1106.

AAUW presents a panel discussion “Ending the Culture of Violence on School and College Campuses.” 6-9 p.m. Martin G. Petersen Education Center, 720 12th St. Free.

Order Sons of Italy, Modesto Lodge #2021 dinner, meeting and program on “Italian Dance.” 6 p.m. Fleur De Lis Reception Hall, 3460 Oakdale Road.

2-5 p.m. Saturday; 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Gallo Administration Building, 600 Yosemite Ave., Modesto. (209) 537-9945.

Conference to expose Latino high school students to higher education, presented by Modesto Junior College. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Modesto Junior College, East Campus, Auditorium of the Performing and Media Arts Center, 435 College Ave. Free. (209) 575-6698.

“Groundwater in San Joaquin County: Challenges to Managing a Vital and Threatened Resource.” program presented by the League of Women Voters of San Joaquin County. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. O’Connor Woods, West Hall, 3400 Wagner Heights Road, Stockton. Free. (209) 642-5105.

American Civil War Association “Knights Ferry Civil War Days.” 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Knights Ferry Covered Bridge, 17968 Covered Bridge Road, Oakdale. Free. (290) 402-1956 or (925) 321-2131.

Lecture titled “Angels Branch of the Sierra Railway,” by Dave Connery. 2-3 p.m. Angels Camp Museum, 753 S. Main St. Free, members; $10 nonmembers. (209) 736-2963.

Tuolumne Group of the Sierra Club presents a program with Katherine Joye who will discuss day hikes along the Highway 108 corridor and will offer sales and book signings. 7 p.m. Tuolumne Utilities District office, board room, 18885 Nugget Road, Sonora. Free. (209) 480-6194.

Tropical Plant Society of Modesto presents 35th annual show and sale. Orchid and tropical plant exhibits, potting demonstrations. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Stanislaus Union Elementary School, 1931 Kiernan Ave. Free. (209) 545-0814.

Third annual Garden Tour featuring seven gardens within Turlock and Denair. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Various locations. $20 adults; $20 children. (209) 620-0406.

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.

Club meets Tuesdays, second Friday of month for dance. First-time guests are free. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays; 7-10 p.m. second Friday. 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.

Ballroom dances and lesson. 7-10:30 p.m. third Fridays. Senior Center, 211 Bodem St., Modesto. $5 members, $10 for nonmembers. (209) 814-6701. www.modestoballroomclub.org

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

Wednesdays, square dance club workshop nights. 7-9 p.m. American Legion Hall - Turlock, 75 Bothun Road. (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.

Workshops 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, Oakdale. $3-$6 per person; $20 annual dues. (209) 236-1628. www.singleskirtsnflirts.ccsda.org

Sunday dances featuring waltz, Latin, swing, polka and fox trot. Refreshments available. 2-5 p.m. Fourth Sundays. Merced Community Center Ballroom, 755 W 15th St. $8. (209) 723-0839.

A college-community concert band looking for experienced woodwind, brass and percussion players to join. 7 p.m. Mondays. California State University, Stanislaus, music building, 1 University Circle, Turlock. (209) 667-3740.

YES (Youth Entertainment Stage) Company auditions for students grades 7-12 for “Mary Poppins.” No experience necessary, audition materials provided. For locations and times, visit www.yescompany.org. Various locations.

This story was originally published March 11, 2015 at 5:00 PM.