Arts in brief: Center Stage presents ‘Fall to Earth’; StringQuake concert; and more

Maryann Curmi and Ashley Rose Tacheira rehearse for Center Stage Conservatory’s “The Fall to Earth,” running May 8-24 in Modesto. Philip Johnson Center Stage Conservatory

Center Stage Conservatory returns with a production of the familial drama “The Fall to Earth” starting May 8.

The drama by Chicago playwright Joel Drake Johnson explores parent-child relationships and the secrets we keep. The show will be helmed by Center Stage artistic director Traci Sprague. It will star Maryann Curmi, Ashley Rose Tacheira and Lillian McLeod.

Shows will be at 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday through May 24. Tickets are $15 general, $10 students. A special “Pay What You Can” night will be May 21. Call (209) 846-0179 or visit www.centerstagemodesto.com.

StringQuake concert set for May 8

Mark your calendars for “An Evening with StringQuake” on May 8 at Greens on Tenth in downtown Modesto.

The concert is presented by Modesto Unplugged and John Griswold. The San Francisco trio StringQuake features harpist Amelia Romano, cellist Misha Khalikulov and percussionist Josh Mellinger. The instrumental group’s music includes influences from the Americas, Africa, India and Europe.

Show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $15 general seating, $20 prime seating. Call (209) 543-5306 or (209) 543-4261 or visit www.focus-on.org.

Playhouse Merced

Playhouse Merced unveils its 22nd season with a sneak-peek event Saturday, May 2.

The evening will include musical numbers and scenes from the company’s 2015-16 lineup. The annual preview event also includes unlimited beer and wine and a dessert bar at intermission. There also will be a chance to win an Apple Watch and other prizes. Event starts at 6:30 p.m. and show starts at 7:30 p.m. at Playhouse Merced. Tickets are $30. Call (209) 725-8587 or visit https://www.facebook.com/PlayhouseMerced.

Columbia College NEH scholar

A Columbia College art instructor has been selected as a scholar for a National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute program.

Laurie Sylwester was one of 25 chosen for the “Legacy of Ancient Italy: The Etruscans and Early Romans” summer seminars in Europe. The scholars will study in Switzerland and Italy as part of the program. Sylwester plants to take photographs and research for lectures for her ancient art history course and ceramics students. In the fall, Sylwester will provide a public lecture and photography exhibit derived from her summer NEH studies.

Canadian blues artist

Up-and-coming Canadian blues artist Chris Antonik comes to the Iron Door Saloon in Groveland on May 8.

The singer-songwriter and blues guitarist was a 2011 best new artist nominee for the Maple Blues Awards in Canada after he released his debut album. He has played major blues festivals in Canada and last year undertook his first United States tour on the East Coast. This will be his first West Coast tour. The show is free and starts at 9 p.m. For more visit http://iron-door-saloon.com.

Mother Lode art show seeks entries

The Mother Lode Art Association is looking for entries to be shown in its 63rd Juried Art Show and Exhibit this July. The show will run July 10-12 at the Mother Lode Fair.

This year’s judges will be Dan Petersen of Modesto and Ray Roberts of Angels Camp. Entries are due by June 19. Call (209) 532-7240 or visit www.motherlodeartassociation.org.

Central California Art Showcase

If you haven’t already, check out the final week of the Central California Art Showcase being held jointly at the Mistlin Gallery in Modesto and Carnegie Arts Center in Merced.

The free exhibit features a variety of artists in a number of mediums from across the region and beyond. The more than 130 pieces displayed between the galleries will be up through May 8. Mistlin hours are 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday; Carnegie hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, Fridays until 8 p.m.

Valley’s Got Talent applications

This is your last chance to apply to be part of the annual Valley’s Got Talent show.

Applications for the regional talent competition must be received by 6 p.m. Friday, May 1. There is no cost to enter. Rules and applications can be downloaded at www.galloarts.org/vgt.

Performances will be at the Gallo Center for the Arts on Aug. 28-29 in front of a live audience and panel of local and national judges. For more, call (209) 338-2100.

This story was originally published April 28, 2015 at 10:25 PM with the headline "Arts in brief: Center Stage presents ‘Fall to Earth’; StringQuake concert; and more."