Entertainment

Calendar: Events across the Modesto region

Kenny G will play the Gallo Center on Tuesday, April 5.
Kenny G will play the Gallo Center on Tuesday, April 5. Associated Press file

GALLO CENTER FOR THE ARTS

DAUGHTRY AND DAYA ▪  Friday, March 25

B93’s Spring Fling: A Benefit For Camp Jack Hazard. 7 p.m. $35-$125.

TOP: SISTER HELEN PREJEAN ▪  Monday, March 28

Speech and discussion on capital punishment. 7:30 p.m. $25-$100.

CAMILA ▪  Saturday, April 2

Mexican pop rock band. 8 p.m. $79-$129.

KENNY G ▪  Tuesday, April 5

Grammy award-winning saxophonist. 7:30 p.m. $49-$99.

BLUE MAN GROUP ▪  Thursday-Saturday, April 7-9

Comedy, theater, rock and dance party group. Times vary. $39-$99.

The Gallo Center for the Arts is at 1000 I St., Modesto. Call 209-338-2100.

www.galloarts.org.

MUSIC

UKULELE PLAY-ALONG ▪  Ongoing

Funstrummers ukulele play and singalong. Songbooks provided. 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1600 Carver Road, Modesto. Donation. 209-505-3216.

UKULELE LESSONS ▪  Ongoing

Beginning group ukulele lessons. 6-8 p.m. Mondays. First United Methodist Church, Modesto, 850 16th St. Donations. 209-505-3216.

GOLDEN VALLEY CHORUS ▪  Ongoing

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

MODESTO TRADITIONAL JAZZ SOCIETY ▪  Ongoing

Sundays: April 17, Founders Day Rent Party, Midnight Rose, plus other bands; May 15, Ernie Bucio’s Little Big Band; June 19, Bye Bye Blues Band; July 17, Creole Jazz Kings. 12:30 p.m. Jam sets. 1 p.m. featured band. Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 1612 Sisk Road, Modesto $8-$12. 209-620-0285.

TURLOCK SUNSHINE STRUMMERS ▪  Ongoing

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.

CARAVANSERAI ▪  Saturday, March 26

Santana tribute group. 8 p.m. West Side Theatre, 1331 Main St., Newman. $20 general; $24 reserved. 209-862-4490.

COLUMBIA JAZZ SOLO SINGERS ▪  Monday, March 28

6 p.m. Gypsy Shack, 13681 Mono Way, Sonora. Free.

D.ON DAROX & THE MELODY JOY BAKERS ▪  Thursday, March 31

Gypsy blues group. 7 p.m. Gypsy Shack, 13681 Mono Way, Sonora. Free. 209-532-1003.

GARY ALLEGRETTO WITH IAN ESPINOZA ▪  Sunday, April 3

Multiple award-winning musician Gary Allegretto is a singer/songwriter and harmonica player with singer/songwriter and guitar master Ian Espinoza. Part of the Calaveras Arts Council Ovations series. 3 p.m. Performing Arts Center, Bret Harte High School, 323 Highway 49, Angels Camp. $10 children; $25 adults. 209-754-1774.

THE STATE THEATRE

FILM: “THE CONFIRMATION” ▪  Through Friday, March 25

Clive Owen as Walt, a down-on-his luck carpenter. When Walt is tasked with entertaining his 8-year-old son, what should be a quiet father-and-son weekend turns into the adventure of a lifetime. $8-$10.

SENSORY FRIENDLY FILM ▪  Wednesday, March 30

“The Lion King.” Parent social follows. 4 p.m. Free.

“HALF THE SKY” BENEFIT ▪  Thursday, March 31

Nonprofit Successful Women of Central Valley screens the documentary with proceeds benefiting Haven Women’s Center of Stanislaus, Without Permission and SWCV. Filmed in 10 countries, it depicts the stories of four women who turned oppression into opportunity. 4:30 p.m. reception; 6 p.m. film and panel discussion. $20.

FILM: “I SAW THE LIGHT” ▪  Friday, April 1-Friday, April 15

Story of legendary country western singer Hank Williams. $8-$10.

FILM: “THE HUNTING GROUND” ▪  Thursday, April 7

Exposé of rape crimes on U.S. college campuses. Presented by The Stanislaus Family Justice Center, Haven Women’s Center and the Community Services Agency and co-sponsored by the Stanislaus County Office of Education and California State College, Stanislaus. 7 p.m.; Panel discussion follows. $8.

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

THEATER

“THE ELEPHANT MAN” ▪  Friday, March 25-Sunday, April 3

Modesto Junior College Theatre Department production. Auditorium of the Performing and Media Arts Center, 435 College Ave. $8 students and seniors; $10 general. 209-575-6776. http://mjc.tix.com.

“AMERICAN IDIOT” ▪  Friday, April 8-Sunday, April 17

Merced College Theatre Arts Department production. Merced College Theater, 3600 M St. $15 general; $12 students. 209-386-6644. www.mccd.edu/calendar.

“MY FAIR LADY” ▪  Through Sunday, April 24

Sierra Repertory Theatre presents the story of cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle. Can Professor Higgins polish a scrappy street vendor and pass her off as a refined lady? Lerner and Loewe’s masterful score includes “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” “On the Street Where You Live” and many more. Rated G. East Sonora Theatre. 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays-Sundays; 7 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. $28-$45.

ART

ANGELO HALL ▪  209-532-2787

Through Saturday, March 26, Tuolumne County Art Alliance InFocus Exhibit. Noon-5:30 p.m.; noon-3 p.m. Saturday. 22760 Main St., Columbia.

ART SPACE ON MAIN ▪  209-667-3958

Gallery hours: noon-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; noon-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. 139 W. Main St., Turlock. Free.

BLACK OAK CASINO HOTEL ▪  209-754-1774

Through Sunday, April 3, “Animal Scapes.” Presented in partnership with AmadorArts, Calaveras County Arts Council and the Tuolumne County Arts Alliance.

C’EST JOLI ▪  209-324-7111

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

CALAVERAS ARTS COUNCIL ▪  209-754-1774

Through Saturday, April 2, “Artspirit” high school art show. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Saturday. 22 N. Main St., San Andreas. www.calaverasarts.org.

CAROLYN HUFF PHOTOGRAPHY ▪  209-918-6627

Through Thursday, March 31, Georgene Lang. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 1-6 p.m. Thursday, 1-9 p.m. with Third Thursday Art Walk; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday. 1224 K St., Modesto.

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ART ASSOCIATION AND MISTLIN GALLERY ▪  209-529-3369

Friday, April 1-Friday, May 27, Mistlin 2016 Art Showcase; Thursday, April 21, 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.

DOWNTOWN MODESTO ▪  209-529-9303

Thursday, April 21, Third Thursday Art Walk. 5-9 p.m. Downtown Modesto.

GALLERY CALAVERAS ▪  209-754-1774

Through Thursday, March 31, Calaveras County Arts Council presents “ArtSpirit,” high school juried exhibition. Gallery hours: Tuesdays-Thursdays 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fridays-Saturdays 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

GUSTINE MUSEUM ▪  209-854-6455

Gustine Museum Historical Society presents “Grandma’s Kitchen,” kitchen items from the 1930s to 1950s. Gallery hours: 1-4 p.m. Thursday and Sunday. 397 Fourth St., Gustine. www.gustinehistoricalsociety.org.

HART LANE STUDIO ▪  209-480-6950

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

McHENRY MUSEUM ▪  209-577-5366

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.

PEER RECOVERY ART PROJECT ▪  209-581-1695

Thursday, April 21, Third Thursday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 1222 J St., Modesto. www.peerartrecoveryproject.org.

PRESERVATION COFFEE AND TEA ▪ 

Thursday, April 21, Third Thursday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m. 1030 J. St., Modesto. www.preservationcoffee.com.

REMEMBER WHEN ▪  209-544-1385

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

STILL SMOKING ▪  209-574-0681

Thursday, April 21, Third Thursday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m. 1313 J St., Modesto. www.stillsmokingstore.tripod.com.

TREVINO’S BARBER SHOP ▪  209-988-4612

Thursday, April 21, Third Thursday Art Walk, 5-9 p.m. 909 10th St., Modesto. www.trevinosbarbershop.com.

TURLOCK ART GALLERY ▪  209-634-8911

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.

UNIQUE BOUTIQUES ▪  209-523-3000

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

VARIOUS STUDIOS ▪  209-222-8687

Saturday-Sunday, April 23-24, Stanislaus Artist Open Studio Tour with 75 artists participating in studios in various locations in Stanislaus County. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 23; noon-5 p.m. April 24. $10 for map booklet; free age 18 and under.

YOSEMITE MUSEUM GALLERY ▪  209-372-0200

Yosemite Renaissance celebrates its 30th year with 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.

CARNEGIE ARTS CENTER

INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCING ▪  Ongoing

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.

TURLOCK UKE JAMZ ▪  Second Saturdays

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

“A HANDFUL OF DUST” ▪  Through Sunday, April 24

Allen Birnbach’s photographs create a portrait of ranchers that builds awareness and interest in preserving their way of life. On view in the lobby galleries.

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP ▪  Saturday-Sunday, April 9-10

Denver-based photographer Allen Birnbach leads participants with opportunity to photograph at two working ranches. Birnbach’s photos on display now. On April 10, Birnbach will present a free public lecture about his work. $1,095.

The Carnegie Arts Center is at 250 N. Broadway, Turlock. Call 209-632-5761. www.carnegieartsturlock.org.

CASINOS

CHICKEN RANCH ▪  800-752-4646

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

THUNDER VALLEY ▪  877-468-8777

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

JACKSON RANCHERIA ▪  800-822-9466

Saturday, March 26, Global Knock-out 6; Friday, April 8, Blackberry Smoke. 12222 New York Ranch Road, Jackson. www.jacksoncasino.com.

RED HAWK CASINO ▪  888-573-3495

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

CACHE CREEK ▪  800-772-2243

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

BLACK OAK CASINO ▪  877-747-8777

Friday, March 25, Cheeseballs; Saturday, March 26, Richie “Dr. Tequila” Barron & The Mob; Thursday, March 31, Collin Raye; Friday, April 1, Metal Shop; Saturday, April 2, Shane Dwight; Friday, April 8, Jank Tones. 19400 Tuolumne Road N., Tuolumne.

FESTIVALS & FAIRS

WILDFLOWER DAY ▪  Saturday, March 26

Pacheco State Park’s 13th annual event. Information from California Native Plant Society, California Department of Fish and more; arts and crafts for children; nature hike at 10 a.m.; self-guided tours. 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $10 per vehicle. 209-826-6283.

TIME TO FLY KITE FESTIVAL ▪  Saturday, April 2

Fifth annual Knights of Columbus event. Giant kite-flying demonstrations, kite-making workshops, kite building contests, candy drop and other activities. Merced County sheriff’s Huey helicopter will land to kick off the event. First 500 kids get a free kite. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Livingston Middle School, 101 F St., Livingston.

TASTE OF CALAVERAS ▪  Saturday, April 16

Features local celebrity cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, educational wine and food pairing seminars and silent auction. Noon-4 p.m. Garden Breezeway and Wine Caves, Ironstone Vineyards, 1894 Six Mile Road, Murphys. $40 in advance; $50 at the door. 209-736-1333.

FILM

SIERRA NEVADA FILM FESTIVAL ▪  Saturday, March 26

Featuring four films, “Banking Nature,” “The Fire Next Time,” I Am Chut Wutty” and “Martin’s Boat.” 5:30 p.m. Black Bart Playhouse, 580 S. Algiers Road, Murphys. $10 at the door, $8 online; students $6 at the door, $5 online. www.sierrafilmfest.org.

FOOD & FUN

SIERRA RAILROAD DINNER TRAIN ▪  Ongoing

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

VFW DINNER ▪  Ongoing

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

HISTORY CENTER BREAKFAST ▪  Ongoing

Presented by Northern Mariposa County History Center. 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, 12455 W. Ripon Road, Ripon. 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, 12455 W. Ripon Road, Ripon. Small donation required. 209-599-6815.

TURLOCK VFW HAMBURGER NIGHTS ▪  Ongoing

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 HAMBURGER NIGHTS ▪  Ongoing

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.

MERCED CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET ▪  Ongoing

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

FOE BREAKFAST ▪  Ongoing

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

STEAK NIGHT ▪  Ongoing

Steak dinner, 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.

KNIGHTS FERRY BREAKFAST ▪  Ongoing

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

TURLOCK SONS IN RETIREMENT LUNCH ▪  Ongoing

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

ODD FELLOWS BREAKFAST ▪  Ongoing

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

SENIOR BREAKFAST CLUB ▪  Ongoing

50-plus club. 8:30-9 a.m. Sundays. Denny’s, 1525 McHenry Ave., Modesto. 209-576-0279.

FISH FRY ▪  Friday, March 25

Modesto Portuguese Pentecost Association. Clam chowder, soup, fish, potatoes, salad, bread, dessert. Take-out 5-6 p.m.; dinner 6-8 p.m. California Ballroom, 432 Sixth St., Modesto. $10-$20. 209-595-2133.

COLUMBIA’S VICTORIAN EASTER CELEBRATION ▪  Sunday, March 27

Easter egg hunt in Victorian-era clothing. Event registration 11 a.m. Egg hunt starts at noon with a Victorian Easter parade at 12:30 p.m. Columbia State Historic Park, 22869 N. Gold St. Columbia. Free. 209-536-1672. visitcolumbiacalifornia.com.

SOS EASTER BRUNCH ▪  Sunday, March 27

Easter bunny arrives at 11 a.m. Brunch 10 a.m.-1 p.m. SOS Club, 819 Sunset Ave., Modesto. $25 adults; $15 children. 209-578-5801. www.sosclub.com.

PRESENTATION OF QUEENS ▪  Saturday, April 2

Presentation, dinner, dance with music by Progresso. 6 p.m.-midnight. Modesto Portuguese Pentecost Association. California Ballroom, 432 Sixth St., Modesto. $5-$10. 209-595-2133.

LUNCH WITH MARY POPPINS ▪  Saturday, April 9

Soroptimist International of Modesto’s 28th annual fundraiser; proceeds to benefit community service projects and scholarships. Noon-3:00 p.m. Charity Ballroom, 645 Charity Way, Modesto. $40, advance only. 209-499-0260.

BUZZIN’ INTO SPRING LUNCH AND FASHION SHOW ▪  Saturday, April 9

Young Ladies Institute event; proceeds benefit Stanislaus County Center for Human Services. Noon. Our Lady of Fatima Church, 505 W. Granger, Modesto. $15.

NORTHERN MARIPOSA COUNTY HISTORY CENTER BREAKFAST ▪  Sunday, April 10

Second Sunday monthly breakfast. 8 p.m.-11 a.m. NMCHC. Old Schoolhouse (Broadway & Cemetery Street), Coulterville. Adults $5; children $3. 209-878-3015.

ODDS & ENDS

CLASSIC AIRCRAFT DISPLAYS ▪  Ongoing

Sponsored by the Commemorative Air Force. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. second Saturdays. Modesto Airport, 700 Tioga Drive, Hangar 1. 209-526-5868. www.cafvalleysquadron.org.

AIRCRAFT DISPLAY ▪  Ongoing

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

AIRPLANE EXHIBIT ▪  Ongoing

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

REO SPEECH TRAIN, TOASTMASTERS ▪  Ongoing

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

SUCCESSFUL THINKERS NETWORK ▪  Ongoing

Successful Thinkers Network-Modesto Learning Zone programs. Tuesdays. 11:30 a.m. Round Table Pizza, 3848 McHenry Ave., Modesto. 209-712-8997.

SWEAT FITNESS ▪  Ongoing

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 ▪  Ongoing

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

TALK OF THE TOWN TOASTMASTERS ▪  Ongoing

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

YOUNG AT HEART EXERCISE ▪  Ongoing

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, Modesto. Free. 209-523-2800.

TOASTMASTERS WINNING WITH WORDS ▪  Ongoing

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

SUPER SINGLES ▪  Ongoing

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., Modesto. 209-883-2685.

BUNKO NITE ▪  Ongoing

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.

WRITERS GROUP MEETING ▪  Ongoing

Sonora Writers Group. 10:30 a.m. second Saturdays. Call for location. 209-734-8097.

WRITERS SUPPORT GROUP ▪  Ongoing

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

GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY ▪  Ongoing

Society meets to instruct, inform and educate members in the techniques of research. 7 p.m. third Tuesdays. Trinity Presbyterian Church, Telle Center, 1600 Carver Road, Modesto. 209-526-5009.

CAMELLIA SOCIETY ▪  Ongoing

Monthly meeting. 1:30 p.m. second Sundays. Seventh-day Adventist Church, Fellowship Hall, 16th and G streets, Modesto. Free. 209-522-0147.

PATH OF THE PADRES HIKE AND BOAT TOUR ▪  Saturdays-Sundays, through April 13

The California State Parks, San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area conduct hike and boat tour each Saturday and Sunday. Hike begins at the Los Banos Creek Reservoir boat launch ramp at 8 a.m. and returns to the ramp about 3:30 p.m.

MAPS: TOM LUSTER ▪  Friday, March 25

Modesto Area Partners in Science program with analyst from the California Coastal Commission speaking on “Can Desalination Solve California’s Water Problem?” 7:30 p.m. MJC West Campus, Sierra Hall 132, 2201 Blue Gum Ave., Modesto. Free. andersonr@yosemite.cc.ca.us.

WILDFLOWER DAY ▪  Saturday, March 26

13th annual Wildflower Day includes information tables, arts and crafts for children, self-guided tours using a pamphlet and a nature hike at 10 a.m. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Pacheco State Park, 38787 Dinosaur Point Road, Hollister. Park admission $10 per vehicle. 209-826-6283. bwong@parks.ca.gov.

CALAVERAS GEM AND MINERAL SHOW ▪  Saturday-Sunday, March 26-27

Minerals, jewelry, gems, beads, meteorites and more. The show includes a kids area, demonstrations and prizes. Calaveras County Fairgrounds, 2465 Gun Club Road, Angels Camp. $5.

COLUMBIA 166TH ANNIVERSARY ▪  Saturday-Sunday, March 26-27

Celebrating the town’s founding in March 1850. Speeches and various activities. Columbia State Park, Columbia. Free.

SIERRA CLUB ▪  Thursday, March 31

Program featuring “Climbing Around the World, A Life of Wandering” with Dave Harden. 7 p.m. T.U.D. boardroom, 18885 Nugget Blvd., Sonora.

S.A.F.E. SEMINAR ▪  Friday, April 1

Seniors Against Financial Exploitation seminar with expert guest speakers, free continental breakfast ans lunch. Registration 8:30 a.m., event 9 a.m.-1 p.m. CrossPoint Church, Needham and 12th streets, Modesto. RSVP by Tuesday, March 29; seating limited. 209-529-3784 or 209-593-6116.

COULTERVILLE’S HERITAGE IN THE DIGITAL AGE ▪  Saturday, April 2-Sunday, April 24

IOOF Hall, 5030 Main St., Coulterville. www.coultervillehistorycenter.org or 209-878-3015

TROPICAL PLANT SOCIETY ▪  Saturday-Sunday, April 2-3

36th annual “Show and Sale, Orchid Love.” 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Orchids and tropical plants on exhibit. Free. Stanislaus Union Elementary School, multipurpose room, 1931 Kiernan Ave., Modesto.

RAILTOWN 1897 TRAIN RIDES ▪  Saturday-Sunday, April 2-3

Celebrating the opening of the excursion train riding season. Free. Times vary. South Fifth Avenue at Reservoir Road, Jamestown.

LA GRANGE RODEO ▪  Saturday-Sunday, April 2-3

Events include dance, 8 p.m. Saturday, April 2; rodeo, Sunday, April 3. $15 adults; $10 children. 209-581-2420 or 209-262-7719. http://LaGrangeRodeoAssociation.com.

FFA FIELD DAY ▪  Saturday, April 2

High school students from across the state vie for awards in 17 agriculture career development events. 7:30 a.m. East and West campuses of Modesto Junior College. 209-575-6200.

BRET HARTE BUNCO BENEFIT ▪  Sunday, April 3

Benefits Bret Harte Grad Night 2016. 4 p.m. $25 donation for Grad Night; $5 donation for winner’s pot. Murphys Suites, 143 Highway 4, Murphys. 209-770-6222 or 209-768-9880. ccgradnight.org.

VISITING AUTHOR SERIES ▪  Tuesday, April 5

Modesto Junior College presents reading by Gary Soto, author of 32 books and poetry collections. 6:30 p.m. Forum 110, East Campus, 435 College Ave. Free; $2 parking. 209-575-6164.

BUZZIN’ INTO SPRING LUNCHEON & FASHION SHOW ▪  Saturday, April 9

Proceeds benefit Center for Human Services, Stanislaus County, with fashions by Christina’s Boutiques, Ragamuffin Children’s Clothing. Noon. Our Lady of Fatima Church, 505 W. Granger, Modesto. $15. 209-541-8395.

MAPS: DANIEL KAMMEN AND LINDA RUDOLPH ▪  Friday, April 15

Modesto Area Partners in Science program on “Everything You Wanted to Know about Climate Change but Were Afraid to Ask.” 7:30 p.m. MJC West Campus, Mary Stuart Rogers Student Center, 2201 Blue Gum Ave., Modesto. Free. andersonr@yosemite.cc.ca.us.

CRAFT FAIRE ▪  Saturday, April 16

Homemade arts and crafts. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Lunch $5. Proceeds benefit Waterford Historical Museum. Highway 132 and Bentley Street, Waterford. 209-404-7916.

DANCE CLUBS

RIVERBANK GOLDEN AGERS ▪  Ongoing

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.

TURLOCK SENIOR CENTER DANCE ▪  Ongoing

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

VALLEY SUPER SINGLES ▪  Ongoing

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.

FOREVER YOUNG DANCE CLUB ▪  Ongoing

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.

MANTECA SENIOR DANCE ▪  Ongoing

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

USA DANCE BALLROOM DANCING ▪  Ongoing

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

ROUND ROBINS ▪  Ongoing

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

TURLOCK STEPPIN PARDS ▪  Ongoing

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.

SENIOR CITIZENS DANCE AND POTLUCK ▪  Ongoing

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.

SKIRTS N’ FLIRTS SQUARE DANCE CLUB ▪  Ongoing

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 per person; $20 annual dues. 209-236-1628. www.singleskirtsnflirts.ccsda.org.

TALENT

AILEEN JAFFA YOUNG POETS CONTEST ▪  Through Friday, April 15

All Stanislaus County students grades K through 12 eligible submit up to three entries. $1 per entry. Postmark deadline April 15. Mail submissions to MoSt Poetry, P.O. Box 578940, Modesto, CA 95357.

This story was originally published March 22, 2016 at 2:08 PM with the headline "Calendar: Events across the Modesto region."

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