Family Fun Days in the 100 Acre Wood -- Intervale
Now through March 27, 2010
Indoor entertainment in the "Theater in the Wood." Outdoor activities will include guided tours along the river and through the Wood, animal tracking, geo-caching and family-friendly race series. Indoor Entertainment will include movies, puppet shows, music, dance and more. Location: 41 Observatory Way(directly across from Town Hall Road). Dates: Saturdays in January, February and March. Time: 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Fee: Adults, $10; children about 4-12, $6.Information: 603-356-9980 or visit www.believeinbooks.org

Family Mardi Gras Celebration -- Dover
February 14, 2010
The Family Mardi Gras Celebration will include live Cajun music by The Fiddling Thomsons at 1 and 3 p.m., regional foods of New Orleans to sample, and children's parades through the museum led by Albert The Costumed Alligator. Children can make Mardi Gras masks and jester hats, and each visitor will receive a strand of colorful Mardi Gras beads to wear and take home. Location: 6 Washington Street. Time: Noon-5 p.m. Cost: Adults and children, $8; seniors, $7. Information: 603-742-2002 or visit www.childrens-museum.org.

Willy Wonka Junior -- Rochester
February 26, 2010 to February 27, 2010
Join the charismatic, mischievous Willy Wonka in a world of pure imagination as he seeks to find an heir to manage his magical candy factory in this stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Location: Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield Street. Time: 2 p.m. Information: 603-335-1992 or visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com/

Seussical the Musical -- Rochester
March 18, 2010 to March 21, 2010
The beloved characters of Dr. Seuss transport the audience from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. Family and community are tested and ultimately emerge triumphant. Location: Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield Street. Dates and times: March 18-20, 7 p.m.; March 20 and 21, 2 p.m. Cost: $10. Information: 603-335-1992 or visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com

Maple Sugaring -- Tamworth
March 27, 2010
Take a horse-drawn wagon or sleigh ride to the sugarhouse and see how maple syrup is produced. Sample maple syrup and sugar on snow. See tapped maple trees in the sugar bush. Watch historic demonstrations ofsugaring off. Children can enjoy craft-making activities. Location: Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm. 58 Cleveland Hill Road. Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $5. Information: 603-323- 7591 800-686- 6117 or visit www.remickmuseum.org.

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COMEDY

Comedy Xxtravaganza -- Portsmouth
February 12, 2010
The World's Funniest Noreaster blasts into Portsmouth when Mike McDonald's Comedy Xxtravaganza pummels the Music Hall for its ninth year. The annual laughapalooza returns with comedians from the Letterman show, Conan, Comedy Central and the Biggest Loser. Location: Music Hall, 28 Chestnut Street.Cost: $34 and $37. Information: 603-436-2400, or online at www.themusichall.org.

Frank Santos Jr. -- Rochester
February 13, 2010
Are you a rock star? Or a Mr. Universe? Frank Santos Jr. thinks so. This second generation hypnotist unleashes inner “talents” of audience members and transforms them into “stars” in this unpredictable, uproarious laugh-until-your-sides-hurt R-rated comedy show. Adult material. Location: Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield Street. Time: 8 p.m. Information: 603-335-1992 or visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com/

Tim Sample -- Rochester
April 10, 2010
New England's premier native humorist Tim Sample comes Back in Spite of Popular Demand to our stage to regale the audience with his off beat stories delivered with his distinct brand of Down East Maine humor. Sample delivers deliciously wry humor with wit. Location: Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield Street. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $20. Information: 603-335-1992 or visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com/

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FOOD, WINE, BEER

Storytelling Dinners at Corner House Inn -- Center Sandwich
Now through May 27, 2010
Storytelling dinners take place every Thursday evening through the end of May. Local and regional professional storytellers spin yarns for the enjoyment of the diners. Location: Corner House Inn, 22 Main Street. Time: 630 p.m. Cost: $19.95 per person. Information: 603-284-6219 or visit www.cornerhouseinn.com.

Meister Hut Wine Dinner -- North Conway
Now through March 13, 2010
Taking place in the 1940's-era log cabin at its summit, Cranmore's wine dinners offer a one-of-a-kind fine dining experience in front of a fieldstone fireplace with live music and spectacular views of the lights of North Conway Village Location: 1 Skimobile Road. Dates: January 9, 23; February 6, 20; March 13. Time: 6 p.m. Information: 603-356-5544 or visit http://www.cranmore.com

Winter Wine Festival – New Castle
February 15, 2010 to February 27, 2010
Grand vintner’s dinners, flight nights, rare vintage tastings, celebrity chefs and winemakers, classes, Bubbles and Jazz Sunday brunches, and educational seminars with notable oenophiles will offer something for everyone. Location: Wentworth by the Sea, 588 Wentworth Road. Information: 603-422-7322 or visit www.northeastwinefestivals.com

Pork Roast and Cornbread Heathside Dinner at the Remick Museum & Farm -- Tamworth
February 27, 2010
Experience the warmth and charm of an early 19th century Hearthside Dinner, where the meal is cooked entirely on the open hearth. The Remick staff prepares a nourishing meal using historic recipes. Hearthside Dinners are usually a cozy gathering of 12 adults. Pre-registration is required. Location: Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, 58 Cleveland Hill Road. Cost: $40. Information and reservations: 800-686-6117 or visit www.remickmuseum.org/Hearthside.

March Maple Madness Dinner -- Troy
March 7, 2010
Celebrate the season with a maple feast and live music at this Maple Madness dinner. The evening will also feature a silent auction to benefit the Monadnock Travel Council. This is a BYOB event. Location: East Hill Farm, 460 Monadnock Stret. Time: 5 p.m. Cost: Age 16 through adult, $19.95; child age 2 to 15, $10.95. Information: 603-242-6495 or visit www.east-hill-farm.com

Chicken and Biscuits Heathside Dinner at the Remick Museum & Farm -- Tamworth
March 20, 2010
Experience the warmth and charm of an early 19th century Hearthside Dinner, where the meal is cooked entirely on the open hearth. The Remick staff prepares a nourishing meal using historic recipes. Hearthside Dinners are usually a cozy gathering of 12 adults. Pre-registration is required. Location: Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, 58 Cleveland Hill Road. Cost: $40 per person. Information and reservations: 800-686-6117 or visit www.remickmuseum.org/Hearthside.

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HISTORIC

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MUSEUMS

Windborne Trio -- Nelson
February 21, 2010
Lynn Mahoney Rowan, Lauren Breunig, Will Thomas Rowan will perform. Vocal traditions from around the world and originals, including Appalachian, Corsican, Georgian, Bulgarian with a lovely balance of original traditional sounding songs and harmonies. Location: Nelson Town Hall, Cemetery Road. Time: 7 p.m. Cost: Admission is $10; seniors and youth, $8. Information: 603-352-8616 or visit www.monadnockfolk.org

New England Hooked Rugs as Art -- Newry
May 28, 2010 to June 20, 2010
Celebrating decades of New England handcrafted hooked rugs with important pieces on display from collection of Jeff Good. See how these useful and decorative pieces have evolved to become highly prized by collectors. Some rugs available for purchase. Location: Location: The Fells Main House Gallery, 456 Route 103A. Time: Weekends and Monday holidays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: Adults, $8; seniors age 65 and older and students with ID, $7; children ages 6-17, $3. Information: 603-763-4789 or visit www.thefells.org

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MUSIC

Kurt Elling with Monterey Jazz Festival -- Portsmouth
February 10, 2010
Kurt Elling, “perhaps the most distinctive singer on the American scene,” will appear with The Kenny Barron Trio (Kenny on piano), violinist Regina Carter, and Russell Malone on guitar. Elling, named Male Vocalist of the Year n the Down Beat Readers Poll, is considered one of America's most unheralded national treasures. Location: The Musci Hall, 28 Chestnut Street. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost:$54 and $40. Information: 603-436-2400 or visit www.themusichall.org

Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour -- Portsmouth
February 10, 2010
This year’s tour will feature The Kenny Barron Trio (Kenny on piano), violinist Regina Carter, vocalist Kurt Elling, and Russell Malone on guitar. Chicago-based singer Kurt Elling is equal parts Frank Sinatra and Elvis Costello and a favorite of Renee Fleming’s. Kenny Barron has been called one of the top jazz pianists in the world. Russell Malone has toured and recorded with Diana Krall. And to top it all off, Regina Carter has been recording with Mary J. Blige. Location: The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut Street. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: $54 and $40. Information and tickets: 603-436-2400 or visit www.themusichall.org

Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway – Concord
February 12, 2010
100 Years of Broadway recreates the greatest moments from the finest shows of the century featuring the actual stars of shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, CATS, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Jekyll & Hyde. These amazing performers light up the stage with songs from the hit shows in which they starred. Neil Berg presents brilliantly revived arrangements of Broadway classics as well as thrilling numbers from Broadway’s newest hit shows. Location: Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main Street. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $12.50 to $60. Information and tickets: 603-225-1111 or visit www.ccanh.com.

A Bossa Nova Valentine’s Day with Eliane Elias -- Portsmouth
February 14, 2010
Celebrate a Bossa Nova Valentine’s Day with the sensual Brazilian jazz pianist, singer/songwriter Eliane Elias, whose distinctive musical style blends her Brazilian roots, her sensuous, alluring voice with her impressive instrumental jazz, classical and compositional skills. A triple Grammy nominee with 21 albums, Elias is touring behind her latest recording, Bossa Nova Stories, a sublime collection that pays tribute to, and captures the sprit of, the music of her homeland. Location: The Music Hall, Chestnut Street. Time: 8 p.m. Information: 603-433-3100 ext 12

The James Montgomery Blues Band -- Rochester
February 19, 2010
James Montgomery plays a gutsy blend of blues — buoyed by his direct, gritty singing, his command of a wide spray of electric- and acoustic-harmonica tones, and moody vocals. While growing up in Detroit he learned first-hand from the masters - James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells - at the legendary 'Chessmate.' Over the years, he's carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene. Location: Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield Street. Time: 8 p.m. Information and tickets: 603-335-1992 or visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com

Umalali by the Garifuna Women’s Project -- Portsmouth
February 19, 2010
The Garifuna are renowned for creating a unique brand of music and dance blending rock, blues, funk, African, Latin and Caribbean rhythms. Their songs tell stories of their community’s struggle to survive and to retain their unique language, music and tradition in the face of globalization. The Location: The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut Street. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $28 and $22. Information: 603-436-2400 or visit www.themusichall.org.

ScrapArts Music – Concord
February 20, 2010
This Vancouver-based company creates high-energy percussion experiences using kinetic instruments recycled and re-imagined from industrial scraps. Combining energy, originality and joie de vivre, ScrapArts Music offers up must-see musical experiences. Location: Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main Street. Time: 7:30 p.m. Cost: Adults, $34.50; students and seniors, $24.50; balcony, $12.50. Information and tickets: 603-225-1111 or visit www.ccanh.com.

James Montgomery Blues Band -- Milford
February 20, 2010
James Montgomery Blues Band featuring Charlie Farren Location: Amato Center for the Performing Arts, 56 Mount Vernon Street. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $30. Information: www.svbgc.com or call 603-673-1734.

Disco Biscuits – Concord
February 21, 2010
The Disco Biscuits bridge the gap between electronic music and jam bands. They are rock pioneers whose soul belongs as much to marathon dance parties as it does to live improvisational journeys. Known to break into classical or jazz pieces in the middle of a jam, The Disco Biscuits are consummate musicians capable of playing their songs both forward and backward – just to see how it sounds. Location: Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main Street. Time: Doors open at 7 p.m. with the show beginning promptly at 7:30 p.m. Cost: $33 in advance; $35 day of show. Information and tickets: www.discobiscuits.com or www.ccanh.com or call 603-225-1111.

Broadway Beatlemania Stage Show -- Manchester
March 6, 2010
An evening of music and fun featuring the the nationally touring production of Beatlemania. Featuring all your favorite songs from She Loves You to Sgt. Pepper to Revolution, the show spans the entire story of the Beatles in one night the whole family will enjoy. Sing along, dance and party the night away. Door prizes, raffles and more. Location: Street Address: Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral Event Hall, 600 Hanover Street. Time: Doors open 5 p.m.; show, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Information: 201-301-2768.

Asleep at the Wheel -- Rochester
March 12, 2010
Asleep at the Wheel founder Ray Benson has led an ever-changing lineup of talented musicians in his quest to keep alive the authentic sound of big band Western swing music. Location: Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield Street. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $28, $33. Information: 603-335-1992 or visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com

Asleep at the Wheel -- Rochester
March 12, 2010
The 9-time Grammy winning kings of big-band Texas swing. Founder Ray Benson has led an ever-changing lineupof talented musicians for nearly forty years in his quest to keep alive the authentic sound of Big Band Western Swing Music. Location: City Hall, 31 Wakefield Street Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $28-$33.Information: 603-335-1992 or visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com

Train -- Concord
March 20, 2010
Grammy Award-winning band Train is rolling back into the music scene with the recent release of their new album, Save Me, San Francisco. Save Me, San Francisco is the multi-platinum-selling band's fifth studio album and marks the restoration of Train's original line-up - vocalist Pat Monahan, guitarist Jimmy Stafford and drummer Scott Underwood. Location: Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main Street. Cost: $30 to $175 for a VIP package including a meet and greet. Information: 603-225-1111 or visit www.ccanh.com.

B.J. Thomas -- Rochester
March 26, 2010
Reminisce with award winning pop, rock and country artist BJ Thomas, one of the most recognized voices of his generation. The five-time Grammy Award winner has produced two platinum and eleven gold records, since his first hit recording I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry. Location: Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield Street. Time: 8 p.m. Cost: $38, $36, $43. Information: 603-335-1992 or visit www.rochesteroperahouse.com/

Wilco – Concord
April 7, 2010
Wilco clings to the grit of the independent scene while continuing to morph and innovate, releasing a series of chart-topping albums and drawing sell-out crowds. The Boston Globe calls its performances a “pitch-perfect tangle of earthy comforts and perilous adventure…from the planet’s most radical roots band.” This is an all-ages event. Location: Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main Street. Time: Doors open at 7 p.m.; show at 8 p.m. Cost: $35 in advance, $37 day of show. Information and tickets: www.wilcoworld.net or www.ccanh.com or 603-225-1111.

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OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

The Great North Woods 30K Classic Race and Tour – Dixville Notch
February 27, 2010
All cross country skiers are invited to participate in the competitive 30K racing option or the 5K or 10K touring option immediately following the race. The Balsams will set up food stations alongside the trails and serve delicious gourmet food to skiers. Location: The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel, 1000 Cold Spring Road. Information: Information: 800-255-0600 or visit http://www.thebalsams.com/

Chocolate Festival – North Conway
February 28, 2010
Festival participants are invited to ski, snowshoe, or drive the network trails from one trailside stop to the next. Hosts serve chocolate treats. A festival map will be available online before the event. Stops include 1785 Inn, Adventure Suites, Eastern Inns, Mountain View Estates, Old Field House, Riverside Inn B&B, Stonehurst Manor, the Touring Center at Ragged Mountain Equipment. Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Information and tickets: 603-383-4593 or visit www.crosscountryskinh.com/chocolatefestival.html

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PERFORMING ARTS, THEATER, DANCE

Lula Washington Dance Theatre – Manchester
February 19, 2010
This contemporary dance troupe took its first steps in South Los Angeles as a creative outlet for minority dancers. Today it lands at the top of critics' lists as one of the most admired African-American dance troupes in the country. Location: Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Drive. Time: 8 P.M. Cost: Adult Reserved seating, $29.50; seniors, $25.50; youths age 18 and younger, $12.50. Information: 603-641-7700 or visit www.anselm.edu/dana

The Met@The Music Hall with “Hamlet”-- Portsmouth
March 27, 2010
The Met@The Music Hall is a series of live, high-definition transmissions of performances by the Metropolitan Opera from Lincoln Theater in New York to movie theaters around the world. Ambroise Thomas’s Hamlet will be seen in a new production by Patrice Caurier and Moshe Leiser, starring Simon Keenlyside and Natalie Dessay. Location: The Music Hall, Chestnut Street. Time: 1 p.m. Information: 603-436-2400 or visit www.themusichall.org.

The Met@The Music Hall with “Armimda”-- Portsmouth
May 2, 2010
The Met@The Music Hall is a series of live, high-definition transmissions of performances by the Metropolitan Opera from Lincoln Theater in New York to movie theaters around the world. This production features Renée Fleming in Rossini’s bel canto tour de force Armida. Location: The Music Hall, Chestnut Street. Time: 1 p.m. Information: 603-436-2400 or visit www.themusichall.org.

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SHOWS & EXHIBITS

Rapture of Orchids Show and Sale – Nashua
February 12, 2010 to February 14, 2010
Orchid exhibits, sales, free workshops, guided tours. Location: Radisson Hotel, 11 Tara Blvd. Time: Friday, 1-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: www.nhorchids.org

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VISUAL ARTS

The Things We Do For Love Fine Crafts -- Concord
Now through March 26, 2010
The League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Gallery 205 is hosting an exhibition that reflects the passion and creativity of 40 juried members of the league. The exhibition features a wide array of distinctive fine craft, including jewelry, fiber, clay, metal sculpture, wood, baskets, photography, leather, and mixed media pieces. Location: 205 North Main Street. Time: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: Free Information: 603-224-3375 or visit www.nhcrafts.org

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