The final, last-minute deadline for Happenings listings is noon May 13 for the May 16 issue. Send arts and entertainment listings to news@jamaicaplaingazette.com. Listings with no end date will be run for 3 months, space permitting. Note: 617 should be dialed before numbers below, un-less another area code is given.

Special Events

Wake Up The Earth, Sat., May 3, parade assembles 10:30am at the monument on South St. Festival follows midday at Southwest Corridor Park at Stony Brook Station.
Jamaica Plain Open Studios, annual artist’s meeting, open to all artists living, working or showing in JP. Non-JP artists can apply for group shows or shared spaces with local artists. Come learn more about JPOS 2008 plans and get questions answered. Mon., May 5, 7pm, The Footlight Club, 7a Elliot St. Info: www.jpopenstudios.com / 943-7819; Small Works Show and Sale featuring works that are 7 inches maximum and featuring 30 local artists, Tues., May 20, 6-9pm, Milky Way Lounge and Lanes, 403 Centre St. Open Studios, showcasing over 220 artists at 75 sites, Sept. 27-28, 11am-6pm. Info: wwwjpopenstudios.com/943-7819.
Lilac Sunday at the Arnold Arboretum, experience the colors and fragrances of over 180 different kinds of lilacs—plus tours, dancing, art, music, children’s activities and food (picnics allowed this special day only.) Sun., May 11, 10am-4pm, Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway. Info: 524-1718 x100 / www.arboretum.harvard.edu.
Boston Nature Center’s 2nd Not Too Silent Spring Fling and Auction, an extravaganza with food, entertainment by Bos-ton Latin Academy’s String Quartet. Auction items include: Photos by Eduardo Solar, theater museum, and whale watch tickets etc. Proceeds to benefit youth en-vironmental education programs Sun., June 1, 2-5pm, Boston Nature Center, 450 Walk Hill Rd. Info: www.massaudubon.org.

Birds and Bards Festival

Early Bird Special, at the Franklin Park Zoo. Come enjoy bird bio-facts, games, activities, bird-friendly art projects, bird books and bird walks. Group tours every half-hour to a secret pine forest to spot local birds in their natu-ral habitat. Half-price zoo admission before noon. Sat., May 3, 10am-12pm, Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Rd. Info: 541-LION (5466).
Bird Walks, with Bob Mayer at the Arnold Arboretum, Fri., May 2, 7-8:30am, meet at the Hunnewell Visitors Center, 125 Arborway. Info: www.arboretum.harvard.edu/. With Chris Leahy at the BostonNature Center, Sat., May 3, 7:30-10am meet at the main building, 450 Walk Hill St. With Adam Birch at the Forest Hills Cemetery, Sun., May 4, 7-9am meet at the Cemetery main gate, 95 Forest Hills Ave.
Family Birdwalk and Movie at Franklin Park, Walk to Scarboro Pond, to see a variety of bird life. Screening of “Bee Movie.” Meet at the Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse, Fri., May 2, 6pm. Info / directions: www.franklinparkzoo.com.
Trees and Poetry, tour of the Arnold Arboretum with writer and poet Ethan Gilsdorf. Explore the creative writing process, tap into your imagina-tion, and listen to tree inspired poetry, Sat. May 3, 12-3pm, The Arnold Arbore-tum Hunnewell Visitors Center, 125 Arborway. Info: Info: www.arboretum.harvard.edu/.
Join the Birds and Bards Team at Wake Up The Earth, join teen ambassadors from the Boston Nature Center , Franklin Park Coalition and Franklin Park Zoo and participate in fun filled bird and nature activities, Sat., May 3, 12-3pm, Southwest Corridor Park adjacent to Stony Brook T Station.
Tour Franklin Park and the Forest Hills Ceme-tery, with Alan Banks of the Frederick Law Olmsted Historic Site & For-est Hills Educational Trust director Cecily Miller, Sun., May 4, 10am, and 11am, Forest Hills Cemetery main gate, 95 Forest Hills St.
Poetry in the Chapel, join Danielle Legros Georges, Lainie Senechal, Afaa M. Weaver, and Boston’s Poet Laureate, Sam Cornish for a late afternoon poetry reading, Sun., May 4, 2pm, Forest Hills Cemetery Forsyth Chapel, 95 Forest Hills Ave. $5.
Boston City Chamber Singers, performing choral master-pieces in an artistic and joyful style celebrating spring and International Migra-tory Bird Day. Sun., May 4, 2-3pm., Boston Nature Center, 450 Walk Hill Road. Info: www.massaudubon.org/boston.
Live Raptor Demonstration, meet and greet owls, hawks and other raptors with handlers from the Blue Hills Trailside Museum, Sun., May 4, 3-4pm, Boston Nature Center, 450 Walk Hill St. Info: www.massaudubon.org/boston.

Tours and Talks

The JP Historical Society, presents “The Life of Ellen Swallow Richards,” first woman on the MIT faculty and a pioneer in environ-mental studies and home economics. Documentary screening and a talk by docu-mentary producer Joyce Miles. Co-sponsored by the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail and hosted by the Jamaica Plain Tuesday Club, Mon., Apr. 28, 6:30-8pm, The Loring-Greenough House, 12 South St. Info: www.jphs.org.
Walking Tours at Forest Hills Cemetery, Poets and Writers of Forest Hills, May 18; Celebrate Heroes on Al Maze’s annual Memorial Day Tour, May 25. Forest Hills Cemetery, 95 Forest Hills Ave. Info: 524-0128 / www.foresthillstrust.org.
Bird Walks, with Adam Birch at the Boston Nature Center (450 Walk Hill St.) Tuesdays, 6:30am, Apr. 22 & 29 and May 6 & 13; at Forest Hills Cemetery (95 Forest Hills Ave.), Thursdays, 6:30am, Apr. 24, May 1, 8, 15; Sun-day, May 4, 7am. Info: 524-0128 / www.foresthillstrust.org. The BNC will also be hosting a 24-hour bird-a-thon fundraising event Fri.-Sat., May 16-17, 6pm-6pm. Info: www.massaudubon/org/boston.
Discovering Honey Bees, learn about the life of honeybees and the beehive. Workshop includes safe hands-on activities, $4 members, $5 non-members. Sat., May 10, 1-3pm. Boston Nature Center 450 Walk Hill Road. Info: www.massaudubon.org/boston.
Weeds As Feed Nature Walk, join naturalist Pamela Kristan on a spring walk in the park to learn about the plants and greens that can feed and heal us. Sample treats, ask questions and learn where to find recipes. Sat., May 10, 4pm, Franklin Park, Glen Rd. entrance. Info / Directions: 282-2881 / www.franklinparkcoalition.org.
Ideas Behind the Design, this tour of the Arnold Arboretum, sponsored by the National Park Service/Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site focuses on the history and landscape design of our nations first arboretum. Sun., June 1, 1pm, Arnold Arboretum Hunnewell Building, 125 The Arborway. Info: 566-1689 (ask for Visitor Services).
Loring-Greenough House Tours, a 1760 colonial mansion. See newly acquired portraits of David S. Greenough II and his wife Maria and other historic treasures. Sundays, 12-2pm, April-December, $5-adults, $3-children, Loring-Greenough House, 12 South St. Info: www.lghouse.org.

Music

Music for Ladies and Gentlemen, Judith Conrad, fortepi-ano, Mike Shand, baroque flute, featuring work by G.F. Handel, J.S. Bach, J.C. Bach, Franz Shubert and R. Vaughn Williams. $15 ($10 seniors, students, BRS & JPTC members). Reservations suggested. Sun., May 4, 3pm, the Loring-Greenough House, 12 South St. Info: 524-3158.
An Evening of Dance, Music and Fun, to benefit the World Fellowship Center, a non-profit, secular peace and justice camp. Concert featuring award-winning jazz saxophonist Willie Sordillo, co-founder of Flor de Cana, followed by Salsa lessons and dance party with DJ Rob Suave. Sat., May 3, 7:30-11:30pm, First Church Unitarian Universalist, 6 Eliot St. $10-30. Info: www.worldfellowship.com.
Notlob Parlor Concerts, Sat., May 3, Tripping Lily, 7:30pm doors, 8pm Concert. Suggested Donation, $15 at door + $1 preservation fee; Sat., May 17, Alastair Moock, 7:30pm doors, 8pm concert. Suggested donation, $12.50 at door + $1 preservation fee. Loring-Greenough House, 12 South St. Info / Reservations: http://notlobmusic.googlepages.com / notlobmusic@gmail.com.
JP Unplugged, presents Kate Klim with Jess Yoakum, Sat., May 10, 8pm, Loring-Greenough House, 12 South St., $10 reservations strongly recomended. Info / reservations: 928-5417 / reservations@jpunplugged.org.
Taylor House Bed and Breakfast Classical and Jazz Con-certs, Classical, Sundays, 4pm: May 11, Mark Goodman, piano, Diane Heffner, clarinet, Sandi-Jo Malmon, cello perform works by Brahms and Bruch; May 25, Jane Olian, soprano and Donna Gill Jazz, Fridays, 7:30pm: May 16, Ed Broms, piano. Taylor House Bed and Breakfast, 50 Burroughs St, suggested donation $10. Info: www.taylorhouse.com/musicandart.
Chameleon Arts Ensemble, concludes its 1oth anniversary season with “Opus 10,” including works by Ernst von Dohnanyi, Richard Strauss, Carl Nielsen, Kevin Puts and Robert Schumann, Sat., May 17, 8pm, Goethe-Institut Boston, 170 Beacon St., Boston. $18-38, $5 off for students. Info: www.chameleonarts.org.
The Metropolitan Wind Symphony, a JP-based concert band, presents the world premiere of composer Chen Yi’s “Suite from China West.” Program also includes works by Felix Mendelssohn and Gustav Holst. Sun., May 18, 2pm, The National Heritage Museum, 33 Marrett Rd., Lexington. Info: www.mws-boston.org.
Odetta, Tues., July 8, 6pm, The Elma Lewis Playhouse at Franklin Park. Sponsored by The Franklin Park Coalition, Free. Info: 282-2881 / www.franklinparkcoalition.org.
Jazz and Afro-Latin Jam, a Sunday afternoon of great live music! Bass, drum, piano, congas, timbales, horns, gui-tar, vocals and more! Kids welcome! Dancing audiences have been sighted! Sundays, 2pm, Jamaicaway Books, 676 Centre St. $5. Info: Cornell “Sugarfoot” Coley 298-1790 or www.afrolatin.net/.

Film

Free Friday Night Bike movies at Curtis Hall, co-sponsored by City Councilor John Tobin and Ferris Wheels bike shop proprietor Jeff Ferris. Fri, May 2, “The Flying Scotsman.” All movies start at 6:30pm, free, popcorn and soda available. Curtis Hall, 20 South St. Info: Jeff Ferris 524-BIKE.

Literary

Chapter and Verse, presents Susan Donnelly, and JP residents John Fulton and Audrey Henderson, Weds., May 7, 7:30pn, The Loring-Greenough House, 12 South St. $5 donation. Info: doro-thy.derifield@gmail.com / 325-8338.
JP Branch Adult Book Discussion, May 8, “Feeding the Monster: How Money, Smarts and Nerve Took a Team to the Top,” by Seth Mnookin; June 12, “The Coffin Quilt: The Feud Between the Hatfields and McCoys,” by Ann Rinaldi; July 10, “Ranch of Dreams: The Heartwarming Story of America’s Most Unusual Animal Sanctuary,” by Cleveland Amory. Jamaica Plain Branch Library 12 Sedgwick St. Info: 524-2053.
Connolly Branch Library Book Discus-sion, Connolly Branch Library, 433 Centre St. Info: 522-1960.
Stephanie Shorow, will discuss her book “The Crime of the Century: How the Brink’s Robbers Stole Millions and the Hearts of Boston” Thurs., May 8, 6:30pm, JP Branch Li-brary, 12 Sedgwick St. Info: 524-2053.

Exhibits

Karen Kemp & Maureen O’Connor, one of them is a JP resi-dent and they are both showing work May 2-31, Atlantic Works, 80 Border St., 3rd Flr., East Boston. Info: www.atlanticworks.org.
Lilacs—Visions of Spring, a juried group exhibit devoted to the lilac in all of its splendor, through May 18, Arnold Arboretum Hunnewell Building, 125 The Arborway. Info: 524-1718 / www.arboretum.harvard.edu.
Larz Anderson Auto Museum, the museum has undergone ex-tensive renovations this winter. A new exhibit, “Passion, Design, Performance: The Art of Italian Style,” opens May 6. Larz Anderson Auto Museum, 15 Newton St., Brookline, Ma. Info: www.larzanderson.org.
The Magnificence of Trees: Photographs by Maria Muller, hand painted and black and white photographs studying trees and their intricate arrangements of branches, buds and blossoms as winter gives way to spring. May 31-July 13, Arnold Arboretum Hunnewell Building, 125 The Arborway. Info: 524-1718 / www.arboretum.harvard.edu.

Theater

Norbert Beanie is ACTION MAN, an original musical about the tri-als and tribulations of being a teenager. Presented by the Freelance Players, a high school-aged troupe featuring JP residents. Fri.-Sat., May 3 and 4, 7:30pm, Sun., May 5, 2pm., The Park School, 171 Goddard Ave., Brookline. $10 adults, $5 children. Info: 232-1175 / www.freelanceplayers.org.
Gods, Monsters and the Other, six plays, including “The Greening of Bridget Kelly” by JP resident Peter Snoad, presented by the Fort Point Theatre Channel, a a community based professional theatre company, June 27 and 28, Midway Studios, Fort Point, Boston. Info: www.fortpointtheatrechannel.org.
Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse, featuring 4 JP youths, through May 11, $15-$23 ($10, Pajama Party Friday), Wheelock Family Thea-tre, 200 The Riverway. Info: 870-2300 / www.wheelock.edu/wft/index.asp.

Youth

JP Family Songfest, come sing folk and family music with musi-cians Ginger Eliot and Ken ward. All are welcome. Sun., May 11, 1pm, First Church in JP, Unitarian Universalist, 6 Eliot St. $3 donation. Info: Andree zale-ska@aczaleska.com.
Take a Hike! free guided hikes at the Arnold Arboretum, Peters Hill, Sun., May 18, 12:30-3:30; Hemlock Hill, Sun, June 8, 1:30-3:30pm; Bussey Hill, June 15, 1:30-3:30pm. Appropriate for children ages 6-12, accom-panied by adults, meet at Hunnewell Building, 125 Arborway, pre-registration required. Info: 524-1718 / www.arboretum.harvard.edu.
Bromley-Heath Cheer & Dance Program, spring registra-tion is ongoing. Info: Shawanda Patterson sha_cheerdance@hotmail.com.
After School Festival Arts Program at Spontaneous Celebrations, offers hip hop, break dance, fashion/costume design, drumming, acting, video production and visual arts. Homework tutoring and healthy snacks provided. Ages 11-15. Mon., Weds., Fri., 3-6pm, Spontaneous Celebrations, 45 Danforth St. Info/Registration: 524-6373.
The True Hip Hop Culture Program, come chill out with other teens in the community, exploring hip hop culture, the arts/entertainment industry, live performance, life and the world around us. Free, with light re-freshments served. Every 3rd Thursday of the month, 5-7pm, English High Community Center, 144 McBride St. Info: Jazz Wise theprogram@excite.com or 635-5244.
Eliot School of Fine and Applied Arts Kids Summer Camp, 1-week sessions, June 16-Aug 1 and Aug. 25-29, Eliot School, 24 Eliot St. Info: www.eliotschool.org//524-3313.
Classes / Lectures
Spontaneous Celebrations, offers a number of arts, music and dance classes, as well as a youth karate class. Info: www.spontaneouscelebrations.org.
The Eliot School Workshops, How To Market Yourself as an Artist, two Saturdays, May 3 & 10, 9:30am-12:30pm. Pre-registration required for all workshops, prices vary. Eliot School, 24 Eliot St. Info: www.eliotschool.org/524-3313.

Calls to Artists

Liberty Belle Chorus Singers Wanted, participants wanted for singing dancing and performing Broadway show tunes and songs of yesterday and today in the Liberty Belle Chorus. Learn vocal production techniques and presentation skills. Come to rehearsals any Monday at 7pm, St. Camillus Church Hall. 1175 Concord Turnpike (directly off Rt. 2 exit 57) Info: 735-9254 or www.libertybellechorus.org.
Call For Entries For The 4th Annual Boston Bike Film Festival, submit your animated shorts, digitally enhanced clips, and feature length documentaries. Early bird submissions must be postmarked by Aug 16, all submissions due Sept 20. The film festival will be Oct 17-18 at the Brattle Theatre, Cambridge. Info: www.bostonbikefilmfest.org.
27th Annual Congressional Art Competition for High School Students, winners will have works displayed at Capitol, all entrants will have work displayed at local town hall or public library. En-tries due by May 27. Info: 428-2000 / www.house.gov/lynch/.