Current Events spotlights notable happenings around town in the coming week. To submit a listing, email Current Editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org.
Teresa Ines and Her Quartet at Me&Thee
Friday, Feb. 6, 8 p.
Me&Thee Music’s Friday night live music tradition continues with the hot jazz sounds of Brazil as Teresa Ines and Her Quartet take the stage. Ines’ music draws from a wide range of Brazilian styles, bridging cultures and genres including acoustic fusion, MPB, bossa nova, samba and baião.
Tickets and information are available at meandthee.org.
WinterFest
Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m
Abbot Public Library will host WinterFest with a variety of programs for all ages. Activities include Imagination Playground blocks for children under 5, seasonal crafts and games, a children’s book swap, STEAM programs for kids and teens, puzzles, games and warm beverages.
For more information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/Abbot-WinterFest.
Music, dance, art and more
Saturday, Feb. 7, and Sunday, Feb. 8, 3 p.m.
Presented by J2RC Dances, “Rigor & Risk” offers a winter afternoon salon experience inspired by French salons of the 17th and 18th centuries. The program features music, literature, art and dance, with opportunities for audience members to engage in discussion with artists.
The salon explores two parallel elements of the creative process: discipline and labor (rigor). National Book Award winner Julia Glass will read from a novel in progress and share passages from other works. Pianist Eleanor Ruggiero Gilbert will perform Bela Bartok’s demanding “Six Dances in Bulgarian Rhythm,” while visual artist Rhonda Miller paints live.
The event is free, with a suggested $25 donation. It will be held at Walter Jacob Architects, 89 Front St. To register, visit j2rc.org.
Teen DIY: Community Valentines
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 3-4 p.m.
Is there a local center, shop or person who always makes your day? Teens are invited to create valentines for favorite sandwich spots, sports coaches or anyone else deserving a little appreciation. Participants can make personalized cards or work on items to be donated within the community.
The event will be held at Abbot Public Library.
Valentine’s Day Big Band Bash (and dance lesson)
Saturday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Abbot Hall with an evening of live music and dancing as Matthew Arnold and Holly Cameron present a Valentine’s Day Dance featuring their 19-piece big band, the New England Yankees. Special guest vocalists Johnny Ray and Marblehead High School senior Eldar Yahorau will join the band for a night of lush arrangements, irresistible rhythms and classic dance-hall energy.
Professional dancers Charisse and Mark Nocera, a father-daughter duo, will offer an optional pre-show dance lesson at 6:30 p.m., welcoming guests of all experience levels.
“Whether you come dressed to the nines or just ready to have a great night out, this is the kind of Valentine’s celebration that feels like stepping into a golden-age ballroom,” Arnold said.
Tickets are available at newenglandyankees.ludus.com.
