Ticket purchase and contact information for select Twin Counties venues, page 2B.

EVENTS

Rocky Mount downtown block party: Noon-3 p.m. Friday; South Washington Street; Event includes music and food; free; downtownrockymount.com.

Cliff Jackson benefit and memorial run: 10 a.m. Saturday; The Hogs Pen Pub, 514 S. Fountain Road, Macclesfield; activities include memorial ride, live entertainment, 50/50 drawing, silent auction, pig picking and vendors; $15; 827-5510.

Phil Valentine signing: 2 p.m. Saturday; The Highway Diner, 910 N. Winstead Ave.; Nashville native signs his "The Conservative's Handbook"; free; 442-8092.

Romance book club meeting: 7 p.m. Oct. 24, and Nov. 7 and 21; Books-A-Million, 1100 N. Wesleyan Blvd. (Golden East Crossing mall); Fatin Soufan, 452-1611; mad4rombks@aol.com.

"Guitar Hero World Tour" tournament: 8 p.m. Oct. 25; Game On!, 1242 Home Depot Plaza, Rocky Mount; registration $10; game will be available for purchase at midnight; Crystal Ciccone, 937-4263.

Tarboro Second Saturdays street fair: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Nov. 8 and Dec. 13; Courthouse Square; street fair featuring arts and crafts, sidewalk sales, informational booths for nonprofit groups and food vendors; free; Betty NeSmith, 567-0915; gotarboro.com.

Rocky Mount Arts Center programs: Preregistration required; classes meet in the Arts Education Building at the Imperial Centre; nonresident premium fee waiver available for purchase.

Painting workdays \u2013 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays; experienced painters use the center's studio for uninterrupted independent work; participants responsible for all materials; city residents $20, others $25 per week or city residents $60, others $75 per month.

Clay open studio \u2013 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday; opportunity for potters who wish to work independently; includes firing and use of glazes on hand; $65 city residents, $81 others per month.

Chess lessons: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays; Church on the Rise, 3250 Bishop Road; all skill levels welcome; free; Evan Whittington, 252-451-1140 or 919-333-3635 before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m., tinaslion@yahoo.com.

USA Dance: Promotes ballroom dancing and educates the public regarding its physical, mental and social benefits; Vince Tesoro, 212-5525.

Chapter social dance \u2013 7:30-10:30 p.m. second Saturday of the month; Rocky Mount Arts Center; short class on the dance of the month included before the social dance begins; members $5, others $7.

Practice sessions \u2013 4-6 p.m. Sundays; Crystal's Elite Dance Studio, 3040 Zebulon Road, Rocky Mount; $5; lessons on wide variety of dances also available for groups.

Arts and crafts guilds: Imperial Centre (unless specified); Jennifer Rankin, 972-1632, jennifer.rankin@rockymountnc.gov.

Tar River Basketweavers \u2013 7 p.m. fourth Tuesday of the month; Battleboro Community Center, 280 W. Battleboro Ave., Rocky Mount; basketweaving taught through shared experience and knowledge.

Embroiderer's Guild of America \u2013 7 p.m. second Tuesday of the month; meetings offer workshops, exhibits, stitch-ins and social activities.

Tar River Piecemakers Quilting Guild \u2013 9 a.m. second Saturday of the month; works on fabric, design and art, including donations made to charitable organizations.

Galleries, Museums

Rocky Mount Art Center exhibits: Open now, unless noted, and running though Jan. 11; Catherine Coulter; 972-1175, catherine.coulter@rockymountnc.gov.

"Katarina Qvarnstrom \u2013 Historical Damask."

"Barbara Hardy Ray \u2013 Abstract Paintings."

"Bjorn Lowgren \u2013 Oil, Watercolor and Graphite."

"Norman Keller \u2013 Sculpture."

"Salmagundi XII \u2013 Eclectic Sculpture."

Permanent collection and new acquisitions.

"Woodcarvers Adventures": \u2013 Through Nov. 1; Wilson Arts Center, 124 Nash St.; display of local woodworker's works; free; 291-4329; wilsonarts.com.

"The Murder of Emmett Till \u2013 Documentary Photo" exhibit: Through Nov. 10; Civic Gallery, N.C. Wesleyan College; story of the murder of a 14-year-old black child and its effect on the civil rights movement; Dr. Henry Outlaw, expert on the case, speaks to the public at 7 p.m. Monday and to students at 9:40 a.m. Tuesday; free.

CHILDREN

Dunn Center for the Performing Arts children's shows: $5.

9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Nov. 20 \u2013 "Thaddeus Rex: Read Like a Rock Star."

9:30 a.m. Jan. 8 \u2013 "A Kid's Life Goes To School."

9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Feb. 27 \u2013 "Seussical."

9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. May 4 \u2013 "The Color of Justice."

Rocky Mount Children's Museum and Science Center planetarium programs: Children 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult; 972-1167.

How to Buy a Telescope \u2013 7 p.m. Nov. 6; all-ages introduction to stargazing and tips for buying a telescope; city residents $8, others $9.

Exploring the Winter Sky \u2013 7 p.m. Dec. 4; all-ages exploration of constellations and stars; residents $8, others $9.

KinderScience: 10 a.m. first Wednesday of each month; Rocky Mount Children's Museum; children ages 3 to 5 introduced to science; preregistration required; city residents $8 per class, others $9 (includes paid admission to museum for child and accompanying adult).

Nov. 5 \u2013 Wildlife in the Water; investigation of different animals, what they eat and why they are important.

Dec. 3 \u2013 Shape Science; investigation of shapes that surrounds us.

Rocky Mount Children's Museum and Science Center science camps and workshops: Preregistration and prepayment required; participants should dress for mess; 972-1167.

Local Fossil Finds II \u2013 1 p.m. Nov. 8; all-ages exploration of fossils in Nash and Edgecombe counties; children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult; city residents $20, others $24.

Rocky Mount Children's Museum and Science Center teacher workday art and science camp: 8:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11 and Nov. 26; students create art projects and perform hands-on science experiments; students must bring lunch; residents $35, others $42 per session.

Rocky Mount Children's Museum and Science Center exhibits: Through Dec. 31; adults $4, seniors and children 3 to 16 years old $3, children 2 and younger free; all admitted free 2-5 p.m. Wednesdays.

"Microbes: Invisible Invaders, Amazing Allies" \u2013 Interactive journey through the hidden world of microbes.

"Maze Mania" \u2013 Interactive exhibit with mazes of varying types and difficulties.

Rocky Mount Children's Museum and Science Center planetarium shows: $3.50 per person per show, plus admission to the museum; special showings can be scheduled for groups; now showing:

"Microcosm" \u2013 Full dome video and 3D computer graphics show of a microbe-perspective trip through the human body; 1 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays; showing through Oct. 31.

"Astronaut" \u2013 Exploration of outer space and its effects on the human body; 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; showing through Oct. 31.

"Laser Beatles" \u2013 Laser show set to the music of The Beatles; 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays.

"Seasonal Stargazing" \u2013 Brief guided tour of the night sky; included with all other planetarium shows.

AREA MOVIES

Premiere Theatres: 821 Benvenue Road, Rocky Mount; 446-6500; films run Friday through Thursday unless noted; "Beverly Hills Chihuahua," "Body of Lies," "City of Ember," "Eagle Eye," "The Express," "The Family That Preys," "Fireproof," "Lakeview Terrace," "Max Payne," "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist," "Nights in Rodanthe," "Quarantine," "The Secret Life of Bees," "Sex Drive" and "W."

Carmike 10: Parkwood Mall, Wilson; 252-265-5538; films run Friday through Thursday unless noted; "Beverly Hills Chihuahua," "Body of Lies," "City of Embers," "Eagle Eye," "The Express," "Fireproof," "Max Payne," "Nights in Rodanthe" "The Secret Life of Bees," "Sex Drive," "Quarantine" and "W."

CLUBS

Via Cappuccino: 3002 Sunset Ave. (in Englewood Square Shopping Center), Rocky Mount; shows run from 8-9:30 p.m. unless specified; Via Cappuccino is smoke- and alcohol-free; 937-0004; vccoffee.com; free admission.

Friday \u2013 Andy Blith, playing Americana and folk.

Saturday \u2013 Chris Titchner, playing Americana.

Oct. 24 \u2013 Cory and the Giants, playing Americana and alternative.

Oct. 25 \u2013 Mike Clark and Co., playing Americana and originals.

Oct. 31 \u2013 Lee Owen, playing acoustic classic rock, blues and folk.

10 a.m. Saturdays \u2013 Via Cappuccino Chess Club; free.

7 p.m. Mondays \u2013 Tar River Gamers, playing board games; free.

Nightlife Bar and Grill: 821 Country Club Road (Country Club Shopping Center), Rocky Mount; valid photo ID required for entry; 985-3866; nightlifebarandgrill.com.

9 p.m. Mondays \u2013 DJ David Howell, playing kraoke dance party; $2.

9 p.m. Wednesdays \u2013 Open-mic night; free.

9 p.m. Thursdays \u2013 DJ dance party; $2.

Java Mott's Coffee Co.: 1237 Cobb Corners Drive, Rocky Mount; shows run from 8-10 p.m. unless specified; Java Mott's is smoke- and alcohol-free; 212-5282; javamotts.com.

Friday \u2013 Cory and the Giants.

Nov. 7 \u2013 Cory and the Giants.

Westridge Grill: 3639 Sunset Ave. (in Westridge Shopping Center), Rocky Mount; 937-7299; free admission; shows run 8-11 p.m. unless noted.

Saturday \u2013 Adam Stone.

Oct. 25 \u2013 Monkey Foot.

R.A. Fountain General Store and Internet Cafe: 6754 E. Wilson St., Fountain; 252-749-3228; rafountain.com.

7:30 p.m. Friday \u2013 Samantha Casey and Bluegrass Jam; $8.

7:30 p.m. Saturday \u2013 Cowboy Johnson; $7.50.

7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 \u2013 Highway 58, playing bluegrass; $7.50.

7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 \u2013 Marlboro Boys, playing bluegrass gospel; $5

3 p.m. Oct. 26 \u2013 Flat Mountain Dulcimers; free.

7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 \u2013 The Revelators; $5.

Nov. 2 \u2013 Wilberville; free.

Nov. 7 \u2013 The Original Steve Creech Dixieland All-Stars.

Nov. 8 \u2013 Lightnin' Wells.

Nov. 9 \u2013 Robbie Leonard and Friends; free.

Nov. 14 \u2013 Mike Hamer Revue.

Nov. 15 \u2013 Carolina Yellowhammers.

Nov. 16 \u2013 Gospel Highway; free.

Nov. 21 \u2013 Cameron Marion Band.

Nov. 22 \u2013 Coyote Ridge.

PERFORMANCE

Rocky Mount Community Theatre productions:

"Schoolhouse Rock Live!": 8 p.m. Nov. 7-8 and 14-15 and 2 p.m. Nov. 16; stage adaptation of 1970s educational Saturday morning cartoon series.

Forty annual Christmas Chorus: 8 p.m. Dec. 11-12 and 2 p.m. Dec. 14; community chorus performs holiday music.

Dunn Center for the Performing Arts concerts: Show times 8 p.m. except as noted; N.C. Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount.

3 p.m. Sunday \u2013 The Church Basement Ladies; $15.

Oct. 24 \u2013 1964 The Tribute; $20.

Nov. 1 \u2013 Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; $20.

Nov. 14 \u2013 Southern Fried Chicks; $20.

3 p.m. Nov. 23 \u2013 Dallas Brass; $15.

Dec. 6 \u2013 Skaggs Family Christmas; $35.

Tar River ensembles concerts: 7:30 p.m.; Dunn Center for the Performing Arts, N.C. Wesleyan College except as noted; $15, students with valid ID free; Sara Cake, 443-2978.

Nov. 8 \u2013 Tar River Philharmonic Orchestra; program includes Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" and Beethoven's "Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral.)"

Nov. 22 \u2013 Tar River Symphonic Band; program includes selections from "Star Wars" and Grainger's "Children's March."

Dec. 5 \u2013 Tar River Children's Chorus; First Baptist Church, 200 S. Church St.; annual holiday music program.

Spring Hope Music Jubilee \u2013 7 p.m.; former Spaulding Middle School auditorium, 600 S. Pine St.; advance $7, at door $8; Ann Wright; 459-8255.

Nov. 1 \u2013 The Malpass Brothers.

Dec. 6 \u2013 Ronnie Ezzell and Southern Comfort, playing holiday music.

Wilson Arts Center performances: 7:30 p.m. except as noted; Wilson Arts Center, 124 Nash St.; 291-4329; wilsonarts.com

Friday, Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday \u2013 "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown; adults $12, students and seniors $8.

Oct. 23 \u2013 "The Blues Brothers Revival"; adults $25, students and seniors $20.

Louisburg College concerts: 8 p.m. except as noted; Louisburg College Auditorium; 866-773-6354, louisburg.edu.

Oct. 24 \u2013 Hunt Family Fiddlers, playing Celtic dance and country; adults $17, senior and children 17 and younger $15.

Nov. 14 \u2013 The Del McCoury Band, playing bluegrass; $30, $25 and $20.

Dec. 5 \u2013 3 Redneck Tenors, singing opera; adults $20, seniors and children 17 and younger $18.

Jan. 23 \u2013 Emile Pandolfi, pianist; adults $17, seniors and children 17 and younger $15.

Feb. 12 \u2013 Puttin' on the Hitz: The Great American Songbook Music of the 1930s-1950s; adults $20, seniors and children 17 and younger $18.

March 20 \u2013 Casablanca Orchestra, playing big band; $10.

Lakeland Theatre Co. productions: 411 Mosby Ave., Littleton; Wally Hurst 877-330-0574; lakelandtheatrenc.org.

"Fiddler On The Roof" \u2013 8 p.m. Nov. 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 16; a poor dairyman tries to teach his five daughters the traditions of their tight-knit Jewish community in czarist Russia.