Presented by Monterey Church. Live onstage, one of the most sought after Christian bands in the country with hit songs, "Love is Here" and "By Your Side." Coming out of West Palm Beach, Florida. Show time: 7 p.m., Golden State Theater, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. 831-372-3800, 831-625-9414. www.goldenstatetheater.com

Enjoy a screening of the film The Life & Times of Robert Louis Stevenson courtesy of Monterey State Historic Parks' Stevenson House, audience Question & Answers with a panel of Robert Louis Stevenson aficionados, and a delicious "unbirthday" cake courtesy of the Robert Louis Stevenson Club of Monterey. Ages 16up, 7 p.m., Community Room, Monterey City Library, corner of Pacific St. and Jefferson, Monterey. Admission free but seating is very limited and pre-reservations are required. Signup in advance at the Checkout Desk. 831.646.3949. www.monterey.org/library

Popular modern dance troupe with its startling mix of humor and invention using a collaborative choreographic process and weight-sharing, a non-traditional set of skills, to entertain, 8 p.m., Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel. 831-620-2040. www.sunsetcenter.org

Sponsored by the Monterey Bay Chapter of the United Nations Association and The Arts Council for Monterey County with a grant from the Monterey County. Selection of 12 international award-winning documentary films on a variety of world issues. Nov. 5:Cartoneros, Argentina; The Lijjat Sisterhood, India; Burma VJ. Burma. Nov. 6: Blue Gold: World Water Wars, 10 countries, ARUSI Persian Wedding, Iran/USA, The Women's Kingdom, China. Nov. 7: Addicted to Plastic, 12 countries, The Final Inch, India/USA, Afghan Star, Afghanistan. Nov. 8: Bhutan: Taking the Middle Path to Happiness, Bhutan, Freeheld, USA. Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai, Kenya. Showtimes: 7 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 2:30 p.m. Sun., Tickets at the door purchase only. Doors open one hour before showtime. Golden State Theater, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. 831-625-9414. www.goldenstatetheater.com www.unamontereybay.org

A Storybook Theatre production, 7 p.m. Thurs.- Sat., 3 p.m. Sat.-Sun., Studio Theatre, Monterey Peninsula College, 980 Fremont St., Monterey. 813-646-4213, 646-4085. www.mpctheatreco.com

Musical. Western Stage production, Main Stage. 8 p.m. Fri.- Sat, 2 p.m. Sun., Hartnell College, 156 Homestead Ave, Salinas. 831-755-6816, 831-755-6929. www.westernstage.com

Formed in 1969. MultiPlatinum musical crossover band fuses elements of rock, funk, jazz, Latin music, R&B, and reggae, with hits like “Cisco Kid,” “Why Can't We Be Friends” and “Low Rider,” just nominated for induction into the 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 8 p.m., Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel. 831-620-2040. www.sunsetcenter.org

Develop your poetry writing skills with a highly respected poet and teacher. Writing exercises, encouragement, and feedback. Supported by Poets & Writers, Inc. through a grant from The James Irvine Foundation. For adults and mature teens, 2-3:30 p.m., Community Room, Monterey City Library, corner of Pacific St. and Jefferson, Monterey. Admission free but seating is very limited and pre-reservations are required. Signup in advance at the Checkout Desk. No tickets at the door. 831.646.3949. www.monterey.org/library

Stephen Schwartz, theatrical music composer, brings to the World Theater stage the Broadway voices of Debbie Gravitte and Scott Coulter performing songs from Schwartz's awardwinning Broadway shows and Disney films, such as “Godspell,” “Wicked,” “Pippin” and others, 7:30 p.m. California State University Monterey Bay Theatre on Sixth Ave. 831-582-4580.

A Final Wave at the World or The Alimony Tour, Year One. Academy Awardnominated English actor, comedian, writer, film producer and singer. John Cleese elicits easy laughter. Adored around the world by fans for his hysterically comedic roles in Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Fawlty Towers and A Fish Called Wanda, — even as the voice of the King in Shrek! A hilarious evening of stories, film clips and conversation, 8 p.m., Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel. 831-620-2040. www.sunsetcenter.org

Insights from the Conductor, 7 p.m., Concert 8 p.m., Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Downtown Monterey. Tickets available at the theatre box office before the performance. 831-333-1283, 831-372-3800, 813-372-4555. www.ensemblemonterey.org

Music and a Mixer held monthly. Listen to feature guest music performances and view the galleries. Light hors d’oeuvres served. Wine and soft drinks available for purchase. Held 5-7p.m., 559 Pacific St., Monterey. 831-372-7591, 372-5477. www.montereyart.org
Thursday, November 19, 2009

Musical with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and a book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy. It is based on the 1998 film "The Wedding Singer". Sponsored by the Producers Guild, 8 p.m., Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel. 831-620-2040. www.sunsetcenter.org

Performance at 8 p.m., Sunset Center, San Carlos and 9th, Carmel. 831-625-2212. www.chambermusicmontereybay.org

Presented by: Sunset Presents. Renowned American blues singer, guitarist and songwriter. Threetime Grammy winner, 7 p.m., Sunset Center, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel. 831-620-2040. www.sunsetcenter.org

presented by I Cantori di Carmel and the Carmel Mission directed by Sal Ferrantelli, Scores will be available to borrow or buy, 3 p.m.,Carmel Mission Basilica, Rio Rd.,Carmel. 831-644-8012 for more information, Free admission (donations welcome) www.icantori.org/default.htm

Tuneful, offbeat, Tony Award winning Musical offers audience members the strictly voluntary opportunity to become part of the action as onstage spellers. Performances 7:30 p.m. Thurs.-Sat., 2 p.m. Sun., Golden Bough Playhouse, Monte Verde between 8th and 9th, CarmelbytheSea. 8316220100 or visit: www.pacrep.org

Performance 3 p.m., Sunset Center, San Carlos and 9th, Carmel. 831-625-9938. 831-620-2048. www.carmelmusic.org

Presented by Central Coast Bride. Visit all your wedding professionals in one day. 100 wedding venders: fashion, musicians, photographers, caterers, florists, cakes and other planning resources. Taste samples. Win prizes. Plan your entire wedding in one day. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Serra Ballroom, Monterey Conference Center, One Portola Plaza, Del Monte and Alvarado, Downtown Monterey. 888-501-5757. Admission charge. No strollers. www.centralcoastbride.com

View the galleries. Refreshments, wine and soft drinks available for purchase. Held 12-5 p m. Free admission to The Monterey Peninsula Museum of Art, 559 Pacific St., and La Mirada Museum, 720 Via Mirada, Monterey. 831-372-5477.

Historic Monterey Month Museum
features the maritime history of the Monterey area. Museum Exhibits include:
Discovery and Development, Flags over Monterey, Commerce and Trade, Fishing and Canning, Charts and Navigation and The Changing Bay. Also view
the Point Sur Lighthouse 1800's 18 Foot Fresnel Lens plus ancient ship models. There is an excellent Maritime Research Library with an extensive photo collection and Reference books. Plus the Ship's Store Gift Shop. Open 10 a.m.- 5p.m. daily, Stanton Center, 5 Custom House Plaza, next to Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey. 831-372-2608 ext. 13, 831-373-2469. Free informational movie. www.montereyhistory.org

With heads like horses, tails like monkeys and pouches like kangaroos, these fascinating fishes are anything but ordinary. See more than 15 species of seahorses and their kin—one of the nation’s largest collections of these charismatic animals through four multimedia galleries. The Aquarium is home to a variety of birds, each with different habits and needs. Find out how our experts train and care for our feathered friends, and get an up close and personal look at some of them. Explore the more than 100 permanent habitat galleries featuring wonders of sea life off the California Central Coast. Visit the Outer Bay Wing, featuring open sea creatures and hands-on exhibits for younger visitors. Visit Mysteries of the Deep: Exploring the Monterey Canyon an exhibit of Deep sea canyon animals Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey. 831-648-4888. Admission charge. www.montereybayaquarium.org

Monterey County Youth Museum features hands-on learning with local flavor. Day at the Beach, Go-Fore Golf, Healthy Farm, Theater, ImagiTree, Hospital, Creation Station, Build a House, Fire Truck. Activities for the entire family. New exhibits are added regularly. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No food, drink, candy. Shoes required. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Mon.,Tue.,Thur.-Sat., 12-5 p.m. on Sun. Closed Wed. 425 Washington St., Monterey. 831-649-6444. Admission charge. Reduced admission on first Tue. www.mymuseum.org

Museum honoring the life of Noble Prize Winner, author John Steinbeck who grew up in Salinas. The center features The history and culture that influenced his literary works with 37,000 square feet space filled with interactive multi-sensory exhibits. Educational programs. Steinbeck archives. Gift shop and café. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, 1 Main St., Salinas. 831-796-3833. Admission charge. www.steinbeck.org

Founded in 1959, this nationally accredited art museum features a wide range of exhibitions. Current Exhibition: MontereyNOW features artist Kevin Miller. Using only a single piece of paper, Miller creates his images by cutting them out with an exacto knife. He sparingly layers more paper to form backgrounds or provide contrast.(thru- Nov. 8) Sponsored by Barbara and William Hyland. Miniatures (Nov.19-Jan 4); Photographs: of Ansel Adams, Edward Weston and other important Monterey Peninsula photographers. Long term exhibits: A Language Unspoken: Paintings by William Ritschel; Jules Tavernier Paintings (1844-1889); paintings from the collection of Betty Hoag McGlynn. Just for Fun: Toys and Dolls From Around the World; Archaic Asian Vessels. Other exhibits: Qualities of Light: Photographs From the Permanent Collections; Beyond the Mask: The Textures, Shapes & Colors of Folk Art. While focusing on American Art, the museum emphasizes regional and California art plus Asian, Pacific Rim, International folk ethnic and tribal arts. Graphics and photography are also well represented in the museum collection. Important artist of the Monterey Peninsula are represented in the permanent collection. Gift shop. Part of the collection can be viewed at the La Mirada location. Museum open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sat., third Thurs. to 7 p.m., 1-4 p.m. Sun. Free the first Sunday of the month. 559 Pacific St., Monterey. 831-372-7591, 372-5477. Admission charge. Children under 12 free. www.montereyart.org

Bring your shovel, trowel, and gloves to the Museum garden to plant native plants, 1p.m. Visit the new permanent California Condor exhibit. The Museum features natural history exhibits of the wonders of the Monterey Bay Region including Marine Mammals of the Monterey Bay, Local birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, Indians, geology and a native plant garden. There is a life size Gray Whale sculpture in front for climbing and a Nature Discovery Room with touch exhibits for children. Gift shop, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., Corner of Forest and Central, Pacific Grove. 831-648-5716. Gift shop 831-648-5718. Free admission, donations requested. www.pgmuseum.org/

Learn about the military in Monterey beginning with the Native people through the Spanish exploration and settlement, the Mexican and Californio Period into early United States/American Period. Highlights include the Cavalry in Monterey and development of the military in Modern Monterey. Open Thurs. -Mon. Located on the Presidio of Monterey, Corporal Ewing Road, Bldg. 113. Turn left off Pacific St. on to Artillery, follow the signs to the Museum. 831-646-3456. www.historicmonterey.org/

Due to state budget cutbacks, free public tours of historic buildings and the Monterey Walking Tours have been canceled until further notice. Private group tours for up to 20 persons can be reserved in advance by calling 831-649-7172. Fees for group tours. For information or to book a special event in one of our historic gardens or at Custom House Plaza, call 831-649-7118. Cooper Museum Store remains open from 10- 4 p.m. Daily. www.parks.ca.govpage_id=575

Every Monday from 4 p.m.- to dusk or 7 p.m., Along Lighthouse Ave from Forest Ave to 17th St . Downtown Pacific Grove.

The event is restricted to 66 entries, based on the lowest handicap. Along with the Championship division, this year the Helen Lengfeld Flight will be brought back, awarding a winner for the net division. Quail Lodge Golf Club, 8205 Valley Greens Drive, in Carmel Valley. 831-620-8876 www.quaillodge.com

Tuesday of each week. Venders offer fresh vegetables and fruits and other farm fresh produce, fresh and dried flowers and plants. Visitors to Monterey can stroll among merchant venders, find snacks, and prepared foods for walk-away eating. Entertainment. Open 4-7 p.m. along Alvarado St. btw. Del Monte Ave. and Polk St. Monterey. 831-655-8070. Free admission. www.oldmonterey.org/

Celebrating the 152th year of operation. The oldest continuously operation. The oldest continuously operated lighthouse on the Pacific Coast. Since 1855, it's light continually guides ships past Point Pinos at the south of Monterey Bay. Visitors can view the restored interior. Self guided tours. Experience living history on Sat. and Sun. as local actress, Roo Hornady, often appears as the socialite Lighthouse keeper, Emily Fish. Open 1-4 p.m., Thur.-Mon., plus major holidays. Guided tours for large group (10 plus) arranged by reservation. 831-648-5716, ext. 10.

Poppy Hills Golf Course, Pebble Beach

A celebration of the creative culinary arts and professional, intimate hospitality of this world-renowned region. Great food paired with exquisite wines. The Festival will be held at each local resort and restaurant with winemaker dinners at local restaurants and some private homes on Friday and Saturday evenings, and on Saturday evening we'll host the Dinner With Friends – A Benefit for Big Sur at the Ventana Inn and Spa with Big Sur chefs as well as guest chefs such as Cal Stamenov, of Bernardus, Carmel Valley. We aim to promote wine and food from our friends and neighbors as best as possible, and in as organic and low carbon-footprint a way as possible. 831-667-0800

Members of The Historic Garden League lead 90-minute guided walks of several Old Monterey gardens included in the Monterey State Historic Park: First Theater, Whaling Station, Custom House, Casa Soberanes, The Memory Garden at the Pacific House. The Doud House, owned by the Monterey History and Art Association is the sixth garden included in the tour. Regular tour Fri. 10 a.m. Reservation must be made in advance. Groups can be accommodated with advance notice on other days. The League operates the Picket Fence and the Boston Store Thurs.-Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 831-649-3364, 831-626-3710 www.historicgardenleague.org

Class Mercury/Shields. From 1-5 p.m. Waters off Monterey Bay Print www.mpyc.org
11: Veterans Day Veterans Day Ceremony honoring our veterans. Sponsored by the American Legion Post 512 Carmel. Held 11 a.m., Devendorf Plaza Park, Ocean Ave btw Mission and Junipero, Carmel. 831-624-9941. www.alpost512.org

13th annual. Presented by the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association and Wine Enthusiast Magazine, celebrates Monterey County s worldclass wines and gastronomic delights. Highlights of Monterey County’s biggest wine weekend event include: an Opening Reception at Intercontinental: The Clement Monterey, interactive seminars, Chef Demo and Lunch, over 20 Winemaker Dinners at various exclusive restaurants around the Peninsula, more than fifty acclaimed wineries will showcase their wines, reflecting the quality of the region’s nine distinct American Viticulture Areas, guided Monterey Wine Country Tours and Wine Country open houses at the wineries, Silent auction. Open Houses in Carmel & Salinas Valley, Coastal Kitchen Seminars, Wine Seminars. Watch a wine pairing battle between chefs. Boutique and Hidden Gems Wine Tasting that include wines from Ultra-small production wineries. Grand Finalé at Intercontinental: The Clement Monterey,750 Cannery Row, Monterey 831-375-9400, 831-375-4500 Price varies for each event. Must be 21 years of age to participate in Great Wine Escape Weekend events.

Part of the Big Sur International Half Marathon. Marathon participants can pick up their packets during the Expo. A Photo ID is required for packet pickup. Fri. noon-6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Serra Ballroom, Monterey Conference Center, One Portola Plaza, Monterey. 831-625-6226. www.bigsurhalfmarathon.org

A Fashion Show by eight Pacific Grove Boutiques and Community Auction. Dinner & live entertainment. More than 120 donations of trips, restaurant certificates, accommodations & golf packages will be auctioned off to support the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce, From 5:30-10 p.m., Merrill Hall, Asilomar Conference Grounds, 800 Asilomar, Pacific Grove. 831-373-3304. www.pacificgrove.org

The 5K begins at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company on Cannery Row in Monterey. Free parking is provided for entrants at the Cannery Row Garage on Foam Street. The course will be out and back along Ocean View Blvd. in Pacific Grove, ¼ mile past Lovers Point before turning around.. Entertainment disbursed along the course. Both walkers and runners are welcome. Dogs and children in strollers are welcome. Start Time: 9 a.m. Benefits MYMuseum. The race will end in front of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company on Cannery Row. 831-625-6226. 831-625-2119. www.bigsurhalfmarathon.org www.bsim.org

Race runs a scenic, flat fast course thru downtown Monterey, loops around Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, downtown Pacific Grove and Pacific Grove Coastline. Runners make the turnaround at Asilomar Beach. Runner and walker categories. This is a fitness event; the out and back course of 10 miles. The Half Marathon Run is a timed, competitive event. Cash awards. Live music and entertainment on the course. Food and drink at the Finish. Proceeds from the Half Marathon are dedicated to our youth fitness program: JUST RUN. Must be age 12 and older to participate. Start Location: Intersection of Del Monte near Figueroa St. in downtown Monterey. Start time:7 a.m. Free parking available at the adjacent Custom House parking garages. 831-625-6226. 831-625-2119 www.bigsurhalfmarathon.org

Celebrate the harvest with Chef Cal Stamenov, Pastry Chef Ben Spungin, Wine Director Mark Jensen and Bar Manager Zole Andahazy. Chef Cal and Chef Spungin will share their favorite Thanksgiving recipes from stuffing to dessert. Mark Jensen will discuss wine pairings, while Zole gives tips for easy seasonal cocktails. Guests are sure to leave inspired and ready to celebrate the season. www.bernardus.com

Adults, Saturday nights, dance to the recorded tunes of yesteryear. Refreshments available. No smoking or drinking, 7-10 p.m., Chautauqua Hall, 16th and Central, Pacific Grove, admission charge or annual Dance Club membership card. 831-648-5730, 642-9641, 373-7960. www.pgdance.org

Played by some of the biggest names in golf. The world's only tournament that matches players from the PGA, the LPGA, the Champions, and Nationwide Tours in headtohead competition for the same purse. Matches teams of four amateurs with a different pro each day. Practice rounds open to the public the two days before the tournament. Headquartered at the Pebble Beach Resort and Golf Links. Play at Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill and Del Monte Golf Courses. Final rounds at Pebble Beach Golf Links. For information call 831-625-8575, 800-347-6126. www.pebblebeach.com Free to the public no tickets required.

Over 300 local artists and craftspeople from the TriCounty Area, Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito, exhibit and sell Judged Art and handicraft items in an outdoor market setting. Good Holiday gift selections. Food available. Sponsored by the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Held the Sat. before Thanksgiving. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunset Center Parking Lot, San Carlos & 9th, Carmel-by-the-Sea. 831-659-5208, 831-620-2020,. Free admission.

Tree lighting ceremony among the 70,000 lights at Del Monte Center. Live holiday entertainment, delicious cookies and hot cocoa. Santa magically lights the holiday tree. The event supports the Food Bank of Monterey County. Bring three cans of food for a raffle ticket to win a Del Monte Shopping Center gift card. Visiting children will receive a special gift. 5-7 p.m., Del Monte Center, 1110 Del Monte Ave., Monterey.8313732705, 831-649-4410, 831-751-1678. www.delmontecenter.com/

at the Fairgrounds. Check with the newspaper that week to confirm what to bring. Monterey Room, Monterey Fairgrounds, Fairgrounds Rd. and Garden Rd., Monterey. 831-659-2493, 831-647-5845, 831-372-5863. www.montereycountyfair.com

Santa Claus will light the Holiday tree. Steinbeck Plaza, 6 p.m. Cannery Row Monterey. 831-649-6690, 831-372-2259. Free www.canneryrow.com/

Monterey Room, Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Monterey Fairgrounds, Fairgrounds Rd. and Garden Rd., Monterey. 503-252-8300, 831-372-5863. www.gemfaire.com

9th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights, a family and community event. Spectators watch 80 Parade Entrants, from marching bands, floats, dancers, walking groups, and classic cars, 6-9 p.m., from Acacia St., along South Main Street through Oldtown to Salinas St. Celebrity announcers along the route keep you well informed., Salinas. 831- 796-6915. www.salinasparade.com

Begin the Holiday season in Pacific Grove with the traditional Lighting of the Christmas Tree. Live entertainment by school bands followed by caroling and refreshments at Chautauqua Hall. A visit by Santa Claus for the children, 5:00 p.m., Jewell Park, Central and Forest, Pacific Grove. 831-373-3304. www.pacificgrove.org