Arts Wrap for Nov. 29, 2013 | The Sacramento Bee

Cottonwood Creek plays at the Hangar BBQ

Country/folk group Cottonwood Creek performs at 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday at the Hangar BBQ, 26 Macready Drive, at the Merced Airport. For more information, visit the group’s page on Facebook.

2nd annual Holiday Artisan Fair set Dec. 6-7

The second annual Holiday Artisan Fair is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7 at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center at 645 W. Main St. in downtown Merced. This year will be a collaboration with the Arbor Gallery, located on the first floor of the arts center, while they hold their annual Christmas Open House and Sale, according to the event’s Facebook page. The Arts Council will also be selling baskets and wrapping for all the gifts that people buy. Attendees will be able to purchase unique, locally sourced gifts from the Valley.

‘A Christmas Carol’ at Playhouse Merced

Playhouse Merced brings together past and present artists as it continues to celebrate its 20th anniversary with the production of “A Christmas Carol – A New Musical,” which plays through Dec. 15. Tickets are on sale now for Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors, $12 for students and $10 for children. Buy tickets by calling (209)725-8587, or visit the box office at 452 W. Main St. in downtown Merced from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The show has a few spooky, ghostly scenes but is suitable for all ages.

Auditions scheduled for ‘Romeo and Juliet’

Auditions for Merced Shakespearefest’s production of “Romeo and Juliet” are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Playhouse Merced, 452 W. Main St., in downtown Merced. All roles are open. Organizers are looking to fill at least 18 roles of various ages, and casting can be gender-blind.

Organizers also want the cast to mirror the diversity of California, and people from all ethnic groups are encouraged to audition.

Be prepared to cold-read Shakespeare’s text. A classic monologue is optional, according to the announcement on Merced Shakespearefest’s website.

Bands to play Gordo Fest at the fairground

A variety of bands is scheduled to perform from 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday at Gordo Fest. The event is scheduled to take place at the Merced County Fairgrounds, 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Tickets are $10 in advnceand $15 at the gate.

Scheduled acts include Homebrew, DSC, Droogs, 415, and Skeleton Radio. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.

Flashback to play Saturday at Star Club

The Star Club in downtown Merced will feature country and rock group Flashback from 9 p.m. Saturday to 1:30 a.m.. The band is also scheduled to play on Dec. 6. No cover, ages 21 and older only. The Star Club is located at 1331 W. Main St., just west of R Street. For more information, call (209)723-1047.