THANKSGIVING ON THE GRASS: The Thanksgiving Weekend Bluegrass Festival continues through Sunday at the Sertoma Youth Ranch in southeast Hernando County. Hours are noon to 11 p.m. today and Saturday ($16 each day); and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday ($12). Admission is $2 for children ages 12 to 16 and free for children younger than 12. Performers include Lonesome Whistle, Bluegrass Reunion, Melvin Goins, Goldwing Express, Bluegrass Parlor Band, Palms Bluegrass, Pine Mountain Railroad, the Giccis Brothers, Josh Graves and Kenney Baker, and Michelle Nixon and Drive. There will be a dobro workshop today and a fiddle workshop Saturday. To reach the ranch, take Spring Lake Highway to Church Road. Turn east onto Church and go to Myers Road. Turn south onto Myers, and the ranch will be on the right. For information, call 754-3082.
CHICAGO GOES SOUTH: There will be a reception for Chicago artist "rory" from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday at New Millennia Studio's DanceGallery, 316 S Broad St., Brooksville. The exhibit features original paintings, drawings and sketches, and posters and prints featuring the artist's work. Call 592-0184.
CLASSICAL VIOLIN: Mrs. Brazeau's Classical Violin students will present their second annual recital at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Stage West Community Playhouse, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. Admission is $10. Call 754-5234.
ART AMONG THE STACKS: The paintings of Nina Ketcham will be on display through the end of the month at the West Hernando/S.T. Foggia Library, 6335 Blackbird Ave., Spring Hill. Her display features oil paintings with subjects including landscapes, animals and city scenes. Library hours are 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Call 540-6391.
ARTIST OF THE MONTH: The work of Spring Hill Art League artist of the month Virginia Kotlowski will be on display through November during business hours at the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, 10005 Cortez Blvd. in Spring Hill. Kotlowski is from Jersey City, N.J., and has lived in the area since 1981. The exhibit is free. For information, call 596-4000.
QUICK TRIPS
CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA: A Pasco Christmas: Christmas in America opens today at Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey, and continues weekends through Dec. 7. Shows are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $15 adults, $8 ages 12 and younger, reserved seating. Call (727) 842-6777.
OH YEAH: The Fabulous Ohs - David and Sharon Ohrenstein - will perform at 7 p.m. Monday at the Jewish Community Center of West Pasco, 9841 Scenic Drive, Port Richey. David plays piano; Sharon sings Broadway and pop classics. Admission is $4.
LOOK AHEAD
BONE FOR ROCKHOUNDS: The Withlacoochee Rockhounds will have their 29th annual Rock, Gem and Jewelry show Dec. 5-7 at the SNPJ Hall, 13383 County Line Road, Spring Hill. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is $3. Call 688-7810 or 699-1406.
SWEET SOUNDS OF THE SEASON: The Sweet Adelines harmony chorus will have its annual holiday show at 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at Spring Hill United Church of Christ, 4244 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. Home for the Holidays is a lighthearted spoof depicting family members as they converge on the homefront for the holidays. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for students. Call 688-8305.
CHRISTMAS CAR SHOW: The Spring Hill Speed & Custom Christmas Car Show will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Spring Hill Shopping Plaza, 7403 Spring Hill Drive. Trophies and door prizes will be awarded. Car show registration is $15, observer admission is free, but nonperishable food will be collected for Jerico Road Ministries. Call 686-4030.
OLD DOG, NEW TRICKS: Chinsegut Nature Center will have a free bird dog demonstration from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 6 at the center, north of Brooksville. Take U.S. 41 north of Brooksville 7 miles, then turn left on County Road 476 and go 1 mile. The nature center is on the left. For information, call 754-6722.
JOY OF THE SEASON: The Chancel Choir of Faith Evangelical Presbyterian Church will present a Christmas production, Repeat the Sounding Joy, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14 at the church, 200 Mount Fair Ave., Brooksville. Admission is free, and the public is welcome.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Stage West Community Playhouse will present a holiday tribute to America's veterans, Home for the Holidays, Dec. 11-14 at the theater, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. Shows are at 8 p.m., except Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students younger than 18. The theater's box office is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and one hour before each show. Call 683-5113.
CURTAIN CALLS
- Stage West Community Playhouse will have auditions for the musical Jekyll & Hyde at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 and 1 p.m. Dec. 6 at the theater, 8390 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. Director Barbara Everest needs 14 men, four women and a very strong chorus. Auditioners should come prepared to read from the script and sing from sheet music or bring a CD or tape. Call 683-5113.
- Entries for the Best New Florida Song Contest for the 2004 Will McLean Music Festival will be accepted until Dec. 31. For details, see www.willmclean.com or call Ken at 352 589-6027. The winners will perform at the festival March 12 to 14 at the Sertoma Youth Ranch in southeastern Hernando County.
