Monday December 8
Books
Poets Ellen Watson and Cynthia Huntington read tonight at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley. Watson will be reading from her new book, “Ladder Music,” and Huntington will be sharing excerpts from her latest release, “The Radiant.” The reading starts at 7 p.m. and is free to the public.
Art
The Augusta Savage Gallery hosts two new exhibits from BFA students Patricia Siudut and Rachel Allison Esancy. Siudut’s work is titled “Nightscapes,” Esancy’s “For Your Bitter Little Heart.” There is an opening reception for the show tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. and the work will be on view until Dec. 12.
Performing Arts
The works of Beethoven and Ligeti come to the stage of the Bezanson Recital Hall tonight at 7:30 p.m. Amanda Burr, Kaila Graef, Stan Renard and Sean Murray, the Graduate String Quartet, will perform the famous works free of charge.
Tuesday December 9
Performing Arts
Under the direction of David Sporny and Susumu Watanabe The Chapel Jazz group and the Jazz Lab Ensemble hit the stage of Bowker Auditorium tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $3 for UMass students, $5 for Five College students and $10 for the general public.
The Fall Festival of One-Acts kicks off tonight at 8 p.m. The student director showcase goes through Dec. 11 and features an abundance of one-scene performances. The event is free of charge. For a schedule see www.smith.edu/smitharts
Wednesday December 10
Books
Author Nicholas A. Basbanes appears at the Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley to read from and discuss his newest work, “A Splendor of Letters: The Permanence of Books in an Impermanent World,” a look at America’s book culture. The reading is free and starts at 7 p.m.
Performing Arts
Bezanson Recital Hall hosts the Student Composers’ Concert tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $3 for UMass students, $5 for Five College Students and $10 for the general public.
Smith College’s Gamelan Ensemble performs tonight at 8 p.m. Playing a repertoire of traditional Javanese music, the group will play at Earle Recital Hall on the Smith Campus for free.
Thursday December 11
Books
Local writer Francesca Rheannon and author of “French Dirt” Richard Goodman read from “Provence: Traveler’s Tales” at the Odyssey Bookshop tonight at 7 p.m. There is no coast to attend.
Performing Arts
San Francisco Opera singer and UMass Alumnus Andrew Garland returns to the Pioneer Valley tonight to perform at the Bezanson Recital Hall at 8 p.m. The show is free of charge.
Friday December 12
Music
Philadelphia-based singer and songwriter Erik Balkey comes to Amherst tonight to play The Black Sheep Caf