Hot Tickets

Hot Tickets
TONIGHT
* In the mood for holiday music? The annual Holiday Jazz Concert by Boardman High School musicians begins at 7 in Boardman Performing Arts Center, next to the high school at 7777 Glenwood Ave. Admission is free. Traditional songs will be on tap, and there will be a number of instrumental and vocal solos -- including one by senior soprano Kelly Leson, who's among those featured on the Handel's Ice Cream "Kids for Kids Holiday CD."FRIDAY
* Her CD cover shows her with full red lips just like Courtney Love, but singer-songwriter Peg Simone walks on the less volatile side of music. Simone, who will play at Nyabinghi, 1229 Salt Springs Road, Youngstown, offers a melancholy sound with pensive lyrics and sparse instrumentation -- just guitar, bass and drums -- on songs such as "New Orleans." Next month, Simone will release her newest extended-play CD, titled "Swoon."
SATURDAY
* Settle the kids in at YSU Ward Beecher Planetarium, Lincoln Avenue, Youngstown, to see and hear how "George & amp; Oatmeal Save Santa." Times for the story and laser light show are 1 and 2:30. Admission is free. The planetarium also offers a "Holiday Lights" program at 8 p.m.
SUNDAY
* Here's one last chance to take the family to see the Magic Carpet Theater production of "The Frog Prince" at Oakland Center for the Arts, 220 W. Boardman St., Youngstown. Curtain time is 2:30 p.m. For reservations, call (330) 746-0404.
* If the performance by local jazz pianist Joe Augustine at the "Christmas in the City" concert earlier this week made you hungry for more of his music, take a road trip to the jazz club called Night Town, 12387 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights. Augustine plays at 7 p.m. Call (216) 795-0550. Augustine also plays Friday and Saturday nights at Opus Twenty One in Howland.
* A 1:30 p.m. concert by St. Paul Episcopal Church Handbell Choir and Church Choir marks the beginning of a new season of programming at Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd. Admission to the annual holiday concert is free. Through the end of April, the museum will offer other free matinee concerts, free organ recitals by guest artists and special events -- including Marcolivia duo (violins), Imani Winds, innovative pianist Lambert Orkis and young pianist Robert Plano -- that will require tickets. For a complete schedule, call (888) CMA-0033 or see the web site www.ClevelandArt.org.
NEXT WEEK
* Half-court shots are no problem for The Harlem Globetrotters, that slam-dunking, family-friendly basketball team that suits up for another contest at 1 p.m. Dec. 27 in Gund Arena, Cleveland. In its 78th season, the Globetrotters have become known as "The Magicians of the Hardcourt" because of their amazing athletic feats that are performed with a healthy dose of humor. Tickets are from $12 to $40. Call Ticketmaster.
AHEAD
* No plans yet for New Year's Eve? B & amp;O Station Brewery & amp; Restaurant, 530 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, is selling tickets for a party that will include music by Larry Shankman and the Foreskins, food, a champagne toast and prize-filled balloon drop. Tickets are $45 each for $80 per couple. Call (330) 742-4890 for reservations.
* Rockin Chair Country Band will play at a New Year's Eve square dance and tureen dinner at Mahoning Valley Grange, 4649 Skyhill Road, Edinburg, Pa. Admission is $15 per couple. Call (724) 964-8171 for details.
* Russian-born comedian Yakov Smirnoff still loves this country, but these days his routine is focused on romantic love. He'll perform his "As Long As We Both Shall Laugh" -- which he also performed on Broadway earlier this year -- at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at Byham Theater, Pittsburgh. Tickets are $25 and $35. Buy them by calling (412) 456-6666.