Maluso and Blackson plan Alberini's shows

Maluso and Blacksonplan Alberini's shows
NILES -- The cabaret act of Mary Jo Maluso and Rick Blackson will perform twice Feb. 17 at Alberini's Restaurant, 1201 Youngstown-Warren Road. Showtimes are 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. For reservations, call the restaurant at (330) 652-5895.
The duo will also be at the Boardman Barnes & amp; Noble bookstore, 381 Boardman-Poland Road, at 2 p.m. Feb. 12 to sign copies of their new CD, "The Bigger Picture."
Choirs to presentdinner-theater shows
CANFIELD -- The Canfield High School choirs will present the music from "Into the Woods" at their annual dinner-theater Saturday. The event will be held in the high school auditorium.
"Into the Woods" combines four fairytales -- "Cinderella," "Little Red Riding Hood," "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "Rapunzel" with the story of a childless baker and his wife. All must venture into the woods for various reasons. While in the woods, they realize the pitfalls of gluttony and greed. They soon learn the importance of unity and family ties.
The choirs will adapt the story to fit the 190 members in the choral department.
For tickets, call (330) 533-2394. There will be two performances -- 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. -- with a dinner, catered by Antone's, in between. Ticket prices are $20 for dinner and show; and $10 for the show only ($5 for students).
Event is a preludeto talent showcase
YOUNGSTOWN -- Whole Man Ministries will hold the first of three talent showcases at 6 p.m. Feb. 4 at Heart Reach Ministries, 211 Redondo Road, on the North Side. Admission is $3.
The events are designed to prepare contestants for the talent show to be held April 29 at the Orthodox Center, 1025 N. Belle Vista Ave., West Side. The other showcases will be held Feb. 18, March 4 and March 18.
Contestants at the Feb. 4 showcase will perform before judges who will critique their act. For further information, call (877) 701-2024.
Festival calendar
COLUMBUS -- The Ohio Arts Council's 2006 Arts Festivals and Competitions Directory is now available. The directory is a useful guide to artists interested in places to display and sell their work -- from traditional crafts to arts on the cutting edge -- and for anyone seeking to experience the arts in Ohio. It contains detailed information about arts and crafts festivals and competitions throughout the year, including dates, activities, number of spaces available for artists to display work, fees and contact information.To receive a copy, call (800) BUCKEYE, Ohio's travel information hot line, and ask to speak to a travel counselor from the automated menu or send a self-addressed No. 10 envelope with $1.11 in postage to the Ohio Arts Council, 727 E. Main St., Columbus, OH 43205-1796. An online version is available on the council's Web site at www.oac.state.oh.us.