The Mahoning Valley Rib Burn Off begins tonight and continues through Sunday, featuring lots of live music and, of course, barbecued ribs. See centerspread for details.

The Mahoning Valley Rib Burn Off begins tonight and continues through Sunday, featuring lots of live music and, of course, barbecued ribs. See centerspread for details.
Jim Frank, right, who fronts a combo that bears his name, recently entertained at Da Gennaro Ristorante in New York's Little Italy. Frank's combo, which caters to mature tastes, will perform from 6 to 8 p.m. at Harding Park, 249 Roosevelt Drive, Hubbard. They will also play at the Mount Carmel Italian festival in July and the Briar Hill Italian Festival in August.
"Urinetown, the Musical" was an unexpected Broadway hit that captured the attention of mainstream audiences. Straw Hat Theatre in Ashtabula is the first community theater in Ohio to receive permission to produce the show. It opens tonight at 8 p.m. at the Ashtabula Arts Center's indoor main stage, 2928 W. 13th St. Other performances are Saturday, Sunday and July 14, 15, 16, 20, 21 and 22. "Urinetown" is about a Gotham-like city where a terrible water shortage leads to a ban on private, in-home bathrooms. Citizens are forced to use public, high priced, pay-per-use amenities run by the greedy toilet entrepreneur, Caldwell B. Cladwell, owner of the monopolistic Urine Good Company. Anyone who can't or won't pay is dragged off to the mysterious Urinetown from which no one has ever returned. When a young hero falls in love with Cladwell's daughter, her optimistic words give him strength. Seizing the moment, he leads a revolution to provide the public with much needed relief.
Tickets are $12 for patron seating, $10 adults, $9 seniors and $8 students and children, and can be purchased by calling (440) 964-3396 or at the door if available. Tickets can also be purchased at the door if available.
Forte on the Fifty, a family event with music and fireworks, kicks off Youngstown State University's Summer Festival of the Arts. It starts at 7:30 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium on YSU's campus. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Call (330) 941-7170 for more information.
John Steven Bloom, a Mahoning Valley native, makes his Youngstown Playhouse debut at 8 p.m. Bloom, who has performed his show of magic and illusions across the country, will also give shows Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Call the Playhouse, at (330) 788-8739 for ticket information. Bloom's show is geared to all age levels.
The 6th annual Peddler Days Festival on Plymouth Street in Hanoverton will be held from 9 to 5 today11 to 4 Sunday. There will be entertainment every hour, including music, and a Civil War encampment and battle. Dancers, antiques, square dancing, a quilt show, baby llamas, and of course food are also part of the fun. Also, President Lincoln will be making a return visit. The event is sponsored by the Hanover Township Historical Society. Call (330) 223-1503.
U.S. Jazz Ambassadors will give a free concert at 8 p.m. in Boardman Township Park, Maag Amphitheater, 375 Boardman-Poland Road (U.S. Route 224). Call (330) 726-8107.
The Come Together band, which does an early-Beatles tribute show, will give free performances at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Gazebo at Julia's Bed and Breakfast, 6219 W. Liberty St. Hubbard (Route 304). Call (330) 534-1342. Come Together portrays The Beatles from 1964-1966, using the same equipment The Beatles used and wearing the same outfits.
Donnie Iris and the Cruisers, who recently released their first album in years, will give a free concert at 7 p.m. at Morley Pavilion in Mill Creek MetroParks' Wick Recreation Area, in Youngstown. Call (330) 702-3000.
Country music legend Willie Nelson is in concert at 7:30 p.m. at Powers Auditorium. For ticket information, call the box office at (330) 744-0264.
Mill Creek MetroParks will host a Summertime Jubilee from 3 to 6 p.m. July 15 at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield. Sponsored by Farmers National Bank, this free family event is a summer celebration full of old-fashioned fun. Highlights will include wagon tours, visits with farm animals, children's games, and homemade ice cream in honor of National Ice Cream Month. For more information, call (330) 702-3000.