classes, concerts, & celebrations

6-7 The Great Alphabet Adventure. 10 a.m. and noon, Friday; 11 a.m., Saturday. The Children’s Theatre presents a play about the value of books and friends. $8–$12. 336-725-4531. The Arts Council Theatre, 610 Coliseum Drive. http://www.childrenstheatrews.org.

7 Healthy Living Expo. 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. Interactive exhibits, health screenings, fitness activities, a children’s area, and a healthy heart walk highlight the 2009 expo. Ali Vincent, winner of NBC’s The Biggest Loser (season five), will be in attendance. Free. Benton Convention Center, 301 W. Fifth St. http://www.healthylivingexponc.com.

12–15 Once on this Island. 8 p.m. Based on the novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy, this musical is about peasants on a Caribbean Island. $6–$8. 336-917-5493. Salem Fine Arts Center, 601 S. Church St. http://www.salem.edu.

13 Zinfandel Wine Dinner. 7 p.m. What do you get when you combine fine dining and a cooking lesson? The Stocked Pot’s first wine dinner. Chef Don McMillan and his staff will demonstrate dishes and pair each one with wine. $79. 336-499-5844. The Stocked Pot, 381 Jonestown Rd. http://www.thestockedpot.com.

14 Encore! Creative Arts Ministries Workshop. 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. A series of workshops and presentations aimed at enhancing participants’ creative skills. Offerings include dance, voice, acting, scriptwriting, directing, and more. Registration is required. $48; $38 for students. Salem Fine Arts Center, 601 S. Church St. http://www.curtaincallnc.org.

18 Bookmarks Presents: A Conversation with Laura Lippman. 5:30 p.m. premier event; 7 p.m. conversation. New York Times best-selling author Laura Lippman is on national tour for the release of Life Sentences. Her suspenseful novels featuring “accidental PI” Tess Monaghan have won every major mystery prize. Lippman will share her insights on this new novel and her work. Reception, music, and booksigning will follow. $75 premier; $16 main. RayLen Vineyards & Winery, 3577 Highway 158, Mocksville. 800-838-3006. http://www.bookmarksbookfestival.org.

20 Cancer Services’ 7th Annual Benefit. 7 p.m. This annual event, titled “Wrapped Up In Ribbons,” will feature a silent and live auction, games, food, and drinks. Proceeds benefit local cancer survivors. $50. Embassy Suites Ballroom, 460 North Cherry St. cancerservicesonline.org.

21 Oyster Roast. 1–5 p.m. Celebrate Spring at RayLen Vineyards & Winery. Martha Bassett Band will entertain, and steamed oysters and seafood will be available from Full Moon Oyster Bar. $10 includes parking, wine, and a souvenir glass. RayLen Vineyards, 3577 US Highway 158, Mocksville. http://www.raylenvineyards.com.

21 Side By Side concert. 3 p.m. A concert featuring Winston-Salem Youth Symphony students playing alongside the Winston-Salem Symphony. $5–$20. 336-464-0145. K.R. Williams Auditorium, WSSU. http://www.wssymphony.org.

21 Spring Fling at the Ronald McDonald House. Lend a helping hand on this annual day of cleaning at the Ronald McDonald House. Breakfast, lunch, and cleaning supplies are provided. Call 336-723-0228 to register. Ronald McDonald House, 419 S. Hawthorne Rd. http://www.rmhwinstonsalem.org.

21 Train Day at the Children’s Museum. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Celebrate the railroad with model trains, railroad stories, and train art. 336-723-9111. Children’s Museum of Winston-Salem, 390 S. Liberty St. http://www.childrensmuseumofws.org.

24 Basic Boating Classes. 6:30–8:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Winston-Salem Sail & Power Squadron, this five-week series teaches the skills of basic boating. $45, includes book and CD. Call 336-766-6643 to register. Old Town Neighborhood Recreation Center, 4550 Shattalon Dr. http://www.wssps.org.

24 Patti Austin. 7 p.m. Spend an evening with Grammy award-winning songstress Patti Austin, who will be accompanied by select singers from WSSU’s choral department under the direction of D’Walla S. Burke. Winston-Salem Symphony Director Robert Moody will emcee. Proceeds support the Chancellor’s Scholarship Fund. $50 advance; $55 day of show; $20 with student ID. K.R. Williams Auditorium, WSSU. http://www.wssu.edu.

28 Play That Funky Music: A Salute to the ’70s. 7:30 p.m. The Winston-Salem Symphony invites you back to the days of leisure suits and lava lamps with this tribute to 1970s-era pop music. $15–$55. 336-464-0145. Reynolds Auditorium, 301 N. Hawthorne Rd. http://www.wssymphony.org.