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During both afternoons, visitors can mingle with local authors, entrepreneurs and historians — Mary Wadden and Deborah Perry Piscione on Dec. 7; Robin Chapman, Don McDonald and Krista Van Laan on Dec. 14 — and enjoy light refreshments. And be certain to see the cool Christmas tree embellished with, of all things, CDs. Hours for these special events are 1 to 3 p.m. Otherwise, the history museum, located at 51 S. San Antonio Road, is open from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Admission is free. Details: 650-948-9427, www.losaltoshistory.org.

The Manhattan Transfer: The Oshman Family JCC presents the 10-time Grammy-winning ballet shoes. decorated ballet shoes. vocal quartet in a benefit concert, May 31, 7:30 p.m, Oshman Family JCC- Schultz Cultural Arts Hall, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, $50 concert only, $250 includes meet-the-artist reception, concert and dessert, paloaltojcc.org/artsbravura, 650-223-8664, Unlaced Dance Series: Smuin Ballet closes its 21st season with Helen Pickett’s sensual “Petal” and a world premiere by Adam Hougland, The program finishes with two Michael Smuin classics, a pas de deux from “Romeo and Juliet” and “Hearts Suite.” Through May 24, times vary, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View, $52-$71, smuinballet.org, 650-903-6000..

For more information, email diance@art4antioch.org, call 925-325-9897 or go to www.art4antioch.org/CelebrationofArt2014.asp. Brentwood writers group to host open mic. BRENTWOOD — Writers and poets are invited to perform the written word, including one’s own poetry, short stories and nonfiction, during open mic at 6:30 p.m. June 12 at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. Participants are allowed five minutes each to perform. You are encouraged to bring work on any subject, your own or that of another writer, as long as it is neither insulting nor abusive.

Pilates is a body conditioning method, performed on a mat or a variety of apparatus, designed to build strength without bulk, improve flexibility and agility, and help prevent injuries, by focusing on building a strong core, Owner Laura Sefchovich Perets may be new to Montclair but she is not new to the field of Pilates, Perets has been teaching the program for 15 years and has been running her own studio for nearly a decade, Perets first studio was Glenview Pilates, which she opened in 2005, before relocating to Harrison and MacArthur Boulevard in 2006, Since it was right off the freeway, ballet shoes. decorated ballet shoes. she renamed it Pilates 580..

Broadway By the Bay. “Les Miserables.” March 6-22, Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway St., Redwood City; and March 28-April 5, Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey. Featuring Adam Campbell (Jean Valjean), Anthony Bernal (Javert), Mia Fryvecind (Fantine), Joseph Hudelson (Thenardier), Melissa Reinertson (Madame Thenardier), Jason Rehklau (Marius), Matthew Provencal (Enjolras), Eponine (Rachel LaFollette), Samantha Cardenas (Cosette), William Lipton (Gavroche) and Allayna Slate and Eva Colliou (Young Cosette/Eponine). Directed by Jasen Jeffrey. $47-$69 in Redwood City, 650-579-5565 or broadwaybythebay.org. $39 to $59 in Monterey, 831-649-1070 or goldenstatetheatre.com.