Friday, May 20
* ”OH WHAT A LOVELY WAR”, more than 40 local people from the Arts Centre Youth and Community Theatre join forces to bring Joan Littlewood's poignant war time musical entertainment to the stage at ABERYSTWYTH Arts Centre tonight and at 7.30pm on Saturday, May 21.
* THREE, exhibition featuring work by installation artist Vicki Kerr from New Zealand, moving image artist, poet and musician Heather Phillipson, and photographer Michelle Sank, at ABERYSTWYTH Arts Centre gallery. Ends Saturday.
* LUNED RHYS PARRI, artist in residence’s new project creating artwork based on work of the photographer Geoff Charles, at the National Library of Wales, ABERYSTWYTH.
* MORGAN & WEST TIME TRAVELLING MAGICIANS, the Victorian magic duo appear at the SpArC theatre, BISHOPS CASTLE.
* BENJI KIRKPATRICK, from Bellowhead, at the Three Tuns, BISHOPS CASTLE.
* LADIES OF COUNTRY, featuring Billie Jo (Blanket on the Ground) Spears, at Theatr Brycheiniog, BRECON.
* MID WALES ART CENTRE, with the Stefan Knapp Sculpture Project and featuring the 1921-96 Lifetime Retrospective Exhibition of the artist Stefan Knapp, who would have been 90 this year, on to the end of May at the CAERSWS gallery and grounds.
Other sculptures in the grounds include works by Ambrose Burne, Dave Wade and Jean Lawley-Maitland. Open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 11am to 4pm.
Submissions are being sought for the next “Young Artists” exhibition to go on show in June. On June 4 the Arts Centre will host Barb Jungr, the singer known for her interpretations of Bob Dylan songs.
* WAYNE MARTIN BAND, at the White Horse Inn, CLUN.
* AMANDA SKIPSEY, new exhibitions by the self-taught artist with her distinctive paintings of Welsh towns and villages; plus unique artworks and practical items by James Smith using premium-grade locally grown native wood, at ERWOOD Station Craft Centre and Gallery to the end of June. Open seven days a week with free admission.
* THE HOLY JOES, with guests in evening of spring and summer music and poetry at The Globe, HAY ON WYE.
* SOPHIE BIGNALL, exhibition by local artist specialising in producing lifelike images of flora and fauna, at the Tower House Gallery, KNIGHTON, during May. She also enjoys creating watercolours and landscapes drawing inspiration from her surroundings and provided the art work for a new children’s book “Dark Candle” by Shropshire author Carole Anne Carr.
* FROM INGRESS TO IPAD, retrospective exhibition by prolific local artist Marcia Gibson-Watt, on display at the Radnorshire Museum, LLANDRINDOD WELLS, to June 11.
* MUSEUM OF MODERN ART WALES, new exhibitions at the MACHYNLLETH gallery comprise Ann Bridges “Halcyon Days”; the Contemporary Art Society for Wales’ Art for Wales collection; and New Work by Aneurin and Meirion Jones.
* IAN PHILLIPS, exhibition by the artist who produces lino prints and lives near Machynlleth, on until May 25, at the CountryWorks Gallery, MONTGOMERY.
* STORMY MONDAY, blues band at The Exchange, NEWTOWN.
* ORIEL DAVIES GALLERY, “Placement: Ceramics Connections Wales and Scotland” exhibition, explores the narrative possibilities of ceramics through material, form, history, image and context, at the NEWTOWN venue, until July 6.
Also open in the TestBed space in “Aggregates” by Jonathan Anderson who works with natural materials such as sand, soil and coal as a way of reconnecting with the living world.
Writer Tyler Keevil will be in conversation with the gallery’s writer in residence Chris Kinsey and will read from his extensive work on Friday, June 3.
* VIVI-MARI CARPELAN, the Finnish-Swedish symbolist artist from Llanidloes shows 20 intriguing handmade collages until the end of May at PH Salon and Gallery, Park Street, NEWTOWN.
* ”IMPROBABLE FICTION”, local production of the riotously funny Alan Ayckbourn play, at the Attfield Theatre, OSWESTRY, with final shows tonight and Saturday, May 21.
* 4ARTSAKE, new exhibitions by local artists impressionist painter Jude Robinson and children’s illustrator Sammy-Jane Frost, at The Qube gallery, OSWESTRY to June 11.
* WILL KILLEEN, Irish blues guitarist at No.46 Wine Bar, PRESTEIGNE.
* ”THE PRODUCERS”, Mad Cow Productions and the hilarious multi-award winning hit Mel Brooks musical, at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY, tonight, and at 2.30 and 7.30pm on Saturday.
* BOB STILL BLUES, at the High Street Wheatsheaf, SHREWSBURY.
* BLACK LIGHTS, live band at the Frankwell Wheatsheaf, SHREWSBURY.
Saturday, May 21
* THE GHOSTS OF MAY, magical celebration of Cornish culture, at CORRIS Institute. Featuring Famous Jug Band founder guitarist Pete Berryman, and acclaimed playwright and actress Pauline Sheppard (both pictured above), plus Welsh triple harpist Rhiain Bebb and maverick genius Timbo.
* PLAYING FOR DANCING, eighth of 10 TASC weekly music workshop days for eight to 18-year-olds, from 10am at St John Ambulance Hall, LLANDRINDOD WELLS. Focussing on playing music for dancing and leading to creation of a band to perform at a community event later in the year. Visit www.tradartsupport, org.uk or call Philip Freeman on 01686 688102, or Helen Wilding-Smith on 07772 697401.
* MOONCHILD, talented local covers band at LYDBURY North Village Hall in aid of the new parish hall fund.
* FINE GLASS FUSION, demonstration by Rachael Montgomery 11am to 2pm at Studio A!, OSWESTRY.
* TEXTILE WORKSHOPS, Dwr Cymru Welsh water events for Adult Learners Week, from 10am and 2pm at Elan Valley Visitor Centre near RHAYADER. Book on 01597 870311.
* ONE-MAN STAR WARS TRILOGY, Canadian actor Charles Ross recreates the films live at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY.
* GUTTERSNIPE, at the Kings Head, SHREWSBURY.
* ONE FOR NORMA, folk fiddle maestro Dave Swarbrick, formerly of Fairport Convention, with friends singer songwriter storyteller Anne Lister, and unaccompanied West Gallery music from the Village Quire, in aid of the Norma Waterson Fund, at Gwernyfed School Drama Studio, THREE COCKS. Book on 01497 847676.
Sunday, May 22
* RHYMES & TELLS, poems and storytelling open session from 8pm at the Six Bells, BISHOPS CASTLE.
* ALAN CARR, the Chatty Man himself with Work-in-Progress show warming up for his first UK tour in over four years, at Theatr Brycheiniog, BRECON.
* HARLEQUIN, folky trio from 3pm followed by Joe Seager at 8.30pm at the High Street Wheatsheaf, SHREWSBURY.
Monday, May 23
* ”HAPPY BOBIDAY”, Arad Goch Theatre Company present show based on the colourful characters from the ‘Bobinogs’ TV series on CBeebies and S4C’s CYW, in Welsh at 10am and in English at 12.30pm at ABERYSTWYTH Arts Centre.
* BUILTH WELLS MALE VOICE CHOIR, the choir meet every Monday at 7.30pm for practise in the Greyhound Hotel Builth Wells. New members welcome.
* ACOUSTIC NIGHTS, singers and songwriters welcome at the Golden Lion Hotel, LLANDYSILIO, every Monday and Wednesday.
* SING YOUR HEART OUT, singing group meeting on Mondays at 7pm at MEIFOD Village Hall. Further information from Kath on 01938 500459.
* MIXED YOUTH CHOIR, new Mid Wales ensemble meeting every Monday from 7.30pm at NEWTOWN Evangelical Church. Welcomes new members aged 16 to 40.
* MODERN JIVE CLASSES, from 7.45pm every Monday at the Lion Hotel, SHREWSBURY.
Tuesday, May 24
* HEARTSONG COMMUNITY CHOIR, weekly meetings from 7.15pm at ABERYSTWYTH Arts Centre. Contact Gill on 01970 621512. Also now including the outdoors project with National Theatre Wales and Berlin’s theatre-makers Rimini Protokol, meeting at the Court Royal Hotel at 7.15pm revealing stories of each choir member on the streets of the town.
* DAVE JONES TRIO, piano-led swing band with Lee Goodall on sax, in Jazz session at Theatr Brycheiniog, BRECON.
* KNIGHTON TOWN SILVER BAND, rehearsals every Thursday night. Email secretary on gillwilson.music@virgin.net.
* NEWTOWN MALE VOICE CHOIR, weekly practise on Tuesdays with new members welcome at the United Reformed Church at 7.30pm with musical director, Christine Roberts. For more information ring secretary Enid Morgan on 01686 626894.
* JAM SESSION, with all musicians welcome every Tuesday from 9pm at the Bell Hotel, NEWTOWN.
* RHAYADER & DISTRICT MALE VOICE CHOIR, weekly rehearsals now back at the Old School, CWMDAUDDWR from 8pm every Tuesday. New members welcome.
Wednesday, May 25
* HARLEM GOSPEL CHOIR, in concert at Theatr Brycheiniog, BRECON.
* BUILTH WELLS & DISTRICT LADIES' CHOIR, rehearsals every Wednesday at 7.45pm at the Wesley Chapel, BUILTH WELLS. Details and bookings on 01982 552514.
* LLANDRINDOD SILVER BAND, practises at LLANDRINDOD WELLS Primary School, at Cefnllys, with junior band practise at 6pm followed by senior band practise from 7pm. More information may be had on the band's website Llandrindod-silver-band.org.uk.
* LLANFAIR CAEREINION MALE VOICE CHOIR, rehearsals held at 8pm on Wednesdays at the High School. Call secretary Emlyn Thomas on 01938 820289.
* ACOUSTIC SESSIONS, informal folk, blues and jazz every Wednesday from 8.30pm now at the Elephant, LLANIDLOES. Musicians welcome.
* ”BEAUTY & THE BEAST”, Ballet Cymru performance at LUDLOW Assembly Rooms.
* MALDWYN STRINGS, meeting at NEWTOWN High School on a Wednesday night fortnightly during termtime. New string players are always welcome. Contact Julie Turner on 01686 626442.
* NEWTOWN MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY, now rehearsing for “Be Our Guest, A Compilation of Disney”, every Wednesday from 7.30pm at the Methodist Church, Back Lane, NEWTOWN.
* COR MERCHED MALDWYN, Montgomeryshire Ladies’ Choir, meets at 7.30pm on Wednesdays at NEWTOWN Evangelical Church. Contact secretary Ruth Hamer Jones on 01686 621391.
* PEPPA PIG’S PARTY, children’s musical show at 1 and 4pm today, and at 10am, 1pm and 4pm on Thursday, at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY.
* LIVE AT THE HIVE, bands include Sexy Summers and Radio Riots, at The Hive, SHREWSBURY.
Thursday, May 26
* HMV BAND, at The Vaults, BISHOPS CASTLE.
* GERRY CROSS THE MERSEY, musical journey through the life and times of Gerry Marsden and his band the Pacemakers, at Theatr Brycheiniog, BRECON.
* NORTH POWYS DECORATIVE & FINE ARTS SOCIETY, landscape gardener Keir Davidson speaks on “Humphrey Repton and the Gardens at Woburn”, at GREGYNOG Hall, at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome.
* GUILSFIELD SINGERS, rehearsals at 7.30pm every Thursday at the Old School, GUILSFIELD. Call 01938 559612. Annual Supper Concert with the theme Favourites Old and New to be held on July 2.
* HAY FESTIVAL, opening of the 10 Literary and Arts Festival, plus the How The Light Gets In philosophy and music festival at HAY ON WYE. Among those appearing today are Choral Concert for Richard Livsey including Builth Wells and Rhayader Choirs. For more information, click here
* LLANWNOG MIXED CHOIR, rehearsals at CLATTER Community Centre at 7.30pm every Thursday. New singers in all sections welcome with tenors and basses needed for new programme now being rehearsed. Contact the conductor Graham Marshman on 01686 412442.
* FRANCES CARLILE, new prints, together with paintings by Simon Dorrell and sculptures by David England, go on show at the Silk Top Hat Gallery, LUDLOW, to May 28.
* DAN CASSIDY, the country folk musician brother of the late Eva Cassidy, with James Hickman and friends, at Walcot Hall, LYDBURY NORTH.
* BRO HAFREN CHILDREN’S CHOIR, at 4pm at Treowen School, NEWTOWN.
* NEWTOWN SILVER BAND, practices at NEWTOWN Band Room at 7.30pm. Junior Band at 6.30pm.
* RUTH HAYWARD, flute player in lunchtime recital at the gateway, SHREWSBURY.
* SAM CARTER, 2010 BBC Folk Awards best newcomer winner, singer guitarist, at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY.
* OPEN ACOUSTIC NIGHT, at the Old Post Office, SHREWSBURY.
* TUNE SESSION, monthly musical gathering at The Grapes, WELSHPOOL.
Friday, May 27
* BLUES & BOOZE FESTIVAL, Ted Crook and Blues Highway open up the bank holiday weekend event at the White Horse Inn, CLUN.
* OSFEST, opening of the weekend of music, including Welshpool band String The Marionette, at OSWESTRY Showground,
* TCHAIKOVSKY GALA, presented by Vienna Festival Ballet, at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY.
* “WORLD OF PAIN”, Nobody’s Perfect Productions present Phil Preece’s fast paced camp comedy featuring the vile Mrs Violet Spatchcock, at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY.
Saturday, May 28
* PAPIER MACHE & STORY CREATION, workshop for children with Welsh author Morgan Tomos, from 10am at ERWOOD Station and Craft Centre. Book on: 01982 560674.
* THE MANNFREDS, vintage British band at Theatre Severn, SHREWSBURY.
Sunday, May 29
* LAUGHTER LINES, Comedy Club at the Old Post Office, SHREWSBURY.
* WELSHPOOL MUSIC FESTIVAL DAY, with events in many town pubs all day.