YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Country music singer-songwriter Mark Mackay will perform at the Youngstown Playhouse at 7 p.m. Dec. 13.

The holiday concert will include songs from the California artist’s new EP, “Christmas Time Is in the Air.”

For tickets, click HERE.

Mackay’s Laurel Canyon musical influence is present in his songs. His latest single is “Old Songs, Old Trucks.”

Terry Fator to Perform at Robins Theatre

WARREN, Ohio – Ventriloquist Terry Fator will come to the Robins Theatre on March 1, 2026, for a 5 p.m. performance.

His 90-minute show features impressions, comedy and his famed characters.

Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at RobinsTheatre.com and the box office, 160 E. Market St.

New Version of ‘Christmas Carol’ at Acts

SHARON, Pa. – Acts Performing Arts Center will present a new adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 5-7 and 12-14 at its theater at 40 S. Irvine St.

The new version, by Canadian playwright Justin Haigh, features scenes, characters, dialog and songs that retell Dickens’ beloved holiday story. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13; and at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14.

The production is under the direction of Maria Petrella-Ackley and features a cast of 27 performers.

George Baumer plays the part of Ebenezer Scrooge. Other actors include Thomas Morelli as Bob Crachit, Justin Ray as Jacob Marley and Brinley McCauley as Tiny Tim. The Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future are portrayed by Tina Greig, Mike Allenbaugh and Casey Loren. 

Tickets can be purchased by contacting the box office at 724 815 4388, online at ActsPAC.org and at the door before each performance.

Barbershop Chorus at St. Joseph’s Church

AUSTINTOWN, Ohio – The Men of Independence, an internationally noted barbershop chorus, will return to St. Blaise Parish-St. Joseph campus, 4545 New Road, on Friday, Dec. 5, for a 7:30 p.m. concert.

Admission is free.

The chorus will celebrate the holiday season with holiday songs from around the world. 

Comments Sought for Mill Creek Park Project

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Mill Creek MetroParks, in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Transportation, is planning the rehabilitation of the Slippery Rock Bridge on West Glacier Drive within Mill Creek Park. The project will address deterioration of the existing structure through deck repairs, substructure patching and the replacement of approach slabs, guardrail and approach pavement. No widening or realignment is planned.

The $480,000 project is scheduled to begin construction in spring 2026 and be complete in the fall.

During construction, the Slippery Rock Bridge and a section of roadway between West Glacier Drive/West Drive and Robinson Hill Drive/Memorial Hill Drive will be closed to all park users for up to 90 days. A detour will be posted.

The Mill Creek Park Historic District is a protected resource under federal-aid transportation regulations. The proposed rehabilitation will preserve and, where possible, enhance the park’s historic and recreational features. 

While the project will require temporary access-related impacts, including minor work within Mill Creek and selective trimming of trees near the bridge, no adverse long-term effects to protected park resources are anticipated.

As part of the environmental review process, Mill Creek MetroParks is seeking public comments regarding potential social, environmental and economic impacts of the proposed project. Feedback can address topics including the natural environment, nearby residents, local economic considerations or historic and cultural resources.

Comments will be accepted through Dec. 26 and can be mailed to Justin Rogers, RLA Director of Planning & Operations, Mill Creek MetroParks,

7574 Columbiana Canfield Road, Canfield, OH 44406. They can also be emailed to JRogers@MillCreekMetroParks.org.

The Casual Pint Will Close at End of Year

BOARDMAN, Ohio – The Casual Pint, a bar and seller of unique beer for takeout in the Shops at Boardman Park, will close at the end of the year.

Its final day will be Dec. 31, according to a post on its Facebook page.

The Casual Pint has been open for eight years.

All of its stein club members must take their steins home by the end of the month. All events booked through Dec. 31 will proceed as normal.

Jazz Ensemble Concert at Westminster College

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – The Westminster College Jazz Ensemble will present its fall concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, in Berlin Lounge in the college’s McKelvey Campus Center.

Under the direction of JaKobe Henry, assistant professor of music, the ensemble will perform selections from classic swing tunes of the 1940s, Christmas music and several modern jazz compositions.

The concert is free and open to the public.

Playhouse Plans Auditions for Youth Show

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Auditions for a production of the musical “Honk Jr.” by the  Youngstown Playhouse youth theater will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9 at the theater.

Callback will be Dec. 11.

The show is directed by Wayne Bonner III. The cast size is flexible – up to 24 actors. Children and teens ages 6 and older with strong acting and singing skills are needed. Auditioners should prepare a song of their choice that best shows  vocal ability. The song can be performed a cappella, or the auditionee can bring sheet music for the accompanist.

There will be a dance call as part of the audition process. 

The show will cast adults for Penny’s Mom and Dad. The Bullfrog role is already cast. 

Performance dates are Feb. 20-22, with at least one daytime school performance.

Symphony Auditions for Principal Trumpet

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown Symphony Orchestra will have auditions for principal trumpet Jan. 26 at DeYor Performing Arts Center. Qualified applicants should register at YoungstownSymphony.com before Jan. 12. Questions can be emailed to auditions@youngstownsymphony.com.

The YSO is a per-service ensemble with a season consisting of approximately 25 regular services and varying educational and outreach services.

Applicants are required by federal law to provide proof of eligibility of employment if offered a position.

Members of the YSO benefit from a collective bargaining agreement with Local 86-242 of the American Federation of Musicians.

Pictured at top: Mark Mackay will come to the Youngstown Playhouse.