Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys will present three outdoor summer concerts this year, less than half the number of last year’s offerings.

Kicking off the 2013 series on July 20 will be Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. An evening with Melissa Etheridge will follow on Aug. 2 and country stars Big and Rich will wrap up the series on Aug. 10. 

The St. James Concert Series will present its final concert of the season with a performance by soprano Linda Carter, flutist Janet Telford and pianist Dorothy Woodford Arndt at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Church of the 49ers in Columbia. 

Vocalist Josh Pfeiffer of Copperopolis is using his musical talents and entrepreneurial skills to do something bigger than just providing entertainment. 

He is putting on a series of concerts at three major venues to raise money for three charities close to his heart — the American Cancer Society, American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity.

The 86th annual Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee will take place today through Sunday at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds in Angels Camp. 

Carnival, agricultural events, Miss Calaveras Pageant, Saddle Queen competition, Calaveras Idol contest, destruction derby, live music and more will be featured. 

After an appalling week of national news, I found distinct relief smiling for two hours at the opening of “Church Basement Ladies.” 

The Sierra Repertory Theatre production at the Fallon House in Columbia flashes back to a time and place of gentle schmaltzy ease that soothed my ruffled spirit and garnered appreciation for small town simplicity.