<b>‘Parallel Lives: The Kathy &amp; Mo Show”:</b> “Parallel Lives: The Kathy &amp; Mo Show” is coming to USCB Center for the Arts on Friday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 13 at 3 p.m., giving audiences a decidedly wicked and hilarious look at men, women and modern life. This playfully satirical series of sketches was written and first performed in 1991 by comedians Kathy Najimy and Mo Gaffney. Tickets for adults are $22; Seniors $20; Students $15, all seats reserved. Visit www.uscbcenterforthearts.com or call the box office at 843-521-4145.

<b>Book signing:</b><b> </b>Author Diann Shaddox will be signing copies of her book, “A Faded Cottage, A South Carolina Love Story,” on Saturday, April 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. at McIntosh Book Shop, located at 917 Bay Street, in the Old Bay Market. The first time author is a Native American Indian who was born and raised in Oklahoma.  She moved to South Carolina four and a half years ago with her husband. A percentage of the proceeds from this book will go to the International Essential Tremor Foundation.  The author, herself, suffers from this condition that affects over 10 million Americans. Call 843-525-1066 for details.

<b>Friday Organ Concert Series:</b> Local music lovers will be treated to a series of organ concerts on the historic Taylor &amp; Boody Organ at the Parish Church of St. Helena, 505 Church St. in downtown Beaufort.  Concerts are at noon on five Fridays in April and May.  They are free and open to the public. The 2014 concert series includes: Adam Pajan, University of Oklahoma, on April 11; Dr. Scott Bennett, April 25; Dr. Stephen Hamilton, May 2; Kevin Edens, student of Dr. Charles Tompkins, Furman University on May 9. To become a Friend of Music at St. Helena’s, send your tax-deductible gift to: Music at St. Helena’s, The Parish Church of St. Helena, P.O. Box 1043, Beaufort, SC 29901, attention Pat Gould. Visit www.sthelenas1712.org.

<b>Congressional Art Competition:</b> Each spring, a nationwide high school arts competition is sponsored by the members of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in our congressional district. The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in the First Congressional District of South Carolina. The overall winning piece of artwork from the First District’s competition will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. The exhibit in the Capitol will also include artwork from other contest winners nationwide. The winning student from within the First District and one parent/guardian will be flown to Washington this summer by Southwest Airlines, free of charge, to attend a reception and the unveiling of their artwork in the Capitol.

<b>“A Piece of my Heart”:</b> USCB Center for the Arts will present the play “A Piece of My Heart” by Shirley Lauro on May 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and May 18 at 3 p.m. The play follows the true stories of six young women and their service during the Vietnam War, and has been called “... the nation’s most enduring theatrical production that deals with the Vietnam War,” by The Vietnam Veterans of America. Director Gail Westerfield is asking Beaufort County women who served during the conflict to send her photos of themselves taken during that time with their name and where they served (as a nurse, with Red Cross, USO, etc.) to be used in a slideshow that will be featured at each performance while audiences are seated. Please send your photos in jpg format, 300 dpi to bhargrov@uscb.edu, or mail to Bonnie Hargrove, Director, USCB Center for the Arts, 801 Carteret St, Beaufort, SC 29902. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the photo returned.

<b>Macbeth:</b> “Macbeth,” Shakespeare’s masterful tragedy charts the rise and downfall of a Scottish warrior corrupted by ambition. Written during a period of intense fascination with witchcraft, “Macbeth” remains one of Shakespeare’s most chilling and provocative plays. The production stars Chicago-based guest artist Santiago Sosa in the title role. Erin Dailey (SC Governor’s School for the Arts and the Juilliard School) plays Lady Macbeth. This co-production by USCB and Shakespeare Rep is directed by Debra Charlton. April 23-26, 7:30 p.m., 801 Carteret Street. Tickets are adults $15, senior $12, students $8. Contact box office at 843-521-4145 or email bhargrov@uscb.edu.