The Neuse Little Theatre will present "Early One Evening at the Rainbow Bar and Grille," an adult comedy by Bruce Graham. Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. April 8-9, 3 p.m. April 10 and 8 p.m. April 15-16 in The Hut on Front Street in downtown Smithfield. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. For reservations, call 934-1873.

Author in Kenly

Author Elisa New will read from her new book, "Jacob's Cane," at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at the Tobacco Farm Life Museum on U.S. 301 just north of downtown Kenly. New is a professor of English at Harvard University. "Jacob's Cane" is the story of her family and its ties to tobacco.

'Oklahoma!' in Benson

The Benson Foundation for the Arts will present the musical "Oklahoma!" April 8-10 in the W.J. Barefoot Auditorium on Church Street in downtown Benson. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. For reservations, call 894-3825.

Country music at JCC

The next Country Music Showcase at Johnston Community College will pay tribute to early country music. Shows are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, April 1, and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 2, in the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium on the Smithfield campus, 245 College Road.

The following will perform: Angela and Tim Inman, Marshall McLamb, Jonathan Parker, Donna Pope, Sydney Wheeless and Breanna Williams.

Tickets in advance are $12.50 for the evening performances and $10 for the Saturday matinee. At the door, they're $15 and $12.50, respectively. Tickets are available online at jccperformingarts.com, by phone at 209-2099 and in the box office, which is open from 1:30 till 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

'Art in the Vineyard'

"Art in the Vineyard" is scheduled from 7 till 11 p.m. Saturday, April 2, at Hinnant Family Vineyards, 826 Pine Level-Micro Road, Pine Level. The event will feature live and silent auctions of works by Johnston County and North Carolina artists. The cost is $25 per person or $45 per couple. The price includes heavy hors d'oeuvres. Wine will be available for purchase. Proceeds will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Johnston County. For tickets, call Roger Pope at 938-6306.

Former teacher pens novel

Author Mickey Beasley of Dunn has penned "The Cape Fear River Murders," a tale of lust, revenge and murder in a small Southern town. Beasley, who is retired from the U.S. Air Force, taught at South Johnston High School and Johnston Community College. He is also the author of "Highway U.S. 1, South." The book is available from AuthorHouse at authorhouse.com or at 1-888-280-7715.

Jazz singer in Clayton

Dianne Reeves and her quartet will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, April 1, at The Clayton Center, 111 E. 2nd St., Clayton. Tickets are $27.50. They're available at theclaytoncenter.com, by phone at 553-1737 and in the box office, which is open from 10 a.m. till and from 1 till 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

NLT to open with Shakespeare

The Neuse Little Theatre in Smithfield has announced its 2011-12 season. Here are the shows:

"A Midsummer Night's Dream," a comedy by William Shakespeare, Sept. 9-11 and 16-17.

"The Crucible," a drama by Arthur Miller, Nov. 4-6 and 11-12.

"The Dixie Swim Club," a comedy by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, Feb. 10-12 and 17-18.

"Dial 'M' for Murder," a mystery by Frederick Knott, March 23-25 and 30-31.

"The Curious Savage," a comedy by John Patrick, May 11-13 and 18-19.

For more information, visit neuselittletheatre.org.