The Bygone Book Club will feature “Sandhill Sundays and Other Recollections” by Mari Sandoz at its Nov. 4 meeting at the Grand Island Public Library.

Hosted by the library and the Hall County Historical Society, the meeting starts at 11 a.m. Note the date has changed from the club’s regular second Saturday schedule due to Veterans Day.

Sue Clement will lead the discussion.

“‘Sandhill Sundays’ is a powerful recreation of pioneer days in the Nebraska Sandhills,” in these autobiographical essays written between 1929 and 1965. Dangers in every form — blizzards, fires, rattlesnakes and murderous men — are described, and just as vividly, so are the pleasures of country cooking, storytelling, favorite pets, and the first phonograph for miles around.

Local historians lead monthly discussions of books featuring Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska, or regional history. Membership in the book club is monthly, participants can choose which month/book is of interest to them and do not need to commit to the entire program series. The Bygone Book Club is a partnership between the Grand Island Public Library and the Hall County Historical Society.

After taking a December break, the club’s next meeting on Jan. 13 will focus on “World War II Nebraska” by Melissa Amateis.

For more information, contact the library at 308-385-5333.

Library to host open Celtic music session

Celtic music will fill the air when the Grand Island Public Library hosts its second open session from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5.

Organized by Laura Fentress, youth and family services librarian, the session is for “all musicians and music lovers,” who are invited to join in for an “afternoon of jigs, reels, hornpipes, songs and more.”

Participants interested in playing in this informal session should bring their own instrument and music stand, and come early to tune, Fentress said. Listeners and interested observers are also welcome.

Unlike traditional Celtic music sessions, musicians of all skill levels are welcome, Fentress added. Sheet music will be provided. This program is free, and no registration is required to participate.

The library, 1124 W. Second St., plans another session in December.

For more information, contact the library at 308-385-5333.

Merryman PAC adds matinée performances

KEARNEY — The Merryman Performing Arts Center has added extra performances to three of its upcoming shows.

The new schedule includes 2 p.m. matinées for “ Ricky Nelson Remembered: Starring Matthew & Gunnar Nelson,” on Thursday, Nov. 30; “The Diamonds: Bandstand Boogie,” Thursday, March 21; and “Direct From Sweden: the Music of ABBA,” Tuesday, April 9.

Visit merrymancenter.org and use the option “Create Your Own — Pick 3” to get 15% off when you buy tickets to all three matinées.

For more information, call the box office, 308-698-8297, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays.

Tickets can be by calling 308-698-8297 between 10 am and 3 p.m.

Kearney artists plan annual gala

KEARNEY — The second annual Art Gala hosted by the Kearney Artists Guild is planned for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, and 10 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, at the Merryman Performing Arts Center, 225 W. 22nd St., in Kearney.

Event features more than 20 area artists who will display their work; all pieces will be for sale.

There is no admission charge.

This weekend at the Grand …

“After Death” is showing this weekend at the Grand Theatre, 316 W. Third St. Showtimes are 7:15 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Scientists, authors and survivors of near-death experiences discuss the spiritual and scientific dimensions of mortality and the afterlife.

This film is rated PG-13 for thematic material including violent descriptions, some bloody images and drug references. Running time is one hour, 48 minutes.

Admission is $5 for adults, and $4 for children and seniors. For more information, call 308-381-2667 or visit grandmovietheatre.com.