FRIDAY

And speaking of milestone anniversaries, the talents at the Pakachoag Community Music School (203 Packachoag St., Auburn) are marking their 25th year of musically educating our youth today at 1 p.m. by staging Thanks for the Memories, a 20-year cabaret retrospective (that's not a misprint — the school's 25, but they apparently only have 20 years' worth of show tunes) featuring the music of Gershwin, Hart, Kern, Sondheim and Rodgers & Hammerstein, performed by local musical mavens. Stop by for an afternoon of music, refreshments, raffles and a silent auction (tickets $20 in advance). The show will be re-staged again on Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. For more information, call 508-791-8159.

SATURDAY

Billy Ray Cyrus is enjoying a bit of a resurgence in popularity for what may be the wrong reason — these days, he's perhaps better known as Miley Cyrus's ("Hannah Montana") father, rather than the genuine musical talent he is in his own right. A Kentucky native, Cyrus's musical roots lie in his religious upbringing, singing in a gospel quartet in his grandfather's church when he was 4. Earlier in his career, he became an "Achy Breaky Heart[throb]" with such hits as "Could've Been Me," "In the Heart of a Woman," "Busy Man" and his anthem to Vietnam veterans, "Some Gave All." Now his career's come full circle with The Other Side, his first studio release in three years, chronicling his faith's journey. There's nothing staid about this collection — even his rendition of "Amazing Grace" is performed in a soulful, bluesy, rock style. If you haven't experienced Billy Ray in a while, here's your chance — the mullet's gone and the voice is richer. The boy is growing up — proving once and for all that he's the talented one in the family. He'll be at the Hanover Theatre (554 Main St.) tonight at 8 p.m.

Love the title, love the concept: Drama's a-brewin' out at the Gateway Players Theatre Arts Barn (proper use of the "re," thank you) in Southbridge (111 Main St.) tonight at 7 p.m. That's when they're presenting Stew and Story, which consists of a buffet meal followed by a staged reading of a one-act play. Which one? They didn't tell us. Doesn't matter. Dessert and coffee will be served after the play. For reservations and more information, call 508-764-4531.

SUNDAY

By our count, the intrepid Seven Hills Wheelmen have three separate events happening today, and we've chosen this one to highlight — it's a bike tour of the Leominster State Forest. Meet at 9 a.m. at the playground at the intersection of Rte. 140 and Leominster Road in East Princeton for a day of intermediate-level biking. Helmets are required. For more information on this outing or the other two planned for today in other parts of the county, call 508-831-0301 or visit www.sevenhillswheelmen.org. Yes, we poke fun at their outfits now and then, but they're really a terrific bunch of folks enjoying the great outdoors in a "green" and healthy way (and yes, we admit to having a little case of thigh-envy now and then).

Music Alive! returns: That's their exclamation point, not ours. We don't speak in exclamation points. But if we did, we'd be inclined to agree that today's Music Alive! Concert Series event might deserve one. Preciously titled The Pipe Organ Informance by the equally preciously initialed Cj Sambach, (pictured) today's program at 2 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church combines bits of humor and moments of musicianship, "making the organ fun for people of all ages!" There's that exclamation point again. Sambach's performance is geared toward youngsters, and promoting an appreciation for the pipe organ in America. So if your kids are asking organ questions and complain about not being able to fully understand or enjoy the instrument, then it's time you fulfilled your parental responsibilities. This organ fest is free and open to the public. For more information, call 508-799-4191 or visit www.music-alive.net. o