LIFE’S A CABARET

C’mon, when do you have a chance to see comedy and cabaret? Here’s your chance with The Ha Ha Hole at 55 Pearl on Thursday, June 11 as they play host to chanteuse Niki Luparelli and stars Robby Roadsteamer, Chris Coxen, Tom Dustin, Mehran, Steve Donovan, and Joe Madaus. 18+ $10. 8-11 p.m. 55 Pearl Restaurant, The Cabaret Room, 55 Pearl St.

NIGHT HIKE

There’s hiking. Then there’s night hiking – which puts a whole new spin on exploring the woods and surrounding life. Give it a try at the Adult Night Hike at Burncoat Pond on Friday, June 12. This night hike will familiarize you with the intriguing sounds of forest, wetland, and meadow habitats at dusk and early evening. Come explore the sanctuary’s newest loop trail and with any luck, the Strawberry Moon will shine brightly and help light the way. Bring water, binoculars, and skip the flip flops for this hike as good shoes are recommended (duh). For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087. $9 M, $12 NM. 6-9 p.m. Mass Audubon: Burncoat Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, Polar Spring Road, Spencer. massaudubon.org.

IRISH FEST

The Worcester Irish Music Festival on June 12-14 draws thousands over the course of the weekend to enjoy live musical performances by The Town Pants from Vancouver, Canada; The Glengarry Bhoys from Ontario, Canada; The Joshua Tree from Boston; and Inchicore from Boston; as well as local traditional and contemporary Irish groups like The Brennan Brothers, and Songs for Ceilidh. Irish step dancers will also take the stage while a continuous, traditional Irish Seisiún, will run inside the Centre for the duration of the weekend. Bring the whole family for children’s activities such as mini-golf and entertainment. $10 day ($12 at the gate); $20 weekend ($25 at the gate) under 12 free. 6 p.m.-midnight Worcester Hibernian Cultural Centre, 19 Temple St. 508-792-3700, worcesteririshmusicfestival.com.

SUNSET JAZZ

Get your tail a-waggin with The Love Dogs at the EcoTarium’s new summer concert season of Jazz at Sunset on Friday, June 12. $18 per person; $15 EcoTarium and WICN members. 6:30-8:30 p.m. EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way. 508-929-2703 or ecotarium.org.

SOUNDS OF RUSSIA

The Boston Russian Chorus was formed by Irina Shachneva in ‘97 and is the only continuously existing group in the Boston area that regularly performs Russian Orthodox liturgical music, classical Russian compositions, and Russian folk songs. So when they arrive at the Museum of Russian Icons on Saturday, June 13, don’t miss them! The program will include liturgical, classical and folk music, composed by Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, Ippolitov-Ivanov, Ledkovsky, Dargomyzhsky, and others. Free with Museum admission. 4-5:30 p.m. Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton. 978-598-5000, museumofrussianicons.org.

SUMMER JAM

Paxton’s annual showcase for homegrown musical talent, The Paxton Summer Jam 2009, will take place on Saturday June 13 from 4:30-10:30p.m. on the Paxton Center sports fields, as part of the Paxton Festival. This year’s Summer Jam will feature the acoustic acts Kirk Huehls, Ed Dix, Rich Davis and others, followed the Boneyard Blues Band, the Paxton All Stars (pictured), Zingarella, and Allison. Free. 508-210-0146.

RUN

Run for your health, and the health of our community by supporting the Worcester Fire Department at the 10th Worcester Firefighters Memorial Run/Walk on Sunday, June 14. Free BBQ, DJ, Prizes, Kids Fun and Safety program and much more. Support your community and have a great time with the entire family. $20. noon-4 p.m. Institute Park, Salisbury St. and Park Ave. Need more details? Then visit wfd6k.org or call 774-696-1826.

Mini Chefs

Kids will have the chance to let their imaginations go wild while learning hands-on the basics of food and healthy eating at the Simon Kidgits Club Super Duper Mini Chefs event on Saturday, June 13, from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. During the event, children will learn to toss a pizza, enjoy healthy snacks, have a taste of delicious marinara with pasta, create sweet cereal necklaces, and decorate aprons to use in their kitchens at home. Kids are also encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item to help stock the shelves of Marlborough Food Pantry. For more information contact Sheila Hennessy at 508-303-0204. 

SOUP BENEFIT

On Wednesday June 17 stop by the Firehouse at 126 Eastern Ave. for a benefit show for Stone Soup featuring Ghost Mice (acoustic punk duo from Florida and Indiana); Heathers (acoustic pop due from Ireland); Jacob Berendes (providence crooner) and Worcester songster Matt Fox. Music starts at 8 p.m. sharp. Karaokecrime (danceparty/hip/hip/karaoke explosion) at 10p.m.$5-10 Sliding Scale - Money will be split between touring bands and the Stone Soup Community Resource Center.

GRRLs

Mika Miko are L.A. DIY darlings that make punk/noise that will rock your world when they come to Ralph’s Chadwick Square Diner on June 16, 8 p.m. Seriously, these gals make grrl punk come alive again, and are a must see live. Hear them at myspace.com/mikamiko.