South Bay Arts calendar, Sept. 19 – 24

“Alternate Realities: 11 Photographic Visions,” a group exhibition, opens tomorrow, Friday, with a reception from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Julia Dean Gallery, 755 Seward St., Los Angeles. The show highlights a couple of South Bay artists, including Ellen Cantor, whose “Hans Brinker” is pictured. Through Oct. 18. Call (323) 464-0909 or go to Juliadean.com.

Thursday, September 19

Happy hour, happy music

Nickolai Preiss, with musical guests, performs acoustic music (his favorite songs, in a folksy style) during happy hour, 6 to 8 p.m., at St. Rocke, 142 Pacific Coast Hwy, Hermosa Beach. (310) 372-0035 or saintrocke.com.

Friday, September 20

Music masters

The South Bay Chamber Music Society presents the Los Angeles Piano Sextet at 8 p.m. at L.A. Harbor College, 1111 Figueroa Place, Wilmington. The group performs music by Mozart, Polenc, Beethoven, and Thuille. The program is repeated at 3 p.m. on Sunday in the Pacific Unitarian Church, 5621 Montemalaga, Rancho Palos Verdes. Free. More at palosverdes.com/sbcms.

Haunting tales

Little Fish Theatre presents Conor McPherson’s “The Weir,” playing most Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. through Oct. 19. Midweek performances on Wednesday, Oct. 2 and Thursdays, Oct. 3 and 17, also at 8 p.m., with a Sunday matinee scheduled for 2 p.m. on Oct. 13 (followed by a post-show discussion). Stephanie Coltrin directs. Where? 777 Centre St., San Pedro. (310) 512-6030 or go to littlefishtheatre.org.

Sculptor David French with his “Dorian,” part of “True Believers: Horror Movies, Strange Tales, Comic Book Worlds and Weirdness,” on view through Oct. 12 at the Torrance Art Museum, 3320 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Photo by Gloria Plascencia. (310) 618-6340 or go to TorranceArtMuseum.com.

Wren, noir

California Repertory Company presents David Harrower’s “Blackbird” onstage (and almost at sea) aboard the Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach. A young woman, Una, shows up at Ray’s workplace. Her visit brings to the surface long-repressed memories of his past. Trevor Biship directs. Tuesday through Saturday, Oct. 12. Performances on Oct. 4, 5, 11, and 12 begin at 6 p.m., all others at 8 p.m. Tickets, $25 general; $20 students, seniors, military. Parking is $8 for patrons of the theater ($6 if you can prove you also had dinner on board). Call (562) 985-5526 or go to calrep.org.

Sounds of coastal Veracruz

Cambalache, harnessing the style that made Ritchie Valens famous, performs at 8 p.m. in the Grand Annex, 434 W. Sixth St., San Pedro. Gruo Folklorico Nadino of San Pedro opens. Tickets, $20 in advance and $25 at the door. (310) 833-4813 or go to grandvision.org.

Sunday, September 21

The big four-oh

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the installation of the Schlicker Organ in their sanctuary, Manhattan Beach Community Church presents the Celebration Orchestrak, directed by Rob Istad with Lee Lassetter as the featured organist. Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” as well as organ concertos by Handel and Rheinberger will be played. Mr. Istad leads a discussion of the music at 6:30 and the music gets underway at 7:30. Reserved seating. Tickets, $25. Where? 303 S. Peck Ave., Manhattan Beach. (310) 374-1301.

Young and restless

Classical Crossroads, Inc. and First Lutheran of Torrance present “The Interludes,” a classical music recital featuring Beverly Hills Audition Winners Vijay Venkatesh on piano and Evgeny Tonkha on cello, at 3:30 p.m. in the First Lutheran Church of Torrance, 2900 W. Carson St., Torrance. Free, donations appreciated. (310) 316-5574.

“Experience the Art of Bob Mackie” opens with a reception from 6 to 10 p.m. at galley 608 North, located at 608 N. Francisca Ave., Redondo Beach. Mackie’s work ranges from acrylics, metal sculpture, cloisonné, woodwork, to paper collage. Through Oct. 13. Call (310) 376-5777 or go to 608north.com.

Wienies and ale

“The Wurst Oktoberfest Party with Adam Gertler” (and Dude’s Brewing Company) takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. at Barsha Wines & Spirits, 917 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach. Sausages include the Uber Kase, Thai Red Curry Wurst, and The Pastrami Dog. The beer menu is just as creative. Prices vary. (310) 318-9080.

Under the stars

Karl Grossman and Camino Rio perform music and dance in the outdoor courtyard of the Buffalo Fire Department, 1261 Cabrillo Ave., Torrance. Two shows, 6 to 9 p.m., and it’s free. (310) 320-2332.

A popular classic

Plácido Domingo conducts LA Opera’s season opener, “Carmen,” at 7:30 p.m. in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown Los Angeles in the Music Center. With six additional performances through Oct. 6. Tickets, from $19. Irish mezzo-soprano Patricia Bardon is Carmen. (213) 972-8001 or go to LAOpera.com.

The artists at last Friday’s opening of “Push & Flow” (through Oct. 10) at the Manhattan Beach Creative Arts Center. L-r, Ian Pines, Elizabeth Casuga, Dawn Ertl (her work is behind them), Nancy Voegeli-Curran, Peggy Zask (those are her horses), and Esmeralda Montes. Photo by Gloria Plascencia. (310) 802-5440.

Tuesday, September 24

Spreading the message

Saturday Night Bath, which brings music to the disadvantaged, gives a concert and conducts a clinic at 10 a.m. at Eagle Tree High, 22628 S. Main St., Carson. (310) 549-0970. On Oct. 8 they’re in Gardena, giving a concert and clinic at 10 a.m. at Moneta High, 1230 W. 177th Street. (310) 354-4953.