Fanny Howe, whose latest book of poetry, Second Childhood, was nominated for the National Book Award, suggests that readers not try to understand her poems but rather just listen to the music of the words and images. Her collection centers around "the convergence between old age and childhood."

This weekend the Gay Head Gallery is hosting an open house from noon to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday. There will be a question and answer session with artist Enos Ray at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Jazz favorites along with traditional Christmas tunes are on the menu at the Tisbury Senior Center on Friday, Dec. 5, at 4 p.m. as Leslie “J for Jazz” Stark shares his extensive collection of holiday jazz.

Jemima James and Good Night Louise join forces for a musical evening at the Katharine Cornell Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 8 to 11 p.m.

Island vendors, music and chowder come together as Oak Bluffs kicks off the holiday season with its open market.

The fifth annual Festival of Wreaths at the Federated Church in Edgartown will warm your holiday spirit from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4.