Announcements

+ The Kavinoky Theatre will hold auditions for its upcoming production of "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde. Auditions will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 12 and 13, at the theatre, located at 320 Porter Ave., Buffalo. All roles are being sought. Actors are asked to prepare a one-minute monologue (utilizing an English accent) and will be asked to read selected scenes from the script. Performances will take place April 27-May 27. Appointments are required and can be obtained by calling Joe Demerly at 829-8141.

+ Tickets are now on sale for Blue Man Group, "How To Be A MegaStar Tour 2.0," 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22, HSBC Arena, downtown Buffalo. Tickets are $85 and $49.50, and are available at the HSBC Arena box office, Tickets.com (1-888-223-6000, www.tickets.com).

+ Tickets are now on sale for Bill Joel, 8 p.m. April 10, HSBC Arena, Buffalo. Tickets are $86.50 and $51, and are available at the HSBC Arena box office, Tickets.com (1-888-223-6000, www.tickets.com).

+ Submissions for The Charles E. Burchfield Nature and Arts Center's "It's All in the Close-Up" photography contest are due Monday, Feb. 12. Photographs must represent the creativity of the "close-up" photo while exploring nature, a child's small hand, or the dart on a dart board. Visit www.thebnac.org or call 677-4843 for applications.

+ Studio Arena Theatre has announced that "Time for Love: The New Richard Maltby & David Shire Musical" will replace "Pump Boys and Dinettes" as the seventh and final show of the 2006-2007 season. The change is a result of Studio Arena's long-standing relationship with Tony Award® winner Richard Maltby. Last season Maltby brought "Ring of Fire" to Studio Arena.

+ Tickets are still available for Simple Gifts at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 at The Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St., North Tonawanda. Simple Gifts is a trio of female musicians from Pennsylvania who play 12 instruments. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for ages 5-16, and free for ages 4 and under, and are available by calling 213-0554 or 692-2413. A free "Meet the Artists & Instruments" reception takes place following the concert. There will also be a free "Join the Band" workshop from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Feb. 17 at Dwyer's Irish Pub, next door to The Riviera Theatre. Advance registration is required for the workshop by Feb. 16 by calling 213-0554.