This week
Singers needed, Cleveland. The Truett-McConnell College Community Choir needs singers to join the choir for Handel's "Messiah," which will be presented in concert on Nov. 11. Schirmer score will be used. Singers can bring their own scores. Rehearsals will be held each Thursday beginning Aug. 19, from 8 to 9 p.m. at Truett-McConnell College, 100 Alumni Drive, Cleveland. 706-865-2134, ext. 215.
Summer MusicFest, Gainesville. The Arts Council. The Swingin' Medallions. Bring blankets or chairs. 8 p.m. today, Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring St. SW, Gainesville. $25; $240 for a table of eight. 770-534-2787.
The Embers, Braselton. Dance lessons, 7:30-8:30 p.m.; concert, 8:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Chateau Elan, 100 Rue Charlemagne, Braselton. $30. 678-425-0900, ext. 41.
Concerts at the Depot, Flowery Branch. Bring a picnic, blankets and chairs. 7-9 p.m. second and fourth Saturdays in August. Jordan Rager, Saturday; Blossom Creek, Aug. 28. Old Train Depot, 5600 Main St., Flowery Branch. Free. 678-698-1387.
The Coasters and The Platters, Dahlonega. Benefit concert to replace the Gala Fundraising Event normally hosted by the Holly Theater. 8 p.m. Saturday, Holly Theater, 69 W. Main St., Dahlonega. $50-$1,000, depending on seating and sponsorship status. 706-864-3759.
Upcoming
Georgia Bluesfest 2010, Dahlonega. Guitarist Johnny Winter, James Cotton, Men In Blues, Fat Momma Band, Robert Lee Coleman, Reverb-O-Rockets, Sammy Blue Band and WSNB. Gates open at 9:30 a.m.; music, 11 a.m.; Johnny Winter and James Cotton, 9 p.m. Aug. 21, R-Ranch Rodeo Arena, 65 R-Ranch Road, Dahlonega. $40. brian@georgiabluesfest.com.
Mid Life Crisis, Gainesville. Bring a picnic, drinks and blankets or lawn chairs. Benefits Eagle Ranch, a facility that provides homes, education and counseling for at-risk children. 8 p.m. Aug. 28, Horseshoe Park, Marina Bay, 6338 Marina Club Drive, Gainesville. $20 adults; free for children age 12 and younger. 678-450-5575.
Music at the Vines Mansion, Loganville. 7 p.m. Aug. 20: Chris Cagle; 5 p.m. Sept. 19: Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. The Vines Mansion, 3500 Oak Grove Road, Loganville. Tickets for American Blues Fest: $27.10 general admission; 6-seat VIP tables, $480.25. Call for information about other concert ticket prices. 770-554-2284.
The Swinging Medallions, Braselton. Dance lessons, 7:30-8:30 p.m.; concert, 8:30-11:30 p.m. Sept. 5, Chateau Elan, 100 Rue Charlemagne, Braselton. $30. 678-425-0900, ext. 41.
First Friday Night Concert Series, Dahlonega. 6:30-8:30 p.m. first Fridays of the month through October. Fools Gold of Dahlonega, Friday; Russo and Noe, Sept. 3 and Kurt Thomas, Oct. 1. Hancock Park, one block off the square, downtown Dahlonega.
Ongoing
Appalachian Jam, Dahlonega. Acoustic bluegrass and old-time string music. Musicians and listeners welcome. 2-5 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 9, Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site, downtown Dahlonega square. 706-864-3513 or 706-864-6133.