The Rumford Community Concert Association kicks off its season on Saturday, Oct. 2, with the first of three musical programs performed by talented professionals from all over the country.

Featured will be Richard Smith and Julie Adams, a guitar and cello duo from Nashville, who will perform everything from country, bluegrass and jazz to pop and rock.

The concert, which is available by subscription only, begins at 7:30 p.m. in Muskie Auditorium of Mountain Valley High School.

Other concerts in the series are Frank D’Ambrosio, a singer/actor who was part of the company that performed “Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway for many years. He will perform a variety of Broadway tunes on Jan. 18.

The final program of the 2004-2005 concert series will be by classical violinist Alpin Hong, who will perform on May 17.

Mary Pulsifer, a member of the community concert association, said more than 350 people have already bought season tickets. Additional season tickets will be available at the door on Saturday, costing $35 for adults, $30 for seniors, $10 for students, and $75 for family season tickets.

History

Those interested in the area’s history can take part in a special event in Bethel this month.

The Bethel Historical Society will present a four-part lecture series on 17th century “Indian New England.” Lectures will be at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 7, Oct. 13, Oct. 20 and Oct. 27 at the O’Neil Robinson House. The lecture series is presented in conjunction with the Bethel Historical Society’s current history exhibit, titled “Molly Ockett and Her World.”

Cost for the series is $15 for historical society members and $20 for nonmembers.

Fall foliage

The fall foliage colors can be seen not only on the sides of roads and highways, but also in the Pennacook Art Center.

The exhibit opening today features the works of nearly 40 local artists who have created paintings and photographs of everything autumn, ranging from picturesque hay rolls and old barns surrounded by bright-leafed trees, to country lanes and foliage mountain scenes.

The reception takes place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. The featured exhibit, the fifth since the art center opened in June, will remain on display through the end of October.

Pies

All cooks and bakers in the area are invited to participate in a new feature during Oct. 17’s annual Octoberfest.

Pumpkin and apple pie baking contests will be held that day, with entries being taken from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Oxford County ARC building on Lincoln Avenue, which is where the Rotarians are holding the annual Octoberfest.

Winners will receive ribbons for first, second and third places. Entrants may submit two pies in each category. The first will be used for judging. The second will be auctioned or sold, with proceeds to benefit Oxford County ARC and the Rotary.