Greenway to play St. Philip's benefit

DURHAM -- Singer and vocalist Greg Greenway will perform a benefit concert today at 7 p.m. in the Parish Hall of St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 403 E. Main St.

Originally from Richmond, Greenway found Boston, with its rich folk tradition and support of folk musicians, better suited his emerging sound and artistry. Inspired after his father's death in 1990, Greenway left his rock band to pursue a solo career. Greenway draws inspiration from blues, gospel, jazz, rock and world music.

Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 on the day of show), $8 for ages 6-12 and childcare for those five and under is available on-site. Refreshments (including beer, wine, sodas and water along with sweet and savory snacks) will also be available. All profits from the concert benefit the work of Urban Ministries of Durham. Visit www.stphilipsdurham.org for more information and to purchase advance tickets.

Saturday, Durham's Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship hosts a social justice workshop titled "Conversations Toward a Better World," in which Greenway provides musical inspiration for participants. Visit www.eruuf.org for more details and registration information.

PlayMakers plan 'Nickleby' events

CHAPEL HILL -- Spend an evening with the Tony Award-winning playwright of "The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby" Thursday through PlayMakers Repertory Company's new outreach program, The Dickens Initiative.

PlayMakers, the professional theater in residence at UNC Chapel Hill, will host the 6 p.m. program "An Evening with David Edgar" in the Paul Green Theatre in the Center for Dramatic Art on Country Club Road.

Edgar, the playwright and adapter of Dickens' epic novel, will be joined on stage by PlayMakers' producing artistic director, Joseph Haj. A brief reception will follow.

Tickets are not required for the free event, but reservations are recommended. Call (919) 962-PLAY (7529). The event will be co-sponsored by UNC's dramatic art department and writing for the screen and stage program.

Other events in the series:

n Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m.: "The Art of Literary Adaptation," discussion with "Nickleby" co-director Tom Quaintance and cast members at Quail Ridge Books & Music, 3522 Wade Avenue, Raleigh.

n Oct. 26, 7 p.m.: "Exploring Dickens' Characters," presentation by Haj and members of the "Nickleby" cast at McIntyre's Fine Books at Fearrington, 2000 Fearrington Village Center, Pittsboro.

n Nov. 2, 7 p.m.: "Directing an Epic," by Haj and Quaintance at The Regulator Bookshop, 720 Ninth St., Durham, cosponsored by the Durham County Library.

n Nov. 9, 7 p.m.: "Adapting an Epic" by PlayMakers' artistic staff at the Durham County Library's main branch, 300 N. Roxboro St., Durham.

n Nov. 16, 7 p.m.: "Designing an Epic," by "Nickleby" designers McKay Coble (sets) and Jan Chambers (costumes) at the Durham County Library's main branch, 300 N. Roxboro St., Durham.

n Dec. 19, 11:30 a.m.: Tea/luncheon at The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, paired with the 2 p.m. matin