Great Escape: Local Fundraiser, Holiday Festivities, and Skating

Keeping It Local:

• Johnston High School’s PTSO is holding its Holly Fair fundraiser on Sat. Dec. 3 beginning at 10 a.m. The event will be held in the school cafeteria until 4 p.m. and will feature lots of vendors and crafts to get you started on your holiday shopping. Visit the for more information.

• Ball’s Sports Bar and Grille on Putnam Pike will have Inside Out on stage Dec. 2 followed by Dirty Kitty on Dec. 3. Shows begin at 9:30 p.m.

• RI Ale House on Hartford Avenue is set to hold Karaoke Night on Dec. 2 at 9 p.m. and Live Acoustic Night on Dec. 3. Check out more about RI Ale House at: www.rhodeislandalehouse.com.

Holiday Music and Festivities:

• Enjoy “Christmas with Aaron Neville” on Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. at the RI Center for the Performing Arts at the Park Theatre in Cranston. For more details about this powerful show featuring Neville’s first gospel recording since Hurricane Katrina impacted his life and countless others visit: RI Center for the Performing Arts.

• The Providence Performing Arts Center will host the 2011 Holiday Pops Tour featuring Boston Pops Conductor Keith Lockhart and special guest, Rockapella. The show will take place on Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. Visit PPAC for tickets and more information.

• The Providence Preservation Society will present A Benefit Street Holiday on Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. to kick-off the holiday shopping and celebrating season. This family-friendly event will feature walking tours, storytelling, carriage rides, parades, and lectures. For more information and to purchase tickets visit: Providence Preservation Society.

• Join Waterplace Restaurant & Lounge in Providence on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. for a Holiday Open House. Enjoy a complimentary food and drink tasting and a live performance by Mac Odom and Chill. For more details visit: Waterplace Event.

In Case You Like It Rough:

• The Providence Bruins take the ice at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Providence, on Dec. 2 at 7:05 p.m. against the Connecticut Whales.  Providence College Men’s Ice Hockey Team takes on the Merrimack Warriors at Schneider Arena, Providence also on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. And on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. Meehan Auditorium will feature the Brown Bears against the Yale Bulldogs.

• Check out the Providence Roller Derby Championships on Dec. 3 at the Rhode Island Convention Center. It’s a double header with the Sakonnet River Roller Rats vs. the New Hampshire Roller Derby, “Revenge of the NHRD,” at 5 p.m. followed by Mob Squad vs. Old Money Honeys at 7p.m.  Door open at 4 p.m. Visit Providence Roller Derby or RI Convention Center  for ticket information.