Want to know more about classical music but afraid of showing others just how much you don’t know? The Hockaday School offers you the perfect learning opportunity, with the 20th anniversary season of “Keyboard Conversations.” In this concert series, internationally acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel, above, offers informal comments on the background and highlights of each piece he presents, making the music more accessible and meaningful. This month’s program, the first of four, is “Splendor From Silence: Beethoven, Smetana and Faure,” featuring compositions written when each of the composers struggled with deafness. As always, when the concert’s over, Siegel will offer a Q&A session for anyone left wanting to know more. Monday, Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, call 214-979-0190 or visit friendsofclassicalmusic.org.

Arts & Entertainment

Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse Sept. 3: closed for Kerrville Wine and Music Festival; Sept. 10: Ronnie Cox & Band with Barb Ryman; Sept. 17: Peter Mayer with Laurie McClain; Sept. 24: Annie Gallup with Rex Foster. All shows $12. A smoke-free, alcohol-free venue for live music. All shows start at 8 p.m. Northpark Presbyterian Church, 9555 N. Central. For information, call 214-363-0044 or visit unclecalvins.org.

Library Exhibit Salt Cellars by Clarice Post. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

The Children’s Hour Wednesday, Sept. 29-Sunday, Oct. 3; Wed-Sat, 8 p.m., Sat-Sun., 2 p.m. Lillian Hellman’s classic play in which the malicious gossip of one little girl destroys the lives of two women. Part of Meadows School of the Arts’ Second Stage season. In the Margo Jones Theater, Owen Arts Center, 6101 Bishop on the SMU campus. Tickets are $6-$12. Call 214-768-2787 for tickets and information.

American Indian Art Festival & Market Saturday, Oct. 23 & Sunday, Oct. 24. The American Indian Arts Council of Dallas hosts this 15th annual celebration of Native arts and culture, featuring more than 150 American Indian artists from across the nation. Proceeds from the event help support a scholarship program for American Indian students. In the Annette Strauss Artist Square of the Dallas Arts District. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for senior and $3 for children ages 5-12. For information, call 214-891-9640 or e-mail aiac@flash.net.

Community

TACA Family Festival Wednesday, Sept. 1, 6:30 p.m. This casual, family-friendly event’s goal is to unleash children’s imaginations as they explore the world of the performing arts. It starts with a concert by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, followed by interactive performances by TACA beneficiaries. At the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora. Tickets, which range from $10 to $100, can be purchased by calling 214-692-0203. For information visit tacadallas.com.

School Night for Scouting Thursday, Sept. 2, 7 p.m. It’s time for the Boy Scouts of America Circle Ten Council’s annual membership drive, held at elementary and middle schools for first- to eighth-grade boys. Boys can preview programs and sign up for Scouting, and parents and guardians can become involved as volunteers. Watch for posters in schools to announce locations.

Bereavement Supper Saturday, Sept. 11, 6-7:30 p.m. The Visiting Nurse Association’s SafeHaven program hosts this supper, open to families who have lost a loved one. At the Walnut Hill United Methodist Church, 10066 Marsh. Reservations can be made through Wednesday, Sept. 8, by calling Lauren Hall at 214-689-0079.

Dallas Modern Expo Friday, Sept. 17-Sunday, Sept. 19. Preservation Dallas presents this exposition and sale of 20th-century modern furniture and decorative arts, with an emphasis on mid-century. It starts with a kick-off party Friday, 6-9 p.m., with the sale continuing on Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Guest speakers will present lectures and seminars on topics of modernism. Tickets are $10 for the exposition and $40 for the preview party. 1400 Turtle Creek in the Decorative Center. For information and reservations, call Preservation Dallas at 214-821-3290.

Fallfest 2004 Sunday, Sept. 19, 4-6 p.m. This popular event is the annual membership drive for the Preston Hollow Early Childhood PTA, bringing together neighbors and friends for pony rides, bounce houses, train rides, food and drink. Cost is $2 per child for unlimited activities. Preston Hollow Park, Thackery and Park.

Family Support Group Wednesday, Sept. 22. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offers these monthly meetings, open to all patients, family members and friends affected by leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s and myeloma. Held every fourth Wednesday of the month at Texas Oncology at Medical City Dallas, 7777 Forest, Ste. 400. For meeting times and information, contact Shelby Brangen at 972-354-8303.

Champions of Literacy Luncheon Thursday, Sept. 23, noon-1:30 p.m. This fund-raising luncheon for LIFT, Literacy Instruction for Texas, features bestselling author Sandra Brown as its keynote speaker and a silent auction. At the Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion, downtown. For information, call Jerome Mosman at 214-824-2000, ext. 222.

Author Events Friday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m.: Deborah LeBlanc will sign Family Inheritance; Tuesday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.: Sunny Shlenger will discuss “Organizing for the Spirit: Making the Details of Your Life Meaningful and Manageable; Saturday, Sept. 25, 1 p.m.: Andrew Litton and Andre Watts, musical director and pianist for Dallas Symphony Orchestra, will discuss on what it’s like to be a guest conductor for a symphony and sign CDs; Sunday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m., Lawrence Loh, associate conductor for Dallas Symphony Orchestra, will discuss “How To Get Your Children Involved in Music.” Barnes & Noble at Lincoln Center, 7700 W. Northwest Hwy. Call 214-739-1124 for information.

Health & Fitness

Jazzercise Mondays, 10-11 a.m. Dance and get fit at the same time. $10 for JCC members and $15 for non-members per session. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. For information, contact jcohn@jccdallas.com.

Stretching and Exercise Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9-10 a.m. Stretching and low-impact group exercises with instructor Dorothy Gross. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. For information contact info@jccdallas.com.

Library

Library Live! African-American Experience Tuesday, Sept. 14, 10:30 a.m. De Cee Cornish shares dynamic storytelling celebrations of Black History Month, Kwanzaa, Martin Luther King Day and other multicultural events and holidays. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal, 214-670-7128.

Preston Royal Book Discussion Group Wednesday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m. Join the group’s discussion of Our Lady of the Forest, by David Guterson. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal, 214-670-7128.

Author Signing Saturday, Sept. 25, 11 a.m.-noon. Helen Dunn Frame will read from her mystery novel, Greek Ghosts, and share how to get books self-published. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal, 214-670-7128.

Seniors

Anniversary Celebration Thursday, Sept. 9, 9 a.m. Shepherd’s Center of North Dallas celebrates its 10th anniversary this month with a day of festivities including an address by Dr. Elbert Cole, founder of this nationwide Shepherd’s Center organization. This month’s regular meeting dates are Thursdays, Sept. 16, 23 and 30, featuring a variety of interesting events and activities for adults ages 60 and older. Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, 9200 Inwood. For information, call Anabel at 214-350-0465.

Exercise For Older Adults Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9-10 a.m. A stretching and low-impact group exercise class for seniors, led by instructor Dorothy Glass. For information, contact aangorina@jccdallas.org.