Noteworthy events

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Songs for my Father

Mezzo soprano opera singer Lia Kahler-Littlefield and pianist Richard Gordon will present a benefit concert on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 11, called Songs for my Father, featuring songs and arias about flowers, plants, and animals. The concert, along with a silent auction, will be held at the Old Whaling Church and will benefit Polly Hill Arboretum and the Martha’s Vineyard Animal Shelter.

Says Ms. Kahler-Littlefield in a press release, “I want to celebrate the bond between people and nature as expressed in the caring for land and animals.”

Ms. Kahler-Littlefield is dedicating the concert to her father, the late Albert Littlefield, who grew up on a farm on the land that now houses the Arboretum. The show is on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 3 pm. A silent auction opens at 2, and a reception follows the concert. Tickets are $15, $10 for seniors and students and are available at the Polly Hill Arboretum Visitor Center, at ticketsmv.com, and at the door.

Local author Paul MagidA new biography about a Civil War officer and Indian fighter who spent his last years speaking out against the unjust treatment of his former Native American adversaries will be featured in an author talk at the West Tisbury Library next Thursday.

Local author Paul Magid will read from his book, the first of three volumes, “George Crook, From the Red Woods to Appomattox,” followed by a brief Q&A on Thursday, Sept. 15, at 5 pm. Mr. Magid has been working on the book since he retired 10 years ago from a 30-year career in government/international grassroots development, according to a press release from the West Tisbury Library.

Refreshments will be served. For more information, call the library at 508-693-3366.

Showtunes to Chopin

An Island legend, pianist David Crohan will perform his final concert of the season on Saturday at the Union Chapel. The show, entitled Showtunes to Chopin, will display Mr. Crohan’s versatility.

Blind from birth, Mr. Crohan spent 20 years playing regularly at the Island House, which he owned and operated as David’s Island House from 1978 to 1997. Mr. Crohan has earned acclaim as a pianist and vocalist for his appearances in Boston, Palm Beach, and here, and is a much loved and admired Vineyard figure whose mix of classical jazz and standards has earned him a large and loyal following.

Saturday, Sept. 10 at 8 pm. Union Chapel, Oak Bluffs, $20.