Mystic Arts Cafe holds gala

Over 19 years, the Arts Café Mystic literary and music series has presented a brain-boiling array of poets and writers - and that includes folks who've won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the MacArthur "Genius" Prize and, yes, even Oprah Bookclub Selections.

These include Wally Lamb, Billy Collins, J.D. McClatchy, Amy Bloom, Margaret Gibson, Donald Hall, Charles Simic - and dozens more all-world scribes.

It's an important cultural treasure and, in support, on Friday in the Mystic Arts Center, the Café hosts its 2nd Annual Cure for Those Winter Blues Gala. The fine singer Phred Mileski will perform her special cabaret show, and there will be a complimentary open bar and hors d'ouevres, as well as free parking.

All proceeds benefit the Arts Café Mystic, whose spring calendar kicks off March 15 with poet Lisa Starr and musician Victor Chiburis - along with the annual presentation of Student Poets Laureate of the Region's High Schools.

- RICK KOSTER

The Arts Café Mystic's 2nd Annual Cure for Those Winter Blues Gala, 7:30 Friday, Mystic Arts Center, 9 Water St., Mystic; $35; (860) 912-2444, theartscafemystic.org.