What’s happening where… it’s all in HELEN MUSA’s weekly “Arts in the City” column.

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DIRECTOR Chris Baldock returns to Canberra REP in his fifth directorial role with the Frank Galati stage adaptation of John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath”, the best-selling book of 1939 in the US. The controversial novel, which won Steinbeck both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, brings to life the powerful story of the Joad family’s trek from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to the promise of a new life in California. Canberra REP Theatre, Acton, February 13-29, bookings at canberrarep.org.au or 6257 1950.

CANBERRANS are used to hearing contemporary bard Fred Smith singing about death and war, but now he’s turning his attention to musings on 21st century Australia and love songs for middle-aged people in his new album, “Domestic”. Smith will be showcasing the record in a Valentine’s Day performance, accompanied by top players including Dave O’Neill and Liz Frencham, who’ll sing some of her songs too. Cultural Centre Kambri, ANU, 7.45pm, Friday, February 14, book at trybooking.com or at the door.

MARKING the 250th year since Beethoven’s birth, the Australian String Quartet will be in Canberra to perform two of his joyous opus 18-string quartets, balanced by “Aheym”, an intense contemporary work by American composer Bryce Dessner, better known as a member of the rock band The National. Gandel Hall, National Gallery of Australia, 2pm, Sunday, February 9, book at asq.com.au

“A PALETTE of Pioneer Places” is a collection of watercolours by Canberra artist Isla Patterson of eight homesteads of early settlers around the Hall district, shown with written histories and maps of the area. The Link Art Space, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn, until February 17. In conjunction with the exhibition is a launch in The Link at 5.30pm on February 6, which will focus on the history of the area, a new booklet created by the Conservation Council and a set of heritage postcards developed by local historian Mary Hutchison.

PIANIST Christian Lillicrap teams up with Phoenix Collective artistic director and violinist Dan Russell for a recital. “Ye Olde England” violin and piano sonatas by Delius and Elgar are topped off with “The Lark Ascending” by Ralph Vaughan Williams. High Court of Australia, 1.30pm, Sunday, February 9. Free, but registrations essential at hcourt.gov.au