Once a frat band at the Ohio State University, O.A.R. (Of a Revolution) returns to college campuses once more. Don't miss your chance to see guitarists Marc Roberge and Richard On, saxist Jerry Depizzo, bassist Benj Gershman and drummer Chris Culos as they belt out their rock and reggae-tinged beats at UMass' Mullins Center. (Thurs., Nov. 17, 8 p.m., Mullins Center, UMass. $27.50 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the Mullins Center Box Office for students, or at any Ticketmaster outlet.)

Winding down and de-stressing after a week of mid-terms and papers? Let the voices and strings of the Smith College Symphony and Chamber Orchestras raise your spirits and calm your soul as they present Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite" with concerto competition winners Anna Rose Lawrence on violin; Deliabridget Martinez singing soprano; and Patricia Cahn on the bass. The performance, directed by Jonathon Hirsh, will also include works by Beethoven and Dragonetti, among others. (Sat., Nov. 19, 8 p.m., Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall, Smith College. No admission charge.)

Searching for inner harmony and the path to enlightenment? If so, then perhaps you will find a guide in Lama Jamdron, a Buddhist nun. "Tibetan Teachings with Lama Jamdron" will include methods of contemplation designed to transform unpleasant experiences into spiritual nourishment. Related events throughout the day include Interviews with Lama Jamdron at 9 a.m. and Tibetan Meditation at 10 a.m. (Fri., Nov. 18, 4 p.m., Eliot House Lounge, Mt. Holyoke College. No admission charge.)

Satisfy your cravings, intellectual and gastronomical alike, at the Julia Child Day Panel Discussion: "Pleasure." In honor of world renowned chef and Smith College alumna Julia Child, a panel of Smith faculty members and Alice P. Julier, author of a cover story on Child, will discuss the "pleasure treasures" of a life well-lived. (Thurs., Nov. 17, 4 p.m., Carroll Room, Campus Center, Smith College. No admission charge.)

Editors' DVD Pick of the Week

With a style of animation that is almost dream-like in quality, "Hotaru no Haka" or "Grave of the Fireflies" tells the story of two young siblings living in wartime Japan. Cast out into the harsh outside world by the deaths of their parents and the indifference of their relatives, Setsuko must care for his younger sister, Seita. He often has to resort to thievery to meet basic nutritional needs. One can't help but be moved by the juxtaposition of scenes of the commonplace, such as a day at the beach, and scenes of their new horrific reality, such as the constant rain of fire from American bombers.