This weekend
"Aladdin and His Wonderful Magic Lamp," the Liederkranz Catherine Fosket Children's Theater, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, the Liederkranz, First and Walnut. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children and are available at Skagway, Ace Hardware and the Liederkranz and at the door. Information: Jeannee Mueller, 379-2015.
"Grease," presented by the Hastings Junior Community Theatre, 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Hastings Community Theater (continues Aug 7-10). Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for senior citizens and students and are available by calling the Hastings Community Theatre box office at (402) 463-1500 or at Hastings banks during the week before performance dates. This musical is rated PG and is not suitable for young children. Information: Christine Cottam, (402) 463-7230.
"The Music Man," presented by the Kearney Community Theater, Thursday through Sunday, 83 Plaza Blvd., Kearney. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. show follows at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 2 p.m. matinee only on Sunday (last weekend). Dinner and show tickets are $28; show-only tickets are $13.50 (also available for evening performances). Information: (308) 234-1529.
York County Fair, Thursday through Sunday, York. Event includes exhibits, carnival, grandstand shows, figure 8 races, demolition derby and more. Information: (402) 362-5508 or www.yorkcountyfair.com.
Heritage Power Association's Antique Tractor and Equipment Show, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Former Indian School barns, Genoa. Event includes demonstrations of grain binding, threshing and corn shelling; tractors, gas engines, saw mill activities and living history events. No admission charge; information: Monte Swantek, (402) 993-2487.
Nebraska Repertory Company, Temple Theater, 12th and R streets, Lincoln. Schedule includes "The Cripple of Inishmaan," by Martin McDonagh, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, Wednesday, Aug. 6, and Thursday, Aug. 7, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10; "Doubt, a Parable," by John Patrick Shanley, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31, and Saturday, Aug. 9, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3; and "Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins," by Stephen Temperley, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, and Friday, Aug. 8. Season passes (for all three Nebraska Repertory Company shows) are $50 for adults, $45 for UNL faculty and staff, senior citizens and active military personnel; and $30 for students and youth. Individual performance tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for UNL faculty and staff, senior citizens and active military personnel; and $10 for students and youth; Lied Center box office, (800) 432-3231 or www.liedcenter.org.
Custer County Fair, Sunday through Thursday, Aug. 7, Broken Bow. Information: Leon Meyer, (308) 872-2714; www.brokenbow-ne.com.
Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, 3133 W. Highway 34: Special exhibit: "Vittles: Flavors Across the Plains," through Sept. 14. August events: "Fair Time in Railroad Town," Saturday, Aug. 9, and Sunday, Aug. 10; "Sunday Afternoon with Tom and Huck," Sunday, Aug. 17; and "Back to School in Railroad Town," Saturday, Aug. 30, Sunday, Aug. 31, and Monday, Sept. 1. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Summer admission (May 1 through Sept. 30): $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for youth 6-12; children 5 and under admitted free. Information: 385-5316 or www.stuhrmuseum.org.
Prairie Winds Art Center, 112 W. Third: "Touchstones of the Earth 2, featuring paintings by Gary Ozias and Dorothy Lambert Uhrmacher and pottery by Bill Robbins, through Aug. 31; and works by Ralph Brown, through Aug. 31, Skywinds Gallery (artists reception: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1). Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Information: 381-4001 or www.prairiewindsart.com.
L'eglise Art Center and Gallery, 1105 K St., Aurora. Special exhibit: "Growin' in Heaps and Mounds," featuring sculptural and sound installations by Kurt Peterson and Rana Schmitz, through Aug. 30. Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and by appointment. Information: (402) 631-9578.
Museum of Nebraska Art, 2401 Central Ave., Kearney: Nebraska art and artists from early 19th century to present. Special exhibits: "19th Century Images of Nebraska," through Aug. 17; "Audubon Selections: Canids from the Wilds of Nebraska," through Sept. 8; "The Eyes Have It," through Sept. 14; "Nebraska Now: Susan Knight, Paintings," through Oct. 12; "A Treasury of Murals: Nebraska's Post Office Legacy," through Oct. 12; and "Stories Behind the Art," Aug. 19 through Dec. 31. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; closed major holidays. Docent-led, free tours offered the fourth Wednesday of the month. No admission charge, but donations accepted. Information: (308) 865-8559 or monet.unk.edu/mona.
Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History, 1330 N. Burlington. Special exhibit: "Hatching the Past: Dinosaur Eggs, Nests & Young," through Sept. 14, East Gallery. August events: Family Friday, Aug. 1; Kool-Aid Days, Aug. 8-10; and Morning at the Museum, Aug. 12. J.M. McDonald Planetarium: "The Sky Tonight," 1, 2:30, and 4 p.m. daily, through Aug. 31. Planetarium shows require museum admission. Summer hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $6 for adults, $5.50 for seniors over 60, $4 for children ages 3 through 12. Information: (402) 461-4629 or (800) 508-4629 or www.hastingsmuseum.
Plainsman Museum, 210 16th St., Aurora: Local and regional history, doll collection, iron toys, log cabin, sod house. Special exhibit: Jo Brown art show, through Aug. 31. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 1 through Oct. 31. Admission: $6 for adults, $4 seniors 62 and over, $2 for children 5 through 16; group rates available. Information: (402) 694-6531.
Minden Opera House Art Gallery, 322 E. Fifth St., Minden: Paintings by Kent Sullivan of North Platte, through Aug. 31. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and during performances; closed Sunday except for scheduled events. Information: (308) 832-0588 or www.mindenoperahouse.com.
1885 Opera House, 413 N. Webster: Red Cloud: Special exhibit: "The Colorbox VI," featuring the art of area youth, through Aug. 22. Information: (402) 746-2641.
Thursday
The Nedwrecks, a presentation of the Summer Concert Series sponsored by the Grand Island Parks and Recreation Department, 8 p.m., Grace Abbott Park. No admission charge; bring blankets or lawn chairs. Information: Todd McCoy, 385-5444, ext. 290.
J Concert Series, featuring Acoustic Brotherhood, 6 p.m., Hamilton County courthouse lawn, Aurora. No admission charge; information: Aurora Area Chamber and Development Corp., (402) 694-6911 or chambersec@hamilton.net.
"Grease," presented by the Theatre of the American West, 7 p.m., 1885 Opera House, 413 N. Webster: Red Cloud. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for students and $4 for children 12 and under; information: (402) 746-2641.
Jazz on the Green, featuring The Sons of Brasil, 7 p.m., Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St., Omaha. No admission charge; information: Amy Rummel, (402) 661-3822 or arummel@joslyn.org.
Friday
SIFA African Children's Choir, 7 p.m., First Christian Church, 2400 W. 14th/ Children's choir from Uganda will perform to benefit schools and orphanages in Uganda. No admission charge, but freewill offerings accepted; information: 382-6738.
Golden Oldies Cruise Night, featuring the band Revival and music from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, 7:30 p.m., Minden Opera House, 322 E. Fifth St., Minden. Band members include Tom Bacjus, Doris Winkler, Tom Schroeder, Warren Pennell, Elton Flodman and Pat Boilesen. Information: (308) 832-0588 or www.mindenoperahouse.com.
3 Doors Down, in concert with special guests Staind, Seether and Finger Eleven, FirsTier Event Center, Kearney. General admission tickets are $51.50 (floor) and $45.50 (arena), plus fees and will be available at the center box office; (308) 338-8011.
Alan Jackson, in concert, 7:30 p.m., Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs. Tickets range from $49 to $85; Ticketmaster.
Ramblin' Rounds round dancing (waltz, two-step, quick step and cha-cha), 8 p.m., Diamond D Ballroom, 611 W. Fourth. Cuer: Dick Busboom. Information: (308) 226-2420.
Saturday
Grand Theatre Car Show, third annual event, 5 p.m., Grand Theatre, 316 W. Third. No admission charge; information: Craig Hand, 381-1225.
Circle Squares square dancing, 7:30 to 10 p.m. (plus tips from 7:30 to 8 p.m.), Diamond D Ballroom, 611 W. Fourth. Caller: Dick Busboom. Information: (308) 226-2420 or (308) 687-6343.
River Riot, with 3 Doors Down, 2 p.m., Westfair Amphitheater, Council Bluffs. Also appearing will be Seether, Filter, Sick Puppies, Safety Suit, Staind and Finer Eleven. Tickets are $35; Ticketmaster.
Sunday
"The Indian and His Homeland 1590-1876," a film featuring the art of explorer-artists Catlin, Bodmer, Audubon, McKenny, de Bry and Moran, with classical music accompaniment, 2 p.m. Genoa U.S. Indian School Museum, Genoa. No admission charge; information: (402) 993-6636, (402) 993-6055 or (402) 993-6036.
Next week
Custer County Fair, Sunday, Aug. 3, through Thursday, Aug. 7, Broken Bow. Information: Leon Meyer, (308) 872-2714; www.brokenbow-ne.com.
Raven-Symone, star of Disney's "That's So Raven," in concert, 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, FirsTier Event Center, Kearney. Tickets are $15 and $20. Information/tickets: Buffalo County Fair office, (866) 301-1201 or (308) 236-1201 or www.buffalocountyfairtickets.com.
"Who Killed the State Fair?" murder mystery open auditions, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, Masonic Temple Building, 217 N. Locust. Production date is Aug. 23; only one rehearsal is planned for Aug. 21. Information: Director Bea Fiala, 384-9459.
Little Big Town, in concert with special guest Emerson Drive, 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, Heartland Events Center. Tickets are $29; Fonner Park office or Ticketmaster.
Hall County Fair, Thursday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 10, Fonner Park, 700 E. Stolley Park Road, Grand Island. Information: 382-4515; www.hallcountyfair.com.
"Grease," presented by the Hastings Junior Community Theatre, 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, and Friday, Aug. 8; and 2:30 and 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, Hastings Community Theater. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for senior citizens and students and are available by calling the Hastings Community Theatre box office at (402) 463-1500 or at Hastings banks during the week before performance dates. This musical is rated PG and is not suitable for young children. Information: Christine Cottam, (402) 463-7230.
Sandhills Open Road Challenge and Shootout, Thursday, Aug. 7, through Saturday, Aug. 9, Arnold and Callaway. Event includes open road race over 55 miles on a winding, two-lane blacktop. Shootout event involves a 1/2-mile and 1-mile race. See Vipers, Corvettes and other classic cars ranging in value up to $100,000. Information: (308) 836-2245; www.sorcrace.com.
Capital City Ribfest, 11 a.m. to midnight, Thursday, Aug. 7, Friday, Aug. 8, and Saturday, Aug. 9, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, Pershing Center, 226 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln. Festival includes America's best barbecue from vendors across the country and a variety of live music. Information: Derek Andersen, (402) 441-8744; www.pershingcenter.com.
Columbus Days, Thursday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 10, Columbus. Event includes Ribfest, parade, car show, stage entertainment, antique tractor show and activities for the entire family. Information: Sandi Fischer (402) 564-2769; www.thecolumbuspage.com.
Calico Quilt Club Show, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, and Saturday, Aug. 9, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, Columbus Public Library, 2504 14th St., Columbus. Admission is $3; information: Marie Clark, (402) 564-2471.
National Country Music Festival, 38th annual event, Thursday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 10, city park, Ainsworth. Country music competition includes cash prizes and more. Information: (402) 387-2740; www.ainsworthlinks.com.
P.O.D., with special guests Thousand Foot Krutch and Egypt Central, 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, Heartland Events Center. Tickets are $25; Fonner Park office or Ticketmaster.
Kool-Aid Days, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, Hastings. Event includes world's largest Kool-Aid stand, live entertainment, giant inflatables, cardboard boat races, classic car rally, disc golf, fireworks display and more. Information: Randal Kottwitz, (402) 461-8405; www.kool-aiddays.com.
Benedict Days, Friday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 10, Main Street and village park. Benedict. Community festival with events for all ages including antique tractor displays, sports tournaments, beer garden, street dance and children's games. Information: Kelly Brooke, (402) 732-6801.
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," presented by the Missoula Children's Theatre, 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, and 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, 1885 Opera House, 413 N. Webster: Red Cloud. Auditions for students in first grade through senior high will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 4. Performance admission is $10 for adults, $7 for students and $5 for children 12 and under. Information: (402) 746-2641.
Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, 100 to 300 blocks of West Third Street. Competition for children and adults. Free family fun area and awards for category winners. No admission charge; entry fee charged. information: Sharon Mankin 382-9210; www.downtowngi.com.
Circle B Dancers square dance, 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 Circle B Hall, 508 Gold Road. Caller: Wes Mohling. Information: 381-8100.
Chicago, in concert, 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, Heartland Events Center. Tickets are $32; Fonner Park office or Ticketmaster.
"Jack and The Beanstalk," presented by the Missoula Children's Theatre, 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, Minden Opera House, 322 E. Fifth St., Minden. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children 11 and younger. Information: (308) 832-0588 or www.mindenoperahouse.com.
"Fair Time in Railroad Town," 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer. Authentic 1890s agricultural fair including craft demonstrations, blacksmith displays, food judging and more. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for youth 6-12; children 5 and under admitted free. Information: 385-5316 or www.stuhrmuseum.org.
Train Show, third annual event sponsored by the Beatrice Area Railroad Enthusiasts, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, Gage County Fairgrounds 4-H Building, Beatrice. Admission is $5 for adults; youth 12 and under admitted free with adult. Information: Rich Rischling, (402) 223-5026.
Flogging Molly, in concert, 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, Westfair Amphitheater, Council Bluffs. Tickets are $29.99; Ticketmaster.
On film
Grand Theatre, 316 W. Third: "Get Smart," 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Maxwell Smart, Agent 86 for CONTROL, battles the forces of KAOS with the more-competent Agent 99 at his side. Starring Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson and Alan Arkin, this film is rated PG-13. Tickets are $3.50 for adults and $2.50 for children under 12. Information: 381-2667 or www.grandmovietheatre.com.
Lied Super Screen Theater, Hastings Museum, 1330 N. Burlington, Hastings: "Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure," 11 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. and 2, 4 and 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday; and 11 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, through Dec. 2; "Dinosaurs Alive!" noon and 3 p.m. Thursday; noon, 3 and 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon and 3 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, through Sept. 8; and "Wired to Win: Surviving the Tour de France," 1 p.m. daily, through Aug. 31, Admission is $7 for adults, $6.50 for seniors and $5.50 for children; Thursday special: $5 tickets and free bag of popcorn for 5, 6 and 7 p.m. shows. (Special screening: "Kung Fu Panda," 7:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2-3, Aug. 8-10 and Aug. 15-17. Admission is $4.50.) Information: (800) 508-4629 or www.hastingsmuseum.org.
A look ahead
Stir Concert Cove, summer concert series for those age 21 and older, Harrah's, Council Bluffs. Lineup includes: G. Love and Special Sauce, 6:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1 ($29 general admission); Los Lonely Boys and Los Lobos, 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2 ($35 general admission); the Black Crowes 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15 ($25 general admission); Alice Cooper, 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 ($26 general admission); My Morning Jacket, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19 ($26 general admission); Bonnie Raitt, 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 ($45 general admission, $55 reserved); and the Doobie Brothers 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31 ($40 general admission, $50 reserved). Fee added to base ticket prices and vary by performer. Information: (712) 329-6000 or http://stircove.frontgatetickets.com.
Dolly Parton, in concert, 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $43 to $248; Ticketmaster.
Treo, blues, reggae, Americana and rock, Thursday, Aug. 14, Museum of Nebraska Art, Cliff Hillegass Outdoor Sculpture Garden, 2401 Central Ave., Kearney. No admission charge; gates open at 6 p.m. Information: (308) 865-8559 or monet.unk.edu/mona.
Duck Derby, sixth annual event to benefit Leadership Tomorrow and Youth Leadership Tomorrow, 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 (derby starts at 10 a.m.), Island Oasis Water Park, 321 E. Fonner Park Road. Event also includes children's games and food and duck derby. No admission charge; there is a fee to "adopt a duck." Information: 382-9210.
Duck Derby, sixth annual event to benefit Leadershop Tomorrow and Youth Leadership Tomorrow, 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, Island Oasis Water Park, 321 E. Fonner Park Road. Event includes food, games, derby and more. Fee to adopt a duck; no fee to come and watch. Information: 382-9210.
Circle Squares square dancing, 7:30 to 10 p.m. (plus tips from 7:30 to 8 p.m.), Saturday, Aug. 16, Diamond D Ballroom, 611 W. Fourth. Caller: Dick Busboom. Information: (308) 226-2420 or (308) 687-6343.
Demolition Derby, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, Custer County Fairgrounds, Broken Bow. Admission charged; information: Denise Russell, (308) 872-5691; www.brokenbow-ne.com.
Genealogy Open House, Saturday, Aug. 16, Trails and Rails Museum, 710 W. 11th St., Kearney. Event includes presentations by the Fort Kearny Genealogical Society along with displays and research assistance. Tour the archive building and learn more about the Freighter's Hotel. Information: Jennifer Murrish (308) 234-3041; www.bchs.us.
Archer Celebration, Saturday, Aug. 16, Archer. Information: www.merrickcounty150.com.
Frank Caliendo, stand-up comedy, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, Omaha Music Hall. Tickets are $37.75 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, June 27; Ticketmaster.
Brooks and Dunn and ZZ Top, in concert, 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $38 to $73; Ticketmaster.
Big Band Dance, featuring the Lonny Lynn Triple Deuce Orchestra, 6 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, the Liederkranz, First and Walnut. Admission is $7.50; public welcome. Information: Gloria Otradovsky, 382-9337.
Peder Eide, Christian recording artist, in concert, 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, Heartland Lutheran High School, 3900 W. Husker Highway. Sponsored by the Senior Teens at Peace Lutheran Church; tickets are $7; information: 384-5673.
Vintage and Classic Wheels Car Show, 25th annual event, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, Stolley Park. No admission charge for spectators; information: Bill Taylor 384- 7106; webpages.charter.net/rat/vcwheels.
"Sunday Afternoon with Tom and Huck," noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, Stuhr Museum. Spend a flatwater afternoon fishing in the pond, racing boats and playing games. Enjoy a celebration of literary troublemakers and down-home country fun. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for youth 6-12; children 5 and under admitted free. Information: 385-5316 or www.stuhrmuseum.org.
Def Leppard, in concert, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $37.50 to $73; Ticketmaster.
Animated Movie Festival, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, Grand Theatre, 316 W. Third; a presentation of the Grand Island International Film Festival. Admission is $5; information: Paul Warshauer, 384-6816; http://gifilmfest.org.
Summer picnic featuring the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Tuesday, Aug. 19, Heartland Events Center; dinner served at 6 p.m.; music follows at 7. Tickets are $18.50 or 148 for a table of eight; Ticketmaster or the Fonner Park Business Office (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays). Information: 382-4515 or www.heartlandeventscenter.com.
Poison, in concert with special guest Sebastian Bach, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, Pershing Center, Lincoln. Tickets range from $23.50 to $58; Ticketmaster.
"Pippin," presented by Nebraska Wesleyan University, 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 21-24 and Aug. 28-31, McDonald Theatre, 51st and Huntington, Lincoln. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 for students 12 to 18 years and senior citizens, and $7.50 for children under 12; box office: 402.465.2384
Nebrasks State Fair, Friday, Aug. 22, through Monday, Sept. 1, State Fair Park, Lincoln. Open Air Auditorium Entertainment Series Lineup: Miranda Lambert, 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22; Lorrie Morgan and Tracy Byrd, 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23; "Barbra and Frank: The Concert That Never Was," featuring the music of Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra, 10 a.m. and noon, Monday, Aug. 25 (part of Older Nebraskans' Festival); No Better Cause and Boyz II Men, 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25; Jo Ann Castle, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 (part of Older Nebraskans' Festival); Starship, starring MIckey Thomas and Survivor, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26; Third Day, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27; Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28; Galaxy of Stars Talent Search, 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, and Sunday, Aug. 31; "A Funny Experience Comedy Show," featuring Nebraska comedian, T. Marni Voss, Juli Burney and more, 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30; Nebraska Showcase of Talent," 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31; Nebraska Showcase of Talent and Mustang Sally, 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31; The Derailers, 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31; and Styx, 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1. Midway opens at 5 p.m. Aug. 22; 1 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. weekends and Labor Day. Fair admission: Adults, $5 before 5 p.m. weekdays and $8 after 5 p.m. weekdays, weekends and Labor Day; children age 6-12, $2; free for chidlren 5 and under; no extra admission charge for open air concerts. Older Nebraskans' Festival admission: $3 for those 60 and older; Military Apprciation Day, Friday, Aug. 29; complimentary gate admission to all military personnel with military ID until 5 p.m. Free parking. Informaton: (402) 474-5371 or www.statefair.org.
"Gospel Sing," featuring two days of gospel music, 2:45 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, and 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, All Saints Chapel, Good Samaritan Village, Hastings. Information: Lyle or Val Lambert at (402) 461-0883.
"Gospel Sing," featuring two days of gospel music, 2:45 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, and 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, All Saints Chapel, Good Samaritan Village, Hastings. Lineup includes Armourbearers, Don Davis, Echoes of Mercy and "Grateful Heart. Special guest is Useless. Information: Lyle or Val Lambert, (402) 461-0883.
Popcorn Days, 107th annual event, Friday, Aug. 22, through Sunday, Aug. 24, North Loup. Event includes all the free popcorn you can eat, exhibits, tractor pull, parades, team penning, children's games, polka dance and live entertainment. No admission charge; information: Emil Hrebec, (308) 496-4401.
"Who Killed the State Fair?," an interactive murder mystery, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, Nathan Detroit's. Admission charged; ticket information: Cassey Graves, 384-6816.
Circle B Dancers square dance, 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 Circle B Hall, 508 Gold Road. Caller: Lanny Weakland. Information: 381-8100.
"Mark Twain on the Lecture Circuit," featuring Twain look-alike Wally A. Seiler, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, Minden Opera House, 322 E. Fifth St., Minden. No admission charge; information: (308) 832-0588 or www.mindenoperahouse.com.
Old-Timers Rodeo, Saturday, Aug. 30, Garfield County Fairgrounds, Burwell. Event featuring six rodeo events open to cowboys and cowgirls 40 and older. Admission is $3; information: Patty Cox (308) 346-5210; www.burwellchamber.net
"Honoring our Brave Veterans," the 12th annual Accordion Jamboree, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, and Sunday, Aug. 31, Heartland Events Center. Event features lots of accordion players, dancing to polkas and waltzes, food and beverages and a special salute to veterans on Sunday. Tickets range from $10 to $20; veterans admitted free with qualifying ticket. Information: Betty Robinson, (308) 440-3424 or (308) 236-8973; e-mail JamboreeFrontDesk@gmail.com or check http://accordionjamboree.com.
Back to School in Railroad Town, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, Stuhr Museum. It's all about readin', writin' and ’rithmetic as students test their skills at Peters School; hands-on activities for kids of all ages. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for youth 6-12; children 5 and under admitted free. Information: 385-5316 or www.stuhrmuseum.org.
Annual Kite Flight, 19th annual event, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, and Sunday, Aug. 31, Foster Smith Field, 5 miles southwest of Callaway. Event includes family, amateur and experienced kite flying; concessions, kite Bingo, musical entertainment, ranch rodeo and more. Admission is $2. Information: Connie May, (308) 836-2620.
Milk Jug Derby, Turtle Races and Golf Events, Saturday, Aug. 30, and Sunday, Aug. 31, Ericson. Information: Joe Wadas (308) 750-0426; www.lakeericson.com.
"Disney On Ice: Disneyland Adventure," 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, and Friday, Sept. 19; 11 a.m. and 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $12 to $52; Ticketmaster.
Earth, Wind & Fire, in concert, 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs. Tickets range from $42 to $147; Ticketmaster.
Avenged Sevenfold and Buckcherry, in concert with special guests Shinedown and Saving Abel, 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, Pershing Center in Lincoln. General admission tickets are $35 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday; Ticketmaster.
Rodney Atkins, in concert, 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $15.50 to $52; Ticketmaster.
Larry the Cable Guy, stand-up comedy, 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $25 to $62; Ticketmaster.
Jessica Simpson, in concert, 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $15.50 to $52; Ticketmaster.
Jim Gaffigan's "Sexy Tour," 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, Omaha Music Hall, Omaha. Tickets are $37.75; Ticketmaster.
Rodney Carrington's "King of the Mountains" tour, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, Pershing Center, Lincoln, Reserved tickets are $39.75; Ticketmaster,
"Disney Live! Winnie the Pooh," 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Omaha Civic Auditorium; tickets range from $15 to $36; and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, Pershing Center, Lincoln; tickets range from $15 to $26; Ticketmaster.
"Chicago: The Musical," Sunday, Oct. 26, FirsTier Event Center, Kearney. Tickets/information: (308) 338-8011 or log on to www.kearneyevents.com.
New Kids on the Block, in concert, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $27.50 to $67.50; Ticketmaster.
Celine Dion, in concert, Monday, Nov. 17, 2008, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $47.50 to $135; Ticketmaster.
Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker," 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, Omaha Music Hall, 17th and Davenport, Omaha. Tickets range from $23 to $63; Ticketmaster.
Venue & ticket info
- Heartland Events Center: 700 E. Stolley Park Road, 382-4515, www.HeartlandEventsCenter.com.
- FirsTier Event Center: 609 Platte Road, Kearney; office: (308) 338-8144; ticket office: (308) 338 -8011, www.kearneyevents.com.
- Pershing Center: Pershing Center, 226 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln; (402) 441-8744, www.pershingcenter.com.
- Lied Center for Performing Arts: 12th and R streets, Lincoln; (800) 432-3231, www.liedcenter.org.
- Qwest Center: 455 N. 10th St., Omaha; (402) 341-1500, www.qwestcenteromaha.com.
- Orpheum Theater: 409 S. 16th St., Omaha; box office: (402) 345-0606 or www.omahaperformingarts.org.
- Holland Performing Arts Center: 13th and Douglas; Omaha; box office: (402) 345-0606 or www.omahaperformingarts.org.
- Omaha Music Hall: 17th and Davenport, Omaha; (402) 997-9378.
- Mid America Center: One Arena Way, Council Bluffs, Iowa; (712) 323-0536, www.midamericacenter.com.
- Ticketmaster: (402) 475-1212, (402) 422-1212 or www.ticketmaster.com.
