This weekend
Nebraska's Junk Jaunt, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Sales in 35 to 40 communities along Highways 11, 91 and 2. Food stands, antique dealers, flea markets, farmers markets and more. Information: Lynn Franzen (308) 346-5210 or www.junkjaunt.com.
CAS Productions Antique Flea Market, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Fonner Park. Admission is $2; information: Cynthia Svarvari (308) 234-4354 or www.casantiquemarkets.com.
Flodfest Country Music Festival, Friday through Sunday, Covenant Cedars Bible Camp, Hordville. Event features non-stop concerts on two stages with more than 100 performers, songwriters and guitar workshops. Camping and lodging available. Admission is $10; information: Elton Flodman, (402) 757-3201.
"Beehive, The 60s Musical!" 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday (check for special show times on Husker game days) and 2 p.m. Sunday, TADA Theater, Seventh and P streets, Lincoln. Tickets are $18 Thursday through Saturday and $15 on Sunday; box office: (402) 438-TADA (8232) or www.tadatheatre.info.
"The Government Inspector," presented by the Nebraska Wesleyan Theater Department, 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Miller Theatre, 51st Street and Huntington Ave., Lincoln. Admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for senior citizens and students 12 to 18 years, $5 for youth under 12 years. Tickets/information: (402) 465-2384.
Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, 3133 W. Highway 34: Special exhibit: "The Nuts and Bolts of Art," featuring works by members of the Grand Island Art and Grand Island Sketch clubs, through Nov. 23 (artists reception: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, Stuhr Building). September events: Harvest Festival, Saturday, Sept. 27. Outdoor displays close for the season on Sept. 30. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Winter admission (Oct. 1 through April 30) $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for youth 6-12; children 5 and under admitted free. 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: "Kindred Spirit," featuring poetry by Tricia Beem and art by Cynthia Duff, Susanne Osberg, Libby Henry, Rosie Leonard and Charl Ann Mitchell, through Sept. 30; and Annual National Miniature Show, Oct. 1 through 31 (artists reception: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3).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: "Art: Made in the U.S.A.," featuring works created by area artists, through Oct. 25. 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.
Plainsman Museum, 210 16th St., Aurora: Local and regional history, doll collection, iron toys, log cabin, sod house. 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.
Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History, 1330 N. Burlington. Special exhibit: "Rural Images," featuring the works of three cartoonists who show a humorous, insightful and poignant look into American agricultural life during the 20th century, Oct. 1 through Nov. 20. September events: Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day, Saturday, Sept. 27. October events: Family Friday, Oct. 3; "Flaunt It! Fashionable Fiber Arts," Sunday, Oct. 5; Preschool Playdays, Tuesday, Oct. 7, and Saturday, Oct. 11; Morning at the Museum, Tuesday, Oct. 14; and Halloween Boo-seum Spooktacular, Saturday, Oct. 25. J.M. McDonald Planetarium: "The Sky Tonight," 1, 2:30, and 4 p.m. daily, through Nov. 21. Planetarium shows require museum admission. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday). 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.
Hastings College Art Gallery, Seventh and Elm, Hastings: Hastings College Alumni Art Show, Oct. 1 through Oct. 30 (reception: 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18). No admission charge. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 2 to 4 p.m. Sundays; gallery is closed during college holidays and vacations. Information: (402) 461-7325.
Museum of Nebraska Art, 2401 Central Ave., Kearney: Nebraska art and artists from early 19th century to present. Special exhibits: "Nebraska Now: Susan Knight, Paintings," through Oct. 12; "A Treasury of Murals: Nebraska's Post Office Legacy," through Oct. 12; "Traces of Our Past: Artifacts by the First Nebraskans," through Dec. 7; "Stories Behind the Art," through Dec. 31; and "Across the Lands and to Nebraska: The Photographs of Andrew Moore," featuring large format color photography by Andrew Moore, through Jan. 4. 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.
Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, two miles east of the Kearney interchange on Interstate 80. Special exhibit: Lincoln Highway Month, featuring live re-enactments and exhibit of Lincoln Highway memorabilia, through Sept. 30. October events: Archway Harvest Fair, featuring harvest-themed games, homemade pie and scarecrow competition, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Fall hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (through Oct. 28). Information: (308) 237-1000 or (877) 511-ARCH or www.archway.org.
1885 Opera House, 413 N. Webster: Red Cloud: Special exhibit: "The Rise of a Landmark," works by Lewis Wick Hines, through Oct. 27. Information: (402) 746-2641.
Columbus Art Gallery, 2504 14th St., Columbus (lower level of Columbus Public Library): Exhibit featuring paintings by Tim Garth, photographs by Molly Lenihan and fused glass by Barbara Nicholson, through Oct. 7; and paintings by David Dorsey and Wendy Hall and blown glass by Ray Schultze, Oct. 8 through Nov. 15 (reception: 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12). Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; noon to 4:30 p.m. Friday, and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday; open evenings and Sundays by appointment. Information: (402) 563-1016 or e-mail gallery@megavision.com.
Thursday
Poetry reading featuring Carol Moldaw, 7:30 p.m., Copeland Hall, Room 142, University of Nebraska at Kearney. Presented as part of the Reynolds Writers and Readers Series, there is no admission charge.
Rodney Atkins, in concert, 7 p.m., Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $15.50 to $52; Ticketmaster.
Friday
Robin Harrell, Ken Zoucha and Carey McGehee, 7:30 p.m., the Listening Room, 106 N. Denver (Knights of Pythias Hall, Hastings. Tickets are $12; information: (402) 463-6248 or listeningroom@alltel.net.
Tri-State Cage Fighting, 7:30 p.m., FirsTier Event Center. Tickets range from $25 to $50 with VIP tables available; call the box office at (308) 338-8011 or check the Web site at to www.kearneyevents.com.
"Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," 7:30 p.m., Lied Center for Performing Arts, Lincoln. Tickets range from $45 to $55 with student discounts available; box office: (800) 432-3231 or www.liedcenter.org.
Larry the Cable Guy, stand-up comedy, 7 p.m., Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $25 to $62; 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
Kiwanis Kids Day Parade, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Third Street from Cleburn to Sycamore. Open to kids in preschool through sixth grade. Prizes awards for best costumes. Information: Burnie Terman, 384-1353 or mbterman@kdsi.net
UNK Band Day, 9 a.m., from Central Avenue and Railroad Street in downtown Kearney and along 27th Street to the University of Nebraska at Kearney campus.
The Nuts and Bolts of Art," featuring works by members of the Grand Island Art and Grand Island Sketch clubs, opening reception, 1 to 3 p.m., Stuhr Building, Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, 3133 W. Highway 34. Exhibit will remain on display through Nov. 23
Harvest Festival, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Stuhr Museum. Events include harvest demonstrations, including use of 1890s period harvesting equipment; antique tractors and automobiles including a Model T Ford; horse rides for children throughout the day; twisty-turny fun in Stuhr's new grass maze; cooking demonstrations including a special apple peeling and baking activity at the Hired Man's House; live bluegrass music by Kentucky Rye beginning at 6 p.m. at the 1890s Farmstead; vintage base ball game on the south ball field; food including caramel-dipped apples, hot dogs, sloppy joes, apple cider, pie with ice cream and more; feed sack quilt display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 1890s Farmstead; games including a tug of war, pennies in the hay and many more. Regular admission fees apply. Information: 385-5316 or www.stuhrmuseum.org.
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day, Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History, 1330 N. Burlington, Hastings. Free admission for those with cards from the September issue of Smithsonian magazine or downloaded from www.smithsonian.com/museumdaycard. Information: (402) 461-4629 or (800) 508-4629 or www.hastingsmuseum.
Grand Island City Cemetery tour led by Skip Meyer, 1 p.m.; meet on the east end of the south side of the cemetery. Sponsored by the Hall County Historical Society, no charge for members; cost for non-members is $5. Reservations: Fred Roeser, 384-2154 or 4262 Michigan Ave. Grand Island 68803.
Razzle Dazzle Days Car Show, second annual, Saturday, Sept. 27, Alda Community Center. Event includes parade, car show, dance, food, kids games, evening barbecue and more. Information: Jerry Bond, 382-5395
Circle B Dancers square dance, 7:30 to 10 p.m., Circle B Hall, 508 Gold Road. Caller: Ken Monks. Information: 381-8100.
Jessica Simpson, in concert, 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $15.50 to $52; Ticketmaster.
Sunday
Czech Friends Band, playing polkas, waltzes and more, 6 to 9:30 p.m., the Liederkranz, First and Walnut. Admission is $5; information: Gloria Otradovsky, 382-9337.
Historic downtown tour led by Skip Meyer, 5 p.m.; meet in the parking lot at First and Walnut across the street east of the Liederkranz. Sponsored by the Hall County Historical Society, cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Reservations: Fred Roeser, 384-2154 or 4262 Michigan Ave. Grand Island 68803.
"American Girl" tea party, 2 p.m., Hastings Museum. The movie "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl" will follow at 4:30 p.m. in the Lied Super Screen Theatre. Admission to the tea party is free for museum members and regular admission for non-members. Admission to the movie is $4.50 for both members and non-members; seating is limited so reservations are recommended. Information: Visitor Services, (402) 461-4629 or (800) 508-4629, option zero.
Hastings College student recital, featuring clarinetist Anna Govier of Grand Island and vocalist Dillon Edwards of North Platte, 2 p.m., Perkins Auditorium, Fuhr Hall of Music, Hastings. No admission charge; information: (402) 461-7448.
Next week
Hastings College guest recital, featuring soprano Constance Rock, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, Perkins Auditorium, Fuhr Hall of Music, Hastings. No admission charge; information: (402) 461-7448.
"The Importance of Being Earnest," presented by the Kearney Community Theater, Thursday, Oct. 2, through Saturday, Oct. 4, and Thursday, Oct. 9, through Sunday, Oct. 12, 83 Plaza Blvd. Dinner served at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; show-only matinee, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $33 (dinner and show) and $15 (show only); season tickets available. Information: (308) 234-1529, e-mail boxoffice@kctonline.com or www.kctonline.com.
Revolution, a new show that blends tap dancing with rock and roll music, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, Lied Center for Performing Arts, 12th and R streets, Lincoln. Tickets range from $30 to $40 with student discounts available; box office: (800) 432-3231 or www.liedcenter.org. Information: www.revolutiontheshow.com.
Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band, 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, Holland Performing Arts Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $19 to $35 are on sale through Ticket Omaha online at TicketOmaha.org, by phone at (402) 345-0606.
"Threads Across Nebraska 2008," quilt show, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, Heartland Events Center; sponsored by the Nebraska State Quilters Guild. Event includes quilt appraisals by appointment (Jan Sears, 308-262-1031); lectures, vendor displays, raffles and more. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children 4-12. Information: Fay Kliewer, (402) 737-3303 or fkliwer@hamilton.net; or http://nsqg.org.
Harvest of Harmony Parade, 67th annual event, 8:15 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, Third Street, downtown Grand Island; field competition, all day, Grand Island Senior High stadium. No charge to watch the parade; admission charge for field competition. Information: Micki Ward, 382-9210.
Doniphan Fall Festival, 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, Doniphan. Dinner served at 11 a.m. in the high school west gym; other events include s parade, kiddie carnival, kiddie tractor pull, cake walk, evening entertainment, hamburger stand in the afternoon and evening, prizes and crowning of the queen and attendants; fee charged for some activities. Information: Dorothy Robb, (402) 845-2255
The Enchanted Trail, fourth annual event, featuring Sibby Le Beau, a Native American World War II code talker, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, Olson Native Preserve, between Petersburg and Albion (four miles south of Petersburg or eight miles north of Albion on Highway 14; turn on Y Road and go 1 mile northwest to the gate). Event also includes trail walks, a sing-along and more; designed for all ages. No admission charge; bring blankets or lawn chairs. Information: Paul or Lori Hosford, (402) 395-6727.
Kids Fine Arts Day, sponsored by the Kearney Area Arts Council, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, Harmon Park Activity Center, Fifth Avenue between 29th and 32nd streets, Kearney. Events for children in kindergarten through sixth grade includes continuous hands-on arts activities, relay race; and "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" with UNK musical education students. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Information: John Fronczak, (308) 865-8084.
Circle Squares square dancing, 7:30 to 10 p.m. (plus tips from 7:30 to 8 p.m.) Saturday, Oct. 4, Diamond D Ballroom, 611 W. Fourth. Caller: Dick Busboom. Information: (308) 226-2420 or (308) 687-6343.
Celebration concert to honor Larry Maupin, who directed Grand Island Senior High School's orchestra for 38 years and was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, Trinity United Methodist Church, 511 N. Elm. Performers will include former students and colleagues with whom Maupin has performed over the years. Donations to help with Maupin's medical expenses will be accepted at the concert; donations will also be sent to the Larry Maupin Fund, Five Points Bank North, 2015 N. Broadwell, Grand Island, NE, 68803, Attention: Deb Lukes.
"Flaunt It: Fashionable Fiber Arts," a style show featuring original works by members of the Prairie Fiber Spinners and Weavers, 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, Hastings Museum. Event will also include dessert, a silent auction of various items including woven scarves and special jewelry created for this event by Carla Kocher of Beads and Botanicals of Hastings; demonstrations and displays of historical pieces. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased by Sept. 28; call Visitor Services at (402) 461-4629 or (800) 508-4629, option zero.
Elyria Pumpkin Festival, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 5, Elyria. Event inlcudes free pumpkin pie, crafts, kids rides and games, food and more. Information: (308) 728-3784 or (308) 728-5727.
Harvest Celebration, 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, Prairie Loft Center for Outdoor and Agricultural Learning, three miles west of downtown Hastings on DLD Road. Event will feature children's book author Rajean Luebs Shepherd, educator and children's entertainer Jim King, a petting zoo, wagon rides, art activities, a farm equipment display, market stands, S'mores and hot cider. No admission charge; information: www.prairieloft.org.
"Autumn Vespers," presented by the Hastings College Choir, Hastings College Singers and Men's Choir, 6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 5, First Presbyterian Church, 621 N. Lincoln Ave., Hastings. No admission charge; information: (402) 461-7448.
Harold's Squares Square Dance Club, 51st annual "souper dance," 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, VFW Hall, 2720 23rd St., Columbus; supper will follow dancing. Caller/cuer will be Jerry Junck. Advance tickets are $7; admission at the door is $8. Information: Larry Andreason, (402) 564-0798.
Nebraska Czech Fest, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, York City Auditorium, Sixth and Nebraska streets, York. Event features an authentic Czech dinner, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; accordion jamboree, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., raffle, silent auction, demonstrations, drawings and music from the Bob Blecha Band. No admission charge; information: Donna Gruntorad, 384-7355 or www.nebraskaczechs.org
On film
Grand Theatre, 316 W. Third: "WALL-E," 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Disney and Pixar join forces for this computer-animated tale about a wide-eyed robot who travels to the deepest reaches of outer space in search of a newfound friend. From Academy Award-winning director, Andrew Stanton, this film is rated G. Tickets are $3.50 for adults and $2.50 for children under 12. "Kung Fu Panda," 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27; no admission charge; sponsored by the Grand Island Kiwanis Club. Information: 381-2667 or www.grandmovietheatre.com.
Lied Super Screen Theater, Hastings Museum, 1330 N. Burlington, Hastings: "Alien Adventure," 2 and 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 2, 4 and 6 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. and 2, 4 and 6 p.m. Saturday; and 2 p.m. Sunday; "Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure," 3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 2 and 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 3 p.m. Sunday; "Wolves," noon daily; and "Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa," 1 p.m. daily Admission is $7 for adults, $6.50 for seniors and $5.50 for children. (Special screening: "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl," 7:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25-27; and "Mamma Mia," Oct. 4-5 and Oct. 10-12.) Admission is $4.50.) Museum is closed Mondays. Information: (800) 508-4629 or www.hastingsmuseum.org.
A look ahead
Glenn Miller Orchestra, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, Lied Center for Performing Arts, Lincoln. Tickets range from $18 to $28 with student discounts available; box office: (800) 432-3231 or www.liedcenter.org.
"How Can We Be Silent" tour, featuring Barlowgirl, with special guest Jimmy Needham and Brooke Barrettsmith, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, New Life Assembly Church, 2715 W. 39th St., Kearney. Advance tickets are $15 (balcony) and $20 (main floor); $30 day of the show. Information/tickets: (308) 234-1881 or (800) 965-9324; or www.itickets.com.
"Art-Music-Justice" Tour, featuring Christian recording artists Sara Groves, Brand Heath, Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken and Charlie Peacock, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, Bethany Lutheran Church Elkhorn, 4200 N. 204th St., Omaha. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 the day of the show. Information/tickets: (402) 289-4440 or www.bethany-lutheran.com
José Porcel and his Compañia Flamenco, Latin and ballroom dancing, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, Lied Center for Performing Arts, Lincoln. Tickets range from $28 to $38 with student discounts available; box office: (800) 432-3231 or www.liedcenter.org.
An Evening with Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby," 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, Holland Performing Arts Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $19 to $58 and are on sale through Ticket Omaha online at TicketOmaha.org, by phone at (402) 345-0606.
"The Foreigner," a comedy presented by the Grand Island Little Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 11, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12; and 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, Hornady Marshal Auditorium, College Park. Tickets are $12.50; box office: 382-2586.
Arts and Crafts Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, and Sunday, Oct. 12, ,Fonner Park concourse.
"An Evening of Jazz," featuring Wes Hird, Vickie Nielsen and the Mac McCune Band, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, Merryman Center, 300 W. 24th, Kearney. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (60 and older) and $10 for Kearney Area Arts Council members. Information/tickets: (308) 234-4949.
Amy Speace, singer/songwriter, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, the Listening Room, 106 N. Denver (Knights of Pythias Hall, Hastings. Tickets are $12; information: (402) 463-6248 or listeningroom@alltel.net.
Palmer Celebration, Saturday, Oct. 11, Palmer. Information: www.merrickcounty150.com
Ravenna's Birthday Party, Saturday, Oct. 11, Ravenna. Information: www.ci.ravenna.ne.us.
Circle B Dancers square dance, 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, Circle B Hall, 508 Gold Road. Caller: Wes Mohling. Information: 381-8100.
Jim Gaffigan's "Sexy Tour," 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, Omaha Music Hall, Omaha. Tickets are $37.75; Ticketmaster.
Rascal Flatts, in concert with special guest Taylor Swift, 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $49.75 through $70; Ticketmaster.
REACT Arts and Crafts Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, and Sunday, Oct. 12, Fonner Park concourse. Annual event features more than 30 booths of arts and crafts. Admission charged; information: 382-4515.
Mary J. Blige, the "Dream Tour," 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, Qwest Center Omaha. Tickets range from $45 to $75; Ticketmaster.
"Burma & Cambodia," a travel film presented by the Altrusa Club and narrated by Buddy Hatton, 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, Grand Theatre, 316 W. Third. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3.50 for students; season tickets are $25; information: Dixie Best, 382-7962.
"Fascinating Gershwin," featuring the music of George and Ira Gershwin presented by violinist, pianist and vocalist Janice Martin, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, Grand Island Senior High auditorium. A presentation of the Grand Island Concert Association, admission is by membership only (a limited amount of season memberships are still available). Information: Stanley Urwiller, 382-2309; Dixie Best, 382-7962; or http://giconcerts.org.
"Midsummer Night's Dream," presented by the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, Boone Central gym, Albion. Sponsored by the Albion Area Arts Council; Admission is $12.50 for adults and $5 for children; council members will be admitted free; information: Paul or Lori Hosford, (402) 395-6727.
Ken Medema, Christian musician and songwriter, 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, Mid-town Holiday Inn. No admission charge.
"Keepin' It Country 2008," the 28th annual Nebraska Country Music Festival, sponsored by the Nebraska Country Music Foundation, Tuesday, Oct. 14, through Sunday, Oct. 18, Adams County Fairgrounds, 947 So. Baltimore, Hastings. Event includes songwriter workshops and competitions, seminars, performances and an awards banquet featuring a performance by Michael Martin Murphey (seating is limited to 650; tickets range from $35 to $100). Admission charged to some other events. Information/schedule: .www.necmf.com
"The Pirates of Penzance," presented by Opera Omaha, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, and Friday, Oct. 17, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, Orpheum Theater, Omaha. Tickets range from $19 to $99 and are available through Ticket Omaha; (402) 345-0606 or www.ticketomaha.org.
"A Midsummer Night's Dream," presented by the Nebraska Shakespeare Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, Minden Opera House, 322 E. Fifth St., Minden. Tickets are $15; information: (308) 8323-0588 or www.mindenoperahouse.com.
"Billy McGuigan's Yesterday and Today (a Beatles tribute), a presentation of the Merryman Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, 300 W. 24th St., Kearney. Single show and season tickets are now on sale; (308) 698-8297 or www.pickmytickets.com.
Leesha Harvey Trio, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, the Listening Room, 106 N. Denver (Knights of Pythias Hall, Hastings. Tickets are $12; information: (402) 463-6248 or listeningroom@alltel.net.
Rodney Carrington's "King of the Mountains" tour, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, Pershing Center, Lincoln, Reserved tickets are $39.75; Ticketmaster.
"The Songs of David Byrne & Brian Eno," featuring David Byrne, 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, Holland Performing Arts Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $48 to $53 and are available through Ticket Omaha; (402) 345-0606 or www.ticketomaha.org.
All Hallows Evening, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18, Stuhr Museum. Event includes ghosts in Railroad Town, scary tales and the treat trail. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children. Information: 385-5316 or www.stuhrmuseum.org.
Melody Round-up Parade, 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, downtown Hastings.
"Grandma's China," a Weekend Friendship Gathering Event sponsored by the Wood River Performing Arts Foundation, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, Wood River Rural High School Performing Arts Theater. Susan Kolbo will explore "Grandma's China Closet" and those old pieces of china so beloved. No admission charge, but freewill donations accepted. Information: Georgene Smidt, (308) 583-2606.
"Dancing with the Stars," to benefit the Grand Island Area Cancer Endowment (GRACE), 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, Midtown Holiday Inn. Event includes cocktails, dinner and dancing featuring Cindy Johnson, president of the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce President; Ray Aguilar, former state senator; Steve Joel, 2007 Man of the Year, and Sue Pirnie, 2007 Woman of the Year and GRACE Foundation board member; assisted by local dancing professionals Larry and Gloria Craven and Don and Esther Amick. Tickets are $35; information: Lisa Willman, 381-4711.
Circle Squares square dancing, 7:30 to 10 p.m. (plus tips from 7:30 to 8 p.m.) Saturday, Oct. 18, Diamond D Ballroom, 611 W. Fourth. Caller: Dick Busboom. Information: (308) 226-2420 or (308) 687-6343.
Alcoholics Anonymous "Freedom Group" Dance, 7 to 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, Fonner Park concourse. Admission charged.
"Rock Band Live," on tour, featuring Panic At The Disco and Dashboard Confessional, with special guests Plain White T's and The Cab, Saturday, Oct. 18, Pershing Center, Lincoln. Tickets: Ticketmaster; information: www.rockbandlivetour.com.
Haunted Hallow, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18; 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19; 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 25, and 1 to 5 p.m. and 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, Happy Jack Chalk Mine, near Scotia. Evening performances are for those age 8 and older; matinee performances are open to all ages. Admission is $6 (evenings); park in Scotia and get tickets at the Community Hall. Matinee admission is $5; park at the chalk mine. Information: (308) 750-3874 or www.happyjackchalkmine.com
"Organ Vesper Series," featuring organist Andrew Henderson, 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 19, First Presbyterian Church, 621 N. Lincoln Ave., Hastings. No admission charge; information: (402) 461-7448.
Fall Bridal Show, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, Fonner Park concourse. Admission charged; information: Heather Roy, 384-6203; or http://NebraskaWeddingGuide.com.
Polka dance, featuring the Dean Hansen Band, 6 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, the Platte-Duetsche, 1315 W. Anna. Admission charged; information: Sheryl Kosch, 382-0586.
k.d. lang, in concert, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, Holland Performing Arts Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $26 to $66 and are available through Ticket Omaha online at www.TicketOmaha.org or by phone at (402) 345-0606
The Capitol Steps, just in time for the 2008 presidential election, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, Orpheum Theater, Omaha. Tickets range from $19 to $25 and are available through Ticket Omaha; (402) 345-0606 or www.ticketomaha.org.
Bloodfest 2008, featuring 14 bands and a "Night of Mayhem," 3 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, D&N Event Center, 501 E. Walker Road, North Platte. Event will include Grand Island bands Dreaming of a Nightmare and Oh Tragedy; Hastings bands A Plague Filled Skey and Grow Room; Mortal Dezire and Transcending Zero of Kearney; Aftermath of Burwell and bands from North Platte, Norfolk, Alliance, Lincoln, McCook and Des Moines, Iowa. Pre-sales tickets are $10, available online at htp://bloodfest.memoriesfromtomorrow.org. Day-of-show tickets are $12; information: Allen Kohtz, Electric Sky Entertainment, (308) 258-3381.
Ron White, stand-up comedy, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, Orpheum Theater, Omaha. Tickets are $42.75 and are available through Ticket Omaha; (402) 345-0606 or www.ticketomaha.org.
Michael W. Smith & Steven Curtis Chapman, "The United Tour," 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, Holland Performing Arts Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $55 to $65 and are available through Ticket Omaha; (402) 345-0606 or www.ticketomaha.org.
Arts and Crafts Show. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 25, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, Conestoga Mall. Information: Melissa Griffith, 382-4210.
Fall Festival of Crafts Show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Buffalo County Fairgrounds, Kearney. No admission charge; information: Marlene Hadwiger (308) 234-4671.
Circle B Dancers, special Halloween square dance (costumes optional), 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Circle B Hall, 508 Gold Road. Callers: Marlin and Jackie Spellmeyer. Information: 381-8100.
"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.
Gun Show, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, Fonner Park concourse. Admission is $3; information: Sharon Dahl, 383-4605.
Trick or Treat in downtown Grand Island, Saturday, Oct. 25, times to be announced. Look for the signs in the windows of the participating downtown businesses. Information: Sharon Mankin, 382-9210.
Hastings Symphony Orchestra, featuring guests Betsy Bobenhouse and Heidi Huenefeld, performing Mozart's "Flute and Harp Concerto" and Tchaikovsky's "Symphony No. 4," 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, Masonic Center Auditorium, Hastings. Tickets are $13 for adults and $5 for students; season tickets are available for families (two adults and children) are $90; single parent families (one adult and children) are $50; students (children through traditional college age) are $15. Information: (402) 469-9396 or http://hastingssymphony.com.
Hastings College student recital, featuring pianist Elliott Lockwood, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, Perkins Auditorium, Fuhr Hall of Music, Hastings. No admission charge; information: (402) 461-7448.
Big Band Dancing with the Lou Arnold Orchestra, 6 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, the Liederkranz, First and Walnut. Admission charged; information: Gloria Otradovsky, 382-9337.
"Chicago: The Musical," Sunday, Oct. 26, FirsTier Event Center, Kearney. Tickets/information: (308) 338-8011 or log on to www.kearneyevents.com.
Punkin chunkin', 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, one mile east of Petersburg. No admission charge; information: (402) 386-5551
Hastings College faculty recital, featuring Marc LaChance, trombone, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, Perkins Auditorium, Fuhr Hall of Music, Hastings. No admission charge; information: (402) 461-7448.
Stone Temple Pilots, in concert, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, Pershing Center, Lincoln. Tickets range from $38 through $63.50; Ticketmaster.
"Behind the War of the Worlds," a live showing of the historic broadcast by Orson Welles, 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, Grand Theatre, 316 W. Third. Event to raise funds for the theater's facade and lobby will continue after the show with dancing at the Liederkranz. Tickets are $12.50 in advance or $15 at the door (includes the show and entertainment at the Liederkranz). Information: John Lincoln, 379-7498 or ford_theater_productions@yahoo.com
"Halloween Funfest," sponsored by the Third City Christian Church, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, Heartland Events Center. A Halloween alternative for children, event will include carnival games and entertainment, candy and prizes to be given away. No admittance after 7:30 p.m. No admission charge; information: 384-5038.
"Revival," a four-piece band playing music from the 50s, 60s and 70s, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, Wood River Rural High School Performing Arts Theater, Wood River. No admission charge but freewill donations accepted. . Information: Georgene Smidt, (308) 583-2606.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra, in concert, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, Qwest Center, Omaha. Ticket range from $20 to $43; Ticketmaster.
Nebraska Food Festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, Stuhr Museum. Event will features food produced in Nebraska. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for children 6-12; children 5 and under admitted free. Information: 385-5316 or www.stuhrmuseum.org.
Neil Young, in concert, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $48 to $175; Ticketmaster.
Metallica, in concert with Down and The Sword, 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $55 to $75.50; Ticketmaster.
Larry the Cable Guy, stand-up comedy, 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, Heartland Events Center. Tickets are $44.25 and are available at the Fonner Park ticket office and through Ticketmaster. Information: 382-4515.
"The Rat Pack: Live at the Sands," recreate a legendary evening at the Sands Hotel with the most famous performers of our time: Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Dean Martin presented by Broadway Across America, Friday, Nov. 7, through Sunday, Nov. 9, Orpheum Theatre, Omaha. Tickets range from $28 to $58 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, through Ticket Omaha, (402) 345-0606 or www.ticketomaha.org. Information: www.TheRatPackLiveAtTheSands.com or www.omahaperformingarts.org.
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.
Bill Gaither and Friends, in concert, 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, Qwest Center Omaha. Tickets range from $19.50 to $39.50; Ticketmaster.
Celine Dion, in concert, Monday, Nov. 17, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $47.50 to $135; Ticketmaster.
"Creation Festival: The Tour," 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs. Event will feature Kutless with special guests Thousand Foot Krutch and Pillar. Tickets are $20 and $30 and are on sale through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com or iTickets.com (www.itickets.com/tours/663.html. Information: www.creationfesttour.com.
Toby Mac's Winter Wonder Slam with Relient K and Family Force 5, 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, Pershing Center, Lincoln. Tickets range from $25 to $35; Ticketmaster.
Nine Inch Nails, in concert, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs, Iowa. Tickets range from $37.50 to $43 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20; 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.
The Cheetah Girls, in concert, 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $33 to $43.
"Disney Live! Winnie the Pooh," 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, FirsTier Event Center, Kearney. Tickets range from $15 to $40; box office: (308) 338-8011 or to www.kearneyevents.com.
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.
