This weekend
"Pippin," presented by Nebraska Wesleyan University, 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, (continues 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.
"Gospel Sing," featuring two days of gospel music, 2:45 p.m. Friday and 9:45 a.m. Saturday, 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 through Sunday, 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.
Grand Island City Singers auditions, 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday and 7 to 8 p.m., Monday, St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 1515 S. Harrison. No music preparation is necessary. Christmas concert will be in December; information: Kathryn Absher, 381-4296; Linda Smith, 381-0830; or Cheryl Schuett, 384-2172.
Nebraska State Fair, Friday through Monday, Sept. 1, State Fair Park, Lincoln. Open Air Auditorium Entertainment Series weekend lineup: Miranda Lambert, 7 p.m. Friday, and Lorrie Morgan and Tracy Byrd, 7 p.m. Saturday. Open Air Auditorium Entertainment Series lineup for next week: “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 comedians 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 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 children 5 and under; no extra admission charge for open air concerts. Older Nebraskans’ Festival admission: $3 for those 60 and older; Military Appreciation Day, Friday, Aug. 29; complimentary gate admission to all military personnel with military ID until 5 p.m. Free parking. Information: (402) 474-5371 or www.statefair.org.
Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, 3133 W. Highway 34: Special exhibit: "Vittles: Flavors Across the Plains," through Sept. 14. August events: "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. 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: "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," 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. 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; and "The Rise of a Landmark," works by Lewis Wick Hines, Aug. 27 through Oct. 27. Information: (402) 746-2641.
Columbus Art Gallery, 2504 14th St., Columbus (lower level of Columbus Public Library): "Antarctica: Journey & Destination," featuring photographs by Larry Ferguson of Omaha, through Sept. 8. 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.
Friday
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
"Who Killed the State Fair?," an interactive murder mystery, 6:30 p.m., Nathan Detroit's. Admission charged; ticket information: Cassey Graves, 384-6816.
Circle B Dancers square dance, 7:30 to 10 p.m., 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., Minden Opera House, 322 E. Fifth St., Minden. No admission charge; information: (308) 832-0588 or www.mindenoperahouse.com.
Solar observing, 11 a.m. (weather permitting), Hastings Museum (outside), 1330 N. Burlington, Hastings. No admission charge. Information: (402) 461-4629 or www.hastingsmuseum.
Observatory show, 9:30 p.m. (weather permitting), Sachtleben Observatory, three miles south of Hastings on Wabash Avenue. Information/observatory schedule: (402) 462-7378.
Sunday
Lyle Hulinsky and his Sodbuster Band, featuring music of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, 2 p.m., Plum Street Station, Sixth and Plum streets. Sponsored by the Hall County Historical Society, there is no admission charge, although freewill donations will be accepted.
Grand Island Senior High Islander Marching Band Premier Night, 6:30 p.m., west side of Memorial Stadium. A cookout before the performance will start at 5:15 p.m.; menu will include grilled burgers, chips and pop for $4.50. Proceeds will help with the band's trip to the Gator Bowl this winter.
Next week
"Pippin," presented by Nebraska Wesleyan University, 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, 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.
David Rovics, singer/songwriter, in concert, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, French Memorial Chapel, Hastings College, Hastings. Opening act will be Peggy Lang of Dannebrog. No admission charge; information: (308) 754-4901.
Rock the Light IX, contemporary Christian music festival, Friday, Aug. 29, and Saturday, Aug. 30, Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City. Headliners include Dove Award-winner Jeremy Camp and Grammy Award-winner Casting Crowns. Tickets at the gate range from $19 to $85. Reserved and general admission seats are available. Information: www.rockthelight.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.
The Doobie Brothers, in concert, 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, Harrah's Casino, Council Bluffs; part of the Stir Cover summer concert series. Tickets are $40 general admission abd $50 reserved). Information: (712) 329-6000 or http://stircove.frontgatetickets.com.
On film
Grand Theatre, 316 W. Third: "Kung Fu Panda," 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Po the Panda is the laziest animals in all of the Valley of Peace, but unwittingly becomes the chosen one when enemies threaten their way of life. Jack Black stars in this CG-animated film; rated PG. 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 (ends Aug. 28). (Special screening: "WALL-E," 7:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22-24, Aug. 29-31 and Sept. 5-7). Admission is $4.50.) Information: (800) 508-4629 or www.hastingsmuseum.org.
A look ahead
Miles of Memories Country MusicFest, fifth annual, Thursday, Sept. 4, through Saturday, Sept. 6, Adams County Fairgrounds, Hastings. Headliners include Stew Clayton, singer of old-time songs and yodeler, and Steve Mitchell, a cowboy and classical performer who works at Silver Dollar City. Admission is $15 per day or $35 for a three-day ticket. There's a $10 admission for evenings only, available each day after 5 p.m. Children 12 and younger will be admitted without charge when accompanied by a parent or grandparent. Information: Tex or Mary Schutz, (903) 467-9545 or e-mail texschutz@aol.com, or check the Web site at www.texandmary.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; 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.
"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/information: www.rockbandlivetour.com.
"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 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.
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, 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.
