Calendar: January-February 2007

Through Jan. 17
‘Allegory, Attraction and Anatomy: Sculptures by Barbara Balzer’
Balzer’s new works are polychrome twists on classical myths, rendered in clay, glaze and resin. She resurrects dimensions of life that were shut out of Greco-Roman and medieval art: depth, for instance. Her figures have complex personalities revealed by nuanced gestures, articulated digits, graceful necks and conspiratorial glances. Thomas Eads Fine Art Gallery, 1122 Thomasville Road, Suite 8. Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Reception is Friday, Jan. 5, from 6-9 p.m. Free. (850) 224-1435, thomaseadsfineart.com

Through Jan. 31
‘Mockingbird, Mockingbird Images’
Florida’s state bird, the mockingbird, comes to life in this Phipps Gallery exhibit. This exhibit uses artistic works to trace the increasing popularity of this musical bird from the scientific drawings of 18th- and 19th-century naturalists to its place in today’s popular culture. Tallahassee Museum, 3945 Museum Drive. Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 12:30-5 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $7.50 for senior citizens and college students with valid ID; $5.50 for children ages 4-15; free for members and children ages 3 and under. (850) 575-8684, tallahasseemuseum.org

Through Feb. 1
‘Stuart Riordan and George Blakely’
This is the third in a series of annual exhibitions featuring nationally known local artists. Stuart Riordan is primarily a painter and George Blakely is a photography professor at Florida State University, but both use many other media in their work. Brogan Museum, 350 S. Duval St. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Admission: $6 for adults; $3.50 for students, senior citizens and members of the military; free for Brogan members and children ages 2 and under. (850) 513-0700, Ext. 236; thebrogan.org

Through Feb. 11
‘Holidays in Florida’
This photographic exhibit features various holidays and how they are celebrated around Florida. Museum of Florida History, 500 S. Bronough St. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, noon-4:30 p.m. Free. (850) 245-6400, museumoffloridahistory.com

Through Feb. 11
‘Paul Rudolph: The Florida Houses’
This traveling exhibit about the designs of renowned architect Paul Rudolph focuses on his early residential work in Florida. These houses played a significant role in the culture of American design in the mid-20th century. Museum of Florida History, 500 S. Bronough St. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, noon-4:30 p.m. Free. (850) 245-6400, museumoffloridahistory.com

Through Feb. 28
Quilts Sensational Exhibit
Student Raven Hill and 92-year-old Amanda Richardson will showcase their intergenerational quilts.  John Gilmore Riley House, 419 E. Jefferson St. Monday through Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $2 for adults, $1 for children. (850) 681-7881, rileymuseum.org

Through March 11
Winter Guest Animals
The Tallahassee Museum is pleased to announce the new Winter Guest Animals – a  trio of lion-tailed macaques. These primates get their name from the tuft of hair on the tip of the tail, similar to a lion, and a “mane” of longer hair around the face.  The macaques, on loan from the Alexandria Zoological Park of Louisiana, include an adult pair and a younger female. Tallahassee Museum, 3945 Museum Drive. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 12:30-5 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults; $7.50 for senior citizens and college students with valid ID; $5.50 for children ages 4-15; free for members and children ages 3 and under. (850) 575-8684, tallahasseemuseum.org

Through April 30
‘Collard Greens & Artistic Scenes’
This new exhibit highlights the activities and roles of women in the 1930s in Florida. Knott House Museum, 301 E. Park Ave. Tours are Wednesday through Friday at 1, 2 and 3 p.m.; Saturday tours start at 10 a.m. and continue up to 3 p.m. Free. (850) 922-2459, museumoffloridahistory.com

Through June 17
The Photographs of Alvan S. Harper
These black and white photographs show the photographer’s Tallahassee-based work during the latter part of the 19th century through the early 20th century. Museum of Florida History, 500 S. Bronough St. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, noon-4:30 p.m. Free. (850) 245-6400, museumoffloridahistory.com

Jan. 6
Twelfth Night Ball
This formal affair offers much pomp and circumstance surrounding the selection of the new Andrew Jackson, who will represent Springtime Tallahassee. A live band and dinner fill the remainder of the evening. This affair is open to Springtime Tallahassee members and their guests. North Florida Fairgrounds, 441 Paul Russell Road.
8 p.m.-midnight. (850) 224-5012

Jan. 10-13
DeSoto Winter Encampment
Hernando DeSoto’s winter stay in an Apalachee village in 1539 comes alive in this living-history program, held on the site that was discovered by a state archaeologist just 19 years ago. Exhibits, cooking and weapon demonstrations and more will be featured. 1022 DeSoto Park Drive, off Lafayette Street. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (850) 922-6007

Jan. 11-12
Elton John and Tim Rice’s ‘Aida’
Winner of four Tony Awards in 2000, Elton John and Tim Rice’s “Aida” is a musical bursting with contemporary energy that tells of the love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country; Amneris, an Egyptian princess; and Radames, the soldier they both love. Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St. 7:30 p.m. Tickets on sale at the Civic Center Box Office, Sam Goody in the Tallahassee Mall, and online at ticketmaster.com. (850) 222-0400, tlccc.org

Jan. 12-13
Heritage Blues Festival
Nestled under the live oaks at the Bradfordville Blues Club, the region’s finest bluesmen – and women – will gather for the Heritage Blues Festival, honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Festivities start Friday afternoon (Jan. 12) and go through Saturday (Jan. 13) with shows under the heated big-top tent, finishing with special engagements inside the club. Bradfordville Blues Club, 7152 Moses Lane. Gates open Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at noon. Admission: all-weekend pass, $60; Friday only, $25; Friday night “After Fest” with Bobby Rush at 10:30 p.m., $30; Saturday only, $35; Saturday night “After Fest” with
Bobby Rush and Carey Bell with The King Bees at 9:30 p.m., $25. (850) 906-0766, websiteinsight.com/bluesfest/

Jan. 12-Feb. 14
Visual Quartet
The Council on Culture and Arts welcomes artsits Karen Stewart, Kristina Ackerman, Richard Stafford and Melynda Reid. Reception will be held on January 12 from 6-7 p.m. City Hall Gallery, 300 S. Adams St., 2nd floor. Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free. (850) 224-2500, cocanet.org

Jan. 12-June 3
‘A Day in Pompeii’
In the year 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. The Gulf Coast Exploreum in Mobile, Ala., in collaboration with the Soprintendenza Archeologica di Pompeii (the Italian government agency responsible for the site), will present hundreds of exceptional objects that lay buried under almost 30 feet of volcanic material for more than 17 centuries. Gulf Coast Exploreum, 65 Government St., Mobile. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed for Mardi Gras and Easter Sunday. Admission: $18.25 for adults; $17.25 for seniors (ages 60 and over) and youths ages 3-18; $11 for children ages 2-12. Add the IMAX film for $4 more. (251) 208-6883, exploreum.net

Jan. 17
Opportunities 2007! Career Bowl
Brought to you by Workforce Plus and ECHO Jubilee Job-Link, more than 100 employers will be on hand. Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (850) 414-6085, Ext. 202; wfplus.org

Jan. 18-21, Jan. 25-28
Tennessee William’s ‘Night of the Iguana’
Set in a decaying Mexican hotel, this classic play focuses on the needs and desires that arise during interactions between a lusty, sex-starved widow; a wayward, defrocked clergyman; and a gentle New England spinster. Tallahassee Little Theatre, 1861 Thomasville Road. Thursday through Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets: $16 regular admission, $14 for students and seniors. Box office opens Jan. 8. (850) 224-8474, tallahasseelittletheatre.org

Jan. 19
Story Book Ball
The Early Learning Coalition invites you to come dressed as your favorite storybook character – or come as you are – to the Story Book Ball, an event that kicks off fundraising efforts that will allow children (infant through age 5) throughout the Big Bend region to be registered in the Imagination Library and receive an age-appropriate hardback book every month by mail. The special evening includes delicious hors d’oeuvres, cash bars and dancing with live music. National Guard Armory, 1225 Easterwood Drive. 7-11 p.m. $35 per person; tables of 10 are $300. (850) 385-0551, elcbigbend.org

Jan. 19
Gaither Homecoming Tour
Join Bill Gaither and homecoming friends for the “Give It Away Tour 2007.” Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St. 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the Civic Center box office, Sam Goody in the Tallahassee Mall, and online at ticketmaster.com. (850 222-0400, tlccc.org

Jan. 19-Feb. 18
‘Visions of Nature’
Featured artists are Sam Kates, Rosemary Ferguson and Bill McKeown. LeMoyne Center for Visual Arts, 125 N. Gadsden St. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Admission: $1 donation for nonmembers; free on Sundays. (850) 222-8800, lemoyne.org

Jan. 20
Junior League of Tallahassee’s Whale of a Sale
The Junior League of Tallahassee is hosting the 32nd annual Whale of a Sale, Tallahassee’s largest garage sale, a little earlier this year. Quality used merchandise will be sold at reduced prices in two pavilions and all proceeds will benefit Junior League of Tallahassee Inc. community projects in North Florida. The Junior League’s Whale of a Sale Preview Party will be open Jan. 19 from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is $10; attendees will have the chance to shop early, and all items are marked up by 50 percent for the night. North Florida Fairgrounds, 441 Paul Russell Road. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (850) 224-9161, jltallahassee.org

Jan. 21
Jeffery Siegel
Part of the Artist Series of Tallahassee, pianist Jeffrey Siegel will perform. Opperman Music Hall, Kuersteiner Music Building, Florida State University campus. 2:30 p.m. Season passport includes all four Artist Series concerts during 2006-2007: prices are $85 for adults, $80 for seniors ages 62 and up, and $40 for students. (850) 224-9934, theartistseries.com

Jan. 23
Unity Concert
Chiles, Leon and Lincoln High School Choirs will join the Tallahassee Community Chorus for this year’s “Unity in Song” concert. Ruby Diamond Auditorium, Westcott Building, Florida State University campus. 8 p.m. $18 general admission, $12 seniors and $5 students with valid ID. For tickets, contact the FSU Fine Arts Ticket Office at (850) 644-6500, Beethoven & Company at (850) 894-8700 or Music Masters at (850) 224-6158. For more information, contact (850) 668-5394 or tcchorus.org

Jan. 25-27
Church Music Conference 2007
The primary goal of this conference is to provide an opportunity for all regional church musicians, clergy and congregants to enrich their ministry through seminars, master classes and discussion forums devoted to church music. In addition, there will be a hymn sing that is open to the public and that will feature FSU Professor of Organ Michael Corzine. Locations vary. 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Adult registration is $99, student registration is $49. (850) 521-7218,
tallahasseeago.org

Jan. 29
‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’
Take a rainbow ride through biblical Egypt on the wings of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s uplifting music, and the humor and poetry of lyricist Tim Rice . This irresistible musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son, paints a picture of betrayal and hardship, prophecy and forgiveness. Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center. 505 W. Pensacola St. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the Civic Center Box Office, Sam Goody in the Tallahassee Mall, and online at ticketmaster.com. (850) 222-0400, tlccc.org

Feb. 1-3
Atlanta Art & Science Adventure
A three-day, two night art and science adventure to Atlanta, Ga. The trip includes two night hotel stay, admission to the High Museum, Carlos Museuma, the Georgia Aquarium and much more. Brogan Museum, 350 S. Duval St. $325 per person for members, $375 per person for non-members. (850) 513-0700, Ext. 233; thebrogan.org

Feb. 2-3
Dance Repertory Theatre in Concert
The Dance Repertory Theatre is a student dance company housed within Florida State University’s department of dance. The company will perform a range of classical and contemporary works under the direction of Professor Lynda Davis. Nancy Smith Fichter Dance Theatre, Montgomery Hall, Florida State University campus. 8 p.m. Tickets: $12 for adults; $10 for senior citizens; $8 for children and non-FSU students; $6 for FSU students. (850) 644-6500, dance.fsu.edu

Feb. 4
Tallahassee Marathon and Half-Marathon
Come out for the 33rd annual Tallahassee Marathon, a Tallahassee tradition since 1975. The course is flat and fast, and awards will be given for age groups starting at 15-19 and continuing to 65-69. Mike Long Track, Chieftan Way, Florida State University. 7:30 a.m. Marathon prices: $50 on or before Feb. 3, $60 on race day. Half-marathon prices: $30 on or before Feb. 3, $35 on race day. Information and registration form available at gulfwinds.org/marathon.

Feb. 6
‘Dick Puckett’s History of Art in Tallahassee’
Dick Puckett, retired director of the LeMoyne Art Foundation, will talk about the history of art in Tallahassee. Guaranteed to be a lively and informative presentation. Florida State University Museum of Fine Arts, Fine Arts Building, corner of Copeland and Call Streets. 7-9 p.m. Free. (850) 644-1299, artistsleaguefsu.org

Feb. 6-8
Riverdance
Now in its 11th year, Riverdance, the internationally acclaimed celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has touched the hearts of millions around the world, returns to Tallahassee. Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St. 7:30 p.m. Tickets on sale at the Civic Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. (850) 222-0400 or (800) 322-3602, tlccc.org

Feb. 8-10
‘Pinocchio’
The classic fairy tale comes to life in The Attic. Young Actors Theatre’s Attic Players is an interactive theater experience for toddlers and preschool-age children. Participation fairy tales introduces children to the joys and benefits of live theater. Young Actors Theatre, 609 Glenview Drive. 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Admission: $3 for Attic Players. (850) 386-6602, youngactorstheatre.com

Feb. 10
‘Classic Romance’
With Miriam Burns conducting, the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra will perform “Concert Romanesc” by Ligeti; “Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 22 in G Minor” by Saint-Saens; and “Symphony No. 9 in C Major,” “The Great,” by Schubert. Ruby Diamond Auditorium, Westcott Building, Florida State University campus. 8 p.m. $24 to $30 for adults and $10 for students. Seniors receive a 10 percent discount. (850) 644-6500, tallahasseesymphony.org

Feb. 10
Explore Florida’s Wild Big Bend Coast
Author and photographer Doug Alderson will be your guide in exploring the rich history and natural beauty of this remarkable area. Doug will show slides and read from his book, “Waters Less Traveled: Exploring Florida’s Big Bend Coast.” Tallahassee Museum, 3945 Museum Drive. 2 p.m. Admission: $8 for adults, $7.50 for senior citizens and college students with valid ID; $5.50 for children ages 4-15; free for members and children ages 3 and under. (850) 575-8684, tallahasseemuseum.org

Feb. 12-27
Seven Days of Opening Nights
Bringing world-class artists to Tallahassee has become a Seven Days tradition that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. The complete schedule of events is on page 38. For ticket information, call the FSU Fine Arts Ticket Office at (850) 644-6500 or visit tickets.fsu.edu.

Feb. 14
‘Romantic Readings’
The Knott House hosts this annual event that highlights the historic house and pays special tribute to a former owner, Luella Knott. Knott, the wife of William Knott, wrote poems and held poetry readings at her home. Knott House Museum, 301 E. Park Ave. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. (850) 922-2459, museumoffloridahistory.com

Feb. 16-18, 21-25
‘Sweeney Todd’
Conspiracy, intrigue, dark humor and murderous mayhem blend wickedly to tell the tale of “Sweeney Todd.” In this 1979 winner of eight Tony Awards, Stephen Sondheim refashions a macabre tale into a musical masterwork. Recommended audiences ages 13 and up. Fallon Mainstage Theatre, Florida State University Fine Arts Building, Copeland and Call Streets. Performance times: Feb. 16-17 and Feb. 21-24 at 8 p.m.; Feb. 18 and Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $18 for adults; $15 for senior citizens; $12 for students.
(850) 644-6500, theatre.fsu.edu

Feb. 18
Celtic Woman
“Celtic Woman” portrays the unique voices and styles of each of the girls as soloists as well as fantastic ensemble numbers. “Celtic Woman” features unique renditions of Irish songs such as: “Danny Boy,” timeless classics like “Ave Maria,” contemporary songs such as Enya’s “Orinoco Flow” and Clannad’s “Harry’s Game”, and a host of spellbinding original songs created by David Downes. Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St. 7:00 p.m. Tickets on sale at the Civic Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. (850) 222-0400 or (800) 322-3602, tlccc.org

Feb. 20-21
Get on Board with Aegis
Plan to hop on board the state-of-the-art 42-foot truck that Microsoft has transformed into a hands-on interactive environment complete with workstations, a Tablet PC, a server and the new Microsoft Office 2007 and Windows Vista Operating System. In addition to the truck, Aegis will be sponsoring breakout sessions at the Mary Brogan Museum to discuss both Microsoft Dynamics and Platform technology solutions for the small- to mid-sized businesses of Tallahassee. Tickets will be issued on a first-come-first-serve basis. Kleman Plaza, 350 S. Duval St. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Free. (850) 422-2661, morrisj@aegiscomputer.com

Feb. 21
Blue Man Group, How to be a Megastar Tour 2.0
It’s a rock concert, heavy on percussion; a display of magic and illusion; a critique of modern technology and information overload. Put those together, mix with some cobalt blue paint and you’ve got some idea of what you’re going to see. Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St. 7:30 p.m. Tickets on sale at the Civic Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. (850) 222-0400 or (800) 322-3602, tlccc.org

Feb. 22-May 20
‘The Florida Swing! Golf in the Sunshine State’
The game of golf dates back more than 100 years. This exhibit highlights the game and shows how Florida was a natural setting for the sport. Museum of Florida History, 500 S. Bronough St. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, noon-4:30 p.m. Free. (850) 245-6400, museumoffloridahistory.com

Feb. 22-May 20
‘African-American Quilts’
This exhibit features approximately 30 quilts from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Le Count Tyson II, made between 1860 and 1970. Museum of Florida History, 500 S. Bronough St. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday and holidays, noon-4:30 p.m. Free. (850) 245-6400, museumoffloridahistory.com

Feb. 23-24
FSU’s Department of Dance MFA Concert
The MFA Concert is in partial fulfillment of Florida State University’s Masters of Fine Arts degree in dance. Featuring Emily Mlot and Kathleen Wessel. Nancy Smith Fichter Dance Theatre, Montgomery Hall, on the FSU campus. 8 p.m. Tickets:
$6 general admission; free for FSU students. (850) 644-6500, dance.fsu.edu

Feb. 23-25, March 2-4
‘Intimate Apparel’
This play offers a poignant commentary on an era when the cut and color of one’s dress – and, of course, the color of one’s skin – determined whom one could and could not marry, sleep with or even talk to in public. The time is 1905, the place New York City, where Esther, a black seamstress, lives in a boarding house for women and sews intimate apparel for clients who range from wealthy white patrons to prostitutes. Tallahassee Little Theatre, 1861 Thomasville Road. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets: $10. Box office opens Feb. 12. (850) 224-8474, tallahasseelittletheatre.org

Feb. 23-April 3
Ken Reshard & Jim Gellepis
The Council on Culture and Arts presents the artists Ken Reshard and Jim Gellepis. Reception will be held on February 23 from 6-7:30 p.m. City Hall Gallery, 300 S. Adams St., 2nd floor. Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Free. (850) 224-2500, cocanet.org

Feb. 24
International Bazaar: A Celebration of Cultures and Cuisines
As the International Center’s premier cultural event, the International Bazaar presents artistic performances, displays and memorable cuisine. FSU Oglesby Student Union Ballroom, FSU campus. 2-6 p.m. $12 general admission, $7 students and free for children. (850) 644-1324, ic.fsu.edu

Feb. 28
Harlem Globetrotters
Fancy feet, crazy moves and entertainment for the whole family – just a taste of what the Harlem Globetrotters bring to every performance. Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center, 505 W. Pensacola St. 7:00 p.m. Tickets on sale at the Civic Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. (850) 222-0400 or (800) 322-3602, tlccc.org