What's happening

Music, Arts and Community Events in the Athens County area this week. (12/16 - 12/22)

Thursday

MUSIC:

Open acoustic jam night. Thursdays at the Nelsonville Eagles Lodge bar.

Open stage at Donkey Coffee.

On Track Karaoke/DJ with Jim Michaels. Lakeview Tavern. 8 p.m. to midnight.

Retro night with DJ C at Red Brick Tavern.

Record Potluck Party; everyone's invited to bring some records to play. Free. Casa Cantina.

J.T. Nero with Allison Russell and Michelle McGrath. Jackie O's.

The Vienna Boys Choir perform a special add-on show for the OU Performing Arts Series. 7 p.m. at Memorial Auditorium, OU. Presented by the arts series and the Hocking Valley Bank.

ART:

Selections from the Permanent Collections. This exhibition juxtaposes pieces from Kennedy Museum's permanent collections including weavings, prints, paintings, ceramics and African art. Kennedy Museum of Art, OU.

"The First American West: Frontier and Freedom in Athens County." This hands-on exhibit examines the extraordinary journey of the early settlers to southeast Ohio. Athens County Historical Society & Museum, North Court Street, Athens.

Art installation "Buttress," by DeWitt Godfrey. Through May 2011 at the Kennedy Museum of Art, OU.

The challenging world of artist Harvey Breverman, which offers a wealth of unpredictable and captivating imagery, featured at OU's Kennedy Museum of Art through Jan. 16, 2011.

"Asylum: Inside the Closed World of State Mental Hospitals" by photographer Christopher Payne. Kennedy Museum of Art. Through Jan. 2.

Wood carvings and bronze sculptures of the female form by David Hostetler, local artist and professor emeritus at OU. Holzer Clinic Community Gallery. Through January 2011.

Court Street Coffee at 67 S. Court St. is now featuring monthly art exhibits in its Barron's Gallery. Any local artist interested in being featured should call them at 594-6777 with ideas and portfolios, or stop by the cafe.

"Ecosexuals in Love: Our Pollen Amorous Relationship with the Earth, Sky and Sea." Artists and "sexecologists" Annie Sprinkle and Elizabeth Stephens invented a new field of research they coined "sexecology" which explores the places where sexology and ecology overlap. Trisolini Gallery. Through Jan. 27.

The Athens Photographic Project is partnering with The Market on State to display an APP gallery in the mall at 1002 E. State St. The gallery is run by members of the project, and feature their photos as well as other select community-based photography.

"Organic Rhythms: Earth and Atmosphere." Abstract-style ceramics and paintings by Sunshine Lane and Edward P. Steiner. Starbrick Gallery. Through Dec. 24.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Supper: Weekly free supper sponsored by UCM: Center for Spiritual Growth and Social Justice. 5:30 p.m. at UCM, 18 N. College St. Open to everyone, no questions asked. 593-7301. (Volunteers are needed, and donations are welcome with advance notice.)

Free Food: The Nelsonville Community Center provides a free breakfast to anyone under 18 Monday through Friday at 9 p.m.

North Pole Nelsonville: A variety of events through Dec. 31 (closed Christmas day).

Skating: The Nelsonville Ice Skating Rink is open Thursdays and Fridays from 5-10 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m. Private parties may be booked Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For more information call 740-753-4100 or 740-331-2526.

Food Drive: The Athens City Auditor's Office and the Athens Community Center are coordinating the city's fourth annual food drive to benefit the local Salvation Army from now through Friday, Dec. 17. Drop-off bins are located in the Auditor's office, City Hall, the Community Center and the Code Enforcement office on Curran Drive. The Salvation Army is accepting all non-perishable food items; however, they are in need of the following: soups, canned tuna, pork 'n beans, canned vegetables, spaghetti and spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, crackers, mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise. If you have any questions or for local pick-up, call city Auditor Kathy Hecht at 592-3336, ext. 6 or April Bumgardner, program specialist, at 592-3325.

Holiday Trail of Lights: Continues at Lake Hope State Park through Dec. 31. View more than 75,000 lights, as well as animated displays, decorated trees, landscape lighting and holiday music along a quarter-mile trail near the park's nature center. The lights are operated by motion sensors. All activities are free but donations are welcome.

Red Cross Bloodmobile: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at WesBanco-Athens. Call 594-5626 to make an appointment.

Red Cross Bloodmobile: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Morrison Elementary in Athens. Call 593-5445 to make an appointment.

Friday

MUSIC:

Dance Party Night with DJ C. Red Brick Tavern.

Vinnie and the Lubricators, blues rock from Marietta. 9 p.m. Smiling Skull Saloon.

The Wingnuts. Casa Cantina.

Steve Zarate performs 5-8 p.m. happy hour at the Red Brick Tavern. This will become a weekly Friday event beginning on Jan. 7.

Cory Love & Friends. 8 p.m. Donkey Coffee.

The Southeast Ohio chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents an Advent-Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Athens. Free and open to the public. The concert will feature organists from Athens and the surrounding area as well as the Handbell Choir of First United Methodist Church. For more information call 592-2596.

Roger's Stars of Illusion. 9 p.m. at Abrio's Brick Oven. RSVP at 594-8500. Featuring performances by avatars of Lorrie Morgan, Lucille Ball, Shania Twain, Loretta Lynn, Pink and Cher, among others. MC will be Jill Thompson.

Prisoners, Josh Goldberg and Punishment, as well as the Professionalisms and Poppycock. The Union.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Friday Night Supper for the Hungry:A sit-down nutritional meal for the hungry and homeless is provided by community organizations and churches who volunteer. 5:30 p.m. every Friday. For info call Good Works at 594-3339.

Free Food: The Nelsonville Community Center has a free lunch open to the public every Friday from noon to 1 p.m.

Red Cross Bloodmobile: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Morrison Elementary in Athens. Call 593-5445 to make an appointment.

Red Cross Bloodmobile: Noon to 6 p.m. at East Elementary in Athens. Call 593-6901 to make an appointment.

Saturday

MUSIC:

Belly-dancing and music. Every Saturday. Restaurant Salaam.

Dance Party Night with DJ C. Red Brick Tavern.

Holiday Concert Series at The Market on State.

The Royales. Casa Cantina.

Holiday Concert to Benefit Athens County Food Pantry. 7 p.m. ARTS/West in Athens. Singers Yvonne Crist and Matthew Griffin, along with Pianist Harolyn Brient, perform a wide variety of holiday musical favorites to raise money for the Food Pantry. Yvonne will be joined by her husband Richard Crist (director of Ohio University Opera Theater) for a special duet and at least one offering of his own. And Matthew is joined by his sister Meghan Aimoe in a rare Athens appearance. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free but donations to benefit the Athens County Food Pantry are requested.

Steve Zarate plays instrumental music from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Rhapsody Restaurant in Nelsonville.

Laura Nadeau Holiday Special. 8 p.m. Donkey Coffee.

The Market on State's holiday concert series. This one starts at 11 a.m. and runs through the afternoon with The Plains Elementary School Choir, guitarist John Horne, The Alexander Choir "Tone Definites"; Alex Couladis (Elvis), Sharell Andrews Arocho and R&B Station, pianist Kent Lankas, Tanyah Stone, and Wayward Ridge with Joann Wolf, in that order of appearance. Also featured Santa, refreshments and a holiday raffle.

Hexnet, The Ferals and Corbin Marsh Band. The Union.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Athens Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every Saturday and Wednesday on East State Street at the Market on State (former University Mall). 132 W. State St., Athens.

Weekly Auction: 6 p.m. at the Golden Wings C.B. Radio Club, on Rt. 13 just outside of Chauncey. Auctioneer Gary Charles. Fishtail sandwiches and other good food.

Card/Gift-Making Workshop: ATHCO Women's Art Guild will have a free workshop for making recycled holiday cards and gift gags from noon to 4 p.m. at ARTS/West, 132 W. State St. in Athens. Bring your old holiday/birthday cards, magazines, scrap paper, fabric, glitter, etc., to recycle into new holiday cards and gift tags. If you have any extra scissors they would be welcome (be sure to mark them with your name). All ages are welcome. Bring snacks if you'd like. Call Kelly at 594-1158 with any questions.

Kids' Christmas Party: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the American Legion Post 21 at 520 W. Union St. in Athens. Pizza lunch, music, magician, door prizes, treat bags and Santa.

Holiday Train Fest: The Fossil Rock Raiders Model Train & Craft Barn is holding this annual event from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Over 50 trains will be running throughout the barn, with memorabilia and artifacts of all kinds on display. Kids can see Santa both days. For information call Ralph Calvert at 740-591-1277.

Craft Fair & Bake Sale: 9 a.m. to noon at Chauncey Elementary School.

Gingerbread Decorating Event: 1-3 p.m. at the Dairy Barn Arts Center. With support from the OU Credit Union. Families will compete against one another. Pre-register by calling 592-4981 or emailing artsinfo@dairybarn.org.

Sunday

MUSIC:

Music from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Restaurant Salaam.

Special afternoon show featuring J.D. Hutchison. 3 p.m. Casa Cantina. Free.

The Local Girls' 22nd annual Christmas Concert. 3:30 p.m. at ARTS/West in Athens.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Holiday FUN(draiser) Day: Every Sunday from noon ato 5 p.m., BellaVino on Stimson Avenue in Athens is offering samples, snacks and raffles to raise money for a different local charity. This week's recipient is the Dairy Barn Arts Center and the raffle is for two free tickes to "Uncorked."

Christmas Smorgasbord Dinner: Held by the Chesterhill Fire Department Auxiliary, at the fire department on Rt. 555 in Chesterhill. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Carry-out meals will be available by calling 740-554-6801 the day of the dinner.

Holiday Train Fest: The Fossil Rock Raiders Model Train & Craft Barn is holding this annual event from noon to 5 p.m. Over 50 trains will be running throughout the barn, with memorabilia and artifacts of all kinds on display. Kids can see Santa both days. For direction to this Shade area event and other information call Ralph Calvert at 740-591-1277. Free but donations welcomed.

Winter Solstice Celebration:6 p.m. at the Susan B. Anthony Womyn's Land Trust. Potluck, singing and bonfire. Womyn-only event welcomes girls of all ages and boys 10 and under. Call 740-448-6424 or susanbanthony@frognet.net for more info.

Monday

MUSIC:

Open stage. 10 p.m. at Jackie O's. Junebug hosts.

Rattletrap Stringband. Casa Cantina.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Free Clinic: The OU-COM Community Health Programs provides free health services for low-income adults, ages 18-64, who are without health insurance. 8-11:30 a.m. in Parks Hall, OU. Call 1-800-844-2654 or 593-2432 to see if you qualify and to make an appointment.

Free Lunch: Every Monday at the First United Methodist Church, 2 S. College St., Athens. Noon to 1 p.m. Free and open to all, no questions asked.

Solstice Event: The Eclipse at Eclipse on the Solstice event. Doors open at 7 p.m. at the Eclipse Company Store in The Plains. Come out to the Eclipse Company Store to learn about eclipses and astronomy and stick around to observe the lunar eclipse starting at 1:30 a.m., with the total eclipse from around 2:40-3:50 a.m. Special presentations and displays provided by the Southeast Ohio Astronomical Society will run all evening, with telescopes set up for viewing if weather permits. From 8-9:30 p.m., George Eberts and Tom O'Grady will lecture on "All About Eclipses." with another presentation from Eberts from 10-11 p.m. Food items will also be on sale at Eclipse. (The lectures and displays will go on regardless of the weather.)

Tuesday

MUSIC:

Celtic Night. Most Tuesdays at Jackie O's Brewery.

Open stage with Dale Kulchar Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at the Court Street Grill, Pomeroy.

Open Stage. Tuesdays at The Union.

Open Stage at the Smiling Skull Tuesdays at 9 p.m.

Live jazz by the Word of Mouth Jazz Band. 8-10 Tuesday evenings at Tony's Tavern. Players are invited to join in this semi-formal weekly event.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Childhood Immunizations:Every Tuesday from 1-5:30 p.m. in the ground floor of Parks Hall, OU. OU-COM Community Health Programs' Childhood Immunization Program. Free to all area children from birth through 18. Bring your child's previous shot records.

Spoken Word Open Stage: "Designated Space." Every Tuesday, 9-11 p.m., at Donkey Coffee.

Community Meal: The Athens Church of Christ, 785 W. Union St., Athens; a free community meal every Tuesday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Everyone welcome.

Red Cross Bloodmobile: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at O'Bleness Hospital. Call Trista Simmons at 593-5551 to make an appointment.

Wednesday

MUSIC:

Open stage. Every Wednesday. 10 p.m. Casa Cantina.

Karaoke. Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. at the Smiling Skull.

Karaoke every Wednesday from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Maplewood Inn.

Karaoke Night at Red Brick Tavern.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Athens Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every Saturday and Wednesday on East State Street at the Market on State (former University Mall). This will be the last Wednesday market till spring.

Free Community Lunch: Noon to 1 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, University Terrace. Every Wednesday.

Free Lunch and Food Pantry:The Friends & Neighbors Community Food Center Wednesday Soup Kitchen. Noon to 3 p.m. at the Lottridge Community Center, 2754 Lottridge Road. Everyone welcome. Choice pantry open for USDA income guidelines eligible people from 12:30-3 p.m. For info call 667-0684 or 592-3969.