What's Happening (12-8-11)

THURSDAY

MUSIC:

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

Musicians Open Stage. Every Thursday at Donkey Coffee from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Maplewood Tavern holds an open stage every Thursday night at 9.

Every Thursday evening Zach Parkman & Jeremy Wright will be performing an acoustic set at Casa Lopez Mexican restaurant at 1017 E. State St. from 6-9 p.m.

Wellworks Winter Gathering, featuring Broken Ring and Mudfork Blues Band. 4-7 p.m. at Wellworks, Grover Center, OU.

The Beatles Anthology will be played, paying tribute to John Lennon in Donkey Coffee's back-room, from 10 a.m. through the day.

ART:

"Photographic Images: A Local to Global Perspective on Critical Issues Affecting Our Planet and Its People." Kennedy Museum of Art. Through Dec. 22.

"Spirit of an Appalachian Region: Contemporary Artists Reflect on Southeast Ohio." Majestic Galleries is running the second viewing of this show, formerly at the OSU Urban Arts Space in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Through Dec. 18.

Paper Circle is featuring "Grandma Nicaragua" featuring the works of Mary Manusos, who uses traditional printmaking technique on handmade colored paper. Public Square in Nelsonville. papercircle.org. Through Dec. 12.

Starbrick Cooperative Gallery presents A Starbrick Alternative Holiday. The co-op artists of Starbrick will present new work with gift giving in mind. This show runs through Dec. 24. 5-10 p.m.

Hocking College Art Gallery presents Holiday Student Art Show featuring ceramic and glass art and gifts, and photography from the Hocking College art students. This show runs trough Dec. 17.

Spirit of an Appalachian Region: Contemporary Artists Reflect on Southeast Ohio. Majestic Galleries presents the second viewing of this show, formerly at the OSU Urban Arts Space in downtown Columbus. The show will close on Dec. 18.

"Another Language Altogether: Posters Celebrating the Poems of Wendy McVicker." Stuart's Opera House Gallery 1879. Through Jan. 17.

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 a.m.

Childhood Immunizations: Every Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1-5:30 p.m. in Parks Hall room 014, 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. 1-800-844-2654.

Holiday Trail of Lights: Annual event held at Lake Hope State Park and featuring 75,000 lights and animated displays, decorated trees, landscape lighting and holiday music, along with a quarter-mile trail near the park's nature center. The lights run every night through Dec. 31.

Food Drive: The Athens City Auditor's Office, the Athens Community Center and the Athens Local Professional Artists and Craftsmen Association (ALPACA) are coordinating the city's fifth annual food drive to benefit the local Salvation Army through Friday, Dec. 16. Drop-off bins are located in the Auditor's office, City Hall, the Community Center and the Code Enforcement office on Curran Drive, Athens. 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. For info or for local pick-up, call Kathy Hecht, Athens City Auditor, at 592-3336.

Potluck and Annual Meeting: Athens Conservancy's potluck and annual meeting. 6 p.m. at the Athens Community Center, Room C. Bring table service and a dish to share. The speaker is Dr. Suzie Prange, research biologist for ODNR Division of Wildlife. She will speak on the comeback of bobcats in Ohio. Her presentation will include photos of bobcats she has caught on camera, techniques she uses to lure them to cameras, DNA and gut content analysis of recovered (road-killed) bobcats. She may also include some information about Ohio's black bear population.

Theater: Brick Monkey Theater Ensemble (BMTE), southeast Ohio's professional theater company, is inaugurating a holiday tradition. Directed by company member Dennis Lee Delaney, "An Appalachian Christmas Carol" is a new and relevant to our region adaptation of the Charles Dickens Christmas classic. This will be a staged reading of Act One. 8 p.m. at Stuart's Opera House. Doors for this fundraising event will open at 7 p.m. for a celebration with holiday desserts and beverages. Tickets are available on line at www.stuartsoperahouse.org or at the door.

FRIDAY

MUSIC:

Open Stage. Every Friday at 9 p.m. in the Front Room, OU.

Steve Zarate. 4:30-6:30 p.m. The Oak Room.

Eastwood. 8 p.m. Uncle Buck's Riding Stable and Dance Barn.

Casa Grab Bag Show. Casa employee musicians put names in a hat and created bands that will perform at this event. Casa Cantina. Free.

John Healey will play Irish music from 8-10 p.m. at the Red Brick Tavern.

Fat City Reprise and The Hushdown. Jackie O's Public House.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Friday Night Life: A free community meal for people from all walks of life, especially including those in need. 5:30 p.m. every Friday. The meal is provided by churches and community groups who volunteer. 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.

Farmers Market: Trimble Township Farmers Market, every Friday. 4-6 p.m. Hosted by Community Food Initiatives and ACEnet. Info on being a vendor is available atmollyjocfi@frognet.net or 740-593-5971.

Winter Wine Train: Stuart's Opera House is hosting the Winter Wine Express on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway at 7 p.m. The train departs at 7 from the Nelsonville Depot, at the corner of U.S. Rt. 33 and Hocking Parkway. The Wine Train features wine, cheese and crackers, and a trip through the scenic Hocking Valley, and all proceeds benefit Stuart's Opera House. Tickets can be picked up at the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Depot at 33 Canal Street in Nelsonville before the train leaves the station. Tickets and further information are available at 740-753-1924 or, on the web, at www.stuartsoperahouse.org.

Kids Night: Free movies for young and old from 6-10 p.m. at Donkey Coffee.

Holiday Shop: West Elementary in Athens is holding their annual Holiday Shop featuring local artisans. Glass, wood, fiber, ceramic, jewelry, soaps, candy and much more will be available for purchase from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the school gymnasium with community after hours from 3-6 p.m.

Theater:The Ohio Valley Summer Theater (OVST) puts an end on its 2011 season with the Youth Theater Company production of "The Sapphire Comb," produced in arrangement with Dramatic Publishing. An original tale by one of America's Theater for Young Audiences master playwrights, Moses Goldberg, this play is influenced in theme and style by Japanese anime and Noh spirit plays. The public performances are Friday and Saturday (7:30 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.) ARTS/West, 132 W. State St., Athens. Purchase tickets at the door or by calling 740-593-.0070 or visiting www.ovst.org.

Art Open House: The Athens Photographic Project is hosting an open house and celebration at the Elise Sanford Gallery from 5-7 p.m. in The Market on State. The event is free and open to the public. The event will include art, live music and refreshments.

SATURDAY

MUSIC:

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

Every Saturday through the end of the year Zach Parkman & Jeremy Wright will be performing an acoustic set at the Athens Farmers Market at 1000 E. State St. from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Dwayne Napper and the Second Hand Band. 8 p.m. Uncle Buck's Riding Stable and Dance Barn.

Mindy Braasch album release show. 9 p.m. Donkey Coffee.

Early show at Casa Cantina with the Back Porch Swing Band. 6:30 p.m. Free.

Regular evening show with Twilite Broadcasters and Rattletrap Stringband. Casa Cantina. Free.

11^th annual Lennon Fest takes place at Jackie O's and the Union with music starting at 8 p.m. Bands will be playing Beatles/John Lennon/George Harrison music, to benefit the Johnny B Fund, a charity set up to honor the memory of John Bartlett (Johnny B), and designed to help pay for music lessons for young people. Jackie O's schedule, in order of appearance: Might Not Matter, Lennon Orchestra, Coolville Hotclub, Broken Ring. Union schedule, in order of appearance: Shelby Carter, Poppycock, Nate Brite, Supertape/Bonzai, Dropdead Sons, Lennon Orchestra. In addition, there will be solo appearances by Johnny Marathon, Steve Zarate and Emily Prince. For more info about the Johnny B Fund or the event itself, call 740-818-8746 or email circle5music@gmail.com.

MISCELLANEOUS:

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

Saturday Lunch: Weekly free meal sponsored by UCM: Center for Spiritual Growth and Social Justice. 1 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.)

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

Holiday Shop: The Athens Local Professional Artists and Craftsmen Association (A.L.P.A.C.A.) will showcase handmade arts and crafts during its fourth annual Holiday Shop, Dec. 10 and 11 at the Athens

Community Center. The event also will feature a local cartoonist and storyteller, a holiday raffle and a food drive. More than 40 local vendors will sell items such as jewelry, ceramics, glasswork, handmade clothing, metalwork, photography, fine art and children's goods. Refreshments will be for sale. Each time customers spend $10, they will receive a ticket for the association's raffle, which will feature a large basket of goods donated by the participating artists. In addition, A.L.P.A.C.A. will collect non-perishable food items as part of the Athens City Food Drive. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and is free and open to the public.

Wind/Food Competition: The Athens Do-It-Yourself Shop presents the annual Wine, Mead and Venison Competition. 1-6 p.m. at ARTS/West, 132 W. State St., Athens. Bring one bottle of homemade wine and get in for half price; two types of wine and entry is free. Enter a venison dish in the competition; judge for free. For more info contact Eric at 594-ADIY. Music will be an open stage hosted by Tony Adami and DJ Barticus. 21 and over.

Railfair 2012: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10-11, at The Market on State, East State Street in Athens. 9 to 9 on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Presented by the Railroad Model and Historical Society of Southeastern Ohio. Admission is free. www.ironheadsofseo.org.

Christmas Bazaar Extravaganza: Held by the Ohio University Fair Trade Group working in conjunction with the Thai Student Association. Noon to 5 p.m. on the first floor of OU's Baker Center. A wide array of unique holiday gifts will be available for purchase, including coffees, teas, incense and crafts from around the world. Partial proceeds from the event will go to the Thailand Flood Relief Fund.

Dance:Athens Contra Dance. Beginners' lessons at 7:30 p.m., with the regular dance running from 8-11 p.m. Shade Community Center. Music provided by the P.F. Flyers, with calling by Carol Kopp.

December 10

Exhibit:The Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery presents "Dance to the Beat," an interactive exhibit about heart health, dance and music. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Special presentation: 11 a.m. Healthy Arteries, a kid-friendly interactive demonstration. The Market on State, East State Street, Athens.

SUNDAY

MUSIC:

Hocking College music professor George Hertzel, a working studio and live musician for more than 25 years, is performing at 9:30 p.m. every Sunday at Casa Cantina. His solo shows will include "a stage with keyboard instruments everywhere." Free.

The Ohio University School of Music's Communiversity Band and the Athens Community Music School Children's Chorus will present their annual Holiday Concert. 4 p.m. at OU's Memorial Auditorium. This annual event is sponsored by the OU Credit Union and will feature favorite holiday music, including an audience sing-along. The concert is free.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Dramatic Reading: Of "The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens," by local actor Ron Luce. Reservations required for this 2 p.m. event at the Athens County Historical Society & Museum, 65 N. Court St., Athens.

Screening:Of "American Scream King," the newest horror film that local actor Megan Marie (Wilson) is starring in. 7:30 p.m. at ARTS/West, 132 W. State St., Athens. The film is rated R, and all IDs will be checked by management.

Exhibit:The Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery presents "Dance to the Beat," an interactive exhibit about heart health. 1-3 p.m. The Market on State, East State Street, Athens.

MONDAY

MUSIC:

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

Rattletrap Stringband. Most Mondays at the 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.

Bloodmobile: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nelsonville-York High School. Call 1-800-733-2767 for a reservation.

TUESDAY

MUSIC:

Celtic Night. Most Tuesdays at Jackie O's Public House.

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:

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.

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

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.

Steve Zarate plays 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Oak Room.

Jackie O's presents Wednesdays with Jess & Kyle in Jackie O's Brewery every Wednesday night, starting at 9:30 p.m. Music provided by Jess Kauffman and Kyle Martin (of Duke Junior & the Smokey Boots). Free.

Every Wednesday through October, November and December Zach Parkman will perform a solo acoustic set at the Athens Farmers Market from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Athens Farmers Market: From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday in the parking lot of The Market on State, East State Street.

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.

Children's Program: At 6:30 p.m., actor Ron Luce will do dramatic readings of several children's holiday favorites, including "The Night Before Christmas," "Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins," "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" and "A Child's Christmas in Wales." Athens County Historical Society & Museum, 65 N. Court St., Athens.