Beauty and The Beads

Calli Jerhea Gillis and Kevin Ahmad Ghassemi, both of Amarillo were married on Jan. 7, 2012 in Chaparral Hills Baptist Church with Pastor Jimmy Gillmore, great-uncle of the bride, of Borger officiating.

The bride is the daughter of Dr. Jerry and Melody Gillis of Bushland. Grandparents of the bride are Arlene and Jerry Gillis of Amarillo and the late Paul and Agnes Hobgood.

The groom is the son of Syble Gardner of Royce City and Dr. Farhad and Amy Ghassemi of Cypress. Grandparents of the groom are Zarin Ghassemi of Costa Mesa, Calif., and the late Ahmad Ghassemi, the late Art and Syble Gardner, and Lupe Garcia of Midland and the late Al Garcia.

The maid of honor was Casey Kennedy of Amarillo. Bridal attendants were Abby Harrison, cousin of the bride, of Amarillo; the late Roxann Ghassemi, sister of the groom; Erica Mercer of Amarillo; Amy Leggett of Fritch; and Brooke Moore of Amarillo.

The flower girls were Paige and Payton McMurry of Amarillo.

The best man was Ramean Ghassemi, brother of the groom, of Houston. Groom’s attendants were Bryce Oliver of Bellevue, Wash.; Daniel Ogle of Haslet; Jason Mercer of Amarillo; Brian Jones of Arlington; and Jeff Payne of Grand Prairie.

The ushers were David Leigh of Lincoln, Neb.; Aaron Harrison, cousin of the bride, of Amarillo; and John Thompson of Irving.

The ring bearers were Alek and Zachary Olivas of Amarillo.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore a strapless, fit and flare satin gown by Sottero and Midgley. The gown featured a pleated bodice, beautiful beading encircling the empire waist, corset closure, and custom designed bead work on the extra-long train. She wore a medium length veil with beading along its edge. Her shoes were fuchsia, peep-toe heels. The bride wore her mother’s pearl necklace accented with a teardrop pendent and matching earrings. Her bouquet was fuchsia colored roses, gerber daisies, and stargazers.

The bridesmaids wore knee length, fuchsia colored dresses with wide, black lace waistbands and black peep-toe heels. To accentuate their tuxedos, the groom, groomsmen, ushers, ring bearers, and father of the bride all wore fuchsia colored socks, white DC tennis shoes, and superhero undershirts.

Following the ceremony, a reception dinner and dance was held at the Ambassador Hotel. The bride and groom’s first dance was to “Marry Me” by Train. The father-daughter dance was to “She Wants to Dance with Me” by Rick Astley.

The bride graduated from West Texas Aamp;M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree, also through West Texas Aamp;M University.

The groom graduated from University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in management. Beginning this summer, he is planning to pursue a Master of Business Administration degree through Texas Tech University. He is employed by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway as a customer integration manager.

The couple enjoyed a honeymoon trip to Treasure Island, Fl., and will reside in Amarillo.

Amarillo-Globe-News, Feb. 5, 2012

Christian Louboutin Spring 2012 Collection

Christian Louboutin brings a fabulous shoe collection for Spring/Summer 2012 season and there are; no doubt, millions of women around the world drooling over these wonderful masterpieces. The collection includes a variety of amazing pairs like bright neon pumps, studded sandals, crystal embellished sandals, embellished peep-toe pump, spiked sandals and many more to choose from. Made with the use of matt and patent leather, snakeskin and satin the shoes all come in classic Louboutin shapes and features really beautiful, intricate bead work and lots of summer appropriate patterns and colours. The lace details are always quite breath taking as well. I also adore the play on black and white colour-blocking mixed with wooden details. There are the usual two or three over-the-top, borderline vulger styles, which truth be told are what make the brand special and give it its halo of artistry. No matter the special occasion, Christian Louboutins Spring 2012 collection has perfect shoes for you. Pair these pieces with your exquisite party dresses and make a bold fashion statement. From sultry sandals to trendy pumps amp; comfy wedges, Christian Louboutins latest collection proves to be an ideal way to adorn your feet this Spring. And of course, nothing exudes sexyiness like a Christian Louboutin shoe! Take a look at the fabulousness below. Warning- hide your credit cards ladies.

Karl Lagerfeld is fashions master artist. His Chanel couture work is always presented in a full-on spectacle. In the past hes built an ice palace in Paris Grand Palais, complete with mini-glacier. This time, he took to the air, showing his all-blue designs in a recreated airplane cabin, complete with fake clouds outside the windows, according to online reports.

Says Cathy Horyn, the New York Times fashion critic: The blue carpeting was patterned with the Chanel monogram. At the front of the, um, cabin was the door to the cockpit. You can guess who stepped out when the show ended and the cockpit door slid open. There were even control dials.

For Chanels couture spring 2012 collection, Lagerfeld appears to be entering a blue period, much like Picasso in the early 1900s. (He remarked as much to Suzy Menkes of the International Herald Tribune.)

All of the clothing was blue, varying in shades from dark to light. Knee-length dresses laden with intricate bead work were sparkly right down to a dusting of crystals that appeared to fall just below the hem on models bare skin – a sort of Lagerfeld magic dust.

Clicking through images of Chanels and Armanis shows (flip through the photo gallery above for a sampling), it makes me wonder why more celebrities arent wearing these couture cocktail gowns to Hollywood award banquets. Especially for the Golden Globes, which in the past was a more casual and festive event than this years mini-Oscars-like presentation. Havent we had enough of the strapless ball gown, the princess-bride dresses that now rule the red carpet?

ART:

ANGIE STRAUSS GALLERY AND CRAFT CENTRE: Open daily 11 am-5 pm 125 Queen St., Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-468-2570.

ARTS PLACE GALLERY: 714 King St. Port Colborne.

BEVERLY SNEATH ART STUDIO: Original watercolours, acrylics, prints, local scenes, commissions and portraits. Open for viewing by appointment; Watercolour floral workshop, Feb. 16 9:30 – 3:30. 395 St. Paul St. For more information please call 905-892-5868, e-mail, bevsneath@yahoo.ca, or visit www.beverlysneath.com.

CHATEAU DES CHARMES: The Kendall Hurley Collection, exhibition ongoing. 1025 York Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake.

CITY OF ST. CATHARINES: Call to artists for the cityâ??s 8th annual juried art exhibition â?? RED: An Exploration of the Most Primary of Colours. Applications are available online at www.stcatharines.ca. The deadline for submissions is March 9. The exhibit will be on display April 30 â?? Aug. 17 at St. Catharines City Hall.

COMMUNITY ARTISTS NIAGARA: Music at the Farmers Market â?? Anthony spins local music and commentary while you shop for produce. Every Saturday morning at Sylvia Place; Life Drawing. Rob leads life drawing studio time. Saturday evenings 6â??9 pm, 4349 Queen St. in Niagara; Painting Circle. Tuesday evenings 6:30â??9:30 pm, 4349 Queen St. Niagara Falls; Dispatches English Country Dancing. Every other Wednesday evening, at the Artistic Exhibition Centre. 4323 Queen St. Niagara Falls.

EDWARD SPERA GALLERY: 135 Queen St., Niagara-on-the-Lake. Pandaya Gallery, 109 Queen St., Niagara-on-the-Lake, operated by Edward and Lisa Spera.

FERRANTE PICTURE FRAMING GALLERY: Gallery open Monday-Friday, 9 am-5:30 pm, and Saturday, 9 am-3 pm 210 Niagara St., 905-646-2390.

GALLERY 329: 329 Ridge Rd. North (entrance on Hershey St.), Ridgeway. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11-5 and Sunday 12-4. 905-356-8417.

GALLERY 3208: Featuring the new work of Lynette Fast, Sundays 1-5 pm, or by appointment. 3208 King St., Vineland, 905-562-7056.

GREVPODE FOLK ART GALLERY: Featuring the Works of Evan King, Poppa Wilson and Granny1, Runs to the end of February. Gallery open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 11 am-5 pm, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday by appointment or chance. 3389 King St., Vineland, www.grevpodegallery.com, 905-562-7055.

GRIMSBY PUBLIC ART GALLERY: This Land is Our Land: The Greenbelt Dichotomy. Featuring work by Jan Yates, Michelle Teitsma, Gordon Leverton, Jefferson Campbell Cooper. Artists concerned, informed and moved by the Greenbelt Legislation in Southern Ontario. runs to March 25. 18 Carnegie Lane, Grimsby. 905-945-3246.

JORDAN ART GALLERY: The Wonders of Wood â?? exhibit. Gallery open Sunday-Thursday, 10 am-5 pm, and Friday-Saturday, 10 am-6 pm 3845 Main St., Jordan Village, 905-562-6680.

target=_blank>www.jordanartgallery.com

KENNEDY GALLERY: 387 Ontario St. St. Catharines.

KENNETH LANE SMITH GALLERY: Fine art photography on canvas. 126 Queen St. Niagara-on-the-Lake. Open 10 am-6 pm, seven days a week. 905-468-0068,

target=_blank>www.KennethLaneSmithGallery.com

MAHTAY CAFE: 241 St. Paul St., St. Catharines. 905-685-4040. mahtay.ca.

NETO HATINAKEW ONKWEHOWE NATIVE ARTS: Agwe:gonâ??h Ononâ??hyaâ??h (Everything Corn Husk), featuring the multimedia works of Elizabeth Doxtater. Her works include paint, sculpture and bead work with a subject focus on corn husk dolls both in an historic and contemporary context; Cultural Reflections: Through My Eyes. Selected works in graphite by visually impaired Ojibwa artist Richard Langlois. 5017 Victoria Ave., Niagara Falls.

NIAGARA ARTISTSâ?? CENTRE: Silence is golden â?? musicians from the Gallery Players will improvise to two movies from NACâ??s 16 mm film archive: Le Voyage De La Lune (A Trip To The Moon), 1902, by Georges MÃliès, and La Coquille et le Clergyman (The Seashell and the Clergyman), 1928, by Germaine Dulac. Feb. 11, 8 pm For more information, contact the Gallery Players of Niagara box office at 905-468-1525 or visit www.galleryplayers.ca; NAC Gallery open Wednesday-Friday, 10 am-5 pm, and Saturday, noon-4 pm 354 St. Paul St., 905-641-0331.

NIAGARA DISTRICT ART ASSOCIATION: Winter Festival Art Exhibition of paintings. Feb. 12, 19 and 26. March 4, 11, 18, 25. The Public Art Gallery, 5017 Victoria Ave., Niagara Falls. Open every Sunday from 2-4 pm

PARKWAY ARTISTS GUILD: 15927 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake.

PELHAM ART ASSOCIATION: General meeting, Feb. 17, 7 pm Festival room, Pelham Library, town square, Fonthill. Guest artist, Linda Kemp – Watercolour Demonstration.

PICTURE FRAME WAREHOUSE: 387 Ontario St., St. Catharines.

target=_blank>www.academyoffineartists.ca

QUEBEC BANK ART HERITAGE GALLERY: Two Girls, One Prayer, paintings by Laura Lane of Fonthill done during this past summer as her 13-year-old daughter, Celeste, underwent chemotherapy to treat a rare form of brain tumour. Her art will travel to different galleries to the summer of 2012 and then be auctioned off to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House, Toronto Sick Kids Hospital and another young cancer survivor. 28 Front St. S., Thorold.

RIVERBRINK ART MUSEUM: 116 Queenston St., Niagara-on-the-Lake (on the Niagara Parkway between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake).

target=_blank>www.riverbrink.org

RODMAN HALL ARTS CENTRE: Kent Monkman â?? The Four Continents: Miss America, runs to March 11; Brendan Tang â?? Gained in Translation, runs to April 29; Marinko Jareb â?? Stoop Loggy Logâ??s Underground Rave: Vinyl Toys, Vinyl Records and Remixes, runs to Sept. 2; David Rokeby – Plot Against Time #2 (Flurry), runs to March 11. For information on Rodman Hallâ??s family and adult education programs, see www.brocku.ca/rodmanhall. To register, call Michelle at 905-688-5550, ext. 5803, e-mail at mnicholls@brocku.ca or download the registration form on the website. 109 St. Paul Cres., 905-684-2925.

SHAW GALLERY: Picture Framing Plus, showcasing local artists. Open Tuesday-Friday 10 am-5.30 pm, Saturday 10 am-3 pm 4977 King St., Beamsville. 905-563 9296, www.theshawgallery.ca.

TAG GALLERY: Historical print exhibit â?? a fascinating exhibit of such works, with scenes of Niagara Falls, Queenston/Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines. 214 King St., St. Catharines, Wednesday – Saturday, noon – 6 pm www.tagartgallery.ca.

THE DISCO GALLERY AND CRAM: 24 James St., 2nd floor, between Christopherâ??s Magazines Smoke Shop and The Office Tap Grill, 905-380-3910.

THOROLD LIBRARY: 14 Ormond St. N. Thorold.

TOSSOUNIAN ART GALLERY: Grand opening, Feb. 10, 8 pm 107 Welland Ave., St. Catharines, Ontario.

VOICES â?? ABORIGINAL EXPRESSIONS THROUGH THE ARTS: Gallery carries local aboriginal artists, as well as a retail outlet and exhibition area. 4661 Queen St., Niagara Falls.

WILLOWBANK: Off the Wall: Art Treasures from Niagara Collections, 14487 Niagara Parkway, Queenston. To learn more visit: www.willowbank.ca or contact, Shelley Huson at 905-262-1239, ext. 23 or

target=_blank>shelley.huson@willowbank.ca

BROCK:

Performances at the Brock Centre for the Arts, 2011-12. Regular ticket prices are listed. For membership information and discounts, call 905-688-5550, ext. 3257 or visit

target=_blank>www.arts.brocku.ca

FEBRUARY: World premiere of Medicine Bear, Kaha:wi Dance Theatreâ??s new work for young audiences, Feb. 19 2:30 pm David S. Howes Theatre; Emilie-Claire Barlow with special guest Brandi Disterheft, Feb. 23, regular $39; The Improvised Shakespeare Company, Feb. 29, regular $37.

MARCH: DRUM!, March 1, regular $49, children 13 and under $16; The 605 Collective â?? Audible, March 3, regular $46, children 13 and under $16; Arturo Sandoval â?? A Tribute to My Friend Dizzy Gillespie, March 4, regular $55; Michael Kaeshammer, March 8, regular $44; Dee Dee Bridgewater â?? To Billie with Love â?? A Celebration of â??Lady Dayâ?, March 22, regular $55; The Adam Growe Comedy Quiz Showe, March 24, regular $37; Volcano Theatre â?? Goodness, March 28, regular $39; Julliard String Quartet, March 30, regular $46, children 13 and under $16.

APRIL: Pavlo, Rik Emmett Oscar Lopez, April 5, regular $49; Classic Albums Live â?? The Doors â?? LA Woman, April 11, regular $48; India Jazz Suites, April 12, regular $46, children 13 and under $16; James Hunter, April 19, regular $49; Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, April 21, regular $55; Brass Transit â?? Plays the Music of Chicago, April 25, regular $48; Joel Plaskett Emergency, April 27, regular $39; Jim Cuddy, April 29, regular $55 (sold out).

WEE ONES WIGGLE: Recommended for ages three and older. Al Simmons, Feb. 5, adult $20, child $16; The Ugly Duckling The Tortoise and the Hare, by Lite Wire Theatre, April 1, adult $20, child $16.

FAMILY FUN: Kaha:wi Dance Theatre â?? Medicine Bear, Feb. 19, regular $20, Family Four Pack $70.

For more listings and information: see Arts.BrockU.ca.

MARILYN I. WALKER SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS:

DRAMATIC ARTS â?? Judith Thompsonâ??s Lion in the Streets, Feb. 16-18. Matinee Feb. 17 at 11:30 pm Call 905-688-5550, ext. 3257 or http://arts.brocku.ca/ Sean Oâ??Sullivan Theatre.

MUSIC: Avanti Chamber Singers, Haydn â?? Little Organ Mass, Feb. 11, 7:30 pm, St. Barnabus Anglican Church, 31 Queenston St. For ticket information, call 905-688-5550, ext. 3817; Tuesday Music at Noon, free weekly community event. Box Office: 905-688-5550 ext. 3257 or http://arts.brocku.ca/

VISUAL ARTS: Drawing Class exhibition, (Amy Friend), Feb. 26-March 4. Reception, Feb. 27, 5-8 pm Sean Oâ??Sullivan Gallery.

MUSEUM:

JORDAN HISTORICAL MUSEUM: Museum open Monday-Friday, 8:30 amâ??4:30 pm, and Saturdays 1â??4 pm Admission by donation. 3800 Main St., Jordan, www.lincoln.ca, 905-562-5242.

FORT ERIE HISTORICAL MUSEUM: New exhibition, Regency Fashion: What Fort Erie was Wearing in 1812. Open Sunday-Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, admission by donation. 402 Ridge Road, Ridgeway, 905-894-5322,

target=_blank>www.museum.forterie.ca

GRIMSBY MUSEUM: Winter hours, September to May, Wednesday to Friday, 1-5 pm; Wednesday, 6-7:30 pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4 pm $3 for adults and $2 for seniors, students and children over five years old. 905-945-5292. 6 Murray St.

target=_blank>museum@town.grimsby.on.ca

NIAGARA HISTORICAL MUSEUM: 43 Castlereagh St., Niagara-on-the-Lake. Open daily 1â??5 pm, November to April, and 10 am-5 pm, from May through October.

ONTARIO LACROSSE HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM: Includes special exhibits, pictures and memorabilia of the historic and modern game. Open seven days a week, 9 am-5 pm Located in the St. Catharines Museum at Lock 3 Complex. 905-984-8880.

ST. CATHARINES MUSEUM: Cabin Fever, Winter in St. Catharines, looks at the snowy season in the city from the Depression to the remarkable Blizzard of â??77, until March 25. Childâ??s Play: A Century of Toys 1850s â?? 1950s examines toys, games and childhood pastimes, until April 1. Open weekdays, December through March 9 am to 5 pm and weekends and holidays 11 am to 4 pm Admission by donation. Welland Canals Centre, 1932 Welland Canals Parkway. 905-984-8880. www.stcatharines.ca.

THOROLD MUSEUM: Celebrating the history of Thorold. 14 Ormond St. N., Thorold. 905-227-1632.

WELLAND HISTORICAL MUSEUM: Museum open Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm 140 King St., Welland 905-732-2215

target=_blank>www.wellandmuseum.ca

MUSIC:

CALAMUS ESTATE WINERY: Jazz night with John Sherwood and Warren Stirtziner, Feb. 29. Music starts at 7 pm For more information, call 905-562-9303 or email

target=_blank>info@calamuswines.com

A CAPPELLA NIAGARA MENâ??S CHORUS: Invites singers for fun, fellowship and fabulous four-part harmony every Tuesday at 7:30 pm at St. John Ambulance, 5734 Glenholme Ave. at High St. in Niagara Falls. For information call Kerry, 289-241-6626.

CASINO NIAGARA: Polyester Groove, Feb. 10, 11.

target=_blank>www.casinoniagara.com

CAW HALL: 272 Welland Ave, St. Catharines.

CHORALIS CAMERATA: â??Follow the Gospel Trainâ? â?? A gospel concert celebrating Black History month. Feb. 19, 2:30 pm St. Paulâ??s Anglican Church 32 Idylewylde St., Fort Erie. For more info: 905-6464-9225 or 905-354-4348. Adults $25, seniors $22, students/children $10.

target=_blank>www.choraliscamerata.com

CHORUS NIAGARA: Chorus Niagara 6th Annual Singathon Fundraiser, Feb. 11. Seaway Mall, Welland. 10 am-3 pm Donations can be made in person at the Singathon, by sponsoring a chorus member or through Canada Helps. Contact Claudia Meyer 905-988-9175. For information, visit www.chorusniagara.ca.

CLUB HEIDELBERG: Country and western dance, every second and fourth Friday at 7:30 pm Free line dance lesson at 8 pm Tickets $5 at the door. 569 Lake St.

FALLSVIEW CASINO RESORT: Don Felder – An Evening At The Hotel California, Feb. 9-11; Lynyrd Skynyrd, Feb. 16, 17; Band From TV, Feb. 18-20; Rascal Flatts, Feb. 23; An evening with Sylvester Stallone, Feb. 24, 25; Songwriterâ??s Series, Feb. 25; Hacken Lee, Feb. 26, 27; Kelly Clarkson, March 2, 3; Jay Leno, March 9, 10; Return to Grace, March 14-April 1; Air Supply, April 6, 7; John Schneider and Tom Wopat, April 12, 13; Sanremo V Edition, April 14, 15; World Rock Symphony Orchestra, April 20-29; Laughter and Reflection: A Conversation with Carol Burnett, May 4,5; Shirley Kwan, May 6; Il Volo, May 10-12; Le Grand Cirque, May 15-28. Concert tickets available at the Fallsview Casino Box Office (on any show date) or at all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at 1-877-833-3110 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.ca.

FIELDING ESTATE WINERY: An intimate evening with Royal Wood, 2011 Juno-nominated songwriter of the year and iTunes songwriter of the year. March 9, 7 pm A $60 ticket includes a wine and cheese reception, a copy of Woodâ??s album The Waiting and a special offer on wine. Must be 19 or older to attend. At the Fielding Wine Lodge in Beamsville. Please call 905-563-0668 for tickets.

THE 365 CLUB (Fallsview Casino Resort): Butterface, Feb. 10, 11. www.fallsviewcasinoresort.com.

THE FORT ERIE LEGION: The Fort Erie Legion Band is looking for woodwind and brass players. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71. The band performs at local nursing homes, legion functions and community events. For more information, call 905-871-0150.

GLENGATE ALLIANCE CHURCH: 6009 Valley Way 905-354-9073.

KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: 53 Church St.

MERCREDI MUSIQUE: The group welcomes new members who have experience playing orchestral or chamber music at an intermediate or advanced level and who are competent sight readers. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 7-9 (doors open at 6:30 pm) at Knox Presbyterian Church, Church St. For more information call 905-646-3418 or visit the website, http://home.cogeco.ca/~mercredimusique

NIAGARA CONCERTS: Niagara Centre for the Arts, 4700 Epworth Circle Niagara Falls. Contact 905-358-6174

target=_blank>www.niagaraconcerts.ca

NIAGARA SYMPHONY: February Fiesta, featuring Caribbean rhythms, steel drums and Latin melodies. Feb. 25, 7:30 pm; Feb. 26, 2:30 pm Centre for the Arts, Brock University. 905-688-5550, ext. 3257.

target=_blank>www.NiagaraSymphony.org

NIAGARA YOUTH ORCHESTRA: Concert, Feb. 11, 4 pm Tickets available at the door. St. Catharines Collegiate, 34 Catherine St. Visit,

target=_blank>www.niagarayouthorchestra.ca

OPRY NIAGARA: Open mic and dancing, classic country music, Wednesdays, 7-10:30 pm 6854 Garner Rd. (German Village), Niagara Falls.

PRIMAVERA CONCERTS: Yegor Dyachkov (cello) and Jean Saulnier (piano), Feb. 12, 3 pm They will perform a program of French and Russian romantic music. Adults $30, seniors $27, students $13. Dinner after the concert to salute old saint Valentine. Tickets for dinner $55/person. St. Barnabas Church, 33 Queenston St. For tickets call 905-934-9285 or visit our website

target=_blank>www.primaveraconcerts.ca

SING NIAGARA WOMENâ??S A CAPPELLA CHORUS: Visit www.singniagara.com.

ST. MARKâ??S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Love in 1812 – A concert of wartime love songs. with Maria Shantz and Michael McFarlane, Feb. 12, 4 pm Tickets: $15 advance, $18 at door. Contact 905-468-0427 for tickets. 41 Byron St. Niagara-on-the-Lake.

THE AVANTI CHAMBER SINGERS: Haydnâ??s Little Organ Mass and other choruses. Also, works by Beethoven, Dett and Niagara composers Butler and Dowling. Feb. 11, 7:30 pm St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 31 Queenston St., St. Catharines. Adults $20, Seniors/Students $15, eyeGo ticket program (high school students) $5.

THE GALLERY PLAYERS OF NIAGARA: Silence is Golden, Feb. 11, 8 pm Silent film with accompanying music improvised on the spot. Tickets $26-$29. Niagara Artists Centre, 354 St. Paul St., St. Catharines. 905-468-1525. Visit

target=_blank>www.galleryplayers.ca

NIGHTLIFE:

AG INSPIRED CUISINE: Live music at 8 pm every Friday and Saturday night. 5195 Magdalen St., Niagara Falls, 289-292-0005. For more information, visit www.agcuisine.com.

ANGEL INN: Big Dave Combo, Feb. 9; Mosaik, Feb. 10; Angela Seeger, Feb. 11. 224 Regent St. Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-468-3411.

BARRACUDA PRETTY: 30 Ontario St. St. Catharines.

BLIND REFEREE: Dance Music by DJ T, Fridays. 338 Merritt St. 905-680-5050.

BLUE MERMAID SEAFOOD AND STEAKHOUSE: Ed Pizzo, piano lounge, Court Room, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 10 Market Square, 905-684-7465.

BOSTON PIZZA: Jay Taillefer from Phatstick, Sundays at 9 pm 333 Ontario St., St. Catharines; Karaoke, Sundays, 9:30 pm-1:30 am, Morrison and Dorchester roads, Niagara Falls, 905-371-1898.

BRASA STEAKHOUSE: Latin music with the Rio Trio. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 7-10 pm Hilton Fallsview Hotel, Fallsview Blvd., Niagara Falls, 905-353-7187.

BUCHANANS CHOPHOUSE: Frank Krahn, pianist, Feb. 11, 6:30 â?? 10 pm; Dan Kozar, jazz guitar, Feb. 18 6:30 â?? 10 pm DoubleTree Resort, 6022 Stanley Ave., Niagara Falls, 905-353-4111.

CAFE ON MAIN: Lindsey Mills performs the first Friday of every month, 8 pm-11 pm 1455 Pelham St., Fonthill. 905-892-1188 1455 Pelham St., Fonthill, 905-892-1188.

CANALSIDE PUB AND EATERY: Karaoke with Liza and Steve every first, third and fourth Saturday of each month, 9 pm-midnight. 232 West St. Port Colborne, 905-834-6096.

CASA MIA: 3518 Portage Rd., Niagara Falls.

CATâ??S CABOOSE: The Spinz, Feb. 10; More Bad News and the Horns from Hell, Feb. 11; Jazz sessions, open mic, every Saturday afternoon, 4-7:30 pm 224 Glenridge Ave., 905-682-0139.

CHEERS BAR AND GRILL: Open mic with Adam Pierce, Mondays at 10 pm; Nitram and the Hammers, Thursdays at 9 pm; Karaoke with Showcase Karaoke on Friday and Saturday, 10 pm Ontario St., 905-704-0676.

CLANCYâ??S: 5233 Stanley Ave, Niagara Falls, 905-357-4112.

CLUB LASALLE: 111 Arthur St., 905-935-9711.

CORKS: 19 Queen St., Niagara-on-the-Lake. 289-868-9527

CRACKERJACKS BAR AND GRILL: Chunky Peat, Feb. 11; Butterface, Feb. 18; Tommy P, every Tuesday night. 207 Keefer Rd. Thorold. 905-680-5066.

CRYSTAL CHANDELIER: Elton Lammie every Sunday. 878 Erie Rd., Crystal Beach, 905-894-9996.

DON CHERRYâ??S: 7389 Lundyâ??s Lane, Niagara Falls. 905-356-6119.

DOUBLE ZZ TAVERN: Dorchester Rd., Niagara Falls.

DUNN STREET GRILL: Blind Fate, Feb.11. 6095 Dunn St., Niagara Falls.

FORTIS RESTAURANT: Karaoke with Showcase Entertainment, Fridays and Saturdays, 9:30 pm, 135 Queenston St., 905-682-6167.

FRADOâ??S: The Jimmy Marando Swing Band, third Tuesday of each month; Popular dance music with DJ Tim, Fridays. 535 Queenston St., 905-684-5484.

FUGLYâ??S: The Athertones, Feb. 11; Vox Violins, every Saturday from 3-6:30 pm 278 Bunting Rd. St. Catharines. 905-688-8433.

GOLDEN BROTHERS BAR: Karaoke with the Snowbird Music Co. and Tom Eldridge, Fridays and Saturdays. 10 Geneva St., 905-688-8118.

GOLDEN PHEASANT (THE DUCK): Glen Gratto Band, Feb. 10; Mighty Duck Blues Band with Jack de Keyzer, Feb. 11 (matinee); Ask the Neighbours, Feb. 11, evening; David Vest with Chris Murphy, Feb. 18 2:30-6:30. 244 Ontario St., 905-687-9505.

GRAND CENTRAL: 4573 Queen St., Niagara Falls. For more information, contact 905-357-9000.

HISTORIC NIAGARA ARTISTIC EXHIBITION CENTRE: Hugh and friends, Saturdays, 2-5 pm; Sonny Davis, tribute to Django Reinhardt, Sundays, 2-5 pm 4323 Queen St., Niagara Falls, 289-969-4229.

HOUSE OF COMEDY: Entertainment Friday and Saturday, 9 pm, 4189 Stanley Ave., Niagara Falls, 905-357-7469.

IRISH HARP PUB: Vox Violins, Sundays, 1-4 pm 245 King St., Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-468-4443.

JIMMY BUFFETâ??S MARGARITAVILLE CAFE: 6300 Fallsview Boulevard at Murray St.

JOHNNY ROCCOâ??S â?? ST. CATHARINES: 271 Merritt Street, St. Catharines, 905-680-9300.

JOHNNY ROCCOâ??S â?? NIAGARA FALLS: 6889 Lundyâ??s Lane, Niagara Falls. 905-358-0004.

JORDAN HOUSE TAVERN: Jay Aymar, Feb. 10; Chris Goossen and Tim Kulakowsky, Feb. 11. 751 Main St., Jordan, 905-562-9591, ext. 2.

KILT AND CLOVER: Honest Frankie, Wednesdays; Eric Lepp, Fridays; Scott Chamberlain, Sundays. 17 Lock St., Port Dalhousie, 905-646-8917.

KOOL KATS CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT: 6383 Drummond Rd., Niagara Falls, 905-358-0258.

LA CACHETTE RESTAURANT: Vintage Jazz Trio with Laura Thomas, Feb. 12; The Randy Stirtzinger Trio, Feb. 19. Strewn Winery, 1339 Lakeshore Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-468-1222.

target=_blank>www.lacachette.com

L3: Cancer Bats, April 15. Funk It with DJ SL, Wednesdays; All Request, Fridays; Top 40 Dance, Saturdays. www.l3nightclub.ca. 6 James St. 905-688-8888.

LONDON ARMS/KAHUNAVILLE: Shooter McGavin, Tuesdays and Thursdays; The Postmen, Wednesdays; Karaoke, Saturdays. Pen Centre, 905-688-0228.

MANSION HOUSE: 5 William St. 905-685-5651.

MAPLE LEAF TAVERN: Country music, Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 pm-1:30 am, and Saturday matinee, 4-7 pm 5831 Ferry St., Niagara Falls, 905-358-6764.

MIDE BISTRO: 4333 Queen St., Niagara Falls, 289-296-5632.

target=_blank>www.midebistro.com

MOOSE AND GOOSE: Country music Fridays. 54 Front St., Thorold. 905-227-6969.

MOZZYS: 4300 Drummond Rd., Niagara Falls.

MY PLACE BAR AND GRILL: 20 Regional Rd. 20, Fonthill. 905-892-4949

OUR PLACE: WPT Amateur Poker League, Thursdays, 7 pm; Karaoke, Saturdays; Music Trivia, Tuesdays. 12 Front St. N, Thorold, 905-680-0965.

PITCHERS BAR AND GRILL: Blind Fate, Feb. 25. 359 Carlton St., St. Catharines

PATRICK SHEEHANâ??S IRISH PUB: 101 St. Paul St., 905-687-7329.

PUDDYâ??S BAR GRILL: Gaitor Bait, Feb. 10, 6-10 pm; Groovy Food, Feb. 11, 5-9 pm; Guilty Pleasures, Feb. 17, 6-10 pm; Marty Allen, Feb. 18, 5-9 pm 36 Wright St., 905-684-9990.

QUEENS HOTEL: 19 Nickel St., Port Colborne.

QUEENSTON PUB: Blind Fate, Feb. 17. St. Catharines.

RISE ABOVE RESTAURANT: 120 St. Paul St., St. Catharines, 289-362-2636

ROCKFORDâ??S: VideoMe Karaoke, Fridays; Shooter McGavin, Saturdays. 88 St. Paul St., 905-988-5390.

ST. CATHARINES CELTIC CLUB: Everet Luciow, Feb. 9, 9 pm; Dock Holiday, Feb. 10, 9:30 pm; Music Quiz, Feb. 11, 8 pm; Open mic with Brant Parker, 7 pm, Tuesdays. 14 Secord Dr., 905-937-5929.

SHARKEYâ??S BAR AND GRILL: Karaoke by Dee King, Fridays 9:30 pm-1:30 am 247 Welland Ave. 905-685-7480.

SOUTH SIDE 543: DJ, Thursdays. 543 Allanburg Rd., Thorold, 905-227-5500.

STELLAâ??S: Twilight Jazz Series, presented Thursdays by the Shea D Duo featuring The Doug Mundy Trio, Feb. 9. No cover, 7:30 -10:30 pm 45 James St., St. Catharines. 905-685-3000.

STREGA CAFE: Open mic, Thursdays. 19 King St., 905-984-5872.

TAPS ON QUEEN: Stephanie McLaughlin, Feb. 9; Lily Nazar (7:30 – 11 pm), Feb. 11; Sean McQuade, Feb. 15; Brittney Hebbourn, Feb. 16. All shows 8:30-11 pm if not otherwise stated. 4680 Queen St., Niagara Falls, 289-477-1010.

THE COMMERCIAL HOTEL: 3752 Netherby Rd., Stevensville. 905-382-3797.

THE MERCHANT ALE HOUSE: The Lucky Ones, March 2. 98 St. Paul St.

THE NIAGARA: Rich and the Poor Boys, every Saturday at 7:30 pm 4683 Crysler Ave., Niagara Falls, 905-354-7474.

THE OFFICE TAP GRILL: DJ Tanner, Saturdays. 22 James St., St. Catharines, 905-984-4440.

THE OLD WINERY RESTAURANT: Tim Atherton with special guest Mike Dixon on percussion, Feb. 10; Niagara Rhythm Section presents John Dickie, Feb. 11; Tim Atherton and Mike Dixon, acoustic show, Thursdays, 8 pm-11 pm Niagara Stone Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake, 905-468-8900.

target=_blank>www.theoldwineryrestaurant.com

THE STREET TAP AND EATERY: Name This Tune with Shawn, Feb. 10, 9 pm; Terra Firma with Tyler Yarema, Feb. 11 3:30-6:30 pm; Broken Cadence, Feb. 11. 9-1 am 547 Ontario St., 905-937-1218.

THE VICTORIA INN: Karaoke/DJ with Tom. 4816 Bridge St. Niagara Falls. 905-374-3331.

URBAN STEAKHOUSE LOUNGE: 200 Highway 20, Fonthill, 905-892-3322.

YUK YUKâ??S: Featuring Paul Myrehaug with Chris Locke and Jo-Anna Downey, Feb. 9-11. 5705 Falls Ave., Niagara Falls, 905-262-5233.

ZOOMA ZOOMA: Laila Biali Quartet, Feb. 11, 8 pm Call ahead for tickets, $25. 3839 Main St., Jordan 905-562-6280.

OTHER STUFF:

ALZHEIMER SOCIETY: Niagara Region, public forums. Nutritional Issues in Dementia, Feb. 22, 6:30-8:30 pm, Linhaven Auditorium, 403 Ontario St. Depression and Delirium, March 28, 6:30-8:30 pm, Linhaven Auditorium, 403 Ontario St. Partners in Dementia Care, April 25, 6:30-8:30 pm, Linhaven Auditorium, 403 Ontario St. Alzheimer Curl for Memories Bonspiel, March 10, Welland Curling Club, 497 King St., Welland.

BALLS FALLS: Centre for Conservation, 1812 Art Collection â?? a Lasting Legacy Project, artwork by artists depicting the effects of war on communities, until April 30. For information or to purchase tickets, call 905-562-5235, ext. 23 or visit www.BallsFalls.ca. Open daily 9 am to 4 pm Adults $5.75, children and seniors $4.25, Car max rate, $18.

BROCK/NIAGARA AFRICAN CANADIAN: Renaissance Group, is hosting a series of events to celebrate African Heritage month. African cloth and Underground quilts, Feb. 6-24, The Gallery, Sean Oâ??Sullivan Theatre. Dr. Wilma Morrison Annual African Heritage Lecture, by the Hon. Jean Augustine, â??Transcending Ghosts of the Past: the future of Black political engagementâ? and a talk on the Black Canadian experience in Southern Ontario by Wilma Morrison, Feb. 10, 1-3 pm, Sankey Chamber. Underground Railway tour

organized by Roots African Caribbean Society at Brock, leaves from the Schmon Tower lobby at 8:15 am, Feb. 11; for more info, rootsacs@webs.com. Screening of Afro-Iranian Lives, a film by Behnaz Mirzai, associate professor of history, 5-7 pm, Feb. 16, Sankey Chamber. Talks by author Ron Dale, â??War of 1812: The Coloured Corpsâ? and Wilma Morrison, â??Richard Pierpoint and the Coloured Corps,â? 4-6:30 pm, March 1, Sankey Chamber. For more info:

target=_blank>http://brockniagaraafricangroup.weebly.com

BROCK TALKS: Brock University Humanities Research Institute has teamed up with the St. Catharines Public Library for a monthly Brock Talks lecture series, at the library, 54 Church St. Free. Finding Direction: What does a theatre director actually do?, Feb. 29, 7:30 pm

CANADIAN AUTHORS ASSOCIATION: Niagara branch, meets first and third Wednesdays, September to June (unless otherwise notified) in the Mills Room of the St. Catharines Public Library, Church St. Writing fiction for young adults, Feb, 1, 7:30-9:30 pm For more information call Rick Demers 905â??732-6041. Canadian Authors In Action: members of the Niagara Branch will read from their published fiction, Feb. 15, 7:30â??9:30 pm For information about the Canadian Authors Association, contact Anne Osborne 905-735-0843 or anne.osborne1@sympatico.ca or visit

target=_blank>www.canauthorsniagara.org

COOL CLIMATE OENOLOGY AND VITICULTURE INSTITUTE: presents George Kotseridis, CCOVI Scientist and Oenologist at Brock University, speaking on Targeting wine balance using biological deacidification methods and by monitoring polyphenolic maturity. Free. Feb. 15, 3 pm Brock University, H Block of Mackenzie Chown Complex, room H313. Parking is available at $2.50 per hour. The lecture will also be available via live webcast at www.brocku.ca/ccovi. For more information, including upcoming speakers and topics, go to www.brocku.ca/ccovi.

DRUM CORPS: The Niagara Memorial Militaires Alumni Drum Corps is looking for people to march in its colour party (carrying flags). No experience necessary. Practice night is Tuesday, 7-9:30 pm, Branch 479 Legion, 5603 Spring St., Niagara Falls. Uniforms and equipment supplied. Also looking for drummers, brass players. Visit

target=_blank>www.militairesalumni.com

DUNLOP SENIORS RECREATION CLUB: Tea Dance, Wednesdays 2-4 pm Feb. 15,22 29. Dunlop Seniors Recreation Club, 80 Dunlop Dr. Live music, prizes refreshments, $4. Valentine Dance, Feb.17, 7 pm, $5.00. Doors open at 6:30 pm 905-685-6668.

FAMILY DAY FEST: Indoor amusement park, featuring rides, attractions and interactive entertainment, Feb. 18, 10 am to 6 pm, Niagara Falls, Scotiabank Convention Centre, 6815 Stanley Ave. Childrenâ??s day pass, $25 for kids 2 and older. Adults accompanying a child, general admission, entrance only, $8.

target=_blank>www.familydayfest.ca

FESTIVâ??Ã?BÃ?NE 2012: Come and experience Black History Month with SOFIFRAN (Solidarity of French Immigrant Women and Families in Niagara/Hamilton) to celebrate culture, food and music at their annual Festivâ??Ã?bène festival in St. Catharines, Feb. 17, 18 and 19. Free. Lâ??HÃritage elementary school, 5-10 pm, 35 Prince Charles Dr. For information, 905-735-8888, 905-736-1441 or 905-341-0564.

FRIENDS CLUB: Valentine dance, Feb. 11, 7:30 pm, Westminster United Church Hall, 180 Queenston St. 905-358-8089 for information

NIAGARA REGIONAL ORCHID SOCIETY: meets on Feb. 8, Holy Rosary Church Hall, Queen St., Thorold, 7:30 pm. The topic this month is Species Anyone Can Grow.

OPEN FOR DISCUSSION: Rev. Bob Bond, Co-ordinator of Spiritual Care, Welland Hospital will speak about end-of-life issues from the vantage point of spiritual and religious care, Feb. 11, 2-4 pm, St. Catharines Public Library, Rotary Room. 905-397-5913 or openfordiscussion@cogeco.ca for more information.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: Problem with food? Want to stop overeating? Overeaters Anonymous is a 12-step program. Meets every Saturday 10 am and Tuesday 7 pm, 415 Linwell Ave., First Grantham United Church, lower basement entrance. No dues or fees for membership.

PELHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY: Romance is in the Air with Sandra Orchard, author of Deep Cover, a Harlequinâ??s Love Inspired Suspense Novel, Feb. 14 at 2 pm, $2. Family Friends CPR, this short and easy-to-learn session is taught by Jessica Stewart, a certified instructor. You will not get an official certificate for completing this training, Feb. 15, 6-8 pm, $5. Calvin Arnt, 1812 Reenactor 1st Regiment, Lincoln Militia will share his experiences of reenacting and tell you how you can get involved in the 1812 Bicentennial reenactments; Feb. 22, 7:30 pm, $2. Free Hearing Clinic, please make an appointment at 905-892-6068, Feb. 27, 10 am-1 pm Register in advance for all programs. 43 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill, 905-892-6443, www.pelhamlibrary.on.ca.

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION: Crafters wanted, March 24, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 479, 5603 Spring St. Tables $25 each. Call Sylvia 905-374-8378.

ST. CATHARINES PUBLIC LIBRARY: For a complete listing of programs for children, teens and adults, visit www.stcatharines.library.on.ca or pick up a Whatâ??s New newsletter at your local branch. 905-688-6103, ext. 228.

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Dancing every Tuesday night to May, 7:45 pm-10 pm No experience, kilt, or partner is necessary. Classes for beginners, intermediates and more experienced dancers. Classes $9 or $7 if you join Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. Black Sea Hall, 455 Welland Ave. www.rscdsstcatharines.

SCOUTING IN WELLAND: Programs for boys and girls, ages 5 to 26. Beavers, ages 5 to 7, meet Friday nights, 6:30-8 pm, 244 First Ave., Wesley United. Cubs meet Monday night, Wesley United, 6:30-8 pm A second group meets Thursday, 6:30-8 pm, St. Davids on Thorold Rd. next to Food Basic. Scouts meet Wednesday nights, 7-9 pm, Wesley United. Volunteers also needed for these groups. For more information call Kevin at 905-732-5163 or email at itstartswithscouts@gmail.com.

SWING WHIRL SQUARE DANCE CLUB: presents an A1 square dance, Wednesdays, 8-10 pm, Lincoln Centennial School, 348 Scott St., and a full plus square dance on the second and fourth Saturday of each month at First Grantham United Church hall.

THOROLD HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: first meeting of the year, February 15, 6:30 pm, Holy Rosary Church Hall, Sullivan Ave., Thorold. Its our Annual Pot Luck supper with a Horticultural Trivia game to the evening.

WELLS OF HOPE: Taste and See, food and wine tasting to raise funds to have clean water in Guatemala homes, Feb. 9, 7-9 pm, Casablanca Winery Inn, Grimsby. Tickets, $50. Contact Ben and Rhea at benrie.obdeyn@sympatico.ca or 905-892-4721 or John at john.vanderzalm@hotmail.com or 905-920-2117, or Sandra at slmaxwell@cogeco.ca or 905-327-5944.

WOMENâ??S ADDICTION RECOVERY: Mediation (WARM), luncheon and silent auction with speaker Grace Cirocco, Feb. 26, doors open at 11 am, lunch at noon. Proceeds to support WARM programs and services. Club Castropignano, 1311 Egerter Rd., Port Robinson. Tickets $40, must be purchased in advance before Feb. 19, at 20 Jarvis St., Fort Erie or at

target=_blank>www.warmniagara.org

SHAW:

SHAW FESTIVAL: Online at www.shawfest.com, or by phone at 905-468-2172.

DOCUMENTARY FILM SERIES: Inside The New York Times, Feb. 10; Project Nim, Feb. 17. Tickets are $11 per film. A 12-film Festival Film Pass is available for $115, and a Documentary Pass is available for $60. Contact the Shaw Festival box office at 905-468-2172 or 1-800-511-7429.

THEATRE:

CAROUSEL PLAYERS: Spelling 2-5-5. For youth 8 and up. The play promotes a greater understanding of children diagnosed with autism and the issues they face at home and school. Public performances: Saturday, May 5, 11 am and 2 pm Tickets $12. Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre, 101 King St. 905-682-8326, ext. 26.

target=_blank>www.carouselplayers.com

ESSENTIAL COLLECTIVE THEATRE: A Special Fundraising presentation of Hamlet (solo) with Raoul Bhaneja. Directed by Robert Ross Parker. March 3. Tickets $30. Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre. 101 King St., St. Catharines.

target=_blank>www.ectheatre.ca

FIREHALL THEATRE: Pippin the Musical, directed by Michael Madden. Feb. 24, 25, March 2, 3, 9, 10 at 8 pm Feb. 26, March 4 at 2 pm Adults $15. Seniors/students $14. 4990 Walnut St., Niagara Falls. For tickets, call 905-356-4953.

GARDEN CITY PRODUCTIONS: Cabaret, March 16 – April 1 at Mandeville Theatre, Ridley College. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm Tickets $23 for the preview. (March 16). All other performances $28 adults, $18 students and $5 eyeGo tickets (High School students). For tickets visit www.gcp.tix.com or phone 905-682-1353. For further information visit

target=_blank>www.gcp.ca

GARRISON LITTLE THEATRE: Donâ??t Dress for Dinner, Feb. 24, 25, 26 and March 2, 3. A cheeky, naughty, hanky-panky comedy by Marc Camoletti. Presented at the Italo-Canadian Club, 1101 DiPietro St., Fort Erie. Evening shows are $39.55 including a full course dinner by Mariaâ??s Catering. Matinee on March 3 is $22.60 including lunch. For tickets leave a message at 905-871-3520 or purchase at Fort Erie Paints. For additional information visit www.garrisonlittletheatre.com. 905-871-3520. www.garrisonlittletheatre.com.

GREG FREWIN THEATRE: Las Vegas Style Magical Review. 5781 Ellen Ave. Niagara Falls, 905-356-0777, ext. 221, www.gregfrewintheatre.com.

ITHEATRE PLAYERS: Improv troupe performing interactive improv Fridays, box office opens 6:30 pm, show begins 7:30 pm Tickets $12 general admission, $6 Niagara residents, $5 students. 4555 Queen St., Niagara Falls, www.niagarasoaps.ca, 905-378-2957.

LAURA SECORD SECONDARY SCHOOL: The Drowsy Chaperone directed by Tracy Thorpe. Feb. 23, 24, 25, March 1, 2, 3 at 7:30. Opening night, $10. All other performances: Students/Seniors $12, Adults $15. Call 905-934-8501, ext 63550 for tickets. 349 Niagara St., St. Catharines

LYNDESFARNE THEATRE PROJECTS: www.lyndesfarnetheatreprojects.com.

NIAGARA DANCE COMPANY: Beginner/Intermediate classes in Graham based technique, 7-8:30 pm, register at info@niagaradancecompany.com. Open level Graham based technique classes, February, Sundays, 1:30-3 pm, Wednesdays, 10-11:30 am Call to artists for Seeds in Time, to be presented at the Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre, March 4, featuring dance artists and their work in development; deadline for submissions is Jan. 31. Mentorship program audition, Jan. 15, 1:30-4:30 pm, Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre. 101 King St., 2nd floor. 905-688-5550, ext. 3257. www.niagaradancecompany.com.

NEXT COMPANY THEATRE: The Rocky Horror Show, Feb. 16, 22, 23 at 8 pm Feb. 17, 18, 24, 25 at 8 and 11:30 pm Tickets $30 plus HST adults, $25 plus HST students and seniors. 11:30 pm shows $20 plus HST. Tickets available through Brock Centre for the Arts Box Office, 905-688-5550 ext. 3257.

target=_blank>www.nextcompanytheatre.com

NIAGARA ARTISTIC EXHIBITION CENTRE: 4323 Queen St., Niagara Falls.

NIAGARA GALLERY: 4323 Queen St., Niagara Falls.

OH CANADA EH? DINNER SHOW: Visit www.ohcanadaeh.com. 8585 Lundyâ??s Lane, Niagara Falls.

PRESENT COMPANY INC(LUDED): For information, presentcompanyinc@gmail.com.

SHOWBOAT FESTIVAL THEATRE: For more information, call 905-834-0833 or 1-888-870-8181, or e-mail

target=_blank>boxoffice@portcolborne.ca

STRAY THEATRE: 905-685-1937.

SUITCASE IN POINT: Barrel Crank â?? A Workshop Production, Sullivan Mahoney Courthouse Theatre, 101 King St., St. Catharines. Feb. 10, 11 – 8 pm Feb. 11, 12 – 2 pm Tickets $10. For tickets, email annie@suitcaseinpoint.com, or buy at the door.

THEATRE BEYOND WORDS: Wednesday Salonâ??s Food for Thought series, at the Mahtay Cafe and Lounge, First Wednesday of each month. www.theatrebeyondwords.ca 905-684-4790.

THOROLD COMMUNITY THEATRE: 905-682-8779. www.thoroldtheatre.ca.

CORBIN
By Jeff Noble / Staff writer

Kaiden Walden couldnt wait to show what she made for Corbin Primary Schools first-ever Appalachian Celebration. As part of her teachers assignment, the first grader showed some of the teachers in the middle of the open classroom area her homemade picture frame.

In keeping with the frontier spirit of those who came into the Appalachian region of Kentucky and this nation, the children were asked to make handmade crafts, models and posters for the event, which is Tuesday night at the school from 4:30-7:30 pm

The only thing Walden didnt make was the picture inside her frame, which was developed by a photo processor.

I made this picture frame of Ms. (Jenna) Carrs class. I sewed the dots together and did all this because my teacher, Ms. Carr, loves dots and hearts, said Walden last Friday afternoon at Corbin Primary.

When asked what her teacher thought of the frame, the little girl smiled and said, When I gave Ms. Carr the picture frame, she cried. I enjoyed making it for her.

There will be other things to enjoy Tuesday night at the big free happening. Several demonstrations will be going on, such as Moses Hamblin with woodworking, Mary Beth Jewell spinning yarn, Katherine Smith making quilts, Ron Evans telling old Appalachian stories, Nancy Smith making rag dolls. If Bluegrass music is your fancy, Virgil and David Bowlin will be there for some pickin and asingin. And to whet your appetite, soup beans and cornbread is on the menu.

Rebecca Lankford says she cant wait for the festivities to begin.

Its an idea I had. When I was in school, I had a teacher, my high school teacher at Corbin High, Diane Mitchell who got me interested in this. She taught us about the Appalachian culture, about who we are and where we came from. And Im also a clogger. Clogging, mountain dancing and square dancing are a big part of my life and heritage. Its a taste of tradition, said Lankford, whos the president of the Corbin Primary PTO.

Those traditions, and how theyre made, include pottery making with Jake Boggs, basket weaving by Bobbie Davis, water color painting by Barbara Willingham, Mrs. Reese playing the dulcimer, clogging by the group Sugar and Spice, bead work by Helen and leather making by Frank. The PTO will also hold a free drawing for two tickets to Renfro Valley, and theyll announce the winner of two Dollywood tickets for the overall grand prize winner of the poster presentations and the handmade craft contest. In addition, the winners in each grade at Corbin Primary will be awarded for each of the poster presentations and handmade craft contest.

Kim Walden added the children are learning a lot from looking into their Appalachian heritage.

The teachers are doing projects in relation to the different customs, ways of life, recreation, foods and education. A lot of it Im finding is similar to Idahos culture, just different Indians, noted Walden, whos secretary of the Corbin Primary PTO, and a native of the Rocky Mountain state of Idaho.

In a sense, we shared a common goal, and that was the frontier life. Both the pioneers out west in Idaho and in the Appalachian Mountain regions had to use the resources of the land and water. They both created things with what they made, like clothing, quilts, and their homes. Nowadays kids think that if you want something or need something, you just go out and buy it, instead of making it.

Its very detail oriented, Farlow said of the bead work, which she has pursued for more than 15 years, describing how under an illuminating work lamp she gets lost in the creative process. You get in a zone.

Putting them together one bead at a time, she creates mosaics, little sculptures, working on panels to be framed, then admired.

I can spend hours working on the patterns and choosing the colors, she said, noting that while she never sells them, people do acquire them.

I always give interesting gifts, she said.

Bead work, however, is mostly a winter activity.

In the summer, Im all about my yard, said Farlow. The only thing that gets me through February is knowing that in three months, Im going to be mulching.

The subject of an article in the first issue of The Star Press M magazine, her sculpted lawn includes a substantial coy pond, in which the fish — the biggest of the bunch being Perry, her favorite — nibble at her feet as she dangles them in the water.

Not now, though.

As already noted, these days Farlow fishes for big, interesting words to share with her Fickle Peach understudies, an interest she ultimately attributes to a lifetime spent as a voracious reader. Further evidence of her word interest?

Working diagram-less crosswords.

They are the kind featuring just a grid of open squares. The player then figures out which squares are the darkened ones, something she said isnt that hard to do.

Well …

Once you get that middle word, she clarified, noting that her interest in what makes words tick makes her, a self-described low-tech urban Amish person, keep her beloved dictionary handy.

Those little tweaks of the words are what I really want to know, she said.

Such linguistic skills can sometimes even work to make her simple word lessons sound, well, classier.

Every now and then, to make it sound more highfalutin, I use the term lexicon coterie, Farlow said of her Fickle Peach gathering, laughing.

Contact John Carlson at 213-5824.

TAHLEQUAH
Dancing and creating art are two of Dorothy Dreadfulwater Ices favorite ways to spend her time.

Shes teaching loom-weaving at the Cherokee Arts Center, and its her second session at art venue. She also likes to do bead work, leather work, weave baskets, and even used to work on car engines.

I was an A-1 shade tree mechanic, helping my dad when I was 4, Ice said. I could overhaul an engine by myself at 12, and even take it out of the car with a come-along [pulley].

When she married, she stopped working on cars, but kept playing baseball.

I was also driving at age 3, Dads 1927 Model T, and I could do carpentry and plumbing, she said. Im not afraid to get dirty and greasy.

Ice enjoys teaching loom-weaving.

I teach to pass it on, she said. Ive been asking people to learn so it wont die out, and be extinct. Im hoping theyll turn around and teach others.

In 1991, she was designated a Cherokee National Treasure.

I was proud of it, Ice said, I like to have cried. I didnt know I was gonna get an award.

Its one of her most cherished memories and gifts.

Ice was born and raised in the Briggs community, and she worked at the school for 27 years. After starting out teaching Cherokee language and working with two students who only spoke Cherokee, Jim Chaffin called her. She drove a school bus 25 years, and also taught reading and writing.

The school trips were a fun part of driving a bus, Ice said.

Twice shes taught adult Cherokee language classes, and is still available to do so, she said. I hope people will call. I like keeping the language alive.

People sometimes call at 11 at night to ask, how do you say this, Ice said. I dont mind, as long as Im helping somebody.

John Ketcher and Bill Ames taught loom-weaving at the Sequoyah Indian Weavers, where Ice started learning at age 15. Lucille Hair was there, too, Ice said. Bill Ames came from New York in the 1930s, got a building from Camp Gruber when they were getting rid of the old buildings, Ice said, and put it at Briggs. Ames was in the textile business in New York, she said.

Lucille Hair and her daughter, Wynona, are there weaving in the summers, Ice said.

John Ketcher was her idol.

He was easy to work with and fun, said Ice. He was fluent in Cherokee, and I wanted to keep my language up, too; I didnt want to forget it like so many people have. I still hang out with people who are fluent. Im lucky that way.

Weaving is a lot of fun, experimenting with mixing colors to see how it looks when its finished, she said.

Red is my favorite color, it goes with everything, Ice said. Weaving keeps my fingers moving. Ill do it as long as I can.

Special orders are always fun, she said.

I like to see peoples faces when they see how the colors they picked look together, she said.

Wall hangings, place mats, scarves and belts are the most common items she makes.

I feel like the buffalo in weaving, getting to be extinct, Ice said. I hope people will learn and pass it on. Weve got to keep it going, or one of these days they wont be able to use a loom, no one will know how.

When the gasoline station at the Cherokee Nation first opened, she used to make place mats that were given to customers when they filled up their cars with fuel.

People kept coming back for more of the place mats, Ice said.

Two wedding blankets are probably what shes most proud of weaving. She made those on the antique loom. It took about 16 hours for each blanket.

Depending on her creative mood, when not weaving with her loom, she works in leather, and sold a custom wallet for Christmas. She makes Indian doll earrings.

Ice has one daughter, Patricia Harder, and two grandchildren, Matthew, 23, and Shawna, 15. Matthew recently married and Ice said shes hoping for great-grandchildren.

Ice has enjoyed clogging since she was 3, and she loves tap dancing, the Charleston, and waltzing. She goes at least twice a week to dance: Friday evenings at the Tahlequah Senior Citizens Center, she travels to Muskogee on Tuesday evenings.

Thats what keeps me young, the 76-year-old Ice said. Im too old to sit down. Ill get stiff. Dancing keeps me moving. If I miss for two weeks, I can tell it.

FREMONT — Nancy Grove was selected as the Employee Recognition All-Star Award winner for the third quarter of 2011 by the Sandusky County Department of Job and Family Services.

Grove is an investigator in the family and individual services division — fraud and benefit recovery unit and has been with the department since November 1993. She graduated from Kent State University with a degree in criminal justice. When she is not working, she enjoys teaching bead work classes to other members of the Toledo Gem and Rockhound Club.

Grove says the best part about her job is everything.

She was nominated for performing an exceptional job-related accomplishment, displaying a consistent willingness to help others and producing accurate, thorough and exemplary work.

Grove was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the board of county commissioners, a personalized award, a small monetary award and lunch with the SCDJFS director.

The All-Star Award is a quarterly committee-selected award. Any permanent employee can be nominated by his or her peers for the award. The All-Star Committee, consisting of staff from each of four divisions and the last winner of the award, selects the winner based on 10 criteria including outstanding customer service, exceptional job accomplishments, teamwork, leadership or positive attitude.

Mr Serbin had planned to attend the fourth annual Sarasota Indian Festival this weekend in Florida, which he believes is one of the true Native American gatherings.

The festival features Rick Bird and the Bird Choppers from Cherokee, North Carolina performing traditional drumming and dance along with craftsmen making authentic bead work, jewellery and sculptures. It is hosted by Rex Begaye, a full-blooded Navajo and Sarasota resident.

The Meskwaki Tribe near Tama is hoping a new museum will help tell their story to the rest of the state and the country. Meskwaki historic preservation director, Jonathan Buffalo, says the idea for a museum had been around since the 1940s, but it wasnt at the top of the priority list.

Life was hard, you know, there were other things to worry about, like decent housing, water, electricity, stuff like that, Buffalo explains. So a museum has always taken a back seat to whatever we had to do, even with the casino, we had to build a high school first, our health clinic, roads, housing. And now things are settling down so the idea of a museum is coming back.

The museum has started out small and is in the tribe preservation office. Buffalo says it includes artifacts, utensils, photographs, documents, art, bead work, and other items passed down from the Tribe through the years.

In some parts its a tribal thing, but then its open to the public because we cant tell our history without telling state history, national history, you have to intertwine that stuff to understand us. And hopefully, when a non-Indian visitor visits, they walk away knowing a little bit about the tribe, and knowing a little bit about themselves too, Buffalo explains.

There are approximately 1,300 members of the Meskwaki Tribe. Some probably already know about the Meskwaki settlement from its annual Pow Wows where they show off their native dress and dance. Buffalo says many others no doubt have seen or heard about the casino owned by the tribe and see it as the symbol of the group.

And what they dont realize is, we are a tribe with a casino, not a casino with a tribe. So hopefully our museum will explain that. That we have been here for a long time, that we are an ancient people on this continent, Buffalo says. He hopes to expand the museum as they move forward.

The museum is now open to the public from 9 am to 3 pm weekdays. Buffalo says if the demand increases, they would look at opening on Saturdays too. For more information on the Meskwaki Nation, go to their website: www.meskwaki.org.