February, 2012

With new characters in his lineup, including Walter and Bubba J, comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham draws laughs from his multi-generational audience. 7:30 p.m. $46.50. ...

If you love to laugh, enjoy a one-night-only show of the musical comedy Monty Python’s Spamalot based on the classic and American-loved film Monty Python and The Holy Grail. Fans might ask, “Where did they get those coconuts?” 7 p.m....

Laugh for Life with Tim Hawkins is a stand-up comedy routine complete with guitar chops and vocal impressions. A former All-American baseball player, Hawkins now focuses on comedy. His show raises funds for the Pregnancy Resource Center of Evansville. 7...

Rob Griffith, a current associate professor in the Department of Creative Writing at the University of Evansville, kicks off the 2012 coffee hour series for the university. Griffith’s award-winning poetry has been published by David Robert Books, and he is...

Winter Jam Tour Spectacular, Christian music’s largest annual tour, brings renowned Christian music stars — including Sanctus Real, Peter Furler, and Kari Jobe — under one roof. 7 p.m. $10. ...

Alexandra Vainshtein is a working photographer in New York City. But it’s her travel around the United States and Europe that inspire her black-and-white photographs of both familiar scenes and unique pieces of art. Her work is displayed in Jasper,...

The first Friday of each month brings this series of fun and inspiring art classes to children ages 3 to 5. A new theme is introduced each week, and all aspiring Rembrandts should arrive dressed for a mess. 10:30-11:30 a.m....

The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates America, and this unique night of music includes pieces from the World War II era, hits from the age of swing, and a Glenn Miller tribute. 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $15 and up....

For the 20th annual gala, Holy Rosary organizers chose this theme: “Back to the Future.” The event, open to the public, features a silent and live auction, dinner provided by gourmet chef Doug Rennie, and dancing to music by McFly!,...

For chocolate lovers, indulge in the city’s best chocolate from vendors such as Piece of Cake, Just Rennie’s, Stephen Libs Finer Chocolates, and many more. This chocolate overload is paired with hors d’oeuvres, champagne, a silent auction, and dancing to...

Before hitting the stage at the University of Evansville (Feb. 5 on campus), Anonymous 4 perform a one-night-only show in the Under the Beams Concert Series. Their traditional glee club/ensemble style showcases their ability to blend their voices for an...

Super Bride Sunday is the place to be to get ready for the big day. South Central Media presents the area’s largest bridal show, and the “cake dive” to search for valuable prizes is a favorite. Proceeds benefit Easter Seals...

Faculty members of the University of Evansville perform overtures, arias, and selections from beloved operas. This First Tuesday concert includes music of the grand theatrical stage and composers such as Puccini, Mozart, Bizet, and Verdi. 7:30 p.m. Free. ...

The University of Evansville presents a lecture series on topics relating to the cognitive and neural sciences in honor of Francis Crick, known for his intellectual diversity. Dr. Damani N. Bryant from Oregon Health & Science University speaks on Mechanisms...

Get ready for some foot-stomping, knee-slapping tunes featuring the banjo, fiddle, guitar, snare, kazoo, jugs, and bones. This is a night of bluegrass music from a Grammy Award-winning band. 7:30 p.m. $18-$28. ...

Evansville Civic Theatre’s managing artistic director Christopher Tyner shows off his pipes as he headlines this concert series at Germania Maennerchor. He belts out love songs — just in time for Valentine’s Day. Reservations required. 6:30 p.m. $12-$18. ...

When the temperature-controlled Amazonia debuted at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden a few years ago, it created the perfect environment for a long-running event: the Orchid Escape. The orchid exhibit continues through March 10. 7-10 p.m. $60. ...

In benefit of the Tri-State Food Bank, Heifer International, and the Oak Hill Outdoor Constitution Classroom, the Oak Hill PTA hosts a kid-friendly community service event with fair trade vendors, crafts and games for children, and musical performances all day....

Feb. 11, 18, AND 25. “The Art of Color Pencils” returns this year for a three-week-long series for ages 14 and up. Jim List will instruct the class geared toward beginner to intermediate artists. 10 a.m.-noon (set up 9:30). $20...

Warm your heart from the winter chill with a stroll down historic New Harmony, Ind.’s cozy line of antique shops and art galleries. 4-7 p.m. Free. ...

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Evansville ARC’s annual fundraising event, this year’s show will be the biggest yet. The Really Big Show includes musicians, dancers, comedians, and entertainers from the Tri-State. Also on tap: snacks, drinks, dancing, and a silent...

Enjoy an elegant evening with strawberries and champagne, dancing, and dinner to benefit the Betty Craig Scholarship Fund, named for a sorority member known for her community service efforts. The college scholarship is awarded to African-American high school students based...

The University of Evansville’s choir is composed of the finest vocal talent on campus. They will perform major choral-orchestral masterworks at the University of Evansville’s Neu Chapel. 7:30 p.m. Free. ...

The night goes like this: swing dancing, dinner eating, prize winning. It benefits the University of Evansville Jazz Ensemble’s trip to the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival. 7 p.m. Call for pricing. ...

To welcome the spring season, students from the University of Southern Indiana sponsor this two-day, outdoor event that includes food and music for both the campus and local community. Call for times. Free. ...

This celebration commemorates the founding of the Harmonie Society, an 18th century group of religious separatists from Germany who established the Southwest Indiana town of New Harmony, Ind. Enjoy a pitch-in dinner, dessert bar, and live musical entertainment. 6 p.m....

The talented theater students at the University of Evansville bring the performance of The Cripple of Inishmaan to life. Set in 1934 off the coast of Ireland in the small community of Inishmaan, the story tells of a Hollywood movie...

Enjoy endless platters of pancakes served with sausage, milk, coffee, and juice by the staff and volunteers at the YMCA. The feast is in support of local children and adults who can’t afford the Y’s wellness programs. 6 a.m.-1 p.m....

Inspired by African American History Month, Ira Neal, the retired director of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation’s federal, state, and local student programs, comes to the YWCA to discuss the effects of Brown v. Board of Education in Evansville. Noon....

The goal of Community Marriage Builders: to make it last. This day for engaged couples encourages thought about life after marriage. 9 a.m. $30 per couple (reimbursed upon completion). ...

Some of Disney’s most beloved characters arrive in Evansville. The characters come from classic stories including Cinderella, Beauty & the Beast, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, starring Disney icons such as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy. 12 p.m....

In its 10th year, Boonville’s Polar Plunge is expected to have its biggest turnout yet. This annual event, which benefits Southwest Indiana’s Special Olympics, welcomes all participants crazy enough to jump, or plunge, into frigid water in the middle of...

One of the most unique events of the year is Mardi Bras, a fashion show with local celebrity models wearing one-of-a-kind brassieres and corsets by regional artists. This event includes a cash bar, appetizers, and a DJ. Proceeds support the...

Elmar Oliveira, a world-renowned violinist and Grammy Award nominee, unites with the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra in one of the most exhilarating works of the classics season with music from Rossini and Puccini. 7 p.m. $15 and up. ...

On March 27, 1812, Hugh McGary purchased 200 acres of land that became known as the City of Evansville. This exhibition — a part of the Bicentennial celebration that recognizes Evansville’s 200-year existence — includes historic documents and artifacts relating...

The Mardi Gras celebration comes to Evansville with the traveling “musictelling” group Tales & Scales at the New Orleans Style Brunch. Chef Josh Armstrong, longtime operator of Southern-inspired Riverview by Firefly, prepares the meal as jazz music fills the air....

Enjoy an afternoon of recitals at the University of Evansville’s Wheeler Concert Hall featuring talented seniors on strings and brass. 2:30 p.m. Free. ...

Brothers Lee Hamilton, a former congressman, and Richard Hamilton, a former reverend, discuss what it was like growing up in Evansville in the 1940s. Their lecture is the second in a series of five lectures at the Evansville Museum of...

The University of Evansville Wind Ensemble will perform a wide variety of pieces from classic master works to intimate chamber music to completely new works. Comprised of 45 of the University of Evansville’s finest brass, woodwind, and percussion performers,...

Bat Boy: The Musical is the tale of an offbeat love story. It’s part horror and part comedy, just like the main character, who is part boy and part bat creature. 7:30 p.m. $10. ...

Winter cold may be outside, but inside spring is in the air. Preview the latest spring fashions, and enjoy a lunch prepared by Patchwork’s most talented chefs at this annual event that benefits services to at-risk youth and families in...

Owensboro’s Back Alley Musicals presents an outrageous and hysterical musical comedy at Pangea Theatre. The long-running Nunsense has featured numerous leads across the country, including Priscilla Presley. 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24; 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25 and March 2-3; 2 p.m....

Local artists create masterful work, and this night is for them. Mingle with supporters of the arts at this annual gala, which benefits scholarship programs and student development activities of USI’s Society for Arts and Humanities. 7 p.m. $125. ...

Returning to Henderson, Ky., the Cirque Mechanic’s new show Boomtown! highlights the relationship between man and machine. The prospectors and entrepreneurs in search of gold out West inspire the spirit of adventure and stunts with mechanical scenery and props. 7:30...

Inspired by February, American Heart Month, The Women’s Hospital introduces the Day of Dance. Alongside health experts are dance instructors to teach attendees how to dance through the decades and the “Signs of a Heart Attack” dance — fun, important,...

The third annual Faith Day welcomes the public to take part in the Eucharistic celebration. Bishop Charles Thompson leads a number of religious leaders at Holy Rosary Church on an exploration of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Registration at 8:15...

Teams of three vie for the championship in the Letters for Literacy Scrabble Tournament. Two divisions, competitive or just for fun, attract a range of participants. 1-4 p.m. $50 per team. ...

Nate Stevens, one of about 300 students throughout the world selected to study in the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's 2011 Early College Program Summer Institute, showcases his artistic talents in his art show "World Impressions, the Art...

An evening of wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment benefits the Evansville Museum Contemporaries, a group that provides social, cultural, and educational activities to raise funds for the museum and its programs. 7-10 p.m. $40. ...

Playing selections from Earth, Wind & Fire; Chicago; and Blood, Sweat & Tears, the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra will play an unforgettable assortment of music for all ages. 7:30 p.m. $10.50-$40. ...

Putting a unique spin on timed races, the YMCA measures how far you get in a specified time limit versus a set distance. In 15-minute increments, participants will swim, bike, and walk or run to compete for awards while benefiting...

During the annual Jazz Guest Artist Series, the Evansville Jazz Society brings numerous well-known jazz artists to the Evansville community. Guests have yet to be announced; however, recent guests include Pat Harbison, Jamey Aebersold, Dick Sisto Quintet, and the Houston...

The award-winning country trio Lady Antebellum and former Hootie and the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker bring their tour to Evansville. Their performance is one of the first concerts in the Ford Center. 7:30 p.m. $40 and up. ...

Pop Goes the Rock by Cirque Dreams is a new musical that puts a rock ‘n’ roll party in a carnival funhouse. Timeless tunes mix with an international cast of singers, dancers, acrobats and musicians dressed in extravagant costumes and...

The University Symphony Orchestra is an ensemble of nearly 60 student musicians encompassing both majors and non-majors. The group performs four times each year featuring solo appearances by guest artists. 7:30 p.m. Free. ...

Steamboat transportation has allowed Evansville to prosper through consumer trade, but the waters of the Ohio River have created disaster through major flooding that occurred in 1884, 1913, and most memorably, the flood of 1937 — the largest natural disaster...

With more than 40 members of the art faculties from local campuses, the University of Evansville (East Side), the University of Southern Indiana (West Side), and Ivy Tech Community College (North Side) unite to display current work in this 25th...

Whether the subject is a stack of vintage suitcases or a lock of braided hair, Susan Bryant's photographs — developed with an antiquated 19th century process — are singular and mysterious. Bryant, a professor of art at Austin Peay State...

Two portfolios of fine art prints come from a variety of mediums that would make Johannes Gutenberg proud. The work showcases intaglio etchings, lithographs, screen-prints, woodcuts, and monotypes. Graduate students are among the participating artists, but the majority of the...

The Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen presents this media exhibition showcasing paintings, jewelry, photography, textiles, and mixed media pieces, most of which will be for sale. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Free. ...

The infamous Sweeney Todd brings to life the original masterpiece of a vengeful barber on the hunt for revenge in 19th century London. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sundays. $12-$18. ...