:: Loft At The Mill Grand Opening ::

Lincoln, Nebraska: On Tuesday, December 2, 2003 the Loft at The Mill will celebrate the grand opening of its new name and space. For over ten years, the 7th Street Loft has served a vital function for Lincoln as an affordable, accessible space for the arts to incubate and grow. Today, with a new name, the Loft at The Mill, and a new location, above The Mill on 8 & P Street, the Loft at The Mill is poised to meet the growing needs of Lincoln’s innovative community.

The Grand Opening Celebration runs from 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm. The public is invited to tour the new facility and taste local cuisine from neighboring restaurants located in the Haymarket. Guests will enjoy performances from some of The Loft’s resident performing arts groups. Visitors can also walk through the Modern Arts Midwest art gallery, which is connected to the Loft, and view the works of Larry Roots and other regional artists. The evening will be a fun event and a perfect kick off to the holiday season.

As one of only a few multi-disciplinary black box stages in the country, the Loft at The Mill provides an arena for a wide range of programming and a home for emerging artists and groups to grow and develop. It is more than a performing arts facility. It is a community for the arts where creators, performers and patrons can push the parameters of theater, art, dance and music and work collectively for support and inspiration. Whether people come to watch a performance, visit the art gallery or rent the space for their own performance or event, the Loft at The Mill will enhance their cultural experience and inspire creativity.

Check out the press release for full details:
http://www.landisarts.com/propagandart/2003/031202-loftGrandOpening.htm
 

:: Vince Learned: The Piano Man ::

Vince has begun to attract a good number of people looking for a nice relaxing beverage or dessert and some great piano music. And in his typical self-effacing style, he's been encouraging some friends of his (including yours truly) to sing with him. While, part of me kind of wishes that he'd just keep the gig to himself so he'd get more attention -- I think he's an under-appreciated (and under-exposed) talent -- another part of me has been delighted by the variation his collaborators bring to the table.

All-in-all the evenings have been relaxing and a highlight to my week. Come see Vince and other hangers-on the next three Wednesdays at Del Ray Ballroom from 6-8pm. It's become a regular item on my personal calendar.
 

:: LCP Holiday Cabaret ::

This year LCP has produced regular cabaret shows. And they've been absolutely fantastic. They're fun and showcase a slice of Lincoln's vocal talents. Generally they have been in conjunction with a mainstage theater production (eg, the Footloose Cabaroake), but they've proven to be so popular that they're doing a special longer version for this holiday season.

This Saturday only will be the last cabaret of the year. It features songs of the season performed by many LCP regulars including: Randy Hawthorne, Shelley Griess, Lettie Van Hemert, Matthew Landis, Mark Grell, Shawn Carlson, Laurie Lessman, Bill Stibor and others. The event will be hosted by the dynamic duo of Erin and Derek Outson! And the sublime talent of Kerry Fina will provide the accompaniment.

Come join us for in the studio theater of the Lincoln Community Playhouse (56th & Normal Blvd) for an evening of merriment: Saturday, December 6 at 7:30. Admission to the Cabaret is free, but donations are welcome. Refreshments will be served.
 

Since choral students at King's College in Cambridge, Mass. founded the group in 1968, the king's singers have been entertaining audiences internationally with a charming synthesis of humor and incomparable musicianship. Their repertoire ranges from medieval to renaissance, romantic to folk and pop. Their ability to make classical formats accessible and fun has been a key to their success. Get into the holiday spirit with the king's singers.

Friday, December 5, 2003 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $38/34/28 ~ Students/Youth: $19/17/14
 

:: A Book For All Kids Kickoff Party ::

Encourage reading to your kids by attending the kickoff party for the community reading program for all elementary students. Refreshments, entertainment, and activities surrounding the book, "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" by Judy Blume. Special announcement of winner of fourth grade poster contest at 1:00. This is a partnership between the Lincoln Community Playhouse, the Lincoln City Libraries and other sponsors.

Saturday, December 6, right after the Star City Parade until 3:00 p.m. Bennett Martin Public Library, 14th and N Streets

For more information, call Pat Leach at 441-8565 or hit the website at:
http://www.abookforallkids.com/
 

:: Gigglebox @ PO Pears ::

One of Lincoln's premier coverbands: Gigglebox will be ravaging PO Pears this weekend.
Come on down Friday or Saturday - they'll get kickin about 9 or 9:30 and play til closing.
Admission is $2 or free with your Lincoln Stars ticket stub.

Hit their site for more information about the band:
http://www.giggleboxband.com/