Shall we dance? Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso will be rockin’ with the Windiana Concert Band’s performance of “Let’s Dance” beginning at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21.
This high-level professional group will interpret every kind of dance — even jazz and ballet. It is a guarantee that you’ll be leaving with a smile after bouncing in your seat (or even dancing in the aisles). Tickets are $12, or $10 for seniors and $7 for students, and can be purchased at the Opera House at 104 Indiana Ave.
The Porter County Board of Commissioners deserve a special thank-you for funding this special. It would be a detriment if we no longer had the opportunity to enjoy the variety of programs offered there throughout the year. Hint – the Opera House would be overjoyed to receive donations in any amount.
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As long as I’m in a music mode, even though it’s two months away, put a red circle around April 11. That is the date Valparaiso University’s Jazz Fest will be featuring Nat King Cole’s daughter, Natalie Cole, as the headliner for this year’s festival.
This dynamic event will be held at the VU Athletic Recreation Center beginning at 8:30 p.m. The winner of nine Grammy awards, Cole will be sharing hits from her new album, as well as some of her classics with her unique blend of rhythm and blues. After 30 years, the Jazz Fest continues to bring A+ performances every year, and includes both national and international artists along with VU faculty and students jazz ensembles, and even very talented high school jazz ensembles.
The tickets – $30 to $75 (students $15) – go on sale Monday, Feb. 9. On a first-come, first-served basis, it won’t take long for 2,000 tickets to be sold.
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What fun every school in Lake, LaPorte and Porter County can enjoy by participating in the School Rain Barrel Design Competition celebrating the Northwest Indiana Earth Day 10th anniversary event at the Porter County Expo Center on April 18.
All grades at all schools are eligible to decorate a rain barrel with environmentally friendly materials and paints to demonstrate an environmental theme, but only one barrel (which will be given to them) is allowed per school. A teacher or administrator must register for the competition at ItMeansTheWorld.org by Friday, Feb. 13, so make a call to your student’s teacher to let them know, just in case.
The barrels will be judged by visitors at the Earth Day celebration, and winners will receive classroom scholarships. Besides sounding like fun, it certainly would aid in students realizing the importance of keeping our environment a priority. Thanks to Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County for sponsoring this event. Call 465-3819 for more information.
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I’m sure there were some unhappy people on Sunday when the snow was coming down so heavily, but even if you were grousing, I hope you looked out the window and noticed the beauty of the big flakes and the pure whiteness of the falling snow.
Missing a Super Bowl party was the least of the frustration when just trying to get out of the house was a chore. I sure was blessed with a kind neighbor, Brian, who surprised me by blowing my driveway and sidewalks three times. It’s not funny when your kids from Colorado let you know, with a smile in their voices, that it’s 55 degrees with blues skies and sunshine.
Oh well, I hope you stay safe and have a great day because you deserve it. Thanks for reading. Fly your flag.
Contact Lorrie Woycik at [email protected]