Best of Show and Merit awards will be given in two-dimensional, three-dimensional and photography categories

The variety of art on display is bolstered this year by the landscape work of Hal Holoun, the 2008 Featured Artist. Holoun's work depicts the expansive beauty of the Platte River in a colorful and expressive way befitting of special recognition this year.

The show, which features art depicting life on the Platte River and its tributaries, will open with a special preview event, "Wings of the Heart," from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 14. In honor of Valentine's Night, the reception will feature roses for the first 50 attendees, music and a chocolate fountain along with an assortment of delectable chocolates.

At this exclusive event, guests will be allowed to view the entire exhibition as well as Holoun's artwork before its official opening date on Feb. 15. Keanna Leonard of Rowe Sanctuary will also present the program "Crane Love," focusing on the social and family behaviors of Sandhill Cranes that might surprise even seasoned bird watchers. Leonard, the education director for Rowe Sanctuary outside of Gibbon, will speak at 7:30 p.m.

Music for the evening will be provided by Mike Adams.

There is no charge for museum members to attend the special Valentine's Day preview; others may attend for $5 per person or $8 a couple.

A public reception featuring "Wings Over the Platte" artists is planned for 7 to 9 p.m. April 11.

Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Regular admission fees (through April 30) are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for children age 7-12; children 6 and under are admitted at no charge.

For more information, contact Kari Stofer at 385-5316 ext. 215.

Stand-up comedy back at the Riverside Inn

Comedican Costaki Economopoulos of the "Bob and Tom Show," will be appearing for one show only at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Howard Johnson Riverside Inn.

His humor has been described as smart, pointed, hip, sharp, insightful, socially relevant and gut-laugh funny. A fellow comic once referred to Costaki as a "casually brilliant joke philosopher." His take on such heavy subjects as the war on terrorism, religion, and gun control will leave you thinking and laughing. And his light swagger, playful squint,and wry smile tell you that perhaps there's more to this multi-layered joke than you first recognized.

Advance tickets are $18; a limited number are available at the Rock 101.5 studio at 3432 W. Capital. Tickets are also available through www.etix.com.

For dinner and show or "Stay 'n' Play" packages, contact the Riverside Inn at 384-5150.

LaChance to perform in Hastings College faculty recital

HASTINGS Marc LaChance, Hastings College associate professor of music, will perform in a faculty recital at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, in Perkins Auditorium, Fuhr Hall of Music, at Hastings College.

LaChance, who will perform on the trombone, will be assisted by several members of the Hastings College faculty including: Cynthia Murphy, instructor of music, piano; Jonathan Sokasits, professor of music, piano; Debra McKim, professor of music, tenor saxophone; and Byron Jensen, professor of music, doublebass.

There is no admission charge; for more information, call (402) 461-7448.

Other February events include:

* Women's History Month art show, art gallery, Feb. 10 through March 8. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 2 to 4 p.m. Sundays.

* Benefit concert for freshman Jayne Irvine's family, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, French Memorial Chapel.

* Organ Vespers Series featuring Lorenz Maycher, 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, First Presbyterian Church, 621 N. Lincoln Ave.

* Chamber Music Recital II, featuring Jonathan Sokasits and Diane Petrella, pianos; and Nick Petrella and James Snell, percussion, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, Perkins Auditorium, Fuhr Hall of Music.

* Richard Rodriguez, author and Emmy-winning essayist, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, French Memorial Chapel; Artist Lecture Series speaker.

There is no admission charge for any of the events unless otherwise noted.

Two shows set at the Listening Room

HASTINGS Blues singer David Jacobs-Strain and the New York City trio girlyman have performances set for February at the Listening Room in Hastings.

Though Jacobs-Strain will come to Hastings via Oregon, his blues roots channel the Mississippi Delta. With intellectual lyrics and killer slide guitar, he puts a modern spin on traditional blues. His performance is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. Opening act will be Brett Miller with Peter Lainson.

Next up is girlyman, a trio from New York that specializes in spine-tingling harmonies in folk, pop and "girlygrass." The chemistry and instrumental swapping between Nate, Ty and Doris make for great music and a fun show. Their performance is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. Opening act will be feature Emily Dunbar.

The Listening Room is located within the Knights of Pythias Hall at 106 N. Denver. Tickets for either show are $12; for more information, call (402) 463-6248.

Dinner, murder collide at the Platt-Duetsch

"Who Murdered My Sweetheart?" an interactive dinner theater, will take the stage at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Platt-Duetsche, 1315 W. Anna.

This post-Valentine love story features the founder of Sweethardt Cup Co. located in Grand Island. The audience watches the play in between courses of the meal and will help solve the murder by cross examining the suspects and voting for who they think "Dunnit." A prize will be awarded to the person who "gets it right."

Tickets are $25 and include dinner, but not tax, tip or beverages; and reservations are required. For more information, call Paul Warshauer at 384-6816.

'Quilts and the Underground Railroad' focus of February Friendship Gathering

WOOD RIVER "Quilts and the Underground Railroad," presented by Ruby Washington, will be the focus of the Third Saturday Friendship Gathering from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Feb. 16 in the Performing Arts Theater Lobby at Wood River Rural High School.

The monthly gatherings are designed to be an informational event for friends old and new, young and old, to explore and reminisce. All events in this series are free thanks to support of the Nebraska Arts Council and the Donna Moyer Performing Arts Gift to the Wood River Foundation. No advance tickets are necessary. A freewill offering will be accepted at the door.

For more information, call Georgene Smidt at (308) 583-2606.

Museum to host a 'Prairie Princess Party'

Dust off your tiara and lace up your fancy shoes as the frilly, fancy fun of Stuhr Museum's "Prairie Princess Party" returns from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, in the Stuhr Building.

This magical afternoon includes an authentic Victorian pink tea, crafts, tiara and fan making, dancing, face painting, coloring, and photo opportunities with princesses and celebrities including Miss Nebraska, Ashley Bauer, and other special guests.

Little princesses (and princes) are encouraged to dress up in their fanciest outfits and bring their parents to the museum. Join the party where there's a surprise around every corner at Stuhr Museum.

Visiting princes and princesses must be accompanied by an adult. . Admission is $6 for adults $5 for seniors 60 and older and $4 for children ages 6 to 12; children 5 will be admitted free.

For more information, call Martha Paulsen at 385-5316 ext. 201, or check the Web site at www.stuhrmuseum.org.

Cabaret Theatre plans Wood River stop

WOOD RIVER Cabaret Theatre, Omaha's premier cabaret troupe, will present "Old Friends" at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, in the Wood River Rural High School Performing Arts Theater

"Old Friends" is an original revue featuring the songs of Hoagy Carmichael, popular songs of the 1930s and a salute to the music of World War II.

The Cabaret Theater has toured throughout Nebraska and the Midwest, and has received critical acclaim for its World War II salute, performing for veterans at the Nebraska State Fair and the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Strategic Air Command.

All events in this series are free thanks to support of the Nebraska Arts Council and the Donna Moyer Performing Arts Gift to the Wood River Foundation. No advance tickets are necessary. A freewill offering will be accepted at the door.

For more information, call Georgene Smidt at (308) 583-2606.