Diaz of the Museum Rafael Coronel in the city of Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico, will speak on "Sandhill Cranes in the Extremes: Most Southern Distribution in an Arid Environment," which focuses on the cranes from the beginning point of their spring migration Mexico. He will speak at 11 a.m. Friday.

Archibald, co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, will focus on the rare whooping cranes which often migrate along the same patterns as sandhill cranes. Various efforts to start new populations in Florida, Wisconsin and Idaho are under way, and Archibald, a well-known national figure on the topic, will speak about how these populations are getting stronger every year. He will speak at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Czaplewski, a biologist with the Central Platte Nebraska Resources District and someone on the front lines of the migration, will speak on the natural history of the sandhill cranes and their use of the Platte River during their migration. He will speak at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Stuhr Museum has lined up speakers for every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in March to coincide with the peak of the spring migration of the sandhill cranes. All presentations take place in the Stuhr Building. Regular winter admission fees ($6 for adults, $4 for children) apply.

For more information or a complete list of speakers check the Web site at www.stuhrmuseum.org or call 385-5316.

Spring fever hits this weekend at Stuhr Museum

After months of ice and snow, spring can't come fast enough for many in the area, and the folks at Stuhr Museum want to do their part to move the season along with its annual Spring Fever event set for 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.

During the afternoon, children will have the opportunity to plant their own spring garden, make fashionable Easter bonnets, decorate eggs, work on art projects and participate in an outdoor Easter egg hunt at 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Stuhr Building. The Easter Bunny will be on hand and there will be prizes for those who find the special Golden Easter Eggs, in addition to candy and prizes for all ages.

The Kids Corner in the Stuhr Building will also be decked out for the season, with giant floor puzzles, a nature "I Spy" game and more for children to explore.

New Skywatch mini-show opens at planetarium

HASTINGS "Realm of the Galaxies," a new Skywatch mini-show, opens Saturday at the J.M. McDonald Planetarium in the Hastings Museum.

As seen with the unaided eye, the spring sky appears dull, with few bright stars or distinctive constellations. But this is one of the most remarkable portions of the heavens; even a modest amateur telescope will reveal hundreds of galaxies visible at this time of year. "Realm of the Galaxies" will sample some of the highlights; using images taken by local astrophotographers, we'll examine how these galaxies appear in binoculars, small telescopes, and professional instruments such as the Hubble Space Telescope.

"Realm of the Galaxies" is the fourth in the "Skywatch" series of shows. Generally lasting about 10 minutes, "Skywatch" shows are produced in-house and feature a topic of current interest. They run in combination with "The Sky Tonight," a 20-minute look at the current night sky. A new "Skywatch" is produced every few weeks or so, with "The Sky Tonight" changing more frequently. With these different shows, visitors will see something new in the planetarium every few weeks.

"The Sky Tonight + Skywatch: Realm of the Galaxies" starts March 15 and will run through at least May 10, after which a new "Skywatch" show will be offered. Shows are scheduled for 2 p.m. weekdays; 1, 2:30, and 4 p.m. Saturdays; and 2:30 and 4 p.m. Sundays. Planetarium admission is free with paid museum admission, but seating is limited to 48 for each show.

For more information on showtimes, call Visitor Services at (800) 508-4629 or check the Web site at www.hastingsmuseum.org.

Karaoke contest to benefit music festival

HASTINGS The Nebraska Country Music Foundation will sponsor an open category karaoke talent contest at 7 p.m. Friday, March 14, at the Hastings Eagles Club. Entry fee is $5 per person.

The contest is a fundraiser for the Nebraska Country Music Festival. The evening will feature music, prizes and a raffle. First- and second-place winners will be entered in the finals competition set for Sept. 14 at the Sutton American Legion.

For more information about the contest or the foundation, contact Deb Shaw at (402) 726-2140 or debrashaw@alltel.net.

NET Radio to feature oratorio society anniversary concert

LINCOLN A special 50th anniversary performance of Handel's "Messiah" by Nebraska's Axtell Area Oratorio Society will air on NET Radio's "Nebraska Concerts" series at 2 p.m. Easter Sunday. "Nebraska Concerts" provides NET Radio listeners with programs of fine music performed and recorded on Nebraska's stages.

The group's golden gala concert was presented last year at the Merryman Performing Arts Center in Kearney to commemorate 50 years of presenting Handel's great work. The first performance of "Messiah" by the Axtell Area Oratorio Society was in 1958 at the Axtell Public School Auditorium. The 1958 choir was comprised of 40 members from Axtell, Holdrege, Minden, Wilcox, Hildreth, Funk and Loomis.

J. Rodney Wendell directed the first performance and has directed all concerts since, including this anniversary presentation. Some of the original society members perform in the 50th concert, as well as their children and grandchildren.

The anniversary concert features an 80-voice chorus and a 20-piece chamber orchestra with organ. Professional soloists featured are soprano Jana Holzmeier, mezzo-soprano Senja Stephens, tenor Paul Smith and bass Charles Smith. The "Nebraska Concerts" recording on Easter Sunday will feature Parts II and III of "Messiah."

'Elvis' and 'Marilyn' plan Events Center appearance

A dinner theater featuring "Memories of Elvis in Concert with Marilyn Monroe" is set for Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12, at the Heartland Events Center.

"Memories of Elvis in Concert" is a fast-paced Las Vegas-style show. A 30-piece special effects light show surrounds one of America's best Elvis impersonators as he brings Elvis to life. The fabulous jump suits are exact reproductions of those worm by Elvis, tailored by the same clothiers used by Elvis himself. This show tours a seven-state Midwest region and also flies to many other states as entertainment for corporate events.

Elvis welcomes Marilyn Monroe to the stage for a crowd-pleasing, show-stopping set of her most famous hits: "Heat Wave," "Do It Again" and "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend," to name a few. Her gowns are exact replicas of Marilyn's.

Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.; the show will follow at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25 per person or $200 for a table of eight and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets (www.ticketmaster.com or (402) 475-1212); the Fonner Park business office (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays).

For more information, call 382-4515 or check the Web site at www.heartlandeventscenter.com.

Lightning Bugs part of Lied's Free at 6 series

LINCOLN With a name inspired by the pop music classic, "Glow Worm," the Lightning Bugs are a swinging jazz trio dedicated to the standards of the 1930s and '40s. They will be appearing at the Lied Center for Performing Arts at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 20, as part of the center's Free at 6 series.

Reynold Peterson, Steve Hanson and Jim Pipher make up this Lincoln-based ensemble that patterns their harmonies after the style of the Mills Brothers. Their repertoire features jazz and pop standards from big bands ruled the dance halls. Peterson takes care of lead vocals and percussion; Hanson plays guitar and sings tenor; with Pipher rounding out the group with baritone vocals and upright bass.

There is no charge; for more information, check the Lied Center's Web site at www.liedcenter.org.

REACT Craft Show open Friday and Saturday

The Grand Island REACT Craft Show is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Heartland Events Center.

The event will include displays featuring handmade creations including dolls, ceramics, quilts, pottery, jewelry and originals made from wood, leather and glass.

There is no admission charge for the craft show; for more information, call Mike Meyer at 381-1549 or check the Web site at www.heartlandeventscenter.com.

Third Saturday gathering hosts Victorian tea party

WOOD RIVER A Victorian Tea Party will be the featured event at the Third Saturday Friendship Gathering set for 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday in the Wood River Rural High School Performing Arts Theater Lobby.

Third Saturday Friendship Gatherings are an informal event for friends old and new, young and old, to explore and reminisce. At the March 15 gathering, those attending will have the chance to learn all about Victorian etiquette and take part in a Victorian tea party.

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

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

Library to host Abbott Sisters Day

The Grand Island Public Library will host Abbott Sisters Day beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday at the library, 211 N. Washington.

The scheduled program includes an Abbott Sisters Tribute, announcement of the establishment of the Abbott-Independent Scholarship Fund, "Making B's" (a dramatic reading from Edith Abbott's memoir), announcements of Abbott project developments, Abbott-Sudan quilt project and a musical presentation by the Nuba Children's Choir.

Refreshments will be served following the program; there is no admission charge.

For more information, call Steve Fosselman at 385-5333.

Ready for a toga party?

The classic 1970s college sex comedy "Animal House," will be the featured film of the Grand Island International Film Festival at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Grand Theatre, 316 W. Third.

Why include a raunchy teen sex comedy in the middle of some of the greatest American movies ever committed to film, you may ask? Because "Animal House" is the mother of all raunchy teen sex comedies, a movie so beloved and well known you can't just pick one quote, but "toga toga toga!" comes to mind.

Admisison is $5 at the door; for more information, call Paul Warshauer at 385-6818.

More Your ticket briefs, page 5-C

Concert to feature classic music from 50s, 60s and 70s

The Golden Oldies Revival Band will present an evening of classic music from the 1950s, 60s and 70s at 7 p.m. Monday, March 24, at the Grand Theatre, 316 W. Third.

Band members include Tom Backus, Doris Winkler, Greg Knipe, Tom Schroeder, Rich Raile, Pat Boilesen and Elton Flodman.

Advance tickets are $12 and are available at Howard's Jewelry. For more information, call Elton Flodman at (402) 757-3201

Jimmy Eat World plans stop in Council Bluffs

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa Tickets are now on sale for the Jimmy Eat World concert set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs.

The concert will also feature Paramore. General admission tickets are $28 and are available through Ticketmaster, (402) 422-1212 or www.Ticketmaster.com.

Dove-award winner to perform in Omaha

OMAHA Aaron Shust, Dove-award winning New Artist of the Year, will appear in concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 3, at the Westside Church, 15050 W. Dodge Road in Omaha.

Shust's "Whispered and Shouted" Tour will also feature Brandon Heath and Meredith Andrews.

General admission tickets are $15; for more information call (800) 965-9324 or check the Web site at www.itickets.com.

This week at the Grand ...

"National Treasure: Book of Secrets," is showing again this weekend at the Grand Theatre, 316 W. Third. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates looks to discover the truth behind the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, by uncovering the mystery within the 18 pages missing from assassin John Wilkes Booth's diary. This film stars Nicolas Cage and is rated PG.

Tickets are $3.50 for adults and $2.50 for children under 12. For more information, call 381-2667 or visit the Web site at www.grandmovietheatre.com.

New exhibits set to open at MONA

KEARNEY Several new exhibits have recently opened or are set to open over the next few weeks at the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney.

"Birgit Freybe Bateman: Demoiselle Cranes at Keechan" is on display through Sunday. In images photographed in northern Rajasthan, India, Bateman captured the quintessence of the demoiselle - the world's smallest crane in stature, and the second most populous species. The demoiselle cranes breed on the grasslands of central Asia, migrating to northeast Africa and India for the winter.

"Spirit: A Celebration of Art in the Heartland," opens Saturday and runs through April 5. A biennial fundraising benefit for MONA, this sixth "Spirit" features for purchase the works of 70 Nebraska-connected artists. The selections are on view three weeks before the festive weekend of activities that culminates in an exciting Patron Evening on April 4, followed by the Gala Dinner and Auction on April 5.

"Audubon Selections: Canids from the Wilds of Nebraska," part two, will be on display from April 8 through Sept. 8, in the museum's Cope Gallery. The exhibit will feature a selection of John James Audubon's lithographic prints. Viewers see famous mammal images through the eyes of this famous 19th-century naturalist-artist.

"19th Century Images of Nebraska," focuses on artists who found their way in and through Nebraska in the 1800s. This exhibition collaborates with Gary Zaruba and Larry Peterson, collectors of Nebraska historical prints and experts on the artists and their work depicting Nebraska from the 1800s to early 1900s. The exhibit runs April 8 through Aug. 17.

Student Art Show, featuring works by budding artists from Kearney and surrounding school districts are on display for four weeks beginning April 8, when MONA is alive with the creativity of young student artists, kindergarten through high school seniors. Each week a different selection of art is presented representing the various age levels. The Student Art Show runs through May 4.

"Recent Acquisitions," April 15 through June 8, features a selection of artworks acquired in the last several years showcases a variety of artists, media, and styles.

MONA acquires nearly 100 artworks each year, most of which are given by generous donors.

"Nebraska Now: Lisa Bang Hoffman, Photographs," April 19-July 20. Lincoln artist Hoffman creates universally appealing photographs of her own children through the use of black and white photography. With soft and intimate, sometimes close-up images of her daughters and son, viewers are reintroduced to the quiet, loud, wondrous and fleeting moments that occur in the seemingly mundane.

The Eyes Have It," April 25 through Sept. 14; a small group of portraits, selected by visitors to MONA in early 2008, form the inspiration for short written comments contributed by various individuals about the artworks. With several commentaries about each piece, visitors can see how differently we all view an artwork. Comment books are also available so guests may share their thoughts and feelings.

The Museum of Nebraska Art, 2401 Central Ave. in Kearney is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, and is closed major holidays. Docent-led, free tours are offered the fourth Wednesday of the month. There is no admission charge, but donations accepted. For more information, call (308) 865-8559 or monet.unk.edu/mona.

Concert Association to host Glenn Miller Orchestra

The Glenn Miller Orchestra will present a concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, in the Grand Island Senior High School Auditorium. The concert is sponsored by the Grand Island Concert Association and admission is by membership only.

Nearly 60 years after the public first embraced the Miller sound, both the legend and the music live on. Trombonist Larry O'Brien leads the 17 member band which also includes a vocalist. The program will include all the old favorites: "Moonlight Sonata," "Tuxedo Junction," "A String of Pearls," "In the Mood," "Chattanooga Choo-Choo," "Pennsylvania 6-5000," and the rest.

For membership information, call Stanley Urwiller at 382-2309 or check out the Concert Association Web site, www.giconcerts.org. This event will not be offered as a reciprocal concert with other Nebraska concert associations due to the high GICA member seating requirement.

Peace Dance set for Friday

Peace Lutheran Church will host its monthly dance for middle school students from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday at the church, 1710 N. Road Road.

The dance is open to students in the sixth through eighth grades; admission is $4 and school dress codes will be enforced.

The monthly dance has been offered for more than 10 years. It is led by the church's senior high ministry and chaparoned by a group of adult volunteers.

For more information, call the church office at 384-5673.