Learn more about the Chinese culture at the 2009 Iowa Chinese New Year Celebration! The free event will feature a host of activities for kids & adults. Learn how to prepare chinese cuisine with cooking demonstrations, watch Chinese calligraphy & painting being made, chinese martial arts, tai chi demonstrations & enjoy music & dancing.

Des Moines police and fire department hockey teams are practicing for the fourth annual Guns and Hoses Charity Hockey Game at Wells Fargo Arena on Jan. 24. A $10 ticket is good for admission to the public safety benefit game, which starts at 3:45 p.m., as well as the Iowa Chops game against the San Antonio Rampage, which starts at 7:05 p.m. Ticket sale profits from the police-fire department showdown will be split between the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Special Olympics. Special jerseys worn by the Chops during the game against San Antonio will be auctioned off after the contest. The money will go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Tickets to the Guns and Hoses charity game can be purchased at the Muscular Dystrophy Office, 1415 28th Street, Suite 475, West Des Moines; the Des Moines Police Credit Union, 423 E. Court Ave., or the basement of the Des Moines Police Department. Police department game jerseys also will be for sale for $50 to help defray medical costs for the daughter of a Des Moines police officer. Officer Danny White's daughter, Ashlyn, recently was diagnosed with leukemia. The police jerseys can be ordered through VanGinkel Athletic Mfg Co., 2208 Ingersoll Ave., 244-7718.

Fourth Annual Guns & Hoses Charity Hockey game prior to Iowa Chops vs San Antonio Rampage game. Don't miss a minute of the action as the Iowa Chops take the ice at Wells Fargo Arena. The Iowa Chops, AHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, bring a new look and attitude to hockey in Des Moines. Iowa Chops Hockey…It's Swine Time!

Come & help us celebrate our 10 year anniversary! Beginner lessons with Ruben Zamudio III at 8pm. Dancing until 1:30am. Reserve your tickets by e-mailing Dawn at dawnd@salsaiowa.com.Music provided by Latin Rhythmz. All ages welcome!!!

FREE admission; seating is limited & available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 3:30  p.m.

He's back from LA! Come early for a great seat!

Get behind the Greater Des Moines Area LIVESTRONG Chapter & Lance Armstrong's Global Cancer Fight,  "Unite Against Cancer"! This event is to raise awareness & funding for the LIVESTRONG Foundation to help fight & bring an end to cancer. Professionals from The Mercy Cancer Center will talk about what to do for checkups, treatment & general education about cancer, both Doctors & Nurses will be in the event booth. For chances to win a Fuji Road Bike, Iowa Chops Hockey autographed items, tickets, Jordan Creek discounts & donations, go to the center court on the 1st level. Special events include: Saturday 12-3pm: indoor bicycle road race with 50 cyclists on trainers; Saturday 3-5pm: Cycling on rollers demonstration; Sunday 1-3:pm: The Iowa Chops professional hockey team will be signing autographs. Additional demonstrations/important health & wellness info will be available throughout the day. ALL THIS, AND ADMISSION IS FREE! Wear yellow & take part in uniting our community, and the nation, in the fight against cancer!

Rousing & raucous, Scythian (sith-ee-yin) plays kicked-up Celtic & world music with hints of Gypsy & Klezmer, all infused with a touch of punk-rock sensibility. Take a pair of classically trained dueling fiddlers, toss in a rhythm guitar & the occasional funky accordion, then power it with the driving rhythm of a jazz percussionist, and you've got the ingredients for a show you won't soon forget. Their high-energy, adrenaline-peddling, interactive brand of music has one goal in mind; to get people on their feet and dancing! Scythian has a great respect for the traditional - which is the foundation of their music - nevertheless, they are not afraid to wink at convention in search of a little fun, lending them an appeal to young & old alike.

Come celebrate the Chinese New Year at the Tournament Club of Iowa!

The Fort Des Moines Museum, 75 E. Army Post Road, is hosting a free history detectives workshop. Learn how to research items & follow clues of the past. Bring an item or two to show at the workshop. For more information: (515) 282-8060.

Celebrate the newest book by Laura Numeroff, author of children's books. Do crafts, decorate cupcakes & listen to a funny story in the library's children's area. Preregister by calling the Library.

The largest touring event featuring Christian rock bands will stop in Des Moines at Vets! The lineup includes tobyMac, BarlowGirl, the Afters, NewSong, Francesca Battistelli, pureNRG, Stephanie Smith & guest speaker Tony Nolan. Tickets just $10 (no advance tickets, sorry!)

John Pizzarelli has had a mulit-faceted career as a jazz guitarist, vocalist & bandleader. Internationally known for classic standards, late-night ballads & cool jazz flavor. He has recently established himself as the consummate entertainer & radio program host with the launch of ""Radio Deluxe with John Pizzarelli"" a nationally syndicated radio program co-hosted with his wife, Broadway star Jessica Molaskey.

www.IowaTix.com

Location - Iowa State Fairgrounds, 4-H Exhibits Building. Contact Information: Daryl Klein (888) 542-1486.

Directed by Josh Visnapuu.
Tallgrass Theatre Company's 3rd Annual Iowa Playwrights Workshop (IPW) was originally created in 2006 for the purpose of developing & showcasing fresh new works by Iowa writers. Writers are encouraged to submit one-act or full-length plays at any time to Tallgrass via electronic or hard copy.

Submissions accepted until September 15; Script to be announced October 15.
Auditions: November 24 and 25 @ 6:00 PM
Parts TBD

Opening reception January 23, 5-8 p.m. Works on Paper: Drawings, prints & photography in new & traditional forms by: Leslie Bell, Heather Brammeier, John Phillip Davis, Noah Doely, Catherine Dreiss, Tracy Duran, Diane Henk, Frank Hansen, Larassa Kabel, Richard Kelley, Nancy Lindsay, Bill Luchsinger, Therese Murdza, Wayne Norton, Toby Penney, Anthony Pontius, John Siblik, Karen Strohbeen, Richard Taylor, Jeffrey Thompson, Chris Vance, Ignatius Widiapradja & James Woodfill. Artist Talk by woodcut artist Catherine Dreiss January 24,11 a.m.

Doubt, the 2005 Tony Award & Pulitizer Prize winner, is a breathtaking look at faith, guilt & the pitfalls of moral certainty. It's a tour de force for actors, a riveting experience for audiences & sure to stimulate lively debate. Show Days & Times 7:30 PM Wednesday 7:30 PM Thursday 8:00 PM Friday 8:00 PM Saturday 2:00 PM Sunday Tickets $35.00 Adults Section A $32.00 Seniors (62+) Section A $24.00 Adults & Seniors SEction B $20.00 Students Both Sections

Sleeping Dogs centers around 2 mothers who are trying to uncover facts surrounding a car accident that has left one woman's son dead & the other woman's son comatose. Their investigation, which leads to surprising & disturbing revelations, ultimately forces the mothers to re-examine the identities of themselves & the sons they thought they knew so well. Loosely based on a true story, Sleeping Dogs examines the complex & personal reasons why some people are content to accept matters as they appear to be while others are compelled to seek the truth at any cost. DATES/TIMES: January 23rd & 24th @ 7p.m.; January 30th & 31st @ 7p.m.; February 6th & 7th @ 7p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.tallgrasstheatre.org or www.iowatix.com.

Comedy

The 2009 Iowa Bicycle Summit is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Transportation and the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. The Friday Bicycle Facility Design Workshop will feature Steve Durrant from Portland Oregon. Steve Durrant, ASLA is the senior landscape architect at Alta Planning + Design in Portland, Oregon, USA, a national firm specializing in non-motorized transportation solutions. He is a registered landscape architect and planner with over 30 years experience helping communities become better places to live. His career has focused on urban non-motorized transportation, urban trails, waterfront redevelopment, open space planning, community revitalization, greenways and long range planning for National Parks. The Saturday Workshop is geared towards grassroots bicyclists who want to better their communities. Find sessions on Safe Routes To Schools, Bike to Work Week, the University of Iowa HANK simulator, the upcoming Federal Transportation Bill. Registration fees include all conference materials, lunch and refreshments. The workshop is limited to 100 people, and Saturday’s session is limited to 150 people. Register early before all seats are taken.

Call him cocky, call him confident, but never call him dull. The Midnight Swinger erupts onto the stage like the volcano in a fresh & original, over the top event that has been called "sharp-witted," "clever" and "classy." Putting the show back in showman, The Midnight Swinger combines the style & cool of a 60's Las Vegas performer with the flash & excitement of a 21st century Super Bowl halftime show. More than just a stand-up comedian, the Midnight Swinger is proud to be called a throwback entertainer. The Swinger believes in more than just standing behind the mic & telling jokes & doing more than just a simple "comedy show." The Midnight Swinger puts on a spectacle that leaves the audience LAUGHIN', SINGIN' & SWINGIN'. The Swinger always wears the sharpest threads & stylin' and profilin' with an oversized pompadour. The Swinger will be the first to tell you, "Damn, I Look Good," his battle cry before, during & after every show. The never subtle or soft spoken Midnight Swinger heats up the room as he puts on a classic Las Vegas style show filled with great comedy, music, singing and dancing. And when the show is over you will walkout with a smile on your face yelling DAMN, I LOOK GOOD!

Broadway's most talked about new musical is now the biggest Tony Award Winner in years. SPRING AWAKENING is the groundbreaking fusion of morality, sexuality & rock & roll that has awakened Broadway like no other musical in years. Winner of 8 Tony Awards, SPRING AWAKENING celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, a poignancy & a passion you will never forget.

Exhibition in Print Gallery: Different Realities European & American Prints and Drawings from the 1920s and 1930s.  See www.desmoinesartcenter.org for more information.

Adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Tim McDonald. Based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. Join Charlie Bucket, Grandpa Joe, and all the other holders of the coveted Golden Ticket as they set off on their adventure through Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory - the greatest chocolate factory in the world - accompanied by Wonka himself! This new stage musical features the Oompa Loompa chants from the Gene Wilder film, as well as the songs ""Candy Man"" and ""Pure Imagination."" Show Days & Times 7:00 PM Friday 1:00 PM Saturday 1:00 PM Sunday 4:00 PM Sunday (1:00 PM only on Feb. 8) Tickets $15.00 Adults/Seniors (62+) $12.00 Students

SUNDAYS ONLY - Join local musicians as they escape from the cold, dry winter to the warm tropical environment of the Botanical Center. Every Sunday in January & February a different artist will be performing in the Dome from 1pm-3pm. Admission $4 per person. Come down & join us for food, fun, and entertainment! DATES/SCHEDULE: Jan. 4: Matt Woods Jan. 11: Brad ""DeBrad"" McCloud & John Zantow of the Case of the Blues Band Jan. 18: Mojo Jono Jan. 25: Dewey Cantrell & Jodi Bodley Feb. 1: Hot Tamale Duo Feb. 8: Thunderbird Kingsley Feb. 15: Fat Tuesday Duo featuring Scott Long & Greg Sutherland Feb. 22: Lady Blue Duo featuring Tina Haase-Findlay

Thursday January 1st, 2009 Happy New Year! from 4pm-9pm Friday January 2nd, 2009 Rock the River from 8pm-11pm Public Skate from 9am-8pm Saturday January 3rd, 2009 Public Skate from 10am-11pm Freestyle from 9am-10am Public Skate from 10am-11pm Freestyle from 9am-10am Sunday January 4th, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-8pm Public Skate from Noon-8pm Monday January 5th, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-6pm Tuesday January 6th, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-9pm Wednesday January 7th, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-9pm Thursday January 8th, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-8pm Friday January 9th, 2009 Rock the River from 8pm-11pm Public Skate from 9am-8pm Saturday January 10th, 2009 Public Skate from 10am-11pm Freestyle from 9am-10am Public Skate from 10am-11pm Freestyle from 9am-10am Sunday January 11th, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-8pm Public Skate from Noon-8pm Monday January 12th, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-6pm Tuesday January 13th, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-9pm Wednesday January 14th, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-9pm Thursday January 15th, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-8pm Friday January 16th, 2009 Rock the River from 8pm-11pm Public Skate from 9am-8pm Saturday January 17th, 2009 Public Skate from 10am-11pm Freestyle from 9am-10am Public Skate from 10am-11pm Freestyle from 9am-10am Sunday January 18th, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-8pm Public Skate from Noon-8pm Monday January 19th, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-6pm Tuesday January 20th, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-9pm Wednesday January 21st, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-9pm Thursday January 22nd, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-8pm Friday January 23rd, 2009 Rock the River from 8pm-11pm Public Skate from 9am-8pm Saturday January 24th, 2009 Public Skate from 10am-11pm Freestyle from 9am-10am Public Skate from 10am-11pm Freestyle from 9am-10am Sunday January 25th, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-8pm Public Skate from Noon-8pm Monday January 26th, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-6pm Tuesday January 27th, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-9pm Wednesday January 28th, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-9pm Thursday January 29th, 2009 Public Skate from Noon-8pm Friday January 30th, 2009 Rock the River from 8pm-11pm Public Skate from 9am-8pm Saturday January 31st, 2009 Public Skate from 10am-11pm Freestyle from 9am-10am Public Skate from 10am-11pm Freestyle from 9am-10am

The State Historical Society of Iowa recognized the importance of visual works of art as documents of history and began collecting paintings as far back as 1857,” Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Director Cyndi Pederson said. “These paintings are important historical artifacts because they provide clues about the activities, attitudes, ideas, interests, prejudices and status of the people who created and displayed them.” The museum holds in its collection more than 300 historical paintings, most of them suffering from decades of exposure to sunlight, tobacco smoke, coal dust and fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Aging varnish and a build up of grime also combined to obscure the images. The vast majority of the collection had been on display or in storage at the former Historical Building (now the Ola Babcock Miller Building) at 1112 E. Grand Avenue before being relocated in 1988 to the current location, where it is now protected in a climate-controlled storage area. For two decades, museum staff has identified a select number of paintings to be conserved and displayed in exhibits, but a comprehensive effort targeting the entire collection had been too costly until recently. In 2004, museum staff contacted Illinois conservator Barry Bauman, who began offering complimentary services to museums and non-profit organizations in 2003. He charges only for supplies. Bauman, who operates Barry Bauman Conservation in River Forest, Ill., is an Elected Fellow of the American Institute for Conservation. He was formerly the Associate Conservator of Paintings for the Art Institute of Chicago and the founder and owner of the Chicago Conservation Center. “Recovered Treasures” showcases a selection of 20 paintings conserved by Bauman, and highlights a cross-section of the works in the museum’s collection. These paintings represent almost $100,000 in donated services from Bauman. Treatment images of the exhibit paintings can be viewed on Bauman’s Web site: www.baumanconservation.com. Eighteen of the paintings come from the museum’s climate-controlled storage area, and the other two have been on display at Terrace Hill in Des Moines and Governor William Larrabee’s home, Montauk, which is a historic site near Clermont, Iowa.

Questions/comments: Call the gallery at 286-2242 or visit www.heritagegallery.org.

Two centuries of history are preserved in "The Working White House: Two Centuries of Traditions and Memories," an artifact-based traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, developed with the Smithsonian Center for Folklife & Cultural Heritage & the White House Historical Association. The "Working White House" gives exhibit visitors a rare view of the inner workings of America's most renowned residence through the experiences, firsthand accounts & one-of-a-kind artifacts of the largely unrecognized people crucial to the everyday lives of our first families. For two centuries, workers at the White House have witnessed history in the making and, in the process, they have created their own. "The Working White House" showcases the souvenirs, housekeeping implements, clothing, letters, menus, photographs and other objects to help illustrate the full story of the presidential residence. New interviews conducted by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage and WHHA staffers with past workers provide eyewitness accounts of White House work culture and will be included in an audio tour and exhibition video.