Based on the confrontation over evolution and education at the heart of the Scopes Monkey Trial. Net proceeds support Drake's fine arts program. A faculty roundtable follows the February 14 performance

The Friends of the Des Moines Botanical Center have rounded up some of the area's most highly regarded plant & growing experts for this year's Learn on Saturdays Garden Talks. The program continues through March 27. Each week a visiting expert will tackle a different topic. Most sessions feature two topics, each by a different presenter. The sessions are free with the center's regular entry fee of $5 for adults & $4 for seniors. Center members, volunteers & badge-wearing master gardeners do not have to pay. For more information go to www.botanicalcenter.com or call (515) 323-6290. 

Landscaping with Trees by Luke Miller, editor of Garden Ideas & Outdoor Living magazine, 10 a.m., Feb. 13; 11 a.m. Bob Oliver will talk briefly about the tour he is leading for Virginia Garden Week, followed by The Art and Practice of Gardening by Elvin McDonald.

The Des Moines Botanical Center welcomes you to an elegant, romantic Valentines Dinner & enjoy the beauty of the dome. Seating is limited/reservations required. Doors open at 6pm, dinner is served at 7pm. $60/person. For reservations please call 323-6289. MENU: Choice of one of the following entrees: Pan Seared Cracked Black Pepper Sirloin, Rosemary Chicken Breast topped with Riesling and Portabella Reduction Sauce, or Braised Shrimp Skewers with a Tangy Hoisan Sauce. All entrees are served with Tuscan Vegetable Blend, Parmesan Potato Cakes, Rosemary Foccacia Bread, Chocolate French Raspberry Cake topped with a Mixed Fresh Berry Glaze. Each guest will also enjoy complimentary Beer, Red and White Wines. In order to cancel your reservation, you must call no later than 3pm on February 9, otherwise your credit card will be charged

Tickets only $25.00; on sale now at all Des Moines Area Hy-Vee Stores. Come in your best sock hop attire and dance the night away to the Doo Wop Daddies. Dance contests, 1950's food, contests, silent auction and drawings!

Come find all the home based consultants you need. Show will be located in lower bridge court.

with special guests Douglas Acres

This Valentine's event features Dinner, Entertainment, and a Silent Auction with proceeds benefiting Ballet Des Moines' new children's program "Dance Without Limits". Dance Without Limits gives children with physical or cognitive disabilities the opportunity to experience the thrill of dance. The dinner will feature a 7 station dining selection catered by Taste to Go. Guests will be greeted by Mary Foss, professional harpist with the Des Moines Symphony. Ballet Des Moines will perform various dances including a "sizzling" Tango exhibition. Fred Gazzo, former Las Vegas performer, and his band, The Metropolitans will complete the night with songs from the Frank Sinatra era. Complimentary Martini Bar and a Champagne Reception will greet guests as they arrive. The Scottish Rite will be professionally decorated by Innovative Events. The Silent Auction will include jewelry items, humidor/cigars, etc., and proceeds to benefit Ballet Des Moines's, Dance Without Limits. Advance reservations are required. For tickets and more information, please visit the website above. This truly will be a spectacular evening!

Michael Vogt, Curator of the Iowa Gold Star Museum, will discuss the African American Soldiers who fought during the Spanish American War.

Join us on Saturday, Feb. 13th, for a Valentine's Celebration! The Melodie Proffitt Band will perform - admission includes bottle of wine & appetizers throughout the night! Please call 515-282-9463 for reservations.

Join us for the first large LiveWell event of 2010 – a fun-filled day to learn about cardiovascular health and wellness! Dance for Your Heart is a free, interactive community event that will involve health screenings and heart healthy dancing demonstrations and instruction (including ballroom, swing, and Irish dancing). We will also have special performances by the Iowa State University cheer squad. The goal of Dance for Your Heart is to create a community-wide celebration around heart health. Worried about two left feet? Don’t be! There is something for everyone, including the dancing, hands-on displays, blood pressure checks, diabetes screenings and BMI checks, to name just a few!

Schedule too busy for a 13 week course? Come try our new and exciting mini courses. A wide variety of materials are used in each course to create one complete work of art. The possibilities are endless! Each course meets for TWO Saturday sessions. Ages 6-8 and 9-12 African Masks - February 13 and 20 Gnome Homes and Fairy Houses - February 27 and March 6 Papier Mache Animals - March 27 and April 3 Impressionistic Landscapes - April 10 and 17 Puppet-Making - April 24 and May 1

Theme: Love "Bears" All! For more information on the event, please go to www.gwtapolkcountywings.com or call Dennis Irvin at (515) 402-5189. Hotel lodging at the Baymont Inn & Suites (515-265-4777 - tell them your with Gold Wing Group).

When describing Cherish the Ladies - the critics say it best..."It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn't enjoy what they do", the Boston Globe, "An astonishing array of virtuosity", the Washington Post, "Expands the annals of Irish music in America... the music is passionate, tender and rambunctious", the New York Times - and for 20 years, Cherish the Ladies have proven themselves worthy to live up to these accolades and in doing so have become one of the most engaging ensembles in the history of Irish Music.

Back by popular demand - take your valentine to Rex Havens' To Her With Love. A humorous look at love and marriage. "What Smart Women Taught Me While They Thought I Wasn't Listening"

Saturday & Sunday, February 13 & 14 – Valentine’s Wine Dinner 6:30 p.m. Wine Tasting 7:30 p.m. Dinner Seating Price: $60 per person, plus tax (includes wine and gratuity) Celebrate Valentine’s with your sweetheart at Tassel Ridge Winery while enjoying a spectacular four-course, wine pairing dinner. Start with appetizers served in the Tasting Room while listening to our pianist play a selection of love songs. Next enjoy a mixed baby green salad with slivered almonds, Maytag Blue Cheese, and a raspberry vinaigrette, followed by beef tenderloin with a Tassel Ridge In The Dark wine reduction, roasted garlic smashed baby reds, and balsamic grilled vegetables. Finish the evening with a decadent dark chocolate molten lava cake. Each course will be paired with a Tassel Ridge wine selected to complement the flavors of the food. Reserve a candlelit table for two or, if you prefer to celebrate with friends, reserve a larger table. Call the Winery at 641.672.9463 to make advance reservations, required by Tuesday, February 9. Extend your special time together with a Romantic Overnight Getaway! Refresh, renew, and indulge yourself and your special someone. This package includes Tassel Ridge Winery’s private VIP winery tour and wine tasting, a welcome basket with two souvenir wine glasses and your choice of a bottle of Oskyfizzante® Red, Oskyfizzante® Pink, or Oskyfizzante® White, an overnight stay at a beautiful bed & breakfast or the Country Inn & Suites in Pella, and Tassel Ridge Winery’s Valentine’s Dinner for two. Prices starting at $250. For reservations, call Roxy Braband at 641.673-5111 by Tuesday, February 9.

Come learn about some common and not so common Iowa birds. You'll have the opportunity to see a variety of bird mounts & learn about bird characteristics.

All ages welcome!

Have you seen all of the animals that live in the woods or in your neighborhood? Come to this program & you'll learn how to find the signs that tell you without having to see them. All ages welcome!

The Music Room Series Show offers a unique and personal evening, centered around her music and the stories behind the hits. The audience can ask questions, request songs and be an integral part of the show. The stage, set to resemble the music room at her home, invites the audience to witness the intimate setting and inspiration where many of her songs came to life

Over 300 spots full of motorcycles/motorcycle parts, accessories, clothing, collectables & much more from exhibitors/vendors from across the nation. There are choppers, customs, antiques, scooters, bicycles & touring motorcycles. Local motorcycle shows will be displaying their new 2010 models. This is one of the largest motorcycle shows & swap meets in the Midwest with the Midwest’s finest motorcycle builders & their creations on display.

Tim McGraw and his band, the Dancehall Doctors, will kick off an extensive North American tour in support of his new album, Southern Voice, which was released last month by Curb Records. The "Southern Voice" tour is promoted nationally by Live Nation. Lady Antebellum will be a special guest on the entire tour. The Lost Trailers will open the show. Outback Steakhouse will present the "Southern Voice" tour and the Fritos brand from Frito-Lay is associate tour sponsor.  

Tickets on sale starting December 5 at www.ticketmaster.com, www.iowatix.com or www.Dahlstickets.com.

Oooh, la la! Heavenly chocolate! The Perry area merchants hosts this annual Chocolate Walk the Saturday before Valentine's Day from 10am to 4pm. Chocolate Walk participants will sample a luscious chocolate treat at each participating store while visiting Perry's great array of shops & restaurants.

Experience the romance of the winery Summerset style. You & your special someone will relish in an evening filled with music, wine & amore. The wine reception will set the mood. Savor the moments created by music performed by El Dorados & Malcolm Wells & cuisine catered by Christiani’s. The cost is $55/pp & includes a wine reception, dinner, bottle of wine per person, dancing & a photo of you and your sweetie.

The 27th annual All-Canada Show offers Canada's BEST fishing and hunting and brings the largest contingent of Canadian lodge, camp and outfitters in this market. Midwest outdoors people use the show to plan their perfect adventure to Canada.

Admission is good all weekend with a hand stamp or a wristband. With the Antique Spectacular, there is always something to interest every collector including: furniture, art pottery, stoneware, books, prints, primitives, jewelry, silver, antique glassware, china, postcards, coins, quilts, dolls, toys, advertising, rugs, vintage textiles, and period pieces. Shop for a timeless treasure that is new to you. www.antiquespectacular.com.

Marriage Matters presents 'Til Death Do Us Part - Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre. A wedding reception is now a crime scene. EVERYONE is suspect, maybe even YOU! Enjoy dinner, laughs, and interactive comedy...witness the crime and help solve the mystery! Two shows available - Friday or Saturday evening of Valentine's weekend. For tickets, call Cindy at 877-866-4372 or email at cwelsher@ifpc.org.

Bring your Sweetie and enjoy a 50's style dinner dance! Doors open at 6 p.m. with a buffet dinner including old fashioned shakes & malts. Dance the night away with Richie Lee and the Fabulous 50's Band. Call today for tickets at Java Joes 515-288-5282

DINNER TRAIN Experience elegant railroad dining as it was in the 1950's. This relaxing two hour and thirty minute scenic ride through the Des Moines River Valley features historic 1950's railcars which were used on the Union Pacific Railroad's "City" trains. This train utilizes the same route as our 1920's excursion trains, crossing the 156' tall Bass Point Creek High Bridge on it's way through the valley.

The Des Moines Home & Garden Show is the place for you to experience what's new in Home, Gardening, Remodeling, Home Decor, and More! You'll have the opportunity to meet over 500 experts and experience thousands of products and services.

RTI celebrates love and other matters with six short plays by the literary great, Anton Chekov. Included in the evening of one-acts is THE BEAR, A RELUCTANT TRAGIC HERO, THE FESTIVITIES, SWAN SONG, THE PROPOSAL, and an RTI original adaption of one of Chekhov's short stories. Order Tickets online at www.IowaTix.com or by calling 515-277-3727.

Written and performed by Bo Eason and directed by Larry Moss, RUNT OF THE LITTER opens in the final hour of Jack Henry's lifelong dream, only one thing stands in his way -- his brother. The play looks at what happens to two brothers in a family of over-achievers: when their parents assure their oldest son he is destined for football superstardom, and tell their youngest son he is too small to compete, a line in the family sand is drawn that colors the rest of their lives. Runt of the Litter is, in fact, a semiautobiographical account of Bo Eason's life and career as a defensive back for the Houston Oilers in the 1980s, where he played safety. His determination and killer instincts on the playing field remain the stuff of legend. His brother, Tony Eason was the quarterback who led the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl in 1986. It debuted in New York in 2002 and has subsequently been performed by Bo Eason at theatres around the country. Please note: only children age 5 and over with tickets will be allowed into the theater for this production.

Jim Short talks funny. Originally from Australia, now based in San Francisco, Short began his comedy career in Dallas, Texas in 1988. Television appearances include "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", "Comedy Central's Premium Blend", "NBC's late Friday", and "A&E's Comedy on the Road". Jim has performed at the Montreal International Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, and the San Francisco International Comedy Competition. Jim Short is winning over audiences throughout the nation with an act that is unique and original mix of personal observations on pop and social culture, world media and history, and television and music references.

Performing at The House of Bricks:
Wed. Feb. 10: KEY PARTY, POGO FORCE FIVE, ERIC LANGKAMP - 5pm - All Ages - $5 - rock. Advance tickets available directly from the bands

Thurs. Feb. 11: THE AUDITION, THE DANGEROUS SUMMER, SPARKS TO THE RESCUE, THE RIGHT COAST - 5pm - All Ages - $12 - rock
$10 advance tickets available at www.iowatickets.com

Fri. Feb. 12: HANGOVER, MOOD BESIDE, XXILE - 5 pm - All Ages - $5 - Rock

Fri. Feb. 12: IZZY AND THE ROCKETS, THE BOB PACE BAND feat. STEVE GEORGE - 9:30 pm - $5 - Rock

Sat. Feb. 13: “Petapalooza” Fundraiser for The Animal Rescue League of Iowa; Performing: BUSTER AND THE PUNKS, BY IT’S OWN NAME, ANDY FISH, TYKE, MONDAY MOURNERS, THE MANICS, P-58, TOM BRIGHTON, BLUTIGER FLUSS - 5 pm - All Ages until 9pm - $8 - Rock
Only $6 with pet item donation. Free cavatelli at 9:30!

Sun. Feb. 14: SECTION HATE, PAIN OF EVOLUTION, DOOMSDAY CRUSH, SCREAMING AGAINST SILENCE - 5 pm - All Ages - $5 or 2 for $8 - Rock

Wed. Feb. 17: SCARY KIDS SCARING KIDS, THE SLEEPING, TBA - 5pm - All Ages - $14 - Rock- $12 advance tickets at www.iowatix.com

Artists of the Saturday afternoon Sketch Club.
RECEPTION: Sunday, Feb. 28, 1 - 3 p.m.

“The Dolls of Japan: Shapes of Prayer, Embodiments of Love is sponsored by The Japan Foundation. Japanese dolls reflect the customs of Japan and the aspirations of its people, possess distinctive regional attributes, and over the centuries have developed in many diverse forms. Dolls also provide a showcase for traditional Japanese craft products, such as textiles. In “The Dolls of Japan,” dolls are grouped according to particular events in the Japanese calendar, their method of manufacture, their design and regional characteristics. Included are Japan’s representative dolls, including Hina ningyo (Girls’ Festival dolls) and Gogatsu ningyo (Boys’ Day dolls), which have their origins in ancient customs; dolls connected to traditional performing arts like noh, bunraku and kabuki; regional dolls from throughout the country; and “creative dolls” produced by contemporary craftspeople.

The setting is April 23, 1961, when a 38-year old Judy Garland performed at Carnegie Hall in what the New York Times called "the concert of the century". Woven into her concert performance are memories from her past. Her family, husbands, friends, costars & critics appear in flashbacks, bringing the star's story to vivid life. Each of the show's 25 songs map Judy's journey from poverty in Minnesota to Hollywood stardom.

The exhibit traces the history of ACT, Inc. – originally known as American College Testing Program – to a meeting of co-founders E.F. Lindquist, a University of Iowa professor and national expert in educational measurement; Ted McCarrel, UI Director of Admissions and Registrar; and 16 state representatives who met in Iowa’s Old Capitol on the University of Iowa campus on Aug. 21, 1959. That event founded the American College Testing Program, now known as ACT, Inc. The display includes a timeline of major events in ACT history and artifacts from ACT’s past including test documents and components from early test scoring machines. Visitors can also view an audio-video display with recordings from early leaders describing how the organization evolved.

Do you have an active toddler & looking for an outlet for them to burn off some energy? Do you want your child to learn the essential components of life-long fitness at an early age? Fitness Fun for Me! is a NEW program designed to introduce your child to the benefits of learning motor skills; gaining muscular & cardiovascular endurance; and increasing flexibility, strength, coordination & balance. Not only will your child learn aspects of fitness that will help them later in sports, but they will also learn social skills! Date(s): Wednesdays, January 13-February 17 Time(s): 10:30-11:30am Location: WDM Community Center Ballroom Ages: 2-4 with at least one adult Fee: $40 Program #: 10681 PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!

The only Christian Fitness and Meditation classes in the Des Moines Area. Zoe classes are a fusion of Yoga and Pilates. You will leave feeling recharged and refreshed. The long term result is a healthier body, mind and spirit.