Join Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant for drinks, excitement and musical entertainment by Heath Alan Band. And with great deals all night long, Blue Moon is the only place you need to be. Enjoy Happy Hour all night long with $5 martinis, $5 glasses of wine, $3 micro draws and $2 domestic draws.

The Irish Fest event schedule follows:

Atrium, First Floor 1 and 3 p.m. – Flatland Ramblers Celtic/Old Time quartet will play traditional Irish jigs, reels, waltzes and hornpipes 2:30-3 p.m. – The Mackenzie Highlander pipes and drums will perform Auditorium, First Floor 1:45 and 2:30 p.m. – The Foy School of Traditional Irish Dance will present step-dancing in the Cowles-Kruidenier Auditorium Heritage Classrooms A and B, First Floor 1 p.m. – Des Moines Artist Bev Ellis will lead children and adults in the production of Irish funwear – shamrock boas, Irish necklaces, hats, headbands and pins The Delicate Balance: Human Values and Iowa’s Natural Resources exhibit, First Floor 1 p.m. – Ceili Dancing Workshop with dancer and choreographer Janice Baker State Historical Library, Second Floor East 1 and 2 p.m. – “All Things Irish” museum artifacts presentation with Curator Jack Lufkin 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. – Viking and Medieval Dublin: Modern Dublin offers an archaeological layer cake of its historic past. Join Lynn M. Alex from the Office of the State Archaeologist for a virtual time-trip to Viking and Medieval Dublin 3 p.m. – Tracing Irish Heritage/Genealogy workshop with genealogist Theresa Liewer Resource Center, First Floor 1-4 p.m. Weavers and Spinners Guild of Des Moines will spin and talk about the fabrics of Ireland and weaving Café Baratta’s, Third Floor West 1 and 3 p.m. – Aran’s Daughters, a harp and vocal duo, will play and sing songs in Gaelic on the third floor of the museum

The parade, sponsored by The Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, will start promptly at 12:00 noon - 15th and Locust Streets - proceed east on Locust all the way to Embassy Suites Hotel for the Reception. Reception ends at approximately 4:30 pm. Please join us for the flag raising at 8:45 am at Embassy Suites.

Valene and Coleman, two brothers living alone in their father's house after his recent death, find it impossible to exist without the most massive and violent disputes over the most mundane and innocent of topics. Only Father Welsh, the local young priest, is prepared to try to reconcile the two before their petty squabblings spiral into vicious and bloody carnage.

You don't have to be Irish to get lucky this St Patty's Day. Come out and see The Pretty Things Peepshow traveling vaudeville revue featuring the best in burlesque and sideshow. See all 19 big acts performed by sideshow sweetheart and sword swallowing sensation Miss Heather Holliday, "The Dapper Dan of Danger" Donny Vomit, our Canadian Cutie Bettina May and gypsy burlesque starlet go-go Amy.

Join some furry, feathery, slimy & fuzzy animal friends in an exciting, hands-on adventure during which we will read books, make crafts & eat some yummy animal snacks. Classes are 45 minutes long & open for 2-4 year olds w/accompanying adult. Classes will be held at 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays. Regular registration is $16 & includes admission to the Zoo. Zoo members get a discounted rate of $10. Classes are the same during each theme week, so please register for only one class per week. Registration/prepayment required - register by calling Miranda at 515-974-2588 or online now! Classes fill quickly, so register early! *Please note Zoo Tots classes may include exploration of the zoo, please wear weather appropriate clothing.*

Hike Polk County! Go on an exciting hiking adventure each month with a Polk County Conservation naturalist. Be active and learn about nature as you explore a new area in Polk County each month on foot. These outdoor hikes are free & fun for all ages. Upcoming hikes include: January 9: 1 p.m. - Easter Lake Park, Shelter #3 February 20: 1 p.m. - Brown’s Woods March 17: 1 p.m. - Fort Des Moines Park, Shelter #1 April 17: 10 a.m. - Yellow Banks Park, Pond Parking Lot May 1: 1 p.m. - Thomas Mitchell Park, Pond Parking Lot June 29: 6:30 p.m. - Chichaqua Greenbelt, Sandhill Prairie July 8: 6:30 p.m. - Jester Park, Shelter #5 Pre-registration is not required. If you attend six or more hikes, you will be awarded a free gift. For more information, call Polk County Conservation at 515-323-5300 or go online to www.leadingyououtdoors.org.

Historical Discovery Discussions is 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. the 3rd Wednesday of the month at the State Historical Building (except 1/20/10 at Iowa Hall of Pride). Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch. Admission is free & program is open to the public. Contact Susan Jellinger at (515) 281-6897 or Susan.Jellinger@iowa.gov for more information. The 2009-2010 series includes the following dates/topics: Oct. 21: Iowa Haunts Nov. 18: Iowa Veterans, Old & New Dec. 16: Making Census of Iowa Jan. 20: Wrestling Iowans (at the Iowa Hall of Pride) Feb.17: Lincoln Links Mar. 17: Immigrants and Iowans Apr. 21: Pieces of Home, History & Art May 19: Reading of Iowa

 

Are you looking for something fun to do with the kids over Spring Break? Stop by the Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center for “Rhyme Time in the Gardens.” Children and families will get to make rhyme-related crafts, participate in activities and games and go on a scavenger hunt in the Dome, all a part of Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center’s Story Time in the Gardens spring garden theme of “There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe.” Please call 323-6290 for more information.

Get your geek on at Blue Moon during Pub Trivia! Gather your friends & enjoy 7 rounds of trivia, great prizes & awesome drink specials from 8 -10 p.m. every Tuesday through April 27th! Can DJ Cubbie & the geeks at Select Entertainment stump you? All night enjoy $2.50 draws, $3 bottles, $4 bombs and $3 Captains - but please, save some brain cells for the trivia! And if you work up an appetite, we're offering hot gooey, 12-inch pizzas for only 6 bucks!

Challenge your intellect...
Challenge your friends...
Expand your mind! It's all about the team!
With $5 pitchers and mixed drink specials all night! For further information: www.desmoinessocialclub.org.

Why The Sky? Because Jupiter is bigger than 1,000 Earths! Looking for a great way to spend Spring Break? Check out the Science Center of Iowa's newly enhanced space-themed experience platform, Why the Sky! And it comes free with general admission to SCI! Here's what's new- NEW EXHIBIT! Magic Planet® Travel the world in a whole new way with this amazing new permanent exhibit! With its stunning sphere-shaped display, this digital video globe makes it easy to understand dynamic global systems –whether it’s climate, the biosphere, geologic history or any other global topic. NEW LIVE PROGRAM! Martian Rock SCI is proud to present the world premiere of Martian Rock, an SCI-original science theater program based on the book by Carol Diggory Shields. Join a pair of martians in the Star Theater as they blast off to each of the planets in our solar system looking for life. Check SCI’s daily schedule for this enchanting new program! NEW STAR THEATER SHOW! Black Holes Investigate a place from which nothing escapes, not even light; where time and space literally come to end in BLACK HOLES: The Other Side of Infinity. You’ll zip through other-worldly wormholes, experience the creation of the Milky Way Galaxy, and witness the birth of a black hole in this new 25-minute planetarium show inside SCI’s Star Theater. Don't forget to see new photos of Iowa native, NASA Astronaut Peggy Whitson, and check out one of her actual space suits from a previous mission! All to complement the release of the IMAX Film, HUBBLE, opening Friday, March 19th. Have a fun-filled Spring Break at The Science Center of Iowa starting March 13th!

The Easter Bunny will be in Center Court to visit with boys & girls. Ride the Bunnyland Express train for only $1! Bunny’s hours are Monday-Saturday 10am - 8pm & Sunday 11am - 6pm. Valley West Mall will be closed Easter Sunday.

Dinosaurs are amongst the most fascinating animals to have ever walked the Earth. We are captivated by their enormous size and intrigued by the fact that they disappeared millions of years ago. Done in close collaboration with the foremost scientists of the domain, this film shows groundbreaking computer-generated footage of the Giganotosaurus and the Argentinosaurus. It takes audiences on an unprecedented and unique journey into the world of the largest known dinosaurs and, in the process, explores some of the great paleontological discoveries of modern time. 

Days/Times:

Thursday, March 11: 11am, 1pm & 6pm

Friday, March 12: 10am, Noon & 2pm

Saturday, March 13: 9am, 11am, 1pm & 3pm

Monday, March 15: 10am, Noon & 2pm

Tuesday, March 16: 11am, 2pm

Wednesday, March 17: 10am, Noon & 2pm

Thursday, March 18: 11am, 1pm & 6pm

Performing at The House of Bricks: 

Mar. 11: THE PROMISE, PEACE, LOVE & STUFF, ALL THE RIGHT MOVES, TBA- 5pm - All Ages - $5 - Rock (advance tickets available directly from the bands)

Mar. 12: FREEBASE, LOST APPARITIONS, DAVID GOES TO BOARDING SCHOOL, SEA OF TREES - 5 pm 

Mar. 13: DEAD HORSE TRAUMA, LOST NATION, EMEMY WITHIN 5pm - All Ages - $5 - Rock 

Mar. 13: COLDFILTERED - 9:30 pm - Rock 

Mar. 14: THE BLACK DAHILA MURDER, OBSCURA, AUGURY, HAPESPERE - 5 pm - All Ages - $15 - Rock $ 13 advance tickets available at www.midwestix.com.

Mar. 17: AQUA MARINE DREAM MACHINE, AUTOCRAT, MOOD BESIDE - 5pm - All Ages - FREE - Rock

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.

Cheer on Iowa's Best Singers! Vocal Hero is a $10,000 singing competition with a $5,000 grand prize. Tuesdays through April 20, Finish Line Show Lounge @ Prairie Meadows. All contestants must have previously qualified to participate. For more information: www.prairiemeadows.com.

Featuring a variety of works created by 15 students in Drake's Art and Design Department, the exhibit will run through Sunday, March 28. This year, 79 works were submitted for consideration. Jill Featherstone, museum education director of the Des Moines Art Center, selected 23 for the exhibition. Matt Selsor, exhibit curator and director of the Anderson Gallery, and the Art and Design Department faculty selected a final work for inclusion as the winner of the Provost's Purchase Prize. "I looked for works that demonstrated a competency in execution while retaining an emotional impact," Featherstone said. "I also wanted to recognize works in every program represented by Drake's Department of Art and Design." The exhibit will showcase art by the following students: •Hannah Boom, a senior graphic design, magazines and art history major from Manchester, Iowa •John Cannon, a senior graphic design major from Eldridge, Iowa •Jennifer Cerna, a sophomore psychology major from Milford, Kan. •Andrew De Broux, a senior graphic design major from Windsor Heights, Iowa •Amanda Rae Bruns, a senior drawing major from Newton, Iowa •Alexandra Doffing, a senior advertising and graphic design major from Hastings, Minn. •Meredith Gallivan, a senior graphic design major from Byfield, Mass. •Hannah Hoffman, a junior graphic design and international business major from Whitefish Bay, Wis. •Tatiana Klusak, a junior advertising and graphic design major from Tiverton, R.I. •Olivia Lansing, a senior graphic design major from Delwood, Minn. •Trisha Lightfoot, a senior advertising and graphic design major from Shenandoah, Iowa •Ashley Machacek, a senior painting major from Arvada, Colo. •Ashley Pettit, a senior drawing and graphic design major from Fort Benton, Mont. •Haley Tatom, a sophomore painting and psychology major from Anchorage, Ala. •Sandra Tomer, a senior graphic design major from Ames, Iowa The Anderson Gallery is open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. For more information about the exhibit, contact Matt Selsor at 515-271-1994 or matt.selsor@drake.edu. Search Archive Title and ContentTitleContent Go Go to ArchiveLatest News 03/09/2010 Education dinner to honor five outstanding educators 03/04/2010 Drake series to feature leterpress demonstration 03/03/2010 Drake signs exclusive agreement with Licensing Resource Group 03/03/2010 Greater Des Moines recognized as Track Central USA 03/02/2010 Drake pharmacy professor presented with leadership award 03/02/2010 Grad students help launch literacy program at Polk County Jail 03/02/2010 Student-athletes named to the Pioneer Football League Academic Honor Roll 03/02/2010 Professor LouAnn Simpson named university marshal 03/01/2010 Drake Students in Free Enterprise to host 'Brand Yourself' workshop 03/01/2010 Human-rights advocate to give Drake lecture on Survivorship Stories of War

AVATAR takes us to a spectacular new world beyond our imagination, where a reluctant hero embarks on a journey of redemption, discovery and unexpected love, as he leads a heroic battle to save a civilization. Days/Times: Friday, March 5: 1pm, 4pm & 7pm Saturday, March 6: 1pm, 4pm & 7pm Sunday, March 7: Noon & 3pm Monday, March 8: 3pm Tuesday, March 9: 3pm Wednesday, March 10: 3pm Thursday, March 11: 3pm & 7 pm Friday, March 12: 4pm & 7 pm Saturday, March 13: 4pm & 7pm Sunday, March 14: Noon & 3pm Monday, March 15: 3pm Tuesday, March 16: 3pm Wednesday, March 17: 3pm Thursday, March 18: 3pm & 7pm Friday, March 19: 3pm

From the dazzling coral reefs of the Bahamas to the wind-swept seas of Patagonia, DOLPHINS takes audiences under the water's surface for a romp with inquisitive Atlantic spotted dolphins, acrobatic dusky dolphins, & the familiar bottlenose dolphin of Flipper fame. From rarely seen fish-herding behavior to a close-up look at complex communication activities, DOLPHINS will give audiences a fascinating new perspective on the lives of dolphins & their remarkable intelligence. Days/Times: Wednesday, March 3: 11am; Noon, 2pm & 3pm Thursday, March 4: 10am; Noon, 1pm, 3pm & 5pm Friday, March 5: 10am & Noon Saturday, March 6: 10am & Noon Monday, March 8: 10am, Noon & 1pm Tuesday, March 9: 10am, Noon & 1pm Wednesday, March 10: 11am, Noon & 2pm Thursday, March 11: 10am, Noon & 2pm Friday, March 12: 11am, 1pm & 3pm Saturday, March 13: 10am, Noon & 2pm Monday, March 15: 11am & 1pm Tuesday, March 16: 10am, Noon & 1pm Wednesday, March 17: 11am & 1pm Thursday, March 18: 10am, Noon & 2pm Friday, March 19: 11am, 2pm & 4pm

The Gallery Show of Timothy Florer will be on display during the month of March at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1115 Grand Avenue in West Des Moines, Room 113 in the east lobby, as part of its Fine Arts Program. The display is open to the public during office hours and during worship services, Saturdays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. and Sundays, 8:30 a.m. – noon. His medium is black and white photography; on display will be works from his first two books: Rural Iowa Ruins and Against The Current. Tim began a serious endeavor into fine art black-and-white photography in 2000. Since 1974, Tim sold life insurance and annuities in rural Iowa and in his travels, he witnessed the decline of rural structures and small towns. He felt the need to capture images of these structures before they became extinct. This mission evolved in 2002 into Tim’s first book, Rural Iowa Ruins. Using the same format, Tim’s second book, Against the Current, was published in 2003; a photographic study of the Upper Mississippi Valley. Tim has had solo shows on the west coast and Midwest, and his works are on display at major corporations and museums. He has been the featured photographer in The Iowa magazine 2005 calendar. He is also the co-founder and director of the 4-H Camera Corps.

The Great Frame Up is hosting a special fundraising exhibit for HOPE International thru March 31st to help rebuild Haiti after the devastating earthquake. Talented local artists have joined with The Great Frame Up to create a special art exhibit to benefit Haiti. Proceeds from the sale of the originals in the collection will go directly to HOPE International for Haiti and a local charity. This is a wonderful art exhibit with proceeds benefiting Haiti. Local artists featured who have donated their artwork for the event include Jill Wells of Indianola, Bill Gordon of Clive, Jane Robinette of Urbandale and many others.

Robyn O'Neil: The World Has Won. A Final Bow Was Taken is a survey exhibition devoted to the Omaha-born, Houston-based artist's work.

First Steps Dance classes are designed to introduce children to the fundamental skills of dance at a cost and time commitment that is minimal to parents. All classes are led by Jennifer McCullough, an instructor who has taught dance for over 12 years. Let your child learn basic dance movements in a non-threatening, recreational environment! Beginning Tap Class NEW! Bring in the Noise!!! Students are introduced to the fundamentals of tap and the foundation of rhythm. The focus is on basic technique and terminology. Students develop body awareness and the ability to express themselves through movement. The program fee covers all 6 weeks of instruction and a long-sleeve t-shirt. Basic children’s tap shoes are available for purchase at The Theatrical Shop in Valley Junction, Mark’s Dancewear in Johnston, or on-line through many retailers. Date(s): Mondays, February 22-April 5 (no class on March 15) Time(s): 6-6:30pm Program #: 10761 Time(s): 6:45-7:15pm Program #: 10762 Location: Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge Ages: 4-6 Fee: $30 PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!

Olson-Larsen Galleries will host an opening reception for a group show of artwork by Blair Benz, Karen Chesterman, Mary Koenen Clausen, Peter Feldstein, and Jeanine Coupe Ryding. This event is free and open to the public. The exhibition will be on display through April 3. Butterflies, moths and flowers populate the intricate charcoals of Blair Benz. Benz achieves impossible depth and richness in his small still lifes, which sometimes include landscape elements. His work has been shown in the Gallery of Art in Eugene, Oregon, the Iowa Artists Exhibit at the Des Moines Art Center, and the Midlands Invitational 2000 at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha. Karen Chesterman’s recent oil paintings feature hints of unreadable script, Asian symbols and geometric elements. These components both contrast with and complement their backgrounds—the rich, vibrant color fields Karen creates using layers of thin oil paint. Karen’s works hang in Midwestern galleries, private collections, and institutional collections in banks, hospitals, and corporate offices, including those of American Republic Insurance and Kirke Financial Services in Des Moines. Mary Koenen Clausen’s collages are complex and contemplative. Figures composed of mismatched heads and bodies float among animals, icons, musical notes, and foreign texts on backgrounds of thickly layered paint. She was part of the Iowa Artists show at the Des Moines Art Center in 1991 and has been in group shows in Kansas City, Boston, and New York as well as at the Davenport Art Museum and Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill. The most recent series of Peter Feldstein’s inkjet prints feature layers of abstract shapes that appear to be moving and morphing into new configurations. Peter writes that his images “provide an anchor for reflection upon, and hopefully understanding of, my place in my macro community.” Peter’s work has been exhibited at The Center for Creative Photography in Tuscon, the Walker Art Center and the Rhode Island School of Design. In Jeanine Coupe Ryding’s woodcuts, layers of colors, patterns, and shapes are arranged into rhythmic compositions. Her most recent series emphasizes natural imagery such as vines, flower blossoms and leaves. Her prints are in the collections of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Des Moines Art Center, New York Public Library, Amoco Corporation, Marshall Fields Company, and Hallmark, Inc. All exhibition works can be viewed at www.olsonlarsen.com on the EXHIBITS page.

Center’s Dome will be filled with brightly colored bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, alliums, hyacinths and a variety of unusual bulbs, February 15-March 31. The garden design is inspired by There was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe and will include a giant shoe, porch swing and children’s toys. Easter lilies will be incorporated for the holiday and children can visit with the Easter Bunny and live animals including bunnies, chicks and ducklings on March 20. Visitors to the Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center in 2010 will be welcomed with a new horticultural and educational experience as the gardens transform throughout the year, all inspired by popular children’s stories, including Dr. Seuss, Charlie Brown and Eric Carle books. “Story Time in the Gardens” includes seven plant bed changes in the Dome – many bringing the stories alive with life-size props – educational activities, theme-related gift shop items, Riverwalk Café menu choices and special events, all inspired by children’s books. The theme continues into the Show House, with four unique, seasonal designs, and outside to the Herb Garden which is open May through September. Please visit the Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center throughout the year to see each new garden. The Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center is a family-friendly environment with plenty of free parking and wheel chair accessible. The Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center is open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Iowa, providing educational, recreational, and community resources to thousands. More than 150,000 visitors visit the Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center to see over 200 different kinds of tropical and household plants in the Dome. The Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center is operated by Des Moines Water Works.

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

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 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.