Beginning January 27 Ensemble Theatre’s “Falsettos”
Join Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga for James Lapine and William Finn’s “Falsettos,” opening January 27 and running through February 12. Performances are scheduled to take place Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. at St. Andrews Center, located at 1918 Union Avenue. “Falsettos” is a musical about one man’s self-discovery in a world of traditions, expectations and desires. Tickets are available at www.ensembletheatreofchattanooga.com, by calling 423-987-5141 and at the box office. Doors open 30 minutes before each performance. Free parking is available behind St. Andrews Center.
Beginning January 27 The Importance of Being Earnest at the Chattanooga Theatre Center
The Chattanooga Theatre Center will debut its performance of “The Importance of Being Earnest,” the quintessential Oscar Wilde comedy, January 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. In the classic play, dashing men-about-town John Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff pursue fair ladies Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew. Matters are complicated by the imaginary characters invented by both men to cover their on-the-sly activities – not to mention the disapproval of Gwendolen’s mother, the formidable Lady Bracknell. Additional performances will take place in January and February. Call 423-267-8534 for ticket information.
January 28 - Book Signing Event
J. Ledford Hamilton, a resident of Whitwell, Tenn., will be available to sign copies of her new novel, “L’Chaim to Life,” Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Wild Hare Books in Signal Mountain. Hamilton’s novel “reveals the burden of discrimination and the loving choices that can conquer it,” says the author.
January 28 - Mother and daughter date night
First Things First presents the “Secret Keeper Girl Live: Pajama Party Tour” at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The upbeat stage show for mothers and daughters ages 8-12 includes the “Totally Tubular TV Moms Show” featuring famous TV moms and a fashion show with girls modeling today’s fashions under fuzzy robes. “Both moms and their daughters will love the messages it sends about inner beauty,” FTF says. Time: 6:30-8:45 p.m. Tickets: Available online at firstthingsfirst.org. Group discounts: Call 423-267-5383.
January 28 - Book club for parents and teens
Join the downtown branch of the Chattanooga Public Library for Kindred Connections, a book club for teens and parents. They will be discussing “The Thief Lord” by Cornelia Funke. If you would like to participate and don’t have a copy of the book, email phipps_d@lib.chattanooga.gov or call 423-757-5310 for more information. This is a free program open to all teens and their families.
January 30 - East Ridge community forum
The East Ridge Education Committee will hold its next community forum at Spring Creek Elementary School on January 30 at 6 p.m. Commissioner Tim Boyd is scheduled to speak.
Beginning February 1 - Free tax preparation through Alexian
AARP Tax-Aide will provide free tax preparation through Alexian Brothers Senior Neighbors at 250 East 10th Street on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays beginning February 1 and continuing through April 13. Appointments are required and can be made by calling Beverly Boyers at 755-6106.
February 1- Developing a global minset
Throughout 2012, the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce will be hosting seminars in a series titled “Developing a Global Mindset.” The February 1 seminar will cover diversity in the workplace. All seminars will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Industrial Training Center at the Business Development Center, located at 100 Cherokee Boulevard. Price of admission is $10 for Chamber members and $12 for non-members. Advance registration is required. Contact Gladys Pineda-Loher at gpineda-loher@chattanoogachamber.com.
February 2 - African American art today
Special guest Jacqueline Serwer, chief curator of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, will speak at the Hunter Museum of American Art about African American art today and about the new museum that will soon open. Program co-presented by the Friends of African American Art. Admission is free to Hunter members, members of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and members of the Friends of African American Art. Cash bar at 6 p.m.; talk at 6:30 p.m.
February 2 - Build your own bat cave
One bat can eat up to 1,200 mosquitoes in an hour. Bat expert Mike Bailey will offer plans and construction tips for building bat boxes and attracting bats to your backyard. Time: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Place: Outdoor Chattanooga in Coolidge Park.
February 5 - Free First Sunday at Hunter
Treat your family to a free day of gallery exploration and a performance by the Creative Underground in celebration of Black History Month at Hunter Museum. Noon to 5 p.m.
February 7 - Special movie event
Join The Arts & Education Council for a screening of “Strangers No More,” the Oscar-winning documentary about a school where children from 48 countries and diverse backgrounds come together to learn. Many of the students arrive as refugees running away from poverty, political adversity and genocide. The film follows several students’ struggle to acclimate to life in a new land while slowly opening up to share their stories of hardship and tragedy. With tremendous effort and dedication, the school provides the support these children need to recover from their past. Following the film, stay for a panel discussion with community leaders, “Nurturing Students to Reach Their Full Potential,” and a reception. All ages are welcome. Admission is free but registration is encouraged. At Bright School from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
February 11 - Raised bed gardening workshop
Crabtree’s Joel Houser will teach you how to construct, plant, maintain and care for a raised bed garden, as well as answer any questions you have about this gardening technique. Raised beds can be a good option for urban gardeners, especially if you have any concerns about the health and safety of your soil. They can also improve drainage, help control soil quality, and make your garden more easily accessible. Cost is ten dollars for the public; members get in free. RSVP to ajaeger@crabtreefarms.org by February 7.
February 11 - Manifest to offer a beautiful night
Christian Collier’s “Manifest” series will feature “The Beautiful Nights Poetry Show” on February 11 at The Camp House, located at 1427 Williams Street. Several of Chattanooga’s yougest and brightest poets, including L-Poole, LaJuan White, Marcus Ellsworth and more, will take to the stage and explore both the highs and lows of love. The doors will begin at 8 p.m. The event will get underway at 9 p.m. Admission is eight dollars at the door. For more information, email Christian Collier at thespeakeasypoetry@gmail.com.
Beginning February 16 - Theatre to debut spring plays
The play, “Eleemosynary,” will open the spring theatre season at Lee University. Performance dates are February 16-20 at 7:30 p.m. and February 19 at 2:30 p.m. in the Edna Minor Conn Theatre. “Eleemosynary” focuses on the lives of three Wesbrook women: eccentric 75-year-old Dorothea; her jaded middle-aged daughter, Artie; and Artie’s bright 16-year-old daughter, Echo. Playwright Lee Blessing presents fragmented vignettes of the lives of the three women as they struggle to define themselves both as individuals and as part of a family unit. In this poignant study of familial relationships, Blessing highlights the human need for connection and forgiveness. This play is recommended for ages 12 and up.
February 25 - Scenic City Half Marathon and 5K
Time: 8 a.m. Place: Tennessee Pavilion. Register online by February 21 at www.sceniccityhalfmarathon.com. The Scenic City Marathon runs through the heart of Chattanooga, over the Tennessee River via the historic Walnut Street Bridge, and back along the river by way of the scenic Tennessee Riverpark. In an effort to give back to the community, the Chattanooga Track Club, which presents the race, is featuring a special charity challenge. A portion of each participant’s entry fee will be donated to the charity of his or her choice.