Cirque du Soleil: Alegria
Thursday to Sunday, March 11 to 14

Can’t make it to Las Vegas for Spring Break? Channel the best of Sin City this weekend in downtown Cedar Rapids. Alegria is a Cirque du Soleil classic and an internationally acclaimed production that has entertained more than 10 million people worldwide since its world premiere in Montreal in 1994. The show includes high-energy aerialists and trapeze artists, synchronized choreography and tumbling routines. Prepare to be amazed.

Cirque du Soleil: Alegria
7:30 p.m. Thursday, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, US Cellular Center, 370 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, $32 to $90, www.uscellularcenter.com

Bret Michaels Birthday Bash
Monday, March 15

Get out your bandannas and cowboy hats, ladies (and gentlemen). Bret Michaels is riding into town this weekend for a Birthday Bash unlike any you’ve been to before. You’ve seen him charming the classiest of women on VH1’s Rock of Love (both in LA and on a bus road trip), and now you can see him perform his most famous hits — “Every Rose Has It’s Thorn” anyone? — in his latest tour. Tickets start at just $30 — a small price to pay to see Bret host a bash.

Bret Michaels Birthday Bash
8 p.m. Monday (03/15), Mississippi Moon Bar, Diamond Jo Casino, 301 Bell St., Dubuque, $30 to $75, www.diamondjo.com

Gadji-Gadjo
Sunday, March 14

Gadji-Gadjo is a distinctive quintet hailing from Montreal. The group combines an eclectic mix of jazz, classical, South American music and other sounds. The group pays tribute and brings life to the Roma and klezmer traditions of Eastern Europe. They feature the accordion, violin, mandolin, clarinet, guitar, double bass and percussion. The group brings a fresh, invigorating energy to every show they play.

Gadji-Gadjo
7 p.m. Sunday (03/14), CSPS, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids, $14 in advance, $18 at the door, www.legionarts.org

Three other things

School of Flyentology
9 p.m. Saturday (03/13)
Blue Moose Tap House, 211 Iowa Ave., Iowa City, free,
www.bluemooseic.com

The Astronomy
of Star Trek
7:30 p.m. Saturday (03/13)
Wickiup Hill Outdoor
Learning Center, 1365
Ivanhoe Rd., Mount Vernon, free, (319) 892-6485

Stretch Marks
8 p.m. Friday & Saturday (03/12 & 03/13)
CSPS, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids, $11 in advance, $15 at the door, www.legionarts.org

Maple Syrup Festival
Saturday and Sunday, March 6 and 7

Break out the pancakes, it’s maple syrup time. Drop by the Indian Creek Nature Center Saturday and Sunday morning to take part in the whole sticky experience — from tapping a tree, to gathering sap and processing it into real maple syrup. Breakfast — including pancakes, sausage, juice, milk and coffee — will be served so visitors can taste the fruits, er, syrups, of their labors. Plus there will be musical entertainment while you eat. Sweet!

Maple Syrup Festival
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday (03/06) and Sunday (03/07), Indian Creek Nature Center, 6665 Otis Rd. SE, Cedar Rapids, $3.50 to $6.50 in advance or $4 to $7 at the door,
(319) 362-0664, www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org

Hollywood Live!
Sunday, March 7

The Englert Theatre is rolling out the red carpet in honor of the 82nd annual Academy Awards on Sunday. Make plans to watch the show live on the big screen with local theater enthusiast Chris Okiishi hosting. There will be movie-themed food, costume contests, grab bags and a silent auction. Guests can cast their own Oscar ballots and vote for best and worst-dressed celebrity. If you can’t make it to L.A. for Oscar night, this is the next best thing.

Hollywood Live!
5:30 p.m., Sunday (03/07), Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City, Free but small donations are welcome, (319) 688-2653, www.englert.org

Dervish
Sunday, March 7

Ready to get in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day (and we don’t mean drinking green beer)? Legion Arts continues their tradition of presenting traditional Irish bands in honor of the upcoming holiday and Dervish won’t disappoint. Just listening to this six-member band — hailing from northwest Ireland — bring their toe-tapping instrumentals and powerful lyrics to the Corridor will make you feel a wee bit more Irish. ‘Tis grand!

Dervish
7 p.m., Sunday (03/07), CSPS, 1103 Third Street SE, Cedar
Rapids, $20 in advance, $25 at the door, (319) 364-1580,
www.legionarts.org

Three other things

Killadelphia: A Mixtape of a City
7:30 p.m. Friday (3/5)
Riverside Theatre, 213 N.
Gilbert St., Iowa City, $12 to $26, 319.338.7672,
www.riversidetheatre.org

JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound
7 p.m. Saturday (3/6)
Blue Moose Tap House, 211
Iowa Ave., Iowa City, $6,
www.bluemooseic.com

Moscow String Quartet
7:30 p.m. Monday (3/8)
Cornell College King Chapel, 660 1st St. SW, Mount Vernon, $10 at the door, $5 for students, www.cornellcollege.edu

The Producers
Friday, Feb. 26 to Saturday, March 14

TCR is back. Downtown that is. And better than ever, it would seem. The Tony-award winning classic cult comedy “The Producers” will run Friday through March 14 in TCR’s newly renovated home, the Iowa Theatre Building. And while the Grand Reopening Gala is sold out already, there are still plenty of chances to catch the comeback show. Corridor faces like Scott Schulte and Trevor Debth headline the show with an impressive ensemble supporting. Whether you’re excited for an evening of comedic relief or just can’t wait to see the downtown landmark back in all its glory, “The Producers” is a must-see.

The Producers
7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Theatre Cedar Rapids,
102 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids, $12 to $25, www.theatrecr.org

Saliva
Friday, Feb. 26

Kick it with hard rockers Saliva this weekend at the Mississippi Moon Bar in Dubuque. The boys from Tennessee will put on a show full of crowd favorites like “Click Click Boom” and “Rest in Pieces,” along with tracks from their new album, Take That Society, which is slated to release late next month. Tickets start at just $15 and audiences can stay for food, drinks and everything else the casino has to offer before and after the show. Special guest Silvertone will take the stage at 8 p.m. followed by the main act. Rock on.

Saliva
8 p.m. Friday (02/26), Mississippi Moon Bar, Diamond Jo Casino, 301 Bell St., Dubuque, $15 to $35, www.diamondjo.com

Star Wars Night @ The Stable
Saturday, Feb. 13

The Cedar Rapids RoughRiders take on the Youngstown Phantoms tomorrow evening. But don’t just expect any average crowd in the stands. It’s also Star Wars theme night. Who doesn’t love theme nights, right? Costumes are welcome, and the pre-game show and happy hour start at 6 p.m. If you can’t make it Friday night, no worries. The team plays again Saturday at 7 p.m. followed by a postgame fan meet-and-greet at CiCi’s. Check out either game to catch the team play before the season’s over.

Star Wars Night @ The Stable
7 p.m. Friday (02/26), The Stable, 1100 Rockford Rd. SW, Cedar Rapids, $7 to $17, www.ridertownusa.com

Three other things

Jeff Dunham’s
Identity Crisis
7:30 p.m. Thursday (02/25)
US Cellular Center, 370 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, $45.50, www.uscellular
center.com

Czech Mates
7 p.m. Saturday (02/27)
Westminster Prebyterian Church, 1285 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids, $14, www.orchestraiowa.org

Red Stick Ramblers
7 p.m. Sunday (02/28)
CSPS, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids, $20 in advance, $25 at the door, www.legionarts.org

Jennifer Coolidge
Thursday, Feb. 18

Maybe you know her as Stifler’s Mom. Or maybe you remember her as the snap and bend friend from “Legally Blonde.” Our favorite was her performance in “Best in Show.” No matter if you’ve seen her movies (including many of David Guest’s mockumentaries) or TV sitcom work before, you’re sure not to forget Jennifer Coolidge after her performance at Penguins Comedy Club. The famed blonde bombshell brings her stand-up act to town and that’s a night of laughs you don’t want to miss.

Jennifer Coolidge
7:30 p.m., Thursday (02/18), Penguins Comedy Club, 525 33rd Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids, $19.50, (319) 362-8133, www.penguinscomedyclub.com

Carrie Newcomer
Friday, Feb. 19

If you didn’t get enough chocolate for Valentine’s Day, plan
to see Carrie Newcomer perform at CSPS on Friday night.
Her vocals and guitar work have been described as “rich as Godiva chocolate” and she’s been dubbed a “soaring songstress” — thanks to her poetic and spiritual lyrics. We
say, hear it for yourself.

Carrie Newcomer
8 p.m., Friday (02/19), CSPS, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids, $17 in advance, $21 at the door, (319) 364-1580, www.legionarts.org

Wonderful Town
Thursday to Sunday, Feb. 18 to 21

This musical — about two sisters heading to New York City to make it big — may be set in the Great Depression, but it’s one show that promises to lift audiences out of a slump. And the Iowa City Community Theatre — who is presenting the show
on the Englert stage — is especially proud that the show will
go on thanks to the extra fundraising efforts they pulled off.

Wonderful Town
8 p.m. Thursday (02/18) to Saturday (2/20) and Sunday (02/21), Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City, $10 to 18, (319) 338-0443, www.iowacitycommunitytheatre.com

Three other things

Grape Expectations VII—A Wine Tasting Fundraiser for the Marion Public Library
6 to 8 p.m. Friday (2/19)
Campbell Steele Gallery, 1064 Seventh Ave., Marion, $25,
(319) 377-3412, www.marion
publiclibrary.org

New Odyssey
7 and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday (2/19, 20)
Riverside Casino Show Lounge, 3184 Hwy. 22, Riverside, Free, (319) 648-1234, www.riverside
casinoandresort.com

Jason Marcus
9:30 p.m. Wednesday (2/24)
The Summit, 10 S. Clinton St., Iowa City, (319) 354-7482,
www.thesummitnightclub.com

The Vagina Monologues
Friday to Sunday, Feb. 12 to 14

Hailed as “the bible” for a new generation of women, you’ll want to see this provocative and acclaimed hit in Anamosa this weekend. The Vagina Monologues, based on a series of interviews conducted by author Eve Ensler, give a heartfelt, funny, outrageous, brave and fresh look at the real-life experiences of women and girls. Whether you’re male or female, the show offers a fresh perspective on women’s issues — both old and new.

The Vagina Monologues
7:30 p.m. Friday (02/12) and Saturday (02/13), 2 p.m. Sunday (02/14), Starlighters Theatre, 136 East Main Street, Anamosa, $12 students and seniors and $13 adults, www.starlighters.org

Monster Trucks XL Tour
Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12 and 13

For an action-packed weekend, head down to the U.S.
Cellular Center for the Monster Truck XL Tour. The biggest, best monster trucks around will roll into town for a high-energy, high-impact show. When the monster trucks aren’t roaring, X Games-style extreme free style motorcycles will be tear up the tracks — flying and jumping more than 50 feet. For an even closer view, you’ll get a free pit pass with some admissions.

Monster Trucks XL Tour
7:30 p.m. Friday (02/12) and Saturday (02/13), $15-$23, US Cellular Center, 370 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, www.uscellularcenter.com

Valentine’s Day Progressive Dinner & Brunch
Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 13 and 14

If you don’t have plans for a romantic Valentine’s Day yet — no worries! You can still hop on board with Orchestra Iowa for their Valentine’s Progressive Dinner in Cedar Rapids Saturday and brunch in Iowa City Sunday. Reservations are required and space is limited, so be sure to call ahead.

Valentine’s Day Progressive Dinner & Brunch
5 and 6 p.m. Saturday (02/13) and 11:30 a.m. Sunday (02/14), Commerce Club, Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel, 350 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids or Givanni’s, 109 East College St., Iowa City, Saturday: $80 (plus concert ticket), Sunday: $35 (plus concert ticket), (319) 366-8203, www.orchestraiowa.org

Three other things

Vance Gilbert
8 p.m. Friday (02/12)
CSPS, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids, $14 in advance, $18 at the door, www.legionarts.org

Rinde Eckert,
Eye Piece
8 p.m. Friday and Saturday (02/12,13), 2 p.m. Sunday (02/14)
University of Iowa Mabie
Theatre, North Riverside Dr., Iowa City, $5-$17,
www.hancher.uiowa.edu

William Elliott
Whitmore & Jenny Hoyston
8 p.m. Saturday (02/13)
Blue Moose Tap House, 211 Iowa Ave., Iowa City, $10,
www.bluemooseic.com

A Frequency Response Test
Friday, Feb. 5

Are you looking for a monthly techno music event right here in the Corridor? If so, plan to be at Downtown Live Friday night for the “Frequency Friday” launch party. Presented by Digital Perceptions Electronic Experiences and Solar Cathedral Productions, this is your chance to help bring a new night life option — the sounds of the underground — to downtown CR. This Friday will feature duo performances by Solar Cathedral mastermind Matt Rissi and Digital Perceptions’ very own ACG3, aka The Goat, under their ‘Pound Control’ moniker. In coming week’s they’ll be brining in nationally recognized guest DJs from all over the country. Be there Friday to make sure that happens.

A Frequency Response Test
9 p.m., Friday (02/05), Downtown Live, 616 Second Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, $5, (319) 651-4617, www.digitalperceptions.us

Second City 50th Anniversary
Friday and Saturday, Feb. 6 and 7

The funny folks from Chicago’s Second City improv and sketch comedy troupe are rolling into town. This time their show is celebrating 50 years of funny with alums like Mike Myers to Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert to Tina Fey. Up and coming comedy stars will have you in stitches as they recount classic Second City humor. We’re sure this won’t be the last laugh.

Second City 50th Anniversary
8 p.m., Friday (02/05) and Saturday (02/06), Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City, $22 to $27, (319) 688-2653,
www.englert.org

Matt Sienkiewicz @ UNI
Monday to Wednesday, Feb. 8 to 10

Emmy-nominated screenwriter and documentarian Matt Sienkiewicz takes offensive humor head on. Sienkiewicz is best known for his criticisms of South Park’s anti-Semitism and offensive humor. In addition to a screening of his new documentary, there will be various lectures related to racial and ethnic stereotypes, such as “What’s Under Kyle’s Hat?” and “Is there Anything Really Wrong with Offensive Humor?”

Matt Sienkiewicz
Various times, Monday (02/08) to Wednesday (02/10), University
of Northern Iowa, Free, (319) 273-6233, www.uni.edu

Three other things

Ray Blue’s “Music
of Change”
7 p.m. Monday (2/8)
Mount Mercy College, 1330 Elmhurst Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, Free, (319) 363-8213, www.mtmercy.edu

An Evening with
Roseanne Cash,
presented by Hancher
7:30 p.m. Tuesday (2/9)
Englert Theatre, 221 E. Washington St., Iowa City, $10 to $47, (319) 335-1160, www.hancher.uiowa.edu

“Café Caravan”
Workshops and Concert with Salaam
1 to 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday (2/6)
Kahraman Near East Dance Ensemble @ Old Brick, 26 E. Market St., Iowa City, $12 to $45, (319) 354-9638., www.kahramandance.org

SuperBull Series
Friday and Saturday, Jan. 29 and 30

Three-time Professional Bull Riding tour champion Adriano Moraes rides Mataska during the PBR’s Des Moines Classic, Saturday, May 3, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa. Moraes, 38, announced in January that this will be his last season in the PBR. The charismatic, Brazilian-born Moraes acknowledges the decision to retire from the sport that has defined him was a tough one. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Before you gear up for the Super Bowl, check out another supersized competition this weekend in Des Moines. The SuperBull Series is an inaugural pro riding event that brings together bull riders from around the world to compete against the most powerful bulls in North America. Only the best of the best stick around to compete in the championship
finale. With the baddest bulls and nonstop action, this series is sure to keep the
adrenaline rushing and you on the edge of your seat. No bull.

SuperBull Series
7:30 p.m. Friday (01/29) and Saturday (01/30), $11 to $46, Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., Des Moines, www.iowaeventscenter.com

Illusionist Jason Latimer
Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30 and 31

Do you believe in magic? Whatever the answer to the question might be, you might rethink it after seeing illusionist Jason Latimer at Riverside Casino this weekend. Latimer puts on a high-energy and high-tech show using illusions like transforming beams of light into solid objects, bringing pictures to life, and bending and breaking light  with his bare hands.

Illusionist Jason Latimer
8 p.m. Saturday (01/30) and 4 p.m. Sunday (01/31), Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, 3184 Highway 22, Riverside, $15, www.riversidecasinoandresort.com

Garnet Rogers
Friday, Jan. 29

North American folk musician Garnet Rogers makes a stop in the Corridor this weekend, performing at CSPS on Friday evening. Rogers, the brother of late folk legend Stan Rogers, is well-known for his strong baritone and stirring lyrics. His songs detail the “everyday struggles of ordinary people, and the small victories they sometimes find.” Passionate, sensitive, detailed and powerful — Rogers’ music and onstage wit is enough to inspire audiences of all kinds.

Garnet Rogers
8 p.m. Friday (01/29), CSPS, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids, $14 plus a fee in advance, $18 at the door, www.legionarts.org

Three other things

Love and Anguish: An Evening of Opera on The Hilltop
7:30 p.m. Saturday (01/30)
Cornell College King Chapel, 600 First St. SW, Mount Vernon, $6 to $10, www.cornellcollege.edu

End Days
2 p.m. Sunday (01/31)
Riverside Theatre, 213 N.
Gilbert St., Iowa City, $12-$26, www.riversidetheatre.org

Illinois @ Iowa – Hawkeye Men’s Basketball
7:35 p.m. Wednesday (02/03)
Carver Hawkeye Arena, Elliott Drive, Iowa City, www.hawkeye
sports.com

Thank You, Gregory
Saturday, Jan. 23

Toes will be tappin’ in City High’s Auditorium this weekend thanks to Hancher’s latest show of the season. Thank You, Gregory is a celebration of hoofin’ and hittin’ that pays homage and takes inspiration from the late, great Gregory Hines (a true ambassador of tap dancing.) The show features eight of today’s most sensational young dancers in a salute to tap that includes live music, film, photos and narration. Better get out your dancin’ shoes.

Thank You, Gregory
7:30 p.m., Saturday (01/23), City High School, 1900 Morningside Dr., Iowa City, $10 to $40, (319) 335-1160, www.hancher.uiowa.edu

Winterfest in Amana
Saturday, Jan. 23

Like they always say, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Well in the Amanas this weekend, they figure it’s not getting any warmer, we might as well celebrate winter. Stop down to enjoy Winterfest. This cool event (sorry we couldn’t resist) features a 5K walk/run, ice harvesting, cross country skiing, ice sculpting, log sawing and much more. Plus, don’t miss two signature events — the ever popular Great Amana Ham-Put (ever wanted to shot-put a ham?) and meeting the Winterfest Ice Princess. Then, dance the night away at The Snow Ball to the sounds of Richie Lee and The Fabulous 50s Band. Now, that’s sure to warm up any winter night.
Winterfest in Amana
9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Saturday (01/23), Amana Colonies, admission charged for some events, www.festivalsinamana.com

Three Days Grace and Breaking Benjamin
Wednesday, Jan. 27

People in downtown Cedar Rapids shouldn’t be surprised to see “I heart 3DG” T-shirts around town on Wednesday night. That’s when Toronto-based rockers — and we mean hard rockers — Three Days Grace head into town with friends Breaking Benjamin. Oh, and they are bringing along special guest
Flyleaf. Rock on!
Three Days Grace and Breaking Benjamin
5:30 p.m., Wednesday (01/27), U.S. Cellular Center, 370 First Ave., Cedar Rapids, $39.75, (319) 398-5211, www.uscellularcenter.com

Three other things

Miles Nielsen
9 p.m. Thursday (1/21)
The Mill, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa City, $6, (319) 351-9529, www.icmill.com

Third Grade Clay
3 to 5 p.m. Friday (1/22 to 2/7)
Coe College, 1220 First Ave., Cedar Rapids, Free, (319) 399-8581, www.coe.edu

Chris Proctor
7 p.m. Sunday (1/24)
CSPS/Legion Arts, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids, $11 in
advance, $15 day of show, (319) 364-1580, www.legion
arts.org

Salome
Friday and Sunday, Jan. 15 and 17

This production of Salome, an Richard Strauss classic opera based on Oscar Wilde’s controversial play, features professional singers with Iowa roots. Gregory Keller of the Metropolitan Opera is directing the show and will be hosting a pre-curtain discussion an hour before the performance. Bus transportation is available from Cedar Rapids and Iowa City for $15, and performers include Jeffrey Dowd, Katharine Goeldner, Amy Johnson, Mark Schnaible and many other young artists.

Salome
8 p.m. Friday (1/15) and 2 p.m. Sunday (1/17), $12-$32, Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, University of Northern Iowa, 8392 University Ave., Cedar Falls, www.cr-opera.org

Tom Arnold
Thursday and Saturday, Jan. 14 and 16

Comedian and Ottumwa, Iowa native Tom Arnold is coming back to his old stomping grounds this week for two shows, one at Penguins Comedy Club in Cedar Rapids today and another at Diamond Show Casino Saturday evening. Best known for his work in movies such as “True Lies,” “Garden Nights” and “The Kid and I,” and for his writing on the sitcom Roseanne, Arnold has decades of experience in the entertainment business and is sure to put on a laugh-out-loud show.
Tom Arnold
7:30 p.m. today (1/14), Penguins Comedy Club, 525 33rd Ave. SW (Clarion Hotel), Cedar Rapids, $22.50, www.penguinscomedyclub.com; 8 p.m. Saturday (01/16), Diamond Jo Casino, 301 Bell St., Dubuque, $20 to $39, www.diamondjo.com

Brad Paisley
Friday, Jan. 15

Continuing his popular and successful American Saturday Night tour into 2010, Brad Paisley is stopping by Des Moines Friday evening. Singer, songwriter, guitarist and reigning CMA and ACM Male Vocalist of the Year, Paisley has made a name for himself as one of the best country performers of his time. And as if one country star isn’t enough, he’ll also be joined by special guests Miranda Lambert and Justin Moore.
Brad Paisley
7:30 p.m. Friday (1/15), Wells Fargo Arena, 730 Third St., Des Moines, $39 to $55,
www.iowaeventscenter.com

Three other things

Bearfoot
8 p.m. Wednesday (1/20)
CSPS, 1103 Third St SE,
Cedar Rapids $14 to $18;
www.legionarts.org

Demolisher
6 p.m. Friday (1/15)
The Picador, 330 E.
Washington St., Iowa City, www.thepicador.com

Rough Riders:
Star Trek Night
@ The Stable
7 p.m. Saturday (1/16)
The Stable, 1100 Rockford Rd. SW, Cedar Rapids, $7 to $30, www.ridertownusa.com

12th Annual Elvis Tribute and Benefit
Friday, Jan. 8

The King is in the house … or The Mill rather! Stop in on Friday night for an evening

jam packed with local musicians covering tons of Elvis favorites for The Mill’s 12th Annual Elvis Tribute and Benefit. Catch Here Comes Elvis & The Kings of Creole,

Matthew Grimm & The Red Smear, Fried Banana Sandwich, The Surf Zombies, The Clambake 4 and more. All money raised and food collected will benefit the Iowa City Crisis Center Food Bank. Admission is just $3 or one canned food item. As the King would say, “Thank ya very much!”

12th Annual Elvis Tribute and Benefit

8 p.m., Friday (01/08), The Mill, 120 E. Burlington St., Iowa City, $3, (319) 351-9529, www.icmill.com

Iowa Bridal Planner Expo & Fashion Show

Sunday, Jan. 10

If your Christmas present was a sparkly engagement ring, you’ll want to head over to the U.S. Cellular Center Sunday for the annual Iowa Bridal Planner Expo. Gather up plenty of wedding planning ideas and enjoy the highlight of the day — a bridal fashion show at 3 p.m. with the latest trends in wedding couture. You wouldn’t want to go alone of course, so admission includes the bride, plus four guests.

Iowa Bridal Planner Expo & Fashion Show

1 to 4:30 p.m., Sunday (01/10), U.S. Cellular Center, 370 First Ave., Cedar Rapids, $5, www.iowabridalplanner.com

Disney’s “The Lion King”
Thursday, Jan. 7 through Jan. 24

The blockbuster musical that grew from Disney’s animated hit film and swept the Tonys in 1998 is making its second stop at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, after playing to sold-out crowds in 2006. So make the drive to Des Moines this month. Just make sure you check for ticket availability first. We hear they’re going fast.

Disney’s “The Lion King”

Various times, Thursday (1/10) through Jan. 24, Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines, $22.50 to $130, www.civiccenter.org

Three other things

Creative Connections with Michelle Fischer
10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday (01/09)
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, 410 Third Ave., Cedar Rapids, Free, (319) 366-7503, www.crma.org

Iowa Men’s Basketball vs. Michigan State
4:35 p.m. Saturday (01/09)
Carver Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City, $25, 1-(800) IA-HAWKS, www.hawkeyesports.com

“Dangerous Women: Three Plays by Early American Women
Authors”
7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday (01/08,09)
Ambroz Recreation Center, 2000 Mount Vernon Rd. SE, Cedar
Rapids $12, (319) 286-5731, www.cedar-rapids.org/ushers