Donna Brunet, “Buzz” Art Exhibit
May 1- June 21
The Elizabeth Rozier Gallery, located inside Union Hotel at 101 Jefferson Street, will host Donna Brunet’s “Buzz from May 1- June 21. Brunet’s photographs portray the intricate beauty of insects and provide insight into a moment of their lives. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and admission is free. For more information contact Julie Kemper at (573) 751-2854 or go to www.mostateparks.com/statecapcomplex/index.html.
The Essence of Liberty: Free Black Women During the Slave Era
May 1
The Missouri State Archives, 600 W. Main Street, will host "The Essence of Liberty: Free Black Women During the Slave Era" at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 1. Author, Wilma King, will discuss this topic. In her book, Wilma King sheds light on the under-studied topic of black women who became free before emancipation. Utilizing a wealth of primary sources, including legal documents, newspapers, letters and autobiographical writings, King examines how these women gained their freedom, educated themselves, found jobs, maintained self-esteem and developed a social consciousness. She emphasizes the restraints that racism placed on free blacks, revealing that the essence of freedom is more complicated than merely the absence of shackles. Wilma King has a joint appointment in the Department of History and Black Studies at the University of Missouri, where she also holds the Arvarh E. Strickland Distinguished Professorship in African-American History. Free admission. For more information, contact Emily Luker (573) 526-5296 or www.sos.mo.gov/archives.
Jefferson City Cantorum's Spring Concert, "Lullaby of Broadway"
May 3
Jefferson City Cantorum will host a concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 at the Miller Performing Arts Center. The 2008 Spring Concert, "Lullaby of Broadway", will feature pieces from several of Broaday's most popular shows. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for youth (ages 18 and under) $6 senior citizens (ages 65 and over), and a family ticket for $20 (3 -5). Tickets may be purchased prior to the Concert at Samuel's Tuxedos and Gifts, 236 E. High Street; from the members of Cantorum, or at the door before the concert. For more information call (573) 893-5279 or go to www.angelfire.com/mo2/Cantorum/.
Missouri River Regional Library Cinco de Mayo Celebration
May 3
From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, join in a celebration of Cinco de Mayo in the MRRL Park Area. The event, co-sponsored by the Jefferson City Multicultural Forum, promises to be great family fun. Call (573) 634-6064, ext. 229 or 230 for more information.
Jewelry Making for Kids
May 5
At 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday, May 5, come to the Missouri River Regional Library Annex (209 Adams St.) for Jewelry Making for Kids, ages 6-12. Reservations are required. Call (573) 634-6064, ext. 229 or 230 for more information.
Easter Seals Wing Ding
May 7
Experience wings from a variety of local restaurants at this year’s Wing Ding. On May 7 take part in this all-you-can-eat style fundraiser at the Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds. Cost is $15 per person and includes all the chicken wings you can eat and two beverages. For more information visit mo.easterseals.com or call Lois Thayer at (573) 659-8499.
"Greater Tuna”- An Amazing Adventure in Comedy
May 15-18, 22-24
The Capital City Players present "Greater Tuna," a dinner theatre production at Shikles Auditorium, 1200 Linden Drive. You’ll explode with laughter and sit back in amazement as you enjoy the antics of the men and women of the third smallest town in Texas—Greater Tuna—all played by the same two actors. This is one of the most popular and talked about comedies playing across America, and we’re pleased as punch to give it its Jefferson City debut. Evening performances will be May 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24; doors open at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performance will be May 18; doors open at noon, lunch at 12:30 p.m. and the show starts at 1:30 p.m. Advance reservations are required; call (573) 681-9012 for tickets. Tickets are $30 per person for dinner and the show. For more information go to www.capitalcityplayers.com.
Adult Artists’ Exhibit
May 14-31
From May 14-31, the Railton Gallery display will feature amateur and professional artists of Cole County and adjacent counties including acrylic, oil, pastel/chalk/colored pencil, charcoal/graphite/ink, and more. The gallery is open from 1-4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday; free admission. It is located inside the Miller Performing Arts Center, 501 Madison Street, call (573) 636-9211 or visit www.jeffersoncityartclub.org for more information.
Dinosaur Digs
May 16
From 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 16, ages infant to 6 are invited to take part in this dino-rific celebration full of stories, music and more! The event takes place at the Missouri River Regional Library Art Gallery. Snacks will be provided. Call (573) 634-6064, ext. 229 or 230 for more information.
Spring Season Finale
May 17-18
Spring is here and the Jefferson City youth soccer season is in full force. Join more than 50 teams from across Missouri at the 63 Soccer Complex for the 3rd Annual Spring Season Finale. For more information visit www.capital-soccer-club.com.
Jan Aldridge Clark- Jazz Harpist
May 20
At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, the Community Concert Association will present Jan Aldridge Clark, jazz harpist, at the Miller Performing Arts Center. Harpist Jan Aldridge Clark is blazing her way into the world of contemporary, smooth jazz, weaving her remarkable style of rhythm and harmonies with an eclectic synthesis of bass, percussion, electric guitar, violin, saxophone and cello. Jan’s early experiences with the harp included extensive classical training. She graduated with honors in music performance at the prestigious Indiana University School of Music. While doing graduate studies at California State University Los Angeles, she switched gears and intensively studied jazz. Jan has played in Las Vegas and on cruise ship engagements that have taken her to dream venues in Africa, South America and Europe. Tickets for the show are $15 for adults and $8 for students; no reserved seating. For more information about the group, go to www.splendidharp.com.
Missouri State Track Championships
May 16-17, May 23-24
MSHSAA State Track Championships will be held at Dwight T. Reed Stadium at Lincoln University. Come watch as high school teams from all across Missouri compete for the title of State Track Champion. 1A and 2A schools will compete the first weekend; 3A and 4A will compete the second weekend. Admission is $7 for age 6 and older. For more information contact MSHSAA at (573) 875-4880 or www.mshsaa.org.
Cruisin for MDA
May 31
Head to downtown Jefferson City from 5 to 9:30 p.m. the last Saturday of every month from March to September. Listen to the music supplied by COOL 97.5, grab some food sold by the Jefferson City Host Lions Club and look at the cars displayed on the streets. For more information call (573) 680-9458 or visit www.cruisininformda.com.
Folk Arts Festival
May 31
From 9:30 a.m.-3:30 pm. on Saturday, Jefferson City’s Memorial Park will once again come alive for a unique gathering of talented folk artists, musicians and craftsmen. People of all ages will be treated to live demonstrations of traditional basket weaving, chair caning, loom weaving, soap making and wood carving. In addition, visitors can enjoy good food, a variety of craft vendors and a beautiful park setting while listening to Native American flute music, blues and old time fiddle tunes. At this festival everyone has a chance to take home a treasured piece of Missouri, hand-crafted by regional artists. The event is free to the public, so come celebrate Missouri’s folk art traditions and see Missouri heritage come to life. For more information, contact Emily Luker (573) 526-5296 or www.sos.mo.gov/archives.