MARCH

March 2: Big Country Home and Garden Expo. Civic Center. The show concludes from noon-5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $2. Call 698-4232 for details.

March 2: Abilene Ballet Theatre presents The Sleeping Beauty, featuring students from the area’s only Regional Ballet Company, plus special guest artists from all over the nation.  Paramount Theatre. 2:30 p.m. 

March 5: Free Tax Assistance, Main Library, 12:30-4:30 p.m.

March 6: The Abilene Philharmonic presents, A Cabaret Evening, featuring vocalist Kristi Tingle with conductor David Itkin on piano. $25 & $40. 7 p.m. at the Paramount. 677-6710 or 1-800-460-0610.

March 6:  Harmony Club Piano Ensemble. Eighty-eight keys, five pianos and 100 fingers performing American Folk  Hymns! First Baptist Church, 1333 N. 3rd St. 9:30 a.m. Free. Call 692-9233.

March 6-7: Tot Spot at The Grace Museum. Celebrate Youth Art Month by seeing the creations of young area artists. Then get your creative juices flowing with an art activity. Children ages 3-5; free for museum members, $5 for non-members. Reservations required. 10 a.m. on Thurs. and 9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m. on Fri.

March 6-8, 14-15: Abilene Community Theatre presents, Butterscotch. Emery is an unpretentious senior  citizen who enjoys roadside diners. When Lincoln, a restaurant critic from New York  City, comes down to announce his engagement to Emery’s  daughter, the two men share only a dislike of each other until a 1947 Ford named Butterscotch bridges the  gap.  Abilene Community Theatre, 801  S. Mockingbird  8 p.m.  $10 adults; $8 students,  military, senior citizens; $5 for 12 and under. Box office: 673-7082.

March 7: 13th Annual Women’s Conference, sponsored by TSTC West Texas. Ann Fry of Humor University discusses how to introduce humor into the work place. Civic Center. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Register at 8 a.m. Prices before March 3: $30 adults; $15 college students; $10 high school students. All tickets are $35 at the door. Call 325-734-3636 to register.

March 7: Free Tax Assistance, Main Library, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

March 11: Willie Nelson in Concert. Civic Center. 7:30 p.m. $45 each.  Civic Center Box office: 676-6211.

March 11: Texas Authors Series, Main Library Auditorium, noon. James M. Olson, former chief of CIA counterintelligence and now teacher at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, will discuss his book, Fair Play: The Moral Dilemmas of Spying. Drinks provided. Bring a lunch or sandwiches available for $3.

March 12: Wee Wednesday at The Grace Museum. Songs and games for children 18 months to 2 years and a guardian. 9:30 a.m. in the Children’s Museum. Free for museum members; $5 non-members.

March 12: Free Tax Assistance, Main Library, 12:30-4:30 p.m.

March 13: ArtWalk: The Art of Dance.  See dance performances of all kinds as downtown celebrates dancing as an art form and a way of self-expression. Make a dance sculpture at The Grace Museum and watch artist in wood, Judy Kingery, create living art at the Main Library.

March 13: Buying a New Home. Main Library, 7 p.m. Certified Realtor and lending experts offer advice. Free.

March 14: Free Tax Assistance, Main Library, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

March 14-15: The Paramount Theatre presents Miss Potter, a period film, starring  Renee Zellweger that tells the story of Beatrix Potter, the author of  "The Tale of  Peter Rabbit." 7:30 p.m. on Fri. and  2 and 7:30 p.m.  on Sat. $6 adults; $5 students/ seniors/military. Box office: 676-9620.

March 15: The Abilene Philharmonic presents its Fourth Annual Chocolate Fest at the Mall of Abilene. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12.50 at the door. Enjoy chocolate provided by local businesses at booths set up inside the mall. Purchase tickets at the Customer Service Desk of the Mall or at the Philharmonic office.

March 17- 21: Spring Break School-Age Storytimes, Main and South Branch Libraries, 3 p.m. Free.

March 19: Free Tax Assistance, Main Library, 12:30-4:30 p.m. 

March 19: E-Mail for Everybody, Main Library, 3 p.m. Learn how to get a free e-mail account and more in a free 45-minute class. Reservations required. 325-676-6025.

March 20: Cover-to-Cover Book Club, Main Library Auditorium, 7 p.m. Discuss award-winning books. Free.

March 21: Free Tax Assistance, Main Library, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

March 24:  Broadway in Abilene presents Cats, the longest running musical on  Broadway when it ended its 18-year run in  2000. It won seven Tony Awards. Civic Center. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: 800-585-3737.

March 24: Teen Anime Club, Main Library Auditorium, 7 p.m. Free.

March 26: Free Tax Assistance, Main Library, 12:30-4:30 p.m.

March 26: Wee Wednesday at The Grace Museum. Songs and games for children 18 months to 2 years with a guardian. 9:30 a.m. in the Children’s Museum. Free for museum members; $5 non-members.

March 26:  Annual Business Expo sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Civic Center. Call the chamber, 677-7241, for information.

March 26:  Kiwanis Club of Abilene  Pancake Day. Civic Center. Call 673-1341 for information.

March 27: Teen Book Club, Main Library, 6 p.m. Pick your own science fiction books to read and share. For teens 12-18. Snacks provided. Free.

March 27: Scene It, Main Library Auditorium, 7 p.m. Explore books based on TV and movies and play “Scene It!” Free for ages 12-18.

March 28: Free Tax Assistance, Main Library, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

March 28: Fourth Friday History Lecture at The Grace Museum. 10:30 a.m. Explore topics of Texas history. For all ages, especially senior adults! Free for museum members, $3 for non-members.

March 29-30: Texas Gun & Knife Show. Civic Center. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.  $4 each.

April 1-6: HSU Presents: TITANIC THE MUSICAL. A dinner theatre based on the true story of the great ship's maiden voyage from  departure in Southampton,  England to the sinking in the Atlantic by an iceberg.  The story follows  passengers and crew members  who actually existed. Van Ellis Theatre, dinner at 7 p.m.; show 8 p.m. Box office: 670-1405.

April 2: Free Tax Assistance, Main Library, 12:30-4:30 p.m.

April 3: Life in Bloom, a celebration of life banquet benefiting Pregnancy Counseling Services of Abilene with featured guest speaker, Steve Arterburn, best-selling author of more than two dozen books, including “The Seven Keys to Spiritual Renewal” and “Mastering Your Moods.” Civic Center Conference Center. 7 p.m. $35 each. Call 672-6415.

April 3: Springtime Tea & "Old Bags"  Auction, benefitting the Alliance for Women and Children. Enjoy a salad lunch and live auction of vintage purses.  Alliance for Women and  Children, 1350 N. 10th, $30 each. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 

April 3-4: Tot Spot at The Grace Museum. See how different artists view paradise in the Picturing Eden exhibit, then create your own artistic version of paradise. 10 a.m. Thurs., and 9:30 a.m.& 11 a.m.  Fri. Children ages 3-5; free for museum members, $5 for non-members. Reservations required.

April 3: Interpreting Eden, a panel discussion at The Grace Museum organized by the Abilene Interfaith Council. 6:30 p.m.

April 4: The Paramount and KACU-FM radio present the Grammy-award winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet live at the Paramount. 7:30 p.m. Box office: 676-9620.

April 4: Free Tax Assistance, Main Library, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

April 5: Heartbeat Gala benefitting the  American Heart Association.Civic Center.  7:30 p.m.-midnight. $75 per person. Call 627-0070 for details.

April 6: Broadway in Abilene presents  Gypsy, an energetic, heart-touching and funny musical that reaffirms America’s love of good old-fashioned entertainment. Civic Center. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: 800-585-3737.

April 8: Stage It: Decorating to Sell Your Home, Main Library Auditorium, 7 p.m. Beverly Carlson discusses decorating and organizational tips to help stage your home for sale. Free.

April 9: Free Tax Assistance, Main Library, 12:30-4:30 p.m.

April 9: Wee Wednesday at The Grace Museum. Songs and games for children 18 months to 2 years with a guardian. 9:30 a.m. in the Children’s Museum. Free for museum members; $5 non-members.

April 10: ArtWalk: eARTh Day.   Not all art is man-made. Many beautiful things exist within nature. Learn about what you can do to preserve these gifts and how to appreciate the beauty that nature provides. Make String Art at The Grace Museum, and see a display of fossils, gems, minerals, geodes and more from the Central Texas Gem & Mineral Society at the Main Library.

April 10: Antique & Collectible Appraisal Fair, Main Library, 6 p.m. Bring your treasures in for an evaluation from a local expert. Three items per person, and no certified appraisals will be given. Free.

April 10-12; 18-19; 25-26. ACU Presents, SABRINA FAIR.  A romantic comedy about the daughter of a  chauffeur who returns from  a stay in Paris and finds herself drawn to wealthy Linus Larrabee. When it’s  revealed that Sabrina's father has amassed a fortune on the  stock market, she is able to woo and win Linus as her financial, as  well as intellectual, equal.  Williams Performing Arts Center. Dinner ($25) at 6:45 p.m.; show ($12) at 8 p.m. Box Office: 674-2787.

April 11: Free Tax Assistance, Main Library, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

April 11-12: City Lights, a silent comedy starring Charlie Chaplin shown with live piano  music. Paramount. 7:30 p.m Friday; 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sat. $6 adults; $5 students/ seniors/military. Box office: 676-9620.

April 12-13: Annual Central Texas Gem & Mineral Show. Civic Center. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. $3 adults; $1.50 children 12 & under. 676-6211.

April 15: Texas Author’s Series, Main Library Auditorium, noon, featuring Susan Wittig Albert, author of the China Bayles mystery series. Drinks provided. Bring lunch or sandwiches available for $3.

April 17: Just People, Inc, Annual Benefit Dinner. Civic Center. 6:30 p.m.  $40  each. Call 672-2118.

April 17: Cover to Cover Book Club, Main Library auditorium, 7 p.m. Discuss books with like-minded people. Free.

April 19: The Abilene Philharmonic presents, A Night at the Opera (for people who think they hate opera), featuring Arnold Rawles, tenor, Nancy Curtis-Hairell, soprano and Lynette Chambers, mezzo-soprano. Civic Center, 8 p.m. Tickets range from $8-$29. Call 677-6710  or 800-460-0610.

April 19:  World’s Largest Barbecue  honoring Abilene’s military sponsored by the Chamber of  Commerce. For military only! Free. Civic Center.

April 21: Spring into Family Fun, Main Library Auditorium, 7 p.m. Plant alfalfa sprouts and enjoy stories, games, songs, crafts and treats. Free.

April 21: Teen Anime Club, Main Library Auditorium, 7 p.m.

April 22: Xeriscaping with Color: Main Library Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.  Scott Warren with Abilene’s MasterScapes landscaping contractors will share his expertise on preparing for the growing season. Free.

April 23: Wee Wednesday at The Grace Museum. Songs and games for children 18 months to 2 years and a guardian. 9:30 a.m. in the Children’s Museum . Free for museum members; $5 non-members.

April 24: ACU Non-Profit Resource  Center Precious Jewels Luncheon. Civic Center.

April 24: Abilene Independent School  District Combined Orchestras present String Fever. Civic Center.

April 24: Teen Book Club, Main Library, 6 p.m. Munch on chips and salsa and chat about James Patterson’s hit series Maximum Ride! Just for teens 12-18. Free.

April 24: Hang Time: Books, Peace, Love and Beads.  Main Library Auditorium, 7 p.m.  Review our latest arts and crafts books and make something hip! Free for ages 12-18.

April 24-26; May 1-3, May 9-10: TO GILLIAN ON HER 37TH
BIRTHDAY. A tender comedic drama about a man who has retreated from life, convinced that he can’t continue  without his late wife, Gillian. On  the eve of her 37th birthday, his  family joins him for a weekend to try to raise his spirits, possibly breaking Gillian’s spell.  801 S. Mockingbird. 8 p.m.  $10 adults; $8 students,  military, senior citizens; $5 ages 12 and younger. Box office: 673-7082.

April 25: Broadway in Abilene presents  Chicago, one of Broadway’s most popular  and thrilling musicals that tells a tale of greed, murder and show biz with some of the best dancing on Broadway.  Civic Center. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: 800-585-3737.

April 25: Fourth Friday History Lecture at The Grace Museum. 10:30 a.m. Explore topics of Texas history. For all ages, especially senior adults! Free for museum members; $3 for non-members.

April 26: Kiwanis Club of Abilene  Pancake Day. Civic Center, 676-6211.

April 26: 11th Annual Singing  Extravaganza, presented by a community-wide (multicultural) a cappella singing  group, plus groups from all over the country. Paramount. 6 p.m. Free. 676-2151.

April 26: The Abilene Women’s Club presents, Shopping Strategies ’08, a day of shopping for women of all ages, plus a seminar, “Be Haute’ At Any Age.”  Vendors selling everything from clothing to jewelry will be on hand at the Abilene Woman’s Club, 3425 S. 14th St., from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission to the shopping is free. The seminar, presented by Suzie Woodward Morris, chief image officer of Strategic Imaging Inc., will be at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $20, which includes a box brunch served at 11 a.m. Call 325-698-1768.

April 29: Texas Author Series, Main Library Auditorium, noon, featuring Radio host Al Pickett, author of The Greatest Texas Sports Stories You’ve Never Heard.  Drinks provided. Bring your lunch or sandwiches available for $3.

April 29: Dia de los Ninos/Dia de los Libros, Main Library, 6:30 p.m. “Day of the Children/Day of the Books” is a nationwide program to foster literacy and the joy of reading in all cultures and languages. Enjoy refreshments, songs, and a craft as a part of our multicultural storytime. Free.

May 2-4: 26th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival. St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic  Church, 2525 Westview Dr. Kicks off with a Mexican dinner and guest  speaker at 6 p.m. on Friday. Festival Grounds open 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday. Two-day softball  tournament 7 a.m.-7 p.m., food booths, flea  market, children's games, St.  Vincent's Ballet Folklorico dancers each  evening and an outdoor dance and concert 8-11 p.m.     Festival Grounds open Noon-10 p.m. on Sunday with outdoor dance 7:30-10 p.m. Call 672-1794 for info.

May 3:  Dyess AFB Open House and  Air Show. Watch for details as the event approaches.

May 3: The Abilene Philharmonic presents, Movie Magic, a pops concert featuring music from the movies and a first-time audience-interactive movie trivia contest! Tickets from $10-$35. Civic Center, 8 p.m.  Call 677-6710 or 800-460-0610.

May 4: The Children’s Performing Art  Series presents Beauty and the Beast live on stage at the Paramount Theatre at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 in advance by calling 677-1161 or $8 at the door. Military and groups of 20 or more are $5. Have your birthday party at the event and get special seating, a tiara or crown and a photo with Belle.

May 6: Abilene High School’s “Pure  Gold” Band in concert. Paramount, 7:30 p.m. Free. Call 677-1731 for more.

May 6: How to Sell on E-Bay, Main Library Auditorium, 6:30 p.m. Russ Altman of the Small Business Development Center explains all the ins and outs of using this well-known website. Free.

May 8: ArtWalk: Preserving Heritage & Western Heritage Classic Parade.
The Western Heritage Classic parade will be part of ArtWalk during May’s special Western Heritage-themed evening.
    The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. and winds its way through the streets of downtown.  Afterward, enjoy all the usual ArtWalk activities, visit the galleries and museums and finish the evening with a Western Heritage Classic street dance at 9:30 p.m. on the streets of downtown.
    The Western Heritage Classic continues May 9 and 10th at the Taylor County Expo Center.
    For more on the Classic contact the Expo Center at 677-4376 or see www.westernheritageclassic.com.
May 8: Teen Book Club, Main Library, 6 p.m. This month’s theme is recipes and cookbooks. Build a Sundae! For teens 12-18.

May 8-11: Western Heritage Classic. See real working cowboys compete in the ranch rodeo and enjoy nightly dances, a chuck wagon cookoff, a fiddlers contest, a Bit & Spur Show and lots more at the Expo Center. For more info see www.westernheritageclassic.com or call 677-4376.

May 13: Texas Author’s Series, Main Library Auditorium, noon, romantic novelist Lisa Wingate  talks about her latest book. Drinks provided. Bring your lunch or sandwiches available for $3.

May 14: American Heart Association    ‘Go Red’ Ladies Luncheon. Civic Center.  11:30-1 p.m. $15 each. Call 627-0070.

May 15: Cover-to-Cover Book Club, Main Library Auditorium, 7 p.m. Discuss books with like-minded people. Free.

May 17-18: Texas Gun & Knife Show.  Civic Center. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. $4 each. 676-6211.

May 19: Teen Anime Club, Main Library Auditorium, 7 p.m.

May 21: E-Mail for Everybody, Main Library, 3 p.m. Learn how to get a free e-mail account and more in a free 45-minute class. Reservations required. Call 325-676-6025 for more information.

May 23-24: Amazing Grace, a true story of William Wilberforce, an 18th century English politician who  fought for the abolition of slavery. Paramount. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 & 7:30 p.m. Sat. $6 adults; $5 students/ seniors/military. Box office: 676-9620.