Whether you just want to support excellent theater, or you want to learn a great deal more about James Joyce, or you just need to kick up your heels and attend a grand good party, in the midst of this long, cold winter, the Irish Classical Theatre Company of Buffalo has a deal for you.
On Feb. 27 the company will be holding a huge blow-out in the form of an Irish Wake, for the company's fictional friend, Aidan Doogood. They'll offer live music, good food, plentiful drink, and rousing companionship. Naturally, actors from the company will be offering loving memorials to the old boy. There will even be some raffles, of items which a theater lover will certainly find interesting.
Many people do not know that when Irish author James Joyce departed this old sod himself, he left his papers and memorabilia to the Karpeles Manuscript Museum, in Buffalo. The Irish company will be hosting their merry wake at the museum, at 453 Porter Ave. in Buffalo.
The fun starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 for the general public, and $35 for season subscribers.
To purchase a ticket, or for more information, phone 853-ICTC or visit the company's web site at www.irishclassicaltheatre.com.
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Dancemakers of Toronto will present choreographer Antonija Livingstone in solo performances of her original work at their studio, 55 Mill St., in Toronto's Historic Distillery District.
Performances will be Feb. 26, 27, and 28 at 8 p.m. On Feb. 27, at 7 p.m., the choreographer will engage an audience in a conversation about art and ideas.
Tickets are $22 for the general public and $18 for students and senior citizens. Prices are in Canadian funds. Phone (416) 367-1800 or go to their web site at www.dancemakers.org.
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Tonight, at Kleinhans Music Hall, the Buffalo Philharmonic invites you to enjoy an evening watching local celebrities perform a local version of ''Dancing with the Stars.''
Television and radio news personalities will perform, as will Former Mayor Anthony Masiello. Following the competition, the audience is invited to attend a sweetheart dance with live musicians, in Kleinhans' Mary Seaton Room.
Tickets start at $29. Get them in person at Kleinhans, by phone at 885-5000, or by computer at www.bpo.org.
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The United Arts Appeal invites organizations in Chautauqua to submit an application for Project Pool grants. Grants to organizations of up to $2,000 are offered. Grants to individuals of up to $1,000 are offered.
In order to apply, organizations must hae non-profit status. These may include libraries, churches and other community groups.
In 2008, the Projects Pool granted four artist fellowships, plus support to 10 organizations for arts programs.
The deadline for applications is Mar. 19 at 5 p.m. A seven-member review panel made up of community leaders, artists and educators review applications and present funding recommendations to the United Arts Appeal Board for approval.
For more information, and to obtain an application, phone 484-7329 or by computer at www.unitedartsappeal.org.
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If you're still searching for an interesting way to celebrate Valentine's Day with your sweetie, this evening, Mercyhurst College has a proposal for jazz lovers.
Have dinner at one of these Erie restaurants: Allo Cucina, Marketplace Grill, The Pufferbelly, Mi Scuzi, or Matthew's Trattoria. Present your receipt at the Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center, and enjoy a performance by Robin McKelle for only $15.
Contact the center at (814) 824-3000. It is located on the Mercyhurst campus, at 501 E. 38th St., in Erie.
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Disney on Ice will be performing at the Erie Civic Center, Feb. 19-22. For information about their performance, go to www.ticketmaster.com, or visit your favorite Ticketmaster outlet.
Save $3 per ticket by offering the promotion code ''super.''
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The Shaw Festival, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, announces with regret that the festival's Associate Director, Neil Munro, has resigned his position for health reasons. He has also withdrawn from directing the 2009 production of ''Born Yesterday.''
Eda Holmes, who has a long history of directing plays at Shaw, including ''Floyd Collins'' and last season's ''The Little Foxes,'' has been appointed Associated Director, in his place. Toronto director and playwright Gina Wilkinson has taken over direction of ''Born Yesterday.''
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Those who love the music of the Beatles are invited to attend ''Rain'' a tribute to the Fab Four's music at Shea's Performing Arts Center, in Buffalo.
Performances will be Friday at 8 p.m. and next Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. Last year, all three performances of ''Rain'' sold out completely.
Tickets range in price from $27.50 to $47.50. Purchase in person at the theater's own box office, or by phoning 852-5000 or by computer at www.ticketmaster.com. They may also be purchased through any Ticketmaster outlet.
Shea's is located on Main St., in the Downtown Buffalo Theater District, between Tupper and Chippewa Sts.
