Weekend Best Bets: January 3-5

Friday, January 3

A Gershwin Tribute

WHAT: Broadway Songbook: George Gershwin
WHERE: The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, St. Paul
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
Although his brother Ira has grabbed most of the press lately for his lyrics, musical composer George Gershwin is always deserving of his own tribute. Head to the Ordway to hear a collection of Gershwin’s most-acclaimed, most-famed, and most-performed pieces, including “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “I’ve Got Rhythm,” and “Rhapsody in Blue.” Learn more at ordway.org.

Friday, January 3

Light the Way

WHAT: Luce Line Candlelight Walk
WHERE: Luce Line State Trail, Plymouth
WHEN: 5 p.m.
Head out with the family or your sweetheart for nature, fresh air, and fun. Minnesota parks are offering candlelight treks through their prettiest trails, and the Luce Line stroll is sure to impress. The one-mile hike is short enough that you won’t risk frostbite as you amble along the luminary-lit trail; be sure to warm up at campfires along with way with hot cider. Learn more at dnr.state.mn.us.

Saturday, January 4

Resolved

WHAT: New Year’s Revolution
WHERE: Cooks of Crocus Hill, St. Paul
WHEN: 1 p.m.
If you’ve resolved to get your bod into shape in 2014, you’re certainly not alone: a December 2012 survey revealed that 21 percent of adults resolved to lose weight in the upcoming year. Rather than crash-dieting, learn to make lifestyle changes starting in the kitchen with this Cooks of Crocus Hill class. Led by chef and registered dietician William Lendway, you’ll whip up a sea bass soup, hearty risotto, and more—including dessert. Learn more at cooksofcrocushill.com.

Saturday, January 4

Pull Some Strings

WHAT: Workshop—Making Marionettes Move
WHERE: Open Eye Figure Theatre, Mpls.
WHEN: 9:30 a.m.
The spectacular marionette work done by Open Eye Figure Theatre is ample proof that puppets aren’t just for kids. At this workshop, performer Kurt Hunter will explain the physical principals behind marionettes and show how to use them to convey emotion. Several of the puppets will be available to try out, so come ready for some hands-on fun. Learn more at openeyetheatre.org.

Sunday, January 5

Voices of Angels

WHAT: Minnesota Boychoir Annual Winter Concert
WHERE: Landmark Center, St. Paul
WHEN: 1 p.m.
Hear the sounds of Minnesota’s youth at the Minnesota Boychoir’s annual winter concert, under the direction of conductor Mark Johnson. Listen as 171 boys and young men ages 7 to 18 come together to sing in perfect harmony in this more-than-50-years tradition. Learn more at boychoir.org.

Sunday, January 5

Don’t Throw Stones

WHAT: Music Under  Glass
WHERE: Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, St Paul
WHEN: 4:30 p.m.
If you’re desperate for a little life in these Minnesotan snow-coated landscapes, head to the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, where plants are always in abundance. Today marks the inauguration of the conservatory’s Music Under the Glass series, and local artist Matt Moberg will be performing in the Sunken Garden as you admire the foliage. Learn more at comozooconservatory.org.