Tim’s Picks: Back with more
Five prime ideas for your weekend, right here.
Thanks today for ongoing help from Based in Lafayette sponsor Long Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Lafayette. For tickets for these and other shows, go to longpac.org.
With five of the best ideas heading into your weekend and beyond, here’s …
By Tim Brouk / For Based in Lafayette
XWorks Dance Concert 2024, 7 and 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, and 5 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, Yue-Kong Pao Hall, Dance Studio Theatre 1179, Purdue University — The XWorks student-produced dance concerts evoke emotion, creativity and choreographic excellence. In a black box theater setting, the choreographers create an intimate setting that highlights the expressiveness of the performers and the physicality of dance. This year's XWorks promises a mix of performances including plants dancing, two dances happening at once and the outer expression of internal feelings. Carl Landskron, a graduate student choreographer, will present his thesis to merge technology, nature and dance: A live plant becomes suspended in mid-air as dancers gracefully move around it and interact with the plant. The cutting-edge technology uses the infrastructure of the space to allow the plant to dance, too. What can your office plants do? $10 cash, $5 cash for students.
Turn to Stone: A Tribute to ELO, 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, Long Center for the Performing Arts, 111 N. Sixth St., Lafayette — Three-plus months ago, Lafayette’s own Frank Muffin presented its tribute to the Electric Light Orchestra’s “Out of the Blue” album in downtown Lafayette. With the help from more than a dozen collaborators, the show was an excellent take on the record that produced “Mr. Blue Sky” and the song where a visiting ELO tribute act takes its name from, “Turn to Stone.” The Ohio quartet will present its version of “Out of the Blue” and more this weekend. Compare, contrast, and bring your own Jeff Lynne wig and shades. $24-$44. Tickets.
The Mound Builders with Fight Like Sin, Yesterday’s Chips, Snakehandler Church and DJ Circle T, 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, North End Pub, 2100 Elmwood Ave., Lafayette — One of the best 21st century Lafayette metal bands celebrates 15 years of riffs and rage. The Mound Builders’ reign started with a Black Sabbath vibe that grew to include thrash, sludge and punk sounds for an aggressive sound that you can’t shake loose. Fifteen years is a huge accomplishment for any band, especially with only a couple of lineup changes throughout. Three-fourths of the Builders have been there from the beginning and the band has constructed a sound and foundation for heavy music in Lafayette. Joining the party will be punks Yesterday’s Chips, which will celebrate the release of its second album, and a rare appearance from hard rock vets Fight Like Sin, who are always busy recording and earning thousands of plays on streaming platforms despite few live engagements. Fort Wayne punk trio Snakehandler Church will make its Lafayette debut on a great night. $10.
“The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System,” 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, Loeb Playhouse, Stewart Center, Purdue — Take the ultimate field trip with the one and only Ms. Frizzle and her “Magic School Bus.” In this family-friendly musical, everyone’s favorite eccentric but never frazzled school bus driver takes several students on a trip through outer space to learn about Earth’s neighboring planets and other heavenly bodies. As usual in “The Magic Bus” book series, there’s always some (mis)adventures along the way. Let’s hope the kids (portrayed by adult actors) brought their permission slips. Along with learning about Mars, Venus and Mercury, the students on-stage and off learn about teamwork and respect for one another. $15-$20. Tickets.
Frank Hurricane, 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, The Spot Tavern, 409 S. Fourth St., Lafayette — North Carolina folk artist Frank Hurricane lives off the land, and he credits that land as a co-songwriter. A recent PBS.org mini documentary showcased the young musician’s process, revealing he gets “holy” lyric ideas while on hikes in his mountainous home region. With an old school fingerpicking guitar style, Hurricane’s music is haunting and passionate. Off-stage, the musician oozes positivity, finding the brightness even in times are dark. $7.
Tim Brouk is a longtime arts and entertainment reporter. He writes here (almost) weekly, tracking things to do for Based in Lafayette.
Thanks, again, for ongoing help from Based in Lafayette sponsor Long Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Lafayette. Check out the lineup and get tickets at longpac.org.
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I think each Dave Bangert reader should try to recruit at least 1 new subscriber so that we continue to get this daily reporting.