I thought this might be the one where correspondent Tim Brouk’s picks his NCAA Tournament bracket. No dice. But these will do …

By Tim Brouk / For Based in Lafayette

Five choice ideas for the opening weekend of March Madness and beyond in Lafayette/West Lafayette.

(Photo: Art Museum of Greater Lafayette)

“New Artists 2023,” through April 16, Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, 102 S. 10^th St., Lafayette — This 44^th juried exhibition of the area’s top high school artists showcases young talent in the proper, beautiful confines of the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette. Even though they are teenagers, the raw ability and expert training from their art teachers produces impressive works of just about every medium possible. Overall, this show is often stronger than some of the pros that hang their work around here. Many of these students will be spreading their wings to art schools around the nation in the fall. So, be sure to check their formative works before they head to Chicago, New York or California art institutes. “New Artists” gives the young painters, sculptors and sketchers their first taste of earning well-deserved cash for their talents too. More than 50 awards totaling more than $5,000 were given to the top artists. In total, the exhibit consists of 185 pieces by 146 Greater Lafayette artists.

“There Is Something About Fire” by David Zeltwanger opening, 6-8 Friday, March 17, Bindery Artist Studios, 511 Ferry St., Lafayette — A mason man for decades, local artist David Zeltwanger tried his skilled hands at art more recently and became hooked when he found he could be creative while using tricks from his trade. Zeltwanger will display his new stone carvings through April 30 at the Bindery. The theme for the exhibit is straight fire. The pieces were inspired by “primal technology” like early ovens, woodfired stoves and how early people stayed warm and safe. When he’s not in the studio or a job site, Zeltwanger travels to Central America to help build stoves for indigenous people — sometimes replacing their open fire methods for cooking and warmth with more efficient stone ovens. This also helps the health of the people as indoor heating is safer. “Seeing the conditions of some of the people being helped is humbling and motivating to appreciate the comfort we enjoy at home,” Zeltwanger said.

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Soulful St. Paddy’s Shindig with Ebony Barrett and Scott Pazera, 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 17, Digby’s Pub, 133 N. Fourth St., Lafayette — An interesting match will be witnessed when Ebony Barrett, a top Lafayette vocalist most known for leading Ebony & The Ruckus, links up with Scott Pazera, one of the best jazz bassists around, for an interesting St. Patrick’s Day gig of soul, R&B and funk music. Pazera is a great guitarist, as well, and Barrett can carry a night with just about anyone. Regardless, it should be an interesting and impressive set. And it doesn’t have to be St. Patrick’s to feel lucky to have both accomplished musicians in our scene.

Rhythm of the Dance, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18, Long Center for the Performing Arts, 111 N. Sixth St., Lafayette — Keep the St. Patrick’s Day party moving with this splashy show of traditional Irish music and dancing. Dozens of dancers from the National Dance Company of Ireland step in front of a live band for an energetic performance, which has captivated millions worldwide over the company’s 25 years. Some of the venues Rhythm of Dance has rocked include Bangalore National Park in India, Palais de Congress in Paris and even Dollywood. $25 and $35. Tickets.

Thrown Out Bones and Joshua Powell, 9 p.m. Saturday, March 18, The Spot Tavern, 409 S. Fourth St., Lafayette — Indianapolis singer-songwriter Joshua Powell isn’t some acoustic solo performer. The young musician fronts a consistent band that have creative and songwriting input; it’s not just a hired guns situation. Powell and his band jam out loud rock ‘n’ roll that appeals to fans of indie and garage sounds. Check out his latest album, “Skeleton Party.” Powell and his boys will share the stage with Thrown Out Bones, a danceable rock trio from San Francisco led by drummer and vocalist Liliana Urbain. $10 or pay what you can.

Tim Brouk is a longtime arts and entertainment reporter. He writes here (almost) weekly, tracking things to do for Based in Lafayette.

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