7 ways to amuse yourself around Chattanooga this weekend

Contributed Photo from String Theory / New York-based Sandbox Percussion will begin String Theory's No Strings Attached virtual series of programming focusing on behind-the-scenes conversations and impromptu performances on Tuesday.
Contributed Photo from String Theory / New York-based Sandbox Percussion will begin String Theory's No Strings Attached virtual series of programming focusing on behind-the-scenes conversations and impromptu performances on Tuesday.

Looking for entertainment options over the next few days? Here are seven ways to amuse yourself. A couple provide a chance to venture out if you so choose, but most you can do virtually, safely, from home.

* Crane celebration: There's no need to travel to Birchwood to enjoy the Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival this year as all in-person events have been canceled. Instead, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will present a virtual celebration timed to the migration of the big, loud birds through this area. Here are events by day: Wednesday at 6 p.m. via Zoom, Sandhill Crane Talk with the International Crane Foundation, spotlighting the migratory sandhills as well as the foundation's zoo and headquarters in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Thursday at noon via Zoom, lunch program with the American Eagle Foundation. Saturday at 9 a.m. on Facebook, Coffee With Cranes, featuring the sights and sounds happening live at the Hiwassee Refuge. Get Zoom links and other information at https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/birds/sandhill-crane-festival.html.

* Ice skating: Ice on the Landing will be open through Jan. 25 at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1400 Market St. Hours are 2-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 2-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday. (Note: Public skating will end at 8 p.m. Wednesday due to cast-iron skillet curling.) Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for children 12 and younger. www.facebook.com/iceonthelanding/

* Musical bootcamp: Bob Bernhardt, the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera's principal Pops conductor, will lead a virtual Bob's Bootcamp at 11 a.m. Saturday. He'll share suggestions for "Music for These Times - A Pandemic Playlist," focusing on joyful music. Cost is $25. Also keep an eye on the CSO website for the possibility of tickets for next week's "Appalachian Spring" concerts, featuring Aaron Copland's Pulitzer Prize-winning suite. CSO subscribers get first dibs, but remaining tickets will be made available to the public. Sign up for bootcamp at chattanoogasymphony.org.

* Youth showcase: The Performing Arts League will mark its 10th anniversary season with "A Video Showcase of Young Performers," highlighting some of the youth arts organizations that have benefited from PAL grants over the years. The free link to the program will be active at 3:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The young performers represent Chattanooga Ballet, Chattanooga Boys Choir, Chattanooga Girls Choir, Christian Family Theater, Chattanooga Theatre Centre Youth Theatre, Chattanooga's Indian Cultural Dance Group and Chattanooga Symphony & Opera's Youth Orchestras. Watch at https://www.palchattanooga.org/sunday-showcase (the link will remain active through 9:30 p.m. each day).

* Chamber music: String Theory begins a No Strings Attached virtual series at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday with Sandbox Percussion, a New York-based contemporary percussion chamber music quartet. In this meeting, the musicians will offer behind-the-scenes conversations and impromptu performances. Register for the Zoom link at http://stringtheorymusic.org/

* Country music: The Barely Kickin' Band will entertain Saturday at Trojan Hall, 10838 Dayton Pike, Soddy-Daisy. In addition to live music, the night includes dancing and a 50/50 drawing. Concessions will be available (no outside food or drink). Doors open at 5 p.m., and the band starts at 6 p.m. Cover charge is $3. 423-320-0941.

* Flower arranging: Master Gardeners of Hamilton County will continue their free monthly gardening classes at 10 a.m. Saturday with "Ikebana-Moribana: The Art of Japanese Flower Arranging," led by Janet Jobe. Ikebana, which means "making flowers alive," refers to the Japanese art of flower arranging. Moribana, which means "piled-up flowers," is an expression of the art that is used to reflect different seasons. Register for the Zoom link at https://mghc.org/public-classes.

Find other events at ChattanoogaNow.com.

Email Lisa Denton at ldenton@timesfreepress.com.

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