Best Bets: Dance Company coming to Austin

Published 10:27 am Thursday, March 10, 2016

Zenon Dance Company

Zenon Dance Company

This weekend will be Spamazing with all the fun things going on. Break open the Spam cans at the Hormel Historic Home, enjoy some great brew at the second Brew, Beard, BS event, and enjoy some awesome talent at the Historic Paramount Theatre. With so much variety, everyone should have a chance to get out this weekend.

1. Zenon Dance Company

7 p.m. Friday, Historic Paramount Theatre

Join friends and neighbors for an evening of contemporary dance from an esteemed dance company from the Twin Cities. The Zenon Dance Company is bringing its well-reviewed dance show to the Historic Paramount Theatre at 7 p.m. March 11 and it’s ready to put on a new style of art for the community to see. This will be the first time the Zenon Dance Company will perform in Austin.

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Zenon has recently performed in France and Cuba and it is recognized for its diversity and physicality. The group is under the direction of Linda Andrews and it has received rave reviews from the New York Times, The St. Paul Pioneer Press and the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

2. Spam Kids Fest

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Hormel Historic Home

The Hormel Historic Home’s goal is to educate the youngest members of the community about the history and uniqueness of the Spam brand. With activities geared to entertain and teach kids ages 2-12, the event aims for a great family day. Activities will include crafts, Spam taste-testing, a science presentation, Spam stories from World War II and child-approved tours of the Historic Home. The Spammy and Sir Can-A-Lot characters will make an appearance for great photo opportunities. The event will conclude with a 1:30 p.m. musical performance by the Spare Parts band playing the canstruments — instruments made from Spam cans. Guests can come to the free event at any time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

3. Second annual Brew, Beard, BS

4-11 p.m. Saturday, Holiday Inn Conference Center

Celebrate craft beer, your beard, and more with tastings from various breweries, tasty “B”-themed food — including bacon — with entertainment, games, and the opportunity to win prizes for your facial hair. The craft beer and bacon-tasting will run from 4 to 6 p.m., Awards and the beard contest will be from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by a performance by Minneapolis band 4onthefloor at 9 p.m. All festivities will be in the conference center of the Holiday Inn. Tickets cost $25. For more information, call 507-433-8000.

4. Austin Rotary Club Trivia Night

6-10 p.m. Saturday, Fraternal Order of Eagles

This is a fundraiser for Reach Out and Read. It will start with chili supper, followed by the trivia contest. Teams may have up to 10 members. Cost is $20 per person and includes the chili supper and contest and cash is requested. For registration forms or more information, contact Tedd Maxfield at teddmaxfield@gmail.com.

5. Community Praise Service

5:30-6:15 p.m. Saturday, First United Methodist Church

Contemporary music and worship will be held from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. the second Saturday of each month. Everyone is welcome. Each month organizers will collect non-perishable food items for the local food shelf. Join the adult/teen community praise choir. Austin High School students can earn Scarlet Cord hours by participating in this service. For more information, call 507-219-8200.

6. History Happy Hour: The History of Austinaires and Other Choral Group

5:30-8 p.m. Monday, Hormel Historic Home

This event will be presented by Brian Johnson, choir director at Austin High School. Social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the presentation at 6 p.m., and a cash bar will be available. Coffee, water and appetizers will be provided. The event is free to members of the Hormel Historic Home, the Mower County Historical Society and Friends of the Library, and costs $5 for non-members. For more information, call 507-433-4243.