Collingwood Arts Center to host Heywood Banks

9/22/2011

Comedian Heywood Banks is headed to Toledo to tickle funny bones. The Michigan wisecracker is known for his humorous observations of life and his bizarre songs, sung and played in a variety of styles from folk to country, rock, pop, and way beyond. His songs include "Fly's Eyes," "Wiper Blades," "Pancreas," "Big Butter Jesus," and "18 Wheels (on a Big Rig)." In 2009, Banks won the comedy novelty division of the International Song Writing Competition award for his song "Toast." He is a frequent guest on the nationally syndicated Bob and Tom radio show. Banks will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday at Collingwood Arts Center's Lois M. Nelson Theater. Tickets are $22 and available at the Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by phone at 419-244-2787, or at brownpapertickets.com.

Book signings have been scheduled for Best of the Outdoors Page: Celebrating 15 Years of Nature in Northwest Ohio and Beyond, by Blade outdoors writer Steve Pollick and illustrator/designer Jeff Basting. They will be at Bass Pro Shop in Rossford from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday and at The Andersons in Maumee from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The book, which sells for $21.95, will be available for purchase at both events.

Dashing Dachshunds will race to the finish line at the National Dachshund Races Saturday and Sunday in Findlay. Dozens of wiener dogs are expected to compete at the family-friendly event and fund-raiser. New this year is a race for mixed-breed dachshunds. The 5-Star Races will feature a race for each branch of the military. Race proceeds will go to Honor Flight. In addition, a dog show will crown the ultimate wiener. The dogs will be judged on coat length, color, and style. Opening ceremonies begin at 1 p.m. at LaRiche Chevrolet, 331 East Main Cross St. in downtown Findlay. Information: nationaldachshundraces.org

Ales or lager, whatever your preference, Zoo Brew Fest is sure to have what you're thirsty for. The event begins at 7 p.m. tomorrow in the Toledo Zoo's Nairobi Pavilion. Guests can sample a variety of microbrews and appetizers while enjoying live entertainment. Guests must be 21 or older to attend, and reservations are required. Tickers are $35 for zoo members and $40 for nonmembers and must be purchased in advance. Tickets can be ordered online at toledozoo.org/zoobrew or by calling 419-385-5721 extension 6001.

The Toledo Jazz Orchestra will celebrate the life of Toledo jazz legend Mary Ann Russo with the Fourth Annual Songs for Our Sister Benefit Concert. The event will be at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Valentine Theatre. Proceeds will benefit the Mary Ann Russo Memorial Jazz Scholarship at the Toledo School for the Arts to help promising students further their education as jazz musicians. The lineup of vocalists and musicians includes Ramona Collins, Lori LeFevre, Kim Buehler, Ellie Martin, Morgen Stiegler, Atla DeChamplain, Joel Zmuda, Nancy Hattner, Lisa Young, 6th Edition, student vocalists from TSA, and former scholarship recipients. Tickets are $22, $27, and $32 and can be purchased by calling the Valentine box office at 419-242-2787 or online at valentinetheatre.com.

Turtle Island String Quartet will open Bowling Green State University's Festival Series with a performance of music by rock guitar great Jimi Hendrix at 8 p.m. tomorrow in Kobacker Hall of the Moore Musical Arts Center. Founder David Balakrishman and Mark Summer, Mads Tolling, and Jeremy Kittel have won two Grammy Awards in recent years for their exciting crossover programming. The quartet will give a master class, The Art of the Groove, at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow in Bryan Hall; a preconcert talk for ticket-holders will begin at 7:15 p.m. Single tickets are $12-$30 at 419-372-8171.