FYI Weekend | 2009 Calendar of Events

Friday, January 2, 2009

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2009 Calendar of Events

performances

ATHENS AREA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS

The Small Town Big Time Performance Series continues through spring in the Athens Junior High School auditorium.

Jan. 20: Golden Dragon Acrobats

Feb. 24: Celtic Tenors

April 16: Chapter 6 (a cappella group)

Details: (423) 745-8781, www.athensartscouncil.org.

PATTEN PERFORMANCES

This performance series was inaugurated by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1980 in honor of Dorothy Patten, one of Chattanooga's most famous performing artists. Four dates remain in the current series. Shows are presented in the Fine Arts Center.

Jan. 24: Ensemble Galilei, "Universe of Dreams."

Feb. 9: Rik Reppe, "Staggering Towards America."

March 1: Aspen Santa Fe Ballet.

March 30: Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile.

Details: 425-4379, www.utc.edu

MUSEUMS AND ARTS CENTERS

ATHENS ARTS CENTER

The Athens, Tenn., facility is busy today with a meet-the-artist reception for a photographer who has documented a rock concert he's attended (see story on Page H34) and the opening of an exhibit of paintings.

Through Jan. 31: "All Kinds of Kinds," paintings by Barbara Bailey Hutchison.

Through Feb. 28: "Glad I Wore Earplugs -- 35 Years of Rock Concerts," photos by Carlton Freeman.

Details: (423) 745-8781, www.athensartscouncil.org.

CHATTANOOGA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM

Two upcoming events center on the inauguration of America's first black president.

Thursday: Closing reception for "All That Jazz" exhibit; features musical performances by Creative Underground and students from Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts.

Jan. 15-March 13: Unveiling of Barack Obama exhibit; includes memorabilia, autographs and pieces donated to the museum.

Jan. 20: Inauguration watch party on the big-screen TV.

Feb. 2-April 24: "Quilting Together Our Heritage." This Black History Month exhibit features two black artists out of Atlanta and New Jersey who form images from quilting pieces.

Feb. 5: Performance of "Ananse," an Ashanti folk tale about a spider, followed by a puppet-making workshop.

Details: 267-1628, www.caamhistory.org.

CREATIVE DISCOVERY MUSEUM

A favorite storybook character helps the children's museum celebrate its 14th anniversary this summer.

Feb. 14-May 31: "Your House, My House" exhibit.

February TBA: Engineering Day

March 7: Amuse'um fundraising party.

May TBA: Birthday party

June 13-Sept. 27: "Curio.us George: Let's Get Curious."

July TBA: Honey Harvest Festival.

Details: 756-2738, www.cdmfun.org.

HOUSTON MUSEUM OF DECORATIVE ARTS

The museum's winter exhibit, "A Parade of Platters and Plates," showcases a selection of ceramic and glass objects produced in the 19th and 20th centuries. Among the highlights of the show, which continues through March, is a series of Gibson girl plates from Royal Doulton.

Feb. 20-22: 35th Annual Houston Museum Antiques Show at The Mill (preview party grants early buying privileges).

Details: 267-7176, www.thehoustonmuseum.com.

HUNTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

Get free admission on monthly Free First Sundays, and enjoy After Work Gallery Strolls and special programming during extended hours every Thursday. The next exhibit showcases a multimedia artist whose work is inspired by the poetry of Emily Dickinson and influenced by Buddhism.

Jan. 17-April 19: "I Heard A Voice: The Art of Lesley Dill."

Details: 267-0968, www.huntermuseum.org.

MUSEUM CENTER AT FIVE POINTS

This Cleveland, Tenn., venue continues its "Strike Up the Band" exhibit through Saturday.

Jan. 22-March 7: "Stitches in Time" quilt exhibit.

Jan. 25: Grape Escape wine dinner and auction at Cafe Roma.

March 30-April 4: "Red Riding Hood" theater camp by Missoula Children's Theatre.

Sept. 26-Jan. 31, 2010: "Treasures From the Holy Land: Cleveland's First Museum."

Details: (423) 339-5745, www.museumcenter.org.

THEATERS and PRODUCTION COMPANIES

CHATTANOOGA THEATRE CENTRE

The Chattanooga Theatre Centre continues its 2008-2009 season under the leadership of new producing director George Quick. Titles for the 2009-2010 season will be announced later this month.

Details: 267-8534, www.theatrecentre.com.

Mainstage productions:

Jan. 16-Feb. 1: "Doubt."

March 13-29: "Company."

May 8-24: "A Streetcar Named Desire."

June 19-July 12: "Ring Around the Moon."

July 31-Aug. 16: "Noises Off."

Circle Theatre:

Jan. 23-Feb. 7: "Epic Proportions."

March 27-April 11: "Rabbit Hole."

June 26-July 18: "Psycho Beach Party."

Aug. 7-22: "Almost Maine."

Youth Theatre:

Feb. 13-March 1: "Go Dog Go."

March 6-15: "The Yellow Boat."

May 1-17: "The BFG (Big Friendly Giant)."

CATOOSA COUNTY COLONNADE

This Ringgold, Ga., venue features several production companies offering theatrical works. Among them are the Community Players, Higher Art Theatrical Shows and Stageworks Entertainment.

Jan. 16-24: "The Beverly Hillbillies."

February: "Captain Fantastic" and "The Foreigner."

March: "Greater Tuna."

April/May: "Radio TBS."

June: "First Baptist of Ivy Gap" and "Southern Comforts."

July/August: "Clumsy Custard Horror Show."

Details: (706) 935-9000, www.colonnadecenter.org.

DESTINY THEATRE COMPANY

Next up for this nonprofit founded by Karl D. Gardner in late 2005 is a Black History Month production and the return of a Helen Hayes Award-winning musical on the life of Bessie Smith. The season finale is yet to be determined.

Feb. 19-22: "Waiting To Be Invited," at Olivet Baptist Church Kingdom Center.

April 10-19: "Bessie's Blues," at Chattanooga Theatre Centre.

Details: www.destinyentertainment.org.

GEM THEATER

The Gem Players, formed in 1993, are the resident theater company of Etowah, Tenn. Productions are presented in the restored Gem Theater or at the L&N Depot across the street when a more intimate setting is needed.

Feb. 12-14: "Death of a Doornail."

April 17-May 3: "The Odd Couple."

Details: (423) 263-3270, www.gemplayers.com.

HUMBLE SWAN PRODUCTIONS

This company was formed in 2005 by two 18-year-olds, Jonathan Humble and Lindsey Swanson. Originally at the Catoosa County Colonnade, the company now calls the Tivoli Theatre home.

Jan. 23: "A Night of Stars," at GraceWorks Church.

March 12-14: "Camelot," at Tivoli Theatre.

Details: 503-7188, www.humbleswanproductions.com.

MISSOULA CHILDREN'S THEATRE

Though not a resident theater company of the tri-state area, this Montana-based troupe leads several performing-arts camps for area students throughout the year. The company arrives with everything it takes to mount a full-scale musical production, except the cast. On Monday, 50 to 60 children from the community are cast as characters. By Saturday, the young actors have presented two public performances. The following dates are start days for upcoming residencies in Tennessee and Georgia.

Jan. 5: "The Princess and the Pea," Athens Area Council for the Arts.

Jan. 26: "The Princess and the Pea," at Fairyland School, Lookout Mountain.

March 30: "Red Riding Hood," Museum Center at Five Points, Cleveland.

June 8: "Pinocchio," Calhoun Gordon Arts Council at Harris Arts Center.

June 15: "Beauty Lou and the Country Beast" at Arnold Air Force Base, Tullahoma.

Details: www.mctinc.org/tour.

OCOEE PLAYERS

Home base for the Ocoee Players is the Museum Center at Five Points in Cleveland, Tenn. Originally founded in the 1970s, the company was re-established in May 1977 as a tribute to the group's creator, Warnie Finnell. The next production is a children's musical about a girl who loves to give advice.

May: "Dear Edwina Junior."

Details: (423) 479-2476, www.museumcenter.org/ocoeeplayers.html.

SHAKESPEARE CHATTANOOGA

This Bard-centric ensemble plans a series of staged readings of Shakespearean works but is still debating its next major production.

Thursday: Reading of "Twelfth Night" (see story on Page 34).

April: Reading of "As You Like It."

Details: 622-2862, www.shakespearechattanooga.com.

SIGNAL MOUNTAIN PLAYHOUSE

Established in 1972, this nonprofit, volunteer organization presents two plays each year. The winter play is presented indoors at the Mountain Arts Community Center. The summer production makes use of the outdoor amphitheater.

Feb. 13-28: "Some Like It Hot."

July 10-25: "Guys and Dolls."

Details: 886-5243, www.smph.org.

ATTRACTIONS

CHATTANOOGA LOOKOUTS

April 14: The Chattanooga Lookouts will play their first home game of the season against the Montgomery Biscuits at AT&T Field (after a season opener on the road on April 9). The team has traded Cincinnati red for Dodger blue for the 2009-2010 seasons. The agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers ends Chattanooga's 21-year affiliation with the Cincinnati Reds.

Details: 267-2208 (main office), 267-4849 (box office), www.lookouts.com.

CHATTANOOGA MARKET

This Southside showcase of home-grown produce and handmade arts and crafts returns to First Tennessee Pavilion for its eighth year on April 26. Live entertainment and children's art projects contribute to the community feel of the open-air venue, which is open for business every Sunday afternoon.

According to organizers, events will be scheduled on a new pattern during the 2009 season. The first Sunday of the month, for example, may be community events, the second cooking, and so on. A new cooking club featuring chefs and lessons is also on the Market's plate.The attraction closes with a two-day Holiday Market on Dec. 5-6.

Details: 648-2496, www.chattanoogamarket.com.

CHATTANOOGA ZOO

This Warner Park landmark is still celebrating the addition of a new entrance and carousel featuring endangered animals, among several improvements of 2008. Spring brings two new jaguars from Argentina, allowing the city to breed big cats for the first time. With the cats come capybara, the world's largest rodents and the jaguars' natural prey. Look for fundraisers Spirits in the Wild on May 16 and Banana Ball in early October.

Details: 697-1322, www.chattanooga.gov.

COOLIDGE PARK

Outdoor Chattanooga Center opens at Coolidge Park in spring. A new Guide To Living With Pets Downtown will specify where dogs can "hang" along the waterfront and downtown rights-of-way. Summer hours for the carousel start Memorial Day weekend.

Details: www.chattanooga.gov.

IMAX THEATER

Look for the debut of "Under the Sea 3D" in the Tennessee Aquarium's Imax Theater on Feb. 13. The documentary offers face-to-face encounters with some of the most mysterious and stunning creatures of the sea and explores the impact of global climate change on ocean wilderness. Filming took place in Australia, Indonesia and Papua, New Guinea.

The two holiday titles -- "The Light Before Christmas" and "The Polar Express 3D" -- run through Tuesday, with "Sea Monsters" and "Dolphins and Whales 3D" running Wednesday through Feb. 12.

Details: (800) 262-0695, www.tnaqua.org.

LAKE WINNEPESAUKAH

The North Georgia amusement park opens for the 2009 season and its 84th year of operation on April 18.

Dates for the Jukebox Junction Concert Series are May 31, June 28, July 12, July 26, Aug. 2 and Sept. 6. Artists will be announced at a later date. The traditional Independence Day fireworks display will be July 3-4.

Details: (706) 866-5681, www.lakewinnie.com.

REFLECTION RIDING

This arboretum and botanical garden is a great place to track the growth habits of native flora and fauna. You can buy your own at two native plant sales each year, choosing from hundreds of native trees, shrubs and wildflowers. The spring sale, accompanied by a wildflower festival, is April 3-5. The fall sale, which doubles as an open house, is Sept. 19-20.

Details: 821-9582, www.reflectionriding.org.

ROCK CITY

This Lookout Mountain attraction continues its seasonal offerings and celebrates its 77th birthday in 2009.

March 14-15: Shamrock City St. Patrick's Day Festival.

May 16-24 (tentative): Founder's Day Celebration and Garden Week.

May 25-Sept. 7: Rock City Raptors birds of prey show.

n Sept. 18-Oct. 31: Enchanted Maize corn maze, with Forest of Fear in 3D on Fridays and Saturdays in October.

October: Rocktoberfest celebration.

Nov. 20-Jan. 2, 2010: Enchanted Garden of Lights.

Details: 820-2531, www.seerockcity.com.

RUBY FALLS

Lantern tours into the dark recesses of the Lookout Mountain cavern will return in 2009, along with the following events.

September: Football at the Falls on high-definition TVs every Saturday on the deck.

Sept. 25-Nov. 1: Haunted Cavern.

Nov. 20-Jan. 2: Deck the Falls, with Ruby Red Christmas on Fridays and Saturdays in December.

Details: 821-2544, www.rubyfalls.com.

TENNESSEE AQUARIUM

In May, the riverfront attraction debuts a new exhibition in conjunction with the Hunter Museum. "Jellies: Living Art" showcases six species of jellyfish alongside nature-inspired works of art. This award-winning traveling exhibit was the highest-rated gallery in Monterey Bay Aquarium's history.

February: "That's a Moray," a look at love Aquarium style.

Feb. 13-14: Valentine Family Sleep in the Deep overnight campouts.

March 13-17: Spring Break Adventures.

April 2: "Sea Monsters I Have Known" by Dr. Eugenie Clark, popularly known as the Shark Lady.

April 18: Civil War cruise with historian Jim Ogden aboard the River Gorge Explorer.

April 25: Party for the Planet, an Earth Day celebration.

May 8: Family Sleep in the Deep.

May 15: "Jellies: Living Art," in conjunction with Hunter Museum of American Art.

July TBA: Shark Week.

Sept. 25: Family Sleep in the Deep.

Oct. 1-31: "Thrills, Gills and Chills" Halloween promotion.

Oct. 16-Nov. 15: Fall Color Cruises aboard River Gorge Explorer.

Nov. 20-Jan. 3: "Tropical Holiday Adventure."

Dec. 31: Family Sleep in the Deep.

Details: 265-0698, www.tnaqua.org.

VAUDEVILLE CAFE

The regular showing of "Mystery of the Time Machine," a children's show offered at 1 p.m. Saturdays, will be removed from the schedule for updating after Saturday's performance. Recession Relief Night shows at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Jan. 9 are half price (now $13.25 adults, $7 children). Reservations for Valentine's Day shows, "Mystery of the Nightmare High School Reunion" at 6 p.m., and "Mystery of the Redneck Italian Wedding" at 8:30 p.m., are now being taken.

Details: 266-6202, www.funnydinner.com.

DINING EVENTS

BELLA SERA

May 30: Chattanooga Downtown Partnership is managing "that great wine party in the park" this year for Chattanooga Endeavors. The tasting in Renaissance Park features an assortment of wines and foods from some of the city's best restaurants, as well as a silent auction. Details: 266-1888, www.bellaseraevent.com.

GOURMET GALA

Nov. 7: Eight gourmet chefs will prepare specialties at this black-tie event in the Chattanooga Convention Center. Proceeds benefit the March of Dimes.

Details: 267-7172, www. marchofdimes.com/tennessee

TASTE OF CHATTANOOGA

March 12: An assortment of treats from some of Chattanooga's best restaurants highlight this fundraiser for the Kidney Foundation of the Greater Chattanooga Area.

Details: 265-4397, www.kidneyfoundation.com

WINE OVER WATER

Sept. 26: This signature wine-tasting festival returns with more wines and their traditional accompaniments: samples from a dozen restaurants, live musicians

and the scenic setting

on the Walnut Street

Bridge. Ticket prices go

up after Labor Day, and

day-of tickets may not be available due to the event's popularity. Best Cellars, held the night before, offers a premium wine tasting. Proceeds benefit Cornerstones, a historical preservation organization.

Details: 265-2825, www.wineoverwater.com.

OTHER EVENTS

CONFERENCE ON SOUTHERN LITERATURE

April 2-4: The Arts & Education Council is finalizing details of this biennial celebration of books and authors to be held at the Tivoli Theatre. Dr. Louis D. Rubin Jr., a founding member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers, calls it "without a doubt the leading literary event in the South."

Details: 267-1218, www.artsedcouncil.org.

CULTURE FEST

Sept. 26-27: The celebration of the city's diversity expands to two days at Coolidge Park. Music, dance, food and fine arts are featured. The Arts & Education Council is the sponsor.

Details: 267-1218, www.artsedcouncil.org.

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

April 18: The third annual race returns to the river, pitting corporate and community teams against each other in 41-foot-long canoes based on Asian tradition.

Details: (877) 580-7223, http://chatt.racedragonboats.com.

FILM SERIES

The Arts & Education Council presents three film events during the year. The Independent Film Series, offered in spring and fall, offers award-winning, independent films that normally would not be shown on the big screen locally. The Back Row Film Series is a summer program pairing films with related programming, such as guest speakers, musical performances or chef demonstrations.

February-April: Spring Independent Film Series.

May-August: Back Row Film Series.

September-November: Fall Independent Film Series.

Details: 267-1218, www.artsedcouncil.org.

HEAD OF THE HOOCH

Nov. 7-8: The Atlanta Rowing Club and Chattanooga's Lookout Rowing Club unite to present this second-largest regatta in the United States. The 3.1-mile races between high school, college and club rowers take place on the Tennessee River.

Details: (404) 881-9810, www.headofthehooch.org.

MULTI-MILE YARD SALES

Two yard sales that span multiple states and a third that reaches through North Georgia take place within the region.

May 14-17: Spring brings the Antique Alley & Yard Sale, a bargain bonanza stretching from Meridian, Miss., to Bristol, Va., along U.S. Highway 11. It passes through Monroe, McMinn, Bradley and Hamilton counties in Tennessee, Dade County, Ga., and DeKalb County, Ala., on its 502-mile route.

Details: www.us11antique alley.com.

June 5-7: The Dixie Highway Yard Sale features 90 miles of marked-down merchandise from Ringgold to Marietta, Ga. Besides Ringgold, featured cities include Tunnel Hill, Rocky Face, Dalton, Resaca and Calhoun.

Details: (800) 733-2280, www.dixiehighway.org.

Aug. 6-9: The World's Longest Yard Sale follows a 654-mile stretch of Highway 127 from West Unity, Ohio, to Gadsden, Ala. Its route includes Fort Payne, Ala., and Signal Mountain, Dunlap, Pikeville and Crossville, Tenn.

Details: www.127sale.com.

FESTIVALS

BONNAROO

June 11-14: This music and arts extravaganza, returning to a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tenn., for its eighth year, features around-the-clock concerts by artists in various genres. Tickets are now on sale.

Details: www.bonnaroo.com.

BOXCAR PINION MEMORIAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

April 30-May 2: Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out, Dailey & Vincent, Steep Canyon Rangers and David Peterson & 1946 are among a dozen artists scheduled for this popular bluegrass festival at Raccoon Mountain Campground. A portion of proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Tickets are cheaper if purchased before April 15.

Details: (706) 820-2228, (423) 432-6276; www.boxcarforeverbluegrass.com.

RIVERBEND

June 5-13: This nine-night riverfront reunion is the party of the year for many Chattanoogans. Expect the first announcement of a Coca-Cola Stage headliner early this month.

Details: 756-2211, www.riverbendfestival.com.

THUNDER ON THE ROCK

May 22-24: Tracy Lawrence and the Atlanta Rhythm Section headline this biker rally over Memorial Day weekend in Monteagle, Tenn. Tickets are cheaper if purchased in advance.

Details: (423) 242-8578, 290-2166; www.thunderontherock online.com.

CONCERT SERIES, ETC.

ATHENS AREA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS

The Black Box Concert Series continues with two more dates. In addition to a show, Barbara Bailey Hutchinson has a collection of paintings on display this month at the Athens Arts Center.

Jan. 16: Barbara Bailey Hutchison.

Feb. 13: Connye Florance in "The Colors of Jazz."

Details: (423) 745-8781, www.athensartscouncil.org.

CHATTANOOGA BACH CHOIR

Feb. 23: Mardi Gras Gala and Auction at Walden Club.

March 29: Haydn and Mendelssohn Bicentennial Celebration at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

May 17: "Intimate Music, Intimate Space" at Christ Church Episcopal.

Details: 886-6469, www. chattanoogabachchoir.org.

CHATTANOOGA BOYS CHOIR

Feb. 8: Simmons-O'Neal Memorial Concert with Chattanooga Choral Society for the Preservation of African American Song.

April 25: Joint concert with Birmingham Boys Choir at Brainerd United Methodist.

May 9: "Finale!" spring concert at Brainerd UMC.

Details: 622-3033, www.chattanoogaboyschoir.org.

CHATTANOOGA SYMPHONY & OPERA

The schedule includes masterworks, pops and opera productions at the Tivoli Theatre and CSO Chamber Concerts in Cadek Hall on the UTC campus.

Jan. 15-16: "Italian Idyll" (masterworks series).

Feb. 5-6: "Heroic Portrait" (masterworks).

Feb. 13-14: "Big Band Fever" (pops).

Feb. 15: CSO Chamber Concert.

Feb. 26 and 28: "La Boheme" (opera).

March 19-20: "Heart of Romanticism" (masterworks).

March 22: CSO Chamber Concert.

April 4: "Celtic Celebration" (pops).

April 16-17: "Bernstein Spectacular" (masterworks).

May 2: "The Music of Abba" (pops).

Details: 267-8583, www.chattanoogasymphony.org.

CHORAL ARTS OF CHATTANOOGA

March 10: "Music of the Masters" at First-Centenary United Methodist Church.

Details: 877-7050, www.choralartsofchattanooga.org.

COVENANT COLLEGE

The Covenant Arts series continues through spring.

Jan. 30: George Merritt, baritone, and Jon Werking, piano.w

Feb. 27: Frank Wiens, piano.

April 24: Stephen Nielso and Ovid Young, duo piano.

Details: (706) 419-1452 or 419-1428, www.covenant.edu.

LEE UNIVERSITY

Presidential Concert Series

Jan. 20: Harlem Gospel.

Feb. 7: Chattanooga Symphony & Opera with pianist Ning An.

March 17: Five by Design in "Stay Tuned."

March 23: Radcliffe/Harvard Choral Society with the Lee University Chorale.

Squires Hall concerts

Feb. 2: Stephen Hall, guitar.

April 14: Ning and Friends, piano and other instruments.

April 23: Douglas Yeo, bass trombone.

School of Music performances

(partial schedule)

March 4-7: Music Explosion.

March 19: Community Concert.

March 24: Symphony Orchestra.

April 19: Choral Union/Wind Ensemble Masterworks Concert, "Easter Symphony."

June 17: Piano Competition.

Details: 614-8240, www.leeuniversity.edu.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY

Feb. 14: School of Music Pops Concert in Ackerman Auditorium.

Feb. 21: Honors Music Festival Concert at Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Details: 236-2000, www.southern.edu

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AT CHATTANOOGA

Jan. 20: Guest artist recital by Dr. Catherine Godes, piano.

Jan. 30-31: UTC Tri-State Honor Band Clinic.

Feb. 7: UTC Orchestra concert.

Feb. 13: UTC Concert Band.

March 27-28: Opera.

April 2: Guest artist recital, Jill Felber, flute.

April 3: Trumpet Ensemble concert.

April 6: Faculty chamber music concert.

April 9: Jazz Band concert.

April 13: "Catch the Groove," UTC Percussion Ensemble concert.

April 14: UTC Men's Chorus and Women's Chorale concert.

April 15: UTC Symphonic Band concert.

April 17: UTC Chattanooga Singers and Chamber Singers concert.

Details: 425-4111, www.utc.edu.

MUSEUMS AND ARTS CENTERS

ATHENS ARTS CENTER

The Athens, Tenn., facility is busy today with a meet-the-artist reception for a photographer who has documented rock concert he's attended (see story on Page ??) and the opening of an exhibit of paintings.

Through Jan. 31: "All Kinds of Kinds," paintings by Barbara Bailey Hutchison.

Through Feb. 28: "Glad I Wore Earplugs -- 35 Years of Rock Concerts," photos by Carlton Freeman.

Details: (423) 745-8781, www.athensartscouncil.org.

CHATTANOOGA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM

Two upcoming events center on the inauguration of America's first black president.

Thursday: Closing reception for "All That Jazz" exhibit; features musical performances by Creative Underground and students from Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts.

Jan. 15-March 13: Unveiling of Barack Obama exhibit; includes memorabilia, autographs and pieces donated to the museum.

Jan. 20: Inauguration watch party on the big-screen TV.

Feb. 2-April 24: "Quilting Together Our Heritage." This Black History Month exhibit features two black artists out of Atlanta and New Jersey who form images from quilting pieces.

Feb. 5: Performance of "Ananse," an Ashanti folk tale about a spider, followed by a puppet-making workshop.

Details: 267-1628, www.caamhistory.org.

CREATIVE DISCOVERY MUSEUM

A favorite storybook character helps the children's museum celebrate its 14th anniversary this summer.

Feb. 14-May 31: "Your House, My House" exhibit

February TBA: Engineering Day

March 7: Amuse'um fundraising party

May TBA: Birthday party

June 13-Sept. 27: "Curious George: Let's Get Curious"

July TBA: Honey Harvest Festival

Details: 756-2738, www.cdmfun.org.

HOUSTON MUSEUM OF DECORATIVE ARTS