4/15 Thurs. Ants in his pants
Any biology professor will tell you that Edward O. Wilson is the closest living thing to that rarest of species, The Perfect Scientist. His writing is eloquent, his award cabinet is filled to the brim and his ideas are molding and shaping the field of science. Wilson speaks today at the Kansas Union at 7:30 p.m. Sure, he devoted an entire tome to ants, but he's not boring. He's considered the father of sociobiology and the grandfather of evolutionary psychology. And like Abraham Lincoln (whom he slightly resembles) Wilson's a deist. If nothing else, go because his new book, The Future of Life, has a chapter entitled "The Bottleneck." That's exactly where you'll want to go to drown your sorrows after hearing Wilson's worst fear: that we're going to hell in a handbasket and taking a few other species along with us. It's enough to make you start recycling.
4/16 Fri.
Sit back and relax
Overcrowded bars and beer guzzling got you down? Try relaxing for once and attend the Lawrence Art Center's Poetry Series, 940 New Hampshire St. This event; open to all ages, begins at 7 p.m. and will feature local poets John and Shannon Musgrave. This husband and wife team has been recognized throughout Lawrence and the Kansas City area for their poetic talents. Shannon is best known for her honest and passionate works such as, Touch, Poems of Hospice and Remembrance. John, who is a Vietnam War veteran, has written Notes to the Man Who Shot Me, a collection of war poems. This event coincides with National Poetry month, and two more performances featuring local poets are set for April 23 and April 30. The cost has yet to be announced. Another option for relaxation takes place at 7:30 p.m.at 1501 New Hampshire St. The Lawrence Community Theatre is staging the romantic comedy, The Philadelphia Story. This Broadway hit that opened in 1939 is a lighthearted story set in the 1920s that explores love and marriage, human growth and class distinctions. This is the second weekend for the production and it will continue running every Thursday, Friday and Saturday during April. The cost has yet to be determined for this event.
4/17 Sat.
Just can it
The Lawrence-Douglas County Partnership for Children and Youth, Inc. and Gould Evans Associates, LC are feeding the hungry - Andy Warhol style. Called CANSTRUCTION, five local organizations are constructing giant sculptures made from canned food at the Corner Bank, 4621 W. 6th St. After being built, all of the sculptures will be on display until May 1. All food will be donated to local food bank and community centers. Judging of the works will be at 4:30 p.m. and awards will be presented at 5 p.m. The works are analyzed on best use of labels, best meal and structural ingenuity. CANSTRUCTION a trademark charity event of the Society of Design Administration, is the largest national community service project sponsored by the design and construction industry. Lawrence joins more than 50 cities across the country that will be hosting CANSTRUCTION competitions this year.
where it's at this week's happenings
4/18 Sun.
Run for forests, run!
The Raintree Montessori School, 4601 Clinton Parkway will be having its Raintree Run at 8 a.m. today to raise money for replacing the 37 trees lost in last year's tornado. Participants will do a half-marathon run, a 5k run and a one mile fun run/walk, depending on which races the participants enter. A food festival will follow. The event is open for all ages and costs $10 for the fun run, $20 for the 5k run and $25 for the half-marathon run. For more information call the race directors at (785) 842-4351.
4/19 Mon. Hashing artwork
If you ever lived in Hashinger Hall, then this is the weekend for you. Reembrace those patchouli smelling days of smoking on the front porch and running around with no shoes. Tonight at 7 p.m., the hall will be featuring an Urban Dance show with Bboys break dancers and an MC battle. This hip-hop show is part of Hashies Come Home, which is a reunion of past and present residents of the artistic hall. There will be a handful of other events taking place between Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April 24, including a barbecue and presentations of the musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch. The reunion features the artwork of past and present residents and all are encouraged to attend and submit. For more information call (785) 749-1356.
4/20 Tues. The bachelor
So maybe Bob and Estella didn't fly, but that doesn't mean the exbachelor's music career won't soar. Check out the smooth-talking, curly-haired charmer sing the pants off of female fans at Abe & Jake's Landing tonight, 8 E. 6th St. Bob Guiney, the fourth-season star of ABC's The Bachelor, released his CD 3 Sides November 25 with the single, "Girlfriend." Also performing is Liquid Static and Brain Vanderark of The Verve Pipe. The all-ages show starts at 9 p.m. and tickets cost $10.
4/21 Wed. Rock yo' farm
What is Farmer's Ball? It's eight bands worth of raging new music from local musicians. Tonight, the KJHK event starts with The Capsules, Ike Turner Overdrive, This is My Condition, and Drakkar Sauna. The winner claims the granddaddy prize of 20 hours of free studio time courtesy of Black Lodge Studios. The 18-and-older show is at the new wild-west Jackpot Saloon and Music Hall, 943 Massachusetts St.
4.15.04 Jayplay
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