originally published December 20, 2006

PERFORMANCE

The Lyndon House Arts Center's Holiday Arts Market continues through Dec. 30.

SOLSTICE SISTERS

The Solstice Sisters sing selections for their album Holiday Music From Around the World at Borders on Friday, Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m. FREE! 706-583-8647.

THE HOOT

The Athens Folk Music and Dance Society presents The Hoot with guest host Gabriel Kelley, who will perform with Will Harrison and Jason Cheek. Also performing: Lera Lynn of Birds and Wire with Neil Fountain, and Heidi Hensley. Little Kings on Monday, Jan. 8, 8–10 p.m. FREE! All ages. 706-208-0985, www.afmds.info.

THEATRE

I CAN'T STOP LOVING YOU

The first-ever tour of I Can't Stop Loving You, a celebration of the music of Ray Charles, comes to Athens. A smash-hit in London's West End, this show features "Hit the Road Jack," "Georgia on My Mind," "What'd I Say," and many more. Singers, dancers and a live 12-piece orchestra. Classic Center Theater on Friday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $10–$65. 706-357-4444, www.classiccenter.com.

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

Oconee Youth Playhouse presents a production of the family-friendly musical based on the beloved "Peanuts" comic strip: You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Oconee County Civic Center on Jan. 6, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees Jan. 7 and 14 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $12–$16. For reservations, call 706-769-2677 or send an email to oconeeyouth@gmail.com.

EVENTS

ALEXANDER HAMILTON

The ACC Library hosts the special exhibit "Alexander Hamilton: the Man Who Made Modern America," and will hold related programs: a screening of the documentary Alexander Hamilton: Favorite Son and reception for the exhibit on Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 6:30 p.m. and Dr. Buckner Melton, Jr. discusses "Alexander Hamilton: the Post-Cabinet Years (1795–1804)" on Sunday, Jan. 7 at 3 p.m. Exhibit continues through Feb. 16. 706-613-3650.

ATHENS HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Visitors can drive through a "choreographed fantasy of color and design" featuring animated trains, giant teddy bears, lit-up snowmen and more. Sandy Creek Park, every night through Jan. 1, 6–9:30 p.m. Cost: $7–$10 per car/van; $20–$30 bus. 706-613-3631 or 706-369-9732.

DARIUS GOES WEST: THE ROLL OF HIS LIFE

The world premiere of the documentary Darius Goes West: The Roll of His Life, directed by Logan Smalley and starring Athens high school junior Darius Weems. Q&A session with the cast and crew will follow the film. Morton Theatre on Friday, Jan. 5 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $10. Mingle with the cast and crew prior to the premiere at a VIP reception at Little Kings (223 W. Hancock) catered by Lee Epting. 6:30–8 p.m. Tickets: $50 per person. Limited to 100 people. Encore screening of the film at the Morton Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $6. Area middle and high school students encouraged to attend this matinee performance, which will also be followed by a Q&A session with the cast and crew. 706-613-3770.

MURDER MYSTERY DINNERS

Who Shot Grandma Entertainment presents a series of "Murder Mystery Dinners," at Maison Bleu featuring exciting interactive murder mysteries and a five-course meal. Shows continue through Dec. Tickets: $49 per person, all-inclusive. All profits benefit the Athens Area Humane Society. Reservations, 706-410-7494, www.whoshotgrandma.com.

WORD ON THE STREET

BIKE RECYCLING

The BikeAthens Recycling Program meets every Wednesday from 6–8 p.m. to repair bikes at the Chase St. Warehouses. Volunteers welcome, no exp. necessary. See www.bikeathens.com.

COMMON GROUND

Food Not Bombs cooks and serves food every Wednesday evening, email athensfnb@yahoo.com for more info. Free IT Athens hosts open hours with techie help available on Wednesdays, 6–8 p.m. Visit www.freeitathens.org.

FILM::ATHENS

Free online production directory for those dealing with the film and video industry. See www.filmathens.net/production for details.

PEACE VIGIL

The Women in Black, an international peace movement, holds a silent vigil for peace at the UGA Arch every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. All are welcome. 706-546-5237.

LITERARY EVENTS

STITCHING STARS

The ACC Library’s 6th Annual Stitching Stars Storytelling Festival will feature nationally-known storytellers Donna Washington, Kevin Kling and Tim Ereneta. The day begins with FREE! family storytelling session at 10 a.m. Registration for the afternoon and evening sessions is 1:30–2 p.m. Afternoon storytelling session is 2–5 p.m. And after the dinner break, the evening storytelling session runs 7–9 p.m. Seney-Stovall Chapel on Saturday, Jan. 7. Admission: $10 both sessions, $6 for afternoon session, $7 for evening session. Call 706-613-3650, ext. 314 for more info.

SUSAN MUCHA

Augusta writer Susan Mucha will sign copies of her book Deadly Deception. Borders on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. 706-583-8647.

GENE YOUNTS

Retired UGA professor Dr. Gene Younts will sign copies of his new book, We Are What We Were. Borders on Saturday, Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. 706-583-8647.

KIDSTUFF

AIKIDO

Classes in Japanese martial art aikido, taught by black belt Dr. Stephen Gilliam. Classic Martial Arts Club, 706-353-3616. Trial classes are free. www.classic-mac.com.

BRAINABILITY

Educational programs for all ages. Holiday Camps, movie nights, tutoring, birthday parties and more. 706-559-7448, www.brainabilityinc.com.

DRAMA CLASSES FOR KIDS

Creative Dramatics for ages 5–8, Tuesday afternoons at 5 p.m. Cost: $55/month (discounts for siblings). Taught by Phillip Baumgarner. "The Next Level" is for ages 10–14 on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Taught by Stephanie Astalos-Jones. Cost: $65/month. Athens Little Playhouse, 706-208-1036, www.athenslittleplayhouse.org.

HOLIDAY ON STRINGS

Peter Hart of Atlanta Puppets presents "Holiday on Strings" an interactive performance featuring unique seasonal characters and some of the most requested specialty puppets from the Atlanta Puppet programs. ACC Library Auditorium on Friday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. FREE! 706-613-3650.

ART EVENTS

CLAYTON ST. GALLERY

Annual Holiday Artist Market featuring pottery, hats and scarves, hand-painted silk and more. Through Dec. 30 at Clayton St. Gallery downtown. 706-549-9299.

GOOD DIRT HOLIDAY POTTERY SALE

Good Dirt's 9th Annual Holiday Pottery Sale features work by Bill Buckner, Annette Gates, Carter Gillies, Nancy Green, Ron Meyers, David Morgan, Andy Nasisse, Jim Peckham and Rob Sutherland. 510B N. Thomas St. through Dec. 23. See www.gooddirt.net or call 706-355-3161.

HOLIDAY ARTS MARKET

The Gallery Shop at the Lyndon House Arts Center presents its annual Holiday Arts Market featuring paintings, prints, photography, fused and stained glass, pottery, fiber arts and more. Local music and books, too. Now through Dec. 30 during LHAC regular hours. 706-613-3623.

ART ANNOUNCEMENTS

ATHICA SEEKING SUBMISSIONS

Seeking work in all media dealing with "Ruburbs & Other Spaces in Between: Land Use and Environmentalism," Mar. 31–May 27. Deadline: Jan. 19. See Call for Entries at www.athica.org for details.

DAVID KONTRA

"My World," a special exhibit of paintings by David Kontra, a legally blind artist from Missouri, is on display at the UGA College of Education Office of Information Technology (Aderhold Hall Room 232) through May, 2007. For more of Kontra's work, visit www.davidkontra.com.

THE LOFT

The Loft Art Supplies is seeking artists to display work at the store. Contact theloftartstore@aol.com.

MONROE ART GUILD

Call for entries for the juried Winter Art Show to be held in January and February. Cash prizes. Entry fee: $40. Call 770-207-8937 or visit www.monroeartguild.org.

SOUTHWORKS 2007

Call for entries, open to all artists and media. $10,000 in merit and purchase awards. Also, call for Southworks Artist Market. Deadline is Mar. 10, 2007. Entry fee: $25–$35. See prospectus on-line at www.ocaf.com or call 706-769-4565.

CALL FOR ENTRIES

The Lyndon House Arts Center is now accepting submissions for the 32nd Annual Juried Exhibition. Open to all Athens area artists working in all visual media. Entries due at the Lyndon House Jan. 18–19. Up to three works per artist, non-refundable entry fee. Prizes awarded. To receive entry guidelines, call 706-613-3623.

ART CLASSES

GOOD DIRT

Now taking registration for winter classes that begin the week of Jan. 14. MLK Day workshop for kids on Jan. 15. Ages 6–13. Cost: $55, includes materials. Also, Try Clay every Friday at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Cost: $20. www.gooddirt.net. 706-355-3161.

ART AROUND TOWN

"Some Legendary Folk," features art by Annie Wellborn and others. Through Jan. 31.

ACC LIBRARY

"Splashes," acrylic art by painter and Special Needs Center volunteer Eric Kissel; "A Perspective of Athens," acrylics by David Kerwin; Mary Ann Abbe's collection of Santas from around the world. Through Dec.

ATHENS ACADEMY

Graphic art and paintings by Jack Davis. Also, the work of Don Shenk (First Hand Crafts, Greensboro). Through Dec. 20.

CLASSIC HAIR & SPA

Paintings by Perry McCrackin. Through Dec.

FIVE STAR DAY CAFE

(Eastside) Paintings of cats and dogs and "other conscious dreamings" by Jim Pinneau. Through Dec. 23.

FLICKER THEATRE & BAR

"Second Annual JTO Xmas Show" by Jeff Owens. Through Dec.

THE FLOOR GROUP

(159 Oneta St.)"The Flocktree," sculpture by Jason and Luke Cantarella. Through Jan. 20. In the courtyard, open to the public Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sponsored by UGA's Ideas for Creative Expression (ICE).

GALLERY @ GOOD DIRT

"9th Annual Holiday Pottery Sale," featuring 40 local potters. Through Dec. 23.

GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART

"Weaving His Art on Golden Looms: Paintings and Drawings by Art Rosenbaum," "Paintings and Prints by Jay Robinson." Oct. 21–Jan. 7.

THE GRIT

Paintings by Robert Eberhart. Through Dec.

JITTERY JOE'S

(Watkinsville) "The Rod of Jesse," art by John Heintzman. Through Jan. 3.

LOFT ART SUPPLIES

Paintings by Julian Bozeman and Erin deRosa. Through Dec.

LOWERY GALLERY

"Some Legendary Folk," which features art by Annie Wellborn, R.A. Miller, Frederick Stonehouse and Carter Wellborn. Through Jan. 31.

LYNDON HOUSE ARTS CENTER

"Georgia Artists With Disabilities Exhibition of Winners." Through Jan. 6. "Visions of Martin Luther King, Jr." Through Jan. 15, 2007. "Represent - The Role of a Gallery in the Artistic Process." Through Jan. 15.

MERCURY ART WORKS

(160 Tracy St.) "Relationships in Time: Drawings and Paintings" by Art Rosenbaum. Through Jan. 20.

MONROE ART GUILD

"Aperture 3, A Photography Show," a juried show hosted by The Monroe Art Guild and Athens Photography Guild . Through Dec. 21.

ORIGINAL FINE ART GALLERY

(Elements Art Supply) "Oil and Water," a collaborative exhibit of new sculpture and paintings by Jim StipeMaas and Gary Grossman. Through Dec. Also, new paintings by Mary Porter, new photography by Darrell Sparks, Jay Kuhr and Jim Strawser; new paintings and pen & ink drawings by Lyndon Tewksbury. Through Dec.

PARROT’S HAIR SALON

Paintings by Jaime Bull. Through Dec.

RAGE HAIR STUDIO

"Ethereal Dualities," paintings by Jacob Malovany. Through Dec. 31.

TRANSMETROPOLITAN

Paintings by Susan Fang. Through Dec.

VILLAGE HERB SHOP

(1055 Gaines School Rd.) Paintings and ink drawings by Lyndon Tewksbury. Through Dec.

WALKER'S

(College Square) Paintings by Eric Simmons. Through Jan. 2.

CLASSES

"A COURSE IN MIRACLES"

Open to all denominations, emphasizing "positive living through love and forgiveness." Taught by Drew Smith. Unity, 1435 Oglethorpe Ave., on Sundays at 2 p.m. Donations encouraged. 706-613-8050, 404-899-8486, www.unityathens.com.

BEADING

Beginning, intermediate and advanced classes in beading and wirework techniques. The Beadholder, 11 School St., Watkinsville. 706-769-9901, www.thebeadholder.com.

BOTANICAL GARDEN

Now registering for classes that start in January. For more info and to register, call 706-542-6156.

CHAKRA BELLY DANCE

Invoke the Goddess within. For women only. All shapes, sizes and skill levels welcome. Red Lotus Institute on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. 706-549-2913.

EASTSIDE YOGA

Drop-in Hatha Yoga class, open to all levels. Village Herb Shop, 1055 Gaines School Rd., on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Donation: $5–$10 per class. 706-549-6007.

EASTSIDE MEDITATION

Guided meditation sessions, especially suitable for beginners. Village Herb Shop, on Thursdays at 7:15 p.m. beginning in January. Cost: $3–$5 per session, no registration required. 706-549-6007.

EGYPTIAN BELLYDANCE

Beginner classes focusing on basic Egyptian isolations, technique and choreography. Sangha Yoga Studio on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Also, Intermediate Egyptian Bellydance classes on Mondays at 8:15 p.m. Cost: $60 for 6 weeks, drop-in: $14 per class. 706-613-1143, rainbowdancer77@yahoo.com.

EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE

Learn how to "release negative emotions, traumas, depression, food cravings, phobias, body aches and pains" and much, much more. Full day certificate course on Saturday, Jan. 13. Cost: $125. Preregistration required. Laurie Hart, 706-546-1107.

FLOORSPACE

Ongoing classes in Modern Dance, Contact Improvisation, Taijiquan, Qigong, West African Drumming and dance. 160 Tracy St. 706-372-4830, www.floorspaceathens.com.

MAIN STREET YARNS

Beginning Knitting on Tuesdays, Jan. 9, 16 and 23 or Thursdays, Jan. 11, 18 and 25, 6–8 p.m. Cost: $40 includes all supplies. Knit hats in Advanced Beginning Knitting on Saturdays, Jan. 13, 20 and 27, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Cost: $45. Learn to crochet on Tuesdays, Jan. 9, 16 and 23, 6–8 p.m. Cost: $40 includes all supplies. Main Street Yarns and Fibers in downtown Watkinsville, 706-769-5531, www.mainstreetyarns.com.

MAKE YOUR OWN BOOK

Learn how to turn your photos and stories into a hardback, library-bound book. Terra Ken, Comer, on Jan. 4 and Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. Jennifer Schildknecht, 706-296-4818, moonmama61@aol.com.

MARTIAL ARTS CLASSES

Tae Kwon Do classes for kids and adults, beginner to advanced. Taught by three-time AAU National Champion Jason Hughes. Self-defense, Olympic-style sparring, more. Live Oak Martial Arts, Chase St. Warehouses, Studio AB. 706-548-0077, www.liveoakmartialarts.com.

MIND BODY INSTITUTE

Ongoing classes: Pre-Natal Yoga, Level 1 Yoga and more. Call 706-475-7330 www.armc.org/mbi.

PRANA DANCE

"A practice that integrates breath work, sensory awareness, moving meditation and free-form movement." No exp. necessary.

Village Herb Shop, 1055 Gaines School Rd., on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Rubber Soul Yoga, Leathers Bldg., on Saturdays at 12 p.m. Email minervinizick@hotmail.com.

SALSA DANCING

Salsa classes taught at Transmetropolitan downtown on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: $10. 706-372-7056, 706-372-8197, www.bailarueda.com.

SALSA CLASS & DANCING

Beginning salsa class taught at Safari Lounge on Atlanta Highway every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Cost: $5. Dancing begins at 9:30 p.m. Salsa Fiera Dance Company, 706-248-4296.

SEXUAL ASSAULT FUNDAMENTAL ESCAPES

Self-Defense for Women - learn to resist, escape and defend yourself. Classes begin Jan. 16. American Black Belt Academy, Perimeter Square. 706-549-1671, www.americanblackbelt.org/ABBA.html.

SHAG DANCING

Classes in shag dancing, the official state dance of South Carolina. Singles or couples, Level 1 and 2. These classes fill up quickly, register now. YMCA, 915 Hawthorne Ave., Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 23. Cost: $50–$60 singles, $100–$125 couples. Bonnie, 706-254-9994.

SQUARE DANCE LESSONS

Learn to square dance, all are welcome. Memorial Park Recreation Hall beginning Jan. 9. First two lessons are FREE! 706-769-8887, 706-742-8331.

SULUKULE TRIBAL FUSION BELLYDANCE

Beginner and intermediate technique. YWCO on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Mixed-level classes at DanceFX on Sundays at 4 p.m. troupe_sulukule@yahoo.com.

TAIJIQUAN

The Hunyuantaiji Academy of Georgia offers classes in traditional Chen Style Taiji fundamentals, forms, pushing hands, weapons and Hunyuan Qigong. www.hunyuantaijiacademy.com. Todd, 706-614-3342. Carl, 706-546- 8422.

VINYASA YOGA

New Vinyasa Yoga class. Village Herb Shop (Eastside) on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. Ongoing, all levels welcome. Cost: $54 for 6 classes or $11 drop-in. www.redlotusinstitute.com.

YOGA & MEDITATION CLASSES

Walk-in, donation-suggested yoga classes. All levels welcome. Hatha & Kundalini Yoga, Kids Yoga, Restorative Yin Yoga and more. Rubber Soul Yoga Revolution studio, 675 Pulaski St. Suite 1400, every day. Suggested donation: $3–$5. www.rubbersoulyoga.com, calclements@yahoo.com.

MEETINGS

ATHENS MOTHERS’ CENTER

The center offers support and a social outlet for area moms (and dads). Non-profit, non-denominational. Open house and informational meeting at St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church on Jan. 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. FREE! Membership fee: $20 per quarter, scholarships available. 706-552-8554, www.athensmothers.org.

CHESS CLUB

The Classic City Chess Club meets at Cups Coffee Café on Saturdays and Sundays at 6 p.m. Bobby Jones, 706-410-5160, c4@mindspring.com.

COTTON PATCH QUILTERS

Meets at the Lyndon House Arts Center the second Tuesday on every month at 7 p.m. Visit www.geocities.com/cottonpatch85/ for more info.

FOOSBALL

Athens area Foosball players meet to play tornado Foosball and discuss upcoming tournaments. All skill levels welcome. Foxz on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Email athenspainter@yahoo.com.

GESTALT/ SENSORY AWARENESS GROUP

Open group for "exploration, play and acting out via body-oriented awareness, introspection into self-regenerative processes, and the utilities masked beneath the self." Drawing off the work of Fritz Perls, Charlotte Selver and Augusto Boal. Call 706-248-6352 for info.

ROCKSPRINGS PARK MASTER PLAN

The ACC Dept. of Leisure Services is hosting an open house to introduce the Rocksprings Park Master Plan. Columbus Ave. Senior Center on Thursday, Jan. 4, 6–8 p.m. 706-613-3580.

TEXAS HOLD'EM

The National Pub Poker League holds weekly free Texas Hold'em tournaments with weekly prizes at Murphy's Brass Rail and Red Rooster. Visit www.npplpoker.com.

SUPPORT GROUPS

ALZHEIMER'S GROUP

The Athens Area Alzheimer's Support Group meets once a month at the Adult Day Care Center, 1774 Old W. Broad St. 706-548-6476.

ANXIETY DISORDERS

Support group for people with anxiety disorders and their families. UGA Psychology Bldg. Room 133 on 1st and 3rd Thursdays each month at 5:30 p.m. Newcomers always welcome. 706-542-1173.

EMOTIONS ANONYMOUS

12-step group for emotional wellness. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 780 Timothy Rd., on Sundays at 4 p.m. Newcomers always welcome. 706-227-2354.

LUNG CANCER

The Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support holds lung cancer support group meetings on the third Thursday of every month at 10 a.m. Beth Prescott, 706-475-5329.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP

Support group meets at St. Mary's Hospital (lobby conference room) on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Rick, 706-783-5706.

PARENTING

Support group for parents of children with behavioral issues. Athens Therapeutics on Thursdays at 4 p.m. 706-369-9099, www.athenstherapeutics.com.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

PACE - Postnatal Psychiatric Disorders Acceptance through Compassion and Education - is a new group dealing with postpartum depression. Meets at Nuçi's Space on the second and fourth Tuesday each month at 7 p.m., starting Jan. 9. www.ppdacceptance.org.

SUICIDE SURVIVORS

Open to anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide. Nuçi’s Space, 396 Oconee St. on the second and last Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. Email linda@nuci.org or call ahead for schedule changes. 706-227-1515.

HELP OUT!

ATHENS-OCONEE CASA

Athens-Oconee CASA is seeking volunteers for a family visitation center in Athens. Volunteers would be responsible for monitoring visits between foster children and their biological families. Farr Prickett, farr@athensoconceecasa.org or call 706-613-1922.

ATHICA

Volunteer coordinator needed for ATHICA, Jan.–May, 2007. Must be email savvy. Contact volunteer@athica.org. Also, volunteer treasurer sought to join the ATHICA board. Quickbooks a plus. Email: treasurer@athica.org.

HABITAT HOUSE

Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty in partnership with Athens Area Habitat for Humanity has broken ground on a new home. Build dates are Jan. 6, 12, 20 &27. Those interested in contributing, contact 706-543-4000.

HEARTLAND HOSPICE

Volunteers sought to work with terminally-ill patients and their families. Visiting, light housework, errands, etc. Training provided. Will tailor schedule to suit individual needs. Laura Kent, 706-369-0917.

RECORDING FOR THE BLIND

Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic is seeking volunteers who would be willing to contribute 90 minutes a week to record and prepare textbooks for people with text disabilities. Email kstanley@rfbd.org or call 706-549-1313.