This weekend in Lawrence: Basketball, music, art, storytelling and more | News, Sports, Jobs

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Weekend entertainments in Lawrence include music, basketball, lectures, Final Friday events and more.

THURSDAY

• Richard Norton Smith, former director of the Dole Institute, will speak at a virtual Dole Institute event as part of the Presidential Lecture Series on Military Veterans in the Oval Office. His presentation, “The Legacy of World War II and Beyond,” begins streaming at 7 p.m. See https://doleinstitute.org/event/1738/ for info and link.

• The KU Symphony Orchestra will give a concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive. A livestream will be available; see https://lied.ku.edu/?event=ku-symphony-24mar2022 for information and link.

FRIDAY

• KU men’s basketball tips off at 6:29 p.m. in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16. For those who enjoy watching with a crowd, the game will be aired at various restaurants and bars in Lawrence. For a free big-screen experience, Liberty Hall is again offering its theater for viewing the game. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. COVID vaccination proof is required.

• It’s also Final Friday, with many viewing options around town for art lovers. See https://www.explorelawrence.com/events/annual-events/final-fridays/ for more details.

• The Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St., will host Story Slam, with real-life stories presented live and uncensored. The theme is “Winging It,” and the fun starts at 7 p.m. Adults only; $10 donation at the door.

• Several local churches will host “Night to Shine,” a prom-night experience for people with special needs. The drive-thru red carpet celebration will kick off at 6:30 p.m. at River City Church, 3001 Lawrence Ave.

• The University Dance Company will present its spring concert, “Insider/Outsider,” this weekend, beginning with Friday’s performance at 7:30 p.m. at Crafton-Preyer Theatre, 1530 Naismith Drive. Repeat performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday; Friday’s and Sunday’s shows will also be livestreamed. Info and tickets at https://dance.ku.edu/spring-dance-concert-2022.

SATURDAY

• Levi Parkin, Lawrence’s city arborist, will answer questions about Lawrence’s trees and their maintenance at “Urban Trees,” 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Lawrence Public Library Auditorium, 707 Vermont St.

• In honor of Women’s History Month, KU’s Natural History Museum will host “Celebrating Women in Science” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dyche Hall, 1345 Jayhawk Blvd. Meet KU scientists, learn about scientific techniques, view specimens and try some hands-on experiments. See https://calendar.ku.edu/event/celebrating_women_in_science for more details.

• The Tristian Griffin Dance Company presents “The Bridge” at Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St., this weekend with a Saturday performance at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. In-person and livestream access available – see https://lawrenceartscenter.org/event/tristian-griffin-dance-company-presents-the-bridge/.

SUNDAY

• Thrifty crafters can attend the Art and Craft Supply Thrift Sale, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 1930 Harper St. The event features used supplies for creative projects at affordable prices. Free admission to the sale; more information at https://www.facebook.com/events/364515808884917/.

• Roll up your sleeves and come to “Dig In! Garden and Orchard Work Day,” 1-3 p.m., hosted by Sunrise Project at two growing spaces: Sunrise Community Garden (1501 Learnard Ave.) and Lawrence Community Orchard (830 Garfield St.). Workers of all ages and skill levels are welcome at either site. See https://www.facebook.com/events/1356722414772635/ for additional details.

• Children are invited to Multicultural Storytime, 3:30-4 p.m., Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St. Special guest Khrystyna Petriv, a Ukrainian Fulbright teaching assistant at KU, will talk about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Ukrainian culture. Meet in the Picture Book Room for storytime and crafts. Ages up to 11 welcome.

• Denver bluegrass group Chain Station gives a free concert sponsored by Americana Music Academy, which is celebrating completion of the ADA ramp into the schoolhouse providing access to music education for all. The show is set for 5-8 p.m. at Kaw Valley Public House, 444 Locust St.

TUESDAY

• “How World War I Changed Medicine,” 11 a.m.-noon. Join viewers for an online program featuring historian Dr. Ellen Hampton. Hampton will discuss how the war shaped modern medical care. Experience this online event on the Watkins Museum of History Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.