Week of February 1st

Opportunity is knocking! Central Library is partnering with ISED (Iowans for Social and Economic Development) to provide assistance in job searching. The program consists of assistance in using the computer for job searching and applying for jobs. Three hours of computer time will be provided. The program will be at the Central Library each Monday and Friday from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. You may sign up at the library or contact Genie Bundy at 283-0940 or gbundy@ised.org

Join us for an informal writers' workshop. Share samples of your work and receive feedback from other writers in the group. Meeting Room One. Preregister online or by calling 515-283-4152 ext. 3.

Des Moines' best local talent @ The Royal Mile, 210 4th Street, Downtown Des Moines. Solo artists and duo acts every Monday night from 8-10pm.

Fran Drescher, best known as the star of the Emmy Award winning series "The Nanny" opens the Smart Talk Connected Conversations series of presentations. A Capitol Hill lobbyist for women's health and President of the Cancer Schmancer Movement, she will speak on "Turning Lemons into Lemonade" starting at 7:30PM at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines. Series ticket prices vary. For more information, visit www.civiccenter.org

Explore your German heritage with experienced researchers, translators and travelers who have extensive personal knowledge of Germany. Share your family stories and experiences at the German Interest Group at the Iowa Genealogical Society Library, 628 E Grand in the East Village, starting at 7PM. The program is free and open to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted.

This Valentine's event features Dinner, Entertainment, and a Silent Auction with proceeds benefiting Ballet Des Moines' new children's program "Dance Without Limits". Dance Without Limits gives children with physical or cognitive disabilities the opportunity to experience the thrill of dance. The dinner will feature a 7 station dining selection catered by Taste to Go. Guests will be greeted by Mary Foss, professional harpist with the Des Moines Symphony. Ballet Des Moines will perform various dances including a "sizzling" Tango exhibition. Fred Gazzo, former Las Vegas performer, and his band, The Metropolitans will complete the night with songs from the Frank Sinatra era. Complimentary Martini Bar and a Champagne Reception will great guests as they arrive. The Scottish Rite will be professionally decorated by Innovative Events. The Silent Auction will include jewelry items and proceeds to benefit Ballet Des Moines's, Dance Without Limits. Advance reservations are required. For tickets and more information, please visit the website above. This truly will be a spectacular evening!

Ladies! (sorry guys, ladies only) Find your inner goddess and connect with your movements. Class will start with slow stretching and a meditation component. Next we will work on basic belly dance movements with emphasis on isolation and strengthening your core. Expansion will take place from there.

Now that you got the bellydance basics down, we will begin to explore choreography, basic combos, varied levels and turns. The class will begin with a warm-up, then we will focus on increasing skills with combos and choreography. Email -- rglaza@desmoinessocialclub.org

So you think you know trivia? Then reserve the 2nd Tuesday of each month for Tuesday Trivia Night's at Des Moines Social Club in the beautiful Sideshow Lounge! A great way to tease your brain while laughing, chatting, or exploring downtown Des Moines! 7-8pm - Trivia Team Registration 8pm - Game Start

Attention Teens: join us for an informal writers' workshop. Share samples of your work and receive feedback from other writers in the group. Meeting Room Three.

Pioneer-ICIU International Dialogue Series-Life Under African Dictatorships: Common Threads and Lessons for the Future. Zimbabwean opposition politician speaking on the subject, with some personal additions and insights from ICIU board Vice President, Lloyd Le Page.

Think you're funny? Take the stage at The House of Bricks, 525 E Grand in the East Village and see if you can make the audience laugh...or just show up for some fun. It's Comedy Open Mic Night. The fun starts at 7:30PM and there's no cover charge.

Learn more about your African roots with other dedicated researchers and historicans at the African American Interest Group Meeting at the Iowa Genealogical Society Library, 628 E Grand in the East Village. Anyone interested in tracing their African American roots is welcome to attend this free special interest group meeting starting at 7PM. For more information, call 515-276-0287.

Will Polk County Paula, Des Moines' resident groundhog see her shadow? Check it out at the 6th Annual Groundhog Day Party at High Life Lounge, 200 SW Second in the Court District. The early morning fun starts at 6AM with free Miller High Life being served until 8AM. Breakfast will be served all morning and there'll be $5 all you can eat pancakes. Polk County Paula will look for her shadow around 7:30AM. If the early start doesn't work for you, head over for drink specials all day and night and live music by Mr. Baber's Neighbors starting at 5PM.

Interviews, performances, & live commercials swaddled in a blanket of funny. It may or may not be a magical evening. If you are into banality and mediocrity then this is the show for you. and... It's the one and only, longest running live talk show in Des Moines.

Meet at the Central Library to practice playing bridge on Wednesday evenings in February. For more details, contact Nancy Wilson at 285-9916. Study Room Four. Preregister by February 3rd by signing up online or by calling the library at 515-283-4152 ext. 3. To preregister after February 3rd, call Laura at 515-283-4957.

Des Moines' best local talent @ el Bait Shop 200 SW 2nd Street, Downtown Des Moines. Bands every Wednesday 8pm to 11pm, with great beer specials. Bands every Sunday night 8pm to 11pm with beer specials all night.

Join Tom Hadden, Executive Director of Metro Waste Authority, at the "Let's DU Lunch" series sponsored by Drake University and the Greater Des Moines Partnership at AllPlay, 615 Third Street. Networking begins at 11:30AM, followed by lunch and the program which starts at noon. Tickets are $12 for young professionals 35 and under and $15 for others. For more information, call 271-2500.

Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway, hosts area favorite Matt Woods & the Thunderbolts and their down-home juke house blues for an evening of thumping rhythm and blues. Their show starts at 9PM and the cover is $3.

Often imitated... the Open Jam has been a Thursday night tradition since 1992! The host band warms up the crowd from 9:30 to 10:30. Musicians, ranging from the accomplished professional to the inspired novice, are then invited to take the stage. Unrehearsed and straight from the heart, this is some real Blues guaranteed to fill the house week after week. $3 Cover

Drinking Liberally has moved from its original home to a new space at AJ's on East Court. We'll be on the patio when it gets nice outside!

Aikido translates to “the way of harmony”. Through the innovative teachings of this Japanese martial art you will experience a new way to resolve conflict in your life. By accepting conflict as a natural occurrence, you will learn to see more opportunity for movement and resolution. Through the practice of the physical movements, you will learn patience, acceptance and a new way to communicate. In doing so, you can create a powerful existence with yourself and within the relationships in your life. Come experience for yourself, your first class is free!

The Historic East Village, it's retailers, restaurants and businesses, host East Village Goes Red...For Your Heart, in partnership with the American Heart Association. From 11:30AM to 1PM, The Grand Piano Bistro will be the location for a video casting call for women who have made lifestyle changes or heart-induced changes. Videos will be sent to the AHA national office for consideration with the person(s)chosen acting as the spokesperson(s)for the organization. There's no fee to participate, but filling out an application is requested. Visit www.americanheart.org. Starting at 5:30PM, the Historic East Village will host a fundraiser for American Heart at e300 on the first floor. A donation of $10 will include appetizers supplied by local restaurants, wine and live music. For more information, visit www.eastvillagedesmoines.com.

Put on your dancing shoes and head to Fourth Street Theatre, 216 Fourth Street in the Court District. Whether you just want to watch or are ready to kick up your heels, Swing Dancing will take over the theatre starting at 8:30PM. There's no charge to join in the fun.

Fancy yourself as a poet? Have a view you want to share with others? Head to The House of Bricks, 525 E Grand in the East Village for "Say What! Poetry and Open Mic Night". It all starts at 9:30PM and there's a $5 cover charge.

Allow your body and mind the chance to awaken the day with clarity, focus and strength! Of the many benefits, yoga helps bring length to our bodies while helping to strengthen muscles that are underused. This creates greater range of motion for all our many parts. Overall, this practice helps increase ones knowledge and awareness of proper body alignment, resulting in a more balanced, toned, and revived self. Come join us for a warming yoga session at Revive!! We have plenty of mats :)

Like to cook and looking for a great recipe for Pollo alla Cacciatora? Join chef Alessandra Meschini at a special cooking class at Basil Prosperi Restaurant, 801 Grand, 3rd Floor on the Skywalk. It starts at 6:30PM and the cost to attend is $30. To learn more or register for the class, call 525-401-7005 or emal ameschini@yahoo.com.

Featuring Centennial Pale Ale, Chocolate Milk Stout, & Hard Cider. A salute to homebrewers @ el Bait Shop. Every Thursday at 6pm, free beer from local brewers and homebrewers while it lasts.

Featuring Widmer & Redhook. Every Thursday from 5-7pm we will be sampling out new in, seasonal, and year-round beers from commercial breweries. Brewery draws are $3 all night.

Celebrate the weekend every Friday at Blues on Grand's Friday Work Release Party. The party lasts from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and features music by Sumpin' Doo and food by Jesse James.

Four Year Strong headlines entertainment for all ages at The House of Bricks, 525 E Grand in the East Village. Joining them will be Strike Anywhere, This Time Next Year and Title Fight. Music starts at 5PM and tickets are $12 in advance at www.iowatix.com or $14 at the door.

Opportunity is knocking! Central Library is partnering with ISED (Iowans for Social and Economic Development) to provide assistance in job searching. The program consists of assistance in using the computer for job searching and applying for jobs. Three hours of computer time will be provided. The program will be at the Central Library each Monday and Friday from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. You may sign up at the library or contact Genie Bundy at 283-0940 or gbundy@ised.org

All ages will enjoy the sounds of Ben Korthas at Fourth Street Theatre, 216 Fourth Street in the Court District. Korthas brings his solo acoustic "Cabin Fever" Tour to the stage starting at 8:30PM. There's no charge to attend, but tips for the performer are encouraged.

Allow your body and mind the chance to awaken the day with clarity, focus and strength! Of the many benefits, yoga helps bring length to our bodies while helping to strengthen muscles that are underused. This creates greater range of motion for all our many parts. Overall, this practice helps increase ones knowledge and awareness of proper body alignment, resulting in a more balanced, toned, and revived self. Come join us for a warming yoga session at Revive!! We have plenty of mats :)

Ladies Night with the Iowa Energy with a $15 package including: ticket, glass of wine or martini, goodie bag, chair massages and a donation back to the Junior League

The TLD will be debuting @ The Underground to rock. Come out and support your local musicians, and area nightspots...Come early, and stay late. Don't forget to bring your friends!

Hear the Delta dynamite sounds of Eric Sardinas with Brit Joanne Shaw Taylor her funky shuffles and soulful ballads at Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway. Music starts at 9:30PM. Cover is $15.

Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street, in the Court District, hosts a performance by Jemina Pearl. Entertainment, for those 21+, starts at 10PM and the cover is $10. Advanced tickets may be purchased at www.iowatix.com.

Catch Pianopalooza at Grand Piano Bistro, 506 E Grand in the East Village. The dueling pianos start their entertainment at 8:30PM and admission is $5. For more information or reservations, call 243-2380.

Roxi Copland entertains at the Cosmopolitan Lounge in the Suites at 800 Locust, 800 Locust. Music starts at 8PM and there's no cover charge. For more information call 288-5800.

Join in the fight against multiple sclerosis by attending The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s 16th Annual Taste of Generosity Wine Tasting and Auction. As foods from around the world are served and musical entertainment creates a festive atmosphere, one-of-a-kind auction items will be yours for the bidding. The evening begins at 5:30 with the exclusive Chairman’s Tasting where special guests can enjoy delectable appetizers paired perfectly with limited edition wines scheduled to be auctioned later in the evening. The main event begins at 6:30 with a silent auction and professional wine tasting, which features fantastic hors d’oeuvres and exquisite wines served by the top vineyards in Iowa. At 8:00 the focus turns to a live auction of rare and vintage wines which make the perfect addition to any collection. Professional Wine Auctioneer, Simon Lambert of the Chicago Wine Company, will be leading this exhilarating auction. The Taste of Generosity offers the opportunity to learn about MS, taste wines, enjoy the excitement of a live auction, and most importantly raise charity funds to benefit the North Central States Chapter of the National MS Society, which provides valuable support for the enhancement of programs and services for the more than 7,900 individuals with MS in our local chapter. MS is a life-long, unpredictable and often disabling disease of the central nervous system. The cause is not known and a cure is yet to be found. MS affects 400,000 people in the U.S. and 2.5 million people worldwide. Sign up today and support those you know with MS while supporting the mission of the National MS Society: to end the devastating effect of multiple sclerosis. Individual tickets for this fabulous event are $100. Tables of 8 are $750. VIP tables of 8 are $1,250. Register today to save your place at one of the premier wine events in Iowa! Call 1-800-FIGHT MS option 2, or visit www.tasteofgenerosity.org.

Kids, practice your reading with one of the therapy dogs! Sign up at the children's desk for a ten-minute slot to read a favorite story to Remmy between 11:00 am - 12:00 noon or to Scout between 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.. Children's Area of Des Moines Central Library.

Hone your garden skills with Friends-sponsored Learn on Saturdays garden talks, beginning January 9 and ending March 27. Two different talks will be offered every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. (except January 23, when one long program is planned) Admission is free to members, volunteers and badge-wearing Master Gardeners; otherwise, entrance fees to the Botanical Center apply ($5.00 adult, $4.00 senior, $3.00 youth ages 4-17). All classes are held in Levitt except February 27, which will be held in Swartz.

The Des Moines Botanical Center’s Volunteer Advisory Council is holding its annual Scented Geranium Sale on February 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Botanical Center. There will be a variety of scented geraniums which make a unique gift for your Valentine sweetheart. Selection is limited, so come early! Rosemary, streptocarpella and ivy will also be sold at this time. All plants are $5.00 each.

All ages will enjoy the entertainment at The House of Bricks, 525 E Grand in the East Village. The Soapbox Prophets and Hollywood Burnout will take the stage starting at 5PM. Cover is TBD.

Allow your body and mind the chance to awaken the day with clarity, focus and strength! Of the many benefits, yoga helps bring length to our bodies while helping to strengthen muscles that are underused. This creates greater range of motion for all our many parts. Overall, this practice helps increase ones knowledge and awareness of proper body alignment, resulting in a more balanced, toned, and revived self. Come join us for a warming yoga session at Revive!! We have plenty of mats :)

If you're a Bob Marley fan you won't want to miss the Bob Marley Birthday Tribute at People's Court, 216 Court Avenue, Third Floor in the Court District. D. Bess of Public Property and Dubskin, reggae from Colorado, will provide the entertainment. Doors open at 8PM and the show starts at 9:30PM. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Great acoustic music from a local favorite. Chris's band Decoy is set to break out on the scene, and have just finished their new album. With songs like Come Back to Life, and It Goes Like This, they will soon be on tour for sure.

Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand in Western Gateway, hosts Perry Weber & The Devilles from Milwaukee. They bring their blues roots from deep Chicago to Memphis soul, boogie-woogie and more to the stage starting at 9:30PM. Cover is $8 per person.

All audiences will enjoy Pumptown at The Vaudeville Mews, 212 Fourth Street in the Court District. Music starts at 7PM and tickets may be purchased in advance for $10 at www.iowatix.com

Watch snowboarders show off their tricks and abilities at the Des Moines Winter Games Annual Rail Jam in the Court District. There'll be lots of action from 7 to 11PM on Court Avenue between Water and Fifth Streets. Got a snowboard and want to compete? The cost is $15. To register or to get more information about participating, visit www.dmwintergames.com. There's no charge to watch all the action.

Like to sing? How about strutting your stuff at AJ's on East Court, 419 East Court in the East Village? Modern Generations will host karaoke starting at 9PM. For more information call 282-1888.

Catch the music of Hollywood Burnout at a concert for all ages at The House of Bricks, 525 E Grand in the East VIllage. Entertainment starts at 5PM.

The Continental, 428 East Locust in the East Village, will host entertainment by Seth Hedquist, Pete VanDeRiet and John Kizilarmut. Music starts at 9PM and runs until midnight.

Don't miss dueling piano entertainment at Grand Piano Bistro, 506 E Grand in the East Village. Pianopalooza takes the stage at 8:30PM. Admission is $5.

Head to The House of Bricks, 525 E Grand in the East Village to hear Gimmik. The show, geared to 21+ starts at 9PM.

Brenton Skating Plaza celebrates the 2010 Winter Olympics, Saturday, February 6th, with FREE performances by Des Moines area figure skaters at 9:00am, followed by a FREE skating clinic at 9:30am designed to sharpen your skating skills. And here's a plus: You'll receive a FREE Admission pass (valid Feb 6th and 7th only) just for attending the Wonderful World of Skating Exhibition!