It’s the weekend before Christmas, and that means plenty of holiday spirit in State College.
But that’s not all. There’s also music, sports, cartoons, and more to enjoy this weekend in town.
As always, we put together some of the highlights from the coming weekend’s events in State College and the surrounding area.
So without further ado, here’s the latest edition of Thank God It’s Friday.
Have fun this weekend!
FRIDAY:
Enjoy some smooth jazz.
Local jazz drummer Ronnie Burrage, considered one of the best jazz musicians in the world, is hosting Jazz Night at the Bellefonte Art Museum from 7 to 10 p.m.
He’ll perform original music “inspired by the history of the museum building” accompanied by some more traditional jazz tunes. Donations to the museum are appreciated, but the event is free and open to the public.
…or enjoy some blues.
Miss Melanie and the Valley Rats play “rhythm, blues, and soul” every Friday night at Otto’s Pub and Brewery, located on North Atherton Street in State College. The band specialized in blues music, and has jammed with B.B. King, Jay Leno, Johnny Winter, and plenty of other acclaimed blues and soul musicians.
Led by powerful singer Melanie Morrison Zeigler, the band plays weekly at the pub and will be on tonight starting at 9 p.m., so head down to Otto’s for some locally brewed beer and live music.
SATURDAY:
Bring the kids for some cartoon fun.
You can head downtown every Saturday in December to enjoy some cartoons on the big screen at the State Theatre.
As part of its Saturday Morning Cartoons series sponsored by the Downtown Improvement District, you can “spend some quality time with Bugs Bunny, the Roadrunner, Yosemite Sam, and the rest of the gang.”
The event is held in memory of former State College mayor Bill Welch, and you only have two more opportunities to participate.
The showing is free and starts at 10 a.m.
Watch the debate.
Ferguson Township supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders will gather at the Old Oak Tavern in Pine Grove Mills.
“Get to know your neighbors who support Bernie and find out how to volunteer on his campaign,” the event listing says.
Food and drink will be available at the venue, and the debate starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday night.
Get into the holiday spirit.
The Central PA Dance Workshop will present its annual special holiday performance on Saturday night at the State Theatre.
“Join us as we visit a variety of vacation destinations, from fanciful to factual,” the event listing says. “Selections include a variety of ages and dance styles representing diverse thematic choices from ice skating at Rockefeller Centre to Ireland, from time travel to a trip to the moon. There is sure to be much to entertain everyone.”
Both child and adult performers will be dancing and the Fraser Street Dancers will be on stage as special guest performers. The show starts at 7 p.m.
Tickets cost $10 and are available now on the State Theatre website.
SUNDAY:
See the Lady Lions live.
The Penn State women’s basketball team will face Sacred Heart on Sunday at noon at the Bryce Jordan Center.
The Lady Lions are 4-6 on the year, but sport a 4-1 record at the BJC. They’re coming off a road loss against St. Bonaventure last weekend by a score of 70-60 and are looking for a bounceback win before an 11-day break.
Single game tickets for the Lady Lions range from $10 to $17 and are available here.
What’s Christmas without the “Nutcracker”?
Catcha a live performance of the Nutcracker from Bolshoi Ballet at the State Theatre on Sunday at 12:55 p.m. The traditional Christmas story of Marie receiving her wooden nutcracker as a gift will be told, as the toy transforms into a prince and saves Marie from the Mouse King and his army.
“We will be streaming the full season of the world famous Bolshoi Ballet series via HD satellite simulcast,” the theatre said. “Join us in watching these stunningly beautiful performances from Moscow!”
Tickets cost $10 and are available on the State Theatre website.
