Programs and plays, politics and pigs: This week's A&E roundup offers something for everyone

Crane Trust to feature 'Cranes After Dark'

Wonder what sandhill cranes do after the rest of the world has gone to sleep?

You will have a chance to find out when Kylee Warren presents "Cranes After Dark" as part of the Potluck Speaker Series hosted by Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center.

Warren's program is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the center, 9225 S. Alda Road (just south of the I-80 interchange at Alda). A potluck meal will start at 6:30 p.m.; bring a dish to share if you wish, drinks will be provided.

Spend the evening on the river with sandhill cranes during migration as thousands fill the skies and congregate on sandbars as the sun dips beneath the Platte River horizon. Stay well after the light is gone, and you'll hear these birds' calls, cries and purrs most of the night. What do they get up to, and what keeps them alert throughout the evening? Thanks to infrared technology in Crane Trust virtual wildlife cameras, we can now see the nightlife of these birds and learn more about their behavior.

Warren has followed the Nebraska sandhill crane migration for more than 10 years. She produces Crane Trust's virtual programs and other visual media content throughout the year.

She began her multimedia career when she picked up a camera to film sandhill cranes in Nebraska, Oregon and New Mexico in 2009. In 2017, she graduated from the University of Sydney with an advanced degree in film and digital media. She says she has a lifelong passion for adventure traveling, conservation journalism and wildlife, and extensive training in film, photography and public affairs.

Through archived footage, "Cranes After Dark" explores the nightlife of cranes as they stage on the Platte River during their annual migration.

This is the last potluck of the season. For more information, call 308-382-1820 or visit cranetrust.org .

Library art show highlights 'Nature's Inspirations'

The Grand Island Public Library is tapping into nature for the newest art show now on display in the library's Art Alcove.

"Nature's Inspirations" showcases the work of local artists Amy J. McIntosh and Anita Louise and will be on display from through Friday, Dec. 6.

"We are two country girls who delight in expressing how much we appreciate the beauty of nature!" the artists noted in a joint statement "We hope you enjoy what we have been inspired by. May it create in you a curiosity to see the world with fresh eyes — eyes that say, 'how would I do this, if it were my concept?' Then go try it! Artistic expression can be a fantastic feeling!"

The Grand Island Public Library, 1124 W. Second St., is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information about the show, call Jeanne Simons at 308-385-5333 or

UNK to focus on women's impact on Nebraska politics

KEARNEY — "Are Women New to Politics? Nebraska Women as a Case Study" will be presented at noon Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Kearney Public Library, 2020 First Ave.

Linda Van Ingen, a history professor at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, will present the program as part of a Brown Bag Lecture Series hosted by the UNK Department of History.

Women have made great political strides over the last century. Female representation has hit record highs and women now regularly run for the presidency. Is this history new? How long has it taken for women to get to this point, where they are running – and winning – political office? Nebraska women shed light on this history.

After winning the right to vote, women sought office but the Unicameral dislodged these early gains. Women rallied later in the century with historic wins to Congress, the governorship and U.S. Senate.

Join Van Ingen for a discussion of this fragmented and often forgotten history of Nebraska's political past. See what's changed and what has stayed the same over 100 years of women's political participation in Nebraska.

Van Ingen is a professor and chair of the UNK Department of History. Her teaching and research areas focus on 20th century U.S. social and political history, including women's history, civil rights and immigration. She is the author of the book "Gendered Politics: Campaign Strategies of California Women Candidates, 1912-1970."

'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown' opens Nov. 15 in Hastings

HASTINGS — The Hastings Community Theatre continues its 65th season with "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," opening Friday, Nov. 15.

Based on the comic strip, "Peanuts," by Charles M. Schultz. the show was written by Clark Gesner. For more than 60 years, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole Peanuts gang have been making childhoods just a little more wonderful. The two-time Tony Award-winning musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" brings the heartfelt comic strip to life with some of the gang's most memorable situations and characters.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15-17 and Nov. 22-24, at the HCT, 515 S. Fourth Ave. (inside Good Samaritan Village), in Hastings.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $22 for seniors and students. Tickets are available online at hctheatre.org . Tickets may be available at the door if not sold out.

American Legion members plan soup supper, 'cow dance'

ST. PAUL — Area American Legion members are set to host two events over the next two weekends

The American Legion Riders will host a soup supper from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the American Legion Hall in Dannebrog. The menu will include a variety of soups. Freewill donations will be accepted.

Also on the calendar is the St. Paul American Legion Club's annual "Cow Dance," set for 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at the St. Paul Civic Center, 423 Howard Ave. The Mark Vyhlidal Band will provide the music.

The annual cow dance (and yes, cows were involved) originated on Armistice Day in 1935. In that inaugural year 550 attended the dance, which featured music by the Rasmussen Orchestra from Rockville and John J.H. Bell and his orchestra. A total of 1,551 tickets were sold to the dance, which netted more than $375.

A St. Paul newspaper following the 1935 event, sponsored by Carl Mogensen Post 119, described the dance this way: "The advance sale of tickets, which numbered a little over 1,100, warned the committee that they would have to provide more room for the dancers, so the K. of C. hall was secured and a second orchestra hired to furnish music. Even with the two dance halls available, the room for dancing was limited so that it was next to impossible to do any dancing."

Roy Peterson, a young farmer living south of St. Paul, took home the prize cow at the first event.

"It is reported that he needed the cow as he is soon to be married and every young family needs a milk cow," the newspaper reported.

Tickets are $5 in advance or $7 at the door. For more information, contact Chuck Schmid at 308-750-6149.

Hastings Multicultural Festival set for Sunday

HASTINGS — The annual Hastings Multicultural Festival, an afternoon dedicated to celebrating different cultures from around the world with entertainment, activities and food, is set for 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, in the Kiewit Gymnasium on the Hastings College campus, 715 E. Seventh St.

The festival is free and open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend.

The Multicultural Festival is designed to showcase and celebrate various cultures present in the Hastings community, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to build community through food, music and dance from around the world.

The event is sponsored by Hastings College, the Hastings Multicultural Association and the Hastings YWCA.

Hastings College is a four-year residential college that focuses on student academic and extracurricular achievement. Discover more at hastings.edu .

International Food Festival showcases cuisines, cultures from around the world

KEARNEY — Bring your appetite but leave your passport at home, because this world tour doesn't require a plane ticket.

The 47th annual Scott D. Morris International Food and Cultural Festival is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, at the University of Nebraska at Kearney's Health and Sports Center. It's free and open to the public.

Hosted by UNK's International Student Association, this community celebration gives guests an opportunity to try new cuisines and experience global cultures without leaving Kearney.

"The Scott D. Morris International Food and Cultural Festival creates continental connections," said Chance Bell, assistant vice chancellor of UNK Global. "We introduce students to Nebraska, and they link us to the world."

This year's event features the flavors of seven countries, along with student performances and other engaging activities. The menu includes bhel puri, a popular street food from India; teriyaki chicken from Japan; beef bulgogi from South Korea; pad krapao, a stir-fried beef and rice dish from Thailand; Filipino adobo; banh mi sandwiches from Vietnam; and kheer, a rice pudding from Nepal.

One of the most popular events on campus, the International Food and Cultural Festival typically draws more than 1,000 people. About 50 UNK students are involved in the planning and execution, whether they're cooking, performing or volunteering at the event.

UNK has more than 3,700 international alumni from 65 countries, with around 300 international students currently attending the university.

The International Food and Cultural Festival is sponsored by Morris Printing Group of Kearney, UNK LoperNites and UNK Global.

Tabitha to host Mistletoe Market

Come on out and have a holly jolly time at Tabitha's Mistletoe Market set for 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Tabitha at Prairie Commons.

Start your holiday shopping by supporting local vendors, get your photo taken with Santa, enjoy a hot chocolate and cider bar and more.

Tabitha at Prairie Commons, 3490 Ewoldt St., is located just west of the Grand Island Regional Medical Center. Interested vendors should call Krista Finley at 308-833-6112.

Tabitha has also planned two sessions of Music Bingo from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, and Monday, Dec. 9, in the dining room, What is music bingo? Participants will hear snippets of popular songs, work together with others at their table to identify the songs, then mark Bingo cards to win!

The Nov. 19 event will feature music from the 50s and 60s, with holiday music the focus on Dec. 9. In addition to great music and games, the events will include snacks and prizes.

Tabitha will also host a community dance from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, featuring Dolores Kimminau with a mix of polka, waltz, line dance, and country tunes that are sure to get your feet moving.

The event kicks off with a brief waltz dance lesson with Christine from 6:30 to 6:45 p.m., followed by open dancing until 8 p.m. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking to enjoy some great music, all are welcome! Refreshments will be provided. Don't miss out on this chance to dance the night away and make new friends.

For information about any of these activities or events, call Finely at the number above.

This weekend at the Grand ...

"HITPIG" is showing this weekend at the Grand Theatre, 316 W. Third St. Showtimes is at 7:15 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Hitpig is a pig hired by humans to bring back their escaped animals. It's not easy, but it's a living. His latest hit is Pickles, a naive but vivacious elephant who has escaped the clutches of an evil Vegas showman.

Though Hitpig initially sets out to capture the perky pachyderm for big cash, the unlikely pair find themselves on an unexpected adventure criss-crossing the globe that brings out the best in both of them. Set in a futuristic cyberpunk world, Hitpig proves sometimes what we want isn't what we need.

From Pulitzer Prize-winning author Berkeley Breathed's wild imagination comes an adventure about learning that sometimes what we want isn't what we need.

This film is rated PG for action/peril, rude humor and some thematic elements. Running time is one hour, 26 minutes.

Admission is $5 for adults, and $4 for children and seniors. For more information call 308-381-2667 or visit grandmovietheatre.com .

Arts and entertainment briefs are published every Thursday in The Independent. To submit announcements, submit to Terri Hahn at at least two weeks prior to the event. No information will be accepted over the phone. There is no charge for publication, but announcements must follow newspaper style and policy.

Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!