OK MOZART coming up

There's still time to purchase tickets for the OK MOZART International Music Festival held in Bartlesville at the Community Center with the OK Series at the Rose State Performing Arts Theatre in Oklahoma City, June 10-19. Performing groups include the Amici New York Orchestra, Alloy Orchestra, Turtle Island Quartet, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Hot Club of Cowtown and renowned violinist Joshua Bell. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 918-336-9800 or visit www.okmozart.com.

Toy collectibles show feature dolls, heirlooms

Spend a Sunday in May at the 38th annual Antique and Collectible Toy and Doll Show, at the Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Rd., in St. Charles, IL.

The show, on May 15, will feature 500 exhibitors showcasing all categories of fine antiques, collectible toys, dolls, playthings and holiday heirlooms. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults; children age 12 and under are free. Free parking.

For more information, visit www.chicagotoys.com or call 773-736-5140.

Allan Houser bronze sculpture exhibit on display at Denver Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens will take a year-long look at modern, contemporary and traditional American Indian arts. The centerpiece is the Gardens’ outdoor sculpture exhibit, Native Roots/Modern Form: Plants, Peoples and the Art of Allan Houser, on view at the Gardens now through November 13.

The show features more than 20 bronze works created by American modernist Allan Houser (Warm Springs Chiricahua Apache, 1914–1994). This pioneering 20th century personality opened doors for future generations of Native artists, and is one of the most important American artists of the 20th Century.

The Gardens also is offering many related exhibitions and programs for adults, families and youth, including guided tours, workshops and a monthly film series highlighting indigenous voices and issues.

For more information, visit www.botanicgardens.org.

Puppetry Arts Institute presents Harry Truman's boyhood story at presidential library

Children can learn about the Missouri farm boy who would grow up to become president of the United States in the puppet show, “Hats Off to Harry!” at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Truman Library, 500 W. US Hwy. 24, Independence, MO.

A make-and-take puppet craft will follow. The event, created in partnership with the acclaimed Puppetry Arts Institute, Independence, MO, is one in a series of “Talkin’ Truman” programs offered on the second Saturday of each month at the library.

Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors 65 and older, $3 for children ages 6 to 15, and free for children 5 years and younger. Seating is first come, first served.

For more information, visit http://www.trumanlibrary.org or call 816-268-8200 or 1-800-833-1225.

Quilters Guild of GKC hosts annual quilt show

More than 200 quilts are on display at the "Up and Away" 2011 Quilters Guild of Greater Kansas City Quilt Show, TODAY, until 6 pm, at Savior Pastoral Center, 12601 Parallel Pkwy, KCKS. Admission is $5.

For more information, visit http://www.quiltguildofgkc.org.

"Southern Reign" performs at 7th Annual Blues, Brew and BBQ and Lansing Daze Celebration

It's not too late to enjoy tasty barbecue and blues at the 7th Annual Blues, Brew and BBQ and Lansing Daze Celebration, now until 4 p.m. today, Saturday, May 7, at the Eisenhower Crossing (intersection of Eisenhower and DeSota Road), in Lansing, KS.

Events include a barbecue contest, barbecue samplings, a car and cycle show, crafts booths, and children's activities. Get your groove on with the band "Southern Reign," who will perform from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.lansing.ks.us.

Leavenworth Main Street Merchants to host downtown Oz-themed street fair

Leavenworth Main Street Merchants will host "Click Your Heels"--a Wizard of Oz-themed event--from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 6, in downtown Leavenworth, KS.

Visitors can view artists at work, enjoy tastings, meet authors, shop, and play an Oz trivia game. Free game sheets can be picked up at stores displaying "Click Your Heels" posters, Ruby Slippers and red balloons.

The event will kick off the 2011 Kansas Sampler Festival, hosted by Leavenworth County, on Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8 at Ray Miller Park at the VA Complex.

For more information, visit www.leavenworthmainstreet.com.

HGTV star Vern Yip to visit Kansas City area

Vern Yip, star of HGTV’s popular shows “Deserving Design with Vern Yip” and “Design Star,” will meet and greet residents at I.O. Metro’s two Kansas City area furniture stores on Wednesday, May 4 and Thursday, May 5. Yip will make appearances from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Lee's Summit store, 910S NW Blue Parkway, and Thursday at the Zona Rosa store, 8766 NW Prairie View Rd.

Yip will be available for autographs, pictures and design therapy. Attendees will receive 10 percent off one item during the events. He also will offer a 30-minute design class to I.O. Metro VIP customers starting at 6 p.m., prior to each general public event.

One lucky winner each night can get "30 Minutes with Vern." Just drop by the stores anytime before the VIP Events and register to win a 30-minute, one-on-one design consultation with Yip. On the event nights, attendees are invited to bring photos and plenty of questions just in case he draws their name.

Yip's appearance is in conjunction with his newly formed partnership with I.O. Metro. He will be seen in upcoming advertising campaigns for the furniture retailer and will be featured in “Vern’s Picks” throughout the store – items Yip has personally chosen as design must-haves. Headquartered in Bentonville, Ark., I.O. Metro sells eclectic import furniture and accessories in 21 locations across the Midwest. Each store offers a wide range of custom options with free design service.

Learn more about Yip at www.vernyip.com and I.O. Metro at www.io-metro.com or iometro.blogspot.com.