Planet Weekend Picks, March 15-17
Friday, March 15
Teen Open Mic Night at the Arts Council of Princeton – Singers, musicians, poets, comedians, dancers, jugglers and more. No parents allowed! “Open Mic” is an event which students can perform a short set, regardless of style. Registration for performers is closed. Teens, come enjoy the show! This event is sponsored by What’s Up Princeton, a collaboration of organizations in Princeton who provide services to youth in the community: The Arts Council of Princeton, Corner House, HiTOPS, The Princeton Public Library and the Princeton Recreation Department. 7-10 p.m., free.
Pep Rally 101 – A casual college-themed night featuring pub games and food at the Cannon Club. Donations support scholarships for Princeton High students in need. Silent auction items include the chance to name your own hoagie at Hoagie Haven, private barrista lessons for two from Small World Coffee, and a seat at Eno Terra chef Chris Albrecht’s cooking class. 21 Prospect Ave, 7:30 p.m., tickets $101 at the door.
Saturday, March 16
Creating a Vision, Princeton Future – The second community forum in a series on regional planning and development. The topic will be how to involve the community in planning decisions. Guest speakers and a panel. 9 a.m., Princeton Public Library community room, free (free coffee and pastries too if you get there early enough).
Princeton Battlefield Society Clean Up Day – Head over to the Battlefield to work on one of several clean up projects. Volunteers will be given a tour of the Battlefield, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., free.
We Are All One Family, Latinos Unidos de Princeton – Live music, refreshments, free hand-knit caps and scarves and more. Meet Nina Lavado, who has helped many Latino families understand the local school system and prepare for college. Charo Juega, executive director, Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF) will explain how to get a community ID card and help with federal and state taxes, and also how to apply for deferred action and citizenship. Princeton Public Library community room, 2 p.m., free.
Opening Reception for Slaying Medusa: A Greek Myth Retold Through Self-Portraits – Photographer Barbara Warren interprets the Greek myth of Perseus slaying Medusa through a series of narrative self-portraits. In Warren’s telling, she melds her identity with the persona of each main character in this myth. Her expressive portraits convey not only the drama and adventure of Perseus’ quest, but also the psychological journey undertaken when one commits to confronting one’s fears. Warren’s own journey has a contemporary twist and she, too, slays her Medusa. Arts Council of Princeton, 4-6 p.m., free.
Sound Bites featuring Sarah Donner, Talia Billig and Tony Tedesco – Join the Arts Council of Princeton for a fun filled evening of music with Sarah Donner, Talia Billig and Tony Tedesco. The Sound Bites series features local/regional musicians and offers a cool vibe with an up close and personal experience with the musicians in a café style setting. Bring your receipt from any Terra Momo restaurant from Saturday night and receive one free admission to the show per dinner entree. Bring your ticket from the Sound Bites concert to Mediterra and receive one free tapas after the show. Doors open at 7 pm. Concert starts at 8 p.m. Admission $10, $5 for Arts Council members, students and seniors.
Sunday, March 17
5k Fundraiser for the Princeton High Track and Field Teams – Race begins at Princeton High at 8:30 a.m. Fee to participate is $30. Register online or on race day on site.
A Cappella Afternoon with the Key of She – The all-female a cappella quintet performs covers of popular tunes and a few parodies in a tightly harmonized jazz style. Founded in 2001, the group quickly earned national recognition, appearing on The Jane Pauley Show and opening for Ray Charles. The Key of She is Sue Jaques of Skillman, Amy Raditz of Lambertville, Cheryl Wnek of Hopewell, Carol Heffler of Lambertville, and Sheila Truncellito of Lawrenceville. 3 p.m. in the Princeton Public Library community room, free.
St. Patrick’s Day Party & LongBeard Benefit at the Alchemist & Barrister -Princeton’s premier St. Patrick’s Day celebration benefits the family of EMT volunteer Michael Kenwood this year. Kenwood died after a rescue attempt during Hurricane Irene in 2011. During the festivities, the winner of the annual LongBeard Benefit will be announced with prizes for the best beard and other categories. The party begins at 5 p.m. The Alchemist & Barrister is located at 28 Witherspoon Street.
Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.