Pretty Things Peep Show
Although society has, for the most part, relegated its voyeuristic indulgences to more technologically forward kinds of entertainment (think reality TV) there still exists a group of people who appreciate weirdness in its original medium: the stage. The Pretty Things Peep Show is precisely that: a live performance comprised of burlesque dancers, sword swallowers, little people walking on glass, contortionists, and a man hammering nails into his nasal cavity. A mixture of the lewd and the lascivious, this Vaudeville-inspired act is guaranteed to delight and amaze, as well as possibly inspire onlookers to pursue a career in sideshow entertainment as an alternative to their desk jobs. Featured performers include Donny Vomit, a mustachioed human blockhead and chainsaw juggler; Heather Holliday, a comely fire-eater and sword-swallower; and Go-Go Amy, a burlesque queen and contortionist. Other acts include Stoya, an aerialist deemed by Howard Stern as "The World's Strongest Naked Woman" and Lil' Miss Firefly, a woman of small stature, nerves of steel and the uncanny ability to escape straightjackets. These antics are accompanied by live music from Eddy Price, the "One-Man Band."
Wednesday, Feb. 15 @ The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing; theloftlansing.com; 7 p.m.; 18+; $10

Seussical, the Musical
Adapted from the magical Broadway original written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, Seussical has been a family favorite since 2000. The story mirrors the plot of Horton Hears a Who; in this musical, when Horton the elephant hears the tiny voice of the Whoville Mayor calling out for help from his planet, a speck of dust, Horton once again finds himself on a mission to rescue the denizens of Whoville. Horton resolves to protect the planet Who, which is constantly under the threat of demise because of its small size and fragility. JoJo, the wildly imaginative son of the Mayor, bonds with Horton over their shared plight as social outcasts. Amid problems of war, unrequited love and vanity, the pair teams up to save Whoville, and ultimately, Horton himself. Well-loved characters such as Gertrude McFuzz, the Grinch, Mayzie LaBird, and Vlad Vladikoff both help and hinder Horton's efforts along the way, as the Cat in the Hat narrates the action. The show references many of Dr. Seuss's most beloved works, including Green Eggs and Ham, Oh the Places You'll Go!, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, McElligot's Pond, and others.
Saturday, Feb. 11 @ Great Cobb Hall, Wharton Center, Wilson Rd., East Lansing; 1:30 p.m.; 517.353.1982; whartoncenter.com; $8

Comedian Dave Attell at Connxtions
Dave Attell's particular brand of comedy — which is characterized by unexpected turns, non-sequitor conclusions and an inordinate amount of adult humor - is puzzlingly hilarious. For example, Attell explains how to rectify being lost: "If I need directions," he says, "I'm not asking a man with one tooth, I'm asking a man with one leg, because he definitely knows the easiest way to get there." The Comedy Central veteran, whose resume includes writing gigs for "The Daily Show" and "Saturday Night Live," is appearing at Connxtions to inject a dose of much-needed levity into a bleak and bleary February. Attell is best known for his Comedy Central show, "Insomniac with Dave Attell," which documents his inebriated evening escapades in various cities: he harasses fellow night owls in bars and strip clubs, bail bondsmen and coal miners on their night shifts, and random stumbling drunks on city streets. His stand-up act draws on that same brand of after-dark subject matter; sensitive ears may wither from the onslaught of obscenity, while the rest of us will laugh until our stomachs hurt.
Friday, Feb.17 @ Connxtions Comedy Club, 2900 N East St, Lansing; 8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.; 517.374.4242; connxtionscomedyclub.com; $31.50

Banish Winter Gloom with Colorful Art Classes
Brighten up your world by creating colorful, textured collages at the Lansing Art Gallery's Adult Student Series. Lansing-born Bria Mingus will lead the three-class series in February; she is known for her vibrant paintings and collages, which draw upon a variety of techniques to create multi-faceted mixed media pieces that resonate with an antique, yet modern, feel. Of her creative process she has said, "In making my paintings I strive to find a balance between grungy, ephemeral elements and the vibrancy of modern paint. My art tells the story of a forgotten piece of paper, photo or other ephemera and how it has survived in our 21st-century society." Students will learn about texturing methods, visual detailing and color schemes, as well as how to work with acrylic media, ephemera and paper. In crafting their own interpretations of collage and mixed media, students will enjoy a creative release and a broader understanding of this intricate art form.
Feb. 9, 16 & 23 @ Lansing Art Gallery, 119 N. Washington Sq., Lansing; 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.; 517-374-6400; lansingartgallery.org; three classes are $100 for members, $110 non-members

Stepdad, Alexis, Wavvy Hands Show - 10 p.m.
Grand Rapids electro-power-pop band Stepdad will bring its infectious brand of electronic music to Rubble's Bar on Dec. 1. Supporting will be fellow Grand Rapids electro-pop band Alexis and Mt. Pleasant indie-folk band Wavvy Hands. Rubble's Bar is located at 112 W. Michigan Street. The show starts at 10 p.m. Tickets are $7 for 21+ and $10 for 18+. Tickets for minors are limited so purchasing an advanced ticket at ditrpromotions.storenvy.com is recommended.

Dec. 2
Chris Young with special Guest Mark Chesnutt Show - 8 p.m.
Rising country star Chris Young plays Soaring Eagle with hits like "Getting You Home," "Lost," "Tomorrow" and the title track from his newest album, Neon. The album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 upon release. Country star Mark Chesnutt opens the show with hits like "Bubba Shot the Jukebox" and "It's A Little Too Late!" Young hails from Murfreesboro, Tenn. He was first noticed in 2006 when he appeared on the "Nashville Star" television show, though his career started well before then. As a senior in high school he was already playing clubs in the Nashville area, and he also self-released his debut album. Young ultimately made a trip to Houston and scored a contract with RCA Records. Young's debut single, "Drinkin' Me Lonely," was released in 2006, followed later in the year by a self-titled record. A second album, The Man I Want to Be, followed in 2009. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $34, $28, $22, $18. Visit soaringeaglecasino.com for more information.

Dec. 3
Chicago Holiday Tour Show - 8 p.m.
Soaring Eagle invites you to hear all your seasonal favorites from Chicago, the band that has 21 Top 10 singles and five consecutive number one albums. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $58, $52, $44, $38. Chicago is a horn-heavy rock band that formed in 1967 in Chicago. The group began with songs that were politically charged and sometimes experimental, but later moved toward a softer sound, becoming famous for ballads like "Saturday in the Park" and "25 or 6 to 4." According to Billboard, Chicago was the leading US singles charting group during the 1970s. The guys sold more than 38 million copies in the United States, earning 22 gold, 18 platinum, and eight multi-platinum albums. The band is second only to the Beach Boys as the most successful American rock band of all time, in terms of both albums and singles ... not a bad track record.

Dec. 2- Dec. 11
Friends of the Broadway present A Christmas Story - 7-9 p.m.
The Friends of the Broadway in Mount Pleasant will be presenting a production of the holiday classic A Christmas Story Dec. 2, 3, 9, and 10 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 4 & 11 at 2 p.m. The Broadway Theatre tells the nostalgic story of young Ralphie Parker and his quest for the holy grail of all Christmas presents: a genuine Red Ryder 200 shot Carbine Action Air Rifle. Witness the famous "triple dog dare" and laugh at Ralphie's father as he displays his "major award" for the entire neighborhood to admire. Do not be left out in the cold as Phillip Grecian's stage adaptation of Jean Shepherd's story comes to life on stage. The production is directed by Mount Pleasant's very own Steve Swart and Lindy Sowmick, longtime members of the Broadway Theatre family. Tickets are $8 each and will be available at Ric's Food Center, Ace of Diamonds, and online at friendsofthebroadway.org.

Dec. 11
Charlie Walmsley Plays Ray Charles - 3-5 p.m.
Come see Charlie Walmsley perform the hits of Ray Charles at The Annex Meeting Room. The space is located at 301 S. University Street, Mt. Pleasant. The event will take place from 3-5 p.m. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of Veterans Memorial Library. This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Get there early. For more information call (989)773-3242

Dec. 27 - 8 p.m.
Stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan hits Soaring Eagle
Jim Gaffigan is one pale and hilarious stand-up comic often seen on Comedy Central. His clever, quiet style has made him one of the top five most successful touring comedians in the country today and his CDs and DVDs have reached platinum sales. The 45-year old comedian often makes appearances on television shows such as the Conan O'Brian show, as well as spots in Hollywood films like 17 Again and Love Guru. Tickets are $49, $44, $30, and $22.

Dec. 30 - 8 p.m.
The Gambler rolls into Mt. Pleasant
Kenny Rogers, a.k.a. "the Gambler," is a country music legend known for hits like "Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town," "Lady" and "Islands in the Stream." The Texas-native recorded more than 65 albums which have sold over 120 million records worldwide. At 73-years old, and after 52 years in show business, Rogers is still performing across the map. Tickets are $52, $46, $30, and $22.

TNA Impact Wrestling's World Tour at Soaring Eagle Casino - 8 p.m.
The Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Impact World Tour arrives in Mt. Pleasant Thursday, Nov. 3. Watch all of your favorite Impact Wrestling stars take to the mat. Fighters appearing are: Mr. Anderson, Rob Van Dam and "King of the Mountain" Jeff Jarrett, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, Beer Money Inc, Velvet Sky and more. Don't miss this action-packed night live at Soaring Eagle. There are no age restrictions. Tickets available now: $50, $35, $15. Call the Box Office at (888) 726-9633 for more information.

Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers CD release - 9 p.m.
Mt. Pleasant folk band Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers will release its newest album. On Being, at Rubble's Bar (112 W Michigan St.). Opening the show will be Prussia, from Detroit. Purchase fee-free tickets from Fusion Shows at fusionshows.com. Check this out if you're a fan of mid-Michigan folk bands Frontier Ruckus or Chris Bathgate. This is an 18-and-over show, tickets are $10, show at 9 p.m. Admission fee includes a copy of Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers' new album On Being.

Birds of Prey Live at Veterans Memorial Library - 11 a.m.
Look straight into the eyes of a great horned owl, learn about the mysterious sounds of the night, watch a hawk "lock on" to its prey. Joe Rogers, from the Wildlife Recovery Association, will bring his Birds of Prey to Veterans Memorial Library for an informative up-close look at live birds of prey. Learn about cavity nesting birds, hunting techniques of falcons, specialized adaptations of American Kestrels and camouflage used by great horned owls. Guests can learn their language; explore their hunting habits, and more. For more information call (989) 773-3242.

CMU University Theatre: The Robber Bridegroom - 7:30-9:30 p.m.
CMU University Theatre presents a musical about remembering the past while embracing the present. This is a lively musical romp into the early American folk history as remembered by the residents of rural Rodney, Mississippi. They talk of Jamie Lockhart, who was both a gentleman and robber, also Rosamund, the beautiful and naive daughter of wealthy Clement Musgrove. This may include brief nudity. Located at Bush Theatre, Moore Hall, CMU Campus $9 adults - $7 students and seniors. Tickets Available by phone at (989)774-3000 or in person at Ticket Central in the CMU Events Center (formerly Rose Arena).

Wavvy Hands, Elliot Street Lunatic, Audrey at Rubble's Bar Doors - 9 p.m.
Come enjoy a night of live indie rock music at Rubble's Bar (112 W Michigan St.). Lansing's Elliot Street Lunatic will headline, bringing its spacey and textured rock back to Mt. Pleasant. Opening the show will be Muskegon's Audrey and Mt. Pleasant's Wavvy Hands. Audrey is a rock band that has an explosive live show. Wavvy Hands is an electro-folk three piece featuring Diamonds In The Rough Promotions founder Corey Densmore.

Perfume/Chapstick Making - 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Come have fun and learn how to make your own perfume and lip balm with all-natural ingredients, including bee's wax and extracts. The event is all ages (kids must be accompanied by an adult). $35 for members ($40 for non-members). It is held at the Art Reach gift shop and gallery, located on 111 E. Broadway St. Call (989)773-3689 for more information.

Mono-Printmaking for Kids - 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Cindy Smith will teach children, ages 6 to 12, how to make prints of an image using markers, inks and watercolors. Because no two prints are alike, the students will come away with their own unique artwork. $35 for members ($40 for non-members) Kids, ages 6-12.

Lady Gaga presents the Monster Ball Tour - 7 p.m.
A special screening of Lady Gaga's Madison Square Garden concert during her Monster Ball Tour will be shown at Celebration! Cinema (4935 East Pickard St.). The screening will include a showing of the entire concert as well as backstage footage before and after the concert, exclusive to attendees of the event. Lady Gaga may also record a special personalized greeting to movie theater audiences. The film is rated PG-13 and runs 150 minutes.

Native American Heritage Month: Featured Documentary: We Shall Remain
As part of Native American Heritage Month the PBS documentary film, We Shall Remain, will be screened. There will be two showings at noon and 6 p.m. in the Bovee UC Auditorium. It tells of the struggle of the Wampanoag Indians of New England during the 1600s that resist the new settlers in their land. The film shows how courageously the tribes fought for their culture to remain intact as their whole world was changing before them. The documentary then jumps ahead to the 1970s as a movement for a pan-Indian identity sprang to life inspired by the 1960s Civil Rights movement. We Shall Remain represents an unprecedented collaboration between Native and non-Native filmmakers and involves Native advisers and scholars at all levels of the project. For more information call (989) 774-2508.