When I compare Walleye fishing in April on the Maumee River to fishing for white bass in May, I am reminded of an old George Carlin routine that compared the intensity of football to the laid-back attitude of baseball.

In April the Maumee is usually high and fast moving. Anglers stand shoulder to shoulder, and tempers sometimes flair. The weather can be downright nasty with wind, cold, and yes even an occasional snowflake.

Venders line the shore selling fishing tackle, and anglers travel from all over the country to take part in the big walleye run. Game wardens must be on the lookout for illegal snaggers, and the rules are strict: one hook only, four walleyes per angler, 15 inch size limit, no fishing after dark.

Fast forward to May. Temperatures turn balmy. Breezes are calm, and if it rains at all, it’s a gentle shower. OK, that might be stretching it a bit, but in general the weather is a lot nicer.

The one hook rule is relaxed. Beginning May 1 anglers can use multiple hook rigs and treble hooks. As a result, lures like small spinners and plugs can be used.

There is no size limit on white bass, and you can keep as many as you want. Although many anglers take advantage of the white bass run, fishermen still have lot more elbow room. Wading in slower, shallower water is much easier.

If you do fall, the water temperature is about 10 degrees warmer; not a pleasant experience, but nothing like the shock of 46-degree water in your waders.

White bass are caught in pretty much the same area as walleyes. Most anglers stick with the jig and twister-tail combo that worked so well for walleyes, but with the relaxed rules, many add a second jig in a tandem set-up that often produces doubles.

Small spinners and plugs also work well, and as an added bonus, sometimes a nice smallmouth will grab the lure. Anglers are reminded that bass season on the Maumee is closed in May; so all bass must be returned.

Techniques that worked well for walleyes also work on white bass. Cast upstream and keep a tight line as the jig or lure comes back to you. White bass are real scrappers and give a good account of themselves on light tackle. They average ten to twelve inches, but can reach 16, which is a real trophy.

Live bait is another option. Some fishermen like to float a bobber with a lively minnow underneath. Most just cast upstream and let the rig drift through a hole. Remember, in moving water your line is often bowed, so reel in the slack before you set the hook.

Now many fishermen keep white bass and enjoy them on the table. I don’t. But don’t judge by me. I only eat walleyes or perch, and bluegill when I get them big enough. I enjoy catching white bass, and release them after a good fight.

So whether you’re looking for a meal or just some relaxing fishing hit the Maumee on the next balmy May afternoon and try for some white bass. You won’t be disappointed.

“I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country. Corporations have been enthroned, an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money- power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working on the prejudices of the people until the wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed.”

— Abraham Lincoln

The Gulf of Mexico is playing host to one of the greatest manmade environmental disasters to ever occur. The entire Gulf Coast is being inundated with thick gooey sludge, and has put the already hard hit region in dire economic straits as the fishing, shrimping, and tourist industries( some of the few industries not destroyed by Katrina)in possible decades- long jeopardy. The politicians, in their usual dog and pony show, hauled the three main players, BP, Transocean, and our old friends Halliburton in so they could express their outrage that something like this could possibly happen. The Three Stooges, meanwhile, pointed their fingers at each other in the mode of a circular firing squad, each claiming it wasn’t their fault. It amounted to a great photo op for the politicians to show how much they cared, even though many, if not most, probably took big bucks from those selfsame companies in campaign contributions. What did they get in return? Lax enforcement of seriously weakened regulations, and a cap on how much responsibility they would be liable for if the “unthinkable” happened. That, by the way, is $75 million per incident.

Current estimates, based on the oil industry estimates of damage, which are always downplayed, are that the cleanup will cost at least $14 billion. These, of course, are coming from the same industry nabobs whose plans to stop the ongoing flow include stuffing the pipes with golf balls, rags, and ground up tires. (I guess a giant Band-Aid would be out of the question, since it is a mile underwater, and probably wouldn’t stick.) Transocean has already petitioned a federal judge to limit their liability to a paltry $27 million, based on an 1851 law. Is this what they mean by the good old days?

We do have a similar, though not quite the same, example to draw on to see the probable way that this will unfold. In 1989, the Exxon Valdez ran aground and poured about 11 million gallons of oil in to Prince William Sound in Alaska. The ecological and economic disaster it wreaked on the local populace up there was more isolated, and affected less people by far than this is likely to. BP has said that they will step up and make everyone who has a legitimate claim whole in the current crisis. We saw how the oil industry handles that. Exxon was found negligent and liable for $5 billion in punitive damages. After appealing for almost 20 years, the Supreme Court reduced the amount to $500 million, of which Exxon paid $300 million after the tax deduction they took for punitive damages. Many of the affected persons didn’t live long enough to get their cut. And lest you start feeling sorry for poor Exxon, they made over $36 billion in profits that year.

Meanwhile, our incensed lawmakers gave the oil companies a pass on paying oil lease royalties that would have paid an estimated $80 billion into the government coffers to help allay the costs that are sure to be passed on to the taxpayers. After all, they only make a little over $62 million a day in profit.

As usual, the cavalry is riding in to view the aftermath. There is a slight ray of hope. The Big Oil Bailout Prevention Act has been proposed, which would retroactively raise the cap to $10 billion in damages. The Obama administration has recommended undoing some of the more egregious tax shenanigans that Big Oil has enjoyed for many years, which the GAO says could bring in $45 billion in revenue over the next ten years.

How much longer are we, the taxpayers, going to keep allowing ourselves to be played for saps? How many more of these types of incidents will it take? How much more are you and your family going to do without so that these large corporations can operate virtually unfettered? Are we going to go back to the “Good old days” when jobs were bid factoring in how many workers were likely to die and what small impact it might have on profits? I sure as hell hope not. If you want to get all in a tizzy over something, let’s get riled over something really important. Does anyone really believe that ecoterrorists are responsible for this, as Rush claims? WAKE UP!

Connecticut Attorney General, U. S. Senator wannabe and former Marine reservist Richard Blumenthal has claimed over and over that he served in Vietnam. But it has been revealed that he received five deferments, and never served there. He owned up to the deceptions in a self-serving and meaningless “confession” that was entirely befitting a political hack. To summarize his response, he claims that he misspoke on several occasions, that he used a few misplaced words, and that he resents anyone impugning his service record.

Excuse me, but repeatedly lying about one’s background is not misspeaking. It is lying. It is not an innocent error, as a misspoken or misplaced word typically would be. (After hearing it in context, it’s obvious that President Obama’s much-maligned “fifty-seven states” remark is such an error, a puff of exhaust produced by a mental backfire.) Repeated lies are repeated acts of will.

I’m no psychologist, but I’d surmise that Blumenthal came to believe his own lie, to the point that he had to embellish it into an expanding web of tall tales and falsehoods. Regardless, it makes one wonder what else he has lied about. Being captain of the Harvard swimming team, for one. That lie has also been exposed.

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems that an attorney general, the supreme law enforcement official of a state or the nation, must be a person of utmost honesty. If this guy can’t even be honest about his own background, how can he be trusted to be honest about enforcing the law? In other words: if you wouldn’t hire someone whom you catch lying on a resumé, then why would you vote for someone who has essentially lied about his or hers?

And as for his service being impugned, how dare he complain that anyone else is doing that after he himself impugned it by repeatedly lying about it? Is he that contemptuous of military honor that he openly lies about his own service? One would have thought that he’d have learned something as a reservist about the importance of honor and integrity. Maybe, during that part of his training, he was too busy daydreaming about how he could use lies about going to Vietnam to win political office to pay attention.

Blumenthal is a liberal Democrat, and his fellow liberals were right there to defend him and applaud his admission of habitual dishonesty and dishonor. The man he wants to replace, Senator Chris Dodd, supports him. Yes, that Chris Dodd – who, with Misrepresentative Barney Frank, has gotten off scot-free after engineering the mortgage collapse that cost billions of dollars and threw hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people out of their homes. And Blumenthal welcomes support from this corrupt crook.

Of course he should be elected, the liberals claim; so what if he repeatedly lied about his background over a period of years? In my more cynical moments, I agree with the Democrats. After all, he perfectly fulfills four prerequisites to serve in this current Congress. He is a proven liar. He thinks the unwashed masses too dull to notice or even care about the lies. He has shown open contempt for military honor by lying about his service. And, he is insufferably full of himself.

So what has all this to do with anyone outside Connecticut? Just this.

Mr. Blumenthal claims to have misplaced words and misspoken in his claims about Vietnam. But when increasing numbers of American voters protest the actions and arrogance of our elected representatives, when we express our fears and concerns over an emerging tyranny to our fellow citizens, we are not misplacing our words. When we say that we are fed up with lies, dishonesty, and corruption, we are not misspeaking.

When we speak out against hacks like Blumenthal, we are saying in unequivocal terms that we will no longer sit idly by while he and his ilk impugn our values and our armed forces. We will not remain silent while liberals and statists like him impugn our country, our traditions, our faith, our history, our heritage and our Constitution.

This is what the tea party movement is all about. It is all about speaking truth to power. Especially when those in power try to get away with such gratuitous insults to our intelligence as openly lying about themselves in order to increase their power. Especially when those in power, such as the current President and Congress, consider allegiance to the Constitution to be forfeit to the expansion of their power.

Thomas Berry, for the Children of Liberty

There was a brief moment last Thursday night, when the Cleveland Cavaliers season ended after a 94-85 loss at the hands of the Boston Celtics that I had a wave of panic wash over me.

The moment I have been dreading since LeBron James signed his three year contract extension after the 2005-2006 NBA season, is upon us. The LeBron sweepstakes has begun, and it will dominate every waking moment of every bit of sports coverage.

Three main suitors have emerged in the form of the Chicago Bulls, the New York Knicks, and, of course, the Cavaliers.

The mood of the speculation has been as predictable as the weather, changing on a daily basis as to where James will call home for more than likely the remainder of his professional basketball career.

Of course after another momentous collapse in the playoffs for a second consecutive season, the popular theory is that King James has all but vacated his throne off the shores of Lake Erie and is looking for a new NBA palace to take court in.

For most people’s money, their bet is on the Chicago Bulls. They are a compelling team, and the Bulls have a talented nucleus of Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, who put on a show against Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs. The Bulls have the rich history provided by some guy named Michael Jordan, and Chicago seems to be the corporate Mecca of the Midwest.

Of course LeBron could always flee Cleveland for Broadway and head to New York. The Knicks have a pile of cash to sign two max level free agents this offseason. New York has everything to offer, where James could further himself as a global icon. If James can make it there, well, he’ll make it everywhere.

Surprisingly, the horse with the worst odds in the LeBron Derby seems to be the home Cavaliers.

Even the mention of James staying in Cleveland and donning wine and gold for the remainder of his career will draw plenty of laughs.

Yuck…..Cleveland! Why would any fool pick Cleveland over the bright lights of the Big Apple or the Windy City?

Ohio and its cities continue to get the shaft on the big stage, and the state itself has become a punch line rather than a choice for a destination.

All one needs to do is search “Cleveland tourism video” on Youtube.com, and it’s easy to see what the public perception of the city is these days.

I remember the heyday of the Indians in the mid-90s, when Jacobs Field transformed Cleveland into a city full of civic pride. The city was a place to go and be seen.

Sure it was never Chicago or New York, but Cleveland had seemed to be revived into a nice city instead of a burnt out berg.

Exactly when or how the perception changed is a mystery to me. It seemed as though I awoke one morning and Cleveland went from city on the mend to a city that hit a dead end.

Today the common thought is that LeBron James is the only thing Cleveland has going for it and even that won’t be the case much longer if you side with public sentiment.

But I am going to take the underdog in this race, and I am rooting for James to remain in Cleveland.

I have plenty of basketball reasons why he should stay, but the main reason I hope he stays is to stick it to the rest of the world.

Every major sports figure seems to flee the big city, for whatever reasons, and LeBron staying in Cleveland probably won’t change any of that. Guys will still seek their millions of dollars, unparalleled fame, and the big market.

There is a thought that civic pride comes from within a city border, and while there is some truth to that, I think civic pride can be boosted by catalyst. All one needs to do is see what happened at Fifth Third Field last Friday night for proof of that.

If James stays it might bring back a sense of Cleveland and Ohio pride. For once someone chose Ohio over the allure of glitz and glamour.

For the next six weeks, the sports world will wait with baited breath to see which basketball court LeBron James will lace up his Nikes at next season.

Here’s hoping it is Cleveland. I would love the story of James’s life to be entitled “You’re a Good Man, LeBron James,” rather than “LeBron James, We Hardly Knew Thee.”

Chris Schmidbauer is sports editor for the Toledo Free Press and Toledo Free Press Star. You can email him at cschmidbauer@toledofreepress.com. He also can be heard every Tuesday at 11 AM on the Odd Couple Sports Show on Fox Sports Radio 1230 WCWA.

Events are subject to change.

MOSTLY FOR ADULTS

Parents should determine appropriateness for children

Wildwood Manor House tours: Built in the 1930s in the Georgian Colonial style, the Manor House was the estate of the Stranahans, the patriarch of which co-founded the Champion Spark Plug Co. Tours at quarter after and quarter till the hour noon-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. (419) 407-9700 or metroparkstoledo.com.

Blood drives: The Western Lake Erie Region of the American Red Cross will hold several drives this month. Starred drives indicate appointments are preferred. For more information or opportunities to donate, call (800) 448-3543.

> Noon-6 May 20, St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 212 Stadium Road, Oregon.

> 1:30-6:30 p.m. May 20, Zion Lutheran Church, 22 N. Second St., Waterville.

> Noon-6 May 21, Zoar Lutheran Church, 314 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg.

> 2 p.m.-7 p.m. May 21, Sandusky County Sportsman’s Club, 3950 Route 600, Gibsonburg.

> 1 p.m.-6 p.m. May 24, Weston Church of Christ, 13355 Center St., Weston.

> 8 a.m.-1 p.m. May 25, Eastman Smith, One Seagate.

> Noon-6 May 27, Emmaus Lutheran Church, 841 N. Shoop Ave., Wauseon.

> 1:00-6 p.m. May 27, Otterbein Valley Retirement Home, 20311 Pemberville Road, Pemberville.

> 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. May 28, Stadium View Apartments, 1700 Juniper Dr., Bowling Green.

Toledo Farmers’ Market: Find it fresh and local at this outdoor station, which has been around for 178 years. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, 525 Market St. (419) 255-6765 or www.toledofarmersmarket.org.

Other markets:

> Perrysburg Farmers Market: 3 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 14, Louisiana Ave.

> Bowling Green: Food, flowers, handicrafts, entertainment and more. 3 p.m.-8 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 27, Sam B’s parking lot, Main and Clough streets. (419) 354-4332.

Andersons wine tastings: In the mood for something a little grape? See what’s new and tasty. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, 3725 Williston Road, Northwood, (419) 698-8400; 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays, 4701 Talmadge Road, (419) 473-3232; 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays, 530 Illinois Ave., Maumee, (419) 891-2700. Nominal fees apply.

Cheers for Beers: Lager lovers can try up to eight brews from each weekend’s theme. 1 p.m.-4 p.m., the Andersons, 4701 Talmadge Road. Sample fees apply. (419) 473-3232.

> Brew Ohio: May 22-23.

> Just Weird Beers: May 29-30.

Hummingbird and Butterfly Gardens: Participants will learn to use native plants to attract ruby-throated hummingbirds, butterflies and moths. 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. May 19, Stone Building, Otsego Park, Routes 235 and 65, Grand Rapids. Register: (419) 661-1697 or reservations.woodcountyparkdistrict.org.

FOCUS Spring Luncheon: This annual event raises awareness of and support for the agency’s homeless services. Noon-1 p.m. May 19, Park Inn Toledo Ballroom, 101 N. Summit St. Donations expected. (419) 241-3000, (419) 244-2175 or www.focustoledo.org.

Grand Rapids ride: Bicyclists, wearing helmets, will ride 32 miles at a quick pace to eat at a riverside restaurant. 10 a.m. May 20 from Farnsworth Metropark’s towpath trailhead/boat launch, 8505 S. River Road (Route 24), Waterville. (419) 841-8427 or www.hitoledo.org.

“College Inc.”: This “Frontline” documentary looks at this $400 billion industry fueled by taxpayer money; discussion to follow the program. 10:30 a.m. May 20, Way Public Library, 101 E. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. (419) 874-3135 or www.waylibrary.info.

Rain Barrels: The Ottawa County Soil & Water Conservation District will give a “how to” seminar. 6:30 p.m. May 20, Schedel Arboretum and Gardens, 19255 Portage River Road, Elmore. $65. Reservations: (419) 898-1595. (419) 862-3182 or www.schedel-gardens.org/schedel.

’50s-Style Sock Hop: Philanthropists can mingle, snack and dance in poodle skirts and leather jackets at this fundraiser for Hannah’s Socks. Costume, best-dressed, dance and hula hoop contests and classic cars will twist up the fun. 7 p.m.-11 p.m. May 21, Navy Bistro courtyard, 18 Main St. $25-$30. (419) 931-4757 or www.hannahssocks.org.

Vineyard Adventure: Red, White and Brut. Sample a world of fine wines, grab some appetizers and enjoy entertainment. 7 p.m.-9 p.m. May 21, Toledo Zoo rose garden, 2700 Broadway. $40. (419) 385-5721, ext. 3092, or toledozoo.org.

Total Wellness Days: Free screenings and information to improve health and fitness will be offered. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. May 21, Westfield Franklin Park food court, 5001 Monroe St. (419) 473-3317 or westfield.com/franklinpark.

NASCAR Day Party: Michigan International Speedway will welcome race fans with a celebration. Festivities will include autographed memorabilia giveaways, music, specials and the televised truck series race. 6:30 p.m. May 21, Jerry’s Pub, 650 Egan Hwy., Brooklyn, Mich. (517) 467-7388, (800) 354-1010 or www.jerryspub.com.

Wine by the Glass Pavilion: Visitors can try four wines and appetizers and check out the TMA hot shop.

7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. May 21, June 11 and 18, July 16, 23 and 30, Aug. 6, 13 and 20, 2445 Monroe St. $20. (419) 255-8000 or toledomuseum.org.

Relay for Life: This event is going to the movies, metaphorically, in hopes of raising more funds and awareness in the fight against cancer. Entertainment and food will accompany the laps and ceremonies. 6 p.m. May 21-noon May 22, Maumee High School Stadium, 1147 Saco Dr., Maumee. (888) 227-6446, ext. 5201.

Casino Night: WTOL anchor Jerry Anderson will emcee this event, to benefit A Place for Parents. Along with Vegas-style games, live and silent auctions, raffles and entertainment from Dead Flowers are planned. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. May 22, Elks Lodge 53, 3520 N. Holland-Sylvania Road. $50.

Bittersweet Farms plant sale: Pick up annuals, perennials and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 22, Bittersweet Farms, 12660 Archbold-Whitehouse Road, Whitehouse. (419) 875-6986, ext. 1241, or www.bittersweetfarms.org.

Elegant Evening at the Gardens: Beef medallions and shrimp will be served, with a twilight stroll through the 17-acre estate the frosting on the evening. 6:30 p.m. May 22, Schedel Arboretum and Gardens, 19255 Portage River Road, Elmore. $50. Registration: (419) 862-3182 or www.schedel-gardens.org.

Outdoor Cooking 101: If you enjoy background barbecuing or camping, this is the program for you. Various ways of cooking outdoors will be explored, using camp stoves, charcoal, and campfires. Featured recipes will include foil meals and pie iron cuisine that can be created in anyone’s backyard. Samples of the food will be provided. Please dress for the weather and bring a lawn chair. 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. May 22, Riverbend Recreation Area campground, 16618 Township Road 208, Findlay. $2. Register by May 18: (419) 425-7275 or www.hancockparks.com.

Let’s Have a Tea Party: Cathy Burfield will share her teapot and teacup collection. 10 a.m. May 25, manor house, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. (419) 407-9700 or metroparkstoledo.com.

Ice cream ride: Pedal at a moderate pace to stop at Scoops. Helmets required. 6:30 p.m. May 25 from Dan and Judy Smith’s house, 10119 Lewis Ave., Temperance, Mich. (419) 340-8061 or www.hitoledo.org.

Flower Day Weekend: More than 60 vendors will offer their best plants, yard art, accessories and crafts in the event’s 21st year. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. May 29-31, Toledo Farmers Market, 525 Market St. (419) 255-6765 or www.toledofarmersmarket.org.

Glass City Singles dance: Hollywood has its Memorial Day blockbusters, and so does this singles group. 8:30 p.m.-midnight May 30, Gladieux Meadows, 4880 Heatherdowns Blvd. $7. (734) 856-8963 or www.toledosingles.com.

ART & EXHIBITIONS

The Bead Goes On: The TMA hopes to collect 10,000 hand-made beads made by the public in various media to create a curtain to be displayed at the museum. Entries will be accepted through October. 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or www.toledomuseum.org/events/community.

Toledo Museum of Art exhibitions: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and noon-6 Sundays (closed July 4), 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or toledomuseum.org.

> “Whistler: Influences, Friends and the Not-So-Friendly.” The work of James Abbott McNeill Whistler will be exhibited within the context of his contemporaries, influences, friends and enemies. Through May 30, Works on Paper galleries.

> “Psychedelic Printmaking: University of Toledo Printmaking Students.” A complement to the upcoming “Psychedelic ’60s” comprising works using the same approaches. Through June 13, Community Galleries.

> “Strong Sensations: Impressionism and Symbolist Works on Paper, 1860-1900.” Prints by artists such as Manet, Gauguin, Degas, van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec will be featured in selections of UT art history students. Through June 20, Hitchcock Gallery.

> Findlay area artists exhibition: Works in this juried exhibition feature a variety of media, including painting, photography and sculpture. May 21-June 20, Community Galleries.

Detroit Institute of Art exhibitions: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Regular admission: $4-$8; special exhibition prices include general admission. (313) 833-7900 or www.dia.org.

> Detroit Public Schools student exhibition: More than 300 works by kindergarteners through high school seniors in various media. Through May 30, Walter Gibbs Learning Center.

> “Detroit Experiences”: Dozens of black-and-white photographs taken by Robert Frank for his 1958 book “The Americans” will be on display through July 3.

> “Through African Eyes: The European in African Art, 1500 to Present.” “This exhibition explores the artistic consequences of the variations and dynamics of cultural exchanges between Africans and Europeans over 500 years.” Through Aug. 8.

Toledo School for the Arts senior art exhibition: The creative school’s students will display their finest work in this showcase. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays through May 21, 333 14th St. (419) 246-8732, ext. 2, or www.ts4arts.org.

“The Bald & The Beautiful”: Luke Ellison’s prints and paintings and Michael Ziegler’s prints and sculptures will be displayed in this “daring display of cheap framing.” Through May 21, Bozarts Fine Art and Music Gallery, 151 S. St Claire St. (419) 464-5785.

“Young Artists”: Work by Owens Community College Child Care Center students ages 6 weeks to 10 years will be displayed. Reception: 4:30-6 p.m. May 13; exhibit: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays through May 25, Walter E. Terhune Gallery, OCC, 30335 Oregon Road, Perrysburg. (567) 661-2721 or www.owens.edu.

“Toledo Talent Thrives”: To celebrate National Library Week, artwork by students from Longfellow Elementary School will be displayed. Noon-8:30 p.m. Mondays-Tuesdays and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays through May 28, Reynolds Corners Branch Library, 4833 Dorr St. (419) 259-5303 or www.toledolibrary.org.

“The Barns of Wood County”: Artist Tamra Mielke uses pastels to capture old barns that are in different states of dilapidation. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays (until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays) through May 28, Perrysburg Municipal Courthouse, 300 Walnut St., Perrysburg. (419) 873-2787 or www.perrysburgarts.org.

“Yes, I Do Windows”: Joan McKee “paints trompe l’oeil works that depict the view through an open window.” 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays through May 28, Perrysburg Municipal Building, 201 W. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. (419) 873-2787 or www.perrysburgarts.org.

“Garden Art”: Janet Ritter Davies depicts the changes of the seasons in watercolors. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays through May 28, Perrysburg Municipal Building, 201 W. Indiana Ave., Perrysburg. (419) 873-2787 or www.perrysburgarts.org.

“… Birds”: Celebrating the arrival of spring with 16 artist’s interpretations of feathered friends in glass, ceramics, paintings and prints. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays through May 29, Hudson Gallery, 5645 N. Main St., Sylvania. (419) 885-8381 or www.hudsongallery.net.

Collingwood Arts Center resident artists exhibit: Oils, acrylics, mixed media, digital and film photography and sculptures created by this artistic cooperative will be displayed. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through May 29, Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd. (419) 244-2787 or www.collingwoodartscenter.org.

“Minimal Editions: Independent Poetry and Artists’ Books.” Items from Lucas County Poet Laureate Joel Lipman’s personal collection, including matchbook-sized works to collectors’ cards by R. Crumb, will be on display. Noon-8:30 Mondays-Tuesdays and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays through May 29, Toledo Lucas County Main Library humanities department, 325 N. Michigan St. (419) 259-5207 or toledolibrary.org.

Year for Priests traveling art show: Artists young and old from across the Diocese of Toledo’s 19 counties submitted work in a range of media pertaining to the “Year for Priests” theme. (419) 244-6711 or www.toledodiocese.org.

> May 21-23, Holy Angels Catholic Church, 428 Tiffin Ave., Sandusky. (419) 625-3698 or www.holyangelssandusky.org.

> May 29, Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, 2535 Collingwood Blvd. (419) 244-9575, ext. 149, or www.rosarycathedral.org.

Veronica Leiton: This artist, a native of Santiago, Chile, uses a vibrant color palette to create multilayered temporal landscapes. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays through June 4, River House Arts, 115 W. Front St., Perrysburg. (419) 874-8900 or www.river-house-arts.com

“Yesterday & Today”: Fifteen artists and an array of media will be displayed. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and noon-4 Saturdays through June 5, Space 237, 237 N. Michigan St. (419) 255-5117 or www.space237.com.

10th annual “Derby Days” exhibition: Art devoted to the equine and their speedy endeavors in a variety of media, plus a celebration of Chick Lang, late racing director of the Preakness, and a history of Bally Ache, the Toledo-bred winner of the 1960 Preakness. Noon-4 p.m.Wednesdays-Fridays and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays through June 5, 20 North Gallery, 18 N. Clair St. (419) 241-2400 or www.20northgallery.net.

“Greatest Hits & Other Drivel”: Steven J. Athanas’ work in drawing, sculptures, poetry and mobiles will be on display. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays through June 11, Madhouse Gallery, 1215 Jackson St. (419) 873-0538 or www.madmadmad.com.

Bork, Brand, Cavalier and Kolasky exhibition: This colorful group show mimics spring’s colorful bursts, from Dustyn Bork’s and Elizabeth Cavalier’s mixed-media works and Renee Brand’s abstract coastal village scenes to David Kolasky’s sculptural glass. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays through June 25, Parkwood Gallery, 1838 Parkwood Ave., Suite 120. (419) 254-2787 or www.acgt.org.

Art-a-Fair 2010: PRIZM Creative Community’s fourth annual juried art show features visual and literary art created by its members. Noon-8:30 Mondays-Tuesdays and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays through June 26, second floor gallery, Toledo-Lucas County Main Library, 325 North Michigan Ave. (419) 872-8730 or www.myprizm.com.

Favorites from the National Center for Nature Photography collections: The center will celebrate its seventh anniversary with an exhibition of favorites and new prints. Noon-5 p.m. weekends and during special events, through June 27, Secor Metropark, 10000 W. Central Ave., Berkey. (419) 407-9700 or metroparkstoledo.com.

“Croquet: A Sport Story.” The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center claims to have the most comprehensive collection of hoops-and-mallet materials in the world. Visitors can check out the clubs and pegs during this exhibit. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 1, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, Spiegel Grove, Hayes and Buckland avenues, Fremont. (419) 332-2081, (800) 998-7737 or www.rbhayes.org.

TMA tours: Get the inside scoop on what’s new, interesting and artful during docent-led tours. Most start from Libbey Court, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or toledomuseum.org.

> Inside Stories: 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. May 21.

> Cities and Seasides, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. May 22.

> Whistler exhibition: 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. May 22 and 29.

> Greatest Hits of the Collection: 3 p.m. May 23 and 30.

> Family Time tour: 2 p.m. May 23 and 30.

Art Hours: Would-be glass artists now can reserve spots in the TMA’s hour-long studio sessions. Glass Pavilion hot shop, 2445 Monroe St. $25. Reservations start the Tuesday before the class: (419) 254-5771, ext. 7448. toledomuseum.org.

> Flowers: 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. May 21 and 28; 4 p.m.and 5 p.m. May 22 and 29.

> Swizzle sticks: 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. May 21.

Local glass artists: Workers in silicon-based media will be spotlighted. 7 p.m.-10 p.m., TMA Glass Pavilion hot shop, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or toledomuseum.org.

> Laura Donefer: May 21.

> Andrea Oleniczak & Taylor Kurrle: May 28.

Paper Quilling: This centuries-old art form consists of rolling and shaping strips of paper into designs. 6-7:30 p.m. May 20, 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. $15. Registration: (419) 874-4174 or www.577foundation.org.

Art for Haiti: Artists will man booths, demonstrating their talents, while selling the work and creating more for live and silent auctions to benefit a Haitian hospital. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. May 22, Oliver House Complex, 27 Broadway St. $5. (419) 243-1302, www.theoliverhousetoledo.com or toledoartistsforhaiti.weebly.com.

Whistler Watercolor Works hands-on activity: Visitors can experiment with this aqueous medium and see the Whistler exhibition before it ends. 2 p.m.-4 p.m. May 23, TMA Libbey Court, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or toledomuseum.org.

Chinese art market panel discussion: Experts will discuss the current state of the import and export market, fakes and forgeries and how to begin or expand a collection of Chinese art. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. May 24, TMA’s Little Theater, 2445 Monroe St. Registration: (419) 255-8000, ext. 7510, or toledomuseum.org.

Stamped Cards & Papercrafts: This session focuses on graduation, wedding and Father’s Day cards, along with some all-occasion notes and table favors. 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. May 24, 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg. $20. Registration: (419) 874-4174 or www.577foundation.org.

Art Walk: Peek at what artists are working on in their studios, what new items are on display in galleries and how art is transforming the Glass City. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. May 27, various locations in downtown Toledo; maps available at www.acgt.org.

Kaleidoscope exhibition: Toledo School for the Arts students’ artwork will be on display. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, May 27-June 31, 333 14th St. (419) 246-8732 or www.ts4arts.org.

Something Clever … at Bozarts: This “one-off show is a birthday party for local artist Lauren Pfund, whose work consists primarily of monsters that dwell deep in her imagination.” 6 p.m.-9 p.m. May 29, Bozarts Fine Art and Music Gallery, 151 S. St Claire St. (419) 464-5785.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Memorial Day parades: Remember those who’ve passed on and those who died for our country with more than sales and barbecues. Pay your respects at a parade or service. May 31 unless noted.

> Perrysburg: A wreath-laying ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. at the Fort Meigs Monument and conclude with a musket salute at the Pennsylvania Monument. (419) 874-4121, (800) 283-8916 or www.fortmeigs.org. Parade, 10 a.m., Louisiana Ave.

> Sylvania: 9 a.m. memorial, Toledo Memorial Park, 6832 Monroe St.; parade starts at 10 a.m. from Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., to Main Street, and then Veterans Memorial Field on Erie Street, where a service will begin at 11 a.m.. (419) 882-1500.

> Toledo: Parade starts at 10 a.m. from Summit Street to Jackson Street, ending at Michigan Avenue on May 29.

FAMILY TIME

Fort Meigs: Historical interpreters, dressed in period attire, answer questions, offer weapon demonstrations and discuss the history of the fort and its role in the War of 1812. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays, 29100 W. River Road, Perrysburg. $4-$8. (419) 874-4121, (800) 283-8916 or www.fortmeigs.org.

The Canal Experience: Take an authentic 1876 canal boat cruise, then see how waterpower is used to saw logs and grind grain. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturdays in May, Kimble’s Landing, Providence Metropark, 13827 U.S. Route 24 West (at Route 578), Grand Rapids. Boat tickets: $4-$6. (419) 407-9700 or metroparkstoledo.com.

Frogtown Froggy Museum: More than 300 amphibians are on display, as well as a “ribbit-ticklin’” activity room. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays, 136 N. Summit St., Suite 1A. Donations. (419) 944-8806 or www.frogtownfroggymuseum.webs.com.

Oak Grove School: A restored, one-room schoolhouse helps visitors learn what it was like to attend school in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Open seasonally, by reservation only; Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 4830 W. Central Ave. (419) 407-9700 or metroparkstoledo.com.

Imagination Station: This children’s science museum handles some hefty topics in a manner appealing to the entire family. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and noon-5 Sundays, Summit and Adams streets. $6.50-$8.50. (419) 244-2674 or imaginationstationtoledo.org.

Upcoming and ongoing programming

> “Wise About Eyes”: This exhibit is designed to educate kids (and adults) about ways to keep their eyes healthy and safe. Through June 27.

> Science Story Times: Trained team members will read an interactive story to children in the Little KIDSPACE Science Studio and help them make a related project to take home. Upcoming topics: “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister, through May 18-23; “Bones, Bones, Dinosaur Bones” by Byron Barton, May 25-30.

> The Big Dig: Footprints to Fossils. Excavate and assemble bones; challenge your dinosaur knowledge in our interactive maze; and dig through shale in search of fossils. May 29-Sept. 6.

Saturday Chess Players: Players 12 and younger of any skill level can practice basic moves and learn advanced strategy. 9 a.m.-11 a.m. through Aug. 28, children’s library, Toledo Lucas County Main Library, 325 Michigan St. (419) 259-5207.

Northwest Ohio Railroad: Quarter-scale train rides are offered using either a diesel or steam engine, and model trains are laid out in the museum. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. weekends through May 23; 5-8 p.m. Saturdays and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Sundays, May 29-Sept. 5, 11600 County Road 99, Findlay. $1 train rides. (419) 423-2995 or www.nworrp.org.

Butterfly House: The home to hundreds of flittery, fluttery creatures that capture hearts and imaginations is open. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 30, 11455 Obee Road, Whitehouse. $5.50-$7. (419) 877-2733 or www.butterfly-house.com.

TMA Family Center programs: Hands-on art activities for children. Story time tours are offered so young visitors and their adult partners can see art related to the week’s theme (2 p.m. Sundays). Noon-5:30 p.m. Sundays and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or www.toledomuseum.org.

> Groovy Prints: May 20.

> Sailing and Soaring: May 23, 25 and 27.

> Scratch That: May 30, June 1 and 3.

Sunday Sampler: Visitors can try a different experience each week. 2 p.m., Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave., unless noted. (419) 407-9700 or metroparkstoledo.com.

> Ice Age, Today and Beyond: May 23, Metroparks Hall.

> Family: Baby Animals. May 30, playground area.

Blue Creek Treasures: Homeschoolers can investigate this conservation area with a nature walk, a visit with animals from Nature’s Nursery and an investigation of the soil. 9 a.m. May 19, Blue Creek Conservation Area, 7790 Schadel Rd., Whitehouse. $4. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Food for fun: Two cans of food net the donor a day of unlimited go-kart racing, batting cages, miniature golf and kiddie games. The canned goods will be donated to the Toledo Northwestern Ohio Food Bank.

1 p.m.-10 p.m. May 19, Sportway of Toledo, 29020 Angola Road.

The Alphabet Follies: The family can learn what F-U-N spells at this variety show featuring magicians, dancers, singers and more. 7 p.m. May 20, Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee. $10-$15. (419) 340-5418, (419) 897-8902 or www.greateasterntheatres.com/maumeehome.asp.

Street Smart Astronomy: All those points of light don’t have to intimidate or confuse. This program explains the basics. 8:30 p.m. May 21, UT’s Ritter Planetarium, 2801 W. Bancroft St. $5-$6. (419) 530-4037, (419) 530-2650 or www.rpbo.utoledo.edu.

Starbucks Bird Watch: Java and jays, bluebirds and beans, coffee and cardinals … fans of either will find their cups filled. 8 a.m. May 21 and 28, Metz Visitors Center, Wildwood Preserve Metropark, 5100 W. Central Ave. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Trip Around the World: Games, crafts and activities will bring the cultures of Africa, the Arctic, South America and Asia to visitors, who also can catch performances by various cultural organizations. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 22, Toledo Zoo, 2700 Broadway. $8-$11. (419) 385-4040 or toledozoo.org.

Telescope Basics: Don Trinko of the Millstream Astronomy Club will help beginners learn what to look for in their first telescope. 9 p.m. May 22, Shelter 5 in the Oxbow Bend area, Riverbend Recreation Area, 16618 Township Road 208, Findlay. (419) 425-7275 or www.hancockparks.com.

Downtown Sylvania Sidewalk/Garage Sale: Peruse what the community’s getting rid of; a treasure may be hidden in its midst. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 22, Main Street, Sylvania. (419) 824-4153 or (419) 882-2653.

Fractals: Visitors can learn about these infinitely complex, repeating patterns found in endless variety in nature, yet capable of being represented by simple algebraic equations. 7:30 p.m. May 22, Appold Planetarium, McAlear Hall, Lourdes College, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. $3-$4. (419) 517-8897 or www.lourdes.edu/appold.

Field Trip to the Moon: Visitors can learn about our nearest space neighbor, its phases, travels and look. 1 p.m. May 22 and 29, UT’s Ritter Planetarium, 2801 W. Bancroft St. $5-$6. (419) 530-4037, (419) 530-2650 or www.rpbo.utoledo.edu.

National Dachshund Races: Which wiener dogs will win? Events will test the doxies’ speed and skill, as well as judge length, appearance and costumes. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. May 22-23, Common Space II, 10 S. Holland-Sylvania Road. $2. (567) 525-4564 or www.weinerrace.com.

Wild Lupine Walk: Amble through Kitty Todd Nature Preserve on this guided tour to learn about this wildflower and the butterfly that relies on it. After the walk, participants will get ice cream with blueberry sauce. 1 p.m. May 23, 10429 Old State Line Road, Swanton. (419) 861-1058 or www.hitoledo.org.

On the Home Front: The 21st Ohio Volunteer Infantry will drill and make camp to demonstrate what life was like for soldiers during the Civil War. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 27, McKinnis House, Litzenberg Memorial Woods, 6100 Route 224, Findlay. (419) 425-7275 or www.hancockparks.com.

In the Park After Dark: Walk a trail in the light of the full moon, track nocturnal wildlife, listen for owls and look for stars. 9 p.m. May 28, Swan Creek Preserve Metropark, Airport Highway between Byrne and Reynolds Roads. $5. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

Leopold’s Legacy: The Sandusky County Park District offers a series of explorations based on ecologist Aldo Leopold’s book “A Sand County Almanac.” Registration: (419) 334-4495. www.scpd-parks.org.

> Back from the Argentine. Visitors will venture into the marsh to listen for the last signs of spring. 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. May 28, White Star Wetland, County Road 66 north of County Road 65, Gibsonburg.

Canoe Paddle: Visitors can explore the Maumee River from its waters. 10 a.m. May 29, boat launch, Farnsworth Metropark, 8505 S. River Road (Route 24), Waterville. $10. Reservations: (419) 407-9700 or reservations.metroparkstoledo.com.

First Siege 1813: United States and British “soldiers” and Woodland Indian re-enactors will stage historic battles at Fort Meigs, plus musket, artillery and camp life demonstrations. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. May 29 and noon-5 p.m. May 30, Fort Meigs, 29100 W. River Road, Perrysburg. $4-$8. (419) 874-4121, (800) 283-8916 or www.fortmeigs.org.

Civil War Remembrance: More than 450 military re-enactors will create an encampment for an observance filled with parades, activities, presentations, exhibits, artillery demonstrations and 19th-century music. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. May 29 and 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. May 30-31, Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, Mich. $16-$22; $5 parking. (313) 982-6001, (800) 835-5237 or www.thehenryford.org.

MOVIES

“Armida”: The Metropolitan Opera will broadcast its production of the mythical story of a sorceress who enthralls men in her island prison. 6:30 p.m. May 19, $15-$18, Maumee 18: Cinema de Lux, 1360 Conant St., Maumee. (419) 891-5039.

“Bells of Rosarita”: Roy Rogers, Gabby Hayes and Dale Evans star in this 1945 western with a behind-the-scenes story. An organ overture will precede the show. 2 p.m. May 23, Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd. (419) 244-2787 or www.collingwoodartscenter.org.

Film Book Club: “The Reivers.” Steve McQueen starred as the titular thug in the film based on William Faulkner’s work. Attendees are asked to either read the book or watch the film for discussion at this meeting. 7-9 p.m. May 27, Bedford Branch Library, 8575 Jackman Road, Temperance, Mich. Registration: (734) 847-6747.

MUSIC

Bitter End Restaurant & Bar: If you like your entertainment with a lake view, this may be your spot. 900 Anchor Pointe Road, Curtice. (419) 836-7044 or www.bitterendbar.com.

> Video DJ Trip: May 21.

> Bitter Reg’s Party: May 22.

> Video DJ Trip: May 28, no cover.

> Razz and Sonzz: May 29, no cover.

> Bobby May and Dry Bones Revival: May 30, no cover.

The Blarney Irish Pub: Catch local acts while taking in the pub’s modern Irish and American fare. 601 Monroe St. (419) 418-2339 or www.theblarneyirishpub.com.

> Astra (Resonant Soul acoustic): May 20.

> MAS FiNA: May 21.

> 2 Dudes & a Chick: May 22.

> Kyle White: May 27.

> The Bridges: May 28.

> Freak Ender: May 29.

Bronze Boar: Be sure to check out this Warehouse District tavern’s namesake, overhead near the entrance. 20 S. Huron St. (419) 244-2627 or www.bronzeboar.com.

> Open mic night with Chris Knopp: Mondays.

> Ben Barefoot and Friends rock out: Tuesdays.

> Brandon Duke: Wednesdays through Aug. 4.

> Joe Woods Band: May 20.

> Gin Bunny: May 21.

> Dave Carpenter & Jaeglers: May 22.

> Rivers Edge: May 27.

> Swamp Kings: May 28.

> Coosters: May 29.

> Sean Mullady: May 30-31.

Brooklyn’s Daily Grind: Coffee and music, what more can one want? If a snack is the answer, this is your spot. 723 Airport Hwy., Holland. (419) 724-1433 or www.brooklynscafe.com.

> Decent Folk: 8-11 p.m. May 21.

> Jeremy Wheeler: 8-11 p.m. May 22.

> Tom Harms: 8-11 p.m. May 28.

> Criss Sayre: 8-11 p.m. May 29.

Caesars Windsor: If you have your passport, consider hopping the Detroit River for this casino’s entertainment offerings. Ticket prices, in Canadian dollars, are for the cheapest seats; attendees must be 19 or older. Caesars Windsor Colosseum, 377 Riverside Dr. East, Windsor, Ontario. (800) 991-7777 or www.caesarswindsor.com.

> Chicago: 9 p.m. May 22, $29.

> George Thorogood and The Destroyers: 8 p.m. May 27, $29.

Degage Jazz Cafe: Signature drinks, such as pumpkin martinis, plus live local jazz performers. 301 River Road, Maumee. $5 Tuesdays-Thursdays. (419) 794-8205 or www.degagejazzcafe.com.

> Gene Parker & Friends: Wednesdays.

> Tim Whalen: Thursdays.

> Gene Parker: May 21-22.

> Matt Gozzard Video: May 25 and 27.

> Cynthia Kaay Bennett: May 28-29.

The Distillery: Karaoke is offered Tuesdays, but paid entertainers rock out Wednesdays-Saturdays. 4311 Heatherdowns Blvd. (419) 382-1444 or www.thedistilleryonline.com.

> Dave Carpenter: May 19.

> The Bridges: May 20-22.

> Tony & Lyle: May 26.

> Jeff Stewart & the 25′s: May 27-29.

Frankie’s: Toledo’s venue for rock. Tickets vary between $5 and $14, unless noted. 308 Main St. (419) 693-5300 or www.FrankiesInnerCity.com.

> Attila, Dr. Acula, Blind Witness, A Hero A Fake, All Hope Abandon, In the Hands of a Nihilist: 6 p.m. May 19.

> Cash Cash, Erickson, Friday Night Fever, First Kiss Denial, All Night Dynomite, Two Flights Up, Miles Before Sleep: 5 p.m. May 20.

> Title Fight, Citizen, Living Like Ghosts, Two Flights Up: 5 p.m. May 21.

> Homeward Bound, Adams Dagger, Highbinder, Yeti Machete: 9 p.m. May 21.

> Local H, Kinch, Sinker: 9 p.m. May 22.

> Memphis May Fire, Jamie’s Elsewhere, I Am Abomination, Goodbye Blue Skies, Once at War: 6 p.m. May 23.

> The Veer Union, Taddy Porter, Like a Storm, Endless Envy, the Unlikely: 7 p.m. May 25.

> Vivian Banks, Measure the Redshift, Novallo, Eloise, Pavidus: 9 p.m. May 29.

> Legend, Kansas City Shuffle, Not Without a Fight, Love as Revenge, Ocean of Deceit: 6 p.m. May 30.

> Hester Prynne, Did You Mean Australia?, Aegeon, Vanquish the Populace: 6 p.m. May 31.

Ground Level Coffeehouse: Mix your beans with some music for an eclectic brew. Open mic on Monday nights. 2636 W. Central Ave. (419) 671-6272 or www.groundleveltoledo.com.

> Jazz jam session: 7 p.m. first and third Wednesdays of each month.

> Independent movie night: second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

> Toledo Classical Guitar Ensemble: May 19.

> “The Dutchman”: May 20.

> Bob & Kevin: May 21.

> Faux Paus: May 22, $3..

> The E Zone erotic poetry: May 27, $3.

> Watson St. Loft: May 28.

> May 29: Heritage Rose, 2 p.m.; Swill Gates, 8.

Headliners: All ages, all genres are welcome. 4500 N. Detroit Ave. Ticket prices vary between $5 and $15, unless noted otherwise. (419) 269-4500 or www.headlinerstoledo.com.

> Corey Feldman: 7 p.m. May 25, $15-$18.

> Keeping Riley, 3 Fold Reversed, Rich and Growing Sicker, No Privileges, Test to the Theory, the Shame Game, Pharoah’s Eye, Whetherhead, Vengeance Day: 4 p.m. May 29, $10-$12.

> GZA: 7 p.m. May 30, $15-$18.

> Miles Before Sleep, Icarus Account, 12 Track Radio, Connery, Drew Kaseman: 6 p.m. May 31.

J. Patrick’s Restaurant & Pub: Live entertainment after 9:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Holiday Inn French Quarter, 10630 Fremont Pike, Perrysburg. (419) 874-3111 or www.hifq.com.

> That Allie Girl: May 21-22.

> Double Dare: May 28-29.

Manhattan’s: This “slice of the Big Apple” in the Glass City puts on a show for the weekends. 1516 Adams St. (419) 243-6675 or www.manhattanstoledo.com.

> The Real Magicians: 6 p.m. May 20.

> Mo Jo Boes: May 21.

> John Barile: May 22.

> Wine tasting: 6:30 p.m. May 26.

> Quick Trio: 6 p.m. May 27.

> Tom Turner & Slow Burn: May 28.

> Quartette Bernadette: May 29.

Mickey Finn’s: A variety of genres to wash your drinks down with. Open mic nights, 8 p.m. Wednesdays, no cover; $5-$7 cover other nights. 602 Lagrange St. (419) 246-3466 or www.mickeyfinnspub.com.

> Resonant Soul: 9 p.m. May 21.

> Me Talk Pretty: 9 p.m. May 26.

> Jason LaPorte Trio: 9 p.m. May 27.

> Men Zingers: 9 p.m. May 28.

> Stegosaur: 9 p.m. May 29.

Murphy’s Place: Jazz @@ straight, smooth, bebop or traditional @@ all kinds are played here. 151 Water St. $4-$8, unless noted. (419) 241-7732 or www.murphysplacejazz.com.

> Planned Parenthood fundraiser: 5-7:30 p.m. May 20.

> Ellie Martin: 9 p.m. May 21.

> Glenda McFarlin: 9 p.m. May 22.

> Clifford Murphy and Claude Black: 8 p.m. May 24-25, free.

> Jeff Zavac: 9 p.m. May 28.

> Jeff Zavac and Atla DeChamplain: 9 p.m. May 29, $8-$10.

Omni: This Toledo club is a venue for music (and music lovers) of all types. 2567 W. Bancroft St. (419) 535-6664 or omnimidwest.com.

> Frontiers: 7:30 p.m. May 21, $7.

> Thunderstruck: 7:30 p.m. May 28.

Ottawa Tavern: Casual meals with weekend entertainment. 1815 Adams St. (419) 725-5483 or www.otavern.com.

> Wicked Lung, Wookalar, GoLab: May 21.

> Saw Had Eyes That Sea, Homeville Circle, Emily Gessner, DJ McGuillicutti, DJ MothCascades: May 22.

> Sinker, Joey & the Traitors, Dub Starlings, Dr. Rhomboid Goatcabin, Bastard Love Child and the Lesbian Commotion: May 28.

> Frank & Jesse, Adult Books: May 29.

Pizza Papalis: Get slices with a topping of entertainment. 519 Monroe St. (419) 244-7722 or www.pizzapapalis.com.

> Kyle White: 7 p.m. May 20.

> Andrew Ellis & Setting Sons: 8 p.m. May 21.

> Boffo: May 22.

> Dave Carpenter: 7 p.m. May 27.

> Blue Kazoo: 8 p.m. May 28-29.

The Village Idiot: Tunes combined with pizza and booze, some would say it’s a perfect combination. 309 Conant St., Maumee. (419) 893-7281 or www.villageidiotmaumee.com.

> 5 Neat Guys: Wednesdays.

> Mark Mikel: Friday afternoons and Tuesday nights.

> The Bob Rex Band: Sunday afternoons.

> Deano and the Purvs: May 20.

> The Nutones: May 21.

> Kentucky Chrome: May 22.

> Polka Floyd: May 28.

> Reese Daily Band: May 29.

Wesley’s Bar & Grill: A huge variety of beers helps wash down the entertainment. Boccie ball is a bonus! 1201 Adams St. (419) 255-3333 or wesleysbar.com.

> DJ’s Folks, Mattimoe and Perrine: Fridays.

> Band Tech 12: May 22.

> Independent Advocates fundraiser: 6 p.m. May 27.

> Kentucky Chrome: May 29.

Yeeha’s: 3150 Navarre Ave., Oregon. (419) 691-8880 or www.yeehas.com.

> Neon Black: May 21.

> Bush League: May 22.

> Justine Blazer: May 28.

> Lights Out party: May 29.

TMA concerts: Visual and audible arts combine for a new experience. 2445 Monroe St. (419) 255-8000 or toledomuseum.org.

> University of Michigan music students Jesse Enderle, a baritone, and Samantha Biniker, piano, will perform Ralph Vaughan Williams and Logan Skelton works and spirituals. 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. May 21, Great Gallery.

Music in the Park: The Toledo School for the Arts music department will take it outside for an annual fresh air concert. 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. May 21, Promenade Park, Water Street, downtown, west bank of the Maumee River.

Praise Music! concert: The Toledo Symphony will perform one of its neighborhood concerts. 7 p.m. May 21, Westgate Chapel, 2500 Wilford Dr. $5. (419) 841-8077 or www.westgatechapel.org.

’60s Music Legends Tour: The Vogues and the Shades of Blue will perform. 8 p.m. May 21, Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee. $20. (248) 921-7000, (419) 897-8902 or www.greateasterntheatres.com/maumeehome.asp.

Steve Tyrell: This vocalist adds soul to pop standards, resulting in a show full of sentiment and romance. 8 p.m. May 21, Valentine Theatre, 400 N. Superior St. $35-$47. (419) 242-2787 or www.valentinetheatre.com.

A Tribute to the Music of John Denver: Jim Curry will provide the voice of the legendary folk/pop master, accompanied by the Toledo Symphony. 8 p.m. May 22, Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. $21-$60. (419) 246-8000, (800) 348-1253 or www.toledosymphony.com.

MAS FiNA: May 22, South End Bar and Grille, 5105 Glendale Ave. (419) 382-7776; May 28-29, Harbor Inn and Ale, 1933 LaPlaisance Road, Monroe, Mich. (734) 384-3604.

Toledo Symphony benefit concert: Resident conductor Chelsea Tipton will bid his farewell at this show, featuring Doc Severinsen, David Shifrin on clarinet and violinist Mark O’Connor, to benefit music education. 4 p.m. May 23, Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. $25-$50. (419) 246-8000, (800) 348-1253 or www.toledosymphony.com.

The Big Sing: More than 60 singers from several area choirs will join the Masterworks Chorale for a community concert. The choirs will perform individually, then as one group. Workshops for performers start at 1 p.m. May 23; the concert starts at 7 p.m.; Valentine Theatre, 400 N. Superior St. (419) 866-6624 to participate; (419) 242-2787 for tickets, $7.50-$10.

Toledo Choral Society spring concert: Led by “Mr. Music” Sam Szor, this group will put on its seasonal show. 7:30 p.m. May 26, Blessed Sacrament Parish, 4227 Bellevue Rd. $10. (419) 472-2288, www.blessedsacrementtoledo.com or www.toledochoralsociety.org.

Centennial Terrace: This venue next to a quarry hosts dance parties, swing bands and rockers. 5773 Centennial Road, Sylvania. (419) 882-1500 or www.ticketmaster.com.

> The Turtles, Mickey Dolenz, the Grass Roots, Mark Lindsay, the Buckinghams: 7 p.m. May 31, $20.50-$37.50.

SPORTS

Harness horse racing: Sundays feature dollar deals for admission, programs, hot dogs and sodas. Post times are 6 p.m. on Saturdays, 5 p.m. on Sundays through Oct. 24. Raceway Park, 5700 Telegraph Road. $2.50. (419) 476-7751 or www.racewayparktoledo.com.

Toledo Mud Hens home games: Major-league baseball skills at minor league prices. Fireworks will be launched after games with asterisks (*). On Sundays, players sign autographs before the game and kids can run the bases afterward. Tickets from $7. Fifth Third Field, 406 Washington St. (419) 725-4367 or www.mudhens.com.

> Durham Bulls: 10:30 a.m. May 19 (school day game, folder giveaway); 6:30 p.m. May 20; 7 p.m. May 21.

> Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs: 5 p.m. May 31; 7 p.m. June 1 and 3 (veterans night); 10:30 a.m. June 2 (school day game, folder giveaway).

ARCA racing: Toledo Speedway, 5639 Benore Road. $3-$18. (419) 727-1100 or www.toledospeedway.com.

> Buckeye 305 sprints, sportsman, factory stocks: May 21, kids 14 and younger admitted free.

> Menards 200 practice and qualifying, plus ARCA Truck Series 50 Lap Feature: May 22.

> Menards 200, plus ARCA Truck Series 50 lap feature: 2 p.m. May 23.

> School bus, train, boat and factory stocks figure eights; back-up and plywood races; race car bowling. May 28.

Great Black Swamp Frogs vintage baseball: Sylvania’s boys of summers past play in the 1800 style. www.sev.org/GBSFrogs/index.htm.

> Vs. Rochester Grangers: 1 p.m. May 23, Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills, Mich.

WWE Monday Night Raw: Wrestlers scheduled to appear include John Cena, Randy Orton, the Big Show and Kelly Kelly. 8:15 p.m. May 24, Huntington Center, 500 Jefferson Ave. $15-$60. (419) 321-5007, (800) 745-3000 or www.huntingtoncentertoledo.com.

STAGE

Murder Mystery Dinner Train: Howie Cheatum has discovered a valuable asset underneath “Whispering Winds Sanitarium” and plans to evict the patients and fire the workers to get at it. 7-10 p.m. Saturdays, Blissfield Old Road Dinner Train’s depot, 301 E. Adrian St., Blissfield, Mich. $70. (888) 467-2451 or www.murdermysterytrain.com.

Connxtions Comedy Club: Comedians bring their best yuks for your amusement. 5319 Heatherdowns Blvd. $8-$15 (unless noted otherwise). (419) 867-9041 or www.connxtionscomedyclub.com.

> Fred Potter: 8 p.m. May 20; 8 and 10:30 p.m. May 21-22; 7 p.m. May 23.

Funny Bone: Some of the nation’s best comics offer their best schtick on this local stage. 6140 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg. (419) 931-3474 or www.funnybonefatfishtoledo.com.

> Bruce Bruce: 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. May 21; 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. May 22; 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. May 23. $27.

> David “Midnight Swinger” Scott: 7 p.m. May 27 and 30; 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. May 28; 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. May 29, $14-$16.

“Lady Pirates of Captain Bree”: After overtaking ship, a crew of pirates holds the wealthy family aboard hostage while waiting for ransom to arrive. 8 p.m. May 21 and 2 and 8 p.m. May 22, Children’s Theater Workshop, Collingwood Arts Center, 2417 Collingwood Blvd. $4.50-$7. (419) 244-5061 or www.childrenstheaterworkshop.org.

“The Wizard of Oz”: Can Dorothy, with the help of friends, find the way home? Perhaps it’s along the Yellow Brick Road … 8 p.m. May 21-22; 2 p.m. May 23, Fremont Community Theatre, 1551 Dickinson, Fremont. $10-$12. (419) 332-0775, (419) 332-0695 or www.fremontcommunitytheatre.org.

trideaDANCE: The Ritz Theatre’s resident contemporary dance collaborative, which tries to make dance accessible and enjoyable for all, will perform original choreography. 7:30 p.m. May 23, Ritz Theatre, 20 S. Washington St., Tiffin. $10-$15. (419) 448-8544 or www.ritztheatre.org.

BOWLING GREEN and surrounding area

Cla-Zel Theater: This venue has been rocking BGSU students (and others) for years. 127 N. Main St., Bowling Green. (419) 353-5000 or www.clazel.net.

> Scott Ballard, Alex Depue: 3 p.m. May 23, $20-$25.

> Friday Night Jazz: Ki Allen, plus Damen Cook, Gene Parker, Jeff Halsey. 8:30 p.m. May 28. $20-$35.

Howard’s Club H: Bowling Green comes alive at this venue for rock and more. 210 N. Main St., Bowling Green. (419) 352-3195 or www.howardsclubh.com.

> Captain Ronzo, the Galt Line, Harry and the Hood, Josh Denning, Zach Wilson: May 20.

> Mouths of Dogs, the Devize: May 21.

> Garth Melvin: May 22.

> Josh Denning and the Hired Guns: May 28.

> Calveris: May 29.

Wood County Historical Center & Museum: Check out this rural jewel’s new exhibits and tour the museum and buildings to see blacksmith forge demonstrations and historic equipment. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. weekends (closed holidays), Wood County Historical Center & Museum, 13360 County Home Road, Bowling Green. $1-$4. (419) 352-0967 or www.woodcountyhistory.org.

> “Between Fences” Smithsonian exhibit: The exhibit looks at fences, both physical and figurative, and its representation as a division of race, culture or class.

Sundae Sundays: Toad-ally Awesome. Explore the shores of the Portage River in search of toads and tadpoles, with sundaes afterward. Participants can “go green” by bringing their own bowls and spoons. 2 p.m.-3 p.m. May 23, Hiser Riverview Shelter, William Henry Harrison Park, Pemberville Road and South Street, Pemberville. Register: (419) 661-1697 or reservations.woodcountyparkdistrict.org.

ANN ARBOR and surrounding area

Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase: Humor, wit and the funny arts are practiced here. 314 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, Mich. $8-$14. (734) 996-9080 or www.aacomedy.com.

> Warren B. Hall: 8 and 10:30 p.m. May 21-22.

> Billy Ray Bauer: 8 and 10:30 p.m. May 28-29.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum: Inspiring the discovery of wonder of science, math and technology. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and noon-5 Sundays, 220 E. Ann St. between Fourth Ave. and Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor, Mich. $9. (734) 995-5439 or www.aahom.org.

> The Block Party: Kids can use the hundreds of foam bricks to create their imaginings in this 1,600-square-foot exhibit. Through Sept. 30.

> Chem Mystery: Household items that seem so common are chemicals. See how items in the salad bowl react and whether water explodes. 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. May 22-23.

The Ark: This small venue offers a showcase for lesser-known acts, as well as folk, bluegrass and acoustic acts. 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, Mich. (734) 761-1451, (734) 761-1800 or www.theark.org.

> Crash Test Dummies: 8 p.m. May 19, $25.

> May Erlewine & Samuel Seth Bernard: 8 p.m. May 20, $17.50.

> Suzy Bogguss: 8 p.m. May 21, $25.

> Eilen Jewell: 8 p.m. May 22, $15.

> Dala: 7:30 p.m. May 23, $15.

> Matt Andersen: 8 p.m. May 25, free.

> Diane Birch: 8 p.m. May 27, $20.

Blind Pig: A variety of rock, soul, pop and alternative acts perform at this bar. 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor, Mich. $3-$20. (734) 996-8555 or blindpigmusic.com.

> Greg Laswell, Jimmy Gnecco, Brian Wright: 8 p.m. May 19.

> Blaze Ya Dead Homie, Ajax, AMB: 8 p.m. May 20.

> Lawn Care, Mellows, Neon Escape: 9:30 p.m. May 21.

> Signal Path, Inkface, Innerphonic: 9 p.m. May 22.

> Ty London, Radio Broadcasting, Cash Harrison, King Recliner: 9:30 p.m. May 25.

> One.Be.Lo: 9:30 p.m. May 26.

> Trembling Earth, Deep Space Six, Nightcap: 9:30 p.m. May 27.

> Santiparro, Skeleton Birds, Little Island Lake: 9:30 p.m. May 28.

> The Bang! 9:30 p.m. May 29.

Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library exhibitions and events: The University of Michigan’s primary research collection for the humanities and social sciences hosts a variety of artwork, speeches and displays. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and 2-7 p.m. Sundays, 913 S. University St., Ann Arbor, Mich. (734) 615-5783 or www.lib.umich.edu.

> “Treasures of the Library”: The collection includes a 2,250-year-old papyrus document; a manuscript by Galileo; and 1838′s “The Birds of America,” with original drawings by John James Audubon. Through May 23 and June 1-29.

Hollander’s cooking classes: Traditionally thought of as a paper source, the owners have recently started making culinary offerings as well. Kerrytown Shops, 410 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, Mich. $15, unless otherwise noted. (734) 741-7531 or www.hollanders.com.

> Cooking Chinese using tofu: Noon May 19.

> Vegetarian fare: chickpeas/garbanzos. 1 p.m. May 23.

Kerrytown Concert House: This venue focuses on classical, jazz and opera artists and music. 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, Mich. $5-$25. (734) 769-2999 or www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com.

> “Climbing Everest” presentation: 8 p.m. May 21.

> Stephen Shipps Trio: 8 p.m. May 22.

> Melissa Morgan: 8 p.m. May 29.

Michigan Theater: This Ann Arbor cinematic epicenter shows arthouse fare, mainstream movies and special attractions, as well as hosts concerts and other performances. 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, Mich. $7-$12.50, unless noted otherwise. (734) 768-8397, (734) 668-8463 or www.michtheater.org.

> “Bass Ackwards”: 7 p.m. May 19.

> “The Blind Side”: 7:30 p.m. May 20.

> “Fresh”: 7 p.m. May 21, free.

> Theater tour: 11 a.m. May 22, free; register by e-mailing lgabriel@michtheater.org.

> “The Age of Stupid”: 4:30 p.m. May 23, free.

> “Allah Made Me Funny”: 7 p.m. May 24, free.

> “The Letter”: 7 p.m. May 25, free.

> “Journey Into America”: 7 p.m. May 26, free.

> “Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think”: 7 p.m. May 28, free.

Midnight Movies: This late-night flick series takes a turn for the dark. Midnight, State Theater, 233 S. State St., Ann Arbor, Mich. $7-$9. (734) 761-8667 or www.michtheater.org/state.php.

> “Robocop”: May 22.

University of Michigan Museum of Art: This museum has the largest collection of Asian art in Michigan. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays and noon-5 Sundays, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor, Mich. (734) 763-8662 or www.umma.umich.edu.

> “Art, Anti-Art, Non-Art: Experiments in the Public Sphere in Postwar Japan, 1950-1970.” This exhibition highlights “avant-garde work characterized by self-reflection and multimedia experimentation.” Through June 6.

> UMMA Projects: Oliver van den Berg. This Berlin-based sculptor carves objects based on technical equipment (flight recorders, planetarium projectors, microphones, television cameras) out of wood. Through July 18.

> “Wrapped in Silk and Gold: A Family Legacy of 20th Century Japanese Kimono.” The museum’s recently acquired collection of deluxe kimono, haori, obi, and other traditional Japanese women’s garments will be displayed. Through July 25.

> “Turning Point: Japanese Studio Ceramics in the Mid-20th Century.” The museum’s collection by leading figures, such as Hamada Shoji, Kawai Kanjiro and Yagi Kazuo, offers a focused look at the creativity and influence of the movement. Through Aug. 8.

Zingerman’s Bakehouse classes: Get flour fever with these fans of the organic, the local, the freshly made. 3177 Plaza Dr., Ann Arbor, Mich. (734) 761-7255 or bakewithzing.com.

> Savory pies: 5:30-9:30 p.m. May 19, June 16, $125.

> Triple chocolate cake: 5:30-9:30 p.m. May 20, $125.

> British breads: 5:30-9:30 p.m. May 25, $100.

> Bake Me a Cake: 5:30-9:30 p.m. May 26, Aug. 7, $125.

> French baguettes: 5:30-9:30 p.m. May 27, July 1; 1-5 p.m. Aug. 21, $100.

> Jewish cookies: 8 a.m.-noon May 29, $100.

Zingerman’s Creamery: Tours are offered regularly and classes cover a variety of dairy topics. 3723 Plaza Dr., Ann Arbor, Mich. (734) 929-0500 or www.zingermanscreamery.com.

> Mozzarella class: Learn how to make fresh pizza cheese from milk or curd. Noon-2 Saturdays through May, $45.

> Tours: Cheesemaker and managing partner John Loomis explains how the creamery makes artisan cheeses and old-fashioned Italian ice cream. 2 p.m. Sundays, $5 (attendees will receive $5 coupons to spend in the Cheese Shop).

“Imaging the Future”: More than two dozen artists, architects, engineers, scientists, and fashion designers attempt to visualize what life in the future will be like in this multimedia exhibit. Noon-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, noon-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and noon-4 p.m. Sundays through June 13, Gallery Project, 215 S. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, Mich. (734) 997-7012 or www.thegalleryproject.com.

“The Print”: This annual show celebrates Michigan artists working in the print medium using traditional forms as well as contemporary interpretations. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and noon-5:30 p.m. Sundays through June 13, Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty Ave., Ann Arbor, Mich. (734) 994-8004 or annarborartcenter.org.

“Continents Apart: From Morocco to the American Southwest.” Photographers Jim and Angela George try to capture details evoking emotional response to their subjects. Through June 30, Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, Mich. (734) 769-2999 or www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com.

“Little Shop of Horrors”: A floral shop assistant discovers an unusual (and carnivorous) plant in this musical. 8 p.m. May 20-22 and 27-29; 2 p.m. May 23 and 30, Performance Network, 120 E. Huron, Ann Arbor, Mich. $10-$44. (734) 663-0681 or www.performancenetwork.org.

“Our Town”: Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play about Grover’s Corners, a small town whose residents reflect universal dreams and longings. 8 p.m. May 20-21, 25 and 27-28; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. May 19, 22, 26 and 29; 2 p.m. May 23; Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea, Mich. $20-$38. (734) 433-7673 or www.purplerosetheatre.org.

Michigan Beer Tasting: Brewery owner Rene Greff will offer a history and tasting of 10 of Michigan’s best microbreweries. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. May 19, Arbor Brewing Company, 114 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor, Mich. $49. (734) 213-1393 or www.arborbrewing.com/.

ABC Brews Crews Homebrew Competition: Check out the region’s home brewers’ best. 8 a.m. May 22, Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti, Mich. (734) 480-2739 or www.brewscrews.aabg.org.

Beers of the British Isles: Brewery owner Rene Greff will help suds-lovers get their grip on the classic pints from across the pond. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. May 27, Arbor Brewing Company, 114 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor, Mich. $49. Registration: (734) 213-1393 or www.arborbrewing.com/.

The Toledo Art Museum will begin to renovate its former glass gallery to house its growing collection of modern and contemporary art, thanks to a donation of $2 million from Frederic “Fritz” and Mary Wolfe, longtime friends of the museum.

“This is a tremendous thrill for us,” Mary said. “We dearly love this museum.”

Fritz added, “We can’t think of anything we’d rather do.”

The Wolfes have been attending the museum for 40 years.

Fritz lived in the Old West End for five years when he was young, and one of his sisters often took art classes on Saturday mornings at the museum.

When Mary taught art history classes at Bowling Green University, she would take her students to the museum to view the exhibits.

She also had a acrylic painting of her own, “The Red Woman,” displayed as part of the Area Artists exhibit.

“They have been so committed to this community,” said Betsy Brady, the chair of the museum’s Board of Directors. She called their gift transformational, saying that it has enabled the beginning of the construction of the new gallery, which will be called the Frederic and Mary Wolfe Gallery in their honor.

It will house the museum’s growing collection of contemporary and modern art. Moving some of these pieces into the new gallery will open up extra space for the exhibits of Asian and African art.

Brady said that the current galleries for the museum’s collections of modern and contemporary pieces are too limited and out-of-date to keep up with its growing collection. The new gallery will help remedy these inadequacies.

The gallery itself will be 6000 square feet and will have a partial mezzanine, Brady said.

Rob Bigelow, the museum’s interim director, said he hopes the Wolfe’s gift will inspire similar contributions so they can finish the renovation.

He also said that the renovation of the gallery will allow the museum to reintroduce its collections of modern and contemporary works to the art community.

The renovation will affect most of the East Wing galleries, which will be closed and reopened over the next two to three years as the renovation happens.

Northwest Ohio’s Crystal Bowersox is one step away from being named “American Idol.”

After more than 47 million total votes, the Elliston native will face Chicago’s Lee DeWyze in the Season 9 “American Idol” finals May 25. The pair will perform live in the Kodak Theatre.

During May 19’s show, Bowersox’s original song, “Holy Toledo,” was featured on air during her hometown visit coverage. Bowersox mentioned to Ryan Seacrest that the song has become an anthem for the city. Video of the song is available on Toledo Free Press’s Facebook page.

“American Idol” is on 8 p.m. May 25, with the result show May 26 at 8 p.m. on FOX Toledo.

1.

I remember the summer of 1980 for two reasons. It was when The Empire Strikes Back was released, and it was when my friend Andy and I hitchhiked from California to Boston. We saw Empire near the middle of our trip, in Salt Lake City, and forever in my mind the two things will be connected: hitchhiking with Andy and Luke’s journey toward discovering that Darth Vader is his father.

My traveling buddy was something of a wookie: with Andy at 6’6” and me at 6’3”, I sometimes wonder why anyone picked us up. We set out on a beautiful day, our first ride across the Sierras in the back of a pickup. Andy had seen Empire the day before we left, and he tortured me for two days before Utah over “the secret.”

The end of our first day was at the Mustang Ranch, a legal brothel near Reno. I’d like to believe that it was then, sleeping beside the brothel parking lot, when Andy first mentioned it. Andy had enjoyed himself at the whorehouse – he was actually whistling a happy tune – but I’d had a problem with, ah, finishing. I’ve never been, thank God, to a prostitute again. We threw down our sleeping bags beside the road and he asked me something like, Do you want to know something about the movie that you might not want to know? I’m certain the sentence was convoluted by his desire to both tell the secret and keep it.

Andy had been having trouble before I invited him on the trip. A brilliant young man and the best basketball player I’ve ever known, he’d been to something like five colleges without getting a degree. I had originally planned to take the trip by myself, but I was at my sister’s high school graduation – no doubt, promoting my new adventure – when I realized exactly how scared I was. California coastal roads were one thing, but the Midwest was quite another. I’ve seen pictures of myself on that day and I looked manic. When I found Andy – his brother was graduating, too – I’m sure I presented the idea as a way to end his troubles. I think I got him at exactly the right moment. The Force was strong with me.

2.

Leigh Brackett is credited as the original writer of Empire, working from a story by Lucas. In the continuing colonization of my imagination, an important flag was planted by Howard Hawks with Rio Bravo. Brackett – a woman – wrote that script, which I think about as much as I think about Empire. She is also credited (along with William Faulkner) on Hawk’s The Big Sleep as well as Robert Altman’s revisionist look at Raymond Chandler’s The Long Goodbye. She wrote the first draft of Empire just before she died of cancer. (Subsequent drafts were written by that young buck Lawrence Kasdan.)

Rio Bravo is a Western about a drunk – played brilliantly by Dean Martin – who redeems himself. It’s also a story about the strength of his friends who allow him to redeem himself. It’s a great action movie – one of the best ever – but it essentially comes down to John Wayne wondering whether his best buddy has the cojones to put down the bottle while both of them are besieged by bad guys. I enjoy thinking that this was Leigh Brackett’s contribution to the script because it seems like a womanly concern – watching men support each other – but Brackett has said that Hawks wanted that, too.

3.

Wookies that we were, we spent many hours on the side of the road. Hitchhiking compels you to find new places within yourself. A few months before this trip, I had heard God’s voice beside a road in Ukiah simply because there was nothing else to do but hear God’s voice (He told me what He often tells me: you’ll be okay). After Andy and I had talked about everything we could possibly talk about, we talked about everything else. We made up silly songs about hitching a ride. We decided that I would try to guess the secret of Empire.

I tried. I got stuck on the notion that it must be about Princess Leia or that it involved the death of a major character. We had agreed that Andy would not give me any hints, though, and I ran out of ideas pretty quickly.

In spite of my frustration, those first days of our trip were blissful. There’s no other word for it. For a while, too, it seemed like I’d put an end to Andy’s troubles. On the road, it turned out, he had a light spirit. We wrote a song about it that I still remember:

Happy to ride

In the back of your truck

It’s a long hard haul

But we’re f*cked up

We’ve got bourbon

Enough for three

If you’ll just stop

To let us pee

Finally, in the day before we saw The Empire Strikes Back in Salt Lake City, I gave Andy permission to ruin the movie for me. Go head, tell me. I never would have guessed it, and yet it made perfect sense. Even as we waited in line on those impossibly clean streets with those impossibly well-mannered teenagers, that thought balloon was still hovering above my head: Darth Vader is Luke’s Father? Andy had robbed me of the surprise, but he had left me with the majesty. He had tried to explain to me the context of the “there is another” bit, but he screwed that up, and I didn’t understand until I saw the movie.

The Empire Strikes Back, however, was not a joyous experience for me. Which is not to say that it was a bad experience. Walking from the theater, I felt like my imagination had been imploded. And this had nothing to do with the “secret” of the movie. I had been disturbed by the way the movie started, and I was even more disturbed by the way it ended. Luke begins maimed and ends up even more maimed. Did we really have to wait three years for all this to be resolved? There’s a reality at work in Empire that is absent – and should be absent – from the rest of the trilogy. Cutting off Luke’s hand, I have to say, wouldn’t have been any more shocking to me if it had been his penis.

4.

In some sense, it was Luke’s penis. Empire was the film, remember, where Luke is revealed as a eunuch. Was there any doubt left that our boy would not be getting the only girl left in the galaxy? That look on Carrie Fisher’s face when Han is frozen always kills me. It’s clear that Skywalker is alone with nothing to look forward to but completing his Jedi training. Without a hand. And with a face that doesn’t look quite right.

That’s another thing. Let’s talk about Mark Hamill’s face. As legend has it, he suffered a car accident between the filming of Star Wars and Empire. I say “legend” because the internet message boards are divided on this issue. The way I heard it, the Wampa sequence at the start of Empire was necessary because it accounted for the changes in Luke’s face. Something happened. Hamill’s skin looked like it had been scoured by bad dreams, as though he had been melted and recast in a different form. His cheekbones were in different places. He looked damaged.

The Empire Strikes Back is a story about failure. In Luke’s case, a very particular kind of failure. He loses sight of the big picture and therefore jeopardizes the entire rebellion. He abandons his Jedi training in order to help his friends, and his friends end up in worse shape. The movie ends with Han in the clutches of Boba Fett, and it’s a real question as to whether Luke’s going to pull his head out enough to help him. Join me, Luke. It is your destiny.

5.

A few days after watching The Empire Strikes Back in Salt Lake City, we got picked up by two pretty girls from the University of Wyoming who were returning home to Nebraska. As soon as we got into that car, we knew we’d made a mistake. They offered us pot and they offered us booze. And then they offered us more of both. And then more. And then even more. I have a foggy memory of one of them leaning over the bench seat of their old car – a Fairlane or a Rambler or something – and asking us if we were “lightweights.” There was nothing on that Nebraska horizon for hours but that horrible question. Are you guys lightweights? I didn’t think there were any lightweights in California. Andy and I smoked and smoked, drank and drank, smoked and smoked. But then, at a certain point, we had to stop. This part of the story still embarrasses me. In some ways, I remain that twenty year old who was proudest of his capacity for self-abuse. I don’t remember us ever stopping before. And then they asked us the question again. Are you guys lightweights? Maybe it was the half week on the road. Maybe it was all the drugs and drinking we’d already done. We just had to say, “no more.”

We immediately began plotting our escape. We both did that lifted-eyebrows, these-chicks-are-crazy thing which was inadequate camouflage for the fact that we both knew we were punking out on the drugs and booze, that they had emasculated us, fragile creatures, by insisting that we do more.

We ended up at some huge Gilley’s-like Country Western bar, a warehouse filled with drinking and dancing Stetsons. We had eaten hamburgers, and it was already dark. The girls seemed to like us, but in some perverse way that I did not understand. They kept asking us bizarre questions that were in some distant way pertinent: You guys aren’t Democrats, are you? Do you know any homosexuals? What’s the deal with that? They never left us alone long enough to talk, and Andy and I were trying to be gentlemen by not just ditching them. Our situation, I have to imagine, was complicated by extreme drunkenness. Listen, Ladies, it’s been nice to meet you but we’d love to go sleep under that freeway bridge now. We tried to get each other alone. I winked and went to the bathroom, but Andy didn’t follow me. I came back from the bathroom and then Andy went. So, then I followed him. But he was gone. I couldn’t find him. Anywhere.

6.

A comparison between Dean Martin and Mark Hamill might seem a stretch, but there’s nothing more shocking to me in Empire than what a prick Luke turns out to be. His contempt for Yoda, his wimpiness during his Jedi training, his terrible defiance of his master in leaving Dagobah – it’s really quite shocking. Lucas must have imagined that the clouds of glory trailing from the destruction of the Death Star would get young Skywalker over the hump, but I remain unconvinced.

The Empire Strikes Back, it seems to me, has similar concerns as Rio Bravo. Yoda does what he can to see that Luke will recover from his selfishness and short-sighted goals to become the man who can save the galaxy from Darth Vader, but whereas John Wayne was successful with Dean Martin, Yoda was not successful with Luke. Luke leaves the Dagobah system on his dubious quest to keep his friends from pain as Yoda warns him that “he would destroy all for which they have fought and suffered.” And then, if that weren’t enough, we’re given the conversation between Yoda and the ghost of Ben Kenobi in the moment after Luke leaves: there is another. Forgive me for complaining about a movie that I dearly love, but wouldn’t that be a little like John Wayne sobering up Dean Martin, sending him into a gunfight, and then telling Walter Brennan, “Don’t worry about it, if this guy doesn’t pan out, we can always get Sinatra”?

7.

I looked everywhere for Andy. And then I went back for the girls and we all looked everywhere for Andy. I don’t remember the name of that Nebraska town, but it was small, and it scared me that we couldn’t find him. His mother had given me a look at my sister’s graduation – a look of please don’t – and I was already imagining having to call her. I felt like I was down behind enemy lines, and I couldn’t help but think that some redneck had forced Andy to admit he’d voted for Carter. And then bashed his head in.

After we’d searched the town until we couldn’t stand, I spent the night at the girls’ house. Their concern for Andy had instantly humanized them for me. When I woke up the next morning, I had the simple epiphany that if Andy were still alive, there was only one place he would likely be: in a motel.

When I walked into the motel room to find Andy sleeping in a comfortable bed, watching cartoons, I was filled with such rage and righteousness. He explained that he’d wandered off because he thought that I wanted to sleep with one of the girls, and he just needed to get away from them. And then he got lost.

There’s a moment near the start of Rio Bravo when John Wayne looks at Dean Martin with deep disgust. Yoda also does a pretty good job – for a puppet – of showing his disappointment with Luke. This was my moment with Andy. I think I imagined that I had done him a great favor by bringing him on the trip. Was this how he repaid me? Andy’s new happiness was fragile – I must have known that – but I ignored his fragility. I needed to punish him.

I shouted. I asked him what the hell he thought he was doing. I asked him how he could be so stupid. I told him that we couldn’t continue the trip because I couldn’t depend on him. Because I couldn’t trust him. I said it again: I can’t trust you. I told myself that I was protecting him from his own stupidity, but it was much more disgusting than that. I had offered him the Jedi training, I had given him the Deputy Sheriff’s badge, and now I was telling him that he didn’t deserve either. I was such an unbelievable dick. I don’t think I realized what a dick I was until this moment.

So we hitched one last ride to Omaha, and from there we took a bus to Boston. My friendship with Andy ended at the same moment as our trip. We pretended we were friends for about a decade after that, but it was never the same – no more “happy to ride.” Eventually, he stopped talking to me, and he refused to tell me why. I knew why.

8.

Return of The Jedi was downgraded, you remember, from Revenge of the Jedi. I couldn’t help but see it as a recognition of Luke’s diminished power. Does anyone remember what Luke did in that movie? As the new title suggests, his main job seems to be showing up. At the end of the trilogy, he is even more spectral than Ben Kenobi. Ultimately, it’s the Ewoks who destroy the empire.

9.

In the days after Salt Lake City, I felt betrayed to discover that my impulse to make Luke the hope of the galaxy may have been misplaced. That bit of information – “there is another” – ruined my day even more than the idea that Luke had washed out of Jedi training or that Darth was his father. For me, that was the most radical thing about the film. Not that Luke might be turned to the dark side (that might have been cool). What bothered me was the idea that he might no longer be the protagonist. That didn’t seem right to me. So much had depended on him.

I teach creative writing, and there’s nothing that my students love more than a trick ending, although I do my best to dissuade them. Looking at The Empire Strikes Back from a distance of thirty years, I’m much more surprised by Luke’s defiance of Yoda than I am by Luke’s father. I’m happy to be able to report to my students that the big secret of Empire doesn’t amount to much. The reason that none of the actors guessed it is because it’s not essential to the structure of the story. At best, it’s a side show to the real questions which will not be answered by the end of the movie: does Luke have the cojones to save the galaxy? And if he doesn’t, who will?

Dan Barden is a novelist and professor at Butler University  in Indianapolis.

Related story: Interview with Boba Fett actor Jeremy Bulloch.

Related story: A personal essay about “Empire’s” big secret.

I can’t speak for other fans, but for me the burning desire for more “Star Wars” began the moment the first film’s credits rolled. For three whole years, I sweated in anticipatory fever, while George Lucas doled out tantalizing teases for “The Empire Strikes Back” in what amounted to a late-70s version of viral marketing.
As early as 1977, a book called “The Star Wars Album” proclaimed the sequel as scheduled for fall of 1978 — needless to say, 1978 came and went with no sign of such a film (I was crushed). People magazine was the first place I saw the actual title of the sequel and I scratched my head over that one; what a weird title for a movie, I remember thinking. Then, fast and furiously, the teases came: the Kenner Toys mail-in for a “Boba Fett” action figure, the first pic (the tauntaun) in The Blade, concept paintings in “Famous Monsters,” Mark Hamill sporting his ESB duds on “The Muppet Show,” John  Williams conducting the ESB “asteroid” music from the film’s score on “The Boston Pops” — and finally, in August of 1979, a showing of “Star Wars” at the old Greenwood Cini-Mini with the first ESB trailer shown at the end of the flick. I was introduced to “Lando Calrissian” that fine day.

May of 1980 took its sweet time arriving and by then I was delirious from ESB fever. The film opened at Showcase Cinemas on Monroe Street on Wed., May 21 and my dad, for whatever arcane and unjust reason, said he couldn’t take me until the following Saturday. Though shaken by the news, I determined to bury myself deep underground to avoid spoilers. Alas, it wasn’t to be — a drunken partygoing friend of my sister’s ruined ESB’s big surprise for me.
Yes, that’s right; I’m “that guy” — I was told that Darth Vader was Luke Skywalker’s father before actually seeing the film.
Yet, that didn’t crush me — not completely — and on Saturday, May 24 I was treated to the “Star Wars” spectacle that is “The Empire Strikes Back.” It was everything I wanted it to be and so much more and as I sat in front of the old No. 1 screen at Showcase I reveled in the new adventures of my heroes and marveled at the surreal feel of it all. No, one drunken idiot couldn’t spoil that for me — nor Norm Dresser, for that matter.
Surely you remember the late Norm Dresser, Blade entertainment editor back in 1980? He’d already gained a reputation with me as The Man Who Hated Every Movie and I’ll admit that I somewhat dreaded the snarky review I was sure he’d saddle ESB with. The review came out and though on the surface it was favorable, between the lines I sensed his bewilderment and condescension. Re-reading the review, that opinion still stands.
Norm spends more time noting that ESB was a “Happening” than actually reviewing it. He makes snide little comments, using the term “space-y” and making dumb jokes like calling the Empire’s AT-ATs “giant Erector sets.” By the end of the review, he admits that “it is perhaps fruitless to approach ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ in the normal manner of a critic” and wraps it up by noting that while the special effects are great, “only ‘Star Wars’ aficionados are likely to feel responsive emotional sensations” from the film.
But I’m not bitter. I waited three years to see that film — and it was worth every single minute of sweet, sweet anticipation.

Some things you may not know about ‘The Empire Strikes Back’

“Star Wars” arcana and minutiae run deep and there is always much to learn, young Jedi — open your mind to the Force and observe some little-known facts about everyone’s favorite science fiction sequel.

• See Luke Run. That grand opening shot on the icy planet of Hoth was actually filmed from a helicopter in Norway, with a stop-motion animated Luke Skywalker and faithful tauntaun superimposed into the shot. Note: that lone outcropping of rock helped the special effects guys line up the shot.
• “Hey, Normie!” If you look closely, you may notice actor John Ratzenberger — Cliff the mailman from “Cheers” — as a Rebel officer on Hoth.
• Wither Wampa? An ejected sub-plot involved the Wampa ice creatures invading the Rebel base. A remnant of this can be seen in the original ESB trailer when C-3PO tears a warning sign off a door to lead the Snowtroopers into the Wampas’ clutches.
• You Kiss Your Princess with That Face? The damage to Luke’s face by the Wampa was also meant to explain the changes in Mark Hamill’s kisser after a 1977 car accident nearly wiped his nose off. A filmed scene showing a medical droid peeling bandages from his face wound up on the cutting room floor.
• Birth of a Boba. Bounty Hunter Boba Fett did not make his debut in ESB; he first appeared in an animated segment on the 1978 “Star Wars Holiday Special.” It is the only stomachable part of that entire, ill-fated TV show.
• You Light Up My Life. The strange design for Boba Fett’s ship, Slave 1, was inspired by some street lamps found outside of the concept artists’ studio. Fellow bounty hunter IG-88 wasn’t as creative; his mechanical head was cobbled together from leftover pieces of the cantina set from “Star Wars.”
• You Know…What? Han Solo’s famous retort of “I know” to Leia’s “I love you” was an ad lib of Harrison Ford’s, improvised on the set after director Kershner deemed the scripted lines “stinky.”
• Borrow from the Best. The entire sequence of Luke losing his hand, falling off the gantry and his eventual resurfacing to resume his life is a Star Wars version of the classic folkloric motif “The Armless Maiden.”

Boba Fett. The most feared bounty hunter in the galaxy. A ruthless killing machine who towers over his scenes in “The Empire Strikes Back” with unquestionable presence and power.
Jeremy Bulloch. A British actor who has appeared on stage, screen and television for more than half a century. One of the most gracious and kind men you’d ever want to talk to, a man who treats his fans with generosity and warmth.
And he has many fans, to be sure. For Bulloch and Boba are one and the same.

The 65-year-old actor made his debut in the famous suit 30 years ago, though in a recent interview, he insisted his contribution to the character’s iconic look was little more than a happy accident of tailoring. “I think I’m just very lucky to have been part of it, and I happened to fit the costume rather well. Almost as if a tailor had been over for three weeks. But I put the one outfit that there was, and I put that on, and it fit me like a dream. So I think I was a winner right from the start.”
Bulloch has sold his own contributions short, of course. But the man is incredibly humble. A conversation with him reveals a genuinely kind individual, one who treats his association with a cultural icon like “Star Wars” as a privilege.
And it’s an icon that will see a great deal of activity in this, the 30th anniversary of “Empire.” Bulloch’s schedule is full of visits to conventions and celebrations, including a mid-May stop at the Motor City Comic Con in Novi, Mich., followed by a month of hosting “Star Wars” weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.
Bulloch’s presence on the convention circuit has increased in recent years, with the “Empire” anniversary’s approach and a cameo appearance in “Revenge of the Sith” spurring an increase of interest. And Boba Fett has remained one of the most popular characters in the “Star Wars” universe since his debut, despite relatively short screen time. Why?
“I tend to say different things to different people, because there are actually different reasons. No. 1, the costume looks fantastic. Already, Boba Fett is sort of a war machine. And he stands there with his gun. He’s very good at what he does. And he captures Han Solo! Easily! But Han Solo comes back, because the hero has to — but he gets respect from that. He answers Darth Vader back, and of course, not a lot of people do that and get away with their life. He doesn’t care.
“And I think he’s very fair in the way he treats people. He’ll say, ‘I’m gonna kill you.’ And he’ll almost tell you the time. At least he’s letting you know!”
Bulloch said guidance about the character was somewhat sparse on the set of “Empire,” though he said that Irwin Kirshner was a “lovely director.”
“I think you put a lot of your own stuff in, because otherwise you’d be a mannequin. And they’d say, ‘Oh, let’s get this guy and just stand there, will you?’ Yes, you take direction, and just stand there, but you put a lot of your own stuff in. Because otherwise, people — my wife would say, ‘How was it today?’ ‘Oh, I just stood there.’ ‘All day?’ ‘Yes, all day. I just stood there.’ And occasionally, the director would come up, ‘Oh, yes, you’re good Jeremy.’”
Though the character is enormously popular, Fett meets a rather anticlimactic demise in “Return of the Jedi” —  knocked into the deadly Sarlacc pit almost by accident. What was Bulloch’s impression when he read the script?
“There was no impression at all, because I never had a script. I mean, it was really — the few lines I had didn’t really it was probably a waste of paper,” he joked. “With something like ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ or ‘Return of the Jedi,’ it’s quite nice not to know what’s going to happen.
“So, it was quite a bit later on that I found out that I was going into the pit, which was really disappointing. I was hoping I’d be on (the film) for weeks and weeks and weeks.”
Still, Bulloch insisted it’s important for people to not feel too sorry for Boba. As far as he’s concerned, the story had a happy ending — for himself and his famous alter-ego.
“More people talk about ‘Star Wars’ than probably any other group of films,” he said. “And they talk about that particular scene, going into the Sarlacc pit. And they say, ‘You get out, don’t you, Mr. Bulloch?’ And I say, ‘Oh, of course! I’d stay down there for six months, to get money out of other bounty hunters in the Sarlacc pit, and I’d opened a Hooters bar’.”