Focus is on Rocky Mountain Foodways Dec. 2 at Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum

Foodways! One of our favorite topics here at the Arts Council. Found this on Tammy Christel's excellent Jackson Hole Art Blog:

The Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum opens “Key Ingredients: Jackson Hole Flavors,” on Sunday, December 2, from 1-5 p.m. Emphasis is on “local.” The exhibit explores Jackson Hole food culture and is associated with Key Ingredients: America by Food, a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition. Artifacts from the museum collection, including select recipes that have been interpreted, give museum visitors a sense of Jackson’s the evolving food culture.

At 2 p.m. Andrea Graham, Folklife Specialist, delivers a program entitled Foodways in the Intermountain West, says the museum. During the program attendees will learn about the importance of our food traditions. Graham studied food culture in the American Studies Program at the University of Wyoming, where she conducts fieldwork statewide and produces public programs.

Beverages and favorite cookies from Jackson Hole cooks will be served during Sunday’s afternoon opening celebration. Free! www.jacksonholehistory.org/

Get your Harvest Festival on in Jackson Sept. 29

Slow food + fast music = loads of fun at Harvest Festival in Jackson

Giant crawfish invade Jackson!

Pioneer Players Dinner Theatre offers "Death by Chocolate" in Fort Laramie

By day, Matthew Allred is a building inspector and town planner in Guernsey. By night, he acts in and directs theatre.

Thursday was opening night for the Pioneers' Playhouse production of "Death by Chocolate," Craig Sodaro's one-act comedic farce and murder mystery. This dinner theatre production continues tonight (June 8) at the Pioneers Community Hall in Fort Laramie (the old middle school). Cash bar/social hour at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6, and show at 7. Tickets are $15.

The play continues on June 15-16 (same times).

Call for tickets and meal choice: 307-575-0979; 532-3431; 837-2119.

Yiddish Food Festival features Klezmer music, Israeli folk dancing and (of course) great ethnic foods

Hal Aqua and The Lost Tribe perform "noveau Klezmer music" May 20 at the Yiddish Food Festival in Cheyenne.

The seventh annual Yiddish Food Festival is scheduled to take place in Cheyenne at Mt. Sinai Synagogue on Sunday, May 20, between the hours of 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Mt. Sinai Synagogue is located at 2610 Pioneer Ave in Cheyenne Wyoming. The festival is an open-house style event designed to introduce visitors to Mt Sinai Congregation's historic building, rituals, music and delicious ethnic foods. FMI: https://www.facebook.com/events/289859201089398

The Festival includes Klezmer music, Israeli folk dancing, and Synagogue tours. Hal Aqua and the Lost Tribe, self described as playing "an exuberant musical experience, rooted firmly in traditional Jewish modes and melodies and driven by contemporary rhythms and danceable grooves," are scheduled to play Klezmer music. In addition, there will be trained, costumed folk dancers performing a variety of Israeli folk dances with time allotted to teach the audience.

The Yiddish Food Festival will also include a variety of traditional Jewish foods ranging from matzah ball soup and cabbage rolls to Israeli salad and rugelah. Each item is prepared using recipes congregation members have perfected through years of home preparation.

This project is supported in part by a grant from Wyoming Arts Council, through funding from the Wyoming State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Great ethnic desserts, too...

Film and wine and food tonight at the Center for the Arts in Jackson

Art Design and Dine returns April 12

After taking the winter off, Art Design and Dine returns to Cheyenne April 12, 5-8 p.m. Here are the participating venues:

Artful Hand Studio and Gallery -- located in The Avenues. Open by appointment or chance

Clay Paper Scissors -- Artists' studios and gallery

Deselms Fine Art -- featuring Western and contemporary art

Studio 17 -- fine art photography

The Ancient Sage -- Art, Books , clothing and accessories

The Nagle Warren Mansion -- Historic mansion and bed and breakfast in downtown Cheyenne

The Cheyenne Artists Guild -- monthly meetings, workshops and shows

Prairie Wind -- fiber arts, beads, classes

LightsOn! -- Art shows, music and rental space in the Historic Hynds building in downtown Cheyenne. Contact architect Glen Garrett for more information

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"Celebrate India Week" March 26-31 at UW

India's culture and history will be showcased at the University of Wyoming during "Celebrate India" March 26-31, sponsored by the Indian students' organization, Milaap. All events are free.

"Food and refreshments will be served at all the events," says Pooja Saraff, Milaap president. "Come and experience what makes India so special."

The schedule:

Monday, March 26, 7-8 p.m. -- Documentary on India, "Incredible Innovation," Wyoming Union Central Ballroom.

Tuesday, March 27, 12:15-1:15 p.m. -- Panel discussion on "Steps Toward a Caste Free India," Wyoming Union West Ballroom.

Wednesday, March 28, 7:30-10:30 p.m. -- Bollywood Movie Night, Wyoming Union Family Room.

Saturday, March 31, 5-6 p.m. -- Workshops will be held on wearing Indian costumes, cricket, Bollywood dancing and singing, and henna tattoos. Zesty Indian appetizers will be served. Bollywood Dance and Dandiya Night is from 6-11 p.m., Wyoming Union Ballroom. The event includes a workshop from "Mudra Dance School," followed by a Bollywood night after party.

Photo: Bollywood Dance and Dandiya Night are among events during "Celebrate India" March 26-31, at the University of Wyoming.

Join Jackson Community Theater for "Quickies & a Bite"

Jackson Community Theater and the Jackson Hole Playhouse present.......

            ~ QUICKIES & a BITE ~

Enjoy an evening of short-attention-span theatre! 10 minute plays and munchies all for a $20 bill ! Beginning this weekend, March 9 & 10 and also March 15, 16, 17 & 22, 23, 24 at the Saddle Rock Saloon in the JH Playhouse. Show begins at 7PM, food provided by the Bean. Beer and wine also available. Call 733-6994 for info and reservations. Come join us for good fun, good food and a good time!

Local musicians featured at Paramount Cafe grand opening Feb. 23

The Paramount Café, 1607 Capitol Ave. in Cheyenne, holds its grand opening on Thursday, Feb. 23, all day long. Here’s the plan:

We are having a Grand Opening celebration! We will have several local musicians playing all day long! We will have specialty drinks and door prizes! This will be an all-day event! Make sure you can swing by. Our performers include Devon Dvorak, a local acoustic artist; Bret Herrick, a local violinist (played at Carnegie Hall); Peat Bog Mysteries, a local Bluegrass Band; and so many more! We will also have Bubble Tea! More info at http://www.facebook.com/events/245044685575977/

"Sinful Delights" (and humanities) on the menu next week at Casper College

Yum!

From a Casper College press release:

In honor of the upcoming 27th Annual Humanities Festival, the focus for the next Casper College Ethnic Dinner will be on “sinful” foods. The “Sinful Delights” dinner will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Selections for the dinner include fire-roasted red pepper soup with sour cream, cilantro, and Mexican chocolate shavings; fresh greens with passion fruit vinaigrette; homemade jalapeno cheese bread with red onion; sautéed beef tournedos on grilled sun dried tomato polenta with cabernet sauvignon demi-glace, roasted roma tomatoes, and fresh asparagus; vegetarian entree option; and shrimp de jonghe in savory pastry cup. Desert will feature four chocolate-themed treats: rich chocolate mousse with pepper flakes, blackberry-cocoa sabayon torte, Devil's tongue chocolate-dipped cookies, and tri-color chocolate-dipped strawberries rolled in toasted pistachios.

Advance tickets for the Sinful Delights dinner will be sold through Friday, Feb. 20 at a cost of $9.50 each. Tickets will also be available at the door for $11 for adults, $7 for ages 7 through 12, and free for children 6 and under. Tax will be added to all ticket purchases. Because dinners often sell out, advanced ticket purchases are highly recommended.

Tickets may be purchased at the Casper College Business Office or the Gateway Café, both located on the third floor of the Gateway Building. Other locations include the Roberts Commons Cafeteria, and the cafés in Liesinger Hall and the Wold Physical Science Center. Cash is accepted at all locations and credit cards are accepted at the cafeteria and cafés.

Auditions Feb. 15-16 for "Quickies and a Bite" in Jackson

Open auditions for Jackson Community Theater & Jackson Hole Playhouse's presentation of “Quickies and a Bite." This is an evening of 10-minute plays paired with delicious appetizers, wine and beer, at the Saddlerock in Jackson.

Auditions will be held Wednesday, Feb. 15 and Thursday, Feb. 16 at the JH Playhouse. Auditions are between 5:30 till 7:30 p.m. No experience necessary.

Show dates are scheduled for March 8-10, 15-17 & 22-24.

Feel free to call for more information.

Jill Callaway
Jackson Community Theater

307-690-8573

307-733-7925
jill.callaway@gmail.com

Paramount Cafe in Cheyenne holds Open Mic Night on Feb. 3

Open Mic Night at The Paramount Café, 1607 Capitol Ave., Cheyenne, will be held on Friday, Feb. 3, 6-9 p.m. If you would like a slot that night, call the café at 307-634-2576!

Some info:

“The café lacks a PA system but our acoustics sound great and the sound carries well. We are so excited to hear some local artists! Our only request is no profanity or vulgar language!”

State museum sponsors reception Jan. 19 for "Coffee: The World in Your Cup"

A public reception for the Wyoming State Museum’s temporary exhibit, “Coffee: The World in Your Cup,” will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, January 19.

Coffee from City News and Pipe Shop, and the treats, will be served in the Multi-Purpose Room of the museum in Cheyenne.

“Coffee: The World in Your Cup” is a nationally touring exhibit currently on display at the Wyoming State Museum. The exhibit provides a broad overview of the powerful influence of coffee on environments, human cultures, and economies worldwide.

The exhibit features color photographs of farms from South America to Africa to the Pacific Islands that tell the global story of coffee cultivation and trade, four short videos featuring different aspects of the coffee industry, including a look at migratory birds in shade grown coffee regions and interpretive displays of traditional Turkish and Ethiopian coffee sets, picking baskets, and more than 40 coffee sacks from around the world.

Looking to become a responsible sipper? “Coffee” explores the environmental and social impacts of the coffee industry and recommends ways for consumers to make socially and environmentally responsible coffee purchases at the grocery store or in a coffee shop.

Concerned about how coffee affects human health? Learn about the impacts of caffeine, the world’s most commonly-used drug, on your body.

Curious about how coffee became so popular? Discover its early controversial reputation as a “revolutionary drink,” and consider the culture that surrounds coffee in the twenty-first century.

“Coffee: The World in Your Cup” has been organized by the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle. Major sponsorship has been provided by The Boeing Company, Microsoft Corporation, Starbucks Coffee Company, and the University of Washington.

FMI: 307-777-7022.

Add the culinary arts to Cheyenne's arts listings

Local arts meet local foods at http://artsalliancecheyenne.com/culinary-artists-in-greater-cheyenne-2/ 

Get caffeinated and peruse the art at Cheyenne's Paramount Cafe

Cheyenne artist Forrest King reports that five of his paintings featuring historic Wyoming people are hanging in the new Paramount Cafe, 1607 Capitol Ave. Sip some coffee, peruse the art. FMI: Read more about Forrest and his work at http://www.facebook.com/AlternativeArt

Food, arts, crafts and music at Cheyenne Winter Farmers' Market Jan. 7

What: Cheyenne Winter Farmers’ Market 

Where: Inside the Cheyenne Downtown Depot

When: Saturday, Jan. 7, 10 a.m.–2 p.m

Details: The Winter Farmers’ Market offers products grown, raised or crafted within 150 miles of Cheyenne. It will provide an opportunity to purchase locally grown all-​​natural beef, lamb, turkey, bison, farm fresh eggs, honey, along with locally crafted artisan breads, jams, jellies, tamales, empanadas, tortillas, soup and chili, jewelry, natural skin care, handmade wreaths, baskets and much more. Come and stay for lunch, for more information call 307.649.2430.

Music, arts and fireworks at First Night Casper Dec. 31

CASPER FIRST NIGHT 2012

Downtown Casper, Saturday, Dec. 31, 5-10:15 p.m.

Nine different venues in Downtown Casper including: The Nicolaysen Art Museum, Rialto, Natrona County Public Library, Yellowstone Garage, The Children's Theatre in the Commissary Mall, 1st United Methodist Church, First Interstate Bank, The Scienze Zone and The Downtown Grille, will have live entertainment and more. The First United Methodist will serve dinner for a small fee at King's Corner. 

Entertainers are still being added but don't miss out on these great performances by: 307 Dance Academy, Painted Past, Zak Pullen, Betsy Bower, Lyra & Fire Dancing & 75 hour, Undead Lovers, Casper Children's Theatre, Lazarus Benson, The Stick Horses in Pants and Children's Drum Circle. 

Amenities include: CATC (providing transportation), Tom Jones (Tractor pull & hay Ride), Smoke-free Natrona County (supervised fire pits), NCHS bleachers, Cupcake-A-Go-Go, P Hawk Coffee, Arrowhead Catering and JC Burgers. 

Fireworks start at 10:30 p.m. from the roof of the 12-24 Club. First Night Headquarters will be located at MC Market and will feature P Hawk Coffee & All Through The House, Deb's Fudge.

One $10 button gets you into each venue, go see them all or pick out your favorites. Contact Heidi Foy at 12-24 Club to pre-order your button or they can be purchased at the Downtown Development Authority, The Messy Moose, The Nicolaysen Art Museum, Mercer Family Resource Center, The Chamber of Commerce or the 12-24 Club. Ages 5 and under get in free with a button holder. 

Find up-to-date info on First Night Casper’s Facebook page.

WYDOT FTA Team auctions framed picture puzzles to benefit Friday Brown Bag Program

Another great holiday fund-raiser by our state government colleagues. The money raised goes to a good cause:

To support the need being filled by the Friday Brown Bag Foundation, the WYDOT Fuel Tax Administration Team is conducting a Silent Auction Fun-draiser of 22 professionally framed and matted picture puzzles from November 28 to December 7. The framing for the puzzles has been generously donated by Michaels and the FTA Team. The large variety of framed picture puzzles can be viewed and bids offered at either www.fridayfoodbag.org or http://www.wix.com/wyofta/communityservice

While the students receive nutritional meals during the week through free or reduced fee breakfasts and lunches, many still do not have consistent access to nutritious food (or any food at all) on the weekends. Wyoming Department of Education data indicates, for the 2010-2011 school year, 45.8% of all students in LCSD #1, and 36.4% of all students in LCSD #2, qualified for free or reduced fee meals.

The Friday Food Bag Foundation works with educators and social workers from both LCSD #1 and LCSD #2 to deliver bags of nutritious, non-perishable food each Friday while school is in session to children who otherwise might not eat well, or at all, during the weekends.

To participate in this fundraiser for the Friday Brown Bag Program, please view the pieces offered for auction at one of the two above websites and bid on the puzzle(s) of your choice. The winning bidders will be contacted on December 8, and the pieces will be available for pickup on December 9.

In addition to individual bidding, the Fuel Tax Team hopes that teams throughout WYDOT will consider purchasing a puzzle as a team to display in their office.

For more information about the fundraiser, please call (307) 777-4826. For more information about how you can help the Friday Food Bag Foundation, please call (307) 778-4254.

Eat at McAlister's tonight to benefit UW Art Museum's Shelton Studio