What's Happening in Abilene
By: Shanna Smith
Updated: May 20, 2011
The Grace Museum will host the Joe Specht Lecture: 'Oil Patch Songs and Alexandre Hogue's Oil Field Forms' on Thursday. This brief lecture will include music as you learn about the contrast between Hogue's oil industry series and erosion series. The event will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and it is free. For more information, visit www.thegracemuseum.org or call 325-673-4587.
Jazz at the Center will take place on Friday at the Center for Contemporary Arts. The featured musician is Big Daddy Alright. This seven-piece jump blues/swing jazz band hails from the great state of Texas, and has been making a name in the music scene since 2001 as well as sharing the stage with many nationally recognized bands. You won't want to miss out on the last performance in the spring jazz series! Attendees must be 21 or older to attend. Music begins at 8 p.m. Galleries open at 7 p.m. Stop in to enjoy the art beforehand. Cost: $15 per person. Info: 325-677-8389 or visit www.center-arts.com.
Also on Friday, Pete & Milo will perform at Monks Coffee Shop at 8 p.m. Overall, it will be a great night for live music in downtown Abilene. Info: 325-437-2984.
If you are looking to get some fresh air and exercise, check out the Ruff Riders 5K Fun Run and Walk on Saturday. This run will raise funds to help underprivileged students and their families attend home games. Registration ($20) includes a flex ticket to attend a home game. The run will begin at Shotwell Stadium at 8 a.m. Info: 325-201-7357.
Speaking of the Abilene Ruff Riders, they will take on the Louisiana Swashbucklers at the Taylor County Expo Center on Saturday. Gates will open at 6 p.m. The game will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $35 and are available online at http://677pass.com. For more information, call 325-677-7277.
Also on Saturday, the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) will host Family Fun Saturday from 1-4 p.m. The art educators will help your family create your own work of art by using the style of the featured artist in the gallery. Free. Info: 325-673-4586.
The Forge, 2801 S. 1st St., will host "The Forge Goodness Sakes Fundraiser" on Saturday. They will have several events going on throughout the day: a pancake breakfast at 9 a.m.; 5-mile costumed bike ride at 10 a.m.; Wii tournament; face painting; comedians; raffle and silent auction; live music with DJ PHORGVN at 4 p.m. and much more. The event is free and open to the public. However, donations are strongly encouraged and appreciated. The Forge is a community kitchen and the fundraiser is to help them continue feeding the hungry, homeless and less fortunate of Abilene. Info: 512-619-7326.
Also this weekend, the Texas Gun & Knife Show will return to the Abilene Civic Center. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $5 per person. Info: 830-285-0575.
The Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau would like to welcome the NCAA Division III West Regional Tournament, Prime Time Sports Summer Hoops Tour and the Senior Team Roping Association to Abilene this week.
We'd also like to wish the Dyess AFB 7th Bomb Wing good luck on their Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) - "Be One Team, B-1 Fight."
If you are looking for additional activities to keep busy, check out our full calendar at www.abilenevisitors.com/calendar. To keep connected throughout the week, don't forget to follow us on Twitter @AbileneCVB or like us on Facebook (Abilene, Texas).

