Here are a selection of brief news items pertaining to arts, entertainment, culture and other fun things to do in your spare time:

Earthbound plans Halloween CD party

Earthbound, an acoustic music trio featuring Holmen High School teacher Don D. Harvey, will hold a CD release party starting at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at the Train Station BBQ, 601 St. Andrew St., La Crosse.

The trio is marking the release of its new 10-song CD, “Back to Normal,” with Harvey writing all the songs. In addition to Harvey, who sings and plays guitar and harmonica, Earthbound also includes bassist/vocalist Rick Brown and Art Hoffman, who sings and plays mandolin, guitar, banjo, bass and keyboards.

The CD release party will feature prizes, food, a costume contest and special guest artists.

New York City opera coming to UW-L

A mix of Broadway and opera will take the stage at UW-La Crosse when the Manhattan Lyric Opera, featuring Anne Tormela, performs at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition.

The Manhattan Lyric Opera presents concert versions of classic operas and operettas, making them accessible to places that otherwise might not have the resources to offer the performances. Tormela is the founder and director of the troupe, which will perform “Die Fledermaus,” a comic tale of love and revenge.

Tickets are $4 for UW-L students, $8 for UW-L employees and $10 for others. For tickets or more information, contact the Cartwright Center information counter at 785-8898 or visit www.uwlax.edu/cab.

Spooky radio show tickets now on sale

Tickets for the La Crosse Community Theatre live radio broadcast of “The Dunwich Horror” are now on sale. The production will air live at the WIZM 1410 studio at 8 p.m. on Halloween, Oct. 31. The studio is at 201 State St. in La Crosse.

Dunwich is the home of the strange Whateley family. Their conjuring and tampering with the laws of nature unleashes an unspeakable abomination upon the world. Only the brave men from Miskatonic University have a chance of saving the world from the Dunwich Horror.

Set specifically to air on Halloween, this is a tale of mysterious creatures, magic spells and other worlds. This radio adaptation of “The Dunwich Horror” brings H.P. Lovecraft’s tale of suspense to life in the style of “The War of the Worlds.”

Tickets are $7. For tickets, call the La Crosse Community Theatre box office at 784-9292 or stop in at 118 Fifth Ave. N. Box office hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and one hour before curtain time during performances.

Tickets also will be available at the radio studio door. Those in costume receive $1 off.

UW-L jazz groups to perform Oct. 28

The UW-La Crosse Jazz Ensemble I, Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble II will kick off their concert season with a performance at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, in Valhalla, Cartwright Center-Gunning Addition on the UW-L campus.

The evening’s program will include a variety of jazz styles ranging from swing to contemporary Big Band music and vocal jazz. Admission is free.

Jazz Ensemble I will feature tenor saxophonist Jim Piela on the Pat Metheny composition “The First Circle” arranged for big band by Bob Curnow. The piece uses complex harmonies and mixed meter to create an ethereal jazz work for the contemporary jazz orchestra.

Next, is a piece Benny Carter penned, “Jackson County Jubilee,” for the Count Basie Orchestra in the 1960s. It is a classic Basie romp and features Dan Collins on piano and Matt Windett on trumpet. Also to be performed is a ballad, “I’ve Never Been In Love Before,” Lennie Neihaus arranged for the Stan Kenton band. The arrangement features the trombone section and Zak Kaszynski on muted trumpet.

Finally, a piece Chris McQueen composed “Foe Destroyer” for the legendary North Texas University 1:00 O’clock jazz band will be performed. The Latin fusion based composition features guitarist Eric Streske along with saxophonist Matt Treat. Music Department Chair Greg Balfany directs Jazz Ensemble I.

UW-L’s eight-member Vocal Jazz Ensemble will open with Eddie Jefferson’s be-bop tune “Billie’s Bounce” and then a vocal jazz arrangement of guitarist Pat Metheny’s “Here To Stay.”

The singers will also honor the late arranger Gene Puerling with a performance of his setting of “Where Is Love?” recorded in 1968 by Singers Unlimited. Also performed will be Vocal Jazz Director Gary Walth’s “Here For You” and his arrangement of Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.”

Jazz Ensemble II will perform big band arrangements of old favorites including the Quincy Jones composition “Witching Hour” and the Bob Mintzer arrangement of the Gershwin tune “But Not For Me.” Featured soloists with Jazz Ensemble II are Neil Ferris, guitar, Andy Voelkel, trombone, and Bob Tolson and Bryan Young, trumpet. Karyn Quinn directs Jazz Ensemble II.

UW-L theater events feature student work

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Department of Theatre Arts will showcase the talents of theater students in a variety of upcoming productions.

In November and early December, UW-L will present a staged reading of a student’s original script, an acting recital, an illusionist show and a night of scenes. All performances are free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but seating is limited and is on a first-come basis for each event.

Sam Gutierrez will present an original manuscript during a staged reading in Frederick Theatre at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24.

Ashley Lanphear will give her senior acting recital Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. in the Frederick Theatre. Seen in recent UW-L productions including “A Christmas Carol,” “As You Like It,” “bobrauschenbergamerica,” “Arabian Nights” and “The Diary of Anne Frank,” Lanphear’s performance, “Runnin’ Down a Dream,” will feature a wide selection of scenes and monologues highlighting a variety themes and stories.

John Staats is Robert Ruse, an illusionist performer who unlocks the mind and the imagination. “Might of Thought” features mind reading and mind control feats that are sure to leave the audience questioning the possibility of psychic ability and the supernatural. Mentalist Robert Ruse performs in the Frederick Theatre at 6 p.m. Nov. 14.

UW-La Crosse directing students will present their semester scene projects over the course of three performances in early December. Directing scenes will take place Sunday, Dec. 7, at 6:30 p.m.; Monday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m.; and Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m. The student directed and performed scenes will cover a variety of genres and motifs and scene selection will vary from performance to performance. All performances will be held in the Frederick Theatre.

'Velveteen Rabbit’ coming to Viterbo

Margery Williams’ beloved literary classic, “The Velveteen Rabbit,” will come to life on the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center stage at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, in an innovative production by the Enchantment Theatre Company.

“When a child loves you for a long, long, time…then you become real,” says the horse to the Velveteen Rabbit. A stuffed toy rabbit longs for the day when the young boy he belongs to will choose him as special playmate, so he can become real. Through love, devotion, and a little magic, the Velveteen Rabbit not only becomes a truly beloved toy, but is also miraculously transformed into a real woodland rabbit.

The Enchantment Theatre Company has been producing innovative, quality theatre for children and families since 1979. This production features the music of Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award-winning composer and arranger Don Sebesky and the lyrics of Gloria Nissenson.

Upper balcony tickets are $9, $7 for children. For more information, contact the Viterbo box office at 796-3100 or log onto www.viterbo.edu/finearts1.aspx.

Viterbo show choir plans show Oct. 25

Platinum Edition, Viterbo University’s show choir, will present “Solid Gold — Then and Now” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre on campus.

“Solid Gold — Then and Now” will feature hits from the British Invasion, disco, and old and new country music favorites.

“I’m excited about the concept of the show, which will have something for everyone,” said Nancy Allen, the show choir’s director. “Platinum Edition has many new faces this year, and all the members have a great work ethic. They have learned six big production numbers for this show, and their vocal talents are amazing.”

The show was designed by Allen and Kurt Schuldes, the lead guitar player for the popular area band, The Remainders. Serving as emcees this year are Kim Shively, music teacher at La Crosse Central High School, Cory Malles, WKBT meteorologist, and Doug Mahlum, lead singer for the band Double Take.

Joining Platinum Edition will be Viterbo’s 9th Street Singers, the Coulee Kids Choir, Apple Annies and past Platinum Edition members Jacob Hustvet and Carrie Cavadini.

Tickets are $11 for upper balcony seating. For more information, call the Viterbo box office at 796-3100 or log onto www.viterbo.edu/finearts1.aspx.

Workshop looks at simpler holidays

The Southeast Minnesota chapter of the Holistic Moms Network will host a workshop on how to simplify the holidays and create an enjoyable celebration that reflects each participant’s values. It will take place on Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Houston Nature Center, 215 W. Plum St. in Houston, Minn.

The workshop is based upon the New American Dream Web site brochure “Simplify the Holidays,” which can be found on www.newdream.org. As the brochure points out, “Too often, the holidays seem to exhaust rather than uplift us.”

Instead, the Holistic Moms Network’s workshop aims to help attendees “create holidays that instill more meaning into the season and encourage more sharing, laughter and personal renewal.”

The workshop will also present alternative gift ideas such as home-baked goods, tickets to an event or exhibit or even personal certificates for time with the children in your

The workshop is free, but an RVSP is required to reserve a seat. For more information or to reserve your space, contact Tricia Runningen at (507) 896-4752 or mtrunningen@acegroup.cc.

Holmen haunted house back for year two

The Holmen Area Fire Department’s Haunted House at Halfway Creek is back for it’s second year for a weekend of scares.

The house, which is behind the fire station at 710 S. Main St. in Holmen, will be open for two scary sessions — from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, and from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1. A less scary session for kids and squeamish adults will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 1.

Admission is $3 or $1 and a nonperishable food item. The youth session is $5 per family or $3 with a nonperishable food item. Proceeds will benefit the Ladies of Fire (the fire department auxiliary) and the Oak Grove Family Learning Center Food Pantry.

HHS to present night of one-act plays

The Holmen High School drama program will present An Evening of One Acts at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 24-25, in the high school’s Trygve Mathison Fine Arts Center.

“War Letters” tells the story of several generations of women who live throgh the letters they receive from their husband, father and son who are away at war. This drama powerfully depicts not only the sacrifices made by solders but also by their families.

“The Last Leaf” is a bittersweet adaptation of an O. Henry short story in which a friend restores a young artist’s will to live.

“Memory Garden” is a powerful award-winning piece that will likely change how audience members view roadside memorials.

“Empty Chairs” is set in a counseling center for teens recovering from substance abuse, in which they grapple with addiction and loss.

The one-acts are directed by HHS teachers Kam-Lin Roswall and Angela Jeske. Tickets are $5, $3 for students, and will be available at the door.

Clearwater Farm plans fall fun day

Kids can enjoy not-so-scary stories, see how wool is spun by hand, race in gunny sacks and more during Clearwater Farm’s Fall Fun Day. Decorated barns will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at 760 Green Coulee Road in Onalaska.

Kids who attend preschool through grade 6 are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes. Special guests from Coulee Region Humane Society’s Pet Therapy program will be all ears while kids “Read to Rover.” Pet Therapy dogs and their owners will be in costume for the event.

Laura De Keyrel, featured wool artist from Indigo Spindle, will demonstrate how local natural fiber from animals is transformed into hand-warming, heart-warming garments.

In addition, the Onalaska Area Jaycees will have “lights on, masks off” Haunted House hours from 2 to 4 p.m. in the farm’s red pole barn. A portion of the separate fee for Haunted House will benefit the farm.

The Fun Day is free to Clearwater Farm Foundation members. All others pay $2 per person or $5 per family.

UW-L gallery features paintings, paper

Oil paintings and works on paper will be featured in an upcoming exhibit at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

“Dreaming But Not Sleeping: Paintings and Works on Paper” will feature the artwork of New York artist Gabe Brown. The exhibit opens with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, in the University Art Gallery on the first floor of the Center for the Arts.

Also, Brown will give a lecture at 4 p.m. in 116 Center for the Arts. The exhibit, lecture and reception are free and open to the public.

During the exhibit, the adjacent Study Gallery will feature student photography.

The exhibit runs through Nov. 15. Regular gallery hours are noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and during events in Toland Theatre. Exhibits are free.

Fundraiser features five bands, steak dinner

The Onalaska High School Marching Band will host an event called “The Best Bands World Tour” on Friday, Oct. 24, at the Onalaska OmniCenter from 6:30 p.m. to midnight.

Bands scheduled to perform are Studebaker 7, The Executives, Simon Sezz, Doc and the Interns and the Shufflin’ Duprees. The evening’s entertainment is being sponsored by Outback Steakhouse and SSE Music.

“This should be a very enjoyable evening for all fans of the music of these great bands, “ said OHS band director Dawson Strutt. “All money raised will support our scholarship fund for our band performance at the January ’09 Outback Bowl.

The Outback Steakhouse will serve a sirloin steak dinner with the show included for $25. Groups may purchase a “table of six” for $125.00. Tickets for the concert only are $15. Student tickets are $5.

A cash bar will be available and Domino’s Pizza will offer pizza for sale on site. Tickets are available for sale in advance at all Festival Foods outlets.

Women sought for ‘just for fun’ volleyball

Holmen area women age 30 and older are sought for a free “just for fun” women’s recreational volleyball program.

Games will be played from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays when school is in session at Viking Elementary, 500 E. Wall St. in Holmen.

For more information, call Sally at 788-3047.

Norskedalen plans lefse-making class

Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center will host a Norwegian lefse making class and meatball dinner from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 6.

Cost is $30 per person, including meatball dinner

For more information on the class or to register, call Norskedalen at (608) 452-3424 or log onto www.norskedalen.org.

Scrapbooking event to benefit CMN

The 24-hour Crop ‘til You Drop Scrapbooking Marathon, a benefit for the Children’s Miracle Netwwork, will be held starting at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov 7, at the Days Inn Hotel on French Island.

Cost is $50 per person, which includes 24 hours of scrapbooking, a table, three meals, beverages and scrapbooking classes by American Scrapbook Co., Creative Memories and Stampin’ Up. A 15 percent VIP stock-up discount from American Scrapbook is also being offered to all participants.

In addition, a block of rooms is available at the Days Inn at a rate of $69 per room. Call the Days Inn at 783-1000 for reservations. For more information on this event, contact Jill Sweetman at 775-3438.