Making it feel more like home, we are here to welcome people moving to the Magic Valley. We offer our services as a conduit between the people and the community which they have chosen as a home. We would also love to post & share YOUR community events. They must be emailed no later than 2 weeks previous to the event to: twinfallswelcomemat@gmail.com
Dec 2nd
Downtown Twin Falls
December 3rd
6pm
It’s the annual Festival of Lights Parade along Main Avenue. Parade starts in the 500 block of Main Avenue South, near Krengel’s True Value Hardware, 628 Main Ave. S., and proceeds to the 500 block of Main Avenue North.
Several downtown businesses will have extended hours and open houses. It’s also First Friday in town with Hands On, Rudy’s, and Plantscaping hosting special events.
Check out visitsouthidaho.com for information on lights and activities around Southern Idaho.
3rd Annual St. Nicholas Comes to Kimberly
Downtown Kimberly
December 3rd
6pm – 7pm
Keep warm with the Senior Citizen Center’s chili feed. Stroll through downtown businesses enjoying refreshments and games. Christmas carols will be sung by local artists while we all await the arrival of St. Nicholas riding in on his horse to light up main street and the downtown sky with fireworks in celebration of the beginning of the Christmas Season.
Windsor’s Nursery
3796 N 3386 E Kimberly Road
Kimberly, ID 734-2481
December 4th
A German style Christmas event with polish dogs and sauerkraut, fresh hot cocoa made on a wood burning stove, open fire pits to keep you cozy, the reading of the story of St. Nicholas, games for the children and St. Nicholas himself will ride in on his horse to greet everyone with gifts and love.
11am ~ The outdoor kitchen is open for free lunch and live music by local artists
12pm ~ Event starts with the reading of the St. Nicholas story by Black Pete
Canned food donations will be collected both days for East End Providers.
CSI Chamber Choir ConcertCSI Fine Arts Auditorium
December 4
7:30pm
The Christmas concert program of the CSI Chamber Choir, accompanied by the Magic Valley Chamber Orchestra, will include Messiah, part I (The Christmas portion) and the Hallelujah Chorus as well as seasonal songs and Christmas carols. This concert will feature soloists Rachael Larson (soprano), Ahna Chevalier (sopranos), Anna Majernikova (alto), and Bryce Allen (bass). Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5 to the CSI Music Department at the door.
Nov 15th
Magic Valley Symphony Concert
November 16, 2010
Fine Arts Auditorium
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Come escape the workaday world and prepare your hearts and minds for the holiday season as the Symphony brings you a concert of seasonal musical treats including Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite! You’ll also enjoy the talents of local handbell choirs before, after, and during the concert!
Tickets are $8 for a
Adults, $7 for seniors, or $5 students
Jazz Ensemble
November 17, 2010
7:30pm – 9:30pm
CSI Fine Arts Recital Hall
Pianist Michal Vanoucek was born in Slovakia where he studied piano and cello as a child, and in 1992 he studied orchestral conducting at the Conservatory of Zilina and later Bratislava, graduating in 1998. He majored in jazz piano at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. Michal has worked on various musical productions both as a pianist and a conductor including the German productions of ‘The King and I’, ‘Mahalia’ and ‘Kiss me Kate’, and the Dutch productions of ‘Aida’, ‘Lion King’ and recently ‘Les Miserables’. He has also taken part in numerous projects with his own band ‘As Guest’, and other musicians from all over the world. He recently won the prestigious Deloitte Jazz Award (2008) for the best musician.
Trumpeter / composer Chad McCullough has been on the Seattle music scene for over a decade, and has been an integral voice in many bands and projects throughout the country. He has performed with Jim Knapp, Hadley Caliman, Michael Shrieve and many others. As a composer, Chad has scored for film, written for various brass ensembles, dancers, and string quartets and quintets. His works have been performed and recorded throughout the Northwest, Alaska, California, and Canada.
Drummer Matt Jorgensen’s work, both as a leader and sideman, reflects a deep immersion in the jazz tradition He is known for the freshness of his playing, his ability to say something new and appropriate to each musical occasion, favoring directness and passionate sincerity over mere bombast. Matt’s own groups, the intensely driving, rock-tinged unit, 451, and the hard-bop RadioAction, look simultaneously forward and back, with honest, daring jazz which updates the modern classics by finding its own path through demanding and new terrain.
Michal, Chad & Matt will be joined by CSI faculty members Brent Jensen (sax) and Adam Crofts (bass) for their performance at CSI on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 7:30pm in the CSI Fine Arts Recital Hall.
A suggested $5 donation to the CSI Jazz Club will be accepted at the door. For additional information on jazz events at CSI contact Brent Jensen at 420-7066.
Nov 15th
The 20th Annual Christmas in the Nighttime Sky festivities will be held Friday November 26th at Kimberly Nurseries (2862 Addison Ave. E. in Twin Falls).
Everyone is invited to enjoy a FREE Chili & Idaho Potato Dinner from 5:30 to 7pm; visiting with Santa; a live Nativity scene; entertainment by Lighthouse Rising and a SPECTACULAR fireworks display choreographed with Christmas music on KOOL 96.5 FM & 95.7 KEZJ FM starting at approximately 7:30pm.
Admission is a new, quality unwrapped toy (per family) for ages 0-16 with the proceeds to benefit the needy children of the Magic Valley thru the KMVT Christmas for Kids Program. Parking is available at the K-mart/Grocery Outlet Parking lots with free shuttle buses from 5pm to 7pm.
This year’s event is sponsored by: Farmers National Bank, Premier Insurance, KMVT, Cooper Norman, Swire Coca-Cola of Twin Falls, KOOL 96.5 FM, Chester’s Snake Harley-Davidson, & Kimberly Nurseries.
Nov 10th
InSPAration DIVA Night: November 11 7-10 pm
Many women put themselves on the back burner, leaving little time for fun, relaxation or playtime with friends-all of which are pertinent to a balanced life. Schedules can be especially hectic during the holidays SO…why not take some time for yourself and join us at Hands On for a little funtime. Remember: PLAY RELIEVES STRESS and you need to re-charge your battery first before you can keep everyone else running strong. So join us for a fun evening dedicated to you..it’s bound to be a satisfying experience! It’s a special, “pamper yourself” DIVA Night to get you relaxed and ready for the holiday craziness. Amber and the girls from THE SPRUCE GOOSE will be in the studio to give mini -pedicures to all the artists on Thursday, November 11th 7-10 pm. Cost is $15 Cover charge plus the price of your pieces. The cover charge includes studio and glaze fees, snacks, music, a mini -pedi and so much more! Advanced reservations are appreciated by calling 736-4475.
HANDS ON is OPEN on THANKSGIVING DAY 10am – 2pm
HANDS ON will be open on Thanksgiving Day 10 am – 2 pm. If you’re looking to get some folks out of the house while you prepare the bird, send them down to our place to get an early start on their holiday presents. We’ll be running a 2 for 1 studio fee special offer the entire time we’re open that day!
EAT, PAINT, LOVE
November 22 7-10pm: Ornament Platter December 9 7-10pm: Cross Platter
Hands On announces a new event called EAT, PAINT, LOVE. It’s the newest way to relax with your girlfriends while EATing, PAINTing, drinking the beverage of your choice and LOVE-ing it all! Here’s how it works…Our staff will teach you how to create a fabulous painting project. Each night we will feature a different pattern and piece. We’ll give you step by step instructions on how to create an amazing masterpiece. You can either keep it or give it away as a gift. No experience is required – this event is designed for beginners. Hands On will also provide snacks and appetizers for everyone. You bring your friends and the drinks. We do all the rest. Space is limited so you’ll need to call us at 736-4475 to reserve your spot early.
CHRISTMAS COOKIE PLATE PAINTING PARTY
December 2nd 4-8 pm
Join us as we host a Christmas Cooke Plate Painting Party at Hands On. Paint a cookie plate for yourself or make one as a gift to give this Christmas. It’s fun, it’s relaxing and no experience is required. We’ve got all the plates, patterns, accessories and expertise to help you create your own masterpiece. Cookies and hot drinks will be provided. $16
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
December 11th 9—11 am
Guess who’s coming to Hands On? Each painter has a choice of painting an ornament, a cocoa mug or a cookie plate. In addition to painting, everyone gets breakfast treats, an opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and whisper in his ear and a photo with Santa. Pre- registration greatly appreciated by calling 736-4475. $7 for ornaments, $10 for mugs, $12 for cookie plate. Price includes pottery, studio fees, treats and photos. For an additional $6, we’ll take your photo with Santa & create a personalized coaster or ornament for you!
Nov 2nd
LIVE COMEDY WITH HEATH HARMISON
November 3, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the CSI Fine Arts Theater
Heath is a special kind of person. He grew up a small fat child in a little town called Twin Falls, Idaho. While his childhood haunts him in his dreams, it also makes people nearly kill over in laughter in colleges and comedy clubs all over the nation. His abundance of energy, physical humor, and impersonations are incredible. He prides himself on being one of the cleanest comedians out there. From experiencing his first kiss to married life and job experiences, Heath’s observations are on spot with hilarity and relativity. With Heath’s life experiences it is easy for him to be a comedian. His ability to watch people and make little things become things that you will laugh at for hours on end is nothing short of amazing. Tickets are free for CSI students and $5 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased at the door or the CSI Student Activities Office
PORTLAND CELLO PROJECT
November 4, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the CSI Fine Arts Auditorium
“Independent” and “Orchestra” are not two words you often hear in the same breath. Nevertheless, that’s exactly what The Portland Cello Project is: an indie cello orchestra. An ensemble of eight cellos, The Portland Cello Project has had a meteoric rise in the vibrant Portland music scene. The group has a deep-rooted philosophy to build a stronger music community – a belief that collaboration is the cornerstone of independent musicianship. This philosophy has led them to collaborative performances with a veritable who’s who list of Portland musicians. PCP performances are unique and eclectic, as likely to mix a Salt N Pepa cover with Bach and follow the medley with something sublime by Arvo Pärt or WEINLAND, as they are to enlist beatbox/comedian/playwright Reggie Watts to collaborate on-stage with them, improvising a cover of a Britney Spears song. In the course of one of The Portland Cello Project’s epic 2-3 hour shows (the format of which is always a one-time affair the group writes almost entirely new arrangements for every performance cycle) you’ll see such sights as old ladies, straight out of the symphony hall, nodding their head to cello hip-hop, young children playing air cello, hipsters too-cool-for-school mesmerized by Arvo Pärt, members of the Decemberists playing late 19th century Russian compositions, and of course, a symphony of cellos. You can learn more about PCP, including their collaborations and repertoire, at www.portlandcelloproject.com. Ticket prices: $21/adults, $15/children
DAN BARKER LECTURE/CONCERT
November 4, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the CSI Fine Arts Recital Hall
Dan Barker is co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. A former minister and evangelist, Dan became a freethinker in 1983. His books, Just Pretend: A Freethought Book for Children and Losing Faith in Faith: From Preacher To Atheist are published by the Foundation. A graduate of Azusa Pacific University with a degree in Religion, Dan now puts his knowledge of Christianity to effective freethought use. A professional pianist and composer, Dan performs freethought concerts and is featured in the Foundation’s musical cassettes, My Thoughts Are Free, Reason’s Greetings, Dan Barker Salutes Freethought Then And Now, a 2-CD album Friendly Neighborhood Atheist, and the new CD Beware of Dogma. He joined the Foundation staff in 1987 and served as public relations director. He was elected co-president in November 2004. Mr. Barker will present a lecture and recital on Thursday, November 4 at 7:00pm in the CSI Fine Arts Recital Hall. During the lecture, Dan will recount his loss of faith and use his insight to explain how to find common ground when talking with Christian fundamentalists about religion. A question and answer session will be held immediately following the lecture. Mr. Barker, who is also an accomplished jazz pianist, will then join SSA faculty advisor Brent Jensen (saxophone) for a brief program of music by freethinking composers (George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern). The lecture and recital are open to the public free of charge. Donations to the Secular Student Alliance club at CSI will be gladly accepted at the door. For more information on this event and other activities of the SSA at CSI, contact Brent Jensen at 420-7066 or bjensen@csi.edu.
Oct 18th
Fright Night Tours of Old Town Twin are back with a NEW route for 2 special tours on Friday and Saturday, October 29 & 30th. The Tours will begin in downtown Twin Falls at 6pm behind the Old Rogerson Hotel near the corner of Hansen & 2nd Ave. East, with a short Walk & Talk of ghostly haunts down Main Street. Guests will then board a bus for more spooky stories, and visit Old Haunts of Twin Falls, before ending up at the Historic Ballroom, where on Friday night, they can join in on the fun at the Moonlight Masquerade Ball (additional $15 fee per person)
The Moonlight Masquerade Ball (21 and over please) will include Live Music & Dancing, Free Hor d’oeuvres, Free Custom Costume Portrait, and Costume Prizes.. all for only $15 per person, or $25 per couple.
ADVANCE RESERVATIONS are required for the Fright Night tours, with tickets at $15 for adults, $12 for kids 12 and under.
Call tour guide Bill at 208-481-0312 to hold your spot today!
Oct 14th
Arts on Tour, a partnership between the College of Southern Idaho and the Magic Valley Arts Council, was created in 1988 to provide for the cultural education of the Magic Valley. It encourages and promotes an interest in the performing arts by bringing some of the world’s most exciting and dynamic performing artists right to your doorstep. You can check out some of the artists we have brought to Twin Falls here.
Arts on Tour features full season subscriptions for all seven shows, mini subscriptions for four to six shows, business memberships, and individual event tickets. In addition to these public performances, it offers three to four FREE outreach programs during each season taking the form of master classes, workshops, or student performances. Since 1988, these outreach programs have influenced the lives of over 39,850 local children! Read more about the children’s shows here. See the events calendar for the upcoming shows ~ hope to see you there!