Celebrate 50 years of Texas stories, and more coming soon in Abilene
"Texas Tribute," a concert celebrating the 50th anniversary of the TV program "Texas Country Reporter," will begin at 7 p.m. Friday at the Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St.
The Hardin-Simmons University Cowboy Band will perform Texas-themed compositions, and Bob and Kelli Phillips will present live readings.
Tickets are $12, and can be purchased at paramountabilene.com.
'Shooting Star'
The student-directed play "Shooting Star" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Ryan Little Theatre at McMurry University.
Admission is $5.
TET Reunion
The Abilene Grunts Association will conduct the annual TET Reunion at noon Saturday at the Taylor County Expo Center Display Building, 1700 Highway 36.
A USO-style show will be presented, with memorabilia displays, vendors and food available.
Admission is free to veterans and their families.
Music of 'Oz'
The Abilene Philharmonic will present "The Wonderfully Wicked Music of Oz," featuring songs from several adaptations of the book series, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N. Sixth St.
For tickets or information, go to abilenephilharmonic.org.
Youth sports expo
The Abilene Youth Sports Authority will present the West Texas All Youth Expo from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 5 at Dodge Jones Youth Sports Center, 1042 Loop 322.
Sports contests, demonstrations, showcase games, vendors and more will be available.
For information, go to abileneysa.org.
Newsboys in concert
As part of their Stand Together Tour, Christian band the Newsboys will present a concert at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N. Sixth St. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
Tickets start at $19.75, and are available via etix.com.
Daddy-Daughter Dance
The Abilene Recreation Division's annual Daddy-Daughter Dance — open to girls age 3-13 and their fathers or male role models — will be 7-9 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N. Sixth St. This year's theme is "Boots and Bows."
Tickets are $12 per person, and are available at abilenetx.gov/signup.
And more ...
► Girl Scouts will present a free all-ages crafting activity at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Women's Dillard's Courtyard in the Mall of Abilene. Girl Scout registration will be open.
► The AARP will offer free tax preparation assistance from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Abilene Public Library, 202 Cedar St. Sign-in will begin at 8:45 a.m., and participants must bring all relevant forms. The program will continue Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, until April 7.
► The Big Country Master Naturalists will conduct a five-mile hike around Lake Abilene at 9 a.m. Feb. 5 at Abilene State Park. Hikers will meet at the parking lot at the lake entrance. Participants are encouraged to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.
► A free showing of "The Mitchells vs. the Machines" will begin at 2 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Mockingbird Lane branch of the Abilene Public Library, 1326 N. Mockingbird Lane.
► In a two-day public lecture series, Bishop Anba Suriel will speak about Christian-Muslim relations in Egypt at 7 p.m. Feb. 7, and at 3 and 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at Matthews Auditorium in the Old Main Building at McMurry University.
► The Abilene Recovery Council will present a poetry slam, "Spill the Ink," at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at Minter Park, 209 Cypress St. The theme will be "Moving Forward." Coffee and refreshments will be served. Admission is free.
► CISCO — The 13th annual Father-Daughter Dance will begin at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at Myrtle Wilks Community Center. Girls must be in kindergarten through fifth grade. Tickets are $5, or $20 with buffet tickets.
► "Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back" will be shown at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 and 12 at the Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St. Tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for students, seniors, military and children. For tickets or information, go to paramountabilene.com.
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Celebrate 50 years of Texas stories, and more coming soon in Abilene
