EVENTS

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT: The 17th annual bird count is Saturday. Participants can get involved with field counts at Ox Bow County Park or in their back yard, or take bird-watching hikes. To participate in the count contact Ronda DeCaire at 535-6458 or rdecaire@elkhartcounty.com. Ox Bow Park is at 23033 C.R. 45, Dunlap.

SHIPSHEWANA ICE FESTIVAL: The annual festival runs from today to Saturday in Shipshewana. There will be an Ice Festival Pageant, a competition carving and a chili cook-off. Information: 800-254-8090 or www.VisitShipshewana.org.

NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH: The film “The Blind Side” will be shown at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Lerner Theater as part of national mentoring month. The event is sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters and Lakeshore Railroad Historical Foundation. Free. The theater is at 410 S. Main St., Elkhart.

Theater

AMISH ACRES ROUND BARN THEATRE: “Miracle on 34th Street” runs through Monday. Shows are at 2 or 8 p.m. depending on the date. Tickets start at $27.95 adults, $12.95 children 12-18, $6.95 children 4-11. For a complete show schedule, tickets and ticket availability call 800-800-4942, ext. 2, or visit www.amishacres.com. Amish Acres is at 1600 W. Market St., Nappanee.

PUPPET PARLOR THEATRE: “Hanzel and Gretel” will be performed at the theater through Jan. 1 at Concord Mall. Show times are 1 and 4 p.m. Friday, 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday, and 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday. Information: 219-210-3428.

SOUTH BEND CIVIC THEATRE: Tea at Five — Performances are at 8 p.m. Jan. 11 and 12 and at 3 p.m. Jan. 13 in the Warner Studio. Information and tickets: 234-1112 or www.sbct.org. The theater is at 403 N. Main St., South Bend.

CONCERTS

BLUE GATE THEATER:

• A special New Year's Eve Extravaganza is at 2 and 9 p.m. Monday.

• Jan. 4 and 5 — The Booth Brothers will perform.

Information: 888-447-4725. The theater is at 175 N. Van Buren St., Shipshewana.

CONSTANT SPRING: The B.E.A.T. and Skeetones will perform at 10 p.m. Jan. 11. Must be 21 or older. Cover: $5. Constant Spring is at 219 S. Main St., Goshen.

GOSHEN COLLEGE:Emmy Lou Harris — The singer will perform at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12. Tickets: Prices vary. Information: 535-7566, welcomecenter@goshen.edu or www.goshen.edu/tickets. The college is at 1700 S. Main St., Goshen.

WAGON WHEEL THEATRE: Diamond Rio will perform at 7 and 9:30 p.m. New Year's Eve. Admission: Prices range between $47 and $65. Information and tickets: www.wagonwheeltheatre.org and Prairie Street Mennonite Church in Elkhart. Information: 535-7361 or visit ">. The theater is at 2515 E. Center St., Warsaw.

Lectures/classes/Workshops

GOSHEN COLLEGE MUSIC CENTER: The center is offering music classes for young children starting the week of Jan. 7. Class sessions will last 45 minutes each week. Classes will be offered at Greencroft Retirement Center, Evergreen Place, Goshen College Music Center, LifeCenter/First United Methodist Church, Chamberlain Elementary School, and Waterford Crossing Senior Village, all in Goshenwww.gcmusiccenter.org.

MIDWEST MUSEUM OF ART

Noontime Talks

• Today: American Visions film Part Two: “The Promised Land” starts at 12:15 p.m.

• Jan. 4: American Visions film Part Three: “The Wilderness and the West” starts at 12:15 p.m.

• Jan. 10: Sculpture in the Permanent Collection: Brian Byrn discussed three-dimensional works on display.

Talks are every Thursday from 12:20 to 1 p.m. and are free. Information and registration: 293-6660 or www.midwestmuseum.us. The museum is at 429 S. Main St., Elkhart.

PREMIER ARTS

Dance class dates are Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 9, April 13 and May 11.

Class times

• 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. — Beginner Hip Hop, ages 8-12

• 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — Intermediate Hip Hop, ages 13-17

• 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Preschool Boot Camp, ages 3-7

Classes cost $20 each. Information and registration: Sue Frost-Mayse at 293-4469 or sue@premierarts.org. Premier Arts is at 410 S. Main St., Elkhart.

STUDEBAKER PAVILION: Dance classes are offered Mondays through Jan. 7 at the pavilion, 1020 McDonald St., Elkhart. Beginner classes are from 6 to 7 p.m. and beginner and intermediate combined classes are from 7 to 8 p.m. Cost: $60 per session or $15 per week. Partner required. Information: www.elkhartindiana.org/parks.

PARKS

ELKHART COUNTY PARKS: Submissions for the 33rd annual Elkhart County Parks Photo Contest run through 4 p.m. Jan. 18. Categories include “In the Air,” “Nature of the Photo,” “Activities in the Parks” and a youth category from each three existing categories. Rules and entry forms: www.elkhartcountyparks.org. Information: 535-6458 or info@elkhartcountyparks.org.

Exhibits

BRADLEY VITE FINE ART: The museum specializes in 19th and 20th century American art. The museum is open from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment. The museum is at 1600 W. Beardsley Ave.

CIRCA ARTS GALLERY: Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The gallery is at 528 E. Colfax Ave., South Bend. Information: 233-8400.

ELKHART COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

• Temporary exhibit “The Home Front: Elkhart County During World War II” is open.

• Holiday Memories — The exhibit runs until Jan. 12.

The museum is at 304 W. Vistula St., Bristol. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. There is no admission charge, but donations are accepted.

FIRE ARTS: Three — An opening reception for the exhibit is from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 4. The exhibit runs from Jan. 4 to Feb. 21 and features three-dimensional work from Jackie Carlson, Yvone Desrosiers and Julie Neises.

Information: 282-2787 or www.fireartsinc.com. Fire Arts is at 305 E. Colfax Ave., South Bend.

GALLERY AT THE MILLRACE: The gallery is at 212 W. Washington St., Goshen.

HALL OF HEROES SUPER HERO MUSEUM: Information: 293-0755. The museum is at 58005 C.R. 105.

HOSTETLER'S HUDSON AUTO MUSEUM: The museum contains 48 permanent museum cars and 10 to 12 cars from Hostetler's personal collection. The museum is open Monday through Saturday. Admission. Information: 260-768-3021 or www.hostetlershudsons.com. The museum is at 760 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana.

NATIONAL NEW YORK CENTRAL RAILROAD MUSEUM: The Stanley Bell model railroad collection includes hundreds of pieces on display. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Information: 294-3001. The museum is at 721 S. Main St., Elkhart.

MIDDLEBURY MUSEUM: Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, free. The museum is at 301 Bristol Ave.

MIDWEST MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART: “Images of Children in Art” — A display of 50 works of art in all media depicting images of children or a childlike presence from the museum's permanent collection is on display until Feb. 24. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission. Information: 293-6660 or info@midwestmuseum.us. The museum is at 429 S. Main St., Elkhart.

NORTHERN INDIANA ARTISTS INC.: 514 Lincoln Way E., Mishawaka. Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

RUTHMERE MUSEUM

• Twelve Days of Christmas: Christmas-themed tours will run through Sunday during regular tour hours. Special evening tours will be given between 6 and 7:30 p.m. today and Friday.

• Guided tours of the mansion are offered on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission.

Information: 264-0330 or www.Ruthmere.org. The museum is at 302 E. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart.

RV/MH HALL OF FAME: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission. Information: 293-2344. Located at 21565 Executive Blvd., south of the Indiana Toll Road, east off C.R. 17.

STUDEBAKER NATIONAL MUSEUM

• The museum will be closed New Year's Day.

• Studebaker at the Brickyard: The exhibit runs through April 28. The exhibit will focus on the Studebaker's factory-backed teams in 1932 and 1933.

• Studebaker Super Service Center: The exhibit displays a realistic service center for kids, a kid-sized car and the chance to order parts and work with tools to keep their vehicle purring.

The museum is at 201 S. Chapin St., South Bend. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission. Information: 235-9714, 888-391-5600 or www.studebakermuseum.org.

WOODLAWN NATURE CENTER: Hours: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Information: 264-0525. The center is at 604 Woodlawn Ave.

Night Life

BARNEY'S BAR: Barney's Bar and DJ Killa Keebz have teamed up for trivia nights covering sports and music for prizes including gift certificates for food or drinks from 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesdays at the bar, 2700 Hammond Ave. No cover charge. Information: 387-7882 or info@djkillakeebz.com.

BRISTOL AMERICAN LEGION: Cousin Vinny will play at 9 p.m. Monday. Information: 848-4002. The Legion is at 905 Maple St., Bristol.

CAPPY'S NORTH SIDE TAVERN:Live bands take the stage starting at 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. No cover charge. The bar is at 1000 N. Michigan St.

FIDDLER'S HEARTH

• Today — Steve Foresman

• Friday — Jack Callahan Band

In the restaurant at 127 N. Main St., South Bend. Information: 232-2853 or www.fiddlershearth.com.

HARRISON LANDING: The restaurant is at 600 S. Main St., Elkhart. Information: 295-8882.

ROCK BOTTOM BAR:Bryan Barr sings and plays from 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesdays, with karaoke set up for guests interested in singing along. Information: 294-8888. The bar is at 2220 S. Nappanee St.

RULLI'S BELLA LUNA BAR: Information: 825-7222 or www.facebook.com/RullisBellaLuna. The bar is at 851 U.S. 20, Middlebury.

SIGNATURE LANES: The Rattlers will perform from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday. Information: www.siglanes.com.

SPORTS TIME PUB AND GRILL: JT Buffett: Island Music plays from 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays. The restaurant is at 56199 Parkway Ave., Elkhart. Information: 970-5940.

SWEET CREAMS SODA SHOP: Sunday to Jan. 1 — Closed for the holidays

KARAOKE

BARNEY'S BAR: Today, Friday and Saturday

BOLT'S: Friday and Saturday

BOWLY'S CRYSTAL BAR: Saturday

CAPPY'S NORTH SIDE TAVERN: 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday

CHICAGO GRILL & BAR: Wednesday

CONSTANT SPRING: Wednesday

GARVER LAKE BAR & GRILL: Today and Saturday

MY DAD'S PLACE: Tuesday through Sunday

PHYL'S CORNER: Friday and Saturday

POOR TONY'S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE: 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday

SIGNATURE LANES: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday.

VFW POST 88: 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday

Also In The Area

Indiana

Mishawaka

MIDWAY TAVERN

• Friday — Elephant Rescue with Monte Bleu, Bailey Williams and Matt Scuchfield. Cover: $5.

• Saturday — Cornerstone Blues Band. Cover: $5.

• Monday — New Year's Eve party: J.R. Clark Band. Cover: $20.

All times are at 9 p.m. Information: 255-0458. The tavern is at 810 W. Fourth St.

SMITH'S DOWNTOWN TAP & GRILL: Murder by Death — The Indiana native band will perform at the restaurant at 7 p.m. Friday. Ages 21 and older. The restaurant is at 110 Lincolnway E.

SOUTH BEND ROLLER GIRLS: Jan. 12 — The ladies face the Fort Wayne Derby Girls in a doubleheader.

Information: www.southbendrollergirls.com. Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com. The Roller Girls play at USA Skate Center, 3909 N. Main St.

South Bend

SOUTH BEND CENTER FOR HISTORY

• Christmas at the Oliver Mansion: The final holiday treasure hunt is at noon Sunday.

• Memories of Christmas Past: The photo exhibit will be on display through Jan. 6.

Reservations: 235-9664. Information: www.centerforhistory.org. The center is at 808 W. Washington St.

SOUTH BEND MUSEUM OF ART

• Registration for Winter 2013 art classes is open. Classes begin Jan. 22.

• Recombination: The exhibit on found items and landscape and sculptural forms is on display until February. Gallery hours: noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday.

Information: 235-9102 or southbendart.org. The SBMA is at 120 S. St. Joseph St.

Valparaiso

BRAUER MUSEUM OF ART: The Influence of J.R.R. Tolkien and His Writings — The exhibit of the personal collection of Dr. Brad Eden's Tolkien memorabilia is on display until March 17. The museum is at 1709 Chapel Drive on the Valparaiso University campus.

MICHIGAN

Buchanan

BUCHANAN ART CENTER: Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Edwardsburg

FIRESIDE TAP AND GRILL: South of Somewhere performs 9 p.m. to midnight Thursdays at the bar, 69245 Maple St. No cover charge. Information: 269-414-4103.

New Buffalo

FOUR WINDS CASINO

• The Prince Tribute Show: Purple Reign will be performed at 9 p.m. New Year's Eve at Hard Rock Cafe in the casino. Information: www.fourwindscasino.com. The casino is at 11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo.

Niles

FERNWOOD BOTANICAL GARDENS AND NATURE PRESERVE

• Botanicals Gallery Exhibition: The exhibit on the work of artist Ann Tompkins will run until Jan. 6.

• Railway Garden: Replicas of Buchanan's Pears Mill, the Niles Depot, the St. Joseph Lighthouse and Notre Dame's Golden Dome.

Fernwood's winter hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Information: 269-695-6491 or www.fernwoodbotanical.org The gardens are at 13988 Range Line Road.

The Entertainment Calendar appears each Thursday in The Elkhart Truth. Deadline for submissions to the calendar is 5 p.m. Monday. Notice of upcoming concerts, theater performances, exhibits and events may be addressed to: Entertainment Calendar, The Elkhart Truth, P.O. Box 487, Elkhart, IN 46515; faxed to 294-3895 or emailed to entertainment@etruth.com. You also may leave a message with Joe Kuharic at 296-5861.