What’s Happening Around Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE — Events coming up in and around the capital city:

Saturday, January 20 • BR Softball Meeting • 6 p.m.

The Baton Rouge Softball Chapter of the LHSOA will holds its next regular meeting for the 2013 High School season at Christian Life Academy, 2037 Quail Dr.  All veteran and rookie umpires are strongly encouraged to attend.  For information, contact Paul Dufour at 933-9376 or email LHSOA_softball@att.net.

Sunday, January 21 • Football Convocation • 6 p.m.

Central High School will hold its 2012 Football Convocation in the Central High Theatre.

Thursday, January 24 • AARP Driver Safety Course • 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The AARP Driver Safety Course will be held at Lane Regional Medical Center.  This refresher course is for drivers age 50 and older.  Class size is limited and registration is required.  For information or to pre-register, call 654-5263.

Friday, January 25 • Blood Drive • 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

United Blood Services will hold a blood drive at Lane Regional Medical Center.  The blood drive is open to the public and registration is not required.  Donors are encouraged to sign up online at www.bloodhero.com, sponsor code: LaneRegional.

Wednesday, January 30 • Lunch and Learn • 12 to 1 p.m.

Selective Hearing is hosting a free Lunch and Learn at Lane Regional Medical Center.  Join Dr. Erica Ray for an educational seminar on the latest and greatest hearing instruments.  Space is limited and reservations are required.  For information or to pre-register, call 243-6129.

February 4 through 6 • John Michael Talbot • 7 p.m.

Internationally renowned Christian musician John Michael Talbot is coming to Immaculate Conception Church, 865 Hatchell Lane in Denham Springs.  John Michael’s ministry has blessed millions over the past 37 years, transforming lives to a deeper relationship with God.  Join us for an evening of sacred music, teaching, and prayer.  A free-will offering will be requested.  For information, contact Nancy Hill at 324-8187.

Tuesday, February 5 • Victory Harvest Church MOPS • 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Victory Harvest Church MOPS will meet on the second Tuesday of each month at Victory Harvest Church, 3953 N. Flannery Road.  Limited childcare is available.  Moms should email Barbara Womack at vhcmops@cox.net or call 275-5255 to check availability.  Mothers who are pregnant with their first child or have a preschooler K-5 or younger are invited to join the group.

February 21 through 24 • “A Raisin in the Sun”

New Venture Theatre launches its 2013 season with “A Raisin in the Sun.”  This play will be performed at the Baton Rouge Community College Magnolia Performing Arts Pavilion at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 and Friday, Feb. 22, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24.  Tickets are $20.  For information, call 588-7576 or visit www.newventuretheatre.org.

Saturday, February 23 • St. Alphonsus Action & A Taste of Central • 5 p.m.

Lights!  Camera!  Auction!  The 5th Annual St. Alphonsus Auction and A Taste of Central will be held at the St. Alphonsus Family Center.  There will be a silent and live auctions, delicious local restaurant food tasting, and live rhythm and blues band!  Door tickets and $10,000 raffle tickets on sale after all Masses on Feb. 16 and 17.

March 21 through 24 • Zachary Arts & Music Festival

The Zachary Chamber of Commerce’s 7th Annual ZFest will be held at BREC’s Community Park, 20055 Old Scenic Hwy.  There will be locally and regionally renowned artists selling their works, incredible food vendors, a petting zoo and pony rides, paddleboards on the lake, a rock wall, bungee bounce, gyroscope, carnival rides, and many more activities for all ages to enjoy.  ZFest will be open 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 5 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, March 22, 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23, and 12 to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 24.  Musical entertainment comes alive in the evening with the Todd O’Neal Band and the Chee Weez on Friday, national country artist Randy Houser on Saturday, and the Not4Sale Band on Sunday.  Local entertainment will perform throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday.  There will be a beer and wine VIP event at 5:30 p.m. Friday.  For information or for a schedule of events, visit www.zfest.us.

April 6 and 7 • Kite Fest Louisiané • 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Kites of all sizes and shapes will fill the skies at the West Baton Rouge Soccer Complex in Port Allen, located just off I-10 Exit 151 at Rosedale Rd.  Bring a blanket or lawn chair and spend a day in the great outdoors.  The GO BIG OR GO HOME and Austin End of the Line flying teams will perform ballets in the sky using two line kites.  Northeast Rev Riders will be featured using four line kites.  This free event is open to the public.

Saturday, April 27 • Central Class of ’83 Reunion • 7:30 to 11 p.m.

Central High Class of ’83 will have a reunion at De la Ronde Hall, 320 Third Street, Ste. 201, Baton Rouge.  Cost is $75 at the door.  Entertainment will be the Chris Leblanc Band.  There will be a buffet and a cash bar.  For information, contact Tami Helmke Misuraca at 937-4083 or email chs1983@cox.net.