Watch some flicks
The Des Moines Art Center will present the 30th Black Maria International Film and Video Festival on March 25-26. Representing the best in cutting-edge, independent films, the Des Moines program will feature a total of 20 unique short films. Both screenings are free of charge. For the complete schedule of films, including descriptions, visit www.desmoinesartcenter.org.
Get your book signed
Author CJ Box will be signing copies of his newest book, “Cold Wind,” on Friday, April 1 at Barnes & Noble, 4550 University Ave., starting at 7 p.m. “Cold Wind” is the latest in Box’s Wyoming-set series featuring game warden Joe Picket and will attract readers of all types, especially those who enjoy vivid descriptions of Western landscapes, complex morality and great characters. For more information, visit www.cjbox.net.
Live green
Focused on healthy and sustainable living, The 2011 Natural Living Expo takes over the Polk County Convention Complex, 501 Grand Ave., on April 2-3. Vendors at the free event offer green, natural, healthy, organic, holistic, renewable, reusable goods and services in a number of categories including animal care, business and technology, community organizations, education, green building and renewable energy. Along with plenty of vendors, the show also features the Back to Basics stage, a natural kids zone, an entertainment stage, free workshops and classes, eco-friendly door prizes and natural food from the Fresh Café. For more information, visit www.naturallivingexpo.org.
Take a Celtic journey
The First Christian Church, 2500 University Ave., is proud to present the world premiere of Ben Allaway’s “Heaven & Earth: Mass on the Celtic Journey” on Saturday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m. The event features stories of the Celtic people of Ireland, Scotland and Walls, and their heritage in America, told through music, narration and dance. Entertainment includes the 200-voice Celtic Mass Choir, noted Irish singer Tommy Sands and his Irish Band, additional Celtic instrumentalists, pipe organ and dancers. Iowa Public Television will film the live event for broadcast this summer. Tickets are $15 in advance or $17 at the door (students are $10), available through wwwmidwestix.com. For more information, visit www.fccdm.org or www.benallaway.com. CV
Send news of your upcoming events, noble, nefarious or lost causes; as well as generally weird happenings to jared@dmcityview.com .
