THE WEEK/CITY PICK

Dec. 29 through Jan. 4

Quick Jump to the 29th 30th 31st 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

All entries must be submitted by noon Friday. Fax 953-1394 or e-mail calendar@dmcityview.com.

thursday29

Painters Anonymous' "Conglomeration"

8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Gallery

Painters Anonymous is an Iowa State University student organization aimed at providing opportunities for students who have a passion for painting. One such opportunity is currently on display in The Gallery of the Memorial Union. "Conglomeration" includes 31 pieces that celebrate experimentation, variety and individuality. Painters Anonymous goes beyond the classroom, providing its members an opportunity to grow in their painting abilities through a community of people with similar interests. "Conglomerations" will be on display through Feb. 5. The Gallery doubles as a meeting room, so call (515) 292-1111 for open viewing times between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.

friday30

Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials

9:30 p.m.

Blues on Grand

Lil' Ed is only five-foot-one. But his small stature has never stopped him from being one of blues' premiere entertainers, duck-walking through the audience, doing backbends, sliding across the stage on his knees and doing flying leaps through the air while he and his Blues Imperials play Chicago blues music steeped in tradition. Born on Chicago's West Side, Ed Williams learned to play guitar, drums and bass at the age of 12. Along with his half-brother, Williams formed an early version of the Blues Imperials as a teen, and they both received lessons and support from their famous blues-playing uncle, J.B. Hutto. And the rest, as they say, his history. See Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials at Blues on Grand tonight at 9:30 p.m. Cost is $10.

saturday31

ImaginEve

2 - 6:30 p.m.

Wells Fargo Arena

For those not looking to get wild and crazy into the wee hours of Sunday morning, there's a family friendly alternative New Year's celebration in Des Moines. GuideOne's ImaginEve is a free, non-alcoholic event featuring children's art activities, inflatable rides, clowns, jugglers, magic, storytelling, carnival games and prizes, spin art, face painting and a fireworks finale. Almost 7,000 visitors packed the Hy-Vee Hall for seven hours last year. Parking for the event is available for free at the Seventh and Center Street Park and Ride. And best of all, ImaginEve means no morning-after hangover.

sunday01

Seven Principles of Kwanzaa community celebration

5 to 7 p.m.

Creative Visions

Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community and culture. As an African-American and Pan-African holiday, Kwanzaa conveys a message of what it means to be African. Today, the Concerned Citizens for Justice, Creative Visions, Kwanzaa Cooperative and the NAACP are hosting a Seven Principles of Kwanzaa community celebration at Creative Visions that will include community singing, dance, games, lighting of candles and refreshments. The seven principles are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

monday02

Midnight Fall

7 p.m.

Vaudeville Mews

The Vaudeville Mews kicks off a new year of live music with Midnight Fall, an indie/pop/rock band from Central Illinois. Since its start in summer of 2004, Midnight Fall has brought its intense live show to stages alongside The Junior Varsity, Murder By Death, Planes Mistaken for Stars and June. They also cracked the top 10 on the unsigned bands list on trend-maker Web site purevolume.com, and landed the No. 3 spot for bands in Illinois on myspace.com (including signed bands). Having persevered through financial and record label setbacks and members changes, Midnight Fall will play tunes from its debut, self-titled EP tonight at the Vaudeville Mews with openers Tomorrow's Storm, Colonial PA and Arynn. Cost is $5.

tuesday03

The Envy Corps

9 p.m.

Vaudeville Mews

The Envy Corps has been on the local music scene since 2001, but the band is finally prepped to expand its reputation throughout the Midwest and beyond, fueled by its popular radio singles "Rhinemaidens" (which became one of the most requested songs of the year on 105.1) and the more recent "It's Here." Constantly playing shows and writing and rewriting its songs has finally paid off for The Envy Corps, made up of a diverse cast of four, having recently teamed up with Robert Reynolds in Las Vegas, who also serves as The Killers' representation. Having garnered comparisons to Radiohead and Coldplay, The Envy Corps is gearing up to release companion EPs titled "Lies Are Best Told in Pairs." But you can hear those songs now by seeing the band play live tonight at the Vaudeville Mews with opener General Sherman. Cost is $6.

wednesday04

Ron Morey

8 p.m.

Funny Bone

The Funny Bone Comedy Club has, in the past, referred to comedian Ron Morey as a "modern-day Don Knotts" because of his mock smugness and geeky mannerisms. Morey's energetic show includes music, impressions and characters, all delivered in his maniacal, sarcastic comedy style. Morey has entertained troops for the USO in such places as Italy, Spain, Greece Bahrain and Kuwait, and has appeared on NFL Films Blast, PBS and Comedy Central. And if this resume isn't enough to convince you that he's worth checking out, then perhaps the generosity of his favorite charity work - buying lots of beer for starving college students - will. Morey performs tonight at 8 p.m. Call 270-2100 for more information.

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