Good bets

LIVE MUSIC

24th International Blues Challenge

Blues acts take to Beale Street to compete.

When: Today through Saturday

Where: Beale Street, Memphis

A piece by Lindsey Wickham at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri. (Kit Doyle)

Ivas John Band

The Southern Illinois bluesman has taken over Thursday nights at Port Cape Girardeau.

When: 8 p.m. to midnight tonight

Where: Port Cape Girardeau

Sultans of Swing

Southeast Missouri State University faculty and students come together for a polished jazz ensemble.

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Buckner Brewing Co.

Country Touch Band

Dance hall country show.

When: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday

Where: Jackson Elks Lodge

Classic Country Band

Traditional country music made for dancing.

When: 7 to 10:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Jackson American Legion Hall

Bawn in the Mash

"Experimental bluegrass fusion from western Kentucky."

When: 9 p.m. Friday

Where: Port Cape Girardeau

On Tap

Rocking downstairs at the Moxy.

When: 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday

Where: Club Moxy

The Intention

Two nights this weekend and a Fat Tuesday party.

When: 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday; Tuesday

Where: Rude Dog Pub; Club Moxy

Bill Hulvey and the Desert Rain Band

Country out in the country.

When: 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday

Where: The Little Ole Opry, Burfordville, Mo.

Tim Hefland

Hefland performs with a guest opener.

When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Jackson Sports Grill

The Reminisce Band

Music from way back.

When: 7 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Jackson American Legion Hall

Bottom Feeders Blues Band

The blues is back at Broussard's.

When: 9 p.m. Saturday

Where: Broussard's

Bruce Zimmerman and the Water Street Band

Bruce in his now once-a-month gig.

When: 8 to 11 p.m. Sunday

Where: Port Cape Girardeau

Mike Renick Band

Renick and company provide the music for Fat Tuesday.

When: 9 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Rude Dog Pub

Thorlock

Bluesy metal, black robes and all.

When: 9 p.m. Feb. 7

Where: Ragsdales

MISC

Super Bowl Parties

Rude Dog Pub: All day

Club Moxy: 3 p.m.

Fat Tuesday Party

A DJ helps the revelers get down.

When: 9 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Broussard's

Tuesday Night Social Club Open Mic

Come out and jam.

When: 9:30 p.m. Tuesday

Where: The Camp at Main Street Bar

VISUAL ARTS

First Friday

Galleries from downtown to Edward Bernard host First Friday receptions.

When: Starts at 5 p.m. Friday.

Where: Various locations

THEATER

"Late Night Catechism"

Sister teaches the class in this interactive stage play.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Bedell Performance Hall, River Campus

"Jesus Christ Superstar"

The Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical about Jesus' final days.

When: 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday

Where: Fox Theatre, St. Louis

PERFORMING ARTS

Southeast String Festival

High school strings from around the area.

When: All day today

Where: Bedell Performance Hall, River Campus

COMEDY

Terry Fator

Last year's winner of "America's Got Talent" comes to Paducah, puppets and all.

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Carson Center, Paducah, Ky.

MISC

SEMO Gun Show

Check out the latest in armament.

When: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday

Where: Arena Building

Contra Dance

The whistlepig makes an appearance at the Groundhog Day dance.

When: 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Christ Episcopal Church

Native American storytelling

Paul White Eagle, Chief of the AhNiYvWiYa tribe, shares Native American folk tales and myths.

When: 7 p.m. Monday

Where: Cape Girardeau Public Library

Annual Show Me Center Championship Rodeo

PRCA cowboys and cowgirls compete.

When: Feb. 8 and 9

Where: Show Me Center