Several arts events set for this weekend in Cape

Storytelling is not confined to the Storytelling Festival this weekend.

Cape Girardeau is coming alive for spring, and many events are starting or continuing.

At the Red House Interpretive Center, docents will be dressed in period clothes to tell stories about Cape Girardeau founder Louis Lorimier and his visit with Lewis and Clark.

The center, a re-creation of Lorimier's home, opens for the season Saturday.

During the first Saturday of each month, two visitors to demonstrate life in the 1800s at the Red House. Lucas Beine, who will be dressed as a fur trader, will set up a tent and campfire. Adam Koehler will demonstrate arrowhead making, said Margaret Dement, the center's publicist.

"We're so proud to have them," she said. "They add to the flavor of the visitors center."

Rose Mary Oxley will also give dulcimer lessons during the first and third Saturday each month. Lessons are free, but an $8 instruction booklet and dulcimer are required.

Blues on Broadway continues Friday night in the Marquette. The event, which coincides with First Friday, features the four-piece blues band Rockin Jake.

Organizer Larry Underberg said the monthly concerts have spread through word-of-mouth since they started in January.

"Now that we have this as a regular event, it has developed a bit of an identity," he said.

The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are available in advance and at the door.

Underberg said he hopes to catch some foot traffic from festival patrons.

"I'm hoping that it will be one of the options when the festival is over," he said.

For First Friday, Gallery 100 is exhibiting work from artists 50 and older. Lorimier Galler is featuring emerging artists age 18 to 30.

At the River Campus, "Angels in America" closes with final performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Saturday.

The Kiwanis Club is holding a '50s and '60s dance in the Arena Building from 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday.

Storytelling Festival organizer Chuck Martin said he expects more than 3,000 people to attend the event. He said he hopes the weather will be an improvement over last year.

"We just have this innate ability to draw thunderstorms," Martin said.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

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Pertinent address:

128 Aquamsi Street, Cape Girardeau, MO

338 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO