At the Hult Center this weekend, check out gingerbread men flying and flipping mid-air, toy soldiers marching on thin wires and much more.
Cirque Dreams: Holidaze is a unique merge of Christmas theme characters with Cirque du Soleil acrobatic spectacles.
Director Neil Goldberg, along with the show’s songwriters, created an original score for the performance while also including some traditional Christmas music. Some of the original pieces carry a heavy techno influence and can seem a bit psychedelic. Classics like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” get a little twist with Broadway-style vocals and rock guitar riffs.
The New York Daily News reviewed Holidaze as a “delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleighload and so full of energy it could end our dependence on oil.”
Opening night is Saturday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m., and it will be performed one more time on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $30-$88 with student discounts available.
Eugene
Nov 20 Saving the Earth Through Art Lecture: Artist, architect and designer, Maya Lin, is best known for designing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. She will be discussing her most recent installations that cross the Columbia River and celebrate the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. EMU Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., free admission.
Nov 21-22 Take part in the weekend events planned for Gender Diversity Awareness Week. Friday, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., there will be an art and fashion gala at The Redoux Parlour (781 Blair Blvd.). Enjoy live music, refreshments, art collaborations by Trans identified artists and a “Fashion Slam” you can participate in. Saturday’s event is a dance party in the Living Learning Center South Performance hall. Dance and mingle from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Nov. 22 Wailin’ Jennys: The Canadian folk group will be performing at McDonald Theatre. 1010 Willamette St., tickets $36.50, 8 p.m.
Nov. 23 Turkey Shoot: Five minutes out of Eugene is the Cottage Grove — Eugene Sportsman’s Club, and on Sunday you can shoot your own Thanksgiving dinner, just bring a shotgun with a minimum of 50 rounds. 81078 North Pacific Hwy., Creswell, $35 admission guarantees you a turkey, 9 a.m. registration.
Portland
Nov. 21 Spoon Concert: Band member, Britt Daniel, of the indie pop band, will be performing an acoustic concert in downtown Portland, courtesy of radio station, 101.9 KINK. Bing Lounge (1210 SW 6th Ave.), admission is free on a first come first serve basis, 7-8 p.m.
Nov. 21 $5 After 5 p.m.: Head to the Portland Art Museum and get in for just $5. Be mystified by current exhibits like The Enclave, Forbidden Fruit and much more. Tours will also be conducted. Portland Art Museum (1219 SW Park Ave.), $5 admission, 5 p.m.
Nov. 21 Adam Carolla Live Podcast: With only a microphone and a computer in his home office, Adam Carolla started iTunes number one podcast of 2009. Aladdin Theater (3017 SE Milwaukie Ave.), tickets $40-$50, doors open at 9 p.m. and show starts at 10 p.m.
Nov. 22 Cranksgiving: Dress up, race to stores and donate food to homeless youth with Portland’s Cranksgiving. Cranksgiving is a treasure hunt food drive that will donate food to Outside In. You can pre-register with your group of friends here. Velo Cult (1969 NE 42nd Ave.), at least $10 to purchase food, 1 p.m.