Thursday, April 27: Across the Table, Around the World, The Cuisine of Mali (The Museum of Natural and Cultural History), 6 p.m., $35 with pre-registration
This weekend presents a unique opportunity to improve your cultural culinary skill at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. This event explores the “staples and regional differences of Mali cuisine.” The West African country is known for its spices, therefore, the demonstration will include spice identification, preparation and cooking methods for rice and grains using spices. For $35, participants can watch these demonstrations and then participate in the mini-workshops. Tastings include various grains, regional sauces and sesame bites, and participants get to take home a special package of rice and grains when the night is over. The cost of the workshop also includes a glass of wine or beer with your tastings. Seats at the global table are still available, but pre-registration is required. Visit natural-history.uoregon.edu for more info.
-Casey Miller
Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29: Academy of Arts and Academics’ Spring Dance Concert (1484 University St.), 8 p.m., Adults $8.50, Seniors $6, A3 Students with ID free
The Academy of Arts and Academics (A3) will present its spring dance concert at the University of Oregon’s Dougherty Dance Theater on both Friday and Saturday evening. Attendants can watch the debut of faculty and student work across many different styles and genres of dance. The A3 has been working with the A Cappella Choir and Dance Costuming to create the performance, which will focus on mental health: The performance will encourage awareness, as well as empathy. There will also be a focus on resources and paths to recovery.
The performance is open to all students, faculty and the general public. Tickets to the event are available from the UO Ticket Office in the EMU or online.
-Leanne Harloff
Sunday, April 30: Futurebirds at Hi-Fi Music Hall (44 E 7th Ave.), doors open 7:30 p.m., tickets $10 advance, $12 at the door, 21+
Alt-country quintet Futurebirds will bring its brand of slide guitar-led melodies to audiences when they arrive in Eugene this weekend. Known for its high-energy shows and unique sound, the band has released three albums, including 2015’s “Hotel Parties.”
Based in Athens, Georgia, Futurebirds has been active since 2008. Known for their hits “Rodeo” and “Only Here for Your Love,” the band combines classic country elements like pedal steel guitar and rolling percussion with alternative rock. Their music captures a somber, bittersweet mood while still providing enough energy to fill arenas. The band also adds bits of psychedelia in some songs, and showcases the talents of their guitarists with soaring guitar solos. Fans of other country-blending bands like Deer Tick and Middle Brother will find plenty to love in Futurebirds’ sound. Expect a head-bobbing show with enough mellow instrumentation to fill a country barn.
-Dana Alston
Monday, May 1: Coping with Anxiety at the EMU (Duck Nest 041), 2 p.m.
This one-hour workshop will provide resources and tips on how to manage anxiety. Aiming to teach students how to identify and approach symptoms in a healthy and practical manner, Coping with Anxiety offers a safe environment to talk to others experiencing similar feelings and gain knowledge on how to live with the condition. It is available during the even weeks of spring term and is a great opportunity to hear from professionals, form a plan to handle your anxiety and set yourself up for success. The workshop is free as can be and no sign-ups are necessary, so don’t hesitate to drop in.
–Sarah Urban
Wednesday, May 3: Rethinking the ‘Mystery’ of Easter Island lecture, (418 A St., Springfield), 6 p.m.
University of Oregon’s Clark Honors College Dean, Dr. Terry Hunt, will present his lecture on the mysteries surrounding the Southeastern Pacific island Rapa Nui, more commonly known as Easter Island. The island’s ancient community has been studied by many academics; however, many aspects of the island’s community have remained a mystery to those who study it. Most notably, the composition and transportation of the gigantic statues. Throughout the lecture, Dr. Hunt will present his own hands-on field work as evidence for the community’s technological success.
Hunt’s lecture is part of the Ideas on Tap lecture series that occurs on the first Wednesday of each month. The series seeks to provide the greater Eugene community with an opportunity to discuss science and culture, all while enjoying craft beers via Claim 52 Brewery!
-Zach Price
