Republic reporter Brian Blair offers his take on area events.
If you’re already experiencing total solar eclipse overload and seeking something else for your free time, here goes:
* The local Dancers Studio Inc. troupe has performed some element of “Alice in Wonderland” at the Columbus Area Arts Council’s free First Fridays for Families for years, off and on — and drawn sizable crowds of youngsters while doing so. The performers again bring to life highlights of Lewis Carroll’s whimsical tale at 6 p.m. Friday at The Commons, 300 Washington St. in downtown Columbus. The costuming is always as excellent as the dancers. Information: artsincolumbus.org.
* Many of you know the docs who rock — or at least a couple of them still — as 40 Years of College (and friends). Through the group’s changes for some 30 years, its members have continued to nurture a regional following. Plus, with the addition of female vocalist Rebecca Burbrink, they’ve continued to nurture a classic rock setlist that is still expanding. The band will be in concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Park Theatre Civic Center, 25 N. Madison Ave. in North Vernon. Tickets are $15 and available at the venue box office and at the door. Information: 812-346-0330.
* British guitarist and singer/songwriter Dave Mason, formerly of the classic rock band Traffic, will be in concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday along with Jefferson Starship at Brown County Music Center, 200 Maple Leaf Boulevard in Nashville. Mason’s biggest solo hit was the 1977 tune “We Just Disagree.” Information: browncountymusiccenter.com.
