While DJ Slash, spinning tunes since 1983, rules the music guests love while passing by the Council Oak Bar Stage for the Friday start of the weekend beginning at 8 p.m., it’s The Aftermath headlining later, with a mix of classic rock and new music on Friday, Jan. 3, for a free 9 p.m. performance on the Hard Rock Cafe stage. On Saturday, the same stage spotlight features the Latin band called Together Band in a second free concert opportunity while DJ Lamont Johnson takes over the 8 p.m. DJ attention at Council Oak Bar stage. The Aftermath, an Indiana-based band, offers a set list with songs from classic rock bands such as Rush, Deep Purple, Heart and The Doobie Brothers, as well as newer music from artists like Maroon 5, Garbage and Miley Cyrus. The 12-member Together Band is diversified in its musical styles, performing everything from pop to rhythm and blues to big band to Latin rock and different Spanish selections. All shows are 21 and older for entry into the casino, which offers not only gaming but also more than 170 pieces of music memorabilia on display in the complex at 5400 W. 29th Ave. (219) 228-2383; casino.hardrock.com/northern-indiana/entertainment.
Wine and song
Live music performances are paired with wine from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday at Shady Creek Winery in Michigan City. Wine samples are offered in the tasting room and also food for purchase. Shady Creek Winery launched in 2019 and now features a selection of more than 30 wines showcased with the added atmosphere of live music and a full dining menu such as salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, pizzas and more to celebrate Friday nights in a rustic lodge setting. Wines are produced from both local grapes as well as from West Coast vineyards, allowing Shady Creek to offer both a regional wine list and sipping highlights including more than a half dozen “big reds” from West Coast fruit. At 2030 Tyron Road in the main pavilion. (219) 874-9463; shadycreekwinery.com.
‘Sargent’ captures art
“After Sargent” is the title of the latest exhibit from South Shore Arts at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster continuing in the Main Backman Gallery through Feb. 22. “Every time I paint a portrait, I lose a friend,” is the famed quote of the artist as explored through this unique legacy of celebrated Belle Époque artist John Singer Sargent as told through the eyes of 12 contemporary painters, draftspersons, and sculptors. Visitors to this free exhibit are guided through 10 distinctive sections highlighting Sargent’s history, his technical achievements in human figure drawing, and the subsequent contemporary artists who have followed in his footsteps. More than 80 works of art are displayed, including master copies of Sargent’s works with narrative panels describing both Sargent’s life and process. Accompanying pieces explore how contemporary artists have carried on, challenged, furthered, and broken with Sargent’s approach to “portraiture.” For more information about exhibitions at South Shore Arts, including gallery hours, visit www.southshoreartsonline.org or call (219) 836-1839.
Bugged
Without spiders existing on our landscapes, the earth’s population would die of famine because of the increased population of insect pests which would devour all of the crops that feed our nations. Winter months are a challenging time for both spiders and insects to survive until the return of warm weather. Recent changes in weather patterns and seasons have made the cold and warm weather transition even more challenging. The Lake County Parks and Recreation Department invites children ages 3 and older and parents to explore this subject with an exploration program titled “Insects and Winter” starting at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, at Gibson Woods Nature Preserve, 6201 Parrish Ave. in Hammond. The cost is $2 to attend and the event ends with a take-home insect-themed craft project. Pre-registration is required at www.lakecountyparks.com or call (219) 844-3188.
Drawing upon it
Drawing and painting classes offered in four sessions 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays, Jan. 7-28, are a great way to welcome the new year for adults ages 18 and older at Chesterton Art Center. With guidance from Diana Stezalski, the class is designed for experienced students who are ready to move beyond foundational skills, want dedicated studio time, need space to work, or just enjoy creating in a social environment with an emphasis on an independent classroom experience. Each class will present a new exercise that challenges students to escape creative blocks and push their arts practice further along. The rest of class time is dedicated to independent studio time, critique and feedback, and/or collaboration with peers. This class is recommended for students who work with acrylics, oils, drawing media or mixed media. Skill level is ranked as Intermediate and above with previous art experience required. The cost is $100 for non-members or $90 for current CAC members by entering code CACMEMBER online at checkout to receive a member discount. Students are expected to provide supplies of their choosing that fit within the parameters of oils, acrylics and drawing media. Chesterton Art Center is located at 115th South 4th St. in Chesterton. To learn more and for information about art classes and other opportunities and membership options, visit www.chestertonart.org or call (219) 926-4711.
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and the director of marketing at Theatre at the Center. He can be reached at pmpotempa@powershealth.org.
