As I was going through the events this weekend I found myself wishfully thinking that I could attend all of them. Unfortunately I’ve only got enough room in the schedule for two (A Cappella for a Cure and Play Ball: Family Discovery Concert, in case you were curious) but there are some really special events happening. The following is a short list of 12 but please add more in the comments.

This weekend is full of heart, soul, and spirit. Rather than list events chronologically, I’ve categorized them; I hope you don’t mind.

• The Heart of the Matters (to benefit matters of the heart)
• For the Kids and Kids at Heart (it’s okay to be silly sometimes)
• Kick back, relax, and let the art do the work (because you deserve it)

The Heart of the Matters

There are two local benefits that are fighting the good fight against cancer this weekend. I don’t have to soapbox here. We all know someone who has fought, is fighting, has succumbed, or has conquered this terrible disease. If you are able, make it out to one of these two musical events. Whether you’re looking to be moved, spirited, calmed, consoled, or just taken away for a little while, music will give you all of that and more. (While you’ve got your calendar out, put this year’s Relay for Life down.) 

A Benefit Recital for Geoff Quinn: An Evening of Music & Scripture
Church of the Redeemer
Friday, March 30 at 8pm
FREE

Boston Symphony Orchestra members & friends John Ferrillo, oboe; John Holland, violin; Elizabeth Ostling, flute; Robert Parr, tenor; Carmen Rodriguez-Peralta performing works by Beethoven, Bach, Vaughan Williams, Mozart, Schumann & Messiaen alongside Scripture readings. A freewill offering will be taken to benefit the medical expenses of Geoff Quinn, a 39-year-old pastor-in-training at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, who is battling metastatic cancer. Reception to follow.

A Cappella for a Cure Concert
At Newton Cultural Center
Saturday, March 31 at 7:30pm
$20; monies raised benefit the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Newton-Brookline

Have you met Emily Paley? This is Emily’s third year organizing this production and if you’ve met her you know it is going to be dy-no-mite! (If you caught Theatre Ink’s Legally Blonde Emily played Elle Woods) This year’s concert will feature a cappella groups from Newton North & South High Schools plus Brandeis University.

Spring Fling
Newton Free Library
Saturday, March 31 at 6:30pm
Tickets: $125-$2500

We are lucky to have a fantastic library. I am fairly positive that most of you have taken advantage of at least one of the library’s many free programs. Now it’s time to show them the love at this evening for Library Lovers! Mix & Mingle with hosts Tom Ashbrook and Bill Novak, distinguished authors, friend and library lovers–while savoring food from Baker’s Best, bidding on the silent auction and listening to live music. Click here to preview the authors. 

For the Kids and Kids at Heart 

Let loose this weekend! SERIOUSLY, you deserve it!

Play Ball! with Dick Flavin 
New Philharmonia Orchestra* 
At First Baptist Church*
Sunday, April 1 at 3pm
Tickets: $10-$15

Nepotism alert! New Phil presents its finally Family Discovery Concert of the season! Don’t miss your chance to bring your favorite kiddos to an exciting, interactive and educational performance. The legendary Dick Flavin joins the New Phil to recite his beloved Teddy at the Bat, Wally the Green Monster will make a special appearance and, as always, audience members of all ages are invited to try the instruments of the orchestra during the Instrument Petting Zoo! And yours truly will be narrating! Come on by and say hi!

[oA_Re4d_jqQ]

Children’s author, Virginia Cassarino-Brown, at Waban Library Center
Waban Library Center 
Saturday, March 31 at 10:30am
FREE

Children’s author Virginia Cassarino-Brown will be at the Waban Library Center (WLC) on Saturday, March31, 2012, from 10:30 am to noon to read and discuss her new book The Tangled Loon.  The charming story, inspired by true events, demonstrates that the lives of humans and animals are interwoven and delicately balanced.  This event is appropriate for children ages 5to 11 and their families.  Join us for fun, games and snacks at the library.

Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys
The Children’s Cooperative Nursery School
At West Suburban YMCA*
Saturday, March 31 at 4pm
$10 Tickets

Boston-based singer-songwriter and children’s performer, Vanessa Trien, has become a local rock star among the young and young at heart. The “Nessa Groupies” sing and dance in the aisles at her packed shows with her lively band, the Jumping Monkeys, flock to her infant and toddler music education classes, and can’t get enough of her two award-winning children’s CDs, ‘Carnival Day’ and ‘Hot Air Balloon.’

Annual Children’s Art Show & Lecture
Mt. Ida College*
Monday, April 2 at 6pm
$25 tickets

The annual art show called “Images, Ideas, and Investigations” will celebrate the creativity and self-expression of children from three to five years old in the Longfellow Preschool program. Following the art show, Hugh Hanley, early childhood educator and entertainer, will lecture on “Songs for Circle Time…or Any Time”, featuring a hands-on workshop of songs, fingerplays and music activities

Spontaneous Generation: Newton North Improv Show
Theatre Ink* @ Newton North High School
Thursday, March 29 – Saturday, March 31 at 7:30pm
$7 tickets

Wish I wasn’t missing this one! To me improv is incredibly frightening and full of genius. Hence the fright and hilarity. Enjoy this hilarious, fast-pace, unpredictable night of IMPROV and fun-filled entertainment- directed by Nicole Bunis and Sam Raby

Teen Program: Hunger Games Trivia Night
Newton Free Library
Monday, April 2 at 7pm
FREE

During my brief stint as a high school English teacher I collected a great list of young adult must reads. Seriously, folks, this is a must read. If you’ve already read it, head on over to the library and put your Hunger Games knowledge to the test!

Kick back, relax, and let the art do the work

This category needs no explanation. Just give in.

Mobius Performance Night at New Art Center
New Art Center*
Friday, March 30 at 7pm
$10 Tickets

The night will include performances by several members of the Mobius Artist Group. Performance artist Sandy Huckleberry uses common objects, processes and colors and recombines them so that the meanings and purposes of the acts and objects become ripe with new meanings.

Rising Up: A Showcase in Dance
Boston College
Friday, March 30 – Saturday, March 31
$15 adults, $10 students, seniors or BC ID

The first-ever dance concert produced by the Boston College Theatre Department will feature jazz, modern, ballet, tap, and more. Choreography by Sun Ho Kim, Kirsten McKinney, Margot Parsons, and Robert Ver Eecke, S.J.

Awakening of the Soul
Neena Gulati and the Triveni Ensemble
At Pine Manor College
Sunday, April 1 at 3pm
Tickets: $20-$100

A performance of Indian classical dance, presented by Neena Gulati and the Triveni Ensemble. Proceeds will benefit the Kerry Jon Walker Fund, Helping Humanity.
Feel free to add any additional events in the comments, otherwise, I hope you attend at least one! If you want to look ahead, check out Newton Cultural Alliance‘s event calendar and sign up for their mailing list while you’re at it! They (I) will send you a monthly event calendar via e-mail.

Happy weekending!

*=Newton Cultural Alliance Member