Arts and leisure briefs: William O'Brien State Park to host annual ski race

The 44th annual Marine-O'Brien Ski Race will be held at 9 a.m. Jan. 18 at William O'Brien State Park, 16821 O'Brien Trail N.

The event will begin with a wooden ski tour. Skiers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate.

Wood Ski Tour preregistration is $15. Race day registration is $25.

Registration for the adult races starts at 9 a.m. with the race to follow at 10:30 a.m. Children's registration begins at 11 a.m. with children's races starting at 1 p.m.

Adults can preregister for $30 or pay $40 on race day. High school and college races can preregister for $12 or pay $17 on race day.

Children can preregister for $8 or pay $12 the day of the race. Skiers 5 and younger can be preregistered for free. Race day registration is $12.

For more information on the races and preregistration call 651-433-0500 or check www.skinnyski.com.

The Belwin Conservancy is hosting its annual "Winter Open House" beginning Feb. 7 at the conservancy's Education Center, 1553 Stagecoach Trail S., Afton.

The event, to be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., gives participants an opportunity to step outdoors for a little hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

The "Winter Open House" is part of the conservancy's "Open First Saturdays," which are held on the first Saturday of each month.

Each day includes a program led by a scientist or artist and is targeted at different age groups, from children to adults.

The programs are free for Belwin Conservancy members.

Registration is not required for this event, but participants must be members of the conservancy.

The Minnesota Jazz Orchestra will perform at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at The Phipps Center for the Arts, 109 Locust Street in Hudson, Wis.

From cool and smooth to passionate and swingin', the acclaimed 16-piece big band with two vocalists can be heard regularly on Jazz 88 FM. The band also was featured at the Artist's Quarter.

Tickets for the performance are $24 for adults and $17 for students and youth.

For more information, call 715-386-8409.

Musician and radio personality Chris Hawkey will perform at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at St. Croix Festival Theatre, 210 N. Washington St., St. Croix Falls, Wis.

Hawkey, who sings high-energy country music, released his first Nashville solo album in 2014 and spent the summer touring the Midwest promoting the single "My Kind of Crazy."

Hawkey was previously lead vocalist for the Minneapolis band Rocket Club, and has shared the stage with artists like Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Sugarland, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert and Eric Church, opening in front of thousands of country music fans.

Tickets for the event are $15. For more information, call 715-483-3387.

Staff reports