Needleworkers and artists are invited to apply by March 31 for the Dakota County Historical Society's juried art competition based on designs from the Hastings Needle Work Company.

Alice and Florence LeDuc founded Hastings Needle Work, which produced embroidery for clients from 1888 until the mid-1920s. A selection of patterns from the collection at the Minnesota Historical Society is available for the contest. The theme of the contest is "Modern Interpretations of Historic Designs." The patterns can be interpreted in the artist's medium of choice.

More information, including a link to the contest application and patterns, is online at www.dakotahistory.org. Selected artworks will be displayed in an exhibition, set to open in June, at the LeDuc Historic Estate in Hastings.

BURNSVILLE

Chicago tribute band plays Ames Center

Transit Authority, an eight-piece ensemble, will play "A Tribute to the Music of Chicago"at the Ames Center on Thursday.

The family-friendly show begins at 8 p.m. and will feature well-known songs from three decades, including "Saturday in the Park," "Colour My World" and "If You Leave Me Now."

Tickets are $42, $52 and $62. They can be purchased at the Ames Center box office, by calling 800-982-2787 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

Lakeville

Artaria plays 'Music During Wartime'

A Sunday concert by the Artaria String Quartet will explore the effect of World War II on composers.

The performance at Lakeville Area Arts Center, titled "Music During Wartime," will include William Alwyn's "Three Poems for String Quartet," Quincy Porter's "Quartet No. 6," and William Walton's "Quartet in A-minor."

Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students, available online at www.LakevilleAreaArtsCenter.com or at the arts center, 20965 Holyoke Av., Lakeville. For more information call 952-985-4640.

'The Fox on the Fairway' on stage

Expressions Community Theater presents "The Fox on the Fairway" at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, March 20-22 and March 27-29.

The play is a tribute to English farces set at the Quail Valley Country Club. Members of the club are preparing for the annual golfing match against rival Crouching Squirrel. It's billed as a "madcap adventure about love, life, and man's eternal love affair with golf."

Tickets are $13. They are available for purchase online at www.LakevilleAreaArtsCenter.com or at the arts center, 20965 Holyoke Av., Lakeville. For more information call 952-985-4640.

Staff reports