Arts briefs: Lakeshore Players offer 'pay what you can'

For those looking to stretch their dollars a bit further, the Lakeshore Players Theater is offering "pay what you can" tickets for today's performance of its children's show, "A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court." As a bonus, guests can stay for an artist discussion following the 2 p.m. show.

Directed by Jan Arford, the modern adaptation of Mark Twain's classic tale transports a kid working on the set of a school play back to the days of King Arthur, where he is knighted "Sir Boss" and goes about modernizing Camelot.

Other performances are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. next Sunday at 4820 Stewart Av., White Bear Lake. Those who bring a nonperishable item for the White Bear Lake Food Shelf will be entered into a drawing for two tickets to Lakeshore's April production of "The Sound of Music." Tickets are $12, $10 for students and seniors. For more information, call 651-429-5674.

Patrick Harison plays the BikeryPatrick Harison, who in 2006 was the first accordionist to win a McKnight Fellowship for performing musicians, brings his talents to the Bikery, where he will play an eclectic mix of jazz, folk and classical selections from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday. Harison, a Minneapolis resident, has performed with local ensembles, including the Parisota Hot Club, the Thomson Quartet, Patty and the Buttons and Eisner's Klezmorim. The Bikery is at 904 S. 4th St., Stillwater.

Skiing and hiking under the lightsIn honor of the Winter Solstice, which takes place at 5:38 p.m. Dec. 21, the Washington County Parks is hosting a Solstice Ski and Hike Night from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday.

More than 200 torches will illuminate cross-country ski and walking trails at the Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Av. N. Other festivities include stargazing with telescopes, campfires and warm beverages. Santa will visit with kids from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The event is free, but a valid Washington County Parks vehicle permit is required and a current Minnesota Ski Pass is necessary to ski on the groomed trails. Call 651-430-8368.