Arts briefs: 'Winter Hearty' food party at Arboretum

'Winter Hearty' food party at ArboretumCold weather comfort foods will be on the menu Jan. 29 when the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum throws a "Winter Hearty Party."

The event, scheduled for 2 to 5 p.m. at the visitor center, will feature tastings from local restaurants ranging from the Country Cake Cupboard and Cafe to Famous Dave's, plus beers and wines. There will also be live polka music.

Cost is $40. Go to www. arboretum.umn.edu/winter heartyfood.aspx to make reservations, or call 612-625-9875.

Children's book illustrators exhibitThe Children's Book Illustrators Guild of Minnesota will exhibit original children's book art through February at the Pierre Bottineau Library, 55 Broadway St. NE. in Minneapolis.

The exhibit can be viewed during regular library hours: noon-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The library is closed on Sunday and Monday.

Guild members also will read from books featuring their work from 10:30 a.m.-noon Feb. 18.

For more information, go to www.hclib.org or www.child rens-illustrators.com.

The Stages Theatre musical, adapted by playwright Jennifer Kirkeby with music by Shirley Mier, features six actresses portraying different mama llamas and six young actors portraying their baby llamas.

"Each of the baby llamas has their own bedtime rituals. The audience will instantly relate to the common issue of trying to get their children to go to bed," Kirkeby says.

Tickets are available at www.stagestheatre.org or by calling 952-979-1111. They are $15 for adults, $12 for children age 5-17, and $12 for seniors. Lap passes also are available.

Armstrong band wins at Outback BowlThe Robbinsdale Armstrong Marching Band took its show on the road over the holiday break and came back with honors.

The band won first place among marching bands in the large-school category as well as the Grand Champion Trophy at the Outback Bowl Parade in Tampa, Fla. The Armstrong color guard also won the award for outstanding auxiliary. Eight other bands from around the country competed in the evening parade.