OUT & ABOUT For April 1

Events

Sococulture: For information about cultural events throughout South King County, visit www.sococulture.org.

Avner the Eccentric—“Exceptions to Gravity”: 2 p.m. April 4. Physical comedian, ventriloquist and actor Avner to entertain as part of the Kent Spotlight Series. Cost: $12-$15. Kent-Meridian High School Performing Arts Center, 10020 S.E. 256th St., Kent. 253-856-5051 or www.kentarts.com.

Free Easter Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. April 11. Ages: 0 through 5th grade. Thousands of stuffed eggs, refreshments, games, crafts, prizes and face painting. Grace Lutheran Church 22975 24th Ave. S., Des Moines. 206-878-2460 or www.gotograce.com.

Puyallup Spring Fair: April 16-19. Features more than 300 exhibits, plus rides, food, animal shows and a garden show. Admission: $7-$8; free for ages 5 and younger. 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup. 253-841-5045 or www.thefair.com.

Monster Energy Supercross: 7:00 p.m. April 18. Featuring Top Supercross riders in the world. Family section available for an alcohol-free family atmosphere. Admission: $10-$45. Free Pit Passes available at Renton Motorcycles Kawasaki now through April 17. Qwest Field, Seattle. 206-628-0888 or www.supercrossonline.com.

Auditions

“The All Night Strut” auditions: 7-10 p.m. April 2. Open auditions for 3 women and 3 men. Diverse cast, people of various ethnicities encouraged to audition. Auditions are free. Call 425-226-5529 for details. Renton Civic Theater, 507 Third St., Renton. www.rentoncivictheater.org.

Storm Dance Troupe: April 14, 16 and 18.Children ages 5-15 with dance experience are invited to try out for the 2009 Storm Dance Troupe. Co-ed auditions are free ,but dancers must attend all three dyas. The selected 2009 Dance Troupe members will perform during all Storm home games at the Key Arena this summer. For more information or to register, visit storm.wnba.com.

ArtRageous: Seeking artists for participation in Auburn’s ArtRageous, a one day event on Saturday, July 25. Features special guest speaker, door prizes, healing therapists, readers, metaphysical projects, and arts and crafts from around the world. Cost: Free. Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. bepcexpo@yahoo.com or www.bepcweb.org.

Music

Kent Country-Grass Jamboree: Noon-6:30 p.m. the third Saturday of the month through May. Open to musicians in bluegrass, country, folk, and gospel music. Includes concerts and jam sessions. Food and snacks available for purchase. Cost: Free. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. 253-856-5150 or 253-951-2949.

West Hill Band Festival: 7 p.m. April 2. Concert features band students from Bryn Mawr, Campbell Hill, Lakeridge, Talbot Hill, Dimmitt and Renton High. Call for cost, details. IKEA Performing Arts Center, 400 S. Second St., Renton. 425-204-3460.

Gaelic Storm: 7:30 p.m. April 17. Celtic/world music group to perform. Cost: $15-$17. Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov/arts.

Rainier Symphony: 7:30 p.m. April 18. Classical concert features concertmaster Ilkka Talvi and guest conductor Darko Butorac. Call for cost. IKEA Performing Arts Center, 400 S. Second St., Renton. 206-781-5618 or tickets@RainierSymphony.org.

Total Experience Gospel Choir: 7 p.m. April 19. Free concert. Kennydale United Methodist Church, 3005 Park Ave. N., Renton. 425-255-4127.

Waterland Music Series—The Main Attraction: 7 p.m. April 21. A cappella vocal group to perform. Series is sponsored by the Des Moines Arts Commission. Cost: $5-$15. Highline Community College Performing Arts Center, 2400 S. 240th St. 206-870-6582.

George Winston: 7:30 p.m. April 22. Pianist Winston to perform as part of the Kent Spotlight Series. Cost: $20-$26. Kentwood High School Performing Arts Center, 25800 164th Ave. S.E., Covington. 253-856-5051 or www.kentarts.com.

Northwest Sound Men’s Chorus—”Hearts Full of Spring”: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. May 30. Annual spring show with special guests, ‘The Coats’. Cost: $10-$22. Renton Ikea Performing Arts Center, 400 S. 2nd St. Renton. www.brownpapertickets.com.

Theater

Evergreen City Ballet—“Cinderella”: 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. April 4; 1:30 p.m. April 5. Ballet to perform the story of Cinderella. Cost: $18-$38. IKEA Performing Arts Center, 400 S. Second St., Renton. 425-228-6800.

“Proof”: April 10-25. Winner of 2001 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for best play. Combines elements of mystery, surprise with old fashioned storytelling. Call for costs and times. Renton Civic Theater, 507 South 3rd St., Renton. 425-226-5529 or www.rentoncivictheater.org.

“The Ugly Duckling”: April 19-27. A classic lovestory filled with comedy. Directed by Lee Paasch. Call for costs and times. Renton Civic Theater, 507 South 3rd St., Renton. 425-226-5529 or www.rentoncivictheater.org.

Thistle Puppet Theater’s “Aesop Fables”: 2 p.m. April 25. Presented as part of the Avenue Kids Series. Cost: $6. Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov/arts.

Nightlife

Baker Street Books: 7-10 p.m. various Fridays and Saturdays, live jazz. Baker Street Books, 32709 Railroad Ave., Black Diamond. 360-886-2131.

Cascade Lanes, Lounge and Casino: Performers: March 28, Trix. No cover. 17034 116th Ave. S.E., Renton. 425-226-2035.

Cutters Point Coffee: Live music various evenings. Times are 6:30 p.m. unless noted. Cost: Free; tips appreciated. 16739 S.E. 272nd St., Covington. 253-639-3458.

DC’s Bar and Grill: Ongoing: 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Triviality Tuesdays. 907 S. Third St., Renton. 425-255-2511 or www.dcsbarandgrill.com.

Firecreek Grill and Raw Bar: 9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, live music; 8 p.m. Mondays, open mic for all ages. No cover. 2019 W. Meeker St., Kent. 253-856-5170.

Gonzo’s Bar and Grill: Ongoing: 9 p.m. Wednesdays, karaoke. Open to ages 21 and older. 15423 S.E. 272nd St., Suite 101, Kent. www.gonzosbarandgrill.com.

Interchange Bar & Grill: 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, karaoke. Open to ages 21 and older. 8429 S. 228th St., Kent. 253-854-5650 or www.interchangebar-grill.com.

Jack’s Pub and Grill: 8:30 p.m.-midnight. Karaoke every Thursday; Fridays-Saturdays, live music. 3901 N.E. Fourth St., Renton. 425-271-8851.

Kona Kai Coffee Company: Performances are 7-10 p.m. unless noted. 124 Fourth Ave. S., Kent. 206-931-6111 or www.konakaicoffee.net.

Pat’s Bar and Grill: All performances 8 p.m.-midnight unless otherwise noted. 114 Railroad Ave. N., Kent. 253-852-7287 or www.patsbar.com.

The Royal Bear Pub and Eatery: Performers: April 10-11, Black Dog. 35731 W. Valley Highway, Algona. 253-833-6686.

Comedy

Avner the Eccentric—“Exceptions to Gravity”: 2 p.m. April 4. Physical comedian, ventriloquist and actor Avner to entertain as part of the Kent Spotlight Series. Cost: $12-$15. Kent-Meridian High School Performing Arts Center, 10020 S.E. 256th St., Kent. 253-856-5051 or www.kentarts.com.

Dance

Pi-R Squares Square Dance Club: 7:30-10:30 p.m. the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. March 28, 59th Anniversary Dance – Spring Fling. Round dance workshop, 7:30-8 p.m.; dancing, 8-10:30 p.m. Kent-Meridian Grange, 15422 S.E. 272nd St., Kent. fun-squaredancing@pi-r-squares.org or www.pi-r-squares.org.

Square Dance workshops: Mainstream workshops offered Wednesdays. Sponsored by Phils and Phillies. Meridian Grange, 15422 Kent-Kangley Road, Kent. 253-804-3244 or 425-226-0311.

Ongoing dance:

Ballroom dance: 2-4 p.m. the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Federal Way Senior Center, 4016 S. 352nd St., Auburn. 253-874-4270.

Boots & Laces Square Dance classes: 6-8 p.m. Sundays. Timberlane Community Center, 29300 S.E. 267th St., Covington. 253-939-9120, 425-255-5894 or www.bootsandlaces.org.

Creative Dance Movement: 10 a.m. Mondays and 11 a.m. Tuesdays. Dance movement class for ages 3-5. Ballet classes for older children available 4-5 p.m and 5-6 p.m. Tuesdays. Cost: $25 per month. Black Diamond Gym, 25511 Lawson St. 360-886-1011.

Tuesday Evening Dances: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Features music by Kings of Swing big band, Randy Litch, and Charlie and Evan Brown. Open to all ages. Cost: $4. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-856-5164.

Phils and Phillies Square Dance: 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Fridays of the month. Mainstream-level square dancing. Rounds, 7:30 p.m.; square dance, 8 p.m. Meridian Grange, 15422 S.E. 272nd St., Kent. 425-226-0311.

Renton Chinese Dance School: Group or individual lessons offered in Chinese dances and ballet. Call or e-mail for details. 425-638-3812 or mwoodtt@comcast.net.

Ring ’N Swing Square Dance: 1:15-3:15 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: $3. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-856-5164.

Solo Squares Square Dance and Round Dance Club: 7-9 p.m. the first and third Sundays of the month. Workshop offered at 6:30 p.m. Cedar Grange, 22531 S.E. 218th St., Maple Valley. 206-525-2189 or solosquares@hotmail.com.

Square Dance lessons: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Beginning lessons. Swing and ballroom also available. Cost: Free for first three lessons. Meridian Grange, 15422 Kent-Kangley Road, Kent. 253-735-3163, mehlhomes@aol.com or www.wagonwheelssquaredance.org.

Kent Tuesday Afternoon Dances: 1:15-2:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Free dances feature a variety of music styles with musicians Richard Dean, Randy Litch, and Evan and Charlie Brown. Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-856-5164.

Renton Thursday Afternoon Dances: 1-3 p.m. Thursdays. Free dances for seniors, with music provided by Bill Bennett. Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N., Renton. 425-430-6729.

Readings

Open mic nights: 7 p.m. the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Poetry, music, spoken word, comedy and magic are welcome. Sign-ins at 6:30 p.m. Maple Valley Creative Arts Center, 23220 Maple-Valley Highway S.E., Suite 15. www.maplevalleyarts.com.

Museums

Black Diamond Historical Society Museum: Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays; noon-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 32627 Railroad Ave., Black Diamond. 360-886-2142, museum@blackdiamondmuseum.org or www.blackdiamondmuseum.org.

Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum: Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for students and seniors; free for ages 4 and younger. 5917 S. 196th St., Kent. 206-764-9453.

Kent Historical Society Museum: Exhibits: Through April 30, Thunderbird History Exhibit. Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays. Admission: $1. Bereiter House, 855 E. Smith St., Kent. 253-854-4330 or www.kenthistoricalmuseum.org.

Renton History Museum: Free tours: 11 a.m. the third Saturday of the month. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Closed on holidays. Admission: $3 for adults; $1 for children; free for ages 7 and younger and members. 235 Mill Ave. S. 425-255-2330 or www.rentonhistory.org.

White River Valley Museum: Exhibits: Through April 12, “Ilalko, Then Slaughter, Now Auburn: Historic Photographs of Place by Auburn Pioneer Arthur Ballard.” Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. Admission: $1-$2; free on Wednesdays. 918 H St. S.E., Auburn. 253-288-7433 or www.wrvmuseum.org.

Galleries

Auburn City Hall Gallery: Exhibits: Through March 31, acrylics/mixed media artwork by Michelle Knowlen, and encaustic artwork by Tia Matthies; April 1-30, artwork by Billie Andrew and Sharon Carr. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Admission: Free. Auburn City Hall, 25 W. Main St. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov.

Carco Theatre Lobby Gallery: Exhibit: Through March 28, original mixed media artwork by Daniel Wend. 1717 Maple Valley Highway. 425-430-6589 or www.artscommission.rentonwa.gov.

Cheryl Sallee Gallery: Exhibits: Through April 24, photography by Mike Dilbeck. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Admission: Free. Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. S.E. 253-931-5043 or www.auburnwa.gov/arts.

Highline Community College Library Gallery: Exhibits: Through March 31, “Paintings of Joyce Roberts.” Admission: Free. Call for hours. 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines. http://flightline.highline.edu/exhibits.

Kent Centennial Center Gallery: Exhibits: April 2-May 28, “paired-parings of time” by Kim Kopp. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. 400 W. Gowe St., Kent. 253-856-5050, www.ci.kent.wa.us/arts.

Kent Summer Art Exhibit: Exhibits: June 4-August 28; Prints, photographs, paintings and works on paper are on display. This annual exhibit accomodates over 40 regional artists. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. 400 W. Gowe St., Kent. 253-856-5050, www.ci.kent.wa.us/arts.

Maple Valley Creative Arts Center: 7-9 p.m. the second Friday of the month, gallery show. 23220 Maple-Valley Highway S.E., Suite 15.

Tacoma Events

The Circus Starring Britney Spears: 10 a.m. April 9. Cost: $35-$96. Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. D St. www.britneyspears.com.

Seattle Events

“When the Messenger Is Hot”: March 13-April 11. Play presents an ensemble portrayal of a single woman’s inner life. Call for cost. Theater Schmeater, 1500 Summit Ave., Seattle. 206-324-5801 or www.brownpapertickets.com.

“A Tale of Two Cities”: March 20-April 12. Recommended for ages 11 and older. Cost: $13-$33. Seattle Children’s Theatre’s Charlotte Martin Theatre, 201 Thomas St., Seattle. 206-441-3322 or www.sct.org.

“Tuesdays with Morrie”: March 27-April 25. Presented by Taproot Theatre Company. Call for cost. Taproot Theatre, 204 N. 85th St., Seattle. 206-781-9707 or 206-292-2787.

UW World Series­—Grupo Corpo: 8 p.m. April 2-4. Presented as part of the World Dance Series. Cost: $42. Meany Hall at the University of Washington, 4001 University Way N.E., Seattle. 206-543-4880 or www.uwworldseries.org.

Seattle Symphony—Brahms’ Violin Concerto: April 2, 4-5. Cost: $17-$102. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle. 206-215-4747 or www.seattlesymphony.org.

“Ten Grands”: 7 p.m. April 3. Second annual musical extravaganza features 10 grand pianos and 10 concert pianists. Proceeds benefit The Snowman Foundation, which funds music education for youth throughout Washington and Oregon. Cost: $40-$120. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle. 206-292-2787 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson: 8 p.m. April 3. Cost: $45-$65. The Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.stgpresents.org.

India.Arie: 8 p.m. April 4. Cost: $29.50-$59.50. The Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.stgpresents.org.

Travis: 8:30 p.m. April 5. Cost: $25-$28. Showbox at the Market, 1426 First Ave., Seattle. 206-628-0888 or www.ticketmaster.com.

The Roots: 8 p.m. April 9. Cost: $35. The Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.stgpresents.org.

“Goodnight Moon”: April 10-June 14. Play follows Little Bunny’s imagination as he prepares for bedtime. Recommended for ages 4 and older. Cost: $17-$34. Seattle Children’s Theatre, 201 Thomas St., Seattle. 206-441-3322 or www.sct.org.

The Ventures and The Fabulous Wailers: 8 p.m. April 10. Cost: $29.50-$100. The Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.stgpresents.org.

“The Ultimate Doo Wop Show”: 8 p.m. April 11. Cost: $45-$65. The Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.STGPresents.org.

UW World Series­—Claremont Trio: 8 p.m. April 14. Part of the International Chamber Music Series. Cost: $33. Meany Hall at the University of Washington, 4001 University Way N.E., Seattle. 206-543-4880 or www.uwworldseries.org.

“The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears”: April 14-May 9. Presented by Book-It Repertory Theatre. Call for cost. Center House Theatre, 305 Harrison St., Seattle. 206-216-0833 or www.book-it.org.

Paul Weller: 7:30 p.m. April 15. Weller to perform with special guest Alberta Cross. Cost: $43. The Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.stgpresents.org.

“Gutenberg! The Musical!”: April 15-May 17. Spoof depicts two aspiring playwrights performing a backers’ audition of their new project: a musical about the inventor of the printing press. Call for cost. ArtsWest Playhouse, 4711 California Ave. S.W., Seattle. 206-938-0339 or www.artswest.org.

Seattle Symphony—“The Miraculous Mandarin”: 7:30 p.m. April 16; 8 p.m. April 18. Cost: $17-$97. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle. 206-215-4747 or www.seattlesymphony.org.

“Kungfu Theatre—Tales from the Beijing Opera”: 7:30 p.m. April 17. Cost: $22-$28. The Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.stgpresents.org.

Yonder Mountain String Band: 9 p.m. April 18. Cost: $22.50-$25. Showbox at the Market, 1426 First Ave., Seattle. 206-628-0888 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Seattle Baroque Orchestra—“Back to Bach”: April 18-19. Call for cost. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle. 206-322-3118 or www.seattlebaroque.org.

Earth Day Celebration—Migratory Bird Weekend: April 18-19. Celebrate Earth Day by learning about birds that travel thousands of miles across the Earth each year. Cost: $10.50-$16. Seattle Aquarium, 206-386-4300 or www.seattleaquarium.org.

Ingrid Matthews—Baroque Violin: 1 p.m. April 19. Baroque violinist Matthews to perform in Early Music Guild Discovery Concert series. Cost: $5-$10. Downstairs at Town Hall Seattle, 1119 Eighth Ave. 206-325-7066 or www.earlymusicguild.org.

“Lullaby of Broadway”: 8 p.m. April 10; 2 p.m. April 11. Seattle Women’s Chorus to perform tribute to Broadway’s leading ladies. Call for cost. Meany Hall at the University of Washington, 4001 University Way N.E., Seattle. 206-388-1400 or www.flyinghouse.org.

Thievery Corporation: 8 p.m. April 21. Cost: $35. The Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.stgpresents.org.

“Sunday in the Park with George”: April 21-May 10. The 5th Avenue Theatre, 1308 Fifth Ave., Seattle. 206-625-1900 or www.5thavenue.org.

Cold War Kids: 9 p.m. April 22. Cost: $20. Showbox at the Market, 1426 First Ave., Seattle. 206-628-0888 or www.ticketmaster.com.

UW World Series­—Ballet Preljocaj: 8 p.m. April 23-25. Part of the World Dance Series. Cost: $42. Meany Hall at the University of Washington, 4001 University Way N.E., Seattle. 206-543-4880 or www.uwworldseries.org.

Seattle Symphony—“An Evening of Schubert and Liszt”: 7:30 p.m. April 23; 8 p.m. April 25; 2 p.m. April 26. Cost: $17-$97. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle. 206-215-4747 or www.seattlesymphony.org.

“The Jungle Books”: 11 a.m. April 25. Presented by Book-It Repertory Theatre. Cost: $10-$12. Center House Theatre, 305 Harrison St., Seattle. 206-216-0833 or www.book-it.org.

Ensemble Caprice—“La Follia and the Gypsies”: 8 p.m. April 25. Ensemble to perform as part of Early Music Guild’s International Series. Cost: $20-$38. Town Hall Seattle, 1119 Eighth Ave. 206-325-7066 or www.earlymusicguild.org.

David Burgess: 7:30 p.m. April 25. Presented by Seattle Classic Guitar Society. Cost: $24-$30. Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle. 206-297-8788.

Spectrum Dance Theater’s Icono-Clan: 8 p.m. April 25; 5 p.m. April 26. Not recommended for children. Cost: $15-$29.50. The Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.stgpresents.org.

Walking with Dinosaurs­­—The Arena Spectacular: April 29-May 3. KeyArena, 305 Harrison St., Seattle. 206-628-0888 or www.stgpresents.org.

Flight of the Conchords: 7:30 p.m. May 11-13. Cost: $35.50. The Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle. 877-784-4849 or www.stgpresents.org.