By Catharine Hadley, Arts and Entertainment Editor, catharinehadley@gmail.com

The theme of this column is "trying new things." I'm happy to be starting this new project of writing the entertainment column for Leisure Living Magazine! I've done all I could to make the entertainment listing complete and varied, so there should be something for everyone. Although I've done my best to make sure all the information is accurate, please go online or call ahead to confirm your plans.

Any suggestions and details of your upcoming events can be sent to me at catharinehadley@gmail.com.

April

14 - Induction Ceremony, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland

14 - Gary Hannan and Julianne Ankley, The Listening Room, Port Clinton

15 - Whiskey Light Celebration, Put-in-Bay

19 - Homecoming, presented by Celtic Woman, KeyBank State Theatre, Playhouse Square, Cleveland

21 - Pianist Sergei Babayan and the Firelands Symphony Orchestra Chorale, presented by Firelands Symphony Orchestra, Sandusky State Theatre

21 - Bio Blitz for Earth Day, Kelleys Island Brewery

21 - The Everly Brothers Experience featuring the Zmed Brothers, Lorain Palace Theater

21 - Who's Live Anyway?, Stranahan Theater, Toledo

22 - Earth Day Extravaganza, Osborn MetroPark, Sandusky

22 - Young artists from the Cleveland Institute of Music - a trio of trios; piano, cello, and violin, presented by Port Clinton Musical Arts series, Firelands Presbyterian Church

24-26 - The Illusionists, Live from Broadway, Stranahan Theater, Toledo

28 - Sandusky Bicentennial Ball, Cedar Point Ballroom, tickets at Sandusky State Theatre

Every attempt is made to provide accurate information, however,
we encourage you to double check the details of these events!

Prelude To Spring

With longer days and warmer weather on the way, most of us have an appetite for spring - and all the delights the earth has to offer.

Two Erie County businesses, the Culinary Vegetable Institute and Mulberry Creek Herb Farm, are ready to help you indulge your senses and enjoy the season.

Marcy Barker, the director of the CVI, said the institute usually offers seven "vegetable showcases" and quarterly farm-to-table dinners throughout the year. Diners should be prepared to see old familiar favorites in new and different ways. "When we interpret a vegetable, we look at every part of the plant, in every part of its life," she said. "It's always an adventure."

While protein is part of the meal, the vegetables are featured. "It's the vegetable that kind of drives the dish, that drives the creative process," Barker said. "It's truly a celebration of that moment in time. It's really driven by what's picked in the garden that day that dictates the end result on the plate."

The meals are prepared by both local chefs, and nationally-known and award-winning chefs.

Potatoes will be featured in the March 16 showcase, and spring vegetables will be featured in the April 13 showcase.

At the Mulberry Creek Herb Farm, refreshments will be part of the grand re-opening the first weekend in April. Karen Langan is the co-owner of the herb farm, along with her husband Mark. The focus of that event will be the new greenhouses, which were renovated last autumn.

"Fairy refreshments" will also be part of the Springtime Fairy Fest, which is scheduled for April 21 and 22. Although it will be too early to plant outside, the visitors will be able to explore the magic of miniature gardens.

Mulberry Creek Herb Farm hosts several events throughout the season, including a garlic festival, catered dinners, and a Christmas open house. "When we have these events, we usually have food, classes, and vendors of various numbers," Langan said.

The largest is the June Herb Festival. "This year the theme is Party in the Garden." Visitors will find about 50 vendors, plus be able to learn about cooking and entertaining with herbs - "all the way to herbal hangover remedies."

Check the CVI and the Mulberry Creek Herb Farm websites for more information about coming events.

updated 04.09.18 CAE