Admittedly, the snow threw off our minds' dash into spring, but did you really think we were going to get off that easy? Not to be deterred, our pursuit of spring continues. Remember to mark the change by "springing ahead" Saturday night and adjusting your clocks for daylight savings time (yep, this is the one when we lose an hour of sleep). There's lots going on in Lansdowne so ignore the snow and come on out, since at least one of these events is going to be just right for you. Bring a friend, spread the word: Lansdowne is beginning its spring bloom!

Scapism
Lansdowne's Rick Prigg is painter of scapes. No, they're not distant relatives of the elusive snipe, but rather scenes, as in landscape, seascape, or skyscape. Rick's pieces add a spot of calm beauty to any room, and his ocean paintings in particular inspire reflection, conveying a similar hypnotizing effect as staring into the sea, watching the waves come and go. Meet Rick and see his newest works at his Recent Paintings Show, Saturday 4:00 to 8:00 pm (reception) and Sunday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, at 16 S. Lansdowne Avenue (the storefront previously occupied by Kathy's Korner, beside the old Regency space). If you follow the link above and see a painting you're interested in, send him a note so he can be sure to bring it for closer inspection.

Screwballs
We knew that would get your attention! Celebration Theater presents Lend Me a Tenor, Ked Ludwig's musical comedy, March 13 to 28 at the Twentieth Century Club, 84 South Lansdowne Ave). A homage to the screwball comedies of the 1930s, complete with mistaken identity, plot twists, double entendres, and plenty of door slamming, the play has both evening and matinee performances. Tickets are $15.00 ($12.00 for students and seniors) and can be purchased at the door or here.

Kazooey
Kazoos don't get the respect they deserve. Any musical instrument that a person can play at first try should have a much higher status. The Lansdowne Public Library aims to correct that underappreciation with its first annual Kazoo-fest, Wednesday, March 18, at 6:30 pm. All ages are welcome to come learn about the history of the kazoo and play along to familiar tunes. Just pucker up and blow, er, hum! (If you can't find that kazoo we're sure you have somewhere, Todaro's Music at 21 N. Lansdowne Avenue has a bunch that are just a couple bucks each.)

Arts to Look Forward To
Arts and crafts to benefit a school -- what could be better? Come and support the arts at the St Philomena's School Craft Show, Saturday, March 21, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in Marian Hall (St Philomena's Gymnasium) on Wycombe Avenue. The arts and crafts for sale include jewelry, ceramics, photography, and many others, plus there will be student artists, food, face painters, flowers for sale, and so forth. Admission is free.

It's never too early to think about (and sign up for!) Lansdowne's next art event. Applications are now being accepted for the 2nd Annual Lansdowne Arts and Crafts Show. This event, to be held on May 2 (raindate May 3) in the Municipal Parking lot, will run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Sponsored by the Lansdowne Economic Development Corporation, the Show will feature the talents of local artists and crafters. To download the application, go to www.LansdownesFuture.org/lasc. Deadline is April 1, 2009.

Coming Soon? A Theater Near You
Want to know when Cinema 16:9 is opening? Us too. Keep an eye out here and you may know before we do. You'll clue us in if that happens, right?

In addition to the wonderful goings-on listed in the column at left, don't miss these upcoming events:

Nate Graham & Dave Applegate at Regency Cafe
Acoustic/indie/folk music
Friday, March 6, 8:00 pm; BYOB; Free
29 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne; 484-461-9002

Tim Harakal at Regency Cafe
Acoustic/pop/folk music
Friday, March 13, 8:00 pm; BYOB; Free
29 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne; 484-461-9002

Craft Show to benefit St Philomena's School
Saturday, March 21, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; Free
Marian Hall, 24 N. Wycombe Avenue, Lansdowne

Lansdowne Symphony Orchestra: Vernal Equinox Concert
Sunday, March 22, 3:00 pm; $5 to $15
Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, Upper Darby High School

St Cyril Parish and School 80th Anniversary Reunion and Class Reunion
All proceeds benefit St. Cyril School Students
Saturday, March 28, 7:00 to 11:00 pm; $35.00 per person (includes buffet, beer, soda, DJ entertainment)
St. Cyril's Social Hall; 716 Emerson Avenue, East Lansdowne; 610-284-5984

Fundraiser to benefit the Union AA's July 4th Celebration
Saturday, April 25; $25 per person (includes food, wine, beer, music by Joe Stevenson Trio)
Twentieth Century Club, 84 S. Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne; mariecamp13@hotmail.com, 610-259-0543

Lansdowne Sofa Cinema: Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story
See www.LansdowneSofaCinema.com for more details

Do you have an event to announce?
Send your upcoming events to events@lansdownesfuture.org to have them included in this space!

View the complete listing of local events

Join the Celebration!
Celebration Theater needs help to continue producing quality theatrical performances in Lansdowne and is looking for some good volunteers. Do you have experience or are you interested in public relations, grant writing, publicity, marketing, event coordination, producing, directing, acting, choreography, vocal or instrumental music, lighting, sound, set design or construction, stage crew, stage management, costumes, props, box office, usher, café, graphic art, or computer technology? Even if you have no theater experience or very little time to give, they'd love to hear from you. Celebration Theater is a friendly group of volunteers; get to know them. Call 610-622-0234 and someone will return your call promptly.

Facade Grants: Grants are available to business owners in the central business district for facade improvement. This program can provide up to a 50% match for qualified businesses. For more information please contact Michael Grant by calling 610-745-4013 or sending an email to mainstreet@LansdownesFuture.org.

Volunteer: Yet another way to make Lansdowne a great town . . . volunteer for the LEDC. We have spots open in Facade Design, Organization, Promotions, and Economic Restructuring. To volunteer, please send an email to volunteer@LansdownesFuture.org.