THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Thursday Has Never Been So Sexy

Flashback Thursdays & Thursday Thrust @ Tradewinds II, 117 E Chestnut St, 614.461.4110, www.tradewindsii.com: Classic ‘80s dance music with DJ Shaun will be spinning tonight. Grab buck-a-beer domestics and $2 domestic bottles for happy hour. The fun starts at 10p and there are $3 Long Islands all day. Things only heat up at midnight with hot strippers; No cover—and that’s not just in reference to the strippers.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26

The Word “Ultimate” Has Been Used

Gypsy @ Axis, 775 N High St, 614.291.4008, columbusnightlife.com: Take a trip into the burlesque with Rose, June and Louise during the 1920s. Gypsy is “the ultimate story” of an aggressive stage mom, and with music by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim, this performance will pull you in to the scary side of showbiz. Feb 26-March 7; 8p, Sun 4p; $15; tickets through www.backstageinvestmentgroup.com.

Take Center Stage

2010 CATCA Gala @ Verne Riffe Center’s Capitol Theatre, 77 S High St, 614.469.1045: It’s possible to have fun on a Friday night without strippers. Come to the Riffe Center for a silent and live auction, a catered dinner on the stage and a unique radio drama with mystery guests. CATCO will be honoring William B. Conner tonight, too—who will be making the drunken toast? Feb 26; 6p; $175; to make a reservation, contact Carl McCoy at cmccoy@capa.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27

You Know What They Say About a Couple That Dances Together

Ailey II @ Capitol Theatre, 77 S High St, 614.460.7211, www.capa.com: It looks like the best of the best will be here tonight! These talented young dancers choreographed under the vision of today’s biggest talents and bringing their passion and energy to our stage. Ailey II mixes the classic and the modern into a timeless performance that’ll leave you feeling like you just did the splits. Feb 27; 8p; $20-$35; tickets available through www.capa.com.

Dance, Dance

Dance with the Dancers Tour @ The Lifestyle Communities Pavilion, 405 Neil Ave, 614.461.LIVE (5483), www.promowestlive.com: Rock with BalletMet Columbus’s dance stars and embrace your inner rockstar at the 6th annual Dance with the Dancers Tour. In addition to food, drinks and dancing, the event features silent and live auctions. Feb 27; 7-11p; $150 at www.balletmet.org.

Yes, You Can Touch

Touchy Feely @ The Ohio Art League Gallery, South Campus Gateway, 1552 N High St, www.thecouchfire.org: Check out this hands-on exhibit which encourages you to interact with the art. Go ahead and pick it up, feel it up - basically what you’d do at the club minus take it home. It’s bound to be a good time for you...and for the art. Feb 27; 6-10p.

Bowl Me Over

Bowling Night @ 5499 Constitution Boulevard, Hilliard, 614.737.3409, www.dimensionalentertainment.com: This is some high-class bowling - comfy couches, flat-panel TVs, bruschetta and fish taco? Um, save me a lane! Admission gets you two hours of unlimited bowling on the two reserved lanes and shoe rental is included. See the website for more details. Feb 27; 7p; $19 members, $25 nonmembers.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28

For the Kids, Because You’re Probably Sick of this Month

We Can Dance @ Capitol Theatre, 77 S High St, 614.460.7211, www.capa.com: It’s the last day of the month—thank God—so make it a day for the kids. Head down to Capitol Theatre to tap your toes and move around to dances like the Tango, Ballet, the Ballroom Dance and every kid’s favorite, the Cha-Cha (cha cha cha!). Stop by early for crafts and an “instrument petting zoo,” which probably isn’t as dirty as it sounds. Feb 28; 3p; $11.50; tickets available through www.columbussymphony.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 1

What’s That Dangling Between Your Legs?

The Ones with the Waggly Tails @ Studios on High, 686 N High Street, 614.461.6487, www.studiosonhigh.com: Pastel portrait artist Sandy Reddig and stoneware sculptor, Judy Hoberg, offer a delightful and whimsical look at beloved animals and wildlife!  Join in celebrating the joy-filled gift of animals & pets. March 1-31; Mon-Sat 12-6p, Sun 1-6p.

TUESDAY, MARCH 2

Because You Like It Hard

Hard Targets @ Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St, 614.292.3535, wexarts.org: Be sure to check out this multimedia exhibition at The Wex featuring provocative masculinity- and sports-themed artworks. See more than 70 works produced over the last 25 years by 20+ artists. It’s a perfect match to your copy of this month’s sports issue of outlook! A free panel discussion, Spectator/Sport: Athletics, Art, and Masculinity, will be held today at 7p, so it’s a great opportunity to check out the sights. Panel March 2 at 7p; exhibition runs Jan 30-April 11; see website for details.

Get Connected

How to get the most from your business card @ Champps Lennox, 1827 Olentangy River Rd, www.cypclub.com: Get your networking on, and bring a stack of business cards! Join speaker Barbara Wayman, a public relations veteran, for a morning of getting-to-know, business and career advice and more. The event includes breakfast bagels, pastries and coffee! March 2; 7:30-9a, $5, please RSVP.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3

THURSDAY, MARCH 4

Get Stuck for an Evening

Tracks in the Snow by Neil McGowan @ Club Diversity, 863 S High St, 614.495.7946, info@raconteurtheatre.com: Tracks in the Snow is about what happens when a snow storm strands Chase (Andrew Goodwin) with his family and their problems—including those he creates for them. We all love family drama, especially when we’re not in the middle of it. How will misplaced dreams and misunderstood affections play out for Chase? March 4-20; shows Thurs-Sat 7:30p; $15 adults, $10 students/seniors available at www.raconteurtheatre.com.

Bottoms Up!

Historic Tavern Tour @ The Jury Room, 22 E Mound St, 614.221.4508: Join Columbus Landmarks on a tour of three historic downtown taverns. The journey begins at The Jury Room, from which participants will be shuttled by bus to Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus, and then on to the last stop, Ringside Café. On-street parking is available! March 4; 6-8:30p; $15, advanced purchase required.

It’ll Dance Its Way Into Your Heart

Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks @ Emerald City Players, 6799 Dublin Center Dr, 614.210.1111, www.emeraldcityplayers.com: The second show in Emerald City Players’ 10th Anniversary Season, this show’s quite the heartstring tugger. This touching and funny show revolves around a “formidable retired woman,” Lily Harrison, who hires an acerbic dance instructor to give her lessons. What starts as dancing turns into an intimate bond where secrets are shared and boundaries and flattened. It might even inspire you to take a few dance lessons! March 4-14; 8p; $12 adults, $10 students and seniors; see website for details.

Get “Out” To The Wex

Out@Wex Film Festival @ Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St, 614.292.3535, wexarts.org: The fourth annual Out@Wex Film Festival kicks off today to showcase the latest in queer media. Don’t miss the first film of the festival, Eyes Wide Open (Haim Tabakman, 2009), about a young married butcher whose world turns on its head when he finds himself attracted to a young male hottie. March 4; 7-8:30p; $7 public, $5 members, students and seniors; visit the website for further details.

FRIDAY, MARCH 5

Get Your Dose of Sports with Some Art

Arnold Sports Festival @ Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N High St, 614.827.2500, www.columbusconventions.com: With more than 44 events and 18,000 athletes, the Arnold Sports Festival is a mini-Olympics right here in Columbus. At Art at the Arnold, artists compete in drawing and painting athletes in this three-day contest. The best way to get your sports fix with your art fix this weekend. March 5 - 7; full information at www.arnoldsportsfestival.com.

Rollin’ Out The Red Carpet

Vox on the Red Carpet @ Van Fleet Theatre, Columbus Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin Ave, 614.228.CGMC, www.cgmc.com: Come check out the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus in their 5th annual Vox concert, Vox on the Red Carpet. With only 200 people in the audience, this performance is not only fun and energetic but intimate, too. The Chorus always sounds great, now come see them have fun doing it! March 5-6, 8p; $20 call or go online.

Become One With Nature

Nature Noir @ Mahan Gallery, 1042 N High St, 614.294.3278, www.mahangallery.com: Artists Bethany Davis, Lacey Hedtke and Jen Mann exhibit their works of nature, spiritualism, sorcery, noir and the embracement of the fruition of creating art. The gallery is open Tuesday - Sunday from 11a-6p, so come check it out! March 5; 11a-6p.

I Have A Dream

A Song For Coretta @ Lincoln Theatre, 769 E Long St, 614.384.5640, www.capa.com: A tribute to Coretta Scott King, this performance is inspired by the long line of mourners paying their respects. It’s a story of laughter and hope in the face of saying good-bye. Experience the effects Mrs. King had on those she touched. March 5; 7:30p; $18.

We Need Some Lesbians To Flip Her House

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle @ Verne Riffe Center’s Studio One Theatre, 77 S High St, 614.469.1045, www.capa.com: Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is a play about an unconventional, adored lady who lives in an upside-down house in a neighborhood of misbehaved children. The parents always bring them around  for Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle to treat them with such cures as the fighter-quarreler cure and the cry baby cure. With local cast members playing the parts, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle is a must see. March 5-14; Fri 7:30p, Sat-Sun 1p & 2:30p; $20 adults, $10 children at www.ticketmaster.com.

Get “Out” To The Wex

Out@Wex Film Festival @ Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St, 614.292.3535, wexarts.org: The second day in the fourth annual Out@Wex Film Festival features three films: Hide and Seek (1996), a “daring exploration of lesbian adolescence in the 1960s,” and Seeing Red (short film, 2005), a video diary-styled film centering around a profound professional crisis, are both directed by Su Friedrich who will introduce both films at 7p. Mingle with other film fans at the annual Out@Wex party from 7-9:30p, with snacks and a cash bar, in the café area - check out the event on the Wexner Center website and Facebook.  Then head on over to see today’s final film, The Country Teacher (Bohdan, Slama, 2008), which follows a quiet, studious gay man who impulsively takes a teaching job in an unfamiliar village, at 9:15p. March 5; 7-10:30p; $7 public, $5 members, students and seniors; visit the website for further details.

SATURDAY, MARCH 6

I Hear Classical Music Makes You Smarter

John O’Conor on Piano @ The Southern Theatre, 21 E Main St, 614.340.1896: Chamber Music Columbus sits pianist John O’Conor at the piano to serenade you with nocturnes by John Field, Carl Czerny, Beethoven and Franz Schubert. Come hear why The New York Times named his Beethoven recording of Bagatelles “the best available.” March 6; 8p; $15-35, those 25 and under or students get half price; tickets through CAPA (614.469.0939).

For the Men And Womyn Out There

2010 Fundraiser Party for Michigan Womyn’s Musical Festival @ Cavan Irish Pub, 1409 S High St, 614.725.5502, www.cavanirishpub.com: Join us for this fundraiser and awareness party at Cavan with live music, food, videos, raffle and more - all to get you super pumped for the 35th annual Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival. Stop on by! March 6; 7p.

Continuing A Legacy

Celebrating Barbara Nicholson: A Legacy of Excellence @ The King Arts Complex, Pythian Theater, 867 Mount Vernon Ave, 614.645.KING, www.thekingartscomplex.com: This event is a fundraiser for The King Arts Complex with proceeds going toward continuing Barbara Nicholson’s legacy. The celebration begins at 7p with light hor d’oeuvres in the Multipurpose Room ($50). Exclusive VIP reception with hor d’oeuvres in the ballroom at 6p followed by the 7p celebration in the Multipurpose room ($100). March 6; 6p.

Get “Out” To The Wex

Out@Wex Film Festival @ Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St, 614.292.3535, wexarts.org: The last day in the fourth annual Out@Wex Film Festival features four films: Word Is Out: Stories of Some of Our Lives (multiple directors, 1977) is widely considered the first feature-length documentary on gay and lesbian identity and begins at 2p. At 4:30p, don’t miss Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement (Susan Muska & Greta Olafsdottir, 2009), a documentary of a long-engaged lesbian couple. Spring Fever (Lou Ye, 2009) starts at 7p and is a graphic film depicting multiple romantic entanglements. The last film, Drool (Nancy Kissam, 2009), is a comedy set in the South following two women as they take to the road with two kids and a corpse. March 6; 2-10:30p; $7 public, $5 members, students and seniors; visit the website for further details.

SUNDAY, MARCH 7

Let Them Eat Cake

Ace of Cakes Stars Geof and Mary Alice at Home & Garden Show @ Ohio Expo Center, 717 East 17th Avenue, 888.OHO.EXPO, www.ohioexpocenter.com: Geof and Mary Alice from the hit Food Network show Ace of Cakes will be center stage at the 2010 Central Ohio Home & Garden Show to answer your questions, sign autographs and judge a wedding cake competition with a $5,000 prize. I’m sure these two won’t “frost” over anything. Central Ohio Home & Garden Show runs Feb 27 - March 7; Sat 10a -9p, Sun 11a - 6p, Tues & Thurs 3p - 9p, Wed & Fri 12p - 9p; $10 adults, children 12 & under free; see www.dispatchevents.com for full details.

MONDAY, MARCH 8

Put on Your Best Show

Open Auditions for The Immigrant @ Roth-Resler Theater, Jewish Community Center, 1125 College Ave, 614.559.6248, www.jccgalleryplayers.org: The cast of this Gallery Players’ drama is comprised of two male and female couples. Those auditioning should be comfortable playing roles of those aged 20s-30s or 30s-40s, and have a sense of which role they would be interested in portraying. Monologues are not necessary, as readings from the script will be used for auditions. Call for an advanced copy! Bring your best for this heartfelt, funny and lovable play. March 8-9; 7-9p.

TUESDAY, MARCH 9

A Look Into Dresden

The Dresden Journals @ Dublin Arts Council, 7125 Riverside Dr, Dublin OH, 614.889.7444, www.dublinarts.org: Otterbein College Professor of Art Nicholas Hill displays his collection inspired by Dresden, where the past is still fully apart of the present. The exhibit will be on display through April, so your future can mingle with the past and present for a whole month. March 9; 6-8p; on view through April 23.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10

THURSDAY, MARCH 11

The Birds and the Bees are Coming Out

Spring Fling @ Shadowbox Cabaret, Easton Towne Center, 614.416.7625, www.shadowboxcabaret.com: The birds and the bees are coming out and we all know what that means. Head over to Shadowbox to start the season with the “rebellious and the ridiculous,” featuring sketch comedy and live rock ‘n’ roll. March 11 - May 8; Th 7:30p, Fri & Sat 7:30p & 10:30p; $30, $20 for students, seniors and active military.

Cocktails for more than just Alliteration Purposes

Cocktails at the Conservatory @ Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E Broad St, 614.645.8733, fpconservatory.org: Put on by the Komen Columbus Young Professionals organization, this botanical-themed evening puts a refreshing and relaxing spin on your Thirsty Thursday. DJs and live bands provide entertainment while you gorge on hors d’oeuvres amidst gorgeous scenery. Is that enough rhyming for you? March 11; 5:30-10p; 21 and over; free parking; $10 minimum at the door for bar-redeemable tokens.

FRIDAY, MARCH 12

Step up to the Plate

CLGSA Registration Party! @ Level Dining Lounge, 700 N. High St, 614.754.7111, levelcolumbus.com: The Columbus Lesbian and Gay Softball Association (CLGSA) is preparing for the 2010 summer season. The league was founded in 1986 and provides a summer of fun and competition for players of all experience levels, including beginners. Last year the league had 30 teams and is the largest GLBT sports organization in Ohio. We welcome new players and will help you find a team to join. Please join us at one of our registration parties for new and returning players and teams. March 12 at Level, March 20 at Club Diversity, March 25 at Score and March 28 at Union; 5-9p.

SATURDAY, MARCH 13

Liberty and Justice For All!

Celebrate 125 Years! @  The Ohio Historical Society, 1982 Velma Ave, 614.297.2300, www.ohiohistory.org: The Ohio Historical Society is hosting a special day of fun activities. Free admission, free parking and liberty and justice for all. Score! See the displays highlighting milestones from 1885 to 2010. Don’t leave without a piece of cake! March 13; 1:30p; free; see website for more details.

SUNDAY, MARCH 14

They’re A Wreck

Trainwreck @  The Basement, 391 Neil Ave, 614.461.5483, www.promowestlive.com: I’m seeing a theme here. Come check out Trainwreck, featuring Tenacious D’s Kyle Gass, hot off the release of their late-2009 debut “The Wreckoning.” They’ve played on The Jimmy Kimmel Show and are bringing the goods the Columbus. See them wreck things up, “wreck and roll” style. March 14; 7p; $12 advance, $14 day of show.

MONDAY, MARCH 15

An Artist on the Move

Visiting Artist: Sarah McCoubrey @ Joseph V. Canzani Auditorium, CCAD, 60 Cleveland Ave, 614.224.9101, www.ccad.edu: The vastly talented Sarah McCoubrey will be visiting CCAD. She has an MFA in painting from the University of Pennsylvania and has several solo exhibitions on the east coast, throughout the country and in Venezuela. Her recent work in landscape paintings show her intricacy and sensitivity to nature. Get graceful with the earth at CCAD this morning. March 15; 11a-12:30p; free and open to public.

The Pen Is Quite Phallic

Carol Goodman, Author of Arcadia Falls @ Columbus School for Girls, 56 S Columbia Ave: Goodman’s latest novel (to be released March 9), Arcadia Falls, weaves a gothic tale of passion and mystery.  A remote upstate New York village, Arcadia Falls, harbors long-buried and dark secrets which Meg Rosenthal, a new teacher at Arcadia boarding school, soon discover. March 15; 7:30p.

TUESDAY, MARCH 16

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17

Sexy Things To Do In An Elevator

Elevator Networking Breakfast @ DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management, 8800 Lyra Drive, www.cypclub.com: Here’s how it works - everyone gives a 60-second “elevator” pitch about their product or service. There’ll be time for networking, mingling and eating, too. This event’s always happening the third Wednesday of the month, so if you can’t make it this time, be sure to make time for it next month! March 17; 7-9a; $5, please RSVP.

THURSDAY, MARCH 18

Lights, Camera, Cleveland!

Opening Night Gala of the 34th Annual Cleveland International Film Festival @ Cleveland International Film Festival, 2510 Market Ave, Cleveland OH, 216.623.3456, www.clevelandfilm.org: "If a clock could count down to the moment you meet your soul mate, would you want to know?" The International Film Festival opens with TiMER starring Emma Caulfield, John Patrick Amedori, Michelle Borth and JoBeth Williams. Kick off this 34th annual event with a modern love story and be sure to check out information on the 300+ other films running through closing on the 28th. March 18; 7p; $125; go online for more information.

FRIDAY, MARCH 19

Work Those Fingers

Yeol Eum Son @ The Ohio Theater, 39 E State St, 614.469.0939: It’s pre-Spring Break. Reason enough. Start off your week-long lounge session/obligatory trip to Cancun/whatever it is you do, with a performance from the Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition’s silver medalist. There’s a mouthful. Oh! Mar 19 & 20; 8p; $60, $48, $40, $32, $27, and $18.

Artists Are A-Holes

A-Holes @ Gateway Film Center, South Campus Gateway, 1552 N High St, www.thecouchfire.org: 18 art groups set out to make 18 holes of miniature golf. Simple idea, sure. Throw in some refreshments and get people in and you’ve got yourself one “hole” of an event. March 19-21.

SATURDAY, MARCH 20

Sponsored by Alcohol

Lounge Lizards and Ladies @ Wall Street Nightclub, 144 N Wall St, 614.464.2800, www.wallstreetnightclub.com: Dangerous Productions presents Lounge Lizards and Ladies, sponsored by Captain Morgan. An evening of crooning and mischief as the U.S. and Canada’s smoothest performers grace the stage. You will become enamored as these idlers take you on a roller coaster ride you won’t soon forget. Shiny suits, smoking jackets, slinky dresses, tassels, leather, polyester, martinis and manhattans will be displayed at Wall Street Night Club to tantalize and tease you.  March 20; 9p; $7 cover.

From Bondage to Breakthrough @ The King Arts Complex, Pythian Theater, 867 Mount Vernon Ave, 614.645.KING, www.thekingartscomplex.com: Make sure you get your tickets to this unique performance that will “inspire and uplift the soul.” It crosses all kinds of lines and cultures in celebration of freedom through dance and music. March 20; 7p; $15 nonmembers, $10 members.