Art Hounds: John Denver and molten iron

Vocalist Jennifer Eckes went to check out Dennis Curley's show "Country Roads: The Music of John Denver" at Plymouth Playhouse, and says it was a treat. She was impressed by the intimate atmosphere, and how audience members were encouraged to sing along and share stories of how Denver's music touched their lives. Plus, she says, Curley's lovely tenor voice is eerily similar to Denver's. Performances run through May 1.

Sara Baskett, marketing director for the Lanesboro Arts Program, says she was charmed last October by "Outside Mullingar," which Commonweal Theatre is bringing back this weekend. It's both a love story and a look at the struggles involved in dealing with aging parents, set on a remote Irish farm. The show made Baskett think of her own aging parents, and inspired her to want to age with beauty and dignity.

Heather Rutledge is taking her boys to Franconia Sculpture Park this weekend for the annual Valentine's Day Hot Metal Pour, because really, what better way to show your love for someone than with a hunk of molten iron? While the weather is predicted to be cold this weekend, the metalworkers will be working at 2,500 degrees. Plus, there will be bonfires and snow forts.

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