EVENTS: Princeton A Capella at Library, Live Animals Exhibit

We've got a lot of local talent on display this upcoming week.

Princeton University junior Robert Kastner — a Ridge High School graduate — is among the a capella singers in the Princeton Tigertones A Capella Group scheduled to appear at 2 p.m. this Saturday at the in Basking Ridge.

And don't forget the Ridge Spring Dance Showcase on Friday night at to show off the talents of Ridge dance students. And Basking Ridge artist and artisan Kristina Lloyd will be offering her work at this weekend's Wagner Farm Arboretum in nearby Warren Township.

Ridge dance teacher Rachel Falis said the Spring Dance Showcase 2012 includes dancers from Dance I, Dance II, Dance III, the Ridge Dance Team, and the Ridge Dance Collective. Faculty and student choreography will be presented along with professionally set pieces “Liquid Dance" from Slum Dog Millionaire and "Party on 5th Ave." A "Newsies" medley from the new Broadway musical also will be presented, she said.

Your local library also is a resource for a program on Thursday night on how to turn a bunch of flowers, such as the kind you find at your local supermarket, into an elegant setting for your table. Just in time for Mother's Day! Other library events are on the library's website.

There's lots else going on for kids and adults — including a live animal exhibit that starts Saturday at the county in Basking Ridge.

As always there's plenty going on with the arts, music and outdoor activities now that spring is arrived. There's even a carnival not so far away!

Arrange Supermarket Flowers into Elegant Tablescapes
When/Where: Rosemary Allen of Dare to Design will demonstrate how to make fresh Floral Tablescapes for Mother’s Day, at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the  on Thursday, May 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Why Go: Because it's not too late to come up with a lovely Mother's Day gift just by arranging flowers from your local supermarket. And have fun with flowers, anyway.
Cost: Free, to register, go online or call 908-204-3031 ext. 6.

Ridge Spring Dance Showcase 2012
When/Where: Friday, 7 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: You want to see the beautiful result of efforts of multiple levels of dance classes at the high school and offer support to young performers.
Cost: Purchase tickets online for $7 from www.ridgepac.com, or $8 on the day of the show.

Live Animal Exhibit at Environmental Education Center
When/Where: "Alive at the EEC," a live animal exhibit, will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge, starting on Saturday, May 12, and continuing through June 8, except for Memorial Day, May 28.
Why Go: You not only get to see real animals from the surrounding Great Swamp, you can see other reptiles and amphibians — such as poison dart frogs — from around the world.
Cost: Free

Touring Princeton Tigertones A Capella Group
When/Where: Princeton University’s premier all-male a capella group, The Tigertones, will visit the at 2 p.m. this Saturday for an hour-long performance.
Why Go: Because the Tigertones have played Carnegie Hall among the group's many international tours and appearances since they were formed in 1946, Plus, a member of the group — Princeton junior Robert Kastner, is from Basking Ridge.
Cost: Free, register online908-204-3031 ext. 6

"Impressions of Nature" Photo Exhibit and Sale
When/Where: At the center in Basking Ridge, during gallery hours from 1 to 4 p.m. on weekends through June 16, except for Sunday, May 13, Saturday, May 19, or the weekend of May 26-27.
Why Go: Basking Ridge photographer Filip Everaert’s photography is exceptional for its color and rich textures, capturing the essence of the beauty of nature.
Cost: Free

Wagner Farm Arboretum Spring Boutique
When/Where:  From 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday at Wagner Farm Arboretum in Warren Township.
Why Go: It's a great opportunity to find special last-minute Mother's Day gifts, among the local honeys, artwork and crafts. Among the exhibitors is Kristina Lloyd of Basking Ridge, whose display will include beaded jewelry, cards, photography and a painting.
Cost: Free admission, whatever you buy.

When/Where: Friday, 6:30 p.m. at Central Park of Morris Plains
Why Go: You want to support the Red Lily Foundation
Cost: $25

When/Where: Friday, 8 p.m. at Ananda Yoga, Morristown
Why Go: You want to listen to this Boston-based musician at Morristown's newest yoga studio.
Cost: $15

When/Where: May 9 through May 12, 6 p.m. at 250 Speedwell Ave., Morris Plains
Why Go: You love the rides and family fun!
Cost: $1 entry fee per person, $5 per family

FEED the NEED
When/Where: All day every day until May 14 at Economy Automotive Services on Raritan Avenue in Raritan.
Why Go: To help those in need as the business is collecting food items for school-age children to be given to the Food Bank Network of Somerset County.
Cost: Free.

Pasta Dinner
When/Where: Friday at 4 p.m. at the  on Old York Road in Bridgewater.
Why Go: To support the fire company and getting all you can eat with a meal of assorted pastas, sauces, meatballs, sausage, salad bar, beverages and dessert.
Cost: $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $5 for children ages 5 to 12 years of age and free for children under 5 years old.

Bridgewater Provident Bank Grand Opening
When/Where: Saturday at 9 a.m. at the new Provident Bank on Union Avenue.
Why Go: Because it's opening it's brand new Bridgewater branch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and festivities that include refreshments, a balloon maker and a moon bounce. Plus, guests can participate in a raffle to try and win up to $500, as well as a $2,500 cruise travel voucher. Plus, there will be free gifts, which everyone loves!
Cost: Free.

When/Where: Saturday starting at 8 a.m. at the New Vernon Fire House, New Vernon
Why Go: You want to check out all the plants for sale and support the Garden Club's support of area non-profits.
Cost: Free admission

When/Where: Sunday, 6 to 9 p.m. at Zebu Forno, Morristown
Why Go: You want to express your artistic side.
Cost: $10 (includes two slices of pizza, one drink and three hours with the model)