Arabesque Alley

SAT 1/15Bowling and Beer With Ballerinas is the latest in a series of alcohol-saturated social events aimed at elevating the company's presence in the community. The Barre, a group of young professional types behind the social agenda, advertises these KC Ballet events as opportunities to meet new people, support the arts and have fun. It's art you can party with, they say. We think it's a chance to witness Ballerinas Gone Wild. All that class, all that poise and grace, don't stand a chance when bowling balls and Miller Lite pitchers get thrown into the mix. The tutus come off at 10:30 p.m. at Mission Bowl, 5399 Martway in Mission. For information on joining the Barre, which grants its members front balcony seats at all ballet performances (and mingling rights with the dancers), call 816-931-2232, ext. 375. b>-- Sarah Smarsh

Counting Crows

THU 1/13
Birdwatchers, or people bored with numbering the hobos at the library, can help with the statewide Kansas Winter Bird Count from 9 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Schlagle Library (4051 West Drive, Kansas City, Kansas). To register, call 913-299-2384. -- Annie Fischer

Bushwhackers

SAT 1/15
On the campaign trail, Bush called himself "a good steward of the land." Yeah, and mercury makes water taste better. The Grassland Heritage Foundation actually does protect nature, and at 9 a.m. Saturday its members clean up Snyder Prairie (north of Topeka on Highway 75). Call 913-262-3506. -- Jason Harper