The 417 Top Seven

JAN. 12-14: BASS PRO SHOPS TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

High school hoopsters from across the nation lace up their sneakers for one of the country's premier basketball tournaments. Last year's champion, St. Louis' Vashon High School, returns to battle it out with local powerhouses Glendale High School, which last year was ranked in the top 10 nationally in Class 5-A, and Willard High School. See teams from New York, Tennessee, Oregon and Florida. Call for info. MSU Hammons Student Center, 661 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy. (417-836-7678, basspro
tofc.com)

JAN. 13: SEEING DOUBLE

Cellist Mark Kosower and composer/violinist Michael Ludwig join the Springfield Symphony for a performance of J.C. Bach's Symphony for Double Orchestra. Two halves of the symphony will simultaneously performing select pieces of Bach's masterpiece, as well as Brahms's Double Concerto for Violin and Violoncello and Orchestra in A Minor. The two groups will also perform Beethoven's Symphony No. 2. Tickets are $13 to $28, depending on seating. 7:30 p.m. Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 525 S. John Q. Hammons Pkwy. (417-836-7678, missouristatetix.com)

JAN. 19: LITTLE THEATRE... BIG PARTY

It may be blustery outside, but inside it's pure Margaritaville. The Springfield Little Theatre has gone all Jimmy Buffett in planning this annual fundraiser. And although Parrotheads all over 417-land may be foaming at the mouth, this event is actually for everyone. Don your Hawaiian shirt for live music, hula dancing, limbo, balloon sculpturing, a full bar and, of course, your favorite Buffett tunes. Hungry? Ask to have them cook up a "cheeseburger in paradise." A 417 Magazine-sponsored event. $75 per person. 7 p.m. to midnight. Wellington Place above of the Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East (springfieldlittletheatre.org, 417-869-1334)

JAN. 20-21: EAGLE DAYS

With the leaves gone from the trees, there's no better time to get a glimpse of one of nature's most majestic birds, the bald eagle. There will be a variety of programs and exhibits focusing on the behavior of this American icon, and a trained guide will be on hand to make sure you know exactly where to point your binoculars. Free. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4600 S. Chrisman Rd. (417-888-4237, mdc.mo.gov)

JAN. 26-28: HBA HOME SHOW

With hundreds of vendors available to answer all of your homebuilding questions, this is a do-it-yourselfer's mecca. Not only that, but there's also always the opportunity to find others who may be taking on the same project you are. Oh, did we mention the complimentary tape measure? Tickets are $5. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Springfield Expo Center, 315 E. St. Louis St. (springfieldhomebuilders.com, 417-881-3711)

JAN. 27: AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION HEART BALL

If you're looking for an occasion to don a sleek red dress or tailored tux, this is it. One of the area's premiere galas, the evening will center around dinner, drinks, dancing and an auction benefiting the American Heart Association. The theme is "The Heart of Champions," and on the auction block are a trip via private jet to the Indy 500 and box seats at a Springfield Cardinals game.
A 417 Magazine-sponsored event. $100 per ticket; $1,500 per table of 10. 6 p.m. Oasis Convention Center, 2550 N. Glenstone Ave. (springfieldoasis.com,
417-866-5253)

THROUGH JAN. 31: EMERGING: NYC

Drury University's Pool Art Center has become a haven of sorts for non-traditional artists whose work touches on both the provocative and the postmodern. In keeping with that tradition, 22 artists from New York City have been invited to Pool Art Center to show their interpretations of post-911 New York City. On display will be the works of Taylor Absher, Pamela Hadfield, Alan Ho, Chris Spinelli and Andrzej Zielinski, among others. A full list of all 22 artists is available on Drury's website. Free. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Pool Art Center, 940 N. Clay St. (417-873-7263, drury.edu)