A prestigious status

The Department of Music at Missouri Western State University will celebrate becoming an all-Steinway school with a free event starting at 6 p.m. Feb. 5 in the Potter Hall Theater. The evening will include a showing of the documentary film “Note by Note,” a formal announcement of Western’s all-Steinway status, a reception and a recital by renowned guest pianist Robert McDonald. Western is just the third university in Missouri to become an all-Steinway school. This designation requires that 90 percent or more of Western’s acoustic pianos — whether for practice, instruction or performance — be designed by Steinway & Sons. There are only 109 all-Steinway schools around the world, including distinguished conservatories like The Juilliard School in New York, the Yale School of Music and the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music.

Pay a visit to Dr. Dirty

Comedian/singer John Valby, also known as Dr. Dirty, brings his vile, obnoxious and tasteless comedy show to the Knights of Columbus Hall (1205 N. 49th Terr.) in St. Joseph Feb. 6. The show starts at 7 p.m. Valby mixes his musical talent with a variety of “Dirty Ditties.” Ticket prices range from $15 to $30. For tickets or more information on Valby’s performance, call 261-5560.

Faculty hosts exhibition

Faculty of the Missouri Western Department of Art will host its biennial exhibition, which is free and open to the public, through Feb. 26 at the Potter Gallery. The gallery is open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 271-4282 or visit www.missouriwestern.edu/art.

More ‘Barrymore’

After winning numerous awards, “Barrymore” is getting a full run at Theatre Atchison in Atchison, Kan., Feb. 19 through 21 and Feb. 26 through 28. All Friday and Saturday performances start at 8 p.m. All Sunday performances begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for students. For more information, call (913) 367-1647 or visit www.theatreatchison.org.

Mardi Gras in Wathena

In response to the question: “If you hold a Mardi Gras Parade AFTER Fat Tuesday is it still a Mardi Gras Parade?” K-JO 105.5 presents “The World’s Shortest Mardi Gras Parade, Feb. 13 in downtown Wathena, Kan. This two-block parade will travel down St. Joseph Street, starting at 8 p.m. Floats, decorated vehicles and walking units are all welcome; entry fee is $25 per unit with all proceeds to benefit Camp Quality NWMO. Register online at www.kjo1055.com.