Reach for new heights of fun, enlightenment

It’s time to elevate yourself for the new year, and we have several ways to up your game with music and arts in this week’s The 10 for Jan. 16-22.

Visit EJI sites free for MLK Day

They say people often wait to visit attractions in their own backyards. If that’s the case for Equal Justice Initiative’s two huge Montgomery attractions — The Legacy Museum and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice — Monday is the perfect day to rectify that. These are places people from across the nation and around the world — including world leaders and many of your favorite celebrities — have come to Montgomery to see. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, both EJI sites will have free admission, with no tickets required. Along with that, visitors will be given EJI’s 2023 calendar. Both the museum and memorial will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Please note that the last entry to the museum will be at 4 p.m. Learn more about the sites, and about EJI, online at eji.org.

See the magic of China’s history at Shen Yun 2023

Experience classical Chinese dance come to life on a “journey through 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture.” Shen Yun, the multimillion-dollar spectacle of dazzling backdrops and glorious melodies of Chinese song and dance, brings its 2023 tour to the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. In ancient times, China was known as the Land of the Divine. Everyone, from emperors to the common people, believed that their culture was a gift from heaven. Traditional Chinese culture carried these principles for thousands of years. Tickets range from $83 to $183 and are available online at mpaconline.org or by calling 334-481-5100.

Gee’s Bend Quilting Workshop

Thursday, Friday and Saturday will leave you in stitches, and full of pride and wonder from the world of quilting. The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 315 Clanton Ave., Montgomery, is exploring the tradition of quilting from Gee’s Bend, Alabama, where they’ve been making bold, colorful quilts for 150 years. All skill levels are welcome. In addition to quilting, they’ll have gospel singing. You can register for a single day for $100, or all three days for $225. They’ll give you a supply list after registering. Contact the church at 334-263-5529.

The Verge MGM: Elevation Sound Stage

Ready for an amazing night of music and fun? The Verge MGM presents Elevation Sound Stage at VIP Hookah Lounge, 1408 Madison Ave., Montgomery. They’ll have a food truck, hookahs and more. It’s an event for upcoming artists to show their talents and leave an impact on fans. The lineup includes Lil Jay Mr UhHuh, K-So Tsunami, GregMike, Lil Poke, GGI Meech, Big110, 4Kali, and Kado THG. The show starts at 8 p.m. https://posh.vip/e/elevation-soundstage

Who Want The Smoke Drumline Competition

Drumlines from around the River Region are coming out Saturday for the Who Want The Smoke Drumline Competition. It starts at 1:30 p.m. at Lighthouse Christian Academy, 3570 Bell Road, Montgomery. This is being hosted by The BlueHeart Foundation 334, and they’ll have trophies for the top three drumlines, plus other awards for the Best Snares, Best Tenor Drums, Best Quads, Best Bass Drums, and Best Cymbals. DJ Tailspin will be on the scene. Admission is $10.

Where Style Meets Brunch

The Buena Vista Mansion, 641 County Road 4 East, Prattville is the place to be Saturday for “When Style Meets Brunch.” From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., this is an event to elevate your look for winter, while enjoying a 3 course mimosa brunch from Cajun Amore. Tickets are $75, and are available online at eventbrite.com/e/where-style-meets-brunch-tickets-483516188937

Fiction Writing Workshop

Who hasn’t thought of writing the next great American novel? Have a draft that you’re just itching to share? The Autauga Prattville Public Library hs holding a Fiction Writing Workshop on Saturday at 10 a.m. It’s WRITE Day — which stands for Write, Read, Inspire, Talk and Encourage. This is a fun time with other writers, and a chance to share work, talk through writing issues, and encourage others. It’s a come-and-go session, so stay as long as you want. For more information send an email to riverregionwritersunite@gmail.com, call 334-365-3396, or visit the library’s front desk at 254 Doster St., Prattville.

Expression through color with Tiiwon Siaway

Young artists age 8-13 are invited to the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts for a special class with artist Tiiwon Siaway on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. This will be an exploration of color theory and colored pencil techniques to create vibrant colors and expressive works. It’s $10 per person, and includes all needed art materials — plus snacks. All experience levels are welcome. To register, call 334-625-4365.

MSO Fellowship Series with Jihye Choi

The Montgomery Symphony Orchestra Fellows are presenting a recital of solo and chamber music on Sunday, featuring Jihye Choi on violin. The recital is from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. Tickets are available online at eventbrite.com/e/fellowship-series-jihye-choi-violin-tickets-458650384647

The Temptations & The Four Tops at MPAC

Two legendary Motown groups from the ‘60s return to Montgomery for a special night together at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre — The Temptations & The Four Tops on Sunday at 7 p.m. The Temptations, who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, have songs like “Pappa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” “My Girl,” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” In 1990, The Four Tops joined the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as well, with decades of hits like “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “Baby I Need Your Loving,” and “It’s the Same Old Song.” Tickets ranve from $56 to $112 and are available online at mpaconline.org or by calling 334-481-5100.