Murder Mystery Wedding, 'American Idol' Winner David Cook, Valentine's Night Out and More: Annapolis Events

Looking for things to do in Annapolis? Here are some events coming up to mark on the calendar.

A Lineage of American Perceptual Painters — The exhibition of early 20th-century and modern American Perceptual Realists focuses on work by Edwin Dickinson (1891-1978), a student and contemporary of Charles Hawthorne (1872-1930). The exhibit at Elizabeth Myers Mitchell Gallery lasts until March 1.

Art & Story Time — This event takes place each Friday, so if you’re not free this week, mark it down for next. Children ages 2 to 5 can go and share books, make crafts, act out stories and more. The program is free with admission to the Chesapeake Children’s Museum or membership and lasts from 10 to 11 a.m.

First Fridays 80’s Invasion — Looking for an ‘80s experience? On Feb. 6, doors open at 8 p.m. for the show at Maryland Live! Casino in Hanover.

Maryland My Maryland — From now until March 10, over 20 artists will exhibit bronze sculpture, oil paintings, watercolor, pastel and original etchings portraying the beauty of Maryland. The exhibit at the McBride Gallery will celebrate Maryland scenes from city life, the countryside, to Chesapeake Bay. Admission to the gallery is free.

The Story of Babar: The Little Elephant — Here’s an event for the whole family. The concert based on Jean de Brunhoff’s popular children’s story of one little elephant’s rise from rags to riches is set to music by Poulenc. Short excerpts of classical favorites including Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake Suite,” Bizet’s “Carmen” and “William Tell Overture” by Rossini will also be played. The concert takes place on Feb. 7, beginning at 2 p.m., at the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra.

Wings Productions Presents “Remembering Harry James” featuring John Blount and Dave Tucker Big Band — Here’s another concert you could attend Feb. 7. The evening will feature swinging big band jazz in tribute to famed trumpeter Harry James, performed by the 16-piece John Blount/Dave Tucker Big Band. The performance is at Rams Head on Stage and begins at 8 p.m.

David Cook — The winner of “American Idol” season 7 will perform at Rams Head on Stage on Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. Cook has sold over 1 million copies of his self-titled album which released on Nov. 18, 2008.

Annapolis Green Presents a Green Drinks Extra: Non-Trivial Green Trivia Night — Get a team of 2 to 6 members together and show what you know about the environment at Annapolis Green’s “Non-Trivial Green Trivia Night” on Feb. 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost will be $10 per team. Galway Bay will offer a special fund-raising, three-course menu for $25 and donate $10 from each diner’s bill to Annapolis Green.

History Dinner: The Irish Famine — Hear author and historian Arthur Drea discuss the Irish Famine. Admission is $25, and the event takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. on Feb. 11 at Galway Bay.

JoAnne Shaw Taylor — Stop by Rams Head on Stage at 8 p.m. on Feb. 11 to listen to the 16-year-old guitar prodigy from the United Kingdom. Taylor is one of the hottest young names on the Blues circuit today.

Eric Benet — The R&B crooner, songwriter and actor has successfully released six albums. He will perform at Rams Head on Stage at 8 p.m. on Feb. 12.

Murder Mystery Dinner — “Till Death Do Us Part” - A Marital Murder Mystery Will This Bride Go Ballistic??? When a member of the wedding party is murdered, a raging bridezilla and an unenthused groom are part of a nuptial nightmare. Trade clues with your guests and help the hapless couple figure out whodunit so they can say I do. The audience is encouraged to wear your own wedding dress or the most ridiculous wedding attire you can come up with. The wedding begins at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 12 at Two Rivers Steak & Fish House.

Valentine’s Night Out — If you don’t find yourself in the middle of a murder mystery dinner on Feb 12, hit the streets of Downtown Annapolis. Local merchants will stay open late (until 9 p.m.) for your Valentine’s Day shopping convenience.

A Valentine’s Day Heart Health Foundation Benefit Featuring Foreplay — A mix of classic rock and blues, powerful vocals, multi-part harmonies and ripping guitar riffs awaits at Rams Head on Stage on Feb. 14. The concert will start at 8 p.m.

Broadway in Annapolis: Fiddler on the Roof — Winner of nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Fiddler on the Roof” is one of the best-loved musicals ever written. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13 and 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 14 at Live Arts Maryland.

Cinderella — Experience the timeless fairytale complete with a fairy godmother, handsome prince and unforgettable ball at the Ballet Theatre of Maryland from Feb. 20 to 22. There will even be a free princess party one hour before the Sunday matinee performance so you can show up dressed as your favorite fairytale character, have your picture taken with and meet Cinderella.

African American Heritage Tour — Trace the rich and authentic journey of African Americans in Annapolis in this two-hour walking tour of the city’s historic district. The cost is $18 per adult and $10 per child. Children 2 and younger can join for free. The tour will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 21.

Annapolis Restaurant Week — Foodies get ready for a week of savory and sweet deals in Annapolis and Annapolis-area restaurants. The seventh annual Annapolis Restaurant Week runs from Feb. 23 to Mar. 1.

-- Events and descriptions from VisitAnnapolis.org. For more Annapolis events, visit the website. Patch file photo.