The store hired the Napa High School Jazz Band to perform at its gala Monday night. Today, the store has donated a $500 gift basket for a raffle benefiting the Napa Valley Opera House.

Eternal Vision brings its energetic style of southern gospel and contemporary Christian music to Lincoln Theater Saturday.

The Lincoln Theater has just announced they’ve added comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White  to their spring schedule. Tickets go on sale Friday for his March 2 appearance in Yountville.

Doris Smeltzer, author of “Andrea’s Voice: Silenced by Bulimia,” hosts Savor Yourself ... Beyond Skin Deep, an Internet radio show premiering on VoiceAmerica  Jan. 21.

Of all the talking heads in operation last week, the best one I heard was at Dreamweaver’s. It was a deer head, complete with antlers, mounted trophy-style. It spoke out at various times, and as far as making sense and being useful, it left all political pundits far behind in the dust. For that matter, so did the singing fish.

Four years from now, Napa County could be home to a vibrant, interconnected cultural community, with well-funded programs for artists of all ages and a reputation for quality that attracts visitors who have money to spend.

I’d always been intrigued by the open lands of Africa. I like to imagine being up close and personal with dark-eyed cheetahs and exotic birds. Like many folks, however, reality always got in the way. Hearing about all those jungle diseases, and rough and tumble conditions talked me out of it every time.

Coming up at the Napa Valley Museum in January:

The MBFA Gallery in Napa is highlighting the talent of 33 Vintage High School art students and providing the young artists with insight into the culture of the professional gallery world.

Dreamweavers welcomes 2008 with a much-welcome promise of laughter as it presents “Weekend Comedy,” opening this weekend.

Napa Valley Opera House artistic director Evy Warshawski has announced they’ve decided to postpone the planned Idol NV instrumental competition until spring 2009.

When Tessa Mini, a Vintage senior,  worked as an intern at the MBFA Gallery in Napa last summer, she came up with the idea of showing students’ works in the unique business, which combines art and real estate.

On the second Sunday of every month, Downtown Joe’s American Grill and Brewhouse serves up big-city comedy along with the burgers and beer.