Bob Dole will be at his namesake Dole Institute for a free public evening this morning.

Bob’s house

“I’m not running for anything. I just want to see old friends and meet new ones, regardless of party.” So said the incomparable Bob Dole about his appearance this morning at his namesake Dole Institute, 2350 Petefish Drive. The free public event opens its doors at 10 a.m., with the public open house featuring Dole from 11 a.m. to noon. Seating will be limited, so be ready to stand.

Sports talk

At 12:30 p.m., Sports Illustrated lifer Gary Smith, a four-time winner of the National Magazine Award, will speak via Skype at the annual Budig Writing Professor event at Kansas University’ Clarkson Gallery of Stauffer-Flint Hall, 1435 Jayhawk Blvd. The free program, “Inside the Writer’s Room: A Conversation with Sports Illustrated’s Gary Smith,”will be hosted by the School of Journalism’s Scott Reinardy. A hot-dog lunch precedes the discussion.

Retta!

Fans of NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” will head to Liberty Hall, 644 Massachussetts St., at 8 tonight to catch comedian Marietta Sirleaf, aka Retta. Tickets: $7 general, $5 with student ID. Doors at 7.

Happy Dylan

And at 7:30, join the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St., for its celebration of Bob Dylan’s 70th birthday. Heebie Jeebies, Zo-Glo-Fitz-Black, Larry Carter-Greg Pelligreen, Bob Garrett, Maria Anthony and Graham Barnes will pay homage.

Yesterday’s most-read

• Brownback signs school finance bill; supports tenure repeal
• City set to clear way for test of legalize hitchhiking program
• Change of scenery, offense seem to suit KU receiver Harwell

Other March 22 events

Red Dog’s Dog Days workout, 6 a.m., Allen Fieldhouse, 1651 Naismith Drive.

“Kansas University Basketball Legends” Book Talk & Signing, 5-6:30 p.m., Jayhawk Ink lounge, Level 2, Kansas Union, 1301 Jayhawk Blvd.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County volunteer information, 5:15 p.m., 2518 Ridge Court.

World War I Film Series: The White Ribbon (2009), 5:30 p.m., Woodruff Auditorium, Kansas Union, 1301 Jayhawk Blvd.

The State of the Union: New Deal Prints and Political Advocacy, 6-7 p.m., Mulvane Art Museum, 1700 SW College Ave., Topeka.

Lonnie Ray’s open jam session, 6-10 p.m., Slow Ride Roadhouse, 1350 N. Third St., no cover.

Lawrence City Commission meeting, 6:35 p.m., City Hall, 6 E. Sixth St.

Free English as a Second Language class, 7-8 p.m., Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vermont St.

Affordable community Spanish class, 7-8 p.m., Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vermont St.

KU Jazz Combos I-VI, 7 p.m., Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St.

KU SUA Presents: RETTA, 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St.

Science on Tap: Discoveries with Stable Isotopes: Tracing the paths of crime, culture and climate, 7:30-9 p.m., Free State Brewing Company, 636 Massachusetts St.

Gamer Night, 8 p.m., Burger Stand at the Casbah, 803 Massachusetts St., free.

Free swing dancing lessons and dance, 8-11 p.m., Kansas Room in the Kansas Union, 1301 Jayhawk Blvd.