photo by: Journal-World and AP File Photos

Go, See, Do for Nov. 23, 2018: ‘Jane Lynch: A Swingin’ Little Christmas,’ Bizarre Bazaar, saving Santa

Personally, I find holiday music to be a bit grating when it comes on each year.

This might be because my dad used to play it all throughout the house nonstop from Thanksgiving until Christmas Day when I was growing up. But who knows?

A good way to switch it up and keep those tunes fresh and interesting is to make them funny.

That’s exactly what Jane Lynch, who may be best known for her role as Sue Sylvester in the Fox comedy “Glee,” plans to do when she visits Lawrence on Tuesday. “Jane Lynch: A Swingin’ Little Christmas” will help kick off the holiday season at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive.

photo by: The Associated Press

Comedian Jane Lynch will appear in Lawrence for a night of comedy holiday songs Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, at the Lied Center.

Joining Lynch is her comedic sidekick Kate Flannery, who is best known for her portrayal of Meredith Palmer on the NBC comedy “The Office,” as well as Tim Davis, who was the vocal arranger for the show “Glee.”

The show will include some hilarious takes on classic tunes as well as some original holiday comedy songs written by the Tony Guerrero Quintet, which is backing the trio for the show. The songs will span from sentimental to zany comedy, according to the Lied Center website, lied.ku.edu.

Additionally, because Lynch is passionate about pet adoption, the Lawrence Humane Society will have adoptable pets at the show hoping to find forever homes for some local animals.

If my dad was bringing home a family pet every time I had to hear holiday music for hours on end, maybe I would have enjoyed it more? Thankfully, Lynch and the Lawrence Humane Society get it.

Here’s what else you can go, see and do this upcoming week:

Bizarre Bazaar

photo by: Mike Yoder/Journal-World File Photo

In this file photo from Nov. 28, 2014, then-Lawrence High School freshman Max McGraw sits beneath some of his artwork on sale at the annual Bizarre Bazaar at the Lawrence Arts Center.

The 30th annual Bizarre Bazaar returns to the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St., on Friday and Saturday, featuring local art that is often, well, bizarre.

The annual bazaar began as a way for local artists who were not given the chance to show off their work because it was “outside the lines” of what was acceptable for some galleries or markets, said Rose Campbell, an artist who has been participating in the event for years.

“It’s the most fun art and craft show there is in Lawrence,” she said. “It’s art you won’t see at many other places.”

A bake sale and live music performances will be available on all three floors of the arts center.

The Bizarre Bazaar could also be a good place to start your holiday shopping. The event is 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Entry is free.

Downtown Lawrence Holiday Lighting Ceremony

photo by: File photo

Hundreds of children, parents and Lawrence residents gather below at the intersection of Ninth and Massachusetts streets as Santa Claus is rescued from the roof of Weaver’s by two Lawrence firefighters in a ladder truck Friday evening, Dec. 4, 2015.

For whatever reason, Santa Claus has had rough sledding in Lawrence. Once again, he has gotten caught in a pickle and local firefighters will come to save him.

A Lawrence holiday tradition continues at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Ninth and Massachusetts streets. Prior to Santa arriving, local choral groups will sing holiday music and Mayor Stuart Boley will turn on the downtown holiday lights.

Santa will appear atop Weaver’s Department Store around 6:15. He will, of course, not know how to get down from the building, calling in the local fire department to help him out.

Once Santa is rescued, he will meet with the local children and the holiday season in Lawrence will have officially begun.

People’s Art Speaker Series: José Faus

photo by: Contributed Photo

Author and muralist José Faus

Next week, local residents will have the chance to envision what a new arts project in Lawrence will look like.

Local artist Dave Loewenstein said the event is hosted by a new art organization called Eastside People’s Intercultural Center, or Epicenter. The group aims to develop a new arts space that is led by and serves underrepresented groups in Douglas County.

Epicenter’s “People’s Art Speaker Series” will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29 at the Sunrise Project Building, 1501 Learnard Ave., Suite E, with artists speaking with local residents about their craft.

During the event, Kansas City-based poet and muralist José Faus will speak with the audience about what people value after “time has claimed us.” Faus will also lead a writing workshop.

After the discussion, the audience will be able to join in a circle to discuss the future Epicenter and how it can serve the community.

The event is free and open to all ages. More information can be found on Epicenter’s website, epicenterks.com.

Do you have an event you’d like to share with us? Please email Dylan Lysen with information about your event at dlysen@ljworld.com. Submitting information does not guarantee it will be included in future articles.