1. This little light of mine
Celebrate a colorful Chinese New Year by viewing lanterns and solving traditional riddles during the Lantern Festival, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, 5206 Franklin St., Vancouver. Appreciate the artistry of little fingers with more than 500 handmade paper lanterns created by students from Franklin (which offers learning programs in both Mandarin and English), Jason Lee Middle and Columbia River High schools, and enjoy live music with Don’t Feed the Bears. This is a free event, but donations are welcome. franklin.vansd.org
2. We shall overcome
Mark Black History Month by attending “Soundtrack for a Revolution,” the award-winning documentary that’s the focus of the next Meaningful Movies event from 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Old Liberty Theater, 115 N. Main Ave., Ridgefield. Hear the music of the American civil rights movement — the songs that swelled from picket lines and jail cells as protesters fought for equality in the face of cruel oppression. The event is free, although donations are welcome. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. to purchase refreshments in the lobby. 360-906-4770 or meaningfulmovies.org/events/soundtrack-for-a-revolution
3. Read ’em and sip
Three Brothers Vineyard and Winery, 2411 N.E. 244th St., Ridgefield, is hosting a Local Authors Fair from 4 to 8 p.m. Feb. 24. Enjoy select Three Brothers vintages and nosh on from-scratch food while 10 local authors share stories and sign books. Authors include Heather Ames, Laurel Gale, Ashley Hayden, Traci Hilton, Mollie Hunt, Heidi Renee Mason, Gretchen McLellan, Carolyn J. Rose and Sheryl Scarborough. Admission to the event is free, and food, wine and books will be available to purchase. www.threebrotherswinery.com
4. Tell me a story
Clark College Theatre presents an updated version of “Godspell” (the first musical written by Grammy- and Academy Award-winner Stephen Schwartz), which follows a group of people who help Jesus tell parables with games, comedy and songs covering genres from pop to vaudeville. Showtimes for “Godspell 2012,” featuring contemporary references and new arrangements, are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22, 23, March 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 in Frost Arts Center’s Decker Theater at Clark College, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Tickets are $20, $16 for senior citizens or $10 for students. 360-992-2815 or www.clark.edu/cc/theatre
