Squares beyond compare: Holiday spirit to start Saturday in Fayetteville, Bentonville

STEVE SCHMIDT / Northwest Arkansas Times

Although Thanksgiving turkeys have yet to be basted, preparation for Christmas is well on its way at two area downtown city squares. On Saturday, the Lights of the Ozarks in Fayetteville and the Lighting of the Square in Bentonville will take place to officially bring in the spirit of the holiday season -- both featuring new twists. - Friday, November 21, 2008

A band of 'Brothers': Standout mandolinist finds strengthened voice in new effort

STEVE SCHMIDT / Northwest Arkansas Times

"I remember thinking, 'Geez, this kid is tearing it up,'" Chris Thile recalled when he first heard bassist Paul Kowert, the newest member of his group, the Punch Brothers. - Friday, November 21, 2008

The other half: On the 100th anniversary of wedding, Will Rogers' wife remembered in photos

KEVIN KINDER / Northwest Arkansas Times

Betty Blake did not want to marry Will Rogers. - Friday, November 21, 2008

One crafty cat: Florida theater's puppet production brings 'Puss in Boots' to life

KEVIN KINDER / Northwest Arkansas Times

This cat in the hat is no Dr. Seuss creation. In fact, this is one bad kitten. - Friday, November 21, 2008

Pass the corn: Family-style restaurant takes the meaning literal

SANDRA COX / Northwest Arkansas Times

The buzz phrase home-style dining usually means comfort food like mashed potatoes. - Friday, November 21, 2008

Entertainment Notes

Bella Vista HOLIDAY CONCERT The Bella Vista Women's Chorus will give a holiday concert at 4 p.m. Sunday at the First United Methodist Church, 20 Boyce Drive. Admission is free, but a freewill offering will be taken. For details, call 876-6620. - Friday, November 21, 2008

Live Music

The following is a list of live performances in Northwest Arkansas. Readers are encouraged to verify times and admission prices. For details, call venues directly. To add listings, e-mail schedules to whatsup@nwarktimes.com, fax them to 442-1714, or call 571-6447. - Friday, November 21, 2008

Road Trip

Kansas City, Mo. ROLLIN' ALONG "The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller by Chip Davis" will be presented at 8 p.m. Dec. 2-3 at the Midland Theatre. The group, founded by Davis, has sold more than 28 million albums of its Christmas music in the U.S. In addition to playing selections from one of its six multiplatinum albums, the group will play songs from a brand new holiday CD, "Christmasville." Admission is $35-$95. The theater is located at 1228 Main St. For details, call (816) 283-9900 or visit www.midlandkc.com. The group will also perform Dec. 5-6 in St. Louis at the Fox Theatre, Dec. 9 in Columbia, Mo., at the Jesse Auditorium and Dec. 10 at the Robinson Center Music Hall. For details on those shows and additional information on the band, visit www.mannheimsteamroller.com. - Friday, November 21, 2008

Upcoming Concerts

The following is a list of performances within a day's driving distance of Northwest Arkansas. Tickets for all events are currently on sale. Readers are encouraged to verify times and admission prices. For more information, call venues directly. - Friday, November 21, 2008

Album Reviews

- Friday, November 21, 2008

David Cook

ERIN CARLSON / Associated Press Writer

When he was on "American Idol," David Cook -- as cool as a cucumber for much of last season -- fought back tears after performing for a studio audience that included his brother Adam, who's fighting brain cancer. - Friday, November 21, 2008

Top 5

TELEVISION 1. "60 Minutes," CBS. - Friday, November 21, 2008