(Blog Sunday 7/4/2010)

Recap and What’s Coming: First of all, let us wish you a somewhat belated, “Happy Independence Day!”

Next, an apology because we didn’t post anything last week. Liz and I left on a road trip to North Carolina on the 21st, and we just returned to town last Friday. The purpose for the trip was my daughter’s wedding on the beach. As I don’t fly, we spent three days driving there and back. I don’t know about Liz, but I was able to add three states (Kentucky, South Carolina and North Carolina) to my lifetime list of states visited. Though the wedding was held on the beach adjacent to the Surf Club, our accommodations were at the Comfort Inn in Shallotte, NC.

The wedding was beautiful. We had an opportunity to meet and socialize with our new vastly extended family. After several days I was able to put names and faces to the bridegroom’s brothers and their wives but it seems like that every time I turned around there was a new uncle or cousin or whatever. However, the family was wonderfully accepting, and we received several invitations to come back. I could see how my daughter and her children were part and parcel of the family already.

July 5-July 11, 2010: There are a number of events of interest this week.

First, for those not aware of it, Botanica has a weekly event called “Tuesdays on the Terrace.” Every Tuesday through September, the Garden mixes things up with live music, mixology and horticulture. You can enjoy cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages from The Bar’s Open from 5:30-7:30pm and enjoy the summer garden until 8:00pm.

Thursday evening from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm the Ulrich Museum of Art presents “Art for Your Ears” featuring Ray Bonneville. Described as a roaming blues poet, Bonneville is inspired by the road and the many places he has called home. A one-man band, he backs up weathered, storytelling vocals with a highly percussive guitar style, dramatic harmonica lines and a floor that keeps the rock steady beat. The event will be held in the McKnight Outdoor Plaza. Admission is free, and everyone is invited to bring chairs and blankets for the lawn, bask in the evening air, and converse with friends and family.

Also on Thursday, the Sedgwick County Zoo’s Summer Concert Series features the Honey Island Swamp Band. The concert begins at 7:30 but the Zoo opens at 6:30 for this event. Ticket information can be found at the SCZ website.

Friday also offers two events. The first is the 3rd Annual BAND TOGETHER Concert featuring Lotus and 3 Ring Circus. This is a benefit for the Mental Health Association. The concert venue is the Beech Activity Center and starts at 7:15 pm. Ticketing information is available from Select-A-Seat.

Friday also offers two events. The second is KMUW’s Literary Feast. This monthly dinner-and-book discussion series is the most delicious book club in town! Attendees enjoy appetizers, a gourmet dinner, dessert, coffee, and a rousing roundtable discussion of a major new book. This month’s book is Beatrice & Virgil by Yann Martel. The event is held at Watermark Books. Ticketing information by calling (316) 682-1181 or visiting the store.

There are still more things to do! Check the All About Wichita calendar for additional events and exhibits that we didn’t have the room to list here. In the meanwhile, have a good week.