Dance Company Ailey II brings its show to the Gallo Center in Modesto.
Clean humor courtesy of comedian Brian Regan can be enjoyed at the Turlock Community Theatre, while the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto brings dance company Ailey II to its stage. They are just two of the entertainment events planned in the region Feb. 26 through March 4.
Almond Blossom Festival
Enjoy a pre-spring celebration with a carnival, parade, live music, vendors and more at the Ripon Almond Blossom Festival. The parade will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday in downtown Ripon.
WHEN: Feb. 24-27. 5-10 p.m. Thursday, carnival only; noon-10 p.m. Friday with carnival 4 p.m., vendors ending 8 p.m.; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday with carnival noon, vendors ending 8 p.m.; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with carnival at noon Sunday.
WHERE: Mistlin Sports Park, 1201 River Road, Ripon
TICKETS: Free to enter
ONLINE: riponchamber.org
Ailey II
Dance troupe Ailey II merges the spirit and energy of its dancers with the creative vision of emerging choreographers. Founded by Alvin Ailey, the company embodies his mission to establish an extended cultural community with dance performances, training and programs for all.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Feb. 26
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $25-$75
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
Brian Regan
Stand-up comedian Brian Regan brings his clean comedy to the Turlock Community Theatre. Known for his observational humor on a variety of random subjects, Regan has been performing for more than 30 years.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27
WHERE: Turlock Community Theatre, 1574 E. Canal Drive
TICKETS: $31-$51
ONLINE: www.turlocktheatre.org
Modesto Symphony Orchestra
Guest conductor Akiko Fujimoto will lead the Modesto Symphony with the Korngold Violin Concerto. The program includes Walker’s “Lyric for Strings” and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8. The pieces bookend Korngold’s Violin Concerto in D Major performed by violinist Charles Yang.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. March 4-5
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $39-$94
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
Oscar-nominated shorts
The State Theatre will screen this year’s Oscar-nominated short films in its Jewel Theatre. The live-action short films are R-rated; the animation short films are for adults only; and the documentary short films are rated PG-13 or R.
WHEN: Various times. Live action shorts, Feb. 25-March 3; animation shorts, Feb. 25-28; documentary shorts, Feb. 25-March 3
WHERE: State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto
TICKETS: $9-$11
ONLINE: thestate.org



