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TODAY

Kazim Shrine Circus

Celebrating 54 years of family fun. Saturday, 10 a.m., 3 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Kids, $8 or $10; adults, $16 or $18. Roanoke Civic Center. 853-5483.

A few years ago, folk singer/songwriter Todd Snider penned a tune titled "Conservative Christian Right-Wing Republican Straight White American Males." I would venture to guess that playwright Jeff Goode's "The Emancipation of Alabaster McGill," now playing at Studio Roanoke, will not appeal to the folks described in the title of Snider's song.

TODAY

Art by Night

Featuring exhibits, demonstrations, refreshments, live music and face-to-face interactions with local artists. More than 120 artists participate in conjunction with 10 downtown Roanoke galleries. 5 to 9 p.m. Free. Downtown Roanoke. www.roanokeartbynight.com.

Multicultural diversity is no laughing matter. Except tonight, that is.

The United Nations of Comedy Tour brings five comedians to Shaftman Performance Hall at the Jefferson Center. No, UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon isn't yukking it up with the Security Council. In this case, comedy unites the nation, as black, white, Latino, straight, gay, male and female comedians take the microphone.

TODAY

Roanoke Higher Education Center Open House

A chance to learn about the more than 200 degree, certificate and licensure programs currently offered at the center. Member representatives will be available to discuss admission, tuition, program specifics and more. 4 to 6 p.m. Free. Roanoke Higher Education Center, 108 N. Jefferson St., Roanoke. 767-6000.

Whether you're watching because of the game or you're watching because of the commercials, the Super Bowl is a great excuse to get friends and family together.

If you're hosting this year, here are a few tips that will help you save money and throw a successful party.

TODAY

"The Emancipation of Alabaster McGill"

The city's most eligible sea captain, the deacon of the local church brothel and the friendly neighborhood Klansman band together to save the town of Mud Hill from becoming just another Slippery Slope. Ripped from the headlines of 1863. 8 p.m. Students, seniors and military, $12; general admission, $20. Studio Roanoke, 30 Campbell Ave. S.W., Roanoke. 343-3054.

The animals once again take over the Taubman Museum of Art this Friday as the museum hosts the Roanoke Valley SPCA's "Best in Show" fundraiser, in which at least 240 artists offer pet-themed pieces for sale.

TODAY

Dance Lessons

Beginners and intermediates are invited to learn the cha-cha. No experience or partner required. 6:30 p.m. Students, $2; general admission, $5. St. John Lutheran Church, 6408 Brambleton Ave., Roanoke. 776-9274.

TODAY

Adoption Information Meeting

Commonwealth Catholic Charities will host a free informational meeting covering the array of adoption options. This includes domestic infant adoption and international adoption. 7 p.m. Free. Commonwealth Catholic Charities Office in Jefferson Center, Roanoke. 342-0411.

She rarely leaves home without her binder full of coupons.

He has a stockpile of products in his basement.

She buys five newspapers each Sunday. He visits multiple grocery stores each Tuesday.

TODAY

Hotel Roanoke Tea Dance

Enjoy an afternoon and evening of entertainment, dining and camaraderie in ballroom dancing. A dinner buffet will be served. 3 to 9 p.m. $25 per person (includes dinner, tax and gratuity). Hotel Roanoke Crystal Ballroom, 110 Shenandaoh Ave., Roanoke. 985-5900.

DAY TRIPS

Feb. 11

Valentine's at the Hillbilly Hide-A-Way

The Botetourt County Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is sponsoring a trip to the Walnut Cove, N.C., restaurant's celebration of Valentine's Day. The group will have an all-you-can-eat meal and enjoy a three-hour show consisting of country, bluegrass and gospel music. The cost is $69 per person. For more information, call 473-8326 or 366-2888.

Another Arbitron ratings survey, another win for Star Country.

Roanoke's country music station once again topped the fall radio ratings, which were released last week. Star Country (WSLC-FM, 94.9) pulled an 11.6 share of the Roanoke-Lynchburg audience, dipping from its 12.9 showing last spring.

Among the ways that students can get involved with the Music Lab at Jefferson Center are scholarships in the name of soul music legend Solomon Burke.

Burke, who died in October 2010, had not performed in Roanoke in recent memory. But his name is enshrined at Jefferson Center thanks to his booking agent, Bruce Houghton, who with his wife, Katy Cates, has been in Roanoke for two years.

TODAY

Kandinsky Trio Concert

The Kandinskys welcome back clarinetist David Niethamer, former principal chair of the Richmond Symphony, for performances of Beethoven's "Trio in B Flat Major" and "Opus 11," Bartok's "Contrasts" and Chausson's "Trio in G Minor." 7:30 p.m. Seniors, $12; general admission, $20. Olin Theater, Roanoke College. 375-2333.

Studio Roanoke's next play, "The Emancipation of Alabaster McGill," uses a historical lens and a slapstick approach to tackle some of today's most controversial issues.

The piece played in 2011 in Los Angeles, and the L.A. Times noted in a review that "playwright Jeff Goode has a knack for the outrageous," while L.A. Weekly asserts that the play "uses a 19th-century discussion over the imminent Emancipation Proclamation to draw parallels between slavery and homosexuality."

Today

Seed Starting Workshop with Dr. Holly Scoggins

Scoggins, director of the Hahn Horticulture Garden and associate professor in the horticulture department at Virginia Tech, will cover seed saving and storage, strategies to enhance germination and care of seedlings. You'll take home tools of the trade, including reusable starter trays, professional germination mix, a humidity dome, seeds and other goodies to get you growing. Preregistration is required.

My mother's favorite houseplant was an African violet. She had several, and her love of them was well-known. Although she's been gone more than a decade, African violets always remind me of her and probably always will.

This has been the most difficult column I've ever written. If you are looking for objective journalism, you won't find it here today. This one is personal and from my heart.