8 fun things to do this weekend

Take in this peaceful time, when it isn't too hot, between the holidays because, as you know, life is going to get a lot more hectic soon. So, in the meantime, take time out this weekend to enjoy good times and quality time with the community at free and charitable events featuring art, music, dance and other fun stuff.

FRIDAY

Dancing with the Clermont stars

New Beginnings anticipates 400 people to sway and mingle at its 13th annual Dancing Under the Stars Gala, which spotlights eight community leaders busting out their best moves for a good cause.

The dancers will solicit votes to raise money for New Beginnings. It all happens at the Clermont Arts Center on Friday, Nov. 17. Doors open for a cocktail party and silent auction at 5:30 p.m.

The evening kicks off with a cocktail party and silent auction in the lobby with dinner in the ballroom starting at 6 p.m. Dinner is being provided by Carrabba’s Italian Grill.

Community leaders dancing include Dr. Junita Benedict of Athena Pelvic Therapy; Banks Helfrich, state representative candidate; Pat Caracciolo, owner of Pat the Dog Pet Resort; Clermont Mayor Tim Murry; Groveland Mayor Evelyn Wilson; Shauna Vaughan of Precision Integrative Medicine; Heather Krukoski, case manager at Woodwinds Apartments; and Wade Boyette of BCN Attorneys at Law. Attendees and non-attendees can vote for their favorite dancers by visiting NBCFL.org.

SATURDAY

Benefit concert for Derrick Holsinger's kids

Join the Eustis community for a heartfelt evening of music and support at a live benefit concert to help victims seriously injured and bereaved family members coping with the aftermath of a horrific car accident in Connecticut on Oct. 22.

Derrick Holsinger's children, Hailyn and Braysen, have undergone surgical procedures, according to a GoFundMe page. The children, sadly, lost their mom in the wreck.

The fundraiser takes place on Saturday, Nov. 19, from noon to 7 p.m. at Crossroads 44 Music & Sports Bar, 36721 N. County Road 19A.

Nails Creek Records recording artists Zack Denby and Dallas Tyler will take the stage along with the most amazingly named band in local history, the Fabulous Thunderchickens, led by Clyde Harris, CEO of the record label.

A 50/50 raffle, $10 BBQ plate, live auction and kids play area will also entertain the crowd along with $2 Jello shots for the grownups. All proceeds go to the children who survived the crash, we're told. Tickets are available through the Eventbrite.

Enjoy a close brush with the Leesburg community

Paint the Town is billed as a fun and interactive evening of painting. No experience is required. Participants are guided step by step to create their own masterpieces. All ages are welcomed; cost is $8 per person. Takes place Saturday, Nov. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Venetian Center, 101 State Road 44, Leesburg. For more information, call 352-728-9895.

Fun for the folk of it

In the mood for some guitar strum and stories over a campfire? Every third Saturday of the month, Lake Eustis Folk hosts the The Third Saturday Folk Concert at the Trout Lake Nature Center, a night of live music and a potluck dinner that begins at 7 p.m.; music begins at 7:30 p.m.

Performing at this month's gathering is The 2PM Band, featuring Pete Price (guitar), Pete Hennings (guitar, bass and mandolin) and Mike Jurgensen (guitar and harmonica).

Don't let the name confuse you; they will play after dark and their repertoire comprises an eclectic mix of material, from original songs, to obscure covers to well-known standards.

Admission is $7 a person. Trout Lake Center is at 520 E. County Road 44, Eustis. Visit facebook.com/troutlakenaturecenter/events for more details.

Improvisational jams to benefit Leesburg Center for the Arts again

It shouldn't take musical improvisers noodling on guitars to send the message home that you a.) don't have to follow the rules to create great art and we should include people all ages in the process, b.) that the arts are vital in cultivating culture and identity in a community and c.) we need public events to raise awareness of the importance of arts to individuals and in our community.

That said, as per tradition, the Leesburg Center for the Arts will benefit from jamming noodlers this Saturday night, Nov. 18, during the annual Jamburg concert at Pat Thomas Stadium.

MiniM kicks off the show from 4 to 5 p.m. Underground Springhouse plays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tand hits the stage from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and headliner Spafford rounds out the night from 9:30 to 11:45 p.m.

Tickets are $50 and $75, and the stadium is located at 240 Ball Park Road, Leesburg. Details: jamburgfl.com.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

'Beautiful' blues & loopy funk

Beautiful Bobby Blackmon has a purty guitar that can wail like the most tempting of sirens. His sound hovers in the arena of contemporary southern blues and R&B.

Rob Hazen has performed 250-plus shows a year for the last seven years as a one-man band, developing his own funky style and signature live-guitar looping enhancements.

Both musicians play the Weekends at the Winery free live music show at Clermont's Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards this weekend. Blackmon performs Saturday, Nov. 18, and Hazen hits the stage on Sunday, Nov. 19. Shows take place from noon to 4 p.m.

Bring lawn chairs and blankets. No coolers or outside food and beverages allowed. Admission and parking are free. Visit BillyBuchanan.org for more info on Buchanan. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards is 19239 U.S. 27 North, Clermont. Visit lakeridgewinery.com for details on its wines and other goods.

Lake County's very own comic con

If you're a comic book, sci-fi, fantasy or horror enthusiast, the Lake County Comic Convention should be your jam. The event is in its third year and takes place on Sunday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Trilogy Orlando in Groveland. Attendees can shop from vendors hawking comics, art, toys, anime, gaming and video games, and meet comic book artists, writers, media guests and local talent. The shop is at 100 Falling Acorn Ave., Groveland. Details at lakecountycomiccon.com.

An arts fest worth the drive

Located within an hour of Lake County — for some, a little closer or farther — DeLand will host its 50th annual Fall Festival Arts this weekend, which takes over the charming historic quarter adjacent to Stetson University.

The juried art show offers original, contemporary works of sculpture, glass, jewelry, leather, photography, printmaking, wood, ceramics, and fiber, all presented by established artists from across the U.S.

While at the fest, little ones can occupy themselves at the Kid's Zone, where they can explore their artistic side and create their own little masterpieces. Venture around Deland's historic downtown shopping district, which offers a fair amount architecture, murals, and statues adorning the streets along with unique shops, restaurants and nearby green spaces.

Head to Woodland Boulevard (U.S. 17) to the blocks between Church Street and Howry Avenue. A festival map with designated parking areas can be found at fallfestivalofthearts.com.

Tell us what's happening in your neck of the Lake County woods (or close by)! Please send detailed information about local events four weeks in advance to news@dailycommercial.com.

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: What's fun this weekend? 8 events w/music, art, dance and kid stuff