This weekend in Bloomington: Bald eagles at Lake Monroe, The Steeldrivers, Zarna Garg

Carol Kugler, The Herald-Times
·4 min read

This weekend you can enter the drama of a Japanese film or listen spellbound to The Steeldrivers at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, look for and learn about bald eagles at Lake Monroe, laugh along with Indian-American comedian Zarna Garg or enjoy the creations of local artists at Friday's Gallery Walk.

Here's what's going on in Bloomington this weekend and beyond.

'Whisper of the Heart' playing Thursday at Buskirk-Chumley Theater

Lovers of Japanese films or curious newcomers will want to snag a ticket to see “Whisper of the Heart” at 7 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave. The 1995 film based on manga with the same title, follows a young, middle school girl who tries to find the boy who has checked out all the library books before she has. Tickets are $11 for adults and $9 for students with ID.

Learn about bald eagles at Lake Monroe events Thursday through Sunday

An adult bald eagle has the tell-tale white head and tail, which makes them easier to identify than the younger birds.
An adult bald eagle has the tell-tale white head and tail, which makes them easier to identify than the younger birds.

Eagles over Monroe, an annual event that celebrates Lake Monroe's unique history with the bald eagle, will be Thursday through Sunday. Although some activities are full, other events have no registration needed. Every day people can take a self-guided driving tour to look for bald eagles and other wildlife. An online map at bit.ly/monroelakeeagleguide has all the details.

From 5 to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, people can stop by for the Sunset Eagle Watch at the marina peninsula (past the swimming beach) at Paynetown State Recreation Area. There will be spotting scopes set up and staffed by local birding experts as well as some binoculars. Bring your own if you have them.

Participants in the 2021 Eagles over Monroe event use a spotting scope to search for bald eagles.
Participants in the 2021 Eagles over Monroe event use a spotting scope to search for bald eagles.

A warming station will be open 4-6 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday for people to use.

Programs that will be open to walk-up attendees if there is space still available include Saturday's Species Spotlight: The Sandhill Crane at 11 a.m., Return of the Bald Eagle at 1:30 p.m. and Sunday's The Carrion Eaters at 11 a.m. For information on availability and more information, go to bit.ly/eom2024.

Friday's Gallery Walk showcases many Bloomington artists

Meet the local artists who are members of By Hand Gallery and check out the Bloomington Watercolor Society paintings at the opening reception for the exhibit at The Vault at Gallery Mortgage during February's Gallery Walk, which will be 5-8 p.m. Friday. By Hand Gallery, inside Fountain Square Mall, will showcase the artwork of 12 members and The Vault at Gallery Mortgage, at 121 E. Sixth St., features works by the watercolor society members creating works in the styles of Peter Max, Paul Klee and Mary Cassatt.

Boogie to bluegrass with The Steeldrivers and Kade Puckett Friday at the Buskirk-Chumley

Listen to the Americana/bluegrass sounds of The Steeldrivers with Kade Puckett opening the show at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave. Puckett is the 2013 Indiana State Fingerstyle Guitar champ and The Steeldrivers is the award-winning quartet known for its country and bluegrass music. Tickets range from $34-$49 and can be purchased at the box office or online at buskirkchumley.org.

'Gutsy' woman of comedy Zarna Garg performs Friday, Saturday at Comedy Attic

Prepare for some laughter at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Comedy Attic, where Zarna Garg will share tales sure to bring a laugh. Garg was recently profiled as one of the gutsiest women in comedy on Apple TV's new "Gusty Women" series. Tickets are $25. The Comedy Attic is at the corner of Fourth and Walnut streets.

Happening in 2024: Here's a list of live theater and music happening in Bloomington

Black heritage celebration Monday at Monroe County Public Library

People of all ages are invited to celebrate Black heritage and culture 3:30-5:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Monroe County Public Library, 303 E. Kirkwood Ave. There will be snacks from a local Black-owned business, crafts and a screening of Disney's "The Little Mermaid."

Reach Carol Kugler at ckugler@heraldt.com.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Eagles over Monroe this weekend in Bloomington, Indiana