Ring in the new year with live music, craft parties and many other local events. We have all the details about what’s going on when right here.

• • •

Sean Gaskell in Concert

Jan. 3

7 p.m.

Sean Gaskell features traditional songs on the kora, a 21-string harp that he learned how to play throughout the course of multiple visits to its homeland in Gambia, West Africa. The music is traditionally played by oral and musical historians known as Griots (pronounced “Gree-ohs”). The kora is a melodic and seemingly peaceful instrument, which is contrary to its musical repertoire. Many songs tell ancient stories of war and hardship, while others praise people of high political status and those who helped expand the Mande empire. His concert will be held at the Hoover Public Library.

Turtle Island Quartet with Cyrus Chestnut

Jan. 10+11

7:30 p.m.

The Library Theatre

Renowned jazz master Cyrus Chestnut and the Grammy-winning Turtle Island Quartet continue their remarkable journey together as they traverse the myriad colors of jazz and beyond. Dipping into the rhythms of world cultures, together these five multi-stylistic, singularly gifted musicians come together to embrace forays into folk, bluegrass, swing, be-bop, funk, R&B, new age, rock and hip-hop, as well as music of Latin America and India. A repertoire consisting of hundreds of ingenious arrangements, their collaboration is infused with the global reach of gospel and sacred music – ranging from the Appalachian Mountains to the spiritually defined musical landscape of J.S. Bach, Ellington, Monroe, Coltrane and more. The performance will be held in the Hoover Library Theatre.

A Practically Perfect Party

Jan. 12

10:30 a.m.

Hoover Public Library

Mary Poppins hosts a morning of fun for the whole family that is sure to be “practically perfect in every way.” Crafts and games will be available for all ages.

Mad Hatter’s Fairy Garden Tea Party 2

Jan. 21

11 a.m.

Aldridge Gardens

Parents and grandparents can bring their little ones to this popular event to decorate a small garden container, have “tea” (finger sandwiches and desserts) while the containers dry. The group will also play games. Hats are welcome! The cost is $30 for Aldridge Gardens members and $40 for non-members. Contact Debbie McDonald at dmcdonald@aldridgegardens.com for information.

• • •

WHAT TO DO IN HOOVER

Jan. 6
Sunday NovelTea – The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin
Hoover Public Library
3 p.m.

Jan. 10+11
Turtle Island Quartet with Cyrus Chestnut
Hoover Public Library
7:30 p.m.

Jan. 12
Purl on the Plaza
Hoover Public Library
11 a.m.

Jan. 14
Jammin’ on the Plaza
Hoover Public Library
7 p.m.

Jan. 17
Trivia Night – Disney Reprise
Hoover Public Library
7 p.m.

Jan. 22
Family Night – Dad Jokes
Hoover Public Library
6:30 p.m.

Jan. 26
Write Club
Hoover Public Library
10:30 a.m.

Jan. 28
Monday at the Movies – The Greatest Showman
Hoover Public Library
2 p.m.+6:30 p.m.

Jan. 30
UAB Photo Department Student Exhibition – Closing Reception
Hoover Public Library
5 p.m.

AROUND TOWN

Jan. 11+12
The Beginning: Carlos Conducts Beethoven’s First Symphony
Alabama Symphony Orchestra
Alys Stephens Center

Jan. 15
Swan Lake
Presented by the State Ballet Theatre of Odessa
Lyric Theatre
7:30 p.m.

Jan. 18-20
Evita
BJCC Concert Hall

Jan. 18+19
Carmina Burana & The Rite of Spring
Alabama Symphony Orchestra
Alys Stephens Center

Jan. 24-Feb. 10
Million Dollar Quartet
Virginia Samford Theatre

Jan. 24-27
Birmingham Boat Show
BJCC

Jan. 26
The Mambo Kings
Presented by Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s Red Diamond SuperPOPS!
Samford University Wright Center

Jan. 26
Alabama Dance Festival feat. Rosie Herrera Dance Theatre
Alys Stephens Center