Enjoy fine arts and give back: 4 events in Springfield this weekend

Looking for a way to enjoy the break in the weather this weekend? Here are four events going on in the greater Springfield area.

1. The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

The Springfield Promise Neighborhood will host the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Saturday, Jan. 20 starting at noon. The event had been scheduled for Jan. 15 but was postponed due to the weather.

» READ MORE: Promise Neighborhood to hold service project on Martin Luther King Day

The event, which will take place at 237 E. High St. in Springfield, will focus on an art project centered around advertising and expanding the community garden located on Linden Avenue. The neighborhood plans on installing the completed mural in the garden, along with performing other small upgrades. The event is free and open to the public.

2. Shimasaki Sisters Live in Concert

Springfield-raised violinist Kanako Shimasaki and her younger sister Mariko Shimasaki will take the stage as a duet for the first time as part of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s NightLights Concert on Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Clark State Performing Arts Center. The concert is set to start at 5 p.m.

» RELATED: Sister violinists to perform orchestral homecoming in Springfield

Kanako has performed on many famous stages, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Her sister Mariko is a graduate of the Julliard School and is working toward a Master’s degree at the Mannes School of Music in New York City.

The program will feature baroque-era works, as well as modern pieces. Tickets for the concert start at $31 and are available through ticketmaster.

3. OPAI’s ‘The Pied Piper of Hamelin’ Auditions

The Ohio Performing Arts Institute will be holding auditions for their rendition of “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” on Saturday, Jan. 20, from 2 to 4 p.m.

The auditions, which will take place at the institute, located at 1616 E. High St., require all auditioners to bring their own sheet music and perform one song to showcase their abilities. An accompanist will be provided. Performers may also be asked to read from the script. Anyone from ages 6 to adult are allowed to audition.

» READ MORE: Ragtime orchestra scores with silent film presentation in Springfield

4. Springfield Motorcycle Swap Meet

The Clark County Fairgrounds will play host to the Walneck Motorcycle Swap Meet on Sunday, Jan. 21, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees will be able to find a variety of different merchandise and memorabilia from leather goods to spare parts at the gathering. Indoor motorcycle events will also be part of the showcase. Admission to the event is $7 and all ages are welcome to attend.

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