Hello to all you window-opening, snow-thawing, clock-setting, seed-swapping, hoodie-cleaning, can't-wait-until-spring-starts enthusiasts! --- We're all aware that the weather fluctuates in Utah, but the speed of which everyone's attitudes switched this week the minute our weather went up 10 degrees could snap your neck from the tailwind. In lieu of a 337 update (which is being painted as you read this today), here's a random selection from the Celebration Of The Hand displays currently hanging on Broadway.

Beofre I dive into events, I have two entertainment-based fundraisers to discuss, the first one involving the late (and very much missed) David Fetzer. Kenny Riches has launched a Kickstarter fund specifically designed to finance the remaining collection of Fetzer's creations, which includes never-released scripts and unreleased music. The goal they've set is $17,000, and after being up only two days, they've already reached $4,500 (as of the date and time this blog was posted). David Fetzer left behind a creative tome that should see the light of day, which is why I'm calling on the creative community to help out: No matter what medium you're in, pitch in what you can and help bring these remaining works to life.

Meanwhile, in a more entertainment-news-related fundraiser, the ladies of the Hello, Sweetie Podcast are looking to hit the road and do live coverage from the Denver and Phoenix versions of Comic Con. Now to be very clear, this means they'd be headed to the Cons and recording shows; most geek podcasters who do this only go to a Con and then tell you fond stories of what happened and wrap up the whole three-to-five-day experience in 20 minutes. To the best of our research, no other local geek podcast, not even the mighty Geek Show Podcast, has done this at a convention outside the state of Utah. The Sweeties are looking to be the first and they only need $1,700 to do it, which you can help them out with at Indiegogo.

Moving to events, this Monday will be the next installment of Channel 801 at Brewvies Cinema Pub. So far, it looks like they have their films set and ready to watch, which is a change of pace from previous events we've promoted for them, where submissions are usually still open. Showtime kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

Moving on to Wednesday, the Simple Treasures Spring Boutique will invade Ogden's Union Station for four days, showcasing vendors and crafters from around the state. I'd love to tell you some of the names involved, but, unfortunately, their website isn't too descriptive about what you'll find. That's not poor research, either; there's just simply no list, so all you craft lovers will be heading in blind. Just a heads up.

Kicking off on Friday, the Utah Film Center will be bringing back the Tumbleweeds Film Festival. For those of you unfamiliar with this, it's a three-day festival in which the best independent films created by kids from around the globe are showcased in spots like the Main Library, Rose Wagner and the Broadway. These films are actually pretty damned good, worth it for inspiring filmmakers to go see and something cool to take the kids to. Visit the Center's website for complete details on the fest including films and tickets.

Of course, what good Sheehan would I be if I didn't bring up the St. Patrick's Day Parade happening next Saturday, March 16, at the Gateway. I can think of a dozen different ways to celebrate the heritage of the Irish other than watching about a thousand people along the route pretending to be one of us, but, hell, I'll take it; at least it's celebrated and not pandered to. With any luck, this year we'll have decent weather, although it is calling for a chance of rain and thunderstorms. The Hibernian Society of Utah has done a fine job of keeping the parade alive, which will run its usual course down 400 West and into the half-abandoned outdoor mall. You know, if the Gateway were smart they'd open up those empty shops to serve up some food and libations for the day. But this is the same group who threatened to arrest costumed people during the SLC Zombie Walk, so don't bet on it. In any case, come join us. You'll see City Weekly in the parade and most likely me snapping pictures before I go celebrate in my own way.

The majority of next week gets spotty; most of it is made up of concerts until we hit March 22, which will be the next Poor Yorick Studios open house. Every year around the spring and fall equinox, the massive private art studio space opens its doors for the public to come look at all the art on display from participating residents. But be warned, this is only happening for ONE day, from 6-10 p.m. Best head over early and take in everything you can before the crowds hit and the doors close for another six months.

And then finally on Saturday, March 23, Wasatch Renaissance will hold the next Hip Hop Roots SLC event at The Salt Haus. Hosted by local performer Burnell Washburn, these events highlight local, national and international hip-hop and rap in an effort to promote the genre, as well as the art and culture around it. Check out the full lineup on the poster below; just $8 in advance and $10 the night of.

As for the blog: Over the next couple of weeks, I'll talk about women's football, sit down with a local comedian, explore the work of an artist/photographer, hit up Gallery Stroll and visit a different kind of gallery and an accessory shop on the rise. At least, that's the plan for the moment; spring usually holds a surprise or two. As always, we'll see what happens.

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