Through Jan. 8 – Orpheus Competition
Since 1996, The Middle Tennessee Choral Society has sponsored the Orpheus Vocal Competition, which provides financial support and encouragement to singers up to age 30 from around the U.S. who are pursuing careers as vocal artists. Orpheus is the only competition of its kind in the south central U.S. This year the Society awards grand prizes of $3,000 for the Student winner and $5,000 for the Young Artist winner. Additional prizes are awarded by individuals and corporations. The competition is open to any singer who has completed or is in the process of completing an accredited music education. Applicants will submit audition videos to the competition. For more information, contact Raphael Bundage at 615-898-2849 or 615-898-2694 visit orpheusvocal.com.
Jan. 5 and 19 – Yarn Love Murfreesboro
Yarn Love Murfreesboro is a casual group of yarn enthusiasts who love to knit and crochet. All levels of experience are welcome, and the cost is free. Come out and talk shop, bring your current works in progress, stitch a project for charity or just to learn. Bring your own yarn, hooks or needles. Yarn swaps also happen from time to time. YLM usually meets in Linebaugh Library’s first floor club room on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6–8 p.m. For more information, visit rclstn.org or contact 615-893-4131.
Erin Enderlin
Jan. 7–28 – Alive & The Bluebird
For the past 28 years in January, The Bluebird Cafe and a host of songwriters have helped raise funds for Alive Hospice. This year’s Alive & The Bluebird series consists of 15 live-streamed shows from The Bluebird over the course of the year via StageIt. Shows stream every Thursday, Jan. 7–Jan. 28, at 7:30 p.m., and the first Thursday of each month thereafter.
Musicians slated to perform include:
Jan. 7: Gary Burr, Georgia Middleman and Jim Photoglo
Jan. 14: Marc Beeson, Lucie Silvas and friends
Jan. 21: Erin Enderlin, Kendell Marvel and Waylon Payne
Jan. 28: J.T. Harding and friends
Feb. 4: Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne and friends
Tickets cost $20. Create an account at stageit.com/signup before accessing tickets at stageit.com/bluebirdtn. For more information, Visit alivehospice.org/murfreesboro.
Jan. 8 – Nature Journaling for Kids
Nature journaling is a great way to exercise your artistic skills and engage your senses while exploring in the woods, a park, or your very own backyard. Make your own personalized nature journal and go on a leisurely hike beginning at Wilderness Station at Barfield Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Friday, Jan. 8, beginning at 3 p.m. Registration is required. Ages 5–12 are welcome and admission is $2 per person and $5 per family. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or apool@murfreesborotn.gov.
Jan. 9 – Marble Plains Loop Trail
Join Murfreesboro Parks & Rec for the first hike of the new year with beautiful views of Tim’s Ford Lake on Saturday, Jan. 9, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. The trail crosses two suspension bridges into the trees and covers approximately 3.5 miles. Transportation is not provided. Online registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com. Further information about the location will be disclosed to registrants. The cost for the guided hike is $8 per person. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or clipscomb@murfreesborotn.gov.
Jan. 9 – Tennessee Motorama
Both Barrels will present the 10th annual Tennessee Motorama from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at the Farm Bureau Exposition Center in Wilson County (945 E. Baddour Pkwy., Lebanon). The Motorama features a custom car show, custom bicycle show and swap meet with all sorts of automotive parts and accessories. The all-indoor show will be a rain-or-shine event. The car show is open to all models and years. Best of show wins $500. Admission to the event is $10 (kids under 12 are free); entry for a vehicle in the car show is $25. For more information, call 615-364-1828 or visit bothbarrelspromotions.com.
Jan. 9 – Susan Guinn Book Signing
Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St.) welcomes local author Susan Guinn for a book signing on Saturday, Jan. 9, from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Guinn signs copies of her book When Heaven Sighs, published in July 2020. With heaven on one side, hell on the other and a man caught in the middle, which side will he choose? Faith and courage are tested as a dedicated homicide detective in Nashville struggles to help two victims linked only by their mutual interest and belief in a mysterious, ancient document. Guinn retired from a long career as a laboratory technologist after being diagnosed with breast cancer, and after taking several classes in art and creative writing, she began this novel, completing it during her last round of chemotherapy. Book copies are $9 each; cash and cards accepted. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.
Jan. 12 – DNA Dynamics
DNA makes up all the living things. Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.) breaks down what exactly it is on a kid level with some cool hands-on activities on Tuesday, Jan. 12, from 10–11 a.m. Make Twizzler-and-marshmallow double helixes to help understand the makeup of the world around us. Ages 7–12 are welcome. Admission is free. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.
Jan. 13 – Cultural Arts Pop-Up
Join Murfreesboro Parks & Rec the second Wednesday of the month at the Gateway Island Reception Center (1875 W. College St.) from 11 a.m.–noon or 1–2 p.m. for an opportunity to get creative. Cultural Arts features a monthly pop-up where participants create a craft and learn something new with a different surprise activity each month. Class size is limited, so sign up early. The class repeats itself each pop-up day. Admission is free; ages 7 and up are welcome. For more information, contact 615-801-2606 or dhunter@murfreesborotn.gov.
Jan. 13, 14, 16 and 23 – Book Binding
Learn a fun craft and a quick and easy way of making nice presents and gifts with book binding classes at Gateway Island Reception Center (1875 W. College St.) Jan. 13 and 16 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and Jan. 14 and 23 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Book binding is an ancient craft that is not difficult to learn. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration is required. Admission is $15 and space is limited. For more information, contact 615-893-2141 or efaye@murfreesborotn.gov.
POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE: Beginning Jan. 16 – Wedding Dresses Through the Decades
Enjoy the 10th Anniversary of “Wedding Dresses Through the Decades” Jan. 16–March 27. Witness vintage gowns from the past 100 years on display for the first time inside the elegant Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.) alongside brides’ photos and stories from their wedding day. View other favorites from the past exhibits and a selection from the Historic Clothing Collection in the Department of Human Sciences at MTSU. Visit the exhibit Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and select Saturdays. Admission for adults is $15, $12 for seniors and military and $10 for students ages 6 and up. Admission includes a self-guided tour of the mansion. All tickets must be purchased in advance at oaklandsmansion.org. Reservations can also be made by contacting 615-893-0022 or mb@oaklandsmansion.org.
Jan. 17 – Eco Printing
Learn about a beautiful and unique artistic medium known as eco printing at Wilderness Station at Barfield Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Sunday, Jan. 17, from 2–3 p.m. Use natural resources foraged from the forest or garden to create a one-of-a-kind piece to take home and display. Registration is required; the cost is $3 per person or $10 per family. Ages 5 and up are welcome. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or apool@murfreesborotn.gov.
Jan. 18 – Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and story through arts, culture and more with the Discovery Center (502 SE Broad St.) on Monday, Jan. 18, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission is free (walk-up) with capacity limitations. For more information, call 615-890-2300 or visit explorethedc.org/mlkday.
Jan. 19 – In Her Footsteps
Journey through time as Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St., Lions Club Building) features a fun, interactive program about Women’s Suffrage and the notable women who have deeply impacted the community. Get inspired and learn about influential Rutherford County women while participating in a collaborative art project and taking a picture posing as suffragist Annie Brawley Jackson. Ages 7–17 are welcome Tuesday, Jan. 19, from 4–4:45 p.m. Admission is free (class max is 20). For more information, contact 615-801-2606 or dhunter@murfreesborotn.gov.
Jan. 21 – Environmental Action
Discuss some of the environmental challenges facing Earth and what we can do about it. Talk about pollution, climate, invasive species and animal exploitation with hands-on activities and an outdoor walk at Wilderness Station at Barfield Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) on Thursday, Jan. 21, from 9–10:30 a.m. Ages 7–13 are welcome. Admission is free. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.
Jan. 23 – Radnor Lake Hike
Join Murfreesboro Parks & Rec for the Radnor Lake hike covering approximately five miles of the trails on Saturday, Jan. 23, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Radnor Lake is the State of Tennessee’s first Natural Area. Transportation is not provided. Online registration is required at murfreesboroparks.com. Further information about location will be disclosed to registrants. Ages 15 and up are welcome. The cost for this guided hike is $8. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or clipscomb@murfreesborotn.gov.
Jan. 30 – Let’s Go Plogging
Plogging is a combination of jogging and picking up trash. A Swedish fitness craze, plogging is now catching on all over the world. A combination of two words, “plocka”, which means “to pick,” and “jogging,” plogging is part workout and part social responsibility. Meet at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) on Saturdays, Jan. 30 and Feb. 20, at 8 a.m. to jog and pick up trash along the Greenway. Ages 13 and up are welcome. For more information, call 615-890-0355.
Jan. 30 – Orienteering Basics
Learn the parts of a compass and how it works on Saturday, Jan. 30, from 1–2:30 p.m. Practice finding and following a bearing, calibrate pacing and do a 10-point orienteering course outside the Wilderness Station (401 Volunteer Rd.). Admission is free. Ages 7 and up are welcome. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.
Jan. 31 – Naturalist: Theodore Roosevelt
When hearing the name Theodore Roosevelt, we think of the memorable American’s role as the President of the United States, but did you know the he was also a conservationist and naturalist? On Sunday, Jan. 31, from 2–3 p.m., Wilderness Station at Barfield Park (401 Volunteer Rd.) teaches about the strides Roosevelt took so we can enjoy today’s beautiful, wide spaces. Registration is required. Ages 8 and up are welcome. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or apool@murfreeborotn.gov.
Mondays – Adult Recreational Coed Volleyball League
The Recreation Department offers recreational volleyball for players who are looking to have fun in a laid-back atmosphere. The league plays at Patterson Park (521 Mercury Blvd.) on Monday nights with games at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Social interaction and fun are a big part of the league. The cost is $4 per player per visit or premium pass. For more information, contact 615-907-2251 or shull@murfreeborotn.gov.
Wednesdays – Outdoor Wild Things
The Wilderness Station’s (697 Veterans Pkwy.) classic Wild Things program is back on Wednesdays in January from 9:30–10:30 a.m. Sing songs, read a story, complete a craft and conclude with a short walk (dress accordingly). Focus on a different nature theme each week; ages 1–4 are welcome with parents. Admission is $3; registration is required the day before by contacting 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.
Wednesdays – Sports*Com Adult Basketball League
Adult athletes can stay in shape, socialize and play basketball at Sports*Com (2310 Memorial Blvd.) Wednesdays in January. The league offers full court games with trained officials beginning at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Join the list, and efforts are made to assist individuals in finding a team. The cost is $4 per player per visit or premium pass. For more information, contact 615-907-2251 or mmcafferty@murfreesborotn.gov.
Wednesdays – Stained Glass Suncatcher Class
Learn how to make a small copper-foiled stained glass suncatcher (Tiffany technique) and take home the finished piece you created in a four-week class at Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.). Classes are Wednesdays in January from 6–8. p.m., and tools and materials are included in your first four-week class. The cost is $85 (8-person max). Ages 16 and up are welcome. For more information, contact 615-801-2606 or dhunter@murfreesborotn.gov.
Wednesdays – Hot Chocolate and Stroll Around Cannonsburgh Village
Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate with a guided tour of Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) featuring history from the late 1800s-early 1900s Wednesdays in January from 10–11:30 a.m. Admission is $3; dress according to the weather. All ages are welcome. For more information, call 615-890-0355.
Thursdays – Adult Power Coed Volleyball League
Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation offers competitive volleyball for players who have experience with the game. The league plays at Sports*Com (2310 Memorial Blvd.) on Thursday nights at 6, 7 and 8 p.m., and the competition is stiff. Efforts are made to find experienced players a spot on a team. The cost is $4 per player per visit or premium pass. For more information, contact 615-907-2251 or shull@murfreesborotn.gov.
Thursdays – Guardians of the Greenway
Help keep the Greenway clean for the plants, animals, and people that love it Thursdays in January and February from 9–10 a.m. Pickers, gloves and trash bags are provided, and volunteer hours can be signed. All ages are welcome.
Jan. 7 – Manson Pike Trailhead (1208 Searcy St.)
Jan. 14 – Cannonsburgh Trailhead (312 S. Front St.)
Jan. 21 – Overall Creek Trailhead (264 Overall St.)
Jan. 28 – Walter Hill Trailhead (North Murfreesboro Greenway)
For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.
Saturdays – Animal Encounters
The Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent (401 Volunteer Rd.) features a short program introducing an educational animal at 1:30 p.m. Learn about the animal’s cool adaptations and natural history. All ages are welcome, and the cost is free. For more information, contact 615-217-3017 or hmeyer@murfreesborotn.gov.
Throughout January – Walk the Greenway with St. Clair
Enjoy the brisk days of winter with a walk through the Greenway with St. Clair Senior Walking Group on Tuesdays from 2–3 p.m. (cancellations due to rain, snow and temperatures below 32 degrees). Please call 615-848-2550 by 10 a.m. the day of the walk to register. For more information, contact lgrissom@murfreeboroth.gov.
Jan. 5 – Barfield Crescent Park Trailhead (697 Veterans Pkwy.)
Jan. 12 – Gateway Island and Reception Center (1875 W. College St.)
Jan. 19 – General Bragg Trailhead (1540 W. College St.)
Jan. 26 – Stones River National Battlefield (3501 Old Nashville Hwy.)
