Cultural Calendar: DAAM

Today

DAAM: The Downtown Aurora Arts Mixers meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the River's Edge Cafe, 18 W. Downer Place. In attendance will be musicians, poets, writers and photographers.

Saturday

Craft show: Designs by JeanMarie is an Elburn-based business that will be participating in Santa's CraftShop at Kaneland High School from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Partners Jeannie Jackson and Maria Kormos also happen to be sisters-in-law who share a talent for creating original jewelry. They utilize unique stones from different parts of the world to create their one-of-a-kind pieces. They'll also be participating in Marmion Academy's craft show Nov. 28 and 29. Donation of $1 is requested at the door, and proceeds benefit the Peer Leadership Group, a group of students who are involved with many different sports and activities throughout the school. Call 630-712-4617.

Brass Band Championships: At the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles, the U.S. Open Brass Band Championships will entertain audiences from all over the world. Sponsored by Brass Bands International, this full-day invitational event features the finest British-style adult brass bands from seven states and Canada in the National Championship contest. Each of the nine bands will perform a 25-minute program. Three internationally recognized judges will evaluate each performance, with special awards of trophies and cash for both individual and group achievement. Frank Renton from the BBC in London will again serve as the emcee. In addition to this event, a special preview of small ensembles, known as Buskers, will be at 7 p.m. Friday at Real Time Sports Bar on Randall Road in St. Charles. Visit www.usopenbrass.org or call 847-398-1732 for information.

The Tourists: The Tourists band will perform from 6 to 8 p.m. at Prisco's Next Door, 1108 Prairie St., Aurora. They'll be playing new songs from their coming CD. Call 630-897-2103. Visit www.danbeckerandthetourists.com.

Nov 11

"Plaid Tidings": Noble Fool Theatricals presents "Plaid Tidings," the hilarious and nostalgic Forever Plaid Holiday Spectacular directed and choreographed by Bob Kiser with music directed by Ken Jones, at the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage Theater, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Plaid Tidings will preview today through Friday. The show will open Saturday and continue through Dec. 27. Tickets are $29 Wednesdays through Fridays and $39 on Saturdays and Sundays. Dinner show packages are available at $49 Wednesday and Thursdays and $59 on Saturdays and Sundays. Show times are 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Call 630-584-6342 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.