‘Disney’s Descendants: The Musical,’ Jurassic Quest, MLK celebration at SU: 14 things to do this week in Central NY

For the middle of January, this week is a busy one around Central New York.

Children are in luck this week with a run of performances of “Disney’s Descendants: The Musical” at the OnCenter Carrier Theater, the movie “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” is being shown on the Landmark Theatre’s big screen while Symphoria plays John Williams’ score live, and the Jurassic Quest’s life-size dinosaurs are scheduled to take over the Exposition Center of the New York State Fairgrounds once again.

There are live tribute shows of music from The Eagles and the “ultimate mashup tribute” of songs by The Grateful Dead and Notorious B.I.G. at Funk ‘n Waffles.

Syracuse University holds its 39th annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on Sunday.

Know of an event you would like to see on this list? Email us at least two weeks in advance at features@syracuse.com.

Monday

Crunch hosts Comets

The Syracuse Crunch host a Monday holiday matinee hockey game against local rival the Utica Comets at 1 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.

Where: 515 Montgomery Street, Syracuse

When: Monday at 1 p.m.

How much: Tickets start at $35.25, plus fees.

“Grateful for Biggie”

Syracuse’s Funk ‘N Waffles presents the “ultimate mashup tribute” on Monday evening. This tribute show blends the Grateful Dead’s signature grooves with the lyrical genius of Notorious B.I.G. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and $20 tickets can be purchased here.

Where: 307 South Clinton Street, Syracuse

When: Monday at 7:30 p.m.

How much: $20, plus fees.

Thursday

Frozen Bog Tour

Join a naturalist from Beaver Lake Nature Center for a guided hike of the Bog Trail on Thursday starting at 10 a.m. Learn about the winter adaptations of fen, flora, fauna, seasonal patterns, hibernation, and “life under the ice.” The program is free with $5 per carload admission but registration is required. Click here to register.

Where: 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville

When: Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m.

How much: Free with $5 admission.

Friday

“Disney Descendants: The Musical”

The Sing for America Artistic Team produced by Colorblind Studios brings “Disney’s Descendants: The Musical” to the OnCenter Carrier Theater, Friday through Sunday. Based on the popular Disney Channel movie, these brand-new musical features the teenaged children of villains Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Jafar, and Cruella De Vil who ventured for the first time off the Isle of the Lost where they have had been imprisoned. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster.

Where: 411 Montgomery Street, Syracuse

When: Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2.

How much: Tickets are $64 plus fees.

Jurassic Quest

The Exposition Center at the New York State Fairgrounds will look like prehistoric times as Jurassic Quest takes over this weekend. Children of all ages will make memories seeing life-size dinosaurs, excavate fossils, and “playing with baby dinos.” It is open Friday through Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.jurassicquest.com/syracuseny2024/events

Where: 581 State Fair Boulevard, Syracuse

When: Friday from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 to 7.

How much: Tickets start at $22.

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert”

Relive the movie which started it all. Join Harry Potter, Ron, and Hermione and the rest of the characters as the “The Sorcerer’s Stone” is shown on the big screen of the Landmark Theatre as Symphoria performs John Williams’ iconic score. Performances are scheduled on Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.

Where: 362 South Salina Street, Syracuse

When: Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2.

How much: Tickets start at $58.95, plus fees.

Gunning & Cormier

Two of Canada’s greatest roots singer-songwriters Dave Gunning and J.P. Cormier are performing on Friday night at the Folkus Project. The Canadian Folk Music Award, East Coast Music Award, Music Nova Scotia Award, and Juno Award nominated duo will be displaying their “spectrum of talent and musical vision” starting at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information go to folkus.org.

Where: 3800 East Genesee Street, Syracuse

When: Friday at 8 p.m.

How much: General Admission $20 / Folkus Members $17

Authors Christopher DelGuercio and Mary Jumbelic

The YMCA of CNY’s Downtown Writers Center hosts authors Christopher DelGuercio and Mary Jumbelic M.D. on Friday, the latest guests in its Authors Reading Sessions. The program starts at 7 p.m. in-person and online. Both are free but you need to register here. DelGuercio is a local teacher and writer, whose novella “Eden Succeeding” was a CNY Book of the Year nominee. Jumbelic is a board-certified pathologist who has written many nonfiction stories from her career and life. Her first book is “Here, Where Death Delights.”

Where: 340 Montgomery Street, Syracuse

When: Friday at 7 p.m.

How much: Free

“Flash and Fire”

NYS Baroque has “fiery” concerts of virtuoso recorder music on Friday and Saturday in Syracuse and Ithaca. Their 35th season continues with baroque music for the ever-popular recorder. American virtuoso and international performer and teacher Nina Stern collaborate with NYS Baroque musicians to present a program featuring music from 17th century Italy. Composers include Frescobaldi, Castello, Fontana, and Corelli. Friday night’s performance is at Syracuse’s First Unitarian Universalist Society and Saturday’s is at Ithaca’s. Go to www.nysbaroque.com for more info and tickets.

Where: 109 Waring Street, Syracuse (Friday) and 306 North Aurora, Ithaca

When: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Pre-concert talks start at 6:45.

How much: $30, $10 for students/limited income.

Saturday

“A Tribute Night to the Eagles”

The Eaglez, western New York State’s original and longest-running Eagles tribute band take the stage of the Palace Theatre on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy Eagle hits like “Hotel California,” “Take it Easy,” and “Desperado.” Tickets can be purchased here.

Where: 2384 James Street, Syracuse

When: Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

How much: Tickets start at $34.

Emma Langford

Clinton’s Kirkland Art Center welcomes award-winning Irish singer/songwriter Emma Langford on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. A household name on the Irish folk scene, Langford’s music “captures the soul of Ireland in every note.” Langford will be joined by Alec Brown on cello, flute and vocals, and Hannah Nic Gearailt on keys and vocals. Tickets for the concert $20 and are available at www.kacny.org/kac-live.

Where: 9 ½ East Park Row, Clinton

When: Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

How much: $20

Sunday

Syracuse University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Now in its 39th year, Syracuse University’s Martin Luther King Celebration on Sunday is the largest of its kind in the country. The program seeks to honor the message and mission of Dr. King and is a “direct expression” of SU’s commitment to advancing academic excellence at a university welcoming to all. The free program at the JMA Wireless Dome includes featured speaker Talithia Williams, Ph.D., big data expert and host of “NOVA Wonders,” student and community group performances, and a presentation of this year’s “Unsung Hero Awards.” The program starts at 7 p.m. The traditional pre-program dinner is at 5 and costs $30. Visit https://mlk.syr.edu/ for more information and to purchase dinner tickets.

Where: 900 Irving Avenue, Syracuse

When: Sunday at 7 p.m. Dinner is at 5.

How much: The program is free. Dinner is $30.

“Dancing with the Stars” Live

See your favorite dance pros from the long-running TV competition “Dancing with the Stars” on Sunday at the Event Center at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino on Sunday night. Mirrorball Champion Xochiti Gomez is scheduled for an appearance. Expect an unforgettable night of amazing routines in a variety of dance styles, jaw-dropping talent, and non-stop entertainment. The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets, including VIP packages, can be purchased at Ticketmaster.

Where: 5218 Patrick Road, Verona

When: Sunday at 7 p.m.

How much: Tickets start at $60.

January JazzFest

The Seneca Savings January JazzFest on Sunday will bring many iconic veterans of the regional music scene together with young and emerging talent. The multi-story Mohegan Manor hosts the day of continuous music from 1 to 8 p.m. Each floor will have a different theme and style of jazz music. Prizes and raffles will be held throughout the day, and food is available at extra charge. All proceeds support the educational programs of CNY Jazz, which develops top young talent from the city schools and the surrounding region. For more information, including performers, and to purchase tickets, go to www.cnyjazz.org.

Where: 58 Oswego Street, Baldwinsville

When: Sunday from 1-8 p.m.

How much: $25 in advance, $30 at the door.