The Crossing Arts Alliance (TCAA) invites those interested to submit up to three poems for Poetry on the Wall. Poets, consider this opportunity to exhibit your work and read during the reception.

■ Just For Kix to perform in Outback Bowl Nineteen Brainerd and Pequot Lakes area Just For Kix dancers and 12 family members will travel Dec. 28 to Tampa, Fla., to take part in the Just For Kix Outback Bowl Dance Team Tour.

Visual arts BRAINERD Art Matters Gallery 1001 Kingwood St. "Close Encounters," exhibition, by appointment by calling 330-1780 through January 2013. Brainerd Public Library 416 S. Fifth St.

Performing arts AITKIN Friday nights at the Beanery Cafe Canary Grass, 8-10 p.m., Friday, the Beanery Cafe. http://www.aitkinbeanery.com/home or by calling the Beanery Cafe 218-927-7811.

■ Parker Sundquist Grade: Senior. Age: 17. Art focus: Art Adviser nomination: "Parker is becoming a potter due to his tenacity and strong work ethic.

Out of town CHANHASSEN Chanhassen Dinner Theatre 501 W. 78th St. "Our Hometown Christmas Pageant," through Dec. 30; "Bye Bye Birdie," through March 30, main stage; box office, 800-362-3515, www.chanhassentheatres.com.

Special Events AITKIN Art events Kaleidoscope, first Saturday of the month for ages 8 and up at 10 a.m., Jaques Art Center; Art classes, first Wednesday of the month, 1-4 p.m.

Live music For week of Dec. 20-26; bands perform from 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted. BRAINERD Blue Ox 608 Laurel St. Gel, Friday-Saturday Coco Moon 601 Laurel St. Songster Pete Norman, 5-7 p.m.

■ Visual arts BRAINERD Art Matters Gallery 1001 Kingwood St. "Close Encounters," exhibition, by appointment by calling 330-1780 through January 2013. Brainerd Public Library 416 S. Fifth St.

■ Special Events Art events Kaleidoscope, first Saturday of the month for ages 8 and up at 10 a.m., Jaques Art Center; Art classes, first Wednesday of the month, 1-4 p.m.