Entertainment - weekend planner

Stage
“TOM SAWYER,” presented by Theatre for Young America, 10 a.m. Tuesday-Friday, noon Thursdays and Fridays, 2 p.m. Saturdays, through July 5, H&R Block City Stage at Union Station. Cost, $8, $6 for Union Station members and TYA members, $5 per person for groups of 15 or more. For tickets, call 816-460-2020.
“WELL,” a riotous self-examination of health by Lisa Kron, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays, through July 13, Unicorn Theatre, Kansas City. Ticket costs, $25 for Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday performances; $30 for Saturdays. For tickets, call 816-531-PLAY or online at www.unicorntheatre.org.

Special events
JEFFREY LEEVER will discuss his book “Dark Friday,” 6 to 9 tonight, Barnes & Noble, 19120 E. 39th St., Independence. An investigative reporter travels to a small Indiana town to look into a series of horror movie inspired murders. Free and open to the public. 816-795-8154.
JODY SUMMERS will discuss his book “Dark Canvas,” 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Barnes & Noble, 19120 E. 39th St., Independence. An artist discovers her psychic abilities and uncovers horrifying crimes in this psychological thriller. Free and open to the public. 816-795-8154.
FREE CIVIL WAR FILM: Ride with the Devil (1999), 7 p.m. Thursday, Truman Presidential Library and Museum, Independence. This movie depicts Tobey Maguire and Jewel as their lives are ambushed by history. Museum volunteers will serve popcorn and beverages. Admission is free.
ROZ BROWN will discuss her book “I Will Never Leave Thee Nor Forsake Thee: A Study Guide for the Single Mom,” 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 21, Barnes & Noble, 19120 E. 39th St., Independence. Written by a single mom to single moms. This guide tackles everyday issues that single mothers deal with every day. Free and open to the public. 816-795-8154.
ROBOTIC ADVENTURE: Family workshop, 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. June 21, Science City Test Kitchen at Union Station, Kansas City. Explore the world of LEGO Mindstorm robotics, as you design, build and program a robot for a challenging mission. Cost, $14.95 for Union Station members (one adult/one child) plus $5 for each additional person; $29.95 for non-members (one adult/one child) plus $10 for each additional person. Call 816-460-2020.
REBECCA HALE will discuss her book “How to Wash a Cat” 2 to 4 p.m. June 21, Barnes & Noble, 19120 E. 39th St., Independence. A patent attorney turned fiction writer, Hale links a Gold Rush legend, a pair of tulip-shaped cufflinks, kooky characters and a cat in need of a bath in this humorous mystery. 816-795-8154.
TOUR THE NELSON-ATKINS, tours begin at 11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, and 2:15 Sundays, tours begin at the Visitors Service Desk in the lobby of the Block Building. No reservations needed.

Music
PICK & HAMMER will perform from 5 to 8 tonight, with Crystal River playing from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, at Hazel’s Country Café, 219 West U.S. 24, Independence. Jeff and Jamie Potts will play from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday at Hazel’s. Tommy Helms will appear from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Call 816-461-5882 or visit hazelcountrycafe.com.
PICK & HAMMER will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, and from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, at the Rheinland Restaurant, 208 N. Main St., Independence. Call 816-461-5383.
CHRIS REDING AND THE REDDYMEN BAND perform for a country music dance from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, American Legion Post 21, 16701 East U.S. 40, Independence. The cost is, $5. Call 816-373-0221.
“SUMMER SONATA” benefit, performed by Liberty Symphony Orchestra, 6 to 9 tonight at a local patron’s garden. There will be a silent and live auction, catered food and chamber music. Tickets are $25, and are available by calling 816-415-7832.
BATTLE OF LEXINGTON STATE HISTORIC SITE piano recital, 7 p.m. Saturday, in the Anderson Home. Spencer Huston, a pianist and teacher at UMKC Conservatory of Music, will play a variety of music, plus a couple of patriotic songs in honor of Flag Day. Advanced reservations required. Call 660-259-4654.
“MUSIC IN THE PARK,” sponsored by Blue Springs Parks and Recreation, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Provincial Gazebo at Rotary Park at Railroad Lake, Missouri 7 and Vesper Street, Blue Springs. The Nortons will perform the blues. Free. Inclement weather hotline: 816-228-0116.
“MUSIC IN THE PARK” free concerts, 6:30 to 10 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 30, Howard Station Park, Lee’s Summit. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. 816-246-6598.

Exhibits
LINCOLN: THE CONSTITUTION AND THE CIVIL WAR, through Sept. 14, Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, Independence. This interactive exhibit explores how one individual exercised leadership at a pivotal time of crisis for the nation, the Constitution, and the course of freedom worldwide. Free with Museum admission, $8, $7 for ages 65 and older; $3 for ages 6 to 15, 5 and under are free.
CHAPUNGU: Nature, Man and Myth exhibit, through Nov. 2, Powell Gardens, Kingsville. There will be more than 50 monumental stone sculptures from Africa on display. Exhibit included in regular Garden admission, $8 for adults; $7 for ages 60 and older; $3 for ages 5 to 12.
Items for the Entertainment Planner may be e-mailed to jill.ritchie@examiner.net or mailed to: The Examiner, P.O. Box 459, Independence, Mo. 64051.