Weekend best bets: Dinosaurs, cowboys and Aretha

RALEIGH, N.C. — There is a little something for everyone this weekend in the Triangle!

Jan. 18-22: Come From Away - This New York Times Critics' Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of the 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. See it on stage at DPAC.

Jan. 20-21: Aretha: A Tribute with the North Carolina Symphony - Enjoy this tribute to Aretha Franklin featuring Broadway powerhouse Capathia Jenkins and Grammy-nominated R&B singer Ryan Shaw in a performance of Aretha’s one-of-a-kind hits including “Chain of Fools,” “Amazing Grace" and “Respect.” The show runs Jan. 20 and 21 at Meymandi Concert Hall.

Jan. 21: Southern Songbirds: An Evening with Rissi Palmer - The North Carolina Museum of History will host this concert featuring Rissi Palmer, whose music features a dynamic blend of country and R&B/soul. Palmer is among the artists featured in the traveling exhibition, The Power of Women in Country Music currently on display at the museum.

Jan. 21: JB Smoove: Physical Therapy Tour - JB Smoove is a multi-talented writer, comedian, and actor. He can currently be seen in the beloved role of “Leon” in the iconic HBO comedy series “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” See him on stage at Carolina Theatre.

Jan. 21-22: Shen Yun Performing Arts- Shen Yun invites you to travel back to the magical world of ancient China. Experience a lost culture through the incredible art of classical Chinese dance, and see legends come to life. Shen Yun makes this possible by pushing the boundaries of the performing arts, with a unique blend of stunning costuming, high-tech backdrops, and an orchestra like no other. Be prepared for a theatrical experience that will take your breath away. See the show Jan. 21 and 22 at Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

Jan. 20-22: Jurassic Quest - This interactive dinosaur exhibit will stop at the Raleigh Convention Center Jan. 20-22. The event features "life-like" dinosaurs, dinosaur themed rides, live dinosaur shows, interactive science and art activities, that include a fossil dig and real fossils like T-Rex teeth, a triceratops horn and life-size dino skull. Plus, there will be bounce houses, inflatable attractions, and a “Triceratots” soft play area for smaller children.

Jan. 20: 123 Andrés: Actívate - Head to the Carolina Theatre Saturday morning for an energizing performance for the family. 123 Andrés are a Latin Grammy-winning, GRAMMY-nominated duo for kids and families known for their interactive, high energy shows. They bring fresh original songs that blend Spanish and English, with silly dance moves and Latin beats.

Jan. 21: CINCH World's Toughest Rodeo - Cinch World's Toughest Rodeo brings a night of family fun and entertainment to Raleigh! Fans will experience the best of the best in cowboy athletes as they compete to qualify for the multi-million dollar Nation Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. See the rodeo at PNC Arena.

Jan. 21: Biotech Bash - Join the Museum of Life and Science in Durham and learn how biotechnology impacts our everyday lives! Investigate biotech’s role in food security, medical research, art, and more. Engage with activities, demonstrations, and info from top scientists and companies doing cutting-edge work in the field as you explore our campus.

Jan. 21: Magic Tree House Space Mission: My daughter loves this book series. The Morehead Planetarium is hosting a special show based on the book! Travel with Jack and Annie, stars of the Magic Tree House® best-selling children’s book series, as they search for answers to a mysterious riddle they discover in a written note signed “–M.” The planetarium show Magic TreeHouse® Space Mission features series author (and UNC alumna) Mary Pope Osborne. Recommended for children ages five and older.

Jan. 21: Artspace Winter Family Day: Join Artspace for a free Winter Family Day celebrating Lunar New Year and the "When We Are Still Together" exhibition by Taiwanese-American artist Jan-Ru Wan. Winter Family Day will feature demos by Artspace studio artists and cultural activities and performances in collaboration with the NC Raleigh Chinese Language School.

Jan. 21: Snowflake Science: Snowflakes are actually beautiful tiny ice crystals with amazing symmetrical shapes. Join Cape Fear Botanical Garden environmental educators as families explore the science of snow with geoboards, an icy experiment and a fun craft. This event takes place at the Headquarters Library in Fayetteville.

Jan. 21: Art Adventures: In this art-inspired, hands-on art-making class for six to nine-year-olds, participants will create their own masterpieces inspired by works of art at the Ackland Art Museum in Chapel Hill. Classes are led by instructor Allison Tierney. Cost is $5 and space is limited to ten participants, so I recommend reserving your ticket online to save your spot.