Looking for fun events? Top 5 things to do in Tallahassee

School's back in session, with one more week of freedom for college students.

The pace of events is about to quicken. Soak up the sights and sounds of a late-summer night's dream.

Here's a roundup of entertaining events around Tallahassee, culled from emails, the Council on Culture & Arts online listings and elsewhere.

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1. 'Ain't Misbehavin' swings into the Monticello Opera House

The Essential Theatrical Associates and the Monticello Opera House present the Tony Award-winning musical revue "Ain't Misbehavin'" from Aug.16-18. Directed by Bryan F. Mitchell, this timeless show pays tribute to the legendary Thomas "Fats" Waller and the infectious energy of swing music during the Golden Age of the Cotton Club.

Evening shows are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; matinees are 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 18. Tickets are $27 for general admission, $32 for VIP Seats (30 designated seats). Tickets may also be available for purchase at the door. Visit monticellooperahouse.org.

Originally assembled under the eye of director/lyricist Richard Maltby, Jr., "Ain't Misbehavin'" won the 1978 Tony Award for Best Musical and remains one of the most popular revues of all time. The show captures the delightful humor and vibrant spirit of Fats Waller, whose career spanned from uptown clubs to downtown Tin Pan Alley, Hollywood, to European concerts.

All performances will be presented in a jazz club style in the Perkins Performance Hall, enhancing the immersive experience of the show. Patrons can enjoy a cash bar featuring premium beer, wine, and cocktails throughout the performances.

2. American Legion brings the All-Stars for Tallahassee Jazz Night

The All-Stars Big Band featuring Rodney Jordan and Dave Detwieler, presented by Tissa Kholsa, brings the swing to the American Legion Hall, Post 13, 229 Lake Ella Drive, from 7:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17. Great modern music concert will feature swings, dances and grooves with an all-star line up of multi-generational Tallahassee musicians. $10 general admission; discount for students. Food and drink available for purchase.

Here's the lineup for the Modern Jazz Showcase and Session: Saxophones - Jonathan Gray, David Detweiler Joe Goldberg, Tissa Khosla; Brass - Hannah Duhon, Wayne Pearcy, Jianni Lazaga, Christopher Goldwire; Rhythm - Blake Dwelle, Jose Serrano, Rodney Jordan and Nygel Anderson.

3. Birthday fun at The Bark

Here's what's up for birthday weekend at The Bark, 507 All Saints St., which cranks up Little Foot, with Petty Problems, Speed Runner and The Village Idiots on Friday, Aug. 16. Doors open at 8 p.m. $10 cover. On Saturday, Aug. 17, The Bark celebrates turning 7 with a Birthday Show featuring Castover, Ellen Fish, Stefan Lange, Death Weapon Miester Academy, and Bench Warmer. Everything starts at 7 p.m. Free. On Sunday, Aug. 18, stop by for Zalongo with SmoochyFace and Callisto’s Collapse. Doors at 7 p.m., Music at 7:30. $10 cover.

4. Pat Puckett, Sawmill Jam, Collen Nixon chime in at Blue Tavern

Pat Puckett kicks off the weekend with happy hour from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St. Pat's usually a late night guy, but change is good. Just don't expect a bunch of happy songs. Sawmill Jam steps up from 8-11 p.m. Friday with Frank Graham's signature swamp boogie sound along with Kit Goodner on guitar and vocals, and Mark Patton on upright bass and vocals. Expect fun, laid-back grooves. $10 cover.

Accordion player Kirill Litvik hosts the 3rd Saturday Irish Session starting at 4 p.m. at Blue Tavern. All ages and abilities welcome. Next up is Jazzmatazz with Collen Nixon and the Heat Miser Trio from 8-11 p.m. Jazzmatazz presents the return of chanteuse extraordinaire Colleen Nixon for an evening of classic jazz standards, accompanied by the Heat Miser trio of Will Fulkerson (keys), Brian Hall (bass), and Michael Bakan (drums). $10 cover.

5. Say goodbye and hello to exhibits at LeMoyne Arts

Your last chance to see the “Forever Side by Side” exhibit featuring works by local favorites Randy and Debra Brienen is Saturday, Aug. 17, at LeMoyne Arts, 125 N. Gadsden St. This exhibit showcases selected paintings of the same subject, created by each artist in their distinctive styles, and displayed side by side.

On Thursday, get ready to welcome painter and poetess Isabella Al-Sharif’s new exhibition, “Her Temple,” which delves into the exploration of feminine divinity and empowerment through her intricate and soulful paintings. The opening reception will be from 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, and will feature live music by the R&R Sisters with Ed Prasse, drinks and light bites from DEEP Brewing Co., Distillery 98, and Chicken Salad Chick.

The exhibit runs through Sept. 21. Al-Sharif will give a talk about her artistic journey at 6 p.m. Aug. 29.

Bonus event: Student films premiere on FSU campus

The Tallahassee Film Co-Op will hold its Student Film Premiere Night at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at FSU Student Life Center, 942 Learning Way.

Six teams of students ranging from 9 to 19 years old began meeting with the Tallahassee Film Co-Op earlier this summer and their short films will premiere this Friday night. Over 320 tickets have already been claimed to celebrate the film’s debuts. Reserve free tickets at facebook.com/film.co.op

Run by a team of local college students, the Film Co-Op exists to teach future generations the basics and beyond of filmmaking. You’ll see films written, directed, acted, scored, edited, and produced by these teams of kids with a shared love of filmmaking. Teams are assigned genres and themes, then challenged with obstacles like the forced inclusion of a musical number or a rap battle.

Coming up: Bobby Lee Rodgers and Melody Trucks

Bobby Lee Rodgers and Melody Trucks bring musical firepower to the House of Music, 2011 S. Monroe St., at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22. Tickets are $20. Visit houseofmusictally.com.

The two first met in 2013 at Wanee, a Festival in Live Oak, started by Melody’s father (Butch Trucks of the Allman Brothers Band), and a place where Melody and Bobby were frequent performers. Melody Trucks, a talented vocalist and percussionist, has performed in front of thousands at major music festivals including Peach Fest, Suwannee Rising and Hulaween. As the daughter of the late Butch Trucks she has been surrounded by music her entire life.

Well-known guitarist, singer and songwriter Bobby Lee Rodgers, a founding member and creative force behind The Codetalkers with Col. Bruce Hampton fuses rock, funk, jazz and blues into a magical musical tapestry.

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OTHER EVENTS

Blue Tavern: Happy hour with Bronwyn Chelette, 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, with traditional ballads and tunes, followed by Election Night Bingo with Kim McShane from 7-10 p.m. Family band Kenny Hill Band plays best of bluegrass and country from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, followed at 8 p.m. by Open Mic Night. John R. Butler plays happy hour from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, followed at 8 p.m. by They Came from the Same, the sister-brother duo group of Kelly Goddard and Brian Durham, who make up two-thirds of The New 76ers. $5 cover.

Bruckner 200th Anniversary Concert: Trinity United Methodist Church will host a concert in honor of Austrian composer Anton Bruckner in the sanctuary at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug.17. Bruckner was born in 1824, the same year Trinity was founded. A string quartet, organ, and choir will perform selections of Bruckner's music. The concert is free and open to the public An accessible ramp is available at the Park Ave. entrance to the church and seating for wheelchairs is available in the sanctuary.

City Hall Gallery: The Council on Culture & Arts presents "Lines, Colors, and Emotions," an art exhibition by local artist Leslie Anderson, at the Tallahassee City Hall from Aug. 8 to Sept. 23. The exhibition will be open to the public during City Hall operating hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. An opening reception will be held on Aug. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the City Hall Gallery.

Great Oaks Pub at Southwood: The Allie Cats are coming to Southwood from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16. Featuring the powerhouse vocals of Allie McKay, the group will be performing the best of Americana and Rock. Full restaurant and bar every Friday night, with specials from Chef Dustin. Call 850-942-4653 for reservations, no cover.

House of Music: The 10th Annual Harmonica Festival and contest from the Big Bend Blues Society gets going at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at House of Music, 2011 S. Monroe St. Any style, genre, or talent level is welcome. Categories may include but are not limited to: Showmanship, Acoustic, Amplified, Originality, Technical. Category winners will receive cash and trophies. To enter, text 850-212-6683. $10 at the door.

The Sound Bar: Here's your weekend lineup: Morgan Collins Band playing hits by Journey, Bob Seger, Bad Company, Eagles, Bon Jovi, Pink Floyd, Black Crows, ZZ Top and others. 8-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, The Sound Bar, 1105 W. Tharpe St. $5 cover. Get ready for Saturday and the Dad Bod Showdown all day. Thursdays feature an Open Blues Jam from 6-8 p.m. Visit Thesoundbartallahassee.com.

Tallahassee Film Society: "The Green Border," 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, and 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, Challenger Learning Center IMAX in Kleman Plaza. In the treacherous and swampy forests between Belarus and Poland, refugees from the Middle East and Africa are lured by government propaganda that promises easy passage to the European Union. 147 Minutes. Not Rated. $11 for general admission, $9 for students and TFS members. Tickets can be purchased with credit cards. Visit tallahasseefilms.com.

Have an event coming up? Email details to limelight@tallahassee.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Top 5 fun things to do in Tallahassee this weekend