Dr. Joan Hillsman will present and perform with the Syracuse Chapter Gospel Music Workshop of America. Event to feature vocal music performance, poetry and dance, including African-American traditional music -- gospel, spiritual and others.

Doors open at 4 p.m. with show 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, 100 East Onondaga St., featuring Eric Darius, of L.A., performing contemporary jazz with his band plus Philadelphia’s Tracy Hamlin. $35 in advance, $40 at the door. For tickets, call (315) 479-5299.

In honor of Black History and Heart Health Month, Holisticsupernatural will offer Wellness Wednesdays. This four-week dinner and learn series will explore the African diet, influencers and heart disease and will examine the differences and similarities of vegetarian and Veganism, how to create a balanced plant-based meal, fight inflammation and maintain proper gut health. Cost is $15 per session or $40 for all four.

The May Memorial and First Unitarian Universalist society of Syracuse will be co-hosting a second forum on the community grid, focused on social reparation, social justice and environmental sustainability. Speakers will be Yusuf Abdul-Qadir of the CNY of the ACLU, Twiggy Billiue of National Action Network Syracuse chapter and and Diana Ryan.

In honor of Black History and Heart Health Month, Holisticsupernatural will offer Wellness Wednesdays. This four-week dinner and learn series will explore the African diet, influencers and heart disease and will examine the differences and similarities of vegetarian and Veganism, how to create a balanced plant-based meal, fight inflammation and maintain proper gut health. Cost is $15 per session or $40 for all four.

The Visioning Voices Community Speaker Series and Workshop will discuss how play is not just for children, but how play is a lifelong activity that can bring multiple benefits to individuals and entire communities. Keynote speaker is Joy Kuebler, a landscape architect from the Buffalo area who has worked with numerous communities to expand the role of play in daily life. For more information, contact Maren King, director of the Center for Community Design Research, at mfking@esf.edu or call (315) 470-4721

All month, an art exhibit, "Simple Things by Buddy Belonsoff," will be on display at Beauchamp Branch Library. The public can meet the artist during an event starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 10, at the library. Light refreshments will be served. 

The Butler Sheehan Academy of Irish Dance makes its 20th appearance at Betts Branch Library. Performing in traditional costume, this accomplished school-age troupe was established more than 46 years ago, making it the first in the Syracuse area.

Footraces have become major events that attract visitors and boost the economy of Central New York. This FOCUS Forum takes a look at the season ahead and prospects for growth. Session will met on the fourth floor of the The Nancy Cantor Warehouse at 350 W. Fayette St. Join a discussion with Ed Griffin of Fleet Feet, Pat Leone of Leone Timing and Jeff Mickle of Visit Syracuse about the economic impact of footraces.

Explore the science of slime with a St. Patrick’s Day twist. For ages 7 and up. Registration required. Call the library at (315) 435-3395 to sign up.