AIDS TRAGEDY IN UGANDA LIES BEHIND SPIRITED SHOW: As exhilarating as their performance is likely to be, there is a tragic backdrop to these children from Uganda. So, before the Spirit of Uganda troupe presents its music, song and dance, the Mondavi Center is inviting the community to learn more about the toll from AIDS in the performers' homeland.

That educational opportunity is set for Jan. 22 during a free Forum@MC starting at 5 p.m. in Jackson Hall. Organizers said the forum, "HIV-AIDS and the Spirit of Uganda: Art, Epidemic and Healing," will feature Alexis Hefley, the troupe's executive director; and two UC Davis faculty members: Moradewun A. Adejunmobi, professor and director of the African American and African Studies program; and Jean A. Wiedeman, associate professor, Department of Pediatrics at the UC Davis Health System.

A few days later, Uganda's hope for the future -- exemplified by the children ages 8 to 18 in Spirit of Uganda -- is scheduled to take the stage at the Mondavi Center for four performances: school matinees at 11 a.m. Jan. 24 and 25; a 3 p.m. Jan. 26 show in the Family Series; and an 8 p.m. Jan. 26 show in the Global Beat Series.

In a showcase of East African traditions, Spirit of Uganda uses drums and other percussion instruments, stirring call-and-response vocals, vibrant and colorful costumes, and dramatic choreography to present what one critic called a "transformative" experience.

The Mondavi Center Web site declares: "Spirit of Uganda empowers some of the country's most vulnerable children with the ability to share Uganda's rich culture and raise awareness of the impact of AIDS and war in their country."

A preperformance lecture by Milmon F. Harrison, associate professor, African American and African studies, is set for 7 p.m. Jan. 26 in the AGR Room at the Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center.

Question-and-answer sessions are planned after both performances Jan. 26.

ARTISTS INVITED TO TRY OUT FOR FOCUS THE NATION EVENT: Organizers of Focus the Nation at UC Davis say some of the university's focus will be on music and art that relates to the day's climate change topic.

This related event is called Focus Your Art, and artists -- including poets, musicians and spoken word enthusaists -- are invited to try out for the opportunity to present their work. Tryouts are scheduled from 7 p.m. to midnight Jan. 17 at the Delta of Venus Coffeehouse & Pub, 122 B St., Davis.

Selected artists will be invited to perform the night of Jan. 31, after the World of Ideas Cafe event in Freeborn Hall.

Guidelines and a tryout registration form are available online, sustainability.ucdavis.edu/focus. For more information, e-mail Focus Your Art organizer Emma Torbert, a graduate student in plant sciences, eetorbert@ucdavis.edu.

KEEP CHECKING FOR TICKETS: The Mondavi Center announced that limited numbers of tickets may be available for three January concerts, by legendary violinists Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.

Each event is likely to draw a sellout crowd to Jackson Hall. As each concert date draws near, the Mondavi Center box office releases previously reserved tickets that went unclaimed. Also, some tickets may be returned, and those are put up for sale again. So, check with the box office: (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787, or www.mondaviarts.org.

• Itzhak Perlman recital --8 p.m. Jan. 19.
• Pinchas Zukerman, performing with and conducting London's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra -- 7 p.m. Jan. 27.
• Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra -- 8 p.m. Jan. 29.