SCRAPPY SOUND: A Canadian troupe called ScrapArtsMusic is bringing its “power percussion” to the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts.

The “scrap” refers to industrial throwaways and other offbeat materials, ranging from accordion parts to artillery shells. In converting this stuff into one-of-a-kind instruments, ScrapArtsMusic boasts “the greenest and most inventive reuse of materials on stage today.”

At last count, the troupe had built some 150 instruments “from the shiniest metal you’ll ever see ... as visually striking as their music is sonically riveting."

Five musicians add muscle and movement for a show filled with intricate ryhthms, raw energy and athletic choreography.

ScrapArtsMusic is scheduled to perform in the Mondavi Center’s Jackson Hall on Jan. 25 at the “family-friendly time” of 3 p.m. A school matinee is scheduled at
11 a.m. Jan. 26.

Tickets: (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787, or www.mondaviarts.org. Educators interested in purchasing tickets for the Jan. 26 matinee should call (530) 754-4689.

NEW YEAR'S TICKET DEAL: The Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts announced a special offer in celebration of New Year’s: During all of January, when you place online ticket orders, or when buying tickets by mail or telephone, the center will waive the $10 handling fee.

The fee does not apply to purchases at the box office. But if you are buying via computer, mail order or phone call, you will save $10.

The offer applies for all shows in the Mondavi Center’s 2008-09 presenting program, including the March 27 k.d. lang concert, a special add-on event. The Mondavi Center also added a Willie Nelson concert, Jan. 11, but be advised: Tickets for that show are limited in availability.

The fee waiver is not valid on prior purchases.

The Mondavi Center schedule is available online, www.mondaviarts.org, and you can place ticket orders on the same site. Telephone orders are taken at (530) 754-2787 or toll-free at (866) 754-2787.

Or you can visit the box office. It is open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

NO GLORIA STEINEM TALK: The Mondavi Center announced the cancellation of Gloria Steinem’s talk in the Distinguished Speakers Series. The political activist, journalist and spokeswoman for the feminist movement had been scheduled to speak the night of Jan. 16.

Ticket-holders are advised that the box office will send refunds automatically.