Around The Arts

'Casablanca' shown in Union Board film series\nThe film named second in the top 100 films of the 20th century by the American Film Institute will be shown at 8 and 11 p.m. tonight at the Whittenberger Auditorium in the Indiana Memorial Union. "Casablanca" relates the story of Rick Blaine, who owns a night club in Casablanca. Blaine discovers his old flame Ilsa is in town with her husband, Victor Laszlo, who is a resistance leader. With Germans on his tail, Ilsa knows Rick can help them get out of the country. The showing is free with an IU student ID or $2.\nColumbus' life explored in play\nThe Monroe County Public Library features "The Shame in the Glory," an original one-man play about Christopher Columbus at 7 p.m. tonight. The audience plays the Spanish Court, and must decide if Columbus is hero or villain. Admission is free. For more information, call 349-3228 or visit www.monroe.lib.in.us. \n'Writers of Color' series launched\nThe English department will present the first installment in its "Writers of Color" reading series. The event will feature David Wright and Audrey Petty, who will read parts of their works. A reception will follow the readings. The free reading takes place at 8 p.m. tonight in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, Grand Hall. For more information, e-mail rrubinas@indiana.edu.\nGay writers group to meet today\nThe Bloomington Gay Writers will meet at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Walnut Room of the Indiana Memorial Union. The group, which meets every month, was formed in early 2003 for gay male writers to share and critique work in progress. The writers do not limit themselves to gay themes. All genres of writing and all levels of writers are welcome. For more information, e-mail Lee at BloomGayWriters@aol.com.\nGrateful Dead tribute band to perform Friday\nThe Dark Star Orchestra, a Grateful Dead tribute band, will perform at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave., tonight. The band plays the set list song for song in the same arrangements used by the Dead members of the past. The show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $17.50 in advance and $20 at the door.\nFestival shares ghost stories from around the world\nHaunting tales of ghosts and horror, grinning jack-o-lanters and fresh cider set the stage for an evening of live storytelling beneath the stars. The Festival of Ghost Stories will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bryan Park. Organizers advise participants to dress warmly to avoid a chill and to bring a lawn chair or blanket for this outdoor event, which is open to adults and older school- age children. For more information, call 349-3700.