Minneapolis-based performance group Z Puppets Rosenschnoz will perform “Cellula” this Saturday at the Historic Paramount Theatre. Show times will be at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Described as “a bedtime story as told by biologists,” “Cellula” teaches cell science using glow-in-the-dark blacklight puppetry accompanied by narration and a capella music. The program was funded by a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.

“My parents are scientists,” said Z Puppets Rosenschnoz creative director Shari Aronson, who helped create “Cellula.” “I really wanted to give people, especially young people, that feeling I had when my mother first showed me an organism under a microscope.”

In February, Z Puppets Rosenschnoz conducted a Puppet Lab at I.J. Holton Intermediate School in Austin to teach kids the connection between science, math and art. Funding for the lab was provided through a Minnesota State Arts Board grant.

“We really want to encourage young people to explore the creative process the way artists and scientists do because that’s at the core of innovation,” Aronson said.

During the lab, fifth-graders at I.J. Holton created their own puppets. Images of these puppets can be seen at the ArtWorks Center Professional Gallery now through April 1.

Aronson said “Cellula” will be a unique experience for audiences of all ages.

“It’s like seeing on stage what you would see under a microscope,” she said. “Young children grasp the concept of ‘This is what’s going on inside me right now,’ and it’s a chance for adults to reconnect with what it is to be human.”

Aronson and Z Puppets Rosenschnoz creative director Chris Griffith will perform the puppetry. Improvisational musicians Mankwe Ndosi and Libby Turner will perform the music.

Saturday’s presentation will be the show’s second public performance.

A special “Before You Go” guide can be found online at http://zpuppets.org/cellula-byg-guide.

Tickets for “Cellula” are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at www.austinareaarts.org. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

March 24

•American Red Cross Blood Drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mayo Clinic Health System Austin. In Classroom 3, South Clinic, 3rd floor. For appointments, go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code Austin Mayo (Austin). Please bring your donor card. For more information, call 507-434-1307.

•Austin ArtRocks Open Jam Session, 7 p.m. at the Austin ArtWorks Center. House Band welcomes other musicians, singers, artists who want to share their work. Soda and water available. Free event, but donations gratefully accepted. For more information, call 507-434-0934.

•The Cat’s Pajamas, 7:30 p.m. in the Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College. The phenomenal vocal band “The Cat’s Pajamas” returns to Riverland as a part of their Winter ‘17 tour. This five-man a cappella group has been touring around the world since 2005 and has been featured on “The Next Great American Band,” “America’s Got Talent,” and season 3 of NBC’s “The Sing-Off.”  Tickets $18 gen/ $8 student/ $4 RCC student, at www.riverland.edu/tickets. For more information, call 507-433-0595.

March 25

•Cellula – A Z Puppets Rosenschnoz Show, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Historic Paramount Theatre. See above for more information.

•Kids Music in Motion, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Hormel Historic Home. Enjoy live music at 10:30 with interactive activities that enhance the musical experience. Meet the musicians following the performance. Explore the Hormel Historic Home with a special scavenger hunt activity before and after the show. Cost is $2 per child ages 2-8, free for History or Half-Pint Members. Snack is included. Pre-registration is requested as space is limited.

•Kids’ Studio – Flower on Canvas, 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Austin ArtWorks Center. With Krystal Lennie. Cost: $5, for ages 4 to 13.  For more information, call 507-434-0934.

•Meet the Author: Judi Bergen, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Sweet Reads Book and Candy Store. Meet and greet Judi Bergen, author of “Small Town Drama”. For more information, call 507-396-8660.

•Austin Bruins vs Coulee Region Chill, 7:05 p.m. at Riverside Arena. Go, Bruins! For more information, call 507-434-4978.

•Sola Fide Observatory Viewing, 8 p.m. at the Sola Fide Observatory. Learn about the night sky from our local experts. From I-90 take Hwy. 218 south two miles to CR 28. Turn right (west) one mile to stop sign. Turn south on CR 29 for 1.5 miles to 180th St. Turn right for a quarter of a mile – the driveway is on the right. For more information, call Keith at 507-440-1244 or email imstar@smig.net.

March 26

•The Benson Family Singers, 10:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in London, Minnesota. A special musical performance and inspirational message will be shared by The Benson Family Singers. There will be a Potluck meal provided following the worship service. Everyone is welcome!

•The Creative Kitchen – Asian Fusion, 2 p.m. at the Hormel Historic Home. Presented by Hy-Vee’s Chef Kristine. Cost is $40 per person. Limited to 12 participants.  Register at http://www.hormelhistorichome.org/events.html. For more information, call 507-433-4243.

•”Ahockalypse” Filming in Austin, 6 to 10 p.m. at the Austin Holiday Inn. Looking for 10 Party Goers (wear what you would going to an OUTDOOR after party) and 3-5 Zombie Extras (bring to set 2-3 sets of clothing that you don’t mind cutting/ripping and getting dirty or (fake) bloody). If interested, send a photo of yourself with phone number and when you would be available to info@nicolefae.com. Please note that these are the timeframes in which we will be shooting these days. We will give you more exact timing asap. @ahockalypse for more details about this film.