Sioux Benefit............Saturday

On January 31, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe declared a state of emergency in their central South Dakota reservation. An ice storm and blizzard left many of their 15,000 residents without power. Although much of that has been restored, the infrastructure that supports the reservation's power needs is in dire need of repair and updates to keep the disaster from happening again. To that aim, area performers are presenting an "Out of the Cold" benefit concert for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Community Mennonite Church, 328 W. Orange St. The event includes performances by Native American singer/songwriters Joseph Strider, Terry Strongheart and Nadine Bergeron with Kokopelli. There will also be traditional drumming and dancing with Mother Earth's Daughters, as well as guest speakers. A suggested donation of $5 will be accepted at the door. For more information, call 381-9750.

Horse Crazy.....Through Sunday

If Mr. Ed were here, he wouldn't be able to stop talking about the 8th annual Pa. Horse World Expo happening this weekend at the Pa. Farm Show Complex. Hundreds of vendors will fill 180,000 square feet of exhibit space with horse-related merchandise like apparel, barns, artwork, books, equestrian vacations, feed, trailers, tack, training, schools, and much more. Also, within the 25-acre complex, training seminars and horses in a variety of breeds and disciplines. Visitors can enjoy the daily Parade of Breeds and meet the animals up close. The expo got started Thursday and continues through Sunday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $12 and $6 for children 6-12. If all that equine action hasn't sated your desire for horses, stick around Friday or Saturday night for Theatre Equus, a fully scripted human/horse performance described as "part circus, part Wild West show, part equestrian ballet." Reserved seating is $12 to $24. For details, call (301) 916-0852 or visit www.horseworldexpo.com.

Voices of Praise...................Saturday

Two icons (if we can use that word) in Christian music appear together at the American Music Theatre this weekend. Both five-time Grammy Award winners, Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris take the stage at 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets, if available, are $49. Patty's vocal abilities -- including her breathtaking soprano highs -- have earned her several platinum and gold albums. Her four-octave range filled arenas during her heyday in the '80s. An infidelity scandal slowed down her career, but she has continued to rebuild it. Harris' musical career spans three decades. He is admired as one of the first Christian artists to cross racial barriers by performing at predominantly white churches who had never hosted a black singer. His majestic tenor has crooned such modern classics as "How Excellent is Thy Name" and "I've Just Seen Jesus." For information or tickets, call the theater at 397-7700 or visit www.amtshows.com.