Peter Corroon, chair of the joint Avenues-Capitol Hill Olympics and the Community Committee said residents of those communities have joined to "welcome visitors, open our doors and roll out the welcome mat for them."
There will be a music festival, a "Dinner for Eight" program and a historical homes tour, among other activities. All events are free.
"Dinner for Eight" is a program for visitors who would like to dine with an Avenues-Capitol Hills family and learn about local customs (and taste local foods). Arrangements can be made on the Internet at olyman.nt3.npsis.com.
The historic homes tour will visit significant buildings, such as the McCune and Walker Mansions, the Colonial House and the Cathedral of the Madeleine.
Corroon said the music festival will showcase local music by local musicians.
"We wanted to have some local talent ? and we also wanted it to be free," said Corroon.
Here's a rundown of Avenues-Capitol Hills Festival Events:
Folk Music each Sunday, 7:30 p.m., First Unitarian Church, 1300 East and 600 South. Call 582-8687.
The Salvation Army Band, First Presbyterian Church, 12 N. C Street, Feb. 10, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Buyin' Time, a bluegrass group, and the Celtic band Stone Circle, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m., Cathedral Church of St.Mark's, 231 E. 100 South.
Organ music and church tours will be conducted daily from 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Feb. 11-16 and 18-23.
Paradigm concert, Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m., Cathedral Church of St. Mark's.
The Salt Lake Children's Choir, Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m., First Presbyterian Church.
The Cottonwood Presbyterian Church Choir, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m., Cathedral Church of St. Mark's.
OUT AND ABOUT: At last Wednesday's evening rehearsal for the opening-night ceremonies, LeAnn Rimes and the Dixie Chicks were on stage singing (or perhaps mouthing to tapes), but Sting and Yo-Yo Ma were nowhere to be seen. While their tapes were playing, stand-ins pantomimed in their stead ? and both were quite hammy in their impersonations.
Members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir were walking to Abravanel Hall to sing with the Choirs of the Cathedral of the Madeleine for the IOC last week when one singer was overheard saying, "This is just another job; that's all it is."
File these under "Embarrassing Live TV Moments": During the "Today" show's first live broadcast from Utah last Thursday, host Matt Lauer referred to the Angel Moroni as "The Angel Muronee." But that was nothing compared to Ch. 2's Rod Decker covering the Torch run at the State Capitol Thursday night, when, after interviewing pastor France Davis, Decker enthusiastically joined in song with the Calvary Baptist choir. (Just hold the mike, Rod.)
DON'T MISS: Ice Village Concert: Coolio with Digable Planets, Sunday. The Ice Village is located at 500 W. 100 South.
Lifehouse, in concert at the Medals Plaza, around 9 p.m., immediately following the medals ceremonies. For those who weren't lucky enough to get tickets, a large projection screen will be set up near the Triad Center.
Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Capitol Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
E-mail: scott@desnews.com; pthunell@desnews.com