Thursday, Nov. 17: Eugene Symphony: Hough plays Beethoven at Hult Center for the Performing Arts (7th and Willamette), 8 p.m., $23-$71.50, student discounts available

This week the Eugene Symphony will be presenting a three-part piano performance at the Silva Concert Hall, featuring composers and pianists of varying age and experience. The show will start with a showcase of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” from several young Oregon composers. Each rendition will have its own variation and theme. The second part of the show will feature notable English pianist Stephen Hough as the main performer. Hough will be performing Beethoven’s Concerto. Finally, Dmitri Shostakovich will be performing several pieces meant to capture the spirit and tone of the 1905 Russian People’s Revolt.

Saturday, Nov. 19: Winona Laduke at The EMU (1395 University St.), 7 p.m.

Winona Laduke is an Oregon native who currently lives on the White Earth Reservation in Minnesota and is an active Anishinaabekwe member of the Mississippi Band Anishinaabeg. She is best known for her work as an environmental and Native-American rights activist and author. She has even dabbled in politics, running as the Green Party’s vice presidential candidate in the 1990s. The former Ms. Magazine Woman of the Year is currently working with “Honor the Earth,” which is an advocacy group that raises public awareness for climate change, sustainability and environmental justice. 

If you’ve been looking for a way to help with the Standing Rock pipeline protest in North Dakota, here’s your chance. You don’t have to travel across the country to help now thanks to Whirled Pies’ benefit concert. The cost of admission will go towards Standing Rock Indian Reservation, where thousands are currently protesting the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Many of the Standing Rock Sioux Native Americans are opposed to the 1,200-mile pipeline that could possibly affect their water supply.

Environmentalist and singer-songwriter Chad Wilkins will be performing at Whirled Pies to raise money for the cause. His music is consciously optimistic and thought-provoking, between upbeat and celebratory tunes to more prayer-like chants. The man without genre sings songs full of “spiritual transformation, harmony with the Earth, and hope for a bright future” along with his band. Hang out in one of Eugene’s favorite art, music and food venues this Sunday evening to listen to folksy music and stand up for a cause.

Nov. 19 and 20 mark the first weekend of the year for the Eugene Saturday Market’s Holiday Market. The event will be packed with vendors of all types who will be selling a variety of items ranging from pottery and artwork to clothing and accessories. Live music will be played throughout the day and diverse food offerings will be available for purchase. With multiple holidays right around the corner, the Holiday Market is a great way to start the search for gifts to bring home over break, as well as an easy way to glance into Eugene’s artisan community. The event will continue each weekend until Christmas with some of the vendors changing each time. With over 250 artisans every weekend, the Holiday Market will be bubbling with unique and festive products.

Free parking will be available at the event. More information can be found on the website: holidaymarket.org.