Kenneth Tse, professor of saxophone in the University of Iowa School of Music, will be joined by Alan Huckleberry, UI associate professor of piano, for a faculty recital at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 9, in Riverside Recital Hall on the UI campus.

Vocalist Lila Downs blends Mexican roots music with a host of other styles to create a sound all her own. Hancher will present her at the Englert Theatre on Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Humorist David Finch will read from his acclaimed New York Times best-selling memoir, "The Journal of Best Practices," at 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 15, in Room W10 of the Pappajohn Business Building on the University of Iowa campus.

The talk will describe how solar energy technology is evolving in the lab and the marketplace.

Mike Apicella really knows how to bring out the best in his fellow scientists. On Thursday, Oct. 4, Apicella, senior associate dean for scientific affairs and professor of microbiology, will be honored for his exceptional mentoring skills with the 2012 UI Carver College of Medicine’s Distinguished Mentor Award.

The University of Iowa Raptor Center and Stainbrook State Geologic Preserve will host talks, bird banding, and bird watching to celebrate the migration of hawks and other species Saturday, Oct. 6.

Internationally acclaimed flutist Nina Assimakopoulos will perform at the University of Iowa at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 5, in the University Capitol Centre Recital Hall. The recital is free and open to the public.

"A World of Citizens: Women, History, and the Vision of Linda K. Kerber," will take place Friday and Saturday, Oct. 5-6, in the Senate Chambers of the Old Capitol. Kerber is professor emerita in the Department of History in the University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Twelve nationally recognized health and environmental experts recently gathered in Coralville for the inaugural meeting of the State Hygienic Laboratory’s Board of External Advisors. The board will advise, assess, and contribute expertise to the strategic direction of Iowa’s environmental and public health laboratory.

The University of Iowa College of Education will host a discussion on the importance of skillful instruction and teacher preparation in a talk Monday, Oct. 15. Deborah Loewenberg Ball, dean of the University of Michigan’s School of Education, will discuss “(How) Can all Children get Great Teaching?” at 10 a.m. in Jones Commons, Room N300 in the Lindquist Center.

The free events presented by the University of Iowa International Writing Program Friday-Sunday, Oct. 12-14, will open with a panel discussion, “Works in Progress,” at noon, Friday, Oct. 12, in the Iowa City Public Library.

The University Theatres Mainstage season will open Oct. 11 with "Lady M," adapted and directed by Master of Fine Arts graduate student Matt Hawkins.