Billy McLaughlin and the Electric String Quartet will be playing at the Phipps Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

"He's kind of an interesting guy," said Gail O’Connor from the Phipps Center for the Arts. "He’s been in the music industry for a long time, but then got a disease that caused him to not be able to play anymore. He actually re-taught himself how to play left-handed and came back."

Although he has toured the U.S. since before 1988, this is McLaughlin’s first time at the Phipps.

The disease that impacted Billy McLaughlin’s ability to play was focal dystonia, a neurological condition that can cause involuntary muscular contraction or twisting. McLaughlin announced on his website in 2005 that he was suffering from the disease, which affects his left forearm, hand and fingers.

He now holds the neck of his guitar towards his right shoulder so he can play with his left hand. He uses his right hand for strumming and works with guitars that are specifically tuned for the modifications that he has made. Changing Keys, an award-winning documentary about Billy McLaughlin and dystonia, has aired on PBS.

The world-class guitarist and composer will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $24 for adults and $17 for students.

Scrabble game day

Test your word skills at Dick’s Bar & Grill's afternoon of Scrabble. The bar is hosting a tournament starting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, with two-person games, 10 minutes per game, in three-person, round-robin format. The two highest scorers will win gift cards.

Art

The Phipps Center for the Arts will have an opening reception this Friday from 6:30-8:30 for Minneapolis artist Amy DiGennaro’s exhibit, entitled True Stories: Drawings From the Archive of Feelings. The opening reception will also feature art from Trever Nicholas, Jeff Hirst, Karron Notthingham and Barbara Thill Anderson.

Plays

The Phipps Center for the Arts presents Forever Plaid, a humorous musical with 50s music. Although it debuts tonight and runs through Jan. 29, Phipps is already sold out for the entire run of the show.

CPR training

The Community Education Center will hold a CPR/AED class Saturday from 9-11:30 a.m. It is open to anyone who wishes to learn CPR and who does not need certification. The cost is $15.

Music and dancing

Dibbo's has an open jam this Friday at 9:30 p.m., so bring your instruments. On Saturday, Rhino, a modern/alternative cover band from the Twin Cities, will play a variety of 80s, 90s and classic rock by artists such as Bon Jovi, Matchbox 20, Nickleback and 3 Doors Down.

Dick's Bar and Grill will host DJs spinning dance music on Friday and Saturday night starting at 10 p.m. On Sunday at 9 p.m., the bar will feature Jeff Loven and his one-man rock 'n' roll show.

Ellie's on Main will host DJs spinning dance music on Friday and Saturday night, starting at 10 p.m.

Seasons Tavern will feature live music on Friday night. McNally’s will play everything from rock to jazz to blues to pop. The band will be joined by Jeff Carlton and Brian Beauchamp. Saturday night will feature karaoke, starting at 9 p.m.

Shanghai Bistro will host live jazz on Friday and Saturday from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Willow River Saloon will feature Headin' Back, a classic rock cover band, on the Friday night and the Strangers on Saturday night. The bands will play music by the Rolling Stones, the Doors, the Beatles, Janis Joplin, C.C.R. and Fleetwood Mac. Shows run from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

On the big screen

PG-rated family flicks showing this weekend at Hudson Theatre include Yogi Bear, Tangled, Chronicles of Narnia (3D) and Tron Legacy.

PG-13 movies include two new releases: Dilemma (a comedy) and Green Hornet (3D), an action film. Comedy film Little Fockers, action movies Season of the Witch, the Tourist and True Grit, and Country Strong, a drama, are also playing.

R-rated movies include Black Swan and the Fighter, both dramas.