Spring = White & Nanner Goes Big

Just to put everyone’s minds at ease about stressing over what the color for Spring is…it’s WHITE!  Adidas, Nike, and Puma are all featuring White Sneakers for Spring.  Also, for all you Size Queens & Gym Gods, if watching and relating to ESPN’s coverage of Strong Man Competition then Banana Republic has some news for you!  Right now, at www.bananarepbulic.com, they have enlarged their sizes to accommodate you by increasing the body length up to 2” and sleeves by ¾” for short sleeve shirts, and exclusively only online, you can get suits up to XXL!  With Chest measurements going up to a 48-50 and sleeves going to 36 ½” this may help you look better than tank tops and Joe Buttafuocco pants.  Do shirts come untucked when you bend over and never seem long enough?  They have also included Tall sizes as well!

Matierialust

One of the items I came across this week in my search to find the hip and now items that can be talked about is a relatively new company called Matierialust.  Based on the appreciation of traveling, artwork, and found items from around the globe, they use graphics on shirts that are drawn from such things as vintage travel brochures, matchbooks, posters, cocktail napkins, and even street graphics.  Matierialust brings fabulous artwork, fit, comfort, and quality all together in their unique line.  It has been developed for the souls and minds of those who love to explore the world and its many cultures.  They provide and opportunity to snag a memory of a past voyage or even future ones.  Simply, choose your destination!  All sales benefit the New Orleans Art Research organizations and can be found at www.materialust.com.  Don’t forget, when traveling, one of the most treasured mementos has always been, and forever will be, the souvenir t-shirt. 

Be wary of Impostors

It has been decided lat week that Alfredo Versace is barred from selling clothing, handbags, bottled water, and other items, anything with the Versace name.  Over the past decade, Alfredo has been cited numerous times for violating court orders and infringing on the Versace trademark.  In 1998 a Manhattan federal judge barred him unless he included a disclaimer that it was not affiliated with the Italian company.  Even though he claims to be a relative, the fashion house has never found any relation.  Moral of the story: I guess if it doesn’t scream Get Ouuuuuut and reek of cigarettes when you touch it, it’s a fake.  Of course you deserve a fake if you are buying it from a card table on the street. 

On Display

Harriet of Hollywood at Java Boys

Right now, at Wilton Manor’s own Java Boys, their featured Artist of the Month is Harriet of Hollywood. Her pictures show a wide and varied cross-section of the animal loving community. Java Boys is located in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. 

On Friday, January 19^th, Wilton Manors had their second Art Walk.  There were artists from all over at various local establishments.  Among the many fine artists were Alicia Riddle at Galanga, Julio Green at George’s Alibi, Cesar Barroso at Gulf States Mortgage, Ross Ford at the new upcoming Sozo Sushi Bar, Jo Ann Nava at Chic Optique, Harriet in Java Boys, Bubba Clicks at VGL, Carlos Eduardo, Rosellos at Items 2 Envy, Myroslav Rosky at The Naked Grape Wine Co., Adrien at Dalilah Rose Salon, Mike Smarro at Main Street Gym & Spa  along Wilton Drive.  Click here to see who was were and what was going on!

Frank Lloyd Wright

Currently, at Eaton Fine Art in West Palm Beach, they are hosting Objects of Design:  Decorative Arts and Elements of Frank Lloyd Wright.  What they want you to do is to take a look around you and consider how much, in what combinations, is the objects surrounding you is, infact—art?  This exhibit displays stained-glass windows, china, furniture, fabrics, sculpture, screens, photographs, stationery, drawings, and copper panels that make you consider the opportunities we have to surround ourselves with things of beauty.  Wrights philosophy was that a space should be experienced as a whole, without division between inside and outside or between the table and what’s on the table.  This exhibit runs through February 10^th, and Eaton Fine Art is located at 435 Gardenia Street in West Palm Beach.  For more information go to www.eatonart.net or call them at 561*833-4766. 

ArtBravo! At ArtServe Mon Jan 8^th thru Feb 2^nd

On Monday, January 8^th, begins another ArtBravo! event and is called The Best of ArtBravo!   I covered their last ArtBravo exhibit back in November 5^th, and look forward to their show again.  ArtServe is located at 1350 East Sunrise Blvd in Fort Lauderdale.  For more information call them at 954*462-8190. 

George Hester At Stonewall 

The Stonewall Library and Archives are proud to announce their Artist of the Month, George Hester.  This pioneer will display original photography in a solo exhibit at The Stonewall Library and Archives from January 8^th through February 2^nd.  The show opens with a reception to meet the artist on Monday, January 8 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Admission to the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The Stonewall Library and Archives is located at 1717 North Andrews Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Storks Gets Ricki Stuart 

Coral Springs Museum of Art

Currently, at the Coral Springs Museum of Art is happy to present a photo exhibit by Robert Bagley, experimental paintings by Sally Cooper, and dimensional work by Tin Ly.  This is going on now through February 17^th.  The Coral Springs Museum of Art is located at 2855 Coral Springs Drive.  You can call them at 954*340-5000 or csmart.org. 

Marilyn in Boca 

Right now, in the Boca Raton Museum of Art you can catch their current exhibit, Life as Legend:  Marilyn Monroe.  This show contains more than 300 works by 80 different artists all centered on the film icon.  There are works by Eve Arnold, Richard Avedon, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Yasumasa Morimura, and the incorporable Andy Warhol.   The Boca Raton Museum of Art can be found at www.bocamuseum.org or at 501 Plaza Real in Mizner Park , Boca Raton, Florida or by phone at 561.392.2500.

Cradle of Christianity 

The Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale’s latest exhibit is Cradle of Christianity:  Jewish and Christian Treasures from the Holy Land.  This exhibit provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to learn about aspects of early Jewish life, the concurrent birth of Christianity, and how the two faiths influence each other by presenting archeological treasures excavated in Israel during the last century.  This exhibition will travel two only two other venues in the US has extraordinary biblical artifacts from the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.  You can go to www.moafl.com for more information and to purchase tickets, and the museum is located at One East Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.  For any questions, you can call them at 954*525-5500

Chihuly is Back! Until May 31^st 

Right now, at the Fairchild Gardens, you can get a second chance this year to see the amazing blown-glass objects mixed in with the natural flowers and botanicals in Chihuly at Fairchild Part II.  On Sunday, December 10^th, Dale Chihuly will be visiting the garden from 11am to noon for a book signing.  The Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables and you can go to www.fairchildgarden.org or call them at305*667-1651. 

Chicano Visions:  American Painters on the Verge

A nationally touring collection of more than 80 works, mostly oils and acrylics that date from 1963 to 2003 that depict life from the Mexican-American artists viewpoint.  Cheech Marin, known from the Cheech and Chong movies, donates most of his personal collection that illustrate urban life and the Latino culture.  The collection, which has been traveling for the past five years, can be found at the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale at 1 East Las Olas Blvd or for further information and gallery times, go to www.moafl.org or call them at 954*525-5500. 

Graphic Noise at Atlantic University through Jan 27^th  

Atlantic University is proud to host, Graphic Noise:  Art at 1,000 Decibels.  Graphic Noise is a big and bountiful exhibition of contemporary concert posters that is currently touring the country.  With nearly 500 posters by over 100 artists representing eight countries, this exhibition provides an exhilarating visual culmination of work from skilled screen printers, illustrators, and graphic designers. Graphic Noise is organized by the Museum of Design in Atlanta and will be at the Schmidt Center Gallery at Atlantic University located at 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton, FL.  .  There will be an Opening Reception Thursday, November 9^th at 7pm and the show will run through January 27^th, 2007.    

Bodies Found in South Miami

The controversial and gruesome exhibit displaying the human body from the perspective of the bones and muscle tissue titled Bodies…The Exhibition, which I reported was in Tampa and then New York City, is now in the area at the Shops at Sunset Place.  Bodies will be on display until March 25^th and tickets cost between $16-$22.50.  The Shops at Sunset Place is located at 5701 Sunset Drive Suite 105 in South Miami.

For further information call 866*866-8265, 305*663-0873 or see them on the web at www.bodiestheexhibition.com. 

Funney / Strange

Through January 28^th, the Norton Museum of Art is featuring William Wegman’s collection of photographs that are, for a lack of a better word, Funney/Strange (yes, I spelled funney, the way they spelled funney).  Within the collection are more than 200 works, among them the signature 24 X 20 Polaroids, early black and white altered photographs, paintings, drawings, collages, art books, videos, and film. 

They also have Before The Camera: Remaking Reality and the Make-Believe until January 7^th.   This is a collection comprising works from local and national collections that looks at the distinction between “taking” and “making” photographs.  Historically, photographers “took” them while artists “make” an artwork.  Within the past couple of decades, creativity has merged.  See what they have found.    

The Norton Museum of Art is located at 1451 South Olive Avenue in West Palm Beach.  You can find them at www.norton.org or at 561*832-5198. 

La Te Da

Key West’s own La Te Da Piano Bar and Cabaret features Broadway 3 Ways which feature two Drag Queens and a Boy and their unique spin on Broadway’s top shows.  They will also feature Christopher Peterson’s Eyecons  which he presents the entertainment world’s most famous ladies with a twist, and don’t miss Randy Roberts Live—the show The New York Times calls him truly talented.  La Te Da Hotel, Cabaret, Bars, and Restaurant is located at 1125 Duval Street in Key West.  For further information and times go to www.lateda.com or call them at 305*296-6706. 

Elbowed Picasso

Oops. Casino magnate Steve Wynn accidentally elbowed and poked a hole in a Picasso last year and now has filed a lawsuit against famed Lloyd’s of London contending that it failed to act properly on his demands to pay $54M in lost value for the 1932 Le Rêve The Dream) painting.  The suit seeks to force Lloyd’s to expedite his claims for reimbursement and restoration costs by providing him with an appraisal report or initial damages assessment.  What this all boils down to is the fact that he claims that he bought it for $48.4M in 1997, claims it was worth an estimated $139M the day before he damaged it, and now worth less than $85M.  If he doesn’t like it that much, my address is 2450 NE…

Russian Makes it Big

The cover of London’s Sotheby’s February 5^th’s catalog is Man With a Red Scarf.  Why is that important?  Well, Chaim Soutine, the Lithuanian-born Expressionist painter’s work of a bohemian-looking man in a dark jacket and bright red scarf is important because the collection is Russian art is big, and London is the place where many Russian billionaires live and where they go to shop. The painting, done in 1921, is being sold for an estimated $5.9M- $9.8M when it was only purchased it ten years ago for $1.6M.  How do you know when art is for you?  The seller said that I never asked anyone’s opinion.  It was the greatest Soutine I’ve ever seen for sale.  

Local Theatre Buzz

Alice Does Wonderland, Jan 26^th thru Feb 10^th

The amazing local Sol Theatre wants you to take a journey that is way wilder that the original Alice in Wonderland that feature Lewis Carroll’s famous characters, but with twists of pure, unadulterated mayhem—not to mention lots of sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll!   As the story goes, the young and nubile know it all Alice finds herself transported from the surreal “Wonderland Lounge” into a strange new world surrounded by characters ranging from the wacky to the weird on to the just plain psychotic.  She must discover the key to Wonderland if she is to find her way home and ultimately—herself.

Alice Does Wonderland runs until February 10^th at the Sol Theatre which is located at 1140 N Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale.  For tickets call Robert Hooker at 954*525-6555 or visit them at www.soltheatre.com.  This is a workshop is a benefit production for Sol Theatre Project and will include raffles, audience participation, contests, lap dances by favorite characters, and an onstage bar with service.  Bring your dollar bills and help keep the Sol shining well into 2007!

Romeo & Juliet, Jan 27-28^th

Premiering Saturday, January 27^th at The Kravis Center for Performing Arts is the Aquila Theatre Company’s all-male production of William Shakespear’s Romeo and Juliet.  Deemed controversial by many, the Aquila Theatre Company has both American and British performers who know every line, since they rotate from performance to performance and parts are chosen through a lottery.  One night Romeo, next Juliet and no two performances are the same.  They claim that the roles are performed faithfully and to character and not “in drag.”  However, side note, the word DRAG originated with Shakespearian Theatre, it was a script cue, D.R.A.G:  DRessed As a Girl.  For tickets or further information, go to www.kravis.org or call them at 561*832-7469 or 800*572-8471

Israel at Carnival Center, Jan 28^th 

Judy Comes to Stage Door, Starting Feb 23^rd

Anastasia Jan 12^th thru Feb 4^th 

Starting January 12^th, the Tamarac Theatre of Performing Arts will present Marcelle Maurette’s Anastasia.  Tickets are $20 and are available via phone at 954*726-7898.  The Tamarac Theatre of Performing Arts is located at 7143 Pine Island Road in Tamarac. 

Kiss of the Spider Woman, Jan 13^th thru Feb 11^th

On Saturday, January 13^th, the Public Theatre of South Florida will present Kiss of the Spider Woman.  Tickets are $25 and will be at The Soref JCC which is located at 6501 West Sunrise Blvd in Plantation.  For tickets or further information call them at 954*537-3648. 

I Want My Tee Shirt! Dec 30^th thru Feb 11^th 

The Caldwell Theatre Company is proud to announce that they will be performing Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias!  Yes, I want to find a way of getting printed up, I Smacked Ouiser Boudreaux! (Yes, I checked with IMDB.com).  The Caldwell Theatre Company is located at 7873 North Federal Highway in Boca Raton and you can call them at 877*245-7432 or at www.caldwelltheatre.com. 

BINGO Comes to Stage Door Theatre... Held over thru Jan 28^th!

The Stage Door Theatre is presenting their latest musical, BINGO.  This is a splashy, zippy, outrageously funny new musical about three pals that have driven through a terrible storm in the name of their weekly obsession.  In between the number calling, strange rituals, and fierce competitions—love blossoms and long lost friends reunite!  If you would like more information or to purchase tickets online, go to www.stagedoortheatre.com or call them at 954*344-7765.  The Stage Door Theatre is located in 26^th Street Theatre in Wilton Manors.  Check out my last review of Hairspray.  

Got A Camera?

Photo Contest

The Wilton Manors Leisure Services, Historical Society, and Community Affairs Advisory Board is proud to announce the 2007 Photo Contest!  The rules for the contest are simple and are as follows:  they must be of interest to Wilton Manors, choose a specific category from (landmarks, events, general scenes, kids & pets, and old or vintage pictures—even though they will not be judged.  All ages are welcome to participate and prizes will be awarded to:  Elementary School, Middle & High School, and over 18 and will be judged based on Artistic Merit and Value in Presenting History of Wilton Manors.  Deadline for entries is April 1, 2007 and must be submitted to City Hall at 524 NE 21^st Court in Wilton Manors and you can call them at 954*390-2130 for any intricate or detailed questions.   

Alicia Keys Gives Back 

Famed Grammy Award winner and singer Alicia Keys wants to help talented youths to go to college.  She is offering $5,000 scholarships to students from four cities.  Criteria:  definite college-bound students, financial need, and realistic dreams.  Four scholarship winners will be selected from Jacksonville, FL, New Orleans, LA, and New York’s Harlem neighborhood.  This is a Open Doors Scholars Program and is part of the Frum Tha Ground Up non-profit organization that was started by Key’s road manager D.J. Walton in Jacksonville.  

Celtic Woman, Feb 19^th 

Tickets are now on sale for the phenomenon I saw last March at the Broward Center—Celtic Woman:  A New Journey.  This is a magical concert filled with songs that are enjoyable by everyone.  Promoting their CD of the same name with an accompanying DVD, they performed at Slane Castle in Ireland and has been featured on PBS.  This is the only South Florida performance, and will be at The Bank Atlantic Center in Sawgrass and tickets can be purchased at either www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 954*523-3309.  For more information about them, you can also go to www.celticwoman.com. 

Patti La Belle, Feb 28^th 

On February 28^th, the incomparable Patti La Belle will take the Sinatra Theatre stage for a one night only concert event not to be missed.  Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 954*523-3309. 

Satyagraha 

Plans are in the works as I write for a collaboration between The English National Opera and the Metropolitan Opera to showcase the new production of Satyagraha.  This Opera, written in 1980 by Phillip Glass is based on Gandhi’s formative years in South Africa, as he developed his philosophy of non-violent protest and the power it has to make serious changes.  The two companies have previously worked together to bring Puccini’s Madama Butterfly that opened in London in 2005 and New York in September.  This production is scheduled to open in London in April and in 2008 at The Met in NY.   

Also, London Theatre-buffs will be pleased to know that the Royal Festival Hall is almost done with its $180M makeover and will reopen in June with a concert featuring:  The Philharmonia, The London Philharmonic Orchestra, The London Sinfonietta, and The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. 

Thaïs, Jan 26-29^th 

Men-Jaro 

On Friday, January 26^th & Saturday, January 27^th, South African performance artist Vincent Mantsoe will fuse traditional African and Balinese dance, ballet, Tai Chi, and various martial arts.  Starting at 8pm at the Colony Theatre at 1040 Lincoln Road in Miami Beach, you can see all the wonders of his creations.  You can purchase tickets at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 305*350-5885.  Check out Vincent at his website, www.sekwaman.co.za. 

Liturgy & The Upper Room, Jan 26-28^th

Starting Friday, January 26^th, the Miami City Ballet is proud to present Liturgy at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts.  This A Company premier is also choreographed by Christopher Wheeldom and feature music by Arvo Pärt along with a live orchestra.  Also, catch In The Upper Room that is choreographed by Twyla Tharp and has music by Philip Glass.  For tickets and information go to www.miamicityballet.org or www.ticketmaster.com. 

Indian Night at Amaturo, Sat. Jan 27^th

On Saturday, January 27^th, there will be a night of Indian Classic Music and Jazz at the Carnival Center for Performing Arts’ Amaturo Theater.  Featured performer will be Sanjay Chandran who will combine two of his favorite genres—Indian Classical music and Jazz.  He is the founder of Sahara, a nonprofit organization that assists Asian women in distress in both Broward and Miami-Dade Counties and helps generate awareness about victims of domestic violence.  The concert will be divided into two performances: Contemporary Dance will be performed by four of the troupe’s professional dancers and will fuse Indian Classical and Contemporary Dance with a theme of Empowerment of Women while the second half will be live music with traditional Indian percussion instruments and jazz pianist Perry Joslin and The Perry Joslin Project.  For tickets or information go to www.carnivalcenter.org or www.saharafl.org.   

Thodos, Sat Jan 27^th

On Saturday, January 27^th, The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood will present Thodos Dance Chicago.  This will take place at the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center which is located at 1770 Monroe Street in Hollywood.  Tickets are only $20 and you can reserve tickets at 866*811-4111.   

Get your Tickets for Riverdance

Tickets are currently on sale for the Celtic sensation Riverdance.  This amazing cultural phenomenon will be at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts February 23-25.  As anyone who knows me can attest, I personally grew up on Celtic folk music, with my Ma being a bagpiper in her own bagpipe band and my Dad being their Drum Major, things were a little different for me.  As the years have passed, I have embraced it and love it, and especially after seeing this March’s performance of Celtic Women, I will be there opening night.  Riverdance will be at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and I located at 501 SW 2^nd Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.  You can go to www.browardcenter.org for tickets, www.broadwayacrossamerica.com or www.riverdance.com for additional information, or call their Box Office at 954*523-3309.

FTL Moda 

Next week kicks off the offical 2007 Fort Lauderdale Fashion Week.  Starting Thursday, January 25^th,  There will be an Opening Ceremony with Guest Star Maison Enrico Coveri, Studio 3, Mandolin Brothers Blues Band, and fashion shows at Huizenga Plaza on Las Olas.  Tickets are onsale now at www.ftlmoda.com or by calling 954*241-0788.  This is a charity event supporting the University of Miami Diabetes Research Institute and The Pet Project of Oakland Park.  There will be two days of international runways concluding on Sunday, January 28^th. 

South Florida Fair Thru 28^th 

Through January 28^th, the South Florida Fair is going on in West Palm Beach.  Located at the fairgrounds off Southern Blvd and 7 miles west of I-95, they will have national and local entertainment, music, comedy, and acrobatic acts.  They also have a carnival midway, agriculture and historical exhibits, talent shows, community contests, and ice shows.  For further information, go to www.southfloridafair.com or call them at 561*793-0333 or 800*640-3247. 

Champagne

Fun Fact:  Champagne is a region of France about 90 miles east of Paris and only sparkling wine from there can only be considered true Champagne. 

This region is the primary producer of the only grapes that yield the taste of Champagne’s legend.  They have been wine making in France since the 3^rd century AD yet it took hundreds of years to experiment, understand, and refine the process to get the wines we know today.  The cool climate, chalky soil, and long history of wine making and expertise makes the perfect combination and impossible to duplicate.  So, does it matter where it comes from?  If it’s not from Champagne—it’s simply not Champagne. 

For more information about this go to www.champagne.us, and, if you know of anyone in Culinary School, they are having their 2^nd Annual Champagne Pairing Culinary Contest where lucky winners will win an all expense paid trip to the Champagne region of France.    

Silicone for the Home

Does your kitchen need some brightening up?  Are you ready for Silicone cookware?  Well, this latest psychedelic kitchen craze is taking over the market.  Not to say that our friends with the complete set of William & Sonoma cookware should toss them out, but maybe some muffin cups in pastels, a cookie baking sheet, or potholders could help them out.  Up until about ten years ago, Silicone was primarily synthetic rubber but now make up to 7% of bakeware, according to HomeWorld Business and are expected to exceed more than 2.7 million units in 2007.  But are they useful or just pretty?  Even though they are stick-resistant, items still have to be greased.  Silicone is not Teflon.  The best items are the potholders or baking surfaces for cookies but do something like peel a lemon?  Um no.  Another plus is that it is heat resistant, flexible, easy to wash, and ability to go from the stove-table-fridge-microwave without problems and most are dishwasher safe.  Environmentally friendly, most seal and can be “burped” so that it cuts down on the amount of aluminum foil and plastic wrap normally used.     

Silicone Zone is a wonderful company that provides a wide variety of products to choose from and can be found at www.cookwareessentials.com. 

Tyler Florence Get Ultimate

Best selling chef author and Food Network star Tyler Florence will be at Books & Books on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach Sunday, January 28^th at 3:30pm.  He will be signing his latest book, Tyler’s Ultimate (Clarkson Potter $35) in which he scoured the world for the finest ingredients, perfect recipes, and then boiled it down to bring us the best of the best.   Best known for rocking the kitchen with big, bold flavors he likes to make sophisticated yet accessible dishes and believes every meal can—and should be—the ultimate dining experience with spectacular results in much less time than thought.  Tyler has written two other books, Eat This Book and Tyler Florence’s Real Kitchen and hosts a show entitled Tyler’s Ultimate on the Food Network.  Books & Books located at 933 Lincoln Road and can be found at www.booksandbooks.com or you can call them at 305*532-3222.   

Artini Nights! 

Every Tuesday, The Gallery of the Unknown Artist in Hollywood hosts an night of Do-It-Yourself Art, and the best part…cocktails!  Hostess and gallery owner Ceci assists local artist Anna Teixeira, as you do art.  For $25, Anna teaches you what to do and Ceci makes you drinks!  Anna, a 2000 Graduate of Otis Parsons in Los Angeles, brings her creativity and wealth of knowledge to the GOTUA and makes learning fun, easy, and possible.  This month’s theme was Glass, February’s is scheduled to be Jewelry, and plans are in the works for Ceramics!  What better way to relax and make some new friends than martinis and art?

Do you yell at other cars?  Do you find it enjoyable to curse very loud?  Do you look for driving situations where you can spout out the latest phrase to shock people?  Well, I have the solution for you!  Road Rage Cards are your solution if you really have something to say.  Why bother trying to come up with lines when you can have them ready and waiting to you on your dashboard. With 43 messages in a convenient flip-book format, you will never be at a loss for words.  The printing is large and easy to read and even categorically tabbed for ease.  So big infact, you can hold it up and show someone rather than loose your voice screaming at them.  For more information, go to www.roadrage.com. 

Coming to Town

John Mayer, January 26^th 

On January 26, 2007, John Mayer will be live in concert at the UM BankUnited Center at 8pm.  John will be playing selections off his latest album, Continuum.  Tickets are now on sale through www.ticketmaster.com or you can charge by phone at 954*523-3309, 561*966-3309, or 305*358-5885.  This is a Fantasma Productions Concert Event and for further information, go to www.fantasma.com or www.johnmayer.com.

Red Hot Nights  

On Wednesday, January 31^st the Bank Atlantic Center will be hosting The Red Hot Chili Peppers and have special guest Gnarls Barkley.  For tickets you can go to www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 954*523-3309.  This is a Fantasma Production Concert event and can be found at www.fantasma.com and if you would like more information about the boys, go to www.redhotchilipeppers.com or www.gnarlesbarkley.com.  The Bank Atlantic Center is located at 1 Panther Parkway in Fort Lauderdale. 

Bring Us Hippie Chic 

3X3, Jan 26^th & 27^th

On Friday, January 26^th is the world premier of Cedad Lake’s Contemporary Ballet show 3X3.  This will feature Jacopo Godani, Benoit-Swan Pouffer, and Edgar Zendejas.  For tickets go to www.cedarlakesdance.com or call them at 212*868-4444.  Cedar Lake is located at 547 West 26^th Street between 10^th and 11^th Avenues. 

Shu

At the China Institute, they are featuring a collection of pieces called Shu:  Reinventing Books in Contemporary Chinese Art.  This is the second installation of a two-part show that glances back at the period of artistic expansion in the 1970’s and contraction—after the 1989 Tianamen Square protests.  Photographs by Uiu Zhijie line the walls of the Institute’s main staircase are featured along with Chinese classic books, letters, and manuscripts.  This collection features over 30 challenging works by more than 20 artists, many of whom have never before been seen in the United States and brings together a carefully selected group of art books created in the early 1980’s.  They want us to remember that without easy access to words…there can be no such thing as free expression.  The China Institute is located at 125 East 65^th Street and can be found at www.chinainstitute.org or by calling them at 212*744-8181.  

Frank’s Home

Opening January 30^th, is Richard Nelson’s new bio-play about the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright called Frank’s Home.  This will star Peter Weller as Wright and Harris Yulin as Louis Sullivan and is at Playwrights Horizons Mainstage which is at 416 West 42^nd Street in Clinton.  For more information call 212*719-4200. 

The Rapture Project

At the Here Arts Center they are presently having a theatre display called, The Rapture Project.  This eccentric show has marionettes, an oompah band and is based after the Sicilian puppet theatre of the 19^th century.  This features clashes between Christians and Muslims, Susan Sontag floats through and gets into a fight with Beelzebub along with a former City Commissioner selling faulty armor for use in Iraq.  Music was composed and performed by saxophone playing Jessica Lurie and adds to the quirkiness of the play.  This runs until January 21^st at the Here Arts Center that is located at 145 Avenue of the Americas at Dominick Street in the South Village.  For further information, call them at 212*352-3101. 

The American Ballet Theatre has just announced its 2007 Spring Season for the Metropolitan Opera House this week and will feature:  Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadere, Manon, Cinderella, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, The Dream, and Othello.  For tickets, times, and any other questions, go to www.abt.org or call them at 212*362-6000

Bebe is back! 

Famed television and musical theatre actress Bebe Neuwirth—known more for her role as Frasier’s ex-wife Lilith, is currently taking center stage at The Ambassador Theatre along with Huey Lewis and Brenda Braxton.  Don’t miss the longest-running revival in Broadway history!  For tickets and further information, go to www.chicagothemusical.com, www.telecharge.com, or call them at 212*239-6200.  the Ambassador Theatre is located at 219 West 49^th Street.

David Hyde Pierce in Curtains

Also on Broadway, you might want to check out Fraiser’s brother Niles Crane, aka David Hyde Pierce in Curtains at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre at 302 West 45^th Street.  For tickets go to www.curtainsthemusical.com or 212*239-6200.  Previews begin February 27^th.  Angela Lansbury is at the Music Box Theatre in Deuce that is a new play by Terrence McNally which also stars Marian Seldes.  Shows starts April 16^th and the theatre is located at 239 West 45^th Street and can be contacted at 212*239-6200.

Vanessa Regrave is Thinking Magically

Tickets are on sale now for the legendary Vanessa Redgrave, some of which only know her as the maternal grandmother (to actual daughter Joley Richardson) on FX’s critically acclaimed and always controversial Nip/Tuck—but she comes from a long line of fine actresses which also include sister Lynn.  Vanessa will star in Joan Didion’s converted memoir The Year of Magical Thinking and will be at the Booth Theatre which is located at 222 West 45^th Street.  For tickets you can go to www.magicalthinkingonbroadway.com or call Telecharge at 800*432-7250. 

Dancing at the Joyce, Jan 16-28^th

Starting Tuesday, January 16^th, the Japanese Contemporary Dance Showcase will celebrate their 10^th Anniversary.  The program will feature Noism 07: Kim Itah and the Glorious Future as well as Leni Basso: Pappa Tarahumara.  Tickets are $30 or $23 for Joyce Members.  Also at the Joyce, they will feature the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and will perform:  Pointeoff, It’s Not About the Numbers, and Sweet Fields.  The Joyce Theatre is located at 175 Eighth Avenue at 19^th Street. You can purchase tickets for these events at www.joyce.org or through JoyceCharge 212*242-0800.