Soapicks February 17-23

If you spent all your energy devising great Valentine’s Day ideas, no fear. This week offers a number of events that you don’t need to think twice about attending. The Fine Arts Fund kicks off their annual campaign with a number of not-to-be-missed events including a “Night of Magic” at the CAC of Friday. Minumental art works take over two galleries at the Art Academy of Cincinnati; nothing over two inches, so don’t forget the bifocals. Then hot on the heels of Valentine’s Day is Mardi Gras, which kicks-off with some New Orleans inspired festivities at MainStrasse Village Friday and Saturday. There’s a Day In Dialogue at the First Unitarian Church where Palestinian and Israeli viewpoints converge over award-winning memoir, The Lemon Tree. And take a trip back in time with Jazz legends and their rarely seen performances in the screening of “That Old Black Magic” at Cincinnati World Cinema.

Night of Magic for the Fine Arts Fund
February 20
It’s time to get your art on as the 2009 Fine Arts Fund Campaign turns up the heat on Friday, February 20 at a “Night of Magic,” hosted by the Fine Arts Fund Friends at the Contemporary Arts Center. Mix and mingle and prepare to be dazzled. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here. The official kickoff event gets things moving on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 5-6:30 p.m. at the Macy’s Fountain Place store across from Fountain Square on Fifth & Vine Streets. The campaign runs through April 30. Join some 44,000 other donors who contribute to keep the arts alive and kicking in the Queen City.

Tiny Art, Big Artists
February 20
It’s said “the bigger the better,” but then there’s also “good things come in small packages.” So which is it? Well, the Art Academy of Cincinnati is taking the side of small packages with their Minumental Exhibit, opening this Friday. The Academy’s longest running exhibition features hundreds works of art which measure no larger than two inches in any dimension.Exhibit runs through March 6.

Masks, Music & Mayhem
February 20-21
Feathered boa? Check. Sparkly white mask? Check. Abundance of green and purple beads? Check. Now you’re ready to hit the streets of MainStrasse Village for Mardi Gras 2009. No need to wait for Fat Tuesday when the Covington Village transforms into a junior version of New Orleans this weekend. There will be Cajun food, live music, parades and, of course, the New Orleans spirit running throughout. Friday night will see performer Kristen Key along with the Big Head Parade. Saturday features the Grand Parade and a performance by Forehead.

Two Worlds, One Dialogue
February 22
The conflict has lasted centuries, but Palestinian and Israeli perspectives peacefully come together under one roof this Sunday for a Day in Dialogue. Award-winning memoir, The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan, tells the true story of two families tied to a single home in Israel. Tolan, who recounted the events of these families, will be at The First Unitarian Church at 536 Linton St., for this special event. Transcending the written word, guests are encouraged to share their personal insights. Panelists include Zeinab Schwen and Amir Yarchi. For more information, click here.

From Brick Wall to Big Screen
February 22
“Lady Ella,” “Duke,” “Sammy” and “The Divine One.” If you recognize these American Jazz greats, then Cincinnati World Cinema is the place for you this weekend. It was an accidental discovery of old film canisters hiding behind a brick wall that gave way to the Canadian Broadcasting Company creating this Jazz documentary. For the first time in the United States, That Old Black Magic receives a screening here in Cincinnati. The cinematic play list includes classics such as Beginning to See the Light, Lady Be Good and Lover Come Back among others. In addition to the film, guests will be entertained by live Jazz performances as well as a discussion with jazz saxophonist, Bruce Manefield. Performances are Feb. 22, 24 & 25. Click here for ticket info.

Soapicks February 17-23

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