Soapicks January 13-19

Acoustic Sensation
January 15
They may not be as infamous as Al Capone in the organized crime world, but the Infamous Stringdusters are making waves in the acoustic world. As their name alludes, the men of this band pick at the strings of a guitar, a dobro, a mandolin, a banjo, a fiddle and an upright bass to create their Bluegrass/Rock/Country/Blues/Folk/Jazz sound. Catch them this Thursday at the Southgate House as they pluck out some Americana tunes. Show starts at 8 p.m. Click here for ticket details.

Bon Anniversaire!
January 15
Chalk food and wine is turning one  this Thursday with a fête d' anniversaire (birthday party for those of you who don't speak French). The bash, which begins at 7 p.m., includes dinner by the bite featuring some of the customer-favorite menu items, a raffle, door prizes, special cocktail and beers prices, music and of course, wine! Come join in the celebration of one of Jean-Robert's most whimsical restaurants where you could be the lucky winner of a private  in-home tasting with Chef Jared Whalen or a private wine tasting with their Sommelier Bryant Phillips. Advanced reservations can be made by calling 859- 643-1234. Tickets are $40 per person.

Feel the Art
January 16
Two resident DAAP professors are showing us they can do more with a needle than stitch a quilt. Patricia Coleman-Cobb and Cynthia Lockhart - both professional fiber artists and quilters-unveil their latest works in, Textural Expressions: Fabric Art, at the YWCA Women's Art Gallery. This exhibit, which kicks-off the Gallery's 2009 season, will feature a variety of textile pieces in all shapes and sizes that combine a mix of materials, colors and textures. Exhibit is free and runs through April 3. For details on reserving your place at the opening reception, click here.


Pack your Imaginary Bags
January 17-19
How would you like to earn a stamp in your passport without waiting 3 hours in an airport security line? Well the Cincinnati Museum Center is taking you to the second largest continent this weekend with the African Culture Fest. They'll be samples of genuine African marketplace goods, narrated tales from afar and African drummers and dancers. And this year the culture fest is accompanies by the ELOQUENT NARRATIVES: Photographs and Fine Art Digital Photo Paintings from Africa exhibit. It’s all part of the Museum’s 2008-09 Passport to the World Culture Fest series which over the course of the year will continue to bring cultures from across the globe right to your lap. Fest is free and open to the public.



Come as You Are
January 17
If you're in the mood for a different kind of art show, then don't miss the Tranny Roadshow as it rolls through Cincinnati and makes a stop at the University of Cincinnati. A diverse group of self-identified transgender artists will present a multimedia performance that features poets, rappers, filmmakers, storytellers, breakdancers, rock bands, comedians, actors, folk singers, photographers, zinesters, and whoever else tags along for the ride. Besides performance art, there will also be some stationary art like photography and sculpture for you to view. But the one-of-a-kind variety show that stresses the expression of gender and the expression of self are inseparable, will have you laughing well after the imaginary curtain closes. Click here for show location and details.