Soapicks May 26-June 1

What do 34 Productions + 1 Art-filled gallery + 22 Film Screenings add up to? The 6th Annual Cincinnati Fringe Festival. Over a span of 12 days, Over-the-Rhine will be transformed into a hub of artistic collaboration from local, regional, national and international artists pushing the envelope of "traditional art." The celebration of experimental art begins Tuesday, May 26 with the opening of Visual Fringe featuring seven artists at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. The festivities continue with the Fringe Kick-Off Party from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. at the Know Theatre of Cincinnati. Be sure to pace yourself as the performance component of the festival begins Wednesday with 10 of the 34 Fringe productions opening in spaces all around the city. By the time the 6th Annual Cincinnati Fringe Festival ends next week, the city will have hosted 180 performances by more than 150 artists. Click here for full festival line-up and information on single show/all access passes.

Rainforest Melodies
May 28

Take time out this Thursday night to help someone a world away. Afrika Yetu Inc. is hosting a benefit concert at 20th Century Theater to raise funds and promote awareness of the thousands of females in the conflict zones who are taken captive and tortured everyday as a consequence of the Democratic Republic of Congo's civil war. The talented Congolese recording artist Lokua Kanza brings his soulful, folksy sound to the city for his Cincinnati debut and this one-night only performance. It's a rare opportunity to hear Kanza perform his Soukous music to which he incorporates natural sounds from the Congo's rainforest, along with chants of the Twa. You'll also get to see the Wacongo Dance Company perform traditional Congo dance. Tickets range from $50 for VIP (includes show, dinner and meet-n-greet with Kanza) to $30 for general admission and $15 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at www.afrikayetu.org or by phone at the 20th Century Theater by calling 513-731-8000.

As if the Fringe doesn't offer up enough art to keep one occupied, Summerfair 2009 hits Coney Island this weekend. Enjoy the summer sunshine and works by hundreds of artists from around the country who will be exhibiting and selling their art. There will be five stages of local entertainers as well as the Youth Arts Fest featuring hands-on craft projects for kids. For the past 42 years, Summerfair has supported and promoted artists in Greater Cincinnati. Click here for more details.