Soapicks August 18-24

Worldly Rhythms
August 20
Forget passports and hours of standing in line at the airport. Experience an entire world of music without stepping foot on a plane this Thursday evening at the Madison Theater in Covington. The Frank Duveneck Arts and Cultural Center, in conjunction with Zeit Productions, presents the Fourth Annual Music & Arts Fest, World Tour. The international line-up includes Celtic, Japanese, Middle Eastern, African and Latin music all performed by local musicians. Come enjoy a world of music, dancing and fun all under one roof. There will also be a silent auction of fine art and various performance packages-no currency exchange necessary, American presidents will work just fine. Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at the door. Show starts at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time Zone; click here for tickets.

Get Up Offa That Thing
August 21
Actually, we'd like you to sit down on that thing for about an hour and thirty-three minutes-the running time of Jeffery Levy-Hintes documentary "Soul Power." Many of you may know the story about Muhammad Ali and George Foreman's 1974 championship bout in Kinshasa, Zaire (present day Congo). Even though the fight was postponed due to Foreman's injury, the show must go on, and that it did. Also on the schedule that week was the Zaire '74 festival-a musical event which was meant to coincide with the fight but became a bit of a side note in the history. Well Mr. Levy-Hintes thought the 12 hour, three-night long concert, that included some of the most renowned names in soul music, was worth seeing. Now thirty five years after the fact, you get the chance to see BB King, James Brown, Celia Cruz, Bill Withers and others rock the jungle. These musicians returned to their roots, halfway around the world, and gave the performances of their lives. Do not miss the chance to see the documentary that's being called "pure pleasure" by the Chicago Tribune as it hits The Esquire this weekend. Click here for times.

From Life Sized to Reliefs
August 21
Ever wonder how many artist's careers began molding neon pink and yellow playdough sculptures? Well nationally recognized sculptor, John Leon, has replaced playdough with bronze, wood and stone in his latest exhibit, Mountains and Music. The 5th Street Gallery welcomes Leon and his sculptures in an Opening Reception this Friday from 5:30-10:00 p.m. Leon has been commissioned to do sculptures all over the world, the country and this very city. Click here for more on Leon and his works.

Music Legends & Silver Screen Newbie's
August 22
Are you one of those people who are full of useless facts? Well here's one to add to the collection: Hank Williams was the first singer in history to receive six encores at the Grand Ole Opry. The song that earned him such acclaim? "Lovesick Blues," and it was recorded right here in Cincinnati at Herzog Studios in the late 1940's. Come to Southgate House this Saturday night for the Hank Williams and Herzog Studios Benefit Show and pay tribute to the singer/songwriter on the 60th anniversary of his career-changing Cincinnati recording sessions. Local musicians The Hiders, Straw Boss, The Kentucky Struts and The Comet Bluegrass All Stars are scheduled to perform. And if we're lucky, The Hiders may play "Plastic Flowers," the song that earned a spot on the soundtrack of the upcoming indie film, "Adam"-if you like what you hear catch the film later this month at The Esquire. Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of Cincinnati's both past and present music greatness. Show starts at 9:00 p.m. Entrance to the show is $11 ages 18-20; $8 ages 21 and up.