Soapicks November 17-23

Pieces of Life
November 20
Almost everyone has made a collage at some point in their life. Whether it was an art project in kindergarten for Mommy or a tribute to your movie star crush Johnny Depp, you assembled different objects to create something meaningful. Collector's Art Group-a group that ensures that fine art finds a home in Cincinnati-will open their latest exhibit, Pieced Together, this Friday. This show features collage or assemblage artwork by Lisa Jameson, Lou Kroner, and Joan Effertz. Each artist took a different approach when creating their pieces: Jameson’s work is based on questions, while Kroner searched through piles of unrelated materials for items that work together and Effertz uses color and composition like a writer uses words to create images that draw viewers in. The Opening Reception for Pieced Together is this Friday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Collector Art Group is located on the second floor above the Cincinnati Art Galleries at 225 E. Sixth St. Exhibit continues through January 8, 2010.

Unchained Bargains
November 21
The biggest local, independent shopping event of the year - BuyCincy's Cincinnati Unchained - takes place the Saturday before Thanksgiving, less than one week before Black Friday's bargain hungry rugby scrum officially kicks off seasonal shopping. Independent stores citywide are offering discounted deals, unique gifts and making charitable donations during this annual campaign that highlights locally-owned businesses. And remember, shopping locally produces real economic benefits - these businesses use goods and services of their peers and reinvest money back into the local economy at a higher rate than many national brands. For a list of participating businesses, go here.

Paint The Town Rouge
November 21
Immerse yourself in the bohemian lifestyle of the scandalous Parisian underworld this Saturday for the 2009 Opera Ball, where this year's theme is, Bal du Moulin Rouge. This over-the-top French ball is inspired by Cincinnati Opera's presentation of Puccini's La Bohème in 2010 and honors longtime benefactors Cathy and Tom Crain. You will feel as if you're a part of the famous Parisian cabaret from start to finish. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to start the evening, then relish French cuisine by Funky's Catering and be enchanted by singer Naomi Emmerson as she embraces the role of celebrated French chanteuse, Edith Piaf. As if that's not enough glamour for one night, Late Night At the Moulin Rouge is the Ball's official after-party that includes a late night buffet, cocktails and a DJ-spun dance floor-perfect event for young professionals to get their own taste of a Parisian nightclub. The Bal du Moulin Rouge begins at 6:00 p.m. in the Music Hall Ballroom with Late Night at the Moulin Rouge beginning at 10:30 p.m. Tickets for the Ball start at $250; Young professional tickets for the "Late Night" are $30 in advance and $40 day of event. For tickets contact Christine Reed at (513) 768-5520 or [email protected].

Move Over Taylor Swift
November 23
Now that the CMAs have passed, it's time to get down to the real music awards, the CEAs. The 13th Annual Cincinnati Entertainment Awards will present 19 awards this Sunday - 16 of which were voted on by the public. There are 104 nominees this year, with categories ranging from Artist of the Year to Best Musical Ambassador for the City and every genre in between. Live performances by nominated acts-the final lineup are still TBD- will be strung throughout the awards ceremony which takes place at the Madison Theater in Covington. The CEAs benefit the Cincinnati USA Music Heritage Foundation who, in conjunction with the awards show, will erect a historical marker at the former site of Herzog Studios at 811 Race Street. Herzog Studios is where Hank Williams recorded legendary songs like "I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry." Don’t miss this amazing night that celebrates Cincinnati's rich musical heritage and gifted artists from all over the city. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.; tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door.