Masks have been the hallmark of Venice’s il Carnevale di Venezia since the 11th-century, although mask makers weren’t officially recognised with their own guild until the 1400s. Masks were used in the 18th-century as a way to trade sexual favours without fear of recognition, however Napoleon’s troops stopped the practice. For about 20 years they have made a comeback as both souvenirs and as dress-up during Carnevale. This exhibition embodies the spirit of Venice by celebrating two master mask makers.
Thanks to MTV’s ‘Unplugged,’ a whole new generation has fallen in love with this classic crooner. Sinatra and Martin may be gone, but Tony Bennett is still cooking. In a career that spans seven decades, Bennett’s voice has only become richer. Tonight, he comes to Miami to play his greatest hits, including ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco’. Whether you’re old or young, this is a show you don’t want to miss.
Calle L #363, esquina a 23, Vedado (329430)
The most famous cinema in Havana is situated on one of the city’s most famous street corners, right across from Coppelia. People queuing for ice-cream have been known to pop into the cinema to catch a film while they’re waiting. The Yara is not as dingy as many other cinemas in Havana, though it does have its share of broken seats. It’s definitely worth checking out any major films here, as the large audiences tend to have a great laugh. At night the doorsteps of the Yara become a haunt for the city’s gay population. Showings from 12.30pm, with late shows at midnight on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
This month, the Florida Grand Opera broadens its repertoire with Leos Janácek’s ‘Katya Kabanova’. The Czech-born composer’s stormy marriage to a German girl half his age inspired this tragedy set in a small Russian town in the 1860s. Boris, a young man dependant on his overbearing uncle, falls in love with Katya, the wife of a local merchant. Following a moonlit assignation, however, Katya breaks down and confesses her indiscretion to her husband. Tormented by guilt, she then throws herself in the Volga River.
Jump on the big 1980s Bandwagon at the Fillmore when legendary UK New Wavers The Psychedelic Furs take the stage, touring in support of their recently released and ravenously received Greatest Hits compilation. Combining the drone of the Velvet Underground and the edgy energy of the Sex Pistols, the band released four critically acclaimed records in the UK before exploding in America following the release of the 1986 film ‘Pretty In Pink’, featuring the Furs hit of the same name. Along with The Cure, the band spent the rest of the 1980s leading the wave in the states, churning out such anthem as ‘Love My Way’, ‘Heartbreak Beat’ and ‘The Ghost In You’. Tinfed opens the show.
Vietnamese cooking has seen a resurgence and now falls into the ‘cool’ arena for Los Angeles foodies. Mandalay however has always had certain panache with an interior that’ll take you straight back to Saigon. The entrees are innovative like sea bass in garlic and basil sauce and more traditional like chao tom, a grilled shrimp pate wrapped around a sugar cane and served with peanut sauce and rice paper. However, unlike chao tom which can be bought cheaply from a street vendor in Saigon, you can probably purchase the street vendor’s entire cart for what you’ll pay for it at Mandalay.
Kathleen Turner stars in Sandra Ryan Heyward’s one-woman play ‘Tallulah’. Once called the next Marlene Dietrich, Tallulah Bankhead was an actress with a flare for cynicism and a taste for alcohol. While her talent was criticised, she quickly became famous for her party-girl social adventures. Heyward’s play takes a slice out of Tallulah’s high-society life. The play unfolds one evening, as Tallulah prepares a private fund-raiser for incumbent President Harry S Truman. Sipping champagne and spilling secrets, the expectant hostess stews about, revealing the sultry tales and woeful regrets of her luxurious life.
The only truly Venetian sport is rowing. Standing up, facing the front, dodging the vaporettos and taxi boats through the city’s myriad canals. Beginners can take lessons at a number of clubs dotted around the perimeter of the city. Founded in 1882, the Bucintoro has its offices in the old Custom’s House at the mouth of the Grand Canal. Obliging and accustomed to enquiries from foreign visitors, they will teach you the basics of Venetian oarsmanship before sending you off into the winter fog. May be an idea to take the mobile.
Set in and around the cliff top town of Katoomba, the Sixth Blue Mountains Festival is a three-day bash with acoustic folk, roots and blues acts from Australia and abroad. The musical performances are enhanced by a diverse collection of workshops, demonstrations, instrument making, arts and crafts and of course, a food fair. Includes appearances by Psycho Zydeco, Eric Bogle, Colin Hay, Dya Singh, Damon Davies, Rory McLeod and Aimee Leonard.
