Soapicks January 27-February 2

In Spite Of
January 29
With St. Valentine's Day just around the corner, Know Theatre of Cincinnati offers a romantic musical comedy about love and the perilous dating scene in New York City. I Love You Because  tells the story of a young greeting card writer, who after discovering his girlfriend's cheating ways, takes a chance on love with a girl who drives him bonkers. Consider it an easy way to explore why we love the people we do -  flaws and all.  Drop by Know's cozy cabaret bar, the Jackson St. Underground before the show. Click here for tickets and times.

Get Inked
January 30
InkTank, Cincinnati's literary engine that could, is closing out January's Final Friday with a little drama. Award-winning poet Richard Hague performs a dramatic reading of his poem, "Where Drunk Men Go" while accompanied by the gospel and bluegrass stylings of Michael Henson. Stick around following the performance for an open house, book signing and complimentary refreshments. Click here for more information.

Recycled President
January 30
Ever wonder what happens to all those yard signs soliciting your Presidential vote? Or what about the gratuitous amount of trash left over from the Presidential Inauguration? Over-the-Rhine's Base Cooperative Gallery presents Recycle Political: Celebrating a New President this Friday evening. The exhibit features works of art, moving media, performance art, photography, and print making all inspired by the 2008 political campaign and the January 20th inauguration of Barack Obama.  Continues through February 22nd.

Feeling Blue
January 30-31
The Southgate House is getting the blues this weekend with the 2009 Winter Blues Fest. Twenty-eight bands will take part in this two-day festival showcasing some of the best blues acts in and around Cincinnati. Think of it as a prelude to the Cincy Blues Fest this summer and a great way to spend the weekend indoors keeping warm. Sponsored by the Cincy Blues Society, the fest will benefit Blues in the Schools program. Shows start at 6:10 p.m. each night. Click here for ticket info.