Soapicks February 3-9

Muse-Sick
An Evening of Music with Classical & Jazz Legend David Amram & Jane Carver
February 3
Do yourself a favor and check out tonight's scene at one of the coolest building you've never stepped foot in - Memorial Hall at 1225 Elm Street. The creatives from DAAP have pulled together an impressive event the likes of which you're likely not to find anywhere else. Featuring the gripping work of classical and jazz legend David Amram performing with his back up chamber orchestra, the evening is part of the ongoing I Gave Away The Sky festival which concludes with the full-length documentary Corso: The Last Beat, which screens on Friday, Feb. 6, 5:30 p.m., in the University of Cincinnati's DAAP Building, Room 4400.

For more info go to www.igaveawaythesky.com or call Evan Commander (that's his real name) 513-307-5055.

A Streetcar named Cincinnati?
February 3
To be or not to be? That is the question on the minds of many Cincinnatians regarding the future of the streetcar in our city. Give Back Cincinnati is providing a two day opportunity for citizens to learn more about the streetcar proposal, as well as meet with some of the city leaders who are most familiar with the subject, with Sounding Sessions at Music Hall's Cincinnati Opera Garrett Board Room. In addition, attendees will be able to pose any questions they may have about the streetcar and its impact on Cincinnati. The first of the sessions was held Monday evening, so if you missed it, be sure to show up Music Hall at 6:00 p.m. tonight to sound off!

Experimental
February 5
If you like the type of experiments done in a lab with sulfur dioxide and safety glasses, then you'll love the experimental sounds of Traum. Playing at Art Damage Lodge-a venue that's dedicated to presenting experimental and underground music in Cincinnati-the Michigan duo, often turned trio when the mood strikes, has a unique sound which may come across a bit complicated. Using only a guitar, a trap set, and a violin cello, Traum creates a resonance you have to hear to believe. Accompanying Traum are Gordy Horn and Bad People. Click here for details.

Not your Normal Story Time
February 6
Artists are like storytellers weaving their personal experiences in and out of their work. This Friday, come see the stories of 4 completely different artists as they present their unique perspectives and experiences on canvass and paper in an exhibit title, Thinking Through Reality. The exhibit, which will be housed in the Artisans Enterprise Center, features tales of the lives of a Liberian refugee, a Senagalese ex-Prince, a Ghanaian who's overwhelmed by American architecture and lastly, another young woman who is infatuated with the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. This collaboration of works is sure to create an epic and inspiring story.  Opening reception is 6-10 p.m. Friday and exhibit continues through Feb. 20.

Beerfest
February 6 & 7
Ok so it's not a series of beer drinking competitions held in an underground arena in Germany where a group of Americans are pitted against burly Germans for a secret family recipe, but the 2nd Annual Midwest Winter Beer Festival does have one common link to the comedic movie, BEER! That's right, over 75 different beers from Cincinnati, the country and continents beyond are yours for the tasting this weekend. The Radisson Cincinnati Riverfront Hotel will serve as host to each of the three sessions this year's Beer Festival is offering; each session is four hours long. Admission-$35 in advance and $40 at the door-includes unlimited sampling, a souvenir glass, entertainment and free eats. I suggest getting your tickets in advance, last year's festival sold out! Click here for tickets and session times. Supports the Big Joe Duskin Music Education Foundation.

Heart of it All
February 7
February isn't just about the chewy, candy hearts with catch phrases like 'kiss me' and 'be mine,' but also the hearts which beat inside each and every one of us. The American Heart Association has deemed February 'National Heart Health Month' and what better way to kick-off a month-long campaign of heart awareness than with a runway show! The Lady in Red Fashion Show and Soiree is this Saturday and will feature the "Little Red Dress" fashion show, swag bags for all in attendance, a silent auction and of course, specialty red cocktails.  It's a fabulous evening benefiting the American Heart Association, so come show you support the heart. Click here for tickets.