Friday, Dec. 12
African-American Achievers Awards: When Barack Obama was elected president, many people could be found in the streets waving signs, honking their car horns and even shooting fireworks. While some consider Obama to be the pinnacle of African-American achievement, we should still remember to give praise and thanks to people of color on a local level whom we witness doing good works every day. Nominations are now being accepted for J.M. Family Enterprises’ 17th Annual African-American Achievers Awards. Awards are given to outstanding African Americans who set an inspirational example through community involvement and leadership in four categories: Arts & Culture; Business & Entrepreneurism; Community Service; and Education. In honor of the Achievers, JM Family and Southeast Toyota will donate $20,000 to various South Florida charities $5,000 in each Achiever’s name to the charity or charities of his/her choice. Applications are available online at www.africanamericanachievers.com, or call 866-516-2497 for more information. Applications must be received by the end of today, Friday, Dec. 12. The actual awards ceremony will be held in April 2009.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Rihanna in concert: Tis the season, again, for the Y100’s annual Jingle Ball concert. This year features acts such as Rihanna, Chris Brown and Katy Perry among others. The concert, held at the BankAtlantic Center at 2555 Panther Parkway in Sunrise, begins at 7 p.m. Ticket prices range from $43 to $118. For more information or for tickets, please call 954-523-3309, 305-358-5885 or visit www.ticketmaster.com
Sunday, Dec. 14
Free Gospel Sundays: Do you believe that the holidays have become too commercialized? Are too many people concerned with the gifts they can and can't buy this season? Then help your family and friends remember, what ‘tis the season' is really about with Free Gospel Sundays at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Come enjoy a free soulful concert that begins at 4 p.m. Sponsored by Gospel AM 1490 WMBM and supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, this week's performers include Speaking Hands, Mt. Hermon AME Church, Professor Stephen K. English & The Fellowship Inc. Choir, and the Jubilate Vocal Ensemble. For ticket information, please call 305-949-6722 or visit www.arshtcenter.org.
Lil Wayne: I Am Music Tour: Okay, by now we all know that there is a recession. Gas prices are falling, but the unemployment rate is increasing, and food inflation rates are holding steady. Nevertheless, there are times today when a splurge is still necessary. And Lil Wayne thinks he is worthy of your hard-earned dollars. At 7 p.m. at the American Airlines Arena at 601 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami, Lil Wayne will take to the stage along with artists Keyshia Cole, T-Pain and Gym Class Heroes. Ticket prices range between $36.75 to $75.76. For more information, please call 786-777-1250.
Dem 3 Jamaican Tenors: Mention the names of Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton and or the legendary Bob Marley, and people will know who you are talking about. It is indisputable that Jamaica has produced some of the best reggae artists in history. But David Reid, Cecil Cooper and Steve Higgins want to raise awareness about Jamaica’s other vocal talents. The trio, better known as Dem 3 Jamaican Tenors, represent three different generations of Jamaican singers on stage. With a repertoire that includes Italian love ballads, famous Broadway Tunes, jazz songs and Jamaican folks songs done in patois, Dem 3 Jamaican Tenors guarantee its audiences a rich evening of fun and elegance. The performance will be held at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. Ticket prices range from $30 to $40 and the show starts at 6 p.m. For tickets and more information, please call 954-462-0222.
Feast of Lights Celebration: For the first time ever, the Feast of Lights Celebration, a concert celebration to herald the Christmas holiday, will be performed outside of Jamaica! Northern Caribbean University (NCU) and their Concert Choir, in collaboration with Columbia Union College’s New England Youth Ensemble, will present a musical experience and art exhibit not to be missed. The festival will be held at the War Memorial Auditorium, at 800 N.E. 8th St, Ft. Lauderdale. Tickets are going for $25, $40 and $50. (Parking on location will cost you $6.) For more information, please call 954) 828-5380 or visit http://www.dahmusiclinx.com.
Monday, Dec. 15
Roosevelt Gardens Park Walking Club: Traditionally, this is the time of year people begin planning their next year's weight loss. Consequently, gym membership sales go through the roof. However, if the shaky economy and the thought of being packed in a hot, crowded gym makes you rethink this tradition, then break away from the pack this year. Check out Roosevelt Gardens Park Walking Club for an alternative. Every day, the Roosevelt Walkers Club members get to set their own pace as they enjoy the fresh air and companionship of others also dedicated to improving their health. Roosevelt Gardens Park is located on 2841 N.W. 11th St. in Fort Lauderdale. Participating in the Walking Club is free, but advanced registration is required. For additional information, including official meeting times, please call 954-327-3888.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Disco-Hustle Class: Do you think that a lot of today’s dance moves are too vulgar? Do you believe that people don’t really dance anymore? Or frankly, could you not name one of the latest dance moves if your life depended on it? Don’t worry about any of that. Instead, just look to the past. The rhythms of the ‘70s birthed one of the most popular line dance forms ever: the hustle. Refresh your memory or learn steps you never knew before with the Disco Hustle Group Class. The class, held at the Showtime Dance & Performing Arts Theatre, 503 S.E. Mizner Blvd. in Boca Raton, starts at 7 p.m. and is $15 per class session. For more information, please call 561-394-2626, or visit www.showtimeboca.com.
World's Largest Office Party: Cheap punch, cheap cookies, and cheap gifts. If you've been to one office party then you've been to 100 others. But what would your fantasy office party be like? To help get your creative juices flowing, Cafe Iguana, 8358 Pines Blvd. in Hollywood, has organized the world's largest office party. With a real decorating budget, the cafe has transformed itself from a simple dance floor into a winter paradise with giant ice caves and penguins hanging from rafters. What money was left over provided this office party with its live entertainment including artists like Flo Rida, Rick Ross, Pleasure P, JT Money, and Briscoe. Tickets are going for $20. For tickets, please visit www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, please call Cafe Iguana at 954-433-8787.
Saturday, Dec. 20
FAMU Alumni Breakfast Meet up: All alumni FAMU-ans and friends are invited to a breakfast meet and greet at the Picadilly’s on 13200 Biscayne Boulevard in North Miami. Breakfast costs $7.50 and will last from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. A general body meeting of the Miami-Dade Chapter of the FAMU Alumni Chapter will immediately follow breakfast and will last until 10:30 a.m. For more information, please e-mail: gofamu@miamidadrattlers.org or call 305-693-6644.
Kaila.Heard@Gmail.com
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