calendar_web.jpgThursday, March 10

Pieces of Jamaica Fine Arts Exhibition: The grand opening of a visual and performing arts showcase of Jamaican culture will be held at the Lauderhill Art Center Gallery, 1713 NW 38th Ave., Lauderhill. Exhibits will include photographs by David I. Muir and paintings by Shurnett

Haughton-Cole and Niki Lopez. The exhibition will feature eight events, each with a different theme. Professionals Night Out happens on March 17 and there will also be a screening of the award-winning documentary Why Do Jamaicans Run So Fast? on March 19. The exhibit closes March 31. For more information please contact David I. Muir at 954-200-5110 or email info@davidiphoto.com.

Friday, March 11

The 5th Talent Showcase: At 10 a.m., the annual inclusive dance performance by 200 Miami-Dade Schools students directed by Karen Peterson and Dancers will take place at the Booker T. Washington High School auditorium, 1200 NW 6th Ave. in Overtown. Please visit www.karenpetersondancers.org for more
information.

Saturday, March 12

Coalition for Change Open House: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. join Broward County’s new coalition of four non-profits to learn more about our vision; tour our offices and training labs; discover how you can be part of the coalition; and learn about our services, group homes, training and development. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. The open house will be held at 708 West Oakland Park Blvd. in Wilton Manors. For more information please call 954-763-5010.

Monday, March 14

Deadline to Apply for Dade Heritage Essay Contest: As part of the celebration of Dade Heritage Days 2011, the African American Committee of Dade Heritage Trust is sponsoring an essay contest on the topic “Why I am Proud of My Heritage.”  The contest is in its 18th year and open to students enrolled in grades 1-12.  Each entry should be sent by email to Retha Boone-Fye at rboone@miamidade.gov no later than March 14, at 4 p.m. If you have any questions or need more information, contact Boone at 305-375-4606.

Wednesday, March 16

Former WCW Wrestler at MDCC for Women’s History Month:  Former wrestler, ‘Midnight’ from World Championship Wrestling will  speak at 10 a.m. at Miami Dade College north campus, 11380 NW 27th Ave. in Room 2151.  The occasion is Women’s History Month and the  theme is “Our History is Our Strength.” For more information, call Elizabeth Potenza at 305-237-1244.

Friday, March 18

Pamper Me Pinkk Beauty Lounge:  Join Mahaqni SL at 6 p.m. as they launch a new, upscale and intimate beauty lounge under the theme of Love Me in the Morning. Come and be pampered with facials, aroma therapy, manicures and pedicures, lashes, make-up application and tips on how to be beautiful in the morning. The lounge will be held at the Marquis Luxury Resort, 1100 Biscayne Blvd. in downtown Miami. For more information and admission prices, contact Bomb Nation at 786-290-5313.

Jazz Roots: A Larry Rosen Jazz Series – Three Generations of Divas:  At 8 p.m. the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and Larry Rosen will bring onstage, together for the first time, three of today’s most celebrated jazz singers spanning three generations. This concert features Dianne Reeves, respected as the reigning queen of female jazz vocalists; honey-voiced songstress Jane Monheit, the multi-Grammy nominee who is bringing the golden age of jazz standards to a new generation; and introducing 16-year-old singing sensation Nikki Yanofsky, who recently rose to international stardom wowing audiences when she sang the theme song for the opening of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The event will take place in the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Tickets range from $25 to $130 and may be purchased through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling 305-949-6722, or online at www.arshtcenter.org.
Saturday, March 19

Benefit for Computer Literacy:  CBS4 Sports Anchor Jim Berry has teamed with The On It Foundation for a unique fund-raising event – an afternoon of Chicago-style stepping classes. The South Florida Steppers, co-founded by Berry, will hold classes at the VFW Post 8195, located at 4414 Pembroke Road, in Hollywood. The beginners’ class starts at 11 a.m. and intermediate and advanced classes start at 1 p.m. The cost is $20 per person. Larry Collins of the Steady Steppers in Detroit will be the guest instructor. To reserve a spot, call Bill Frazier at 954-448-8732.

10th Annual Torch Awards Gala: FIU will pay tribute to distinguished alumni and members of the FIU community for contributions to their fields, the community and their alma mater. The Torch Award honors the memory of Senator Ernest R. Graham, the forward thinking champion who helped to create the university.  This year, the highlight social event for the FIU Alumni Association will be held at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, Wells Fargo Center (Met 2), 255 Biscayne Boulevard Way in Miami.  A cocktail reception will start at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards presentation at 7:30 p.m. For more information about tables, tickets, program ads and sponsorships, please contact Elena Balsinde at
305-348-0159.

Ongoing

Head Start Program Registration:  Miami-Dade Community Action Agency’s (CAA) Head Start/Early Head Start Program has begun its open enrollment for the 2011-2012 program year, which will begin in August of 2011.  Applications are being accepted until March 18, for pregnant women and children ages two months to five (5) years old (after September 1, 2011).  The program also provides services to families with children who are homeless.  Applications are available at all Head Start/Early Head Start centers and CAA Community Service Centers throughout Miami-Dade County.   Applications and a list of Head Start Centers may also be downloaded from the County’s Portal at www.miamidade.gov/caa/hsrecruitment.asp.

The events calendar is published each Thursday. Please send your event to empyrealcommunications@gmail.com by the preceding Friday at 10 a.m.