calendar_web.jpgThursday, August 18

Back To School Fresh Start: State Representative Perry E. Thurston, Jr., Lauderhill Commissioner Kenneth Thurston and The Firm will be providing free back to school haircuts at 3165 W. Broward Blvd in Fort Lauderdale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  For more information, call 954-762-3746.

Historic Brown Bag Luncheon: “People and Places, 1870-1911" is the topic of the Broward County Historical Commission’s August program at the historic West Side Grade School, 301 Harmon (S.W. 13th) Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, contact Helen Landers at 954-357-5514 or hlanders@broward.org.

Friday, August 19

Talent Show: If you’ve got musical talent, register for this showcase to be held from 3 to 9 p.m., Aug. 19 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Aug. 20 at the Onyx Playhouse Theater, 5 NE 54th St. in Miami. Cash prizes and awards will be given. To register or for more information, call 954-559-7476.


Sunday, August 21

India’s Independence Day Celebration: The Association of Indians in America presents a free celebration of this historical event with a variety show featuring Indian music and dance and a fair with local Indian food and retail vendors selling their wares from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.


Saturday, August 20

Kids First Back To School Weekend: Florida Youth Development presents a back to school jam from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a live concert, food, bounce houses, games, face painting, and more at Redeeming Word Christian Center International, 2800 West Prospect Rd. in Fort Lauderdale. Then join them at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21 for worship service. For more information, call 954-535-9030 or visit www.rwcci.org.


Friday, August 26

Family Selection Open House: Habitat for Humanity of Broward invites families from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 to come out to the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, 1801 NE 6th St. in Pompano. You must have been a Broward resident for at least one year and bring proof of income from the last two years.

Photo Exhibition Opening Reception: Join Fatima NeJame, President and CEO of the Palm Beach Photographic Centre from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 415 Clematis St. in downtown West Palm Beach for a special reception to mark the opening of The View Project, an exhibit and book showcasing work by 70 international photographers. For more information, call 561-253-2600 or visit www.workshop.org.


Saturday, August 27

Universal Toastmasters Awards Meeting: Capping the end of a successful year, Universal Toastmasters Club 7653  will hold an awards meeting and brunch to celebrate its achievements 8 a.m. at the Universal Truth Center for Better Living, 21310 NW 37th Ave. in Miami Gardens. For more information, call 305-624-4991.

Safety and Wellness Fair: The School District of Palm Beach County is partnering with several community organizations to equip students with the proper tools needed to enjoy a safe and healthy life from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Forest Hill Community High School, 6901 Parker Ave. in West Palm Beach. For more information, contact Natalia Arenas at 561-357-7662 or natalia.arenas@palmbeachschools.org.

The Hongs Live: Enjoy the musical talent of The Hongs, with DJ Grace Jones and Contra from 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. at the Bardot, 3456 North Miami Ave. in Miami. For more information, email gordo1213@gmail.com.

Who's the Matter With You: Join the conversation on what your relationship with others reveals about you, Aug. 27 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the Manors Clubhouse, 4162 Inverrary Drive in Lauderhill. Admission is $25. For more information, email charles.shakirahipcoaches@gmail.com.


Ongoing:

Chitterling Heights Play: The Women’s Theatre Project presents Ann Morrissett Davidon’s imaginative piece that showcases a heated debate between Lorraine Hansberry and James Baldwin at Sixth Star Studios, 505 NW 1st Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. The play will run through Aug. 28. For more information, visit www.womenstheatreproject.com.

Jazz at Pincrest Gardens: Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens 2011/2012 season tickets are on sale through the web site at www.pinecrestgardens.org.  Ticket prices start at $20 and for a limited time Jazz aficionados can enjoy all eight shows at a savings of 25 percent off individual ticket pricing by purchasing a ticket subscription.

Registration for The McIntyre Institute: The liturgical dance powerhouse is now registering students ages six and up for their fall term, set to begin in mid-September. No prior dance training is required. For more information, email mcin2000@aol.com or visit www.mcintyreinstitute.com.

Christian Forums and Spoken Word: All That God Is International Outreach Centers presents Christian forums; open mic, spoken word, poetry, and fellowship every Friday night at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 786-255-1509 or 786-709-0656. Discussion topics for forums must be submitted by 2 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the forum. For more information, email krystal.strachan@yahoo.com.

Artist Showcase Opportunities: KVP Productions provides a place for talented artists of all genres to come together and showcase their talents the fourth Sunday of each month from 4 to 6 p.m. at Elle’s Restaurant, 12312 Miramar Pwky. in Miramar. For more information, call Pamela Reid at 954-558-0632.


Volunteer Opportunities:

911 Service Project: Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation Department, AARP and Service For Peace will host a community volunteer service project at Amelia Earhart Park, 401 E. 65 St. in Hialeah on Saturday, Sept. 10. Volunteers from will spend the day painting, cleaning-up, and landscaping.  To register for this service project, call 1-877-926-8300. Registration is required.   For more information, contact Angie Gomez, Volunteer Coordinator at 305-961-2781 or email angieg@miamidade.gov.

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