Tag Archives: live performance

Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center: Visual and Performing Arts

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From gospel concerts to a music and art tribute, the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center was recently awarded a Preservation Award from the Cambridge Historical Commission for the historic preservation work completed in the theater. The arts center located in Bulfinch Square in East Cambridge focuses on exploring diversity through visual and performing arts. Grab a drink and order up some appetizers at the jazz club or check out a destination dance performance. The center also offers family events, including their annual gospel concert honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visit multiculturalartscenter.org for more information.

Mad Cat Theatre Company: Alternative to the traditional

Keeping theatre contemporary, fresh and original might as well be Mad Cat Theatre Company’s motto, it’s what they’ve been doing around Miami for the past decade.

Although a majority of their performances are one-time only there are a couple that have become part of their repertoire. There’s the hilarious “Shepherd’s Pie” filled with limericks and Irish humor and the hit play “Broadsword” which plays on the classic theme of the classic rock band break-up and the problems that ensue.

Made up a group of talented Carbonell-award-winning actors, this wacky and intelligent troupe seeks to provoke, entice and challenge their audiences with original plays that touch on a variety of subjects folks can relate to. At times gut-busting and always memorable, it’s always worth making time for a Mad Cat show.

The company performs at the Adrienne Arsht Center at 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Downtown Miami.

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It’s Comedy Central at Cobb’s Comedy Club

When it comes to comedy clubs, the question to ask isn’t Cobbsemptyroom“What?” or “Where?” it’s “Who?” In any case, Cobb’s Comedy Club has you covered. In its 25th year, the North Beach venue plays host to the finest funny men and women working today. From Jerry Seinfeld and Dave Chappelle to Ellen DeGeneres and Margaret Cho, Cobb’s rotating cast of headliners are Leno and Letterman regulars, many with a comedy series of their own. Let’s put it this way: a celebrated stand-up doesn’t step foot out of SFO without first making an appearance on this stage.

If you’re hungry for more than laughter, the 400-seat venue offers a full dinner menu of classic American pub food, like crispy fried calamari, marinated chicken sandwiches, and of course, a Cobb’s chopped salad. Just remember to come thirsty: with a two-beverage minimum, they mean business. Sobreity is no laughing matter.

Giggles and Gasps at Buntport Theater Company

Think theater’s pretentious or all doom and gloom? Picture 23The locally acclaimed Buntport Theater Company will make you think again. This six-person troupe collaborates and hosts a variety of different projects, from original plays to monthly themed open mic nights—The Most Worthless Thing I Own, for instance—almost all of which are marked by the writer-director-actors’ characteristic brand of risky and borderline absurd wit (as the titles of recent productions Realism: The Mythical Brontosaurus and Kafka on Ice suggest). That’s not to say the Buntport Theater Company doesn’t do serious, heart wrenching work; it’s just that the company never forgets to have fun with the audience, including pint-sized playgoers (the seasonal family series tRUNks brings comic books to life).

Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Modern Music

For over a century, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra has been bringing sweet sounds to the masses and putting Dallas on the map with thriving musicians. Working with greats like Tony Bennett, John Legend, Kenny Rogers, LeeAnn Rimes and even Ben Folds Five, the DSO dabbles inPicture 4 a little of every genre. Whether its Mozart & Handel or indulging in the DSO’s compilation of 50’s Dance Party classics, the DSO has a friendly, helpful staff to guide you along the way if you’re new to symphonic scrutiny.

Educational programs and community concerts are two offerings that are not to be missed-The Dallas Symphony Orchestra “believes that with the proper training and education, every child has the potential to be the next Mozart or Beethoven.” The Dallas Symphony Orchestra has a special arm, DSO Kids, that includes special events and even training to let the music become a family affair.

An organization of this caliber with such rich history receives patronage from Dallas’ finest, and when you experience the otherworldly sounds of the DSO, you’ll be oh so glad you turned off your iPod to experience it firsthand.

It’s All About the Extravagant at The Castro Theatre

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Glowing like a beacon over the Castro District, The Castro Theatre marquee is not only a symbol of the city’s gay rights movement (as featured in the Oscar-winning film Milk), but the city’s facastro_frontvorite venue to connect with the community in a way that is colorful and meaningful.  For decades San Franciscans have come together in this lavishly decorated historic theatre for live and screen performances, even participating in cult films such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Little Mermaid sing-alongs, Dionne Warwick concerts, and every single film festival that comes to town.

The Castro Theatre is old-fashioned and intimate, right down to the original brass ticket booth out front that’s big enough for only one vendor.  Inside, the Spanish-Oriental influence is apparent in the scraffito wall murals, but the gold art deco details make it familiar.  The 1,400 red velvet seats throughout the main floor, mezzanine, and balcony are new, along with the PA, sound, and lighting systems, but have stylishly retained their early-century charm.

The theatre also functions in the mainstream, as each month it features top box office movies.  Some recent favorites have been the star-studded Nine and Milk, which ran for almost two months.

Avant-Garde Reigns Supreme at Painted Bride Art Center

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No white dresses and wedding bells at this venue, the only bridal thing about the Painted Bride Art Center is its engaging art- and there’s a lot of it. When the sun is shining, the space serves as a contemporary art gallery featuring cutting edge works, but when the stars come out, it transforms into a multicultural playhouse with everything from art to prose and poetry readings as well as live musical acts.

Expect everything but the traditional art gallery pieces at the Center where avant-garde and independent artists reign supreme.