Event Reminders: TGIF!

'The Rainmaker' by City Island Theater Group
This weekend's performances are tonight, 2/27, at 8pm and tomorrow, 2/28, at 3pm and 8pm at Grace Church (116 City Island Avenue). The show will run on weekends through 3/7.
The City Island Theater Group will open its 10th Anniversary season with the classic romantic comedy The Rainmaker. Written by N. Richard Nash, The Rainmaker is a wonderfully thought-provoking play that explores the reliance upon dreams vs. the acceptance of reality. This classic American romance is a refreshingly heartfelt fable about a con man, a country girl, and the way that love can overcome cynicism in even the most tired of souls. Nick Sala, the production’s Director and CITG’s President promises that this production will make you believe in love and have faith in hope and the human spirit, which is something we all need in these current difficult times. The Rainmaker features City Island’s own Elizabeth Paldino as Lizzie Curry with CITG regulars John Garcia as Starbuck, and Matthieu Regney as Noah. Call or e-mail now to make your reservations for The Dining Room! For admission and ticket information, call 718-885-3066, or click here.

Orchid Show @ NYBG
NYBG's Orchid Show begins this Saturday, 2/28 (well, actually today if you're a member) and runs through April 12. Here's the write-up from the New York Times: “The Orchid Show: Brazilian Modern,” is a display of thousands of flowers, set in a contemporary garden, with artwork. The opening weekend will feature a variety of cultural activities including a lecture by the display’s designer, Raymond Jungles (Saturday at 1 p.m.); a dance performance by Samba New York (Saturday at 3:30 p.m.); and a Brazilian cooking demonstration, with sampling (Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m.). Includes 50 gardens and plant collections. Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tram tours daily, weather permitting, every 20 minutes. Bronx River Parkway (Exit 7W) Fordham Road, Bedford Park, the Bronx, (718) 817-8700; An all-garden pass is $20; $18 for students and 62+; $10 for children 2 to 12; free for members and children under 2. Grounds admission only: $6; $5 for Bronx residents; $3 for 62+ and students; $1 for children 2 to 12; free for under 2 and for everyone all day on Wednesdays and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Parking, $12. Click here for more info.

Bronx Parks Speakup @ Lehman College
Join Friends of Van Cortlandt Park and other park and open space advocates, community groups, educators and volunteers for the 15th Annual Bronx Parks Speak Up tomorrow, 2/28, from 11:30am to 5pm. This free event provides an opportunity to network, get the latest updates and reports, learn about new resources, and participate in workshops and panel discussions concerning the state of our green spaces and the larger environment in the Bronx. Event will be held in the Lehman College Faculty Dining Room, Music Building on Bedford Park Blvd West (bet Jerome Ave & Goulden Ave). Click here for more info.

Mariachi Real de Mexico @ Bronx Library Center
Dressed in original costume, the Mariachi Real de Mexico troupe presents a rich repertoire of dance and mariachi music. The mariachi tradition is a symbol of Mexican music and culture, which originated in the state of Jalisco. Event takes place tomorrow, 2/28, at 2:30pm. Click here for more info.

West Indian Roots of Hip Hop @ The Point
Tomorrow, 2/28, from 3 to 6pm... free and open to the public!
Dr. Natasha Lightfoot of the Bronx African-American Oral History Project, will lead a discussion featuring hip hop pioneers and legends including DJ Kool Herc, Kool DJ Red Alert, Ralph McDaniels (Video Music Box) and VP Records co-founder, Patricia Chin. VP Records was founded 50 years ago as a record store in Kingston called Randy's Record Mart, at a time when reggae existed only on the streets with DJs improvising toasts over the music, and large speaker systems brought out into the parks. They went on to record many of the DJ and reggae legends in Jamaica. Following the panel, Carter Van Pelt from the publication Wax Poetics, will interview Patricia Chin about the history of VP Records.
A demonstration of old school DJ techniques from the 1970s by DJ Kool Herc and Brother Vincent will follow. The evening concludes with a reception, where audience members can view: From Mambo to Hip Hop: The Exhibit, a photo exhibit which complements City Lore's award-winning documentary directed by Henry Chalfant, From Mambo to Hip Hop: A South Bronx Tale; dance to the music of DJ Just Ice; and purchase West Indian fare provided by Bascom Catering with delicious roti, jerk and curry chicken, and salt fish. The Point is located at 940 Garrison Avenue. Click here for more info.

Grant Seeking Basics Workshop @ Hostos
Back by popular demand! Don’t miss this opportunity, whether you are an individual artist looking for funding to conduct research, or mount and exhibition, or put on a performance or complete other arts related projects. This workshop is presented by BCA’s 2009 Professional Development Program, a series of free personal and professional development workshops for Bronx artists being held on Saturdays, through April 18th, at Hostos Community College. Workshop is free, but you should rsvp to finearts@bronxarts.org to reserve your spot. Hostos is located at 450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street. Click here for more info. Event listing courtesy of bronxarts.org.

Family Art Project @ Wave Hill
'Creature Comforts of Home:' See what Wave Hill’s birds and animals do for housing. Fashion a clay critter and use natural materials to make it a cozy home. Free with admission from 1 to 4pm this Saturday, 2/28, and Sunday, 3/1. Click here for more info.

Dave Valentin Jazz Concert @ Riverdale Y
Grammy award winner Dave Valentin will perform with his Quintet at the Riverdale Y (5625 Riverdale Avenue) tomorrow, 2/28, at 8pm. A wine and cheese reception will follow the concert. Tickets are $20 and $15 for students and seniors. Click here for tickets or for more info.

Lui Collins @ The Uptown Coffeehouse
Folk singer Lui Collins will perform at the Uptown Coffeehouse (Riverdale-Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture, 4450 Fieldston Road) this Sunday, 3/1, at 5pm. Admission is $15 and the Bronx Culture Card is accepted. Click here for more info.

Did we miss something? Email us at boogiedowner[at]gmail[dot]com.

~ErLu