I had a fabulous weekend@ I was, along with a few thousand others, very busy at the 25th Anniversary of Miami's Book Fair International. South Florida enjoyed beautiful weather, just a little snap in the air and droves of folk showed up to meet their favorite authors and shop. I had the pleasure of introducting Food Network star, Ingrid Hoffmann, Miami's own star chef, Michelle Bernstein and a super chef out of New York, Andrew Cerellini who taught me how to speak Urban Italian. The house was packed with a ton of foodies who hung on every word, getting to know these culinary professionals up close and personal.
Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornell West took the stage earlier on as part of the kick-off and spoke to a surprising extremely diverse audience; I honestly believe there were 1/3, a 1/3 and a 1/3 when it comes to looking at the faces in the audience. Dr. Phyllis Baker, one of Miami Dade College most popular professors took advantage of the time for a photo op with Tavis and Dr. West.


This week I am reminding you it is time to support your local theatre. The M Ensemble opened last night a new production: Joe Turner's Come and Gone by August Wilson that will run through December 21, 2008. This is one of, if not THE most affordable theatre ticket in town. I strongly encourage you to buy tickets as gifts for your friends, take a group, after all, this is National Friendship month, act like it! Call up somebody and say "let's do theatre". The M Ensemble is Florida's oldest established African-American theater company offering musical, contemporary, classical and original plays. Tickets are 12320 West. Dixie Hwy, North Miami, FL 33161 - phone: 305.895.8955

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There is so much going on around town - you can drop what you're doing tonight and head to

Coral Gables
U of M's Frost School of Music concert tonight featuring UM Jazz Vocal Ensemble with special guest Nicole Yarling. The concert is at 8pm and the Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Road. Donation: $15.00 - 305.284.5813

Ft. Lauderdale
Tonight & tomorrow, Nov. 22
One of the divas of jazz and what I call the bad girl of blues, Juanita Dixon, is appearing at Christines Restaurant - 2671 E Oakland Blvd. 954.566.1919. I plan on stopping by this Saturday night and hope to see you there.

Hollywood
Tonight & tomorrow, Nov. 22 - 9:30 p.m.
For a little blues at a great blues and sushi place, check out Poppa E Live at The Sushi Blues Cafe, 2009 Harrison Street.

North Bay Village
Tonight - Nov. 21
Ever Friday is 4Play Friday with Ron & Jawan but tonight is special as singing sensation BRANDY is back and making a special guest appearance tonight! The party starts promptly at 10pm and goes on into the wee hours. The spot: Barchettas on the Bay - 1601 NW 79th St. Causeway. For reservations, call 305.323.3757 and tell Ron & Jawan, Robbie sent you!

Miami Beach

Nov. 22
The Spam Allstars will appear at Jazzid - 1342 Washington St. - 305.673.4039

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Ongoing around town Music & Things ______ Aventura Weekends - 7-11pm Donna Allen Prezzo's Restaurant & Martini Bar. Shoppes at Loehmann's Plaza, 18831 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura, 305.931.5775 ______ Miami Wednesdays - 6-9pm Success Happy Hour Success South Florida Magazine & Beat 103.5 The Mahogany Grille 2190 NE 183rd St City of Miami Gardens _____