Danza in Fiera

The third edition of the greatest international event dedicated to dance is expecting you into the Fortezza da Basso of Florence.

New areas hosting more events, more lessons, more shows, more Companies and exhibitive places, more celebrities, famous dance companies and for the first time the main Italian theatres. Danza in Fiera 2008 trumps itself like an extraordinary mix of dance, magic, passion, energy, music and lights: those of more than seven stages, those of the last fashion creations; those of thousand smiles of kids and young people for which Danza in Fiera is first of all fun, as well as the mirror of passion of own life.

Next February you'll have an excuse to undress the everyday clothes of and put on your ballet shoes, and to follow your heart. Inscription are opened for the international competition Expression 2008 by IDA (INTERNATIONAL DANCE COMPETITION) with many guests and an increasingly prestigious jury.

A third edition rich of lessons of every dance style with teachers of highest level, and for the first time in Danza in Fiera will be the most important Italian Theatre.

4 days of spectacular events: 21-24th of February

Energy and talent, grace and harmony, depth and lightness of expression: for insight into the multi-faceted world of dance it is important that exhibitors and schools’ displays be accompanied by an extensive program of a wide variety of events. There shall, in fact, be over 500 events ranging from traditional to contemporary dance exhibitions, performances by dance schools, associations and companies, dance competitions, dancewear and costume displays and shows, and meetings with prominent figures from the dance and arts world.
A wide and varied program assured to meet the requirements and expectations of both specialists and the general public.

Visiting hours:
From Thursday to Friday: 3.00 pm – 10.00 pm
From Saturday to Sunday: 10.00 am – 10.00 pm
More info: www.danzainfiera.it

TICKETS
1 day 15 euro, 4 days 25 euro

Free Entrance: Children under 8, Disabled

How to reach the fair:
By car: An excellent highway network connects Florence to the rest of Italy and Europe .Danza in Fiera is just 4 km from the main Italian Autostrada (A1- Autostrada del Sole - Firenze Nord exit).There are three ample parking facilities in the vicinity of the Fortezza da Basso:- Fortezza da Basso - spaces for 521 cars and 110 scooters - Santa Maria Novella - Piazza della Stazione - over 600 spaces for cars - Parterre - Piazza della Libertà - over 650 spaces for cars

By train: There are 5 railroad stations in Florence. The nearest is Santa Maria Novella (5 minutes by foot)

By plane: The Firenze Amerigo Vespucci Airport (serving major European cities) is 4 km from the city center which can be reached by:
- taxi (20 minutes).
- shuttle bus to and from the Vespucci airport and the Santa Maria Novella Railroad Station, operated by ATAF and SITA.

Public Trasportation

City Routes: All public transport stops at Piazza Stazione. Danza in Fiera (located 250 meters from Piazza Stazione) can be reached via all buses operating in Florence.

Intercity Routes: Florence is the terminal for Cap, Lazzi and Sita regional bus operators that offer excellent connections between the city and its surroundings.
For more information visit:
www.capautolinee.it
www.lazzi.it
www.sitabus.it

TAXI SERVICE 055 4242

What'up in Florence in February

'Giovedì Grasso' = 'Fat Thursday' is coming and in Italy brings you into the very events of Carnival! It will open the door to all the other Carnival events of the week end listed bellow. Looking a little further on: big names are expected in Florence in the next weeks. Not to forget the Pinocchio Live Jazz Festival with some of the great stars of international Jazz scene. Favorite standards and good Jazzy atmosphere at the Golden View Open Bar (just in front of the Ponte Vecchio: one of the most magnificent views in Florence! see the picture here).

Here is a calendar of the events in the next days in Florence:

Wednesday 30th January

JAZZ CLUB Via Nuova de’ Caccini, 3 – Firenze tel. 055-2479700 / 335 6146115. JAM SESSION + HOUSE BAND. Leonardo Pieri: piano; Nicola Vernuccio: double bass; Cosimo Marchese: drums.

REX CAFÉ Via Fiesolana 23-25r, tel. 055-2480331. FUNPLUGGED in concert. Laura Vicini: voice and guitar; Paolo Amulfi: guitar. Pop-rock repertory, with pieces of blues and country from the 70s in unplugged arrangements.

PORTO DI MARE LIVE Via Pisana 128 (P.za Pier Vettori) Firenze Tel 055 7191160 - info@portodimarelive.com.A dinner with Traditional Napolitan songs. Rodolfo Banchelli e Alex Giobbi in the kitchen with Napolitan specialties.

TEATRO DEL SALE - Via Dei Macci, 118/R 50122 Firenze (FI) - Tel. 055 2001492. Flamenco and South American music, with 'THE ELEGANT GIPSY TRIO'. The trio won the “On The Road Pelago” contest, in 2005. Marco Poggiolesi guitar ,Vieri Sturlini guitar Tommaso Tarani flute.

GOLDEN VIEW OPEN BAR Via dei Bardi, 58r - Firenze Tel: +39055214502: Stefano Tamborrino: drums, Massimo Pinca: Bass; Antonio Figura: Piano.

Thursday 31st January

JAZZ CLUB Via Nuova de’ Caccini, 3 – Firenze tel. 055-2479700 / 335 6146115. TRIO INFERNO. Joy de Vito: guitar; Michele Staino: double bass; Bernardo Guerra: drums. A new band by a young promise of jazz guitar.

AUDITORIUM FLOG Via M.Mercati, 24/B (Firenze) Tel. 055 487145. SHANTEL & BUCOVINA ORCHESTRA in concert + SHANTEL Dj Set . They are the beginners of BALKAN CLUBBING the ones who carried Balcan music in the trendiest nights of the Alternative International Dance panorama. After the concert SHANTEL will be again the DJ of the night, for a very special DANCEHALL. Opening 9.00 PM. Price € 15.

REX CAFE' Via Fiesolana 23-25r, tel. 055-2480331. DANIEL MEDEIROS TRIO in concert. Daniel Medeiros, guitar and voice. He is an Afro-Brazilian singer, born in Portugal,
very well known in Amsterdam, where he has been living for twenty years.

PORTO DI MARE LIVE Via Pisana 128 (P.za Pier Vettori) Firenze Tel 055 7191160 - info@portodimarelive.com. LOUNGE NIGHT with Mondo Candido in concert. Simone Marrucci guitar, Alessandro Querci bass, Gianni Cerone drums, Lucia Sargenti voice.

RED CARTER Via de Benci 33 Firenze, h. 22, presenta: ROCK THURSDAY - KOAN dj; free entrnce! New emerging bands can get on the stage of the Red Carter every each Rock Thursday –infos on: http://alternite.forumfree.net.

GOLDEN VIEW OPEN BAR Via dei Bardi, 58r - Firenze Tel: +39055214502: Stefano Rapicavoli: drums, Massimo Pinca: Bass, Antonio Figura: Piano.

Florence Electronic Carnival @ Maracanà in Via Faenza 4, FIRENZE. 10.00 PM Live: The Clover / dj’s: Mao - Uaui & Ponz - Micro - Teo Naddi - Paul Esse - Crawler - Dubsolute - Michael byrne - Matthew Carrera / visual: Menza - En.yo.j - Pornorobotz - Urtropode

Friday 1st February

JAZZ CLUB Via Nuova de’ Caccini, 3 – Firenze tel. 055-2479700 / 335 6146115. SHARK G. NAFFIS BAND. Marco “Shark G.” Naffis: guitar and voice; Stefano “Radio” Raddi: fretless bass; Filippo “One Feather” Plotegher: drums and percussions.

AUDITORIUM FLOG Via M.Mercati, 24/B (Firenze) Tel. 055 487145. GAY e LESBIAN ACTION PARTY and GAY CARNIVAL PARTY shows and events and surprise happening + le crazy dancing with RAVAMARA D.J.’s. Opens at 10.30 PM Price: € 10.

FEM @ CENTRAL PARK - 11.00 PM - via del Fosso Macinante, 2 FIRENZE:LAWREN & LIUYS_live - IVAN VILLA_dj set - EMIJAY_dj set (Supernova / Sony Bmg) - URTROPODE_visual.

Saturday 2nd February

AUDITORIUM FLOG Via M.Mercati, 24/B (Firenze) Tel. 055 487145. “Saturday Rock Fever” DEVILLE + DINAMO in concert. The come right from Sweden and play a no-compromise Stoner Rock; with them the DINAMO from Tuscany presenting their new Cd. Follows ROCKOTECA with LUCILLE & DR. LORENZ Djs Opening at 9.30 Price: € 5.

PINOCCHIO Live JAZZ XIV edition - 2007-08 - Associazione Vie Nuove, v.le Donato Giannotti, 13 – Firenze info: 055 683388 /680362. KALMAN OLAH Trio with Piero Borri & Janos Egri. Kalman Olah piano, Piero Borri drums, Janos Egri double bass. The Pinocchio Live Jazz review presents the trio of Hungarian pianist, Kalman Olah. (concert begins at 10.15 PM, Price: 9 Euro, Arci membership requested).A musical experience that has been traveling the whole world . A bridge between Italian music and Hungarian. Popular and traditional music mixed with classic music, Gipsy folk and great Jazz learning. Coming from Budapest KALMAN OLAH had a great personal success at the Thelonius Monk International Jazz Composers Competition. Recently has released an album together with Jack Dejhonette and Ron MacClure for the American label Always.

JAZZ CLUB Via Nuova de’ Caccini, 3 – Firenze tel. 055-2479700 / 335 6146115. TELL MAMA (Janis Joplin tribute) in concert. Alessia Alessandri: voce; Marco Superti: guitar; Andrea Celli: bass; Riccardo Innocenti: drums. A great singer with a non common voice and a strong grit.

VIPERTHEATRE – Via Lombardia/via Pistoiese – Firenze info tel 055.318.231:
Special Guest + Viper’s DJS Progetto 33.

SIDDHARTA Via Traversa Pistoiese 83 - Prato – 10.00 PM; Price: 10 Euro, after the concert, 5 Euro: SUPEROBOTS in concert: a myth for the manga-fans. The band is famous for the sound tracks of the manga movies. Specially the ones about “Big Robots” such as JEEG ROBOT D’ACCIAIO, DALTANIOUS, IL GRANDE MAZINGER, GORDIAN, TRIDER G7, BABIL JUONIOR and also classics like, SAMPEI, KEN FALCO, CANDY CANDY, FANTAMAN, IL DOTTOR SLUMP E ARALE, SUPERCAR GATTIGER. INFO LINE: 338 6314824 (Antonio Taverniti).

FORTEZZA DA BASSO, Viale Strozzi – Firenze Infoline 338/5721655: 'COSMO NIGHT', special guest from Germany: FELIX KROCHER (n° 1 of world techno). After the extraordinary success of the New Years’ Eve, a come back for great dance music at the Fortezza da Basso with the “Cosmo Night”. Six djs rotating on stage: and from Germany “the number one of the world techno' FELIX KROCHER, Partnering with him at the console, the dj German star Sheela and the crème of Italian techno deejaying: Fabio MC, Giacomo Loff, Roberto Francesconi, Andrea Mnemonic. 6 djs for a very exclusive party. Booking is better. Infoline 338/5721655.

GOLDEN VIEW OPEN BAR Via dei Bardi, 58r - Firenze Tel: +39055214502.
Maria Loscerbo voice, Simone Graziano piano, Milko Ambrogini double bass, Marco Barsanti drums.

Sunday 3rd February

GOLDEN VIEW OPEN BAR Via dei Bardi, 58r - Firenze Tel: +39055214502.
Roberto Andreucci piano, Milko Ambrogini double bass, Marco Barsanti drums.

Day of Remembrance

On the morning of January 27, 1945, the Soviet Army entered Auschwitz III, followed by Birkenau and Auschwitz I later that afternoon. Only some 7650 prisoners survived to be liberated.
The General Assembly decided that the United Nations will designate 27 January the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp as an annual International Day of Commemoration to honour the victims of the Holocaust, and urged Member States to develop educational programmes to instil the memory of the tragedy in future generations to prevent genocide from occurring again.

Since then the 27th of January has become the "Day of Remembrance".

In Florence there will be several events to remember.

On thursday, the 24th: at cinema Principe (Viale Matteotti - Firenze), with the presence of the director Carlo Lizzani, there will be a special proiection of 'Hotel Meina', the tale of the massacre of jews in the Hotel Meina, in Italy.
For info: Mediateca Regionale Toscana, 055 2719011.

The 28th, 29th and 30rd of January at the "Università degli Studi di Firenze" Aula Magna – Piazza San Marco, 4 there will be the international meeting: “Sterminio e stermini. E’ successo, può succedere di nuovo”

On Sunday, the 27th of January at Teatro Goldoni, there will be the concert of Yehezkel Yerushalmi, violinist of Primo Violino Maggio Musicale Fiorentino

Other events through Tuscany on the website : http://www.ucei.it/giornodellamemoria/index2.htm

I'm sorry it's in italian..

Valentine's Day in Florence, Italy

Valentine's Day Dinner for Two in Italy

Make this Valentine's Day the most romantic ever with a special dinner in Florence.
Planning a romantic dinner is truly an art. Why not do something different this valentine day?
If you really want to set the mood for romance, then nothing better than a candle light dinner.
And what about having a romantic dinner in the city of Florence, richful of history, art and romance?

In Italy the 14th of February is exclusively a celebration for couples or lovers. Children, family members, and friends do not exchange presents, but italian lovers look for a special restaurant for dinner on the Valentine's evening.

Here is one tuscan restaurant, with a romantic and elegant atmosphere. Find a seat close to the fireplace, relax and enjoy your dinner!

Valentine’s day dinner
appetizers
- Puff pastry vol au vent with tuscan liver patè
- Marinated salmon carpaccio with mediterranean aromas
first dishes
- Fresh made pasta with squids and courgettes
- Risotto champagne and parmesan cheese
specialties
- Prawns tempura with vegetables
- Thai meat with soy and vegetables
dessert
- Tiramisù in the small glass

price: 28 euros for the whole dinner, drinks not included.
If you want to see some pictures of the restaurant>>

for reservation: info@ilrifrullo.com

And if you are coming to Italy, you need to find Florence luxury hotels and restaurants, why don't you consider booking a long term apartment?

Big events in Florence, Italy

Here are some events in Florence, Italy from January to May.

February:

5th of February, Carnival Mardi Gras: events in Viareggio and the big aperitif and defileè at Rifrullo

14th of February, Valentine's Day: romantic dinner at a lovely restaurant in Florence.

March:

23rd of March, Easter in Florence: you can't miss the "scoppio del carro". Every Easter Sunday, one of the city's oldest and most atmospheric ceremonies, takes place in front of Firenze Cathedral: the 'Explosion of the Cart'. Entrance free.

April:
6th of April: Half Marathon, Vivicittà

25th of April, ART, the international exhibition trade of Handicrafts, which will take place at the Fortezza da Basso from the 25th of April to the 4th of May 2008. (Opening from 10.00 to 23.00; from 10.00 to 20.00 on the last day). See some pictures of last edition >>

May:

14th of May, 20th FESTIVAL DEL FITNESS 14 - 18 May 2008. Italian fitness festival: the most prestigious Fitness event in Italy, where Fitness meets sport: 250,000 participants in one of the most enchanting cities in the world. If your passion for fitness knows no limits, come visit the Festival of Fitness. You can't NOT join us in Florence, at the Fortezza da Basso fortress from Wednesday May 14th to Sunday May 18th 2008 to celebrate the 20th edition of the Festival del Fitness. Visitors to the Festival are invited to participate actively in the many initiatives the event offers, either activities they are already familiar with or new sports activities.

Treasures of San Lorenzo Church

The new "Museo del Tesori di San Lorenzo" (The Museum of the Treasure of San Lorenzo) was inaugurated on November 2007. Now it shows some of the most important art treasures kept in the deposits of one the oldest Churches in Florence, San Lorenzo. These fine pieces of sacred art and jewelry are (a part of) the gifts of the devotion of Florentines through the centuries and had never exhibited before.
The museum is very near to the Medici Chapels. The museum is open every working day from 10 am to 5 pm, and from March to October also on Sundays from 1.30 pm to 5 pm. The entrance price is of 3.50 € that enables also to visit the Basilica of San Lorenzo and the Sacrestia Vecchia.

Cheap, good places to eat in florence, italy

From now I would like to review some cheap places to eat in Florence, since there are many out of the tourist way places in Florence, Italy.

In the San Niccolò area (not far from Ponte Vecchio) you can find this lovely italian restaurant: Il Rifrullo. On Sundays a big aperitif: for 10 euros you can eat as much as you can, with one drink included. But even on normal evenings you can have a cheap and tuscan dinner.

In Rifredi area you can have lunch for just 5 or 7 euros. At Barcelò (viale Morgagni) you can have a tasty dish of pasta for only 4,50 euros. At Art Bar (via Santelli) you can eat a pizza Margherita for 4 euros.

Close to Piazza Beccaria there's Caffè serafini (Via Gioberti) where you can have for lunch a great selection of vegetables, meat, pasta and cakes for less than 10 euros. And one of the best coffee in Florence!

Viareggio Carnival

The 2008 Viareggio Carnival is a show with huge paper maché floats and puppets, which will parade along the famous 'viali a mare' (road besides the sea), down the sea promenades, offering a wide programme of entertainment and fun for children and adults. At least 800.000 people are awaited in Viareggio!

Viareggio is a city on the tuscan coast, only 1 hour from Florence (by car) and a little bit more by train.
The huge floats, parading on January 20th, 27Th, and February 3rd, 5th, 10th, will include nine 1st category floats - the biggest ones (20 meters high, 14 meters wide) weighing about 40 tons each - two smaller 2nd category floats and two masquerades, plus an experimental float, as well as smaller floats from the town district festivals.

Every masquerade will be composed of 8 paper maché elements (about 3 meters high). The parade will also include folkloristic bands and performers from all over the world. The biggest floats will carry about 200 people in costume, who will dance and throw confetti and candies.

The paper maché puppets satirise public and political figures, put on scene social issues, as well as the fairy-tales’ heroes. Noteworthy is the programme of related events including a large number of shows and cultural events such as fun musical comedies in vernacular, a series of carnival menus available in the restaurants of the area, festivals in the various town neighbourhoods, as well as numerous masked balls held in the most fashionable discotheques and ballrooms.

Viareggio Carnival January, 20 – 27, February 3 – 5 – 10
Inauguration January 19th.

Live music in clubs in Florence

At Rex Café (via Fiesolana 23-25r, tel. 055-2480331), every Wednesday and Thursday (but sometime Tuesday or Friday too) you can enjoy live music. Concerts start at about 22.00. Free entrance.

PROGRAM of February 2008, live music in Florence

Wednesday 6th SPITILLI JAZZ SAX TRIO. Lorenzo Baldini: sax alto; Piero Spitilli: double bass; Simone Tecla: drums. Classic jazz, mixed with funk, calypso, samba. Classic and original songs.

Thursday 7th RADIO LUXEMBOURG. Richard Ursillo: bass, guitar, vocals; Jerry Gherardi: vocals, mouth organ, flute; Maurizio Trevis Bargoni: guitars; Renzo Franchi: drums and percussions; Gigi Genise: piano & Hammond. “RADIO LUXEMBOURG” was the first radio diffusing Rock & Rithm&Blues in Italy. For this reason, a group of musicians with a long career in Italy and in the States has chosen this name as its own and diffuses now that same music with a enchanting show.

Tuesday 12th KOALA BLUES BAND. Jacopo Meille: voice and guitar; Francesco Ciampalini: voice and guitar; Antonio “Sky” Benedetto: bass and voice. 70’s rock-blues with their really own arrangements and the voice of Jacopo Meille, singer of the famous “Mantra” and of the British “Tygers of Pan Tang”.

Thursday 14th SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY with candlelight and the music of THE INFRADYTO’S. An extraordinary duo playing “tex-mex” music, a kind of lounge blues with a lot of free space for improvisation. Frankie Bertieri: electric guitar; Matteo Giannetti: double bass.

Tuesday 19th LULLABY. Nadia von Jacobi: voice; Francesco Bottai: electric guitar; Guido Melis: bass; Lorenzo Desiati: drums. A new very interesting group, composed by important musicians from Italian milieu (members of Articolo 31, Diaframma etc.), proposes covers of 80’s Brit-Rock-Wave (The Cure, Depeche Mode, Radiohead) and “lounge” (Morcheeba, Portishead) and original songs.

Wednesday 20th FUNPLUGGED. Laura Vicini: voice and guitar; Paolo Amulfi: guitar. Pop-rock, blues and country.

Wednesday 27th TARABARALLA. Elio Capecchi: voice, mouth organ, guitar; Marco Frosini: guitar; Carlo Biagini: keyboards and voice; Daniele Pieraccini: bass, double bass and voice; Nicola Immer: drums. Rock-covers from Elvis Presley to the U2. In 2005 the group opened the concert of Bob Dylan at “Pistoia Blues Festival”.

Thursday 28th TELL MAMA (Janis Joplin tribute). Alessia Alessandri: voice; Marco Superti: guitar; Andrea Celli: bass; Riccardo Innocenti: percussions. This night Woodstock at Rex Café, where the immortal Janis is recalled by the voice and the perfect look of Alessia Alessandri.

Rex Café
via Fiesolana 25r-Florence
tel. 055-2480331
Free admission

How to get to Barberino outlet, Florence

I saw that someone is looking for info about Barberino outlet. I've been there several times, and I think the best way to get there is by car. It's very close to the "Autostrada A1" Motorway (exit "Barberino") just few steps by the lake of Bilancino. I think you can't get there by train, but probably there is a bus to the barberino outlet.
By car, Barberino Outlet it's about 20 minutes by Florence if you drive the motorway, or it can take an hour by the old road ("via Bolognese"). If you are going there for the sales I recommend you to avoid the Sunday afternoon, since it is very crowded.

How to reach Designer Outlet of Barberino di Mugello

MOTORWAYS

FROM FLORENCE : A1 Florence - Bologna section, exit at Barberino di Mugello.
FROM BOLOGNA: A1 Florence - Bologna section, exit at Barberino di Mugello.
FROM SIENA: Take the SS2 in direction Florence. In Florence take the A1 in direction Bologna, exit at Barberino di Mugello.
FROM LUCCA AND PISTOIA:Take the A12 in direction Florence, take the A1 in direction Bologna, exit Barberino di Mugello.
FROM LIVORNO: Take the road direction Florence, take the A1 twards Bologna, exit Barberino di Mugello.
FROM LA SPEZIA: Take the A12 in direction Pisa, continue on the A11 towards Florence and then on the A1 towards Bologna, exit Barberino di Mugello.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES

FROM FIRENZE: Take the SS65 Bologna State Road, continue to Fiesole, follow the indication for San Piero a Sieve/Barberino di Mugello.
FROM PRATO AND FLORENCE: Take the n. 8 Provincial Road from Calenzano , continue to "Le Croci". After "le Croci" continue towards Barberino; on arriving at Cavallina, turn left towords Barberino di Mugello Outlet.

Vivicittà: half marathon in Florence

On April 6th the half-marathon “Vivicittà” will take place in the heart of Florence.
Departure will be at 10 am from the marvellous Piazza Santa Croce. It will be a unique opportunity to run (or walk) through the Florentine squares and streets.

Original sound movies in Florence

Original sound movies in Florence in January:

January. Florence movies english

Mo 14 THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD by Andrew Dominik with Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard, Mary-Louise Parker, Paul Schneider, Jeremy Renner - VENICE FILM FESTIVAL - whit italian subtitles - Shows: 4.00 – 7.00 – 10.00 pm

Tu 15 LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA by Mike Newell with Javier Bardem, Giovanna Mezzogiorno, Benjamin Bratt, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Hector Elizondo - 1 nomination Golden Globe - Shows: 4.00 – 7.00 – 10.00 pm

Th 17 I AM LEGEND by Francis Lawrence with Will Smith, Alice Braga, Dash Mihok, Charlie Tahan, Salli Richardson - with italian subtitles -Will Smith is the last man left alive after the world has been devastated by a virus, and he has to contend with zombies and vampires in Francis Lawrence’s scary science fiction movie I Am Legend. Shows: 4.30 – 6.30 – 8.30 – 10.30 pm

Mo 21 AMERICAN GANGSTER by Ridley Scott with Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cuba Gooding Jr., Josh Brolin, Ted Levine - 3 nomination Golden Globe – Shows: 4.00 – 7.00 – 10.00 pm

Tu 22 SLEUTH by Ridley Scott with Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cuba Gooding Jr., Josh Brolin, Ted Levine - 3 nomination Golden Globe – Shows: 4.00 – 7.00 – 10.00 pm

Mo 28 SPECIAL EVENT Franco Battiato will be at the Odeon to present “NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS - NIENTE E’ COME SEMBRA” (ITALIA – 72’) by Franco Battiato with Giulio Brogi, Pamela Villoresi, Chiara Conti - Italian version with english subtitles –Shows: 4.00 – 6.00 pm at 9.00 Franco Battiato presents

Tu 29 THE BUCKET LIST (USA - 125’) by Rob Reiner with Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes, Beverly Todd, Rob Morrow, Alfonso Freeman- with italian subtitles –Shows: 3.30 – 5.55 – 8.20 – 10.45 pm

Th 31 ACROSS THE UNIVERSE (USA - 131’) by Julie Taymor with Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood, Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs, Martin Luther, T.V. Carpio - ROME FILM FESTIVAL - Nonination Golden Globe Best Film - Shows: 4.00 – 7.00 – 10.00 pm

Built in 1462, Palazzo Strozzino, the building in which the cinema is located, is considered one of the most interesting examples of Renaissance architecture. Palazzo Strozzino was renovated at the beginning of the 20th century by the architect Piacentini who transformed the back and courtyard into an elegant art nouveau cinema-theatre which was opened in 1922. To this day the Odeon retains the original sculptures, tapestries, and the wonderful period stained glass cupola. Over the years some of the most glamorous names in show business have appeared in this jewel in the heart of Florence, musicians such as Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, actresses such as Isabelle Adjani and Anjelica Huston, and directors such as Bertolucci, Branagh, Salvatores, Benigni, Verdone and star of the new Italian cinema such as Stefano Accorsi.

A regular ticket costs Euro 7,20 but you can buy the Club Card which gives you a 40% discount for 8 admissions of your choice. The card costs Euro 36,00 and expires at 31 st of July 2008. It admits up to two people at a time (i.e. 2 admissions). It can be purchased at the Odeon Cinema box office.

Pitti fair: parties, the show and Florence

Yesterday the big fashion fair "Pitti Immagine Uomo" has started, the menswear show in Florence, Italy. Yet it was raining, many people got to the Fortezza da Basso to visit the stands of the biggest and newest Fashion brands.

In the courtyard I saw a peculiar exhibition of one hundred statues of the japan anime "Goldrake" standing on the base.


Then I entered in the main pavillion to see the ultimate trends of men fashion style.
From very formal and classic dresses, to the streetware, a defilèè of clothes, bags, shoes, ties, socks, leather goods and accessories... a complete coverage of the latest man fashion trends.
I loved the stands of Guru, Custo Barcellona and the one of Onitsuka, both very inusual. I liked the big stand of Prada men shoes and the original stand of Woolrich made of books...

I enjoyed the project "Welcome to my house" dedicated to the new world of streetwear. The settings for the rooms in the Lyceum were designed by UP! STUDIO, a group of young creatives based in Paris. Inside “Roommates” the collections weree presented in a shared and rented space, like real roommates. It was like entering a surreal flat where the rooms are separated by transparent walls and decorated with household objects arranged in in the most unusual way.

During these days the nights in Florence are quite different: every place offers a Pitti Party! You can see elegant people walking everywhere, famous italian singers or actors performing djset in the stores, events in the hotel halls (like the one I went at Hotel Savoy for the new release of the Firenze Magazine).