Exhibition of the flagwavers in Piazza della Signoria

On sunday there will be a special exhibition in Piazza Signoria for the 35th anniversary of the origin of the "Bandierai degli Uffizi" (1973 – 2008) the official flagwavers of Florence. From 11.30 am an historical parade will start from Palagio di Parte Guelfa, than through Via Porta Rossa, Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, Via Vacchereccia until Piazza della Signoria. There they will perform their show for 40 minutes.

The "Bandierai degli Uffizi" are integrally connected to the history of Florence. The group carries the flags which represented the pricipal Magistracies and legal offices of the powerful 16th century Florentine Republic. Within this great tradition they perform not a show of personal fantasy or improvisation , but a performance which is the result of years of precise training, done with respect of traditional configurations. Every flag had initially the symbol of 1 of the 16 principal Magistracies that existed in the 16th century Florentine Republic.

Live jazz music in Florence, free entrance

Tonight it will start a new event called "Jazz, relax yourself": 4 evenings with free entrance where you can go and listen to some good jazz live music.
The first one is tonight at Teatro le Laudi, not far from the center of Florence (you can find it on google maps): via Leonardo Da Vinci 2 /r.
Friday, February, the 22nd: "The elegant gipsy quartet" with Marco Poggiolesi (guitar), Vieri Sturini (guitar), Tommaso Tarani (flaute) e Palo Casu.

Next appointments:

Friday, the 29th of February: band "Etno Mode" sax, guitar, contrabbass, drum
Friday, the 7th of March: "4tetto acustico" percussion, acoustic guitar, clarinet, contrabbass
Thursday, the 14th of March: "Maria Loscierbo Quartet", female singer, piano, contrabbass, drum

Free entrance!

What's on today in Florence

Today you can smell the perfume of Spring coming. Even if the temperature is still cold (14 C degrees=57 F) the sky and the sun have the look of the Spring season. On Florence hills birds are singing, flowers are appearing in the fields. It makes me happy!

This evening you can choose between a medieval dinner or a ethnic dinner.
The medieval dinner costs 30 euro. While guests enjoy a rich banquet served medieval style, knights compete in games of skill. You will be immersed in a medieval atmosphere with armoured combats, music with troubadours and minstrels, witches and jesters, flag-wavers, tournament games. For info: 340/6030988

The ethnic dinner costs 28 euro (from appetizer to dessert) and it offers specialties from Sri Lanka thanks to a chef coming from there. She will cook at Rifrullo's, the nice restaurant near Ponte Vecchio. For info: info@ilrifrullo.com

Tomorrow "Danza in fiera" (that means the dance fair) will open its door. DANCE AT THE FAIR is the biggest event in Italy about the dance. 4 days full of events, seminars and performances, dance and fitness clothing and accessories, companies representing all types of dance and disciplines from around the world. It will be held from February 21 to 24 2008 in Florence, Fortezza da Basso. From tango to flamenco, from hip hop to folk music, from salsa&merengue to classic ballet...

Valentine's day in Florence, Italy

Today is Valentine's day: every restaurant offers special menu and romantic atmosphere for the couples.

I have spoken about gay in Valentine's day al Maracana disco, now I would like to recommend this lovely restaurant I'm used to go when I want to spend a special evening.
It lies in the historical quarter of San Niccolò, just near the river Arno and not far from Ponte Vecchio. The name "Rifrullo" means the movement of many people coming and going.
It has a warm room inside, with the fireplace, and a glamourous winter garden outside, where you can admire the ancient walls of Florence from the windows. The door in the wall goes towards Piazzale Michelangelo, one of the best spot to see the panorama of Florence.

They offer typical tuscan cuisine, but also some specialties such as vegetarian dishes or ethnic food.

Just relax, order a glass of red wine.. and enjoy your dinner!
This is the menu for Valentine's dinner:
Puff pastry vol au vent with tuscan liver patè
Marinated salmon carpaccio with mediterranean aromas
Fresh made pasta with squids and courgettes
Risotto champagne and parmesan cheese
Prawns tempura with vegetables
Thai meat with soy and vegetables
Tiramisù in the small glass
Price: 28 euros per person, for the whole dinner, drinks not included

Rifrullo Restaurant and Lounge bar
via san Niccolo
info@ilrifrullo.com

Valentine's day gay friendly

Valentine's day is the next thursday.. if you are looking for something different, enjoy the special evening "VALENTINE'S DAY IN LOVE, QUEER DINNER".

At Maracanà, a central disco in Florence, there will be a romantic candle light dinner for less than 40 people, and the exhibition of Gennaro Cosmo Parlato, an italian singer and artist, who's popular also at italian television. He will perform some famous songs of the 80's together with the beautiful Viola Valentino, an italian well known singer.
After the dinner (rich and tasty) dj session and dancing (pop and hip hop) until late.

This is the menu:
Antipasto dell’amore con rosa di San Daniele (appetizer with ham and love!)
Lasagna al profumo di salmone (italian lasagne with salmon)
Ravioli di funghi saltati in salsa di salvia e petali (italian home made pasta with mushrooms)
Orata in fantasia con patate e zucchine (Orata fish with potatoes and zucchini)
Dolce della passione di cuore bianco (passion cake)

MARACANA’
Via Faenza, 4 - Firenze
Info-line: 055.210298
www.maracana.it

Original sound movies in Florence

Original sound movies in Florence in February, at Odeon Cinema (in piazza Strozzi, near piazza Repubblica).

February. Florence movies english
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.

A special programme: "American Directors Question War"
(February 7,11,12,14)

Th 7 LIONS FOR LAMBS (USA - 91’) by Robert Redford
with Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise, Michael Peña, Derek
Luke, Andrew Garfield
Howard - ROME FILM FESTIVAL
Shows: 4.30 – 6.30 – 8.30 – 10.30 pm

Mo 11 CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR (USA - 102’) by Mike Nichols
with Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julia Roberts, Shiri Appleby,
Amy Adams
- 5 Golden Globe nominations -
Shows: 4.30 – 6.30 – 8.30 – 10.30 pm

Tu 12 CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR (USA - 102’) by Mike Nichols
with Tom Hanks, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julia Roberts, Shiri Appleby,
Amy Adams
- 5 Golden Globe nominations -
Shows: 4.30 – 6.30 – 8.30 – 10.30 pm

Th 14 IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH (USA - 124’) by Paul Haggis
withTommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, James Franco, Susan Sarandon,
Jonathan Tucker
Shows: 3.30 – 5.55 – 8.20 – 10.45 pm

Mo 18 ATONEMENT (GB - 123’) by Joe Wright
with Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Romola Garai, Brenda Blethyn,
Vanessa Redgrave
- 7 nomination Golden Globe -
Shows: 3.30 – 5.55 – 8.20 – 10.45 pm

Tu 19 BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU’RE DEAD (USA - 117’)
by Sidney Lumet
with Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Marisa Tomei, Rosemary
Harris, Albert Finney, Brian F. O'Byrne
Shows: 3.30 – 5.55 – 8.20 – 10.45 pm

Th 21 CASSANDRA’S DREAM (USA/GB - 108’) by Woody Allen
with Ewan McGregor, Colin Farrell, Tom Wilkinson, Hayley Atwell, Sally
Hawkins
Shows: 4.00 – 6.10 – 8.20 – 10.30 pm

Mo 25 SWEENEY TOOD:THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET (USA - 125’)
by Tim Burton
with Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Sacha Baron
Cohen, Laura Michelle Kelly
Shows: 3.30 – 5.55 – 8.20 – 10.45 pm

Tu 26 INTO THE WILD (USA - 148’) by Sean Penn
with Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Brian
Dierker, Catherine Keener
- Whit Italian subtitles -
Shows: 4.00 – 7.00 – 10.00 pm

Th 28 INTO THE WILD (USA - 148’) by Sean Penn
with Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Brian
Dierker, Catherine Keener
- Whit Italian subtitles -
Shows: 4.00 – 7.00 – 10.00 pm

Network sonoro in Tuscany

Network sonoro is a festival of live music in and around Florence and other cities in Tuscany (Borgo San Lorenzo, Certaldo, Follonica, San Piero a Sieve, Scandicci, Poggibonsi, Vicchio, Siena..). Prices are cheap: from 10 to 15 euros. Some singers are famous, other are just beginners.. From jazz to fado, from pop to blues, several artists will perform their best album.

These are some events:
February

07 02
at Viper Theatre (Via Pistoiese ang. Via Lombardia, Le Piagge, Firenze) 9.30 pm
JOHN DE LEO (voice)

09 02
at Teatro Della Limonaia Via A. Gramsci 426, Sesto Fiorentino, FIRENZE 9.15 pm
GIOVANNI GUIDI QUARTET "Indian Summer"
Jazz music with covers Ornette Coleman, Hampton Hawes, Radiohead e Björk.

14 02 (valentine's day)
AT Viper Theatre (Via Pistoiese ang. Via Lombardia, Le Piagge, Firenze) 9.30 pm
TO ROCOCO ROT

15 02
at Sala Vanni Piazza Del Carmine 14 - Firenze ore 21.15
CESARE PICCO DUO

21 02
at Vicchio Del Mugello (FI) ore 21.15
YELLOWJACKETS band from the 70's that mix blues, pop, R&B, jazz

22 02
at Auditorium Flog Via Mercati 24b - Firenze ore 21.30
RADIO DERVISH

22 02
at Vicchio Del Mugello (FI) 9.15 PM
HIGH FIVE QUINTET

22 02
at Cascina (PISA) ore 10.00 PM
TBA POP MUSIC

23 02
at Marcialla (FIRENZE) 9.15 PM
CASTIGLIONI / GROSSI / ZANCHI TRIO

23 02
at Vicchio Del Mugello (FI) 9.15 PM
MATT JAZZ REPERTORY "Omaggio alla musica di Luca Flores"

24 02
at Vicchio Del Mugello (FI) ore 9.15 PM
JOEY BARON KILLER JOEY

25 02
in Prato 9.00 PM
PARCO DELLA MUSICA JAZZ ORCHESTRA plays BILL HOLMAN

28 02
in Poggibonsi (SIENA) ore 9.15 PM
DOCTOR 3 "Happy Birthday Sgt. Pepper"

29 02
at Cascina (PI) 10.00 PM
MIRA CALIX

MARCH

01 03
in Marcialla (FI) ore 9.15 PM
GIROTTO / CASINI / MANGALAVITE "Mercosur"

01 03
at Teatro Metastasio Via Cairoli 59 - Prato 9.00 PM
STEVEN BERNSTEIN & THE MILLENNIAL TERRITORY ORCHESTRA

05 03
PLACE TO DEFINE
STEFANO BOLLANI "Bollanicarioca"

05 03
at Viper Theatre Via Pistoiese ang. Via Lombardia, Le Piagge - Firenze ore 9.30 PM
MÚM

07 03
La Città Del Teatro Via Toscoromagnola 656 - Cascina (PI) ore 10.00 PM
TELEFON TEL AVIV

07 03
Teatro Politeama Piazza Rosselli 2 - Poggibonsi (SI) ore 9.15 PM
MICHEL PORTAL TRIO

08 03
Teatro Politeama Piazza Rosselli 2 - Poggibonsi (SI) ore 9.15 PM
LOUIS SCLAVIS "Les Imparfaits Des Langues"

09 03
Teatro Verdi Via Del Commercio 15 - Poggibonsi (SI) 5.30 PM
VINCENT COURTOIS "What Do You Mean By Silence?"

10 03
Teatro Metastasio Via Cairoli 59 - Prato ore 9.00 PM
DORADO SCHMITT QUINTET

14 03
Auditorium Flog Via Mercati 24b - Firenze o9.30 PM
ASA (see her in the picture)

14 03
La Città Del Teatro Via Toscoromagnola 656 - Cascina (PI) ore 22.00
DAEDELUS

15 03
Teatro Degli Industri Via Mazzini 99 - Grosseto ore 9.15 PM
STEFANO 'COCCO' CANTINI “Going Back To Africa”

16 03
Teatro Degli Industri Via Mazzini 99 - Grosseto ore 9.15 PM
“HOMAGE TO ART BLAKEY” feat. former JAZZ MESSENGERS

17 03
Teatro Metastasio Via Cairoli 59 - Prato ore 9.00 PM
GIANLUCA PETRELLA COSMIC BAND

20 03
Teatro Politeama Piazza Rosselli 2 - Poggibonsi (SI) ore 9.15 PM
FRESU / GALLIANO / LUNDGREN “Mare Nostrum”

28 03
Teatro Aurora Via S. Bartolo in Tuto 1 - Scandicci (FI) ore 9.15 PM
ENRICO RAVA SPECIAL PROJECT with ROSWELL RUDD & GIANLUCA PETRELLA (see him in the picture)

31 03
Teatro Puccini Via Delle Cascine 41 - Firenze ore 9.15
MAFALDA ARNAUTH “Flor De Fado”

APRIL

01 04
PLACE TO DEFINE
CIPELLI / FRESU / TESTA "F. À LÉO" (da un'idea di Roberto Cipelli)

02 04
Teatro Giotto Corso G. Matteotti - Borgo San Lorenzo (FI) ore 9.15
CIPELLI / FRESU / TESTA “F. À LÉO“ (da un'idea di Roberto Cipelli)

04 04
Teatro Dei Concordi Via Roma 53 - Roccastrada (GR) ore 9.15
GINEVRA DI MARCO

04 04
Teatro Studio Via G. Donizetti 58 - Scandicci (Fi) ore 9.15
MAURO GROSSI SWING BOP FREE QUINTET

09 04
Teatro Nazionale Via Montalbano 11 - Quarrata (PT) ore 9.15
TOM VERLAINE with JIMMY RIP

11 04
Teatro Studio Via G. Donizetti 58 - Scandicci (Fi) ore 9.15
NICO GORI EUROPEAN QUARTET

12 04
Teatro Regina Margherita Via A. Mori 20 - Marcialla (FI) ore 9.15 PM
TIZIANA GHIGLIONI & LIVING QUARTET

12 04
Centro Culturale "Arturo Bandini" Via Ilaria Alpi - S. Piero A Sieve (FI) ore 9.15 PM
GIROTTO / SERVILLO / MANGALAVITE “L’Amico Di Cordoba”

18 04
Teatro Studio Via G. Donizetti 58 - Scandicci (Fi) ore 9.15
JACOPO MARTINI QUARTET “Swing Manouche”

18 04
Auditorium Flog Via Mercati 24b - Firenze ore 9.30
ALLEN / HOPPER / CUTLER “Brainville”

May

01 05
Auditorium Flog Via Mercati 24b - Firenze ore 9.30 PM
SHANTEL & BUKOVINA CLUB ORKESTAR

Mardi gras in Florence, Italy

Tonight is Mardi Gras: the last evening to celebrate Carnival!

In Italy the most famous Carnival is the Venice Carnival (I strongly recommmend you to visit Venice during the Carnival): you can see beautiful masks everywhere, and if you don't have the mask, you can buy it in the mask shops. Beside Venice many celebrations are held throughout the country: Viareggio, Tuscany, with its parades, has gained a big popularity.
In Florence we don't have a great tradition about parades or celebrations, but you can see many children in costume. And during the Carnival in Tuscany you may taste the "schiacciata alla fiorentina" which is a delicious and soft cake, sometimes filled with Chantilly cream.


If you are in Florence with your kids, you can take them to Via San Gallo, where, from 4.30 pm, there will be "Animali della Fattoria" (that means animals from the farm): a big party for children with music, costumes, cakes and animals! Your kids could be dressed as a sheep, as a chicken, as a rabbit, as a duck, as a cow...
A weird parade will end to the Bookshop LIBRI LIBERI at via San Gallo 25 R, (for info: tel. 055-2658324).

The word carnival, said "carnevale", comes from the Latin carnem levare, an expression used in the middle ages which marked the beginning of the Lenten fast.

VINTAGE SELECTION at Stazione Leopolda

Yesterday I've been to the Vintage Selection: the vintage clothing, accessories and designer objets fair.

Vintage Selection is a research laboratory studying the fashions of the past. The event is attended by a vast public of collectors and enthusiasts and, due to its being held concomitantly with Pitti Filati, it has become a must for fashion designers, cool hunters and the style offices of top international fashion companies who come to Florence to find inspiration for their creative research.

The protagonist for this edition is the world that revolves around uniforms and fashion’s ironic interpretations of military wear. A journey through periods and cultures from all over the world: from the uniforms worn by the British army in India to the US airmen’s flight jackets and the Soviet uniforms of old.
There will be a special focus on a very topical genre, eyewear, with top international exhibitors bringing cult products by Christian Dior, Nina Ricci, Gianni Versace, Ray-Ban and Fiorucci to Florence. The new features include a special selection of luxury items and leather goods from France. Big designer couture will also be represented along with historical vintage fashion brands: from Chanel to Pierre Cardin, Emilio Pucci to Roberta di Camerino, Balenciaga to Gucci.

THE SPECIAL SECTION “REMAKE”
Collections from firms making customized vintage: clothes subjected to innovative treatments or transformed through tailoring are available for purchase by buyers and visitors. In particular, for this edition, some exhibitors will be bringing their interpretations of one or more items of military clothing.

VINTAGE SELECTION PRESENTS “MAO FOR SALE”:
At this edition of Vintage Selection at the Stazione Leopolda, Chinese memorabilia inspired by the figure of leader Mao Zedong, is the protagonist of the MAO FOR SALE fair curated by Gherardo Frassa.

RDF 102.7, the event’s official radio station, will be providing non-stop vintage music throughout the five days of the event.

The staff of Convivium will welcome visitors to the gourmet area for very special breakfasts, colorful lunches or snacks, right up to aperitif time.

THE NUMBERS
2 editions of the event each year: in February and July
over 10,000 visitors attended the last winter edition
62 exhibitors
1,400 sq. meters of exhibition area

VINTAGE SELECTION is produced by STAZIONE LEOPOLDA srl in cooperation with A.N.G.E.L.O.
Open to the public from 10.00 a.m. – 8.00 p.m. Admission fee: 5 Euros.