nikki-giovanni_web.jpgFriday, November 20
Nikki Giovanni:
Nikki Giovanni comes to Books and Books, 265 Aragon Avenue in Coral Gables, with her latest work, Hip Hop Speaks to Children. This New York Times bestseller is a celebration of poetry with a beat. And when you find yourself clapping your hands or tapping your feet, you’ll know you've found poetry with a beat in the 50 poems and CD in this book – including works from Maya Angelou, Queen Latifah, Walter Dean Myers, Mos Def and, of course, Nikki Giovanni. The event starts at 7 p.m.  For more information, please call 305-442-4408.


Beautiful Me:
Gregory Maqoma, one of South Africa's leading choreographers, brings his acclaimed work, “Beautiful Me,” to South Florida’s Byron-Carlyle Theatre, 500 71st St. in Miami Beach. By layering these distinct and diverse styles with his own unique lightness and humor, Maqoma rewrites the definition of post-modern African choreography. Accompanied on stage by four exceptional South African musicians (violin, cello, sitar and percussion), simple lighting and set design, “Beautiful Me” speaks honestly and directly about the process of finding one's authentic voice. The concert will take place Friday, Nov. 20 and Saturday, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22 for the general public. For more information, please call 305-237-3010.

Poetry and Open Mic Night: Need a place to test your latest spoken artistic creations or just vent, artistically of course, about the state of the world?  Then bring your poetry, spoken-word pieces and social commentary fit for public ears to the Wallflower Gallery’s Open Mic Night for Spoken Word Artists at 10 N.E. 3rd Street in downtown Miami. The forum begins at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free, but a donation is appreciated. For more information, please call 305-579-0069.  

Sunday, November 22
Julian Marley and the Uprising:
Julian Marley and the Uprising featuring Stephen Marley and Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley will perform with soulful vocals inspired by life and spirituality. Their music incorporates the roots-reggae sound that Julian has made his own, infused with street-energy hip-hop, bubbling dancehall, and a smooth combination of R&B and reggae. The show starts at 8 p.m. at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Ticket prices range from $24.50 to $44.50. For more information, please call 305-949-6722.

Friday, November 27
Money Worries:
Money Worries is a comedic play that skillfully explores issues of romance and personal finance, as well as the dangers of mixing the two inappropriately. As renowned and experienced ‘ginnal’ Bad Boy Trevor thinks conning Delcita out of $750,000 is easy pickings. The result of his extensive plan and formidable tactics, however, gives him the surprise of his life. Money Worries will be performed at the North Miami Beach Performing Arts Theatre, 17011 NE 19th Ave. in North Miami Beach at 8 p.m. Additional performances will take place at the Royal Palm Beach High School, 10600 Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach, on Nov. 28 at 8 p.m., and at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Dr. in Coral Springs on Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 to $40 and they are selling fast, so buy early! For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.sunshinetheatrecompany.com or call 786-237-5493.

Sunday, November 29
Chris Brown Live:
Chris Brown, who recently released his latest studio album, Graffiti, is coming to Revolution Live, 200 West Broward Blvd. in Ft Lauderdale. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $31. For additional information and tickets visit www.jointherevolution.net or call 954-727-0950.

Kaila.Heard@Gmail.com

Photo: Nikki Giovanni