Prelude events january 2006

Anniversary of the Sea Lions’ Arrival
San Francisco January 19
San Francisco has always attracted a lively crowd. On January 19, head to Pier 39 to welcome back some of San Francisco’s noisiest visitors—the sea lions. Ever since 1990, the bay has been swarmed by these tourists from the ocean, who come to sunbathe, play and fish for the water’s abundant herrings. Up to 600 of the creatures live in the bay, and many make the trip from the Channel Islands for winter’s fishy feast. www.pier39.com


Celebrity Chefs Culinary Program
Boston January 14-February 25
Every Saturday afternoon, The Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston is presenting a special event for gastronomes and aspiring cooks—the culinary festival sees celebrity chefs teaching the tools of the trade at two-hour cooking classes, complete with tastings with paired wines. Cooks include Mary Ann Esposito, Chris Douglass, Alain Pignard, Kerry Downey Romaniello, Laura Brennan, Jacky Robert and Laurent Poulain. Proceeds from the program benefit the Boston Center for Adult Education. www.fairmont.com


Miami Art Deco Festival
Miami January 13-15
Take a trip into the past as Miami Beach’s Art Deco district recognizes its unique artistic heritage at this unmissable art showcase. The weekend’s events include jazz shows, street theatre, a classic car parade and art auctions. There are lectures and art swaps for art enthusiasts, and walking tours that highlight the area’s amazing pastel-laden architecture. www.mdpl.org

National Western Stock Show
Denver January 7-22
For longer than a century, cattle men have come to Denver to buy, sell and admire the country’s finest ranching stock. But you don’t have to be a cowboy to get in on the fun—more than 600,000 visitors come to the Denver Coliseum to see the livestock, dancing horses, a llama show and what is billed as “the country’s best indoor rodeo.” www.nationalwestern.com

Theatre Month
Washington, DC February
Book now for Washington’s first ever theatre month, which promises to make the capital a drama hotspot. Many theaters in the city have recently undergone major refurbishments and will be offering special pre- and post-performance talks and gatherings with directors, playwrights and cast members. Shows include Measure for Measure, Mame, Don Juan, Dame Edna and much more. Special packages are designed to give guests huge discounts on tickets, accommodations and meals. www.washington.org

Chinese New Year
New York City January 29, February 5
Have you got holiday hangover? Well, there’s no cure like continuing the party. Celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Dog in New York’s Chinatown. The festivities start on January 29 with the Firecracker Ceremony, followed on February 5 with the seventh annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival, which attracts over 350,000 spectators with dancing dragons, ornate       floats and a special pooch parade! www.ExploreChinatown.com