PRELUDE CALENDAR APRIL 2006

Art Chicago

Chicago April 28-May 1

One of the art world’s premier events, Art Chicago sees o ver a hundred galleries exhibit and sell the work of a myriad of contemporary artists in a 125,000-square-foot t ent just across from the Art Institute of Chicago. Whether you ar e a collector ready to spend millions on the hott est pieces or just an enth usiast who wants to see the latest works, Art Chicago is guaranteed to impress. www.artchicago.com

the Great Metrozoo Egg Safari

Miami April 15-16

Join the animals at Miami’s Metrozoo as you get into the Easter spirit with this fun family event. Kids will love the musical shows, face painting, crafts, games, bounce house and the all-day egg hunt. Keep your eyes peeled for the Easter Bunny, who in previous years has been spotted wandering th rough the park entertaining children. www.miamimetrozoo.com

Tribeca Film Festival

New York City April 25–May 7

Founded in 2002 by Jane Rosenth al and Robert DeNiro, the Tribeca Film Festival has quickly become one of the nation’s leading film events. With a special emphasis on local filmmaking, the festival includes screenings of short films, documentaries, indie films and blockbuster premiers, alongside panel discussions, concerts and more. Special, free “drive-in films” take place on the Hudson River, celebrating the open-air film viewing of yesteryear. www.tribecafilmfestival.org

Inman Park Spring Festival

Atlanta April 28-30

Celebrate blooming flowers, budding trees and warm weather at this annual spring festival. Activities include a quirky parade of floats featuring bands, art cars, clowns and jugglers; Atlanta’s biggest street market; a juried arts and crafts show; a dance festival; and th ree stages of live music. Take advantage of the Tour of Homes, which sees local residents opening up their Victorian Painted Ladies, Craftsman Bungalows and loft conversions for public viewing. www.inmanpark.org

Beale Street Music Festival

Memphis May 5-7

Historic Beale Street celebrates its musical legacy at this huge outdoor concert in Tom Lee Park, as part of the Memphis in May International Festival. Take in th ree days of music from nearly every genre on four stages in a gorgeous setting overlooking the Mississippi River. Last year’s performers included the likes of Nelly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sarah McLachlan, James Cotton Blues Band, the Roots, Elvis Costello, and Medeski Martin and Wood. www.memphisinmay.org

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

New Orleans April 28-30, May 5-7

the 37th installment of New Orleans’ legendary Jazz Fest takes on new importance this year as a celebration of the city’s recovery after Hurricane Katrina. Performers include Fats Domino, Jimmy Buffett, Lionel Richie, Dave Matthews Band, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Ani DiFranco, Donald Harrison with George Coleman and Eddie Palmieri, Pete Fountain, Doug Kershaw, Little Feat, the Radiators, Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Buckwheat Zydeco and hundreds more. www.nojazzfest.com