A Few Things to Know

Oscar Night in Richmond

Don’t resign yourself to the couch on Oscar night this year. Get off your bum and get on the red carpet. No, we’re not asking you to fly to California. Just get in your car and head to the Science Museum of Virginia for Oscar Night America, complete with a live telecast of the awards ceremony, a “paparazzi”-filled red carpet and a celebrity host — Daphne Maxwell Reid, who played Vivian Banks on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and is co-owner of New Millennium Studios in Petersburg.

In addition to the awards show, Virginia’s Oscar Night America, one of 49 nationwide parties sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, will feature local entertainment and a Taste of Virginia food and beverage buffet. Tickets to the Feb. 25 event, which begins at 7 p.m., are $65 and $85 for individuals and $120 and $150 for couples. Proceeds benefit the Central Virginia Film Institute, which is planning a film festival for 2008 in Petersburg. To purchase tickets, call 957-4211 or visit the Central Virginia Film Institute.



Not for the Prudish Viewer

The Vagina Monologues once again returns to the Firehouse Theatre Project Feb. 1-2 to benefit Safe Harbor, which provides services for abused women and children. Written by Eve Ensler, The Vagina Monologues offers various women’s views of, well, their vaginas. Tickets are $20. 1609 W. Broad St. For more information, call 355-2001 or visit Firehouse Theatre Project.


Happy Birthday Sycamore Rouge

Our favorite culture spot in Petersburg, Sycamore Rouge, celebrates its first anniversary Saturday with a party. Cruise on down I-95 (we promise it’s really not far) for an English Cabaret by Una Harrison and cake. Tickets are $25 ($20 for members).

New in 2007 at Sycamore Rouge is 3 Dollar Thursday. Each Thursday will feature drink specials and various events. Today check out open mic night. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the fun starts at 8 p.m. Admission is $3 (duh!) unless you’re performing, and then you get in for free. Call 957-5707 or visit Sycamore Rouge.