The group Meow performs in NYC. All photos by Francisco Collazo

The autumnal equinox falls on September 22 this year.

Though the Bryant Park Film Festival, SummerStage, and Celebrate Brooklyn all ended this week, outdoor entertainment isn’t over just yet.

1. Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival

Lincoln Center’s annual outdoors summer festival has been going on for a couple weeks and ends this Sunday, but a handful of big names from dance and music will be performing between now and then.

Out of Doors Festival

First up is the Urban Bush Women dance troupe on Thursday night, followed by Brazilian singer-songwriter Siba on the 21, Lizz Wright and Allen Toussaint on the 22 and the Arturo O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Sextet on the 23.

Around the world in four days? Not too bad.

2. Governor’s Island

We’ve already highlighted Governor’s Island in an article on Matador Trips this week, but we like it so much, we want to mention it again.

It’s no longer the well-kept secret it was a couple years ago, but the island is still plenty large for stretching out and finding your own patch of grass suitable for a picnic or an afternoon spent taking photos (best views in the city of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan). Events—art installations, concerts, lectures, and more—are scheduled through the end of September and into the first two weeks of October.

3. Central Park Film Festival

Bryant Park’s screen came down; Central Park’s went up. The festival opened on August 18 with a showing of “Sex and the City,” and continues through this Saturday with “Shaft,” “Ocean’s 11,” “Twilight,” and “Men in Black.” The films are free– all you need is a blanket. You can find the schedule and details here.

4. Socrates Sculpture Park and LIC Community Boathouse

Socrates Sculpture Park

In addition to hosting a live outdoor performance of “Romeo and Juliet” on the 22 and performance art on the 29 and 30, this waterfront art park in Long Island City, Queens is located within shouting distance of the LIC Community Boathouse, which offers paddling through the end of September and into early October. Try your luck winning the lottery for the Friday Night’s sunset hour “Chill Paddle.”

5. Starlight Music Series, Top of the Rock, Rockefeller Center

Starting on September 9 and running through October 7, Rockefeller Center’s Top of the Rock (the Empire State Building’s closest competitor for sky-high views) will be hosting a Starlight Music Series each Wednesday, complete with music, wine, and summer sunsets. It’ll cost you though; at $20 per person, this entertainment doesn’t come cheap.

Community Connection:

Trying to get some time on the water in before the summer ends? Check out Paul Brady’s “7 Ways to Get on the Water in New York City.”

The Fox Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia, Photo: gomattolson

But what I do remember is the theatre: its minarets and Moorish features (it was originally a mosque), appropriately described as “beautifully outlandish, opulent, grandiose.”

A couple decades into the 20th century, a newspaper reviewer was in awe, noting a “picturesque and almost disturbing grandeur beyond imagination.” The highlight was—and still is—“an indoor Arabian courtyard with a sky full of flickering stars and magically drifting clouds,” a particularly spectacular backdrop for the angel who hovered from the ceiling by an invisible harness during the play.

I’d see other shows at The Fox before I graduated and moved to New York, where, when money allowed, I continued to nurture my love of theatre. I remained enamored of beautiful theatres, but eventually realized some of the best shows don’t take place in theatres with heavily curtained stages and dramatic architectural flourishes.

Last Thursday, I took the train north of Manhattan to see “Much Ado About Nothing” at the 22nd annual Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival. This outdoor festival, which opened June 16 and runs through September 6, is held on the grounds of Boscobel, an estate atop a hill overlooking the Hudson River.

Photo courtesy of Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival

“Ado”—one of three Shakespeare plays in this year’s line up (alongside “Pericles” and “The Complete Works of Shakespeare {Abridged}”)—may be one of Shakespeare’s best known works, but there’s something that makes you see and experience the play anew when it’s taking place outside under a white tent after you’ve picnicked under the sugar maples.

The sinisterness of the plot to thwart the pending marriage of Hero and Claudio was underscored by a dramatic—and totally natural—bolt of lightning that flashed at just the right moment over the valley across the river.

Every night is different, and while that’s true on any stage, it’s particularly the case for an outdoor production that’s subject to nature’s whims as much as actors’ skills.

Photo courtesy of Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival

If you’re in New York between now and September 6, a side trip to the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival makes for a fantastic full or half-day excursion. For details about how you can plan such a trip, check out this article.

Community Connection:

Check out this article for Matador’s round-up of five more North American Shakespeare festivals that feature the bard’s plays in incredible outdoor settings.

What’s your best memory of the theatre? Share with us in the comments below!

Feature photo by Érre Ortega. Photo above by Prefeitura de Olinda.

“Do you like our music?” someone asked me. “Love it!” I said, ticking off the names of Brazilian icons: Caetano Veloso, Joao Gilberto, and Astrud Gilberto. Sure, I knew they were old school, but there’s something about Joao Gilberto whisper-singing “‘S wonderful, ‘s mahvelous, that you should care for me” that’s timeless, right?

Um, no. My utter uncoolness was revealed. Saying I listened to Veloso, Gilberto, and Gilberto was like a Brazilian coming to the States and saying he listened to Paul Anka, Elton John, and Joni Mitchell.

Brazil’s music scene is more—much more– than bossa nova and samba. Here are just a few samples of the artists and kinds of music Brazilians are into right now:

O Funk Proibidão

This raw but hyper danceable music started in the early 90s in the favelas in Rio. It’s basically constructed from Miami bass and booty beats with MCs rhyming.

Funk Proibidão is the underground music that is recorded and played at parties and spread through cd’s, mixed tapes. As far as lyrical content however, “that shit is laced in with the gangs and narcos” is how one one Matadorian puts it.

Similar to when The Chronic was dominating US clubs in the early 90s, one group Brazilian group, Mc Cidinho e Doca, had the hottest song last year.

Marcelo D2

Hip hop is going off in Brazil. Down there they call it hippe-hoppe. One of the most innovative rappers is Marcelo D2 (check vid above), who mixes samples of bossa nova and other traditional forms into his music.

Alceu Valenca

At 62, Alceu Valenca might seem better classified in the greatest hits section, but what keeps Brazilians listening is the artist’s obvious love of music and his ongoing experimentation with form, genre, and… performance.

Valenca, who’s been referred to as the “Brazilian Bobby Dylan” and the “Brazilian Mick Jagger,” is able to blend folk, rock, and traditional styles into a sound that’s distinctly his own. His shows are characterized by elaborate costume changes and crowd-pleasing favorites, like “Morena Tropicana.”

His 2009 release, “Ciranda Mourisca,” isn’t available in the US yet, but a promotional CD hints at mysterious gypsy-like sounds, yet another addition to Valenca’s repertoire.

Photo by writingjulie.

Siba e a Fuloresta

Siba e a Fulorestais the 40 year old founder and front man of this 10 person group, whose youngest member is 19 and whose oldest is 75. Siba’s musical trajectory might seem backward to those obsessed with the-next-big-thing: after moving from his hometown to the city, he then moved back home to discover his musical roots, building his performance cred in hardcore street shows.

“Street music prepared us for everything,” he said to me in an interview, “improving the relationship with the audience, our ability to deal with problems, everything.”

Siba cites jazz, North African music, 60s and 70s rock, and the troubadour poetry of Brazil as some of his persistent influences, and these genres exert themselves subtly in a musical niche that he and his group-mates are carving out for themselves.

Three of our recommendations come from Alex Robinson, Brazilian music aficionado, former resident of Sao Paulo, and author of Footprint’s Brazil Handbook.

Coletivo Radio Cipó

“I’m currently listening to loads of music from Belém in the mouth of the Amazon. It’s one of the most exciting places for music in Brazil at the moment. I particularly like Coletivo Radio Cipó, who fuse local carimbó beats with reggae, rap, and penetrating social commentary.

Photo by Festival Calango.

La Pupuña

“I also love La Pupuña, who play a kind of psychedelic Amazonian surf rock broken by sound effects from the river– like the chug of long-tail boats and the call of birds. They have just released a carimbó version of “Dark Side of the Moon” called “Charque Side of the Moon,” named in honour of the local beef jerky.

Madame Saatan

“And then there’s Madame Saatan, fronted by Sammliz, a delicate, wispy singer with a face like a model and a voice as big and rich as Mariah Carey. But she’s no R’nB diva – Madame Saatan’s Devorados is as fast and relentless as Metallica. And it paints a bleak picture of the self-destructive lives of many in poor urban Brazil.”

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

Headed to South America? Find out What People Are Listening to in Chile, too!

“You’re kidding, right?” he asked.

Nope. Most images of Brazil’s Carnaval celebrations are shot in Rio, where men and women (often scantily clad) from samba schools parade through the Sambodromo arena, competing for judges’ favor in 10 categories. According to the Associated Press, each samba school can spend as much as $2.5 million USD in an effort to best their competitors.

But outside Rio, Carnaval is for the people and by the people, who gather by the thousands in the streets, some with costumes, some without, most dancing, and everyone pushing their physical limits as they enjoy six straight days of partying.

This week, I participated in Carnaval in the cities of Recife and Olinda, in the state of Pernambuco, and Salvador, in Bahia. Each city celebrates Carnaval in its own way. Here are my favorite photos from the past six days’ of partying!

Artist Silvio Botelho, seen here painting, is credited with starting the tradition of creating and carrying massive puppets down the streets during Olinda’s Carnaval. In the days (and nights) before Carnaval, Silvio and his apprentices work round-the-clock to respond to demands for puppets… which can cost several thousand dollars apiece.

One of Silvio’s finished puppets, crowding the living room of his house until Carnaval kicks off. Most of the puppets depict local politicians, musicians, and other celebrities.

Unlike Carnaval in Rio, where festival goers pay a premium price to view the festivities, Pelourinho’s Carnaval in Salvador is accessible to everyone. This young woman is marching with the Escola Olodum, filling the cobblestone streets with intoxicating drum beats and dance rhythms.

A rare sight– revelers resting before the next round of dancing!

Men in Pelourinho practice gender-bending for the day (and clearly weren’t shy about posing for the camera!)

The highlight of Carnaval celebrations in Salvador is the trio electrico: bands singing and dancing for hours on end from the top of floats built on tractor trailers. Crowds of loyal fans follow along, dancing and singing until the wee hours of the morning.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Enjoy more Carnaval photos! Check out Hal Amen’s dispatch from Oruro, Bolivia and Ian MacKenzie’s photos from Barranquilla, Colombia.

According to the National Weather Service, winter will officially begin at 6:04 A.M. CST on December 21.

It won’t end until 6:44 A.M. CST on March 20, 2009.

That’s three whole months without drinks in Manhattan’s and Brooklyn’s restaurants with backlot urban gardens. 90 days without an alfresco mimosa or a Manhattan at a sidewalk table. It’s ok: I feel your pain. In the meantime, try:

Campbell Apartment

The Campbell Apartment isn’t well-known even among New Yorkers whose daily routes don’t take them through Midtown. And even commuters hurrying through Grand Central each day may be unaware that one of the city’s best bars is closer than their subway train.

Located inside Grand Central Terminal, the Campbell Apartment is the former office of John W. Campbell, a 1920s NYC high roller. It’s all dark wood, soaring windows, and… a big stone fireplace, and best of all, opens at 3 PM, so you can justify a stop on your way home from work.

15 Grand Central Terminal
212-953-0409

Photo by mudpig (Creative Commons)

Cibar

Called the “Miss America of bars” by NewYorkMetro.com, Cibar is a bar for all seasons. During summer, its bamboo garden invites drinkers to linger awhile. In winter, though, it’s time to cozy up around the indoor fireplaces (yep, plural). Cibar is located in a townhouse, amplifying the homey feel. If only you had a home like this in the city….

56 Irving Place, Manhattan
212-460-5656

The Dove Parlour

Started by a group of friends who wanted to “democratize decadence,” the Dove Parlour is another warm, inviting bar with a tucked-in-a-townhouse kind of feel. There’s a fireplace here, too, but instead of wood, light is given off by a tight bunch of tall pillar candles.

Winter signals the addition of a specialty drink to the limited but creative cocktail list: hot spiced mulled red wine. Happy hour is every day from 4-8 PM, when most drinks are $6.00 USD. Another particularly attractive feature of this bar is how late it’s open: that mulled wine is served all the way ’til 4 AM.

228 Thompson Street
212-254-1435

The Auction House

If you’re feeling cold on the Upper East Side, then warm up by the fire at The Auction House. Just don’t come wearing fur; there’s a strict no-fur policy. Though there’s nothing particularly special about the decor or ambiance of this bar, it weeds out rowdier patrons by enforcing a 25-and-older policy on weekends.

300 E. 89th Street between First and Second Avenues
212-427-4458

Photo by Pingu1963 (Creative Commons)

Arctica

Cold is entirely relative. Save Arctica for one of those mid or late-winter nights when you think there just can’t be any place colder on Earth. This bar honors Shackleton’s Antarctica expedition. There’s lots of warm light, and heat radiates from a small pot-bellied stove. Gathered around the fire, it’s easy to forget you’re in New York.

384 Third Avenue (between 27th & 28th Streets)
212-725-4477

Zanzibar

Forget bellying up to the bar. Elbow your way to the open pit fire at Zanzibar to warm your hands; then head over the bar to warm your insides with some spirits. Cocktails are changed seasonally, so look for something hot and heavy instead of light and refreshing.

645 Ninth Avenue (corner of 45th Street)
212-957-9197

Photo by Digiart2001 (Creative Commons)

Employees Only

You don’t have to be on the payroll to get served at Employees Only… you just need to be able to pay your bill. Along the already warm and cozy vibe that characterizes Hudson Street in the West Village is the even more inviting bar that deserves a spot on your winter barhop list.

First, there’s the working fireplace. Then, there’s the inventive cocktail list: the Kumquat Sangaree blends candied kumquats and allspice with champagne. And then there’s the slightly odd yet curiosity-provoking fortune teller who holds court reading cards just inside the door.

510 Hudson Street (between Christopher and W. 10th Street)
212-242-3021

Huckleberry Bar

Lest you think I’m Manhattan-centric, I mention the Huckleberry Bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. In fact, Brooklyn’s one of the best places in the 5 boros to get winter cocktails, as there’s a mixologist movement growing in Brooklyn that’s worth watching.

Case in point? The tequila hot chocolate served at the Huckleberry Bar. What can I say about it? Nothing. You’ve got to check it out for yourself.

588 Grand Street
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
718-218-8555

Photo by Grumpy Chris (Creative Commons)

LIC Bar

LIC= Long Island City, and no, it’s not on Long Island. I’ve got to give my local nabe bar a nod, not because you’ll be blown away by its vibe if you cross the river and come visit Queens, but precisely because it’s NOT one of the pretentious see and be seen bars that are way too common in Manhattan.

Yet it’s not a dive, either. It’s a 100% nabe bar where even locals’ dogs are welcome. And so are you. Being an outer boro bar has its privileges. Space, for one thing. Enough space, actually, for a photo booth. AND a fireplace. So roll in, check out the menu, and if you’re gonna be around awhile, give me a call so I can stop by with my pup.

45-58 Vernon Boulevard
718-756-5400

What are the bars you frequent in the winter, whether they’re in New York or Naples? Share your favorites in the comments!

Feature photo by bdebaca. Photo above by heather.

Mexico City: It’s south of the border’s version of New York. The party starts late and ends early… the next day, that is. Here are our 10 current and perennial favorites in el D.F.

*All facts are accurate as of this posting. As always, check before you go!

10.Mama Rumba

The perennial favorite for live Cuban timba and salsa and 100% Latin music, including cumbia, Mama Rumba is so popular that as the night wears on it becomes impossible to walk—much less dance—in this tight, two-floor spot in the hot neighborhood of Colonia Roma.

If you decide to stay on the first floor with music, take care; when the crowd gets tight on the 2nd floor balcony, the possibility of a drink falling over the railing and onto your head is not at all remote. Skip the “famous” mojitos here, which are as overpriced as they are overly sweet. Best for the 20’s crowd.

Address: Queretaro #230 in Colonia Roma

$80 peso cover (approx. $8 USD).

9. Manguu

For what it’s worth, Manguu markets itself as a “Latin bar” and “minimalist lounge,” but the best thing to recommend it is its martini list; Manguu has one of the most creative—and affordable—drink lists in the city. The scene is laid back, good for small groups of friends, and perfect for before or after dinner drinks en route to somewhere else.

Address: Avenida de la Revolucion #1579, Colonia San Angel

No cover charge.

Photo by Haynes Photography.

8. Condesa df

Condesa df is a hip boutique hotel in the neighborhood of Condesa, and it’s best for a laid-back romantic evening. The rooftop bar offers an amazing panoramic view of the city at night, all from your cozy couple’s lounger, complete with a blanket and a warming heat lamp. The bar also serves sushi and Japanese-inspired small plates.

My favorite is the homemade Ramen noodle soup served with tempura. There’s a dimly lit bar in the interior patio, too; both bars have inventive drink lists.

Address: Avenida Veracruz #102, Colonia Condesa

No cover charge.

7. Casa Lamm

Casa Lamm is a lot of things to a lot of people—by day it’s a cultural center, but by night, it’s a bar and restaurant open to the public. A large and welcoming modern space, the bar has a good selection of drinks and cigars, and boasts live music on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, nights when few bars offer the same.

As with Manguu and Condesa df, Casa Lamm is a great place for drinks if you’re a 20 or 30 something hipster en route from one place to another.

Address: Avenida Alvaro Obregon #99, Colonia Roma

No cover charge.

6. La Nueva Flor del Son

You’d be likely to pass this unassuming bar-restaurant in the neighborhood of Colonia Roma without a second glance if you didn’t know it has some of the BEST live music in all of Mexico City. Although the drinks aren’t particularly good and are terribly overpriced, the music at La Nueva Flor del Son compensates for that, as does the attentive service. La Nueva Flor is famous for its Cuban music.

While it caters to a crowd of adults mainly 40 and over, don’t be fooled– the variety of musical groups is impressive and so is the dancing. If you want to have a true local experience, this is the place for you. Music starts early (5 PM) and keeps going until 1 or 2.

Address: Puebla #52, Colonia Roma

No cover, but three drink per person minimum.

5. El Rincon Cubano

Why so many Cuban places on this list? Because Chilangos (Mexico City residents) love Cuban music and Cuban dancing. El Rincon Cubano looks like it’s lived its glory days, but trust us, they’re not over yet. Don’t show up before 11:00 PM. Thursdays are 2 for 1 beer and mojito nights; Sunday evenings always find Cuban dancers showing off their moves.

Address: Insurgentes Sur #300

Cover: $70 pesos (approx. $7 USD) on Thursdays and Fridays; $50 pesos (approx. $5 USD) on Sundays.

4. Area

Like Condesa df, Area, is a rooftop hotel bar with stunning city views, great (if pricey) drinks, and a see-and-be-seen scene.

Address: Presidente Masaryk #201, Colonia Polanco

No cover.

3. La Casa de las Sirenas

146 different kinds of tequila. You’re in Mexico. Enough said.

Address: Guatemala #32, Centro Historico

No cover.

Photo by deeREK.

2. Cinnabar

Asia in Mexico City. Cinnabar offers drinks you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere in the city—lychee martinis, for one. The bar also serves fusion Vietnamese and Chinese food so you won’t go hungry.

Address: Nuevo Leon #67, Colonia Condesa

No cover.

1. El Comillo

A bar in my neighborhood where DJs spin everything from techno to acid and Latin jazz. El Colmillo looks like a house from the outside, so it’s easy to miss—but just look for the velvet rope and the beefy bouncer.

Address: Versalles #52, Colonia Reforma

Cover varies depending on the day.

Information Connection: Planning a trip to Mexico City? Check out Julie’s Green Guide to Mexico City and her Top 10 Tips for Navigating Benito Juarez International Airport. You can also check out her video of nightlife at one of the bars mentioned in this article–#6, La Nueva Flor del Son–on her website.

Photo by Andrei Z. Feature photo by ImageMD.

You know about Art Basel and SCOPE, but some of the world’s best art fairs—and best art—can be found off these well-worn paths:

10. FEMACO

The Feria Mexico Arte Contemporaneo just celebrated its fifth year. A walk through the 2008 event, held at the spacious Centro Banamex in Mexico City, confirmed that the Mexican art scene embraces a vision much larger than its admirable tradition of mural art, exemplified by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Jose Clemente Orozco, and its propensity for self-inspection, a la Frida Kahlo.

In fact, the FEMACO fair is notable precisely for the fact that its exhibitors include not only the most respected Mexican galleries and the artists they represent, but also a surprising number of European galleries, particularly from Scandinavian countries.

Photo by Nahkahousu

FEMACO is truly an international art fair, and a visit to this fair can easily be extended into a longer vacation that immerses you in Mexico City’s rich tradition of artistic activity, as well as its bustling contemporary scene. Mexico City is my part-time home, so if you do visit next year’s FEMACO, be sure to check out my Green Guide to Mexico City and the Top 5 Ways to Experience Mexico City Like a Local.

9. CIRCA Art Fair

CIRCA has been incorrectly dubbed as the Caribbean’s first international art fair, which overlooks the fact that Havana has long sponsored a biennial that is respected around the world, but no matter: CIRCA is a highly respectable art fair entering its third year, and each year has been better than the one before.

What makes the CIRCA Art Fair a must-visit on the international art fair circuit is the fact that both gallery owners and artists are accessible to new and established collectors alike. The fair gets bonus points because of its strategic location: a new convention center placed at the crossroads between historic Old San Juan and the popular nightlife and beach destination, Condado.

Having called San Juan home for two and a half years, I know the area well. Check out my Green Guide to Puerto Rico and Top 10 Experiences in Puerto Rico Guide.

Photo by Naligum.

8. ARTSingapore

While the Shanghai Art Fair might be bigger and more popular, ARTSingapore offers an interesting alternative in Asia for collectors and browsers.

First, the fair is held in October, whereas many other international fairs are held in the late spring or early summer, so ARTSingapore is a welcome addition to the fall fair schedule.

The other attractive aspect of the ARTSingapore fair is the diversity of its exhibitors. The 2008 exhibitor list includes at least 22 galleries from Korea, a country often excluded from other fairs, and additional participants from Israel, Australia, and Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam, countries which also tend to be overlooked on the international art fair circuit.

Want some local news from Singapore? Contact Matador member Nora Dunn, whose current trip has her transiting through Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

Photo by Hiromy

7. Affordable Art Fair

If you’re not in the market to buy an artwork with an inflated price tag, this is the art fair for you.

Held each June in New York City, the premise of the Affordable Art Fair is simple: attract a new generation of art collectors by introducing art work that can be bought within the limitations of almost any budget.

Pieces range in price from $100 to $10,000, but don’t think that the low prices mean substandard art work. With more than 70 galleries representing artists from North and South America, Asia, and Europe, you’ll certainly find a selection of art that doesn’t just fit your budget, but also aligns with your tastes.

While you’re in town, take advantage of your visit and see how many of The 10 Best Experiences in New York City. Period you can check off my list.

6. Joburg Art Fair

2008 was the inaugural year of this latest art fair in an already crowded international art fair schedule, but is poised to quickly become the “IT” destination for purchasing contemporary African art.

The fair also promises to be interesting to watch for the political issues it raises regarding the way Africa is represented and represents itself before the world, as well as economic issues.

Get insiders’ tips from our resident South Africa expert, Ethekwinigirl.

Photo by Matthias Contze.

5. Art Dubai

It’s not hard to believe that Dubai is the latest go-to destination for art collectors; after all, this is the “city built for tourism” as a “playpen for the rich.”

But even if you can’t afford a single piece at the Art Dubai fair, you’ll surely enjoy taking in views of some of the most exciting and edgy art in the world, from the ironic “Desperately Seeking Paradise,” a curated exhibit of work from Pakistani artists, to the Bidoun Lounge, a site-specific installation serving both as bar and theatre for the exhibition of video works from Middle Eastern artists.

Learn more about Dubai before you go from Matador member, Abha, who lived in Dubai and is our resident expert on the city.

4. Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair

Another young art fair, the DAAF also promises to be a hot fair within the next few years.

Held in Darwin City, Australia, the DAAF is smaller than most international art fairs in terms of the number of exhibitors it includes in its schedule, but it’s also much more intentional about who it includes and why: only artists, galleries, and community based arts centers who can verify the provenance of the art work as justly acquired from indigenous and Aboriginal peoples.

Many artists are on hand to talk about their work. The diversity of the work itself is another reason to recommend this fair: in addition to paintings on canvas, collectors can acquire bark paintings, timber and metal sculptures, didjeridus, fiber arts, and jewelry.

Get some travel tips from Australia experts and be sure to check out the blog of Matador’s Australian expat, croftyangel, who reports about life down under.

3. The Moscow World Fine Art Fair

It’s likely you won’t be able to purchase a piece at this fair unless your pockets are deep, but that’s part of the fun of this particular art fair.

Attracting the growing nouveau riche class of art collectors from Russia and Asia, the Moscow FAF is as much about people-watching as it is about analyzing art.

Beyond the social value of this art fair, it’s one of the few fairs that have such a broad scope of artistic genres and works from various periods, ranging from antiquity to the present.

The location is interesting, too: poised between the Kremlin and Red Square, the Moscow FAF is pure fun. Matador member ZTP Teo has lived in Moscow; hit him up for some local recommendations.

Photo by 101 Tokyo Contemporary Art Fair.

2. 101 Tokyo

Fresh from its wildly successful first year, the 101 Tokyo Art Fair has already outgrown its host space and will be expanding in 2009, including 60 national and international galleries.

The list of first year exhibitors proves that the 101 Tokyo organizers are clearly able to collect an impressive range of galleries and genres under a single roof; the 2009 fair promises to be even more exciting.

Contact Matador’s Tokyo expert, Masaya, if you plan to visit this fair.

1. Toronto International Art Fair

TAF nabs the number one spot on our list because its organizers clearly concern themselves with much more than just selling art; they organize the fair to stimulate conversation about art by introducing a series of special projects intended to engage both serious collectors and first-time browsers alike.

The vast majority of exhibitors are Canadian galleries, suggesting that TIAF sticks with what it knows best: its own country’s art. Finally, like ARTSingapore, TIAF is held in October, a strategically smart move that minimizes competition.

Check out Matador member Travelflare’s guide, 5 Reasons to Visit Toronto.

Community Connection

Want to find local art fairs in the US? Check out ArtFairCalendar. For a list of other arts fairs around the world, check out Art Fairs International.

Feature photo discoverfun. Photo above rageforst

It’s summer, and no matter where you are, there’s no better time to explore and enjoy the spirits of the world.

You already know the Capirinha, the mojito, and the pisco sour… it’s time to challenge the bartender with one of these exotic cocktails!

In our guide to the world’s best cocktails, we take you from the Americas to Africa in search of lesser known libations.

10. Michelada:

Legend has it that the Michelada, a Mexican cocktail that boasts beer as its unlikely main ingredient, evolved in the 1950s, when the Mexican beer company Tecate introduced beer in cans.

The marketing innovation, which allowed bars to advertise cerveza bien helada (or “real cold beer”), eventually took on the name the “chelada,” with “mi” (“my”) eventually tacked onto the front.

The practice of squeezing a lime wedge and adding salt to beer is modified in this cocktail, as a tall frosty beer glass is rimmed with lime and salt and then dipped in a chile seasoning.

Add beer to a mix concocted with a dash of Tabasco or other hot sauce and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle a bit more of the chile on top for a fiery finish.

Ask for one at Pachamama’s in Lower Baja California.

9. Violette Royale:

This simple cocktail is a blend of 4 ounces of champagne and a half ounce of Crème de Violette (violet liqueur), which was not available in the U.S. until recently.

Crème de Violette, which is imported from France and Austria, is made of macerated violets from the Alps and has a deep purple color that makes an impressive cocktail with a distinct taste.

Find it on the menu at Hotel Costes Bar in Paris, which has an outdoor courtyard.

8. Elderflower-Pear Martini:

The best cocktails have a back story—preferably one about how difficult the ingredients are to source—and like the Violette Royale, the Elderflower-Pear Martini is made with a liqueur made in limited quantities and which was only recently made available in the States.

St. Germain, the elderflower liqueur, is made of elderflowers that are collected for just a few days each spring. The liqueur is perfect for a summer drink; mix 1.5 ounces of St. Germain with 1.5 ounces of pear vodka and top with champagne.

Serve in a martini glass garnished with a pear slice. Ask for it at Deep Blue Bistro (which doubles as an art gallery on the waterfront) in Sydney, Australia.

Photo by ilmungo

7. Peppermint Somras:

Mint is a classic ingredient in many summer drinks around the world—from the Cuban mojito to the Southern U.S. favorite, the mint julep—but it’s also an ingredient in peppermint somras, an Indian cocktail.

Blend 1.5 ounces of white rum, 1.5 ounces of simple syrup, 2 ounces of cocktail sour mix, and 2 ounces of orange juice. Macerate 6 peppermint leaves and garnish.

Ask for it at the Vie Lounge in Mumbai, which offers outdoor drinking on the deck with impressive ocean views.

6. Nectar of the Gods:

Lithuania isn’t famous for its cocktails, but maybe it should be. In addition to offering a variety of local beers, Lithuania also makes its own liqueurs, including the honey based blend known as Krupnikas and the fruity Palanga and Dainava.

Krupnikas can be mixed with champagne, vodka, or gin in a dizzying number of combinations to produce cocktails that are simultaneously complex and light. Ask for Nectar of the Gods at the Sky Bar in Vilnius, which offers views of the city skyline from the 22nd floor.

5. African Obsession:

More local liqueurs can be found in South Africa, center of production for Amarula, a crème liqueur made of a fruit, marula.

To make it at home, mix 1.5 ounces of Amarula with 1.5 ounces of Crème de Cacao, 1.5 ounces of Amaretto, and 1.5 ounces of milk or heavy cream. Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass.

Belly up to the Oceanside bar at Baraza in Cape Town if you want to experience the African Obsession in the place where it was invented.

4. Cransoma:

Terrible name, to be sure, but a delicious and refreshing cocktail. Celebrate the Beijing Olympics with a nod to the key ingredient in this cocktail, lychee liqueur.

Mix 2/3 ounces of strawberry liqueur with 1/3 ounces of cranberry vodka, 1/3 ounces of lychee liqueur, 1 and 1/3 ounces of apple juice, and 12 ounces of tonic water. Shake and serve in a hurricane glass with a peeled lychee.

Going to China? Ask for the cransoma at Beijing’s Emergency Room Bar.

3. Portuguese Daisy:

Portugal, of course, is famous for its port, so it’s no surprise that porto has found its way into the country’s signature cocktails.

The Portuguese Daisy is made with 2 ounces of port, 1 ounce of brandy, 1 ounce of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of superfine sugar, and ½ teaspoon of Grenadine, shaken with ice and strained into a lowball glass.

Try it out at Resto in Lisbon, which provides sweeping views of the city and outdoor drinking in the courtyard.

2. Tel Aviv Summer:

The name says it all. Vodka, tequila, cachaca, lemon juice, red grapefruit juice, and a hint of lemongrass are mixed together in this refreshing drink.

Ask for it at the unfortunately named Betty Ford Bar in Tel Aviv.

1. Jus de Bissap:

You probably don’t want to make this one at home, as the complexity level is high and the variety of ingredients makes the work involved intense, so swing by the Awale Bar in Cote d’ Ivoire’s capital, Abidjan, to enjoy this light, summery cocktail made of hibiscus flowers, ginger, vanilla, mint, orange flower water, lemon juice, and pineapple juice.

What’s your favorite cocktail? Leave a comment below!

Photo by Brayan Collazo Alonso

*All facts are accurate as of this posting. As always, check before you go!

10. Casa de la Musica

Casa de la Musica is one of the best places for live music and local culture in Havana. With shows every night of the week and a punishing schedule (4 PM -7 PM and 10 PM – 2 AM), you’d be lying if you came home and said you weren’t able to find any place with live local music and dancing.

Address: Galiano between Neptuno y Concordia, Centro Habana

9. El Delirio Habanero

If any night spot in Havana can legitimately be called laid back, El Delirio Habanero is it. This is a great spot for a romantic evening. El Delirio Habanero is a piano lounge that doubles as a performance space hosting comedians and cabaret. Popular with locals and tourists, its location on the fourth floor of the National Theatre offers fantastic night views of the city and, especially, the impressive Monumento a la Revolucion.

Address: Plaza de la Revolucion, Paseo y Calle 39

8. Café Cantante Mi Habana

Located conveniently next door to El Delirio Habanero, Café Cantante Mi Habana is an excellent place to test your dancing skills before taking to the floor at some of the hot spots on our list.

Address: Plaza de la Revolucion, Paseo y Calle 39

Photo by Brayan Collazo Alonso

7. El Tropical

El Tropical isn’t the kind of place that makes guidebooks. (Watch the excellent documentary “El Tropical,” available on Netflix, to understand some

of the reasons why. Really. Watching the film is mandatory.) And that’s exactly why you should go… but only if you’re ready to dance for hours and if you’re the kind of person who likes to live on the edge. Best experienced with a local. If you need a hook-up, send me a line.

6. Hotel Ambos Mundos Rooftop Bar

The rooftop garden bar of the Ambos Mundos Hotel is a must-see for a few reasons. First, it offers a spectacular view of Havana and its bay. Second, even if you’re looking for a drink and music in the middle of the day, you can have both here. Third, if you happen to be at the bar around 9 PM, you might just hear the nightly cannon firing over at the fort, a tradition. If they have gunpowder, that is.

Address: Calle Obispo #153, corner of Mercaderes

5. Casa de la Amistad

The “House of Friendship” could just as easily be called “Music in a Mansion.” If you’re in the mood for some smoother music than the pumping beats at El Tropical, Casa de la Amistad is the perfect place and it is usually open until midnight.

Address: Paseo #406 between 17 and 19

4. Tikoa

Despite its small size and gritty feel, Tikoa is equally popular with young Cubans and travelers alike. Music is 100% Cuban, with lots of Afro-Cuban vibes.

Address: Calle 23 (aka La Rampa) #177 between N & O.

Photo by Brayan Collazo Alonso

3. El Túnel

Like El Tropical, El Túnel is virtually unknown to tourists and is definitely off the beaten path. And like El Tropical, it is best experienced with a local.

2. La Zorra y el Cuervo

Widely considered among the city’s best venues for Latin jazz, this intimate space has attracted some of the world’s most-loved musicians.

Address: Calle 23 between N & O

1. Callejón de Hamel

Although word of this joint has increasingly spread far beyond the boundaries of the edgy Central Havana (Centro Habana) neighborhood of Cayo Hueso, where it’s located, this is still one of the most exciting places to catch local music and dancing, even if it is only from 12:00 to 3-ish on Sunday afternoons. Keep your eyes open for the roving street bartender.

Address: Hamel between Aramburu & Hospital

Community Connection

*Visit our Before You Go Guide to Cuba to learn more about Cuban music, movies, and culture.

*Read Cuba expert Julie Schwietert Collazo’s article “How to Travel to and from Cuba” at The Travelers Notebook.

*Updated performance calendars for many of the venues on our list are available online.

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Note on the Photos: Brayan Collazo is a Cuban photographer who lives and works in Havana. He has exhibited in New York and Havana and is currently working on a series called “Pequena Habana.” More of his work can be found here.