Art Hounds: 'Blue Leaves,' Brazilian music and an art fair

This week on Art Hounds: "The House of Blue Leaves," Brazilian music and a neighborhood art fair in Rochester.

Playwright Daniel Pinkerton was thoroughly impressed by Theatre in the Round's production of "The House of Blue Leaves." Pinkerton says the director and cast really found the perfect balance between tragedy and farce that makes this such an uncomfortable but moving play. Written by John Guare ("Six Degrees of Separation"), "The House of Blue Leaves" examines our American obsession with fame and celebrity. Performances run through May 22.

Longtime journalist Jeremy Iggers runs a cultural website called GlobalTwinCities.com, which is how he found out about Samba Meu's Brazilian music and dance party at Reverie Café and Bar in Minneapolis. This is the first in a series of "Rodas," informal events featuring music from various regions of Brazil, which Samba Meu hopes will help in the creation of a Brazilian musical community here in the Twin Cities. Thursday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Art enthusiast Ahmed Makkawy was thrilled when, shortly after he moved into the historic Slatterly Park neighborhood of Rochester, his neighbors put together an "Art on the Ave" festival. In the years since, the art fair has grown to include more than 100 vendors. It features live music and food, and draws people from all over the city. The highlight of the event is the unveiling of a permanent boulevard sculpture. Saturday, May 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.