STUDENTSVILLE

Here are the first recommendations on where to celebrate the New Year in Florence.Squares :- Piazza Stazione : Elio e le storie tese in concert- Piazza Santissima Annunziata : Gospel- Piazza della Repubblica : The Funkoff- Piazza Della Signoria : Classic Music near the Uffizi MuseumOrganize a New Year's Eve? report it and include it among those recommended

On December 17th, Florence was graced with 30cm of snow in just four hours...The dream of riding down the Piazzale Michelangelo became true.

Symphonicity tour with the Royal Philharmonic Concert OrchestraInterview with Orchestra Percussionist Kevin EarleyThe English star of Tuscany was recently in town and the buzz of excitement in Florence was tangible. Teatro Verdi, covered in posters of the sultry visage of Sting, advertised his one date in Florence on 25th October as part of his current world tour, with an entire orchestra. I went along to the sound check, to see the man in action, and to chat to the Orchestra Percussionist, and personal friend, Kevin Earley.Armed with a guest pass, and slipping in the side door of the theSymphonicity tour with the Royal Philharmonic Concert OrchestraInterview with Orchestra Percussionist Kevin EarleyThe English star of Tuscany was recently in town and the buzz of excitement in Florence was tangible. Teatro Verdi, covered in posters of the sultry visage of Sting, advertised his one date in Florence on 25th October as part of his current world tour, with an entire orchestra. I went along to the sound check, to see the man in action, and to chat to the Orchestra Percussionist, and personal friend, Kevin Earley.Armed with a guest pass, and slipping in the side door of the theatre, I enter the beautiful auditorium and take a seat. Sting’s calm voice fills the theatre as he breaks towards the end of Sister Moon “How can I make it a little more pointy?” For a second it seems he is asking me, the only person sitting in front of him, and I shift slightly in my seat…but the reassuring and faceless voice of Howard the sound guy booms some suggestions at the stage crew.Sound check is a smooth 20 minutes, sampling only a few tracks including When we Dance and Faith and little needs adjusting. Up on stage, in coat and scarf, and with harmonica in hand, Sting is totally relaxed, resting on his tambourine stand. The 45-strong orchestra behind him, which Sting calls ‘the biggest band I’ve ever had’ also appear very much at ease; there are jests, giggles and dancing, but the notes are being hit. It’s like watching a group of friends jamming together, but effortlessly producing a totally gorgeous and perfect sound. They are clearly all enjoying themselves. As an event planner, I can’t help but think of the logistics involved with touring 4 crew sleeper buses, 9 articulated trucks for equipment, 2 buses for the orchestra (although they mostly fly) and Sting’s private jet!“We’re well looked after on this tour”, admits Kevin as we cross the road to Ristorante Il Teatro in front of the theatre. “We normally have a catering company on board but tonight in Florence we have this place at our disposal” and he opens the door. In a matter of minutes the entire restaurant is overcome by over 60 crew and musicians, hungry and ready to stage one of the most awaited gigs of the year in Florence. Sting enters, relaxed and happy as he glides through a room full of talent and passion. The waitresses are on an electric charge of energy as they dart between tables and playfully use the band technicians’ walkie talkies to throw orders between staff and kitchen. Outside too is a flurry of activity as eager fans arrive to snap shots of the posters. Little do they know that right behind them, only a few metres away, the man himself is looking out at them through the window while finishing his pre-show snack!

Salsicce (Italian pork sausage) Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 15 minutes. 10 fresh Italian pork sausages. Salt. Separate the sausages and pierce with a toothpick. Cook in a little boiling water for five minutes to remove some of the excess fat. Drain and put in a frying pan over a high flame.Fry in their own fat until they become golden brown all over, taste for salt and serve with fagioli all'uccelletto or sautéed spinach . The sausages can also be added to the vegetables and cooked together with them for a few minutes before bringing to the table.Sellers of dressed and cured pork (including salsicce), dried fish and cheeses are known as pizzicagnoli in Florence and their shop windows are extremely enticing, filled with delicious, mouth-watering produce.

They keep 50 days of international cinema in the beautiful location of Odeon cinema.22/25 november - " Lo Schermo dell'Arte "This year Lo schermo dell’arte...

All motorcycle and car enthusiasts dream of one day turn on the Mugello circuit, a few weeks it has become possible to do something like that.In early October it was inaugurated Mugellino, the new track for go-karts and minibikes built inside the famous circuit.There are two possibilities for you to experience:alone - with 15 euro for 10 minutes testgroup - with the mini gp, with tests, qualifications, and warm-up race. (Price varies depending on the number of participants)Security is guaranteed by the circuit that provides suit and helmet hire only precaution is the use of closed shoes.More information hereTo reach the circuit

Florens 2010 - Week of Cultural and Environmental Heritage, to be held in Florence, 12 to 20 November 2010.The first International Week of Cultural and Environmental Heritage includes 30 conferences, 10 exhibitions, 150 events and the International Forum, organized in collaboration with The European House - Ambrosetti, under the patronage of the President of the Republic and the sponsorship of the Ministry Heritage and Culture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Protection of Land and Sea, Tuscany, Florence Province, Municipality of Florence and Unesco. Florens 2010 host personality and experience of world-class excellence and at the same time the cultural, artistic and economic territory. The entire city of Florence will be involved: the sacred places (Cathedral, Baptistery) to those of civic institutions (Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Palazzo Strozzi Sacrati), from mansions to streets, from museums to universities, from the 'hospitals 'libraries, theaters, libraries, to the neighboring municipalities of Scandicci, Fiesole, Campi Bisenzio, Bagno a Ripoli.Among the events more attractive, Piazza del Duomo will be involved in urban art installation of great visual impact: its floor will be transformed into a huge meadow full of flowers as it did in the famous Miracle of San Zenobi. And yet David, the power of beauty, a tribute to Michelangelo's masterpiece, with a life-size reproduction of the statue which will be housed on the spur of the Cathedral, in front of St. Maria del Fiore and the Salone dei Cinquecento in Palazzo Vecchio to retrace virtually the dispute that broke out in its place 500.

Need a holiday, but don't have the time or cash to leave town? Not to worry, just five minutes from Florence, you can feel time zones away.

Begins tomorrow at the Fortezza da Basso, the third edition of the "Florence tattoo convention", three days dedicated to tattooing and art.Rich program of events ranging from exhibitions to live music that will liven up the three nights with groups such as "Tupuna tattoo" their show of Polynesian dances.Special space for artists from all over the world will showcase their art tattoo, in the spaces inside the Fortezza da Basso.The daily ticket costs 15 euro, but there are also forms of subscription for the entire duration of the event at 25 or 30 euro.