
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 7, 1995                   TAG: 9504070029
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: STACY JONES
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THE TIPOFF

PREVENTIVE MEDICINE: Behind all the glitz of Celebrity Night, the main fund-raiser for the Child Abuse Prevention Council, is a cause - reducing child abuse and neglect in the Roanoke Valley. Still, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself. This year's theme is "Art with Heart," and the event will be held at the Hotel Roanoke on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. The evening's highlights will include a social hour, dinner, both a silent and live auction of creations by local artists and merchants and a speech by council board member Carol Jordan, who is a survivor of sexual abuse. Admission is $35 per person. Call 344-3579.

EBONY AND IVORY: No, Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson are not reuniting for another sappy song. But Radford University is in the midst of hosting an international conference and piano competition. Take advantage of the opportunity to hear Robert Mayerovitch, one of the best pianists in the world. Heralded in the New York Times and other publications, Mayerovitch is last year's adult winner of the Bartok-Kabalevsky Piano Competition, which honors the Hungarian composer Bela Bartok. Mayerovitch performs tonight at 8 p.m. in Prestion Auditorium. Admission is $3, $1 for children. Call 831-5177.

LIVING SINGLE: Although there doesn't seem to be many unpartnered people in Roanoke, the few who remain will no doubt relate to the latest staging by Theatre Roanoke College. "Loose Knit" is an adult comedy of manners for the '90s. Mind benders such as "What defines a good date?" and "Are all the good men and women taken?" are pondered with humorous results. The show runs Wednesday-Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Olin Theater. Tickets are $5, $3 for senior citizens and students. Call 375-2333 between 2-5 p.m.

CAPTIVE AUDIENCE: Spend Sunday with the animals, and bring your kids. Too many animals in one place, you say? Don't worry, Mill Mountain Zoo's annual spring Zoobilation has plenty of activities to keep youngsters occupied. There's a petting zoo, face-painting, a scavenger hunt, pony rides and music. The Easter Bunny will also make an appearance. The festivities take place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $3.50 for adults, $2 for children under 12 and free for kids under 2. Call 343-3241.

AFTER HOURS: If you're a newcomer to Roanoke or a native who yearns for new faces, the First Friday gatherings are just what you need. Held the first Friday of each month, starting today, this mixer attracts all types. There's food, bands, beer and hopefully, interesting personalities. Crowds start forming between Billy's Ritz and the First Union Tower as soon as work lets out. The official hours are 5-8 p.m. There is a $2 admission charge, and all participants must be at least 21 years old. Proceeds will go to local charities. First Friday runs through October. Rain dates are the following Friday. Call 983-8090.

OOOH ... AAHHH ... THE BIG TOP: It's the Piccadilly Circus, live, Wednesday, at Patrick Henry High School. This spirited display will feature some traditional and trendy acts not seen in a Ringling Bros. show, such as Wild West performing dogs, The Rolling Diamonds - roller skating champions from Denmark - and the World's fastest juggler. A large-scale production number will feature the MTV Rockin', Rappin' Bears and a Power Ranger. The fun takes place in the school's gym. Showtimes are 5:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8.75, free for children 12 and under, and are on sale at Audiotronics on Ogden Road, across from Tanglewood Mall. Call 342-2151.

INTERNATIONAL ENCOUNTERS: Forget your Eurail pass and head down to the City Market this Saturday where 28 countries will be represented as part of this year's Local Colors festival. The ethnic celebration begins at 9:30 a.m. with a Parade of Nations that will march down Church Avenue to the market area. It concludes at 5 p.m. with Girl Scout troops singing "We Are The World," and "Let There Be Peace On Earth." Festival-goers can sample authentic cuisine and music, such as Haitian drummers, from the various countries. Ethnic crafts and fashions will also be exhibited. Admission is free. Call 342-5700.

by CNB