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From Guinea to Madison, dancing with Maya Kadakia

From Guinea to Madison, dancing with Maya Kadakia

VIDEO: Local residents dance to West African-style drumming with instructor Maya Kadakia

On a Tuesday night in late 2012, more than 20 people came in from the cold to heat up the Center for Conscious Living in Madison with drums and dance. An ensemble played rhythms that often shook the floor, and dancers worked through moves exported from Guinea, West Africa. Maya Kadakia worked at the center of the event, demonstrating moves and leading the weekly drop-in class.

“[The students] are very diverse,” said Kadakia. “Some are members of our [performing dance] group. Some are people that like to get exercise. Some enjoy the cultural elements.”

DNR announces first winter season free-fishing weekend

Residents, nonresidents invited to try winter-time fishing without a license    

The state Department of Natural Resources announced Wisconsin’s first winter free fishing weekend, which is scheduled to take place Jan. 19-20.

Bob Manwell, DNR spokesman in Fitchburg, said residents and nonresidents are invited to fish Wisconsin waters without first purchasing a license.

Wisconsin has had a similar free fishing weekend in June for many years but Manwell said the mid-January free fish event offers the chance to  try "hardwater" fishing.

Manwell also said loaner tackle is available at some sites.

Faux Bielema gaining ground on Twitter

Faux Bielema gaining ground on Twitter

In addition to creating a big single-game coaching payday for Barry Alvarez and casting a far-reaching spotlight on who the Badgers might pick to coach the team post Rose Bowl (spoiler! He’s from Utah), former UW football coach Bret Bielema’s departure for Arkansas inspired another attention-grabber: the mocking Twitter imposter @BeingBielema.

Since the former coach's departure from Madison, the account's following has been gaining quickly and The Badger Herald scored a sit down with the faux former coach.

Get a whiff of the sometimes irreverent, most times funny Q&A.

Review: Burger joint offers upscale atmosphere, affordable fare

Review: Burger joint offers upscale atmosphere, affordable fare

EatDrinkMadison.com reviews DLUX    

I was a little surprised when Food Fight Inc. decided to close Ocean Grill to create a new restaurant, but the successor, DLUX, has been a pleasant addition to the already burger-heavy Capitol Square.

Its unique premise is the upscale atmosphere. You can have a fancy burger before seeing a show, and come back afterward for a martini.

Get the dining-experience feedback from EatDrinkMadison.com on the restaurant's burger offerings and specialty cocktails.

Downtown shoppers treated to trolley rides, performances

Downtown shoppers treated to trolley rides, performances

Holiday series takes place Saturdays in December

The Madison Central Business Improvement District’s red trolley will be on duty Saturday inviting downtown patrons aboard for a free ride to area businesses from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Last Saturday the trolley logged 438 riders over the 6-hour tour of service according to the Business Improvement District that was its second highest rider count in Shopping Trolley history.

BID Executive Director Mary Carbine attributed the crowd to the community’s recognition of the annual event and possibly the unseasonably good weather, too.

“The holiday trolley has become an annual family tradition,” Carbine said. "It’s something we know area families and kids look forward to.

"But I do think the nice weather does help bring people out for an activity."

Art students show portfolio work at garden

Fall graduates' artwork exhibition from 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

Olbrich Gardens will host a student art show reception Wednesday.

Madison College’s fall portfolio show featuring work from 31 graduating students will be open from 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

Graduates from the design and illustration program are featured in the show; a variety of pieces showcase the students’ work including photography, illustrations, product packaging and branding designs.

An online portfolio for the fall 2012 Madison College graduates is now available.

Jewish group celebrates Hannukah with social outings, parade

Jewish group celebrates Hannukah with social outings, parade

The Young Jewish Professionals of Madison will host several Hanukkah events in early December including a social event for families, an evening of wine and art and a parade of Menorahs.

"[Hanukkah] is a holiday that enriches our lives with the light of tradition," Rabbi Yona Matusof, director of the Chabad House of Madison, said in a news release. 

On Sunday, families are invited to celebrate with YJP by participating in a hands-on olive press demonstration, crafts and a game show. There will also be a bounce house at the “Chanukah Wonderland” event, to be held from noon to 4 p.m. at 422 Commerce Dr. in Madison.

Attendance is $5 at the door.