First Friday Is Back - Can Spring Be Far Behind?

        Downtown Racine's First Friday returns this week after a long, three-month winter break. There is much more in store, including art, music and live theater. Real Racine has your April weekend covered.

            Your wait is over!  First Friday kicks off its 2013 season from 4-9  p.m. Head to Downtown Racine for shopping, art exhibits, food, live music and carriage rides. The Racine Art Museum is open until 9 p.m. with free admission and your chance to see the one of RAM's most popular annual events—the Fourth Annual International PEEPS Competition. Visit www.firstfridaysracine.com

            The local art scene rocks.  You won't want to miss get bEHIND the aRTS 2013 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. This annual self-guided tour of Racine and Kenosha artist studios is a behind-the-scenes look at the work of more than 75 artists. This year's event includes backstage tours at the Racine Theatre Guild and a technical rehearsal of "The Three Musketeers," a behind-the-scenes tour at the Kenosha Public Museum and demonstrations at Racine's Wustum Museum of Fine Arts. Tickets are just $5. A free preview party runs 6-10 p.m. Friday at 427 Main St. (next door to the Downtown Racine Corp. office.)  Visit www.getbehindthearts.com

            Art with the kids.  A new art exhibit featuring works by Prairie School students opens Friday at the Racine Arts Council's ArtSpace Gallery, 316 Sixth St. These future artists, from grades K-12, will have their creations on display Fridays and Saturday through April 20. An opening reception is 6-9 p.m. Friday. Visit www.racineartscouncil.org

            Another opening.  "Taking Sides," an historical drama, opens Friday at the Sixth Street Theatre, 318 Sixth St. This play, presented by the Over Our Head Players, is based on the true story of the Berlin Philharmonic conductor who was targeted after World War II even though he was not involved in any war crimes. Performances are on weekends through April 21. Call 262-632-6802 or visit www.overourheadplayers.org for tickets.

            For kids and their families.  Entertainment and information galore at the annual Just Add Kids Expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Case High School, 7345 Washington Ave. Mount Pleasant. More than 50 businesses and organizations will be on hand along with kids activities. Entertainment includes singers, drill teams, magic and animals. It's all free. Visit www.justaddkidsonline.net

            Tribute to timeless music. A very special concert, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco: A Tribute to Tony Bennett," is 2 p.m. Sunday at the Racine Theatre Guild, 2519 Northwestern Ave. It features five singers, with live accompaniment, performing the legendary singer's pop and jazz classics. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for seniors and students. Call 262-633-4218 or visit www.racinetheatre.org for reservations.

Stay plugged with Real Racine. Visit our website (www.realracine.com) for upcoming events. You'll find daily updates on Facebook HERE and on Twitter HERE.