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(R)evolution of the Guitar: Ester Pavlů and Barbora Kubíková

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library 1400 Inspiration Pl SW, Cedar Rapids, IA, United States

"(R)evolution of the Guitar" offers an exciting journey of Spanish guitar to American finger-style guitar songs from the classical Spanish composers of Manuel de Falla and Federico Garcia Lorca of the Golden Era. Czech Mezzo-soprano Ester Pavlů, along with award-winning Czech classical guitarist, Barbora Kubíková, will perform this program that also includes songs by Karel...

Christmas Cookies II – Christmas Mini Pavlovas & Rum Pralines

New Class! The name “Pavlova” relates to the decadent dessert that some people consider very technical and often intimidating. In this class, we are going to prepare this dessert in its’ mini-Christmas version: one with snowy cream and golden edible glitter and the second version with green cream. And to top it off with a...

Origin, Development, and Demise of Folk Dress in the Czech Lands

Located on a lovely Baroque-Renaissance farm, the Muzeum Ostrov Lidových Krojů (Island of Folk Dress Museum) boasts the largest collection of Kroj from all over the Czech Republic. Learn from Bc. Josef Vacek, the Deputy Director of Muzeum Ostrov Lidových Krojů, about the most interesting collection items they have and listen to some of their...

Christmas Cookies III – Mini Chocolate Roll with Parisian Cream

New Class! This cookie is an exquisite combination of a nutty cookie and a nice portion of chocolaty Parisian cream. All are coated in a fine layer of chocolate that ties it all together. This cookie has all it takes to become one of your favorites! Note: Suitable for vegetariansJoin us from the comfort of ...

Christmas Cookies IV – Moroccan Cookies & Walnut Cookie Sandwich with Rum Cream

New Class! In this class, we are going to prepare and enjoy two very different cookies: Moroccan cookies, a crunchy cookie with dried fruit and nuts, and a walnut cookie sandwich, a couple of nutty cookies connected with decadent rum cream and then partially dipped in chocolate. Both will be a real treat and will...

“My Kind of Christmas” Holiday Performance

To kick off our weekend of festivities, join us on December 2 for “My Kind of Christmas,” a holiday musical performance by multitalented Czech jazz singer and musician, Martina Barta, accompanied by Italian pianist, Francesco Pollon. Together, they will perform favorites sure to put you in the holiday spirit!Cost: Online ticket sales have now closed....

Slovak Christmas Meal – “Kapustnica” soup and Fried Fish with Potato Salad

New Class! The last two years have included the preparation of traditional Czech Christmas meals. This year, the focus is going to be on a traditional Slovak Christmas meal. Kapustnica soup is a delicious Slovak sauerkraut soup. For the main meal, you will learn how to make fried white fish with potato salad. The fish...

Vánočka – Sweet Czech Braided Bread

Vánočka is often called “Houska” in the USA. The name “vánočka” comes from “Vánoce”, which means Christmas in Czech. It is a scrumptious sweet bread with raisins and almonds, which is very common to serve on Christmas morning in the Czech Republic (December 24th). It can be served plain, with butter, or with butter and...

Christmas Cookies VI – Decorated Gingerbread Cookies

Czech and Slovak gingerbread cookies are not just delicious but also very pretty. For this reason, they are meant to not just be a treat, but also a decoration (for example, for your Christmas tree). In this class, you will cover the basics of baking and decorating - which is a lot of fun and...