A fashion show and grand musical evening will be organised in the honour of the newly-elected body of the Lahore Press Club at Pearl Continental on May 31.

Both upcoming and leading fashion models and seasoned singers and dancers would perform on the occasion being organised by LPG Distributors Association of Pakistan chairman Irfan Khokhar.

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A rare exhibition of woodcut prints by veteran artist Mahboob Ali opened at Shakir Ali Museum on Thursday. A large number of art fanciers, art collectors and people from other walks of life thronged the exhibition.

Before the exhibition a get-together was addressed by prominent figures from fine arts. Speaking on the occasion, Prof Ijaz-ul-Hassan held Ali’s works in high esteem and praised him for taking so much pain in promoting the woodcut print. Mr Hassan said workshops should be conducted on this art form. He emphasised the need to diversify National College of Arts’ Fine Arts Department.

Veteran artist Saeed Akhtar threw light on various phases of the woodcut print technique and congratulated Ali for holding such a valuable exhibition.

Sardar Assef Ahmed Ali said Ali’s work carried sometimes political and sometimes social statements. He said the artist was doing a great service to keep this art form alive.

The exhibition was inaugurated by artist Zulqarnain Haider. The woodcut prints on display in the art show beautifully depicted areas of the old city. The exhibition will continue for more than two weeks.

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Ajoka Theatre was awarded the prestigious Otto Award for Political Theatre 2012 at an award ceremony at Castillo Theatre, Broadway’s well-known progressive theatre. Ajoka’s Executive Director Shahid Nadeem received the award, which was specially created by famous Brazilian artist Sheila Goloborotko. The citation reads: “Ajoka has dealt with bold subjects, experimented with technique and blended contemporary reality with traditional form.”

Introducing Shahid Nadeem, La Mama Theatre Director David Diamond said he made a valuable contribution to the cause of political theatre. In his speech, Nadeem said artists and intellectuals from both Pakistan and US should foster direct contact and not leave the matter to governments. Later, he was interviewed by Castillo Theatre Artistic director Dan Friedman.

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The monthly session of the All Pakistan Music Conference will be held at Alhamra Art Centre, The Mall on June 1. Sara Zaman, Ashar Yunus and Shan Yunus will perform. Among the instrumentalists there will be Ejaz Nabi on Sitar and Khawar Hussain on Sarangi. Tabla will be played by Sajjad Hussain and harmonium by Ustad Pervaiz Paris. The programme would begin at 6pm sharp.

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The Alhamra Cultural Complex, Lahore Arts Council is planning to organise a tribute to 10 top musicians of the country.

Famous singer Shazia Manzoor is coordinating with Alhamra Cultural Complex Deputy Director Khaqan Haider Ghazi on the entire activity. Film songs composed by these musicians will be sung by  singers. However, dates haven’t been finalised yet for the event to be held at Open Air Theatre Cultural Complex.