By Jaedda Armstrong VIRGINIA BEACH What could make the Oceanfront more fun and kid-friendly? City Council members agree that a giant colorful waterslide named the Hippo might do the trick.

It's a fact that Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, who appear Monday at the Jewish Mother, know how to throw down. The raw, gut-bucket soul-rock as shouted by Lewis and energized by lead guitarist Zach Ernst and his horn-fueled Honeybears has made them the darlings of fans and critics alike.

Mojo Bones in Norfolk's Ocean View section calls itself a "genuine BBQ joint," and I am happy to report that it lives up to the claim.

For the past six years, dozens of Virginia Beach restaurants have heated up January with opportunities to sample exclusive offerings through distinctively crafted menus.

We went into the judging with the idea that the winning images had to capture the essence of Hampton Roads and have a certain artistic elegance. It took hours to sort through more than 650 images but we eventually narrowed the field down to 18 finalists.

By Irene Bowers Correspondent BAYSIDE A newly opened performing arts studio intends to develop the triple threat artist. Old Broads Way Theatre Company on Witchduck Court offers training in acting, dance and voice.

By Lee Tepley Correspondent The Ballet Virginia International production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker," seen Friday evening at the Harrison Opera House, balances good storytelling with the presentation of impressive dance skills. The composer put most of the story in the first act, making the second a series of diverse but only loosely connected solo and ensemble dances.

By Lee Teply Correspondent The Virginia Opera's new production of Gaetano Donizetti's "The Daughter of the Regiment" is a fast-paced delight. The busy stage action that drives the production is balanced with calmer moments in which the sincere sentiments of lovely melodies can be fully appreciated.

The Virginia War Museum is participating in the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with a special exhibit.

The exhibit at the Newport News museum is based on a piece of the wall that already was in its collection, according to the museum's Web site.

The exhibit opened Sunday and is included with the price of admission.

VIRGINIA BEACH For years, the Oceanfront club scene has been much more Lil Wayne than John Coltrane. More Lady Gaga than Ella Fitzgerald. More Bruce Springsteen than Miles Davis. That's starting to change, beginning with the new jazz club dejaBlu. The bar opened its doors on the July Fourth weekend, bringing a piece of the New York jazz scene to Atlantic Avenue.