Some of us remember when Marshall Davis Jr. won the Star Search competition in the early 1990s as a 10-year-old tap dancer. We cheered him on and delighted in his talent as we watch him outperform all the others on the show to become the winner.

Davis, a native Miamian and a nationally known tap artist, will be back home on Jan. 21, to perform in a show called "Rapture in Rhythm," at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center's Wendell A. Narcisse Performing Arts Theater, 6161 NW 22nd Ave.

Appearing with Davis are BET Comedian Chello and vocal artist Gia Wyre. Show time is 7:30 p.m. and general admission is $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show.

For tickets and additional information call 305-638-6771.

Arts fundraiser

The M. Athalie Range Cultural Arts Foundation's 15th Annual Gala: A Musical Celebration of Life, will be on Jan. 21 at the Gusman Theater at 174 E. Flagler St. in Downtown Miami.

The foundation was created to enhance and expand community awareness and appreciation for the performing arts. The gala is a fundraising event that commemorates the late M. Athalie Range's lifelong commitment to the arts by supporting talented young African Americans in Miami-Dade County who are pursuing professional careers in entertainment. The foundation also dedicates funds to support organizations that provide local youth the structure and guidance needed for character-building.

The foundation also honors select individuals for their exemplary lifetime achievements ad contributions to South Florida.

The honorees for 2012 are: Thelma Gibson, H. T. Smith, Bill Diggs and Marlon Hill.

The event will also feature the nationally recognized and critically acclaimed Dillard Center for the Arts Jazz Ensemble in concert.

The evening will begin with a VIP reception at 6 p.m., followed by the program at 7:30 p.m. The concert will begin at 8:15 p.m.

Tickets are $150 for VIP and $75 for general admission. For tickets and for more information call the M. Athalie Range Cultural Arts Foundation at 305-576-3790.

Class of ‘87

The Miami Jackson Class of 1987 will celebrate its 25th reunion this year and according to my source, plans are now being laid for a grand time.

The reunion will be July 25-30, and one of the things the class has planned is a three-day, two night cruise. If you don't cruise, don't fret, there will be lots of other non-cruise events for you to enjoy.

If this is your class, you may register online at the official class reunion web site, www.miamijacksonclassof1987.com, or you may call 484-558-0263.

‘Women in Blue’

Women from Miami-Dade County who have played a major role in the area's politics over the years, will be honored at the annual "Women in Blue" luncheon, hosted by the Democratic Women's Club of Miami-Dade County, at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Sheraton Miami Airport and Executive Center, 3900 NW 21st St.

The honorees are: Bobbie Mumford of B. Mumford and Co. — sadly, Mumford passed away just before Christmas — and Juanita Alvarez-Mainster, a volunteer for Centro Campesino Farmworkers in South Dade.

The women were chosen for their community activism and behind-the-scenes "Get Out the Vote" efforts.

Deidra "Dee Dee" C. Smith, wife of Rod Smith, chairman of the Florida Democratic Party, will be the guest speaker.

Tickets are $50 each and may be purchased by calling Daisy Black at 305-754-6141.