Greetings,

April. A time for fools, practical jokes, hoaxes and absurdities. Ever since Chauncer wrote Canterbury Tales in 1392, the first day of April has been recognized as a day of pranks as we cheerfully embrace the temporary suspension of truthful expression. Notwithstanding tradition, I’m inclined to believe that most, if not all, of the following Great Gables Events are real. Real good fun. Real interesting.

Calendar Updates
I am continuing to develop a new version of the Great Gables Calendar with some nice features. I appreciate all the feedback I’ve received so far. Here’s a link to check it out: http://www.greatgables.com/GreatGablesEvents.html

Catherine Deneuve And Gerard Depardieu Together Again
Potiche (Trophy Wife) is the latest film from critically-acclaimed French director François Ozon (Swimming Pool, 8 Women), starring the legendary actress Catherine Deneuve (The Last Metro, Belle De Jour, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg). Gerard Depardieu (The Last Metro, Cyrano de Bergerac, 1900) one of France’s other most recognized actors, joins Denueve as her former paramour to create a crowd-pleasing, breezy farce and gentle feminist parable. Potiche is set in 1977, the height of the polyester disco years. Deneuve plays Suzanne, a well-kept “trophy wife” who is drafted into running her family’s umbrella factory when her philandering, reactionary, misogynist husband (played by French comic star Fabrice Luchini) has a heart attack. Suzanne makes an alliance with an old extra-marital flame and current Left-wing politician (Depardieu), and the fun begins. Director Ozon creates a satirical and hilarious take on the war between the sexes and classes that is both nostalgic and forward looking, and a wonderful star vehicle for Catherine Deneuve. Potiche begins it’s South Florida First Run Engagement at the Gables Art Cinema on Friday, April 1. The cinema is located at 260 Aragon, across from Books And Books. Call 786-385-9689. http://gablescinema.com

New Cafes In Coral Gables
Caffe 33 at 2423 Galiano Street is the ideal spot for a salad, home-made soup or sandwich, while sipping on a cup of coffee. Call 786-401-6079. La Tartine at 153 Giralda Avenue is a quaint little French cafe where you can enjoy a great sandwich or salad from 9:30am to 5pm. Call 305-444-4481.

Candidate Forum Seat Five Video
If you missed the Ponce Business Association’s recent Candidate forum for Coral Gables City Commission Seat Five (Kerdyk vs Namon) or would like to review the event, here’s a link to the video: http://www.poncebusiness.com/Candidate_Forum_Link_COAK.html

When Is Election Day In Coral Gables?
If you answered Tuesday, April 12, you’re right. Mark your calendars now and exercise your rights as a citizen of our community by participating in the election process.

Be A Good Citizen — Get Engaged and Stay Informed
Coral Gables Watch: http://coralgableswatch.com
Gables Home Page: http://gableshomepage.com
Gables Gazette: http://www.cggazette.com
Discourse: http://www.discourse.net

Friday, April 1
First Friday Gallery Night

Brazil: Economic Developments and Prospects
The University of Miami’s Center For Hemispheric Policy presents Brazil under the Rousseff Administration: Economic Developments and Prospects. The panel discussion features Albert Fishlow, Professor Emeritus, Columbia University, New York, and University of California, Berkeley; Mauricio Mesquita Moreira, Principal Economist, Trade and Integration Sector, Inter-American Development Bank, Washington, D.C.; and John Welch, Emerging Markets Strategist and Managing Director, Macquarie Capital, New York. The event takes place at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables Venetian Room at 8am. Call Isabel Artime at 305-284-9918. http://www.miami.edu/chp

Imagining Cultures: Rethinking Disciplines
This unique Conference on Anthropology and the Humanities will take place at Lowe Art Museum at 1301 Stanford Drive on April 1 and 2, co-sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences, the Lowe Art Museum, and the Department of Anthropology. In an age of globalization, non-Western and non-academic concepts of culture challenge the Eurocentrism of the traditional human sciences. This conference encourages examination of the ways that an international perspective on the idea of culture unsettles the borders and status of disciplinary formations. Registration required. http://humanities.miami.edu/symposia/anthropology

Miami Children’s Corporate Golf Invitational
Tee up for a fun day and good cause at the Biltmore Hotel and Golf Course at 1200 Anastasia, as you help fund the outstanding medical care provided by Miami Children’s Hospital. Enjoy a beautiful golf outing and reception featuring a spectacular silent auction. Special guests will be first Hispanic NFL Referee Alberto Riveron (pictured), who will emcee, and physicians from Miami Children’s Hospital who will receive special Doctor’s Day recognition. Registration begins at 10:30am with the shotgun start at 12:30pm, followed by reception and auction. Call 786-624-2038.

The Third Wave: A Volunteer Story
Sustainatopia Festival Author Series: The Third Wave: A Volunteer Story (Spiegel and Grau, $24) is a modern day Mother Theresa story of volunteering around the world. It shares adventure, love and heart of a volunteer. Alison Thompson is a humanitarian and is fondly known in Sri Lanka as the Angel of Galle. In January 2010, Alison went with actor Sean Penn and ten doctors to Haiti to help with the earthquake aftermath. They founded and ran a refugee camp and field hospital with over 65,000 displaced people. Alison also founded We Advance with actress Maria Bello and Aleda Frishman which deals with gender based violence protecting the brutally raped women and children of Haiti. In 2010, Alison was awarded the Order of Australia, the highest civilian medal awarded by Queen Elizabeth the 2nd of England for her volunteering work and her contribution to mankind. Meet her and find out how you, too, can change the world, through volunteering at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at noon. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

WLRN South Florida Arts Beat
Join host Ed Bell on the radio each Friday at 1pm for a great roundup of cultural opportunities in South Florida on WLRN 91.3 FM. Kudos to the Friends Of WLRN for their tireless efforts to bring us world-class programming on our local public radio station. http://www.wlrn.org/radio/

Friday Night Happy Hour At JohnMartin’s
JohnMartin’s is the place to be with a great Friday Night Happy Hour from 4 to 8pm that will calm the soul and feed the stomach. Live bands start at 9:30pm, so make plans now to meet up with friends at JohnMartin’s at 253 Miracle Mile. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com

Jazz At The Biltmore Lounge
Enjoy classic jazz performances each Friday evening at the Biltmore Lounge, 1200 Anastasia, with half-price cocktail specials. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Louisiana Fish Fry-Day At The Bierhaus
Enjoy Harald’s special Louisiana fish fry with fries every Friday starting at 5pm, plus live music inside from 8pm to midnight at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way, at the eastern end of Aragon. Happy Hour Monday through Friday features half price German imported beers and house wine. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

Art In The Breezeway
Enjoy a festive gathering at 55 Miracle Mile each First Friday to enjoy art and live music from 6 to 11pm, featuring outdoor food and drink service. Artists donate supplies to Ponce de Leon Middle School to maintain their art program, a noble cause in the community. Call Mike Thompson at 305-785-6344 or email: art4ubymike@gmail.com

Linda Kohen Exhibit At America’s Collection
The Americas Collection at 214 Andalusia is proud to present the internationally renowned Italian-Uruguayan artist Linda Kohen with a reception from 7 to 10pm. More than 30 paintings and drawings created between 1944 and 2010 will showcase her long artistic career. This exhibition has been declared of “National Cultural Interest” by the Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Republic of Uruguay and is sponsored by the Embassy of Uruguay and the Consulate of Uruguay.Call 305-446-5578. http://www.americascollection.com

Catherine Deneuve And Gerard Depardieu Together Again
Potiche (Trophy Wife) is the latest film from critically-acclaimed French director François Ozon. Deneuve plays Suzanne, a well-kept “trophy wife” who is drafted into running her family’s umbrella factory when her philandering, reactionary, misogynist husband (played by French comic star Fabrice Luchini) has a heart attack. Suzanne makes an alliance with an old extra-marital flame and current Left-wing politician (Depardieu), and the fun begins. Director Ozon creates a satirical and hilarious take on the war between the sexes and classes that is both nostalgic and forward looking, and a wonderful star vehicle for Catherine Deneuve. Potiche begins it’s South Florida First Run Engagement at the Gables Art Cinema with showings at at 5:00, 7:15 and 9:30pm. The cinema is located across from Books And Books. Call 786-385-9689. http://gablescinema.com

Another Harvest Moon At Cosford Cinema
UM’s Bill Cosford Cinema is proud to welcome the legendary Ernest Borgnine who will be making a personal appearance after the 7pm screening for a Q&A about the film and his career. Another Harvest Moon is a sensitive drama about four elderly Americans coping with life in a nursing home. Frank (Ernest Borgnine), Ella (Anne Meara), Alice (Doris Roberts) and June (Piper Laurie) gather each morning for a game of cards. They have become like family to one another, offering unyielding support, constant bickering and strong opinions about life, death and everything in between. These rich characters, along with their friends and family must confront their own feelings about faith, dignity and our obligations to our loved ones. The film begins at 7pm at Cosford Cinema on the second floor of the Memorial Classroom building on UM campus. $8, ($6 seniors) cash only. Call 305-284-4861. http://www.cosfordcinema.com

Tigertail’s WordSpeak: Poet Sunni Patterson
Words are powerful tools for self-expression and for changing the world. New Orleans-based (from the lower Ninth Ward), African-American performer and award-winning poet Sunni Patterson brings a warm spirit, stirring lyrics and passionate performance to her work. WordSpeak, a project for teens, includes workshops, slams and performances. Sunni has been featured at HBO’s Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry and worked with well-known artists and performers including Hannibal Lokumbe, Kalamu Ya Salaam, Sonia Sanchez, Wanda Coleman, and Amiri Baraka, among others. Sunni Patterson comes to Miami to launch the sixth year of Tigertail’s WordSpeak, an ongoing spoken word program for South Florida teens. Enjooy this reading and performance that Mary Luft, Tigertail Productions’ Executive Director calls, “an astounding transformative project that will challenge and inspire.” Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

James Grippando: Afraid of the Dark
James Grippando’s ever-popular hero, Jack Swyteck, is on his most dangerous case yet in Afraid of the Dark (Harper, $25.99), uncovering a sinister underground world that has him racing across the globe. Then: Sergeant Vince Paulo held his best friend’s daughter, McKenna, bleeding in his arms as she uttered the name of her murderer and ex-boyfriend, Jamal. That was minutes before a blast made everything go black for Vince — forever. Now: Miami criminal defense lawyer Jack Swyteck has been called in to save Jamal from the death penalty for terrorist activity. Despite urgent warnings from his fiancee, undercover FBI agent Andie Henning, to stay away from the case, Jack finds himself inextricably drawn to Jamal’s past — even believing his alibi that he was abducted and held in a black site in Prague at the time of McKenna’s death. But if Jamal is innocent, then the man who murdered McKenna and took Vince’s sight is still out there free. Soon bodies begin to pile up and ghosts from the past reappear very much alive, confirmed by ominous threats from a faceless man known only as “the Dark.” Vince and Jack must confront a mortal danger that goes beyond McKenna’s death, across international waters — a journey to piece together the past that leads through the back alleys of London, onto illegal Internet sites, and straight into the mind of pure evil. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Saturday, April 2

National Multiple Sclerosis Society Walk
Join the movement and sign up for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Walk and first annual 5K Run and Quarter Mile Kids Fun Run at the Park at City Hall in Coral Gables at 405 Biltmore Way. The 5K Run registration begins at 5:30am, with a 7am start time. The quarter mile Kids Fun Run begins at 8:15am with the walk kicking off at 9am. All participants are invited to enjoy breakfast from The Original Pancake House. Register today by calling 1 800-FIGHT-MS; or 954-731-4224. http://www.runtostopmsflorida.org

Matheson Hammock Sketching Eco Walk
Join HistoryMiami’s eco-historian Frank Schena through shady Matheson Hammock and sketch the surroundings if you wish. Hear about its distant past as an Indian hunting ground and absorb the diversity of flora and fauna that grows there today at 9610 Old Cutler Road from 10am to 12:30pm. Advance reservations suggested. Members: $20 Non-Members: $25. Call: 305-375-1621 or email: citytours@historymiami.org

The Ugly Duckling: Free Concert for Kids
Everyone feels sometimes as though they don’t fit in. This is the case for the Ugly Duckling, who is awkward, the wrong color, the wrong size, and definitely not the model duckling in the family. In spite of these challenges, she perseveres through many adversities, only to find that she is not a duck at all — but a beautiful swan. Hans Christen Andersen’s folk take is just as relevant for kids today as it was 200 years ago. Momentum’s dancers waddle, preen, swim, and finally fly in this tale of finding oneself at the Coral Gables Library, 3443 Segovia at 11am. For ages 4-10 and their families. Call 305-460-5600. http://www.momentumdance.com

Avi Hoffman at GableStage
Enjoy a special limited engagement of Avi Hoffman’s Still Jewish After All These Years: A Life In the Theatre, performed at GableStage, 1200 Anastasia at 2pm. Avi invites you along on an intimate and casual tour through his exhilarating career, sharing engaging songs and stories of an extraordinary life in show business. His humorous and moving encounters with theater luminaries will have you laughing through your tears. Avi has entertained millions of people with his humor, his pathos and his passionate singing voice and has received numerous awards and great acclaim with critics and audiences alike. The performance begins at 2pm. Tickets are $25. Call 305-446-1116. http://www.gablestage.org

Jazz At The Biltmore Lounge
Enjoy classic jazz performances each Saturday evening at the Biltmore Lounge, 1200 Anastasia. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

R. Paul Herman: The HIP Investor
Sustainatopia Festival Author Series: Is it possible to make bigger profits while building a better world? Yes, if you are a HIP investor. Most investors have focused on a capitalist approach — chasing short-term financial gains, but risking societal, environmental, and economic stability. An increasing minority follows a socially responsible philosophy — excluding “bad” companies from their portfolio — that often leads to lower long-term returns. A third way, transformational for the investing world, is revealed in The HIP Investor (Wiley, $29.95). HIP stands for Human Impact + Profit. In The HIP Investor, R. Paul Herman — creator of the HIP methodology and a leading investment manager — introduces a systematic approach for investors that is designed for more attractive profits and positive human, social, and environmental impact. Based on comprehensive research of the S&P 500, HIP assesses and values measurable results over well-intentioned policies and philosophies, and shows how higher-performing companies can deliver both human impact and profit for shareholders. This HIP approach is shown to outperform the financial returns of the S&P benchmark in both up and down markets. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Ale House: New York Strip Saturday
The Coral Gables Ale House is offering a great deal on a steak dinner. Enjoy their juicy New York Strip Louisianne topped with sauteed shrimp and scallops in a light cream sauce with one side dish for $15.79. every Saturday evening at 101 Miracle Mile. Call 305-444-3600. http://www.millersalehouse.com

Dramatic Connections: A Taste Of Theatre
Meet Guest of Honor Sharon Gless at GableStage’s annual fundraising event, Dramatic Connections: A Taste of Theatre. Begin at ArtSpace, 169 Madeira, where you will view contemporary Chinese artwork, enjoy cocktails by Bacardi, hors d’oeuvres and a dramatic moment before moving on to the private home of one of GableStage’s supporters who will welcome you for dinner. Tickets are $175. For details and reservations, call the box office at 305-445-1119. http://www.gablestage.org/special_events.php

August: Osage County At Miracle Theatre
See the South Florida Regional Premiere of August: Osage County, winner of 5 Tony Awards including Best Play and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama at Actors’ Playhouse, 280 Miracle Mile. It’s August in Oklahoma. An alcoholic father has gone missing, a mother is caught in the grip of addiction, a marriage has come undone, a romance is brewing and a lie has been uncovered. You are cordially invited to one hell of a family reunion. This is one of the most unforgettable evenings you will ever spend at the theatre — a hilarious and stinging look at an American family in crisis. Through April 10, performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2 and 7pm. Ticket prices for weeknights and matinees $40; Friday and Saturday evenings $48. Senior discounts and $15 student rush tickets are available, based on availability. Call 305-444-9293. http://actorsplayhouse.org

Superior Donuts At GableStage
In this delicious new comedy from the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, an off-beat friendship grows between a cantankerous white shop owner and an ambitious black teenager with something to hide. Amidst the changing face of an old Chicago neighborhood, a local donut shop becomes the setting for old secrets, new beginnings and the redemptive power of friendship. The play continues through April 12 with performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2 and 7pm. Call 305-445-1119. http://www.gablestage.org

Radiant World Premiere At New Theatre
Angelica Torn stars in the World Premiere of The Radiant, by Shirley Lauro, at New Theatre, 4120 Laguna. The play revolves around the tempestuous love-torn life of Marie Curie, one of the world’s first recognized woman scientists, whose discovery and isolation of radium earned her two Nobel Prizes and revolutionized science forever, as she ushered in “The Atomic Age” and the first cure for cancer. TPerformances are THursday through Sunday until April 17. Call 305-443-5909. http://www.new-theatre.org

Sunday, April 3

Sunday Brunch At The Biltmore
The Biltmore offers one of the country’s most celebrated — and lavish — champagne brunches. Every Sunday in Fontana’s stunning courtyard, the extravagant buffet features delicacies such as caviar, smoked salmon, shell fish, carved meats, fresh omelettes, pastas, sushi and more. Brunch culminates with a wall of deserts prepared to perfection by Executive Pasty Chef Olivier Rodriguez. With live entertainment, the grand American Sunday Brunch combines European flair, Latin exuberance and Miami’s very own tropical style. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Live Caribbean Music Poolside
Enjoy a live performance of Caribbean acoustic guitar and flamenco rhythms each Sunday from 1 to 5pm. Enjoy half price cocktails by 10 Cane and Bacardi Superior Rum. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Eighth Annual South Florida History Challenge
Show your knowledge of local history during this 2-hour game hosted by HistoryMiami’s historian Dr. Paul George. Join in the fun as a contestant or enjoy it as a spectator. Mix and mingle with the past winners. You could win one of the several door prizes available at HistoryMiami, 101 West Flagler Street from 2 to 4pm. Discounted parking is available at 50 NW 2nd Avenue. This event is free to members and $8 general admission. Call 305-375-1621. http://www.historymiami.org

Historical Lecture: Florida’s Spanish Colonial Era
Dr. Juan Riera presents a talk on Spanish Florida, focusing on the native americans living in Florida at the time of contact, Spanish exploration and settlement of Florida, the British interlude in Florida, Spanish treasure fleets, and the ultimate acquisition of Florida by the U.S. While looking generally at all of Spanish Florida, details will be provided of how South Florida played into this history and present day left-overs of that history. Dr. Juan L. Riera is a native of Miami who went to Columbus High School, earned a B.A. from the University of Florida, an M.A. from Florida International University, and went to Texas for his doctoral program. His areas of study are history, archaeology, and museum studies. Juan specializes in colonial Latin American history with an emphasis on Florida and on maritime history of the Spanish empire during the age of sail. The Miami Pioneers and Natives of Dade meet on the first Sunday of each month (except July and AUgust) at 2pm at Central Christian Church, 222 Menores Avenue. Call 305-443-7973. http://www.mpnod.org

Emerald Society: Celtic Cultural Series
Back by popular demand, The Trouble With Paddy, Part II will be presented by Kim Garvey, a historian, librarian, and owner of Tree Trax, a genealogical services company at the monthly meeting of the Emerald Society’s Celtic Cultural Series at JohnMartin’s Irish Pub, 253 Miracle Mile at 2pm. Based on the fact that one out of ten Americans claims Irish descent, Ms. Garvey’s presentation will continue with the development of Irish identity from ancient times to the present. Ms. Garvey is a graduate of the Salt Lake City Institute of Genealogy and was the 2009 Richard S. Lackey Scholar of the National Institute of Genealogical Research. She specializes in areas and topics related to historical methods, immigration, ethnicity and cemeteries. All St. Patrick’s Day Committee’s Celtic Cultural events are free and open to all. Call 305-273-0118. http://www.emeraldsocietysfl.com

Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra Performs
Miami Civic Music Association will present the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra at 4pm in Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive. This youthful group, under the direction of Scott Flavin, will present a diverse and exciting program including works by the renowned pianist Shelly Berg, the world premiere of Steve Guerra’s “Mancini Medley,” a tribute to John Williams and music from “Charlie Parker With Strings” based on jazz great Parker’s award winning recordings of the same name. Appearing with the orchestra will be Matt Vashlishan, saxophone and the popular jazz pianist Shelly Berg. The orchestra is known for its ability to play in a wide variety of styles and they perform regularly with some of today’s top musical artists. General Admission is $30, students and children are $10. Call 877-733-3031. http://wwwmiamicivicmusic.org

Alan Paul: Big in China
When Alan Paul’s wife was offered the job as the Wall Street Journal’s China bureau chief, he saw it as an amazing opportunity to shake up their increasingly staid suburban New Jersey life. Excited and not a little scared, they packed up their three children — ages two, four, and seven — and headed for adventure and uncertainty in Beijing, China. Based on his award-winning Wall Street Journal Online column, “The Expat Life,” Big in China (Harper, $25.99) explores Paul’s unlikely three-and-a-half-year journey of reinvention in this rapidly developing metropolis. At the heart of the memoir is his time fronting Woodie Alan, a blues band he formed with a Chinese partner. The cross-cultural collaboration became an unlikely success. The band embarked on a tour across China, earning the title “Best Band in Beijing” and recording an acclaimed CD of original music sung in both English and Mandarin, which prompted ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons to say, “This is the best Chinese blues band I ever heard. Who knew?” Woodie Alan was symbolic of Paul’s entire China experience and proof of what transpires when one can suspend preconceived notions and plunge into a new reality. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 6pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

7Crossing Performs At Congregational Church
A band stacked with longtime members of Miami Sound Machine, 7Crossing, will deliver a riveting ride with music from the group’s debut CD Relentless to be released the day after the concert. Their music is influenced by the creative and popular era of jazz when the boundaries of funk, jazz, pop and rock were heavily influenced by such greats as Weather Report, Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters, Miles Davis, and The Brecker Brothers. Members of 7Crossing include Jorge Casas (bass), Lindsey Blair (guitar), Olbin Burgos (drums), Edwin Bonilla (percussion), Clay Ostwald (keyboards), David Fernandez (sax) and Joy Francis (vocals). Advance tickets are $20 general admission and $30 VIP which includes pre-concert reception and prime seating within the first 5 to 8 rows. At the door tickets are $5 higher. Proceeds benefit the Coral Gables Congregational Church (CGCC) Community Arts Program Conservatory for the Arts. The concert begins at 7pm at Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Boulevard. Call 305-448-7421 x153. http://www.7crossing.com

Monday, April 4

Ponce Lunch: Robert Kuntz
The Ponce Business Association welcomes guest speaker Robert Kuntz, a partner with the law firm of Devine, Goodman, Rasco and Wells. The group meets upstairs at JohnMartins, 253 Miracle Mile at noon. Robert began his career as a journalist in Ohio. He eventually moved to Miami working for the Daily Business Review. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati and graduated summa cum laude from University of Miami’s School of Law. Robert’s topic will be “How to Hire and Manage a Lawyer, Tips for Small Business.” Please RSVP to poncebusiness@gmail.com

The Arts of Citizenship in a Diverse Democracy
The University of Miami Office of Civic and Community Engagement presents Dr. David Scobey, the Executive Dean of The New School for General Studies and the Milano the New School for Management and Urban Policy, how the arts, humanities, and design act as incubators for civic and community engagement through his talk, “In Here/Out There: The Arts of Citizenship in a Diverse Democracy (Or, Why Maurice Chevalier Came to Town).” The event will take place from 3:30 to 5pm in the UM School of Architecture’s Glasgow Lecture Hall. Afterward, there will be a reception in the Korach Gallery, where refreshments will be served. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=187193774657570

Happy Hour At The Cascade
Enjoy half price beer and cocktails at the Biltmore Pool bar from 5 to 8pm each Monday evening. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Jazz At The Biltmore Lounge
Enjoy classic jazz performances each Monday evening at the Biltmore Lounge, 1200 Anastasia, with half-price cocktail specials. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Ale House: Fall Off The Bone Monday
The Coral Gables Ale House is offering a great deal on BBQ Baby Back Ribs. Enjoy a full rack with your choice of a side dish for only $10.99 every Monday evening at 101 Miracle Mile. Add six coconut shrimp for $3.95. Call 305-444-3600. http://www.millersalehouse.com

Sally Ryder Brady: A Box of Darkness
Upton and Sally Ryder Brady were a rare breed: cultivated and elegant, they lived a life of literary glamour and high expectations. Sally a debutante; Upton a classics major from Harvard, they met at the Boston Cotillion. He was articulate, witty, and worldly, and he danced like Fred Astaire. How could she resist? Despite raising four children on Upton’s modest wage as the editor-in-chief of the Atlantic Monthly Press, theirs was a world of champagne, sailboats, private islands, famous writers, family rituals and ice-cold martinis. They lived life on their terms. But as time wore on, Upton, the charming and brilliant husband, the inventive, beguiling partner, grew opinionated, cranky, controlling, and dangerous. When Upton died suddenly one evening in their Vermont cottage, Sally began uncovering secrets. As she went through his papers, she discovered that her husband of forty-six years had desired the love of other men. Her riveting, charismatic husband was not quite the man he appeared to be, and a year of mourning became for Sally a time to unravel the dark and unexpected web he had left behind. Hers is a moving and powerful story of coming to terms with what cannot be changed. A Box of Darkness (St. Martin’s, $23.99) is also a story of great love. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 6:30pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Sitar Virtuoso Irshad Khan Performs
The Arts Presenting program of the University of Miami Frost School of Music will present a performance of Indo Jazz world music with renowned sitar virtuoso Ustad Irshad Khan at 8pm. Irshad Khan is considered among the world’s best sitar players and the leading surbahar (bass sitar) player of his generation and among the finest instrumentalists in the world. His performance will consist of a mix of traditional Indian music and indo/jazz fusion compositions accompanied by an ensemble of Frost School students. Led by Irshad Khan’s super virtuosic sitar performance, this revolutionary musical style has created a ground breaking east-meets-west theme, which is a combination of Indian traditional to contemporary jazz, blues, to world-beat funk, new-age, folk/fusion. General Admission is $20, Students with valid ID are $10. Call 305-433-7419. http://www.irshadkhan.net

Badass: The Birth of a Legend
Since the beginning of human history people have created myths, tall tales, superheroes, and arch-villains — men and women who embarked on insane adventures, performed extraordinary feats of unparalleled awesomeness and overcame all odds to violently smite their foes into bloody pulp. In Badass: The Birth of a Legend (Harper Collins, $16.99), Ben Thompson compiles these fantastical tales from the beginning of time to today and tells them in the completely over-the-top manner in which they were intended, including: Rama, the Indian god-king who led an army of monkeys against the King of All Demons; Thor, the Viking god of thunder and awesome hair, who crushed the skulls of giants with a ridiculously huge hammer; Beowulf, an Anglo-Saxon hero so hardcore he could arm-wrestle monsters’ joints out of their sockets; Moby Dick, the hate-filled literary behemoth who obliterated ship hulls with his face; Skuld, the Norse necromancer queen who summoned a horde of zombie berserkers; and Dirty Harry Callahan, the prototypical modern-day antihero and very embodiment of badass. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Tuesday, April 5

Petanque Tournament At The Biltmore
The Biltmore hosts the only organized Petanque Tournament in Miami each Tuesday from 6 to 8pm where beginners and experts can play this fun and exciting game. Enjoy half price cocktails by Veuve Clicquot and Belvedere Vodka. Weekly drawing winner receives Sunday champagne brunch for two. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Jazz At The Biltmore Lounge
Enjoy classic jazz performances each Tuesday evening at the Biltmore Lounge, 1200 Anastasia, with half-price cocktail specials. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Champagne Deutz Reception & Art Exhibit by Holly Jones
Meet American Artist Holly Jones, known for her vibrant color paintings and bold brush strokes, while sipping Champagne Deutz and listening to the tunes of DJ Guillo Cartaya at the BIltmore Hotel’s Country Club Ballroom, 1200 Anastasia Avenue. The cost is $25 or free for Biltmore Premiere members. Call 305-913-3203. http://www.thecellarclub.com

Noted Lutenist Hopkinson Smith Returns
World-renowned lute player Hopkinson Smith comes to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church at 1142 Andalusia to perform for the Miami Bach Society at 8pm. This will be his third South Florida appearance. Featuring Spanish music of the 17th century, his program will include music by Francesco Guerau and Antonio de Santa Cruz, but will focus primarily on the colorful and immediately accessible figure of Gaspar Sanz. Sanz wrote sophisticated Passacalles and beautiful variation sets for the 5-course guitar, but the real charm of his collection lies in his lighter popular-inspired dances and character pieces. Tickets cost $30 general admission or $40 preferred admission, when ordered in advance, but cost $5 more at the door. All students 18 and under are admitted free. College and graduate students pay $5. Call 305-669-1376. http://www.miamibachsociety.org

Pianist Nikolai Lugansky Performs
Friends of Chamber Music of Miami presents famed Russian pianist Nikolai Lugansky at 8pm at UM’s Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive with a program featuring Chopin and Rachmaninoff Sonata No. 1. Nikolai Lugansky is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s great interpreters of the piano repertoire. He regularly works with prominent conductors of major orchestras. His concerts, recitals, and chamber music performances throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas have earned him the rapturous applause of critics as well as audiences. Call 305-372-2975. http://miamichambermusic.org

Affirmed: The Last Triple Crown Winner
Horse racing has never seen a more intense rivalry than that between Affirmed and Alydar in the historic year of 1978. The journey through the Triple Crown races — Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes — is difficult for both horse and jockey. To this day, 33 years later after Affirmed accomplished the feat, horse racing has not seen another Triple Crown champion let alone a greater rivalry than the two gallant chestnut thoroughbreds waged that spring. Lou Sahadi magically recaptures that extraordinary time in horse racing with his new book, Affirmed: The Last Triple Crown Winner (Thomas Dunne, $24.99), with a foreword by Affirmed’s Hall of Fame jockey, Steve Cauthen. Foaled in Kentucky and raised in Florida, Affirmed became the first thoroughbred from the Sunshine State to win a major classic race. Affirmed’s performances on the track confirmed his greatness in the sports’ history, he remains now — 33 years later — the last Triple Crown winner. When will some magnificent horse take his or her place alongside this great champion? Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Wednesday, April 6

Lunchtime Jazz in the Gables
Break up the work week and enjoy great lunchtime music at the Coral Gables Museum Plaza (corner of Salzedo Street and Aragon Avenue), every Wednesday from noon to 2pm, now through April 27. Jazz in the Gables will feature a different music group every Wednesday until April 27. Boxed lunches are available. Admission is free. Visit the web site for a list of upcoming performances. http://www.jazzinthegables.org

Vincent Scully: An Art Historian Among Architects
Coral Gables residents have an opportunity to enjoy a free documentary film on one of the best-known art historians in the United States today. Vincent Scully: An Art Historian Among Architects, produced by the Checkerboard Film Foundation, explores the phenomenon of Scully, tracing his connection to New Haven, where he was born, and to Yale from the time he entered as a freshman in 1936 to the present. It follows the arc of his interests in classical art and architecture to American architecture, historic preservation, and urban design in the 20th century. The free event takes place at UM’s Jorge M. Perez Architecture Center, Glasgow Hall, 1223 Dickson Ave at 6pm.

20/30 Group At Season’s 52
The Gables Chamber’s 20/30 Group will meet from 5:30 to 7:30pm at Seasons 52, 321 Miracle Mile. Members and guests are invited. Cost is $30. Applications for the 2011 Rising Star award will be available at this event. Call 305-446-1657. http://www.coralgableschamber.org

Scouting Night In Coral Gables
Boys and young men ages 6 to 17 are welcome to visit Coral Gables historic George Merrick Boy Scout House to experience their legacy scouting programs — now celebrating their 89th year in Coral Gables. Camping, canoeing, merit badges, rank advancements, cooking, outdoor skills, camaraderie, self reliance, citizenship and patriotism are the cornerstones of this family-friendly program. Cub Scouts (ages 6 to 10) meet at 7pm, Boy Scouts (11 to 17) meet at 7:30pm at 1107 South Greenway Drive every Wednesday. Call 305-448-5401 for more information. http://www.troop7.org or http://www.pack7.org

Jazz At The Biltmore Lounge
Enjoy classic jazz performances each Wednesday evening at the Biltmore Lounge, 1200 Anastasia, with half-price cocktail specials. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Ale House: Maine Lobster Wednesday
The Coral Gables Ale House is offering a great deal on Maine Lobster. Enjoy a fresh cooked Maine Lobster with your choice of a side dish for only $14.95 every Wednesday evening at 101 Miracle Mile. Call 305-444-3600. http://www.millersalehouse.com

Venezuela’s Petro-Diplomacy: Hugo Chavez’s Foreign Policy
Since coming to power in 1999, President Hugo Chavez has used the windfall of high oil prices to remake Venezuela internally along the model of twenty-first-century socialism and, even more audaciously, to rewrite global relations by directly challenging U.S. hegemony. The dramatic ascendency of the country in hemispheric and global international relations over the past decade is the subject of Venezuela’s Petro-Diplomacy (U. Press of Florida, $65). Tony Maingot, Ralph Clem and the contributors to this book offer fresh, authoritative insights into a wide array of questions hanging over Venezuelan foreign policy and the leadership of the maverick president, Chavez. While revenue from petroleum exports has swelled national coffers and allowed the expansion of public programs and the extension of aid to foreign countries, bolstering Chavez’s popularity at home and abroad, the volatility of petroleum prices and the neglect of other export industries have the potential to render Chavez’s — and Venezuela’s — power tenuous. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Thursday, April 7

Mojito Madness Thursdays At Tarpon Bend
Stop into Tarpon Bend at 65 Miracle Mile Thursday for $3.50 Mojitos all day, including Watermelon, Blackberry, Grapefruit, Pineapple and Cantaloupe. The happy hour runs from 3 to 10pm with 2 for 1 drinks. Call 305-444-3210. http://www.tarponbend.com

James Jones of the Miami Heat At Books & Books
Miami Heat forward James Jones scores on a three-point play — story reading, autographing and book donation — with a special Story Time to kick off the FedEx Entrega book donation drive at Books & Books. Kids, ages 7 to 12, bring a book to donate — in either English or Spanish — and join us as the NBA’s Three-Point Contest Champion reads from the A Tale Dark and Grimm (Dutton, $16.99) by Adam Gidwitz. James will follow up his reading with an autographing. FedEx Entrega is a three-month regional book donation campaign that strives to instill a love of reading at an early age. FedEx Entrega reinforces the company’s commitment to Latin America and the Caribbean, and furthers its worldwide focus on the importance of early education as a critical tool in the advancement and development of communities. FedEx Express is working with Friends of the Orphans in Miami, which will make the books available to children through their existing programs in South Florida and Latin America. Please bring a children’s book to donate to the FedEx Entrega Program benefiting Friends of the Orphans. Appropriate children’s books are available for purchase at Books & Books. The book collection bins will be at Books & Books stores in South Florida through June. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 3:30pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Animal Studies Research Group: Laurie Shannon
The College of Arts & Sciences Center for the Humanities and the Animal Studies Research Group invite you to a lecture by Laurie Shannon, Associate Professor of English Wender Lewis Teaching and Research Professor Northwestern University, entitled “Night-Rule: Empires of the Nonhuman in Montaigne, Shakespeare, and Descartes.” Descartes’s Discourse on Method celebrated human reason, while Montaigne in his essays questioned it, saying “When I play with my cat, who knows whether she is not amusing herself with me more than I am with her?” This lecture considers the debate between Montaigne and Descartes on the claims of animals in order to show how Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream questions, rather than celebrates, human authority over animals. The lecture takes place at 4:30pm at the 3rd Floor Conference Room in UM’s Richter Library, 1300 Memorial Drive. http://humanities.miami.edu/programs/lectures/guestlecturers

Kids: The Composer is Dead by Lemony Snicket
Hear a real, live composer read from a book called The Composer is Dead. Touch a real, live — well, not really alive — musical instrument, lots of instruments, just like the ones real, live musicians play after real, live composers compose symphonies based on books. Did you get all that? Whew. Well, it’s all easy when you come to this special event with composer Nathaniel Stookey who wrote the music for The Composer is Dead (HarperCollins, $17.99) by Lemony Snicket. He will tell you all about writing the music, working with Lemony Snicket and narrating the concerts with the Cleveland Orchestra that coming weekend at the Adrienne Arsht Center. And you’ll encounter all sorts of instruments with the Instrument Discovery, provided by Allegro Music. Touch and learn about the different instruments. Who knows — you may become a real, live composer one day. Meet the composer at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 5pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Thirsty Thursdays At Jaguar Grill
It’s Sparkling Happy Hour every Thursday from 6 to 9pm at Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar, 3067 Grand Avenue with a lively and fun evening. It’s a fabulous deal — three glasses of Sparkling wine on ice Piscina or three glasses of wine from the evenings selection of South American wines, three cocktails from the specialty list, three beers (including imports) or any combination of the above. Served with a continual service of their famous ceviches on the shell and fresh oyster raw bar. The tastings, held every Thursday, are co-hosted by Lalo Durazo, owner of Jaguar and wine educator Barry Alberts of Berries to Wine, Inc. Call 305-444-0216.

LoweDown Happy Hour: Spring on Earth
Join the UM Lowe Art Museum as they celebrate Earth Day with healthy treats from Whole Foods, Cabot Cheese, and PopChips form 7 to 9pm. Cocktails have generously been provided Bacardi and PAMA Spirits. Other beverages courtesy of Smart Water, Vitamin Water Zero, Honest Tea and Vita Coco. $10 Admission; Free for Lowe Members. The museum is located at 1301 Stanford Drive. Call 305-284-3535. http://www.lowemuseum.org

Bossa Nova Lounge at Cascade
Enjoy the best of Brazilian jazz with a bossa nova performance by singer and guitarist Rose Max at the Biltmore’s Cascade poolside bar from 6 to 9pm with half price cocktails by Bacardi and Grey Goose. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Talavera Cocina’s Happy Hour Thursday
At Talavera Cocina, 2299 Ponce, enjoy happy hour specials from 6 to 9pm with complimentary light bites. Share a margarita sampler for $16 and try the oversized shots for $3. Voted Best Mexican Restaurant of 2010 by Miami New Times. Call 305-444-2955. http://www.talaveraspot.com

Jazz At The Biltmore Lounge
Enjoy classic jazz performances each Thursday evening at the Biltmore Lounge, 1200 Anastasia, with half-price cocktail specials. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Gary Vaynerchuck: The Thank You Economy
Renowned entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk reveals how companies big and small can scale that kind of personal, one-on-one attention to their entire customer base, no matter how large, using the same social media platforms that carry consumer word of mouth. The Thank You Economy (Harper, $14.99) offers compelling, data-driven evidence that we have entered into an entirely new business era, one in which the companies that see the biggest returns won’t be the ones that can throw the most money at an advertising campaign, but will be those that can prove they care about their customers more than anyone else. The businesses and brands that harness the word-of-mouth power from social media, those that can shift their culture to be more customer-aware and fan-friendly, will pull away from the pack and profit in today’s markets. Filled with Vaynerchuk’s irrepressible candor and wit, as well as real-world examples of companies that are profiting by putting Thank You Economy principles into practice, The Thank You Economy reveals how businesses can harness all the changes and challenges inherent in social media and turn them into tremendous opportunities for profit and growth. Meet the composer at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Team Trivia At JohnMartin’s
Every Thursday evening starting at 8pm, play a great game of team trivia at JohnMartin’s, 253 Miracle Mile. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com

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