Greetings,
Could the fall season really be within reach? With Labor Day around the corner and kids back in school, the long hot days of summer are numbered.
I’m pleased to bring you the following hardy list of Great Gables Events.
Carl Hiaasen At Fairchild Garden
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and Books and Books present a reading and book signing by Carl Hiaasen, noted South Florida journalist, columnist and novelist at the Garden House, 10901 Old Cutler Road Monday at 7pm. Star Island, Hiaasen’s latest thriller, is a satire on celebrity culture. An actress secretly stands in for a derailed pop star and finds herself stalked on South Beach by a crazed paparazzo — and befriended by an unhinged hermit who was once the governor of Florida. Copies of Star Island are available for sale at all Books & Books locations and at the event. Here’s the schedule: 7pm Wine and Cheese Reception; 7:30pm Reading by Carl Hiaasen with book signing to follow. Tickets are $10 for Fairchild members, $15 for non-members, or tickets are free with the purchase of Star Island at Books & Books prior to the event. Call 305-667-1651 x3358. http://www.fairchildgarden.org
Seraphic Fire Ragtime: The Entertainer
Enjoy Coral Gables’ famed choral group Seraphic Fire as they perform highlights of the Ragtime Era Friday evening starting at 7:30pm. See the Friday listings for details. http://www.seraphicfire.org
California Pizza Kitchen Contest
Dine at CPK, 300 Miracle Mile and receive a thank you card, but don’t open it yet. Bring that card back another day to find out what you’ve won. Then, go online the CPK web site to find out if you’re a winner in the big sweepstakes. http://www.cpk.com
Miami Spice Menues At Biltmore
This summer the Biltmore Hotel’s signature restaurants Fontana and Palme d’Or are joining forces with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and other top restaurants to bring diners the 9th annual Miami Spice Restaurant Program. Through September 30th, the Biltmore will offer three course prix fixe lunches, at $22 per person and dinners at $35, giving diners the rare opportunity to sample full-course meals at an incredible price. Each menu will include an appetizer, entrée and dessert offering an average discount of 30 to 50 percent off the regular value. Fontana serves lunch or dinner, from 11:30am to 10:30pm. For reservations at Fontana, please call 305-913-3200. Palme d’Or serves dinner Tuesday through Sunday beginning at 6pm. For reservations at Palme d’Or, please call 305-913-3201. http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Free Sunday Admission To Fairchild Garden In August
This is the last weekend that Fairchild is offering free admission to all visitors on Sundays during the month of August. It’s the perfect opportunity to walk Fairchild’s grounds, have a family picnic or simply sit on a bench and read your favorite book while overlooking 83 acres of lush tropical paradise located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. Call 305-667-1651. http://www.fairchildgarden.org
Friday, August 27
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 by the Popo Delgado duo, Mike Levine duo, Silvano Monasterios duo and the Gabriel Saenz duo each Friday evening at the Biltmore Lounge, 1200 Anastasia, with cocktail specials by 10 Cane Rum and Belvedere Vodka. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Seraphic Fire Ragtime: The Entertainer
Enjoy Coral Gables’ famed choral group Seraphic Fire as they perform highlights of the Ragtime Era starting at 7:30pm at First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables, 536 Coral Way. Back by popular demand after playing to sold-out crowds in South Florida last summer, Richard Dowling once again tickles the ivories and weaves stories of the Age of Ragtime. From barroom songs to the concert stage, Dowling traverses one of America’s native art forms. Tickets are $35. Be sure to gaurentee your seats by reserving your tickets by phone any time at 888-544-FIRE. http://www.seraphicfire.org
Adam Scholer: Brother Duke
Brother Duke (Booksurge, $14.99) is the first novel from Adam Scholer, a high school English teacher and Miami native. The main character finds himself hitch-hiking on a bet and when he meets a deranged taxidermist who preserves a cursed dog, mayhem ensues. Brother Duke is for all types of readers ages sixteen to one hundred and six. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com
Back To School At Cosford Cinema
Rodney Dangerfield makes the grade with this laugh-riot comedy that’s in a class of its own. Higher education will never be the same when co-stars Sally Kellerman, Robert Downey, Jr., Sam Kinison, Ned Beatty and more join the maniac. Thornton Melon’s (Dangerfield) son is a college misfit, so Thornton’s lending some fatherly support by enrolling as a fellow freshman. Who cares if the owner of the “Tall and Fat” clothing empire never finished high school? Thornton’s pockets are deep enough to buy a ticket to class. But when he ticks off his professor and then steals his girlfriend, Thornton takes things just a little too far. Now, he’ll have to hit the books instead of his bank account or go back to being the world’s wealthiest dropout. The film begins at 8pm 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
Saturday, August 28
Kids: Auditions For Oliver
Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, is holding open auditions for young performers ages 8 to 12 for the upcoming production of “Oliver!” Performers must be 5′ 4″ or shorter and have an unchanged soprano voice. Rehearsal dates are October 23 to November 16, mostly nights and weekends. Show dates are November 17 to December 26. Auditions are by appointment only and will begin at 10am. Please call Earl Maulding at 305-444-9293 x615 to schedule an appointment. http://www.actorsplayhouse.org
Scuba Divers: Miami Wreck Trek Fish Survey
The Miami Dade Reef Guard Association in cooperation with DERM (Miami Dade Department for Environmental Resource Management) and The Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) will be conducting a survey of fish on the Miami Wreck Trek locations, Belcher Barge, Belzona I, II and III and the H.A.V. Parker III Barge/Schurger Barge combination. This will be in order to establish a base line data set of species and density before the proposed connectivity project to link 2 or more of these locations using rock and boulder material. It is believed that connecting the separate wreck locations will significantly improve the number and density of fish species by creating a reef large enough to support viable and sustainable fish habitats. Volunteers meet at Tarpoon Dive Center, 300 Alton Road at 2:00pm for a presentation. The boat leaves the dock at 5pm, returning at 8pm. See the web site for details or call 305-861-6277. http://www.reefguard.org/Events.html
Sheldon Frank And Denise Duhamel: Narrative Medicine
Come to Books and Books for an evening of holism, humor and hormones in the Poetry of Healing. Denise Duhamel, award-winning poet and Professor in FIU’s Creative Writing Department, has infused much of her poetry with an uncanny ability to portray the inner life of children and teens. Along the way — or maybe to start with — she discovered the power of humor, of taking a step back to view better, and of integrating mind and body. Her poems bring us, often, to laughter and poignancy and recognition. Denise will read from her collections. Sheldon Frank had a first career as child-adolescent psychiatrist and medical school teacher, working to help children maintain self-esteem and growth in the face of both normal and disease-caused assaults from physical and emotional traumas. As a growing number of his medical colleagues, he has found the power of literature to both express and fortify his patients’ journeys. He will read from his M.F.A. thesis. Meet the authors at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 7pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com
Jazz At The Biltmore Lounge
Enjoy classic jazz performances by the Popo Delgado duo, Mike Levine duo, Silvano Monasterios duo and the Gabriel Saenz duo each Saturday evening at the Biltmore Lounge, 1200 Anastasia, with cocktail specials by 10 Cane Rum and Belvedere Vodka. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Saturday Live Music At Angelique Euro Cafe
Join Angelique Euro Cafe at 117 Miracle Mile for an evening of fine wine, authentic European fare and an eclectic performance by Hal Roland and Irasema this Saturday starting at 8pm. A 3-course prix fixe and a la carte menus will be available. Reservations are strongly suggested. Call 305-529-9922. http://www.angeliqueeurocafe.com
50 Words At GableStage
GableStage at the Biltmore Presents the Southeastern Premiere of Fifty Words by Michael Weller with Erin Joy Schmidt and Gregg Weiner, directed by Joseph Adler. When their young son has his first sleepover, Adam and Jan are allowed the first night alone together in their Brooklyn brownstone in years. Will they renew a vital spark that’s been nearly smothered — or, will the night provide the moment when provisional civility explodes into fiery chaos? Enjoy an expansive look at modern marriage that is alternately funny and frightening at GableStage, through September 12. Call 305-446-1116. http://www.GableStage.org
Deering Estate’s Summer Cabaret Concert Series
Local legend and folk singer Bobby Ingram will perform at the Deering Estate at Cutler for its Summer Cabaret Concert Series. These intimate, cabaret-style concerts feature eclectic and world music artists in the historic Stone House Ballroom. Ingram, a Coconut Grove native, has toured and entertained audiences for five decades with his broad folk music repertoire and humorous stories. He is truly a Florida original and greatly respected in folk and pop music circles. His career began when he toured as a member of Les Baxter’s Balladeers along with fellow member David Crosby. Ingram has performed with David Crosby, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Jimmy Buffett, Fred Neil, Gail Garnet and many others. Tickets are $20, and the gates open at 7pm at the Deering Estate, SW 168th Street east of Old Cutler Road on Biscayne Bay. Call 305-235-1668 x233. http://www.deeringestate.com
Old School At Cosford Cinema
When three thirty-something friends with woman troubles (Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell, and Vince Vaughn) decide to form a fraternity, it’s supposedly to save Wilson from losing his house, which the nearby college is trying to claim for academic purposes. But really, Ferrell and Vaughn are desperate to return to the reckless, feckless days of beer bongs and hot chicks, and they drag Wilson along with them as they throw themselves into gathering frat pledges of all ages. Featuring Jeremy Piven and Juliette Lewis, with cameos by Snoop Dog, Andy Dick, and others. The film begins at 8pm 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
Live Music Under The Stars At Novecento
Enjoy live music under the starts every Saturday starting at 9:30pm at Novecento, 121 Alhambra Plaza. Call 305-557-0900. http://www.novecento.com
Sunday, August 29
Kids: Free Admission To MiaSci Community Days
To celebrate the launch of MiaSci Community Days, the Miami Science Museum would like to invite all residents of Miami-Dade County to a special event at the Museum from 10am to 6pm, free of charge. Guests will enjoy the Museum’s exhibits and programming as well as fun and exciting activities. Call 305-646-4200. http://www.miamisci.org
Brunch And Jazz At Angelique Euro Cafe
Stop by Angelique Euro Café at 117 Miracle Mile this Sunday for a decadent brunch from 10am to 4pm featuring live Brazilian jazz and exquisite Brunch Specials to celebrate Dad’s special day in style. Choose Angelique Spanish tortillas, Parisian omelets and more egg dishes for $18 including a Mimosa, Bellini or Draft Beer. Hearty Barcelona “Hangover” Burger and Frites, Salmon and Frites or Steak and Frites with choice of glass of wine or draft beer for $24. Bring Dad to Angelique Euro Cafe to experience the best brunch on the mile. Call 305-529-9922. http://www.angeliqueeurocafe.com
Live Caribbean Music Poolside
Enjoy a live performance of Caribbean acoustic guitar and flamenco rhythms by Jacky & Strings at the Biltmore Hotel’s Cascade Poolside Bar and Restaurant 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
Scene Of The Crime
History Miami presents historian Paul George and Rene Ramos, director of Wolfson Moving Image Archives for a screening and discussion of television new coverage in Miami. The event begins at 2pm at 101-C West Flagler Street, presented in conjunction with the Rewind Fast Forward Film and Video Festival 2010. Call 305-375-1492. http://www.hmsf.org
Musical Miracles At Trinity Cathedral
Enjoy pedals, pipes and pictures at Trinity Cathedral, 464 NE 16 Street, starting at 6pm. “Musical Murals” is a concert of music inspired by art including an arrangement of Mussorgsky’s popular work “Pictures at an Exhibition.” The concert will be performed on the 3,600 pipes of one of South Florida’s oldest and largest organs in the beautiful and resonant setting of Trinity Cathedral in downtown Miami. The concert will also feature an original arrangement of Respighi’s orchestral work “Trittico Botticelliano.” Pictures will be displayed on a screen at the front of the cathedral while the musical murals are being performed. Tickets are $15 in advance (adults), $5 (students/children) and $20 on the door. For ticket reservations, call 305-789-0074. http://www.trinitymiami.org
Van Wilder At Cosford Cinema
To Van Wilder (Ryan Reynolds), college doesn’t get you ready for life, it is life. So when his father puts a stop to his cash flow, 7 years into his time at college, it looks like the party might finally be over for Van. Down, but not out, Van, and his team devise a way to make money from partying. However that soon comes to the attention of the college magazine, who send out sexy college reporter, Gwen to do a feature on the infamous Van Wilder, Party Liaison for the graduation front page. But when things start to go wrong for Van, he realizes that this time he may need to do something really crazy… graduate! Also starring Tara Reid and Kal Penn. The film begins at 9pm 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
Monday, August 30
Happy Hour At The Cascade
Enjoy half price beer and cocktail at the Biltmore Pool bar from 5 to 8pm each Monday evening. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com
Carl Hiaasen At Fairchild Garden
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and Books and Books present a reading and book signing by Carl Hiaasen, noted South Florida journalist, columnist and novelist at the Garden House, 10901 Old Cutler Road at 7pm. Star Island, Hiaasen’s latest thriller, is a satire on celebrity culture. An actress secretly stands in for a derailed pop star and finds herself stalked on South Beach by a crazed paparazzo — and befriended by an unhinged hermit who was once the governor of Florida. Copies of Star Island are available for sale at all Books & Books locations and at the event. 7pm Wine and Cheese Reception; 7:30pm Reading by Carl Hiaasen with book signing to follow. Tickets are $10 for Fairchild members, $15 for non-members. Tickets are free with purchase of Star Island at Books & Books prior to the event. Call 305-667-1651 x3358. http://www.fairchildgarden.org
Tuesday, August 31
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
Wednesday, September 1
Talavera Presents Wednesday Happy Hour
Meet up with friends at Talavera, 2299 Ponce each Wednesday from 5 to 7pm for an outstanding happy hour featuring custom cocktails developed by “Liquid Chef” Junior Merino with complimentary menu samplings from their award-winning Mexican cuisine. Call 305-444-2955. http://www.talaveraspot.com
Paul Reyes: Exiles in Eden
Experience an on-the-ground, intimate tour of the human toll of the nation’s foreclosure crisis. While working with his father’s small company that “trashes out” foreclosed homes in Florida, Paul Reyes wrote Exiles in Eden, a hard-hitting, personal, and poetic portrayal of his own family and the people and communities affected by the foreclosure crisis. Grounded in Florida and Reyes family history, and with character-driven visits to the dark corners of this crisis — including with those who are calling for revolution — Reyes explores the human element of this frightening rattling of the American Dream. From examining the unique “ecosystems” of each failed mortgage to witnessing parts of abandoned Florida returning to its wild natural state, Reyes takes the reader far from the machinations of Wall Street to the sun-baked side streets where the true costs of this crisis can be seen. The result is an extraordinary book about the allure and dream of home–and a portrait of an America where the exiled insist on the right to their own America dreams, even as the terms are forcibly redrawn. Meet the author at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 8pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com
Thursday, September 2
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
Beer And Tasting Menu At Angelique
On Thursdays from 5 to 10pm, Angelique Euro Cafe at 117 Miracle Mile will present a selection of Beer Samplers and Entrée Teasers for just $29 per person. With more than 60 import and craft beers at the bar, Angelique offers a wide selection with dark, brown ales, Belgian and Belgian-style lights or pale lagers. Angelique’s expert bartender will prepare a flight consisting of four five ounce glasses, accompanied by three entree teasers like Gambas Angelique, Beef Tourneados, Moules Mariniere, Lamb Lollies, Branzino, Truffle Potato Gnocchi, Tortilla Espanola, Marinated Olives, Chorizo in Wine, Escabeche de Mariscos, Pomme Frites with Aioli, Garbanzos Frito and Calamari Fritti. Import beers will be two for $6 and craft beers will be two for $8 with the purchase of any appetizer or bar snacks all day long. Call 305-529-9922. http://www.angeliqueeurocafe.com
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
Maine Lobster Paella At Por Fin
Thursday is Maine Lobster Paella Night at Por Fin, 2500 Ponce. Call 305-441-0107. http://www.porfinrestaurant.com
Bouillabaisse Night At Palme d’Or
Chef de Cuisine Philippe Ruiz adds his culinary touch to the classic Provençal Bouillabaisse each Thursday evening at the Biltmore Hotel’s famed Palme d’Or restaurant for $39 or $59 with wines. Call 305-913-3201. http://www.biltmorehotel.com/dining/palme.php
Poetry Reading by Ricardo Pau-Llosa at ArtSpace
You’re invited to a reading of new poems by Ricardo Pau-Llosa, one of Miami’s leading cultural figures, at ArtSpace/Virginia Miller Galleries at 169 Madeira at 7pm. The gallery is presently exhibiting “Traces of Migrations” by Humberto Castro. Ricardo Pau-Llosa, a major figure on the South Florida literary and visual arts scene, has been publishing poetry and art criticism for 36 years. His original model of art criticism has helped shape our view of modern Latin American painting and sculpture. Call 305-444-4493. http://www.virginiamiller.com
Por Fin’s Live Flamenco Show
At Por Fin’s upstairs lounge, 2500 Ponce, you’ll feel like you are in a Spanish Tablao with two live Flamenco performances at 7 and 9pm. First-come, first-serve seating. There is a $5 cover charge to watch the live Flamenco show featuring Paco Fonta on guitar and vocals and Celia Fonta flamenco dancing. Call 305-441-0107. http://www.porfinrestaurant.com
Lowedown Happy Hour At Lowe Art Museum
Enjoy a celebration of Asian Art at UM’s art museum. It’s a new school year, so it’s time for a new season of LoweDown Happy Hours on the first Thursday of each month. Guests can enjoy a tour of the Asian Gallery by LAM Director Brian Dursum, register for a raffle of the new catalog Aspects of Asian Art, and munch on Chinese food with cocktails. $10 Admission; free for Lowe Members. Call 305-284-3535. http://www.lowemuseum.org
The Tempest At New Theatre
Perhaps the last play written by Shakespeare and considered one of his finest, The Tempest tells a story of magic and intrigue, romance, revenge, strife and resilience. Stranded on a deserted island with his daughter, usurped Duke Prospero is granted his chance at revenge. By invoking a storm, he shipwrecks the man who ruined him. Also among the passengers is the young man who awakens his daughter’s first stirrings of love. The play runs through September 19 at New Theatre, 4120 Laguna. Call 305-443-5909. http://www.new-theatre.org
Japanese Tea Ceremony At New Acropolis
Visit New Acropolis at 3837 SW 8th Street at 8:30pm for a ceremony described as “characterized by simplicity, naturalism, profundity and celebrating the mellow beauty that time and care impart to materials.” Call 305-461-5758. http://www.newacropolismiami.org
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
Tropicoustic At Da Vittorio
Hosted by Aldo Cardona and Juan Turros, enjoy live music in an intimate setting by different local artists playing their original music — acoustic style — each Thursday at Da Vittorio, 264 Giralda starting at 8:30pm. Enjoy $5 beer and wine and $8 “you call it – they pour it” all premium cocktails. Call 305-445-8783.
Enjoy your quality time in Coral Gables and stay tuned to this channel for more Great Gables Events.
-Rob