Cultural Calendar

The following is a list of ongoing cultural events in Coral Gables. Event schedules are subject to change, so please call the organizations directly in advance of a show.

If you are an arts & culture organization holding events in Coral Gables and wish to be included in this listing, please send an e-mail message to e-news@coralgables.com. Please include complete event information such as time, date, place, name of performance or artist, ticket prices, and contact information.

Theatre

• June 20 - July 19: GableStage presents the Southeastern Premiere of The New Century by Paul Rudnick. The comedy shows what happens when a Jewish mother, flamboyant Palm Beach resident and Midwest craftswoman meet for the first time under very surprising circumstances. Performances are held Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets range from $37.50 - $42.50. For more information or to purchase tickets,click here

• July 8 - August 16: The Actors' Playhouse at Miracle Theatre ends its 2008 – 2009 season with a hilarious look at married life. Married Alive is a funny and poignant new musical that celebrates the trials and tribulations of two contemporary married couples, one newlywed and one oldywed. Performances will take place Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $40 - $48. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office at 305-444-9293 or click here.

• Agust 15 - September 13: Gable Stage Theater is pleased to announce the final play of its season: Speed the Plow, a hilarious, acid-etched satire that depicts Hollywood as a culture of corruption. Telling the story of two greedy Hollywood executives that are set to pitch a can't-lose deal to the studio boss, but a seductive secretary complicates everything. For more information on show performances and/or to buy tickets call the box office at (305) 446-1116. Gable Stage is located on 1200 Anastasia Avenue.

• September 9 - 19: The Jerry Herman Ring Theater opens up its 2009-2010 season with Smokey Joe's Café, a 1995 Broadway hit that celebrates Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller's invention of Rock n' Roll. Featuring unforgettable musicals such as Love Potion #9, Spanish Harlem, Fools Fall in Love, and 40 other classic rock n' roll hits. For a schedule of performance, or to purchase tickets contact the box office at (305) 284-3355. The Jerry Herman Ring Theater is located at 1312 Miller Drive on the Coral Gables campus of the University of Miami.

• October 21 - 31: Arguably the greatest play ever written; Shakespeare's Hamlet is a riveting theatrical ghost story for Halloween. The king of Denmark is dead, so the Kingdom is on the brink of ruin. The haunted young prince is driven to the edge of madness in his obsession to avenge his death and save the nation. For a schedule of performance, or to purchase tickets contact the box office at (305) 284-3355. The Jerry Herman Ring Theater is located at 1312 Miller Drive on the Coral Gables campus of the University of Miami.

• November 13-15: Don't miss out the beautiful musical Camelot: In Concert , a loving tribute to the mythical, magical era of King Arthur. The King, Guinevere, Merlyn, and Sir Lancelot will be on stage presenting a concert version of this fantastic story. For a schedule of performance, or to purchase tickets contact the box office at (305) 284-3355. The Jerry Herman Ring Theater is located at 1312 Miller Drive on the Coral Gables campus of the University of Miami.

Musical

• July 2: Coral Gables Congregational Church continues its Summer Concert Series with Tony DeSare. The performance takes place at 8 p.m. The singer, pianist and songwriter has been the star in a long running Off-Broadway musical, and performed recently at the legendary jazz club Birdland. Don't miss DeSare during his special performance. He will be joined by drums and jazz bass for an exceptional evening of American jazz. Tickets range from $25 – $40. Coral Gables Congregational Church is located at 3010 De Soto Boulevard. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 305-448-7421, extension 33 or click here

• July 16: Coral Gables Congregational Church continues its Summer Concert Series with classical guitarist Sharon Isbin. The GRAMMY Award winner has been hailed as “the pre-eminent guitarist of our time.” Isbin will be performing at the Summer Concert Series held at the Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Boulevard, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $25 – $40. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 305-448-7421, extension 33 or click here

• July 30: Coral Gables Congregational Church continues its Summer Concert Series with pianist Eldar Djangirov. The talented artist has accomplished something that the vast majority of jazz artists, pianists or otherwise, will never accomplish: he landed a contract with a major label and received a GRAMMY nomination before he could have a drink. Djangirov will be performing at the Summer Concert Series held at the Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Boulevard, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $25 – $40. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 305-448-7421, extension 33 or click here

• August 13: Coral Gables Congregational Church continues its Summer Concert Series with master trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis. Marsalis began playing at age 13 and produced his first recording at 17. He has since produced over 75 major-label recordings that include Harry Connick, Jr., Marcus Roberts, Spike Lee, his father Ellis Marsalis and brothers Branford and Wynton Marsalis. Marsalis will be performing at the Summer Concert Series held at the Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Boulevard, at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $25 – $40. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 305-448-7421, extension 33 or click here

Senior Activities

• Mondays: Join the Morning Coffee Club. Catch up on the latest news and chat with friends while enjoying a fresh cup of coffee. Just drop in every Monday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. No registration required and best of all, it's free. The Coral Gables Adult Activity Center is located at 624 Anastasia Avenue.

• Every 2nd Monday: Keeping tabs on your blood pressure is important. The Coral Gables Fire Department is offering free monthly blood pressure screenings. Just stop by the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center, 624 Anastasia Avenue, between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m

• Every 2nd & 4th Monday: The silver screen comes to the Senior Center with Movie Mondays. Watch a movie and enjoy light refreshments for free. Movies start at 1 p.m. Now showing: June 8 - The Great Debaters (2007)/ June 22 -The Great Escape (1963)/ July 13 - Pride and Prejudice (2005)/ July 27 - Radio (2003).

• Every 3rd Monday: Listen to guest speakers discuss issues of importance for seniors every third Monday at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center. A complimentary lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. followed by the presentation. Reservations are required; call 305-460-5609 no later than the second Thursday of the month. The topics for the next Monthly Lunch & Lecture Series: June 15, Hurricane Preparedness by Robert Molleda Warning Coordination Meteorologist, National Weather Service/ July 20, “Life without Stress: The Senior Addition” by Dr. Arthur Sokoloff, Author.

• Mondays & Thursdays: Who said exercise can't be fun! Dance your way to better health when you join instructor Belkis Frangente in Dancercise! The classes are one hour long, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and cost $9 a month. Registration is required. Call 305-460-5609

• Wednesdays: Enjoy a main dish, side salad, assorted desserts, ice tea, soft music and new or old friends, all for only $6! It's the best deal in town! The Weekly Lunch is catered by “Catering by Lovables.” Pre-registration is required by Mondays. Weekly Lunch is served at 12 p.m. Upcoming menu: May 27: Tilapia, June 3: Lasagna, June 10: Salmon, June 17: London Broil, June 24: Lemon Chicken, July 1: Chicken Teriyaki, July 8: Baked Florida Snapper, July 15: Penne Rustica, July 22: Chicken Marsala, and July 29: Salmon.

• Every 4th Wednesday: Jim Pollack, the senior center's new volunteer leader will share his knowledge of the jazz era and collection of vast bands and artists. Mr. Pollack has been a guest on “Night Train” on WLRN radio. Come interact and discuss your knowledge at Jazz Music Classics, the bi-weekly informal discussion group at 1 p.m. in Room 112 at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center, 624 Anastasia Avenue. No registration required. For more information, call 305-460-5609.

• Wednesdays & Fridays: Who said exercise can't be fun! Dance your way to better health when you join instructor Belkis Frangente in Dancercise! The classes are one hour long, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and cost $9 a month. Registration is required. Call 305-460-5609.

• Thursdays: Calling all men and women! Spend just one hour a week discussing current events happening locally and on the world stage. Join volunteer leader Richard Essen as he leads the Current Events Discussion Group in interesting discussion from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Voice your opinion or just listen to contrasting points of view on current issues playing out on the world stage. Take part in the group that's growing in popularity. Meet at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center, 624 Anastasia Avenue. For more information, call 305-460-5609.

• Every 3rd Thursday: The knitting sensation “Flying Fingers of Coral Gables” have been featured in newspapers for having big hearts and quick hands. Be a part of the team that is knitting up a storm for charity. All levels welcome. No registration required. The “Knit for a Cause” group meets at the Adult Activity Center, 624 Anastasia Avenue from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

• Every 4th Thursday: Working late? Want to socialize with others? Don't have time to cook? ‘Let's Do Dinner!' is a special program for active seniors 55 and older to enjoy a great meal together. Participants meet at select restaurants at 6 p.m. and each pays their own bill. Register by calling Anastasia Smith at 305-460-5609. Upcoming dates are: May 26, Titanic, 5813 Ponce de Leon Blvd.; June 25, Lotus Garden, 318 Miracle Mile; July 23, Houston's, 201 Miracle Mile.

• Fridays: Learn how to hold a conversation in Spanish with volunteer Luz Del Rio. Conversational Spanish classes take place from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Room 112 at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center, 624 Anastasia Avenue. A five-week session costs just $12. Space is limited! For more information, call 305-460-5609.

• Every 3rd Friday: Informative Monthly Workshops will help with real life issues seniors face and strives to eliminate confusion on topics such as retirement planning, managing fixed income, investment planning, estate planning, health and wellness issues, eldercare for aging loved ones. The workshops will be hosted by Marilyn Bruno, Ph.D., J.D (Retired Analyst & Program Coordinator of Economic Policy for the State Department's Foreign Service, Volunteer for SHINE & AARP Legal Council for the Elderly). Ask questions, voice concerns and get help. Meet in Room 112 at the Adult Activity Center, 624 Anastasia Avenue, from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. To RSVP or to find out specific topics, call 305-460-5609. Session dates are June 19: Job Search and Resume Building and July 17: Programs, Services for Seniors at Little or No Cost.

• July 8: Celebrate the trials and tribulations of two couples; one couple is newlywed while the other has spent their whole lives together. This hilarious musical Married Alive shows the many cycles marriages go through, from triumphs and defeats, babies to empty nests, job stress to wedding bliss. Meet at the Actors' Playhouse at Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile, at 7 p.m. to receive tickets. Registration and payment of fees is required by June 22 or while ticket supplies last. For more information, call 305-460-5609.

• July 14: Sit back and relax as you go on an unforgettable sightseeing tour along the scenic Biscayne Bay on the Island Queen Cruise. The bilingual tour will highlight the downtown Miami skyline, the Port of Miami, Brickell Key, Fisher Island and the islands off Miami Beach nicknamed Millionaire's Row. A bus departs the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center at 9:45 a.m. Registration and payment of fee is required by June 30th. For fee information, call 305-460-5609.

Other

• June 8 - August 14: The City's Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting registrations for its Summer Camp program. Every week, kids enjoy fun activities involving a special theme. Aside from these themed weeks, the city also offers sports camps for the budding athletes. A complete list of camps, hours and costs is available online at www.gablesrecreation.com or by picking up the latest Leisure Guide at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive. For more information, call 305-460-5600.

• July 13 - August 7: The Actors' Playhouse theater conservatory is accepting enrollment for the second session of the popular Children's Summer Theater Camp for ages 7 to 12. This is a four week camp in where professional staff will excite your children''s imagination through acting, signing, dance, improv, costuming, scenic design and audition techniques to name a few. Children will meet Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration fee is $850, scholarships are available through the Miami Dade Cultural Affairs Summer Arts & Science program. For more information or to register contact the Actors' Playhouse Education Department at (305) 444-9293 ext 606 or Click Here.

• July 28 - August 8: The Coral Gables Police department is offering self defense classes specifically designed for women. The program designed by R.A.D. consists of certified police instructors providing basic education regarding confrontational principles, awareness, risk reduction and physical defense. Classes are held at the Police department, 2801 Salzedo Street, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and a Saturday class taking place on August 8 from 8 a.m. to noon. The program costs $65. For more information call 305-460-5401 or send an email to Kelly Denham at kdenham@coralgables.com.

Arts & Culture in Coral Gables

Theater/Musical:

Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theater
280 Miracle Mile
305-444-9293
www.actorsplayhouse.org

Bill Cosford Cinema at the University of Miami
Memorial Building, 2nd Floor
1111 Memorial Dr.
305-284-4861
http://com.miami.edu/Our_School/Facilities.htm#CosfordCinema

GableStage
The Biltmore Hotel
1200 Anastasia Ave.
305-446-1116
www.gablestage.org

Jerry Herman Ring Theatre at the University of Miami
1312 Miller Drive
305-284-3355
http://www.miami.edu/tha/ring/rwelcome.htm

Maurice Gusman Concert Hall at the University of Miami
"Sunday Afternoons of Music"
1314 Miller Dr.
305-271-7150
http://www.music.miami.edu/facility/gusman/
http://www.sundaymusicals.org/gusman.htm

Miami Children’s Theater
Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Theater
405 University Dr.
305-233-2206
www.miamichildrenstheater.com

New Theatre
4120 Laguna St.
305-443-5909
http://www.new-theatre.org/

Museums:

Casa Bacardi
1531 Brescia Ave.
305-284-2822 (305-284-CUBA)
http://casabacardi.iccas.miami.edu

Coral Gables Merrick House and Gardens
907 Coral Way
305-460-5361

Coral Gables Museum
Coming soon to 285 Aragon Ave.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
10901 Old Cutler Rd.
305-667-1651
www.fairchildgarden.org

Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami
1301 Stanford Dr.
305-284-3535
http://www.miami.edu/lowe/

PIAG - Museum & Gallery
2724 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
305-443-0770
www.piagmuseum.org

Antiques/Home Furnishings:

Alhambra Antiques / European Fine Art
2850 Salzedo St.
305-446-1688
www.alhambraantiques.com

The Gilded Hand
165 Aragon Ave.
305-442-1445
www.thegildedhand.com

Modernism Gallery
800 Douglas Rd., Suite 101
305-442-8743
www.modernism.com

Literary Events:

Barnes and Noble
152 Miracle Mile
305-446-4152

Books & Books
265 Aragon Ave.
305-442-4408
http://www.booksandbooks.com/NASApp/store/IndexJsp

Fifteenth Street Books
296 Aragon Ave.
305-442-2344

2008-2009 Coral Gables Cultural Grant Recipients

2008-09 Coral Gables Cultural Grant Recipients: A total of $166,250 in grant funds has been awarded to these organizations to support festivals and cultural and community events in Coral Gables. The City is proud to support the cultural community for its invaluable contributions to the Coral Gables way of life.

Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre - www.actorsplayhouse.org

Beaux Arts Festival - www.beauxartsmiami.org

Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education - www.caje-miami.org

Chopin Foundation of the United States - www.chopin.org

City Theatre - www.citytheatre.com

Civic Chorale of Greater Miami - www.civicchoraleofgreatermiami.org

Coral Gables Congregational Church - www.communityartsprogram.org

Coral Gables Museum Corp. - www.coralgablesmuseum.org

The Dance Now! Ensemble - www.dancenowmiami.org

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden - www.fairchildgarden.org

Friends of Chamber Music of Miami - www.MiamiChamberMusic.org

Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library - www.mdpls.org

GableStage - www.GableStage.org

Greater Miami Youth Symphony of Dade County - www.gmys.org

Lowe Art Museum - www.miami.edu/lowe/

Merrick Festival - www.merrickfestival.org

Miami Bach Society - www.miamibachsociety.org

Miami Children’s Chorus - www.miamichildrenschorus.org

Miami Momentum Dance Company - www.momentumdance.com

Miami Short Film Festival - www.miamishortfilmfestival.com

Murray Dranoff Foundation - www.dranoff2piano.org

New Theatre - www.new-theatre.org

St. Patrick’s Day Committee - www.emeraldsocietysfl.com

Sunday Afternoons of Music - www.sundaymusicals.org

Temple Judea - www.judeagables.org

Tigertail Productions - www.tigertail.org

Walenstein Musical Organization - www.walensteinmusic.org

Women’s International Film & Arts Festival - www.womensfilmfest.com

University of Miami Frost School of Music - www.frestivalmiami.com

University of Miami School of Communication - www.cosfordcinema.com

Arts & Culture Around South Florida

Visit these web sites for more cultural events happening in South Florida:

Arts & Culture for Kids

Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre
"Theatre for Young Audiences"
280 Miracle Mile
305-444-9293
http://www.actorsplayhouse.org

Maurice Gusman Concert Hall at the University of Miami
"Sunday Afternoons of Music for Children"
1314 Miller Dr.
305-271-7150
http://www.sundaymusicals.org/gusman.htm

Miami Children’s Theater
305-233-2206
www.miamichildrenstheater.com
Two locations:
Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center Theater
405 University Dr., Coral Gables