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 21 - July 20: Catch the Southeastern premier of Conor McPherson's play Shining City at GableStage. The plot of this thriller centers on a businessman who claims to have seen the ghost of his wife who was killed in a car crash and seeks help from a therapist dealing with his own demons. GableStage is located at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue. Productions take place Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The cost of admission ranges from $37.50 to $42.50. For more information, call 305-446-1116.

• June 26 – August 2: Free To Be …You and Me is the latest musical for children being performed at the Actors'' Playhouse at Miracle Theatre. The play adapted from the book, takes children on a journey to a land where you are free to be yourself. Catch this inspiring play at the Actors' Playhouse located at 280 Miracle Mile on Saturdays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $15. For more information, call 305-444-9293.

• July 27: Theater by the Book announces its fourth presentation, Life's a Dream. Two performances will take place on this day, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Spanish Cultural Center in Miami located at 800 Douglas Road, suite#170. Theater by the Book presents staged readings of major plays by professional actors. This event is free and no reservations are required. For more information, click here.

• August 14 – September 14: New Theatre adapts a William Shakespeare classic for the stage. As You Like It is a romantic comedy full of misunderstandings, gender confusion and mistaken identity. Tickets range from $15 - $40. Call the box office for more information on performance dates, 305-443-5909.

• August 16 - September 14: Catch the Southeastern premier of John Patrick Shanley's play Defiance at GableStage. The play is set in a U.S. Marine Corps base in North Carolina in 1971. That's where two officers find themselves on a collision course over race, women and the high cost of doing the right thing. Productions take place Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The cost of admission ranges from $37.50 to $42.50. For more information, call 305-446-1116.

• September 25 - October 26: New Theatre opens its main season with the world premiere of The Rant by Andrew Case. The play centers on the pursuit of justice after a New York Police Officer shoots and kills an unarmed teenager. This drama will play out Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday matinee costs $40 while Thursday and Sunday evening productions costs $35. New Theatre is located at 4120 Laguna Street. Call 305-443-5909 for more information.

Musical

• Thursdays: Thursdays are not ordinary weekdays anymore in the City of Coral Gables. The Biltmore Hotel proudly presents Live Jazz Concerts on the beautiful Cascade Poolside Bar and Grill, featuring during the month of March the performance of “The Zervigon Quartet” from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information contact The Biltmore Hotel; 1200 Anastasia Avenue, or by phone at 305-445-1926.

• July 10, 17, 24 & 31: Thursday nights just for the summer, enjoy Live Music Nights at the Biltmore Hotel. For the month of July, the local rock band Outreach will be entertaining guests at Cascade Poolside Bar & Grill at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. The Biltmore Hotel is located at 1200 Anastasia Avenue. For more information, call 1-800-747-1926.

• July 31: Mark Kosower is hailed as an outstanding cellist with instrumental mastery and deep musical integrity. Enjoy an evening of music with Kosower as the cellist performs at the Coral Gables Congregational Church at 8 p.m. as part of the 2008 Summer Concert Series. The church is located at 3010 De Soto Boulevard. Ticket prices range from $25 to $40. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 305-448-7421, extension 33.

• August 14: Meet the famous Marsalis family patriarch who spawned a family of jazz giants. Ellis Marsalis will be performing at the Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Boulevard, at 8 p.m. The pianist will play songs from his newest CD, An Open Letter to Thelonious Monk. This performance is part brought to you by the 2008 Summer Concert Series. Ticket prices range from $25 to $40. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 305-448-7421, extension 33.

• August 28: Brothers Chris and Dan Brubeck have been fortunate in taking after their father's footsteps, the great jazz legend Dave Brubeck. The brothers will be performing in Coral Gables at the Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Boulevard in conjunction with the 2008 Summer Concert Series. The concert starts at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $25 to $40. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 305-448-7421, extension 33.

Senior Activities

• Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Exercising was never easier than this!!! Now seniors can enjoy their aerobic routine while combining dancing in the 60 minute Dancercise class. Instructed by senior volunteer Belkis Frangente, the class features stretching, light aerobics and easy to follow dancing movements with music from across the globe. Senior residents pay $4 per month and non-residents $5 per month. Classes begin at 10 a.m. in the Adult Activity Center located at University Baptist Church, 624 Anastasia Avenue. For more information call 305-460-5500.

• Mondays: Come and start your day early with a group of friends and a cup of coffee at the Morning Coffee Club. Catch up on the latest news and chat with friends to energize your week. Morning Coffee Club takes place every Monday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Coral Gables Adult Center - University Baptist Church 624 Anastasia Avenue. No fee or registration required.

• Wednesdays: Join old friends and meet new ones during a pleasant, sociable lunch. Let's Do Lunch! is held every Wednesday at 12 noon at the Chapel of University Baptist Church located at 624 Anastasia Avenue. Fee is $5 per person. For more details on how to register please call 305-460-5609.

• Second Monday of Month: The Coral Gables Fire Department is offering free monthly blood pressure screening for individuals 55 and older. Just pass by the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.

• July 9 - August 6: Learn the latest concepts in physical fitness and healthy eating with Fitness Expert, Dr. Joseph Brownholtz. Dr. Brownholtz has taught fitness for more than 40 years. The classes Healthy Life: So You Want to Live to Be 100, will be held every Wednesday at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center, 624 Anastasia Avenue, for five weeks at a cost of $55. Meet in room 101. For more information or to register, call 305-460-5609.

• July 10 - 24: The highly anticipated computer classes for seniors are finally here! Introduction to Computers is a class geared toward the beginner and teaches basic mouse and keyboard skills. Seniors will also learn how to customize desktops, manage files and much more. Classes are held Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center, 624 Anastasia Avenue. The fee is $90. Classes are held in room 101. Space is limited so call 305-460-5609 to register.

• Thursdays: The City of Coral Gables Senior Division now offers Computers Classes for individuals 55 and over. Seniors can learn the basics of computers. The classes are for real beginners. Classes are being taught by TechXperts of Miami at the Adult Activity Center located at 624 Anastasia Avenue. The program consists of a three week session with classes in the mornings or afternoons. For more information and registration, call Parks & Recreation Senior Services Division at 305-460-5609.

• July 11 - August 15: Knowing two languages is better than one! Spanish classes are being offered at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center, 624 Anastasia Avenue, on Fridays. Luz Del Rio will teach the conversational Spanish classes in room 112 for just $7. For more information, call 305-460-5609.

• July 21: After Lunch & Lecture, stick around as Miami-Dade Election officials demonstrate how to use new optical screen voting machines. Seniors are encouraged to become familiar with the new machines as they will be used in the next primary and presidential elections. Election officials will also have applications handy for anyone wanting to register to vote. The demonstration starts promptly after the Lunch & Lecture, approximately 1:30 p.m. at Fellowship Hall at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center, 624 Anastasia Avenue. For more information, call 305-460-5609.

• July 21: Make sure you attend the next Lunch & Lecture for seniors. The important topic of Staying Fit, Healthy and Aging Successfully will be discussed by Chief Medical Director at the Coral Gables Fire Department Dr. Jim Hirschman. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by the lecture. The event is free and takes place at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center, 624 Anastasia Avenue. Please register for this event by July 17 by calling 305-460-5609.

• July 24: Seniors are invited to join the City for a competitive game of bowling at the Bird Bowl lanes. Come bowl from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Bird Bowl, 9574 Bird Road. Please register by July 17th at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center. The cost to bowl is $11. Senior must meet at the bowling alley. For more information, call 305-460-5609.

• July 28: South Florida is lucky to be home to one of the best teams in baseball. Gather a group of friends for a trip to Dolphin Stadium to see the Florida Marlins battle against the New York Mets. A bus departs from the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center at 4:30 p.m. The fee per senior is $43 and includes ticket and transportation. July 9th is the last day to register for this event.

• August 28: Take a unique back-stage tour of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts (formerly the Carnival Center for Performing Arts). Seniors are will have the opportunity to tour the second largest theatre in the U.S. See and learn about the various commissioned original works of art, the state-of-the-art facility and the historical Art Deco Tower. A bus leaves the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center at 10 a.m. This is a walking tour. The cost of the trip is $29 which includes the tour, light box lunch and transportation. Register by August 14th by calling 305-460-5609.

• September 11: Come to the Adult Activity Center to join volunteer leader, Richard Essen as he plans the future recreational activities of our community within the next “Current Events Discussion Group”. Come with questions and ideas for events from the world stage. The meeting will take place from 11am-12pm in Room 112. The Adult Activity Center is located at 624 Anastasia Avenue. For more information please call 305-460-5609.

Other

• Tuesdays: Learn everything about acrylic and oil painting in these fun classes that welcome beginners and experienced artist. This is a great opportunity to explore your talent and develop new techniques. Classes start from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Coral Gables Senior High School, Adult Education Center, 450 Bird Road. For further information, call 305-443-4871 after 3 p.m.

• Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: Always wanted to be a chorus girl? Join the Almost Broadway classes at St. Philip's Church, 1142 Coral Way, from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Exercise while dancing easy routines from Broadway shows! No registration necessary, just drop in and it's free. All ages are welcomed. Straw hats will be provided. For more information call 305-445-8740 or St. Philip's Church at 305 444-6176.

• Wednesdays and Sundays: Come and enjoy, Celebrate -curated by Arva Moore Parks- an exhibition featuring artifacts from the early Coral Gables. This is a beautiful opportunity to learn about the unique history of our community and to preview a timeline exhibition to be housed in the new Coral Gables Museum. The event is free and open to the public from 1:00 to 4:00pm, at the sales office for the Old Spanish Village located at 2901 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. For more information, please contact 305-910-3996.

• Sundays: Learn everything about one of the most magnificent constructions in our City Beautiful during The Biltmore Hotel Historic Tours. The Dade Heritage proudly presents one of the most complete and interesting tours about the “Crowning Jewel” as George Merrick used to call it. Visit the Al Capone's suite, the world's largest outdoor pool, its old casino and much more. Every Sunday at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Register at the concierge desk or call at 306-667-5222.

• Thursdays: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is offering Movie Nights on the main lawn every Thursday night during the month of April. Visitors will be able to enjoy a movie among the illuminated sculptures of artists Fernando Botero, Roy Lichtenstein and Dale Chihuly. The screening presentations include: The Bee Movie on April 10th, Juno on April 17, and Madagascar on April 24. Movies start at 8 p.m. and they are included with the admission price. For admission information, call 305-667-1651 or click here. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables.

• 2nd Friday of Month: Girl Scout Troop #373 will host American Girl Fridays at the Barnes & Noble of Coral Gables. Each month will feature a different American Girl character, whose life and lessons will be discussed. A Girl Scout costumed as the featured American Girl will be present to lead the group. Event starts at 7pm. Barnes & Noble is located at 152 Miracle Mile. For more information, call 305-446-4152.

• Through July 20: GMI Art Gallery at Greater Miami Investments is currently exhibiting the art of Philippe Dodard. The artworks are representative of the evolution of a stellar artist and internationally acclaimed figure in the world of art. GMI is located at 60 Aragon Avenue. For more information or for viewing hours, call 305-444-9979.

• Through August 9: R&O Art Dealers, The Miracle Theater and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce are proud to present "Selected Art Works by Ada Balcace". The Dominican artist will have several paintings on display at Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile. For dates and times when the exhibition is open to the public, call 305-359-1497.

• April 11 - July 29: Coral Gables Senior High School, Adult Community Education Center wants you to express your creativity through art. Join the Acrylic and Oil Painting Classes being offered at the center. Beginners and experienced artists are welcomed. This is a great opportunity to explore your talent and develop new techniques. The Adult Community Education Center is located at 450 Bird Road. Classes are held on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. For more information, call Mike Lowman at 305-443-4871 after 3 p.m.

• June 9 through August 1: Summer Swimming Classes are to start at the Venetian Pool. For a minimal fee, come and learn life saving techniques and other aquatic skills. Classes are offered 3 days of the week for 45 minutes every morning. For registration, schedule and pricing information please call, 305-460-5306 The Venetian Pool is located at 2701 DeSoto Boulevard.

• June 28 - November 2: Visit ancient Egypt without leaving Coral Gables. The University of Miami Lowe Art Museum has an exhibition that features a rare treasure trove of antiquities from the Petrie Museum of Egyptology, University College in London. View photographs, excavation notes, and personal journals which shed more light on the science of archaeology. The Lowe Art Museum, 1301 Stanford Drive, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, click here.

• July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29: The Business Referral Group, a business exchange that helps members expand their businesses, meets every Tuesday at 12 p.m. at Anacapri Restaurant. The meetings consist of guest speakers and opening dialog that promotes business. For more information on guest speakers, click here. Membership policies allow only one member representative for every profession. Anacapri is located at 2530 Ponce de Leon Boulevard. For more information, call 786-521-2800.

• July 26 & 27: Come and learn all about butterflies during the Butterfly Days at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Experts will take you on a tour through the garden to teach you how to identify South Florida's butterfly species and their native host plants. There will also be plenty of activities for children, walking tours and educational lectures. Host plants will be on sale to make your garden a home for butterflies. For more information about the event please contact Ann Schmidt at 305-667-1651, extension 3344.

• July 30: The third and final Battle of the Chefs will take place at La Cuisine Gourmet. Two of the best competitors will be supplied with a bag of “mystery” ingredients, provided by The Fresh Market. The competition is judged on taste, originality, and presentation. The battle starts at 7 p.m. Admission is complimentary, however a donation of $15 is encouraged. La Cuisine Gourmet is located at 50 Aragon Avenue. For more information, call 305-662-7152, extension 103.

• August 6: Books & Books hosts the highest ranking elected woman in American history, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Pelosi will be visiting Coral Gables as a nation-wide book tour for her new book Know Your Power: A Message to America's Daughters. Pelosi will talk, take questions and sign copies of her book at Temple Judea, 5500 Granada Boulevard, at 7:30 p.m. This event is free but requires tickets which are available at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue.

• August 9: Learn the Dance of Spain, Flamenco, when you visit the Coral Gables branch Library. See the rhythmic movements that make flamenco a seductive dance. The event will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Coral Gables Library, 3443 Segovia Street. Call 305-442-8706 for more information.

• September 2 - November 11: Teens wanting to learn a new craft are invited to give ceramics a try. The City's Parks & Recreation Department is offering kids ages 13 through 17 Pottery classes. Learn how to use a potter's wheel and create special pieces by learning some basic techniques. The classes take place on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center. The cost for members is $82, residents pay $110 and non-residents pay $138. All glazes, clay and firings are included. For more information or to sign up, call 305-460-5600 or click here.

• October 15 - 19: The Society of American Registered Architects is holding its 52nd National Convention in Coral Gables at the Westin Colonnade Hotel. The convention will include continuing education seminars for architects, historic tours of Coral Gables and President's banquet. For more information, contact Executive Director Cathie Moscato at 1-888-385-7272.

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

2007-2008 Coral Gables Cultural Grant Recipients

2007-08 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

Bascomb Memorial Broadcasting Foundation - www.wdna.org

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

Centro Cultural Español de Cooperación Iberoamericana – www.ccemiami.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 Community Foundation – www.gablesfoundation.org

Coral Gables Congregational Church - www.communityartsprogram.org

The Dance Now! Ensemble - www.dancenowmiami.org

Environmental Education Providers of Miami-Dade County (EEP) – www.eepmiami.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

Kiwanis Club of Little Havana – www.carnavalmiami.com

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

Merrick Festival - http://www.merrickfestival.org

Miami Children’s Chorus - www.miamichildrenschorus.org

Miami Hispanic Ballet Corp. – www.miamihispanicballet.com

Miami Momentum Dance Company - www.momentumdance.com

Murray Dranoff Foundation - www.dranoff2piano.org

New Theatre - www.new-theatre.org

Seraphic Fire - www.seraphicfire.org

South Florida Youth Symphony - www.sfys.net

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

Sunday Afternoons of Music - www.sundaymusicals.org

Tigertail Productions - www.tigertail.org

Young Patronesses of the Opera - www.ypo-miami.org

Arts & Culture Around South Florida

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

The Miami Bach Society
305-669-1376
http://www.miamibachsociety.org/

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