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

• August 14 - September 14: New Theatre adapts a William Shakespeare classic for the stage. New Theatre debuts its 2008 – 2009 season with As You Like It - a romantic comedy full of misunderstandings, gender confusion and mistaken identity. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sunday at 1 p.m. and additional Sunday dates include August 17, 24, 31 and September 7 at 5:30 p.m. New Theatre is located one block from Village of Merrick Park at 4120 Laguna Street. Tickets costs $40. For more information or to purchase tickets call the box office at 305-443-5909 or click here.

• August 16 - September 14: GableStage at the Biltmore Hotel presents the Southeastern Premiere of Betrayed by George Packer. The play follows Iraqi interpreters who risk everything to work with the U.S. government in Baghdad-only to find themselves unprotected when sectarian violence threatens their safety! Productions are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. The cost of admission ranges from $37.50 to $42.50. Gablesstage is located at 1200 Anastasia Avenue. For more information, please call the box office at 305-445-1119 or click here.

• September 7: Theater by the Book announces its next presentation Falstaff and Hal of William Shakespeare; two exciting stories about nobility, conspiracy and intrigue. Presentation runs for nearly three hours with a half way intermission beginning at 1 p.m. at Books & Books. The bookstore is located at 265 Aragon Avenue. Admission is free but a donation is strongly encouraged.

• 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

• October 3: Enjoy Gallery Night in the Gables every first Friday of the month and later head over to Ponce Circle Park, 2810 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, for Art in the Park. Enjoy art and music under the stars. An artist village exhibits paintings, sculptures, fine jewelry and for the children, a free "Little Picasso's" art lesson. The event is free. Art in the Park is organized by the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana. Click here to see who is performing.

• October 12: The Chopin Foundation of the U.S. proudly presents its 2008 – 2009 concert series. On Sunday, pianist Ning An performs in co production with the University of Miami Frost School of Music at 6 p.m. The performance will take place at the Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive. For more information, call 305-284-4941.

• October 26: The Miami Bach Society celebrating its 25th season proudly presents prize-winning local organist Tom Schuster giving a performance of early keyboard masterpieces. Concert begins at 4 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables located at 536 Coral Way.

• November 7: This fall, Rock Band Live arrives to Coral Gables with headline acts Panic at the Disco and Dashboard Confessional, together on stage with very special guests Plain White T's and The Cab. The performance will take place at the Bank United Center located at 1245 Dauer Drive in the UM campus at 7 p.m. For more information call 305-284-8686 or visit www.BankUnitedCenter.com.

• November 7: Enjoy Gallery Night in the Gables every first Friday of the month and later head over to Ponce Circle Park, 2810 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, for Art in the Park. Enjoy art and music under the stars. An artist village exhibits paintings, sculptures, fine jewelry and for the children, a free "Little Picasso's" art lesson. The event is free. Art in the Park is organized by the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana. Click here to see who is performing.

• December 5: Enjoy Gallery Night in the Gables every first Friday of the month and later head over to Ponce Circle Park, 2810 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, for Art in the Park. Enjoy art and music under the stars. An artist village exhibits paintings, sculptures, fine jewelry and for the children, a free "Little Picasso's" art lesson. The event is free. Art in the Park is organized by the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana. Click here to see who is performing.

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 $9 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. The menu follows. August 6: Lasagna (meat or vegetable)/ August 20: Tilapia/ August 27: Italian Sausages and Peppers/ September 3: Salmon/ September 10: Penne Rustica/ September 17: London Broil/ September 24: Chicken Piccata/ October 1: Penna alla Genovese/ October 8: Baked Florida Snapper/ October 15: Chicken Parmigianino/ October 22: Pasta al Forno/ October 29: Salmon.

• 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.

• 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.

• September: 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 $12. For more information, call 305-460-5609.

• 4th Thursday of the Month: 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: July 31st, Spris/ August 28th, Houston's/ September 25th, Sakura/ October 30th, Books and Books Café.

• 2nd & 4th Monday: The silver screen comes to the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center, 624 Anastasia Avenue. Watch a movie and enjoy light refreshments for free for Movie Days. Movies start at 1 p.m. Now showing: August 26 – The Namesake (2006)/ September 8 – The Pursuit of Happiness (2006)/ September 22 – Man of the Year (2006)/ October 13 – Iron Will (1994)/ October 27 – Tell Me a Riddle (1980).

• September 6 & 13: Have you been driving for more than 30 years? Now may be the time to take a Driver Safety Classes as a refresher course. The AARP is offering seniors a Driver Safety Class at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive. Classes take place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information on taking the class which is taught in English call Fred Collard at 305-663-1792.

• 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.

• September 15: September 15: Senior residents are invited to attend to a lecture that would teach how to fight memory loss. The Free Lunch & Lecture “Memory Techniques and Strategies” will be conducted by Dr. Andrea Draizar from Baptist Health and Homestead Hospitals. Reservations must be done before September 11 by calling 305-460-5609. A demonstration of the Miami Dade Election's Voting machine will follow after the Lecture. Lunch & Lecture takes place at the Coral Gables Adult Activity Center located at the University Baptist Church, 624 Anastasia Avenue.

• September 25: The Coral Gables Adult Activity Center will offer a CPR Course Demonstration with hands on participation on this life-saving technique. Participants will learn how to perform a CPR competently and will receive a certificate of attendance. Course is free to senior residents. For schedule or questions please contact senior services at 305-460-5609. The senior center is located at University Baptist Church, 624 University Drive.

• September 29: Enjoy an evening of music along the Broadwalk at Hollywood Beach during "Theatre Under the Stars" Concert Series. Come and experience the easy listening tunes of a special guest artist. A bus leaves the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive, at 6 p.m. and will be returning at 10 p.m. Fee for this event is $16 per person with round trip transportation. Please register by September 15 by calling 305-460-5609.

• October 4 & 11: Have you been driving for more than 30 years? Now may be the time to take a Driver Safety Classes as a refresher course. The AARP is offering seniors a Driver Safety Class at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive. Classes take place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information on taking the class which is taught in Spanish call Jose Arias at 305-595-7072.

• October 15: Celebrate your patriotism with the illustrious three-time Tony Award winning musical 1776 (Musical). The musical offers a humanizing look at our founding fathers just days before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Meet at the Actors' Playhouse, 280 Miracle Mile, at 1:30 p.m. to receive tickets and seating arrangements. Call 305-460-5609 to register by October 1.

• October 16: Bowling, Anyone? In the mood for a fun game of bowling? Just meet at Bird Bowl Lanes, 9574 Bird Bowl at 1 p.m. The fee is $12 and includes the cost of bowling and shoe rental. Bowl to your heart's content from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration is required by October 2 by calling 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.

• 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.

• Sundays: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is offering free admission to all visitors on Sundays through the month of September (except for September 14). 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. Fairchild is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables for more information call 305-667-1651 or Click here.

• First Friday of the Month: Art lovers flock to Coral Gables the first Friday of every month for Gallery Night. Boasting dozens of galleries, Coral Gables is the premier destination for art and cultural events. The City offers free trolley service to most of the galleries locations from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Some galleries may feature musicians for your entertainment. For a list of art galleries in Coral Gables, click here.

• 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.

• August 23 - October 25: It's important to teach children early on the importance of being polite and well behaved. A new program at the City's Parks & Recreation department called Cotillion Kidsand Protocol will aim at teaching children that manners matter. There are two sessions for this program: Saturdays from August 23 through October 25 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Fees vary from $76 - $126 depending on membership and resident status. For more information or to register, call 305-460-5600 or click here.

• 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.

• September 4 – 27: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is gearing up for its busy season but they need your help to get ready. Volunteers play an important role in the sustainability of the garden. Learn how you can volunteer during Volunteer Information Days. People are needed to serve as guides, garden hosts and gardening assistants. If you have a green thumb, visit Fairchild Garden on one of the Information Session Days: Thursday, September 4 and Friday, September 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturdays, September 13 & 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information or to register call 305-667-1651. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road.

• September 7: Celebrate the end of summer at Venetian Pool with your four legged best friend this Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Fee is $5 per dog, owners enter free. Pool will be closed to the general public during these hours. Also bring leashes to keep your pet on when not in the pool and supplies to clean after its little messes. For more information contact the pool's front desk at 305-460-5306.

• September 7: Join Miami Pioneers/Natives of Dade and Larry Perez in his book discussion "Words on the Wilderness" at 2 p.m. on at the Central Christian Church located at 222 Menores Avenue. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 305-274-3096.

• September 10: Learn how to increase your revenue and decrease your costs in difficult times during the Recession Proof Seminar. Sponsored by the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. Admission is free for members. Please reserve your entrance by September 9 by calling 305-446-1657. The seminar will be held at 2525 Ponce de Leon Boulevard starting at 8:00 a.m.

• September 13: The Coral Gables Museum is conducting interviews of Coral Gables residents to share their memories of the City. The Oral History Project interviews will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the historic Coral Gables Merrick House, 907 Coral Way. If you have a Coral Gables Memory or memorabilia to share and would like to schedule an interview, call Chris Rupp at 305-910-3996.

• September 14: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is offering its first ever Dog Day at Fairchild. If you want your pooch to see all the wonderful things the garden has to offer, then take advantage of this day as it is the only day of the year dogs will be allowed. All dogs must be preregistered to attend. Call 305-663-8091 to register your dog. Admission for adults is $20, $15 for seniors and $10 for children ages 6 through 17. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local animal shelter. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road.

• September 21: Museum Board member and historian Arva Moore Parks will present a new lecture on George Merrick and Coral Gables history. Join us in the lovely and cool confines of the Old Spanish Village Sales Gallery at 2901 Ponce de Leon Boulevard for Merrick Musings: The Writing and Imagery of George Merrick. The lecture begins at 4 p.m. and is free. Due to limited seating, reservations are required. Call 305-910-3996 or e-mail info@coralgablesmuseum.org to reserve your seat.

• 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