Read More
+
Ballet Flamenco La Rosa: Passionate castanet moves
[/caption]
One of Miami's most beloved dance troupes Ballet Flamenco La Rosa, led by artistic director Ilisa Rosal, who formed the group in 1985. In their nearly three decades of existence, Rosal has developed more than 100 flamenco performances.
Serving as a choreographer and dancer as well, Rosal and her troupe take flamenco beyond the traditional well known dance and in their performances, present it in a theatrical setting. Their original numbers explore the connection between flamenco and other dance forms including Middle Eastern, Indian, jazz, tap, blues and Afro-Cuban.
They regularly collaborate with internationally renowned guest musicians and dancers who enhance the experience. In "Celtic Callings" they were joined by the Breffini Irish Dancers while productions like "Las Brujas de Salem" ("The Witches of Salem") and "Rey Lear" were inspired by Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" and Shakespeare's "King Lear," respectively.
Ballet Flamenco La Rosa performs throughout the year at various venues around Miami and also host weekly classes at the Performing Arts Network, 13146-8 West Dixie Hwy., North Miami 305-899-7730, www.balletflamencolarosa.com, www.panmiami.org
Read More
+
New World Symphony: Classy new venue
Now however, NWS has a new venue, the state-of-the-art New World Center designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry as well as an outdoor venue called Soundscape and designed by Dutch architectural firm West 8.
So now it's even easier to catch a performance by this talented orchestra in a great outdoor setting on the 7,00o-square-foot projection wall in the 2.5 acre public park. Along with their regular performances they also host monthly special events including family days, solo spotlights and Pulse where they transform the already incredible indoor venue into a nightclub setting.
The New World Symphony's New World Center is located at 500 17th St., Miami Beach, FL
Read More
+
Soundscape Park: Al fresco music in heart of South Beach
The space is a welcome addition to an area that was begging for such a wonderful spot to listen to music al fresco. Aside from being a great spot to sit and read or admire the wonder that is Miami Beach, it's best known as a spot where the general public can sit and enjoy a live performance by the New World Symphony. That's thanks to a screen that projects the performance to the Soundscape audience. It's the perfect spot to bring a blanket, wine and cheese picnic and catch the spectacular musicians, led by award-winning Artistic Director Michael Tilson Thomas.
Soundscape Park is located at 400 17 St., Miami Beach
Read More
+
Cultural Fridays: Little Havana’s lively monthly festival
[/caption]
Set on the iconic three-lane, one-way stretch of road, the festival takes place along three blocks filled with art galleries, restaurants and performance stages. There are walking tours of the historic Little Havana homes led by renowned historian Dr. Paul George, tango classes at DAF Studio, an Art Fair at Domino Plaza, salsa dancing at El Pub Restaurant and lots and lots of art for viewing.
Eat at one of the many Cuban, Spanish and Latin American restaurants and dance the night away at one of the few nightclubs along Calle Ocho.
Cultural Fridays is every last Friday of the Month on Eighth Street from between SW 14th and 17th Avenues, 305-643-5500, www.viernesculturales.org
Read More
+
Jazz at MOCA: Tunes under the night sky
[/caption]It's a scene to behold in the heart of downtown North Miami on the last Friday of the month when the Museum of Contemporary Art hosts their monthly Jazz at MOCA event. It's become the place to be and it's no wonder, they get some stellar jazz musicians to play here.
First off, it's just a nice event, people bring blankets, set up a nice picnic under the stars with wine and other goodies and settle in to watch performers play and sing their hearts out in their cool bandshell.
They've hosted such greats as trumpet great Arturo Sandoval, local favorite Ira Sullivan and jazz vocalist Nicole Henry. Great trios and quintets perform too and they get the crowd clappin' and foot tappin'. As an added bonus, the museum stays open late so jazz lovers can stroll through and see the exhibitions.
Read More
+
Area Stage: Edgy, provocative theater
Read More
+
Tigertail Productions: Culture of every kind
Read More
+
Globe Cafe & Bar: Stellar jazz in downtown Gables
Read More
+
Waxy O’Connors: Limericks and ales are genuine here
The dark and heavy wood bar that commands Waxy O'Connor's and is its centerpiece was placed at the heart of the bar and eatery to remind patrons they're in an Irish pub and the 7,000-square-foot unit is authentic, it was built entirely in Ireland and shipped over to the United States.
The 20 brews and ales on tap and plenty more by the bottle are another dead giveaway that this is a place for drinking, eating, hanging with friends and especially catching just about any sporting event. They've got seventeen 50" flat screen televisions so everyone can be watching their favorite sport or team at any given time.
Offering live music is another plus here. When the deejay's not mixing up tunes, there's someone playing it live at Waxy's. The amazing view of Miami's Downtown skyline and historic Miami River make for great waterfront drinking and gazing.
Waxy O'Connor's is located at 690 SW 1st Court, Miami, FL
Read More
+
Award-Winning Shows at GableStage
With 148 Carbonell Award nominations and 43 wins, it's no wonder audiences flock to see GablesStage plays, which are presented in the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.
Perfecting their theatrical craft for more than three decades, the players at GableStage, led for the last nine seasons by Producing Artistic Director Joseph Adler, whose legendary and provocative productions have been making headlines in Miami since his arrival at the theater, is something no one at this venue takes lightly. Speed the Plow and A Lesson Before Dying are some of the award-winners and this season's comedy Speech and Debate and the drama Fifty Words could very well garner more accolades.
Read More
+
Florida Grand Opera’s Classics Hit a High Note
Grand Opera performers is exactly what's needed when presenting the classics this group puts on. For 69 years, this premier organization has been wowing audiences with works from Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Beverly Sills, opera greats who have all performed with the company.
The Florida Grand Opera's latest incarnation of Bizet's Carmen garnered rave reviews and a packed house night after night. The company also presents other well known productions, like Barber of Seville, Pagliacci and La Traviata. By far, this is the place in Miami to catch a night of electrifying live opera; the combination of powerful singing, gorgeous sets and theater make for a great night out.
Read More
+
Island Rhythms Pulsate from Hoy Como Ayer
that means LATE, the island rhythms and heavy percussion that emanate from this tiny place in the heart of Calle Ocho in Little Havana are intoxicating. Hoy Como Ayer is a trip to the Cuban Havana of old with a blend of sounds from the present day hot Latin acts that have made a name for themselves in the Magic City.
Hoy Como Ayer (which means "Today Like Yesterday") is consistently ranked by most local publications as the best place to catch Latin performers, because the best play here. Cuban-born singer Albita performs here regularly, the Latin-funk-fusion band DJ Le Spam, and the All Stars (they're local faves and always pack the house), along with Luis Bofil and David Bisbal all grace the stage. It's one giant jamfest here from Wednesday to Sunday and the drinks are, of course, the best, from refreshing Mojitos to the rum and cokes, better known in Miami as "Cuba Libre."
Read More
+
See The Next Big Thing at Miami’s Improv & Dinner Theater
in on a weekly basis with stellar line-ups featuring the best in the funny business. For example, joker Gabriel Iglesias has appeared on Comedy Central's Premium Blend as well as the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, while LA-based Darren Carter is a favorite on the comedy club circuit for combining comedy, sketch and impersonations into his act. To see up and coming comedians, the Improv Comedy Jam, held several times a month, is a great show to catch.
Also considered a dinner theatre, the grub here is good too, with an impressive menu of appetizers, entrees and drink specials to please any palate. Overall, it's a great place to unwind at the end of a busy workday and laugh hard and eat hearty.
Read More
+
Speakeasy Jazz Upstairs at Van Dyke Cafe
Lincoln Road has evolved into an eclectic mix of well known chain stores, smaller boutiques and stand-alone restaurants, but the one place that has stood the test of time on this pedestrian strip of road is the Van Dyke Cafe, where the jazz is always playing.
The place is reminiscent of a speakeasy jazz club with soft lighting, intimate seating and stellar performances of Latin jazz, AfroCuban, soloists and jazz quartets. Local legend Maryel Epps still performs at Van Dyke and has been for more than a decade! And joining her are local faves Palo! and Conjunto Progreso.
Catch a vibe from another era at this classic spot, a perfect way to either start or end an evening on South Beach.
Read More
+
Tobacco Road’s Act is a Century Strong
days and obviously things have changed a bit since then with the addition of legalized alcohol and some of the best live music in Miami.
They've been playin' the blues at this place for years now, featuring an undisputed line-up of local musicians as well as established blues and rock acts that grace two tiny indoor stages (ground floor and second floor) and out on the patio. There's always a reason for a party at Tobacco Road, whether it's a blues festival or to celebrate yet another birthday- whether it be Gloria Estefan's or another notch toward the century marker!
Read More
+
Innovative Sounds from the New World Symphony
e the New World Symphony takes the stage at Lincoln Road's Lincoln Theatre, a beacon of culture on South Beach.
Tilson Thomas and his posse provide a twist on traditional classical music by performing lesser known pieces as well as original compositions. These pioneering musicians have garnered a respected reputation by constantly evolving their repertoire over the last two decades making each performance a mind blowing, exciting, and unforgettable experience.