Category: Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove Arts Festival 2/18-20/12

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Coconut Grove Arts Festival
February 18-20, 2012. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Coconut Grove, Florida. The Arts Festival’s colorful mile-long path begins on McFarlane Road and runs down South Bayshore Drive offering picturesque views of Biscayne Bay.

$10 per person per day. Children 12 and under are free. All animals are prohibited except for certified animals assisting disabled guests.

Standard tickets are available at the Festival gates, as well as online at www.CGAF.com. Residents of Coconut Grove in the 33133 zip code can enjoy the Festival for $5.00 per day (proof of residency required). Group tickets for parties of 50 or more can be purchased by calling (877) 7-CG-ARTS.

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival® returns this President’s Day weekend to inspire ones imagination for visual, culinary and performing arts. The 49th annual three-day event brings the most talented and creative artists from all over the world to Coconut Grove, February 18 – 20, 2012.

Considered the top fine art event in the history of Sunshine Artist Magazine’s 200 Best, artists from more than 43 states and Canada were among the more than 1,200 applicants that submitted samples in mixed media, painting, photography, digital art, printmaking & drawing, watercolor, claywork, glass, fiber, jewelry & metalwork, sculpture and wood. Applicants included 19 local artists from the Miami area and more than 100 from Florida.

“Our festival is truly a celebration of the arts, introducing top caliber masters of art in all mediums and genres,” said Monty Trainer, president of the Arts Festival. “Locals and visiting guests alike will appreciate the internationally celebrated visual, musical and culinary collections.”

Complementing the visual arts on display is the popular Culinary Pavilion which invites nationally-renowned chefs to prepare their famous dishes and explain their specialties. This year’s chefs will represent successful restaurants and hotels from South Florida, including some nationally recognized authors. In addition, musicians will grace the Festival’s main stage located in Peacock Park

Residents of Coconut Grove in the 33133 zip code can enjoy the Festival for a reduced admission of $5 (proof of residency required).

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival is produced by the non-profit Coconut Grove Arts and Historical Association. Proceeds help fund year-round arts programs. The association also maintains the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery and presents special exhibitions throughout the year from its location at the Shoppes at Mayfair.
Since its inception in 1963, the association has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to students who attend fine arts programs in local schools. For more information or to purchase tickets for the Arts Festival online, visit www.CGAF.com.

Information courtesy www.miamiartguide.com

Spartico’s Prix Fixe Valentine’s Dinner Menu 2/14/12

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Spartico’s Prix Fixe Dinner Menu:
February 10th through 14th, 2012
Mayfair Hotel & Spa
3000 Florida Avenue
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
305.441.0000
mayfairhotelandspa.com

$38.00 per person & includes complimentary valet parking. Exclusive of tax & gratuity.
Romantic & Lovely Starter
(Select One)
Oysters “Au Gratin”
Shucked Oysters, Ginger & Bechamel Sauce
or
Mizuna Salad
Roasted Duck Breast, Heirloom Tomato, Toasted Pecan & Honey Champagne Vinaigrette
or
Beef Carpaccio
Arugula & Roasted Artichokes
Romeo & Juliet’s Entrée:
(Select One)
Lamb Shank
Slow Roasted Over Lavender Cream Potatoes
or
Atlantic Salmon
Spinach & Ricotta Roulade with Linguini
or
Tagliatelle
Roasted Chicken, Caramelized Shallots and Prosciutto
or
Lover’s Pizza Bianca
Roasted Potato Cream, Fontina Cheese, Broccoli Rabe and Smoked Chicken

Kiss Me Valentine’s Dessert:
A Red Velvet Dessert for Two
Mayfair Hotel and Spa
@Mayfair_Miami
@SparticoGrove

Complimentary Roman Holiday Screening at Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove 2/12/12

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Complimentary Roman Holiday Screening at Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove
Sunday, February 12 beginning at 7 p.m.
The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami
3300 Southwest 27th Avenue
Coconut Grove, Florida
305-644-4680

A Pre-Valentine’s Day Celebration…. Cupid Takes Roman Holiday (Complimentary) at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami

The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami sets the stage for a Roman affair on the Bizcaya Fountain Courtyard with romantic café lighting, plush couches and al fresco dining set amongst a cascading fountain backdrop for a pre-Valentine’s Day showing of the 1953 classic Roman Holiday, featuring Academy Award-winner Audrey Hepburn together with charming Gregory Peck. The Hollywood-classic tells of a young princess who escapes the royal entourage and finds herself in the arms of a handsome American reporter.

Enjoy gourmet appetizers or savor Italian and coastal Mediterranean-influenced fare by Executive Chef Khaled Ibrahim for a dinner and movie moonlight soiree that will take you to Italy without the airfare.

Complimentary screening, open to the public and no reservations required.

Casual, chic and open to the public, enjoy a complimentary screening, with no reservations required. $8 valet parking

St. Stephen’s Art Show 2/18-20/12

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St. Stephen’s Art Show
2/18/2012, 2/20/2012
St Stephen’s Episcapol Church
2750 McFarlane Road
Coconut Grove, Florida 33133
www.artshowss.org

Entering its 24th year, the highly anticipated St. Stephen’s Art Show (SSAS) will be celebrating its three-day long festival from Saturday, February 18th through Monday, February 20th, 2012 (9:00 am – 6:00 pm) The show is presented by St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, a 100 year resident in Coconut Grove. The show, known as one of South Florida’s most popular outdoor arts festival, will take place at the St. Stephens Episcopal Church (2750 McFarlane Road) in the heart of Coconut Grove, Florida.

The St. Stephen’s Art Show has long been considered a nationally important industry event. What started out as a simple hot dog stand during the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, the show has grown into an event all on its own. Ranked top in the country by Artist Magazine and Sunshine Artist Magazine, the St. Stephen’s Art Show is a not-for-profit event that helps raise funds for outreach programs in the Coconut Grove and Miami area. The show’s proceeds allow St. Stephens to offer a range of cultural, spiritual and entertainment activities to the community, as part of its vision to be “The Heart of the Grove, and Reaching Beyond”.

This show will feature local and accomplished artists from across the nation that have been accepted into the show for ten years or more as well as a purposeful sampling of brand new artists never seen at the show before.

The art show will be open all three days from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and will feature long standing artists and award winners, For a $2 entry fee, visitors can enjoy artwork from more than 150 renowned artists, an international food court, children’s activity area, an authentic English tea room and musical entertainment, all on the shady campus of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.

The St. Stephen’s Art Show is an event not to be missed. For additional information, visit www.artshowss.org or by calling (305) 648-0056

Coconut Grove Drum Circle 2/4/12

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Coconut Grove Drum Circle
February 4, 2012, 7-10PM
Streets of Mayfair Promenade

Please join us for our February circle.. We will be drumming and dancing in the open air at the Mayfair in the Grove, located at the corner of Grand Avenue and Mary Street. We will drum in the Promenade, in the open area near Florida Street Mayfair entrance, across the Promenade from the Music Conservatory, in the same open area where we met in October. There are parking garages in the Mayfair complex and on the corner of Oak Street and Mary, and parking lots near the Mayfair as well as parking on the streets. We will light up the night and rev up the energy of the Grove Art Walk. Come, and discover or rediscover the magic, joy, and healing power of the drum. Extra drums and other percussion instrument will be available along with water and seating. All you need to bring are happy hands. For more information, please contact Karen or Liz: karen.deilke@gmail.com, lizgib@aol.com

POSTPONED International Artecology Festival 4/28/12

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THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED

International Artecology Festival
April 28, 12pm-11pm
Peacock Park
Coconut Grove, FL
artecologyweb.com

The International Artecology Festival is partnering up with the Miami Reggae Festival and moves from its original location of Coral gables and 15 April to Coconut grove / Peacock Park and 28 April / Noon-11pm
(EARLY BIRD prices till 10 March)

After the amazing responce to our call for participation we had to find a bigger location to be able to fit all the activities and vendors.

Artecology organization and the International Artecology Festival will be responsible for all Eco activities and will be divided into the following sections: 1) Green Kids Village, with workshops of arts and green education, 2) 305green Village, with local fresh market and green businesses, 3) Arts & Crafts village, with environmental art-crafts, 4) Core connection lifestyle / Yoga-Wellnes village with yoga demonstrations and wellness speakers 5) Music and perfomans stage.

International Artecology Festival
A FREE Public Event For Arts, Crafts & Music Lovers, Families, and Green Enthusiasts.

International green vendors, artists and educators coming together to raise environmental awareness, and to promote sustainability in a practical and entertaining manner.

The International Artecology Festival uses the power of music, arts, and culture including performing, digital and visual arts, to provide awareness of its cause in a unique way. The Festival includes an array of environmentally focused events, including concerts featuring internationally acclaimed jazz, fusion, and world music artists.

This multidimensional event has been hugely successful in Europe since 2005. It is produced by Artecology, a European based not-for profit organization dedicated to promoting environmental awareness, plus green technology and products, by using the entertaining and transforming power of music, arts & culture.

The International Artecology Festival is designed to accommodate 120 tents and booths of national and international green vendors, artists and non-profit organizations.
For more information on festival participants, pricing, sponsorships and how to get involved, contact Iraklis Kalamenios artecologyweb@gmail.com.

THE FESTIVAL…
Over 120 artists from all over the world will exhibit and perform to celebrate and support the green movement at the International Artecology Festival 2012. Original artwork from all over the world will be offered, including: painting, ceramics, photography, crafts, jewelry and sculpture at the Arts and Crafts booths. International LIVE musical entertainment will appear on the Main Stage and will be provided throughout the course of the festival along with a Kid’s Corner with green education & activities just for the kids. Vendors with organic and natural food offerings and beverages will be sold at the International Food court. Businesses promoting Eco-tourism to international destinations and Eco friendly products will be displayed in the City Green Life Area. You can experience Yoga, Wellness speakers and sample organic products at the Women’s Wellness & Yoga center. This event marks the start of an ongoing and new sustainable future.

THE CHARACTER…
The Artecology Festival is a multidimensional FREE event which embraces and highlights each location with their own individual characteristics to help promote Eco-sustainability and environmental awareness. By using the transforming power of music and the arts, we take a practical approach to educate the community on how we can help protect and sustain our world for generations to come.

THE HISTORY…
First started in Greece in 2005 where the festival established itself as an annual event, then later was organized every year in different cities, as the festival’s popularity grew. For 2012 the festival will be produced also in Spain and will cross the Atlantic to be hosted for first time in the USA by the city of Coral Gables, FL.

WHO’S ATTENDING…
Music, Arts and Crafts lovers of all ages.
Eco-friendly, nature and health minded individuals, families and kids.

To reserve a space and receive the application form send as please your website info, or images about your art, business, non profit to artecologyweb@gmail.com

Your generous support enables us to bring live music, arts, crafts, exhibitions and environmental awareness to festival attendees and promote the local community. Don’t miss this great opportunity to have your products and services showcased locally and worldwide through the International Artecology Festival.

REASONS TO PARTICIPATE & SPONSOR
Local & Worldwide Exposure for your businesses.
Support the fine Arts.
Support the excellent cause: environmental awareness.
Tap into the fastest growing sector in today’s economy, the ecology and sustainability movement.
Artecology foundation (non-profit org) is promoting sustainability and environmental awareness, by using the transforming power and magic of music, arts & culture.

Comedy And Cinema In The Grove 1/25/12

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Comedy And Cinema In The Grove
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Doors open at 6:30pm
Show time starts at 7:30pm
The Backlot
Located in Paragon Theater at Cocowalk
3015 Grand Ave. 3rd Floor
Coconut Grove, FL 33133

Free Admission
1 Drink minimum

The Morning After a film directed by Lawrence Law Watford
They Survived The Tragic Event, But Can They Survive The Guilt:
On 9/11 Chris and Felicia were supposed to be at the World Trade Center….
They we’re having an affair at a near by hotel, instead.

Hosted by Comedian RJay
with a performance by Chris Flanagan

$7 Appetizers
$5 Draft & $6 Wines
$25.00 for a bottle of Wine & Appetizer

GroveHouse Gallery last 1st Saturday in Coconut Grove 2/4/12

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GroveHouse Gallery last 1st Saturday in Coconut Grove
Saturday, Feb. 4th 2012 from 7 pm to 9 pm
Promenade in the Shops at Mayfair #162

GroveHouse Artists Gallery will be hosting their last exhibit opening in their current gallery space

New General Membership Exhibit
Featured Artist: Don Calhoun – photographer
Special Exhibit by Luz Aponte

Light refreshments will be served
The exhibit will run thru Feb 24th.

An Evening with Jim Lehrer 2/23/12

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An Evening with Jim Lehrer
2/23/2012, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Coral Gables Country Club
997 North Greenway Drive
Coconut Grove, FL 33134
wpbt2.org/lehrer

Dinner with Public Television’s, Jim Lehrer. Jim Lehrer has been the anchor of PBS News Hour and moderator for 11 Presidential Debates. Author of numerous books of which his recent non-fiction book, Tension City, gives a behind the scenes account of the Presidential Debates. Guests will dine with Jim Lehrer and participate in a question and answer session about his career. WPBT2 will also present a Lifetime Service Award Herbert A. Tobin for his commitment to public television.

Olympic Sailing Gold Medalist Magnus Liljedahl Talks to Students about Managing Sports Training and School 1/20/12

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Olympic Sailing Gold Medalist Magnus Liljedahl Talks to Students about Managing Sports Training and School
January 20, 2012, 5-8 pm
MCA Academy
2911 Grand Avenue, #400
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
www.mcaacademy.com

Olympic Gold Medalist Magnus Liljedahl and US Sailing Team members will talk about what they did as teens to train in their sport at an open house event at MCA Academy on Friday, January 20th, 2012. Sponsored by SailLaser and the MCA Academy, the reception will also have student sailors from around the world who are in Miami for the Rolex Miami OCR Regatta.

Liljedahl, who won the Gold Medal at the Sydney games, overcame many obstacles in his drive to achieve greatness in his sport. His appearance will enlighten young athletes and others who have talents outside of school and need to know how to balance education and the demands of their passions. The open house is ideal for student athletes, and students who are pursuing other activities like acting or the performing arts but desire a high-quality education.

After the talks by the Olympic team, prizes including a $500 SailLaser Summer Camp award and $500 MCA Tuition Vouchers will be given away at a reception that also includes music, refreshments and raffle prizes for sailing gear. The US Sailing Team and the Olympic Sailors will mingle and talk with guests at the party. A 14-foot Sail Laser Olympic boat will be on display.

The event is free and open to everyone. It will start at 5 pm on Friday, January 20 at MCA Academy at 2911 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove, Florida.

Coconut Grove 1st Saturday Art Stroll 1/7/12

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Coconut Grove 1st Saturday Art Stroll
GroveHouse Artists and the Coconut Grove Gallery Project
invite you to the Coconut Grove 1st Saturday Art Walk
Saturday, Jan. 7th
7 to 9 pm
Grovehouse Artists Gallery is located on the Promenade in the Shops at Mayfair

General Membership exhibit
Featured Artist – Jeanine Watkin
Special Exhibit – Great Grove Shoot Out – Give Us Your Best Shot

Light refreshments will be served

Villa Mayfair New Years Eve Ultra Chic Dinner and Soiree 12/31/11

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Villa Mayfair New Years Eve Ultra Chic Dinner + Soiree
December 31, 9pm-12am
Villa Mayfair Restaurant + Lounge
2901 Florida Avenue
Coconut Grove, FL.
www.villa-mayfair.com
www.facebook.com/villamayfair.

Villa Mayfair has two exquisite options for the evening of the 31st beginning with cuisine prepared by their world famous chef and continuing into the wee hours with bottle service, champagne toasts and dancing to Villa Mayfair’s DJ, Stephanie M. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any additional information.

Situated in the beating heart of Miami’s electric Coconut Grove is Villa Mayfair, a beacon of stylish ambiance and incredible sumptuous fare. Villa Mayfair’s owner looked to World famous Executive Chef, Frederic Joulin, for cuisine and World renowned interior designer, Francios Frossard, for décor to set forth his vision of elegant dining and party perfection in a relaxed lounge atmosphere tailored to the rhythm of Miami life. Villa Mayfair’s team of fine dining’s elite; its opulent decor and its titillating cuisine are the perfect ingredients for an extraordinary new edible experience in Miami’s historic Coconut Grove.

“Villa Mayfair is a restaurant and lounge that should excel in three cornerstones of the industry: food, service and design. Villa Mayfair is a hospitality destination that shall make its patrons feel like they are in the finest European home, feeling welcomed and pampered in all our senses: “sight” through its design, “taste” and “smell” through its culinary exhilaration, “touch” through immaculate service and “sound” through its companionship of a in house DJ providing a subtle yet energetic sexy beats throughout the dining and lounging experience”, says Timo Kipp, owner of Villa Mayfair.
Villa Mayfair has breathed new life into Miami’s adored Coconut Grove by creating a stylish dining experience rich with sophistication, a striking aesthetic and fantastic, first class fare.

The 30th King Mango Strut 12/31/11

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The 30th King Mango Strut
Saturday, December 31 at 2pm
Coconut Grove
www.kingmangostrut.org
www.facebook.com/kingmangostrut
Mango Hotline at 305-401-1171.

WARNING: PARADE CONTAINS 99% NUTS!

Join King Mango and his merry band of MangoHeads in Occupying the Grove on Saturday, December 31st. At 2pm, be there in your finest hats and facinators to witness the ceremonial dropping of the banana and the official start of the satirical parade that has been a model of civic engagement and civil uprising throughout the years. With “winning” material “ripped from the headlines,” the Mangoheads will keep you laughing longer than Kim Kardashian’s marriage.

The Grand Marshal this year is Ron Magill. With over 30 years as a wildlife expert and Communications Director for Zoo Miami, there’s no better king of the jungle to lead the animal house of MangoHeads.

Our Strut Celebrity is Katy Sorenson, the never recalled/never indicted/never removed-by-the-governor, former commissioner of Never-Neverland (dba Miami-Dade County.) Katy has been much closer to King Mango than Facebook’s 4 degrees of separation. Strut co-founder, the late Bill Dobson, worked for Katy.

In this interactive parade, the spectators – the true occupiers of the Grove – are encouraged to bring tents, lawn chairs and cardboard signs. You can wake up thinking you are going to watch a parade and end up watching yourself in the evening news IN the parade.

So all you pepper spray enthusiasts get ready to laugh because as creative as we are, we can’t possibly make this stuff up. Watch this past year’s headlines come to life:
· Join Time Magazine’s Person of the Year protesting protestors protesting protestors!
· Herman Cain reveals his 9-9-9 Plan for “Women for Cain”!
· Go up to see the Wizard of Odds at Miami’s new destination casino!
· Watch out for Highway Patrol Trooper Watts!
· Wall Street Vampires tap Charlie Sheen’s Tiger Blood!
· Get slimed by giant African snails!
· Join Citizens Revolting Against Politicians (The C.R.A.P. Party)!
· Party with the Miami Beach Party Cops!
· Receive North Korean grief counseling!
· Sierra Club throws a baby shower to welcome the 7th billion person on earth!
· Watch Dr. Buttock fix-a-flat butt!
· Anthropology Majors for Rick Scott!
· Watch the new reality show: The Real Housewives of Bin Laden!

And if that wasn’t enough to make you plank, there will also be special appearances by The Gay Penguins, Gaddafi, Anthony Weiner, Donald Trump, Tim Tebow and Strut favorite, Lindsay Lohan!

Expect to see the usual Strut suspects: The Hare Krishnas, the Marching Freds, Running of the Bull Sh*tters, Coconut Grove Juggling Exchange, Progressive Marching Funeral Band, Little Mr. & Miss. Mangoes, former Miss Mangoes and dethroned Miss Mangoes. King Mango Music Massacre will include bands: 18 Wheelers, Tall Boys Soul Band and RoadKill.

The Pre-Parade activities begin at 1:30 pm at the corner of Commodore Plaza and Main Highway with the Little Mr. & Miss. Mango Pageant (for kids 4-10) hosted by Buzz Fleischman, Radio Buzz from WLRN’s ‘South Florida Arts Beat’. Unlike Toddlers & Tiaras, everyone is expected to win. The winners will ride the first float of the Strut.

Parade begins at 2 pm at the corner of Commodore Plaza and Main Highway. The parade turns left onto Main Highway, turns left onto Grand Avenue at CocoWalk and back to Commodore Plaza. If we are having too much fun, we will go around again until we all fall down. After the Parade, Commodore Plaza will remain closed to traffic and the King Mango Music Massacre begins. All the bands in the parade will continue playing until the festivities end at 6pm.

All this entertainment is FREE and open to the public – meaning it wasn’t funded by TARP. There is plenty of parking along or near the parade route at CocoWalk, Mayfair, Coconut Grove Playhouse parking lot on Main Highway and Charles Avenue, St. Stephens Episcopal Church, Coconut Grove Elementary School, City garage at Oak Avenue and Mary Street, and the City garage next to the Sonesta Hotel. Click here for Coconut Grove map for parking.

For those who don’t want to drive, take the Metrorail to the Coconut Grove Station. There will be shuttle buses (Coconut Grove Circulator) picking up eager parade-goers every 15 minutes at the station and dropping off by the parade route.

Putting the NUT in CocoNUT Grove since 1982!

Coconut Grove Drum Circle 1/7/12

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Coconut Grove Drum Circle
January 7, Note: New Time: 7-10pm
Streets of Mayfair Promenade

We WILL be drumming in January, so please join us for our January circle. Again, my apologies for the last minute cancellation in December, when we lost our location temporarily for the Art Basel events. We will be back drumming and dancing in the open air at the Mayfair in the Grove, located at the corner of Grand Avenue and Mary Street. We will drum in the Promenade, in the open area near Florida Street Mayfair entrance, across the Promenade from the Music Conservatory, in the same open area where we met in October.

There are parking garages in the Mayfair complex and on the corner of Oak Street and Mary, and parking lots near the Mayfair as well as parking on the streets.

We will make a joyful noise, kickoff the New Year and rev up the energy of the Grove Art Walk. Come, and discover or rediscover the magic, joy, and healing power of the drum. Extra drums and other percussion instrument will be available along with water and seating. All you need to bring are happy hands. For more information, please contact Karen: karen.deilke@gmail.com

Ritchie Swimwear Grand Opening Parties In Fort Lauderdale and Coconut Grove 12/16-17/11

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Ritchie Swimwear Grand Opening Parties In Fort Lauderdale and Coconut Grove
7-11pm Cocktails & Festivities
Friday, Dec 16th
3378 Ne 33rd St
Fort Lauderdale

Saturday Dec 17th
3401 Main Highway
Coconut Grove

Grand Opening Parties Ritchie Swimwear Two Brand New South Florida Locations

Meet The Ritchie Swimwear Girls
Enter To Win A Ritchie Swimwear Bikini
Dj Spinning Till 11pm

Follow Us On Twitter

Follow Us On Facebook

Shop Online: www.RitchieSwimwear.com
All Swimsuits $25. Each Piece

The New Villa Mayfair Resturant and Lounge

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Press Release:
The New Villa Mayfair Resturant + Lounge Ignites Historic Coconut Grove With World Reknown Cuisine, Décor + Beats
Villa Mayfair Restaurant + Lounge
2901 Florida Avenue
Coconut Grove, FL
(305) 774-1500
www.villa-mayfair.com
www.facebook.com/villamayfair.
Open Tue. through Sat. from 7pm until 3am and closed on Sunday and Monday.

Situated in the beating heart of Miami’s electric Coconut Grove is Villa Mayfair, a beacon of stylish ambiance and incredible sumptuous fare. Villa Mayfair’s owner looked to World famous Executive Chef, Frederic Joulin, for cuisine and World renowned interior designer, Francios Frossard, for décor to set forth his vision of elegant dining and party perfection in a relaxed lounge atmosphere tailored to the rhythm of Miami life. Villa Mayfair’s team of fine dining’s elite; its opulent decor and its titillating cuisine are the perfect ingredients for an extraordinary new edible experience in Miami’s historic Coconut Grove.

Villa Mayfair delivers an irresistible cuisine, made up of a diverse blend of Mediterranean flavors, where the quality of ingredients takes center stage. Chef Joulin will prepare his culinary masterpieces using fresh, local, and seasonal products in the Villa Mayfair’s state of the art 4000 square foot kitchen that boasts a stunning raw bar with a picture window for guests to look on as their ocean delicacies are prepared. Chef Frederic Joulin has created haute cuisine for over 20 years under the guidance of the World’s culinary elite including World renowned, 3 Michelin star Chef, Guy Savoy. Frederic created his arresting fare for the World’s most prestigious diners including global dignitaries and the most adored international celebrities; Chef Joulin was the private chef to President Jacque Chirac of France at home and while traveling for two years of his rich career. Frederic’s privileged culinary training and his ingenious gastronomic execution make him one of the World’s finest with cuisine as delectable to the eye as it is to the palette.

Villa Mayfair was created to bring a piece of the uber-chic South of France stateside to Miami’s beloved Coconut Grove. In order to make that vision a reality, cutting edge, interior designer Francois Frossard was appointed director of decor to the project. Frossard is responsible for the design of some of Miami’s most admired spaces including The Forge, Mansion, Prive and Opium. Frossard is a leader of the new romantic design movement, infusing decadent glamour with whimsy mystique, pairing contradiction with tradition. The Villa Mayfair’s décor was created by Frossard with the intention to establish a cozy, lavishly lit dining space where guests could un-wind from the daily stresses of life in a relaxed lounge environment. The Villa Mayfair has a lush, living room feel boasting eye catching details including 1930’s floor tiles, a nod to the history and Cuban influence on the location, a sleek, hammered-brass bar and sexy Murano glass chandeliers that drip like crystal wax from the ceiling. Villa Mayfair is pleased to present après dinner bottle service; guests can sway to the beats of renowned local DJ’s while indulging in some of the World’s most exquisite Champagnes. Villa Mayfair’s design oozes luxury inviting guests to relax and enjoy the space for hours.

“Villa Mayfair is a restaurant and lounge that should excel in three cornerstones of the industry: food, service and design. Villa Mayfair is a hospitality destination that shall make its patrons feel like they are in the finest European home, feeling welcomed and pampered in all our senses: “sight” through its design, “taste” and “smell” through its culinary exhilaration, “touch” through immaculate service and “sound” through its companionship of a in house DJ providing a subtle yet energetic sexy beats throughout the dining and lounging experience”, says Timo Kipp, owner of Villa Mayfair.
Villa Mayfair has breathed new life into Miami’s adored Coconut Grove by creating a stylish dining experience rich with sophistication, a striking aesthetic and fantastic, first class fare.

Comedy and Cinema in the Grove 12/14/11

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Comedy and Cinema in the Grove
Wednesday, December 14, 2011, 6:30pm – 10pm
Paragon Theater, Backlot Wine Bar & Lounge
3015 Grand Ave. 3rd Floor
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
ComedyAndCenima.com
The Backlot is Located in Paragon Theater at Cocowalk

“If you haven’t experienced Comedy and Cinema in the Grove then you are missing the next best thing since HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” mixed with BET’s “Lens on Talent,” says the Coconut Grove Gazette.

Every Wednesday evening at The Backlot Wine, Bar and Lounge, conveniently tucked away inside of the Paragon Theater in Cocowalk from 6:30pm – 10pm, laughter is king and independent movies rule the big screen.

“Comedy and Cinema in the Grove has made Wednesday night become the new Friday,” says Kwame Taijon a weekly patron. The word is out about this one of a kind showcase that combines stand up comedy with all genres of independent films in the plush comfort of the Backlot private lounge and Audi screening room.

“You never know who’s going to show up to bless the mic.” Says comedian R-Jay. Last week comedian Sean Larkins of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show made an unscheduled stop along with the very funny Mario Tory. Our scheduled headliner Gil Tucker brought the house down while the host Comedian R-Jay kept everyone laughing.

Every week, along with the very talented and funny comedian R-Jay audiences are treated to a hilarious headliner before the feature presentation. This week, on December 14, 2011 the headliner will be comedian Artist Treece.

Also on December 14, 2011 the short film line up for the evening will include Attika Torrence’s “Dilemma” and “Signs” by Patrick Hughes. Our featured Filmmaker Lawrence Law Watford will join us via Skype directly following his short film “A Christmas Wish” for a Q & A session.

The Backlot’s professional staff caters to the audience every Wednesday night with a special menu while patrons sit back and literally kick their feet up to enjoy the show.

For the month of December there is no cover charge and only a 1drink minimum!

The Backlot Wine Bar & Lounge is located Inside Paragon Grove 13 at Cocowalk, 3015 Grand Ave. on the 3rd Floor in the heart of Coconut Grove, Florida.

For more information contact: Joseph C. Grant, Jr (917) 971-9116 or Lidj Tafari (786) 709-5533
Facebook at Comedy and Cinema in the Grove or go to www.ComedyAndCinema.com

Grove Chamber Holiday Networking Wine Social at La Bottega 12/14/11

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Grove Chamber Holiday Networking Wine Social
Wed, Dec 14, 5:30-8:30pm
La Bottega Wine & Tapas
3540 Main Highway
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
(between Calamari & Taurus. $4 valet)
R.s.v.p. 305-444-7270 or info@coconutgrove.com
www.coconutgrovechamber.com

$10 Plus an unwrapped toy
(to benefit children aged newborn to 5 years old at St. Alban’s Child Enrichment Center, Coconut Grove)
R.s.v.p. 305-444-7270 or info@coconutgrove.com

event partners:
Downtown Miami Brickell Chamber of Commerce
CoconutGroveGrapevine.com SocialFloridasGuide.com SocialBuzzTV.com
CoconutGroveGazette.com FabulousMiami.com and SoulofMiami.org

Miami Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony 12/9/11

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Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday, December 9, 6-9pm
Miami City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133

Mayor Tomas Regalado, City Commissioners and City Manager Johnny Martinez

Master of Ceremonies Angel Zayon

Parade with City of Miami Police Department, Miami Northwestern High School Band, Coca Cola vintage truck, Miami Senior High School Million Dollar Band, City of Miami Fire Department, Santa Clause.

Program with Riverside Elementary School, Lisbeth Chavarria & Ashley Incarnacion, Star Spangled Banner

Invocation: Father Jose Luis Menendez, Corpus Christi Catholic Church
Pastor Rev. Willie. L. Williams, Sr., Greater Mercy Missionary Baptist Church

Presentation: Riverside Elementary Angels Choir, Coral Way K-8 Center, Coconut Grove Cares, Inc. – The Barnyard Community Center, Sun Flower Academy

Art Basel Day 6-Brunches, Brunches and more Brunches By Betty Alvarez

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Sagamore Brunch
The Sagamore’s annual Art Basel Brunch, one of the most sought-after events of the season, was hosted by hotel owners, Mary and Cricket Taplin in partnership with six local museums: the Bass Museum of Art, Lowe Art Museum, Miami Art Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami, The Patricia & Phillip Frost Museum of Art at FIU and the Wofsonian-FIU. Besides the brunch I took an opportunity to see Will Ryman’s 65 Street Rose Sculpture-a colossal road bed, soaring over 20ft. high, that bloomed on the hotels beachfront. The Brodsky Center for Innovative Editions was also exhibiting at the Sagamore. Lots of photographic artwork by many artists. A great viewing addition to the brunch.

Tudor House Brunch
Food Network celebrity chef and partner Geoffrey Zakarian along with Executive Chef Jamie DeRosa kicked off Tudor House’s new Rosé Brunch during Art Basel weekend. Zakarian was on-hand to talk brunch, while The Vincent Rafford Quartet plays and a traveling Bloody Mary cart delivered the perfect daytime cocktail. However, the spotlight is the Rosé Wine list, consisting of a curated selection of special varietals representative of regions from Anjou to Provence. The menu, offered both Saturdays and Sundays starting at 11am, covers both breakfast and lunch themed options. On the lighter side, a raw and crudo assortment included Florida stone crabs, Wild Alaskan King Crab and West Coast Oysters.

My Brickell by Karim Brunch
International design talent Karim Rashid, named by TIME the “Most Famous Industrial Designer in All the Americas,” made an in-person appearance for the launch of mybrickell’s sales center. Karim signed his latest book Sketches and presenting his mural of ideas and designs for his first-ever condo design at mybrickell. Guests were encouraged to wear pink in honor of Rashid’s iconic dress attire, making a colorful visual. The 192-unit tower will be centrally located in the heart of Miami’s Brickell area when it breaks ground in the first quarter of 2012. The center showcases Rashid’s energetic designs to serve as an impacting vision to future residents and brokers.

Coconut Grove Art Starts in the Grove

“Art Starts in the Grove” presented a synergy of 11 contemporary and fine art galleries, plus a special 3D Atrium featuring works by the late Cuban master sculptor Manuel Carbonell. The Grove collaboration will showcase works by artists who range in genre, age and background, offering something for all art lovers.Tibetan-born and Australia residing artist, Karma Phuntsok, traveled to Dharma Studio in the Grove to merge polar ideas. Creating “a modern expression of an ancient craft” by merging the two worlds of old and new into one eye-opening idea. Taking art enthusiasts on a trip through man’s subconscious mind, Rodez Art gallery will present “Fact or Fiction” by gallery owner George Rodez. The exhibition explored the relationship between life and dreams, and the struggle to leverage them both. George Rodez will also include 3 pieces from his “Dreams” series. Multiple award-winning photographer Patrick Farrell was featured at the Hunter Gallery displaying works by the same series that earned him the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography. Described as “provocative, impeccably composed” photos, the series depicted a brutal hurricane season in Haiti, displaying the fragile country’s humanitarian disaster. Inviting its 2011 Best of the Best winner back for special showcase exhibition, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery presented the newest pieces by award-winning, Florida glass blower Duncan McClellan. With the upcoming release of the Hollywood film My Week with Marilyn, starring Academy-Award Nominee Michelle Williams, this pop culture hub will feature a well-timed exhibit titled “Tribune to Marilyn Monroe.” International artists have always made a home Coconut Grove and this year is no different. Boswell Mourot Fine Art Gallery welcomed international artist, Hans Feyerabend as he brought his award-winning “New Works” collection to its walls. Guests enjoyed fruit, wine, and cheese while admiring the feature works of Isabelle “Izi” Schuette, a local Grove artist. For those who want to express their creative side, GroveHouse will also be hosting “Imagine—Let The Inner Artist Out” – an exhibit that encourages everybody to live and express the energy of art. Helping to raise money for Miami Children’s Hospital, the gallery will host a fundraiser event by auctioning the dynamic works of internationally-known contemporary, Latin American artists Milena Arango, Julio Nieto and Angelo Valenzuela.

Young Professionals Fundraiser for Jose Javier Rodriguez 12/6/11

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{Please note: The Soul Of Miami is a non-political website. We do not endorse any candidates. We just list the parties!}

Young Professionals Happy Hour in the Grove
Tues. 12/6, 6-10PM
Green Street
3468 Main Highway
Coconut Grove, FL
Please RSVP to events@josejavier2012.com

Fundraiser for Jose Javier Rodriguez, candidate for State Representative, Dist. 113. Join our hosts at a young professionals happy hour and fundraiser for the Jose Javier Rodriguez Campaign for State Representative, District 113!

We look forward to seeing you in the Grove at Green Street on Tuesday, December 6th from 6:00-10:00 PM. Mix, mingle, enjoy a mojito, and help make sure Miami has a brighter future by helping elect Jose Javier to represent us in Tallahassee.

YOUR HOSTS:
Andres Lemos
Amanda Israel
Ric Herrero
Sonia Succar Ferre
Adele Bagley
Rodrigo Gonzalez
Subhash Kateel
AJ Protash
Brian Ehrlich
Aidil Oscariz
The suggested minimum donation is $25. Please note that the maximum contribution is $500 per person or business entity per election cycle.

Art To Raise Funds During Aids Awareness Month 12/8/11

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Art To Raise Funds During Aids Awareness Month
Thursday, December 8, 2011 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Rodez Art Gallery
3015 Grand Avenue, Suite 237
2nd Floor
Coconut Grove.

An event to help families and children affected by HIV/AIDS.
In commemoration of AIDS Awareness Month, Rodez Art Gallery will host a fundraising cocktail event to benefit Family Aids Coalition. The works to be exhibited will include an eclectic collection of George Rodez’s original and limited edition prints.

To RSVP for the event, contact Rodez Art Gallery at (786) 467-7111. For more information on FAC, call (305) 887-8111 or visit familyaidscoalition.com.

AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007, and an estimated 33.2 million people worldwide live with HIV as of 2007, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 2 million lives in 2007, of which about 270,000 were children. Family Aids Coalition offers assistance to families affected by HIV/AIDS through education, testing and counseling. FAC works in collaborative partnerships with local and national organizations and governments to improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights for women, families, children and those living with HIV/ AIDS in Miami Dade County. All FAC services are provided at no cost to the client.

“Through fundraisers such as this one hosted by Rodez Art, FAC is able to continue helping those in need” says Dr. Maria Isabel Betancourt, Founder and Program Director. Rodez Art represents the works of George Rodez and also serves as his art studio. The gallery presents contemporary works of art by local, national and international emerging and mid-careers artists alike through solo as well as group exhibitions. George Rodez is known for his philanthropic involvement in the community via his art contributions. The gallery is his conduit to local and national non-for profit organizations and their events. Rodez states, “In my continued strive to give back to my community, this month, which is AIDS Awareness Month, I am proud to support FAC. In their mission to provide an invaluable service to our community, their needs are great and I am honored to provide my gallery for a fundraising cocktail and donate a percentage of all sales proceeds to the cause.”

Family AIDS Coalition was founded in 2003 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit AIDS service corporation dedicated to providing a continuum of educational, supportive and case management services that address the needs of our clients.

Coconut Grove Drum Circle 12/3/11

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Coconut Grove Drum Circle
December 3, 7-10PM
Streets of Mayfair Atrium

NOTE: NEW TIME: 7-10PM
Please join us for our December circle. We will again be drumming and dancing in the open air at the Mayfair in the Grove, located at the corner of Grand Avenue and Mary Street. We will drum in the Atrium, where the large sculptures are located, just north of the Promenade where we met in October. There are parking garages in the Mayfair complex and on the corner of Oak Street and Mary, and parking lots near the Mayfair as well as parking on the streets. We will make a joyful noise, kickoff the holiday season, and rev up the energy of the Grove Art Walk. Come, and discover or rediscover the magic, joy, and healing power of the drum. Extra drums and other percussion instrument will be available along with water and seating. All you need to bring are happy hands. For more information, please contact Karen: karen.deilke@gmail.com

Coconut Grove Celebrates Art Basel 11/28/11

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Art Starts in the Grove
Monday November 28th, 7 – 9 pm
GroveHouse Artists Gallery
Located in the Shops at Mayfair on the Promenade

Special Opening Coconut Grove Celebrates Art Basel

A NEW Exhibition of Member Artists’ Works
Featured Artist: Isabelle “Izi” Schuette
“Imagine – Let the Inner Artist Out” Let imagination flow freely between your medium and inspiration. Guide your brush or camera to dance with color, shapes, darks and lights. Suspend your image in time and space. Join us and celebrate your inner artist.

Wine, fruit & cheese

Exhibit runs November 26th – December 30th – 2011

Free Holiday Movies For The Soul at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove 12/3-17/11

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Holiday Movies For The Soul
Saturdays, December 3, 10 and 17 from 7 p.m.
December 3: A Christmas Story
December 10: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
December 17: It’s A Wonderful Life
The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami
3300 Southwest 27th Avenue
Coconut Grove, Florida
305-644-4680
www.ritzcarlton.com/coconutgrove
Complimentary with no reservations required. Open to the public. $8 valet parking

The spirit of the season comes alive with holiday movie classics under the stars on Bizcaya Fountain Terrace, bringing back memories of hot cocoa, fresh-out-the-oven cookies and stories of sugar plum fairies, Jack Frost and our favorite man in red. The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami invites you to spend Saturday evenings watching some of the best holiday movie classics, sipping Hot Toddies and enjoying seasonal favorites as you rekindle childhood memories with family and friends.

Spread the joy by bringing an unwrapped ‘tween toy or gift card and we’ll personally deliver them to children in need just in time for the holidays.

RODEZ Art Gallery Presents Fact or Fiction 12/3-24/11

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RODEZ Art Gallery Presents Fact or Fiction
Vernissage on Saturday, December 3 from 7 to 10 pm
Special Fundraiser on Thursday, December 8 from 6 to 9 pm benefiting Family AIDS Coalition Foundation
RODEZ Art Gallery
CocoWalk, 3015 Grand Ave., Suite 237
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
www.RodezArtGallery.com

December 3 – 24, 2011

RODEZ Art Gallery presents “Fact or Fiction” an exhibition featuring the works of George Rodez, analyzing the relationship between real-life and dreams; representing the human struggle in understanding the incongruity of man’s conscious and subconscious mind.

This exhibit features a combination of surreal, abstract and expressionistic works of art, including three works from Rodez’s Dream series first exhibited in Spain as part of a solo-exhibit entitled Dream Symptoms, and is part of a much larger collection currently traveling on exhibit throughout Europe.

The exhibit will open during Coconut Grove Gallery Walk on Saturday, December 3 with a wine and cheese reception and will run through December 24.

Additionally, on December 8, 2011, Rodez Art Gallery will hold a fundraiser to benefit the Family Aids Coalition Foundation. The event will be from 6 to 9pm. Proceeds from all sales will go to benefit the Foundation.

Coconut Grove Business Networking and Cocktails at Panorama 11/16/11

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Coconut Grove Business Networking and Cocktails at Panorama
Sonesta Bayfront Hotel
Panorama Restaurant & Sky Lounge
2889 McFarlane Road, 8th floor
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Enjoy a complimentary well drink or wine & hors d’oeuvres with admission,
R.s.v.p. 305-444-7270 or info@coconutgrove.com

ADMISSION: $10 for Grove Chamber members $15 Non-Members

Promote Your Business, Make Contacts,
Have A Great Time & Win Prizes At The Grove’s Most Buzzing Cocktail Hour

Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce Invites you to join us at Panorama Restaurant & Sky Lounge, (Voted Best Taste of The Grove in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011!)

Enjoy a complimentary well drink or wine & hors d’oeuvres with admission,
Special Drawing for 4 mosaic tiles created by Cyndy Hill and Eileen Seitz the artists who masterminded the Children’s Mosaic Mural on the Coconut Grove Post Office wall. Mosaic Raffle Tickets are $5

event partners:
Downtown Miami Brickell Chamber of Commerce
CoconutGroveGrapevine.com SocialFloridasGuide.com SocialBuzzTV.com
CoconutGroveGazette.com FabulousMiami.com and SoulofMiami.org

Sunday Fantasy Football Fest 11/20/11

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Sunday Fantasy Football Fest
November 20th
Mayfair Hotel’s Rooftop

The Fins Lounge at Mayfair Hotel’s Rooftop is inviting Fantasy Football Players to enjoy their league’s winning glory at “Fantasy Football Fest” kick off on November 20th. No longer debating which TV is best for the game, the Fins Lounge will have cabana rentals with private TVs, bucket of beer and wings promotions, while the most valuable players win prizes.

For those who need to bring wives/girlfriends and children to join, they’ll receive free Prosecco and ice cream, while enjoying the rooftop pool.

Offers for players: Rewards only redeemable with a print out of the roster for Sunday/Monday’s games.
Prizes:
One of your players scored a touchdown this week: Domestic beer
Matchup winners: House drink
Ranked #1 in your league that week: Dozen wings

Fins Lounge regular Sunday promotions include:
Bucket of 5 Domestic beers at $20.00
Margherita Pizza & Bud Light Pitcher for $15.00
$3.00 Domestic beers
$0.50 a wing (minimum order 20 wings)

Caring About the Strays fundraiser at Chili’s in Coconut Grove 11/18/11

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Caring About the Strays fundraiser at Chili’s in Coconut Grove
Friday, November 18th All Day!

Eat at Chili’s in Coconut Grove and support Caring About the Strays! Our rescue group will receive 10% of the sales when the attached flyer is presented. You can go anytime during that day but we are getting a group together for dinner around 5:30pm. Join us! Make new friends, eat some fun food, and help homeless animals. Do not forget the flyer!

Invite all your friends!

Caring About the Strays

Kampong Holiday Twilight Tour and Open House 12/10/11

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Kampong Holiday Twilight Tour and Open House
Saturday, December 10 from 4-6PM
The Kampong
4013 S. Douglas Road
Coconut Grove

The special Twilight Tour/Open House is scheduled for Saturday, December 10 from 4-6PM. Guided Tours begin at 4:15PM, or you may explore on your own.

Limited tickets available — general public $40, children (ages 3-10) $10. Please call 305.442.7169 or email kampong@ntbg.org.

Presented by City National Bank
– Spend an enchanted afternoon at The Kampong
– Tour the historic home and garden — some areas previously not open to the public!
– Enjoy holiday music and refreshments in the courtyard overlooking Biscayne Bay

A Sophisticated Winter Runway with Designers Gucci, Kiki Hamann and Baron Siomanto 11/19/11

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“A Sophisticated Winter” Runway with Designers Gucci, Kiki Hamann, and Baron Siomanto
11/19/11, 8:30pm
Mayfair Hotel and Spa
3000 Florida Avenue
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
www.kikihamann.com

Heads will turn as Kiki Hamann lights up the runway with her exuberant and “Sophisticated” winter collection. With elegance and a powerful attitude in mind, Kiki Hamann Canine Couture brings dominance once more to the fashion industry of the canine world with a remarkable line of luxury delivering utility and comfort with an unforgettable, incomparable beauty that can only be made by Kiki Hamann in her Sophisticated Collection.

From exquisite handbags and magnificent Furoshikis, to chic leashes and aesthetic cuffs, the Sophisticated Collection by Kiki Hamann Canine Couture offers Fashionistas around the globe an array of eclectic design. The previous trends of simple dog carriers in all too dull appearances and boring materials are no more. Now is the time of luscious details, intricate jewelry, delectable patterns and impeccable love.

In collaboration with other monumental designers Uberto Gucci and Baron Siamanto, Kiki Hamann prepares another spectacular fundraiser for the Friends Forever Humane Society, taking four-legged friends from an innocent death row to the caring hands of a loving human companion. A passionate heart and exceptional sense of style bound in splendor make this runway a joy to behold and an entertaining experience for all.

In a congenial contribution, Italian Designer Uberto Gucci will be displaying the launching Collection “La Collaborazione” Prepared with USA business partner Tatjana Labato and Miami local artist “Noel” offering to Kiki Hamann’s Guests the viewing of the paintings, based on his family heirlooms. Uberto Gucci’s daughter Drusilla Gucci will also be walking the runway with Prikly, the family Chihuahua. Baron Siamanto, a designer whose fashion aptitude knows no limits, is taking to the runway outfitting the human models in dazzling dresses, and stunning suits. Sharing a connate empathy for the position of homeless dogs, Baron Siamanto is bringing Chala, a lovely family rescue to walk the runway.

Kiki Haman’s Charity of Choice, “Friends Forever Human Society” is a proud part of the Maddie’s Pet Rescue Project in Miami, FL, a coalition of humane organizations in Miami-Dade County working to end the euthanasia of healthy and treatable dogs and cats in County shelters. This is a no kill humane society striving to find loving families for canine companions.

Transmitting Divinity Tibetan Art at Dharma Studio 11/26/11

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Transmitting Divinity Tibetan Art
Saturday November 26, 7 – 10
Dharma Studio
3170 Commodore Plaza
Coconut Grove, Fl 33133

Karma Phuntsok. Transmitting Divinity Tibetan Art

Dharma Studio cordially invites you to the artist reception for Karma Phuntsok. Transmitting Divinity Tibetan Art

November 26 – December 11, 2011
Karma Phuntsok’s unique and dynamic expression of contemporary Buddhist art is at once steeped in ancient Tibetan culture and at the same time completely breaks free from strict cultural norms and rules. His art and life are reflections of each other. His paintings ooze compassion, humor, confidence, deep thought, peace and strength. Stare long enough at any piece and you will continue to see something new and thought provoking. Karma often beautifully, intelligently shines a spotlight on political and philosophical ideas.

Karma was still a child in Tibet when in 1959 he along with 80,000 other refugees that year followed His Holiness the Dalai Lama into exile. As a refugee in India he excelled at art and eventually was an apprentice to master Tibetan Thangka painter in Nepal. There Karma learned the ancient techniques such as mixing the pigments tempering them with herbs, and how to hem the canvases and string them in a wood frame. He became thoroughly immersed in not just the particular disciplines of painting but also the rich symbolism and allegory that underlie the Thangka technique

Karma now lives with his wife and son in a charming cottage in the rolling bushlands north of Kyogle, Australia. The dense forest visible from the clearing surrounding their home, lays the fertile ground for what springs to life on his canvas. The art of Karma Phunstok is a modern expression of an ancient craft, a time-honored tradition interwoven with 21st century inspiration. His wealth of imagery and allegory flow from the richness of his life experience: from a childhood in Chinese-occupied Tibet, coming of age as a refugee in India, an apprenticeship in Nepal, and his love of the Australian outback. His work is internationally acclaimed, and his paintings hang in private and public collections and galleries worldwide.

Karma travels the world exhibiting his art. Most recently he was featured in a one-man show, “Sacred Painting”, in honor of the Dalai Lama’s visit to Sidney, Australia, and a well received individual exhibition “Magie du Tibet” at Galerie Métanoia in Paris, France. His exhibitions have included the Queen’s Hall at Parliament House in Melbourne, and his exhibition at “Tibet Art Now” for the Dalai Lama’s visit to Amsterdam. Throughout the years Karma has done many paintings for the Dalai Lama including one that hangs in his Holiness’ temple in Dharamsala India.

Program:
November 26 to December 11, 2011
Show on view at Dharma Studio. Hours: weekdays 2-5pm, weekends 3pm-10pm
SATURDAY November 26, 7-10 pm
Opening Reception
Monday November 28, 7 – 10 pm
Art Starts in the Grove
Friday December 9, 7pm
Artist Talk at Dharma Studio
Tibetan Buddhist practices and art
Saturday December 10 & Sunday December 11
Traditional Tibetan Art Class
at Blu Moon Art Studioa
in Coconut Grove
3444 Main Hwy. Top Floor.
Call 305 794 0329

Latin Business Club of America Eleventh Anniversary Event 11/15/11

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Latin Business Club of America Eleventh Anniversary Event
Tuesday, November 15, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Grove Isle Hotel and Spa
Four Grove Isle Drive
Miami, FL. 33133

Enjoy:
Free Admission
Complimentary Drink
Complimentary Appetizers
$5 Valet Parking
Amazing Energy
A Welcoming Group Of Professionals
Great Prizes
Cash Raffle
Latin Music
Surprises

Come Celebrate With Us, As We All Continue To Build Relationships In A Relaxed Setting

In the spirit of sharing, Miami Rescue Mission and Broward Outreach Centers will be on site to accept donations for the hungry and homeless such as: clothing, food, toiletries, toys, and other items, as well as monetary donations. If you are not able to attend but have items to donate, please call 305.572.2001 or email Bianca Perez of Miami Rescue Mission. Click here to make a donation on line.

The Coconut Grove Gallery Walk 11/5/11

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The Coconut Grove Gallery Walk
Saturday, November 5, 2011. From 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
In Coconut Grove on Mary Street, Grand Avenue and Commodore Plaza

Visit Miami’s ORIGINAL Art District: On the first Saturday of every month

“Lynne Latham” at GroveHouse Artists Gallery
November’s featured artist for GroveHouse Artists Gallery (3390 Mary St # 162) is photographer Lynne Latham. They will also present “Not Your Mother’s Apron”, a collection of creatively designed aprons; and exhibits featuring member artists’ works and an exhibit featuring non-members’ works. They will announce awards at the opening reception with wine, fruit, and cheese.

“Colours of Greene” at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery
Featuring watercolor works in November, is the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery (339 Mayfair Street, Suite 128). Their featured exhibit is Colours of Greene: A Retrospective of the Works of Dorothy D. Greene. They will also be featuring music from world renowned tango musician, Osvaldo Barrios. Playing his bandoneon, Barrios will bring the sounds of his hometown, Buenos Aires, to Coconut Grove.

“The Works of George Rodez” at RODEZ Art Gallery
Moving over to Grand Avenue, RODEZ Art Gallery (3015 Grand Avenue, Suite 237) will feature contemporary and diverse works from one of their own, George Rodez.

“Innerscapes” at Cristina Chacon Gallery
Christina Chacon Gallery (3162 Commodore Plaza # 1F2) will present “Innerscapes” by Carlos Lersundy. Lersundy uses art to express the pictures of his soul. “Innerscapes” is a collection of works that takes you through the “landscape of man.” In his career, Lersundy has paired art and advertising and worked at some of the most notable advertising firms in the country. With an internationally recognized portfolio, Lersundy now teaches in Colombia.

Luz Maria Gutierrez at AC Fine Art
Also this month AC Fine Art’s (2911 Grand Avenue) will feature original oil paintings by Luz Maria Gutierrez. They will also present a special tribute exhibit to Marilyn Monroe showcased through various dynamic mediums and a Marilyn look-a-like contest open to all fans.

Large Originals at Max in the Grove
Finally, in the Village Center, Max in the Grove (2996 McFarland Road) will house a large collection of Peter Max originals, as well as artwork from other great artists such as Steve Kaufman, LeRoy Neiman, Picasso, Andy Warhol and many more.

“Miami Watercolor Society” at the Hunter Gallery
Hunter Gallery (3390 Mary St. Ste. 128) will also feature watercolor paintings from Miami Watercolor Society in their 38th Annual Fall Exhibition. The exhibit will consist of paintings from both members and non-members.

Hans Feverabend at Boswell Mourot Fine Art
This month, the Grove welcomes a new gallery, Boswell Mourot Fine Art (3162 Commodore Plaza). The featured artist for November is Hans Feyerabend, who specializes in contemporary painting and sculpture. The new gallery will offer pieces from local, national, and international artists including Kelly Edwards, Lisa Renz, and Samuel Gray.

Additional Art Gallery Openings
ArtWay 66
Blu Moon Gallery
Dharma Studio
Frameworks

Dining In The Grove
Akashi Japanese Restaurant – Al Fresco Restaurant – Aladdin’s Grill – Atchana’s East/West Kitchen – Backlot Wine Bar & Lounge – Barracuda Raw Bar & Grill – Bice Bistro – Bizcaya at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove – Bombay Darbar Indian Restaurant – Calamari – The Cheesecake Factory – Chili’s – CocoWok – Confucio Express – El Aqui O Mexican Food – El Sitio – Focaccia Bistro and Wine Shoppe – George’s in the Grove – GreenStreet Caf� – The Grove Spot – Hooter’s – International Quesadilla Company (IQ) – Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar – Johnny Rockets – The Last Carrot – Le Bouchon du Grove – Ludo’s Italian Restaurant – Lulu – Mr. Moe’s – New York Roma Pizza – Oasis Internet Caf� – Panorama Restaurant & Lounge – Peacock Garden Caf� – Sandbar & Grill – Siam Oishi Restaurant & Bar – Smoothie King – Spartico – Starbucks Coffee – Subway.

Something Sweet
Coco Gelato РDolce Vita Gelato Caf̩ РRed Kiwi РRomeo and Juliet Italian Gelato РYogurbella

Coconut Grove Chamber Social Media Workshop 11/9/11

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Coconut Grove Chamber “Social Media Workshop”
Wednesday November 9, 2011 from 4:00 PM to 6:00
Paragon Movie Theaters
3015 Grand Ave.
Coconut Grove, FL 33129
Register here

You’ve probably heard a ton about social media sites like facebook, twitter, and youtube but do you know what they can do to help grow your business?

Statistics show that over 70% of adults use some form of social media and that social media plays a huge role in influencing people buying decisions. So what are you doing to get your piece of the pie?

How are you growing your online presence to build a community of raving fans who support your products and services? What would it mean to your business to have loyal customers who tell everyone they know about how much they love you?

What if every loyal customer brought 2 or 3 more customers to your business? How much would that additional revenue mean to you?

But I know what you are thinking. You think you don’t have time for social media. You’re not sure how to use these platforms in way that generates results. Heck, you my not even be sure what “social media” is.

If that is you, and you want to know how you can start to leverage these powerful Free social media tools to blow the doors off your business then you need to mark your calender for Wednesday 11/09/11 from 4pm-6pm!

Limited Space Is Available

You’ll learn about…
*What is Social Media?
*Why do I need it?
*What are the most effective Social Media mediums?
*Case studies and successful campaigns
*Why you need video in your life
*Tips, Tricks and Tools
*Leaving Boot Camp with a Game Plan for Social Media

Price:
$10 for Coconut Grove Chamber members
$20 for friends or non-members.
Questions? 305-444-7270, info@coconutgrove.com

Includes: 1 free beverage for each attendee Free popcorn during workshop from 4 to 6. This event will sell out, Reserve Now!

Schedule:
4pm-4:30pm Registration
4:30pm to 5:30pm Workshop
5:30pm to 6pm: Q & A.

Join us in Backlot Lounge inside the theater for networking and happy hour following the workshop. Drink specials & appetizers $5 each
Free Movie!
Starting after 8pm: “The Social Network”
Be sure to bring plenty of business cards before and after Boot Camp are great opportunities to network with other like-minded business owners!

Marilyn Monroe Look Alike Contest 11/11/11

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A Marilyn Monroe Look-a-Like Contest
Friday, 11/11/11
AC Fine Art
2911 Grand Avenue
Coconut Grove, FL 33133.
Marilyn Look-a Like Registration Form PDF

The Grove Retrospective Gallery, in conjunction with “Dress For Success Miami”, is featuring a Marilyn Monroe Art Exhibit “Tribute to Marilyn Monroe”

November 11th to December 23rd, 2011 at 2911

Friday,11/11/11 a Marilyn Monroe Look-a-Like Contest, open to both sexes.
Entry to the contest is free, and all persons over 21 must pre-register for judging by a panel of celebrity judges.

Tickets for opening night will be available at www.eventbrite.com for a $10.00 p.p. donation or at the door.

Proceeds from donations, raffle, and the sale of Marilyn artwork will benefit Dress For Success Miami, a nonprofit organization assisting citizens with outfits for professional job applications and employment.

Artwork by Andy Warhol, Russell Young and several other professional artists will be available for sale in the 6000 square foot gallery in Coconut Grove. The gallery is known for the largest collection of Pop and Surreal Art in Miami-Dade County, along with works by local, Florida and International artists.

For further information , please contact the gallery curator, Steven Steele at 305-742-7071 or acposter@acposter.com .

Comedy and Cinema in the Grove Every Wednesday Launch 11/2/11

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Comedy and Cinema in the Grove
Every Wednesday, 6:30pm – 11pm
The Backlot, Wine Bar and Lounge
The Backlot Wine Bar & Lounge is located Inside Paragon Grove 13 at CocoWalk, 3015 Grand Ave. on the 3rd Floor.
www.ComedyAndCenima.com

Comedy and Cinema In The Grove Get over the hump day the right way

Come celebrate the launch of Comedy and Cinema In The Grove on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at The Backlot Wine, Bar and Lounge in Coconut Grove Florida.

Get over the hump day the right way at a place where work and stress will surrender to the laughter of stand up comedy and the thought provoking cinematic talents of independent films.

Every Wednesday evening at The Backlot Wine, Bar and Lounge from 6:30pm – 11pm comedian Mike Mercadal will introduce some of the funniest comedians along with the best independent films in the business at this amazing, groundbreaking, one of a kind event.

Backlot private lounge and Audi screening room in the heart of Coconut Grove will play host to this delightful mixture of raw talent. The Backlot Wine Bar & Lounge is located Inside Paragon Grove 13 at CocoWalk, 3015 Grand Ave. on the 3rd Floor.

The brainchild of filmmaker and artist Joseph C. Grant, Jr., Comedy and Cinema in the Grove was created as a way to elevate the awareness of comedians and independent filmmakers from all over the world by providing them with an outlet for their cultural contributions.

With a weekly rotation of comedians and filmmakers, it will serve as a venue for expression catering to established and new artists on the rise. There will also be a round table Q and A and hysterical comedic film review to conclude each night.

There is a $10 entry fee.
$5 for students with valid identification

Coconut Grove Drum Circle 11/5/11

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Coconut Grove Drum Circle
November 5, 8-11PM
Location: Streets of Mayfair Atrium

Please join us for our November circle. We will again be drumming and dancing in the open air at the Mayfair in the Grove, located at the corner of Grand Avenue and Mary Street. We will drum in the Atrium, where the large sculptures are located, just north of the Promenade where we met in October. There are parking garages in the Mayfair complex and on the corner of Oak Street and Mary, and parking lots near the Mayfair as well as parking on the streets. We will make a joyful noise and rev up the energy of the Grove Art Walk. Come, and discover or rediscover the magic, joy, and healing power of the drum. Extra drums and other percussion instrument will be available along with water and seating. All you need to bring are happy hands. For more information, please contact Karen:
karen.deilke@gmail.com, 305-401-2644

Hope to see you there!

Club Blue Miami Young Professionals for Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Networking Extravaganza 11/3/11

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Club Blue Miami Young Professionals for Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade Networking Extravaganza
Thursday, Nov. 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The Rooftop Cabana Club at The Mayfair Hotel & Spa
3000 Florida Avenue
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Minimum $25 donation per person.
For more information and to RSVP, email clubblue@bgcmia.org or visit www.bgcmia.org.

Club Blue Miami, the new young professionals networking group for Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, invites local professionals to attend its fast-paced Networking Extravaganza on Nov. 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The event will take place at The Rooftop Cabana Club at the Mayfair Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove.

Attendees will not only enjoy mixing, mingling and networking, but also artwork by special guest and acclaimed Cuban American artist David “LEBO” LeBatard. A $25 minimum donation, which includes a cocktail and appetizers, is required. All attending are asked to bring at least 100 business cards to participate. Event proceeds will benefit Boys & GirlsClubs of Miami-Dade.

Event sponsors are Mayfair Hotel & Spa, LEBO Studios, Spartico, Allstate, Universal Mortgage and Finance, Inc., Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, OXXO Care Cleaners, Elite Body Training Concepts and The FortuneCupcake.

Club Blue Miami’s mission is to embody the interests of business professionals by striving to provide a vital forum for discussion,networking, and representation at the local level for the development, progress and advancement of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. By actively participating in giving, volunteering, and networking, leaders are helping Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade make a lasting, positive impact in children’s lives and in our community. The organization is open to individual contributors aged 45 and younger.

The Bookstore in the Grove Hosts John Jacobsen 10/29/11

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Saturday, October 29, 2011, 7:30 p.m.
The Bookstore in the Grove
3399 Virginia Street, #620
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
www.johngjacobsen.com

John Jacobsen, author of the new release, A Commodore of Errors, the first-ever novel written about the United States Merchant Marine Academy, will present a special book reading and signing in Coconut Grove. Just back from New York, where he did numerous book signing events, he is sure to entertain attendees.

Captain John Jacobsen, a Coconut Grove resident, is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, who spent 15 years plying the world’s oceans as a ship’s officer on cargo and passenger vessels. Today, Jacobsen is a harbor pilot at the Port of Miami and the Chairman of the Biscayne Bay Pilots Association. His notes and diaries over the years inform his writing.

Commodore Robert S. Dickey is the outrageously supercilious title character. Watching him strut, plot, flaunt, and flout his way through the story is in itself enough to evoke mirth. Give him so memorable a foil as the indomitable Mrs. Tannenbaume, a “woman of unfortunate stature” to his critical eyes, who consistently manages to one-up him, thanks to an annoying ability quite beyond his ken, and the book explodes with moments sure to cause readers to empathize even if they’ve never set foot on a seagoing vessel. Including a supporting cast suitable to the outwardly starchy, secretly licentious environs of merchant mariners, the novel rollicks along with well-paced speed and plot turns. Drawing on his experience as a U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate and career as ship’s officer and harbor pilot, Jacobsen infuses his writing with old-fashioned, very sly hilarity based in the unintended vagaries of love, ambition, greed, meddling, and their various combinations.

Premiere Opening of Boswell Mourot Fine Art 11/5/11

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Premiere Opening of Boswell Mourot Fine Art
November 5th, 2011. 7:00 -10:00 p.m.
Boswell Mourot Fine Art
3162 Commodore Plaza
Coconut Grove, FL 33133

Other artists featured in the gallery include:
Eric Freeman – Oil on canvas
Diana B. Ashley – Sculpture Clay and Bronze
Elizabeth Weber – Acrylic on canvas
Astrid Sohn – Works on paper
Donala Jordon – Mixed media on paper
Kelly Edwards – Sculpture Raku
Jon Etienne Mourot – Mixed media
Carla Davis – Porcelain sculpture
Susan Goss – Clay sculpture
Kyle Boswell – Blown glass and steel sculpture
Elena Petrouhina – Works on paper
Virginia McKimmey – Oil on board
Tonya McNair – Oil on canvas
Robin Woods Loucks – Works on paper
Robin Hazard – Bishop, pastel on paper
Samuel Gray – Charcoal on vinyl
Lisa Renz – Mixed media
Alejandra Gauzen – Oil on canvas

A Sunday Spooktacular at The Ritz-Carlton 10/30/11

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“Halloween Brunch”
Sunday, October 30 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Bizcaya at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami
3300 Southwest 27th Avenue
Coconut Grove, Florida
305-644-4680

Cost: $65 per adult / $25 per child under 12, plus tax and gratuity
Complimentary free-flowing Champagne and valet parking
For reservations please contact (305) 644-4675.

Coconut Grove’s most Spooktacular Sunday Brunch at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami. Casual, chic and open to the public, enjoy a mouthwatering Sunday Brunch feast and some Halloween fun on Bizcaya Fountain Terrace.

A Transylvania-inspired brunch features traditional favorites, carved to order prime cuts of meat for the “vampires” in attendance, fresh shellfish and seafood, gourmet delicacies Morticia and Gomez Adams would swoon over and much more to attract the whole family, plus a special area just for the “little Munsters.” Pint-sized ghouls and goblins are encouraged to come in costume and explore the Pumpkin Patch on Bizcaya terrace and prepare for a Sunday afternoon filled with more treats than tricks.

November Guided Tour Dates at The Kampong

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November Guided Tour Dates
The Kampong
4013 S. Douglas Road
Coconut Grove

Explore The Kampong, the private home and gardens of plant explorer David Fairchild. With more than 2000 varieties of tropical and subtropical fruits, palms and flowering trees, shrubs, and vines, The Kampong is an 11-acre green jewel in the middle of metropolitan Miami.

Small, docent-led guided tours are offered on November 2, November 5, November 19, November 23, and November 30.

The tours include both horticultural and historical information, and a behind-the-scenes look at Fairchild’s original plantings as well as the office where he wrote many of his books. Gates open at 10:00AM, and the 2-hour tour begins at 10:30AM. Tour fee is $20 for adults, $15 for ages 62 and over and students with ID, $10 for children 4-12 years, and free for children 3 and under (accompanied by adult).

Reservations are required — go to kampong.ntbg.org to reserve your spot or call 305-442-7169 for more details. Wear comfortable walking shoes!

Photographs of Coconut Grove Chamber Business Networker at Sandbar on 10/26/11

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Coconut Grove Chamber Business Network at Sandbar Sports Grill on Wednesday, October 26, 2011.

Together with event partners, Downtown Miami Brickell Chamber of Commerce, CoconutGroveGrapevine.com, South Florida’s Guide, SocialBuzzTV.com, CoconutGroveGazette.com, FabulousMiami.com and SoulofMiami.org.

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Taurus Bar Monster Mash Bash 10/29/11

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Monster Mash Bash
Saturday,October 29, 8 pm to 12 midnight.
Taurus…Another Round
354o Main Highway, Coconut Grove
305 444 7949

Be theGhostest-Mostest!
Be Stylish, beGoulish , DressWickedly Coolish and
Win Prizes for BestCostume!
Live Music by the 540s ,
Magic Potions,,Libations & Drink Specials
all Night!

Miami Money Expo 11/3/11

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Miami Money Expo
November 3, 2011, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
The Mayfair Hotel & Spa
3000 Florida Avenue
Coconut Grove, Florida 33133
More Info

Miami Money Expo at The Mayfair Hotel & Spa

Presented by:
880 THE BIZ & Bull & Bear Institute

1. NCBC commentator and host of the national JACK B SHOW, Jack Bouroudjian, CEO and Chairman of Bull & Bear Partners and author of SECRETS OF THE TRADING PROS

2. Radio and TV MoneyMan, Dan Frishberg, Host of THE MONEYMAN REPORT has over 3 decades on Wall Street and author, INVESTING WITHOUT BORDERS, AND ESCAPE FROM THE HERD.

3. Jeff Garcia noted Currency Trader and Teacher – learn the five best-kept secrets to investing in the retail foreign currency market.

4. Real Estate Mentor, Morris Vahnish, author of THE ROAD TO REAL ESTATE WEALTH. Veteran of more than 500 real estate deals before he was 35 years old. Now presides over a ten million dollar rental portfolio

Learn tips from the professionals and how millions are available to South Florida businesses to help them grow. You just have to know how to access it!

After it is over please join us to mingle under the stars on the beautiful Mayfair Rooftop Lounge at 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Serious Investors Only – Business Casual Attire required.

Halloween in Cocowalk 10/31/11

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Halloween in Cocowalk
Monday, October 31, 2011 1pm-6pm

It’s that time of year again when goblins, ghouls and witches come out to play! It’s Halloween at CocoWalk! The Family Halloween Party at CocoWalk will take place Monday, October 31, 2011 1pm-6pm. The event features safe trick-or-treating throughout the stores and restaurants, costume contests for boys, girls and even dogs, live all day entertainment, balloon art and a dog adoption tent! Prizes include gifts and certificates from CocoWalk tenants.

Cocowalk is Miami’s ultimate destination for shopping, dining & entertainment. As the first lifestyle center in Florida, CocoWalks’ unique grounds and buildings were carefully designed to blend seamlessly into the surroundings of Coconut Grove, a bayside boating village known for being eclectic, sometimes eccentric and always exciting. CocoWalks’ rows of shops and boutiques are a shopper’s paradise, while its 13 screen luxury movie theater provides entertainment for any taste. Restaurants and sidewalk cafes offer a kaleidoscope of flavor from every corner of the globe. Each night, CocoWalks’ variety of bars and live entertainment fill the center with sparkling lights, music and laughter. Recent renovations of over $10 million and a contiguous large parking garage make CocoWalk a convenient retail, dining and entertainment destination. CocoWalk features convenient guest services such as 24 hour security, covered parking, ATM/Cash Machines and secure bike racks.

Aquability Explosion at Shake-A-Leg this Sunday 10/23/11

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Sunday, October 23rd, 1pm – 4pm
Shake-A-Leg Miami
2620 South Bayshore Drive
Miami, FL 33133
More Info

Set sail on a wet and wild adventure at the Coconut Grove water sports center of Shake-A-Leg Miami. Celebrate freedom in the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay with youth and adults with special needs. Enjoy fun boating activities for everyone!

Event Producer: Shake-A-Leg Miami
Shake-A-Leg Miami helps children and adults with physical, developmental and economic challenges; liberating them from the realm of imagination into the realm of experience. We have successfully created an inspirational haven, where people of all backgrounds and abilities find common ground. Shake-A-Leg Miami is South Florida’s “Gateway to Biscayne Bay.”

“Cooking Without Looking” TV Show Shoots LIVE
Cooking Without Looking, The First TV Show created with Cooking Tips for Blind/Visually Impaired People will shoot a show LIVE at the newly renovated Shake-A-Leg Island on October 23rd for the Aquability Explosion.

Hosts Annette Watkins, Don White, and Sabrina Deaton will feature blind members of the Shake-A-Leg sailing team, who will prepare some of their favorite dishes.

The show will be featured nationally on the Cooking Channel.

Miami Watercolor Society 2011 Fall Exhibition Opening Reception 11/5/11

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Miami Watercolor Society – 2011 Fall Exhibition
November 5, 2011, 7 – 10 pm
Hunter Gallery at the Mayfair
3390 Mary Street – Suite 128
Coconut Grove, Florida
www.miamiwatercolor.org

Miami Watercolor Society’s
38th Annual Fall Exhibition
From October 24 to November 17, 2011
Hunter Gallery at the Mayfair
Mayfair Complex, 3390 Mary Street, Suite 128
Coconut Grove, Florida
Features a wide range of water media paintings by Miami Watercolor Society Members, as well as non-members

Opening Reception, Saturday, November 5, 7-10 pm
Same night as the Coconut grove Art Walk
For more information contact the gallery (305) 447-0401 or
MWS Jedda at (305) 253-4770
www.miamiwatercolor.org

Movie Magic Under the Stars at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove 11/19/11

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Saturday, November 19 at 7 p.m.
The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami
3300 Southwest 27th Avenue
Coconut Grove, Florida
305-644-4680

Casual, chic and open to the public, enjoy a complimentary screening, with no reservations required. $8 valet parking

A Roman affair unfolds under the stars on Bizcaya Fountain Terrace for a limited engagement viewing of the 1989 Academy Awardâ„¢ Winning Cinema Paradiso, a classic film about a young man recounting the days when he discovered a passion for films. With the crisp fall air approaching, The Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove invites you to lounge on plush couches overlooking the cascading fountain, sip on cappuccinos or vino, for an evening soiree that will take you to Italy without the airfare.

For the perfect beginning to an unforgettable evening, savor Bizcaya’s new Mediterranean and Italian-influenced dinner menu before show time.

Complimentary screening and popcorn, open to the public and no reservations required.

Classic Holiday Movie Screenings: Saturday, December 3, 10 and 17

Grove Chamber Business Networking and Cocktails at Sandbar 10/26/11

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Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce
October 26 from 5:30 to 8:30
Sandbar
3064 Grand Avenue
Coconut Grove

$5 for Grove Chamber members $10 Non-Members
R.s.v.p. 305-444-7270 or info@coconutgrove.com

Promote Your Business, Make Contacts, Have A Great Time & Win Prizes At The Grove’s Most Buzzing Cocktail Hour

Together with event partners, Downtown Miami Brickell Chamber of Commerce, CoconutGroveGrapevine.com, South Florida’s Guide, SocialBuzzTV.com, CoconutGroveGazette.com, FabulousMiami.com and SoulofMiami.org

Enjoy a complimentary wine or beer & hors d’oeuvres with admission, additional drinks at Happy Hour 2 for 1 Prices!

Raffle Prizes:
Tequila & Mixer valued at $50 from Grove Chamber
$25 Gift Cards for Calamari/La Bottega/Taurus
Free 2×3 Ad in Coconut Grove Gazette valued at $250

BOCF Silent auction and fundraiser 10/21/11

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BOCF Silent auction and fundraiser
Friday, October 21 · 7:00pm – 10:00pm
BluMoon Studio of Art
Florentine Plaza, 3444 Main Hwy., Top Floor – Level 2
Coconut Grove, Florida

The Badges of Courage Foundation and BluMoon Studio invite you to a Silent Auction of new Badges of Courage created by the DASH Senior Fashion Design Class to benefit low-income women with breast cancer.

Grove Chamber Power Lunch Get Credit Healthy with Elizabeth Karwowski 10/21/11

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Friday, October 21, 2011
12 Noon Networking Reception
12:30 pm Lunch
Gibraltar Restaurant at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa
www.groveisle.com
4 Grove Isle Drive
Coconut Grove FL
$35 Chamber Members $40 Non-Members
For reservations: info@CoconutGroveChamber.com
305-444-7270
Please leave your Name, Name of your Business, phone number and email where you can be contacted.
coconutgrovechamber.com

As financial markets become increasingly unstable worldwide, lenders continue to tighten lending standards for everything from buying home or car to starting a business. Even obtaining employment has been affected by credit…

To Learn How You can Get Credit Healthy,
RSVP Now for Friday, October 21, 2011 Luncheon at Gibraltar, Grove Isle

Elizabeth Karwowski
Partner, Get Credit Healthy
Will show us what we need to
Get credit-healthy in these unstable times

Elizabeth Karwowski is Partner at GetCreditHealthy.com
Since its inception, Get Credit Healthy has helped and empowered hundreds of individuals and families with credit education and skills to help improve their credit and better manage their financial situation.
Get Credit Healthy, Inc. has FICO and Fair Credit Reporting Act Certifications.
Get Credit Healthy, Inc. has been recognized on NBC News Miami, MSNBC and FOX News.

Beauty and Art Cocktail Reception 10/20/11

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Beauty & Art Cocktail Reception
Thursday, October 20th, 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Prosthodontic Dentistry of South Florida
2601 South Bayshore Drive, suite 760
Coconut Grove FL 33133
rsvp@sharpdentistry.com

Dr Bruno Sharp, Dr Bernard Segall, Dr Alexandre Ribeiro and Dr Luciana Ravazzi
Cordially invite you to drinks & hors d’oeuvres

Launch of Dr Sharp Natural Oral Care Products
Demonstrations of the latest dental technology
Consultations with the dentists
Invisalign evaluations
Complimentary product samples
Artwork exhibition by Britto Central
Fashion Showcase

Mad Hatter Arts Festival 10/28-30/11

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Mad Hatter Arts Festival
October 28-30, Oct 28 6-9p; Oct 29 10a-5p; 7-10p; Oct 30 10a-5p
Coconut Grove
3485 Main Highway
Coconut Grove, Florida 33133
www.MadHatterArtsFestival.com

Mad Hatter Arts Festival
Returns to Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove – Mad Hatter Arts Festival returns for its 7th season taking place Saturday and Sunday, October 29-30 from 10am to 5 pm at The Barnacle and along the sidewalks of Main Highway, from the Cloisters to Calamari. This juried event features artists of all types of media.

Chalk It Up! street painting makes its Miami debut. This art form dates to 16th century Italy where artists travelled from town to town, religious festival to religious festival, transforming streets into temporary art galleries. This truly ephemeral art form is experiencing a 21st century renaissance. Chalk It Up! will be held in the parking lot at Grand Avenue and Fuller Street across from the UPS Store. The inaugural theme is Through the Looking Glass.

Additionally, Watch Art Happen will be ongoing throughout the weekend. Artists are invited to participate in this new element of the Mad Hatter Arts Festival, joining fellow artists painting en plein air on the streets of the historic village of Coconut Grove. Designated areas will be located around the Grove.

As always, music is a highlight of the Mad Hatter, plus there is a participatory drum circle, various hat contests to enter and activities for kids of all ages. Food will be available for purchase from The Barnacle Society’s concession stand or grab a map and venture out on Beyond the Looking Glass Grove Adventure for drinks and treats at participating restaurants and eateries. Return with a picnic to The Barnacle on Saturday evening when the gates open at 7pm for a 60th anniversary showing of the classic, Alice in Wonderland. Movie begins at 8pm with no entry after 8:15. Movie tickets are $5 per person for ages 6 and over; $3 for ages 2-5; and free for ages under 2.

For a sneak peak at the tent artists’ work, The Barnacle Society has arranged a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party as the opening reception on Friday, October 28 from 6-9pm on the front lawn of The Barnacle. This quirky lawn party celebrates the opening of the Mad Hatter Arts Festival. Guests are advised to bring their own teacup and follow the white rabbit through the looking glass and down the rabbit hole to The Barnacle at 3485 Main Highway to a Wonderland where Tea Party Fare will be served and there will be a cash bar. Wonderland-themed costumes are encouraged. Reservations are required with a fee of $20 per person for members of The Barnacle Society; $25 per person for non-members; and $30 for all after the Rsvp deadline of October 21. Reservations and payment for the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party may be made at www.TheBarnacle.org. Proceeds from the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party will be used for the care and maintenance of The Barnacle.

For more information about the Mad Hatter Arts Festival, visit www.MadhatterArtsFestival.com or check it out on Facebook or follow @MadHatterArts on Twitter.

Meanwhile, there’s time to make that zany hat to wear!

Celebrate Pink Ribbon Program at Pilates in the Grove benefiting the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation 10/5/11

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Wednesday, October 5th, 6-9pm
Pilates in the Grove
3316 Virginia Street
Coconut Grove, FL
305.446.6899
pilatesinthegrove.net

Pilates in the Grove & Pilates on the Beach along with the Rosenbaum Breast Center invite you to celebrate the launch of the Pink Ribbon Program to benefit the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation

Eat, Sip & Enjoy:
Performances by Ari Yoga
On-site dry styling by Blo – Blow Dry Bar
Eye-lash demonstrations & makeup applications by Mary Kay
Music by DJ Woozles Occult Sounds
Hors d’oeuvres by The Grove Spot & Spartico Restaurant
Eco-friendly cocktails courtesy of VeeV.

100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation.

Ticket prices: $30 in advance. $40 at the door.
To reserve your ticket, please call 305.446.6899 or email rsvp@cm-publicrelations.com.
Tickets can also be purchased on Rue Miami: ruelala.com/miami on Sunday, October 2nd, 2011.

GroveHouse Artists and Coconut Grove Gallery Project Art Walk 10/1/11

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Saturday October 1st
GroveHouse Artists and the

Coconut Grove Gallery Project invites you to the
1st Saturday Art Walk in Coconut Grove
from 7 pm to 10 pm

The GroveHouse Gallery will be presenting
General Membership Exhibit

Juried Grid Exhibit: Small Wonders – featuring works of art no larger than 144 square inches in size

Featured Artist of the Month: Terry Arroyo Mulrooney

The Coconut Grove Gallery Walk 10/1/11

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The Coconut Grove Gallery Walk
Saturday, October 1, 2011. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
In Coconut Grove on Mary Street, Grand Avenue and Commodore Plaza
More Info

Visit Miami’s ORIGINAL Art District: On the first Saturday of every month

“Small Wonders” at GroveHouse Artists Gallery
“Miami Watercolor Society Award Winners and Signature Members Exhibition” at the Hunter Gallery
“Colours of Greene” at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery
“Raices: THE ROOT OF ALL THINGS” at RODEZ Art Gallery
“This Is Colombia” at Cristina Chacon Gallery
Russell Young at AC Fine Art at AC Fine Art
Opening Night Fundraiser at FrameWorks Gallery
Large Orginals at Max in the Grove

ADDITIONAL ART GALLERY OPENINGS
ArtWay 66
Blu Moon Studio of Art
Boswell Mourot Fine Art
Dharma Studio

CHEERS TO ART
Lulu’s in the Grove will be offering a free glass of champagne to all Grove Gallery Walkers.
Pineda Covalin will celebrate creativity with a complimentary glass of red or white wine.
GreenStreet Cafe will also be offering a free glass of champagne to all Grove Gallery Walkers.
Cheers!

DINING IN THE GROVE
Akashi Japanese Restaurant – Al Fresco Restaurant – Aladdin’s Grill – Atchana’s East/West Kitchen – Backlot Wine Bar & Lounge – Barracuda Raw Bar & Grill – Bice Bistro – Bizcaya at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove – Bombay Darbar Indian Restaurant – Calamari – The Cheesecake Factory – Chili’s – CocoWok – Confucio Express – El Aqui O Mexican Food – El Sitio – Focaccia Bistro and Wine Shoppe – George’s in the Grove – GreenStreet Cafe – The Grove Spot – Hooter’s – International Quesadilla Company (IQ) – Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar – Johnny Rockets – The Last Carrot – Le Bouchon du Grove – Ludo’s Italian Restaurant – Lulu – Mr. Moe’s – New York Roma Pizza – Oasis Internet Cafe – Panorama Restaurant & Lounge – Peacock Garden Cafe – Sandbar & Grill – Siam Oishi Restaurant & Bar – Smoothie King – Spartico – Starbucks Coffee – Subway

SOMETHING SWEET
Coco Gelato – Dolce Vita Gelato Cafe – Red Kiwi – Romeo and Juliet Italian Gelato – Yogurbella
www.CoconutGrove.com

Revolution Saturdays 10/1/11

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Revolution Saturdays
October 1st , 2011, 9:30 PM
Central Beer Garden
3015 Grand Avenue
Coconut Grove , FL 33133
www.Centralbeergarden.com

It’s the Grand Opening of Revolution Saturdays October 1st. Im hosting a Sushi & Champagne Dinner party at 9:30 and at 11 the doors open for the actual party. Complimentary Vodka Cocktails till 12. $150 Bottle Specials.

For Guest List | Table Reservations: Centralnightclub@Gmail.com

This Is Colombia 2011 10/1/11

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This Is Colombia 2011
Saturday, October 1st, 7-10 PM
Cristina Chacon Gallery
3162 Commodore Plaza. Suite 1F2
Coconut Grove, Florida 33133
Website

Featuring Colombian Artists:
Edgar Negret,Fernando Davila, Cogollo, Rosario Heins,David Manzur, Mduffo, Hernando Alzate,Juan Cabas, Claudia Calle, Araujo Santoyo, Tessarolo, Armando Villegas, Liana Garcia, Walbert Perez, Rafael Espitia

Spartico at Mayfair Reverse Happy Hour

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Two-for-one drink specials on domestic beer, house wines and liquor
When: 7 days a week, from 9 – 10pm
Spartico
on the ground floor of the Mayfair Hotel & Spa
3000 Florida Avenue
Coconut Grove

As Miamians are famed for arriving late to almost any social event, Mayfair is helping everyone out, pushing back the clocks so those who get a late start can still enjoy the benefits of a solid Happy Hour. Spartico at Mayfair Hotel & Spa’s Reverse Happy Hour sways away from the presumed daily drink special times, welcoming Grovites from 9 to 10 p.m. for Spartico’s two-for-one domestic beer, house wine and liquor specials.

Coconut Grove Chamber Networking Cocktail at Siam Oishi 9/28/11

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Grove Chamber Networking Cocktail
Sep 28 from 5:30 to 8:30
Siam Oishi
$5 for Grove Chamber members $10 Non-Members
R.s.v.p. 305-444-7270 or info@coconutgrove.com
www.coconutgrovechamber.com

Promote Your Business, Make Contacts,
Have A Great Time & Win Prizes!

Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce Together with Downtown Miami Brickell Chamber of Commerce, CoconutGroveGrapevine.com, South Florida’s Guide, SocialBuzzTV.com, CoconutGroveGazette.com, FabulousMiami.com and SoulofMiami.org

Enjoy a complimentary wine or beer & hors d’oeuvres with admission, additional drinks at Happy Hour 2 for 1 Prices!
Raffle Prizes:
Free Night at Sonesta Hotel, valued at $150
$50 Gift Certificate for Dinner at Siam Oishi
Tequila & Mixer valued at $50 from Grove Chamber
$25 Gift Cards for Calamari/La Bottega/Taurus
Free 2×3 Ad in Coconut Grove Gazette valued at $250

VIP Pan Am TV Series Premiere Party 9/25/11

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Sunday, September 25, 2011 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Peacock Garden Cafe
2889 McFarlane Road
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Buy Tickets Here.

Two aviation icons in Coconut Grove’s colorful history are the focus of a tour and reception on Sunday, September 25 to mark the debut of a network television show on ABC. Coconut Grove’s Business Improvement District (BID) is presenting a VIP Premiere Party and tour of the original terminal for Pan American World Airways’ pioneering flying boat service between North America, the Caribbean and South America.

Pan Am made headlines worldwide with its innovative service in the 1930s and ‘40s, boarding passengers at the famous Dinner Key terminal that now serves as Miami City Hall.

Events will begin with a tour of the former seaplane base led by HistoryMiami historian Dr. Paul George. A trolley to City Hall departs from Peacock Garden Café at 7 p.m. A reception at the café follows at 8 p.m. Guests will gather for the television premiere of the new show Pan Am at 10 p.m.

Tickets are $25 and seating is limited.

Miami Watercolor Society Signature Members and Award Winners Exhibition 10/1/11

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Miami Watercolor Society – Signature Members & Award Winners Exhibition
October 1, 2011, 7 – 10 pm
Hunter Gallery at the Mayfair
Mayfair Complex
3390 Mary Street – Suite 128
Coconut Grove, Florida
www.miamiwatercolor.org

Wonderful exhibit of water media paintings by the Miami Watercolor Society Signature Members and Award winners.

Annie the Musical 12/10-11/11

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“Annie” the Musical
12/10/11 – 12/11/11, 7:00 pm and 2:00 pm
Ransom Everglades Theater
3575 Main Highway
Coconut Grove, Fl 33133
www.broadwaymusicaltheatre.com

Leapin’ Lizards! “Annie”, the famous Broadway musical and heart-warming show is arriving to Miami this December 10th and 11th, 2011! It’s a production of 50 actors on stage, with a wonderful choreography, costumes and set and the most adorable and talented young girls from South Florida in one of the most moving and entertaining musicals for the entire family. Come and enjoy little orphan “Annie” and her companion Sandy in all of their adventures in search of her parents, escaping from the cruel and funny Miss Hannigan, and arriving at the house of the billionaire Oliver Warbucks who invites Annie to stay with him for Christmas and finds their lives will be changed forever. “Tomorrow”, “It’s a Hard Knock Life” and many more of the famous songs will be a delight for the whole family. Tickets on sale at www.broadwaymusicaltheatre.com Group sales 786-223-9663

Coconut Grove Drum Circle 10/8/11

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Coconut Grove Drum Circle
October 8, 8-11pm
Note: This Is The Second Saturday, Not The First
Streets of Mayfair Promenade

Please join us for the October circle. For this circle ONLY, we will be meeting on the SECOND Saturday of the month, Oct. 8. We will again be drumming and dancing in the open air at the Mayfair Promenade in the Grove, located at the corner of Grand Avenue and Mary Street. There are parking garages in the Mayfair complex and on the corner of Oak Street and Mary, and parking lots near the Mayfair as well as parking on the streets. We will make a joyful noise and rev up the energy of the Grove despite no Art Walk that night. Come…discover or rediscover the magic, joy, and healing power of the drum. Extra drums and other percussion instrument available along with ice water and seating.

Rodez Art Gallery Presents Raíces The Root Of All Things 10/1/11

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Rodez Art Gallery Presents Raíces The Root Of All Things
The exhibition opens to the public on Saturday, October 1 during Coconut Grove Gallery Walk
CocoWalk
3015 Grand Ave., Suite 237
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Tel: 786.467-7111
www.RodezArtGallery.com

October 1 – 29, 2011
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month Rodez Art Gallery proudly invites you to the collective exhibition that pays tribute to Contemporary Hispanic Visual Artists of South Florida & beyond. We celebrate the culture and traditions of artists who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Spanish speaking countries of the Caribbean.

Art being the universal language touches the heart of all people; it is an immortal legacy that will prevail in the history and heritage of each nation today and for future generations to come.

We welcome you to meet the artists of our time who have embarked on a mission to preserve their culture through the unspoken language of color, composition, expressions and imagery, as did the masters that have come before them, such as Pablo Picasso, El Greco, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Remedios Varo, Wifredo Lam, Francisco de Goya, Joan Miro, and Obregon, just to name a few.

Participating Hispanic Heritage Artists Include: David Acevedo, Orestes Bouzon, Xavier Brignoni, Maru Carreras, Roberto Catasus, Jose Chiu, Ruben Cukier, Vicente Dopico-Lerner, Lidia Godoi, Israel Guevara, Mila Hajjar, Pablo Hernandez, Marcelo Holzinger, Salomon Khammi, Santos Mendez, Tony Mendoza, Ric Moreira, Antonio Nuñez, Rafael Ponce, Jacqueline Roch, George Rodez, Felix Gonzalez Sanchez, Mari Sanchez, Cesar Santalo, Ana Maria Sarlat, Anica Shpilberg, And Dania Sierra.

Friends of the Orphans pre-Gala Social Reception 9/27/11

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Friends of the Orphans pre-Gala Social Reception
September 27, 2011, 7-9 p.m.
Peacock Garden Cafe
2889 McFarlane Rd.
Coconut Grove
www.friendsoftheorphans/2011SE

Wine and Art pre-Gala Social Reception. Join Friends of the Orphans and Mexican actress Blanca Soto for complimentary wine provided by Agostón and light bites while enjoying an eclectic array of art displays for sale by artists Ramon Unzueta (www.ramonunzueta.com), Martha Gismail (www.martagismail.com), Ana Carolina Moreno (www.anacarolinamoreno.com) and Billy Monsalve Duffo (www.mduffo.com), who will donate a portion of the proceeds to Friends of the Orphans. Have an opportunity to buy gala tickets at pre-event prices and preview the top ten silent auction items for the upcoming “All the World to One Child” Gala Oct. 21 at Fairchild Tropical Garden.

Fins Lounge in The Grove for Dolphins watch parties

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Every Sunday during football season beginning September 18
12pm – end of game
Mayfair Hotel & Spa
3000 Florida Avenue
Coconut Grove

As the Miami Dolphins tackle a new football season, Mayfair Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove welcomes all Dol-fans to indulge in their ultimate “Fins Lounge.” Each Sunday, the rooftop will offer an alternative to the outdone bar scene with pool access and face time with some of Miami’s top sportcasters.

Offers:
Bucket of 5 Domestic beers at $20.00
Margherita Pizza & Bud Light Pitcher for $15.00
$3.00 Domestic beers
$0.50 a wing (minimum order 20 wings)
Cabana Rental fee for $125.00 including 1 bucket with 5 Domestic beers

Ever After Miami Fashion’s Night Out 9/8/11

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Ever After Miami Fashion’s Night Out
Thursday September 8, 2011, 6PM – 9PM
Ever After Miami
2977 McFarlane Road
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
www.EverAfterMiami.com

Ever After and Miami Magazine will be hosting a Fashion’s Night Out Party! Ever After is located at 2977 McFarlane Road Coconut Grove, FL 33133. Event is on Thursday September 8, 2011 and starts at 6PM. Event ends at 9PM.

Kicking off the new Spring 2012 Oscar de la Renta Bridal Trunk Show, as we revisit Oscar de la Renta throughout the years of Couture Bridal beginning with his landmark collection of 2007.

Sip and socialize in a gallery setting while receiving styling tips from Ever After’s Camille Thiry Russler. For more information on Camille Thiry Russler visit her blog at www.EverAfterMiami.com/storyline.

Enter raffles for a variety of prizes including: 3 night 4 day stay to Tortuga Bay – Punta Cana Resort & Club, Fred Astaire Dance Studio Classes, and Bar Method Miami Classes. Raffle entry costs $10. All proceeds benefit Fashionably Conscious for Coconut Grove Cares.

Fashionably Conscious for Coconut Grove Cares is a charity dedicated to building a better community for the children and families in the Village West of Coconut Grove. Ever After will be featuring donated designer items from the coveted closets of Miami’s leading socialites. Collection pieces include items from Prada, Armani, Christian Dior, Trina Turk, and more. All vintage clothing will be on sale at discounted prices, ranging from $1 to $500.

Participate in an online scavenger hunt for a chance to win a $250 gift certificate to The Mrs. Shop by Ring Finger Studios.

Hors d’oeuvres provided by: Theirry’s Catering
Drinks provided by: L’Chaim Vodka, Voga sparkling Wine, and FIJI
Cupcakes provided by: Stella’s Sweet Shoppe

Slow Food Miami Hosts Thighs & Pies Annual Pie Contest At The Barnacle Sponsored By Whole Foods Market Coral Gables 9/10/11

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Slow Food Miami Hosts Thighs & Pies Annual Pie Contest
Saturday, September 10, 2011 at noon
The Barnacle Historic State Park
3485 Main Highway
Coconut Grove.
Tickets are $35 for adults, $15 for children ages 5 – 15. Children 5 & under are free.

Family-Picnic Features Celebrity Judge Panel at The Barnacle Historic State Park

Slow Food Miami is celebrating local ingredients and the art of baking at their annual pie contest to be held at The Barnacle Historic State Park in Coconut Grove. Sponsored by Whole Foods Market – Coral Gables, the event, held as part of Slow Food Miami’s mission to embrace local growers and artisan food makers, will kick off its 2011-2012 event season with a pie contest that features celebrity judges and a picnic lunch.

The Thighs & Pies pie contest will feature up to 30 pies that must be made with a fruit or main ingredient that grows in Florida. Slow Food Miami also encourages entrants to feature ingredients from a local or community garden and use sugars and honeys that are native to Southeast Florida as well. This year, the judging panel will consist of three local culinary celebrities including: Lee Brian Schrager (founder of the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival®, Hedy Goldsmith (executive pastry chef of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink restaurants) and Ariana Kumpis (president of Les Dames D’Escoffier Miami). Whole Foods Market – Coral Gables and Breville Appliances have donated prizes for pie contest winners.

Whole Foods will provide delicious and wholesome side dishes and other sweets and Sustain restaurant + bar will supply the “thighs,” their famous fried chicken from Tanglewood Farms. There will be live music from noon – 3 p.m.

Winners will be announced at 1 p.m. followed by a pie sale to benefit the Slow Food Miami Edible School Garden Program.

Those interested in competing or purchase tickets please click here.

Slow Food Miami is the local chapter of Slow Food USA and the International Slow Food Association. Slow Food Miami embraces local growers and artisan food makers who use sustainable methods, pay fair wages and respect our environment. Slow Food Miami is an all-volunteer organization. Our local members are passionate about good food, supporting local growers and celebrating Miami’s diversity. All proceeds from Slow Food Miami events are used to implement local school and community gardens.

Founded in 1980 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market (wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFM) is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As America’s first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market was named “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store” by Health magazine. The company’s motto “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company’s nearly 60,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 14 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2010, the company had sales of more than $9 billion and currently has more than 300 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Press Conference Featuring City of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado, Musician and South Florida Resident Vanilla Ice 8/30/11

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Tuesday, Aug. 30 – Press conference to start promptly at 2 PM
Peacock Garden Café
2889 McFarlane Road
Coconut Grove
(305) 774-3332

South Florida resident and musician-turned-reality star Vanilla Ice, City of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado, Coconut Grove community officials

Mayor and South Florida musician-turned-reality star gather to preview Sept. 4 “Great Grove Bed Race”—the third-year revival of a Coconut Grove tradition to benefit Boys & Girls Club of Miami-Dade and the Coconut Grove Community,

A tongue-in-cheek competition of racing homemade beds through the streets of Coconut Grove, tireless teams consist of five members, including one rider hitched to the headboard. Speed wins the ultimate exhale at the checkered flag, but awards also will be given for theme, creativity and décor. Celebrity judges will be on hand to grade those looking to score away from home, and proceeds from this roll in the hay of hilarity benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.

Miami residents, Coconut Grove merchants, and local businesses, organizations and clubs all pull back the sheets on this affair, with festivities kicking off Saturday night (Sept. 3) of Labor Day Weekend with the Pajama Pub Crawl through participating Coconut Grove bars and restaurants.

Sunday (Sept. 4) is race day, with highlights including Kids Storytelling Time; Waiters/Waitresses Obstacle Course; a Pit Row Parade of decorated beds on display; and the 1/8th-mile trundle through the heart of the Grove Village. This Labor Day Weekend, Coconut Grove is the place to be for some laborious laughter. Visit TheGreatGroveBedRace.com—and don’t sleep on it!

RSVP REQUIRED: Media outlets wishing to attend the Coconut Grove press conference, please email request to Jay Rand via Jay@DaisyIndustries.com by 2 PM on Monday, Aug. 29.

Coconut Grove Drum Circle 9/3/11

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Coconut Grove Drum Circle
Saturday, September 3, 8-11PM
Streets of Mayfair Promenade

Please join us for the September circle as we welcome the beginning of autumn with drumming and dancing in the open air at the Mayfair Promenade in the Grove, located at the corner of Grand Avenue and Mary Street. There are parking garages in the Mayfair complex and on the corner of Oak Street and Mary, and parking lots near the Mayfair as well as parking on the streets. We will make a joyful noise and rev up the energy of the Grove September Art Walk. Come…discover or rediscover the magic, joy, and healing power of the drum. Extra drums and other percussion instrument available along with ice water and seating. For more information, please contact Karen:
karen.deilke@gmail.com

Hope to see you there!

Loft’s Grand Opening left guests much to be desired By Betty Alvarez

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The Loft store in Coconut Grove held their office Grand Opening event on August 27. This is a one-of-a-kind event destination for charity benefits, corporate functions and private parties which will feature wine tasting, appetizers and music.

Coming soon: The Loft will collaborate with Ayesha’s Kitchen Inc to bring Indian cooking classes. Stay tuned.

For more information please call 305-890-9790 or visit www.yrcouture.com

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011

Coconut Grove Chamber Power Lunch with County Commissioner Xavier Suarez 9/9/11

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Commissioner Xavier Suarez, Miami-Dade County, District 7 Special Guest Speaker
Friday, September 9, 2011
12 Noon Networking Reception
12:30 pm Lunch
Mayfair Hotel & Spa
3000 Florida Avenue
Coconut Grove

$35 Chamber Members
$38 Non-Members
For reservations, info@CoconutGroveChamber.com, 305-444-7270
coconutgrovechamber.com

Xavier L. Suarez was elected to serve on the Miami-Dade County Commission as District 7 Commissioner on May 24, 2011. He represents numerous municipalities including the City of Miami, the Village of Key Biscayne, the City of Coral Gables, the City of South Miami, the Village of Pinecrest, as well as areas of unincorporated Miami-Dade County.

Suarez was first elected Mayor of the City of Miami in 1985 and subsequently re-elected in 1987 and 1989. During his tenure, he worked diligently towards the construction of affordable housing, prioritized community neighborhood improvements and received national praise for his effective handling of civil disturbances. Since 1993, Suarez has focused on practicing law and writing three books, A Unified Theory of God, Mind and Matter, the first, was published in 2005 by AuthorHouse.

Commissioner Suarez attended Villanova University on a Presidential Scholarship where he earned a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in Mechanical Engineering in 1971. Subsequently, in 1975, he received joint degrees: a Juris Doctor and a master’s degree in Public Policy, from Harvard Law School and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. He published a law review article on congressional immunities and performed a consulting study for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the issue of performance standards for new sources of pollution.

Commissioner Suarez was born on May 21, 1949 in Las Villas, Cuba. He has lived in Miami since 1975. Married to Rita Suarez, he is the father of four children, Francis Xavier, Olga Marie, Anna Teresita, and Carolina.

Photographs of Coconut Grove and Colombian American Chambers Cocktail Event on 8/24/11

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Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce and Colombian American Chamber of Commerce Cocktail Event at El Sitio on Wednesday, August 24, 2011.  What a great crowd and what a cute place, can’t wait to go check it out when it is open and playing live music.

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Grand Store Opening Party 8/27/11

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Grand Store Opening Party
This Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 7:00 PM
The Loft
33190 Commodore Plaza
Coconut Grove, FL 33133

You are cordially invited to our Inauguration Party.
Join us this Saturday, August 27, 2011 at 7:00 pm to our Grand Store Opening Party.
Music, Wines, hors d’oeuvres and more.
Bring your good energy and let’s toast to The Loft, your local fashion, arts and event shop.
Fashion Designer, Alex Hansam visited The Loft

I reunited with my long time friend Fashion Designer Alex Hansam this past friday. Alex, an arts lover and traveler, moved to miami from Dominican Republic and after designing for private clients in
Miami and NY launched her first line under her name in 2008. Alex Hansam is a fashion expert for “Despierta America” a daily morning show in Univision.

The vibrant energy of Miami keeps the designer in constant vanguardism, and is her use of fine fabrics and materials that keeps her clientele interested and growing.

Around The World Food and Wine Event 9/24/11

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Around The World Food and Wine Event
Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 7:30pm-10:00pm.
Miami Science Museum
More Information

Celebrating the Unique melting pot that is Miami and its different Cultures
Regular admission: $80
VIP Admission: $120

Around the World Food & Wine Event is a fall festival that will transform the Miami Science Museum into a food and wine haven. There will be food and wine to enjoy from all over the world. Everyone will visit the different regions of the world and savor the unique taste that each country brings. The Theatre will be full of positive energy vibes once our Local bands hit the stage with Salsa, Soft Rock, Jazz & Progressive music. Surely, a tune for everyone to move to will be found.

All exhibits will be exposed for you to enjoy in the Miami Science Museum while delighting in some of the area’s best restaurants, which will be serving tapa size savoring food. Republic National Distributing Company will have the wine flowing for all to sample the distinct aromas and essences that make a great wine.

This elegant event will showcase the delightful flavors of many international wines and spirits along with the samplings from Miami’s best restaurants.

Around the World Food & Wine Event will benefit Pillars of Love, a Non-profit Organization dedicated to improving the world and spreading love including: sheltering, feeding and educating, orphaned children all over the world and helping with natural disasters. Our goal is to build Pillars of Love and create a better world for the less fortunate. Pillars of Love will become the foundation for many to find love, spiritual guidance, appropriate medical attention, and education that will help them obtain a brighter and better future.

Members of Coconut Grove Chamber unite with Networking Cocktails By Betty Alvarez

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The New Board of Directors of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce welcomed fellow members and guests as the chamber began promoting business in exciting ways–one of them is through Networking Cocktails. Located at Miami’s new paisa sensation, El Sitio, everyone made contacts and promoted their business along with partners: Colombian-American Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Miami & Brickell Chamber of Commerce, Coconut Grove Gazette, FabulousMiami.com, and Social Buzz TV.com

The evening got a bit more interesting as members and guests brushed up on their singing abilities as the Karaoke began. All in all it was a very fun night had by all!

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011

RodezArt.com Gallery opened its doors for Art MACtown Fundraiser By Betty Alvarez

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In collaboration with International Artist George Rodez, MACtown will be hosting an evening of art to benefit some of South Florida’s most vulnerable citizens . . . The Developmentally and Intellectually Disabled.

The evening featured many great silent auction items, with trip packages, spa treatments, great restaurants, and of course creative works of art by George Rodez and MACtown’s very own clients. Guests enjoyed a visual treat, silent/live auction, hors d’oeuvres sponsored by local restaurants in the Coconut Grove area, free cocktails and an opportunity to meet and interact with some of our unique artists.

George Rodez, a local artist who has supported MACtown for years developed the concept for Art MACtown. George has worked tirelessly in the past to support the developmentally and intellectually disabled community. He is continually looking for and providing avenues that establish a culture of generosity. As a gallery owner in Coconut Grove, he has generously opened his gallery for this special night and will also be exhibiting the artwork in his gallery all during the month of August 2011.

One truly amazing aspect of the evening was the Wall of Images, a one of a kind display of over 110 individual 10″ x 10″ canvases created by the people MAC Town serve.

All proceeds from the event benefited an extremely worthy cause and help in efforts to further the independence and enrich the lives of the people we serve.

To learm more about MaCtown visit www.mactown.org. For more information on Rodezart.com gallery in Cococnut Grove please visit www.rodezart.com

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011

Rodez Art Gallery September Exhibition 9/3-24/11

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Vernissage on Saturday, September 3 from 7 to 10 pm
Special Fundraiser on Saturday, September 10 from 7 to 10 pm benefiting the Miami Hispanic Ballet.
Special Fundraiser & Silent Auction on Saturday, September 24 from 7 to 10 pm benefiting Margo Cignac.
RODEZart.com Gallery
CocoWalk
3015 Grand Ave., Suite 237
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
www.RodezArtGallery.com

“A Tribute to the XVI Annual International Ballet Festival of Miami 2011: a collective exhibition of 20 artists presenting works inspired by the Dance.”
September 3 – 24, 2011

Beyond the choreography of color, shapes and shadows, the classical movement in harmony with modern hues of expression; Contemporary artists pay tribute to the history of the International Ballet Festival of Miami in unison with dancer’s acrobatic movements through means of sculptures, paint, brush strokes and canvases.

Guided by the hand of the painter, offering us a glimpse into the private world of ballerinas and setting the stage for the audience that secretly looks on, amid the muslin, tulle and voile tutus and awaiting to applaud the grand finale in all its splendor and glory.

Rodezart.com Gallery cordially invites you to be that audience as we proudly present: A Tribute to the XVI ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL BALLET FESTIVAL OF MIAMI 2011 via the Collective Art Exhibition of 20 Artists inspired by the ballet and its dancers.

Participating Artists: Orestes Bouzon, Vicente Dopico-Lerner, Lidia Godoi, Marcy Grosso, Mildrey Guillot, Mila Hajjar, Michel Hernandez, Pablo Hernandez, Mano, Annie Maxwell, Santos Mendez, Tony Mendoza, Tony Nuñez, Islay Rod, George Rodez, Pepe Romero, Mari Sanchez, Ana Maria Sarlat, Dania Sierra, And Evelyn Valdirio.

We welcome you to join the artists in the celebration of our Ballet Festival.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of artwork will go to benefit the Miami Hispanic Ballet.

Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Coconut Grove and Colombian American Chambers Cocktail Event 8/24/11

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Networking Cocktails
Wednesday, August 24 from 5:30 to 8:30 pm
El Sitio
3480 Main Highway
Coconut Grove, Fl 33133
(Previously “Sr. Frogs”)

Join the New Board of Directors of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce as we begin promoting your business in exciting ways.
at Miami’s newest Paisa Sensation.

Join us along with Colombian-American Chamber of Commerce , Downtown Miami & Brickell Chamber of Commerce, Coconut Grove Gazette, FabulousMiami.com, SocialBuzzTV.com
…then stick around for Karaoke at 9pm!

$5 Members, $10 Non-Members includes appetizers and drink plus 2-for-1 well drinks for the duration of the event.
Valet Parking $7 or Street + Lot Parking Available.

R.S.V.P. Info@CoconutGrove.com

USA, Nigeria And Cuba Unite For The Darius 8/19/11

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USA, Nigeria And Cuba Unite For The Darius
August 19th, 2011, 9pm
The Burgundy Room
3015 Grand Avenue #250
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
www.dolcegroup.com

For the first time ever,USA, Nigeria & Cuba join forces again to bring you an amazing musical, spiritual and emotional experience this Friday Aug 19 at The Burgundy Room. No Cover charge. $5 Rum & Cokes All Night and a Spetacular Performance by Prince Emmanuel Aderele, Jenny Love & The Power! Dont Miss It! Rsvp Right Now! 305-846-9315

Dont Miss This Show

Photographs of Coconut Grove Art Walk on 8/6/11

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Coconut Grove Art Walk on Saturday, August 6, 2011.  What a great art walk and drum circle.

Rodez Art Gallery Presents Art MACtown Opening.  This wonderful art will be  in a spectacular silent auction benefiting MACtown on Friday, August 19, 2011 from 6 to 10 p.m at Rodez Art Gallery.   MACtown Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose primary mission over the past 49 years has been to improve the lives and further the independence of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in South Florida.

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Coconut Grove Gallery Walk this Saturday Features Galleries, Performance, Paper Fashion and iPhone Art 8/6/11

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Coconut Grove Gallery Walk
Saturday, August 6, 7pm

Artist and renowned corner man of Mohammad Ali, Ferdie Pacheco, aka “The Fight Doctor”, will lead the night’s featured gallery exhibitions and openings. He will also be available for an exclusive book signing.

In addition to 11 galleries, the Grove Gallery Walk will present the popular “Paper Bag Heads” performance art troupe during a unique fashion show setting on the Mayfair Promenade. Also in attendance will be the iconic Coconut Grove Drum Circle, performing until 10 p.m. To add to the night’s “outside” art events, Beck’s Beer will be hosting a virtual gallery at CocoWalk throughout the month of August.

In the thrilling words [roars] of Michael Buffer – South Florida, “get ready to rumble.” This month’s Grove Gallery Walk is proud to feature a lineup of artists that are sure to knock you out. Beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 6, ten galleries will host a night of art, wine, fun and excitement.

Round 1 begins at AC Fine Art, located at Mayfair, where it will host a solo exhibition by artist and renowned corner man of Mohammad Ali, Ferdie Pacheco, aka “The Fight Doctor.” Hosting an exhibition of original oil paintings by the same name, this once boxing analyst and physician showcases his imaginative use of color alongside abstract conceptions. Also featured in the exhibition are original photos taken by Pacheco’s wife during his years with the boxing legend. AC Fine Art will celebrate Pacheco’s diverse achievements with an opening night of live music, cigar rolling and a special book signing.

Giving artists of all kinds a fighting chance, RODEZ Art Gallery is proud to present “ART MACtown.” Founded in 1962, MACtown Inc. is a charitable organization whose primary mission is to improve the lives and further the independence of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in South Florida. Under the direction of artist and gallery owner George Rodez, small format works by more than 100 MACtown participants will be on display, in addition to one grand piece created by all participants. A silent auction will be held with all proceeds benefitting MACtown, Inc.

Grove Gallery Walk Features Sports, Pastimes and the Individual on Saturday, August 6

Renowned abstract artist Kathleen Staples will be at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery I inside the Mayfair complex. With paintings portraying a variety of textures and layers, “SWIMMING TO SESTOS” is sure to pack a punch through its different surface effects and intuitive expression of color.
Next door at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery II, “A Summer Show” by solo artist Luisa Mesa, fights to create symbols that connect with a deeper purpose. Every piece of Mesa’s artwork creates a different outlook and meaning, yet all coming together to constitute a whole.

Not one to shy away from the ring, Max in the Grove will be featuring an exhibition by the Texan artist Daniel Padilla. With a steady hand, Padilla is known for working diligently with colorful and tranquil brush strokes. Alongside Padilla, Max in the Grove will also be showcasing the works of Pino, Chagall, Kaufman, Britto, Tadeo, Ferio and Peter Max.

“AMERICAN ICONS,” a solo exhibition by Hernando Alzate at Cristina Chacon Gallery, will continue until August 20. The exhibition features legendary figures of our recent history blended with Neo Pop elements. It is located on Commodore Plaza.

Local artist Amy Reshefsky will again be featured at FrameWorks Studio Gallery and GroveHouse. Artists will present an exhibition of member artists’ works, including those by Grovites Barbara Tejada, Isabelle “Izi” Schuette and Bobbi Headder.

Grove Gallery Walk Features Sports, Pastimes and the Individual on Saturday, August 6

Other galleries featured in the Walk include ArtWay 66, Blue Moon Studio of Art and Dharma Studio.

As part of the pre-show entertainment, the popular Paper Bag Heads are proud to present a “Paper Doll Fashion Show.” Taking place at the Mayfair Promenade Fountain, the show will feature life-sized fashion outfits constructed solely from paper. Designed by local artists, the “clothes” will be voted upon by the audience. Prizes for the most popular outfits will be donated by numerous Grove stores and include one-night stays for two at the Mayfair Hotel and Spa and the Grove Isle Hotel and Spa.

The Grove Gallery Walk begins at 7 p.m. and continues through 10 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be made available at participating galleries, while live music can be found at some locations.
Art inspired events such as these are provided by partnering galleries and the Coconut Grove BID. The Coconut Grove BID exists to improve the quality and financial success of the Grove’s commercial core. It enhances Grove parking, lighting, sanitation, marketing, and safety, as well as supporting special events.

For more information on the Coconut Grove BID, or to see a map of participating galleries, visit www.coconutgrove.com or call 305-461-5506.

Splash at the Mayfair Hotel Rooftop 8/6/11

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Splash at the Mayfair Hotel Rooftop
08-06-2011, 1PM-11PM
Mayfair Hotel Rooftop
Mayfair Hotel & Spa
3000 Florida Avenue
Coconut Grove
FL 33133
coconutgrove-mayfairhotel.com

Rooftop Pool Party “Splash At The Mayfair” in Coconut Grove, every Saturday this summer! From 1:00pm to 11:00pm.

This week’s guest DJs are: • Soulharmony & Eddie Ayala • playing the sexiest House grooves to keep you in the mood for more!
•-• Special guest DJ is Eddie Lopez, founder of UnderGroundRadio •-•
* Complimentary Special Cocktails for Ladies from 4:00pm – 6:00pm
* UM students get 10% off with ID
* Bottle service starts at $180.00
* Cabana $150
* Valet Parking $7.00 with validation
* More info call: Eddie 305.793.7930

The Loft in Coconut Grove celebrated a Wine Tasting with YR Couture By Betty Alvarez

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On July 29, The Loft in Coconut Grove, a Fashion, gift boutique, wine and Tobacco Shop as well as event destination held a wine tasting where the wines came from Europe, South America and included a distinctive selection from special wineries. Some of the wines that was tasted were Chateau De Rontets, Poully-Fuisse from Fuisse, France; Las Nencias, Malbec, Reserve from Mendoza, Argentina; and Auka Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza, Argentina.

The Loft is the fashion house of YR Couture and features a wonderful line of semi precious Jewelry designed by owner/designer Yvonne Rosemeier. Ms. Rosemeier is also the owner of The Loft.

The Loft is located on 3190A Commodore Plaza. For more information on either The Loft or YR Couture please visit www.theloftmiami.com and www.yrcouture.com

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011

Coconut Grove Drum Circle 8/6/11

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Coconut Grove Drum Circle
Saturday, August 6, 8-11PM
Location: Streets of Mayfair Promenade

The Coconut Grove Drum Circle is moving! On Saturday, August 6, we will meet in the open air Mayfair Promenade in the Grove, located at the corner of Grand Avenue and Mary Street. There are parking garages in the Mayfair complex and on the corner of Oak Street and Mary, and parking lots near the Mayfair as well as parking on the streets. This is a grand location, near the heart of the Grove Art Walk. Please come and help us celebrate our one year anniversary! Discover or rediscover the magic, joy, and healing power of the drum. Extra drums and other percussion instrument available along with ice water and seating. Come early and see the Paper Doll Fashion Parade at 6:30.

For more information, please contact Karen: karen.deilke@gmail.com
Hope to see you there!

Free Wine Tasting and Art Exhibition by Joseph C. Grant, Jr. at The Loft in Coconut Grove 7/29/11

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Wine Tasting
Friday, July 29th – 6:30 – 8:30 pm
The Loft
3190 Commodore Plaza
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
www.theloftmiami.com

You are cordially invited to our free wine tasting this Friday

This week, our wines come from Europe and South America and include a distinctive selection from special wineries.
1- Chateau Des Rontets, Poully-Fuisse, Fuisse – France
2- Las Nencias, Malbec, Reserve, Mendoza – Argentina
3- Auka, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza – Argentina

This Friday, the Loft will also be exhibiting paintings of acclaimed Artist Joseph C. Grant Jr., who will be working on one of his new paintings at the Loft Boutique.

The Loft in Coconut Grove is a Fashion and Gift Boutique, Wine and Tobacco Shop, as well as Event Destination. Our location is 3190A Commodore Plaza, right in the heart of the Grove.

The Loft is the fashion house of YR Couture and features a wonderful line of semi-precious Jewelry designed by owner/designer Yvonne Rosemeier. Yvonne Rosemeier, the owner of THE LOFT is pleased to invite you to this very special fun wine event with art and complementary Hors d’oeuvres.

Please also visit our websites:
www.yrcouture.com and www.theloftmiami.com

Art MACtown Opens at Rodezart.com Gallery 8/6/11

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Art MACtown Opens at Rodezart.com Gallery 8/6/11
CocoWalk
3015 Grand Ave., Suite 237
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Tel: 786.467.7111

The vernissage will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2011
during Coconut Grove Gallery Walk from 7 to 10 p.m.

Spectacular Silent Auction Benefiting MACtown on
Friday, August 19, 2011 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Rodez Art Gallery Presents: “ART MACtown”
August 6 – 27, 2011

RODEZ Art Gallery is proud to present ART MACtown. Founded in 1962, MACtown Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose primary mission over the past 49 years has been to improve the lives and further the independence of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in South Florida.

MACtown offers a variety of programs and services that have been specifically tailored to meet the individual needs of the people they serve. The organization is determined to help each individual accomplish their independent living goals and maximize their full potential.

This month we exhibit the works of over 100 of MACtown’s participants created under the direction of artist George Rodez. Artworks will each be in a small format with one grand piece created by all participants. All proceeds will go to benefit MACtown, Inc.

Young collectors welcomed! We look forward to meeting you and thank you for supporting MACtown and the Arts.

Kampong Guided Tours 8/6/11, 8/20/11

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Kampong Guided Tours
Sat Aug 6 and Sun Aug 20, 8:30AM
The Kampong
4013 S. Douglas Road
Coconut Grove
http://ntbg.org/gardens/kampong.php

Special Summer Guided Tours of The Kampong offered two Saturdays in August!

The Kampong (4013 S. Douglas Road, Coconut Grove) is offering guided tours of their botanical oasis on Saturday August 6 and Saturday August 20. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the grounds and learn about the astonishing variety of plants, including the largest Baobab in the US (also known as the Tree of Life), currently displaying football-sized fruit.

The Kampong is the former home and garden of world plant explorer David Fairchild and later philanthropist and preservationist Catherine Sweeney. On August 6 and August 20, gates open at 8:00 AM, and the 2-hour tour begins at 8:30 AM. Tour fee is $20 for adults, $15 for ages 62 and over and students with ID, $10 for children 4-12 years, and free for children 3 and under (accompanied by adult).

Reservations are required — please call 305-442-7169 for more details. Wear comfortable walking shoes!

Cooking Class with Chef Carmen Triguros 7/26/11

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Cooking Class with Chef Carmen Triguros
Tuesday, July 26, 7 pm
Grove Garden Trilogy: Calamari | La Bottega | Taurus
3540 Main Highway
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
-RSVP- info@labottegabycarmen.com

Our celebration of France during July continues with July 26 Cooking Class!
scroll down to view text if you do not see image
Rsvp 305-444-3493 or reply to info@labottegabycarmen.com

Enhancing recipes with Olive Oil…even dessert!
Celebrating La Cuisine Minceur: a menu inspired by the South of France, as we celebrate the France during Month on July.

Chef’s Tuna Nicoise with Creamy Olive Oil Dressing

Sea Bass in a Lavender Olive Oil Sauce with Ratatouille Provencal, Tian of Summer Tomatoes, Eggplant, Leeks, Zucchini, Onion, Herbs de Provence, our own “La Bottega Blend”.

Traditional Gigot de Agneau with Petit Haricot Verts Almondine, Rosemary and Honey, Pomme de Terre a la Jean-Francois Courreges

Chocolate and Olive Oil Parfait, Mille Feuilles de Fruits Rouge

Join Chef Carmen and Jen Francois for a relaxing, interactive evening in Chef Carmen’s state-of-the industry kitchen.
We are keeping this intimate, so RSVP ASAP!
$30 per person 305-444-3493
This Week We Feature Giangrandi Gourmet Olive Oil

Jean Francois Courreges, LB’s Manager, old and rare wine specialist, former Manager of Cafe Boulud, Palm Beach, born and raised in Basque Country to a family of restaurateurs.

Yappy Hour Berries in tthe Grove 7/24/11

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7/24/2011, 3:00 pm – 7 :00 PM
Berries in the Grove
EVENT AT:
2884 SW 27th Avenue
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
coconutgrovedogrescue.org

Come join us for “Yappy Hour” at Berries in the Grove on Sunday July 24th from 3 PM – 7 PM and help us support all those abandoned dogs in Coconut Grove, FL. Please check out the attached flyer for more details.

Thank you for your support and please be sure to visit our website to see our current dogs available for adoption.

Coconut Grove Chamber Networker Bye Bye David 7/27/11

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The New Coconut Grove Chamber Of Commerce Board Of Directors Present Bye Bye David Networking Cocktail & Farewell to Chamber Director David Guzikowski
Wednesday, July 27, 5:30 -7:30 pm
Peacock Garden Cafe
2889 McFarlane Rd.
Coconut Grove 
(Next to the Sonesta Hotel)

$5 Members, $10 Non-Members
includes appetizers and drink plus 2-for-1 well drinks for the duration of the event

R.S.V.P. Info@CoconutGrove.com 305-444-7270

Join The Chamber As A New Member Or
Renew Your Existing Membership At This Event,
Silver Level Or Above, And The Next Chamber Lunch Is On Us!

Not a Coconut Grove Chamber Member? Drop us a line at Membership@CoconutGrove.com for information on membership levels, benefits, and pricing.

Are you a current member? Know someone that may be interested in becoming a part of the Coconut Grove Chamber? Send us their contact at Membership@CoconutGrove.com. If they become members, we will credit your account with $25 credit which is applicable towards luncheons, networkers, eblasts or Chamber Membership – with no expiration as long as you are a member.

La Bottega French Soiree in La Cava 7/29/11

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Friday, July 29, 8 pm
Grove Garden Trilogy: Calamari | La Bottega | Taurus
3540 Main Highway
Coconut Grove, FL 33133

La Bottega Rhythm &Wine presents French Soiree with Montserrat Franco & Tangi Colombel French singer and comedian

Limited Seating, Reserve Early:
305-444 -3493 Specify 7 or 9 pm seating
$30 per person includes wine reception
(Free admission for La Cava Club Members)
Wine List and Bar Service available during performance
Special French Prix-Fixe Menu by Chef Carmen Trigueros, $55

Tangi has been the authentic French Cultural Ambasssador touring the Alliance Francaise around the US for more than 10 years with his personal show that includes traditional chanson francaise and stand up comedy interacting with the audience.

Joseph C. Grant Jr. presents his artwork with live jazz performance at Artway 66 by Betty Alvarez

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On June 7, Joseph C. Grant Jr. presented a collection of his artwork at Artway 66 in Coconut Grove. Grant’s artwork embodies nostalgia with a figurative style of elongated human forms and vibrant colors. One of my favorite pieces was entitled Tango in Miami where the artwork showed that this city is one fun city to live in. His renderings depict life through the eyes of the black male in America by way of the Caribbean.

To accompany this spectacular artwork celebration, New York based Jazz quartet, Innovative Sounds, who played at the Presidential Inauguration in Washington DC provided the musical atmosphere for the evening.

The cocktail hour was sponsored in part by TOMA Vodka and featured Joseph’s signature drink: The “Chocolate Eyez Martini”

Artway 66 is located at 2911 Grand Avenue, Ste. 400D in Coconut Grove. Please visit www.artway66.com

For more information on the artist please visit www.josephcgrantjr.com

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011

Joseph Grant Jr. Solo Exhibit 7/7/11

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Joseph Grant Jr. Solo Exhibit
07/07/2011, 7:00pm-11:00pm
Artway66 Gallery
2911 Grand Ave Suite 400D
Coconut Grove Fl 33133
www.artway66.com
By RSVP ONLY. Must RSVP to rsvp@josephcgrantjr.com

Artist, Author and Filmmaker Invites You and a Guest to attend an Evening of Art and Entertainment For One Night Only

Joseph C. Grant, Jr. presents a collection of his Artwork on Canvas including never before seen images. with Live Jazz Performance by “Innovative Soundz”
As seen at the Presidential Inauguration In Washington DC, Louisiana Jazz Festival
Attire Grove Chic

“To witness Joseph’s works in person is to experience something truly unique. The energy of his paintings seem to radiate off the canvas, possessing a life of their own,” says Brooklyn Congressman Ed Towns.

Joseph C. Grant, Jr.’s artwork embodies nostalgia with a figurative style of elongated human forms and vibrant colors. His renderings depict life through the eyes of a black male in America by way of the Caribbean. Inspirational yet reflective, his paintings have been compared to those of the late Ernie Barnes with the nostalgic quality of Norman Rockwell.

New York-based Jazz quartet “Innovative Soundz” will provide the musical atmosphere for the evening.

The cocktail hour is sponsored in part by TOMA Vodka and features Joseph’s signature drink: The “Chocolate Eyez Martini.”

A native of the Island of Trinidad, Joseph C. Grant, Jr. Is a respected artist, an accomplished author and an independent filmmaker. Using his adventures as the youngest of 11 children, Joe often incorporates his childhood into his works. Collectors of Joseph’s works includes comedian Bill Cosby, Miami Dade District 1 school board leader Dr. Wilbert “Tee” Holloway, iconic journalist Gill Nobel and wife of NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas, Lynn Thomas. When not creating, Joe mentors disadvantaged South Florida youth through his award-winning Arts To Literacy program. For more information on artwork visit: www.JosephCgrantjr.com.

This vibrant young jazz band has played at the Presidential Inauguration In Washington DC, the Louisiana Jazz Festival and opened for one of Jazz’s finest, Irvine Mayfield all before the age of 25. Each member of the band has been formally trained in jazz with a musical education from The Julliard School (MAP), New York City All Jazz High School, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, and the Brooklyn Music & Arts Program. Their first single “Summertime” made it on the Top 5 Reverbnation Jazz Chart.

Many in attendance at the Coconut Grove Chamber’s New Membership Kickoff Happy Hour Networking event By Betty Alvarez

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Central Beer Garden and Sushi Lounge was the place on June 29 for the Coconut Grove Chamber’s new membership networking event drive. This event joined by the Downtown Miami & Brickell Chamber of Commerce, Coconut Grove Gazette, Miami Science Museum, Fabulous Miami, New York Life, SocialBuzzTV.com, Cocowalk and Backlot at Paragon Theatre made new and current members feel welcome and everyone was in the spirit of networking. The new Board of Directors of the Coconut Grove Chamber welcomed guests as they got to know new businesses as well as established ones in Coconut Grove and the neighboring Miami cities.

Raffle prizes were given out from a Cheesecake Factor gift card to a one-year silver level business membership to the Coconut Grove Chamber. For more information on how to become a member of the Coconut Grove Chamber please email to membership@coconutgrove.com or visit www.coconutgrovechamber.com

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011

Grovetoberfest 10/15/11

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Saturday, October 15, 3:00-7:00 pm.
Peacock Park/ Coconut Grove
2820 McFarlane Road
Coconut Grove, FL 33133

It’s the Year of the Beer at Grovetoberfest! If you’re a beer lover, then Miami is the place to be this coming October. Beer enthusiasts from all over will converge at Peacock Park in Coconut Grove for Grovetoberfest – a festival that allows guests to sample hundreds of beers from across the world.

Aficionados and the “casual beer fan”will take an active role in beer sampling by voting for their favorite beers in three different categories. Grovetoberfest will include an entertainment stage featuring South Florida’s wildly popular Spam Allstars. In addition, it will feature a variety of craft beers, the Homebrew Pavilion, a Kitchen Lab for beer/food pairings, a VIP area and a designated driver program.

Pre-purchase tickets by visiting www.grovetoberfest.com or calling (305)461-2700.
$29 – Pre-purchased tickets (available now)
$39 – General Admission
$89 – VIP

The Great Grove Bed Race 9/4/11

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The Great Grove Bed Race
9/4/2011, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Commodore and Main in the Grove
www.thegreatgrovebedrace.com

The third annual celebration of bed racing will take place this fall, Labor Day Weekend, Sunday September 4th.

The Great Grove Bed Race is a free community event and fundraiser in Coconut Grove, Florida, each year the race is attended by celebrities and proves that a community can come together, have fun, be unique and raise funds for charity

The six-hour event is scheduled to take place from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is open to the public. The wildly comedic bed race involves rolling beds down village streets in Coconut Grove with the local South Florida community, individuals, businesses, organizations, and clubs sponsoring the beds.

Teams consist of 5 members, four (4) races and one (1) rider, racing against the clock until the fastest beds in each division are determined. Divisions are Men’s, Women’s, Co-Ed and Corporate/Over 30. Those finalists go head-to-head in a race for the top position. More important than the speed trophies are the top prizes are awarded for theme, engineering, décor, best overall and crowd favorite through our TEXT your vote telecom sponsor.
Open to the public, the race is organized as a fun community event to improve awareness and economic impact to the Grove Village and raise funds for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.

Race fee: $100 registration fee per team for virgins (1 bed, five participants) ($50 for returning veteran teams) from June 1, 2011 to July 15, 2011 — $125.00 late registration (including late veteran teams) fee up to the Final entry deadline of 5 pm, Aug. 26, 2011. 100% of the registration fee goes to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.

Prizes: Prizes will be announced at Bed Race for the various categories (Top Online Fundraiser – Best Engineered Bed – Crowd Favorite (by text votes) – Most Creative Bed – Best Theme – Best Pit Performance – Top Virgin Entry) Cash and gift certificates go to these categories only. Trophies are awarded for the actual race for First, Second and Third Place finishing.

Many activities will take place during the day along with the Bed Race; there is a Parade of Beds, Theme contest (best costumes and cheers would help in winning this), decoration contest, etc.

For more information visit: www.TheGreatGroveBedRace.com
** Registration is OPEN so please get involved ***

11:00 am starts family fun with our Family Pajama Party!

2:00 pm Actual Bed Races Begin

Coconut Grove Gallery Walk 7/2/11

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Coconut Grove Adds Color to a Traditionally Red, White and Blue Weekend
Grove Gallery Walk Continues Saturday, July 2

Fourth of July is a holiday synonymous with flags, fireworks and franks on the grill – and now high-end art. Offering a colorfully creative supplement to the traditional red, white and blue weekend is this month’s Grove Gallery Walk. Beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, ten galleries will host a night of art, wine and fun while celebrating the ability to take artistic “liberties.”

Kicking off the popular patriotic weekend is “AMERICAN ICONS,” a solo exhibition by Hernando Alzate at Cristina Chacon Gallery. Showcasing how art can magically revive the emotional experiences connected to legendary figures of our recent history, “AMERICAN ICONS” uses Neo Pop elements to heighten the color, textures and the superimposition of impossible planes, creating worthy scenes of the personages to whom tribute renders. This unique collection from the Colombian artist teaches us that nostalgia can have a side of happiness, filled with energy and vitality. The exhibition runs through August 20.

Special to this month’s Grove Gallery Walk are living, travelling sculptures. Making its way throughout the Grove will be a spontaneously moving six-person figure, created by modern dance elements and inspired by an accompanied musician and narrator. The performance art is directed by Out of Africa store owner Trina Collins and begins at 7 p.m. in the Mayfair Promenade.

Two Grove galleries will be celebrating the opening of their newest exhibitions. Honoring a distant national instituton, Rodez Art Gallery will present “Reial Cercle Artistic of Barcelona,” an exhibition of works by distiguished members, Joan Abello, Matt Lamb, Pepa Poch, and Josep Puigmarti, of the Royal Artistic Circle of Barcelona; while the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery I hosts “The Art of Gary Longordo,” a collection of mixed media scenic portratis and vibrant Rockers seriers by one of the naion’s top forensic artists.

Housing the largest collection of Peter Max originals, Max in the Grove will be hosting a silent auction for one of the masters’ original pieces in celebration of Independence Day. It will also be exhibiting works by Picasso, Ferjo and Tadeo during the event.

Additional featured exhibitions in this month’s walk include AC Fine Art’s rare, signed and original large-scale works by Robert Indiana, Tom Wesselmann, Donald Sultan, Roberto Matta and Damien Hirst and Russell Young and “ART-I-TECTURE” by Danish born designer and abreact painter Hans Petersen at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery II.

Local artist Amy Reshefsky will be featured at FrameWorks Studio gallery. GroveHouse Artists will also highlight local artists by featuring Karen Deilke, alongside entries by the group’s open call exhibit “Summer Heat.”

Other galleries featured in the Walk include ArtWay 66, Blue Moon Studio of Art, and Dharma Studio.

The Grove Gallery Walk begins at 7 p.m. and continues through 10 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be made available at participating galleries, while live music can be found at some locations.

Art inspired events such as these are provided by partnering galleries and the Coconut Grove BID. The Coconut Grove BID exists to improve the quality and financial success of the Grove’s commercial core. It enhances Grove parking, lighting, sanitation, marketing, and safety, as well as supporting special events.

Coconut Grove Fourth Of July Weekend 7/2-4/11

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Coconut Grove comes alive this July 4th weekend with a host of events for the whole
family to enjoy including Miami’s largest busking event, music, food, a coconut scavenger hunt, a hot dog eating contest and, of course, a spectacular fireworks show.

The festivities begin on Saturday, July 2 as the popular two-day “Cirque du Grove: A Busker’s Carnival” returns to the streets of Coconut Grove. Over a dozen performers will present unique fire routines containing baton twirling and rope lassos during the Saturday evening show, and Sunday’s shows which begin at 1 p.m. will offer free performances by trapeze artists, wire walkers, jugglers, acrobats, clowns, mimes, and balloon artists.

Before and after the sizzling Saturday evening spectacle, the Grove Gallery Walk will celebrate taking artistic “liberties” during the popular patriotic weekend. Ten galleries will host a night of art, wine and fun including opening exhibitions such as “American Icons” at Cristina Chacon Gallery.

Special to this month’s Grove Gallery Walk are living, travelling sculptures. Making its way throughout the Grove will be a spontaneously moving six-person figure, created by modern dance elements and inspired by an accompanied musician and narrator. The performance art is directed by Out of Africa store owner Trina Collins and begins at 7 p.m. in the Mayfair Promenade.

The festivities begin at 11 a.m. on Independence Day with an old-fashioned picnic at The Barnacle Historical Park. Activities will include lawn games, board games, kite making and crafts and live music from Joel Zoss. Bring a picnic or treat yourself to hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie dogs and burgers, popcorn, soft drinks and ice cream available for purchase. Admission to The Barnacle is $5 per person; $2 for children ages 6-12.

For those who can “mustard” the courage, a gourmet hot dog eating contest will begin at 3 p.m. at CocoWalk. The competitor who eats the most hot dogs in 10 minutes will capture the title of Hot Dog Champion and receive a prize package that includes gift certificates from various CocoWalk merchants. Last year’s winner, who consumed 11 hot dogs, is expected to defend his title.

A Coconut Scavenger Hunt begins immediately after the Hot Dog Competition with participants scouring the Grove in search of painted coconuts. It is sponsored by the Coconut Grove Merchants Association.

The festivities continue in Peacock Park at 5 p.m. with food and beverages, photos with a live Lady Liberty statuette and culminate with a stunning fireworks display over Biscayne Bay at sundown (9 p.m.) under the coordination of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce.
The Coconut Grove Business Improvement District (BID) exists to improve the quality and financial success of the Grove commercial core. The BID enhances Grove parking, lighting, sanitation, marketing, and safety, as well as supporting special events. For more information on the Coconut Grove BID, visit www.coconutgrove.com or call 305-461-5506.

July Coconut Grove Drum Circle 7/2/11

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Coconut Grove Drum Circle
Saturday, July 2, 8-11PM
Florentino Plaza
3444 Main Highway, #6 on Map

Celebrate! It’s the 4th of July weekend, and it’s firecracker hot, but we will have water and ice available, so come drum, dance, and feel the love on July 2. We welcome everyone to this circle; no experience is necessary. We will have extra drums, shakers and tambourines available, so come to the Grove and experience the joy and healing magic of the drum.
For more information, contact Karen at karendeilke@me.com

American Icons Solo Exhibition by Hernando Alzate 6/30/11

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Thursday June 30th, 6-9 PM
3162 Commodore Plaza. Suite 1F2.
Coconut Grove, Fl 33133
305 442 2884 / 305 725 7492
Website.

The Nostalgia Becomes Now In Full Color
American Icons, beyond a surprising and novel pictorial proposal, is a sample of how art achieves, in a magical way, to revive and create new sensations around mythical figures of our recent history.

This new collection of the artist Hernando Alzate, contextualizes these legendary figures within actual and very contemporary scenes, making them emerge like giants within the great cities of today, like an allegorical vision that leaves us with the impression that none of them has departed forever, that in a way they remain in our collective memory, like mythological gods that never die.

American Icons, uses Neo Pop like the more appropriate vehicle of expression to heighten this proposal, by vigor that allows in the handling of color, textures and the superimposition of impossible planes, in order to create worthy scenes of the personages to whom tribute renders.

American Icons, it is a unique collection that teaches to us that nostalgia can have a side of happiness, filled with color, energy and vitality

American Icons, más allá de una propuesta pictórica sorprendente y novedosa, es una muestra de cómo el arte logra, de una manera mágica, revivir y crear nuevas sensaciones alrededor de figuras míticas de nuestra historia reciente.
Esta nueva colección del artista Hernando Alzate, contextualiza a estas figuras legendarias dentro de escenarios actuales y muy contemporáneos, haciendo que emergan como gigantes entre las grandes ciudades de hoy, como una visión alegórica que nos deja la impresión de que ninguno de ellos se ha ido para siempre, que de alguna manera permanecen en la memoria colectiva, como dioses mitológicos que nunca mueren.

American Icons, utiliza el Neo Pop como el vehículo de expresión más apropiado para realzar esta propuesta, por el vigor que permite en el manejo del color, las texturas y la superimposición de planos imposibles, para crear escenarios dignos de los personajes a quien rinde tributo.

American Icons, es una colección única que nos enseña que la nostalgia puede tener un lado feliz, lleno de color, energía y vitalidad.

Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce 5th Annual Independence Day Fireworks & Food Trucks Extravaganza 7/4/11

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Part of Grove-wide All Day Celebration on July 4th

Any moment now, the flags will be unfurled and once again be lining the streets of downtown Coconut Grove, as the village readies for its favorite holiday celebration. As in previous years, the events start early and end late, beginning with the traditional picnic at The Barnacle, and culminating with a big bash and fireworks display at Peacock Park (2820 McFarlane Road Miami, FL 33133).

The Board of Directors of Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce is excited to be at the helm of the fireworks extravaganza at Peacock Park, and especially looking forward to teaming up with returning sponsor, the Boston Beer Company. Sam Adams is once again the official beer for July 4th at Peacock Park, and nothing goes better with beer than an assortment of some of the city’s top gourmet food trucks, including, as of this date, CheeseMe Mobile, Dim Ssam a gogo, Gastropod, Latin Burger and The Fish Box, plus Fireman Derek’s World-Famous Pies and a Snow Caps stand. Soft Drinks, Cocktails and Zico Coconut Water will round out the menu.

Free Entertainment includes performances by The Ramblers Band, Pit Bull of Blues and Joel Zoss. There will also be a Children’s Fun Zone.

Festivities in the Park get going around 5 pm, and are expected to last until 10 pm.

As per tradition, the Coconut Grove Independence Day celebrations begin at 11 am with an old-fashioned picnic at The Barnacle Historic State Park. Lawn games, board games, kite making, crafts, and a treasure hunt will keep the whole family entertained and in a sporting mood. Live music from Joel Zoss adds atmosphere to a Park already decked out in traditional Fourth of July bunting. Bring a picnic or treat yourself to hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie dogs and burgers, popcorn, soft drinks and ice cream available for purchase. The Barnacle Historic State Park is located at 3485 Main Highway in downtown Coconut Grove, across the street from the Coconut Grove Playhouse. Admission to the Park on the day of this event is $5; $3 for ages 6-12; children under 6 are free. The park opens at 9 am with activities from 11 am to 4 pm. Park closes at 5 pm. The Barnacle welcomes Blankets, lawn chairs and picnics, but alcohol and fireworks are not permitted. For additional information call 305-442-6866 or visit www.TheBarnacle.org.

The fun continues in downtown Grove, with the Merchants Group Scavenger Hunt which starts around 3 pm, followed by the Hotdog Eating Contest at CocoWalk.

Once the winner is announced, it is time to head to the park and stake out a spot to relax and sup al fresco on a variety of food with ice cold Sam Adams, and let the fireworks begin!

The entire weekend is filled with festivities. Many of the Grove hotels will be having weekend specials, and the Grove BID will once again feature all manner of street theater – from flame throwers, to tightrope dancers and acrobats, performing daring feats along Grand Avenue.

Call for Volunteers: The Chamber is in need of volunteers to help at the vending booths in the park. It is a lot of fun and a great way to make sure you have a spot to see the fireworks. For more information, please contact Lisa Shallenberger at lmshall@hotmail.com.

Thanks to our Sponsors: The Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce thanks the generous contributions that make this event possible: Coconut Grove BID, Office of D2 City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, The Boston Beer Company, Creative Tools, Inc. Communications, CocoWalk, Fast Signs Downtown, Coconut Grove Grapevine, Zico Coconut Water, Turning Point Digital, Regions Bank, Sonesta Hotel and Suites in Coconut Grove and Coconut Grove Gazette.

Coconut Grove Chamber’s Multi-Organization Networking Event 6/29/11

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Join the New Board of Directors of the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce, as we begin a new year with a New Membership Kick-off Happy Hour Networking Event
Wednesday, June 29th, 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Central Beer Garden & Sushi Lounge
3rd floor at CocoWalk
3015 Grand Ave
Coconut Grove
RSVP to info@coconutgrove.com

Join us along with Downtown Miami & Brickell Chamber of Commerce,
Coconut Grove Gazette, Miami Science Museum, FabulousMiami.com, New York Life,
SocialBuzzTV.com, CocoWalk, and Backlot / Paragon Theaters.

Raffle Prizes Include:
A One-year Silver-Level Business Membership to Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce, valued at $250.
A One-year Membership to Fabulous Miami, valued at $350.
An Ad in the Coconut Grove Gazette, valued at $250.
One hour of Social Media Consulting from SocialBuzzTV.com, valued at $150
Two movie passes and dinner combo + bottle of wine from Paragon Theater, valued at $100
Cheesecake Factory Gift Card from CocoWalk, valued at $50

$5 Members, $10 Non-Members includes appetizers and drink plus 2-for-1
well drinks for the duration of the event
R.S.V.P. Info@CoconutGrove.com
305-444-7270

Not a Coconut Grove Chamber Member? Drop us a line at Membership@CoconutGrove.com for information on membership levels, benefits, and pricing.

Are you a current member? Know someone that may be interested in becoming a part of the Coconut Grove Chamber? Send us their contact at Membership@CoconutGrove.com. If they become members, we will credit your account with $25 credit which is applicable towards luncheons, networkers, eblasts or Chamber Membership – with no expiration as long as you are a member.

Not on our e-mailing list? Send us an e-mail at Info@CoconutGrove.com to be able to receive all of our events without having to be an actual member, or to up-date your e-mail.

Please forward this e-mail to family, friends and anyone that may be interested.

Rodez Art Gallery Presents ¡Que Viva España! Vernissage 7/2/11

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Artwork from the “Reial Cercle Artistic of Barcelona”
The vernissage will be held on Saturday, July 2, 2011
during Coconut Grove Gallery Walk from 7 to 10 p.m.
CocoWalk
3015 Grand Ave., Suite 237
Coconut Grove, FL 33133

July 2 – 30, 2011

Founded in 1881 and given its name by Spain’s King Alfonso XIII in 1916, The Royal Artistic Circle of Barcelona, is composed of hundreds of artist-members, who work in the halls of the upper floors of the prestigious Palacio Pignatelli, which also houses the Salvador Dalì Escultor Museum. Rodez Art Gallery is honored to exhibit the works of four of the institution’s distinguished artists: Joan Abello, Matt Lamb, Pepa Poch, and Josep Puigmarti.

Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday,
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and
Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Young collectors welcomed! We look forward to meeting you and thank you for supporting the Arts.

Flamenco in La Cava with Montserrat Franco 6/24/11

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Friday, June 24, Two shows: 7 & 9 pm
Grove Garden Trilogy: Calamari | La Bottega | Taurus
3540 Main Highway
Coconut Grove, FL 33133

La Bottega Rhythm &Wine presents Flamenco in La Cava Montserrat Franco

Rsvp 305 444-3493 or reply to info@LaBottegasociale.com

Featuring Marco Linares on Guitar
This show is a “not to miss” and will feature the music of the Gipsy Kings, Ojos de Brujo, Alabina, Ketama, Madredeus, La Nina Pastori, the poems of Garcia Lorca and Antonio Gala and original songs by Montserrat.

Limited Seating, Reserve Early:
305-444 -3493 Specify 7 or 9 pm seating
$30 per person includes wine reception at 6:30 & 8:30 pm

(Free admission for La Cava Club Members)
Wine List and Bar Service available during performance
Special Spanish Dinner by Chef Carmen Trigueros,
featuring: Gazpacho Andaluz with Lobster Salad
Paella Valenciana, prepared with “La Bomba” Rice and Saffron Foam
Churros & Chocolate. $45

JazzBerries and Cream Night 6/18/11

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JazzBerries and Cream Night
June 18, 2011, 10pm-1pm
Berries in the Grove
2884 SW 7th Ave
Miami FL 33133
www.berriesinthegrove.com

Jazz Night at Berries in the Grove featuring Eric Charles and Four on Six, with Allen Paul, Joe Yeargin and Mike Cohen. The authentic jazz of times gone by that have come to be called “standards” are featured. Standard because they sound better than ever!

Great open-air ambiance, wood-fired pizza just the way you like it. Come and support Miami’s best jazz musicians.

Pupperoni unites dogs and people 6/25/11

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Saturday, June 25, 1-3 p.m.
Mayfair Hotel
3000 Florida Avenue
Coconut Grove

Pricing: $30
**RSVP required at RSVP@zm-pr.com

Mayfair Hotel hosts “Pupperoni” for people and their dogs, benefiting Spay Neuter Miami Foundation–a new organization dedicated to the prevention of unwanted pets. Guests will enjoy a day filled with wine, bubbly, beer, pizza and accessories for beings and dogs by Vanderbitch.

Spay Neuter Miami Foundation is the unprecedented initiative that comes in response to Miami-Dade’s unwanted pet population and over-crowded shelter. With nearly 36,000 intakes at Miami-Dade Animal Services last year, this newly registered 501c3 is dedicated to sterilization programs in Miami, and with your help, is taking action to secure donor-subsidized spay and neuter programs for local communities that need it most. Spay Neuter Miami is the only organization created to address the source of the problem and prevent unwanted animals from being born.

4th of July in the Grove 7/4/11

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July 4th
Buffets servings from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Mayfair Hotel & Spa
3000 Florida Avenue
Coconut Grove

A day filled with food, drinks, spa treatments, cabana rentals, access to rooftop pool and fireworks for under $20 at Mayfair Hotel in Coconut Grove.

Pricing/Details: Pool access and buffet are $18.95 per adult, $12.50 per child under 10

Buffet items:
Summer salads
Classic BBQ and sandwiches with corn on the cob and baked beans
Sorbet passed around pool

Cabana rentals start at $75
Spa treatments start at $10

The Drinks Of The Grove Summer Solstice Cocktail Mixology Contest 6/21/11

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On Behalf of BrandLink Communications: We Cordially Invite you to: The Drinks Of The Grove: “Summer Solstice Cocktail Mixology Contest”
Tuesday, June 21st , 2011
The longest day of the year!
7pm -9:30pm
The Burgundy Room
3015 Grand Ave
Miami FL33133

Karaoke competition 9:30pm to Midnight with the Swinging Richards

The details and voting process are as such:

· Competition will last for 2.5 hours, Tuesday June 21st, 7pm to 9:30pm
· Drink tickets at the front door will be sold at 10 tickets for $25.
· Drink tickets and ballots together will determine the winner.
· Free raffle tickets will be given upon entrance (no purchase necessary) to all guests. Raffle prizes awarded at 9:15 pm.
· Open to the public

Indie movie Premiere To help Animals 6/22/11

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Indie movie Premiere- To help Animals
June 22, 6:00 PM red Carpet
Cocowalk movie theaters
Paragon Grove 13
3015 Grand Avenue, Cocowalk
Coconut Grove, Miami, FL 33133.
Website.
Trailer.

Independent Filmmaker Focuses On Actors And Their Creativity!
Premiere of “Equal Strength” The Movie!

Hammond Films created this project believing in the actors’ capacity for creation. The director, Ika Santamaria, put together a group of eleven local actors to implement a process in which they would build the characters, develop their traits and background information, and even name their own characters. Based on those characters, the group improvised short stories, created basic sketches and formed groups to keep improvising. Through this they developed a plot, which became the main tool to write the final screenplay of “Equal Strength.”

The Miami Premiere with talent and crew in attendance will be held at the Paragon Grove 13, Cocowalk, Coconut Grove, FL on Wednesday, June 22, 2011. The red carpet and reception will start at 6:00 PM and the screening will be at 7:30 PM.

It’s really amazing that we were able to have so much support in order to make this film happen. Even without a budget we got incredible locations and important elements needed to make our film. We obtained the full use of a large marina where the owner allowed us to use his private yacht. We also acquired access to automobiles, an animal hospital, a ranch, animal shelters, houses, a hospital, offices in downtown and lots of dogs and horses!
The story is about Taylor Westrom who will quickly learn that to accomplish his noble mission of saving millions of animals, he must confront his own boss. The same boss who is linked to illegal operations with a group of veterinarians, to the point of risking his life. In trying to resolve this ordeal, Miami-Dade Police Captain Jodi Tucker will also have to keep an eye on Detective Sanchez because of his unconventional style of applying the law. They will both try to resolve the crisis involving human beings and animals, resulting in a life and death struggle.

This is the beginning of our filmmaking career, and we are very proud of the final result. From the first meeting with the actors until our final draft in the editing room, the entire process took 12 months. Wonderful! We have other upcoming projects that will be done in a more conventional way. However, this one will always be special because if there is one word that describes this experience it is: “empowering”!

Produced by Joseph Anthony Hammond
Written, Directed, and Edited by Ika Santamaria
Staring Ryan Teasauro, Noa Lindberg, Miguel Sahid, Kira Stockwell, Elioret Silva, Robyn Jessica Cohen, Nelida Palmer, Brent Battles, Marc Daniel Katz, Jair Bula and Katia Pineda.,
Cinematography Joseph Anthony Hammond
Music by Danny Garcia, Nina Llopis and Andrew Gross

2011 4th of July Celebration in Peacock Park 7/4/11

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The 2011 4th of July Celebration
in Peacock Park

Presented by Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce
In 2011, the 4th of July Celebration in Peacock Park returns to Coconut Grove for it’s 5th year of a spectacular fun filled day with food, music, children’s play area, and of course FIREWORKS!
The 4th of July Celebration in Peacock Park is the only fireworks extravaganza in Miami for the Coconut Grove and Coral Gables area, packed with NON-STOP EXCITEMENT!

To celebrate this incredible event the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce and the City of Miami with other local community organizations is planning MORE OF EVERYTHING!

The Chamber is looking for Coconut Grove Restaurants to participate in the event.
If you are interested, please complete the vendor agreement and return it to the Chamber office via email, fax or drop off. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Chamber office. Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce, P: 305-444-7270, www.coconutgrovechamber.com

DoubleTree by Hilton Cookie CAREavan Tour 6/10/11

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DoubleTree by Hilton Cookie CAREavan Tour
Friday, June 10, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Cocowalk
3015 Grand Avenue
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Facebook Page.

Doubletree By Hilton Sweetens Summer Travel With 50-City Cookie Careavan Tour Stopping in Miami, Friday, June 10

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels is kicking off a nationwide tour to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its iconic chocolate chip cookie. From Atlanta to Austin, Miami to Minneapolis and St. Louis to Seattle, a specially designed food truck will embark on a 10-week, 10,000-mile, 50-city journey to deliver tens of thousands of smiles to people across the country through the pleasant surprise of a sweet chocolate chip cookie treat.

On Friday, June 10, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Cookie CAREavan will arrive at Cocowalk in Miami to hand out free cookies while supplies last. At every stop along the tour, people can enjoy a free chocolate chip cookie in the summer sun, share their stories about the beloved all-American treat, learn more about the caring connection between DoubleTree by Hilton and the chocolate chip cookie, and find out about the DoubleTree by Hilton Cookie CAREavan Sweepstakes to win great prizes all summer long.

Some of the weekly prizes include tins of DoubleTree by Hilton cookies, Hilton HHonors bonus points and DoubleTree by Hilton weekend getaways, as well as the grand prize of a five-day/four-night vacation and airfare for two to any DoubleTree by Hilton property in the U.S.

DoubleTree by Hilton is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its signature chocolate chip cookie this summer by doing something that many people have always dreamed of doing – taking the ultimate road
trip across America.

Since 1986, the DoubleTree by Hilton chocolate chip cookie has represented a warm, friendly welcome for travelers. Every guest who checks into one of the more than 250 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels and resorts in 17 countries across five continents receives this same signature, sweet treat at check-in. The hotel brand anticipates sharing more than 250,000 cookies beyond their hotel doors and out in 50 communities this summer season to celebrate the cookie’s silver anniversary. Some surprise stops to deserving community groups and charities are also planned along the route.

Follow the Cookie CAREavan on Facebook (Facebook.com/DoubleTree) to track the tour and check out photos, videos and live tweets from the road. DoubleTree by Hilton’s Cookie CAREavan tour is a proud sponsor of Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race, which premieres on August 14th at 10p/9c.

Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce Installation Luncheon 6/17/11

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Coconut Grove
Chamber of Commerce Installation Luncheon
Friday, June 17th, Noon-2:00PM
Sonesta Bayfront Hotel
2889 McFarlane Road
Coconut Grove, FL 33133

We are proud to present our newly Elected Coconut Grove Chamber Board of Directors who will be introducing themselves to the Chamber Membership and attendees. Come out, meet the Board and introduce yourself!

Price of Admission for the Luncheon is $30 for Members
and $35 for Non-Members
Join the Chamber or upgrade your membership at the Luncheon and lunch is on us!
RSVP: 305-444-7270 or info@coconutgrove.com

Coconut Grove Gallery Night by Betty Alvarez

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I have always loved Coconut Grove Gallery night and it has been a while since I have been to a gallery night in this section of the city. Therefore, I ventured out to what it was going to be a worthwhile experience. My first stop was at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Galleries 1 & 2. Gallery one featured the exhibition “Master Thesis exhibition–Visual Art Graduates of 2011” in partnership with Ai Miami International University. Gallery 2 featured “Art-I-tecture” Artist Hans Petersen, presented vibrant, large scale images of aspects of architecture and environments translated into abstract paintings.

Next, I went to the Mayfair Promenade which many artists and vendors were selling various artworks from jewelry, art pieces etc. One distinct event that I have not seen in past Coconut Grove Gallery night before was when thirteen visual artists and a violinist came together to have an improvisational orchestra. This was presented by Brigitte Kishlar of the MCA Academy & Trina Collins of Out of Africa. Guests saw music played in response to the painters–paintings were created to the whimsical rhythms of the moment. Near the improvisational orchestra, I wandered into Artway 66 where its “Art is Everywhere III” exhibition took place. Afterwards, I visited AC Restrospective Gallery where large scale screenprints were on displayed. One artwork that I really liked was Erica King’s autographed photography of Basketball players of all time.

In Cocowalk, Rodezart.com Gallery displayed David Acevedo’s exhibition entitled “What Matters Most” David constantly experiments with multiple subjects and media. It really shows in his great masterpieces. We wanted to take advantage of “Gallery Walk” cocktails in three great restaurant. The Peacock Garden Cafe was the first stop and what a surprise that I had. I was served a good portion glass of Sangria saying the secret password “Gallery Night” to the bartender. Delicious! The restaurant itself reminded me of the old Coconut Grove. How it really was. This quaint restaurant had some nice pieces of furniture. It was a very delightful atmosphere.

Max in the Grove, a multi artist gallery featured artists such as Steve Kauffman, Peter Max and Salvadore Dali. Bringing fine art to the world. I ventured to Commodore Plaza where Frameworks featured local artist Marcelo Holzinger. Dharma Studio had the Russian artist Wicca Morenets who paints with a focus on the metaphysical and spiritual aspects of nature and of life’s mysteries. Cristina Chacon Studio Gallery featured the works of Claudia Calle, an eclectic artist who designs and photographs by instinct capturing moments.

For my last Gallery Night cocktails, I strolled into Lulu where they served me a glass of champagne and in Calamari, a glass of Prosecco was served for this distinct walk. All in all, it was a night of many discoveries and art galore that made me smile from ear to ear. Coconut Grove you have done it again. Can’t wait to come back for the next one!

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011

Thirteen Visual Artists and a Violinist 6/4/11

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Thirteen Visual Artists and a Violinist
As part of the Saturday, June 4 Gallery Walk,
on the Mayfair Promenade
At the Mayfair Fountain from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m. sharp

Don’t Miss It! One Show Only!
An Improvisational Orchestra
Limited seating available
See music played in response to the painters-hear paintings created to the whimsical rhythms of the moment-be part of the make it up as you go scene

Presented by Brigitte Kishlar of the MCA Academy & Trina Collins of Out of Africa

Coconut Grove Drum Circle
Saturday, June 4
Florentino Plaza
3444 Main Highway, #6 on Map
8PM-11PM

Please join us for our June circle.
Yes, it’s June, and yes, it’s warm, but we will have water and ice available, so come and drum and dance with us. We welcome everyone to this circle; no experience necessary! We will have extra drums, shakers and tambourines available. Come to the Grove and experience the joy and healing magic of the drum.
For more information, contact Karen at karendeilke@me.com

Coconut Grove Gallery Walk 6/4/11

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Coconut Grove Gallery Walk
Saturday, June 4th 7 pm to 10 pm

GroveHouse Artists Gallery
located on the Promenade in the Shops at Mayfair
invites you to attend the
1st Saturday Gallery Walk in Coconut Grove
June 4th
7pm to 10 pm

Opening a new general Membership Exhibit
Artist of the Month: Audrey Scott
Opening new Grid Exhibit: The Power of Water
Light refreshments will be served

Spartico Pizza Classes 6/4/11

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Saturday, June 4, 11, and 18th, 12:30 p.m.
Spartico at Mayfair Hotel & Spa
3000 Florida Avenue
Coconut Grove

Get to know the secrets behind nationally recognized Spartico at Mayfair Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove with a personal cooking class with Chef Jonathan Eismann. Guests will be greeted with their own Spartico apron and learn the tricks of the trade at the new phenomenal Italian trattoria, gaining access to an Ambrogi wood-burning oven, seasonally harvested grains and an award-winning chef’s personal instruction.

What to expect:
Four-course meal each including a glass of wine and pizza made with your own hand.
Spartico apron gift.
Pizza making class for adults $50 and children $35 including tax & gratuity.

** Reservation Required
Phone: (305) 779 – 5100

East Meets West Art Exhibit Exchange 6/3-4/11

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“East meets West” in an exchange of talent

daas Gallery Presents: “Personalities” a George Rodez solo exhibition
Friday, June 3 in Fort Myers
1542 Broadway Street
Fort Myers, FL

Saturday, June 4 in Coconut Grove
Rodez Art Gallery Presents: “What Matters Most” a David Acevedo solo exhibition
CocoWalk, 3015 Grand Ave., Suite 237
Coconut Grove, FL

daas Gallery Presents: “Personalities” a George Rodez solo exhibition
The vernissage will be held on Friday, June 3, 2011
during Art Walk in Fort Myers from 6 to 10 pm.

As an artist George Rodez feels an obligation to explore the experiences with which he is presented in life. Rodez says, “I am compelled to use my artistic creativity influenced by these experiences. To live life is to feel emotions. I live through my paintings in this very same fashion.” Rodez is a Cuban painter born in Manhattan. He is a self-taught artist who later in life dabbled in art courses to further develop his talents. He believes in growing his own process and developing his own language in the arts, and lives by that everyday he creates. “I’d like to think that I am an artist with no boundaries or limitations,” he explains. Thus, I create multiple bodies of work each vastly different from the other. My mother suffered from mental illness, including multiple personalities. I made an active decision to take the lessons learned and incorporate them into my art. Each body of work provides me with a different experience and allows for all of my Personalities to show through . . . a sort of smorgasbord.

Rodez Art Gallery Presents: “What Matters Most” a David Acevedo solo exhibition
The vernissage will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2011
during Coconut Grove Gallery Walk from 7 to 10 pm.

As an artist, David Acevedo has constantly experimented with multiple subjects and media. Just recently he has created a series of works in which he has simplified and aligned the subject matter in a very straight forward, yet honest way. Matters is a collection of paintings that explore a recent self-imposed remedy to ever-changing expressions for Acevedo. It consists in a body of work in which the relationship between color and shape are the primary subjects allowing the viewer to see what matters most, obvious at times but holding secrets yet to be discovered. The simplicity and back-to-basics nature of these works offer an appealing and rewarding experience to the artist. Acevedo states, “There are all sorts of ‘matters’ going on in my head and my heart during the creative process.” Moreover, to look into the world of David Acevedo is perhaps to mirror our own desire as individuals to return to a world of innocence, naiveté, and serenity as we all seek to find What Matters Most in our lives.

Coconut Grove Drum Circle 6/4/11

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Saturday, June 4
Florentino Plaza
3444 Main Highway
#6 on Map
8PM-11PM

Please join us for our June circle. Yes, it’s June, and yes, it’s warm, but we will have water and ice available, so come and drum and dance with us. We welcome everyone to this circle; no experience necessary! We will have extra drums, shakers and tambourines available. Come to the Grove and experience the joy and healing magic of the drum.
For more information, contact Karen at karendeilke@me.com

Mayfair Hotel Launches Craft Beer Tastings 6/15/11

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Every third Wednesday of the month. First tasting on June 15th, 7-9 p.m.
Mayfair Hotel & Spa
3000 Florida Avenue
Coconut Grove

Pricing: $20
*Limited seating; reservation required: (305) 779 – 5100

Swaying away from wine tastings that used to lead social gatherings, beer tastings have now taken charge to quench locals’ thirst. Mayfair Hotel in Coconut Grove leads the trend launching Craft Beer Tastings, offering a sampling of over 40 craft beers from favorite local microbreweries plus bites from beloved local trattoria Spartico, at just $20 per person. A certified Cicerone, (AKA a sommelier of brewskies) who has been a craft beer enthusiast for 10 years, will be conducting tastings every third Wednesday of the month. Fresh Beer, an innovative company who supplies beer straight from the brewery to achieve ultimate perfection, will be rotating selections from a vast array of microbrews.

Hidden Visions by Emilio Héctor Rodríguez Opening Reception 6/9/11

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“Hidden Visions” an art exhibit with the last works of Emilio Héctor Rodríguez Curator: Pedro Hernández Opening Reception
Thursday, June 9, 6:00 pm / 8:00 pm
The Wirtz Gallery at First National Bank Of South Miami
7887 N Kendall Drive
Miami, FL 33156
www.fnbsm.com/wirtz.html

In this art exhibit, Cuban sculptor Pedro Hernández is presenting the last works of contemporary painter Emilio Héctor Rodríguez. Hernández, who is a renowned artist, is acting now as curator to bring this show to the Miami public.

The opening night reception for “HIDDEN VISIONS” is Thursday, June 9, 2011, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm and is free and open to the public. The exhibition will be on view from June 2 through July 31, 2011; Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; and Fridays from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

“The current Art Exhibit by artist Emilio Héctor Rodríguez at Wirtz Gallery, invites the spectator to go beyond the images that our natural eyes offer us. Grouped with the title Hidden Visions, these works by the painter bring to our attention the need to refocus our point of view towards the beauty that underlies behind any surface. The photographs of different types of tissues -taken through a microscope- are, at the same time, the initial motive and inspiration for the pieces and a metaphor for all the spectrums of possible worlds, of different unexplored realities and dimensions of human existence.”
Anelys Alvarez Muñoz.
Master of Arts in Art History, Havana University

Fairchild Palms Happy Hour at The Grove Spot 6/9/11

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Thursday, June 9, 6:30pm – 9:30pm
The Grove Spot
3324 Virginia Street (Behind Coco Walk)
Coconut Grove, Florida
Facebook Evite.

The Grove Spot is a great place for Miami’s finest young professionals to meet & mingle for our long awaited Fairchild Palms Happy Hour!
thegrovespot.com/our-location

Join the Fairchild Palms for a laid-back summer vibe at this Coconut Grove funspot for $2 draft beers, $4 wines and well drinks under $5 in the “back bar” and spilling out into the patio.

As always, the Fairchild Palms raises money for the Fairchild Challenge environmental education and conservation programs and we encourage a $10 voluntary donation at the door. Join us!

The Fairchild Palms is the young professionals’ group affiliated with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. All proceeds benefit the Fairchild Challenge environmental outreach program distributed to schools nationwide. For more information, visit our web site at www.fairchildpalms.org, check out our Facebook group, “Fairchild Palms,” or send an email to info@fairchildpalms.org. Join our mailing list, or better yet, become a Fairchild Palm today.

Greatness presents Claudia Calle 6/4/11

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“Greatness” Presents: Claudia Calle
Saturday, June 4th, 7-10 PM
3162 Commodore Plaza. Suite 1F2
Coconut Grove, Fl 33133

Claudia Calle, who was born in Manizales, Colombia in 1976 and has resided in Miami for over 10 years, is an eclectic artist who designs and photographs by instinct capturing unusual moments and giving us genial pieces of art reflect of her heightened and particular life philosophy. She has a passion for traveling and capturing the lifestyle and culture of the places she visits and her work is the result of the fusion between spontaneity and a conscientious study of the social and cultural phenomenon that she perceives at her surroundings.

www.cristinachaconstudiogallery.com
www.cristinachaconstudiiogalleryblog.blogspot.com

Award winning photographer and mixed media Artist Claudia Calle

Second Floor
Claudia Calle, Julio Nieto

First Floor
Vince. Ray Azcuy, Liana Garcia, Espitia, Patricia Michelangeli, Keiko Gonzalez, Milena Arango

The Magic Garden Party 6/11/11

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June 11, 6pm-whenever
The Magic Garden (Chik’s Home)
4140 Lybyer Avenue
Coconut Grove, Florida

♥ Expand the Love ♥ and Living Without Limits invite YOU to celebrate with us at:
The Magic Garden Party!

Come out and play! This is a beautiful opportunity to come together as community, to celebrate LIFE, to dance, fly, share delicious food, drum and create MAGIC together in Chik’s beautiful backyard garden!

Hosted By: Val Silidker and Chik Shank!

Featuring:
~ the magical harmonies and Mantras of Aleph!
~ Flying Yoga with Michael Sivanataraj St Cole
~ Drum Circle with Mark and Carmen Cecilia Richards
~ Eric Dez spinning awesome music!
~ and More!

What To Bring:
Bring your drums or other instruments, a Vegetarian, Vegan or Living Foods dish to share, and lots of beautiful energy! We’ll see you there!

www.ExpandtheLove.com
www.LivingWithoutLimits.com
www.InspiredLifeWorkshops.org

The Pattern Of Art One-Night Only Solo Exhibition of Baron Siamanto Levon 5/21/11

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The Pattern Of Art, a Special, One-Night Only Solo Exhibition from Designer Baron Siamanto Levon Saturday, May 21, 8-11 p.m.
CocoWalk
3015 Grand Ave., Suite 237
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
More Info.

“A unique and interesting view into the relationship between art, fashion design, and garments created from painted canvases.”

Baron Siamanto Levon is a third generation extremist haute couture and visionary fashion designer. His fashion consists of conceptual elements and radical flourishings from violent glamour to edgy street.

Baron Siamanto Levon has become an icon in the world of design. But Levon is not limited to couture. He states, “A true designer will have no limits with imagination. The true designer should be able to create adding new dimension to any visual concept. Designers should know how to paint, how to sculpt, and how to carve. True designers should understand three dimensions and the shades of each color.” And that is just what Levon brings to this exhibition – his imagination.

Business Card Exchange 5/19/11

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FabulousMiami.com Business Card Exchange
Thursday, May 19th, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
The Roof Top at Mayfair Hotel
3000 Florida Ave
Coconut Grove

For a Night of Business Card Exchange
RSVP to RSVP@fabulousmiami.com by May 17th,2011

Bring your business card to participate in a raffle to win $50.00 gift certificate to the spa & 2 Marlins tickets.
Complimentary welcome drink by Revolucion Tequila
Dress Code: Business attire

For questions or Table Reservations please contact rsvp@fabulousmiami.com or at 786-393-5850 ext 201

RODEZart.com Gallery Presents David Acevedo What Matters Most Opening 6/4/11

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RODEZart.com Gallery Presents: “WHAT MATTERS MOST” a David Acevedo solo exhibition
Vernissage will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2011
during Coconut Grove Gallery Walk from 7 to 10 p.m.
CocoWalk
3015 Grand Ave., Suite 237
Coconut Grove, FL 33133

As an artist, David Acevedo has constantly experimented with multiple subjects and media. Just recently he has created a series of works in which he has simplified and aligned the subject matter in a very straight forward, yet honest way. Matters is a collection of paintings that explore a recent self-imposed remedy to ever-changing expressions for Acevedo. It consists in a body of work in which the relationship between color and shape are the primary subjects allowing the viewer to see what matters most, obvious at times but holding secrets yet to be discovered. The simplicity and back-to-basics nature of these works offer an appealing and rewarding experience to the artist. Acevedo states, “There are all sorts of ‘matters’ going on in my head and my heart during the creative process.” Moreover, to look into the world of David Acevedo is perhaps to mirror our own desire as individuals to return to a world of innocence, naiveté, and serenity as we all seek to find What Matters Most in our lives.

June 4 – 25, 2011
Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and
Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Young collectors welcomed! We look forward to meeting you and thank you for supporting the Arts.

Kiki Hamann Opens Canine Couture Boutique 5/21/11

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Saturday, May 21 · 8:00pm – 11:00pm
Coco walk Coconut Grove
Grand Ave
Coconut Grove, FL
www.kikihamann.com

scheduled for May 21, 2011, an affair that promises to be the greatest dog event ever.

Kiki Hamann’s personal publicist, Edward de Valle of AMGW agency in conjunction with the Coco Walk Management Group, will coordinate the happening. Guests from around the world are expected to attend

Kiki Hamann Canine Couture is an eccentric luxury lifestyle brand that creates the very best in high-end canine merchandise. Aimed at the stylish dog lover, designs are promised an exclusive hand-made touch, and range from one-of-a-kind harnesses and handbags to chic apparel. Kiki Hamann creates in the USA unique products from imported top quality materials such as leather, suede, faux fur, fine lace and silk, with guaranteed durability and attention to artisan-ship.

Coco Walk is Miami’s ultimate destination for shopping, dining & entertainment. As the first lifestyle center in Florida, Coco Walks’ unique grounds and buildings were carefully designed to blend seamlessly into the surroundings of Coconut Grove, a bayside boating village known for being eclectic and always exciting. Coco Walk is dog friendly and welcomes visitors and their fur friends in every venue.

AMGW agency was founded on April 12th, 2001 as a media buying company; today de Valle II has strategically positioned the company to be among the world’s premiere agencies – by expanding its global reach and by providing a service that is not only desired, but essential. AMGW agency executes marketing strategies in all seven continents. AMGW agency recently formed an alliance with Trusted Translations, Inc., a global translations company that offer translations services in more than 100 languages.

Coconut Grove Food, Wine and Music Festival, the start of something delicious for years to come By Betty Alvarez

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The Coconut Grove Food, Wine and Music Festival transformed Coconut Grove into a food and wine lover’s paradise with specialty food items, culinary events, sophisticated parties and live musical entertainment. The event showcased the delightful flavors of many international wines and spirits along with the sampling for Miami’s most talented chefs.

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011

Coconut Grove Food, Wine and Music Festival kicked off a launch party with Charity casino night By Betty Alvarez

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On May 6 at the Grove Isle Hotel & Spa guests celebrated the kick off party for the Coconut Grove Food, Wine and Music Festival. Invited guests enjoyed wine and appetizers as they tried their luck in a Casino full filled night all to benefit the Epilepsy Society of Florida. Guests also had the chance to meet and greet Carey Chen and have the opportunity to autographed the official Coconut Grove Food, Wine and Music Festival Poster.

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011

Young Professionals of the Miami Lighthouse at Burgundy Room 5/17/11

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Tuesday, May 17th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Burgundy Room
3015 Grand Ave.
Second Floor of CocoWalk
Coconut Grove, FL

Please join the Young Professionals of the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind (YPOL). Learn about Miami Lighthouse’s collaboration with Miami-Dade Public Schools Programs for the Visually Impaired, network and enjoy complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres.

Fashionably Conscious Fundraiser for Coconut Grove Cares The Barnyard 5/13-14/11

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Friday, May 13 from 6-9pm: VIP Preview Sale and Happy Hour
Saturday, May 14 from 10-5pm: All-day sale
Shops of Mayfair
3390 Mary Street
Coconut Grove

Fashionably Conscious, Miami’s Premier Fashion Fundraiser for Coconut Grove Cares’ The Barnyard, Returns for its Fourth Year, Expanding With Men’s items

The highly anticipated annual Fashionably Conscious fundraiser, featuring donated designer items from the coveted closets of Miami’s leading socialites and CEOs is back. This year’s expanded host committee includes Raysa Fanjul, Darlene & Jorge Perez, Edgardo and Ana Cristina Defortuna, Margarita Codina, Karla Dascal, Laura Buccellati, Brian Ehrlich, Lourdes Jofre-Collett, Mark Ferrari, Amy Hollub, Sue Kronick, Alan Randolph, Debra Scholl, Jolie Souto, Susanna Shubin, Annie Vasquez, Kim Wood, and more. Collections already include items from Prada, Armani, Christian Dior, Emmanuel Ungaro, Jimmy Choo, Trina Turk, Elie Tahari and vintage Besty Johnson, along with a brand new Tricia Fix gown. All clothing and accessories will be on sale to guests at discounted prices, ranging from $1 to $500.

The weekend event will kick off with a Friday VIP Preview Sale at a $25 entrance fee, granting first access to fashions, gift bags, libations sponsored by Peroni and Southern Wine & Spirits, and a one-of-a-kind space layout designed by KARLA Conceptual Event Experiences. Saturday’s all-day sale has a reduced $10 entrance fee, with a “Guilt-y Pleasure” candy station from Gilt City and sponsorships from POP Chips, Café Bustelo, Shops at Mayfair and The Fashionsta Boutique. All proceeds will go directly to fund Coconut Grove Cares’ The Barnyard, which offers free after-school and summer programs for over 250 children, and provides a much-needed safe haven for the West Grove community.

*Show proof of purchase from sale and get free glass of wine with meal at Spartico restaurant at Mayfair Hotel & Spa May 13-14.

Event Chair: Annette Lopez; Event Manager: Liza Walton
Executive Committee: Maria Eugenia Baco, Ali Codina, Monica DeFortuna, Alexandra Gonzalez, Cristobal Gonzalez, & Marcia Martinez

For more information on The Barnyard and its many charitable services, please visit www.coconutgrovecares.org or call (305) 446-6216.
Please contact fashionablyconscious@gmail.com for any assistance.

Saturday Night at Coconut Grove Art Stroll 5/7/11

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Saturday Night at Coconut Grove Art Stroll
Saturday, May 7th, 2011. 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Promenade of the Shoppes at Mayfair
2911 Grand Avenue
Coconut Grove, FL 33133

A Mix of Artists, Art Demonstrations, Live Music, Dance Performances, Street Magicians, and Food & Beverage Sampling. Free event at Mayfair in the Grove offers Activities for the Whole Family

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. – Art Exhibits by locals and international artist Gallery Openings.
7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. – Street Magicians by The House of Flying Cards.
8:00 p.m. – 8.:30 p.m. – Serena Stroppa, an expressive pop/folk/rock, singer/songwriter
8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. – Different Faces one of Miami’s Premier Party Bands

On Saturday, May 7th, Coconut Grove Art Stroll once again will be offering a fabulous array of new artists and entertainers. Enjoy free food and beverages by some of Miami’s most popular restaurants and sponsors including Coconut Grove’s Milam’s Market, Pollo Tropical, and Miller Light Beer. Over 40 local and international artists will participate. To enrich the experience, festivities will include live music by, Different Faces one of Miami’s Premier Party Bands. With a mix of rock, funk, blues and a little Latin flavor. Serena Stroppa, an expressive pop/folk/rock, singer/songwriter, will rock you off your feet! The House of Flying Cards will entertain the audience with ongoing street magic performances.

In addition” Artway66 Gallery” Set in a Modern Artist’s loft at the Mayfair promenade in Coconut Grove, ArtWay66 evokes a time when artists found inspiration and community in sharing their work, and philosophy with one another. The bohemian lifestyle fashioned life as a grand celebration, a feast of the senses to be shared and treasured. Together, artists found kinship over every Gallery exhibits and events, over cocktails, live music, artistic performance and conversation. Artway66 Gallery will host a one of a kind Art exhibit, “Arts is Everywhere II” presenting artists: Edith Rodriguez, Johnny Valdes, Proman Garcia, Joseph Grant, Angel Alfonso, Luis Breso, Candace Chloe, Joseph Lawrence Vasile, Trina Colins, Brent Miller, Alexander Calderon, Alfredo Cruz, Yampier Sardina, Ninoska Prince and Miami Hottest Jewelry Designer Steven Anton Rahage, 15 Artists, 15 different styles. Special Live Music Presentation by: Serena Stroppa. Tapas and Wines all night long. Ask for your $50 toward the purchase of an art work at the gallery. Sponsored: by Pollo Tropical . Enjoy Open Bar and Tapas, all night long.

Ask for your $50 toward the purchase of an art work at the gallery. Sponsored: by Pollo Tropical.
Call for R.S.V.P 305-726-1466 or
Email at Artway66@Yahoo.com www.artway66.com

GroveHouse Artist Gallery will be Presenting “All Bets are off”
“Wine and cheese will be served”.
An exhibition by Members Artist from 7:00pm – 11:00pm

AC Fine Art Gallery Featuring in May, Vintage French Poster Exhibit.
“Wine and cheese will be served”.
Coconut Grove Art Festival Gallery I. Will be presenting
“Master Thesis Exhibition – Visual Art Graduates of 2011”
Angela Ales – Angelica Danielle Bascom – Wesley Alvarez – Maeve Eichelberger – Kira Tippenhauer

This free monthly cultural event founded and directed by Johnny Valdes has proved to be an excellent way to spend a casual Saturday evening.
Some of the artists exhibiting works in the festival include Johnny Valdes, Proman Garcia, Barbara Cooper Hanson, Manuel Menendes, Phyllis Hain, Beradette Denoux, Daisy Rodriguez, Ana M Bikic, Rolando J. Mendez, William Mark Coulthard, Pedro Rivero and Vidal J. Rivero. Special exhibit by Venezuelan contemporary modern artist Miguel Angel Rubio presenting his new collection.

By presenting the event flyer, one may enter the raffle to win a free 60″ X 16″ Miami skyline panoramic photo by Johnny.

Art is Everywhere II 5/7/11

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Art is Everywhere II
05/07/2011, 7:00pm-11:00pm
Artway66 Gallery
2911 Grand Ave Suite 400D
Miami Fl 33133
www.artway66.com

” Artway66 Gallery” Set in a Modern Artist’s loft at the Mayfair promenade in Coconut Grove, ArtWay66 evokes a time when artists found inspiration and community in sharing their work, and philosophy with one another. The bohemian lifestyle fashioned life as a grand celebration, a feast of the senses to be shared and treasured. Together, artists found kinship over every Gallery exhibits and events, over cocktails, live music, artistic performance and conversation. Artway66 Gallery will host a one of a kind Art exhibit, “Arts is Everywhere II” presenting artists: Edith Rodriguez, Johnny Valdes, Proman Garcia, Joseph Grant, Angel Alfonso, Luis Breso, Candace Chloe, Joseph Lawrence Vasile, Trina Colins, Brent Miller, Alexander Calderon, Alfredo Cruz, Yampier Sardina, Ninoska Prince and Miami Hottest Jewelry Designer Steven Anton Rahage, 15 Artists, 15 different styles. Special Live Music Presentation by: Serena Stroppa. Tapas and Wines all night long. Ask for your $50 tow
ard the purchase of an art work at the gallery. Sponsored: by Pollo Tropical.
Call for R.S.V.P 305-726-1466 or
Email at Artway66@Yahoo.com
www.artway66.com
. Enjoy Open Bar and Tapas, all night long. Ask for your $50 toward the purchase of an art work at the gallery. Sponsored: by Pollo Tropical.

Club Blue Miami Networking Event- Young Professionals Group of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade 5/10/11

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Club Blue Miami Networking Event- Young Professionals Group of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade
05/10/2011, 6pm-9pm
Gibraltar Restaurant, Grove Isle Hotel & Spa
Grove Isle Hotel & Spa
4 Grove Isle Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.bgcmia.org

Boys and Girls Club of Miami-Dade recently launched its new young professionals networking group, Club Blue Miami, committed to creating awareness for Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children in the community reach their full potential.

Our next networking event will take place at Gibraltar Restaurant located in Grove Isle Hotel & Spa. From 6pm until 9pm, guest will enjoy an evening of networking and cocktails.

All proceeds raised by Club Blue Miami will benefit Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. With numerous events planned throughout the year, Club Blue Miami hopes to continue to attract young professionals, ages 21-45. Membership opportunities start at $150.

For more information about Club Blue Miami and its membership opportunities, contact Liudmila Esquerdo, membership coordinator, at . To learn more about Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade, visit online at www.bgcmia.org or call 305-446-9910.

ROCKAZ MVMT’S 2011 MIAMI REGGAE FESTIVAL SURPASSES EXPECTATIONS RAISING OVER 2.6 TONS OF FOOD By Betty Alvarez

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Miami, FL – ROCKAZ MVMT brought together a diverse crowd of over 8,000 music aficionados who packed Peacock Park for the inaugural Miami Reggae Festival on April 30th. The daylong free event was a successful celebration of Peace, Love and Unity. Not only did it draw rave reviews from the thousands of attendants, sponsors and media alike but it successfully launched their national campaign: ROCKAZ MVMT:FEEDS – eradicating food insecurity. This first-rate concert motivated people to help feed the hungry and raised much needed funding for Curley’s House, a local food bank and life-line to those who are experiencing food deprivation in Miami

“I am ecstatic over the success of the Miami Reggae Festival! I feel really good not only about the stellar concert we presented but also the outpouring of charity that South Florida demonstrated. This spirit of giving is a reflection of the positive message reggae music sends to its audience,” said concert producer Alfonso D’Niscio Bro

The Miami Reggae Festival’s purpose was to shine a light on the plight of hunger in our community through donations of canned goods and money. Concert goers’ did not disappoint and ROCKAZ MVMT surpassed all expectations, shattering the goal organizers had set, collecting a grand total of 2.5 tons of food donations that filled a 26-foot truck to the brim and raising over $5,000. The Rockaz MVMT message to those in attendance was simple: the face of those who are food deprived is not bound by color or creed but by economics. The organization believes in helping others by bringing people together to help through the positives messages that reggae music provide

The musicians who took part in this charity concert believe in the ROCKAZ MVMT mantra: “We are history. This is our legacy… We are an infinite movement of people.”

Morgan Heritage, Cultura Profetica, Spam All Stars, Jahfe, Ephniko, Kulcha Shok, Sekajipo Genes, SoulFlower, Trek6, Reingier Gamboa, Remix, Andrewa, JahStream, Done One Musical Showcase, DJ Rage NRG & Lee Brown and MR RJ, A Lady Name Pearl, Oh Ginelle all represented a collective consciousness of cultural awareness and charity.

Local band Spam All Stars set the tone early on in the day with their Afro-Cuban, Latin funk, soul, jazz and island rhythms. Later in the early evening Jahfe wowed the thousands on their blankets as reggae sounds filled air. The diverse crowd only grew in numbers as headliners took to the stage. Cultura Profetica kept the crowd on their feet during their entire performance with favorites “Un deso,” “Illegal,” “Baja la tension” and “Ritmos pa seducer.” People of all races, ethnicities and beliefs were left hungry for more and Morgan Heritage happy to satisfy the eclectic crowd. They closed the daylong event of good vibrations preforming hits such as “Don’t haffi dread,” “Down by the river” and “She’s still loving me.”

This was a day that celebrated life and simultaneously helped the less fortunate. The delicious aroma of Jerk Chicken, Curry Shrimp, Steam Snapper, Beef Patties and Oxtails filled the air, while revelers enjoyed the positive family fun filled day of the music and art. ROCKAZ MVMT hopes to see all those who attended the Miami Reggae Festival at the 2nd annual Bayside Rocks concert set for November 19, 2011 to continue their message of peace, love and unity.

For additional information visit www.rockazmvmt.com and join us on www.facebook.com/rockazmvmt or call (305) 763 4509

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011

Grand Opening of Central Beer Garden and Sushi Central Lounge 5/4/11

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Central Beer Garden And Sushi Central Lounge Opens In Coconut Grove
Wednesday, May 4, 2011 from 6:30-9:30PM
Central Beer Garden and Sushi Central Lounge
3015 Grand Avenue
Coconut Grove
4th floor of Cocowalk

Both venues open to public on Cinco de Mayo with ribbon cutting ceremony and huge bash.
Central Beer Garden and Sushi Central Lounge are set to open to the public this week May 4, 2011. “Miami’s premiere venue and event space” and its fabulous sister Central Sushi Lounge are two new unique venues that will become the trendy “it” spots in Coconut Grove.

Opening the first week of May 2011 Central Beer Garden in Cocowalk, has 60 plus international beers on tap and great food menu. Patrons can come and gather for beer, hearty foods, live entertainment featuring some of the most popular bands from Miami’s music scene and private “unplugged” type concerts. Bands that will play will include such South Florida faves as “Suenalo” and ‘Spam Allstars” to name a couple. Both of these popular bands will play in May at the venue.

Central Beer Garden will come out of the gate with a five hundred person networking event with a special guest as speaker as well as a private concert with a very beloved Miami artist that has made waves “worldwide.” Not bad for a spot opening in what is still referred to by many as a Village of Coconut Grove. Guests can enjoy a 20,000 sq ft space with indoor and outdoor seating, flat-screens all over the space, warm color palette and a huge bar setup.

The venue will also be set up to host social, private, corporate and media driven large or small scale events. Central Beer Garden was created for a casual, bohemian experience while Sushi Central Lounge will be a dynamic sophisticated lounge for those wanting a palate-pleasing experience or some delicious signature cocktails without having to go very far. Fit for “date” nights, happy hour or a private celebration, Sushi Central Lounge will soon be the hip spot for scenesters, influencers, and those just wanting to enjoy good sushi.

Sushi Central Lounge is designed to be a chic ultra trendy lounge that is fit for Miami’s world renowned nightlife scene. Located just one flight of stairs below the Central Beer Garden, Sushi Central Lounge was conceptualized to stimulate the senses as the sights, sounds and tastes make for an ambiance like no other in the Grove and cater to the individual wanting to dance, and listen to the chicest and most popular lounge and dance music. Featured will be a sushi menu with Latin infused flavors and themes designed by a celebrity sushi Chefwho is responsible for some of New York’s finest sushi bars the restaurant/lounge. The lounge will also feature a tequila bar boasting exotic and unique tequila cocktails. The experience is topped off with hip and popular music that will pump through the sound system and dance floor to round out the Sushi Central Lounge experience. Both venues were built out in a manner which would facilitate the planning of private parties, family celebrations, and corporate soirees.

Both spots will open with a fabulous by-invitation grand opening complete with a formal ribbon cutting attended by VIPS, city officials and local celebs. The soirees will be Thursday May 4, 2011 from 6:30-9:30PM. Guests can expect receptions fit for celebrities since, they are including products endorsed by some: complimentary Voli Vodka cocktails (front man is artist Pitbull), Tres Rios Tequila (owner is Motley Crew’s Vince Neil) Dos XX beer and Brugal Rum. The two-day fete will be complete with music by DJ X on May 4, and DJ Rob Dinero on May 5, 2011 during the open-to the public huge Cinco de Mayo fest that Central Beer Garden will host during Cocowalk’s annual Cinco de Mayo event.

Central Beer Garden and Sushi Central Lounge are ready to take Coconut Grove to another level in diversion and nightlife. With the recent resurgence seen within the Village of Coconut Grove this dynamic duo couldn’t be opening at a better time. More to come…

Central Beer Garden and Sushi Central Lounge are located at: 3015 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove, on the 4th floor of Cocowalk. Find them both on Face book.

The Coconut Grove Drum Circle 5/7/11

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The Coconut Grove Drum Circle
Saturday, May 7 8PM-11PM
Florentino Plaza
3444 Main Highway
Coconut Grove, FL
(First floor atrium below the Knife Restaurant, #6 on the map)

Our May circle celebrates spring, new birth, all good things. Come and discover or rediscover the healing magic of the drum! Bring your drumsand other percussion instruments, your tambourines, shakers, hoops…whatever you love to play. No expertise required…we are here for the joy of drumming. Seating, water and some drums and other instruments will be available. Park at the corner lot on Grand Ave and Fuller St or anywhere on the streets of the Grove. Come drum with us…you will feel the energy and the love. It is also Art Walk night in the Grove, with galleries, restaurants, and musicians all contributing to the magic of the evening.

Questions, email karen.deilke@gmail.com

Vibes for Haiti 6/4/11

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Vibes for Haiti
Saturday June 4, 9:00pm
The Grove Spot
3324 Virginia Street
Coconut Grove, Miami,FL 33133

This event will began at 9:00pm, and will consist of live music by Jahnesta, Jahfe and Live Free, hosted by Lance-O of Kulcha Shok Music, fashion showcases by Adjanie Muller, Kocoun, High Intensity Apparel, Charmingly Dysfunctional, Batoul Al Kamha, La belle Tifi and Vintage 1804. Local and international artists will have their art pieces on display, sales by unique vendors, passed hors d’oeuvres by Discreet Dishes and desserts by La Pulperia.

Pre-sold tickets can be purchased for $20 at www.vibesforhaiti.eventbrite.com starting May 10th 2011, as admission at the door will increase to $25. Parts of the proceeds from this event will benefit Word And Action, a non profit organization focusing on sexually abused children in Haiti. Their mission statement is available at www.wordandaction.org. Also Vibes for Haiti, will be collecting the necessary items for “Feed Haiti with Corn” project, which is designed to feed, educate and hire. These items are: 1) corn flour, 2) brown sugar,3) canned milk and 4) dry corn seeds for composts.

Coconut Grove Gallery Walk 5/7/11

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Grove Galleries Celebrate Anniversaries and Milestones, While Others Debut New Artists
Coconut Grove Gallery Walk Returns Saturday, May 7

The Coconut Grove Gallery Walk returns Saturday, May 7 with an array of exhibitions spotlighting internationally renowned artists. These monthly gatherings are legendary for their festive character, but this month’s Walk marks a particularly special celebration: the one year anniversary of one of the Grove’s newest galleries – RodezArt.com.

In a world full of wars, natural disasters and uncertainties, it is refreshing to know that Chaos can sometimes also be a symbol of positivism and beauty. Looking back on the year that was, gallery owner George Rodez, along with artists Vicente Dopico-Lerner and Daniel Garcia, present “The Order of Chaos: A Group Exhibition.” The Vernissage event celebrating RodezArt.com’s one year anniversary at its CocoWalk location will begin at 7 p.m.

“With a sense of composition, form, enmeshed colors, straight and jagged lines, light and depth, these artists come together to bring order into the spoken word of Chaos,” said George Rodez, artist and owner of RodezArt.com. “To view the work is to see the frenetic reality that life can sometimes be, but with the same token, it also offers a sense of serenity and the beauty of knowing that life is exactly what it should be at all times.”
The Order of Chaos is on view from May 7 to May 30.

Gallery “Walk-ers” can travel to Commodore Plaza to celebrate yet another milestone for one of the area’s great galleries. Cristina Chacon Gallery returns to the Walk on the heels of its ArteAmericas debut this past March. At one of the art world’s most prominent events, Chacon presented a mix of established and undiscovered Latin American artists to a global audience. Bringing this same international magnetism back to the Grove this month, Chacon will present “Synergy” – an exhibition of three young artists, each with a different artistic strength and offering. Milena Arango (Colombia), Patricia Michelangeli (Venezuela) and Keiko Gonzalez (Paraguay) combine their talents to form a true synergy of art.

At the Mayfair Center, Grove Retrospective Gallery will present a temporary exhibition, displaying original French vintage posters from 1889 to 1938. The contemporary, pop art hub specializes in Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali originals and also offers more than 1,000 square feet of space for workshop, classrooms and special art education events.

Next door, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery II continues its “New Work” exhibition, presenting the art of George Bethea, a classic modernist and abstract artist who lives and works in Miami, characterized by sensuous, congested, textured surfaces and luxuriant color in his works.

Bethea composes his abstract paintings by using flexible, transparent acrylic mediums which allow him to spray, pour and pile on the paint. Exhibited and reviewed in North America and Europe, his work can be found in numerous public and private collections. The exhibition will remain open until May 20.

Other galleries featured in the Walk include ArtWay 66, Blue Moon Studio of Art, Dharma Studio, Frameworks Studio, GroveHouse Artists and Max in the Grove.
The Grove Gallery Walk begins at 7 p.m. and continues through 10 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be made available at participating galleries, while live music can be found at some locations.

Art inspired events such as these are provided by partnering galleries and the Coconut Grove BID. The Coconut Grove BID exists to improve the quality and financial success of the Grove’s commercial core. It enhances Grove parking, lighting, sanitation, marketing, and safety, as well as supporting special events.

For more information on the Coconut Grove BID or to see a map of participating galleries, visit www.coconutgrove.com or call 305-461-5506.

Coconut Grove Chamber Networker at Atchana’s East/West Kitchen 4/26/11

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Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce Invites you to a Business Networking Event
Tuesday, April 26th, 5:30pm – 7:30 pm
Atchana’s East/West Kitchen
2951 S. Bayshore Drive
Coconut Grove, FL 33133

Complimentary drink and hors d’oeuvres with admission, additional drinks at Happy Hour Prices!
Plus, Raffle Prizes!
$5 for Chamber Members . $10 Non-Members
R.s.v.p. 305-444-7270 or info@coconutgrove.com
www.coconutgrovechamber.com

The Startup Forum Pitch Perfect 4/25/11

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Monday, April 25, 2011 from 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Miami City Hall
3500 Pan American Drive
Miami, FL 33133
More Info & RSVP.

Please join us for The Startup Forum’s Pitch Perfect event.
5 Startups 4 Judges
There Can Be Only One (Winner)

Our last event had more than 250 in attendance – this time we are upping the ante and holding the competition at Miami City Hall!

What Is Pitch Perfect?
Pitch Perfect is a fast-paced, live event in which select startups are offered the opportunity to present to a judging panel (consisting of investors and entrepreneurs) in front of a live audience.
5 Individual Startups
5 Minute presentations
5 Minutes of judges Q&A
5 Minutes of judges critique

The Startup Forum is a community organization, please show your support by donating $10 via the purchase of a ticket to attend this event.

Who Should Participate?
If you’re a startup founder or thinking about becoming an entrepreneur this event is for you – especially if you are planning on raising money at any point.

As presenter, you’ll have the opportunity to:
1. Practice your pitch in front of real investors;
2. Receive honest and constructive feedback to help you refine your pitch and process; and
3. Interact with prospective financiers and conduit to NYC based investors.

If you would like to be considered to present at Pitch Perfect, please register to attend and then follow the instructions here.

As an audience member you’ll have an opportunity to:
1. Watch others pitch their startups;
2. Learn from public critique to improve your own pitches; and
3. Interact with investors and fellow entrepreneurs.

Happy Hour Real Estate Networking Event / Open House 4/20/11

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4/20/2011, 4:00pm – 7:00pm
1823 South Bayshore Lane
Coconut Grove, FL
More info here.

Join some of Miami’s Real Estate leaders for a Happy Hour networking event and open house. Jill Penman, REALTOR – Chris Buttafuoco, Mortgage Banker – Scott Perdagin, Title Services – Andrena Felger, home staging and design consulting. Come enjoy a memorable afternoon with food, music, libations and good conversation.

RODEZart.com Gallery Presents The Order Of Chaos Vernissage 5/7/11

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RODEZart.com Gallery Presents:
“The Order Of Chaos”
a Vicente Dopico-Lerner, Daniel Garcia
and George Rodez group exhibition
Saturday, May 7, 7 to 10 p.m.
CocoWalk
3015 Grand Ave., Suite 237
Coconut Grove, FL 33133

May 7 – 30, 2011

In a world full of wars, natural disasters and uncertainties, it is refreshing to know that Chaos can sometimes also be a symbol of positivism and beauty. Three artists: Vicente Dopico-Lerner, Daniel Garcia and George Rodez come together to offer us just that through means of visual interpretation. With a sense of composition, form, enmeshed colors, straight and jagged lines, light and depth, these artists come together to bring order into the spoken word of Chaos. To view the work is to see the frenetic reality that life can sometimes be, but with the same token, it also offers us a sense of serenity and the beauty of knowing that life is exactly what it should be at all times.

Join us for the Vernissage as we celebrate the Gallery’s one year anniversary at CocoWalk on Saturday, May 7, 2011 during Coconut Grove Gallery Walk from 7 to 10 p.m. Coconut Grove’s galleries are: AC Fine Art; ArtWay 66 Gallery; Blu Moon Studio of Art; Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery I & II; Cristina Chacon Gallery; FrameWorks; GroveHouse Artists; Max in the Grove; and RODEZart.com Gallery.

Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Young collectors welcomed! We look forward to meeting you and thank you for supporting the Arts.

Galería RODEZart.com
Presenta:
“EL ORDEN DEL CAOS”
una colectiva de Vicente Dopico-Lerner,
Daniel Garcia y George Rodez

Del 7 al 30 de mayo de 2011

En un mundo lleno de guerras, desastres naturales e incertidumbres, es refrescante saber que el Caos a veces también puede ser un símbolo del positivismo y belleza. Tres artistas: Vicente Dopico-Lerner, Daniel Garcia y George Rodez se reúnen para ofrecernos eso mismo por medios de interpretación visual. Con un sentido de composición, forma, colores engranados, luz y profundidad, líneas rectas y melladas, estos artistas se reúnen para traer orden a la palabra hablada del Caos. Ver la obra es ver la realidad frenética que la vida puede ser a veces, pero con la misma también nos ofrece un sentido de serenidad y la belleza de saber que la vida es exactamente lo que debe ser siempre.

Vengan al Vernissage donde celebraremos el primer aniversario de la galería en CocoWalk, el sábado, 7 de mayo de 2011 durante la Noche de Galería en Coconut Grove de 7 a 10 p.m. Las galerías de Coconut Grove son: AC Fine Art; ArtWay 66 Gallery; Blu Moon Studio of Art; Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery I & II; Cristina Chacón Gallery; FrameWorks; GroveHouse Artists; Max in the Grove; y Galería RODEZart.com.

Las horas de la galería son de lunes a jueves, de 11 a.m. a 7 p.m. y el viernes y sábado, de 11 a.m. a 10 p.m.

¡Coleccionistas jóvenes son bienvenidos! Esperamos verlos y les damos las gracias por apoyar las Artes.

Dance Now Performs in Coconut Grove 4/17/11

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This Week At The Miami Dance Festival
Sunday, April 17 at 3PM
Coco Plum Women’s Club
1375 Sunset Drive
Coral Gables, Fl 33143

Dance Now! Presents a moving dance concert at the historic women’s club featuring Drawing Circles, Director Diego Salterini’s homage to MiMo Architecture. Presented in conjunction with Dade Heritage Days, the program reflects the MiMo theme of Dade Heritage Days

Tickets: $20/$10 (Cash or check only at the venue) Online Ticketing: www.momentumdance.com
For Information Call: 305-858-7002

The Miami Dance Festival continues until May 15.

Shake-A-Leg Miami Community Bay Day 5/1/11

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Shake-A-Leg Miami to Hold Community Bay Day
Sunday, May 1, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
2620 South Bayshore Drive
Coconut Grove

Shake-a-Leg Miami will be holding its monthly Community Bay Day on Sunday, May 1, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The event is open to the public at Shake-a-Leg Miami’s sailing center, 2620 South Bayshore Drive in Coconut Grove. Community Bay Day is Shake-a-Leg Miami’s monthly open house where the public can take advantage of everything Shake-a-Leg Miami offers – including sailing, kayaking and power boating. Community Bay Day is also an opportunity to learn about camps, lessons, and other activities offered at the sailing center.

Shake-a-Leg Miami is a non-profit organization that offers lessons, water sports rentals, and special outings in addition to being one of the largest adaptive water sports centers in the United States.

No reservations are required. A $5 donation is requested as an entrance fee. Parking is free for all guests. For more information, please visit www.shakealegmiami.org or call (305) 858-5550.

Sounds of Chamber Music at St. Stephen’s Compliment Great Taste of the Grove 4/17/11

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Sounds of Chamber Music at St. Stephen’s Compliment Great Taste of the Grove!
Sunday, April 17th, 4 PM
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
2750 McFarlane Rd
Coconut Grove, FL

On Sunday, April 17th, start your day enjoying the Great Taste of the Grove,and then at 4 PM, stroll over to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church for the last Chamber Music Concert of this season.

Imagine this…for $20 ($15 if you are a student), you can experience an incredible chamber music concert with The Delray String Quartet, PLUS a complimentary cocktail reception during intermission and following the concert.

Photograph of Life is Art Creative Connections 12 at Artway 66 Gallery on 4/12/11

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Life is Art Creative Connections 12 at Artway 66 Gallery in the Coconut Grove on Tuesday, April 12, 2011.  We had a great crowd and everyone had a great time.

We had Faudlin Pierre do a presentation on Copyright for Everyone. Faudlin Pierre is a Entertainment Lawyer. from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and his law degree from the University of Kentucky. He is admitted to practice law in the state of Florida and his admission is pending with the United States Southern District Court of Florida. Mr. Pierre litigates and transacts on behalf of his clients. He has written legal articles for Sports Business Journal, negotiated sponsorship agreements with companies such as Nike & Adidas, and has advise various athletes on the legal repercussions of their potential actions.

Check out Life is Art at www.lifeisartfest.org for more details and rsvp information.

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Opening Night of the Exhibition Tribute 4/20/11

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Wednesday, April 20th, 6:00-9:00 PM
3162 Commodore Plaza. Suite 1F2.
Coconut Grove. Fl 33133
3015 442 2884

The Consulate General of Paraguay in Miami and Cristina Chacon Gallery cordially invites you to commemorate the Bicentennial of the Independence ot the Republic of Paraguay

Opening Night of the Exhibition “TRIBUTE”
Featuring artists Hernan Miranda, Anahi Sist & Michael Oliver
www.cristinachaconstudiogallery.com
www.cristinachaconstudiogalleryblog.blogspot.com

Pizza classes with Chef Jonathan Eismann, dubbed by The New York Times as creator of Miami’s Best Pizza

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Pizza classes with Chef Jonathan Eismann, dubbed by The New York Times as creator of Miami’s Best Pizza.
“The secret ingredient to pizza is the hand that makes it” – Chef Jonathan Eismann

Get to know the secrets behind nationally recognized Spartico at Mayfair Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove with a personal cooking class with Chef Jonathan Eismann. On April 30 and May 14, guests will be greeted with their own Spartico apron and learn the tricks of the trade at the new phenomenal Italian trattoria, gaining access to an Ambrogi wood-burning oven, seasonally harvested grains and an award-winning chef’s personal instruction.

Dates/Times:
Saturdays, April 30 and May 14
11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 2 – 3:30 p.m.
What to expect:
Four-course meal each including a glass of wine and pizza made with your own hand
Spartico apron gift
Pizza making class for adults $50 and children $35 including tax & gratuity

Reservation Required
Where: 3000 Florida Avenue Coconut Grove
Phone: (305) 779 – 5100

Writers Read Open Mic at the Bookstore in the Grove 4/14/11

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Writers Read Open Mic at the Bookstore in the Grove
4/14/2011, 7-9 :30 pm
The Bookstore in the Grove
3399 Virginia Street
Coconut Grove, Fl 33133
www.thebookstoreinthegrove.com

A Word with You literary friend.

Do Bright Objects Hypnotize Your Mind? Are you easily seduced by the power and magic of words and how they fall into sentences and onto the page. Are you titillated by the way they tumble out of your mouth? Surely you’re one of us and will want to join our upcoming… “Writers Read” Open Mic—in celebration of National Poetry Month.

Join friends to delight in the indulgence of the written and spoken word. Around the country on this day, people will be celebrating poetry: do it in Miami!

Join us Thursday, April 14. Live music 7-8 p.m. Readings from 8-9:30 p.m. at The Bookstore in the Grove, 3399 Virginia Street, #620, Coconut Grove.

Writers Read Open Mic is open to writers of any genre—fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, drama, children’s literature. Readers: practice your readings—max. 7 minutes.

Arrive early to sign up to read. Info: mikelrm@aol.com or (305) 281-4089

South Florida’s Got Talent 4/17/11

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South Florida’s Got Talent
4/17/11, 7 pm
Ransom-Everglades School
3575 Main Highway
Coconut Grove, Fl 33133
www.alhambramusic.org

Alhambra Orchestra, Alfred Gershfeld conducting, presents“South Florida’s Got Talent,” featuring the three young winners of its annual concerto competition performing works by Saint-Saens, Vieuxtemps, and Wieniawski; plus the “Russian Easter Overture” performed by the orchestra. Sunday, April 17th, 7:00 pm at Ransom-Everglades School, 3575 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, 33133. Free admission, free parking, no reservations needed except for large groups

Alhambra Orchestra, Miami’s community orchestra,celebrates its 21st season of bringing great music to our community and promoting music education.

The Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce April Luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton 4/15/11

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The Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce Invites You to Join Us at our April Luncheon
Friday, April 15th, Noon-2:00PM
Ritz Carlton, Coconut Grove
3300 SW 27th Avenue
Coconut Grove, FL 33133

$35 for Members . $40 for Non-Members and Non-RSVP
(waived if you join the Chamber at the Luncheon)
R.s.v.p: 305 444 7270 info@coconutgrove.com
or on line.

We are Proud to Present Our Guest Speaker
Bruce Turkel, CEO/Executive Creative Director of Turkel

Bruce Turkel is the CEO of the successful brand management firm, TURKEL, and has been creating and working with valuable brands for over 25 years. Born and raised in Miami, Bruce studied design at the University of Florida and rushed to NYC to start his career. Preferring the sun to the subway, he returned to Miami and opened his own advertising agency built on the belief that marketing should be well-designed, simple, and should make a client’s products and services more valuable. Bruce will be speaking on how to market and re-brand Coconut Grove and what the Grove can do to add value to the brand and re-gain its position as a premier destination for dining, shopping, entertainment and tourism.

Miss Earth Miami 2011 4/17/11

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Miss Earth Miami 2011
April 17th 2011, 3 p.m.
Barnacle Historic State Park
3485 Main Highway
Coconut Grove, FL
www.EarthFloridaPageants.com/Miami

The search is one for the 2011 Miss Earth Miami and Miss Teen Earth Miami queens who will represent the city at the state finals of Miss Earth Florida and Miss Teen Earth Florida 2011 in Miami Beach, June 26th.

The Miami pageant is scheduled for April 17th at the Barnacle State Park, where young ladies between 14 and 26 years old will participate in different challenges – swimsuit, interview and gown. At the end, one Teen and one Miss will be crowned and will win their ticket straight to the state competition, all expenses paid.

There is still time to register to be a contestant by requesting application forms at info@earthfloridapageants.com

Miss Earth Florida pageant is an event promoting environmental and
humanitarian efforts, and a deeper kind of beauty.

Miss Earth is one of the most important pageants in the world with over 80 countries competing in the world finals, including the United States. The first step is conquering the local crown, which can take these ladies all the way to representing our nation at the world finals.

For more information visit www.EarthFloridaPageants.com

Music Returns to The Kampong 4/9/11

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Music Returns to The Kampong on April 9!
4013 Douglas Road
Coconut Grove
More Info.

Kampong Kids Music Series – April 9, 2011
Concert chair, Vivianne Swietelsky, has organized two wonderful concerts featuring vocalists from the Manny Perez Vocal Studio. Designed for children in preschool and elementary school, the Opera Adventure includes selections from The Little Mermaid and Phantom of the Opera. This afternoon performance will open young eyes to the magic and wonder of opera, drama and music. The whole family will enjoy the concert, a fun craft activity, and simply playing in the garden.

@The Kampong: Opera in the Tropics
Accompanied by Maestro Daniel Daroca, vocalists from the Perez Vocal Studio will perform a rich tapestry of music, including selections from Don Giovanni, Lucia di Lammermoor and Barber of Seville, among others. “We’ve chosen an exciting array of operas that will delight and entertain,” says Vivianne Swietelsky, concert chair. “From celebrated masterpieces to rarely-performed gems, the evening promises to be a one-of-a-kind performance in the tropical surroundings of The Kampong.”
We are looking forward to a special day of music at The Kampong!

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New World Waking Inspired by John Lennon’s Piano 4/10/11

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Insignia Presents New World Waking!
A musical journey for peace, inspired by John Lennon’s piano
Sunday, April 10, 4 pm
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
2750 McFarlane Road
Coconut Grove.
Tickets are $15 and are available on the website or at the event.

Insignia, the vocal ensemble of the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus, will present New World Waking! comprised of songs composed by Steve Schalchlin, inspired when he played the piano on which John Lennon’s created Imagine. The concert takes place on Sunday, April 10th at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Coconut Grove

Imagine. All the people living in peace….No more bullying, gay bashing, self-hatred, transphobia or violence.

It is with this vision that Steve Schalchlin was inspired to create New World Waking.

“New World Waking came together in my mind on the day I was selected by pop star George Michael (and his partner, art gallery owner Kenny Goss) to play John Lennon’s Imagine Piano in the front yard of a house in Olympia, Washington as part of a photographic project,” states Schalchlin on his website. The piano was being taken to places where acts of violence occurred…including the kitchen of Alec and Gabi Clayton, where their son, Bill, had taken his life after a gay bashing.”

“I put my hands where John Lennon’s hands once were, the instrument whose sound inspired the song ‘Imagine’, and I knew in that moment what New World Waking was meant to be: A journey to find a simple song of peace.”

Steve Schalchlin is best known for writing the music and lyrics to two critically-acclaimed, award-winning off-Broadway pop gospel musicals The Last Session and The Big Voice: God or Merman?, written with his life partner of 23 years, playwright and actor, Jim Brochu.

He draws his musical influences from the small town gospel church music he grew up with in Arkansas, along with the Top 40 radio of the late ‘60s/early ‘70s, blues he learned on the Texas Gulf Coast, protest folk and, later in life, musical theater.

Under the artistic direction of Anthony Cabrera, Insignia’s concert reaffirms Schalchlin’s quest and conviction that music can be a vehicle that transcends all boundaries, be they political, religious, ethnic or simply borne out of indiscriminate hatred. It is a journey to find a song of perfect peace, a musical journey styled in pop, salsa, gospel and low down dirty blues. It reflects a desire to effect change, reminding us that we are not alone in our desire and ability to do so.

For further information about Steve Schachlin or New World Waking, visit http://www.newworldwaking.com/

Founded in 1999, Miami Gay Men’s Chorus is an all-inclusive, community-based organization of gay men and gay-supporting people that inspires and changes lives through the power of music. With humor and heart, they proudly entertain their audiences while striving for artistic excellence.

The vocal ensemble Insignia is comprised of singers auditioned from within Miami Gay Men’s Chorus. With a repertoire ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous, Insignia serves as a vehicle for outreach for Miami Gay Men’s Chorus.

Photo Attached: Steve Schalchlin plays John Lennon’s Imagine Piano at the home of Gabi & Alec Clayton, facing a photo of their son Bill, who committed suicide after a gay bashing.
Photo credit: Caroline True.

Mimosas and massages for her on Mother’s Day 5/8/11

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Sunday, May 8, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Mother’s Day Brunch
Grand Ballroom
The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami
3300 Southwest 27th Avenue
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
$89 per person/adults
$34/children 12 and under
* plus tax and 18% gratuity
Reservations: 786-470-1227 for Brunch and 305-644-4680 for The Boutique Spa

Step into the Grand Ballroom for an elegant Mother’s Day event with an extravagant presentation of mouthwatering culinary creations, including traditional breakfast favorites, imported cheeses and charcuteries, caviar, sushi, carving and pasta stations and free-flowing champagne and mimosas to honor mom.

Children can gather at our “flower market” and arrange a special bouquet to present to mom at brunch.

Complimentary Parking

…or pamper Mom with a mini retreat or the ultimate escape at The Boutique Spa…

Recognized as one of Miami’s most hidden and tranquil urban spa retreats, it is known for its personalized service, myriad body and facial therapies and now two tremendous specials that will make her day complete…

Express- Choose from a 25-minute Target Massage or Express Facial, tailored to her specific needs, perfect for a lunch break or for the mom on-the-go.
$49 each, plus gratuity.

Escape- Choose from a 75-minute Ritz-Carlton Signature Massage (therapist creates a personalized massage to increase circulation, reduce muscle tension and stress. Specifically designed to address individual needs and pressure preferences) OR Ritz-Carlton Signature Facial (personalized beauty care to restore vitality and health to the skin in a gorgeous 75-minute ritual that is individualized and customized for specific skin types and conditions).
$99 each, plus gratuity.

Complimentary valet parking and access to the private pool and fitness center with every spa treatment makes this an afternoon of pure indulgence for mom.

Easter Sunday Brunch at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove 4/24/11

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Sunday, April 24, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Grand Ballroom
The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami
3300 Southwest 27th Avenue
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
Reservations: 786-470-1227 for Brunch and 305-644-4680 for The Boutique Spa
$89 per person/adults
$34/children 12 and under
* plus tax and 18% gratuity

Enjoy a traditional Easter Sunday Brunch in a luxury Italian villa-style setting. The gastronomic feast winds its way through the ballroom filled with lavish Sunday Brunch favorites, gourmet culinary stations, including chef carved Honey Glazed Ham with Spicy Dijon, Blackened Roasted Prime Rib, and Roasted Turkey Breast with Cranberry, Orange, Ginger Chutney, free-flowing champagne and an elaborate display of mini desserts. An enormous chocolate covered Easter egg surrounded by its parade of chocolate bunnies take center stage at this spectacular event. The mid-day affair continues with live entertainment in the ballroom while children play, watch movies, decorate cookies, have their favorite balloon animals made especially for them.

Don’t forget to bring a basket for the traditional Easter egg hunt on the terrace.

Complimentary Parking

Shake-A-Leg Miami to Hold Sunset Sail 4/16/11

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Shake-a-Leg Miami to Hold Sunset Sail
April 16 beginning at 6:00pm
Shake-a-Leg Miami’s sailing center
2620 South Bayshore Drive
Coconut Grove

Shake-a-Leg Miami will be holding a Sunset Sail on April 16 beginning at 6:00pm. The event is open to the public at Shake-a-Leg Miami’s sailing center, 2620 South Bayshore Drive next to Monty’s in Coconut Grove. Sunset Sail is a unique opportunity to enjoy the evening on Biscayne Bay under the moon light.

Shake-a-Leg Miami is a non-profit organization that offers lessons, water sports rentals, and special outings in addition to being one of the largest adaptive water sports centers in the United States.

The cost of the sail is $40.00. Registration is encouraged and available online through the Shake-A-Leg Miami website. For more information, please visit www.shakealegmiami.org or call (305) 858-5550.

Coconut Grove Art Stroll 4/2/11

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Saturday Night at Coconut Grove Art Stroll
Saturday, April 2nd, 2011. 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Promenade of the Shoppes at Mayfair
2911 Grand Avenue
Coconut Grove, FL 33133

A Mix of Artists, Art Demonstrations, Live Music, Dance Performances, Street Magicians, and Food & Beverage Sampling. Free event at Mayfair in the Grove offers Activities for the Whole Family
Admission: Free
On-Site Parking Available by: Park One

Schedule Of Events
7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. – Art Exhibits by locals and international artist Gallery Openings.
7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. – Street Magicians by The House of Flying Cards.
8:00 p.m. – 8.:30 p.m. – Serena Stroppa, an expressive pop/folk/rock, singer/songwriter
8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. -, Live Music by Miami’s Premier Party Bands

On Saturday, April 2nd, Coconut Grove Art Stroll once again will be offering a fabulous array of new artists and entertainers. Enjoy free food and beverages by some of Miami’s most popular restaurants and sponsors including Coconut Grove’s Milam’s Market, Pollo Tropical, Miller Light Beer and Park One. Over 40 local and international artists will participate. To enrich the experience, festivities will include live music by, one of Miami’s Premier Party Bands. With a mix of rock, funk, blues and a little Latin flavor. Serena Stroppa, an expressive pop/folk/rock, singer/songwriter, will rock you off your feet! The House of Flying Cards will entertain the audience with ongoing street magic performances.

In addition” Artway66 Gallery” Set in a Modern Artist’s loft at the Mayfair promenade in Coconut Grove, ArtWay66 evokes a time when artists found inspiration and community in sharing their work, and philosophy with one another. The bohemian lifestyle fashioned life as a grand celebration, a feast of the senses to be shared and treasured. Together, artists found kinship over every Gallery exhibits and events, over cocktails, live music, artistic performance and conversation. Artway66 Gallery will host a one of a kind Art exhibit, “Arts is Everywhere” presenting artists: Ethis Rodriguez, Johnny Valdes, Proman Garcia, Angel Alfonso, Luis Breso, Candace Chloe, Joseph Lawrence Vasile, Trina Colins, Brent Miller, Alexander Calderon, Alfredo Cruz, Yampier Sardina, Ninoska Prince and Miami Hottest Jewelry Designer Steven Anton Rahage, 14 Artists, 14 different styles. Special Live Music Presentation by: Serena Stroppa. Live Dance performance by: Coconut Grove Ballet and Mid Eastern Dance with Athene present Carmen.

Snacks by “Munchies” in Miami all night long. Ask for your $50 toward the purchase of an art work at the gallery. Sponsored: by Pollo Tropical.
Enjoy Open Bar and Tapas, all night long. Ask for your $50 toward the purchase of an art work at the gallery. Sponsored: by Pollo Tropical.
Call for R.S.V.P 305-726-1466 or
Email at Artway66@Yahoo.com
www.artway66.com

GroveHouse Artist Gallery will be Presenting “All Bets Are Off”
“Wine and cheese will be served”.
An exhibition by Members Artist from 7:00pm – 11:00pm

Grove Retrospective Gallery Featuring in April Fine Haitian Art Original Florida Highwaymen Art. Local Artist-Purvis Young.

Coconut Grove Art Festival Gallery. Will be presenting . “New Paintings” By George Bethea

This free monthly cultural event founded and directed by Johnny Valdes has proved to be an excellent way to spend a casual Saturday evening.

Some of the artists exhibiting works in the festival include Johnny Valdes, Proman Garcia, Barbara Cooper Hanson, Manuel Menendes, Phyllis Hain, Beradette Denoux, Daisy Rodriguez, Ana M Bikic, Rolando J. Mendez, William Mark Coulthard, Pedro Rivero and Vidal J. Rivero. Special exhibit by Venezuelan contemporary modern artist Miguel Angel Rubio presenting his new collection.

By presenting the event flyer, one may enter the raffle to win a free 60″ X 16″ Miami skyline panoramic photo by Johnny.
coconutgroveartstroll@yahoo.com
www.myspace.com/coconutgroveartstroll

Beat the Clock at Mayfair Hotel

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Available Monday through Friday from 4 – 6:30 p.m., it’s the ideal spot for happy hour, late-day meeting, or snack spot before a movie at the new Paragon Theater.
Spartico at Mayfair Hotel & Spa
3000 Florida Avenue
Coconut Grove
Phone: (305) 779 – 5100

Jonathan Eismann’s latest creation, Spartico at Mayfair Hotel & Spa, introduces their new bar menu with “Beat the Clock” promotion for those looking for getting fat on thin wallets. The deal matches pricing on items based on time of order. For example, if guests “beat the clock” and arrive at 4 p.m., their meal is $4; if they arrive at 6:15 p.m., their meal is $6.15. Spartico’s bar menu Includes items like Bruschetta Peperonata, Caprese Skewers, Pizzette (a small trio of pizzas) and much more. To add to the great value, guests receive complimentary valet parking for up to two hours.

La Dolce Vita Happy Hour at Calamari Coconut Grove

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Welcome to La Dolce Vita
7 days a week from 4-7 pm!
Calamari
3540 Main Highway
Miami, FL 33133
(305) 441-0219

Enjoy your favorite libations like it was 1960 on Rome’s Via Veneto,
when Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita defined “fabulous.”

Slip in, pull up a stool relax and listen to Frank, Dino, Tony and Rosemary while enjoying 2 drinks for the price of one, plus Small Bites Bar Delights Menu featuring from Calamari to Sliders for under $5.

Dark Glasses, Skinny Ties, Beehive Hairdos, stiletto heels and anyone named Marcello, Sylvia or Paparazzo are welcome!
We even have a place for smokers (outside).

Gibraltar Bar at Grove Isle Hotel and Spa Happy Hour Thursdays

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Unwind after the daily grind with cocktails and light bites by the Bay
Every Thursday, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Gibraltar Bar at Grove Isle & Spa
4 Grove Isle Drive
Coconut Grove, FL, 33133
305.857.5007

Every Thursday, Gibraltar Bar at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove will be offering happy hour specials for guests who crave light bites and cocktails after the daily grind. Whether catching up with a friend or co-worker, Gibraltar Bar is setting the scene for the idyllic post-work wind-down amongst spectacular views of the Bay.

From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the happy hour will feature two-for-one champagne flutes and two-for-one well drinks, in addition to a select menu of signature small plates.

Salt Water Raw Bar
Spiced Mignonette, Pineapple-Coconut Cocktail, Lime Tartar, Garlic Butter & Mustard Sauce
Oysters, Clams & Shrimp ($1.00 per person)
½ Split Lobster Tail ($2.00 per person)
Bites & Snacks ($5.00)
Grilled Garlic Shrimp in a spicy honey glaze
Vegetable Spring Rolls with a lime ponzu dipping sauce
Oprah’s Turkey Sliders with pear chutney
Big Eye Summer Rolls served with avocado & sesame
Steamers ($8.00)
Top Neck Clams steamed in parsley & garlic
Mussels steamed in coconut & coriander

Gibraltar is located at Grove Isle Hotel & Spa in Coconut Grove, Florida. Open seven days a week, Gibraltar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sunday brunch is also available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The bar opens Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight. For reservations or more information, please call 305.857.5007 or visit www.groveisle.com.

Coconut Grove Gallery Project Art Stroll 4/2/11

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Saturday, April 2nd from 7 pm to 10 pm
Located on the Promenade in the Shops at Mayfair #162
Grand Ave in Coconut Grove

GroveHouse Artists Gallery will be opening a new general membership exhibit
Featured Artists of the Month – Uta
Grid Exhibit – Threads – Ocean Wave Quilters

General exhibit will run through May 28th
Featured Artist and Grid exhibit will run through April 23rd

Gallery Hours: 11 am to 7 pm Tuesday – Sunday
by appointment – Monday

The Coconut Grove Drum Circle 4/2/11

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The Coconut Grove Drum Circle
Saturday, April 2, 8PM-11PM
Florentino Plaza
3444 Main Highway
Coconut Grove, FL
(First floor atrium below the Knife Restaurant, #6 on the map)

We’re back!! Please join us for our April 2 drum circle. Come and discover or rediscover the healing magic of the drum! Bring your drums and other percussion instruments, your tambourines, shakers, hoops…whatever you love to play. No expertise required…we are here for the joy of drumming and will be dancing and drumming all evening with master drummer Mark Richards setting the beat. Seating and some drums and other instruments will be available. Park at the corner lot on Grand Ave and Fuller St or anywhere on the streets of the Grove. Come drum with us…you will feel the energy and the love. It is also Art Walk night in the Grove, with galleries, restaurants, and musicians all contributing to the magic of the evening.

Questions, call Karen at 305-401-2644 or email karen.deilke@gmail.com

Coconut Grove Gallery and Interiors Celebrate 25th Anniversary By Betty Alvarez

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On March 25th Coconut Grove Gallery & Interiors says thank you to Miami for 25 years of loyal patronage with their most memorable event yet. Guests enjoyed a spectacular evening in the Grove at their “Dancing in the Streets” party! This gala event was produced by Lasso the Moon featuring music, dancing, great food and gallery treasures! The gallery is located at 2884 Bird Avenue in Coconut Grove and open from 10-6 Monday through Saturday with an extended 7:30 closing on Wednesdays featuring wine & cheese.

One of the most unique shops in Miami the gallery features furniture and accessories of both traditional to contemporary styles along with a wide array of fine art. All of this is blended with a beautiful eclectic style in a showroom that is constantly evolving. “25 years is just the beginning – we can’t wait to see what’s next!” says Janel Kuhl the next generation family member that just joined the gallery last year.

Hearing about a business flourishing during these times of economic uncertainty is a rarity, but that is exactly what The Coconut Grove Gallery & Interiors is doing. By constantly expanding their services and committing to serving their clients’ needs the gallery has become a one-stop shop. From designing and managing full home renovations and ground up projects to providing clients with accessories and unique decorative details for that finishing touch.

25 years of successfully doing business is the type of sustainability that the Coconut Grove Gallery & Interiors is all about. This family owned business started out as the Grove Frame Gallery with a 1000 square foot frame shop and 25 years later has grown into a 15,000 square foot block long green building sitting prominently on Bird Avenue. The Coconut Grove Gallery & Interiors attributes their success to focusing on exceptional customer service, eclectic style and quality products that hold up as well as this business has.

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011

Old Time Dance at The Barnacle 3/27/11

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Old Time Dance at The Barnacle
Sunday, March 27, 2011, from 6:30 – 10 p.m.
The Barnacle Historic State Park
3485 Main Highway
Coconut Grove

Come out and party like it’s 1899!

Kick up your heels and dance in the outdoor Micco pavilion at The Barnacle Historic State Park in Coconut Grove on Sunday, March 27, 2011, from 6:30 – 10 p.m. Wear
comfortable shoes and clothes and come learn to dance the traditional American way: Contras, Squares, Circles and Waltzes. Instruction is included and beginners are welcome.

The Barnacle, built in 1891, is the oldest home in Miami in its original location. The home of Coconut Grove pioneer Ralph Middleton Munroe is now a Florida State Park and is located at 3485 Main Highway in downtown Coconut Grove across from the Coconut Grove Playhouse. Please park on the street or in one of the parking lots around town, then stroll down the lane into the park for an evening of Old Time fun with music played by Keeping It Reel. Lou Dow will be on hand calling the steps. Dance like it’s 1891!

Gate opens at 6 p.m. Picnics welcome. The cost for the evening is $10 per person; children under 10 are free.

Contact For additional information call:
(305) 442-6866 or visit our website below.

Website www.TheBarnacle.org

Life Is Art Creative Connections 12 Copyright for Everyone 4/12/11

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Creative Connections
An artistic networker and professional development series for artists, arts professionals and those interested in art.
Presented by Life Is Art
www.lifeisartfest.org

#11 – Copyright for Everyone
April 12, 6:30pm – 9:30pm

Artway66 Gallery
2911 Grand Ave, Suite 400d
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
www.artway66.com

presentation by
Faudlin Pierre
Entertainment Lawyer

6:30-7:30; Arrival & Networking
7:30-8:30; Seminar
8:30-9:30; Afterparty & Socializing

* $10.00 at the door
* Complimentary beverages & bites
* RSVP Here.

Seminar Description:
You probably do not understand Copyright. Almost nobody does. It is a commonly misunderstood law and does not work the way most people think it does. Faudlin is going to break it down for the non-lawyer. This is VERY important information for all artists and anyone involved in the creative process. This seminar will give you a much better idea about how copyright works, what it protects, and what it does not protect.

The night opens with time for socializing and networking with complimentary beverages and bites provided by Life Is Art. After the seminar, there is time for further specific questions and more networking. This is an excellent opportunity to come meet other working artists and arts professionals from around the area.