Socialmiami.com art activities

LoweDown Happy Hour
Thursday
April 3 from 7 to 9 PM

Tour the Native American Gallery at Lowe Art Museum, enjoy live music, Mexican-inspired food and cocktails courtesy of Bacardi. Special promotional drinks provided by PAMA Spirits and Springbac Supplement Drink. LoweDown is held the first Thursday of every month; free for Lowe Museum members, and $10 for non-members.



Lowe Art Museum at UM
1301 Stanford Drive, Coral Gables
305-284-3535




Opening Night Fandango Party
Thursday
April 3 at 7:30 p.m.

The Miami Beach Dance Festival kicks off in high style with a party and informal Fandango performance by Ballet Contemporaneo de Oaxaca. It will be a lively evening with music, dancing and audience participation that includes complimentary hors d'oeuvres and cash bar. Admission is free.



Miami Beach Botanical Garden
2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach
305-858-7002








Steve Martin's "The Underpants"
Thursday – Sunday
April 3 – 6

In 1911 Carl Sternheim wrote "Die Hose," which was promptly banned by the German government as immoral. The story centered on a Dusseldorf matron who becomes the center of attention when her underpants accidentally fall to her ankles while watching a parade. Steve Martin's adaptation of the piece is a fast-paced, brilliant and outrageous sex farce - "hilarious and bawdy!" according to the Village Voice after its premiere in New York. It's been making audiences around the country laugh ever since, and you will too at FIU Theatre's production, directed by Stephen Neal. Performances are Thurs - Sat at 8 p.m. and Sun at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and $8 for seniors and FIU students and alumni. Pictured: Paul Perez, Cairo Cangas and Josh Dobarganes.



Wertheim Performing Arts Center Studio Theatre
FIU University Park Campus, Miami
305-348-3789




Movies Under the Stars
Thursdays in April

Overlooking the illuminated sculptures of Roy Lichtenstein, Fernando Botero and Dale Chihuly on Fairchild Garden's main lawn, enjoy a picnic and a movie under the stars. The movie line-up is Apr 3: Grease; Apr 10: Bee Movie; Apr 17: Juno; and Apr 24: Madagascar. Bring your own picnic or order one created by Chef Frank Randazzo. Garden opens at 6 p.m., and movies begin at 8. Admission is $20 for Fairchild members and $15 for member children 6-17; $30 for non-members and $20 for non-member children; and free for children 5 and under.



Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
10901 Old Cutler Road, Miami
305-667-1651




Pre-Opening of "The Mission"
Friday
April 4 at 7 p.m.

New Theatre presents Jules Tasca's "The Mission," a tempestuous 2-character play about life-altering decisions. Within the confines of a penitentiary a trusting priest is drawn closer to the heart of darkness of a prisoner; the results are a double tragedy. Directed by Ricky J. Martinez, the actors, Ricky Waugh and William Gressman, will exchange roles every other night displaying their talent and versatility. The play previews on Thursday, April 3, at 8 p.m. (tickets are $20), and the Friday night performance includes a pre-show reception catered by Catering by Lovables (tickets are $55 for performance and reception). Performances continue through May 4.



New Theatre
4120 Laguna Street, Coral Gables
305-443-5909 (Box Office)








Gables Gallery Night
Friday
April 4 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Join the fun every first Friday when Gables Gallery Night attracts collectors and young professionals to the art galleries, sidewalk tapas bars, fine restaurants and clubs in safe, comfortable downtown Coral Gables. Whisked between galleries aboard free air-conditioned minibus limousines or the city's quaint trolleys, thousands of visitors join local residents at Greater Miami's liveliest monthly event. Enjoy complementary refreshments, stroll through exhibitions of contemporary and modern Latin American, North American, and European art, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, works on paper and photography, along with art books, in a downtown area chock full of fascinating boutiques. Top off your evening in one of Coral Gables' celebrated dining spots - all within easy walking distance! Click to view participating member galleries.



Throughout the Coral Gables Business District
305-444-4493




Art in the Park Concert Series
Friday
April 4 from 7 to 11 p.m.

The Kiwanis Club of Little Havana with the support of the City of Coral Gables and local businesses is hosting another great Art in the Park Concert Series, a musical element to the already famous monthly art walk. Over 50 artists of growing national and international reputation will exhibit their works and perform live art demonstrations for the viewing public. Made possible by its sponsors and the Title Sponsor, Old Spanish Village, the concert series continues on the first Friday of April, October, November and December. The sounds of Latin funk and Latin jazz, with performances at 7:15 p.m. by the Juan Turros Quartet, at 8:45 Grammy Award winner Negroni's Trio, and at 9:45 Big Brooklyn Red. A musical mix-‘em-ups of Latin des-car-gas! See you all there!



Ponce Circle Park
Kiwanis Club of Little Havana




Ballet Hispanico
Friday
April 4 at 8 p.m.

Miami Beach Dance Festival is proud to present one of the nation's preeminent ambassadors of Hispanic culture, Ballet Hispanico, in its first performance in Miami. Originally founded to provide dance training and performance opportunities for underprivileged Latino youth in 1970, the company's dynamic mission inspires an appreciation for the rich heritage of America's growing Hispanic population. Its 13 dancers perform works by the foremost Latino choreographers of our time, as well as those of emerging artists. The program includes Caravanserai (choreography by Talley Beatty, music by Carlos Santana); Club Havana (Pedro Ruiz, López, Gonzáles, Salim, Prado and Repilado); and Déjame Soñar (Alexandre Magno, Tito Puente, Pink Martini and LaLupe). Tickets range from $25 to $50 for premier seating and $12 for students and seniors.



Dade County Auditorium
2901 West Flagler Street, Miami
305-858-7002




Behind the Curtain Workshop
Saturday
April 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Learn all about the inner-workings of theatre production at the "Behind the Curtain Workshop" at PlayGround Theatre. This interactive workshop demonstrates how sets, lights, costumes, choreography, music and rehearsal are essential to producing a magical show like Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The workshop is limited to 30, and snacks will be provided. Enrollment is $70 per child and includes 2 tickets to a performance of your choice.



The PlayGround Theatre
9806 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores
305-751-9550, Ext. 223




Classical Kids in Concert Series
Saturday
April 5 at 2 p.m.

The Miami Children's Museum welcomes the Walenstein Musical Organization for the inaugural "Classical Kids in Concert" Series for music students between the ages of 3 and 10. These young music students have an opportunity to perform musical works they have mastered before an audience comprised mostly of children. The concert is free with museum admission - $10 for adults and children; free for MCM members and children under 1 year old.



Miami Children's Museum
980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami
305-373-5437




The Cleveland Five plus Paul Posnak
Saturday & Sunday
April 5 & 6

Five musicians from the world acclaimed Cleveland Orchestra will perform the last concert in the St. Martha-Yamaha 2007-08 Series, sponsored by TotalBank. Daniel Gilbert (clarinet), Iona Missits (violin), Lisa Boyko (viola), Brian Thornton (cello), and Beth Woodside (violin) take leave of their usual large concert halls for the intimacy of St. Martha Church to play the Bartok Trio ("Contrasts"), the Mozart Clarinet Quintet, and the Schumann Piano Quintet with pianist Paul Posnak. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments after the concert in the Church Atrium. Performances are Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $20 for blue circle (preferred seating). Purchase tickets online, at the church office or at the door.



St. Martha Church
9301 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Shores
1-800-595-4849




5th Annual Miami Beach Dance Festival
April 5, 6 and 9

The Miami Beach Dance Festival continues with exciting performances by three exceptional dance companies. On April 5, at 8 p.m. see a modern dance company from Mexico, Ballet Contemporaneo de La Ciudad de Oaxaca. Founded in 2003, the company performs with a unique interdisciplinary approach and perspective. Festival host Momentum Dance Company performs April 6 at 7 p.m. Momentum celebrated its 25th anniversary last season. The company's performance at the festival will feature two World Premieres: "Voices" choreographed by Josee Garant and "Mandala," a meditative group work by Artistic Director Delma Iles. On April 9 at 8 p.m. Brazz Dance Theater, a newcomer to the Festival, performs their unique fusion of Afro-Brazilian and modern dance. The company was founded in Rochester, NY, with a mission to bring cultural and artistic awareness to the community through dance concerts, classes and workshops. Brazz Dance relocated to Miami in 2004. Tickets to all three performances are $22 for general admission and $11 for students and seniors.



Byron Carlyle Theater
500 71st Street, Miami Beach
305-858-7002




Inside the Music
Monday
April 7 at 7 p.m.

New World Symphony Fellows will give you the inside scoop on their craft in this intimate presentation. It's a great opportunity to explore the music and take part in the informal discussions and presentations with the musicians. Free - no ticket required.



Lincoln Theatre
541 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
305-673-3331




"Alto Madness"
Wednesday
April 9 at 7:45 p.m.

Gold Coast Jazz Society presents Alto Madness, a concert of great jazz standards and originals, featuring Eric Allison and the Gold Coast Jazz Society Band with Richie Cole. A veteran of the jazz scene, Cole is renowned for the sweet and swinging sounds of his alto sax. Tickets are $30 - $40.



Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, Fort Lauderdale
954-462-0222




Bartholmew Fair
April 9 – 13

New World School of the Arts presents Bartholmew Fair, a daring comedy set in 17th century England, written by famed English Renaissance dramatist Ben Jonson. The piece is an intricate production that challenges the students with a outlandish cast of characters who compete for the center spot. The plot is comprised of multiple stories which are interwoven to create a rich and vivid portrait of life in London. Andrew Noble directs. Performances are Weds - Sat at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 general admission, and $5 for students and seniors. Pictured: Ashley Price, David Hemphill and Rachel Clark.



NWSA Louise O'Gerritts Theatre
25 N.E. 2nd Street, Downtown Miami
305-237-3541




Arts Inside The Open Tent
Thursday
April 10 at 8 p.m.

Golem Rocks performs under the Miami Beach stars hosted by The Open Tent. This 6-piece Eastern European folk-punk band features Annette Ezekiel, singer-accordionist and 5-foot powerhouse; crazy-man Aaron Diskin, vocalist-tambourine player; Alicia Jo Rabins, violin; Curtis Hasselbring, trombone; Taylor Bergren-Chrisman, bass; and unstoppable drummer Tim Monaghan. Their music is rewrites and rearranges of old Jewish, Gypsy and Slavic folk songs - those that Eastern European grandparents danced to over a century ago. Now Golem has its unwrinkled fans moshing to the same pulsing beats. The music is so spirited, you'll want your own accordion. Tickets are $18.



North Beach Bandshell
73rd Street and Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
1-800-836-3006




Miami City Ballet Program IV
Friday – Sunday
April 11 – 13

Miami City Ballet's first major commission, NIGHTSPOT, involving two of the most celebrated artists of our time, opens in Broward County. Twyla Tharp has created some of the most memorable and innovative dances in the modern repertory and has also worked extensively on Broadway and in Hollywood. This commission is Tharp's first major work for a ballet company in 5 years. For it, she has joined forces with Elvis Costello who is providing an original musical composition. Costello's musical curiosity is expansive: besides rock and roll, it ranges from classical to jazz to country. Tharp created NIGHTSPOT on 18 MCB dancers, and Costello's composition, which features new music intertwined with various motifs and quotations from existing songs, is written for a 9-piece onstage dance band and a 32-piece orchestra in the pit. Isaac Mizrahi, one of the world's most famous fashion designers, created the costumes for the new work. Also on Program IV are three outstanding ballets by George Balanchine: Square Dance, a classical ballet set to baroque music by Vivaldi and Corelli; Balanchine's homage to Italian folk dancing with the dynamic and speedy Tarantella, set to music by Gottschalk; and the French-style Sonatine, set to music by Ravel. A pre-performance talk by Edward Villella and/or his artistic staff will be conducted, free to the ticketed audience 45 minutes prior to curtain. Performances are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets range from $125 to $19 and are available through MCB Box Office, the Broward Center Box Office and Ticketmaster. Pictured: Callie Manning and Carlos Guerra; photo by Bruce Weber.



Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, Fort Lauderdale
1-877-929-7010




The Disney Topiaries
Now through April 10

Take a scenic stroll through the Disney Topiary gardens at Aventura Mall and marvel at the thousands of trees, plants and flowers that have transformed the Center and Fountain Courts into a piece of Disney magic. The display, part of the mall's Disney's Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival promotion, is a first for this kind of exhibit in a South Florida shopping center. Like the dazzling Disney Topiaries in Epcot, the mall's topiaries incorporate stunning blooms, artfully designed floral beds and expertly crafted bonsai trees. See five different gardens that make up the Lion King display, featuring the characters Simba, Nala, Pumbaa, Timon, and Rafiki in fun colorful scenes reminiscent of the movie. Another garden scene displays Bambi characters Thumper, Flower and of course, Bambi, all enjoying each other's company in a lush forest setting. Walk among the incredible topiaries, including a 13 foot-tall giraffe, and you might glimpse one of the "hidden Mickeys" that have been incorporated. Aventura Mall, South Florida's largest super regional mall, is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.



Aventura Mall
19501 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura
305-935-1110




Lichtenstein at Fairchild
Through May 31

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is hosting an exhibition of one of the world's most iconic Pop artists, Roy Lichtenstein. Fairchild, one of the world's premier botanic gardens and Miami-Dade County's oldest cultural institution, is hosting the large scale sculpture exhibition as part of its annual art program. With sculptures ranging from 8 to 30 feet high, Lichtenstein at Fairchild marks the largest sculptural exhibition of Lichtenstein's pieces in a naturalistic setting. Sculptures are on display daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through May 31, 2008. Beginning December 13, Fairchild will remain open for Pop'n Tropical Nights on Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Day admission is $20 adults, $15 seniors 65+, $10 children 6-17, and free for Fairchild members and children 5 and under. Night Admission is $20 Fairchild members, $15 member children 6-17; $30 non-members, $20 non-member children 6-17, and free for children 5 and under.



Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
10910 Old Cutler Road, Miami
305-667-1651