CULTURAL BULLETIN - November 24, 2001

To those Friends, Arts & Culture Lovers on my mailing list: In the wake of the attacks of Sept. 11, our country is attempting to recover from some events have been cancelled and/or postponed.

In my opinion it is essential for us as individuals and as a nation to do our best to get back to some semblance of normality. Try to keep me informed of your activities and I will try to spread the word. I ask your help, dear readers, in covering events and reporting back to me. I trust you to assist me in this. We all can appreciate so much more how important human contact is. Let's try to keep it up.

I publish only once a month, usually the last week [with occasional special editions - like I did for Miami Book Fair International 2000.] If you are planning an event or are aware of anything upcoming, please let me know in accordance with my revised publication schedule [by the 15th of the month should do it].

Your cultural correspondent,

Jonathan Rose



MIAMI BOOK FAIR INTERNATIONAL began Sunday Nov. 11 with the ribbon cutting at 5:30 pm at Wolfson Campus of M-DCC, followed by the 8:00 pm evening with V.S. Naipaul, who appeared exactly one month after he had been notified that he had been awarded the 2001 Nobel Prize in Literature.

After their short existence, they've been named BEST ART CINEMA by the NEW TIMES in Best of Miami 2001 Edition. Congrats guys.] You may not have had the chance to visit the Mercury Theatre at 5580 NE 4 Court [tel. 305-759-8809] yet, since it only opened in late December of last year.

Speaking of Cinema, catch the Miami Jewish Film Festival Dec. 8-16 at Regal S. Beach Cinema, 1100 Lincoln Rd. (satellite screenings at Cosford Cinema, U.of Miami & FIU Bisc. Bay Campus) 305-573-7304 for tkts & full schedule, or www.caje-miami.org/filmfestival

MIAMI BOOK FAIR INTERNATIONAL has ended (sigh) Nov. 11 - Nov. 18. It was super as usual, enjoyed by those who have attended throughout the years (a wonderful opportunity to renew old friendships and begin new ones).. Newcomers are always thrilled and delighted. Next year will be bigger and better still. Again, not enough praise can be heaped on Miami Dade Community College, its president Eduardo J. Padron, and all the dedicated volunteers who have made the book fair the best in North America. Congratulations to Mitchell Kaplan, the dedicated Board of Directors, and the staff of Miami Book Fair International. Our heartfelt thanks and the community looks forward to the 19th Edition in Nov. 2002. Till then, please send me your best Book Fair moment(s).

This Sat., Dec 1st TotalHealth Fair on South Beach at Lummus Park (Ocean Drive between 12th St. & 14th Ct.) FREE EVENT with medical experts, top chefs, fitness experts and panels. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Info at 305-376-211

1) Gables Gallery Night, of course remains steadfast, Dec. 7, the first Friday of the month. Congrats to the Cernuda family (it's a family affair). In December I first visited their new gallery at 3155 Ponce de Leon Blvd. and was impressed with the artwork (I have known Ramon since his days at the Cuban Museum). I congratulated him in December. And now, NEW TIMES has named CERNUDA ARTE BEST ART GALLERY - 2001. Stop in and say hi for me. See the work of Miami artists Demi and Sinuhe Vega.

2) WAIT. DOWNTOWN. Enjoy it. I urge everyone to avoid rush hour and try their evening events. More info, check out DowntownMiami-owner@egroups.com -- LA LOGGIA RISTORANTE & LOUNGE announces:

JAZZ NIGHT ON THURSDAYS IN DOWNTOWN MIAMI
Live Entertainment, Drink Specials
5-9 p.m., 68 W. Flagler Street
JAM AT MAM on Dec. 20th (3rd Thurs.)

3) For those who are bilingual & enjoy literary discussions in Spanish, hablan conmigo.

4) And, of course, check the Books & Books calendar. CHECK OUT THE NEW LOCATION AT 265 ARAGON AVENUE (across the street in the middle). If you're not on the mailing list, call the store & get with it and on it. There are some great speakers. Just do it.

[NEWSFLASH: Books & Books makes BEST OF NEW TIMES 2001 -- yet again!] The website is www.booksandbooks.com [Gables & Lincoln Rd. stores]
[Wow! Folks really turned out for the GRAND OPENING of the new store at 265 Aragon Avenue on March 24th -- by far the best crowd thus far at the new digs.
Do you really want to be the only one in your neighborhood who has not visited the new location?] STILL WAITING?

POETRY READINGS

5) Books & Books Bilingual Poetry Reading each Third Friday evening [email
Jonathan Rose or Poetsite@aol.com or 954-561-2774]
Books & Books by FIU Poetry Club, Second Fridays, around 8:00 pm. Phone
Chris at 305-554-0479.

Second Friday (Cove/Rincon International) gathering at FIU. (107 ave. & 8 Street) -- Information: (305)554-0847

Famous Last Friday Poetry Reading at Books & Books (Next scheduled= Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m. New Coral Gables store, 265 Aragon, NEW LOCATION), moderated by yours truly. 305-442-4408 Meet at 7:30 to hear the featured
poet at Books & Books. Then join me & read your own poem (or two), read one by another poet, or serve as audience/participant. Try it, especially if you haven't been to a poetry reading lately. NO reading in December. Cya in 2002.

Literary Event (Spanish)Lectura de "Cuentos de vida, muerte y resurrección"
por el autor: José O. Alvarez, Peggy's Books, 18650 NW 67th Avenue
Miami, Fl 33015 Thurs., 11/29 at 7 p.m.Tel: (305) 474-8985 or (305) 487-5256

Other poetry Messages:
Butterfly Lightning Series at Tobacco Road, 626 S. Miami Ave., 305-237-3376.
[Check out Steve D's reviews at ButterflyNet@butterflylightning.com]
Butterfly Lightning Reading on Mondays at 8:00 pm, upstairs at Tobacco Road, 626 South Miami Avenue, (305-374-1198).
November 26:
Jonathan Gans and John Vitale
December 3:
Jonathan Rose and David Beatty
December 10:
Mia Leonin and James J. Cho HOLIDAY BREAK

Society of Poets -- Ft. Lauderdale readings on the 4th Saturday of each
month at home of Michael-Earle Carlton between E. Sunrise & Oakland Park Blvds., from 3 to 5:30 p.m. [Phone Michael Earle first at 954-561-2774 or e-mail her at POETSITE@aol.com. due to limited space, but go.]
Soon at new Barnes and Noble in Ft. Laud.

Poetry Jam (Lip, Tongue & Ear) USUALLY at Borders & Books every 4th Tues. 3390 Mary St., Coconut Grove Call 305-474-0078 Next LIP,TONGUE & EAR Poetry Jam is Nov. 27 at 7:30 pm.

Hannah Kahn Poetry Foundation brought us their Wild Horse Reading Series at Warehaus 57 on Hollywood Blvd. on Sat., August 18 at 7:30. FRED D'AGUIAR, NEW TIMES BEST LOCAL WRITER (2001) was the reader.
[He charmed his audience, as expected, with a reading of poetry and of his verse novel . . . and a scattering of anecdotes (I'm thinking of Lucille Clifton as I write this].

Hannah Kahn Poetry Foundation is looking for new members. Check out the website to see what we do for poetry in S.Florida. Hannah Kahn website (check it out-great for new & experienced poets) = http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Atrium/8481/index.html

National Writers Association, South Florida Chapter -REVIEW . [Check out http://www.writerssfl.com or phone 305-275-8666] Monthly meeting at Holiday Inn on Dixie Hwy.across from Univ. of Miami - First Sat 9:30. Writers
Conference at Barry

Rex Benson, poets and performers are presenting Days of the Spoken Word at the Northeast Branch Library [2930 Aventura Blvd. - 305-931-5512] on Weds.. from 2 to 3:30 [shows Nov., 28, Dec. 12]. Phone Rex at 305-792-7476

7) Try MEZA Gallery-Restaurant, 275 Giralda, Coral Gables [1 block N. of Books & Books, 2 blocks S. of Absinthe House] excellent food & service--entertainment too? Tel. 305-461-2723. Made BEST OF NEW TIMES 1999.
Andrea Meza is a charming hostess. [dinner specials 6-8 pm]. Next SEETHE -- Stay tuned. Great (& deserved) article on Andrea and the Gallery Cafe in Jan.

8) Next JAM at MAM [Miami Art Museum] on 5-8:30 Thurs. Dec. 20 [305-375-3000] 101 W. Flagler St.Gallery Gourmet snacks.

[Felicidades on being named for BEST USE OF A SMALL SPACE by NEW TIMES] Artemis Performance Network and SPACE 742 located at 742 S.W.16 Ave Call 305-643-6611 for further information. You've come a long way in a short time, baby! Look for Artemis at the forefront of activities in the rejuvenated Little Havana Scene. Speaking of Gustavo Matamoros of the SubTropics Music Festival [BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL - 2001] (as I'd been doing when I first wrote this), you may yet be able to get in on the Sound Series presentations by emailing Gustavo@earthlink.net [See 25 below]

Lab6 & Artemis present 1165 SW 6street in Little Havana 305.324.0585
Viernes Culturales (Cultural Fridays - Last Fri. of each month) Lisette Garcia will be distributing poems in English & Spanish till Aug. of 2002 and encouraging folks to read aloud - a great experiment [takes place in front of Casa Panza
16th Ave. & 8th St. (Calle Ocho) around 6 - 7:30 p.m.

9) Contact Tamalyn Dallal at Middle East Dance Exchange 350 Lincoln Rd.

#505, Miami Beach for scheduled events 305-538-1608 tdallal@aol.com.

10) Wallflower Gallery, 10 NE 3rd St. in Downtown Miami. 305-579-0069. [BEST VENUE FOR LIVE MUSIC--NEW TIMES, BEST OF MIAMI 2000]
[2001 NEW TIMES - BEST ART GALLERY WITH ATMOSPHERE]
Check website for more info: www.wallflowergallery.com
[Wallflower Gallery had a great turnout for its Ploppy Poetry Podium Fri.., Nov. 16 -- coincidental with Miami Book Fair International (or was it?). Hmmm. Sorry to say I could only stay for about 20 minutes [I showed some Book Fair people the way there], but I compliment David (the owner) and Flash (Funkmeister) for giving budding wordsmiths a venue where they can share their work. Beth, I missed seeing you. JR]

11) SUMMER SHORTS - A TREAT FOR ALL WHO LOVE THEATRE Alas, City Theatre's SIXTH SUMMER SHORTS FESTIVAL came and went, but a 7th
season will be performed at two venues: June 6 - 21 at the Ring Theatre at U/M, and July 5 -21 at the Amaturo Theater in Broward. All I can do is recommend that all of you try to go in 2002. Plus a new full length comedy at the Colony
Theatre from February 6 -10, 2002! See HIGH DIVE, written and performed by
Leslie Ayvazian. Readings began October 15 at 8:00 pm at Books & Books in Coral Gables. (305) 365-5400 [www.citytheatre.com] Next reading Nov. 26.

12) COMEDY: PUNCH 59 had been performing on Fridays at 11 p.m. in Hollywood. Starmakers in Boca at 9 p.m. Fridays fom 4/13 - 5/18. Check their website at http://www.punch59.com [The 3/23 show was terrific.] SHOW CANCELLED. Keep a lookout here, there, everywhere. They are looking for a new venue. If you know of anything, let me know, I'll pass the word..

JUST THE FUNNY is back! Now at Holiday Inn on S. Dixie [1350] across from
U/M in Coral Gables, every Fri & Sat at 9 pm & 11 pm For details/directions,
call 1-305-69FUNNY. [It's not only me. NEW TIMES Best of Miami 2001 says JUST THE FUNNY "BEST PLACE FOR A FIRST DATE"] They followed the Fri Happy Hour at Books & Books on July 13 with a 90-min. show.

13) Songwriters In The Round Showcase is at
"CAFE NOSTALGIA at the Forge" [named Best Venue for Live Music
428 41st Street (also Arthur Godfrey Rd.) in 2001 NEW TIMES]
Miami Beach, FL [These are wonderful. Everyone should try to get to them.]
305-573-8042. [only $5.00]

14) Chrystal Hartigan presents -Entertainment Industry Networking Night (includes film/television/music) on the 1st Tuesday of the month at One Night Stan's, 2333 Hollywood Blvd. - 954-929-1566, $5 -- Free buffet/cash bar -- 7-9PM Chrystal is also presenting 2001...A Songwriters Odyssey -(a series of various showcases for the music industry as well as the general public) usually includes an Open Mic session, 3rd Thursday of the month at Cancun Mexican Grill, 1828 Harrision Street (downtown Hollywood) 954-922-8515
7:30PM - 10:30 PM. For additional info contact Chrystal Hartigan at 954-929-0982 or HlwdMusic@aol.com

15) [Folk Music] Try to get to the Luna Star Cafe, 775 NE 125th St., N. Miami
305-592-8522 on Saturdays or some other time. Phone Alexis for the 411.

16) South Art. Carly Aguilera will try to accommodate if you give her a call at
305-438-4237, 146 NW 37th Street, Miami (across from design district)

16) All of South Florida is still excited that the Smithsonianian Institution has
joined with the Museum of Science, 3280 S. Miami Ave., Miami, FL 33129--new ph.(305) 646-4200 + prices. ($10-adults, $8-seniors (over 62) & students with I.D., $6 - children 3-12, <3=free). Check out Miami Space Transit Planetarium's free weekly star show and telescopic viewing every Fri. a 7:30 p.m. Those
dinosaurs can now be manipulated like muppets from Jan. 26 to May 29, 2002.

17) Sanford L. Ziff Jewish Museum of Florida. 301 Washington Ave. Miami
Beach, FL 33139. Through Nov. 24 -- "The Art of Hatred: Images of Intolerance
in South Florida Culture" (305) 672-5044 Tues-Sun 10 -5 pm
Admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors/students, $10 families. Membs & < 6 yrs. free.

18) DIASPORA VIBE GALLERY at the Bakehouse. 561 N.W 32 Street--(305)
759-1110 Director/Curator .. Caribbean Crossroads
"Final Friday's " Oct. 26, 2001 are back at Diaspora Vibe Gallery 561 NW 32
St. just south of the design district. 7:30pm - 11:00 pm Emerging Carlbbean Artists $15.00 general admission w/2 canned goods, includes dinner/soda - Cash bar [Music by Mantra (featuring Marlon Moore), Poetry hosted by Rashida Bartley, Caribbean Cuisine included. Music was slammin' as was the poetry; don't miss this month.] Great 2 page spread on DIASPORA VIBE GALLERY & Rosie by Gary Turner in ARTS, THE HERALD SUNDAY JUNE 3, 2001 PAGE 3M, 5M.

19) Tigertail FLA/BRA 2001 Oct. 3 - Nov. 11 QUICK!! Check out
the website at www.tigertail.org as Tigertail Productions presents cutting
edge and innovative art in a multi-media extravaganza. [This is really
exciting!] Unfortunately, many events have been postponed till March
for security precautions in the aftermath of 9-11 (cargo restrictions).

THEATER SECTION

EDGE THEATRE NEWS: Multi-talented Jim Tommaney has brought his EDGE Theatre to the Bakehouse Arts Complex, 561 NW 32nd St., near Miami's Design District. He's directs his play, COUTURIER, ". . . Dedicated With Reverence to the Memory of Gianni Versace . . . ." from Aug. 24 - Sept.. 16. Christopher Vicchiollo plays the fashion designer struggling to find inspiration in his models; he's supported by several actors making their debuts with EDGE, especially Kirsi Hiekka, who bookends the play with an introduction and an epilogue (wait for the epilogue!). She also adds credibility as a runway model for "the 6th member of the cast, Sandra Robinson with her designer clothes," which envelop the stage at the end of each act (and throughout the production). Shows are 8 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays & 7 p.m. Sun. Tickets are $20 ($15 students/ seniors), & can be purchased by calling 305-531-6083 or 954-733-8735. JR

GableStage at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, FL 33134 305-445-1119 Fax: (305) 445-8645 email: gables12@bellsouth.net In NEW TIMES BEST OF MIAMI 2000 as Best Theater for Drama -- Joe Adler of GableStage voted NEW TIMES BEST LOCAL DIRECTOR (2001). No surprise. Keep up the great work, Joe! GABLESTAGE presents James Joyce's The Dead, A New Musical Play -- Adaption and Lyrics by Richard Nelson, Music by Shaun Davey -- Dec. 15, 2001 - Jan. 13, 2002 Thurs, Fri, Sat at 8 PM and Sun. at 2 and 7 PM.--directed of course by Joseph Adler..

The Shores Performing Arts Theater, 9806 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Shores, FL presents PAGEANT beginning Nov. 3. One of the most entertaining farces to ever take the stage, PAGEANT pits six wacky, determined beauty queens against each other in a hilarious send-up to those classic American beauty contests. Each night, judges selected from the audience score the contestants to decide who gets the crown..and who doesn't! For more info, call 305-751-0562.

NEW THEATRE HAS NEW DIGS!
4210 Laguna (the former site of the Astor), Coral Gables Tel. 305-443-5909.]
After WITnessing a dynamic, breathtaking performance of WIT with Barbara Sloan -- [compliments to cast, crew, and Rafael de Acha]
THE WAVERLY GALLERY by Kenneth Lonergan Nov. 10 - Dec.
[an unflinching look at the downward spiral of senility and its effects on family --
strong performances].

20) 1001 Washington Ave., Miami Beach at Wolfsonian-FIU.

21) the dorsch gallery, 151 nw 24 st., miami, fl 33127 305-576-1278 4painters
October 20 - December 1, 2001) .
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23) HISTORICAL MUSEUM OF SOUTH FLORIDA, 101 W. Flagler St., Miami,
FL 33130. More info. = 305-375-1492. [BEST MUSEUM - NEW TIMES 2001]
-- from July 27th - Jan. 20th 2002 is exhibiting Rock & Roll history of South Florida - featuring Gloria Estefan, Jimmy Buffet, & many others. But, come see it and tell me what you liked best.
Check out the Main Miami-Dade Public Library (finally, all 3 of these great
institutions at the Government Center are coordinating events).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24) Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA), 770 NE 125th St. North Miami. (305)
893-6211

25) Second Thursdays - MIAMI BEACH - ALL KINDS OF STUFF! I had it all listed, but the computer gods swallowed it! phone 305-673-7500 or check out
2ndthursdays.com --- December 13

26) LOWE ART MUSEUM, 1301 Stanford Dr. Coral Gables-phone (305) 284-5587

Travel Notes:
July 2000 - DUBLIN You cannot go to Dublin without sampling the only
homemade ice cream in Ireland. That's right, Missy and Mandy's Homemade
Ice Cream located South off of Middle Abbey Street in the mall. E-mail:
missyandmandys@hotmail.com or Mandy's mobile (353) 087 299 2288
[It's on the North side of town, across the Liffey, but well worth the walk.
The best-selling flavor is Banofi (banana with toffee--yum), they have a
Strawberry-Banana, Peanut Butter Bonanza, and much more.] But the best part is if you bring this ad, you get not only a free sample, but a 10 per cent discount on your purchase, per Mandy. [See me if you're travelling to Dublin and I'll be glad to give you better directions.]

NOTE: If you know of anyone who should be on my e-mail list, please ask that person to so inform me by e-mail.

Your Cultural Correspondent,

Jonathan Rose (305) 374-0371 tel
155 S. Miami Ave., Ph 1 (305) 374-6569 fax
Miami, FL 33130
email: PROSEGUY@aol.com

Copyright 2001 Jonathan Rose [CULTURAL BULLETIN]

Season Schedule

Home