Greetings ,

This weekend, Labor Day falls on September 6 -- the first Monday of September. For many of us, it signals the end of the summer season as the days become shorter -- a last hurrah for family gatherings before the fall and winter holiday season begins. Enjoy the big holiday weekend.

As always, make plans to enjoy the great outdoors in our little city. Walk down Miracle Mile, experience the live theatre and the best movies, browse the book stores, look into the art galleries and meet up with friends at the restaurants. Visit the parks and public spaces to appreciate the bounties of nature. 

Enjoy the best of Coral Gables in the coming days.

Robert and Robin Burr

please enjoy this image that reminds us of the beauty and serenity of our majestic city

A morning view at the Biltmore Pool

New Release

Seraphic Fire - Creation

The talented choral ensemble Seraphic Fire has released another wonderful video performance - Creation, composed by William Billings and recorded in May 2021 at Comber Hall, Church of the Little Flower. William Billings is often credited with being the first colonial American composer. Born in Boston in 1746, Billings' life ran parallel with the lead-up to and aftermath of the American Revolution. A prolific composer, Billings published six collections of songs for group singing. Creation is a prime example of Billings' style: A homophonic chorale, alternating in slow and fast tempo, is followed by a delightful contrapuntal fuging tune. What a delight! https://vimeo.com/574642192/6f1bbe50c9

Now Playing through Sep 12

¡FUÁCATA! One Woman Show

Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre presents ¡FUÁCATA! or A Latina’s Guide to Surviving the Universe a humorous one-woman tour de force starring Elena María García. For complete details, call 305-444-9293. https://www.actorsplayhouse.org/mainstage/

Thursday September 2 at 4pm

Mediterranean Bonus Blue-Ribbon Committee

The group will discuss a portion of the zoning code which regulates the limitations of development and the performance standards associated with these restrictions, along with development bonuses and special allowances. The public meeting takes place at Commission Chambers (2nd Floor of City Hall). The Public may also join the meeting via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81488385408

Friday, September 3 at 7pm

On Broadway at Gables Cinema

As theatergoers prepare for the return of Broadway after an unprecedented absence of 18 months, an all-star cast tells the inside story of the last time Broadway theater came back from the brink. On Broadway shows how this revival helped save New York City, thanks to innovative work, a new attention to inclusion, and the sometimes uneasy balance between art and commerce. Brand new interviews with legends of the stage and screen, including Hugh Jackman, Helen Mirren, Christine Baranski, August Wilson, James Corden, Alec Baldwin, John Lithgow, Viola Davis, and Ian McKellen take us behind the scenes of Broadway’s most groundbreaking and beloved shows. This screening will be followed by a conversation with Bari Newport, Producing Artistic Director at GableStage, where she will discuss the film, theater, and GableStage's 2021-2022 season. The conversation will be moderated by Brenda Moe, Executive Director of Coral Gables Art Cinema. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/on-broadway/

Saturday, September 4 at 11am

Furry Tales - Read with Pugsley the Pug

This online event is brought to you by the Coconut Grove Library. Read your favorite story aloud to a certified therapy dog. Reading to a therapy dog helps improve literacy skills and boost confidence. Made possible by Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Space is limited for this online event. Registration is required. Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. Ages 7 - 12 yrs. https://mdpls.org/event/5035706

Saturday, September 4 at 2:30pm

Extended Edition Trilogy - Lord Of The Rings

4K DCP Extended Edition - In celebration of the 20th anniversary of The Fellowship of the Ring, Gables Cinema presents a Labor Day weekend marathon of the 4K remasters of the Extended Editions of Peter Jackson's epic fantasy trilogy. A $25 series pass that comes with a commemorative bookmark is available for purchase. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/the-fellowship-of-the-ring/

Sunday, September 5 from 8 to 10am

Dog Date Stroll at Fairchild

Spoil your pup with 83 acres of paths to explore throughout the gardens. The Glasshouse Cafe opens at 9am. Members are free. Guests are $16.95. Please register online in advance. https://fairchildgarden.org/events/dog-dates/

Tuesday, September 7 at 6pm

Ginny Myers Sain - Dark And Shallow Lies

Books & Books and Miami Book Fair present a virtual evening with Ginny Myers Sain in conversation with Diana Urban, discussing the new book Dark And Shallow Lies. A teen girl disappears from her small town deep in the bayou, where magic festers beneath the surface of the swamp like water rot, in this chilling debut supernatural thriller for fans of Natasha Preston, Karen McManus, and Rory Power. Register online. 

Wednesday, September 8 from 5 to 7pm

Sunset Soiree Networking Event

Enjoy cocktails, bites, and an opportunity to connect with local entrepreneurs, business owners, and like-minded professionals at the Sunset Soiree Networking Event at Mamey Restaurant, on the third floor of THesis Hotel at 1350 Harriet Tubman Highway (South Dixie Highway). Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chefs class of 2020 and a James Beard Award Nominee, Chef Niven Patel leads this Caribbean-themed eatery, boasting a menu full of flavors and spices commonly found in tropical cuisine, alongside a cocktail menu designed by a team of expert mixologists. RSVP at EventBrite in advance and receive a complimentary welcome drink. 

Thursday, September 9 at 7:30pm

Historic Ghost Tour at Deering Estate

Explore the history of the Deering Estate and step into the past on a Ghost Tour. Guides will share stories of historic events, insights into previous inhabitants and the record of paranormal activity experienced by visitors and staff. Walk the same paths as Indigenous People, Miami’s early settlers, and even Charles Deering while you navigate the moments that linger on.  Tour may contain mature subject matter. Recommended for ages 9 and up.  Equipment used to detect paranormal activity – such as pendulums, dowsing rods, EMF meters and cameras are welcome. Cost: $40 per person. Space is very limited. Register online. https://deeringestate.org/event/ghost-tours/2021-09-09/

September 9-11

Prepare For King Tides

The King Tides are the highest predicted high tides of the year. King Tide season is coming, which could cause flooding along the coast and in low-lying areas. Flooding can worsen if it occurs during bad weather conditions. Sea level rise is causing these tides to happen more frequently, to last longer and extend further inland than in the past. https://www.coralgables.com/kingtides

Weekend of September 11-12, 10am to 4pm

International Aroid Society Annual Show and Sale

It is that wonderful time of year for the International Aroid Society Annual Show and Sale. Meet and interact with aroid researchers, breeders, growers, hobbyists and personalities from all over the country at Fairchild Garden, plus local and international vendors sharing their best varieties of aroids for purchase on the Garden House Lawn and inside the Garden House. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. email: [email protected]. Details online. http://www.aroid.org/show/

Saturday, September 11, 2021 7:30pm

Avery Gagliano - All Chopin Recital

Enjoy a performance by pianist Avery Gagliano at Gusman Concert Hall starting at 7:30pm, thanks to the generous support of the Chopin Foundation. Gagliano won the 2020 National Chopin Competition Grand Prize and will be competing shortly in the 18th International Chopin Competition in Warsaw. At just 20, she captures audiences with her sensitivity, emotional depth, and musical expression. She will also be joined by Frost faculty for a special chamber arrangement of Chopin’s Andante spianato et Grande Polonaise brillante. Pre-registration is required online.

Sunday, September 12 at 4pm

Enigma — Frost Wind Ensemble

Robert Carnochan conducts the Frost Wind Ensemble for an exciting program at Gusman Hall, featuring Sir Edward Elgar’s epic 1899 Enigma Variations (transcribed by Merlin Patterson), a musical sketch of his close circle of acquaintances; award-winning and first-ever female Pulitzer Prize in Music recipient, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s Fanfare: Reminiscence and Celebration; and the world premiere of Frost composition professor Charles Norman Mason’s Tear in 2020. https://events.miami.edu/event/enigmafrost_wind_ensemble

Sunday, September 12 at 8pm

Billie Jean King - All In

Enjoy a virtual evening with Billie Jean King and Katie Couric discussing All In: An Autobiography -- an inspiring and intimate self-portrait of the champion of equality that encompasses her brilliant tennis career, unwavering activism, and an ongoing commitment to fairness and social justice. Live on Zoom. Please register online.

Monday, September 13 at 5pm

City Commission - First Budget Hearing

The City Commission will meet for the first budget hearing at City Hall in Commission Chambers at 5pm. Details online.

Thursday, September 16 from 10am to noon

Digital Photography 101

Enjoy a quiet morning in the garden, learning how to best use your own DSLR camera -- the relation of aperture, shutter speed and ISO, as well as camera controls and the basics of manual shooting. This class is designed for adult beginners. Class is $35 for members and $45 for non-members. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. Call 305-667-1651. https://fairchildgarden.org/eventon/digital-photography-101/

Sunday, November 14 from 2 to 6pm

Miami Rum Renaissance Festival

Enjoy a fine rum tasting event as the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival returns to the Coral Gables Woman's Club at 1001 East Ponce, with a world of cane spirits to sample. Be the first to try newly released rums, share some old favorites, and sample luxury and vintage limited editions. General admission begins at 2pm ($39) while VIP and trade admission starts at 12:30pm ($49). Order tickets in advance online. Call 305-350-0764. https://www.rumrenaissance.com

Window-Treatment Solution

The Hunter Douglas Gallery at Biscayne Décor

Offering a complete shopping experience, with premium displays and a full line of window treatment products and services to enhance and elevate your home. Delivering the utmost in both sophistication and quality, these shades are designed and custom-assembled in the USA, built to your specifications and guaranteed to last. Explore different materials, styles, operating systems, fabrics and colors and choose your perfect window-treatment solution. Behold light transformed. Biscayne Décor is located at 1404 Ponce. Call 305-569-0505. https://www.biscaynedecor.com/

When You Need A Little Help

Two Computer Guys Safe Service

The experienced team at Two Computer Guys is ready and available to help with computer service and training in the safest mode possible. When you need a little help, call on Two Computer Guys to solve problems and get your computer up and running at top speed with reliable, affordable service. Call 614-859-9029. https://www.twocomputerguys.com

Many of our favorite eateries in the Gables are offering curbside takeout, as well as delivery services. Here's a handy list of choices for Gables residents and friends.

http://www.greatgables.com/CoralGables/ToGo.html