Greetings ,

Monday, May 30 is Memorial Day, a Federal Monday Holiday capping a big weekend of family gatherings, special travel aventures, picnics, visits to cemeteries, memorial gatherings and big events. Traditionally, this weekend is seen as the end of school year, beginning of summer vacation activities, and the beginning of the season of wearing white in the summer. Memorial Day started as an event to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. It was inspired by the way people in the Southern states honored their dead. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women who died in any war or military action.

Wednesday, June 1 is the first day of Pride Month, and the first day of Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

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

Coral Gables Riviera Waterway Home

click on the image to see enlargement.

Coral Gables scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr.

Thursday, May 26 at 6pm

Miami-Dade Solar Co-op has 100 Members

Join your neighbors who enjoy producing clean green energy from the sun by learning about Solar United Neighbors co-op for Miami-Dade County. Register for a free interactive Zoom session online to learn about solar energy and how this nonprofit co-op model simplifies the process of going solar on your home or small business. This will be a live presentation so you'll be able to ask questions. Take advantage of the Federal tax credit before it is reduced. https://coops.solarunitedneighbors.org/coops/miami-dade-2022-solar-co-op/events/

Week Of May 27

Ani-May - Exploring The Past And Present Of Anime

Coral Gables Art Cinema is proud to present Ani-May, a program of five films (Akira; Panda! Go Panda!; Perfect Blue; Weathering With You; Your Name) exploring the past and present of anime. Although it has its roots in the 1900s, anime as we know it began to take hold in Japan in the 1960s with shows like Astro Boy. Since then, it has become an unstoppable force that has enthralled generations in its native country and found a devoted audience worldwide. From May 27 to June 2, celebrate everything you love about anime with a program that spans five decades and serves as a crash course in the history of this beloved art form. From vintage rarities to all-time classics and modern blockbusters, join us this Ani-May to embrace the medium that has captivated the world. Series Pass is  $45. Call 786-472-2249. https://www.gablescinema.com/programs/ani-may/

85th Annual

Royal Poinciana Fiesta Events

The Tropical Flowering Tree Society presents a host of activities for the annual Royal Poinciana Fiesta from May 29 to June 12. Among the many events, the Royal Poinciana Fiesta Trolley Tours are popular among those that appreciate these magnificent trees. Enjoy a cocktail party with a paintbrush, a Poinciana Workshop at the Pinecrest Library, a Simpson Park and South Miami Avenue Walking Tour, a Waterway Kayak Tour highlighting Royal Poincianas blooming in Coral Gables and much more. Get details online.

Now Playing through June 5

Murder on The Orient Express

The exotic Orient Express is about to go off the rails. With a locomotive full of suspects and an alibi for each one, it’s the perfect mystery for detective Hercule Poirot. This new adaptation of Agatha Christie’s masterpiece will take audiences on the most suspenseful, thrilling ride of Actors’ Playhouse’s 2021-2022 Season. Tony Award-winning Playwright Ken Ludwig succeeds in almost driving the Orient Express right off its rails. https://www.actorsplayhouse.org/mainstage/

This Weekend - May 27-29

Aladdin Jr at Area Stage II

Area Stage presents Disney’s Aladdin JR., based on the 1992 Academy Award-winning film and the 2014 hit Broadway show about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within. Aladdin and his three friends, Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, are down on their luck until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes. Wanting to earn the respect of the princess, Jasmine, Aladdin embarks on an adventure that will test his will and his moral character. Get details and tickets online.

Friday, May 27 at 7:30pm

Priscila Navarro

Enjoy a tribute concert to the Frost Advanced Piano Program with Peruvian-born pianist Pricila Navarro at Sanctuary Of The Arts. This is a free event. Get details and RSVP online.

Saturday, May 28 at 4pm

Delray String Quartet: Impressions - Mozart to Ginastera

Enjoy a selection of masterpieces for flute and string quartet by Mozart, Ginastera, Puccini and Glazunov as the Delray String Quartet with Jennifer Grim, Flute, performs at Sanctuary Of The Arts for the Mainly Mozart Festival. Get details and tickets online.

Saturday, May 28 at 5pm

Amateur Dog Show at Peacock Park

Pet enthusiasts will enjoy an evening of furry fun at an amateur Dog Show hosted by Friends of the Commodore Trail. Everyone is invited to attend this free event and dog show for the community. Friendly dogs are welcome, but must be leashed. Get details and tickets online.

Sunday, May 29th at 9:30am

Royal Poinciana Waterway Kayak Tour

Sign up for the Waterway Kayak Tour highlighting Royal Poincianas in Bloom, sponsored by the Coral Gables Museum and Miami EcoAdventures. The cost is $45 per person. Kayaks provided. Enjoy natural vistas, man-made beauty and Coral Gables’ history. Registration required, call 305-603-8067 for more information. http://www.tfts.org/rpfinfo/

Tuesday, May 31 at 7pm

Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking

Books & Books and GableStage presents an evening with director Bari Newport and actor Sara Morsey discussing Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking, live in-person at Books & Books. The book was immediately acclaimed as a classic memoir about mourning. It won the 2005 National Book Award for Nonfiction and was a finalist for both the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Autobiography. On March 29, 2007, Didion’s adaptation of her book for Broadway opened with Vanessa Redgrave as the sole cast member. This event is free and open to the public. Get details and RSVP online.

Friday, June 3

George Merrick's Birthday

Iconic city founder and legendary developer George Merrick was born on Thursday, June 3, 1886 in Springdale, Pennsylvania into a family of artistic and erudite pioneers who arrived in South Florida in 1898. They purchased the Gregory homestead and soon expanding their holdings to 3,000 acres of citrus groves. Their home, named Coral Gables, was the nexus of a thriving community that celebrates artful design and planning, lush landscapes, local history and classic architecture.

Friday, June 3 - Preview Performance

GableStage - The Year Of Magical Thinking

The Year of Magical Thinking is Joan Didion’s account of the year following the death of her husband, writer John Gregory Dunne, and her attempts to make sense of her grief while tending to the severe illness of her adopted daughter, Quintana. The play at GableStage continues through Sunday, June 26. https://bit.ly/3yPS2lh

Saturday, June 4 at 4pm

Cello Explorations - Alexander Hersh

Alexander Hersh, cello and Marina Radiushina, piano present a selection of masterpieces for cello and piano by Mendelssohn, Janacek, Scriabin, Debussy and Bartok. The performance takes place at the Sanctuary Of The Arts, as part of the Miami Chamber Music Society's Mainly Mozart music series. Ticket are $25. Get details and tickets online.

Saturday, June 11 at 2pm

History of Royal Poinciana Fiesta at the Library

Steve Pearson, former Director of the Gifford Arboretum and past president of the Tropical Flowering Tree Society, will present the history of the royal poinciana, its origins in South Florida and its use by early settlers, as well as information on the care and horticultural aspects of the tree, and the inspiration it has provided in art, music, and poetry. This event will be co-sponsored by Miami Pioneers and Natives of Dade historical society. Admission is free, with free adjacent parking. The Pinecrest Library is located at 5835 SW 111th Street, Pinecrest. http://www.tfts.org/rpfinfo/

Sunday, June 12th at 2pm

Royal Poinciana Trolley Tour

Sign up for the annual Royal Poinciana Trolley Tour of Coral Gables, highlighting the best blossoms of the 2022 season. Narrated by two poinciana experts and past presidents of the Tropical Flowering Tree Society, the tour begins at Coral Gables Police Dept, 2151 Salzedo Street. Tickets are $25. Seating is limited, purchase your tickets online in advance. http://www.tfts.org/RPFTour/

Sunday, June 12th from 6 to 9pm

Royal Poinciana Fiesta Party and Grand Finale

Don't miss the Poinciana Fiesta Party and Grand Finale at the Garden House at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, with tram tours at 6 and 7pm. Reception and presentation of the Royal Poinciana Queen and Court scholarship recipients beginning at 7:30pm. Refreshments, Cake, and the famous Royal Poinciana Punch will be offered with the announcement of the 2022 Larry Schokman Book Award recipient. Music by jazz pianist Brian Murphy. Enjoy a display of vintage postcards featuring the Royal Poinciana. Free admission, but guests are asked to bring a dish to share or make a donation. New Memberships are welcome. Enter at Fairchild South Entrance, for adjacent free parking. RSVP online in advance. http://www.tfts.org/RPFReception/

Starts Thursday, July 9 at 8pm

CAP Starry, Starry Nights Concert Series

Enjoy the return of the Community Arts Program virtual concert series bringing stellar artists to concertgoers’ homes every other Thursday evening from June 9 to August 18. Experience superb musical evenings within the historic Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ -- directly across from the world-famous Biltmore Hotel. From opening night with renowned clarinetist Ken Peplowski in a dazzling tribute to Benny Goodman, to Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition finalist Quiana Lynell, six concerts feature outstanding classical and jazz luminaries. Get details and purchase tickets online.