Greetings {name},

This Sunday, July 4th is American Independence Day, a traditional time of celebration with family gatherings, picnics and fireworks exhibits. The city of Coral Gables will not host the usual massive gathering at the Biltmore Hotel property this year.

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

Now On Exhibition

Cundo Bermúdez Focus Exhibit at Cernuda Arte

The exhibition Cundo Bermúdez (1914-2008) Oils, Watercolors, Sculptures, and Lithographs: 11 artworks, 1942 to 2006, highlights a breadth of work by the Vanguardia master across six decades of his artistic career. From intimate portraiture to stunning bronze sculpture, his works are energized by a palette of bold primary colors and detailed by delicate lines reminiscent of stained glass. Currently on view at Cernuda Arte. Photos of the exhibit and information on the works can also be found on the gallery’s website. Cernuda Arte Gallery is located at 3155 Ponce. Call 305-461-1050. http://www.cernudaarte.com/

Virtual Performance Grande Finale

America, the Beautiful

The Greater Miami Symphonic Band Presents their 42nd Season Virtual Performance Grande Finale. To enjoy these performances, including the latest: “America, the Beautiful," visit their web site's Virtual Programs section, featuring the eight titles representing these music selections on YouTube.

Also, visit the facebook page for additional details. 

These amazing arrangements and virtual performances are presented with the support of the city of Coral Gables. Call 305-273-7687. http://gmsb.org/

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

fountains at Shops of Merrick Park

Now through July 11

Euro 2020 - Bierhaus Soccer Watch Party

Meet up with friends for the Soccer Watch Party at the Bierhaus, the number one soccer Bar in South Florida. The EUFA Euro 2020 is world-class sports at its finest. Euro games are played 9am, 12 noon and 3pm. Catch all the action at Friz and Franz Bierhaus on the big screens with all the excitement -- and the best European beers in town -- offering great seating indoors and outside. Also -- watch the best of South American Soccer during Copa America from June 13th to July 10th. No reservations are taken so get there early and enjoy the best Soccer experience South Florida has to offer. Fritz and Franz Bierhaus is located at 60 Merrick Way. Call 305-774-1883.http://www.bierhaus.cc/

Mask and Seating Policies Updated

Coral Gables Art Cinema Announcement

In accordance with guidelines from the CDC, the State of Florida, and Miami-Dade County, masks are no longer required at the Coral Gables Art Cinema for fully vaccinated guests. Seating capacity has increased to 75% (105 seats). Also, the Virtual Screening Room is closing on July 2. Thanks to everyone who watched a film to support the cinema during challenging times. https://www.gablescinema.com/health-and-safety-policies/

Thursday, July 1, from 11 to 1pm

Summer Floral Arrangement Workshop

Learn tricks of the trade and acquire an understanding of flowers, event design, basic floral composition, seasonality, and technique. Everything will be provided. Take your creation home to enjoy for days to come. Hosted by Anna Noriega of Aloré Event Firm. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. Call 305-667-1651. https://fairchildgarden.org/eventon/summer-floral-arrangement/

Opens Friday, July 2

Summer of Soul documentary

In his acclaimed debut as a filmmaker, Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson presents a powerful and transporting documentary -- part music film, part historical record created around an epic event that celebrated Black history, culture and fashion. Over the course of six weeks in the summer of 1969, just one hundred miles south of Woodstock, The Harlem Cultural Festival was filmed in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park). The footage was never seen and largely forgotten -- until now. Summer of Soul shines a light on the importance of history to our spiritual well-being and stands as a testament to the healing power of music during times of unrest, both past and present. The feature includes never-before-seen concert performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Ray Baretto, Abbey Lincoln & Max Roach and more. Winner of both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/summer-of-soul/

Friday, July 2 from 2:30 to 3:30pm

Online Event: Mocktails and Cocktails

Impress your friends and family at the next gathering when you learn the basics of making flavored simple syrups, and mixing delicious drinks using fruit, veggies and herbs. Turn it into a fun cocktail by adding gin, vodka, rum. You will need a long spoon, sugar, water, ice and the fruits, veggies and herbs of your choice. 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 21 years and older. https://mdpls.org/event/5245313

Friday Through Monday

In The Heights

The Landmark Theatre at Merrick Park presents In The Heights, the event of the summer, where the streets are made of music and little dreams become big. In the Heights lights up on Washington Heights. The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likeable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life. In the Heights fuses Lin-Manuel Miranda’s kinetic music and lyrics with director Jon M. Chu’s lively and authentic eye for storytelling to capture a world very much of its place, but universal in its experience. The Landmark at Merrick Park is a seven screen movie theater located on the third floor of the Village of Merrick Park. Call 786-574-4116. More details online.

Friday, July 2 from 6 to 8pm

Twilight Fridays At The Museum

On first Friday of the month, Coral Gables Museum opens its doors to the public from 6 to 8pm with live music, exhibits, and a $5 cash bar. Stop by to enjoy a free visit to the museum as you enjoy a walk around Coral Gables. The live music portion of Twilight Fridays consists of an Open Mic night organized by Florida Guitar Foundation. This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP required. https://coralgablesmuseum.org/twilight-fridays-at-the-museum/

Saturday, July 3 at 1pm

La Piscine at Gables Cinema

Jean-Paul (Alain Delon) and Marianne (Romy Schneider) indulge in their passion for each other while borrowing a friend's luxurious villa in the south of France. When the friend (Maurice Ronet) and his daughter (Jane Birkin) arrive unexpectedly, rivalries and insecurities surface and events take a sinister turn. La Piscine was a box office smash in France when released in 1969 and lauded as a masterpiece of Gallic noir. Its scintillating onscreen eroticism is matched behind the camera by the genius of its creatives, including director Jacques Deray, screenwriter Jean-Claude Carrière (who passed away in February of this year), and composer Michel Legrand. In a twist of fate, fellow filmmaker Claude Sautet cast Schneider -- who became his favorite actress -- after asking Deray to see rushes of the film. The rest, as they say, is history. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/la-piscine/

Saturday and Sunday

Aguirre, the Wrath of God

In the mid-16th century, after annihilating the Incan empire, Pizarro leads his army of conquistadors over the Andes into the heart of the most savage environment on earth in search of the fabled City of Gold, El Dorado. As the soldiers battle starvation, Indians, the forces of nature, and each other, Don Lope de Aguirre (Klaus Kinski), "The Wrath of God," is consumed with visions of conquering all of South America and revolts, leading his own army down a treacherous river on a doomed quest into oblivion. Featuring a seething, controlled performance from Klaus Kinski, this masterpiece from director Werner Herzog is an unforgettable portrait of madness and power. It marks the first of five collaborations between Kinski and Herzog, who were notorious for frequently clashing (legend goes Herzog threatened Kinski at gunpoint when the actor threatened to walk off the set of Aguirre). https://www.gablescinema.com/events/aguirre-the-wrath-of-god/

Sunday, July 4th from 10am to 4pm

4th of July at Fairchild Garden

Celebrate Independence Day with your friends and family at Fairchild Garden, starting at 10am. The Celebration Kid's Parade starts at 11am with the Bad Apples Brass Band in the Amphitheater, with face painting and 4th of July accessories passed out to all the kids. The parade concludes at the Palmetum with a Popsicle Party for the kids. Glasshouse Cafe will be hosting a tasty 4th of July BBQ menu. Jurassic Garden will be open to explore.  Try a stroll through the Wings of the Tropics exotic butterfly experience. And kids will love the new Rainforest Rock Garden and the climbable Children’s Garden. Admission is free for Fairchild members. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. Call 305-667-1651. https://fairchildgarden.org/eventon/the-4th-of-july-at-fairchild-garden/

Sunday, July 4 at 11am

Legends: The Monkey's Heart

Coral Gables Art Cinema and Arca Images present a live in-theater reading of the fable The Monkey's Heart. It tells the story of how a monkey outwits a shark who pretends to be his friend but whose hidden motive is to eat him alive. This ancient Swahili fairy tale entertains while also teaching young audiences -- and the adults accompanying them -- lessons in courage, wit, and the consequences of greed. This production is performed by Larry Villanueva and Andy Barbos, is directed by Villanueva, and runs about 45 minutes. Tickets to this screening are "Pay What You Can" per ticket. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/legends-the-monkeys-heart/

Sunday, July 4 from 11am to 4pm

Old Fashioned Picnic at the Barnacle

The Barnacle Society invites you to their Old Fashioned Picnic, held each Independence Day on the bayfront grounds of The Barnacle Historic State Park. This year’s celebration features an old-fashioned Barbecue with Hotdogs and Burgers (meat and vegetarian), plus live music by Daddy Wags and Uncle Scotchy. Pack your own picnic lunch or purchase hot dogs, burgers and other treats from The Barnacle Society. The pedestrian gate opens at 9am and admission is the regular entrance fee of $2 per person. Children ages 5 and under are free, and well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. The Barnacle Historic State Park is located at 3485 Main Highway. Call 305-442-6866. https://thebarnacle.org/event/old-fashioned-4th-of-july-picnic-the-barnacle/

Wednesday, July 7 from 2:30 to 4pm

The Ballades and Concerti of Chopin: A Workshop with Professor John Rink

Join Professor of Musical Performance Studies at University of Cambridge, Editor-in-Chief of The Complete Chopin -- A New Critical Edition (published by Peters), juror of the 2015 and 2021 International Chopin Competition in Warsaw, and world-renowned Chopin lecturer and researcher John Rink as he presents his first of two workshops with the Frost Chopin Academy students. He addresses the special characteristics of Chopin’s Ballades and Concerti and how they translate into a meaningful interpretation. RSVP online for this Zoom event.

Wednesday, July 7 from 5:30 to 8pm

Wanderful Evenings At Fairchild: The Garden At Dusk

Wander through the Garden after hours on Wednesday evenings. Enjoy beautiful views during Golden Hour and a stroll through Jurassic Garden. Stop by the Garden Bar for the perfect refreshments. Member Adult $19.95. Member Senior $14.95. Free for children. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. Call 305-667-1651. https://fairchildgarden.org/eventon/wanderful-evenings-at-fairchild-the-garden-at-dusk-july7/

Wednesday, July 7 at 6:30pm

City Commission Workshop – Solid Waste & Recycling

The Solid Waste Division provides recycling, garbage, and yard waste pickups for approximately 11,000 single-family homes. The Division provides backyard recycling services once a week, backyard garbage services twice a week, and curbside trash collection once a week. The public can join this meeting regarding discussing the solid waste and recycling. This meeting may be attended by multiple members of the Coral Gables City Commission and may be attended by City staff and representatives. While the city is back to live in-person meetings, members of the public are still required to participate via the zoom platform. Minutes will be taken and made publicly available. Call-In telephone number: 305-461-6769. Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/3054466800

Wednesday, July 7 from 6 to 7pm

Online Event: Movie Musicals

Join experts Sam and Candy Caponegro for an exploration of movie musicals set in faraway locations such as France, England and Latin America. Idolized visions and stereotypes aside, these films inspired viewers to travel the world. 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 19 years and older. https://mdpls.org/event/5222952

Thursday, July 8 at 7:30pm

Troy Roberts Trio - All That Jazz!

The Community Arts Program (CAP) 2021 Virtual Summer Concert Series opens with All That Jazz! The Troy Roberts Trio, featuring Troy Roberts (saxophone), Tim Jago (guitar), and Alex Hernandez (bass). The ensemble brings a very special evening of audible fun, as they revisit and revamp some of their favorite jazz standards. https://communityartsprogram.org/2021-virtual-summer-concert-series/

Thursday, July 8 from 7 to 8pm

Margarita Shevchenko Plays Chopin & Granados

Prize-winner at the 1990 International Chopin Competition in Warsaw and professor of piano at Michigan State University, Margarita Shevchenko offers a livestreamed recital featuring an eclectic mosaic of works by  Granados and, of course, Chopin. Pieces include:

Chopin’s Impromptu in F sharp major, Op. 38, the Scherzos Op. 39 and 54 plus movements from the Goyescas by Granados. Free performance, live on YouTube. https://events.miami.edu/event/Piano-Recital-Margarita-Shevchenko

Thursday, July 8 at 8pm

Michael Pollan - This Is Your Mind On Plants

In This Is Your Mind on Plants, Michael Pollan dives deep into three plant drugs -- opium, caffeine, and mescaline -- and throws the fundamental strangeness, and arbitrariness, of our thinking about them into sharp relief. Exploring and participating in the cultures that have grown up around these drugs while consuming (or, in the case of caffeine, trying not to consume) them, Pollan reckons with the powerful human attraction to psychoactive plants. Why do we go to such great lengths to seek these shifts in consciousness, and then why do we fence that universal desire with laws and customs and fraught feelings? https://booksandbooks.com/event/an-evening-with-michael-pollan-this-is-your-mind-on-plants/

Saturday, July 10 to August 1

The Jungle Book at Miracle Theatre

Written and composed by Mark Alan Pence, and based on the collection of stories by Rudyard Kipling, the Actors' Playhouse presents a delightful performance of Jungle Book on Saturdays at 2pm and Sundays at 3pm. The jungle springs to life in a music-filled spectacle that chronicles young Mowgli’s adventures growing up in the animal kingdom. The Miracle Theatre is located at 280 Miracle Mile. Call 305-444-9293. https://www.actorsplayhouse.org/childrens-theatre/

Saturday, July 10 at 3pm

Family Day at the Museum

Bring the family to the Coral Gables Museum for engaging fun family activities: arts & crafts, live performances, and more, every second Saturday of the month. At 3pm, South Florida Chamber Ensemble (SFCE) interactive youth performance in the Courtyard. From 3 to 6pm, Arts & crafts activities in the Courtyard. At 5:30pm, Spring Voice Recital in the Community Meeting Room presented by Avesani Voice Studios. The Coral Gables Museum is located at 285 Aragon. Call 305-603-8067. https://coralgablesmuseum.org/portfolio-item/familyday/

Saturday, July 10 at 7pm

Festival Recital IV: Kevin Kenner plays Schumann and Chopin

In the final evening of the Frost Chopin Academy and Festival, Kevin Kenner, winner of the 1990 International Chopin Competition in Warsaw, performs the nature-inspired Scenes from the Forest by Robert Schumann and two of Chopin’s brilliant works for piano and orchestra: the Andante spianato et grande polonaise brillante, Op. 22 and the Variations on Mozart’s “La ci darem la mano,” Op. 2, in his new arrangements for piano and string quintet. This free performance is on YouTube. https://events.miami.edu/event/Piano-Recital-Kevin-Kenner

Thursday, July 15 at 7:30pm

New World Symphony Fellows

Join in Creative Classics with Bravura! when New World Symphony Fellows Elizabeth Lu (flute), James Riggs (oboe), Kelsi Doolittle (clarinet), Julia Paine (bassoon), and Corbin Castro (French horn) surround listeners with sounds of the concert hall through music of Alexander Zemlinsky, Samuel Barber, Maurice Ravel, Astor Piazzolla, and György Ligeti. The Community Arts Program in Coral Gables is presented by Coral Gables United Church of Christ at 3010 De Soto Blvd. Call 305-448-7421 x153. https://communityartsprogram.org/2021-virtual-summer-concert-series/

Don't Miss The Special Exhibit

Jurassic World Springs to Life at Fairchild

Make plans to experience Jurassic Garden at Fairchild before it closes on August 1. Discover life-size dinosaurs surrounded by our major collection of cycads and other living plants from the Prehistoric World. Ask about the Roar & Explore Walking Tours; Dino Discovery Carts; and Expedition Discovery. https://fairchildgarden.org/events/jurassic-garden/

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