Greetings {name},

Friday, November 26 is known as Black Friday, a traditional time to take trips and visit with family, friends and neighbors, but in the past few decades, it's become a day of heavily discounted shopping and the beginning of holiday season sales events.

It's also American Indian Heritage Day, or Native American Heritage Day, celebrated with activities, programs, and ceremonies that promote the historical and present day status of Native Americans and the Native American tribal governments.

On Sunday, November 28, Christians observe the First Sunday of Advent with special prayers and contributing to ideas on enhancing peace, and the first day of the traditional advent calendar.

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

the artful elegance of DeSoto Fountain circle

Coral Gables scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr.

Now Through January 2

Experience NightGarden at Fairchild

NightGarden 2021 returns to Fairchild Garden until January 2. Walk through Miami’s most gorgeous Garden at night and find it brought to life with stunning illumination, spectacular special effects, and unbelievable surprises for the whole family. Suspend reality for a few hours and enjoy enchanted activities, such as talking to the wise tree, interacting with our light and sound experiences, and the FairyScope augmented reality app. Plus, dine with some of Miami’s most popular food trucks featuring first-rate food and drink options. https://www.thenightgarden.com

Now Through December  12

GabeStage - Arthur Miller's The Price

The legacy theatre program at GableStage begins their new season with a classic American drama -- Arthur Miller's The Price, a two-act play exploring family dynamics, the price of furniture, and the price of one's own decisions. After the Great Depression, Victor Franz gave up going to college to support his father. His brother did not. After 30 years, they return to sell their parents’ estate. GableStage is located at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave. Wednesdays at 2 and 7pm. Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm. Saturdays at 2 and 8pm. Sundays at 2pm. Call 305-445-1119. http://www.gablestage.org

Now Through December 12 

Middletown at Miracle Theatre

Actors’ Playhouse, together with GFour Productions presents Middletown from November 17 to December 12, 2021 at the Miracle Theatre featuing a star-studded lineup of great talent. An exhilarating and universal depiction of love and friendship, Middletown follows the story of two couples who endure the roller coaster of life together, including the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Staged without a set or props, the stars read directly from scripts, as if reading from the book of their own lives -- and ours. Tickets start at $55 and may be purchased at the theatre or in advance online. Call 305-444-9293 x1. https://www.actorsplayhouse.org

Now Playing

Benedict Cumberbatch - The Power of the Dog

In 1920s Montana, charismatic rancher Phil Burbank (Benedict Cumberbatch) inspires fear and awe in those around him. When his brother (Jesse Plemons) brings home a new wife (Kirsten Dunst) and her son (Kodi Smit-McPhee), Phil torments them until he finds himself exposed to the possibility of love. Jane Campion, the second woman to ever receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Director, returns to the silver screen after twelve years with this fascinating exploration of masculinity set against a Western backdrop. As Campion toys with cinematic myths and the male gaze, she is aided by four stellar performances, stunning widescreen cinematography by Ari Wenger, and a haunting score by Johnny Greenwood. Winner, Silver Lion for Best Direction at the 2021 Venice Film Festival and Official Selection of the Toronto, New York, Telluride, and San Sebastián Film Festivals. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/the-power-of-the-dog/

Saturday, November 27 at 6pm

Home In Florida: A Virtual Panel

Books & Books and Miami Book Fair present a virtual gathering for Home in Florida: Latinx Writers and the Literature of Uprootedness -- a conversation with Chantel Acevedo, Jaquira Díaz, Caridad Moro, and Carlos Pintado. Get details online.

Saturday, November 27 at 6pm

Tropical Audubon Society Members Gratitude Concert

TAS members are invited to a complimentary Members Gratitude Concert featuring homegrown singer-songwriter DeBlois Milledge at the Doc Thomas House, 5530 Sunset Drive. Attendees can pack a picnic or order take-out/delivery from TAS neighboring Community Partner restaurants: Whisk Gourmet, Sports Grill, Spris and Gringo's. Wash it all down with refreshing wines and brews at the RNDC donation Bird Bar. https://support.tropicalaudubon.org/a/members-gratitude-concert

Saturday, November 27 at 9pm

The Fly - 35th Anniversary

David Cronenberg has created a spectacle you can’t take your eyes off of. Scientist Seth Brundle’s (Jeff Goldblum) research into matter transportation has proven successful, until there is a fly in the ointment... Brundle’s horrific metamorphosis is witnessed by Veronica Quaife (Geena Davis) a sympathetic reporter, and the doctor’s love interest, chronicling his story. The Fly won the 1987 Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling to transform Goldblum at his most gruesome. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/the-fly/

Monday, November 29 at 7:30pm

Mastering the Art of Stage Presence with Livingston Taylor

Join the Frost School of Music Chamber Music Program at Gusman Concert Hall for a masterclass with legendary musical artist Livingston Taylor. Taylor's 50-year career has encompassed performance, songwriting, and teaching. He is a natural performer, peppering his shows with personal stories, anecdotes, and ineffable warmth that connect him to his fans. Currently a full professor at Berklee College of Music, he has taught the Stage Performance course since 1989. He conducts master classes and retreats nationwide to teach young artists invaluable lessons learned throughout his extensive career on the road. Get details online.

Tuesday, November 30 at 1pm

Painting Soft Pastels

Students at all levels are welcome to learn the fascinating art of pastels at Fairchild Garden. Discover how to paint in soft pastel, considered by many as the purest of painting media. Soft pastel is bright, colorful and easy to learn. Award-winning Miami artist, Dan Bondroff, will teach students how to create tropical landscape paintings in soft pastel from concept to completion. Members $105 (for a three-session class). Non-members $135. Get details online.

Tuesday, November 30 at 7pm

Melissa Madara - The Witch’s Feast: A Kitchen Grimoire 

A decadent collection of magical dishes and feasts created by the herbalist, witch, chef and co-owner of Catland Books, Melissa Madara. The feast is a meeting place between family and friends, between humans and gods. This decadent collection of enchanting dishes is an indispensable companion to kitchen witchcraft, revealing the storied history and seductive art of magical cooking. With witch, herbalist and chef Melissa Jayne Madara as your guide, explore five facets of the occult through food: traditional recipes, the wheel of the zodiac, devotional meals to the planets, seasonal feasts to celebrate solstices and equinoxes, and practical spellwork. This free event is presented online via Crowdcast. Get details online.

Tuesday, November 30 at 7:30pm

The Story of a Three Day Pass

Melvin Van Peebles' edgy, angsty, romantic first feature could never have been made in America. Unable to break into a segregated Hollywood, Van Peebles decamped to France, taught himself the language and wrote a number of books in French, one of which, La Permission, would become his stylistically innovative filmmaking debut. Turner (Harry Baird), an African American soldier stationed in France is granted a promotion and a three-day leave from base by his casually racist commanding officer and heads to Paris, where he finds whirlwind romance with a white woman (Nicole Berger) -- but what happens to their love when his furlough is over? Channeling the brash exuberance of the French New Wave, Van Peebles creates an exploration of the psychology of an interracial relationship as well as a commentary on France's contradictory attitudes about race that is playful, sarcastic, and stingingly subversive. New 4K restoration by IndieCollect in consultation with Mario Van Peebles with support from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/the-story-of-a-three-day-pass/

Wednesday, December 1

Caroling Competition Begins

The annual Merrick Festival Caroling Competition invites middle and high school choral students from 30 schools to compete for prizes over a period of days at the 550 Biltmore building. The winners return for a performance on the evening of Tuesday, December 7. https://carolingcompetition.org

Wednesday, December 1 at 8pm

Julio Larraz: The Kingdom We Carry Inside

Jose Valdes-Fauli, Chairman; John Allen, Executive Director; and the Board of the Coral Gables Museum in conjunction with Ariel Larraz, President of the Julio Larraz Foundation cordially invite you to the Grand Opening of the exhibition: Julio Larraz - The Kingdom We Carry Inside, a retrospective exhibition through April 30th, 2022. Curated by Yuneikys Villalonga. Get details online.

Thursday, December 2 at 8pm

Brené Brown - Atlas of the Heart

Random House invites you to join number one New York Times bestselling author Dr. Brené Brown for a special, one-night-only book launch on Zoom. In Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, Brené takes us on a journey through eighty-seven of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. As she maps the necessary skills and an actionable framework for meaningful connection, she gives us the language and tools to access a universe of new choices and second chances -- a universe where we can share and steward the stories of our bravest and most heartbreaking moments with one another in a way that builds connection. Get details online.

Friday, December 3 at 10:30am

The Art Of Macramé: Plant Hangers

Rey Alvarez of Macramé del Rey, teaches us how to create our own beautiful plant hangers with the art of Macramé at Fairchild Garden. During the class, your instructor will introduce you to the history of macramé, teach you a few basic knots to get you started, and walk you through the planning and design process. You will have plenty of guidance and time to practice these new skills. This is a beginner macramé class. No prior experience is needed. Materials will be provided. Members $39. Non-members $49. https://fairchildgarden.org/eventon/the-art-of-macrame-plant-hangers/

December 3 at 6:30pm

Cosford Cinema Returns - The Hand Of God

The Hand of God is an autobiographical drama about a teenage boy growing up in Naples, Italy in the tumultuous 1980s, written and directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino. The movie is Italy’s official entry for the 2022 Academy Awards. The screening marks the reopening of the Bill Cosford Cinema, hosted by Rene Rodriguez.

http://cosfordcinema.com/event/the-hand-of-god/

Saturday December 4 at 2pm and 5pm

Children's Theatre - Madeline's Christmas

"In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines." So begins this delightful story of Madeline's Christmas. The day begins like any other day for the girls and their caretaker Miss Clavel, but soon ends in disaster when everyone but Madeline gets the flu. Saddened that they may not be able to go home for Christmas, the girls and Miss Clavel take to their beds. Can Madeline save the day for everyone with the assistance of a mysterious Rug Merchant? Discover the answer in this delightful musical based on the popular book series by Ludwig Bemelmans. Now playing Saturdays and Sundays at 5pm until December 19. https://www.actorsplayhouse.org/childrens-theatre/

Sunday, December 12 from 5 to 7pm

Junior Orange Bowl Parade

Bring the family out for the 73rd annual Miracle on the Mile: A Holiday Parade and Celebration sponsored by the Junior Orange Bowl Committee, featuring floats, bands, performers, and more than 2,000 youth community group participants. https://juniororangebowl.org/what-we-do/community-events/

Saturday, January 15 at 10am

Redland Riot Road Rally

Every third Saturday in January, since 1994, this fruity, tropical history tour through the Redland agricultural region has delighted hundreds of families, history buffs, foodies and nature lovers with a whimsical adventure through the countryside. Dozens of car teams go searching for clues and enjoying the bounty of the Redland, stopping at wonderful places along the way. Meet at Cauley Square between 10 and 11am to get started. The big finale is at Schnebly Redland's Winery in the Miami Brewing Company Tap Room at 5pm. This event is sponsored by Dade Heritage Trust, now celebrating 50 years of preservation, education and advocacy. Get details and register your car team on the Redland Riot web site. https://www.redlandriot.com/Rallye.html

The Season Is Here

Everglades Swamp Tours

Reserve space with Everglades Swamp Tours for an amazing adventure in the wild Everglades -- with your own custom tour of these vast open spaces. Experience the natural wildlife up close and appreciate the serene nature of this pristine environment. https://www.evergladesswamptours.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