Greetings {name},

Monday, January 16 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day to promote equal rights for all Americans and honor the legacy of this civil rights champion.

Sunday, January 22 is Lunar New Year, also commonly known as Chinese New Year, is the most widely celebrated and most important holiday across Asia. It marks the start of a new year based on the lunar calendar, a dating system that's based on the monthly cycle of the moon's phases.

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 -- including restaurant row in the 100 block of Giralda. 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 classic Florida Vernacular Stone Home on Coral Way

click on the image to see enlargement.

Coral Gables scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr.

Save The Date

January 28-29

Coral Gables Festival of The Arts

On Alhambra, from Ponce to LeJeune, the city comes alive with a fantastic festival of the arts, including Fine Art, Craft, Kids Fest, Kids Talent Competition, Wearable Art/Fashion, And The Miami Beer, Wine and Spirits Fest Cocktails and Comedy. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Save The Date

Saturday, January 21 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. Get details and register your car team on the Redland Riot web site. https://www.redlandriot.com/Rallye.html

Final Weekend

Night Garden at Fairchild

It's your last chance to bring the family out to Fairchild Garden for a spectacular music and light presentation that turns the garden absolutely magical. The beautiful 23-acre gardens have been transformed into an illuminated supernatural fairyland with technicolor flowers and unique sculptures. https://thenightgarden.com/miami/

Starts Friday, January 6

Corsage at Gables Cinema

Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Vicky Krieps) is idolized for her beauty and renowned for inspiring fashion trends. But in 1877, "Sisi" celebrates her 40th birthday and must fight to maintain her public image by lacing her corset tighter and tighter. While Elisabeth’s role has been reduced against her wishes to purely performative, her hunger for knowledge and zest for life makes her more and more restless in Vienna. She travels to England and Bavaria, visiting former lovers and old friends, seeking the excitement and purpose of her youth. With a future of strictly ceremonial duties laid out in front of her, Elisabeth rebels against the hyperbolized image of herself and comes up with a plan to protect her legacy. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/corsage/

First Friday

Coral Gables Gallery Night

Make plans to meet up with family and friends to enjoy the first Friday Gallery Night in Coral Gables. Among the best presentations, you'll find ArtSpace Virginia Miller Galleries at 169 Madeira Avenue; Cernuda Arte at 3155 Ponce de Leon Blvd; the Consulado de Colombia at 280 Aragon Avenue; Coral Gables Museum at 285 Aragon Avenue; Gally Art Collective at 2522 Ponce de Leon Blvd; H. Benitez Fine Art Gallery at 233 Aragon Avenue; Imago Art in Action at 150 Madeira Avenue; Jorge Cavelier at 130 Miracle Mile, Suite 230; and The Americas Collection at 4213 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Get details online.

Friday, January 6 at 6pm

Gallery Night at H. Benitez Fine Art Gallery

This Coral Gables Gallery Night, H. Benitez Fine Art Gallery invites you to visit for a tour of the stunning artwork of Humberto Benitez. Or, visit the online gallery for a virtual tour. https://www.humbertobenitez.com

Friday, January 6 from 6 to 10pm

First Friday Gallery Night at the Museum

Each first Friday of the month, the Coral Gables Museum opens its doors to the public for free as part of Coral Gables Gallery Night. Enjoy live music, current exhibitions, and a cash bar before heading out to explore Gallery Night in the Gables. https://coralgablesmuseum.org/gallerynights/

Saturday, January 7 at 2pm

Metropolitan at Gables Cinema

Attend a screening of Metropolitan, followed by an in-person conversation with Whit Stillman, the film's writer, director, and producer, and Brenda Moe, executive director and programming director of Coral Gables Art Cinema. At 1pm, before the screening, Cinema members enjoy a cocktail with the filmmaker. An ironically comic look at Manhattan's endangered debutante scene, Metropolitan chronicles the rise and ultimate decline of a group of young Park Avenue socialites who gather nightly to discuss love, honor, and the impending demise of their class. A witty, richly detailed comedy-drama, Metropolitan accurately portrays the surviving remnants of the world, which F. Scott Fitzgerald's This Side of Paradise caught at its heyday. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/metropolitan/

Saturday, January 7 at 3pm

Florida Memory - State Archives of Florida

The Genealogical Society of Greater Miami presents Matthew Storey, the Archive Historian at the State Archives of Florida, discussing genealogical resources available at the State Archives of Florida. Learn what you can -- and cannot -- find online via Florida Memory, and how their staff can help patrons at any stage of their research. RSVP online.

Starts Saturday, January 7

We Will Not Be Silent at GableStage

Risking everything to stand up for social justice, German college student Sophie Scholl courageously led a major act of civil disobedience against Hitler and his fascist regime. Scholl’s moral strength is tested while being interrogated for her crimes, leading her to question whether to save her own life or continue her righteous crusade. Based on true events, We Will Not Be Silent is a provocative and timely new work that examines the role of ordinary people in extraordinary times. https://www.gablestage.org/we-will-not-be-silent/

Saturday, January 7 at 9:30pm

Damsels in Distress

Damsels in Distress follows a trio of beautiful girls who set out to revolutionize life at a grungy East Coast College -- the dynamic leader Violet Wister (Greta Gerwig), principled Rose (Megalyn Echikunwoke) and sexy Heather (Carrie MacLemore). They welcome transfer student Lily (Tipton) into their group which seeks to help severely depressed students with a program of good hygiene and musical dance numbers. The girls become romantically entangled with a series of men -- including slick Charlie (Brody), dreamboat Xavier (Hugo Becker) and the mad frat pack of Frank (Ryan Metcalf) and Thor (Billy Magnussen) -- who threaten the girls’ friendship and sanity. The film was produced, written, and directed by Whit Stillman, following a screening of his debut feature film, Metropolitan. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/damsels-in-distress/

Sunday, January 8 from 8 to 10am

Dog Date Stroll

The best dog date in town, join your fellow canine enthusiasts at Fairchild Garden every Sunday morning for fresh air and friends. This stroll is for dogs and dog lovers only. Glasshouse Café open at 9am with treats and drinks for pups and humans alike. Yum.

https://fairchildgarden.org/eventon/dog-date-stroll-jan8/

Sunday, January 8 at 3pm

Orchestra Miami Family Fun Concert Series: The Three Little Pigs

Orchestra Miami’s Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Family Fun series continues with The Three Little Pigs, an operatic version of the classic fairy tale by John Davies with famous music of Mozart, and features 14 excerpts from Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro, The Magic Flute and Cosí Fan Tutte. This fun concert and story performance lasts approximately 50 minutes and is recommended for age three and up. Juice & cookies served after the performance at Pinecrest Gardens. Call 305-274-2103. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Wednesday, January 10 at 9am

City Commission Meeting

The City of Coral Gables will be holding its Regular Meeting at City Hall Commission Chambers at 9am. Members of the public may participate in person but are also able to participate online via Zoom. Get details online.

Tuesday, January 10 at 7pm

Russ Feingold - The Constitution In Jeopardy

Books & Books is thrilled to present an evening with Senator Russ Feingold discussing his new book: The Constitution in Jeopardy: An Unprecedented Effort to Rewrite Our Fundamental Law and What We Can Do About It. This former U.S. senator joins a legal scholar to examine a hushed effort to radically change our Constitution, offering a warning and a way forward. Get details and RSVP online.

Tuesday, January 10 at 7pm

Gringo Bingo Charity Fundraiser at Clutch Burger

Meet up with friends for The Woman's Club monthly Charity Fundraiser supporting a variety of charities throughout the year. Price includes 12 bingo cards and one coverall card for top prize. Lots of great prizes and fun with music and emceed by the always entertaining Steven Bradley, owner of Clutch Burger at 146 Giralda Avenue. Get details online.

Tuesday, January 10 at 8pm

Rachmaninoff At 150

The Friends of Chamber Music of Miami will present Rachmaninoff At 150, concert number one with pianist Asiya Korepanova in the first of six concerts devoted to the complete solo piano works of Sergei Rachmaninoff. This opening night of Rachmaninoff At 150 will feature first three sets of published works by the legendary pianist composer: the 5 Morceaux de Fantasie (op 3), the 7 Morceaux de Salon (op. 10), and the 6 Moments Musicaux (op. 16). Get details and purchase $35 tickets online.

Wednesday, January 11 at 10am

Lowe Art Museum Expands Hours

Beginning January 11, the Lowe Art Museum at University of Miami will be open on Wednesdays, in addition to their current opening hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Wednesday, January 11 at 6:45pm

Backgammon Live Play at Rice Mediterranean Kitchen

Enjoy the weekly backgammon play on Wednesday at Rice Mediterranean Kitchen. Play live games, matches, chouettes and tournaments with a friendly bunch of South Florida backgammon fans. Players of all ages and levels welcome. No costs or membership dues. Tournaments have entry fees, $10 for the novice (Fish) Division or $30 for the experienced (Sharks) Division. All entry fees returned as prizes to the players. For details, contact: Leo at 305-669-5260 or email. http://miamibackgammon.com

January 13-15 from 11am to 6pm

Tamiami Orchid Festival

The Tamiami International Orchid Festival is Miami’s largest, most diverse orchid show. Over the past twenty years, the Tamiami International Orchid Festival has not only become a great Miami orchid show, but a nationally and internationally recognized orchid event -- the largest orchid show in the United States. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Saturday, January 14 at 8am

Farmers' Market at City Hall

Every Saturday from 8am to 2pm, bring the family out to Merrick Park across from City Hall for the Coral Gables Farmers Market. Local vendors bring fresh Florida produce, prepared foods, baked goods, flowers and plants, plus activities for children. https://www.coralgables.com/events/farmers-market-merrick-park

Saturday, January 14 at 9am

Seminar - Biodiversity And Conservation

Enjoy a special seminar on Biodiversity And Conservation, presented at the Coral Gables Farmers Market by Dalton Goolsby, Urban Horticultural Program Supervisor at the local UF/IFAS Extension in Miami-Dade County. Learn in-depth about biodiversity and conservation, specifically what it means for all of us living in Miami Dade County. This program ties directly into Pine Rockland conservation, the importance of pollinators in an ecosystem, and equips the audience with the education to increase the conservation at home. Call 305-460-5605 for details. 

January 14-15

72nd Annual Beaux Arts Festival Of Art

Miami’s longest-running juried art festival will be held on January 14-15 on the beautiful University of Miami campus, featuring over 150 fine art exhibitors, a children’s art tent, marketplace, a beer garden, food and live entertainment. This free outdoor community event is ideal for all art enthusiasts, offering artwork in a variety of media and price ranges. https://beauxartsmiami.org/pages/festival-of-art

Saturday, January 14 at 2pm

Brad Bertelli: Henry Perrine and Indian Key History

The Miami Pioneers and Natives of Dade historical society presents historian Brad Bertelli and his program on The Henry Perrine and Indian Key Connection, in person at the Pinecrest Library, as well as online with Zoom. Dr. Perrine sought to live in warmer climates after being accidentally poisoned by arsenic. The event altered his life trajectory, leading him to abandon the medical profession and pursue a career in horticulture. It also introduced him to Indian Key, where his life tragically ended during the second escalation of the Seminole War on August 7, 1840. Please RSVP with the Pinecrest Library using their link to attend in person or online. Get more details at the Miami Pioneers and Natives of Dade web site.

Saturday, January 14 at 8pm

Macbeth's Nightmare at Area Stage

Area Stage Company proudly presents a very special event -- Shakespeare Troupe's staged reading directed by Peter Galman -- a preview of their new school show, a one-hour adaptation of The Tragedy of Macbeth. An abridged, underscored version created by Michael J. Font. This production is an immersive experience with some audience participation. Parental guidance is suggested for violence. One Night Only. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Friday, January 20 at 8pm

Seraphic Fire - Old And New American Music

Guest conductor Jason Max Ferdinand takes Seraphic Fire on a stirring journey through American music, both traditional and contemporary. Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs dresses old familiar tunes such as "Simple Gifts" and "All the Pretty Little Horses" in 20th-century clothing. Masterpieces by modernist Betty Jackson King and her contemporaries meld with newer, arresting gems by Ken Burton, Stacy Gibbs, and Emmy-winner Joel Thompson. At the climactic mid-portion of the program are a collection of bedrock works and inspiring spirituals including the lesser-known "Zion's Wall" by William Dawson and the foundational "I Cannot Stay Here by Myself" by Hal Johnson. Rounding out the evening is the inspiring anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by J. Rosamond Johnson, arranged by Roland Carter. The concert takes place at Church of the Little Flower. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Save The Date

February 18-20

Coconut Grove Arts Festival

The legacy of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival continues with a long weekend of fabulous artists and artworks on display throughout the street of Coconut Grove. Proceeds help fund year-round arts programs. Since its inception in 1963, the association has awarded hundreds of scholarships to students who attend fine arts programs in local schools.

https://cgaf.com

Drawing Held on April 22

Actors' Playhouse Azamara Cruise

Enter the Actors' Playhouse drawing for an Azamara voyage for two in a Veranda Stateroom. $250 donation -- or 5 tickets for $1,000. Only 100 tickets are available. Winner need not be present to win. Get details and purchase a raffle ticket online.

Behold Light Transformed

Experience The Hunter Douglas Gallery at Biscayne Décor

Offering a complete shopping experience, The Hunter Douglas Gallery at Biscayne Décor presents 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/