Greetings {name},

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 (The Year Of The Rabbit) based on the lunar calendar, a dating system that's based on the monthly cycle of the moon's phases. The rabbit (兔) is the fourth in the twelve-year cycle of animals that appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar.

Thursday, January 26 is Spouse's Day, a time to enjoy and appreciate your better half.

Wednesday, February 1 is National Freedom Day, a chance to reflect on and remember the importance of freedom as a basic tenet, a founding principle, a bedrock doctrine of our society.

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

The classic style of this apartment residence on Navarre is typical of the 1940s in Coral Gables.

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.

This Saturday
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 at 10am 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

Now Playing through January 29

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/

Villagers Restoration

Tropical Audubon’s Doc Thomas House

The Villagers have added to their ongoing support for restoration of Tropical Audubon Society’s historic Doc Thomas House. Another $6,000 was presented, bringing The Villagers’ contributions for the current project to $31,500. The most recent phase of the restoration finished work on the front porch and gutters. Along with previous projects, including replacement of cypress siding and a roof, an estimated 60% of the house’s total restoration is complete. Miami-Dade County’s oldest historic preservation organization, The Villagers, was founded in 1966, completing their first goal of saving Coral Gables’ iconic Douglas Entrance. https://www.thevillagersinc.org

Held Over

Living

1953. A London shattered by WWII is still recovering. Williams (Bill Nighy), a veteran civil servant, is an impotent cog within the city’s bureaucracy as it struggles to rebuild. Buried under paperwork at the office, lonely at home, his life has long felt empty and meaningless. Then a shattering medical diagnosis forces him to take stock -- and to try and grasp fulfillment before it goes beyond reach. At a seaside resort, chaperoned by a local decadent (Tom Burke), he flirts with hedonism before rejecting it as his solution. Back in London, he finds himself drawn to the natural vitality of Margaret (Aimee Lou Wood), a young woman who once worked under his supervision and is now determined to spread her wings. Then one evening he is struck by a revelation -- one as simple as it is profound -- and with a new energy, and the help of Peter (Alex Sharp), an idealistic new recruit to his department, he sets about creating a legacy for the next generation. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/living/

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.

Saturday at 8am

Farmers' Market at City Hall

Every Saturday through March 25, 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 21 at 9am

How to Make Your Yard a Bird Sanctuary

Esteemed endodontist Jose Barros, President of the Tropical Audubon Society, author of Winter's Winged Wonders (a feature article in the current issue of Coral Gables Magazine) and a seasoned birder who leads walks through the Tropical Audubon property, will explain how to structure a garden with native plants and other features to make a welcoming sanctuary for birds. Join José for his illuminating talk, learn about gardening with native plants and turn your yard into a welcoming habitat for birds and other pollinators. A native plant vendor will be at the market so you can buy the plants and get ready for the spring bird migration. The seminar begins promptly at 9am at the Farmers Market.

Saturday, January 21 at 9am

Bird-Friendly Gardening Day

Learn about native plants that attract birds and other pollinators at the Tropical Audubon Society's Bird-Friendly Gardening Day at the historic Doc Thomas property. Sign up to help maintain the near-native Steinberg Nature Center grounds, which include bird-friendly pollinator gardens, and Pine Rockland and Hardwood Hammock demonstration forests. You'll get hands-on experience creating wildlife habitat and weeding out invasive plants under the guidance of our resident Master Gardeners. The knowledge and skills you gain will enable you to establish a bird-friendly garden in your own yard, or on your patio or balcony. Get details and RSVP online.

Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm

A Festival Of Chocolate at Fairchild

This year's Festival of Chocolate is set to be a two-day celebration of all things chocolate in the garden. Taste your way through chocolate confections, decadent desserts and savory bites. Indulge in chocolate pairings with wine and spirits that will unlock flavors and delight your palate. Bring your family and friends to explore the Garden and discover one delicious chocolate adventure after another. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. Call 305-667-1651. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Saturday January 20 at 1pm

Portrait of The Queen

Portrait of The Queen offers an original portrayal of the story of The Queen from a totally new perspective: through the most amazing, revealing photographic portraits of her, as shared by the extraordinary photographers who accompanied and often created the image of the British monarchy itself. https://www.gablescinema.com/events/portrait-of-the-queen/

Saturdays at 2pm

Junie B. Jones, The Musical

It’s Junie B.’s first day of school, and suddenly a lot of things are changing for her: Junie’s friend, Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore, but on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. In class, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting. Featuring a tremendously loveable character and fun-filled songs, Junie B. Jones will capture your hearts just as the books captivated an entire generation of students. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Sunday, January 22 at 3pm

Chopin - Pianist Khrystyna Mykhailichenko

17-year-old Ukrainian prodigy pianist Khrystyna Mykhailichenko will perform for the Chopin For All Concert series at Granada Church at 3pm. She was awarded top prizes at the International Competition for Young Pianists “Ascent,” the International Competition “Accords of Khortitsa,” the Vladimir Horowitz International Young Pianists Competition, and the Merci Maestro International Competition. No tickets are required. The church is located at 950 University Drive. Get details online.

Sunday, January 22 at 3pm

Walking Tour - Pioneer Women of Coconut Grove

Join Friends of the Commodore Trail for an exclusive historic walking tour of Coconut Grove. Local historian Iris Guzman Kolaya will lead this gentle one-mile walk along the Commodore Trail, gathering at the Coconut Grove Women's Club for pre-tour hydration. Two hours later you'll finish inside a hidden garden at an exclusive after-party with complimentary drinks and snacks. After the tour, enjoy an after-after party/dinner at the Grove's historic Taurus bar. Get details and purchase $75 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