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Greetings {name},

We hope you'll appreciate our curated list of community events and cultural opportunities in the coming days.

established in September, 1948, the Trail Theater at 3715 SW 8th Street began to emphasize Spanish subtitled and Spanish films in the 1960s before live comedy acts in the 90s, then Spanish language live theatre productions

click on the image to see enlargement.

Coral Gables scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr.

Friday, January 10 is Peculiar People Day, a chance to recognize the strange and quirky people in our lives and to gain an appreciation for all unique and different people.

Tuesday, January 14 is Organize Your Home Day. Being organized can reduce stress and make you more productive.

Wednesday, January 15 is Strawberry Ice Cream Day, an American tradition, invented in 1813 by First Lady Dolley Madison.

Friday, January 17 is Benjamin Franklin's Birthday. An enduring historical figure and one of America’s founding fathers, Franklin was a prolific inventor, author, printer, politician, diplomat, musician, and postmaster.

Saturday, January 18 is Thesaurus Day, in honor of Peter Roget, the author of Roget’s Thesaurus. It's a day of appreciation, gratitude, thanks, gratefulness, thankfulness, recognition, sense of obligation; indebtedness, and discernment.

Monday, January 20 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, an extended weekend federal holiday to celebrate equal rights for all Americans. The holiday became law in 1983, but was not observed in all states until the year 2000.

Monday, January 20 is National Cheese Lover Day. Set out a tray of several varieties of your favorite cheese, invite a few friends over to share and celebrate all things cheese.

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

Save The Date
Saturday, January 18 at 10am
Rob's Redland Riot Road Rallye
Gather your car team for another whimsical adventure through the Redland region for a fruity tropical history scavenger hunt. Start at Cauley Square to get your map and clues to solve along the way, then head out for a great time in the countryside. The rallye concludes at Schnebly Winery and Miami Brewing Company's Tap Room, with the awarding of prizes worth less than a million dollars! Register your car team online to save time at the starting line, or just show up ready to have fun. The cost is $20 per car team. Get details online.

Now through Sunday, Jan 12
National Chopin Piano Competition Finals
Renowned as one of the premiere piano competitions in the world, the National Chopin Piano Competition of the United States is widely recognized as a pivotal stepping stone towards a thriving career in piano performance. Across five decades, over 500 young pianists have applied and more than 200 of America’s best pianists from 30 states were selected to compete in Miami during the first ten editions of the National Chopin Piano Competition. Hosted by the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. Get details online.

Thursday, January 9 from 1 to 3pm
Traditional Afternoon Tea – Thursdays
Enjoy a delightful Traditional Afternoon Tea service at the Biltmore Hotel's upper level Alhambra Lobby, featuring sweet and savory treats as well as an assortment of tea. Get details online.

Thursday, January 9 at 4pm
Vinya Oyster House Thursdays
Meet up at the bar for $2 West Coast oysters (by the Lazy Oyster) and special pours starting at 4pm. No catch, just fresh oysters and good vibes at 266 Miracle Mile. Get details online.

Thursday, January 9 at 5:20pm
Maria
Academy Award–winner Angelina Jolie is Maria Callas, one of the most iconic performers of the 20th century in acclaimed director Larraín’s operatic Maria. The film follows the American Greek soprano as she retreats to Paris after a glamorous and tumultuous life in the public eye. Maria reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days as the diva reckons with her identity and life. Get details online.

Thursday, January 9 from 5:30 to 7:30pm
Music at McBride Plaza
Enjoy free outdoor concerts every other Thursday of the month from January through March, featuring a different and talented ensemble at McBride Plaza, 150 Miracle Mile. Experience Puddley -- this funk, soul, and R&B band, formed by talented students from the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, promises a night of passionate, grooving music you won't want to miss. Get details online.

Thursday, January 9 at 8pm
Abigail Hing Wen - Kisses, Codes and Conspiracies
Books & Books is proud to present an evening with Abigail Hing Wen discussing Kisses, Codes and Conspiracies. She will be in conversation with Florence Simmons. Now an instant national bestseller and an Amazon Book of the Month, from the author of the Netflix hit, "Love in Taipei." Tan Lee finds himself embroiled in an unusual love triangle, all while trying to defuse a heist. Get details online.

Thursday, January 9 at 8:10pm
Better Man
Based on the true story, Better Man tells of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey, the film is uniquely told from Williams' perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. It follows Robbie's journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-breaking solo artist -- all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring. Get details online.

Thursday, January 9 at 9pm
Candlelight: A Tribute to Ed Sheeran
Discover the music of Ed Sheeran at Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables under the gentle glow of candlelight. Get details online.

Friday, January 10 at 7pm
Moonlight Kayak Tour
Take a Moonlight Kayak Tour through Biscayne Bay, deapring from Charles Deering’s boat basin. Paddle out towards Chicken Key, a seven-acre mangrove island and bird rookery approximately one mile off-shore. Get details online.

Friday, January 10 at 7pm
The Crandons at The Barnacle
Based in Key Biscayne, The Crandons are all about good music, friendship, and fun times, from Blues to Southern Rock to pure Rock n Roll. Their repertoire includes some great original songs and iconic rock n roll covers. Doors open at 6pm. Picnics are welcome. No pets, please. Get details online.

Friday, January 10 at 7:30pm
The Last Showgirl
A poignant film of resilience, rhinestones and feathers, The Last Showgirl stars Pamela Anderson as Shelly, a glamorous showgirl who must plan for her future when her show abruptly closes after a 30-year run. Directed by Gia Coppola, The Last Showgirl co-stars Oscar, SAG Award and Golden Globe winner Jamie Lee Curtis as Shelly’s best friend, who brings her own unique interpretation and brilliance to the story, Dave Bautista, Brenda Song, Kiernan Shipka and Billie Lourd. Written by Kate Gersten, the film is produced by Robert Schwartzman, Natalie Farrey and Gia Coppola and features a new original song “Beautiful That Way,” sung by pop superstar Miley Cyrus, produced by Academy Award nominee Andrew Wyatt and written by Wyatt, Cyrus and Lykke Li. Get details online.

Friday, January 10 at 9:45pm
The Powerpuff Girls Movie
Saving the world before bedtime. In this big-screen version of the high-flying animated series, three little girls -- Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup -- use their superpowers to fight bad guys, monsters and whatever else comes along in the girls’ mission to defend their hometown of Townsville. This screening will be preceded by a Cartoon Network Tribute and CN/Looney Tunes shorts. Get details online.

Saturday, January 11 at 10am
Downtown Walking Tour
Visit historic Mediterranean Revival buildings and stroll through the bustling business district of Coral Gables, learning about the history of this thriving area since the 1920s. Discover the fascinating history and stories behind the iconic buildings that define this unique urban oasis. Meet at the Museum; admission is included with tickets. Get details online.

Saturday, January 11 from 10am to 6pm
Family Day on Aragon at the Museum
Packed with educational fun and creative activities, Family Day on Aragon is the perfect outing for children and adults alike. Relish in free admission, interactive exhibitions, engaging workshops, and a whole lot more. Bond with your loved ones as you uncover the wonders of history and culture at the Coral Gables Museum. Get details online.

Saturday, January 11 at 10:30am
Great Books Book Club
Attend in person or online to read thought-provoking and influential books from the 19th century and talk about the ideas and emotions they provoke. Registration is required for online participation. A Zoom link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the event start time. Call the Pinecrest Library at 305-668-4571. Ages 19 years and above. Get details online.

Saturday, January 11 at 11am
Mary Poppins - Family Day on Aragon
Julie Andrews stars as the magical nanny that brings a family together through the power of song and adventure in Robert Stevenson’s beloved musical. Get details online.

Saturday, January 11 at noon
Storytime with Carolina Fernandez - We are Immigrants
Bring the kids to Books & Books for storytime with Carolina Fernandez reading from her book We are Immigrants. Family Day at Aragon is on the second Saturday of every month in partnership with the Coral Gables Museum and the Coral Gables Art Cinema. This program is made possible by a grant from the Coral Gables Community Foundation and sponsorship from by Grove Bank & Trust. Get details online.

Saturday, January 11 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. Saturday performances continue through February 22. Get details online.

Saturday, January 11 at 2pm
History of Chapman Field with Ray McGuire
The Miami Pioneers and Natives of Dade welcome Ray McGuire with a program on the History of Chapman Field. Just over 100 years ago, during World War I, a swampy tract of mangroves along Biscayne Bay south of Miami was developed into an army air base and named for the first US pilot killed in the war, Victor Emmanuel Chapman. When decommissioned after the war, David Fairchild persisted in claiming much of Chapman Field for the USDA to be used as a plant introduction garden. Since 1923, as development crept around its perimeter, tens of thousands of plant accessions have passed through the gates of what is now called the Subtropical Horticulture Research Station of the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. The group meets at Pinecrest Library. Get details online.

Saturday, January 11 at 3pm
Jigsaw Puzzle Competition Contest
Put your jigsaw puzzle skills to the test. Form a team of 2 to 4 players for the ultimate puzzle showdown at Pinecrest Library. Race against the clock and other teams to see who can conquer a 300-piece puzzle in under two hours. Call 305-668-4571 or email: thompsonlo@mdpls.org. Ages 13 years and older. Get details online.

Saturday, January 11 from 5 to 8pm
Teen Wolf Moon at Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park
Celebrate the Wolf Moon with a cookout, make s’mores, take a night hike, play flashlight tag, go fishing in the dark, try sparking, make glowing artwork, and relax with music around a campfire. This program is for teens with or without disabilities who can remain with a small group in an outdoor open setting at 3940 Granada Blvd. Email: PlayForAll@CoralGables.com. Ages 13–18 are welcome. Get details online.

Saturday, January 11 at 7pm
The Room Next Door
In Pedro Almodóvar's first English-language film, former friends Ingrid (Julianne Moore), now a novelist, and Martha (Tilda Swinton), a war reporter, reconnect after years apart under bittersweet circumstances. Based on Sigrid Nunez's novel "What Are You Going Through." Get details online.

Saturday, January 11 at 9pm
Ricky Valido & The Hialeah Hillbillies at Titanic
The self-proclaimed outlaw singer hailing from Hialeah is shaking up the scene and blazing his own trail as a groundbreaking artist. Performing over 200 shows a year, Ricky’s fan base is loyal and growing, his music reaching national and international audiences. Get details online.

Saturday, January 11 at 9:30pm
Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!
A former porn star actress gets kidnapped by a man she once slept with, who also plans to make her fall in love with him. Get details online.

Sunday, January 12 at 11am
Matheson Mangrove Kayak Trek
Embark on an immersive adventure into the allure of Biscayne Bay's mangroves with Miami EcoAdventures at Matheson Hammock, 9610 Old Cutler Road. Traverse nature's saltwater trees alongside a knowledgeable guide to discover native wildlife. Prepare to be captivated by Biscayne Bay's beauty on this unforgettable journey of discovery. Get details online.

Sunday, January 12 from 11am to 4pm
Sunday Brunch at Americana Kitchen
Savor locally-inspired a la carte menu items featuring sharable dishes, breakfast favorites, and more at this popular Sunday brunch at Lowe's Coral Gables Hotel, 2950 Coconut Grove Drive. Pair your meal with a handcrafted cocktail and choose from indoor or outdoor terrace seating. Kids 5 and under eat free. Get details and RSVP online.

Sunday, January 12 at 1pm
Biography - Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop
Produced in collaboration with Shari Lewis’s estate, this fascinating biography melds archival footage, TV clips, and interviews, including insights from daughter Mallory (who continues performing with Lamb Chop), exploring the bond between performer and her puppet. Over the course of her extraordinary career, she amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including 13 Emmys and a Peabody, and authored 60+ children’s books, becoming an adored star recognized for her sundry talents as a ventriloquist, singer, dancer, and even a magician. Sure to awaken cherished childhood memories, this heartfelt mix of nostalgia and showbiz insights honors a visionary spirit, kindling the imaginations of dreamers and storytellers across generations. Get details online.

Sunday, January 12 at 3pm
Family Concert: The Bremen Town Musicians
Experience an operatic version of Grimm’s Fairy Tale The Town Musicians of Bremen with music by J. Offenbach, G. Rossini, G. Donizetti, A. Sullivan and G. Verdi. Four farm animals are forced to make their way together under difficult circumstances to Bremen. This fully staged production will be performed by 3 professional opera singers, with piano accompaniment. Get details online.

Sunday, January 12 at 5pm
Sierra Club - Trees Matter Most Workshop
The city of Miami is considering updating the Tree Ordinance which will weaken our tree protections and decrease Miami’s already insufficient canopy. Advancing bad legislation is counterproductive and will waste the time of city staff, the HEP Board, the Climate Resilience Committee, and residents. The Sierra Club meets at the Congregational Church Fellowship Hall, 3011 Columbus Blvd. Get details online.

Monday, January 13 at 10am
Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW)
Here is a convenient method to renew a driver license, obtain a replacement driver license, change a name or address on a driver license. With Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW), you can also get an identification card, renew a vehicle registration and purchase a specialty license plate. Registration is required. Call the Coral Gables Library at 305-442-8706 or email: capleybr@mdpls.org. Ages 19 years and older. Get details online.

Starts Monday, January 13
Miami Jewish Film Festival 2025
Experience movie magic and discover the best in world cinema with more than 130 film premieres presented in theaters and virtually from the comfort of your home over 15 exciting days. Get details online.

Tuesday, January 14 at 9am
City Commission Meeting
This meeting of the Coral Gables Commission takes place at the Police and Fire Headquarters Community Meeting Room, 2151 Salzedo Street. Get details online.

Tuesday, January 14 at 10am
DAR - The Daughters of the American Revolution
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will hold their monthly meeting at the Pinecrest Library. All are welcome to attend. Call the library at 305-668-4571 or email: booke@mdpls.org. Ages 19 years and older. Get details online.

Tuesday, January 14 at 10:30am
Soft Pastels in the Garden with Dan Bondroff
Students at all levels are welcome to learn the fascinating art of pastels. 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. Get details online.

Tuesday, January 14 at 5pm
Movie Night - The Man Who Would Be King
In this film based on Rudyard Kipling's story, two cunning British soldiers of misfortune travel to a remote part of Afghanistan, where one of them is accepted as king and begins to believe his own deception, leading to disaster for himself and his faithful partner-in-crime after the ruse is inadvertently exposed. 129 mins. Call the Coral Gables Library at 305-442-8706 or email: capleybr@mdpls.org. Ages 18 years and older. Get details online.

Tuesday, January 14 at 6:30pm
Bonsai Society monthly meeting
The members of the Bonsai Society promote the knowledge, interest, appreciation and enjoyment of the art of bonsai on second Tuesdays. Get details online.

Wednesday, January 15 at 7pm
Scott Turow - Presumed Guilty
The Books & Books Literary Foundation is thrilled to present an evening with Scott Turow for Presumed Guilty (Presumed Innocent #3). He will be in conversation with Daniel Rivero. New from the author of Presumed Innocent, the #1 bestseller that redefined the legal thriller and is the basis for Apple TV+’s most-watched drama series ever. Get details online.

Thursday, January 16 from 5 to 7pm
Ladies Night at Beauty And The Butcher
Ladies drink complimentary bubbles at the bar from 5 to 7pm at Beauty And The Butcher, 6901 Red Road. Call 305-665-9661. Get details online.

Thursday, January 16 at 5pm
Miami-Dade County Office of the Property Appraiser - Public Meeting
Meet with Property Appraiser staff for any questions or concerns with your Miami-Dade property's value or exemptions. If you are a recent property owner or believe you may be entitled to property tax benefits, the office will be accepting Homestead Exemption and Portability applications. The deadline to file for 2024 property tax exemptions is March 1. Call the Pinecrest Library at 305-668-4571 or email: booke@mdpls.org. Ages 19 years and older. Get details online.

Thursday, January 16 at 6pm
Beyond the Lens: Conversations with CINTAS Fellows
With the participation of Laurie Escobar and moderated by Yuneikys Villalonga, the Coral Gables Museum Cultural Director -- a conversation with CINTAS Fellows about their professional experience and the impact of the fellowship in their work and career. Get details online.

Thursday, January 16 at 7:30pm
Wolf Man
The moon is full. The terror is real. This blood-chilling reimagining of the classic Universal monster, Wolf Man stars Golden Globe nominee Christopher Abbott as a man whose family is being terrorized by a lethal predator. Get details online.

Thursday, January 16 at 8pm
JohnMartin's - Karaoke On The Mile
Step up to the mic and sing your heart out at JohnMartin's Thursday Karaoke Night, with signature Martinis and a full menu of great pub food. Get details online.

Sat/Sun, January 18–19 from 10am to 5pm
A Festival of Chocolate at Fairchild Gardens
Kick off the new year by indulging in chocolate confections, decadent desserts, and savory bites at Fairchild Gardens' A Festival of Chocolate. Enjoy a weekend dedicated to all things chocolate, with tastings, cooking demos, and chocolate-inspired activities that will excite your taste buds. You can even take home your very own cacao tree for your garden. Get details online.

Friday, January 24 at 8pm
Jersey Boys at Miracle Theatre
Jersey Boys chronicles the incredible journey of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. This Tony Award-winning musical takes the audience through their rise to fame, personal struggles, and eventual triumph of the iconic 1960s rock 'n' roll group. The story unfolds through each band member's perspective, offering a captivating exploration of their dynamic relationships and the challenges faced on their path to stardom. Filled with classic hits like "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," Jersey Boys is a compelling tribute to the power of music and the enduring legacy of one of America's greatest musical acts. Get details online.

Starts January 31
Appropriate
Straight from Broadway, this darkly comic American drama by Pulitzer Finalist and Obie Award winner, Jacobs-Jenkins, invites audiences to one helluva family reunion! It’s summer in Arkansas and the cicadas are singing. When the Lafayette family returns to their late patriarch’s home to manage the remains of his estate, things take a turn. When an estranged brother appears late one night and mysterious objects are discovered among the clutter, long-hidden secrets and buried resentments can no longer be contained and the family is forced to face the ghosts of their past. Starring Rachel Burttram (A Doll’s House, Pt. 2) and Mark H. Dold (The Lehman Trilogy). Get details online.