Box springs do battle at tongue-in-cheek Coconut Grove PJ-party tradition dating back 30 years

Vanilla Ice, Miami native and Grand Marshall of the 2011 Bed Race

In the mood for some mattress mayhem? Perhaps even a little bed-on collision? Then set your alarm for Labor Day Weekend and don’t hit snooze—you’ll lose.

There’s no bedside manner required for this pajama party that’ll shake you out of your slumber and have you shedding your slippers and rippin’ your one-sies. This, Sleeping Cutie, is your wake-up call for the 2012 Great Grove Bed Race.

A tongue-in-cheek competition of racing homemade beds down the streets of Coconut Grove, the origins of the Great Grove Bed Race date back three decades. Tireless teams consist of five members—call it a “five-way”—with four ready-to-romp racers and one rider hitched to the headboard. Speed wins the ultimate exhale at the checkered flag, but awards also will be given for theme, creativity and décor (this being a consummate competition). Celebrity judges will be on hand to grade those looking to score away from home, and proceeds from this roll in the hay of hilarity benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.

Said Daisy Lewis-Salazar, Coconut Grove Merchant Group Event Director: “Racers, sponsors and fans all raising money to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade; who wouldn’t get in bed with that?”

Miami residents, Coconut Grove merchants, and local clubs, businesses and organizations all are invited to pull back the sheets on this year's affair, with festivities kicking off Saturday night, Sept. 1, of Labor Day Weekend with the Pajama Pub Crawl through participating Coconut Grove bars and restaurants.

Sunday, Sept. 2 is race day, with highlights to include Kids Storytelling Time; the Waiters/Waitresses Obstacle Course; a Pit Row Parade of decorated beds on display; and of course the 1/8th-mile trundle through the heart of the Grove Village. And to eliminate any awkwardness or hard feelings after the on-track tryst, Grove merchants will host a post-race celebration complete with live music, interactive exhibits and perhaps even a little pillow talk—just no sleeping with the enemy... maybe....

This Labor Day Weekend, Coconut Grove is the place to be for some laborious laughter. For event info—and to register to create your own bedlam—visit www.TheGreatGroveBedRace.com. Don’t sleep on it!

Miami’s Independence Day Celebrations

CocoWalk

CocoWalk's All-Day 4th of July Celebration

July 4, 12:30pm-9:30pm. An all-day 4th of July Celebration at CocoWalk! Live Caribbean music from 12:30pm-3:30pm by entertainer Peter Berbard. The kids will enjoy the balloon twisting, face painting and 4th of July freebies from 2pm-5pm. The annual Hot Dog Eating Competition takes place at 5pm in the Courtyard, followed by Beer Pong at 6pm. Watch the fireworks at 9pm from one of the great restaurants with a view! At CocoWalk, 3015 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove, 305-444-0777. www.cocowalk.net

Miami Beach 4th of July Celebration: Fire On The 4th

July 4, noon-9:30pm. The City of Miami Beach proudly presents its annual patriotic 4th of July celebration of music and fireworks. There will be a DJ performing throughout the day starting at noon, followed by live jazz from 6pm-9pm. The fireworks get started at 9pm, but many people show up early to snag a spot on the beach and set up beach towels and chairs. No coolers or bottles will be permitted on the beach. The event is free and open to the public. At 8 Street and Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, 305-673-7577. www.miamibeachfl.gov

The view from Bayfront Park

America’s Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park 

July 4, 3pm-9:30pm. Bring the whole family to celebrate the birth of this great nation! Enjoy music, food and beverages, a free Kids’ Zone, and one of the largest fireworks displays in South Florida. The park is open all day. Free Kids’ Zone from 3pm-7pm; fireworks at 9pm. Free admission. At Bayfront Park 301 N. Biscayne Blvd., downtown Miami, 305-358-7550. www.bayfrontparkmiami.com

The Biscayne Lady

4th of July Dinner Cruise with Island Queen

July 4, 8pm-10pm. This special 4th of July dinner cruise aboard the Biscayne Lady includes an unlimited buffet and full open bar. There will be a professional DJ onboard playing dance music until the spectacular fireworks display over downtown Miami begins. Patriotic music will be played during the fireworks show. The Biscayne Lady features two ideal areas to view the fireworks, the sky deck and the front bow of the yacht. Please arrive one-hour prior to departure. The cruise departs from Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd., downtown Miami. Info at 305-379-5119, Ext. 2001. www.islandqueencruises.com

Jungle Island’s 4th of July Fireworks Bash

July 4, 10am-6:30pm. This 4th of July, join Jungle Island’s salute to America’s Armed Forces with a fireworks and BBQ bash! Escape the heat and watch the City of Miami’s fireworks spectacular from the terrace of Jungle Island’s Treetop Ballroom. You will also enjoy an all-you-can-eat mouthwatering BBQ buffet, family entertainment including music and dancing, and last but not least, interactive visits from some of Jungle Island’s animal friends! Ticket info can be found here. At Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, 305-400-7000. www.jungleisland.com

The Miami Children's Museum

Miami Children’s Museum 4th of July Celebration 

July 4, 11am-3pm. Celebrate the 4th of July in style at the Miami Children’s Museum! There will be art, food, water games and more. There will even be a signing of the Declaration of Independence with Ben Franklin. At the Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Cswy., Miami, 305-373-5437. www.miamichildrensmuseum.org

The Key Biscayne Parade

Key Biscayne’s 4th of July Celebration

July 4, 11am-9:30pm. The parade will start at 11am with a flyover of jets, and proceed south on Crandon Boulevard from Harbor Drive to West Enid Drive. There will be patriotic-themed floats and marching groups. A picnic at Village Green Park (450 Crandon Blvd.) will follow at noon with food and rides for the kids, culminating with fireworks at the beach at 9pm. All events are free of charge. At locations throughout Key Biscayne, 305-361-8557. www.kb4.org

4th of July in the Grove

July 4, 4pm-11pm. Don’t miss the annual July 4th celebration and fireworks display at Peacock Park in Coconut Grove! Plan on having a fabulous time filled with food, music and patriotic cheer. At Peacock Park 2820 McFarlane Rd., Coconut Grove, 305-444-7270. www.coconutgrovechamber.com

The Barnacle Historic State Park

Old Fashioned July 4th Picnic 

July 4, 11am-4pm. Kids can participate in a historical scavenger hunt and make their own kites, toy boats and paper dolls in order to understand how different children’s lives were 100 years ago. Live music by singer/songwriter Joel Zoss from 11:30am-3pm. Pack a picnic or buy burgers, hot dogs and veggie dogs on-site. At The Barnacle Historic State Park, 3485 Main Hwy., Miami, 305-442-6866. www.floridastateparks.org

MAY Art Live On!

Before the summer fun begins, the city of Coconut Grove invites visitors to enjoy a night out with international art, hors d’oeuvres, friends and family. The Grove Gallery Walk, an event that takes place the first Saturday of each month, will continue with the May 5 event. 

The Grove Gallery Walk begins at 7pm and continues through 10pm. It is FREE and open to the public. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be made available at selected galleries, while live music at some locations.

* * * * * * * * * * *

This month RODEZArt.com Gallery (3015 Grand Avenue, Suite 237) will host the 24th annual exhibition by the National Art Exhibitions by the Mentally Ill (NAEMI), an organization dedicated to collecting, displaying and selling art by persons in recovery from mental illness. The exhibition features the works of artists from Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Spain and the United States. All 40 artworks featured in the exhibition will be available for sale with the proceeds benefiting the artists and NAEMI’s goals of helping artists from around the world.

Cristina Chacon Gallery (3162 Commodore Plaza, Suite 1f2) will feature artist Alberto González Vivo’s exhibit titled “Formas/Shapes.” His work ranges from geometric abstraction to Op art, influenced by his research on the production of artists Luis Tomasello, Julio Le Parc, Victor Vasarely, Martha Boto and Eduardo Moisset de Espanés, a generative geometry artist and creator of the Centre for Plastic Mathematical Research of Argentina. The artist’s use of light combined with geometric shapes and smart colors adds balance to his work creating effects of great magnetism.


May’s featured artist for FrameWorks Gallery (3196 Commodore Plaza) is fine art photographer Paul Marcellini. His photos capture the unspoiled scenes of wild Florida with breathtaking views of the Everglades. Through the end of May, Marcellini’s work will also be on display at the Everglades National Park Visitor’s Center.  In the past, he has been featured at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, The Winter Park Side Walk Festival, The Santa Fe College Arts Festival and The Islamorada Fine Art Expo. 


At Boswell Mourot Fine Art (3162 Commodore Plaza), May’s exhibit will feature all of the current gallery’s artists. Boswell Mourot is solely a fine art gallery, selling original paintings, mixed media and sculptures by international, national and local artists for the established and emerging collector. Artists include Hans Feyerbend, Karen Deilke, John Allison and Diana Ashley.


The Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery (339 Mayfair Street, Suite 128) Meme Ferre will showcase her paintings for another month in her exhibition titled “Raw Energy / Energía Cruda.” Ferre’s pieces combine colors of the Caribbean and the iconic mysticism of India. She will also conduct a live program titled “Art Attack” during the opening, where she will paint to music.


The Jim Hunter Gallery (3390 Mary St. Suite 128) right next door will continue to feature Erika King’s retrospective collage collection, titled “Evolution of Spirit.” This exhibition displays iconic images of the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, Statue of Liberty, Native Americans, angels and even Marilyn Monroe, through the use of familiar fragments of sheet music, stamps and torn foreign currency.


Art-inspired events such as these are provided by partnering galleries and the Coconut Grove BID. The Coconut Grove BID exists to improve the quality and financial success of the Grove’s commercial core. It enhances Grove parking, lighting, sanitation, marketing, and safety, as well as supporting special events. 


For more information on the Coconut Grove BID, or to see a map of participating galleries, visit www.coconutgrove.com or call 305-461-5506.

Third BACARDI Miami Sailing Week Features 85th BACARDI Cup Regatta

BACARDI Miami Sailing Week (Photo © Franco Pace) 

Next week the red carpet will again be rolled out for the annual BACARDI Miami Sailing Week (BMSW) when it returns to Coconut Grove in Miami, Fla., from March 4-10.

The third annual running of BACARDI Miami Sailing Week will mark several milestones starting with the 150th anniversary of the BACARDI Company, as well as the 50th year that the BACARDI Cup is being held in Miami for the storied Star Class, which just celebrated its own 100th anniversary.

Also being celebrated during the week will be Jose E. “Tito” Argamasilla Bacardi, who lost his battle with cancer late in 2011.  During his 40 year career with the company he not only hosted the BACARDI Cup for several decades but also founded the BACARDI museum in Miami.

The BACARDI Cup headlines the week-long regatta in Miami, and, with 65 Star teams registered to date, will continue its tradition of excellent competition.

Among the notable sailors vying for the 85th BACARDI Cup title are 2007 winner Hamish Pepper with crew Jim Turner (New Zealand) and 2008 Olympian Peter O’Leary and David Burrows (Ireland).  Three of the top-seven finishers at the 2011 Star World Championship in Australia will also compete, including 2008 world champions Mateusz Kusznierewicz and Dominik Zycki (Poland) who finished fourth in Perth, as well as Eivind Melleby and Petter Morland Pedersen (Norway) and Xavier Rohart and Pierre-Alexis Ponsot (France) who were sixth and seventh respectively.  Leading the American contenders are 2009 Star World Champion George Szabo (San Diego) who will sail the BACARDI Cup with Miami’s Magnus Liljedahl, who was both world champion and winner of Olympic Gold in 2000.

Racing for the Stars gets underway on Monday, March 5.  Starting on Thursday, March 8, the Stars will be joined on Biscayne Bay by sailors in the Viper 640, Audi Melges 20, and Melges 24 classes, along with the J/80 class which makes its event debut following their successful participation in the 2011 BACARDI Newport Sailing Week.  Racing, for all classes, will conclude on Saturday, March 10.

Favorites in the 20-strong Melges 24 class are Alan Field (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Riccardo Simoneschi (Milan, Italy), who drove to podium finishes of second and third, respectively, in 2011.  Kristen Lane (Tiburon, Calif.), the 29erXX North American Champion, is another sailor to watch in this competitive fleet.

More information on the BACARDI Miami Sailing Week and the 85th BACARDI Cup is available at www.MiamiSailingWeek.com and www.BacardiCup.com.

Local, Fresh, Organic, Sustainable: Zen Village Farmer's Market

The Zen Village Farmer's Market is bringing local farmers together with the goal of providing affordable organic produce to the public.

The market is open every Sunday from 9am-3pm at Zen Village, 3570 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove. Information at 305-567-0165 and online at www.zenvillage.org.

Zen Village is a multi-cultural, united-faith organization and Buddhist temple that promotes spiritual well-being, diversity, and holistic wellness. The center offers healthy lifestyle education and wellness techniques that promote healing and self development. Zen Village's focus is to train instructors and healers to become community leaders in the holistic wellness professions with the hope of bringing on a healthier and better community. The mission of Zen Village is to teach individuals to nurture self and others by providing valuable ancient wisdom on holistic harmony in people's lives.

The goal with the Farmer's Market is to promote sustainable healthy living! Nutrition plays a big role in the cultivation of wellness. It is important to be mindful of the foods we eat.

Embracing sustainable living is a cyclic and synergistic effort. Local farmers are encouraged to do what they do best: grow healthy and organic produce free of pesticides, GMO agents, and other dangerous toxins. But most important of all, they grow them with love!

Consumers are always encouraged to eat whole foods that have been cultivated with integrity for overall good health. Hence, good nutrition is an important component for overall well-being. Thus, the farmer-consumer relationship is synergistic because the more local organically grown produce consumed, the more farmers are encouraged to continue their business at affordable prices.

Zen Village understands the importance of this relationship and offers the center free of charge to the farmers every Sunday.

A special emphasis of Asian vegetables will be showcased along with delicious foods prepared by professional chefs!

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Get Your Sheet Together Because it’s Going to Be Bed-Lam! The Great Grove Bed Race is Set for Sept. 4

In the mood for some mattress mayhem? Perhaps even a little bed-on collision? Then set your alarm for Labor Day Weekend and don’t hit snooze—because you’ll lose.

There’s no bedside manner required for this pajama party that’ll shake you out of your slumber and have you shedding your slippers and rippin’ your one-sies. This, Sleeping Cutie, is your wake-up call for the 2011 Great Grove Bed Race, where box springs will do battle. A tongue-in-cheek competition of racing homemade beds down the streets of Coconut Grove, the origins of the Great Grove Bed Race date back three decades.

Tireless teams consist of five members, with four ready-to-romp racers and one rider hitched to the headboard. Speed wins the ultimate exhale at the checkered flag, but awards also will be given for theme, creativity and décor (this being a consummate competition). Celebrity judges will be on hand to grade those looking to score away from home, and proceeds from this roll in the hay of hilarity benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.

Said Daisy Lewis-Salazar, Coconut Grove Merchant Group Event Director: “Racers, sponsors and fans all raising money to benefit Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade—who wouldn’t get in bed with that?”

Miami residents, Coconut Grove merchants, and local clubs, businesses and organizations all are invited to pull back the sheets on this year’s affair, with festivities kicking off Saturday night (Sept. 3) of Labor Day Weekend with the Pajama Pub Crawl through participating Coconut Grove bars and restaurants.

Sunday (Sept. 4) is race day, with highlights to include Kids Storytelling Time; the Waiters/Waitresses Obstacle Course; a Pit Row Parade of decorated beds on display; and of course the 1/8th-mile trundle through the heart of the Grove Village. And to eliminate any awkwardness or hard feelings after the ontrack tryst, Grove merchants will host a post-race celebration complete with live music, interactive exhibits and perhaps even a little pillow talk—just no sleeping with the enemy...maybe....

This Labor Day weekend, Coconut Grove is the place to be for some laborious laughter! For event info please visit www.TheGreatGroveBedRace.com. Don’t sleep on it!

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1940. What once was a single building and site for boys has grown to five Clubs serving 10,000 boys and girls year round, providing programs in the areas of character and leadership development, educational enhancement, health and life skills, career preparation, cultural arts and sports, fitness and recreation. Club staffing, initiatives, and programs are designed to inspire and enable young people and provide them with the resources to succeed and share in the American Dream. For more information, please call 305-213-9760 or visit www.bgcmia.org.

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Coconut Grove Gives Artists a Fighting Chance: Grove Gallery Walk Features Sports, Pastimes and the Individual on August 6

In the thrilling words of Michael Buffer: South Florida, “Let's get ready to rumble.” This month’s First Saturday Coconut Grove Art Gallery Walk features a lineup of artists that are sure to knock you out. 

Beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 6, 10 galleries will host a night of art, wine, fun and excitement. The Grove Gallery Walk continues through 10 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be made available at participating galleries, while live music can be found at some locations.

Round 1 begins at AC Fine Arts, located at Mayfair, where it will host a solo exhibition by artist and renowned corner man of Mohammad Ali, Ferdie Pacheco, aka “The Fight Doctor.” Hosting an exhibition of original oil paintings by the same name, this once boxing analyst and physician showcases his imaginative use of color alongside abstract conceptions. Also featured in the exhibition are original photos taken by Pacheco’s wife during his years with the boxing legend. AC Fine Art will celebrate Pacheco’s diverse achievements with an opening night of live music, cigar rolling and a special book signing.

Giving artists of all kinds a fighting chance, RODEZ Art Gallery is proud to present “ART MACtown.”  Founded in 1962, MACtown, Inc. is a charitable organization whose primary mission is to improve the lives and further the independence of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in South Florida. Under the direction of artist and gallery owner George Rodez, small format works by more than 100 MACtown participants will be on display, in addition to one grand piece created by all participants. A silent auction will be held with all proceeds benefitting MACtown, Inc.

Renowned abstract artist Kathleen Staples will be at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery I inside the Mayfair complex. With paintings portraying a variety of textures and layers, “SWIMMING TO SESTOS” is sure to pack a punch through its different surface effects and intuitive expression of color.

Next door at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery II, “A Summer Show” by solo artist Luisa Mesa, fights to create symbols that connect with a deeper purpose. Every piece of Mesa’s artwork creates a different outlook and meaning, yet all coming together to constitute a whole. 

Not one to shy away from the ring, Max in the Grove will be featuring an exhibition by the Texan artist Daniel Padilla. With a steady hand, Padilla is known for working diligently with colorful and tranquil brush strokes. Alongside Padilla, Max in the Grove will also be showcasing the works of Pino, Chagall, Kaufman, Britto, Tadeo, Ferio and Peter Max. 

“AMERICAN ICONS,” a solo exhibition by Hernando Alzate at Cristina Chacon Gallery, will continue until August 20. The exhibition features legendary figures of our recent history blended with Neo Pop elements. It is located on Commodore Plaza. 

Local artist Amy Reshefsky will again be featured at FrameWorks Studio Gallery and GroveHouse. Artists will present an exhibition of member artists’ works, including those by Grovites Barbara Tejada, Isabelle “Izi” Schuette and Bobbi Headder.

Other galleries featured in the Walk include ArtWay 66, Blue Moon Studio of Art and Dharma Studio.

As part of the pre-show entertainment, the popular Paper Bag Heads are proud to present a “Paper Doll Fashion Show.” Taking place at the Mayfair Promenade Fountain, the show will feature life-sized fashion outfits constructed solely from paper. Designed by local artists, the “clothes” will be voted upon by the audience. Prizes for the most popular outfits will be donated by numerous Grove stores and include one-night stays for two at the Mayfair Hotel and Spa and the Grove Isle Hotel and Spa. 

Art inspired events such as these are provided by partnering galleries and the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District (BID). The Coconut Grove BID exists to improve the quality and financial success of the Grove’s commercial core. It enhances Grove parking, lighting, sanitation, marketing, and safety, as well as supporting special events. 

For more information on the Coconut Grove BID, or to see a map of participating galleries, visit www.coconutgrove.com or call 305-461-5506.

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Coconut Grove Gallery Walk Kicks-off Summer Season on June 4

Happy Home by David Acevedo

@RodezArt

Starting Saturday, June 4, the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District (BID) will launch its summer arts program. With plenty of educational and special events planned at individual galleries, the Coconut Grove BID welcomes plenty of locals and out-of-towners to the Grove’s ever growing creative landscape. Beginning June 4, the upcoming Grove Gallery Walks will present a variety of exhibitions that are sure to instantly brighten the sunny summer months.

Hans Petersen

@CGAF Gallery I

Kicking-off the season is the Coconut Grove Arts Festival (CGAF) Gallery’s opening reception of “ART-I-TECTURE” by Danish born designer and painter Hans Petersen. Based on architectural ideas and elements rooted in the Cobra movement, Petersen’s large-scale, colorful abstract expressionistic works will provide the viewer with both impact and pleasure.

Next door inside its Gallery II location, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery will continue to exhibit “New Work,” a collection by master abstract artist George Bethea. Known for his sensuous, colorful and textured paintings, Bethea has also recently been announced as the gallery’s inaugural artist in residence. 

Tarsus by George Bethea

@CGAF Gallery II

Gallery attendees are also welcome to see “What Matters Most” nearby at RodezArt.com Gallery.  Artist David Acevedo is known for constantly evolving and experimenting with numerous subjects and media. This collection of paintings explores a recent self-imposed remedy to these ever-changing expressions. With Acevedo returning back-to-basics, the simplicity of the work urges viewers to evaluate What Matters Most in their own lives.

GroveHouse Artists will feature the collection “Water Works” by Audrey Scott. Scott, a recognized Coconut Grove artist, was named the first place winner in 2009 at the GroveHouse photographic exhibition, Great Grove Shoot Out. 

Claudia Calle

@Cristina Chacon Gallery

On the other side of the Grove’s business district, and inside the Cristina Chacon Gallery, is simply “Greatness.” As a fitting title for the gallery’s newest collection, the works of award-winning photographer and mixed media artist, Claudia Calle, will be exhibited for the first time. Calle’s unique vision of elephants will be revealed through a compilation of photographs taken while traveling throughout Thailand. Cristina Chacon Gallery will also be displaying the work of Julio Nieto. The artist’s metal skin sculptures have been exhibited worldwide, including Madrid, France, Germany and the Canary Islands.

Also on Commodore Plaza and just a few doors down, FrameWorks Studio compliments greatness with “Beauty.” This month’s featured artist, Marcelo Holzinger, expresses himself and the world around him through acrylic and a canvas base, portraying what inspires and fuels his creativity. 

Other galleries featured in the Walk include ArtWay 66, AC Fine Art and Max in the Grove. Each invoking a unique style and personality to the Walk, ArtWay 66 portrays the classic bohemian lifestyle associated with the Grove combined with a modern artist’s philosophy, while AC Fine Art located inside Grove Retrospective Gallery specializes in contemporary, pop and surreal genres. Max in the Grove brings fine art to the public eye with works from masters like Peter Max to Steve Kaufman. 

The Grove Gallery Walk begins at 7pm and continues through 10pm. It is free and open to the public. Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be made available at participating galleries, while live music can be found at some locations. 

Art inspired events such as these are provided by partnering galleries and the Coconut Grove BID. The Coconut Grove BID exists to improve the quality and financial success of the Grove’s commercial core. It enhances Grove parking, lighting, sanitation, marketing, and safety, as well as supporting special events. 

For more information on the Coconut Grove BID or to see a map of participating galleries, visit www.coconutgrove.com or call 305-461-5506.

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Party like its 1899 at The Barnacle's 'Old Time Dance'

The Barnacle, Miami's oldest home still sitting in its original location

Kick up your heels and dance in the outdoor Micco Pavilion at The Barnacle Historic State Park in Coconut Grove on Sunday, May 22 from 6:30-10 p.m. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes and come learn to dance the traditional American way: Contras, Squares, Circles, and Waltzes. Instruction is included and beginners are welcome.

The Barnacle, built in 1891, is the oldest house in Miami in its original location. The home of Coconut Grove pioneer Ralph Middleton Munroe is now a Florida State Park and is located at 3485 Main Highway in downtown Coconut Grove, across from the Coconut Grove Playhouse. Please park on the street or in one of the parking lots around town, then stroll down the lane into the park for an evening of Old Time fun with music played by Keeping It Reel. Lou Dow will be on hand calling the steps. Dance like it’s 1891!

Gate opens at 6 p.m. Picnics welcome. The cost for the evening is $10 per person; children under 10 are free. For additional information contact 305-442-6866 or visit www.TheBarnacle.org.

The Barnacle Society, Inc. is a volunteer nonprofit, citizen-supported organization created to generate public awareness, education, and financial support for the preservation and maintenance of The Barnacle Historic State Park.

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Sail Biscayne Bay On RA Charters' Unique 45-Foot Yacht

RA Charters owns and operates the sailing vessel RA, a 45-foot sailing yacht, out of Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove. Dinner Key Marina, located at 3400 Pan American Drive (Pier 7, Slip 8), is the largest marina in South Florida. It is located in the heart of the historic village of Coconut Grove. 

RA Charters provides sailing yachts for group events and sailing regattas for corporate team building. Each sailing yacht accommodates up to six guests and is properly equipped, insured and licensed for commercial operations. RA Charters also offers day sails or sunset cruises on Biscayne Bay for individuals, families, office parties, wedding proposals, birthdays and large corporate events.

The RA on the water

Captain Asaad N. Masoud was born in Egypt where he sailed on the Nile and the Mediterranean as a youngster. He lived and studied in Germany, Sweden, Canada and the U.S. where he completed his Ph.D. degree. He held academic positions for almost 20 years at universities in Oregon, Florida, Mississippi, Nebraska and Maryland. He spent the last three years of his scientific career at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he fell in love with sailing on Chesapeake Bay and owned his first yacht, the RA. Capt. Asaad realized that he enjoys people and sailing so much that he decided to have a mid-career change. He became a Coast Guard licensed captain in 1983. Since then he has been chartering RA on the waters of Chesapeake Bay, the Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys.

Capt. Assad

In addition to Capt. Assad, all RA Charters are operated by professional, Coast Guard-licensed captains. 


The RA was originally built by Bayfield boat yards. After Hurricane Andrew his South Florida in 1992, a total refurbishing was completed by the owner, Capt. Asaad, in 1994. He took a nightmare and built a dream. He spared no effort or money to build his dream boat. Everything he always wanted on a boat is now on RA. He exceeded all industry standards and specifications in the design, construction, equipment, and amenities on board.

Take a virtual tour of the RA and see it for yourself!!

The air conditioned accommodations include two quarter berths, port and starboard, which can be made completely private by closing the sliding doors and raising the bulkhead panels. Each berth is large enough for a couple. The oversized settee converts to an equally oversized double berth. For light and ventilation below there are a total of twelve openings ports, four opening hatches and a large double-opening skylight. The cabins are also equipped with fluorescent light, spot light fixtures and small 12v fans. 


For your entertainment aboard there is a TV/VCR and a stereo AM/FM/disc player with speakers on deck and below deck. The head is forward with a large vanity and a stall shower with molded-in seat and lots of room to move around. The galley is equipped with a stainless steal sink, hot and cold pressure water, state of the art electric/alcohol stove, a microwave oven, a refrigerator/freezer, and a large deep freeze on the forward deck. The stove, microwave, and refrigeration are available for use dockside and at sea. Also available on deck is a propane grill for that special barbecue.

View from the helm on the RA

The cockpit has a unique Bimini/dodger for shade and safety, the two forward sails are equipped with Profurl systems. The main sail is fully battened, and is equipped with Harken Bat Cars, Harken reefing systems, and a Dutchman for unequaled ease and safety in handling. The electrical system is equipped with eight group 27 batteries, separated as five battery banks, a 2,400 watt inverter/charger and a 4.2kW diesel generator. The state of the art electronics on board include a GPS, autopilot, radar, electronic navigation system, knot meter, depth sounder, wind machine and three VHF radios, one in the cockpit, one in the navigation station and a hand held unit. Other equipment on board includes a windlass, a bow thruster, a desalinator, and a nine-foot Boston Whaler dinghy with an outboard engine mounted on davits for easy storage and accessibility.

To book the RA for charter please call 305-989-3959 or 305-666-7979 or visit the website, www.racharters.com.


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Coconut Grove Galleries Celebrate Anniversaries and Milestones, While Others Debut New Artists

The Coconut Grove Gallery Walk returns Saturday, May 7 with an array of exhibitions spotlighting internationally renowned artists. These monthly gatherings are legendary for their festive character, but this month’s Walk marks a particularly special celebration: the one year anniversary of one of the Grove’s newest galleries – RodezArt.com.


In a world full of wars, natural disasters and uncertainties, it is refreshing to know that Chaos can sometimes also be a symbol of positivism and beauty. Looking back on the year that was, gallery owner George Rodez, along with artists Vicente Dopico-Lerner and Daniel Garcia, present “The Order of Chaos: A Group Exhibition.” The Vernissage event celebrating RodezArt.com’s one year anniversary at its CocoWalk location will begin at 7 p.m.


“With a sense of composition, form, enmeshed colors, straight and jagged lines, light and depth, these artists come together to bring order into the spoken word of Chaos,” said George Rodez, artist and owner of RodezArt.com. “To view the work is to see the frenetic reality that life can sometimes be, but with the same token, it also offers a sense of serenity and the beauty of knowing that life is exactly what it should be at all times.” The Order of Chaos is on view from May 7-30. 


Gallery “Walk-ers” can travel to Commodore Plaza to celebrate yet another milestone for one of the area’s great galleries. Cristina Chacon Gallery returns to the Walk on the heels of its ArteAmericas debut this past March. At one of the art world’s most prominent events, Chacon presented a mix of established and undiscovered Latin American artists to a global audience. Bringing this same international magnetism back to the Grove this month, Chacon will present “Synergy” – an exhibition of three young artists, each with a different artistic strength and offering. Milena Arango (Colombia), Patricia Michelangeli (Venezuela) and Keiko Gonzalez (Paraguay) combine their talents to form a true synergy of art. 

At the Mayfair Center, Grove Retrospective Gallery will present a temporary exhibition, displaying original French vintage posters from 1889 to 1938. The contemporary, pop art hub specializes in Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali originals and also offers more than 1,000 square feet of space for workshop, classrooms and special art education events.


Next door, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery II continues its “New Work” exhibition, presenting the art of George Bethea, a classic modernist and abstract artist who lives and works in Miami, characterized by sensuous, congested, textured surfaces and luxuriant color in his works.
Bethea composes his abstract paintings by using flexible, transparent acrylic mediums which allow him to spray, pour and pile on the paint. Exhibited and reviewed in North America and Europe, his work can be found in numerous public and private collections. The exhibition will remain open until May 20. 


Other galleries featured in the Walk include ArtWay 66, Blue Moon Studio of Art, Dharma Studio, Frameworks Studio, GroveHouse Artists and Max in the Grove.


The Grove Gallery Walk begins at 7 p.m. and continues through 10 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be made available at participating galleries, while live music can be found at some locations. 



 
Art inspired events such as these are provided by partnering galleries and the Coconut Grove BID. For more information on the Coconut Grove BID or to see a map of participating galleries, visit www.coconutgrove.com or call 305-461-5506.


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Miami Reggae Festival Raises Awareness of America's Hungry

The people behind Rockaz MVMT, a premier event production company with more t 15 years successful events to date, understand the importance of using the transformative force of music to stir social conscience, to actualize social change.

That is precisely what they aim to accomplish with the launch of a national Feed the Hungry campaign, using free, first-rate concerts to incentivize people to help feed America’s hungry. The national initiative kicks off in Miami, with the Miami Reggae Festival, Saturday, April 30, 3pm, at Coconut Grove’s Peacock Park, 2820 McFarlane Road.


“It’s important we started in our own back yard,” said event organizer Alfonso Brooks. “It’s doubly important we not wait for a natural disaster to recognize the growing hunger epidemic, or to seek out ways to help our brothers and sisters.”


The concert, where the only admission is a minimum donation of two non-perishable food items per person, features a lineup as diverse as Miami itself. From Jamaica - Luciano | Puerto Rico - Cultura Profetica, Colombia - Ephniko, Haiti - Jahfe, Canada Bonnie Casey, Miami - Spam All Stars, St. Maarten - Connis, the musicians themselves represent a collective conscious of cultural awareness, of giving back.


“Hunger knows no color, no creed,” Brooks said. “That’s why it was critical for us to ensure we offer a lineup that reflects the Miami landscape.”


And it is just as important for the benefactor of the event to serve a diverse population, ensuring the core message of unity and humanitarianism. Event organizers chose Curley’s House because of its reach. Curley’s House services the needy across Miami-Dade County, regardless or race, creed, color, religion or sexual orientation.


For more information please call 305-763-4509 or visit www.miamireggaefestival.com and facebook.com/rockazmvmt.




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