Zoo Miami’s Playworld Playground Is Now Open

Jungle Journey

Zoo Miami is excited to announce the opening of its new Playworld Playground that contains two play areas, Jungle Journey and Ocean Voyage. With more than 1.5 acres of play and picnic space, kids ages 12 and under have plenty of room to explore the splashing water features and jungle gym while parents supervise in comfortable shaded seating.

In the Jungle Journey playground, children have 11 play features to help them create their own adventures. While the jungle gym could keep them busy for a while, kids can find themselves making their way past a wobbly bridge, through a hollow log and escaping life-size gorilla and hippo figures. Their imaginations may take them on a wild journey, but kids remain safe on spongy floors as they bounce around the playground.

After their jungle adventure, kids can cool down by splashing through spouting blow holes and overflowing buckets of water in the Ocean Voyage playground. This water-themed area includes 28 features that are guaranteed to get kids dripping wet. It would be hard to stay dry around water shooting cannons, a whale tail waterfall, and touch-activated rods spraying water. The ocean theme comes to life with shells and glossy starfish on the floor as guests walk in.

Ocean Voyage

“This $1 million state-of-the-art playground has been a highly-anticipated addition to Zoo Miami,” said Eric Stephens, Zoo Miami Director. “We are so excited to open it and offer our guests a top-notch play experience.”

Directly next to the playgrounds are two new shaded pavilions that are available to rent for special events like birthday parties or picnics.

With parents and kids sure to work up an appetite, the Playworld Playground is conveniently located next to the new and improved Oasis Grille. There guests can chow down on everything including hot-dogs, salads, fruit, burgers and refreshing drinks in the shade of the African-outpost themed area before heading to their next adventure in Zoo Miami.

Speaking of adventures, now guests can rent pedal boats, water tricycles and kayaks on the lake at Amazon and Beyond on weekends (Friday-Sunday) and holidays from 10am-5pm.

Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 St., Miami. General Zoo Admission is: $15.95 per adult and $11.95 per child (ages 3-12), plus tax.  Children under 2, Zoo members and parking are free. Zoo Miami’s hours are 9:30am-5:30pm; ticket booths close at 4pm.  For more information please visit www.zoomiami.org or call 305-251-0400.

Summer Camp Returns To Miami Seaquarium: Runs from June 11-Aug. 17 for Campers Ages 5-18

With summer vacation right around the corner, parents are often looking for exciting and innovative ways to keep their children engaged in education outside the classroom. Summer Camp 2012 at Miami Seaquarium offers students from kindergarten to high school the opportunity to learn about animals, environmental awareness, and so much more at summer camp. Summer Camp 2012 at Miami Seaquarium will run from June 11-Aug. 17, for campers ages 5 to 18.

Summer activities for kids will focus on educational topics according to their grade level. These activities include lessons on pollution, recycling, water and its properties, invasive and endangered species, animal adaptations and more. Special pricing at Dolphin Harbor is available for parents who wish to enroll their campers in an unforgettable Dolphin Interaction program.

Curriculum for each grade level at Summer Camp 2012 at Miami Seaquarium will revolve on a one-week schedule with additional weeks optional. Camp hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with early and late care available for an additional charge.

For Summer Camp enrollment or additional information, please call 305-361-5705, Ext. 298, 207, or 520. Summer Camp Miami Seaquarium information & registration forms are available on our website at www.miamiseaquarium.com.

Miami Seaquarium, South Florida's most popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year. The park provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations and marine-life exhibits. General admission to Miami Seaquarium is $39.95 and $29.95 for children (ages 3-9). More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at www.miamiseaquarium.com.

Miami Seaquarium is an accredited member of the Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, an international organization committed to the care and conservation of marine mammals. Accreditation by the Alliance means this facility meets or exceeds all the standards of excellence for marine mammal care, husbandry, conservation and education.

Irish Singing Sensation Celtic Thunder Storms into Hard Rock Live on October 12; Tickets on Sale TODAY at Noon

The Irish singing sensation known as Celtic Thunder storm into Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on October 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 12 at noon.

Celtic Thunder is made up of individual vocalist and musicians Ryan Kelly, George Donaldson, Keith Harkin, Damian McGinty, Neil Byrne and Emmet Cahill. From rousing ensemble numbers to solos showcasing each member’s vocal style and personality, Celtic Thunder performs powerful ballads popular hits and heartwarming songs of love and loss from across the Celtic music spectrum.

The group debuted in August 2007 at The Helix in Dublin. Accompanied by the Celtic Concert Orchestra under the musical direction of the legendary Phil Coulter, Celtic Thunder has become a household name around the world. Since the group's formation, Celtic Thunder has released six albums and five accompanying live DVD performances including The Show, Act II, Take Me Home, It's Entertainment, Celtic Thunder Christmas and Heritage.


Hailed as Billboard's Top World Music Artist and Top World Imprint of 2009, the phenomenon that is Celtic Thunder has achieved sales of over one million units to date. Their mass appeal and devoted fan base continues to grow with impressive statistics to prove it. Celtic Thunder's Official YouTube channel, Thunder Tube, has seen more than 20 million upload views and 920,000 channels.

Their live shows incorporate the use of dramatic lighting, stage settings and choreography set to the theme of the show. Celtic Thunder has performed on the CBS Saturday Show's Second Cup Café, the Today Show, Fox Network, as well as at the White House for President and Mrs. Obama at their St. Patrick's Day celebration. They have also performed for Irish Premier Brian Cowen, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, UN Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson, the US troops of the 69th Regiment, and at the opening of a Boston Celtics in TD North Bank Garden game by singing the American national anthem.

Tickets cost $79, $61.50  and $44; additional fees may apply. All seats are available at the Hard Rock Live Box Office, Tuesday-Saturday from noon-6 p.m. and Sunday-Monday only open on event days at noon. Tickets also are available at all Ticketmaster outlets online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Doors open one hour prior to show start time.

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The Setai Stirs Up New Summer Flavors with a Twist: New Seasonal Cocktail Menu Introduced at the Popular South Beach Hotel

The Setai, 2001 Collins Ave., Miami Beach

Labor Day is right around the corner and The Setai’s Mixologist, Paul Sevigny, has introduced a few seasonally inspired drinks to bring a taste of The Setai home for the long weekend. With flavors abound to suit every palate from rhubarb and blood orange to chili pepper and ginger; each cocktail is carefully crafted with local ingredients, adding a contemporary spin to the classic cocktail.


Paul Sevigny brings nearly 17 years of experience to the Miami cocktail scene, getting his start in Providence, Rhode Island. Whether it’s re-engineering the classics, molecular gastronomy or contemporary cocktail design, Sevigny continues to raise the mixology bar with his creativity and style. Let Sevigny spark some inspiration with one of three unique recipes and tips on mixing techniques. 

Extend your summer and conjure up one of these new seasonally inspired cocktails:

Rhubarb Stringer

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Peach infused vodka
• ¾  oz. Crème de peach de vigne
• 1 oz. Blood Orange juice
• ½  tsp.  Vanilla bean sugar

Method:

1. Add ingredients into Boston glass
2. Shake with ice
3. Strain into cocktail glass 

Garnish:

• Basil leaf
• Ginger slice
• Strawberry

Summer Joy

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Peach infused vodka
• ¾  oz. Crème de peach de vigne
• 1 oz. Blood Orange juiee
• ½  tsp. Vanilla bean sugar

 Method

1. Add ingredients into Boston glass
2. Shake with ice
3. Strain into cocktail glass 

Garnish:

• Peach slice

Chili Passion Martini

Along with a few new additions, Sevigny has given us the ‘how-to’ on a Setai favorite, the Chili Passion Martini! 





Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Capt. Morgan Parrot Passion Fruit Rum
• ½  oz. House made Chili Infused Vodka, Russian Standard  
• ½  oz. Cranberry Juice
• ¾  oz. Passion Fruit Puree
• Splash Ginger Syrup

Method:

1. Add all the ingredients into Boston glass
2. Shake with ice
3. Strain into a Martini glass 

Garnish

• Chili Flakes
• Chili Pepper

A refreshing balance between the sizzling South Beach scene and a serene tropical hideaway, The Setai remains the place to stay for A-listers and those in-the-know. As the first hotel in the Americas for renowned GHM Hotels, The Setai introduces Asian traditions of simplicity and elegance combined with the Art Deco history of South Beach to create a private world that connects guests with what has always been the area’s greatest attraction: the beach, the sun, and the night. With three pools, a private recording studio, award-winning Asian-fusion dining, and dedicated concierge staff, The Setai leaves no request unfulfilled. 

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World-Renowned Jazz & Classical Musicians Gather in Coral Gables for the 26th Annual Summer Concert Series

This summer, June 9 through August 18, in a quiet Miami neighborhood and within the Coral Gables Congregational Church (CGCC) intimate, historic Spanish-revival style setting, concert goers will have the unique opportunity to be awed and entertained by the music industry’s most-talented and revered classical and jazz figures. These artists will perform and delight audiences on the CGCC Community Arts Program 26th Summer Concerts Series season! 


The Summer Concert Series has entertained more than 62,000 people since it began in 1985. The Series has grown into a valued tradition and, more recently, part of a Community Arts Program that also provides music education to children within its Conservatory for the Arts. 


“The Summer Concert Series is a rare opportunity to hear world-renowned artists in the intimate and beautiful Coral Gables Congregational Church,” says Shelton G. Berg, University of Miami Dean of the Phillip and Patricia Frost School of Music. “The Conservatory for the Arts provides high-quality music education to children, many of whom would otherwise be denied access to the wonder of music and the beauty of the artistic spirit.”  

2011 Summer Concert Series Line Up:

June 9 - The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra

The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra

The Count Basie Orchestra is hailed as an American invention of the 20th century, and its sound is the "modern art" of music.  Today, the majority of its sound still swings from musicians hand-picked by Count Basie.  Join us for a very special evening with the Count Basie Orchestra, directed by Dennis Mackrel, and special guest vocalist Carmen Bradford. The Count Basis Orchestra appears under exclusive license of the William J. Basie Trust.


June 23 - James Ehnes, Violinist
James Ehns is hailed as "the Jascha Heifetz of our day,” and widely considered to be one of the most dynamic and exciting performers in classical music.  


July 7 - David Leisner, Guitarist
David Leisner is co-chair of the guitar department at the Manhattan School of Music and regarded as one of the world's leading classical guitarists, an extraordinarily versatile musician, electrifying performing artist, distinguished composer, recording artist and master teacher.  

Glen David Andrews

July 21 - Glen David Andrews 
Glen David Andrews is touted as one of the giant talents of New Orleans.  In his early-thirties, Glen David has a lanky, six-foot-four-inch body and a mercurial personality that touts his greatest loves: the brass-band music and traditional jazz on which he was raised.  


August 4 - The Shannon Powell Quartet Featuring Jason Marsalis and Steve Masakowski 
Shannon Powell is one of the most sought after drummers and percussionists in the world. His powerful technique is steeped in the drum beats that emanate from the streets of New Orleans and from his early influences that include neighbor James Black, Ellis Marsalis and the men at Preservation Hall.   


August 18 - Marlena Shaw, vocalist

Marlena Shaw

After becoming the first female vocalist ever signed by the Blue Note label, Marlena Shaw toured extensively with Sammy Davis Jr. and as a featured singer with the Count Basie Orchestra.  Ms. Shaw remains a true original, one of the most charismatic and versatile vocalists in the business, blurring the lines that separate jazz, soul, rock, pop and R&B.  


“We are very excited to again present a diverse and world-class line up of artists,” says Mark Hart, Executive & Artistic Director of the CGCC Community Arts Program. “It’s an honor to welcome concert goers from across the state and as far away as Europe, and rewarding to see the growth of our music education program for kids!  In all, we’ve come to provide exceptional cultural and educationally-enriching experiences for more than 3,000 children and adults each year!”


Order now; concerts sell out quickly! All concerts are Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. Free and convenient parking is available.  


INDIVIDUAL GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS: $30 each in advance, $35 each at the door (based on availability).  


INDIVIDUAL PATRON TICKETS: $45 each in advance; $50 each at the door (based on availability). (Individual Patron tickets include reserved general seating within the first 5-8 rows and catered pre-concert receptions.) Series Tickets First priority is given to Series ticket holders.


PATRON SERIES: $240 (Save $30 and receive prime seating to all concerts!  Patron Series includes opening night gala reception, reserved general seating within the first 5-8 rows, and catered pre-concert gatherings.)


MINI-PATRON SERIES: $170 (Save $10 and receive prime seating to four concerts! Choose four concerts. Mini-Patron Series includes opening night gala reception, reserved general seating within the first 5-8 rows, and catered pre-concert gatherings.)


Order tickets by calling 305-448-7421, Ext. 153. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. For instant processing and confirmation order tickets quickly, safely and conveniently on line anytime at www.communityartsprogram.org.   


The oral Gables Congregational Church is located at 3010 De Soto Boulevard (directly across from the Biltmore Hotel and five miles from Miami International Airport) in Coral Gables.


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Summer Savings Pass Available for Admission to Lion Country Safari, Miami Seaquarium, Museum of Discovery & Science and Zoo Miami

Lion Country Safari, the Miami Seaquarium, Museum of Discovery and Science and Zoo Miami will be offering a Summer Savings Pass for the third year in a row.  The Summer Savings Pass will give its buyers unlimited admission to all four attractions throughout the summer! Four attractions… Four months of fun… One low price!


The Summer Savings Pass will be available for purchase at each of the participating parks beginning on May 15 and will be valid for admission to each of the attractions until September 30, 2011.  Lion Country Safari, Miami Seaquarium, and Zoo Miami will also have the passes for sale online at their respective websites www.LionCountrySafari.com, www.miamiseaquarium.com and www.zoomiami.org.  Museum of Discovery and Science will have the passes available by phone at 954-713-0930.


At $54.95 plus tax, per adult and $44.95 plus tax, per child (ages 3-12), this pass grants unlimited admission through September 30th at Lion Country Safari, Miami Seaquarium, Museum of Discovery and Science and Zoo Miami. Annual pass holders of these attractions will be eligible to purchase this pass for only $29.95 plus tax, per adult, and $19.95 plus tax, per child. For more information on the Summer Savings Pass visit www.summersavingspass.com


Lion Country Safari

The drive through safari

Lion Country Safari is a four-mile drive through safari with more than 900 animals roaming free within inches of the tour vehicles including giraffe, zebra, rhinos, lions, wildebeests and more. Admission includes entry to Safari World Amusement Park with animal encounters (giraffe feeding, bird feeding and petting zoo) and demonstrations, free rides (Ferris wheel, kid’s train, carousel, paddle boats, water sprayground and more), games, shopping, food and thrills. 


Lion Country Safari is located on Southern Boulevard (SR80) (just 15 miles west of I-95/10 miles west of the Turnpike) at 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd., Loxahatchee. The park is open daily, for more info call 561-793-1084 or visit www.LionCountrySafari.com


Miami Seaquarium
It’s a South Florida attraction like no other. A place where dolphins walk on water and a killer whale flies through the air; slithery moray eels lurk in coral reef caverns; giant sharks patrol their territory; sea lions delight children of all ages; endangered sea turtles and manatees find a safe haven; and gentle stingrays glide beneath your finger tips at the new Stingray Touch Pool. It’s a world-class marine-life entertainment park with eight different marine animal shows and presentations offered daily. It’s a place of inspiration, education–and fun!

The Dolphin Interaction Program
at Dolphin Harbor

There’s no greater thrill than getting in the water with the friendly, intelligent and graceful dolphins at Dolphin Harbor. Two different dolphin interaction programs offer fun for everyone. Reservations are required. For more information, or to make reservations, please call 305-365-2501.


Miami Seaquarium is located on the Rickenbacker Causeway, on the way to Key Biscayne at 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway.  The park is opened daily from 9:30am-6pm. For more information, call 305-361-5705 or visit www.miamiseaquarium.com


Museum of Discovery and Science

The "Runways to Rockets" exhibit

Spend a day of discovery exploring hundreds of interactive exhibits and summer traveling exhibit Animation featuring Cartoon Network. Discover the amazing Everglades in the Florida EcoScapes exhibit. Hang out with bats, turtles and sharks. Meet an alligator and be charmed by a 6-foot-long snake. Take a ride to Mars or soar through the skies in one of nine cockpit simulators. Whether you’re 2 or 82 visit the Museum of Discovery and Science and enjoy a full day of family fun.



The Museum is open seven days a week; Monday through Saturday from 10am-5pm, and Sunday from noon to 6pm with extended IMAX hours on most evenings. Exhibit admission is $11 for adults; $10 for seniors; $9 for children 2 to 12. Children under 2 are free. The Museum of Discovery and Science is located at 401 SW 2 St., downtown Fort Lauderdale. For more information visitors should call 954-467-MODS (6637) or visit www.mods.org; for tickets call 954-713-0930.


Zoo Miami
Discover what makes Zoo Miami a unique experience for visitors of all ages. Rated one of the top ten zoos in the U.S. by Tripadvisor.com, Zoo Miami houses more than 2,000 animals in natural habitats and provides visitors the feel of a safari. Enjoy animals like okapis, giant river otters, elephants and rhinos in large open air exhibits; a giraffe feeding station; camel rides; an Indian rhino encounter; meet and greets with Nickelodeon’s favorite animal rescuer, Diego; tram tours; family cycles; water play areas; a monorail and large exhibits like Amazon & Beyond. 

The Indian rhino at Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami is located at 12400 SW 152 St., Miami. General Zoo Admission is: $15.95 plus tax, per adult and $11.95 plus tax, per child (3-12). Hours are 9:30am-5:30pm; ticket booths close at 4pm. Parking is free. Annual pass holders and children under 2 are also free.  For more information, please visit www.zoomiami.org or call 305-251-0400.

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