Miami Riverday 2011
April 2, Saturday 11am-4pm
Free Admission

City of Miami meets the Miami River for a combination and culmination of community and entertainment. Featuring free river boat rides, historical tours and reenactments, environmental education and kids activities.
Live performances by the legendary Iko Iko, Luis Bofill & Band, Lanny Smith & the Earthman Project. For more information call 305-644-0544 or visit http://www.miamirivercommission.org/

Lummus Park Historic District
250 NW North River Drive

Lloyd Boston Fashion Show (Boca Raton)
April 2, 2pm

This spring breathe new life and style into your wardrobe and consult one-one-one with Lloyd Boston.
From Oprah and NBC Today to The View, CNN and NBC's Access Hollywood, Lloyd Boston shares his style philosophy and has covered the Oscars, Emmys and Golden Globes from the red carpet -- which he will use to inspire attendees through a fashion runway featuring "the perfect outfit for every occasion."

RSVP Today!
www.macys.com/events

When/Where:

Saturday, April 2 at 2 p.m.
Macy's Boca Town Center
Women's Department, 2nd Level
5700 West Glades Rd.
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Refreshments will be served.


TANGO LESSONS EVERY TUESDAY
Tuesday nights
"Alma de Tango" features World Tango Champion Monica Llobet.
Bringing the romance, passion, and elegance of the tango to South Florida. Every Tuesday night enjoy the intimate atmosphere of a Buenos Aires milonga transported to the beautiful Danielson Gallery inside the historic Biltmore Hotel. From beginning basic steps and technique to advanced musicality, select your dance level and continue dancing the night away in a milonga style open dance for all enriched by top tango orchestras to nuevo tango by innovative musicians. No Argentinean night is complete without tango and a selection of fine wines. The Biltmore is also raffling away a brunch for 2 certificate!

Advance Group Class 8:00pm -9:00pm
Beginner Group Class 9:00pm - 10:00pm
Milonga dance for all 10:00pm- 1:00am

$20.00 for class and milonga, cash bar
Biltmore Hotel at 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Contact: monicallobet@yahoo.com


Goldfinger at the New Yorker Motel (MiMo district)
April 14, 5:30pm
What's hot in Miami? The MiMo District --Miami Modern architecture home to the famed Fountainbleau Hotel. Enjoy a screening of the 1964 film Goldfinger (filmed at the Fountainbleau) at the newly renovated New Yorker motel and indulge in the hottest food trend--roaming food trucks.  While prohibited in South Beach, MiMo district with their ample streets, is a buzz with these upscale food offerings.  Relive this decadent period of Miami with the savory food and a classic action film of James Bond. Click here for more information.


Vizcaya Moonlight Garden Tours
Wednesday, April 20
Thursday, April 21
6:30pm-9:00pm

Visit this favorite historic landmark, a European-inspired estate on Biscayne Bay, for a rare experience to see Vizcaya's gardens by moolnight.

Enjoy live music before or after strolling through the gardens and learning more about them. Guided tours begin at 6:30pm and continue at intervals throughout the evening.  Wine and light refreshments will be available for purchase. Tickets $15, $10 for members.  http://www.vizcayamuseum.org/ or call 305-250-9133.

French Artist Alain Godon
April 20, Wednesday
Feature Exhibition Opening Reception
Collection Debut of Artwork Inspired by Premier Architectural Landmarks of Miami. Benefitting the New World Symphony

Wednesday, April 20, 2011
7p.m. to 9p.m.

New World Center, Miami Beach, FL

Miami Reggae Festival
April 30, Saturday
3pm - 11pm

Featuring Luciano and the Jah Messenger Band, Spam AllStars, Bonnie Casey and more!

Peacock park Coconut Grove
2820 McFarlane Road
Coconut Grove, FL  33133

Admission: Donate 2 cans of food for the food drive benefitting Curley's House dedicated to the eradication of hunger and malnutrition throughout the state of Florida.  http://www.curleyshouseinc.com/

Think you got talent? Perhaps auditioning for American Idol is beyond your willingness to camp out on grime layered sidewalks and carry luggage for make up to cover up those hollow eye circles.

Here's another opportunity to consider. The Sony Ericsson Open is hosting a talent search where one lucky winner will have the opportunity to sing the National Anthem prior to the Friday, March 25 evening session.

The contest will be held at Dos Caminos, Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday, March 19 and will begin promptly at 8pm. All eligible contestants must be at least 16 years old and legal residents who live within 250 miles of Miami; and must sign-up at the contest location no later than 8pm to participate. All contestants will have a chance to sing one song up to two minutes in length in front of a panel of three judges and the Dos Caminos crowd.

The selected winner will not only receive the opportunity to sing on Stadium Court at the Sony Ericsson Open on Friday, March 25, but will receive four (4) tickets to the Friday evening session, and an all-access tour of the tournament.

Dos Caminos, (Sheraton Fort Lauderdale) 1140 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954-727-7090

"Ho, Ho , Ho, a pirate's life for me". Whether you're charmed by the mischevious, but ruggedly handsome Johnny Dep in Pirates of the Caribbean, or fantasize of an adventure at sea as rogue pirate, the next best experience is the Pirate Museum in St. Augustine.

Now if you're scratching your head or wondering if someone poured some whiskey in your coffee as you ponder "wasn't the pirate museum in Key West?", no worries mate, you were right.

Indeed the original Pirate Museum was anchored in Key West, thought to be the ideal location for its long-standing affection for rogues of the seas.  But alas, like the pirates, visitors to Key West  primarily enjoy boozing it up as a way to pass the time.  Art and culture may have walked the plank or be hidden in some dusty cupboard, brought out on occasion for the refined teetotaler. Hence the museum, as a business was a  sinking ship in the laid-back Keys.

Owner and founder, Pat Croce, packed up Blackbeard's severed head and the rest of his blackguard booty and headed to St. Augustine in the summer of 2010. Why St. Augustine? "Pirates sacked St. Augustine and burned it to the ground," said Croce, who has pirate-themed tatoos all over his body. St. Augustine is rich in history, as well as art and culture.

In January of 2010, Croce purchased a building across the street from a 17th century Spanish fort in St. Augustine and began demolition.  The nation's oldest city has been attacked twice by pirates; in 1586 by Sir Francis Drake, and in 1668 by privateer Robert Searles. Part of the early American experience includes the colorful pirates who were real people.

Croce's obsession with pirates began at about age 8.  His most treasured pirate "artifact" is not on display, but in a safe at his home outside Philadelphia, a ruler from fourth grade with a skull and cross bones carved on the back.

His authentic collection began 25 years ago with the purchase of Alexandre Exquemelin's 1684 version of Bucaniers of America which he bought for about $7,500.

Croce's favorite pirate is Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard, who was killed by the British in 1718. Croce is trying to make a movie about Blackbeard's life. But Paramount executives want more plot than the doldrum lifestyle of a pirate. 

Croce's collection also includes Captain Kidd's 1699 journal from his last voyage and the first wanted poster for a pirate: 500 pounds silver for the head of Henry Every. He was never caught. A feat admired by fellow pirates. Eluding authorities in today's world of instant communication and connection via technology is almost impossible.

In St. Augustine, the museum is designed to be more interactive, like a treasure hunt. In Key West, visitors used to sit in the pitch black "bilge" of the ship with headphones.  Three dimensional audio brought to life a pirate's existence of rats, paranoia and the takeover of a ship. In St. Augustine the interactive experience will include the loading and firing of a cannon, with the ship's deck rocking with movement of the captain's wheel.  Candles go out below deck.



"Everybody has a pirate's soul," Croce said. "Everybody wants to get out of their cubicle of life and wants to dream, go on adventures, be bold and daring."

So does the eclectic entrepreneur still dress as a swashbuckler and wield a sword? You'll just have to muster the courage and dare to visit the St. Augustine & Pirate Museum!

CocoWalk has weathered tourist trends and economic tugs from the recession and the temporary closing of the movie theater.  It's still a draw for locals and yearly visitors who remember CocoWalk in its golden years and await a rebirth. While areas like Mary Brickell Village are the shiny new copper penny and attracting professionals from the financial district, tourists, and high end restaurants, CocoWalk has aptly transitioned to a casual destination that still offers restaurants and entertainment.

Enter the Burgundy Room. Filling the shoes of the former "Crazy Pianos", The Burgundy Room is part home den with dark wood tables, chairs, and  bar; part sporting event central with nook seating all fitted with flat screen TVs; and part entertainment with a stage for a live band that plays Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Tonight my friend and I met to catch up. She selected this new venue and we weren't sure what to expect. It turns out it's a sports bar!

We arrived early, very early, 7pm and were the only customers. Given the quiet surroundings, the food and drink would serve as our entertainment. But remember, food is not the primary attraction for a sports bar.

Nonetheless here is our review. For starters we sampled three appetizers--the empanadas, the seared scallops, and shrimp calamari salad. 



Shrimp/Calamari cocktail salad, Forever Young martini, Empanadas, Seared Scallops


The scallops were the tastiest and cooked perfectly--not overdone and not raw. Unfortunately the empanadas with spinach and manchego cheese were disappointing. We tasted spinach, but where was the cheese? The shrimp and calamari salad was a little odd. In the very dark lit restaurant, it appears the calarmi were smashed into the shrimp. Drizzled in cocktail sauce, we gave a thumbs down.


For main entrees we ordered the seafood pasta salad with mussels and shrimp and the pulled pork guava sandwich.  The former came recommended by the manager and waitress.  While it was good, we agreed it was not memorable.  However, the pulled pork sandwich in guava sauce and specialty bread scored a homerun. 




Seafood pasta with Shrimp and Scallops

 

Pulled pork guava sandwich with fries and salad


The highlight was the cocktail. I ordered a Forever Young. Two ingredients which caught my eye was Acai (the latest buzz in superhealthy fruit) and pomegranate juice. I loved it!

In scanning their bar drinks, it soon became crystal clear that  martinis is their specialty.
The restaurant is a bit dark for this Sunshine State native. Maybe in the heat of the summer, the dimly lit space, dark wood panels and live entertainment may offer the relaxation and refuge passerbys seek. But my toes were tapping and my vocal chords sang along to a popular 80's background song. We left right before the band started. I wonder if piano bar will be replaced with songs like "Piano Man". Who doesn't love the 80's?

Eyeing the number of flat screen Tvs upon our exit, I will definitely add this to my list of sports bar destinations.  Now if only the Miami Heat could win a game!

Friday, Saturday & Sunday: March 11-13


ST. AUGUSTINE'S CELTIC FESTIVAL
Celebrate Celtic heritage at this Romanza-sponsored festival featuring internationally-acclaimed artists and a variety of performances in intimate settings amid St. Augustine's unparalleled beauty and charm. Some of the greatest living musicians, artists, writers and poets from Ireland, the U.S., and the Celtic region of Spain (home of St. Augustine's founder), will converge in this wonderfully romantic city for celebration of all things Celtic. The internationally-renowned Hevia from Aviles, Spain, will perform on Friday and Saturday nights and a host of entertainers will perform throughout the weeekend and at the gigantic St. Patrick's Day festival on March 17. These include Ireland's own Four Men & A Dog, Benny O'Carroll's Traditional All Ireland Band, Dublin City Ramblers, Timmy "The Brit" McCarthy, Sean Murphy and Patrick Coldrick. Outstanding American Celtic entertainers from New York and Florida will also perform. These include Black 47, Derek Coghlan, Michael Funge, 7 Nations, Rathkeltair and The Wobbly Toms. Tickets are available in advance (save $5 each) at Anne O'Malley's and Meehan's on Matanzas or online. Daily tickets are $30 general and $55 VIP prior to March 11 for the weekend and $15 and $30 for St. Patrick's Day. Full Festival tickets are available for $95 general and $155 VIP. For a limited time, get 3 tickets for the price of 2 by visiting the Festival's Facebook Wall. For complete details on performers, schedules and much more, go to http://www.romanzafl.org/.


30th ANNUAL LIONS CLUB SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Get ready to eat some great seafood, shop till you drop and then tap your toes to live music! These are just a few of the highlights of the 30th St. Augustine Lions Seafood Festival featuring tons of delicious seafood, outstanding music and affordable arts & crafts. With fun for all ages, you can bring the kids. The Lions Club Seafood Festival takes place at Francis Field on Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. Festival hours are Friday 3 to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds benefit Lions Club charities. Admission is $2 per person, children under 12 are free. For more information, call 904.825.0850 or visit http://www.lionsfestival.com/.

Friday and Sunday: March 11 & 13

ST. AUGUSTINE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA - VIOLINIST ANDREW SORDS
Enjoy the St. Augustine Community Orchestra Winter Concert performance by concert violinist Andrew Sords. Hailed as an "absolute wonder," Sords has established himself as the preeminent new face of classical violin. Friday evening's performance will take place at 8 p.m. at the Lightner Museum, located at 75 King Street in St. Augustine and Sunday's performance will take place at 3 p.m. at Switzerland Community Church, located at 2179 SR 13, Switzerland, FL. Tickets are $10 at the door. For more information, visit http://staugustineorchestra.org/.


Friday: March 11

SISTER HAZEL AT THE PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL
Combining elements of acoustic rock, folk, and jangle pop, Sister Hazel has an earthy, melodic sound that highlights the band's vocal harmonies. The concert takes place at 7 p.m. (gates open at 5:30 p.m.). Tickets are $22.50 in advance and $27.50 day of show. The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall is located at 1050 A1A North in Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, call 904-209-0367, or visit http://www.pvconcerthall.com/.


Saturday and Sunday: March 12 & 13

ST AUGUSTINE COMMUNITY CHORUS POPS CONCERT
Enjoy this St. Augustine Community Chorus Pops Concert -- The Look of Love. The performances will take place at St. Augustine High School Center for Visual & Performing Arts, 3201 Varella Avenue in St. Augustine. Show times are Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. For tickets and information, visit http://www.staugustinecommunitychorus.org/.

BALD EAGLE BIRD WATCHING TOUR
Experience something like never before...this boat tour will leave from the St. Augustine City Marina to observe wild dolphins, a variety of birds and many other marine organisms. Then, the boat make a special stop beneath an endangered Bald Eagle's nest. This stop will provide a chance to see two eagles that have recently returned to the area. Cameras are encouraged whether you're a novice or experienced photographer. Binoculars are provided on board as well as all the information you could ask for about the creatures and environment you see. Tours are limited to 2-6 guests, $35 for adults / $30 for kids 12 & under. Saturday and Sunday 10:00am. Call Zach for reservations and details 904-377-7245.

SPRING EQUINOX KAYAK TOURS
Experience the lengthening days of Spring and the rich colors of a North Florida sunset from the best seat in the house, a kayak! Participants will paddle among acres of quiet protected marshlands of the Guana Reserve. The tour is from 6 to 7 p.m., costs $55 per person and includes a guide, kayak and brief instruction. Some proceeds benefit the GTM. Morning bird watching tours by kayak are also available. The tours depart from the Guana Preserve, located on A1A between St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach. For more information, call 904.347.1565.



Saturday: March 12


ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
Get your Celtic Saturday off to an early start with an exciting and colorful St. Patrick's Day Parade through the streets of historic St. Augustine. Part of the Celtic Music and Arts Festival, the parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the corner of King and Cordova Streets, head east to Avenida Menendez, then north to Orange where it will travel west to Cordova and then south to King. For more information, call 904.825.1004.


MENORCAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION
Come learn about this unique cultural heritage found in St. Augustine. The Menorcan Heritage Society will hold their annual celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the historic Llambias House, located at 31 St. Francis Street in St. Augustine. There will be demonstrations of mullet net making, dance performances, and story telling by Menorcan descendents. There will be t-shirts books and foods for sale. Admission is free. For more information call 904. 826.3388.

WASHINGTON OAKS GARDENS PLANT SALE & CITRUS SHOWCASE
 Join the Friends of Washington Oaks for their 2nd Saturday Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Choose from citrus plants for the patio/lanai, Valentine's plants for your sweetheart and many other varieties. A portion of the plants for sale were propagated and grown right there in the park by volunteers. All proceeds benefit the park for enhancement of current and new facilities. Admission is $5 per vehicle and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. For more information, call 386.446.6783, or email Washington.Oaks.Gardens@dep.state.fl.us.

3rd ANNUAL PONTE VEDRA BEACH PLANT FESTIVAL
Welcome spring at this fun event where you can entertain the kids and purchase a variety of plants for your spring planting. Activities include hands-on children's garden corner, a bounce house, a Master Gardner clinic and plenty of food crafters and plants for purchase. The Plant Festival takes place at THE PLAYERS General Lot, 5430 Palm Valley Road in Ponte Vedra Beach, ¼ mile west of A1A on CR 210. For more information, contact the Ponte Vedra Chamber of Commerce, 904.517.3493.


DOO-WOP MUSICAL SALUTE
Experience an exciting musical salute to The Platters, The Coasters, The Drifters and the Temptations at Fort Menendez at Old Florida Museum. Performed by Myles Savage, former lead singer from The Platters, this salute features the all-time classic songs of these immortal groups. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 (limited time, buy one-get one free!) Reservations are required. To purchase tickets, call Fort Menendez at Old Florida Museum at 904-824-8874 or visit www.oldfloridamuseum.com for more information. Fort Menendez is located at 259 San Marco Avenue St Augustine, Florida.


Sunday: March 13

FESTIVAL OF THE MUSES
Women's History Month is recognized with a special presentation by the Tale Tellers of the St. Augustine and a performance by the Cyprian Center for Expressive Arts' Songs in Sign Ensemble - plus award presentations by e Outstanding Women in the Arts. The event is from 4-6 p.m. at the Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Avenue, in St. Augustine. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. For info contact the St. Johns Cultural Council at 904-471-9980 or visit: http://www.stjohnsculture.com/.