National Poetry Month

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O, Miami continues with poetry related events every day of April. Tonight's offering is another collaboration between poet Anne Carson, choreographer Jonah Bokaer, and sculptor Peter Cole. The project challenges traditional expectations of what a dance, text, or sculpture can be. Stacks was created from an original text by award-winning writer Anne Carson, who performs live at each presentation of the piece. Stacks will be performed in the Moore Building in Miami. For more information visit www.omiami.org.
Rosa Mexicano South Beach Hosts a Party
Rosa Mexicano South Beach recently opened on Lincoln Road across from Regal Cinema. The new contemporary Mexican eatery hosted a Fiesta de Inauguración offering guests a taste of its delicious cuisine and wonderful drink specialties. Rosa Mexicano South Beach has a modern decor with projected butterflies on the walls. The guests enjoyed complimentary authentic Mexican appetizers created by corporate chef Christian Plotczyk, regional executive chef David Sloane, and executive chef James Cawley, as well as Rosa Mexicano drink specialties, signature guacamole, along with tasty margaritas and handcrafted cocktails. Rosa Mexicano South Beach is a wonderful addition to Lincoln Road.


The 6th Annual Sicilian Film Festival of Miami Beach Opens Tomorrow
The 6th Annual Sicilian Film Festival of Miami Beach (April 6-13) opens tomorrow at the Miami Beach Cinematheque at its new location in the Historic City Hall of Miami Beach. The Sicilian Film Festival will have a Pre-Opening Kick-Off and Press Party as well as the opening of Roberto Granata's photography exhibition. Granata, a Sicilian photographer based in Hollywood, will exhibit his portraits of movie stars. The Exhibition and Pre-Opening Event will be held at Etra Fine Art (50 NE 40th St., Miami). The Film Festival's Opening Ceremony is on Thursday night with the feature film L’imbroglio del lenzuolo (The Trick In The Sheet) by Alfonso Arau with Mariagrazia Cucinotta and Geraldine Chaplin at the Miami Beach Cinematheque (1130 Washington Ave., Miami). For more information visit www.sicilianfilmfestival.com.
MINDA LARSEN PERFORMED ‘HOW TO FIND TRUE LOVE ON A CRUISE SHIP’ IN LOCAL HOME IN MIAMI TO A FULL HOUSE
After making her successful NYC cabaret debut at Don’t Tell Mama in New York City’s Theatre District, Minda Larsen is bringing her hit show, “How to Find True Love on a Cruise Ship,” a new, self-written and directed musical cabaret to Miami. Take a trip with Minda as she hilariously recounts her years as a cruise ship singer, through her world travels, the clichéd music, the sequined costumes, and the love affair with a Russian dancer! Prepare to be transported an on emotionally honest and hysterical voyage around the world, as Minda examines the “ups” (steamy love affair) and “downs” (singing the Macarena every night) of being a cruise ship singer.

The Funky Buddha
Are
you a musician, poet, or comedian looking for a place to try out
your material in a fun, laid-back atmosphere? Or maybe you’re just
looking for something a little new and different? Then check out
the Funky Buddha in Boca Raton.
This little club – decorated with warm, earthy colors and artwork
created by local artists - is reminiscent of the Bohemian coffee
houses that were popular in the 1960s in New York’s Greenwich
Village, or Harvard Square in Cambridge, Mass. - which makes it
that much more delightful (especially for us Northerners!).
In an age where so many things are impersonal techno, bright
lights, and robotic, The Funky...
Edith Piaf a Contemporary Ballet Drama
March 30, 2011 at Aventura Arts & Cultural Center
Tomas Mazuch choreographed a modern ballet telling the story of Edith Piaf. The dance drama shows her humble beginnings, her climb to fame and the tragedy she had to endure. Silvia Pilar sings Edith’s music while the cast of 10 dance.
Miami Beach Cinematheque Grand Opening
Sunday, Jan. 27
The sold-out audience packed the new Miami Beach Cinematheque for a combined grand opening and Oscar Night viewing party on Sunday, Sept. 27. This was a fundraising event, and movie-goers enjoyed appetizers as they admired the theater’s velvet chairs, handmade wrought-iron trim, freshly painted walls, and the sconces that bear the cinema’s logo. It’s been awhile since the cinema closed its doors on Espanola Way, but the pleased patrons seemed to agree that it was worth it.

South Beach Wine & Food Festival (February 24-27)
The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival was the place to be for foodies and those who just love to eat and drink this past weekend. There were four days of star-studded events that included the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities. South Beach's beach was covered with tents for the event. The four-day event ended with the popular two-day American Express Grand Tasting Village (two-tents and a fairway filled with food, wine, cooking demonstrations, and product displays). I spent three hours wandering through...
Miguel Paredes Unveils Mural
Artist Miguel Paredes unveiled his beautiful mural of the New York Hotel & the Senator on Wednesday, March 2 at the Art Deco Welcome Center. The VIP event was also an exhibition of Miguel's current work. Mayor Mattie Bower and Vice-Mayor Michael Gongora presented Miguel with a proclamation from the City of Miami Beach proclaiming March 2 as Miguel Paredes Day. If you haven't visited the renovated Art Deco Welcome Center, you should drop by and view the mural and browse the Art Deco Gift Shop.

What a Night with the Jersey Boys
An enthusiastic crowd left the Arsht Center last night (March 4) feeling a little happier as they had just seen the Broadway smash hit, Jersey Boys, which had its Press Opening Night. The Tony Award-winning musical was a fast-paced energetic show filled with the hits of the legendary group known as the Four Seasons. The show has received raves and they were indeed well founded. The audience screamed and cheered throughout the show - jumping to their feet as soon as the show ended. Joseph Leo Bwarie, who played Frankie Valli, had the voice of an angel and the rest of the cast, many playing multiple roles, all gave solid performances. Fans of the Four Seasons should not miss this show.

Pioneer Winter's Phallussy at Miami Made
Miami Made continues its three-day series of performances (all single performances are free). Today (March 5) at 3 p.m. I saw a performance of Phallussy by Pioneer Winter's Dance Company. Pioneer is a young up-and-coming dancer/choreographer who is not afraid to address controversial subjects. His works are filled with shades of homoerotica. Pioneer is definitely a dancer/choreographer to watch. The evening performances have been attracting standing-room-only houses so arrive early for tickets. Miami Made continues through Sunday at the Adrienne Arsht Center.
Sunday's Schedule:


Miami Beach Cinematheque Opens in Historic City Hall
Miami Beach Cinematheque, formerly located on Espanola Way, has opened its gorgeous new theatre in Old City Hall. The Cinematheque had a Grand Opening Oscar Party and now has announced their upcoming schedule. The new Cinematheque has a beautiful theatre and a gallery that is now exhibiting “Frank Worth: Hollywood Legends” until March 29.
March, April, May “MBC Great Director”:
“CHAPLIN Restored!”
WITH AN MBC ARCHIVE EXHIBITION of VINTAGE CHAPLIN MEMORABILIA
The beautifully restored films of Charlie Chaplin, available in high definition digital format for the first time, from JANUS films, in cooperation with MK2, the Chaplin Estate, and Emerging Pictures
March 05 to May 31.
Miami Beach Cinematheque is located at 1130 Washington Ave, South Side Ground Floor of Historic City Hall. For information visit www.mbcinema.com.
Champion of the Arts 2011 Luncheon
CIA held its annual Champion of the Arts Luncheon at the Fontainebleau Hotel in the Fleur de Lis Ballroom this afternoon (March 8). This luncheon is one of the prime fundraisers for the the volunteer arts organization which has raised over $700,000 in the past 12 years. Judy Drucker was presented with the 2011 Champion of the Arts Award. Angels that were honored included Mark J. Gordon, Flois Cohen Landau, Dr. Blaise Mercadante, Sookey & Robert Schwartz, and Florence & Robert Werner. Performances included Judy Scott Lotwin singing "God Bless America," Chelsea Lee singing hits from Broadway shows and classical pianist Luis Urbina.
Superior Donuts Opens Tonight at GableStage
The new comedy/drama, Superior Donuts, opens tonight (March 12) at GableStage at the Biltmore. The play, written by Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tracy Letts and directed by Joseph Adler, follows the story of an offbeat friendship between a cantankerous white shop owner and an ambitious black teenager with something to hide. Set in an old Chicago neighborhood, the local donut shop becomes the setting for old secrets, new beginnings and the redemptive power of friendship. Superior Donuts runs through April 10. GableStage is located at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue in Coral Gables. For info call 305.445.119 or visit www.GableStage.org.

Tomorrow (March 17) is St. Patrick Day. Meet Sarah Packiam - an Irish born lassie. I heard Sarah several weeks ago at Ed Bell’s "South Florida's Art Beat" program at WLRN. Her songs and voice are beguiling.
Miss Packiam was born to an Irish mother and Indian father. Dad was a traveling musician. Both her parent’s cultural backgrounds influenced her musical sensibilities. This can be detected in her musical arrangements and instrumentation. She combines the mandolin with traditional Irish instruments and Indian tablas to create her catchy alternative/pop melodies.
Sarah began writing songs at the age of 12. The following...
Catwalk Confidential: A Show for Fashionistas
Catwalk Confidential, a one-woman show, opened last night (March 17) in the Carnival Studio Theatre of the Arsht Center. Former model Robyn Peterson shares her comedic story of her rise to fame in the fashion world. Last night's performance was filled with fashionistas and former models. The audience, mainly women, yelled and cheered as Robyn told her hilarious story, taking on the persona of the many wacky characters including her mother. Catwalk Confidential runs thru March 20 at the Arsht Center.
Filmmaker Brett Ratner Visits Miami Beach Cinematheque
This past weekend (according to a press release from the folks at Tara INK), Hollywood filmmaker and music video producer Brett Ratner visited South Beach’s new Miami Beach Cinematheque as he was a surprise guest speaker at the cinematheque’s Canon Filmmakers event. According to MBC Founder Dana Keith, Ratner thought MBC’s new home was “amazing” and could not stop raving about what an exciting cultural addition this was to the City of Miami Beach. Keith also revealed that a photography exhibition featuring Ratner’s work is currently in the planning stages and will soon be on display at MBC.
The new Miami Beach Cinematheque is located inside the Historic Miami Beach City Hall - 1130 Washington Ave, Miami Beach 33139.
Editor's Note: If you haven't visited the new Miami Beach Cinematheque then you must treat yourself to the luxury of this beautiful new art theatre.