Frost Art Museum Target Wednesdays: After Hours

Target has teamed up with the Frost Art Museum to sponsor the museum’s popular educational series Wednesday After Hours. Designed to complement Frost exhibitions, the events gives visitors the chance to engage with the contemporary and confront the controversial with art, live music, talks, films, dance performances, poetry slams and performance art.

Target Wednesday After Hours provide an excellent opportunity to meet and socialize with other people interested in the arts while learning more about the museum, exhibitions and artists.

The events are free and open to the public and take place from 7pm – 9pm one Wednesday each month. For more information please contact the Education Department at 305.348.6963.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 from 6pm-9pm
Target Wednesday After Hours:
The Miami Paintings, Geoffrey Olsen, exhibition opening reception and theIsadora Duncan Dance Ensemble.
Geoffrey Olsen, exhibition opening reception and the Isadora Duncan Dance Ensemble. Geoffrey Olsen was the graduate director and senior painting professor in the Department of Art and Art History until his passing in 2008. This exhibition is a retrospective of his works, inspired by the landscape and legends of his homeland of Great Britain. Isadora Duncan Dance Ensemble, the Miami-based company which is the fifth generation to perpetuate Isadora’s legacy as the mother of Modern Dance. Target Wednesday After Hours are free and open to the public and take place from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. one Wednesday each month. For more information please contact the Education Department at 305.348.6963.

Geoffrey Olsen
September 2, 2009-October 4, 2009
Geoffrey Olsen was one of the most original painters to come from the Welsh valleys. His paintings are characterized by a bold, free-flowing use of oil paint in layers, and his work builds on the natural forms of his native post-industrial Merthyr Tydfil, on the Cotswolds escarpments of his home in England, and on the light and environment of Miami, where he lived for several years. Olsen's paintings excavate our past and re-present the world which we have marked.
Geoffrey Olsen was born in Merthyr Tydfil in 1943 and educated at Cyfarthfa Grammar School. He studied in Bristol, Newport and Cardiff, and at the Academy of Fine Art in Munich before teaching in Oxfordshire. In 1978 he joined Oxford Polytechnic (now Oxford Brookes University) where he lectured in art and design and became Principal Lecturer in the Visual Arts. From 1997 to 2001 he was Senior Lecturer in Fine Art. In 2002 he joined the faculty at FIU as Director of Graduate Studies. He passed away in December 2007.
This exhibition is a retrospective of his works, inspired by the landscape and legends of his homeland of Great Britain, and a tribute to his life and work.

Babasonicos at Kukaramakura!

Wolfsonian FIU- Free Friday Nights

FREE GALLERY ADMISSION ON FRIDAYS FROM 6-9PM
Free admission begins at 6pm. Join us for a guided tour at 6pm and innovative programming at 7pm. Galleries remain open until 9pm.

1001 Washington Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139

At the corner of 10th Street and Washington Avenue
Tel: 305.531.1001

Best Buddies Networking Event Tonight

Frost Art Museum: Family Day

Saturday Aug. 22, 2009 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Join us on Saturday, August 22, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for free museum tours and creative activities at The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum. Events include fun activities for families including mask-making, portraiture, face painting, creative games, music, light snacks, ChicBerry samples and much more. A special performance of The Prayer-Duet performed by Miss Lauren Cote, 16, and Mr. Joel Santana, 17, from The Roxy Theatre Group. The Prayer was made famous by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. Lauren and Joel have been singing together for three years and they have performed The Prayer at various showcases, performance competitions and for several non-profit organizations in the community. Lauren and Joey are very proud to represent The Roxy Theatre Group with this performance at The Frost Art Museum Family Day. The Roxy Theatre Group, a non-profit organization, offers classes in drama, voice and dance to children ages 3-17, with year-round programs including an after school care program and a performing arts summer camp. http://www.roxyperformingartscenter.com/ Also explore our new Kenan-Flagler Family Discovery Gallery ranked by Miami New Times as the "Best Place for Kids to Unleash Their Creativity." Frost Family Day is free and open to the public

Miami Music Festival...coming soon (December 2009)

This fell upon my lap today, and I really hope it turns into something quite fabulous.

It's a bit far away (December 2009) but it's never too early to be prepared!!!

If you know of any great local acts, I would urge you to let them know about this upcoming festival and to sign up!

http://www.miamimusicfestival.org/index.php

Three-day Showcase and Conference for Emerging Musicians Presented in Association with The Miami Herald, Miami-Dade County and City Groups Scheduled For
December 10-12, 2009.

Media and event producers In Tune Partners announced today that it will join with The Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, Miami.com and city and county government departments to present more than 600 performances by new and developing musical artists on 25 stages, and hold a music industry conference, this winter in the Brickell area of downtown Miami.

The event will be produced in cooperation with Yamaha Corporation of America, Broadjam.com, and Performing Rights Organizations ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and Sound Exchange. Sponsors interested in reaching entertainment oriented consumers and influencers should go to www.miamimusicfestival.org for more information.

Independent musicians and emerging artists on independent and major labels alike have increasingly used live and online showcasing to capture broad audiences of music fans, and events like the MMF have been successful at helping musical acts find audiences and distribution opportunities.

“The event is open to all artists and genres and will present rock, alternative and singer/songwriter acts, but will feature Latin, Urban, Caribbean and Jazz,” said In Tune CEO Irwin Kornfeld. “The live music scene in the Brickell area has really been heating up, and its cluster of venues is perfect for an event like this. The days following Art Basel, the biggest arts event in America, in early December is also a great time to visit Miami.”

Miami’s Transit Lounge owner, In Tune president and Chairman of the Miami-Dade Film and Entertainment Advisory Board William Edwards said, “The outpouring of support from venue owners, hotels, local colleges and universities, The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Miami Downtown Development Authority, and the Miami-Dade and City of Miami Cultural Affairs departments has been amazing. Music needs this festival, and Miami wants it here.”

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez said, “Miami has always been home to a diverse array of musical styles, artists and industries, and I’m looking forward to The Miami Music Festival welcoming a new generation of music makers to Dade County and the city of Miami.”

Conference speakers and Festival sponsors will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information, contact:
Woody Graber Woody Graber & Associates
woodygraber@hotmail.com 305-606-2979
or visit www.miamimusicfestival.org

Announcing The
Miami Music Festival & Conference
for Emerging Artists!

The Miami Music Festival

is the nation's newest showcase and conference for emerging musical acts. Independent artists, and those invited by record labels and showcase sponsors will perform on more than 25 stages in clubs, restaurants, tents and hotels in the Brickell area of downtown Miami on December 10 - 12, 2009. Although The Miami Music Festival will present artists performing all genres of music including Alternative and Pop, the festival will feature Latin, Urban, Caribbean and Jazz.

A two-day conference

at The Miami Convention Center featuring a variety of interactive sessions, master classes and keynote interviews is offered as well. Record label A&R executives, music publishing and touring executives, technology, media and marketing executives, radio program directors, film and TV music supervisors, advertising executives and other buyers of music will be on site to participate in the conference and to attend showcase performances.

Attendees will have the option to purchase either one-day or three-day wristbands,

which grant access to live performances during the festival. Conference badges grant holders admission to all MMF conference programming as well as preferred access to all MMF stages throughout the event.

Eat. Drink. Be Merry (and fat)

Is it me or are new restaurants/bars opening faster then I can even digest my dinner from last night?

Every day it seems I get an email about a new restaurant or bar, their menus look insane, the food pics tantalizing, pricing sometimes a little scary, but nonetheless, I star each and every one of these emails (I love Gmail stars!) so that I can make my way to trying these new places out.

How am I supposed to lose weight for that wedding?! How am I supposed to save for retirement? or a house? or a new car? or a fabulous vacation? or the new clothes my fat ass will be needing after gorging all over town?

(Bulimia and Stripping are not options..) Well, to quote a bumper sticker I saw in a cheesy souvenir shop: "Dear God, If you can't make me skinny, please make my friends fat!"

(The following posts below are new spots in town from Thrillist Miami, Daily Candy Miami, Rare Daily Miami, and Urban Daddy Miami)

There are many reasons to love downtown.
A multitude of rustic South American pubs isn't one of them.
Until now. Say hello to Botequim Carioca, your new authentic Brazilian tavern in downtown, samba-ing onto Biscayne Boulevard this week.

Botequim Carioca 900 Biscayne Blvd Miami, FL 33132 305-675-1876 official website

Drink: Sahri Lounge
Now open: 912 71st St; Normandy Isle, Miami Beach; no phone
Hidden on 71st Street in Normandy Isle, Sahri's your standard vaguely-Moroccan-themed neighborhood bar, with two well-lit pool tables (free on Mon), a lounge area in back, and a little upstairs parlor bumping house music on weekends. Happy hour's 5-9pm every night, ladies drink free 'til 1am on Mon, Wed's shot night (free shot of bartender's choice every 2 hours), and Thurs it's live jam sessions: they provide the amp and stage, you provide the instrument and lack of talent.

Eat: Not Miami Spice Prix Fixe at North 110 Restaurant
Fridays and Saturdays: 11052 Biscayne Blvd; 
North Miami; 305.893.4211
A $25 Fri/Sat prix fixe gets you apps like smoked salmon croquetas and entrees like grilled skirt steak w/ sautéed corn & pancetta, yucca-crusted salmon w/ black bean broth, roasted duck w/ Gorgonzola, or grilled chicken breast over penne w/ tomatoes & ricotta cheese. For dessert there are fresh berries, or a chocolate torte that's flourless -- how's that for torte reform?

Introducing I Love Sushi, a beachside sushi den just opened at the Chesterfield.
A small indoor/outdoor sushi bar, think of ILS as a sliver of sushi calm amid the storm that is South Beach. And yes, in case we weren't clear enough, there is sushi here—you'll have the option of everything from the proverbial spicy tuna to more complex sushi rolls like the Tropical (salmon and spicy mayo topped with mango and lemon slices). We should also mention that the vibe is a bit freewheeling, meaning that the table next to you will likely contain a couple of tanned sushi lovers wearing no more than bikinis and perhaps a thin mesh cover-up. Let us know if that's going to be a problem.

I Love Sushi at the Chesterfield Hotel 841 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-531-7169 official website

Mia At Biscayne

Now Open: 20 Biscayne Blvd, Downtown Miami: 305.642.0032

The ability to transform is awesome, like Jeff Goldblum turning into a fly, or tadpoles growing legs and maturing into something that looks like Jeff Goldblum. For a full-on resto that morphs into a full-on nightclub, duck into Mia On Biscayne.

Dig in to the menu and more pics at MiaAtBiscayne.com

Drink: Midtown Sports Bar and Lounge
Now open: 195 NW 36 St; Midtown Miami; 305.576.4424
Radiating a refurbished-dive feel, Midtown stacks the joint with two pool tables, air hockey, darts, free wifi, 3 TVs (more to come), dirt-cheap drinks like $1.75 domestic drafts (Amber Bock, Yuengling), $2.50 imports (Presidente, Stella), and $4.50 wells; bar eats include wings, burgers, and pork sandwiches, and there's a TV monitor at the barbroadcasting a live shot of the well-lit parking lot, so you can watch wayward clientele relieve themselves on your "SEXMCHNE" vanity plates, instead of just thinking you smell something every time you leave.

Eat A Lot: Kobe Club Re-Opens
Tues to Thurs, 7pm to 11pm; Fri and Sat, 7pm to 12am; 404 Washington Ave; South Beach; 305.534.2211
Re-opening just in time for Miami Spice, and running unheard-of $6 valet, Kobe's giving you a $35 three-course prix fixe of apps like Kobe beef tartare w/ fresh wasabi root, quail egg, and crostinis; iced hamachi w/ jalapeno, pineapple, & scallion; and American "Kobe" beef cheek ravioli in truffle broth, while entrees include pan-seared wild salmon w/ lobster dumplings & tarragon beurre blanc; roasted Kurobuta ‘black’ pork chop w/ Japanese chili-pepper apple sauce; and shaved black truffles over organic chicken that's been mustard-rubbed in the kitchen, which pretty much means you're the tugger, slugger.
For their full Spice menu go to ILoveMiamiSpice.com

Engulf: Michy's Fried Chicken Feast
Every Wed night Thru Sept: 6927 Biscayne Blvd; Miami; 305.759.2001
Super-lauded local chef Michelle Bernstein's starting up a face-stuffing Wednesday special: all-you-can-eat organic fried chicken that's been marinated 24hrs in buttermilk, fresh tarragon, Dijon mustard & celery seed and black pepper, endless biscuits 'n' gravy, coleslaw, watermelon Greek salad, and a slice of dark chocolate cream pie -- which, despite being delicious and chosen for the special, is still kind of bitter.
More on Michelle's talents at ChefMichelleBernstein.com

Eat: Charlotte Bistro
Now open for lunch and dinner: 264 Miracle Mile; Coral Gables; 305.443.3003
Plating delectables from a French-trained chef in a quaint yet airy setting, just-opened Charlotte offers starters like jumbo langoustine grilled and wrapped in crispy bacon, and pheasant w/ pistachios and pear slices in cardamom butter, entrees like pork tenderloin wrapped in coriander seeds & mashed Granny Smith apples w/ vermouth rose sauce, Maine lobster tail and ravioli in a broth of fine herbs & saffron, and an 8oz Black Angus center cut with choice of béarnaise sauce, or “Beurre Noisette”: a brown butter sauce w/ sweet spices, a Merlot reduction, and smashed carrots, who're apparently responsible for reducing all that Merlot.
See what Charlotte brings to the table at Charlotte-Bistro.com

Burger & Beer Joint

1766 Bay Rd; South Beach; 305.672.3287

The ideal girlfriend can accommodate your many man-moods, from sports-crazed enthusiasm, to besotted ravenousness, to I-want-to-blow-cash-on-bottles-ness, which is why you're currently dating three different bars. Settle down with one: Burger & Beer Joint.

Unlimited Steak at Flamma Brazilian Steakhouse

You love steak. You love Brazil. Make some time this weekend for your two loves at the just-opened Flamma Brazilian Steakhouse. For 40 clams, the rodizio-styled meat mecca will be serving up endless cuts of tender Filet Mignon, juicy Prime Rib and luscious Lamb Chops. Bring an appetite. Flamma Brazilian Steakhouse, 3913 Northeast 163 Street, North Miami Beach, (305) 957-9900, flammasteakhouse.com

Apple Restaurant and Lounge Debuts The sun, the beaches, the beautiful people. LA and Miami have a lot in common. And now they have a top-notch restaurant namedApple too. The Angeleno import cheffed by the talented Bryan Ogden has recently opened. Stop in for top-shelf cocktails and a hearty 22-ounce Bone-in-Ribeye (preview the menu). You can thank us later. Apple Restaurant and Lounge, 1437 Washington Avenue, South Beach, (305) 531-2600, applerestaurantlounge.com/miami

Happy Hour at Miami's Chophouse (formerly Manny's Steakhouse)

Join Dine Magazine at Miami's Chophouse (formerly Manny's) and enjoy a glass of Hawkes Wine and a selection of fabulous hors d'oeuvres. Miami's Chophouse brings you custom steaks from a professional crew, and the environment evokes that of the great steakhouses of New York and Chicago.

Stop by to experience this superb restaurant and you will soon realize why it was voted the Best Power Lunch by Miami New Times.

Cost is $10 and includes a glass of the award-winning Hawkes Wine and a selection of fabulous hors d'oeuvres including Steak Bites with Brandy Peppercorn Sauce, Hand Cut Chips, Mini Crab Cakes, Short Rib Sliders and Bruschetta.

Miami's Chophouse

300 Biscayne Blvd
Miami, FL 33131

The Weekend. 8/14-8/16

Mos Def presents

The Ecstatic Tour featuring
Mos Def and Jay Electronica

Produced by Garden Grown, Guerilla Union, AE District and Contagious Musiq

Saturday, August 15 @ 8PM
Knight Concert Hall

"There is no better lyricist (or deliverer of lyrics) in music. Not hip-hop. Music."
- ESQUIRE MAGAZINE

Teaming up with Jay Electronica, famed hip hop MC and actor Mos Def comes to the Adrienne Arsht Center stage with performances of classic tracks and new material from his album The Ecstatic.

From Daily Candy:

Radioboxer Performs
What: Discover the awesome garage band sounds of the local, female-fronted group.
Why: No soap Radioboxer.
When: Sat., 9 p.m.
Where: The Annex, 9911 NW 80th Ave., Hialeah. Free admission with R.S.V.P. tocontact@radiobrokemyheart.com.

DRINK
Crescendos Piano Bar
What: The new watering hole has plush seating, dim lighting, classic cocktails, and talent tickling the ivories.
Why: Get keyed in.
When: Sun.-Thurs., 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Fri. & Sat., 5 p.m.-4 a.m.
Where: 113 Lincoln Rd., South Beach (305-674-1787).

EAT
Charlotte Bistro Opens
What: The girly eatery (pink-patterned wallpaper, colorful mismatched chairs) serves traditional French fare like quiche with truffle-salt fries and crème brulee.
Why: Get caught in Charlotte’s web.
When: Mon. & Tues., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. & 6-10 p.m.; Wed.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. & 6-11 p.m.
Where: 264 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables (305-443-3003).

DONATE
Back to School Drive
What: Amigos for Kids requests backpacks, crayons, notebooks, and such for children in need.
Why: Be a teacher’s pet.
When: Thru Aug. 31. Mon-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where: 801 SW 3rd Ave., ste. 300.

From Rare Daily:

The Newport Hotel's Bikini Contest (and Free Beer)

Sizzling Augusts in Miami can only lead to one thing... a nice cool pool. And ice-cold beer, of course. Score both at The Newport Beachside Hotel's pool party this Sunday. Expect DJs, boat races, 3 1/2 foot high Beer Tubes, and the ever-popular bikini contest. Plus, mention RareDaily and your first drink is on them. Thanks Newport. The Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort, 16701 Collins Avenue, (305) 949-1300,newportbeachside.com

August 8th- Second Saturdays Art Walk

Design District

August 8th, Second Saturdays Art Walk

Opening of Identity by Karim Ghidinelli

Saturday, August 8, 2009
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Karim Ghidinelli will be showcasing his signature series of fingerprints on metal in a show entitled "Identity" on the August 8th Art + Design Night. Ghidinelli's paintings focus on the fingerprint with his personal reflections and sociopolitical commentary making up the actual print inscribed on the metal. His work has been well received in recent shows in Italy, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

The Buena Vista Building
180 NE 39 Street
Suite 120

To RSVP for the opening: rsvp@karimghidinelli.com

For viewing appointments or more information contact:
Adrienne C. McWilliams, (305) 213-1705 or appts@karimghidinelli.com

Art & Design Night

Saturday, August 8, 2009
7 PM - 10 PM

swampspace presents Victor Muñiz: Reconsidering R. Crumb and Keith Haring

Saturday, August 8, 2009
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

In his works, Muñiz acts as a kind of mediator between inspiration and his pen. His honest and organic work retraces the thin line between innocence and perversion as both elements are allowed to play side by side without guilt or regret, leaving the viewer with a giddy sense of spontaneity.

swampspace
3821 NE 1st Court

The Giving Tree

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5th @ THE VAGABOND Sweat Records + Circuitree present:

THE GIVING TREE!! Come out to this benefit show to raise funds to buy art supplies for inner city school kids. Featuring live performances by AFROBETA, JUNC OPS, STARLUND, OOO + JIAE HWANG, DJs CNTRL, PG-13 and ROMULO DEL CASTILLO, visual art by KENT HERNANDEZ, BHAKTI BAXTER + 131 PROJECTS plus baked goods by CADYCAKES!! $5 minimum suggested donation, doors at 9.30pm. 30 NE 14th St. Downtown

I really do love you Miami Spice

I really do love you Miami Spice!!!

Who cares if my bikini starts to creep up my ass, at least I'll be well fed!

Seems that there are enticing food offers everywhere these days...

Well...add Miami Spice back to your list...

Starting today and for the month of August and September, Miami’s top restaurants offer three-course meals (Lunch $22, Dinner $35).

It's hot, humid, muggy, hot, and hotter outside, and nothing better then quenching your thirst and that heat driven appetite with some fine cuisine at the participating restaurants.

For a list of the participating restaurants and their menus, click here.