The beautiful, romantic ivy-covered Hotel Place St. Michel (162 Alcazar Ave., Coral Gables) will make a wonderful venue for tonight's Freedom of Expression art show. Admirers of creativity will be enthralled by the artwork of Angela Alvarez, Mauricio Gonzales, and Rafael Manresa, among others. Be on the lookout for special paintings by Tali Almog. While you groove to the live music from Melina Almodovar and Codigo 3, drink your fill of complimentary vodka or wine from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free. Call 305-446-6572. (PEGY)
FRI 1
In 2003, Anne Bancroft complained to an interviewer: "I am quite surprised that with all my work -- and some of it is very, very good -- that nobody talks about The Miracle Worker. We're talking about Mrs. Robinson. I understand the world. I'm just a little dismayed that people aren't beyond it yet." Although Bancroft won the 1962 best actress Oscar for her role as Helen Keller's teacher, the character with which everyone associates her was anything but nurturing. The Graduate made an indelible impact on film history. Dustin Hoffman's unforgettable line, "Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me" was ranked number 63 on the AFI's 100 Years ... 100 Movie Quotes countdown. But Anne Bancroft's legacy goes far beyond her come-hither role: She received accolades for her work alongside golden era Hollywood stars like Susan Hayward, Victor Mature, and Marilyn Monroe; garnered five Oscar nominations; and suggested that her husband, Mel Brooks, make his movie, The Producers, into a stage musical. She also appeared in his kooky comedies, including Dracula: Dead and Loving It and Silent Movie. Anne Bancroft succumbed to cancer Monday, June 6. Tonight at 8:30, fans can see her at her provocative best in The Graduate at the Miami Beach Cinematheque, 512 Española Way, Miami Beach. Tickets cost ten dollars. Call 305-673-4567, or visit www.mbcinema.com. (PEGY)
SAT 2
You know all of those summer lovin' scenes you see in teen movies and TV shows, where couples finally overcome the forces keeping them apart and they end up together on a Ferris wheel, beneath a shower of perfectly timed fireworks? Well, this weekend you can make your own movie magic at the all-new North Miami Carnival. The City of North Miami has joined forces with its local homeowners associations, nonprofit organizations, and Hildebrand Rides to present a fun-filled (and possibly romantic) weekend of rides, games, and live entertainment. The festival opens at 6:00 Friday evening and runs through Monday night at North Miami Athletic Stadium (2555 NE 151st St.). And like most summer flings, the dizzying rides and cotton candy kisses will come to an end with a stunning fireworks display. Admission is free. Daily unlimited ride tickets cost $15 in advance, $20 at the fair. Call 305-893-6511, ext. 2260, or visit www.northmiamifl.gov. (LO)
SUN 3
We have to confess: We love MAC Pro (650 Collins Ave., Miami Beach), the South Beach candy shop for makeup artists, girlie girls, and Depeche Mode-loving boys who aren't afraid to wear eyeliner. But beyond the cornucopia of colorful eye shadows, liners, and lipsticks is a company that cares about people living with HIV and AIDS. Since 1994, the MAC AIDS Fund has supported nonprofit organizations and programs, such as Kids Helping Kids, that provide food, clothing, housing, social services, health care, and recreational diversions to people living with the disease. Tonight MAC Pro South Beach and Mynt Lounge (1921 Collins Ave., Miami Beach) are hosting a fabulous party and silent auction to raise money and awareness. Party with a purpose as you enjoy complimentary cocktails, snack on dim sum provided by Miss Yip's Chinese Café, and place your bids on an array of donated items and services. All funds raised will stay right here in our community. Get yourself dolled up and head to Mynt starting at 8:00. The auction runs until midnight. Admission is a $20 donation. Call 305-604-9040, or visit www.macaidsfund.org. (LO)
MON 4
Woo hoo! It's the Fourth of July. If you decide to set your lame-ass fireworks off in the street, you'll annoy your neighbors and run the risk of being that one stupid, sad person on the news who accidentally blew off his hand with an M-80. Leave the fireworks to the experts and head out to your friendly neighborhood park for some community Independence Day fun. In South Miami the celebration goes down at Palmer Park (6100 SW 67th Ave., Miami). This evening beginning at 6:00, you can enjoy live music by The Gary King Band, Brooks Reid and the Sonikats, and Viva, and the kids can get their faces painted and play games. Call 305-663-6319. If you live in Homestead, head over to the Homestead Sports Complex (1601 SE 28 Ave., Homestead). Be there at 6:45 p.m. for performances by Vegas Elvis impersonator Chris MacDonald, as well as Gary Camblin and Recess. Challenge yourself by taking on the rock-climbing wall and obstacle course, and gaze admiringly at the antique car show. Call 305-224-4570. In both cities, the spectacular fireworks displays will begin at 9:00 p.m., and admission is free. (PEGY)
TUE 5
You've probably driven past the 94th Aero Squadron (1395 NW 57th Ave., Miami). It's that sprawling, rustic establishment nestled between the Dolphin Expressway and the runway at Miami International Airport. You know, the one with the cool antique airplane on the front lawn. Venture across the quaint bridge and you'll discover a delightful eatery with an amazing view of a much more impressive kind of Miami traffic. Tonight the restaurant hosts its weekly disco night. The glittering lights of the landing jets will add to the evening's sparkle. Strap on your platform shoes and catch the boogie fever at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free. Call 305-261-4220. (PEGY)
WED 6
The Bon Vivant Summer Series, which partners culinary masters with distinguished vineyards every month until September, is in full swing at Carmen the Restaurant (700 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables). Tonight award-winning chef Carmen Gonzalez welcomes chef Rand Packer of Roy's Restaurant in Tampa and Napa Valley's Franciscan vineyard. Gonzalez's Puerto Rican roots will commingle with Packer's Asian inspiration for a delectable fusion of palate-tingling delights. Cocktails are served at 7:00, and dinner seating begins at 8:00. The reception and four-course meal costs $65, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required. Call 305-913-1944, or visit www.carmentherestaurant.com. (LO)
By Lyssa Oberkreser and Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik
