Thursday, February 11
Over the years, it has become pretty much impossible to say the words "women aren't funny" — regardless of plenty of boring, unfunny men trying hard to do so. Miami's Villain Theater proves women comics are seriously hilarious, which is why they are part of the Saturday Gigantic lineup every week.
But because it's a special holiday week, this Thursday for a Valentine's Day celebration, Villain Theater and Women in Comedy will present A Love Letter to Myself. The show is devoted to showcasing women in comedy and exploring what it means to love oneself as a woman in 2016. The event is more reminiscent of Parks and Recreation's "Galentine's Day" than the Hallmark-sappy holiday.
The night kicks off with free speed networking at 6:30 p.m. (it's like dating, but for businesses). Guests can expand their network of funny women who share an interest in professional comedy. Then the evening slides into an all-female comedy show at 8:30. The material ranges from self-addressed love letters to all kinds of comedic performances by an all-female cast for all audiences to enjoy. That's right: Even though ladies are the focus, men can head to Villain Theater at MADE at the Citadel (8325 NE Second Ave., Miami) Thursday and have a great time too. Tickets cost $12. Visit villaintheater.com.
As Wynwood continues its transition from burgeoning arts neighborhood into a paint-covered landmark, Art Wynwood is about to launch its sixth-annual fair. This year's installment comes after a tepid response from collectors at Art Basel Miami Beach 2015 and lackluster sales reported at large. It's not so much that Miami's local art scene is shrinking; rather, there's been a small blip in what has otherwise been a match made in heaven: the Magic City and art sales.
Yet the organizers of Art Wynwood remain unperturbed, and with new and returning galleries lined up to showcase their best and brightest work, it promises to stun. Fair director Grela Orihuela explains, "Miami is a cultural destination — with the private collections, collector base, museums, and the international equity that's been built with Art Week [in December], it was only natural to pursue a standalone fair that signified a true evolution for Miami and the Midtown/Wynwood Arts District.
The five-day art fair takes place Thursday through Monday in Wynwood at the Context Art Miami Pavilion (2901 NE First Ave., Miami). Tickets start at $25 for a single day pass. Visit their website artwynwood.com.
Break out your sunscreen and Top-Siders. The Miami International Boat Show is back and hoping to be bigger than ever this Presidents' Day weekend. Organizers estimate 100,000 visitors will descend upon the show for its 75th year, bringing with them a healthy $83 million injection into the local economy — and one of the grandest displays of watercraft you've ever seen.
Sponsored by Progressive Insurance, the Miami Boat Show is not just for boating enthusiasts and the
This weekend's show has been quite a journey for organizers. In May of last year, environmental groups petitioned for the show not to be allowed to relocate to Miami Marine Stadium. One major complaint, according to the South Florida Business Journal, was the use of temporary docks, which can negatively impact endangered wildlife.
The permit was later approved, and — voilà — the show will go on at 10 a.m. this Thursday and run through Monday at Miami Marine Stadium (3501 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne). Tickets cost $20 to $85, and kids 15 and younger get in free. Visit miamiboatshow.com.
Friday, February 12
Are you a closeted craft beer virgin? If you've been too afraid to stray from your domestic partners Bud and Miller, J. Wakefield Brewing has the perfect night planned for you. Dive into the vast world of breweries, one bottle at a time.
One night ahead of its first-anniversary celebration, Wakestock 2016 — a day of peace, love, and countless local and out-of-state brewery appearances held at GastroPod — J. Wakefield Brewing invites beer enthusiasts of all breeds to Dr. Bill & John's Excellent Bottle Share. Longtime beer figure Bill Sysak, AKA Dr. Bill, will bring his 30 years of experience in the craft beer community to Wynwood for a night of unique tastings. The evening will highlight more than 60 rare and exclusive bottles handpicked by the pairing master and JWB founder Jonathan Wakefield from the brewery owner's private cellar.
Dr. Bill & John's Excellent Bottle Share will take place Friday from 8 to 11 p.m. at J. Wakefield Brewing (120 NW 24th St., Wynwood) and costs $50. Tickets include beer tastings, light bites, a specialty tasting snifter, and a meet-and-greet with Sysak and Wakefield. Wakestock 2016 kicks off at noon Saturday at GastroPod (160 NW 26th St., Miami) and costs $10. Call 786-254-7779 or visit jwakefieldbrewing.com.
Before Sunday's
The Latin Jazz All-Stars concert takes place at Tropical Park (7900 Bird Rd., Miami) this Friday at 8 p.m. Admission and parking
Saturday, February 13
Few musicians stay in the game as long as Latin rulers Gilberto Santa Rosa and Willy Chirino. Known as "El Caballero de la Salsa" ("The Gentleman of Salsa"), Puerto Rican-born Santa Rosa has been a prominent bandleader and salsa/bolero singer for decades. Since his solo debut in the 1980s, he has racked up awards and acclaim for his innate grasp of the traditional salsa sound. Despite those successful traditional efforts, Santa Rosa continued to evolve his music well into the 2000s with albums like Viceversa and Directo al Corazón, which won a Grammy for Tropical Album of the Year in 2006.
Holding an equally impressive place in the music industry, Cuban-American singer Willy Chirino is no stranger to Miami audiences. Chirino began his artistic career in Miami, releasing his first album in 1974 and has since recorded more than 20 albums, several of which have attained gold and platinum status. In 2006, his album Son del Alma won a Grammy for Best Salsa/Merengue Album.
Locals (and photo-snapping tourists) have probably passed by his star on the Calle Ocho Walk of Fame too. Latin-music lovers will get to experience both greats at their tour stop this Saturday at 8 p.m. at the James L. Knight Center (400 SE Second Ave., Miami). Tickets cost $45 to $225. Call 305-416-5978 or visit jlkc.com.
Seeing strangers wearing next to nothing is not an unusual occurrence in Miami. Brazilian bikinis and banana hammocks are common sights on an average afternoon walk along South Beach.
But running in your undies is another experience altogether, and that's the genius of Cupid's Undie Run. Just before Valentine's Day, you can join a few hundred strangers baring it all as you bounce around Wynwood. Think of it as a fun run/panty party. You can hit the streets solo or create a team (matching themed g-strings, anyone?). The race isn't solely salacious entertainment; the nudity has a higher purpose, benefiting the Children's Tumor Foundation. Last year's event, which occurs nationwide, raised a cool $3.5 million. After the race, if you raise more than $250, an open bar will await you.
Slap on your cleanest, cutest underclothes and give Cupid a run for his money — all for an excellent cause.
The party starts at noon Saturday, and the run begins at 2 p.m. at Mana Wynwood (2250 NW Second Ave., Miami). Registration costs $55. Visit cupidsundierun.com.
For the second year in a row, the Coconut Grove Arts Festival (CGAF) has partnered with Miami New Times, which will once again take over the main stage to present live entertainment for the three-day fest. CGAF president Monty Trainer and New Times publisher Adam Simon confirmed the partnership last month. "Each year, we like to introduce elements
Aside from the music showcase and in true CGAF fashion, more than 360 artists will show their works — from paintings to jewelry to patio decor, you name it and you're likely to find it for sale in one of the white tents set up along McFarlane Road. Plus, there will also be food from plenty of vendors.
The music lineup is an exciting one, with notable acts such as the London Souls, the Nth Power, and the Deaf Poets headlining the series.
The 53rd-annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival takes place Saturday through Monday at Peacock Park (2820 McFarlane Rd., Miami). Tickets start at $15 for a one-day pass. Visit cgaf.com.
Sunday, February 14
Yes, literally. Go fly a kite on Valentine's Day. It's an activity that works equally well for singles, couples, and families. Kite Day returns to Haulover Beach Park for its 24th edition. Enthusiasts and novices alike will unite and turn their eyes to the sky while flying everything from paper kites made onsite to enormous famous fliers. Fan favorites include the 150-foot rainbow, 100-foot squid, 30-foot scuba diver, 30-foot Nemo fish, and others that make appearances during the festival every year.
Additionally, more than a dozen food vendors will sling goodness, and Miami Country Day School's rock ensemble — 21 Hearts, 1 Beat — will perform. For those with a competitive spirit, Kite Day also features a number of contests with prizes awarded to those with the highest-flying kite, most unusual design, best homemade flier, and other superlatives.
The 24th-annual Kite Day — copresented by Skyward Kites and the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Department — takes place at Haulover Beach Park (10800 Collins Ave., Miami) this Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free; parking costs $7. Call 305-893-0906 or visit skywardkites.com.
Wednesday, February 17
Capturing the real identity of Miami remains a constant source of inspiration for many local artists — perhaps because the city is so often portrayed by the most basic and tired set of descriptors. Well aware that our city is more than beaches and partying, visual artist and faculty member of the Honors College at Florida International University, John William Bailly, offers a look at the city from a historical and environmental perspective. Titled "10,000 Years of Miami," Bailly's exhibition features paintings depicting natural elements as well as transatlantic cultural commonalities, which he completed as the Deering Estate's artist-in-residence. The artistic imagery is based directly on Bailly's field research at
The public is invited to a free reception for the exhibition Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Deering Estate at Cutler (16701 SW 72nd Ave., Palmetto Bay). Call 305-235-1668 or visit deeringestate.com.
