Damian Marley is carrying his father’s torch admirably. The title track on his latest album, “Welcome to Jamrock,” became the rarest of things, a politically astute urban hit that set the charts ablaze in late 2005. He recently scooped up two Grammys for his efforts, for Best Reggae Album and…
Mary Wilson grew up in Detroit’s gritty Brewster housing projects. But thanks to the rough honey of her voice, she escaped her humble beginnings. Wilson went on to become an original member of the Supremes — the Motown group that inspired a legion of imitators, from the Bangles to Destiny’s…
The lush, womanly curves. The glossy, ebony locks. Those famous violet eyes. Elizabeth Taylor’s beauty helped her become Hollywood royalty, a legend from the golden era of film. To Kendall Natvig, she’s the most beautiful woman in the world. Over the past 30 years, he has amassed a collection of…
During the early, balmy months of the year, festivals in Miami are a dime a dozen. Culinary feasts, film screenings, and alfresco art exhibitions spring up everywhere from Pinecrest to Aventura. Among the highlights of festival season is the inimitable Coconut Grove Arts Festival. For 43 years this outdoor fete…
Film director John Waters shocked audiences with his controversial Pink Flamingos and Desperate Living, and established a unique cinematic voice in the process. He used that voice to its greatest advantage when he created Hairspray, the 1988 feel good flick that won the pencil mustached movie man his greatest success…
Kyra White’s love for tea is infectious. In addition to owning the tranquil tea shop Théine (119 Madeira Ave., Coral Gables), where she serves the freshest and most delicious brews from around the world, White is taking the beverage’s healing power to the masses. “You need to know where tea…
Do you need a hiatus from hip-hop? Are you sick of salsa? Repulsed by reggaeton? If you’re seeking respite from the same old party scene, try a taste of the Far East and enjoy an escapist experience at the Mandarin Oriental. The seasonal weekly bash Barefoot at the Oasis has…
Kaye Gibbons has lived the novelist’s dream. Twenty years ago her debut novel, Ellen Foster, took the literary world by storm, winning her numerous prizes, French knighthood, and praise from the likes of Eudora Welty. Gibbons is only 46 years old, but she has already published seven best selling novels,…
Florists’ carts are overflowing with bundles of red roses; Hallmark stores are stocked with oversize cards and pink teddy bears; and almost every song on the radio is a shout out to a special someone. Yes, Valentine’s Day is here, bringing with it the crushing weight of romantic expectation. Married,…
Ernesto Perez-Carillo, Jr.’s memories of Cuba are steeped in smoke and stained with tobacco. “I left when I was seven. I was so impressed by my dad’s tobacco farms; we used to go there every weekend. His factory was one of the best-known in Cuba,” Perez-Carillo reminisces. Today he proudly…
In the era of plantations, African slaves were given paltry provisions of cornmeal, molasses, beans, and meat. To supplement these meager rations, some slaves tended their own gardens, harvesting vegetables and medicinal herbs by moonlight. To celebrate Black History Month, the Center for Emerging Art will showcase Avant Garden: An…
Vegetarians planning to attend this year’s Florida Keys Chili Cookoff should probably bring a picnic basket. According to the International Chili Society’s regulations, beans and pasta are not allowed in this spicy stew contest. For carnivores, today’s event will offer piquant gastronomic delights. Professional chefs will compete in a separate…
Despite the great weather and verdant scenery, Miami is about to become a slightly less awesome city. The rising indie rock band Awesome New Republic is moving to New York in search of greener musical pastures. “There’s a huge pool of amazing musicians available to us there. We’re recording a…
Every weekend for the past decade, Gardner’s Markets has invited farmers from the southernmost areas of the county to sell their bounty of fresh fruits and flowers. To celebrate ten years of good food and the perseverance of local farmers in spite of agricultural adversity, Gardner’s Markets proudly presents the…
Many people move to Miami for the weather. Our climate is like that of a tropical island; when it isn’t hot and sunny, it’s stormy. Although this fair state feels the vicissitudes of daylight saving time, the other effects of climactic change typically don’t disturb the Magic City. Which is…
Impressionists such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir found inspiration in the countryside. Andy Warhol and members of the Pop Art movement subverted celebrity and product images to create a witty homage to a consumerist society. What’s left to inspire artists today? Billboards dotting a sprawling cityscape; advertising images monopolizing…
The sounds of Black History Month are diverse and historic. The groaning pains of the blues, the creative melodies of jazz, and the inspired vocals of gospel music are all given due respect in this fleeting period of ethnic homage. And this year the Miami Dade Public Library system is…
In the glory days of hip-hop, dance formed an integral part of the culture. Nobody can forget the early days of break dancing or the synchronized moves of Kid ’N Play. Hip hop music has since evolved, and rappers like Fat Joe have been instructing crowds just to “lean back.”…
Most folks head to Aventura Mall to pick up something snazzy at Bloomingdale’s, Sephora, or Donald J. Pliner. Today, after you fill your bags with upscale goods, don’t forget to bring home some fresh produce from the indoor farmers’ market. The weekly seasonal sale has been going strong for about…
The pastime of antique toy collecting can be divided into two distinct periods: before eBay and after eBay. Before the online auction site made its debut in 1995, folks who were seeking die cast cars or Disney collectibles roamed annual exhibitions for rare finds. A quarter century ago, when Steve…
The booming rhythm of reggaeton has become an undeniable part of Miami’s soundtrack. Listen closely and you’ll hear Daddy Yankee, Bimbo, or Luny Tunes bubbling out of speakers all over town. And the artists of Alo Cubano Studios are ready for a slice of the action. Seven up and coming…
Perhaps David and Marian Fairchild whiled away cherished weekend hours like this, admiring the lush scenery of their self created Eden over cups of sweet, milky tea and miniature pastries. Re create the elegant past and make dainty with afternoon tea at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Enjoy tea, scones, and…
