Though our festival and performing arts season is drawing to an end, Apr. is jam-packed with all kinds of wonderful happenings for the entire family. There’s theater, music, workshops, lectures and a whole lot of fun for everyone.
Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens presents Marlow Rosado, 2013 Grammy Award winner, Saturday, April 13, 8 p.m. — “Channels the Spirit of the great salseros with a modern edge,” says Fania Salsalsa Recordings; Wow! It’s Salsa with a capital S.Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens concludes with 2013 Grammy Award Winner Marlow Rosado and his “bring-the-house-down” 10- piece band. Rosado has performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in Latin music, including Celia Cruz, Selena and Mark Anthony, so kick off your shoes and get ready to dance in the aisles when Rosado and company set the Banyan Bowl on fire. For tickets call 305-669-6990. Pretheater dining provided by Macy’s Catering.
Earth Day Festival, Presented by Williamson Automotive, Sunday, Apr., 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. — Williamson Automotive and the Village of Pinecrest invite you to celebrate our magnificent planet when we open our gates free to the public for a day of activities for the entire family, including workshops organized by the CLEO Institute and Plant Societies, food demos, planting activities, plant sales, an eco-fashion show by Karma Couture, green vendors, wildlife shows and performances by students from area schools. Earth Day Festival concludes with a special performance by the Greater Miami Youth Symphony at 4 p.m. in the Banyan Bowl.
Jeffrey Glasser Photography presented by the Gardens Gallery, Apr. 10-May 3, opening reception Wednesday, Apr. 10, 6-9 p.m. — Glasser’s fascination with photography is fed by the joy of simply seeing. The play of light on a scene, the juxtaposition of things and textures are elements of his images. Predominately using available natural light, his “moments” can rarely be duplicated. Glasser is a practicing dentist and his interest in fine art photography has spanned 40 years. His photos have been included in over 50 exhibitions, in both public and private collections. Meet Glasser at the opening reception.
Family Friday, Brave, Friday, Apr. 12, 8 p.m. — “Courage, independence and family are all beautifully brought to life.” — Tom Glasson, Concrete Playground; Set in Scotland in a mythical time, Disney- Pixar’s animated feature film is about Princess Merida, determined to make her own path in life, defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse. Flashlight tours at sundown 7:30-7:45 p.m.; we’ll serve the best hot dogs and popcorn in town. Apr. Family Friday is the last one for the season, so don’t miss the fun, the flashlight adventure or the magnificent film Brave destined to become a classic. Admission is $5.
Chick Flick Friday, Wedding Date, Wednesday, Apr. 17, 8 p.m. — “… a guilty pleasure that is perfect for a girls’ night out.” — Sarah Chauncey, Reel.com Love, love, love this delicious romantic comedy starring Dermot Mulroney and Debra Messing! Single-girl anxiety causes Kat Ellis (Messing) to hire a male escort (Mulroney) to pose as her boyfriend at her sister’s wedding. Her plan, an attempt to dupe her ex-fiancé, who dumped her a couple years prior, proves to be her undoing. Join us for live music, martinis and a movie (sorry Chick Flick fans, — Fridays were all booked this month). Gates open at 6:30 and admission is $5.
Carbon Nation presented by the Village of Pinecrest, CLEO Institute & Miami Dade League of Cities Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee, Thursday, Apr. 18, 7:30 p.m. — Carbon Nation is an inspiring look at the many recent advances in clean energy and green technologies.” — Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times. Carbon Nation is a 2010 documentary film by Peter Byck narrated by Bill Kurtis about technological and community-based energy solutions to the growing worldwide carbon footprint. Even if you doubt the severity of the impact of climate change or just don’t buy it at all, this is still a compelling and relevant film that illustrates how solutions to climate change also address other social, economic and national security issues. Join Mayor Lerner at the showing of this wonderful film and later for a lively panel discussion moderated by Village Manager Yocelyn Galiano and featuring noted climate scientists, educators, students, elected officials and county representatives. Adult refreshments served.
Rock the Stages, The Gold-Diggers, Apr. 20-21, three performances only! — The Gold-Diggers is a theatrical group performing in support of charities, with donations totaling over $1 million. Primary charities include the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America, South Florida Chapter and the Food for Life Network. Every spring, the Gold Diggers present the annual musical fundraising extravaganza at Pinecrest Gardens. This year’s lavish and spectacular musical review is entitled Rock the Stages and it promises to be a fun-filled spectacle of music, dance, beautiful costumes and amazing staging. Performances are Saturday, Apr. 20, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. For information and tickets, call 305-742-7042.
The Little Mermaid, presented by the Miami Children’s Theater, Apr. 26-28 — This show will have the entire family mesmerized with its classic story. Follow the songs and stories of Ariel, Prince Eric, Flounder, Ursula, King Triton and all your favorite Little Mermaid characters. Come see our extravagant production of one of the most beloved movies of all time! Friday, Apr. 26 (opening night) at 7 p.m., Saturday, Apr. 27 at 7 p.m. and a matinee on Sunday, Apr. 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets for adults are $15 and children under 10 and seniors are $12.
From the Ground Up, a Garden Re- Imagined, Herb Gardening for the Home Garden, Gardens Gallery, Hibiscus Room, Wednesday, Apr. 10 (10-11 a.m.) and Thursday, Apr. 26 (6:30-7:30 p.m.) — Pinecrest Gardens horticulturist Craig Morell tells how to grow your own fresh garden herbs. Discover the potential to grow healthy organic herbs, even in small garden spaces and with minimum effort. Morell will discuss techniques to have a pest- and weed-free container garden. Coffee and snacks will be served. Class is open to the public and admission is $ 5 fee.
Learning Made Fun, Botanical Arts and Crafts, Legends and Stories — Join us on Saturday, Apr. 13 or Apr. 27 from 2-3:30 p.m. for Krafts-4-Kids. This month our program is entitled The Bats, the Birds, the Bees and the Wind. Children will learn about the parts of a flower, what makes an orchid flower different from any other flower, how we evolve from flower to fruit and vegetables, edible flowers and pollination. In addition to class and crafts, we will hunt for some wonderful flowering finds in the Gardens. These are classes for children six through 12. Classes are limited to 20 and the cost is $5, with all materials included. Call 305-669- 6990 for advance reservations.
Farmers Market: Fresh produce and more; Sundays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Enjoy the fresh air while selecting your fresh produce, spices, home-baked breads, hand-made pastas, organic products and much more at Pinecrest Gardens’ Farmers Market, every Sunday. The market is open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and admission is free. Relax, take a stroll, savor the selections and while you are there enjoy the purchases you have made at one of our many picnic areas in the Gardens or on Lakeview Terrace.
