Let the holiday merriment begin. With all of the concerts and movies and family activities we have to choose from—making a decision of which events to attend over the next two weeks will surely be more challenging than putting together your holiday gift list.
Jazz
Treat yourself to tickets for the South Motors Jazz Series on Saturday, December 10, at 8:00 p.m. The Gardens welcomes Grammy Award Winner Dr. Ed Calle and Mamblue in a program titled “A Not So Silent Night.” This 2015 Latin Grammy Award Winner and five time Grammy nominee is a renowned musician, composer, orchestrator and professor. Throughout his legendary career, he has become one of the most recorded saxophonists in history appearing on more than 1,200 albums, almost 9,000 singles, and countless television and movie soundtracks with artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to Celia Cruz. Jazz up the season and join us for this amazing big band concert with a holiday twist. Tickets are $25 & $30 on line at pinecrestgardens.org or at 1-877-496-8499. Pre-concert dining is available. For reservations, call 305-669-6990.
Pops
If you’re a fan of orchestral “pops” concerts, you’ll adore Holidays in the Gardens with The Alhambra Orchestra, Friday, December 2, at 8:00 p.m. Robert Keating conducts a wonderful family concert designed to get you into the holiday spirit, featuring guest vocalist Lisanne Lyons. Wintry and holiday tunes include Sleigh Ride, White Christmas, a Chanukah medley, excerpts from The Nutcracker, and more. Tickets will be available at the Pinecrest Gardens offices Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. or at the box office the day of the concert. Tickets are $10 for adults & $5 children (under 12).
Our annual holiday concert performed by the Greater Miami Symphonic Band is a multigenerational must! A Celebration of Christmas and Chanukah will feature all of your holiday favorites to enjoy and even sing along. The concert is Sunday, December 13 at 3:00 p.m. and tickets are $15 for adults and $5.
Finally, we would be remiss if we didn’t tip our hats and give special recognition to our new Pinecrest Sprouts program performing their very first Holiday Concert in the Banyan Bowl on December 6 at 7 p.m. This wonderful evening of music featuring 46 young artists from the three Pinecrest Elementary Schools, Pinecrest Elementary, Palmetto Elementary, and Howard Drive Elementary is a new initiative launched this year directed by Palmetto Senior High School music teacher, Mr. Jorge Padron. This program is designed to guide students from beginner group instruction to eventual orchestral performances over time.
Dance
No holiday line-up is complete without a performance of The Nutcracker Ballet. There are two performances of this show presented by Maria Verdeja Dancers; Saturday, December 3, 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Tchaikovsky’s iconic music transports you to a world of wonder where mischievous mice are foiled by toy soldiers that come to life, and a blizzard of ballerinas reveals the enchanting Land of Sweets. Bring the family to this enchanting holiday must-see performed by some of the most talented young dancers in South Florida. Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children 12 and under and will be available at the gate two hours prior to curtain.
Miami Dance Futures presents Christmas in the Gardens; A holiday evening of music and dance featuring young artists from Conchita Espinosa Conservatory of the Arts on Sunday, December 4, 6:00 p.m. Join us for a holiday celebration that will include music, contemporary dance, ballet and Flamenco. Conchita Espinosa Conservatory trains students, professionals and adults. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and children (12 and under).
Movies
Holidays are all about family activities, and Family Movie Night is the perfect place to bring your children for a wonderful night out. Our movie this month is everybody’s favorite Home Alone…on Friday, December 9, 8:00 p.m. This timeless family comedy is about a young boy named Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) who is accidentally left behind when his family takes off for a vacation in France over the holiday season. It’s a fabulous time for the entire family including fresh popped popcorn, soft drinks, hot dogs, and other delicious snacks. The evening will begin with a flashlight adventure through the lower garden and will conclude with the full length feature film.
Art and Nature in Education
Join us every Friday Afternoon, 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the picnic areas near the playground for our Little Lizards Program. This drop-in, informal program will feature new activities every week relating to a monthly theme. Lizards will read, explore, create, and imagine while learning about the wonders of nature. No prior registration is necessary. December is all about trees! Some of the trees in Pinecrest Gardens are more than 100 years old! Hang a wish on our wishing tree and take home a seedling. This program is free with $5 park admission.
Our Amazing Art series, The World of Trees, will be held Sunday, December 4th & 11th from 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Your child will discover and create works of art inspired by our planet Earth’s amazing Flora. These wonderful classes are all-inclusive taught by VSAFL’s Certified Teaching Artist, Jackie Wimberly. If class space allows, same day walk-ins are welcome for $15.00 per student. Class fee includes all art materials and entrance to Pinecrest Gardens and all of its amenities. Bring your bathing suit or a picnic lunch to enjoy an afternoon in the park after the class. For more information and questions about the art classes, you can contact the art teacher, Jackie at 305-962-7402 or register on line at pinecrestgardens.org.
For more information on the wonderful programing at Pinecrest Gardens visit www.pinecrestgardens.org and register for our monthly E-Newsletter, the Peacock Post.
