The Deering Estate Foundation’s 12th annual signature fundraising event, Wine On Harvest Moon (WOHM) presented by South BMW, transports guests to the Land Down Under through the “fine wines, fine food and fine art” of Australia and New Zealand. The unique cultural experience takes place Saturday, Oct. 19, at the historic Deering Estate at Cutler.
With a little imagination and a bit of techno magic, one can surf Bondi Beach, climb Sydney’s Bridge or pose in front of the famous Opera House.
Regionally influenced food and wine highlight the evening, with Crown Wine & Spirits pouring varieties that include Rosemount Shiraz and Penfolds THE Chardonnay. Distinctive Aussie and Kiwi cuisine is prepared by chefs from Smith & Wollensky, Red Fish Grill, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, George’s in South Miami, Morton’s the Steakhouse-Coral Gables, Shula’s 347, Devon Seafood + Steak, Truluck’s Seafood Steak and Crab House, Paella Party and Whole Foods Market Coral Gables.
Embracing the culture of Australia, Miami native Jared Bistrong performs on the Didgeridoo, an ancient Aborigine ceremonial instrument that dates back 40,000-60,000 years. Using local bamboo and palm trees to make his own instruments, Bistrong shares the music of the indigenous people far removed from today’s computer generated sounds.
The entertainment is ongoing and adding to the excitement of the evening are plans for a pyrotechnic New Zealand-style Maori dance, strolling musicians and singers from FIU School of Music, and an instrumental performed by saxophone player Fernando Diez, of KC & the Sunshine Band.
Complementing the entertainment is a mixed media group art exhibition, “Back of Beyond,” curated by Jane Hart. The show’s title is taken from an Australian expression referring to a point farthest from known lands, past civilization and into the realm of one’s imagination. Participating artists were encouraged to seek inspiration from the Land Down Under, the people’s spirit of adventure, and also from Jonathan Swift’s literary classic Gulliver’s Travels, with its imaginary voyages into uncharted places.
The talented lineup of artists accepting the challenge include: TJ Ahearn, Bhakti Baxter, Maryrose Crook (NZ), April Dolkar (NZ), Sebastian Duncan-Portuondo, Liz Ferrer, Shawn Marie Hardy (NZ), Brookhart Jonquil, Freddie Jouwaide, William Keddell (NZ), Sinisa Kukec, Tracy Moffett (AUS), Kuby Nnamdi, Temisan Okpaku, David Rohn, George Sanchez Calderon, Oliver Sanchez, Onajide Shabaka, Barron Sherer, Misael Soto, Sara Stites and Stephan Tugrul.
Proceeds from WOHM are dedicated to environmental conservation and historic preservation of the Deering Estate at Cutler. The event takes place at the estate, 16701 SW 72 Ave. in Palmetto Bay, from 7:30 to 10:30pm. Capacity is limited and tickets are: $150, general admission, and $125, foundation members. Tickets can be purchased online at <www.deeringestate.org/pages/Wine-on- Harvest-Moon.aspx> for an additional fee, or by calling 305-235-1668, ext. 263. Sponsorship opportunities still are available. To become a sponsor, call 305-235- 1668 ext. 266.
For more information on the Deering Estate’s educational and cultural programs, visit online at <www.deeringestate.org>.
