MUSIC
The South Motors Jazz Series features seven performances at Pinecrest Gardens this season. We welcome The South Florida Jazz Orchestra, Saturday, Oct. 26, at 8 p.m. featuring jazz vocalist sensation Kate Reid in an evening of swing, song and Big Band favorites.
Hailed by Jazziz Magazine as “one hell of a big band,” this “world-class” 16-piece big band, comprised of the best jazz musicians in the southeastern United States, will entertain the audience with tunes from the Great American Songbook. Edward Blanco of WDNA says, “Their repertoire will please not only the jazz aficionado, but anyone with a modicum of musical taste.” It’s a big band night and a big “kick-off” to what promises to be the Gardens’ best jazz series yet.
Rounding out the rest of the season, the Gardens will welcome back “the world’s best percussionist” Sammy Figueroa in November, sultry songstress Maria Rivas in December, master of the steel drums Leon Foster Thomas in January, a brilliant Carnival Celebration featuring Brazil’s one and only Batuke Samba Funk in February, piano virtuoso Shelly Berg and the Frost Concert Jazz Band in March and the grand season finale featuring the Ed Calle Big Band on April 5.
Tickets are $20 and $25, with full season subscriptions at a 25 percent discount still available. For tickets call 305-669-6990 or visit <pinecrestgardens.org>.
MOVIES
Once a month the Gardens will entertain audiences with Cult Film Friday, a new addition to the movie line-up. And what better way to kick off a cult film series than with everyone’s favorite Halloween happening, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Friday Oct. 25, 8 p.m. “One-hundred minutes of pure weird celebration that manages to concoct a bizarre cocktail of sincerity and reckless abandon,” quotes Total Film. Don’t forget to come dressed in your Rocky Horror finest! Pre-theater refreshments are available for purchase. Admission is $5.
Also being featured on the Gardens big screen is the most talked about documentary that has come around in a long time, Girl Rising. This special educational presentation will be a free event at the Gardens on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. The movie will be preceded by a panel discussion hosted by District 9 school board member, Dr. Lawrence Feldman. From Academy Awardnominated director Richard Robbins this innovative new feature film focuses on how the power of education is able to change a girl and the world. Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Liam Neeson, Cate Blanchette, Selena Gomez and other A-list actors contribute voice performances to the film.
MISADVENTURES
Hunks and hounds, where else can you find such an outrageous combination but at our third annual Howl-O-Ween festival, Sunday, Oct. 27, from noon ’til 5 p.m. Enjoy a full day of activities for everyone in the family especially your four-legged friends. The celebration begins with a Pet Fair featuring pet adoption agencies, vendors and all kinds of fun activities for dogs, kids and grown-ups too. The hunks are none other than our fabulous Fire Fighters who have produced a calendar for the purpose of raising funds for The Pet Trust and Friends Forever Rescue. The day ends with a costume parade for humans and pets alike, and a dog costume contest with wonderful prizes. Free parking at the Gardens, Palmetto High School, Pinecrest Elementary and Palmetto Middle School. Free bus service transports you to the Gardens entrance from the remote parking lots. Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for children and if you plan on entering your puppy in the parade and costume contest a $10 donation is required that supports Friends Forever Rescue.
THEATER
What better way to start the Holiday Season than with a Neil Simon comedy, and one of his all-time classics California Suite presented by Miami Acting Company. What do estranged spouses, a movie star, a cheating husband and four tennis players have in common? Reservations for a lovely hotel suite at The Beverly Hills Hotel! From Broadway to the silver screen to stages worldwide, this play has been both revered and hailed as one of the best comedies in American Theater. The New York Times quotes: “Mr. Simon is writing at his ebullient best, making us laugh so effortlessly.” Performances are Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $25 adults, $20 seniors, and $18 students.
ART
ESE Students, This is MY Art World, Doodles and More. Doodles have often been the springboard for artists in their creative process. If you don’t think of doodling as a serious art form, then think again. Doodles are all about the imperfections that ultimately come together to make a stunning creation. Famous artists have doodled their way through time. Picasso, Max Ernst and Alexander Calder, are just a few whose “doodles” on tablecloths and napkins that graced the French bistro “Le Catalan” in Paris from 1944-52. Today’s artists have elevated the simple “doodle” to a completed art form. This show will explore students’ artistic expressions based on their favorite artist or artist style. Join us in the Gardens Gallery, Oct. 21- Nov. 3 when Miami Dade students, grades K-12, exhibit a show inspired by doodles.
FARMERS MARKET
Fresh produce & more, Sundays 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Each Sunday 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. Admission is Free. Relax, take a stroll, savor the selections and enjoy the purchases you have made at one of our many picnic areas in the Gardens or overlooking the magnificent view on Lakeview Terrace.
