MONSTERS IN THE MOONLIGHT—An Adult Halloween Party! The Gardens will take fright nights to bone-chilling heights on Friday, Oct. 31. It’s all about madness, mayhem and screams of fear, and it’s South Florida’s newest fright attraction for one night only.
The all new “Monsters in the Moonlight” experience will take your breath away and get your heart pounding. Come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume (masked, of course) and explore the dark, daunting, haunted and horrifying paths (did we ever tell you we had a ghost living among us?) of the Lower Gardens. The evening begins at 7 p.m. with entry to the Monsters Haunted Garden Tour, followed with dancing to the beats of DJ Mike in the Meadow, cocktails by Bacardi, delicious Monster Bites by Macy’s Gourmet Catering and at 10 p.m. (following cash awards for a best costume contest) everyone will be ushered into the Banyan Bowl for a special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and a special MC host. All this for an all-inclusive cost of $75 in advance or $100 at the door. This is worth hiring a baby sitter and breaking away from the family for a night of grown-up fun. Must be 21 or older to attend. For tickets and information, call 305-669-6990.
HOWL-O-WEEN — A Halloween event for the entire family (on two legs or four)! Paws 4 You rescue and the Gardens invite you to Help Us Save A Life when you join us at the Gardens on a day when both you and your four-legged friends are welcome. Come in full costume (both you and your pet), Sunday, Oct. 26, Noon ‘til 5 p.m. There’s a Doggie Fun Zone where your pet can play, pet vendors, food and drink, trick-or-treating and even arts and crafts. Sit with your puppy for Howl-O-Ween portraits and enjoy live entertainment. There are special giveaways for your pets and you can even meet celebrity guest LEBO. Spend time playing with cute and furry dogs up for adoption and meet representatives from many of South Florida’s pet rescue organizations. There will be a pet parade, a costume contest and much more.
Admission is $5, but children under two get in free and also free for Pinecrest Gardens members. To participate in the pet parade and costume contest for you and your pet, there is a special registration fee of $10 per pet that benefits Paws4You Rescue. For more information, call 305-669-6990 or go to pinecrestgardens.org.
JAZZ IT UP AT THE GARDENS with Jason Marsalis, the youngest member of America’s first family of jazz, in a special tribute to New Orleans jazz! “The youngest son of the Marsalis family, makes records that are always worth hearing.” — Ben Ratliff, New York Times “Just as his drumming is steeped in both modern and New Orleans rhythmic styles, his vibes playing draws on the rich tradition of that instrument; with commendably ardent swing.” — George Kanzler, Jazz Times The South Motors Jazz Series presents Jason Marsalis. With each passing year, he has developed as a world-class jazz performer, coming into his own under the influence of his father Ellis, and brothers Wynton, Branford and Delfeayo.
With a fire in his heart and a passion for the music, his will to swing has never been more resolute. The maturity and command he has over his instrument is clearly evident. Marsalis will be joined by Austin Johnson, a New Orleans-based piano artist; Atlanta-based David Potter on drums, featured in the piano trios of Ellis Marsalis and Marcus Roberts; and Will Goble, one of the most in-demand bassists America. Marsalis has released several vibraphone recordings including Music Update, Powell’s Place, Crescent City, New Orleans Friends and Flavours and The Isle of Orleans, with notable collaborations that include the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, the Marsalis Family and Shannon Powell.
Tickets are $25 and $30 at pinecrestgardens.org. For information about pre-concert dining, call 305-669-6990.
SOUTH MOTORS GEN-NEXT JAZZ presents Miami Dade College Vocal Fusion Chorus, Sunday, Nov. 2, at 6 p.m. Vocal Fusion is the Miami-Dade College Kendall Campus’ premier contemporary vocal ensemble comprised of a 13 members that specialize in jazz and popular music.
With its unique and distinct harmonies and interesting arrangements, this group features some of the school’s finest musicians. Created in 2008, the Vocal Fusion Chorus is under the direction of Dr. Tim Brent, director of contemporary voice at the school’s Kendall campus. The program will feature some of the most iconic jazz and blues standards, including Going to Chicago Blues, Weightless, A Beatles Medley, Fly Away Birdie, Blue Bossa, Way of the World and When I Fall In Love. Join us for this wonderful free performance.
THEATER SEASON DEBUT AT THE GARDENS with the Miami Children’s Theater’s enchanting musical production Seussical.
“Not to be missed, a totally charming and uplifting experience.” Chicagocritic.com, “Oh, the thinks you can think” when Dr. Seuss’s best loved stories collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper. Adapted from the Broadway version, this is especially for young audiences. The Cat in the Hat is the host and emcee (and all-around mischief-maker) in this romp through the Seuss classics. Performances are Friday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25 (sensory friendly performance) at 3 p.m., and again at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, but just $5 for the 3 p.m. Saturday sensory friendly show. For more information, call 305-274-3595 or go to www.miamichildrenstheater.com.