They all "started something"

From left, Herb Hiller, Charlie Cinnamon and Glenn Terry, all got togther yesterday. Former Grovite, travel writer/bike advocate Herb Hiller is staying with Glenn and Francesca Terry for a few days. Charlie Cinnamon lives down the block. The great part is that all three "started something" here. Charlie, The Coconut Grove Arts Festival (1962); Herb, the Goombay Festival ('77) and Glen, The King Mango Strut (with Bill Dobson in 1982).

 They all must be proud to know that all three events are still going on today.

"We had a laugh about 'our babies' and how each had grown up," says Glenn.

 Francesca took this photo to commemorate the occasion.

Open Call for Miami Music Project Youth Orchestra

The Miami Music Project Youth Orchestra is having open auditions on September 5 and 6.  They're looking for musicians ages 13 to 21. There are so many schools and talented musicians in Coconut Grove, this is a great group to expand your talents.

You can play alongside South Florida’s most talented young musicians. The 2014-15 season's repertoire include masterworks by Shostakovich, Mussorgsky and Prokofiev. Intensive training will be from September 30 - November 7 ending with an unforgettable concert on the Adrienne Arsht Center stage downtown called Rise of the Titans, Family Fest Concert on Saturday, November 8,  at 1:30 pm.

To register for a slot, click here.

Positions are open for talented instrumentalists, ages 13 – 21: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Percussion, Piano and Harp.

Audition Requirements 
• Audition with a solo selection of choice (3-5 minutes) 
• Sight-reading 
• No need to dress up

Adrienne Arsht Center 
Peacock Education Center 
1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 

Bike swarm

There was a big Critical Mass bike ride in the Brickell area last night and this morning, this large group took off on a ride after congregating at CocoWalk. This was about 7:30 am, Saturday morning. As I was taking the pictures, one guy yelled out, "Put it on YouTube!" But they are stills, so they're here instead. I need to get more into YouTube I'm thinking of showing short movies of the Grove.

Vizcaya offering bus scholarship fund

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is offering a limited number of bus transportation scholarships. Funds may be used for guided tours of the Main House and gardens by 4th-through 12th-grade students in Title I schools. 

Approved scholarship tours that take place before December 19, 2014 will receive bus transportation and free admission to the museum. After that date, admission costs to the museum are not included and are the responsibility of each school. 

Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to guided tour and bus availability. For more information, visit their webpage.

Applications must be received a minimum of four weeks in advance of requested visit date. All visits must take place by May 29, 2015. 

Information: group.tours@vizcaya.org or 305-860-8442.

Salsa lessons at Peacock Garden Cafe

Peacock Garden Cafe is presenting Salsa Lessons on Monday nights. 

Learn with an easy and fun method. Couples and singles are welcome, it includes a glass of wine and appetizers. The cost is $25 per person, lessons start at 7:30 pm.

For more info: 305-338-1209.

Peacock Garden Cafe is located at 2889 McFarlane Road.

Join the Bed Race, possibly be part of an MTV reality show

The Great Grove Bed Race is back this year in November. The race will again, be on South Bayshore Drive, a move the team made last year, taking it to the larger, wider track, and different this year is that the race is on a Saturday, rather than the usual Sunday. Saturday, November 8 to be exact.

It's all the usual fun, the race, live music, and lots of action including a celebrity Grand Marshal. That's Vanilla Ice, one of the Grand Marshals posing with the winning Grove Spot team.  Each year, a charity is a beneficiary, this year it is Little Smiles, a charity that provides anything from toys to electronics, special event tickets and VIP outings to help kids escape their unfortunate circumstances of being sick in the hospital, even if only for a short period of time. 

“We are thrilled to have been selected as this years cause”, said Executive Director of Little Smiles, Josh Daniels. “Our ultimate goal is to brighten a child’s day and allow them to just be a kid again. The bed race is a wonderful place to play, be alive and make a difference”.

In a new development, MTV and Atlas Media Corps are looking to create a new national reality-TV series. They are currently interviewing registered bed race teams for an episode as they prepare for the box-spring battle. Teams cast will potentially be announced in late October, two weeks prior to the November 8th event. To be considered for this, you should be registered., the sooner the better.

Tell MTV about it at MTVSportsCasting@gmail.com, include your full name, city and state, phone number, email, past sports and awards and include three photos.

Register for the Great Grove Bed Race here.

Some past stories and photos:
It was another successful Bed Race
Hundreds show up for the Get Rolling Gathering party
Vanilla Ice named grand marshal
Incredible turnout for Bed Race
Four-peat for The Grove Spot

It's gonna get ugly before it gets better

We are all looking forward to exciting changes in Coconut Grove. With  new property owners, who knows what's coming next, but one thing that looks like it may please everyone is the plan to bring  nice, new retail to the Center Grove. This should please those who want progress and those who feel they want the "old Grove" to stick around, it will almost be a return to the old Grove when and if the empty storefronts house bright, new shiny businesses. Remember when every storefront was operating and teeming with people? That could easily happen if new, fresh retailers move in.

One problem with progress, is the mess you have before and during; it's a long road sometimes to get to the final product.  As more places are purchased, more businesses are being sent their walking papers and more places are boarded up. Well, they're not really boarded up, but they are brown papered up. Many people have been complaining about the brown paper, but what other solution is there? A closed, boarded up store is the same no matter what is in the windows.
People are getting nervous though. I am asked daily for my opinion by local business owners, but I keep saying nothing has been done yet, so what's to be nervous about? And therein lies the rub. Business owners have been telling me they have not seen one swatch of paint go up, not one nail driven, not even one "For Rent" sign is up. It's just stagnant at this point.

There must be a business plan, but we don't know what it is yet. So far the plan has been to get rid of current businesses, get rid of art, like the painted peacock, hassle the drum circle. Not quite sure how any of this makes sense. But I'm sure there is a method to their madness. It's almost like they want to wipe everything out and start from scratch but I'm not sure that's how it works in the real world.

Rooftop Labor Day pool party at Mayfair Hotel

The Mayfair Hotel and Spa is holding a Labor Day Rooftop pool party on Sunday, August 31. 

The party starts at 2 pm and ladies who arrive from 2 to 3 pm will receive complimentary champagne. Ladies and men will enjoy complimentary petit massages from 2 to 3 pm.

Valet parking is $10 and there are cabana specials available. Sounds by Wasabi.

The Mayfair is located at 3000 Florida Avenue. 

Where do we fit in with all the changes?

When I posted that "Overheard" post about SapientNitro, I wasn't putting down Sapient, I just thought it was interesting how the girls thought they were the salvation of Coconut Grove. Wish they were.

I don't think taking retail space and turning it into massive office space is the salvation of the Grove; people are in at 9 and out by 5; I wonder if they actually spend any more time than that in the village.  I know some do, I'm sure the majority don't.

That would almost be what downtown Miami used to be. For so many years there was never any life downtown after dark, now it's thriving with all the new neighborhoods from the Design District to Wynwood and Midtown. The trend all over the country is urban living now; you know, getting people to move back to the city, having them work and live there. I'm not sure how our little village fits into that. I suppose we are urban. Or not. What are we?

Cocktail mixing party at Vinos in the Grove

Vinos in the Grove is having a complimentary cocktail mixing party on Thursday, August 28, which includes wine and champagne tastings.

Mixologist Lauren and Nicole from Stacole will make you sample various cocktails using Aperitivo, Shrubs, Wine, Champagne, Beer and Cider.

The mixing mixer is from 7 to 9 pm.

Vinos in the Grove is located at 3409 Main Highway, for info: 305-442-8840.

Bridge games in the Grove?

Anyone play Bridge or know of any local games or clubs? I have a friend who is new to the game and looking for some people to play with.

I used to have a friend in Key West who was part of a Saturday night Bridge club. I used to think it was so funny as you think of Key West as being a wild party place, but he lived there and that was part of his and his friends' routine. Every Saturday night, they had a quiet night of bridge while the rest of us bar hopped.

Another thing would be a Chess club. Wonder if there are any in the Grove? When I'm in New York I see people playing chess in all the parks, where chess tables are part of the landscape there. I don't think we have that here or maybe it's mixed in with those Domino Park tables. 

Arts Festival wins top honors for Florida events

The Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA) likes the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. A lot. For another year, they have honored the Festival with several SUNsational Awards. The honors were presented at the association’s 20th Anniversary Convention and Trade Show held at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort in Orlando.

The professional competition, which draws entries from among 250 of the State’s leading events, presented the Coconut Grove Arts Festival with four Gold/1st Place Awards in the following categories for events within the “$150,000 and Over” budget category: Educational Program, Commemorative Poster, PR/Marketing Campaign and T-Shirt Design. The Arts Festival also received two Silver/2nd Place Awards for Program/Event Guide and Social Media.

Making its debut at the 2014 Arts Festival was the New and Emerging Artist program, which allowed five first-time artists, between the ages of 18 and 29, an opportunity to showcase their work at an outdoor, fine arts festival at a minimal cost. 

Admission into the category also matched the five, young budding artists with an experienced participant, and provided educational workshops during a symposium prior to the event. Alexander Mijares, a Miami native and South Florida artist celebrity, designed the colorful and energetic Arts Festival commemorative poster, titled “La Brisa.”

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival has consistently been named one of the best fine arts festivals in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine and remains the top voted outdoor arts festival in the history of the magazine’s 200 Best.

The Festival introduced it's new 2015 video earlier this month, you can see that here.

For information on the 52nd annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival scheduled for February 14-16, 2015, visit CGAF.com.

Tigertail is open . . . partially

So you can sort of get through Tigertail now after months of road renovation. The big traffic circle is being built at Tigertail and SW 27 Avenue and it is still being constructed and you can't drive directly through from north to south; but the eastbound lane of SW 27th Avenue coming from US1 toward South Bayshore, is open, and you can turn south now from SW 27th onto Tigertail and make your way into Center Grove.

You can also take Tigertail to that intersection and make a right turn (no left) onto SW 27th Avenue and go toward South Bayshore Drive. The whole traffic circle is supposed to be completed in December. These two photos are taken from Tigertail and SW 27th Avenue, facing northwest.

"Finding Nemo" playing at The Barnacle

Bring the whole family to The Barnacle on Sunday, August 31, for an Up Past Bedtime outdoor movie presentation of Finding Nemo. Snuggle up with a blanket and popcorn on the front lawn for a kid friendly film.

The gate opens at 7 pm, and the movie begins at 8 pm. Last entry is at 8:15 pm. Tickets are $5 for ages 6 and up, $3 for ages 2 to 5, and free for kids under 2. Chairs, blankets, and coolers are welcome. Flashlights are recommended and modest pajamas encouraged. No pets, please.

For additional information, 
contact 305-442-6866 or 305-442-6866
or visit www.TheBarnacle.org 

The Barnacle is located at 3485 Main Highway.

E.T. showing at Actors' Playhouse this weekend

Remember E.T. the movie? I think I saw that at the movie theaters where Winn-Dixie is now, near Coral Gables on Coral Way. Well now, you can see E.T. again in the Gables at Actors' Playhouse.

The playhouse is kicking off this season's Free Film Series with Steven Spielberg's classic featuring a very young Drew Barrymore.

Playing as both an exciting sci-fi adventure and a nostalgic reminder of childhood, you don’t want to miss the magical movie about everyone’s favorite homesick alien. 

Show times are Saturday, August  30 at 8 pm and Sunday, August 31 at 3pm. For more info, call 305-444-9293 and to reserve a ticket, visit their website.

Actors' Playhouse is at 280 Miracle Mile. 

Milda Bublys fashion workshops at Blu Moon Studio

Milda Bublys is presenting "The Roaring 20s," a fashion illustration class on Wednesday, September 3 from 7 to 10 pm. Vintage and repurposed materials make up the Milda Bublys line of hand-made clothing and accessories.

The class, inspired by the flappers of the 1920s will be held at Blu Moon Studio. 

Next up on Sunday, September 7, there's the Trendy Tweens Fashion Illustration workshop.

Also, Milda Bublys has their Stich N Bitch sewing classes complete with sangria, which is a monthly event. A cocktail in one hand and a sharp needle in the other? Yup. It's $39 and the next one is Friday September 12.

There's also the Sewing for Dummies workshop on Sundays or the Halter Top Dummies workshop or the Peasant Top workshop. Most workshops are $89.

For a list of workshops all being held at Blu Moon, please visit stitchnstylestudio.com/illustration/

To register, please go here.

Blu Moon Studio is at 3444 Main Highway, in the back.

Commodore Plaza; a very casual street

People seem to be getting angry over the changes on Commodore Plaza. I understand people are angry over the money spent, but this is more, it seems to be about the whole aesthetic.

People were concerned about some parking spaces in the middle of the block being removed, and I think four other parking spaces were removed at one end of the block and made into sidewalk space so that restaurants could add more tables; and the trees; so many could have been saved with one word from business owners, but more table space was more important than protecting the trees.

The biggest complaint we always hear about Coconut Grove is lack of parking or at least the perception of lack of parking. For some reason, people don't care to park in the many lots we have around the Center Grove, they prefer street parking. People really don't even complain much about the meters, they are willing to pay, but they want street parking. Taking street parking away for no logical reason makes me question the logic in this.

When I first saw the changes on Commodore Plaza, I didn't really think much because there is always talk about making the street a pedestrian plaza (it would actually be a plaza then), so parking would not exist then anyway.

As for the new extended areas of the sidewalks, Ron Nelson, Commissioner Sarnoff's Chief of Staff told me that they are intended to allow crossing in the middle of the block. And the gaps between the sidewalks are supposed to be covered and should have been by now for safety reasons and also Ron says to keep water from collecting there in heavy rains.

That street seems like a plaza already to me, what I mean is, I have crossed the street at all points, not necessarily at either end or in the center of the block. It sort of feels like a closed block for some reason. Traffic never seems to speed through there and it almost seems at times that cars are intruding on the life of the street. Does that make any sense? I mean if you walked into the middle of the street and stood there, I don't think cars would beep at you to move and many times, cars seem to casually double park. It's a very casual street.

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED.

Overheard

Two young women were talking to my friend, they introduced themselves and said, "We work for SapientNitro. We're the salvation of the Grove."

Unless Sapient is going to bring back clubs, bring new restaurants, bring lots of new art galleries and the Apple store, they're just taking up space. Just sayin'. 

How to manage the various cliques part 1

A guy was complaining in one of the comments about not being welcomed or fitting in when he tried to join various groups and committees here in Coconut Grove. I think there are cliques everywhere, I'm not denying that the Grove has its share but the world is made up of cliques. I often think of New England where they say unless you have lived there for generations, you're never really part of the community. Is the Grove like that, too? Here's some funny stuff that has happened to me over the years.

I remember when I started the Grapevine, I didn't have my name attached to it, and no one knew who was writing it. I got an email from one of the head clique leaders (a clique head) of the Grove, and she said, "Nobody knows who you are, why would anyone read the Grapevine?" My response was that people read it for the news. She was being cliquish then, she didn't like an outsider participating. I still have that email. I have lived here longer than she has, almost my whole life, I just never got involved in town events until the Grapevine. Oh sure, My friends and I would attend all the Arts Festivals and bike races and King Mango Struts, but we didn't participate, we just watched. So she was really the outsider (by New England standards), but she took it upon herself to play the part of the mean girl and the clique head.

After I started writing the daily news here, I would of course attend all the meetings: the Bed Race, the Merchants Group, the Fourth of July, the Village Council, etc. I would sit there and take notes to write articles and that's how I started getting into the cliques, not actually wanting to. It all started I believe with Felice Dubin, owner of the Bookstore, who has just become a grandmother (congrats Felice!); I was at a Merchants meeting which used to be the first Thursday of the month at the Glass House, they were giving out jobs to people at the meeting and she called out to me to do something regarding an event, I don't remember what it was but I said, "I'm just here taking notes!" And she said, "No, you do this." And so I did.

From there I would get assigned jobs and tasks at all other events as I moved from meeting to meeting. So basically I think if you just show up, you'll get involved. I wasn't pushy, just the opposite, so maybe the key is to just show up, don't they say that 90% of success is just showing up?

I would show up at meetings and also have not been welcomed; it runs the gamut. One time at a tense  King Mango Strut meeting, I sat in the back taking notes, and someone spotted me from the dais, pointed at me and yelled out, "Tom, you can stay if you sit there and keep your mouth shut!" His exact words. I yelled back,"When have I ever opened my mouth? What do you think I'm going to do, start yelling catcalls from the back row?" I'm usually too involved in taking notes to get up and talk at meetings, I'm trying to get it all down on paper, not be part of the proceedings. I will usually only ask a question if it pertains to the story I'm writing. I'm friendly with the guy today, I don't let that bother me, like the time someone called me on the phone (also from the Strut) and said, "We both have to live in this town, how about we meet to hash out our differences?" I didn't know we had differences, I was just writing the news.

Part 2 tomorrow.

Educator Appreciation Night and Teacher Workshop

Vizcaya is holding Educator Appreciation Night on Thursday, September 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. This is to celebrate all educators. Explore the Main House and gardens, enjoy complimentary refreshments, network and discuss Vizcaya's varied programs for students from grade 4 through college. 

They'll have information on hand about their academic and school programs, and their staff will be happy to answer any questions about how these offerings support curriculum or how to plan a field study to Vizcaya. 

This event is free but requires advance registration. Information: wendy.wolf@vizcaya.org or 305-860-8435.

On Thursday, September 25, Vizcaya is holding a Teacher Workshop: Artists at Vizcaya from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

James Deering commissioned artists to create works specifically for his estate. Spend the day exploring these artists and their projects, and enjoy a hands-on sketching activity. The workshop targets teachers working with 4th-through 12th-grade students. 

The event is $20 per person, limited to 25 participants and includes breakfast, lunch and all materials. Complimentary bus transportation and museum admission for up to 35 students are awarded to each participant upon completion of the workshop. Information: wendy.wolf@vizcaya.org or 305-860-8435.

Vizcaya is located at 3251 South Miami Avenue, in North Coconut Grove.

What's up with Commodore Plaza?

I have been out of town for three months, and returned looking forward to seeing the new sidewalks. But, oh my God, I could not believe my eyes when I saw all the parking spaces that were eliminated!  

What was anyone thinking?  What's the purpose of those islands in the middle of Commodore Plaza? They are neither attractive nor useful; but they are detrimental to Commodore Plaza businesses specifically, including 7 restaurants, and center Grove in general. They effectively narrow the street by 16 feet, as well as remove 6 parking spaces.

I'd sure like to know who the "they" is that makes decisions like this. Someone really does want Coconut Grove to curl into a little ball, and just go away. As Yogi Berra said, "No one goes there anymore.  It's too crowded."

I'd love to start a revolution to get those islands removed.  Everyone I have spoken to about them feels the same way I do. I'm sure I'm not alone.  I'd love to know what the Commodore Plaza business owners feel about this situation.

Signed, A Friend 

Please send your Coconut Grove observations (good or bad) for "Postcard from a Friend"  and we'll run it. Any observation, long or short it good, if it's not good, please try not to use names of people or businesses. Email address is to the right, you can email your "postcard" there. These postcards work better without a name (yes, anonymously, believe it or not). If you would like your name attached, let me know and we'll run it as a Letter to the
Editor.

COMMENT ARE CLOSED

Here you can see the extended sidewalk. There's a gutter between
the regular sidewalk and the extended sidewalk.

Regatta Park

Incredible shot of Regatta Park taken by my friend Bill Brothers.
If you click on it, it will open larger.

Children's casting calls at Music Conservatory

There are a couple of children's casting calls in Coconut Grove coming up next month. Children ages 5-7 years old are invited to apply for the Miami Conservatory of Music’s production of “Aristocats Kids" shown here, and young people aged 8 and older to apply for “Annie Jr.” online at miamiconservatoryofmusic.com.

No prior acting or musical experience is necessary. Rehearsals for will start on Saturday, September 6, 2014 through next May. The musicals will be staged later in May of 2015. Information and schedules are posted on the Conservatory’s website.

“We’re offering musicals geared to meet the needs that are unique to each age group. Not only will the children be learning skills in acting and singing, but they also learn life lessons such as teamwork, how to depend on one other, discipline, and respect,” according to Brigitte Kishlar, founder of the Miami Conservatory of Music

“It is thrilling to watch their confidence grow as they work while having fun together, and make huge progress in the development of their talent to reach a common goal: the making of a Broadway show! The live performance gives the children a chance to perform for their family and friends and makes them feel very special.”

Each year the Conservatory produces Broadway musicals providing young people an opportunity to learn acting and singing and add a bona fide Broadway Musical credit to their resumes. To find out more call 305-442-2283 or visit miamiconservatoryofmusic.com to see the schedule and apply online.

 The Miami Conservatory of Music is a not-for-profit organization that provides quality training for young musicians and offers guidance to students with exceptional musical ability. MCM’s mission is to search for and develop hidden talents within our community while providing venues and events for musical expression.  Our future depends on the investment we make in our children today.  Educating and promoting creative expression in young people helps shape tomorrow’s musical minds.

Old Smokey film; free to the public on Saturday

UM Law's Center for Ethics and Public Service, Historic Black Church Program, Oral History Film Documentary Project's premiere of Old Smokey: A Community History, is on Saturday, August 23, from 6 to 8 pm. It's free and open to the public.

The documentary  is an oral history of the health outfall from the incinerator located in Village West. The incinerator, dubbed Old Smokey, belched smoke and dropped falling ash settling on surrounding neighborhoods for decades. Tens of sites around Miami have since been identified as containing toxic chemicals arising from the use of the burned remains of the incinerator as landfill.

The evening will celebrate the campus-community Oral History Documentary Film Project and its partnership with the Coconut Grove Ministerial Alliance, George Washington Carver High School Alumni Association, Ransom Everglades School, and Special Collections, University of Miami Libraries.

The screening will be in the gymnasium at Elizabeth Virrick Park, located at 3255 Plaza Street in Coconut Grove. There is free parking around the entire block of the park. Additional parking is available at St. Matthew's Community Baptist Church, located at 3616 Day Avenue; around the corner from Virrick Park.

Concert on the Bay

Sammi Collie, a Miami native, with an impressive primal wail, vocal range, stage presence, showmanship, and sultry style dazzled the audience at Shake-A-Leg Miami Wednesday evening during Concert at the Bay. The event was sponsored by the Netherlands American Community Trust in New York.

New rezoning plan presented for Grove Isle

The Grove Isle developer has applied for rezoning from the City of Miami, but only for part of the island. In July, Grove Isle Associates LLP, submitted the document to rezone approximately half of 4 Grove Isle, specifically the three acres currently occupied by the hotel, restaurant and spa.

This is not a variance, it's a request to rezone that whole area, which would allow for the building of a condo tower. If they receive the variance, then the project would be in compliance with Miami21.

If you have been following the story, then you know that the developers have plans to knock down the hotel portion of the island and to add another condo, a building which many residents are against. The proposed building doesn't look anything like the current three buildings. A group called "Save Grove Isle," has been fighting the plans from the beginning. You can catch up on what's been going on, here.

The developer feels that the high density of buildings will not be a problem if they add a fourth tower. The towers that are there now are not compliant with Miami 21, but of course they were built in the 1970s, long before there was a Miami 21. Urban planners feel that buildings should not now be built that close to the water and should have a larger setback. The island only has so much space, there isn't much room for setbacks.

The only person the rezoning helps is the developer and if this is allowed, who is to say what will be rezoned next. Everyone else on the waterfront would request rezoning and the North Grove would turn into Brickell. The whole request is nonsense.

It will be interesting to see if materials and equipment can even make it to the island as the fragile bay bottom may prevent barges from getting close and the bridge may not hold the heavy equipment. Just recently, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) warned the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about the damage done to sea life and coral from the Miami Port dredging. 

It might be a good idea to get DEP involved in this Grove Isle issue before it's too late.

Coconut Grove Playhouse meeting Friday night

There is an alternative plan for the Coconut Grove Playhouse which will be discussed at a City Hall meeting Friday, August 22 at 6 pm. A special committee of the Village Council is hosting the event.

This new plan suggests razing the current structure and then rebuilding the facade as part of a brand new structure. It would have the outside look of the current historic building, but it would be a new building. 

This new plan calls for two theaters, one will be a smaller 300-seat venue and the larger venue would hold up to 900 people. A multi-story parking garage will be part of the building. 

Additional monies would be raised by donations ($25 million in donations).

City Hall is located at 3500 Pan American Drive, the meeting is open to the public.

ERIC performing at The Grove Spot

Photo courtesy ERIC

The Epic Righteous Invincible Combo (ERIC) is back.

They're performing live at The Grove Spot on Saturday, August 23 from 8 to 11 pm (three sets). 

Special guests will include John Holcombe, vocalist/guitarist on set one and singer Celeste Higgens on set two.

The Grove Spot is located at 3324 Virginia Street.

ERIC is: Eric Wagner on vocals and acoustic guitar; Fred Hsia on electric guitar; Bob "Bebob" Grabowski on electric upright Kydd bass; and three-time Grammy Winner (Weather Report, Joe Zawinul Band) Bobby Thomas, Jr. on percussion.

Bike tour features historic homes

September's Coconut Grove Bike Tour visits the shady lanes of the Grove, featuring the historic homes in the area also colorful wildlife and a spectacular collection of lush tropical foliage. 

This tour highlights the charming residences found in our neighborhood. From classic Florida Vernacular, Mediterranean Revival through the quirky cottages that are simply unique - the area's architectural splendor is a feast for the eyes.

This free bike tour is sponsored by Coconut Grove Business Improvement District (BID). Bring your bike and meet in front of City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive) on Saturday, September 13 at 9 am, the tour lasts until about 11:30 am. Be sure to bring sunblock and water.

Please register here.

CanesFest at new UM Schwartz Center

CanesFest, one of the biggest events of the UM year is back this Saturday, August 23, it's free and open to the public. It's the kickoff event for UM's football season. The event is from 4 to 7 pm

This year the event is moving from the BankUnited Center to the Schwartz Center in the brand new athletics building. There will be tours of the new Greentree practice fields, locker room and there's an autograph session with the athletes and coaches. Autogrphs will only be given on the CanesFest poster.

Also on Saturday's agenda: Interactive games for kids, including a baseball radar gun, a timed 40-yard dash competition, soccer, volleyball and rowing stations spread across the athletics facilities, as well as inflatables.

A photo booth will be set up and photo opportunities with Sebastian the Ibis will be available also with the Miami Maniac. And there will be a “Dress Like a Cane” station where fans can try on the football uniforms new for the 2014 season.

A really fun thing is the one-of-a-kind opportunity to run through the smoke out of the Miami helmet, a tradition unlike any other. Feel what it’s like to be a Hurricane on game day!

An interactive picnic area will be set up on the Schwartz Center patio including food trucks, official Miami Hurricanes merchandise for sale, ticket sales tables and Hurricane Club representatives. The UM Sports Hall of Fame, adjacent to the Hecht Athletic Center on San Amaro Drive, will be open for all visitors from 3-7 pm.

Hurricane greats including Joaquin Gonzalez, Sherko Haji-Rasouli and K.C. Jones will be signing autographs and taking pictures with fans from 4-5 pm.

Networker and a free movie

The Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce is having a Cocktails2Connect event on Thursday, August 21 at Paragon Grove 13.

From 5:30 to 8 pm, enjoy A Night at the Movies networking event. Tickets include complimentary gourmet bites from The Lot Bar & Lounge and a free Abita Purple Haze Beer. Plus guests will have the opportunity to stay after the networking event and enjoy a select free movie!

cost is $10 for members / $15 for non-members.

Paragon 13 is upstairs at CocoWalk.

Please rsvp to grovechamber@coconutgrove.com

Friday night wine tasting at Happy Wine

Happy Wine, a Grove favorite on Bird Avenue, is having a special wine tasting this Friday, August 22, at their SW 8th Street location.

The line up for this wine tasting consists of wines from all over the world. It's an amazing selection; some of the featured wines are: Whitehall Lane Cabernet, Emilio Moro, Cubanisimo, Casarena, Hollywood Wine & Wine Cellar 2480, Pintia, Bodegas Mauro and more.

As always, there is plenty of food: Jamon Serrano, Seafood Paella by Felix, Meatballs and much more.

All the wines  serve in a brand new Riedel glass that's yours to keep

The wine tasting starts at 6:30 pm and goes until 9 pm. There is plenty of parking on site.

Cost is $20 per person.

The store is located at 5792 SW 8th Street.

It's sort of Noche Buena, but in September

This Labor Day, September 1, Oasis Lounge & Hookah Bar will be hosting their inaugural "Labor Day Pagan Pig Roast." This is an all day event.  While the pig roasts, guests will enjoy drink specials including their own sangria, wine, wine cocktails, champagne and champagne cocktails for $5.00 and ice cold $2.00 draft Bud and Miller Lights, and $4.00 draft Estrella Damn along with wine and champagne bottle specials.

Festivities are open to the public and the "roast and accompanying fixings are complimentary to Grovites and anyone who comes dressed as their favorite Pagan God or Goddess. The event starts at noon.

The Oasis is located at 2977 McFarlane Road.

Saying goodbye to Out of Africa

Trina Collins in Out of Africa

Sad to say but after 18 years, Out of Africa, the longest lasting store on the Mayfair Promenade will close its doors for the last time at 5:00 pm on Monday, September 1, 2014.

Out of Africa has been part of all things in the Grove, mostly art-related. They have always been a part of the Gallery Walks and funky things going on in the Promenade. They encouraged new artists by not only selling their work, but also offering them a place to create the work. How many times did I pass to see my friend Joe creating something out front.

As businesses closed up on the promenade from the Antique Market, Paul's sunglass hut, and even the Improv, Out of Africa held on.  

“We have made many friends here in the Grove and we thank you for your kindness, your unique Grovite ways, your drum circle, your extraordinary artists, your Mango Strut, your Arts Festival, and your unabashed and lively outspokenness in this beautiful seaside tropical paradise. And, of course, we thank you for your patronage,” said co-owner Trina Collins.

Out of Africa is having an old-fashioned blowout closing sale. All prices have been slashed. Nothing is being held back and many items are one-of-a-kind. Almost everything in the store is 50% off or more. Silver rings are 70% off. Also available are large and small Shona tribal serpentine sculptures from Zimbabwe, animal masks and wooden animal carvings, extraordinary soapstone sculpture from Kenya, valuable ebony from Tanzania, and many tables of jewelry.  Beautiful authentic masks from West Africa will be half-off.  The best way to shop this sale will be to come early for the best selection.

Trina and David Collins moved to the Grove in the late nineties to open the store. Trina founded the Gifford Lane Arts Stroll, and continues to create paintings every day, primarily her respected work with nude female figures.

Since arriving here, David has traveled frequently to remote villages in East Africa, with some visits to North and West Africa to acquire goods for the store. He also founded the Grove Merchants Group and served for eight years on the Grove Village Council. He was instrumental in forming the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District.  Last year, he established a BID in Wynwood. At the moment he is working to establish a BID in Miami Beach.

Both David and Trina Collins will be in the store frequently during the closing sale. The final sale will run from Thursday, August 21 until they close the doors at 5:00 pm on Monday, September 1.  

Thursday, August 21, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Friday, August 22, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 23, from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 24, from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Monday, August 25, closed
Tuesday, August 26, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 27, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 28, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday, August 29, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 31, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday, September 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ciao!

Local Author Night at The Bookstore

Local Author Night is back at The Bookstore on Thursday, August 21. The evening starts at 7:30 pm.  Five Miami-based authors will each intimately share their stories, their love of writing, books they have published, and where their inspirations. Following short presentations, they will be available for a moderated Q & A session.  And of course the authors books will be on hand for sale too!

Jacquie Greaux “Better Sex Through Yoga”

Lisa Trebilcock “E is for Everglades”

Maria Trujillo “Lost City of the Flowers”

Jacqueline Buyze “A Story of Lawyers”

Natalie Alexandria “Your Life IQ”

The Bookstore is located at the Mayfair Atrium, back off of Florida Avenue.

Eating House coming to the Glass House?

Photo courtesy Giorgio Rapicavoli

Word is that The Eating House is coming to the Glass House in Peacock Park. According to reports, Chef/Owner Giorgio Rapicavoli is bringing the Coral Gables favorite to Coconut Grove.  His proposal was said to  have been  accepted by the city. An RPF for the property  had been out for quite awhile.

The Miami-born chef is well known for winning the Food Network tv show, "Chopped" in 2012. His business partner, Alex Cassanova, and he started The Eating House as a pop-up restaurant in the Gables location which became a bricks and mortar full time restaurant.

If the deal is complated, there will be lots of work to be done at the Glass House. Their proposal is to spend upwards of $1 million to totally renovate the place, making it tropical with a thatched-type roof and casual look. Of course a full kitchen would have to be added, too. Asbestos is a problem now at the location, and that first has to be remediated. 

Time frame for renovation may be eight months from start. But there is no start date set.

You may be familiar with The Eating House, which is on Ponce de Leon Blvd, right off of SW 8th Street in the Gables, the menu consists of brunch, lunch and dinner. There are things like marinated olives, fried cauliflower, duck breast, lamb, sea scallops, pork cheeks, short ribs, pasta carbonara and so much more. The menu for their Coral Gables location may be seen here. And one of the best things is the Frozen Dirt Cup. The place is famous for The Cap'n Crunch pancakes, part of their weekend brunch. 

As of now, there is a "cone of silence," and anyone who was involved with the RFP process from making decisions to even just sitting in on meetings, is not allowed to talk about the project yet.

The Cone of Silence prevents city employees from having any type of communication regarding certain projects with any other city employee, elected official or non-city employee.

Stay tuned.

Lots of culture this month

There are a lot of movie events going on in the Grove these next couple of weeks.

The Blue Startlight Urban Drive-in at the Playhouse lot has been doing fantastic summer business as well as Paragon Grove 13 at CocoWalk with first showings of summer blockbuster movies.

Now add the Chamber Networker and free movie coming up on August 21; the Finding Nemo outdoor movie at The Barnacle on August 31 and The Short Film Festival's Documentary Night at CocoWalk and we have a lot of cinema going on in the Center Grove. The Old Smokey History movie is being shown at Virrick Park two nights, too.

To add to our summer culture events, the Shake-A-Leg Concert on the Bay is this week as well as the Bookstore's Local Author Night and the New Orleans Jazz Cabaret at the Women's Club.

For more info on the events, visit the Calendar of Events.

Miami Parking Authority is infringing on their fun

So Wynwood business owners are not fans of the Miami Parking Authority (MPA). Why? Because they don't want parking meters to ruin the vibe in Wynwood.

Business owners claim that after years of free parking, now the MPA wants to ruin their party.

The vibe in Wynwood is getting more commercial daily as more art galleries, tech start-ups and condos/lofts come in. I have to admit that I go to Zack the Baker often on Sundays and I try to get there before the meters kick in at 10 am. But to be real here, why should the rest of the City have parking meters and not Wynwood?

If it's so great there (and it is), I doubt parking meters are going to hinder people from going.

Do parking fees hurt a neighborhood? If so, no one cares that Coconut Grove is drowning in fees. I know so many people avoid the Grove because of it, but other hot places in South Florida all have meters including South Beach, South Miami, Brickell and Coral Gables, so I doubt that putting meters in Wynwood, which are supposed to take effect on September 1, will make a dent in their traffic.

One reason the MPA is giving for starting to charge parking fees is to fund trolley services. If only. Not sure how the MPA makes out with free trolleys full of people who don't pay for parking, so that really doesn't make sense.

The word "disaster" has been used by some business owners to describe the new parking meters. I think that's a bit extreme, but welcome to the club Wynwood, now you know how we all feel.

Dog Days a the Drive-in

Enjoy a Jim Carrey classic at the Blue Starlite Urban Drive-in on Monday and Tuesday nights, August 18 and 19, and bring your dog! It's Dogtown night, featuring "Ace Ventura Pet Detective."

The made-in-Miami movie is being hosted by Dogtown, the doggie hotel right here in the Grove.

Dogtown will provide a Doggie Concessions Stand and the usual human concession stand will of course be operating. 

The summer special is still going on - buy a car slot with two extra passengers - and get two extra passengers free. Buy 4 and get 6.

The show starts at 8 pm. Get your tickets online, there are all sorts of options including a front row table, rather than a car spot and also a dinner package.

The Blue Starlite Urban Drive-In is located at the Coconut Grove Playhouse parking lot.

 

A Cuban restaurant would be perfect for that space

I noticed a big sign advertising "restaurant space" on the building being renovated at the corner of Mary Street and Florida Avenue, right across from The Bookstore. The building itself is going to house law offices,  after being the home to resaturants and clubs for so long. One section is being designed for a restaurant.

It would be nice to have another restaurant back there, The Bookstore has the cafe and there is Blond Bistro across from that and then up the block is TK's at Villa Mayfair, so the street would be a little area of restaurants. If you go further you get to The Grove Spot on Virgina, too. 

What we could use is a Cuban place. But with the rents in the Grove, a $7.99 Cuban Sandwich or Media Noche would end up being $20.00. But that's one thing we are lacking. I've seen tourists go up to Louis at the Ambassador booth asking for a Cuban restaurant, some of them actually take the bus to Versailles or La Caretta. 

Fairchild Garden offers discounted Sunday rates

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden has a special discounted admission rate on Sundays through August 31. 

Walk the garden paths surrounded by the wonders and beauty of nature, see butterflies and birds at every turn, talk to garden experts, view impressive art, take a narrated tram tour, have a family picnic or simply relax with family and friends in the midst of this lush tropical paradise. 

Through visit the next three Sundays and pay only $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, $7 for children and free for Fairchild members and children under 5. 

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is located at 10901 Old Cutler Road. 

For info: 305-667-1651.www.fairchildgarden.org