The Grove is back in the dance club business

OK, it's official. The new Latin dance club Flavour and the Rumba Lounge upstairs at 2895 McFarlane Road, will open tonight, April 30. Doors open at 10 pm.

Michael and Fiona were all over the Grove today

Gabrielle Anwar as Fiona Glenanne and Jeffrey Donovan as Michael Westen, have been filming all over Coconut Grove today. Burn Notice started work at CocoWalk this morning and ended up on Florida Avenue at an office building all afternoon.


Burn Notice films daily, but not always in the center of town, so when they take over the center of town, it's a welcome change and it adds a lot of excitement. The cast and crew are very friendly and they are mostly all Grovites themselves.


Many of them read the Grapevine and it's a nice compliment when they come up and tell me; we have a mutual admiration society going. Since they know who I am and that I am going to do it anyway, they let me take pictures now (no flash, please).


Here is the finished scene as it will be on tv.

Too much art, too little time

There is a lot of art to see Saturday night, May 1, for the First Saturday Gallery Walk in Coconut Grove, there may be too much for one person to take in in one night.

It starts with the usual Art Stroll at the Mayfair Promenade, where free food and drink are part of the art out under the stars, there's live music and along the Promenade, all the stores and galleries are open.The Antique Market will be open, as well as the Peacock Gallery, by the fountain in the back, they will be showing off the progress of the Peacock Painting of all the birds that are part of the Coconut Grove Peacock Tour. Above is artist Pablo Cano working on his minimalist peacock.

The GroveHouse, a few doors down, has their Art of Survival premier.

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery is opening "New Waves, New Talent."

Windisch-Hunt has the Anti-Show.

The Nomade Gallery has new art and a live model shoot. And check out "Iluminata" at the Christina Chacon gallery across the street where Christina always has an elegant crowd for her openings.

Caribe is opening at the new Rodez Gallery.

Blu Moon has the Jeweled Garden show.

At the Dharma Studio, Michele A. Staton's work will be shown.

Each studio and venue will offer refreshments.

Michelle A. Staton's work displayed at Dharma

The Dharma Studio will transform from a Yoga Studio to an Art Studio for the First Saturday Gallery Walk, tonight, May 1.

Over 16 pieces by artist Michelle A. Staton will be displayed and live music will be performed by Serena.

Michelle A. Staton is a multi media artist currently living and working in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Her large scale, expressionistic painting style plays with color in unique and interesting ways. Color seems to flow intuitively from her paint brush as she mixes and interprets her expansive color schemes.

Stop by for music, wine, food and of course the art from 7 to 11 pm.

The Dharma Studio is at 3170 Commodore Plaza, please rsvp by calling 305-461-1777

City needs to accommodate film production

As a result of last week's Florida Film Production Coalition meeting, the FFPC has some serious concerns about Miami's Film Office. They question whether the office will be able to handle the "potential onslaught of production that is coming into Florida without a solidly structured Film Office in place."

It's mind boggling how the City doesn't realize what a huge industry this is and what the potential is for business, publicity and jobs. The City shows no respect to the filmmakers who can pick up and leave at a moment's notice and just not show up at all ever again. The filming and model shoots that were so prevalent 10 years ago are not so anymore, but with the new tax incentives, they can easily return in a matter of weeks.

People come to Coconut Grove just to scout out Burn Notice, they actually choose the Grove over South Beach when making vacation plans because of Burn Notice. How do we know? Because we get dozens of emails a week telling us and asking us about shooting locations, where to stay in the Grove and where they can see the stars filming. When we write about Burn Notice the readership doubles that day due to the fans who come over to the Grapevine via Google alerts, message boards and word of mouth to read the stories and see the pictures.

SB 1752, the jobs bill containing the entertainment industry incentive language, has passed the House unanimously and is now headed to the Governor's signature.The $242 million in tax credits will induce over $1.2 billion in direct spending by productions choosing Florida for their film, TV and digital media projects. Most of this could come to Miami or not, depending on how the situation goes with the Film office. Does the City want the money spent here? If so, something needs to be done to fix the Film Office today, the Film Office needs to accommodate and woo the filmmakers today.

An email that went out from the FFPC to members says in part: "The Film, TV and Digital Media Industry is requesting a serious commitment by the City of Miami’s Mayor, City Manager, and Commissioners to the Industry. Furthermore, many among us are citizens and taxpayers who provide millions of ancillary dollars to this community."

It went on to say, "The Film, TV and Digital Media Industry is a billion dollar industry in the State of Florida that creates jobs, pours money into the local economy and markets the City of Miami; therefore we require serious attention from City Officials. Projects such as “Burn Notice” and the numerous movies, commercials and print ads that are shot here provide multi million dollar promotional opportunities for the City of Miami in which everyone benefits. Let us not forget that we are a tourism destination and this community benefits from tourism as its 'bread and butter'. "

At the time this story was posted, Burn Notice was filming at CocoWalk right in the center of town, drawing lots of attention and excitement.

Celebrate Uncle Sam with Sam Adams!

Samuel Adams, America's World Class Beer, is the official beer sponsor this year of the Grove's Fourth of July Celebration in Peacock Park! Perfect patriotic beer for a patriotic day.

There will be three beers to choose from: their standard lager, their light beer and a "Seasonal beer," either Summer Ale or their Octoberfest beer.

And of course, adding a little Noche Buena to the festivities is the Lechon Cook-off in the park where pigs are cooked in large boxes! After the contest between the Grove Chamber and the Grove Rotary Club, the boxes will be auctioned off.

There will be a pig and a wild boar and they will be split between the two teams so each team will have two items to work on with their special herbs and spices. Sandwiches will be sold after the contest with the meat coming from the pig and boar.

Anti-Show is part of this weekend's Gallery Walk

The Windisch-Hunt Gallery is holding the Anti-Show for the month of May. It is curated by Rafael Manresa and will feature some of the hottest new talent many from the Wynnwood Art District seen for the first time in Coconut Grove.

This toaster with the Pop Tart is one of Rafael's pieces, premiering at the gallery on May 1 during the Gallery Walk and then staying around until the end of May.

This talented group of young artists' vision is contrapuntal to what Windisch-Hunt Fine Art is known for. Always open to new ideas and keeping abreast of the art trends, AnnaMaria invited these artists whom she saw in in alternative spaces in the Wynnwood art district during Art Basel. "I loved the freshness of their art," she said.

The Gallery Walk, this Saturday will distinguish itself via the green lanterns hanging in front of all the galleries and yellow footsteps will lead from one opening to the other of participating galleries. Rafael Manresa the curator was one of the original One Ear Society members which was founded right here in the Grove. The Windisch-Hunt Gallery is at 2911 Grand Avenue, the opening reception on Saturday is from 7 to 1 pm.

Letting go of Bad Habits is subject of meditation

The Dharma Studio (3170 Commodore Plaza) is starting a new meditation series on Monday, May 3. It's called "Letting Go of Bad Habits: The Courage to Change."The four week series will be held Monday nights from 7:45 to 9:15 pm.

The simple, effective meditations taught in the class can be used in daily life to help shed the limitations that bind you as you strive to improve yourself and be of greatest benefit to others. The series is taught by American Buddhist monk Kelang Norbu (left). The class is a branch of Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center in Fort Lauderdale, which offers Buddhist meditation classes throughout Southeast Florida.

There is a $9 fee per class. E-mail info@meditationinfortlauderdale.org, call 954- 537-9191, or visit www.meditationinmiami.org for more information.

New Latin Dance Club opening in Coconut Grove

There is a new Latin dance club in Coconut Grove at the old Flavour location (2895 McFarlane Road) and it's again called Flavour, upstairs is a second club called Rumba Lounge.

Owners Alex and Henry were preparing it's soft opening for tonight, but due to some licensing problems, it may end up being tomorrow night.

Alex is a former American Gladiator and Circ du Soleil performer, he was manager of Mangos on South Beach for 17 years, so he brings lot of club experience to the Grove. With his athletic and acrobatic background, expect to see lots of that inside and out. Acrobats probably will fill the veranda and streets on opening night.

Jude Papaloco, well known local artist, has been painting murals and doing much of the design work. You can see a large painting behind Henry (below left) and Alex here, and the big red sun (above) which commands the wall behind the upstairs bar.

There is lots of room on both floors, including a stage and dancing poles which the acrobatic dancers will use. Syncronized lights and music will complete the dance experience upstairs.

Flavour is marketing to the 30 year old and up crowd and will open 10:30 pm and close at 3:00 am. We'll keep you posted on the opening night, which could be tomorrow.

Lou Gehrig's Run/Walk is May 8

The 9th Annual Lou Gehrig's Disease 10K Run and 5K Run/Walk is Saturday, May 8 at 7:30 am.

Proceeds from this event go to creating public awareness, promoting research and education and raising funds in order to find a cure for the disease.

The race/walk starts at City Hall and goes through the Grove and ends back at City Hall.

For info, please call 305-278-8668 or visit www.alsrecovery.org.

"New Waves, New Talent" to be presented

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery (3390 Mary Street, suite 128) is presenting "New Waves, New Talent," an exhibition by 14 local young artists representing the fine arts programs in district schools.

From 7 to 9, on Saturday, May 1, during Gallery Walk, the students and their art will be introduced to the public. There will be refreshments and snacks. The exhibit will then be on display throughout the month.

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival and Historical Association will award $7,000 worth of scholarships to these outstanding and talented students.

They are Karen Feliz, Sofia Schiano, Caroline Rodriguez and Sarang Byrne from New World School of the Arts Senior High; Gisel Orizondo, Makada Duncanson, Claudia Cedeno and Zyanya Cruz from Design and Architecture Senior High; Britney Leighton and Mary Ann Grobman from Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High; Holly J. Henderson and Max Flugrath from Coral Reef Senior High and Catherine Mapp and Micheal Spears from Miami Northwestern Senior High.

For info and to RSVP, please call the gallery at 305-447-0401 or email Katrina at katrina@cgaf.com

Is your website iPad friendly?

Refresh Miami is meeting tonight at The Grove Spot (3324 Virginia Street) at 7:30 pm.
Learn how to be iPad ready.

First Damian Montero will present "How to Make Your Website iPad Friendly," showing how to leverage HTML5 in order to play videos and more on the portable device. The second presentation is by Luciano Ibias, COO of Zila Networks, the company behind the successful Friends Around Me, who will talk about "iPad App in a Week: How To Port Your App From iPhone To iPad."

Please RSVP at Facebook here.

Funding the Miami Film Office

Regarding the problems facing the Miami Film Office and the office's current director Harry Emilio Gottlieb's uphill battle to fund the office, former Film Office director, Robert Parente says that the North Hall of the Expo Center is usable and could be rented out to production companies, which would help fund the Film Office, which needs funding badly.

Currently Burn Notice is paying rent for the other side of the Expo Center but the money goes toward the future park that will take the Expo Center's place as part of the Waterfront Master Plan, so the money cannot go toward a Film Office.

The Jennifer Aniston film, Marley and Me, used the north side of the Expo Center for filming a couple of years ago. The North Hall has 45,000 square feet of space and can easily be rented out for up to $75,000 per year, says Robert Parente.

But something else is in the works. According to District Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, "We all share in the enthusiasm and support for the film industry in Miami. It is in all of our best interests to work hand in hand with the film community to ensure that the industry thrives locally. One of the ways that we are working to do that is by working to close a deal on a very large property that will serve as a state-of-the-art sound stage. It will possess the spacing opportunities that members of the film industry have requested in a permanent facility."

He went on to say, "Commissioners are not involved in personnel decisions of City Departments. The Mayor has displayed a keen knack for appointing the right people for the job citywide. Look no further than our City Manager and new Police Chief. I have spoken with Harry several times since the Manager has appointed him to head the film office. Harry is working very hard and we expect him to quickly grow into this important position. Harry maintains an open mind for good suggestions from the film community. The City should be helping Harry to achieve in this position and we will do all we can to support the film industry in Miami while maintaining the quality of life for our residents."

Nomade Gallery presenting live model shoot

The Nomade Gallery (3133 Commodore Plaza) is debuting four artists this month during the First Saturday Gallery Walk, who include photographer Wick Beavers who is the keynote artist and entertainer; Danny Catania who is May’s “Featured Artist”, Malayasian artist Long Looi Lee and femme photographer Charis Kirchheimer.

Wick Beavers invites patrons to experience a live model photo-shoot inspired by the early 20th century sculpture masterpiece "Le Penseur" by artist Auguste Rodin. The life-size photographs will be printed on-site at Nomade, allowing the signed museum quality prints to be available for purchase immediately following the shoot.

The Gallery Walk is Saturday, May 1 from 7 to 11 pm, the art will be on display through the end of the month. For info, please call 786-464-0289 or email info@nomadearts.com.

"The Art of Survival" exhibit premiers May 1

The GroveHouse Artists Gallery's next exhibit is “The Art of Survival." The Featured Glass Artist for May is Kathy Stulz.

The May exhibit is by any artist who has survived or is living with any type of cancer or who has a family member or friend who has survived or is living with cancer.

The opening night reception will be Saturday May 1, beginning at 7 pm, during the First Saturday Art Night, at the Art Stroll on the Promenade in the Shops at Mayfair.

Stop by, meet the artists, this is always a fun, breezy event; light refreshments will be served.


The winners for this exhibit are:
Ruth Karp - 1st place (shown here)
Elizabet Chacon - 2nd place ( photography)
Elizabet Chacon - 3rd place ( watercolor)
Jopie Estaver - Honorable Mention
Karen Deilke - Honorable Mention

Is the Film Office its own little reality show?

There's lots of drama going on at the Miami Film Office these days and it's not actually on film. According to the billion dollar film industry, the Miami Film Office, which is in Coconut Grove, is in shambles. The current director, Harry Emilio Gottlieb blames the former administration of Mayor Manny Diaz for leaving the City broke and in turn, leaving the Film Office broke and unable to do its job easily, although he claims the job is getting done. The top local filmmakers who attended last night's Film Community Meeting, at the Museum of Science, felt it was the current Mayor, Tomas Regalado, who doesn't have a clue how valuable the film industry is to the City and Hollywood is listening.

Harry shown here, at right, with location manager Julian Valdez, at last night's meeting, insists the office is performing and permits are getting out and filming is being done. He says there are no delays or problems other than the fact that they do need a staff and better working conditions. The phone system barely works and Harry, who does not wish to actually write the permits himself, is the only one in the once thriving office.

The film folks at the meeting -- producers, directors, location scouts and casting agents are quite unhappy and they say it takes more to run the office than issuing permits. Although the Film Office is not even doing that now since the permits have been relegated to the Parks Department, under "Special Events." The problem now is that there is no one on call to handle problems, which is desperately needed. They all want the office to run like it did before former director Robert Parente was let go in February. One producer from Burn Notice told us that he had to actually print out his own permit last week and beg for an official signature.

Robert was in the audience last night, and while most of the negative words were directed toward Harry and the City, by others, Robert said that he wanted Harry and the Film Office to succeed. But he did ask, "What is the Mayor's vision [for the office]?" and "What is Harry's [actual] job?" Since it doesn't seem to be running the Film Office, troubleshooting for the industry or handing out film permits.

Harry says that he is the Director of the Cultural Affairs Office and the Film Office is under the aegis of that office, but it's just one of his duties at this time, and that he would like to hire an experienced Film Office Director, but the funds are not there.

One of Harry's solutions was to have one of the producers volunteer their time to help the Parks people with the permitting, which didn't go over well in the room full of filmmaking professionals. They were insulted by this request to say the least.

Harry also went on about how the City is broke, but many felt that the Mayor and the City Commissioners need to step up and stop using that excuse. The word "Bullshit" was used a lot. The filmmakers felt that when the Mayor and Commissioners want a project funded it gets funded, so now is the time to stop using excuses and fund the Film Office and get a proper staff. The Mayor and City Commissioners are not looked upon very favorably by the film industry. $150,000 traffic circles seem to make it on the City agendas, but a fraction of that amount for the Film Office is never considered.

Frank Rollason, former assistant City Manager, who was in attendance last night, said that the film industry is a "clean, happening industry" and that the Mayor and Commissioners need to understand the value of the industry and the millions of dollars and all the good will and free publicity it generates.

Millions of dollars in incentive money, part of the Jobs Bill, is coming in from the state and filmmakers want to work here, but they need a Film Office to guide them and finesse their needs through the City. But without a dedicated office and staff, filmmakers will go to another city where they can get what they need to produce movies, tv shows, commercials and music videos, Orlando was mentioned more than once and of course, the State of Louisiana is always wooing and tempting the industry. Burn Notice could easily work there.


Harry and Greg Nye, the location manager guy, who took the minutes of last night's meeting, chat before the meeting.

Kampong's "K Lounge" presenting Joe Donato

The Kampong's K Lounge is presenting Joe Donato for an evening of jazz on Friday, May 15.

Enjoy an evening of moonlight jazz with a Grove legend. Gates open at 8 pm and the music starts at 9 pm. Complimentary wine, sodas and Grey Goose cocktails will greet you.

There are three types of seating available, tickets include an open bar. K Lounge Seating includes seating for four, including the Grey Goose table side mixology experience, featuring custom-made cocktails, price is $100 per ticket. Plumeria seating is a Cabaret table with bar stools for four, cost is $90 per ticket and Lotus seating includes seats for $50 per ticket.

"The Kampong's 'K Lounge' is one of the most enjoyable listening experiences in Miami. When you combine the incomparable atmosphere of the Kampong, the music of great artists, the wonderful acoustics of the venue, and the intimacy of the experience, it adds up to a very special evening," says Jazz pianist Shelly Berg, Dean of the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.

Tickets are on sale now, call 305.442.7169 or http://kampongevents.ntbg.org.

Proceeds from the concert support The Kampong's living collections and educational programs.

Visit the Jeweled Garden during Gallery Walk

Something new this Saturday, May 1, during the Gallery Walk is the Jeweled Garden, created by Atana Komar, which will be on exhibit at the Blu Moon Studio at 3444 Main Highway (on the top floor).

These are beaded flowers, Atena's new project. Next month she will start classes in the art of beaded flower making, details to come.

Saturday's exhibit is from 7 to 11 pm, there will be wine and snacks and a raffle drawing at 9:30 pm.

The event is free, stop by the penthouse studio and enjoy the ambiance that Sheri Friedman has created at Blu Moon. It's a relaxing throwback to the old Grove.

For info, please call 305-529-5006.

Green Market in town tomorrow

Wednesday is Green Market Day at the Mayfair Promenade. From 11 am to 6 pm, fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, flowers and more are available. Try the fresh made juices or prepared foods for lunch. Check out the jewelry and art.

This week's specials are Ruben's choice of Meat and Potatoes Entree or Chicken and Congri, including soda for $6.00.

Beeland is offering One Pound of Wildflower Honey, only $6.00.

Chef and Chef is featuring their traditional Peruvian Entree with a soft drink for just $12.00.

Ask any of the vendors for a taste, they will be happy to let you try some of their items!

Zafra Rum presents its Master Reserve

The Grove Spot (3324 Virginia Street) is having a Zafra Rum tasting on Thursday, April 29 from 7 to 10 pm.

Enjoy one free glass of Zafra Rum Master Reserve aged 21 years. A cigar roller will be at the event sponsored by Coco Cigars.

Come out, meet up with your friends and enjoy Happy Hour prices, too.

Whatever it's called, come out for a night of art

We don't know what the First Saturday Art Stroll is called these days, they seemed to have changed it. We were told it is now Coconut Grove Art Night, but now it appears to be the Coconut Grove Gallery Walk.

Whatever it is, it is the first Saturday of each month, the next one is May 1. From 7 to 10 pm, all the galleries in the Grove are showing off their best. Most have food and wine and most have a new exhibit which opens for the month.

Johnny and Cindy have their Art Stroll on the Mayfair Promenade, where you'll find art, free food and free cocktails. All this is in the open air promenade from Grand Avenue up to Florida Avenue. While there you can check out the GroveHouse Artists, Antique Market and Peacock Gallery, along with all the stores which are open late for the evening. It's an event unto itself.

Then as you ramble around the Grove, you'll see art at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery at the Mayfair Atrium (near the big bull sculpture) and then the Windish-Hunt Gallery at 2911 Grand Avenue, the new Rodez Gallery at CocoWalk, next to Crazy Pianos on the second floor and as you wind your way down to Commodore Plaza, there is the Christina Chacon Gallery (3162 Commodore Plaza) and the Nomade Gallery (3133 Commodore Plaza).

The Blu Moon Studio of Art at 3444 Main Highway is also part of Gallery Night now. So stop by the Florentine Plaza and head up to the top of the building for Sheri's fun retreat.

The Peter Max Gallery (2996 McFarlane Road) will be open and giving a little preview of what is to come during their big red carpet event on May 15 and 16, when Peter Max will be in town for a large premier event with celebs and sports stars.

Solar Dogs perform at "new" Grove venue

There's a new music venue in the Grove, well, there was on Saturday night called "Big Howl in the Wood." It was literally in the wood -- Shell Lumber's lumber yard wood!

Solar Dogs performed to a large crowd of Grovites who enjoyed the music along with art, drinks and food. Solar Dogs are Zip Robertson, Bill Kunz, Eric Wagner and Steve Gaskell.


The acoustics is actually perfect as the music bounced off the wood surrounding the venue. Art hung among the lumber and the local artists actually sold their art, too!


Jerry Alanis with Theresa Calluori; Bob Brennan, AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt and Ken Drodvillo.


Left: Grovites Kent Tate, Donna Sweeny and Jack Feldkamp enjoyed themselves. Right: Mari Bueno and Chantell Kennedy Sheehan from Joy Wallace Catering, who sold delicious BBQ.


Adrienne Peters, Lisa Shallenberger and John Mattern enjoyed the show.


Hopefully this can be a monthly thing. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, the music was first class as well as the venue -- a lumber yard! Who knew?

The Race is on! It's Bed Race time again . . .

The Great Grove Bed Race is now accepting applications. There is room for 50 beds this year so get in while the getting is good. The 36 teams who participated last year have first dibs during the early registration period (until July 15, 2010), so that leaves only a few places open.

Go to the home page here: http://www.thegreatgrovebedrace.com/ and click on the YELLOW "Registration" link at the bottom. That's the one that is working right now.

The Great Grove Bed Race is Sunday, September 5, 2010, during Labor Day weekend.

Here and here are some scenes from last year's thrilling race.

Join the Facebook Fan page here: http://www.facebook.com/thegreatgrovebedrace
and Twitter here: http://twitter.com/grovebedrace

The first updates and news will be at those two locations.

Rhythm and Wine; Live jazz at La Cava

La Bottega Enoteca Sociale (3540 Main Highway) is presenting Rhythm and Wine Live Jazz at La Cava on Thursday, April 29.

From 6:30 to 9:30 pm, enjoy Mel Dancy and Jimmy Kessler's lively piano jazz. Cost is $20 per person which includes wine. The fee is waived for La Cava members.

Please reserve early by calling 305-444-3493.

New Rodez Art Gallery presenting "Caribe"

The new RODEZart.com Gallery has opened on the second floor at CocoWalk (next to Crazy Pianos). The gallery not only represents the works of George Rodez (shown here), it also serves as his working art studio.

Caribe, a retrospect of George's Caribbean works opens on Saturday, May 1, during Art Night, which is the First Saturday of each month. The exhibit will be on view until May 31, 2010.

On opening night, the American Red Cross will be presented with a check from the latest donations collected from the sale of the Gift of Love. All proceeds will go to the International Response Fund for Haiti. In addition, a percentage of sales on opening night will be donated to the same fund.

The RODEZart.com Gallery is open Sunday through Thursday, 11 am to 7 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm.

For more info, please email info@rodezart.com or call 786-543-7237.

Grove's Brian Breslin named top biz professional

Coconut Grove's Brian Breslin has been named one of the 20 successful business professionals under 40 (by his peers) according to the Miami Herald. The Herald asked readers to recommend emerging leaders under 40 years old and they received hundreds of responses.

Brian is best know for his monthly Refresh Miami meetings and you may have seen him and his dog Bear out and about daily. He's a true Grovite, he lives and works here and spends much of his time right in the neighborhood.

Thanks to Brian and his friends, the Grove hosts hundreds of young tech professionals each month, which not only brings new, young blood to the area, but also money.

There is always talk of making Coconut Grove a tech hub, a place where techies can live and work, but a lack of affordable office space is one main drawback, even shared space is hard to come by. In a perfect Grove, there would be large office spaces available where people could share the facility. It's odd that office space is harder and more expensive to come by than living spaces.

"Coconut Grove has the potential to be the next hub for tech like Austin,TX or Cambridge, MA or Seattle, are already. We just need to embrace the companies and entrepreneurs that are fueling this drive. To do that we need to get the local property owners, business owners,and service providers to help these tech businesses flourish," says Brian.

Calling all poster artists for movie theater art

Paragon Grove 13, the new movie theater at CocoWalk, will be promoting local artists inside the movie theater lobby.

They are looking for local artists to be part of the project. If you are a Coconut Grove artist who has done poster art, please bring your work to the Windisch-Hunt Gallery (2911 Grand Avenue) for consideration.

The poster art does not have to be of Coconut Grove it just has to be your art on the poster. They know Carol Garvin, Lynn Facteau and Fred Hunt just to name a few who have done posters for various shows over the years. The plan is to enlarge them and help promote the artists who have made Coconut Grove what it is.

For more info, please call the gallery at 772-480-3131.

Every day should be Bike Day!

Bike Day brings such a nice ambiance to the Grove. So many new faces show up to enjoy the peaceful streets. It's a shame every day can't be Bike Day. But seriously, why can't we have Bike Day once a month?

We don't need all the hoopla in the park with the politicians and awards and prizes, we just need to shut the streets down and invite everybody out to enjoy.


Street performers from musicans to performance art are a large part of the scene and should be included each month.





Improptu musicians just popped up on the streets and turned the Grove into an artsy-music village that we always claim to be.



Skateboarders and rollerbladers were a large part of Bike Day, too.


It's such a great day, when the whole village turns into one big plaza. For more photos of Bike Day, please visit our Facebook page here.

Moonlight Garden Tour at Vizcaya

Vizcaya is having another one of it's Moonlight Garden Tours on Wednesday, April 28.

On these tour nights, you are free to wander the grounds under the full moon. There are informal concerts and live music throughout the grounds and light refreshments are sold in the courtyard.
Vizcaya volunteer guides are available to answer questions and guide you around.

Admission is $15 per person; $10 for students, seniors and Vizcaya members. No reservations are needed.

The evening tours are from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.

It's a nice day for a a bike ride

The town is shut down to car traffic and everyone is out on their bikes, rollerblades or just sneakers. The weather is perfect for today's Miami Bike Day in Coconut Grove.


Orange t-shirts are being given out to everyone in Peacock Park and there are raffles and lots of other giveaways. Musicians are all around the village playing live and all the restaurants are doing a great business with hungry and thirsty bikers.


And the free Heineken beer being given out by the Dutch Government on Main Highway (in front of Florentine Plaza) doesn't hurt a bit either. That explains the wobbly bikers you may see around the Grove today.

Maria Cabarcos, shown here with Netherlands Consul General Xavier C. Prens, won one of the grand prize raffle trips.