Summer in Miami offers an array of art, culture and fun events

The heat this summer makes those wonderful indoor performances especially attractive. Coming up on August 19 and 20, Miami Dade County Auditorium is presenting the premier of DESEO, a Flamenco drama by Ballet Flamenco La Rosa. This original Flamenco work is inspired by Tennessee Williams’ Streetcar Named Desire, incorporating Flamenco music and dance to convey the iconic story of one of the most critically acclaimed plays of the 20th Century. Artistic Director Ilisa Rosal was a recent guest on Gloria’s Gab LIVE video podcast with guest artist and flamenco dancer coming from Spain., Paloma.
For information tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com/event/0D005EC7CB45D138.

Speaking of great shows, Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre closed its season with hilarious performance by Lindsey Corey in Defending the Cavewoman. The opening night crowd enjoyed a Bacardi Bar and Crepemaker’s delicious savory and sweet crepes before this one-woman performance by Lindsey, an incredibly talented actress and Carbonell award winner. This actress had everyone laughing throughout the show and received a well-deserved standing ovation. Kudos, as always, to Artistic Director/ Director, David Arisco, for his work in making every show special.

The crowd attending opening night were welcomed by Actors Playhouse founders Barbara and Dr. Lawrence Stein and included South Florida PBS Sr. VP of Marketing and Communications, Jeneissy Azcuy; City Manager Peter Iglesias; City Commissioner Ariel Fernandez and Commissioner Kirk Menedez with wife Maria; Roy Gonas; Jerry Kavulich; Crepe Makers’Austin Hoffman and Maria Sune Lopez; Lawrence Shapiro; Barbara Gonzalez; The Biltmore’s Matthias and Dianne Kammerer, and Dr. Marta Perez, to mention a few.

On another vein, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club  (GFWC) , whose dental clinic provides free dental care for children in need throughout Miami-Dade County, is directing proceeds from their August 15 monthly Gringo Bingo for schools. Hosted by restaurant owner Steve Bradley at Clutch Burger, funds will go to Tucker Elementary and the Dr. Marvin Dunn Academy Community Education (ACE Academy). This is always a fun event and several sponsors have already signed up to insure a successful night including Lynn Bauer, Hal Wanless, Mayra and Carlos Rossi, Jerry Kavulich, EZ Title Services (Liz Gamez), and 1st Empire Elite Financial Frank Vazquez. To reserve your spot, email [email protected].

Speaking of Clutch Burger, a fond farewell party was held there for long time residents and community leaders, Annette Alvarez, recently retired Executive Director of Global Ties, and her husband, retired bank executive and Past President of the Rotary Club of Coral Gables, Walter Alvarez. Days before their departure, the Rotary Club (RCCG), Global Ties Miami and the Coral Gables Woman’s Club (CGWC) orchestrated a party for them at Clutch Burger where Walter was a regular supporter for CGWC’s Gringo Bingo fundraiser for charity and a favorite of Clutch owner Steven Bradley. Annette received a lovely photo book from Global Ties while Gables Rotary President presented Walter with a plaque and the Woman’s Club provided a yummy carrot sheet cake for all to enjoy. Among the guests were Global Ties’ Athena Passera, RCCG President Frank Sexton, CGWC’s President Ruth Martinez, Rotarian and former Mayor Don Slesnick who introduced Walter to Rotary, Yolanda Woodbridge, Maria Korvick and Jim Skinner, Jenny Azcuy, Hadley and Jennifer Williams, Charles Gomes, Bill Quesenberry with fiancé Chie, Bruce Kerestes, Sally Baumgartner and Larry Goodman, Dipak Joshi, and so many more. The couple moves to Raleigh to be close to their son whose wife is expecting their first grandchild… the best reason ever to move away.

Finally, prayers for family and friends of the late Jeannett Slesnick, former Coral Gables Commissioner whose involvement in the community has made a lasting difference. She has served in numerous leadership positions including that of Jr. Orange Bowl President and Coral Gables Community Foundation Chair, to mention a few. Jeannett was a visionary whose efforts have made an enormous positive impact over the decades in countless ways and was recently honored by the City of Coral Gables City Commission with husband Former Mayor Don Slesnick accepting the recognition with family in her absence. Jeannett and Don were an amazing team. Jeannett has left a impressive legacy and will be greatly missed. May she rest in peace.

Until next time, share your talents, count your blessings and not your challenges and make a difference.