Last Friday was the last of the free concerts in DWTWN's summer concert series, featuring The Wailers and highlighting the local favorite Jahfé at the Olympia Theater at Gusman Center. The four concerts this season were provided thanks to the Miami Downtown Development Authority and the John S. & James L. Knight Foundation.
Jahfé is a local reggae band that recently came off tour from Europe. They distinguish themselves as the only band with a lead female vocalist. They were all the rage in Europe as they played the longest live set: over two hours. Last Friday's performance was electrifying as they allowed the crowd to interact and be part of the live performance. The highlight of the night was to see The Wailers, new and original band members including Aston Barrett on bass, who's been with the band for over forty years. At times the singer's mic would cut off (perhaps from overheating the audio equipment). However, the crowed didn't miss a beat and filled in any voids of the audio.
My personal favorites were: "Is this love" and "Could you be loved". if you missed the series of concerts, don't fret (no pun intended)... more concerts to come in the fall, stay tuned with the Downtown Development Authority.
Summer is here and here is my list for my top 5 things to do this summer in South Florida!
1- Whale Saving with Key Largo Marine Mammal Conservancy
This makes it to the top of my list not only because it was one of the most amazing experiences for me but because this nonprofit group needs help to rescue and rehabilitate marine mammals. After a mass stranding on May 5, volunteers have been needed to assist with three remaining pilot whales. Volunteering is easy, just call head to get your name on the list. Help hold, feed and give therapy to these whales. Read about the success story of two released whales on their website. For more info call: 305-451-4774. Check link below for more info on volunteering. http://marinemammalconservancy.org/uncategorized/mass-stranding-volunteers-needed
2- Paddle Boarding
I just can't get enough of this sport! I was introduced to SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boarding) by Carlos Macias, President of SUPAmericas. He has his own boards, lifevests and more and offers tours and trips all over South Florida, in Broward or Dade. My favorite places to paddle include Key Biscayne, Virginia Key, Rickenbacker Causeway (good, calm area for begginers) and Dania Beach. More info on booking a tour or renting the boards below:
http://supamericas.com/ Carlos Macias Ph: 305.785.6834 carlos@supamericas.com
3- Miami Critical Mass - Bike
Critical Mass invites all bicyclists and other self-propelled commuters take to the streets en masse; last Friday of every month meeting at 6:30 pm from Government Center. About 500 cyclists joined May's Mass, riding 14 miles through Little Havana, Miracle Mile and Biscayne in Downtown. This is not a race but a pleasant ride with others and celebrate cycling while reminding drivers that they must share the road. Every month has a different bike route, check out their fan page: Miami Critical Mass or check out their blog: http://miamibikescene.blogspot.com/
can you spot me? I'm at 0:55 in aqua blue shirt!
4- Outdoor Movies (Free Event)
Soundscape at New World Center, near Lincoln Rd. is a 2.5 acre public park with a 7,000 square foot projection wall where concerts and free movie screenings are shown throughout the year. Don't miss out this months 3 remaining films:
Wednesday, June 01, 2011 8:00pm Casablanca
Wednesday, June 08, 2011 8:00pm The Wizard of Oz
Wednesday, June 15, 2011 8:00pm Dirty Dancing
Arrive early, bring your own food and beverage, make it a picnic! Chairs and blankets are a great idea also! Check the website for schedules on other free performances/concerts! Below are pics of the movie I saw.
http://www.mbculture.com/Scroll.aspx?id=81 Suggested Parking: City of Miami Beach Owned-and-Operated Garages 17th Street Garage (located on 17th between Meridian and Pennsylvania) Fee: $1/hr.
5- Big Night in Little Haiti
Immerse yourself in Haitian Culture: culinary, arts and music! Big Night in Little Haiti brings local bands and artists together for a night of celebration, fun for the whole family! Check out the link below for next months event!
It’s the first weekend of the month, and that means Bank of America customers can visit museums free through the bank’s Museums On Us program. Just show your Bank of America credit or debit card Saturday or Sunday and you’ll get free admission to more than 120 museums and attractions in cities across the United States.
In Miami-Dade, you can use your card for free admission to the Miami Art Museum, Miami Children’s Museum, Miami Science Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami and the Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach.
In Broward County, you’ll find deals for free admission to the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Discovery and Science ,the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale plus Young At Art Children’s Museum in Davie.
In Palm Beach County, you can make a free visit to the South Florida Science Museum in West Palm Beach.
You can also get free visits to museums in the Jacksonville and Tampa Bay areas.
* please visit: http://museums.bankofamerica.com for more info.
For a total of five days you will experience over 80 live spectacular showcases, dance to the music of some of the hottest Salsa disc jockeys & Live Bands in the industry and take dance workshops with the best instructors from around the world.
The Miami Salsa Congress was created in 2002 to give Floridians a chance to experience the latin culture of music and dance under one roof. It's also an opportunity to bring salsa music and dance lovers from as far as the UK, Asia, South America and beyond to enjoy our beautiful sunny city while enjoying great Salsa music.
This is why everyone calls the Miami Salsa Congress,
(from 7/16/2009 to 7/19/2009) http://www.coastaldanceconnection.com/
Contests, dance workshops and open dancing will bring energy and the spirit of dance to Miami. The not-to-be-missed Saturday Night Show features So You Think You Can Dance winner Benji Schwimmer. The event is open to the public. Visit the web site for details.
Address:
Hyatt Miami Downtown Miami, FL 805/937-1574
Debra Lynn at 954-895-5251 MiamiDanceMagic@aol.com
*2 Balrooms, Continous Open Dancing, Workshops FREE* Call or email MiamiDanceMagic@aol.com for more info.
