Feb 10, 2010
The Gusman’s marquee repair project (see the Dec. 17 post) is being rebid. To download a copy of the Invitation For Bid, please visit the Procurement page on the Miami Parking Authority’s website.
The new schedule: mandatory pre-bid conference on Feb. 22, letters of intent due by Feb. 24, and bid packages due by March 11. For more information, please contact Trecia Demby, MPA’s procurement manager, at 305-373-6789, ext. 238.
Jan 6, 2010
Have you bought your tickets for tonight’s performance by guitarist Ottmar Liebert and his band, Luna Negra? If not, better head over to Ticketmaster.com right now! They’ll be here for one night only, then they’re on to the next stops on their Florida tour — Orlando, Naples and Clearwater.
Here’s a nice video of the crew setting up for a recent concert, accompanied by the track titled “Up Close,” from Ottmar’s Grammy-nominated album The Scent of Light.
(Photo: Greg Gorman)
Dec 17, 2009
Artistic Dance Theater's "The Nutcracker" features captivating sets and costumes.
Artistic Dance Theater returns to the Gusman this weekend with their enchanting production of the holiday favorite The Nutcracker. Directed by Elizabeth Acuna-Nuevo and Lissette Lucas and performed by company dancers and professional guest artists, The Nutcracker is sure to set the mood for the holiday season.
ADT is a company of young, talented dancers and successful, dedicated teachers aspiring to reach their dreams of excellence, professionalism and artistry. Visit ADT’s special Nutcracker website to see video clips and learn more about the production.
Tickets are still available from Ticketmaster.
Dec 17, 2009
Our marquee is in need of repair, so the theater has issued an Invitation For Bid (IFB) to find a company to replace the electronic panels that advertise upcoming events. To download a copy of the IFB, please visit the Miami Parking Authority’s website. (MPA manages the theater.)
IFB responses are due Jan. 18. A mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for Dec. 23. For details, please contact Trecia Demby, MPA’s procurement manager, at 305-373-6789, ext. 238.
Nov 28, 2009
The Borscht Film Festival is Miami's fresh local independent film fest.
Shake off those turkey-induced doldrums and head to downtown Miami tonight for the Borscht Film Festival, Miami’s fresh independent film fest. Admission is free, thanks to the Festival’s sponsors. The Borscht Festival is “all Miami, all the time.” So, what better place to host the event than downtown Miami’s iconic Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts?
Says the Miami New Times : “…because the films are Miami to the core — stories written, directed, cast, and shot in Dade County — [Festival co-founder Lucas Leyva] believes it’s only right that the festival should take place downtown. ‘For at least one night, we want to make the ‘Potential Miami’ everyone talks and dreams about a tangible reality,’ he says. ‘Or at least approximate it enough to get more people excited about the vision.’”
The New Times’ story features Tarell Alvin McCraney, the 28-year-old Liberty City native who is now the international playwright in residence at London’s Royal Shakespeare Company. McCraney wrote one of the films in this year’s Festival, Day N Night Out, which is set in Liberty City.
The Borscht Film Festival is presented with support from Miami Dade Cultural Affairs. To learn more about the four films to be showcased, visit the Borscht Film Festival’s website or Facebook fan page. You can also follow the Festival on Twitter.
Oct 22, 2009
Judging from Bryan Adams’ recent posts on Twitter, his current world tour is full of surprises. A couple of days ago he was atop a tractor in the English countryside, plowing a field, and a few days before that he was meeting with the Dalai Lama. We’re hoping he finds something equally interesting to do during his brief stop in Miami for tomorrow night’s show!
For a taste of what’s to come in Bryan’s solo acoustic show, check out the review from his recent performance in Salt Lake City. It said: “With just six light lights, a piano, a music stand and microphone, Adams’ show didn’t need any lasers or digital screen backdrops. He let his music carry the show on its own…The encore was peppered with several standing ovations as the crowd could have easily listened to him sing for another hour.”
Tickets are still available from Tickemaster.
Oct 18, 2009
Fleck, Meyer and Hussain's album, The Melody of Rhythm, topped the Billboard Classical Albums chart. Photo: Jim McGuire
What wonderful weather we’re having in Miami today! (Thank you, cold front!) It’s going to be a perfect evening to head downtown to the Gusman for The Rhythm Foundation’s latest presentation of world music.
Three masterful genre-benders and the leading virtuosos on their respective instruments, Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain and Edgar Meyer move with ease among the worlds of classical, bluegrass and world music. Three of the most limitless creators and composers in the history of music, Fleck, Hussain and Meyer share an unprecedented array of projects and pairings among them that touch every geographical and stylistic corner of the musical world.
Visit The Rhythm Foundation’s website for a sample of the trio’s music, and check yesterday’s excellent Miami Herald article by Bob Weinberg to learn more about these world-class artists and their “cultural collision.”
If you don’t already have your tickets, just go to the box office or visit Ticketmaster online.
This Rhythm Foundation event is presented with support from DWNTWNR magazine.
Oct 14, 2009
The Three Jacks take a base mix of traditional Scottish and Irish songs, whip in what they call “the 18th-century folk songs we wrote last week,” add re-worked Celtic baroque numbers and Elizabethan dance tunes, and leaven the whole heady brew with rip-out, stomping, fiddle break-downs. Kids get on stage and dance. The crowd sings and laughs along with the band – and everyone goes home happy.
Accompanying The Jacks, reprising their recent packed-out joint shows in Lima, Peru, will be three high-kicking star Irish step dancers from the Breffni Academy of Irish Dance.
All proceeds from this show will benefit a local treasure, Jackson Memorial Hospital.
To learn more about The Three Jacks, visit their website. You can sample their music on Amazon.com. For tickets, go to Ticketmaster.
Sep 23, 2009
The show blends breakdancing and flamenco.
Siudy Entre Mundos is an original play written and directed by Siudy Garrido and MTV and Grammy award winning director Pablo Croce. The story brings to life the characters of the urban world in a unique fusion of breakdancing with the sensuality of flamenco.
In this tale, a climatic catastrophe nearly destroys humanity. The surviving population must fight for their lives in a hostile land where they are no lakes, rivers or seas. Legend tells that during the night of a full moon, a pure soul will be born who will harness her power to bring back water from the skies and peace to the people.
Special guests include the urban dance group “D’ La Funky” and the theatrical percussionist group “Primate,” directed by Roberto Castillo. Distinct percussion sounds are blended with the drumming of Siudy’s heels, accompanied by musician Adolfo Herrera and the dancers of his company. To get a taste of this exciting and unique production, watch the video on the show’s website.
Presented by Pablo Croce Productions.
Sep 1, 2009
The Wiz plays at the Gusman Center September 2
We close out our “Flickin’ Summer” movie series with The Wiz this Thursday night. We’ll be screening the only remaining 35mm print, so it’s a very special occasion!
This 1978 classic follows the adventures of Dorothy, a shy schoolteacher from Harlem who finds herself magically transported to the wonderland of Oz, which resembles a fantasy version of New York City. Befriended by a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion, Dorothy travels through the world of Oz to seek an audience with the mysterious “Wiz,” who they say has the power to take her home.
The Wiz stars Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Lena Horne, Richard Pryor, and many others. The film received four Academy Award nominations for Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Original Music Score and Best Cinematography.
Come to the theater early for happy hour beginning at 6:00 p.m., featuring $3 beers and $5 Captain Morgan rum cocktails. Then stay after the movie for a dance party on the Gusman’s stage! DJ PAUER will be spinning the best music of the ’80s.
You can watch the trailer for The Wiz on YouTube. For some great photos of last week’s dance party, visit NBC Miami. It’ll be even bigger and better this week!
The “Flickin’ Summer” series is a benefit for the Gusman Center and is sponsored by Friends of Gusman and DWNTWNR magazine.
