Mary Damiano Photo by David Vance

Mary Damiano’s Arts Scene

We’re at the threshold of a new season, and I don’t mean autumn. Arts season is upon us, and the coming months will be chock full of theatre openings, art exhibitions, film festivals, dance performances and concerts. The new season also means that MiamiARTzine.com will be back to biweekly publication—thanks to all of our readers who told us over the summer that they missed having a new issue every two weeks. We kick-off our wonderful biweekly grind with an issue full of the unique events and personalities that make South Florida special. Karen Peterson will celebrate her 20th anniversary presenting integrated dance next month, and you can read all about that event and her journey toward that milestone in John Kramel’s lead story. If you love the written word, check out Jan Engoren’s feature on Lip Service, the regular event at Books & Books that gives writers an outlet to read their own true stories. Also in this issue, Dale Penn profiles a prolific Miami gardener whose exotic landscape can hold its own with any gallery, Manny Meland shares his Baroque experience, I review Tom Stoppard’s play Rock ‘n’ Roll at the Mosaic Theatre, and you’ll get to know the artwork of Daniel Fiordia. And don’t miss our photo galleries. Who knows—you might just see yourself or your friends at a recent event. Enjoy!

Sonida Batido will perform at the MiamiARTzine.com Fourth Anniversary Party on October 19.

MiamiARTzine.com Turns Four
Save the date and plan on being at the MuseoVault in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District to help MiamiARTzine.com celebrate its fourth anniversary. This year, we’ve partnered with the South Florida Theatre League and our anniversary party, which takes place on Monday, October 19, 6-9 p.m., is an official event of the South Florida Theatre Festival, which runs October 12-26. There will be food, refreshments, live music by Sonida Batido, an art exhibition and awards to members of the arts community who think outside the box. All that for just a $20 suggested donation, which helps fund MiamiARTzine.com so that we can continue to bring you the best arts coverage possible.

Spam All Stars will perform at the Rhythm Foundation season kick-off fundraiser.

Rhythm Foundation Kick-off
The Rhythm Foundation will kick off its new season with a Dance Party Fundraiser on Saturday, September 26, 7:30 p.m., at the Key Biscayne Beach Club. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Le Spam and the Spam All Stars in a Perez Prado Tribute. The casual chic event, outdoor event features dinner by Spuntino and Pashas, with refreshments by Moleca Cachaca and Heineken. An extensive silent auction includes vacation packages to Bimini, Mexico and Vero Beach; an Epiphone guitar; a beauty basket from Saks Fifth Avenue; housewares from NiBa, Las Tias and Heineken; fine cognac; signed collectibles and restaurant gift certificates. Admission is $100, which includes dinner, open bar and an annual Rhythm Foundation membership. For tickets, call 305-672-5202 or visit www.RhythmFoundation.com.

Garden of Delight, from Paula Turk’s photo exhibition, “Floral Fantasies.”

Paula Turk
MiamiARTzine.com featured Paula Turk in our Artist Spotlight way back in our 11th issue in March 2006. We were impressed with her work then, and she continues to impress us today. Experience Paula Turk's "Floral Fantasies” photo exhibit during the North Miami Gallery Walk, Friday, September 25, 6:30-11 p.m., at Rucht D'Oleo Designs, 773 N.E. 125th Street, North Miami. The emporium is situated directly across the street from the Museum of Contemporary Art and is hosting the showcase with a wine and cheese reception. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, e-mail mixedmetals@aol.com.

Two straight guys pretend to be a gay couple in Dostana.

A Movie at the Mansion
While Vizcaya is known as a magnificent structure full of European inspiration, it also served as a place of leisure, enjoyment and relaxation for its owner, James Deering, who frequently hosted events for his friends and family. Now you can experience firsthand what it might have been like to be a guest of Deering's and enjoy movie night in the courtyard of the main house. The new Viewing Vizcaya screening series will explore both modern day films that have a fun connection to Vizcaya as well as historical silent films that Deering and his guests might have viewed in their time. The silent films will have live music accompaniment. And of course, each movie will have its own themed cocktail and movie snacks available. On Wednesday, September 16, 7 p.m., the 2008 film Dostana will be screened. In Hindi and English with English subtitles, this romantic comedy is about two straight guys who pretend to be a gay couple to secure an apartment. Hilarity ensues as they both fall in love with their landlady's beautiful niece. Vizcaya makes a guest appearance in Dostana (Hindi for friendship), the first Bollywood movie to be filmed entirely in Miami. Tickets $15, available day of program only, seating is limited. Upcoming screenings include The Phantom of the Opera (1925) on
Wednesday, October 21; The Money Pit (1986) on Wednesday, January 20, 2010; and D.W. Griffith’s Intolerance (1916) on Wednesday, February 17, 2010. For more information, visit www.vizcayamuseum.org.

Members of the MDC Jazz Faculty Quintet

Jazz at the Wolfson Returns
Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Arts and Philosophy Department will kick off the 12th season of its successful jazz series, Jazz at Wolfson Presents, on Wednesday, September 16 at noon, featuring the institution’s own Jazz Faculty Quintet. Composed of some of South Florida’s finest musicians, the MDC Jazz Faculty Quintet features saxophonist Ed Calle, guitarist Mike Di Liddo, pianist Jim Gasior, bassist Rick Doll and drummer Rodolfo Zuniga. Since its formation in 2003, the MDC Jazz Faculty Quintet has performed during several seasons of Jazz at Wolfson Presents. The group presents original and select compositions from the jazz repertoire, including modern, hard bop, modal and Latin jazz styles. The performance will take place at the Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus, Chapman Conference Center, Room 3210, 300 N.E. Second Ave., downtown Miami. For more information, contact Dr. Michael Di Liddo at 305-237-3930.

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