The Grove helped launch the career of legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell as she performed at the Gaslight Café. Located at the corner of Grand Avenue and Virginia Street, the Gaslight Café is long gone but its vibe is recreated in the GableStage production of Both Sides Now. There you’ll find U-Miami Frost School of Music’s own Danielle Wertz along with Robbie Schaefer performing Mitchell’s signature works. Take a big yellow taxi to GableStage at the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables. Performances start Friday 12/13 at 7:00 p.m. and run through Sunday 1/5/25. Tickets.
St. Stephen’s Annual Christmas Concert with Festival Chorus and Orchestra continues the musical traditions of one of the Grove’s many church communities. Regulars are inspired to sing with the chorus Friday 12/13 at 7:00 p.m. 2750 McFarlane Road. Tickets.
The Barnacle’s Moonlight Concert series continues with the Strings Attached duo performing under a rising moon. The ideal evening picnic venue, the Barnacle’s lawn welcomes you, friends, picnics and children (but not pets) with gates opening at 6:00 p.m. By itself, a slow walk through the hammock’s tree canopy in the early evening is a rare delight, with plenty of time to reach the lawn before the concert starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available in advance. The Barnacle Historic State Park is in the heart of Coconut Grove at 3485 Main Highway. Friday 12/13 at 7:00 p.m. Barnacle Society memberships fit neatly into a fireside stocking on Christmas morning.
Dog lovers can share stories of their beloved pets while visiting the dog park inside Kennedy Park. The fenced area near the Biscayne Bay lets your puppy romp and play while you enjoy a treat from A.C.’s Icees. After picking up your icee cone, walk with your dog towards the bay and the far left (eastern) corner of the park. There you’ll find the dog park and other dog lovers where you can swap gift ideas. Enjoy!
Last minute gifts and stocking stuffers can be easily found at Vizcaya’s Sunday Market. But why not simply cross the street afterwards and visit the museum’s gardens, grounds and mansion? A charming café on the main building’s north side offers a cozy place to sit, refresh and share stories of the day. (Pro holiday tip: Vizcaya membership wrapped in a bow from the market. Perfect!) Market hours: Sundays 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Free. Museum and grounds 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Tuesdays. 3251 South Miami Avenue. Free Miami City Trolley. Tickets.
“Be Our Guest,” says Area Stage for the final performances of Beauty and the Beast. The immersive theater experience of Area Stage productions is far from ‘ever just the same’ and is gaining advocates. And, if you are so inclined, you too can ‘use antlers in all of your decorating’ as an inspiration for gifts. Area Stage at the Shops at Sunset Mall. 5701 Sunset Place. South Miami. By Metrorail to University Station. Friday 12/13 at 7:00 p.m. through Sunday 12/22 at 2:00 p.m. Advanced tickets.
Many neighbors plan ahead for Christmas services and others seek to find new places to join. The variety and options nearby are many and your humble correspondent will attempt to list many in next week’s column. You can help by sharing your favorites or lesser-known places of worship through the Spotlight’s online suggestion feature found here.
Several streets are well-known for the creative energies of their residents as they decorate houses for the season. Please share with the Spotlight editors the locations of your go-to Christmas showcases online here. You can even share photos. (Grovite tip: on weekends, kids sell hot cocoa and cookies across from the Christmas wonderland decorations near the corner of Matilda Street and Lime Court. It’s worth the trip just for the treats!)
Save Me a Seat
New World Symphony’s Chamber Music Series introduces pianist Anne-Marie McDermott together with fellows of the Symphony. Sunday 12/22 at 2:00 p.m. Some tickets were still available as the Spotlight went to press. Worth the drive to Lincoln Road, Miami Beach.
