The fiery rhythms and fluid movements of Siempre Flamenco arrive at The Barnacle to inspire the romantic in each of us. The latest in the Moonlight Concert series displays the talents of dancers and musicians in this classic art form of empowered emotion. The Barnacle, 3485 Main Highway, Friday 4/11, Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Performance begins at 7:00 p.m. Modestly priced tickets are available here.
Inspirational music from cloistered nuns in 18-century Italy reportedly raised eyebrows in their day. The music, as presented by Seraphic Fire, may provide a peek into the secret lives of Italian nuns of the 1700s, and present a greater emotional range than one might expect. Church of the Little Flower, 2711 Indian Mound Trail, Coral Gables (That’s near the Biltmore Hotel). Friday, 4/11, 8:00 p.m. Tickets required.
Heavenly cries of glee are likely at Plymouth Preschool’s Springfest carnival. This totally age-appropriate preschool-family event includes games, bounce houses, pony rides and face painting. It’s a gentle fundraiser for the school and more information can be found here. Plymouth Congregational Church Preschool, 3400 Devon Road off Main Highway. Saturday 4/12, 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Entry free.
On Saturday’s Commodore Trail History Tour and all within a few blocks, you’ll visit historical sites that tell the stories of the pioneers who transformed Coconut Grove from a tropical wilderness into a thriving community. This special edition tour will combine the perspectives of three docents that will weave together the stories of the three pioneering families of Bahamian matriarch Mariah Brown, Ralph Munroe and Charles and Isabella Peacock. Walk from Peacock Park, 2820 McFarlane Road. Saturday 4/12 10:00 a.m. Modestly priced tickets are found here.
Baynanza–one of the largest single-day community service events of the year–mobilizes thousands of volunteers to help recover the Biscayne Bay watershed through trash and debris clean up projects. Anyone can participate at over 30 sites and it’s perfect for students too. (Think “community service hours”.) The Baynanza website can guide you to the best spot for you and your friends, or where to join a team. In the nearby area, you’ll find seven locations–and not all sites are on the Bay. Saturday 4/12, 9:00 a.m.-noon. Information on what to wear and bring, where to go and how to register are found here. Free.
Shenandoah Neighborhood Association’s monthly meeting will feature Dade Heritage Trust’s presentation on that neighborhood’s rich history. Advanced questions are being collected online here. Shenandoah Park, 1800 SW 21st Avenue. Monday 4/14, 7:00 p.m. Free.
Shouting at speeding cars may not make the streets safer, but you can make a difference. A special community input event can help. The Neighborhood Street Safety Feedback Forum–sponsored by the KiDZ Neuroscience Center, WalkSafe, BikeSafe Programs and Miami Project to Cure Paralysis–provides you with the tools and detailed maps to identify the problems and challenges along our roadways that you know best. Sometimes the kids know best where the problems lie, so they are especially encouraged to attend with their parents. Look both ways before you cross to the Coconut Grove Branch Library, 2875 McFarlane Road. Saturday 4/12, 10:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Free.
If you can’t walk or bike somewhere, then discounted on-street parking must be a good thing, right? City of Miami residents are eligible for a parking discount when using the Pay by Phone or ParkMobile apps within the city. Who knew? More information and a link to register your car can be found here.
Save Me a Seat
Easter Egg Hunt at Shenandoah Park, 1800 SW 21st Avenue. Thursday 4/17, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Free.
Save me a tree and celebrate Arbor Day with the City of Miami’s Building Department. The Grove’s give-away will happen at Armbrister Park and those at the front of the line will get first pick – but pre-registration is required. Please don’t just show up, for there is advanced paperwork to fill out online and proof of residency documents to bring with you. All the instructions and the link to register can be found online. Armbrister Park, 4000 Grand Avenue. Saturday 4/19, starting at 9:00 a.m. Free.
Celebrate Earth Day by joining Friends of the Commodore Trail, The Friends of the Underline and the Dade Heritage Trust on a special Nature Loop Bike Tour that combines the best of Miami’s nature-oriented trail segments. Vizcaya Metrorail Station, 3205 SW 1st Avenue. Saturday 4/26, 10:00 a.m.-noon. Free tickets and registration here.