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MAZ Arts Blog

"Artists of Distress" Unveiling at Terminal J of Miami International Airport.

by Harvey J. Burstein on September 03, 2010

The Miami International Airport gallery opening (September 2) showed more than 60 major works by " Artists of Distress." These are works of Haitian artists affected by the devastating earthquake in January. Traditional Haitian food was served and archival footage was provided by the Green Family Foundation.

The show will be up until March 2011 and they predict that millions of people will see this wonderful art while traveling in and out of Miami. This is a must see if you have time and happen to be in terminal J of Miami International Airport.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos by Harvey J. Burstein

 

ANIMIAMI at The News Lounge

by James Cubby on August 29, 2010

On August 26, ANIMIAMI hosted a showcase/reception at The News Lounge in Miami. It was a gathering of animators and fans of animation. Mark Soyka, owner of News Cafe, Soyka's, and The News Lounge, joined the gathering. A couple of animators demonstrated the art of making animation while on another screen there were animation shorts. The event was a teaser for the premiere of ANIMIAMI 2010, an animation festival on October 16 & 17 at Miami International University of Art & Design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hot Nights Cool Jazz at the Bass

by Manny Meland on August 25, 2010

The Bass Museum of Art resumes its Friday night jazz series this Friday, August 27. I ran into Fernando Ullibarri last night at Churchill's Pub in Miami where we came to see the Jim Gaisor Trio. Ullibarri informed me that he booked this same Jim Gaisor Trio to open the Bass’ “Hot Nights Cool Jazz” series starting again this Friday. Gaisor plays piano, Jamie Ousley, bass and John Yarling, drums.

You may have caught this trio’s performance last winter at the museum’s "Cool Nights Hot Jazz" series. They are still smoking hot playing the cool jazz in this “Hot Nights Cool Jazz” series.

The program is from 7 to 9 p.m. It is free to Bass Museum members and $10 to all others. The wine and soda they serve is free to all. Get there early as there is limited seating.

The Mike Gerber Trio will be featured at the second “Hot Nights Cool Jazz” series on Friday September 10.

The Bass Museum of Art is located at 2121 Park Ave., Miami Beach. For more information call 305.673.7530 or visit www.bassmuseum.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Batuke Samba Funk at Mai Tardi Restaurant

by Manny Meland on August 25, 2010

Kimberly Chimura of KCC Productions tipped me to a great Italian restaurant in the Design District (in Miami). Dining Out magazine describes Mai Tardi as a restaurant featuring northern Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean touch. I parked on NE 40th Street between Michael’s Whole Foods and Mrs. Martinez’ (Michy Bernstein’s new restaurant). Walk through the breezeway towards 39th Street and you are there. Their main entrance is at 163 NE 39th Street. They have valet parking and it is only $3.00.

Last Thursday, it was the Brazilian band Batuke Samba Funk that lured me to this place. The band plays Brazilian rhythms including samba, and samba rock with classical American funk. Its creator, Diogo Oliveira, has recently won the “Best Show of the Year” award by the “Brazilian Press Awards 2010. Batuke Samba Funk was accompanied for part of their set by a batucada dancer. Great show. Great food, Great parking. Great Evening.

Mai Tardi – www.maitardimiami.com.

Batuke Samba Funk – www.kccproductions.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Miguel Paredes Opens Studio/Gallery

by James Cubby on August 20, 2010

Graffiti artist Miguel Paredes opened his own studio/gallery in Wynwood last Friday (August 14) with a VIP reception. The opening of Paredes Fine Arts Studio attracted a A-List crowd including publicists Tara Solomon and Nick D'Annunzio (Tara Ink), writer John Hood, Miami Magazine publisher Anne Owen, 944 publisher Alan Roth, publicist Brigitte Grosjean, promoter Mykel Stevens (at the door), and publisher Brigitte Andrade (The Adventures of Bibi & Friends). Miguel greeted guests along with his wife Joyce and his children (who were the models in many of his paintings). Paredes Fine Arts Studio is located at 2311 NW 2^nd Ave., Wynwood. For more information visit www.miguelparedes.com. The opening was on the same evening as the Wynwood District's Art Walk and the streets were filled with art lovers wandering from gallery to gallery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laurence Gartel Retrospective Opens at Cafeina

by James Cubby on August 14, 2010

Laurence Gartel Retrospective Opens at Cafeina

Last night (August 13) art lovers, specifically fans of artist Laurence Gartel, gathered at Cafeina in Wynwood for the opening of the artist's retrospective. The exhibition features 35 years of Digital Art from the artist. Among those in the crowd surrounding artist Laurence Gartel were publicist Brigitte Grosjean, promoter Mykel Stevens, publicist Omar Dewindt (Tara Ink), and hairstylist Hannah Lasky (Hannah & Her Scissors). For those who haven't visited Cafeina, a darling little cafe/gallery/lounge in Wynwood, you're in for a treat. You'll find great art, delicious food, and if typical nights are anything like last night you'll find a crowd of hipsters, fashionistas, artists, and other interesting types. Say hello to the charming and attractive owner, Ivette Naranjo. Cafeina is located at 297 NW 23^rd St., Miami. For info visit www.cafeinamiami.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DANA PAUL

A Singer’s Singer

by Manny Meland on August 12, 2010

Vocalist Dana Paul dominated the stage at the Van Dyke Cafe on Wednesday, August 11. He brought a strong rhythm section to back him up, consisting of pianist Brian Murphy, bassist Nicky Orta and drummer Carlomagno Araya.

Dana’s repertoire is surprising and challenging, and always interesting. For example, you would not expect him to sing songs from the Beatles. No problem for him. He took their “Michelle,” jazzed it up and made it his own. His mix of tunes included some Carmen Lundi, Weather Report, Earth Wind & Fire and songs like “Brazilian Samba.”

I, along with a crowd of fans, packed this upstairs jazz club to hear this wonderful performer. Iconic conga player Sammy Figueroa was there. So was Venezuelan singer Maria Rivas and chanteuse Wendy Pedersen. We were there to hear Dana Paul, a singer’s singer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anna Collins Opens New York Comedy Club

by Anna Collins on August 11, 2010

Comedian Anna Collins, known to MAZ readers as the writer of "A View From A Broad," was one of the headliners to open the newly opened New York Comedy Club in Lauderdale by the Sea last Friday (August 6 &7) to sold-out shows. Other headliners included Perry Sak and Terry Crowley. The NYCC in LBTS offers an all-you-can-eat buffet - that acutally has delicious food! - for only $14.99. Showtimes are: Fridays at 9:00 PM & Saturdays at 8 and 10:15 p.m. For reservations (and to see if Anna Collins is on the bill) call 561.470.6887 and ask for Stefany or Natasha. For more information visit www.nyccboca.com.

Giants in the City

Exhibition at Miami Beach Botanical Garden

by James Cubby on August 01, 2010

There are Giants lurking about the grounds of the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 25 Giants to be exact. Today (August 1), the Giants in the City exhibition, an outdoor installation of 25 giant inflatable fabric sculptures made of lightweight nylon supported by a continuous air supply, opened at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden with an opening event sponsored by IRREVERSIBLE Magazine. Many of the artists were in attendance, taking photos, chatting up the crowd, and mingling with the other artists. Artists featured in the exhibition include Edouard Duval-Carrié, Angel Vapor, Yovani Bauta, Gisela Savdie, Nicolas Leiva, Sergio Garcia - Miguel Rodez - Mariano Costa-Peuser - Gino Tozzi - Leonel Matheu - Pablo Laucerica, Joel Erland+ Kate Kaman, Maki Hashizume, Lucinda Linderman, Noor Blazekovic, Karen Starosta-Gilinski, Ramon Williams, Miguel Fleitas, Jose Bedia, Alejandro Mendoza, Gustavo Acosta,Tomas Esson, Frank Hyder, Anja Marais, and Othon Castañeda. The exhibition is quite colorful and it's a great excuse (not that you need one) to visit the Botanical Garden. Giants in the City runs until Friday (August 6). There will be a closing reception and celebration on Friday evening. The Miami Beach Botanical Garden is located at 2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach. For more information visit www.giantsinthecity.com. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City of Miami Celebrates 114th Birthday

by James Cubby on July 30, 2010

On Wednesday, July 28, the City of Miami celebrated its 114^th birthday with the City of Miami Official 114th Birthday Celebration at the AmericanAirlines Arena. A crowd of well-wishers filled the arena floor and enjoyed tastings from numerous food booths as well as cocktails and treats from other vendors. The crowd was entertained by a variety of musical acts including the band Suenalo.