It took The “Flying Knight” presented by the Miami City Ballet, to get me to the North Miami Beach Bandshell. There’s a unique opportunity for music lovers on April 8— The New World Symphony in Miami will be introducing its new artistic director. Yes, Tomatoes, there is a river in Miami with great restaurants too. Speaking of the Miami City Ballet, they are presenting West Side Story in Miami, West Palm Beach, and Ft. Lauderdale.

The Flying Knight at the North Miami Bandshell

We finally made it to the North Miami Bandshell.  My husband Eliot and I drove past it many times on 73rd Street and Collins Avenue when we went to visit friends in the area, but we never went inside. I should be embarrassed to admit this since I’m living in Miami Beach for 26 years, (eight years full time) and the bandshell is 60 years old.

As they say, “better late than never.” Our artist friend, known as “The Flying Knight,” (Jayda Knight), created the animated artwork for one of the shows being presented by the Miami City Ballet last Sunday night. A group of her friends wanted to see her work in action, so we attended the performance.

It was so exciting to sit in the bandshell on a gorgeous Miami night. We were thrilled to be outside surrounded by fresh air, the moon and the stars while watching talented ballet dancers act out different storylines.

Watch the videos I have included. The piece was called “Dazzling Creatures. “The “Flying Knight” collaborated the piece with dance choreographer Sean Miller.

Miami City Ballet is an American ballet company based in Miami Beach, Florida, led by artistic director Lourdes Lopez. MCB was founded in 1985 by Toby Lerner Ansin, a Miami philanthropist.  It features an international ensemble of over 50 dancers. The company has an active repertoire of 88 ballets and performs over 75 times annually. Miami City Ballet serves as the resident ballet company in theaters in the Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and West Palm Beach areas. In addition, the company regularly tours both domestically and internationally. Its North American appearances include the Kennedy Center, the 1996 Olympic Arts Festival, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, the Los Angeles Music Center, Spoleto Festival USA, Harris Theater (Chicago) and the New York City Center; while theaters and festivals in Europe, Central America, and South America have hosted the company.

The Bandshell is operated by the Rhythm Foundation, a Miami based non-profit that has been curating international music and experiences for the south florida region since 1988.

The Bandshell is at 7275 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach 33141, next to the beach at 73rd Street. You can find parking in the municipal lot across the street (free after 6pm!), or street parking nearby. For a list of future events click here.

Meet New World Symphony’s New Artistic Director 

This is a unique opportunity for music lovers. The New World Symphony in Miami will be introducing its new artistic director, Stéphane Denève, on Saturday, April 8 at New World Center.  This is going to be a historic moment to get a sneak preview of what kind of music the New World Symphony will be offering in the future.

The press calls Stéphane Denève one of the greatest conductors on the worldwide stage. He often conducts at major concert venues with the world’s best orchestras and soloists. Of course, Miami audiences will get to hear more selections of French music now that the new conductor was born and raised in France.

For indoor concert tickets

I want to remind everyone that if you don’t want to buy a ticket for the concert indoors, you can enjoy the live streamed version on the humongous SoundScape screen on the outside wall in the 2.5-acre urban park.

Tickets for this one-night-only concert are on sale now. The City of Miami Beach also hosts free weekly screenings of family-friendly films on Wednesdays and Thursdays from October through May. These events are open to the general public and attract about 300–400 guests.   Be sure to review the City of Miami Beach’s current Cinema Series schedule.

Miami River Restaurants   

Some of the best restaurants in Miami are on the Miami River. I shock out-of-towners when I tell them we are going there for lunch or dinner. Their responses are usually, “I didn’t know Miami had a river.  I know Miami has an ocean and a bay, but where is the river?”

The 5.5-mile river flows from  the Miami Canal at Miami International Airport to Biscayne Bay. The mouth of the river is home to the Port of Miami and many other businesses.

Restaurant guests can choose to arrive by either land or sea for their outstanding dining experience. All four restaurants are exceptional. Some are very casual, others very fancy.

Casablanca Seafood Bar & Grill

Casablanca Seafood is one of South Florida’s most famous fish markets and restaurant. It’s 30 years old so they must be doing something right. Everyone arrives in casual attire. The Cuban community and the South Americans are the most frequent customers. More and more northerners are discovering this treasure every year. And you don’t have to go home empty. The adjacent market has the freshest seafood you can ever want.  There is plenty to choose from.

Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market

The Garcia brothers left Cuba in 1964 to start a new life in Miami. Two years later, they saved enough money to start their own seafood business, Garcia’s Brothers Seafood. At first it was a fresh fish processing plant and wholesaler. After a number of years, the Garcia’s were so successful they decided to open to the public. They added the name, Garcia’s Seafood Market & Grille. Now, 48 years later, the family still owns the establishment. Good for us.

The Best Greek Restaurant in Miami | Kiki On The River

Now we are going a little upscale. This is when the young, hip generation shows up.  Kiki on The River offers romantic waterfront dining by celebrated Chef Steve Rhee. On weekends, starting Friday night, a DJ and a party atmosphere comes alive. Expect to see twirling napkins, and dancing that will make you say “opa!”Kiki is a property of the Opium Group founder Roman Jones, Aris Nanos, Lee Lyon and Mark Lehmkuhl

Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge

Seaspice and Kiki are the fanciest restaurants on the river. The fashionistas can be seen here posing for selfies right in front of the breathtaking scenery of the Miami skyline. Seaspice Brasserie & Lounge is the l essence of waterfront dining. The internationally renowned venue is set in a post-industrial warehouse outfitted with sophisticated nautical touches. The brasserie features globally inspired cuisine. Guests can choose to arrive by either land or sea to an exclusive dining experience.

Miami City Ballet Presents West Side Story 

Miami is going to get a fresh new look at a production of West Side Story. The Miami City Ballet says they are going to present a feast for the senses and the soul. That’s an exciting promise. Durante Verzola, a highly talented young choreographer from the MCB School, has created this newly commissioned work along with the fresh new attire created by Miami-based international fashion designer Esteban Cortázar.

It’s going to be a real thrill to once again see Tony and Maria, Anita and Bernardo, and Sharks and Jets, dance on stage to what was originally the collective genius of Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen Sondheim.

Let’s face it, West Side Story is timeless. The same scenarios exist today. No one gets tired of hearing stories about love.

CHOREOGRAPHY Durante Verzola | MUSIC Ernesto Lecuona | DESIGN Esteban Cortázar

Tickets are on sale now. Click on the dates below to buy tickets.

Miami, Arsht Center
Fri, Apr 14 at 7:30pm
Sat, Apr 15 at 7:30pm
Sun, Apr 16 at 2pm

West Palm Beach, Kravis Center
Fri, Apr 21 at 7:30pm
Sat, Apr 22 at 2pm
Sat, Apr 22 at 7:30pm
Sun, Apr 23 at 1pm

Ft. Lauderdale, Broward Center
Sat, Apr 29 at 7:30pm

Sun, Apr 30 at 2pm