April 12 to April 19

April 12
Art
Great Apes
The Garden Gallery at Pinecrest Gardens will have a reception to celebrate the opening of an art exhibition to support the Center for Great Apes, a sanctuary for chimpanzees and orangutans. The non-profit was established by Patti Ragan in 1993 after fostering a baby orangutan and chimp in this exact location (then called Parrot Jungle).  The exhibition, which features some of the 40 resident apes, are accompanied by deeply moving and eye opening life stories. Made possible by artists Frank Armitage, James Fox, Jessie Johnson, Brian Kennedy, Alan Li, Joe Zammit-Lucia, and Marilyn Magill. Patti Ragan, founder and director of the Center for Great Apes, will be at the event. 6-9pm. Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Rd; Pinecrest. For info: pinecrest-fl.gov

April 12
Art
Impermanence
This exhibit exploits non-traditional materials to articulate a complication of formalism. Artists Grodin, Jaramillo, Laderer, and Scicluna source from sculpture, performance, installation, and architecture in visual vocabularies that allow their works to function as fleeting interventions of past conditions. Through May 4. Miami Beach Urban Studios Gallery, 420 Lincoln Rd; Suite 440, Miami Beach. For info: saah.fiu.edu

April 12
Music
Biscuit Fest ’12
Three days in the Funk with music by Room Full of Blues with David Shelley & Bluestone; The Lee Boys with Michael Allman & The Funky Biscuit Allstars and Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers with Sista Marybeth. The Funky Biscuit, 303 SE Mizner Blvd; Boca Raton.  For info: funkybiscuit.com or 561-395-2929.

April 12
Theatre
Remembranzas de Emily Dickinson
Inspired by her life, loves, and poetry, first-year students of the Conservatory in Theatre Arts present a theatrical Spanish-language performance of the passional and conflicted world of one of the most important American poets, Emily Dickinson. 8pm. Free. Teatro Prometeo 300 NE Second Ave; Miami. For info:  305.237.3262

April 12
Lecture
Design, Progress and Politics
David Raizman, art and design historian at Drexel University, will discuss World’s Fairs to Contemporary Trade Shows:  Design, Progress and Politics. He will consider contemporary events such as the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show and other design exhibitions in light of the history of world’s fairs going back to the nineteenth century. Drawing on materials from The Wolfsonian, Raizman will trace how the ideas of progress and competition shaped the fairs and their evolution into present-day spectacles. This event is supported by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Free. 7pm. Wolfsonian, 1001 Washington Ave; Miami Beach. Beach. For info: wolfsonian.org

April 13
Books
Dunces
The wonderful book, A Confederacy of Dunces By John Kennedy Toole, will be discussed. Set in New Orleans, A Confederacy of Dunces outswifts Swift, one of whose essays gives the book its title. Toole’s lunatic and sage novel introduces one of the most memorable characters in American literature, Ignatius Reilly, whom Walker Percy dubs “slob extraordinary, a mad Oliver Hardy, a fat Don Quixote, a perverse Thomas Aquinas rolled into one—who is in violent revolt against the entire modern age.” Turned down by countless publishers and submitted by the author’s mother years after his suicide, the book won the 1981 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Free. 7pm. Wolfsonian, 1001 Washington Ave; Miami Beach. Beach. For info: wolfsonian.org

April 13
Performance
Jazz Combo
From the FIU School of Music at the Wolfsonian Series comes FIU Studio Jazz Combo. Listen to the premiere jazz combo in the School of Music. The Combo presents an evening of jazz including original compositions by group members and unique interpretations of standard jazz repertoire. Free. 7pm. Wolfsonian, 1001 Washington Ave; Miami Beach. Beach. For info: wolfsonian.org or 305.535.2649.

April 13
Music
A Night in Rio
International music legend Sergio Mendes brings his sizzling samba sound to Jazz Roots, filling the Knight Concert Hall with his signature mix of bossa nova and percussion accents along with the distinctive pop instrumentation that have defined Brazilian music around the world. With special guest Eliane Elias $25 – $150. 8pm. Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd; Miami. For info: arshtcenter.org

April 13
Books
D.J. Healey
Intrigue, Love and Redemption at the Sicilian Film Festival when Author D.J. Healey presents his book Kindness for the Damned. The wildly entertaining novella takes its readers on a whirlwind journey of ancient mysteries, confrontations with evil forces, along with intriguing foibles of daily life.  During his visit in Sicily, at an Ancient Greek Temple, a member of the British Royal Family is stabbed.  An old man and his son save him, which leads to a discovery of an ancient secret with great healing powers. Two hundred years later, a U.S. company tries to replicate the mysterious formula, brought to them by a doctor from Sicily. Unable to re-create the ointment, the Company sends a high-powered corporate executive, Roberta Sax, and an ailing patent lawyer, Patrick Messina, to Sicily. When the Americans arrive, their lives are changed forever. The author will sign books at 4:30pm. Edgewater Hotel Rooftop, 1410 Ocean Dr; Miami Beach. For info: sicilianfilmfestival.com

April 13
Art
Restage
The Nightclub opens its doors with the inaugural exhibition Restage. The Nightclub is a series of eleven events involving a network of artists, producers, and art students. Its aim is to create dialogue within a diversity of art practices through curated exhibition events to be showcased in a one night venue. Curated by Angela Valella and featuring artists Bhakti Baxter, Loriel Beltrán, Consuelo Castañeda, Christopher Culver, Adler Guerrier,  A.G. Viva,  Stephanie Lupu, Alonso Mateo, Ernesto Oroza, Carlos Rigau, Adrián Soca, Loló Soldevilla, Misael Soto, Gladys Triana, and Marcos Valella. Also stay for a Conversation with the artists, a panel discussion with  Loriel Beltrán, artist; Paul Cauchi, art collector; Ernesto Oroza, artist; Fredo Rivera, art historian and Odalis Valdivieso, artist. 7-8pm. Opening: 7pm-11pm. The Nightclub, 94 NE 40 St; Miami. For info: 801projects@gmail.com.

April 13
Music
National Jazz Day
The City of Miami Beach Cultural Affairs Department and KCC Productions will hold a free concert in Collins Park in honor of National Jazz Day. Featured will be the Dave Siegel Sextet, Troy Roberts’ Nu-Jive, the LeNard Rutledge Quartet, and the Alfredo Chacon Groove. Come sit on the grass, bring a chair, or spend the four hours dancing. Elementary and high school students can jam with the pros from 4 to 5pm. Free. 4 – 8pm. Collins Park, Collins Ave and 22nd St; South Beach. For info: 305-332-2623 or  kccproductions.com.

April 13
Dance
Truth, Revised Histories, Wishful Thinking, and Flat Out Lies
Catch the Miami premiere of Truth, Revised Histories, Wishful Thinking, and Flat Out Lies, by renowned American choreographer and dancer John Jasperse. The New York Times writes “When John Jasperse makes a new work, it should be seen: end of story.” Truth addresses the relative nature of truth seasoned with Jasperse distinct humor and his childhood passion for magic tricks.  8pm. $30. Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Rd; Miami Beach. For info: 305.237.3010 or mdc.edu/mdclive

April 13
Music
The 10th Heineken TransAtlantic Festival
Do not miss this! A rocking’ weekend of modern world music. This year Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Afrobeat stars from Nigeria and Paris; electrocumbia from Quantic Sound System; Afrocuban funk from Pedrito Martinez; and surf noir group Gold Dust Lounge will be performing.   Live world music next to the beach, under the stars at the fab, renovated North Beach Bandshell.  From the creative folks at The Rhythm Foundation. North Beach BandShell, Collins Ave & 73rd St; Miami Beach. For info: 305. 672.5202 or TransAtlanticFestival.com

April 13
Music
Los Amigos Invisibles
Head to the DWNTWN Miami Concert Series tonight for the best happy hour in town and two performances by Elastic Bond and Los Amigos Invisibles. Miami favorite Elastic Bond opens the show, bringing their tropical sound with an urban edge. Los Amigos Invisibles are a unique blend of disco, acid jazz and funk mixed with Latin rhythms makes this band lauded internationally for their explosive, live shows, spanning nearly 60 countries. Food Trucks will be on-site and food and drinks will be available. Concert-goers are also welcome to bring their own blankets, food and drinks. 6pm. Bayfront Park – Tina Hills Pavilion, 301 North Biscayne Blvd; Miami. For info: miamidda.com

April 13
Film
The Flowers of War
MDC Tower Theater and the Confucius Institute at MDC are hosting the exclusive Miami premiere of The Flowers of War, the long-awaited film from Chinese director Zhang Yimou. A 2012 Golden Globe nominee and Official Selection (out of competition) at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival, The Flowers of War, by the most internationally renowned Chinese filmmaker, is the most expensive Chinese movie ever made. In 1937, Nanking stands at the forefront of a war between China and Japan. As the invading Japanese Army overruns China’s capital city, desperate civilians seek refuge behind the nominally protective walls of a cathedral. John Miller (Christian Bale), an American trapped amidst the chaos of the occupation, takes shelter. He is joined by a group of innocent schoolgirls and 13 courtesans, equally determined to escape the horrors of war. Posing as a priest, he attempts to lead the women to safety. Through April 26. 8:45pm. $8. The Tower Theater at MDC, 1508 SW 8th St; Miami. For info: mdc.edu/tower or 305-642-1264.

April 14
Music
FIU Symphony Orchestra
Catch the Orchestral Masterworks Series: FIU Symphony Orchestra. Under the direction of Maestro Grzegorz Nowak, The FIU Symphony Orchestra will perform a concert featuring the FIU Concerto Competition winners and a symphony by Johannes Brahms. 7:30pm. $15. Herbert & Nicole Wertheim Performing Arts Center Concert Hall, 10910 SW 17th St;, Miami. For info: 305-348-0496 or music.fiu.edu

April 14
Kids
Kinderart
Take the kids to Atelier 1022 Studio and Fine Art Gallery for Kinderart – an afternoon of family-friendly activities that features a children’s story hour and art workshop led by resident artist and children’s book author Ellie Perla.  During Kinderart, kids will have the unique chance to hear Ms. Perla read from Altavarania, the enchanting fairytale of Leelas, Sun, and Thunder and their search for the seven fairy gifts that will restore light to the doomed kingdom of Noaptea.  The reading marks the launch of Altavarania on Kindle – a special ‘free download’ will be available throughout the day.  The story hour is followed by an introductory painting workshop for children.  Perla will guide aspiring young artists through explorations with color and imaginative design.  In addition to this, the artist will offer participants event-exclusive ‘coloring sheets’, inspired by her existing mixed-media drawings.  Art supplies and refreshments provided. 2pm. Free. Atelier 1022 Studio and Fine Art Gallery, is located in Miami’s Wynwood Art District. Address: 2732 NW 2nd Ave; Miami. For info:  ElliePerla.com. Register  at atelier1022@aol.com

April 14
Arts
Litera
An evening of indie book readings, documentary film, video art, and literature-inspired art installations at the fabulous Atelier 1022 Studio and Fine Art Gallery. Central to the Litera showcase are Florida writers C.T. Douglas, creator of the Lore Trilogy, and Carola Perla, author of the exiled artist novel Gibbin House, both of whom will be on hand to read from their works and offer insights into independent publishing.  Other event highlights include the Florida premiere of the film Homeless in Los Angeles; Video poetry by award-winning German filmmaker Wolfgang Lehmann;  A debuting paper art and light installation, Spelling Bee, by plastic artist and author Carola Perla and Litera photograph series, including “Literary Walk” by New York photographer Susana Perla-Mendoza and “Extinction” by Carlos Rodriguez-Feo. A pivate reception for the artists at 10pm on the terrace. 6-11pm. Free. Atelier 1022 Studio and Fine Art Gallery, is located in Miami’s Wynwood Art District. Address: 2732 NW 2nd Ave; Miami. For info:  ElliePerla.com. Register  at atelier1022@aol.com

April 14
Art
Collective Memory
The Robert Fontaine Gallery will premiere British artist Nick Gentry’s first US Solo Exhibition “Collective Memory” at its new Wynwood space tonight. Gentry, who was born around the same time that the floppy disk became ubiquitous for personal use, paints sombre, Generation X portraits on canvases made from floppy disks, whose metal hub serves as the subject’s startlingly dilated eye. Adding to his haunting renderings are the handwritten labels on the disks and the way the disks’ original blue, black, or gray color contributes to the composite form. Free. 6pm. Robert Fontaine Gallery, 2349 NW 2nd Ave; Miami. For info: 305.397.8530 or robertfontainegallery.com

April 14
Art
Rock, Hard, Place
This new solo exhibition at the David Castillo Gallery, from artist Kate Gilmore features her sculpture, video and photography.
Black bowls containing hot pink paint occupy an expedit shelving unit like larvae in a honeycomb or circles in Kandinsky’s grid. As Gilmore wedges a rock into each bowl, some violently burst, others overflow into Cy Twombly’s gestural script. Opening reception 6-10pm. David Castillo Gallery, 2234 NW 2nd Ave; Miami. For info: davidcastillogallery.com or 305-573-8110.

April 14
Music
Dual Forces
New World Symphony will perform Dual Forces tonight. Under the baton of Leonard Slatkin, NWS will contemplate duality and how “time flies” in Cindy McTee’s jazzy Double Play before switching gears to Brahms’s lively, yet classic First Piano Concerto.  Travel back in time to 1930s Russia for Shostakovich’s controversial Fifth Symphony that will rock the Knight Concert Hall in this powerful series finale. Hélène Grimaud on piano. 8pm. $15.25 – $164.25. Knight Concert Hall, 1300 Biscayne Blvd; Miami. For info: arshtcenter.org

April 14
Social
Actors’ Playhouse
Don’t miss this fun event to raise money for Actors’ Playhouse. Bid on over $300,000 worth of live and silent auction items while enjoying fare provided by 30 of Coral Gables’ finest restaurants and an open bar sponsored by Bacardi U.S.A. and Premier Beverage Company. Items for bid include international business class airline tickets, worldwide hotel travel packages and cruises, exclusive celebrity wine dinners at popular South Florida restaurants, jewelry, golf packages, fine art, home decor, sports collectors items, spa visits, objets d’art, couture clothing, membership gift certificates, and more. Auctioneer: Bob Soper. $150. 6pm. Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile; Coral Gables. For info: actorsplayhouse.org or 305-444-9293.

April 14
Music
Opera Comes to Second Saturday
Head to the Dorsch Gallery tonight for a unique Second Saturday in the Wynwood Design District with an evening of popular arias, art installations, and complimentary cocktails by Herradura tequila, Little Black Dress vodka, and Chambord vodka. This event is designed to give a sneak peak to Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette, featuring mini performances from members of FGO’s Young Artist Studio. Listen to well-known arias from the greatest love story of all time while enjoying Dorsch Gallery’s current exhibitions – a group show entitled Let’s Begin with a Line and Ralph Provisero’s solo show, For Old Times. 7pm. Free. The Dorsch Gallery, 151 NW 24th St; Miami. For info: dorschgallery.com

April 14
Kids
Spin it!
Don’t miss the MAM Family Festival, a day of record-related festivities for people of all ages, from vinyl aficionados to those experiencing this vintage technology for the very first time.  Take your turn at the tables; Scratch DJ Academy Miami will be on hand providing lessons for people of all ages. DJ Immortal, 2011 DMC southeast champion and director of Scratch DJ Academy Miami will jam. Bring records to trade, discuss, and have appraised by experts from Sweat Records and Radio-Active Records. Take a family-friendly exhibition tour of The Record: Contemporary Art and Vinyl and make art inspired by works on view. 1-4pm. Free. MAM, 101 West Flagler St; Miami. For info: miamiartmuseum.org  or 305.375.4073

April 14
Music
Lucia Di Lammermoor
Miami Lyric Opera puts on their first production tonight. Lucia di Lammermoor a dramma tragico (tragic opera) in three acts by Gaetano Donizetti is loosely based upon Sir Walter Scott’s historical novel The Bride of Lammermoor. The story concerns the emotionally fragile Lucy Ashton (Lucia) who is caught in a feud between her own family and that of the Ravenswoods. The setting is the Lammermuir Hills of Scotland (Lammermoor) in the 17th century. The cast features soprano Karin White and Cuban baritone Nelson Martinez along with Jorge Pita, Jesse Vargas, Diego Banner, Ketty Delgado and Herman Diaz. 8pm. $25 – $45. Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, 174 East Flagler St; Miami. For info: 305-372-0925 or gusmancenter.org

April 14
Tour
Stiltsville
Voted best tour by the Miami New Times. Enjoy this beautiful boat trip of Stiltsville, Key Biscayne and Cape Florida Lighthouse with HistoryMiami historian Dr. Paul George to one of Miami’s hidden gems—Stiltsville, a remnant community of seven houses perched on stilts in the middle of the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay. See the Cape Florida Lighthouse, learn about the history of Key Biscayne and hear stories of fabulous parties and nefarious mobsters. Advance reservations and payment required.  $20. 10am-1pm. HistoryMiami, 101 West Flagler St; Miami. To book a City Tour, 305-375-1621 or historymiami.org.

April 14,
Tour
Light up the Key
Come see HistoryMiami’s new exhibition Key Biscayne: Island of Shifting Sands. Learn how the island has been home to surveyors, land owners, freedom seekers, lighthouse keepers, scientists, artists, soldiers, promoters and dreamers, and create your own glowing lighthouse. Indian Comptie Caves and Grove Park WalkAdvance reservations and payment required.  Free. 10am-1pm. HistoryMiami, 101 West Flagler St; Miami. To book a City Tour, 305-375-1621 or historymiami.org.

April 15
Tour
Sewell Park
Experience one of Miami’s great hidden residential neighborhoods on the Miami River with HistoryMiami historian Dr. Paul George. Start at beautiful Sewell Park, named after E.G. Sewell, Mayor of Miami, and see the secret Indian comptie caves. Advance reservations and payment required.  $20. 9-11am. HistoryMiami, 101 West Flagler St; Miami. To book a City Tour, 305-375-1621 or historymiami.org.

April 15
Poetry
Allen Ginsberg
In conjunction with the Museum’s current exhibition Max Miller: Final Mourner’s Kaddish – 333 Days in Paintings and in celebration of National Poetry Month, a special reading of Allen Ginsberg’s Kaddish will be presented at the Jewish Museum of Florida. The reading features a variety of local writers, including some from  Next@19th’s CHAIku series and members of the Miami Poetry Collective. 2pm. Free. Jewish Museum of Florida, 301 Washington Ave; Miami Beach. For info: jewishmuseum.com

April 15
Tribute
Yom HaShoah
Pay tribute along with hundreds of South Floridians on Holocaust Remembrance Day.  Together, they will honor the memory of the six million Jewish people who perished and pay tribute to those who survived the horrors of the Holocaust. A multi-generational group will assemble at the Holocaust Memorial for a solemn commemoration.  The program will include prayers, songs, a candle lighting ceremony and a choral presentation by the Second Avenue Jewish Chorale.  6:30pm. The Holocaust Memorial, 1933-45 Meridian Ave; Miami Beach. For info: 305.538.1663 or holocaustmmb.org

April 15
Books
Carl Hiaasen
Wahoo Cray lives in a zoo. His father is an animal wrangler, so he’s grown up with all manner of gators, snakes, parrots, rats, monkeys, snappers, and more in his backyard. The critters he can handle. His father is the unpredictable one. When his dad takes a job with a reality TV show called “Expedition Survival” the job keeps getting more complicated. And Wahoo’s acquired a shadow named Tuna—a girl who’s sporting a shiner courtesy of her old man and needs a place to hide out. They’ve only been on location in the Everglades for a day before Derek Badger, the show’s boneheaded star, gets bitten by a bat and goes missing in a storm. Search parties head out and promptly get lost themselves. And then Tuna’s dad shows up with a gun… In Chomp, by Carl Hiaasen, it’s anyone’s guess who will actually survive “Expedition Survival”. Meet and greet with the author. 4pm. Free. Temple Judea, 5500 Granada Blvd; Coral Gables. For info: booksandbooks.com

April 15
Music
Opera Moments
The Opera Atelier will showcase Opera Moments today. The program features highlights from four well-known operas including the opening scenes from Don Pasquale, the tenor aria from I Pagliacci, the romantic first act duet from La Boheme and dramatic scenes from La Traviata. $30 – $35.  The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 N.E. 188 St; Aventura. For info: 877-311-7469 or aventuracenter.org

April 15
Music
Opera Scenes Showcase
The FIU Opera students, under the direction of Professor Robert Dundas, present a showcase with scenes from various operas. 4pm. $15. Herbert & Nicole Wertheim Performing Arts Center Concert Hall, 10910 SW 17th St; Miami.  For info: 305-348-0496 or music.fiu.edu

April 17
Music
FIU Chamber Players
The Chamber Player Series with the FIU Chamber Players, directed by Robert Davidovici, present an evening of works by Ludwig van Beethoven and other composers. 7:30pm. $15. Herbert & Nicole Wertheim Peforming Arts Center Concert Hall, 10910 SW 17th St;  Miami. For info: 305-348-0496 or music.fiu.edu

April 17
Music
Ry Cuming
Aussie pro-surfer turned pop singer-songwriter and guitarist, Ry Cuming, will play Miami tonight. On the heels of his 2011 tour with Grammy Award-winning band Maroon 5, Ry Cuming is set to make South Florida audiences swoon with an acoustic performance of his hits “Some Kind of Love,” “Always Remember Me” featuring Sara Bareilles and other songs from his self-titled debut album. Opening for Ry Cuming is Miami-based singer/musician Jesse Jackson, considered to be “Miami’s Tom Waits.” Viewed as one of the indie artists in the forefront of South Florida’s music scene, Jackson is a talented bluesy singer who channels the folk sound of Bob Dylan and the smoothness of legendary jazz player Mose Allison. $25. 8pm. Carnival Studio Theater, 1300 Biscayne Blvd; Miami. For info: arshtcenter.org or 305-949-6722.

April 17
Lecture
The Syria Dilemma
Several Student Organizations at the University of Miami School of Law – including The International Law Society, Muslim Law Students Association, National Security and Armed Conflict Law Review, Criminal Law Society, Military Law Society, and Student Organization for Human Rights – present a panel discussion, When Diplomacy Fails: The Syria Dilemma. Moderated by Markus Wagner, Professor of International Law at the University of Miami School of Law. Panelists include: Dr. Doured Daghistani, Community Organizer with the Syrian American Council; Juan Larrain, Professor of International Studies at the University of Miami, former Chilean Ambassador to the United Nations and former advisor to the UN Security Council; and Dr. Bradford McGuinn, Professor of Political Science at the University of Miami, advisor to the U.S. armed forces, and frequent lecturer the United States Department of Defense. 12:30 to 1:50pm. Free. UM School of Law, Room F309, 1311 Miller Dr; Coral Gables. For info: miami.edu

April 18
Film
Miami Dance Festival Film Night
Paul Taylor: Dancemaker, a 1998 documentary by Matthew Diamond. Paul Taylor has been hailed as the world’s greatest living choreographer, having created a stunning body of dance work over the last forty years. When the curtain opens on the Paul Taylor Dance Company, audiences see a troupe of dancers soaring through the works of this formidable genius. However, behind the scenes lies a complex world of ambition, emotion, creation, and hard-nosed decisions. Dancemaker is a film that tells the tale of this extraordinary, peculiarly American company. Cutting from stage to backstage, the film looks at the rise of Taylor from solitary child to star dancer to master choreographer. The film travels with Taylor and Company from the rehearsal studio to an embassy-sponsored tour of India through a strike-threatened Broadway season. And finally, it gets to the core of Taylor’s talent, as he wrestles with the making of a new dance that is the centerpiece of his company’s season and of the film. Academy Award Nominee Best Documentary, Golden Spire Winner for Best Arts Documentary San Francisco Film Festival. 8pm. $10. Miami Beach Cinematheque, Historic City Hall, 1130 Washington Ave; 1st Floor South, Miami Beach.  For info: 305-673-4567 or MBCinema.com

April 18
Books
Chaim Botwinick
We live in a world that places significant importance and value on achieving the highest levels of personal, social, and professional performance. In Think Excellence: Harnessing Your Power to Succeed Beyond Greatness Dr. Chaim Y. Botwinick presents nine power principles that can lead to an understanding and an appreciation of your full potential—all in order to achieve high levels of excellence while challenging your ability, capacity, and willingness to strive for greater heights. Think Excellence was born of a concept used to help motivate others to create a mindset that assesses individual and collective potential that encourages the pursuit of consistent improvement. It’s also a call to think beyond self imposed limitations; to think boldly, creatively, tactically, and strategically. The challenge here is to stretch your potential, your capabilities, your imagination, and your capacity, in the hope of excelling toward a point of maximum potential. 7:30pm. Free. Books and Books, 9700 Collins Ave; Bal Harbour. For info: booksandbooks.com

April 19
Social
Earth Week
The Miami Science Museum Young Patrons group will be celebrating Earth Week with an “Energy Happy Hour,” a fun-filled evening of networking and five interactive energychallenges. Participants will form teams to spin, dance, yo-yo, read and scavenge their way around the Museum’s Energy Tracker exhibit, as well as create a “green” structure out of the Museum’s recycled junk. Members of the first place team will be the Green Champions! The “Energy Happy Hour” will also include an open bar with Voli Vodka provided by Gulf Liquors. Food may be purchased from some of South Florida’s favorite food trucks who will be on-site for the event. Ages 21- 45. 6:30 – 9:30pm.  $15. Miami Science Museum, 3280 S. Miami Ave; Miami. For info:  miamisci.org or 305-646-4248.

April 18
Film
Vertigo
Free movies every Wednesday night from The SoundScape Cinema Series at the Miami Beach SoundScape ExoStage. This week’s flick is Vertigo. A San Francisco detective suffering from acrophobia investigates the strange activities of an old friend’s wife, all the while becoming dangerously obsessed with her. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. With James Stewart, Kim Novak, Barbara Bel Geddes, Tom Helmore.  Bring your blanket or beach chair and picnic! No glass please. 8pm. Free. Exostage at Miami Beach SoundScape, 500 17 St; Miami beach. For info: mbculture.com

April 19
Music
The Marriage of Figaro
Mozart’s glorious music takes center stage in this timeless satirical masterpiece which pits master against servant and wife against husband.  From the Frost Opera Theater in collaboration the Frost Symphony Orchestra. Performed in Italian with English supertitles. 7:30pm.  $15.  Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Dr; Coral Gables. For info: miami.edu or 305-284-2400.

April 19
Music
FIU School of Music
FIU School of Music Departmental Recital. An afternoon concert featuring the premier students from each area of study in the FIU School of Music. 3:30pm. Free. Herbert & Nicole Wertheim Peforming Arts Center Concert Hall, 10910 SW 17th St; Miami. For info: 305-348-0496 or music.fiu.edu

April 19
Music
Rafael Padron
Chamber Music Series with Rafael Padron. Students from the FIU Classical Guitar Studio present an evening of solo and chamber works. 7:30pm. Free. Herbert & Nicole Wertheim Peforming Arts Center Concert Hall, 10910 SW 17th St; Miami. For info: 305-348-0496 or music.fiu.edu

April 19
Music
Bruce Hornsby
The Bruce Hornsby Creative American Music Program is directed by Professor Rey Sanchez, in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning songwriter Bruce Hornsby. The program offers talented young songwriters the opportunity to develop their skills as contemporary musicians through the extensive study of the American musical canon, as well as comprehensive training in musicology, composition, music theory, and performance. During their immersion in America’s musical legacy, students often work closely with songwriting greats, such as the program’s namesake, Bruce Hornsby. This evenings performance includes original songs reflecting a wide variety of musical influences, including rock, jazz, blues, bluegrass and country. 8pm. The Stage, 170 NE 38th St;  Miami. For info: 305-284-8289.

Category: CALENDAR, HIGHLIGHTS, TO DO