Hot arts events in Miami this September: Poetry, cafecito and VR rollercoasters
Brat summer is dead. Long live brat summer.
Though it may not feel like it outside, fall is rapidly approaching. In Miami, that can only mean one thing, and it’s not cool weather. Season of the Arts is upon us.
By the end of this month, you, dear reader, will be inundated with this upcoming arts season’s exhibitions, events, performances, shows and plans for Miami Art Week in December. This is precisely the busiest time of year for me, your humble arts reporter. My inbox is already in shambles.
This is Arts Notes, the Herald’s monthly column on local arts and culture events, exhibitions and shows. Email me at arosa@miamiherald.com with suggestions for October.
There’s plenty to do this month in the calm before the storm. Here’s what’s going on:
Take a VR rollercoaster ride through ‘Niñalandia’
You can get lost in the wild, wonderful and weird world of Miami artist duo LIZN’BOW at their new exhibition.
“Niñalandia Skycoaster” is a multimedia, immersive experience at Locust Projects that invites visitors to embark on a virtual reality rollercoaster ride through a half-submerged, post-apocalyptic Miami. Think Mario Kart, but instead of a race car, you’re in the artists’ custom-wrapped 2006 Buick Rendezvous zooming past a jet-skiing unicorn cow and giant jugs of milk.
LIZN’BOW consists of artists Liz Ferrer and Bow Ty, who will perform during the show’s opening. Check out my profile on their feminist reggaeton project Niña to learn more.
When: Opening reception on Sept. 7, 6 p.m. Performance at 8 p.m. On view until Nov. 2
Where: Locust Projects, 297 NE 67th St., Miami
Info: https://www.locustprojects.org
Miami artist weaves memories at new solo show
Multidisciplinary artist Lisu Vega is showing her latest works at her solo-exhibition “Everything I forgot?” in Little River.
The exhibition, done in collaboration with local arts platform ArtSeen365, explores her childhood and family memories through woven threads and fabrics. Vega learned how to sew and weave alongside her maternal grandmother Yiya. Following her grandmother’s death, Vega expressed her mourning through creativity.
“As I navigate the realms of both physical and digital media, I am able to create a symbiotic relationship between past and present,” Vega said. “Most importantly, I honor my grandmothers and the women who came before them; their DNA is woven into each of my pieces.”
When: Opening reception Sept. 7, 6-10 p.m. On view until Sept. 25.
Where: Edge Zones, 3317 NW Seventh Ave. Cir., Miami
Info: Free and open to the public. https://www.instagram.com
Poetry, cafecito and cocktails in Little Havana
O, Miami, the city’s poetry nonprofit, teamed up with Havana Club rum to host Muy Fuerte y Muy Dulce: A Ventanitas Happy Hour.
It’s an evening of cocktails, socializing and “poetic surprises” inspired by the book “Ventanitas: A Window into Miami’s Coffee Culture.” The bilingual photo book by author Daniela Pérez Mirón and photographer Gesi Schilling dives into Miami’s robust, unique coffee culture and features ventanita-inspired poems from Miamians.
Here’s my personal favorite poem from the book by Rita Martinez:
Todd, my gringo
husband, orders croquetas
and
Cuban coffee at Islas Canarias under a pseudonym
everyone can pronounce: Valentino.
When: Sept. 12, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Hoy Como Ayer, 2212 SW Eighth St., Miami
Info: Free and open to the public. https://www.eventbrite.com
Local food magazine takes over Wynwood hot spot
Is this the most delicious night in Miami?
UndrBelly Magazine, Miami’s alternative food magazine, is hosting LuckyBelly, an evening of creative dishes, drinks and music at 1-800-Lucky in Wynwood. During the event, guests can enjoy six Miami-inspired dishes, a welcome cocktail and unique zine by artist Little Riot. The menu includes a lechon banh mi, mango chicken bao buns and guava and cheese lumpia. When you’re done snacking, hit the dance floor or play a game of dominoes.
When: Sept. 19, 7-10 p.m.
Where: 1-800-Lucky, 143 NW 23rd St, Miami
Info: $80 for early bird tickets. $95 tickets at the door. https://www.eventbrite.com
Free concert kicks off National Banned Books Week
The Books & Books Literary Foundation is hosting Sing for FREADOM, a free concert to kick off National Banned Books Week.
The event will feature a performance from Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Joanie Leeds, live readings of banned children’s books and opportunities to purchase books. Books & Books, the popular Miami bookstore, has been a vocal advocate against book bans in Florida.
When: Sept. 22, 3 p.m.
Where: Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables
Info: Free to RSVP. https://www.booksandbooks.com
This story was produced with financial support from individuals and Berkowitz Contemporary Foundation in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work.
