calendar_web.jpgFriday, March 4

Miami Made Weekend 2011:  The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and Miami Light Project proudly announce Miami Made Weekend 2011, an annual showcase of new, innovative work created by artists living and working in South Florida.

Taking place from March 4 – 6, in the Arsht Center’s Ziff Ballet Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami Made Weekend will feature the work of 11 immensely talented performing artists in our community who are continually expanding the boundaries of the traditional performing arts. Admission is free but a VIP Pass is available for $35 that includes priority access and guaranteed seating at every event. They are available online at www.arshtcenter.org, in-person at the box office window, or by phone: 305-949-6722. For more information on artists and show times, visit www.arshtcenter.org/miamimade.

Saturday, March 5

Big Brothers Big Sisters Imaginative Gala:  This gala is one of the social season’s largest and liveliest parties that brings together community leaders to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami.  From 10 p.m. – 12:30 a.m., guests will enjoy an evening under the theme “Imagination…Expect the Unexpected” that includes: earth and aqua-themed auction villages, fine dining, dancing, and entertainment at the new J.W. Marriot Marquis, 255 Biscayne Blvd. Way in downtown Miami.  Individual tickets are $750 and tables start at $7500. RSVP to Karina Alvarez at 305-644-0066 or email kalvarez@bbbsmiami.org. For more information, visit www.wementor.org.

Wednesday, March 9

Miami Northwestern Class on 1967 Meeting:   The class will begin meeting at the Belafonte TACOLCY Center, 6161 NW 9th Ave., on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. For questions about times and more, contact President Elaine Mellerson at 305-757-4471.

Paella Parade:  From 8:30 to 11 p.m., El Coto de Rioja Paella Parade, a celebration of Spanish food and culture, will visit Miami for the first time during the Miami International Film Festival at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Dr. Following a screening of Fernando Leon de Aranoa’s “Amador,” ten local chefs and restaurateurs will come together to compete and showcase Miami’s top Paella-making skills, vying for the titles of Best Use of Ingredients, Most Creative, Prettiest and the top prize: Paella Parade Pleaser.  Guests will get a chance to sample each chef’s unique version of Spain’s most beloved signature dish and sip delicious wines from El Coto de Rioja. Tickets are $55 for the screening and parade and $45 for the parade alone. For more information, contact Erin Jaffe at 646-654-3404 or email ejaffe@nikecomm.com.

Saturday, March 12

Art on the Avenue:  From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pompano Beach's Flagler Avenue and NE 1st St will be transformed into an outdoor art gallery, as local artists display their works at GreenMarket Pompano Beach. Some items will be for sale but the event itself is free and open to the public. Artists interested in displaying their work should contact Jeanine Parisi at 954-786-7824. For more information, visit www.greenmarketpompano.com or call 954-292-8040.

Sunday, March 13

CG’s Couture Designs Fashion Extravaganza:  From 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the Environ Cultural Center, 3800 Environ Blvd. in Lauderhill, CG’s Couture Designs is having a benefit show to raise funds for two special projects: Team of Life and the New Hope Learning Center. Team of Life provides services such as food, shelter, clothing, transportation, school supplies and college scholarships. The New Hope Learning Center is the springboard of school life starting from daycare up through 8th grade. They provide scholarships, after school care, and homework assistance. Donations are tax deductible. For more information, call 954-733-7101 or email Claudette@cgscouture.com.

Ongoing:

Knight Arts Challenge Miami:  The 2011 challenge has launched and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation wants to hear your best ideas for the arts!  Great ideas can start anywhere, so the challenge is open to everyone – established arts institutions, independent artists of all types, businesses, service organizations and individuals. Applications are now being accepted at KnightArts.org. No idea is too large or too small, as long as it follows three basic rules: Your idea is about the arts; your project takes place in or benefits South Florida; you find other funding to match the Knight Foundation grant.