The sensual sounds of Batuke Samba Funk will fill the air and lift you out of your seats when the South Motors Jazz Series welcomes back the sensational Brazilian group on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 8 p.m. “Red hot; he (Diogo) is one of the most recognized and accomplished Brazilian musicians.” — Manny Meland of MiamiArtZine. It’s a carnival atmosphere when Batuke Samba Funk takes the stage playing music that mixes the rhythms of ‘70s Funk, with Afro Samba, Brazilian Big Band, Batucada, Soul and Bossa Nova.
Batuke was created in 2008 by Brazilian bassist, composer and musical producer Diogo Brown, who was soon joined by Miami’s well known and beloved guitarist and composer Cezar Santana. Diogo’s versatility and musicality opened doors for work with artists that include Cris Delano (Bossa Cuca Nova), Claudia Leite and Ricky Martin. Tickets are $25 and $30; preconcert dining is available. Call 1-877-496- 8499 or go to pinecrestgardens.org.
JAZZ BEAT
The Jazz Beat Goes On when Stamps Jazz Quintet performs in the Banyan Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. Every year, as part of our Arts in the Gardens Performing Arts Festival, we invite top university level student musicians from South Florida and beyond to participate in our South Motors Gen-Next Jazz Series. Gen-Next performances are informal, fun and free to the public. Witness tomorrow’s stars first hand at Pinecrest Gardens today. The Stamps Jazz Quintet is comprised of five outstanding young jazz musicians who went through a rigorous audition process and are provided generous scholarships and special performance opportunities as a group through the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation and the University of Miami. You can’t find better music for free in a more beautiful setting anywhere than the South Motors Gen Next Series.
KIDS CREATIVE CRAFTS
Creative Expression – Kids Creative Crafts brings Art and Education Together Inspiring Children Ages 6-12. On Feb. 22 from 2-3:30, join us at Kids Creative Crafts. This wonderful workshop entitled “Into the Heart of the Garden” will have your child creating and decorating garden stepping stones with mosaic tiles, leaf imprints, toy bugs or even their own handprint. All of our Creative Crafts classes are taught by VSAFL’s certified Teaching Artist Yvette Cotera and are open for kids of mixed abilities including children with special needs. Enrollment is limited to 15 students, so please pre-register at 305-753- 5341 or email her at <originalartpad@bellsouth. net>. And as a special reminder, while your child is busy working away in class you can spend your time shopping at our Farmers’ Market open 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
UPCOMING MOVIES
A Reminder for Upcoming Movies at the Gardens — Mark your calendars for two wonderful upcoming films; one animated feature that just received the Golden Globe for the best animated film, and a nature film night, part educational, part recreational and all family fun.
Nature Film Night presents DISNEY’S Bears, Friday, Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m. “An engaging, vividly shot entry in the successful Disney wildlife series.” — Michael Rechtshaffer, Hollywood Reporter. Bears showcasing a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons. DisneyNature was launched on Earth day 2008 with the mission of bringing the world’s top nature filmmakers together to share a wide variety of wildlife stories on the big screen to engage, inspire and entertain theatrical audiences everywhere. Film night begins at 6:30 p.m. with a fun and interactive educational display inspired by the night’s film. Moviegoers can visit special exhibits from Zoo Miami and the Zoological Society of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Sierra Club, Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science and Friends of the Everglades. For details, contact Lisa Toy, Educational Program Coordinator at 305- 669-6990. General admission is $5.
Family Friday presents Rio 2, Friday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. — “A frantic, familyfriendly, musical adventure that’s filled with familiar feathered friends!” Susan Granger – SSG Syndicate; It’s a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids in RIO 2, after they’re hurtled from that magical city to the wilds of the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-beak with the vengeful Nigel, and meets the most fearsome adversary of all — his father-in-law. All our favorite RIO characters are back and they’re joined by Oscar nominee Andy Garcia, Grammy winner Bruno Mars, Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth and Oscar/Emmy/Tony winner Rita Moreno.
Gates open at 6:30 p.m., Flashlight Tours are from 7-7:45 and we serve up the best hot dogs and popcorn in town. The film begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $5l; children under two enter free.
