‘Joy on their faces’: Greater Miami Symphonic Band reaches out to Miami Rescue Mission, Agape Network
Music makes every day better, for everyone.
As part of its community outreach program, our longtime local band, Greater Miami Symphonic Band, is continuing to partner with Miami Rescue Mission and the Agape Network to give their residents the opportunity to enjoy live musical performances.
For many it will be the first time in their lives to be in the audience at a concert of this nature, said Dexter Dwight, GMSB president.
“It is an honor to touch these people through our music,” Dwight said. “To see the joy on their faces after our concerts is very rewarding for all the musicians in our ensemble.”
The Band will begin its 45th season at 6 p.m., Oct. 15, at Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Dr. on the University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus.
The Band will also perform the kid-focussed “A Young Person’s Concert” at 4 p.m., Oct. 22 at Pinecrest Gardens. Be sure not to miss a performance by this dedicated group. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students. Visit www.gmsb.org.
Interfaith dinner set for Oct. 22
To try and make a difference in a world filled with acts of hate and violence, unBIASed, a Temple Beth Am anti-Semitism initiative, is inviting everyone to its first interfaith potluck dinner.
The “Breaking Bread. Breaking Bias: Interfaith Potluck” is at 5 p.m., Oct. 22, at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Miami, 7701 SW 76th Ave.
UnBIASed stands for “un-do BIAS and educate.” There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.
“With our community partners, we will share food, meet new friends and enjoy casual conversation together with our faith leaders,” said Joanne Harvest Koren, co-chair of unBIASed Community Outreach/Small Group Dialogues.
“We want to develop and build relationships and alliances so we can all support each other,” she said. “It has never done the trick to just tell people to be kind and loving. We’re doing it over a casual meal with several different clergy leaders, and will have lots of table discussions among the various attendees.”
The group is partnering with Mosaic Miami (formerly MCCJ), the Unitarian Universalist congregation, and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s office to design and plan inclusive events and programming.
While not required, attendees can bring a dish to share at the potluck dinner. To register, visit tbam.org/breakingbread
Youth, comic book festival returns
Bookleggers Library, the nonprofit mobile library that expands access to free books as a way of building community, is bringing back ADVENTURE-LEGGERS, Miami’s only youth and comic book festival for kids, for a second year.
The full day of multimedia programming celebrates literature, art and creative entrepreneurship. There will be interactive experiences focused on comics, graphic novels, music, artist-led workshops, technology, creative professional workshops, and storytime. The event is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 14 at Bakehouse Art Complex. 561 NW 32 St.
“It’s time for Miami to have a recurring comic book festival for kids that are looking for a safe space in which to explore creative and literary arts with like-minded peers,” said Nathaniel Sandier, founding director, Bookleggers Library. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with teacher artists and sponsors to bring this event back for a second year.”
Register at info@bookleggerslibrary.com No unaccompanied adults are allowed.
Miami Lakes student wins contest
OneUnited Bank, the nation’s largest Black-owned bank, has named local student Cailyn Sanders, 11, as one of 10 youth winners of the 13th annual “I Got Bank!” youth essay & art contest which promotes financial literacy among children ages 8 to 12. Cailyn will receive a $1,000 OneUnited Bank savings account.
The panel of judges included bank president & COO Teri Williams and senior vice president and chief retail officer Sherri Brewer who were overwhelmingly impressed with Cailyn’s insightful essay.
“Interestingly, this year the most prevalent themes in the submissions were more positive, with a focus on thriving rather than overcoming economic challenges. We believe the more aspirational themes may be a result of a stronger employment market for their parents. We congratulate our winners, their families and all participants in the contest,” Williams said.
Museum celebrates LGBTQ+ History Month
October is LGBTQ+ History Month and Ft. Lauderdale’s Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library is open for everyone.
A recent fundraiser featured actor and singer Billy Porter, and the cast of HBO’s documentary film The Stroll will visit for a screening, and a meet and greet, Oct. 12 and 13.
The museum is currently featuring “If You Could See Me Through My Eyes,” a look at personal identity and awareness, in the Ross Gallery on view until Dec. 1.
SNMAL is “committed to the distribution of historically accurate information that affirms and uplifts the history and culture of LGBTQIA+ people and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion.” Learn more at https://stonewall-museum.org/ The museum is at 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd.
Shores Artisan Fair returns Oct. 7
Local craftspeople will gather in Miami Shores at the Brockway Memorial Library, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 7, at the sixth annual Artisan Fair. This popular event features handmade items and homemade goods, from ceramics to cupcakes.
For entertainment, folk band Wagner and Hand will return by popular demand. The event is free and all are welcome.
If you are a local artisan who has a handmade craft, or goods, you would like to sell, contact Library Director Michelle Brown at brownm@msvfl.gov. The library is at 10021 NE Second Ave.
Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.
