Attractions in Miami
With such a diverse and colorful mix of people, it is
no wonder that Miami has become such a cultural mecca.
From theatre to music to dance, Miami delivers world-class
entertainment. Beyond the stage and screen, the streets
of South Beach offer some of the best nightclubs in the
world. At night, in any given hotspot you can let loose
to the sounds of salsa, jazz, hip-hop, and techno. The
different cultures that revolve around the arts and entertainment
scenes blend to form the unique flavor of Miami.
Cinema
Even with all the Blockbuster Video Stores (the chains
billionaire founder lives in the Miami area), locals
and visitors continue to flock to the closest cinema
for the big screen experience. Catch mainstream films
at multiplex theatres such as Mayfair Cinemas in Coconut
Grove or the General Cinema 10 at the Miracle Center.
For state-of-the-art facilities, visit the luxurious
Regal Cinemas 18 in
South Beach, or the spacious AMC Theatres 24 in the
Aventura Mall. There are also several smaller theatres
with a bit more history and an interesting selection
of features. The Alliance Cinema on Lincoln Road features
foreign flicks and independent films. But if you believe
bigger is better, try the six-story-high screen at the
IMAX Theatre at Sunset Place.
Comedy
Good humor comes naturally in a city blessed with beautiful
weather year-round. A few local clubs feature comedians
that keep the visitors and locals laughing into the
wee hours. One of the most popular laugh factories is
the Improv Comedy
Club in Coconut Grove. The club hosts a variety
of acts, including the Def Comedy Jam. The annual "Come
Out Laughing" series, presented by the Miami Light
Project, features a talented line-up of comics from
all over the country.
Dance
From classical to modern to ethnic, Miami has a rich
array of dance theatre. Even the most classical repertoire
is infused with a certain innovative quality. The Miami
City Ballet is recognized as one of the top 10 companies
in the nation. The companys impressive repertoire (over
80 productions and counting) delicately blends the classical
and the contemporary. For the more traditionally bent,
Ballet Etudes of South Florida performs classical masterpieces.
The thrilling performances by Ballet Flamenco La Rosa
capture the passion and spirit of pure flamenco.
Museums
Whatever your interest, Miami offers a museum to match
it. Celebrate the intriguing past of the 100-year old
city at the Historical Museum of Southern Florida. Explore
the new showcase of the Smithsonian Expeditions at the
Miami Museum of
Science & Space. Take a stroll through the exquisite
16th-century Italian Villa Vizcaya and gardens. For
those who enjoy the visual arts, there are outstanding
collections at the Miami
Art Museum, the Bass Museum of Art, the Wolfsonian,
the Lowe Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art,
and the Ziff Jewish Museum of Florida.
Music
Miami attracts a medley of sounds and talents. Whether
its a jazz festival, a symphony orchestra concert, or
the Latin beats of Miamis own Gloria Estefan, the citys
musical offerings are never at a loss. The innovative
New World Symphony showcases fresh talent at the Lincoln
Theatre. The Florida
Philharmonic gives nationally acclaimed performances.
Also of interest is the talented Miami Symphony Orchestra.
The Florida Grand Opera presents five productions annually.
Nightclubs
Some of the best nightclubs in the nation can be found
in South Beach. For the ultimate dancing experience,
be sure to visit the new Level nightclub with its impressive
interior and an eccentric crowd of dancers. The ever-popular
Liquid continues to reign
over the nightclub scene, offering a variety of theme
nights, rooms, and music. Other stylish dance clubs
around the Beach include Groove Jet, Bar Room, Chaos,
and the Living Room.
Salsa dancing can be found all over the city, but the
most popular of the salsa clubs are Starfish and Alcazaba.
For a mellow alternative, spend the night listening
to live jazz at the trendy Martini
Bar or at lively Jazid. South Beach generally carries
the bulk of the dance clubs while Coconut Grove offers
a variety of live music venues. Miamis nightlife, however,
is much too diverse and extensive for such generalizations.
You can always find something going on somewhere on
any night of the week.
Theatre
No matter what the season, the stage is always set in
Miami. Whether its a Broadway road show or a local production,
the audience is sure to be dazzled. The nationally acclaimed
Coconut
Grove Playhouse is famous for premiering shows that
go on to successful runs in New York. In the elegant
Biltmore Hotel, GableStage offers an exciting season
of Florida premieres and New York hits. The Actors Playhouse
at the Miracle Theatre also offers quality productions
by a talented residential troupe. The Miami Light Project,
a non-profit organization that produces music, dance,
and theatre, has the freshest talent in town. The Bridge
Theatre focuses on the Hispanic experience. Teatro Avante
produces the annual International Festival of Hispanic
Theatre and presents regular performances in Spanish.
Miamis cultural venues are as intriguing for their appearance
as for the performances on their stages. From the sophisticated
setting of the Jackie
Gleason Theater to the charming Art Deco design
of the Colony Theatre, the audience has much to admire
during intermission.
Madeline Perez
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