Josie Gulliksen

Josie Gulliksen is a freelance writer and major arts advocate and enthusiast who loves everything cultural and is excited to live in such a thriving community as Miami. A Miami native, she currently writes for Rundown.com/MIA, Miami on the Cheap, Citybuzz.com and Design District Magazine. She worked for nearly a decade at Miami Today covering the arts community, calendar of events and restaurant scene. She has also worked in public relations for the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, in travel and tourism for Newman PR and at the Miami Science Museum. She has written for Florida Travel + Life Magazine and Florida Monthly Magazine.

Free Tales Under the Stars at Deering Estate

Apr 202014
 

Tales Under StarsIt’s always a good skill to know the art of weaving a good tale and for a few dates in April at area libraries Storyteller Carrie Sue Ayvar will enchant kids with her “Tales Under the Stars,” part of the 14th Annual International Art of Storytelling events.

She’ll tell stories from around the world as children and their families sit on blankets and lawn chairs and listen to her magic stories under the stars.

There are three opportunities to participate:

  • Tuesday, April 15, at 7 p.m. at the Miami Lakes Public Library, 6699 Windmill Gate Rd. 305-822-6520.
  • Thursday, April 17, at 7 p.m. at the Kendale Lakes Branch Library, 15205 SW 88 St. She will be accompanied by Momentum Dance Company, which will perform as she tells stories. Call 305-388-0326 for more info.
  • Saturday, April 19 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pinecrest Branch Library, 5835 SW 111 St., when she’s joined by Actor’s Playhouse and the Tarantella Dancers. Call 305-668-4571 for more info.
  • Tuesday, April 22, at 7 p.m. at the Deering Estate at Cutler, 16701 SW 72 Ave., when she’s joined by the Tarantella Dancers. Call 305-235-1668 for more info.
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Free Friday Family Movie Night in Kendall

Apr 202014
 

The LoraxBring the family out for movies under the stars at in West Kendall for the free Third Friday of the month movie night.

Everyone gets free popcorn, the kids can enjoy bounce houses and food is available for purchase from the Food Truck Invasion, with sliders, tacos, empanadas, Asian favorites and other sweet treats sold from mobile trucks.

Because of Good Friday, this month the event will be on Friday, April 25, when the film will be “The Lorax.” The event is 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Kendale Lakes Park, 7850 SW 142nd Ave.

Call 305-388-4771 for more information.

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Free International Art of Storytelling Family Festival

Apr 202014
 

storytelling-festivalThere’s something for kids of all ages at the 14th annual Art of Storytelling Family Festival on Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Main Library, 101 W. Flagler St., Miami. Admission is free.

The festivities include:

PERFORMERS

  • Bits N’ Pieces Puppet Theatre
  • Storyteller Carrie Sue Ayvar
  • Storyteller Sadarri & Company
  • Storyteller Kaye Byrnes
  • Folk Singer Matthew Sabatella
  • Mother Goose on the Loose
  • Magician Robert Hermens
  • Storyteller Shana Banana
  • Tampa Taiko Drummers
  • Ife Ile Afro Cuban Dancers
  • Tarantella Dancers
  • Renaissance Swordsmanship
  • Signore Eduardo’s Juggling
  • Bahamas Junkanoo Shakers

Teen Zone featuring:

  • Rock performances by Live! Modern School of Music
  • Cosplay
  • Anime Marathon
  • Video Gaming
  • Karaoke
  • YOUmedia Miami Digital Production Table

Activities:

  • Storybook Character Parade at 11 a.m. with Richmond Heights Middle School Band
    (children up to 12  are invited to wear costumes, no scary costumes please)
  • Stiltwalkers
  • Minstrels
  • Arts & Crafts
  • LEGO Mania
  • Giveaways (while supplies last)
  • Food Vendors

Free parking, while spaces are available at Miami-Dade Cultural Center Garage and Garage #5 Hickman.

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Free Screening of Oscar-winning animated film ‘Frozen’

Apr 172014
 

frozen.jpgKids are going to be begging their parents to take them to see the Oscar-winning Disney animated film Frozen and it will be hard to say no to them since this screening is free. It’s on Friday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. during Movies in the Park at Miami Lakes Picnic Park West, 15151 NW 82 Ave., Miami Lakes.

The animated film tells the story of fearless optimist Anna, who sets off on an epic journey, teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven, to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.

Families are encouraged to bring chairs and picnic blankets.  Pizza, popcorn and soda will be available for purchase.

Call 305-364-6100 for more info.

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Wynwood Life Street Festival discounts

Apr 172014
 

Wynwood Life logoTake in all the street art, great food and urban feel that is Wynwood for a fraction of the actual entry price during the Wynwood Life Street Festival Friday, April 25, through Sunday, April 27, on Northwest Sixth Avenue between 22nd and 24th streets.

There are two ways to save:

With either offer, prices start at $8 for general admission (normally $15) a good deal for checking out vendors, street artists, live music and handmade crafts and jewelry.
You can find more discounts on South Florida festivals here.
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Free fashion show to benefit AIDS Walk

Apr 152014
 

Staying Alive logoWith the weather heating up and summer around the corner, it’s fitting that the MTV Staying Alive Foundation would host a swimwear fashion show to benefit AIDS Walk Miami 2014. Models strut their stuff on Thursday, April 24, during the event from 7 to 10 p.m. at Haven Lounge South Beach, 1237 Lincoln Rd.

Although the event is free, a $20 donation is recommended and all proceeds from those donations will benefit Aids Walk Miami 2014, a 5K walk April 27 on South Beach.

The fashion show event, at Haven on Lincoln Road, will include a performance by singer/songwriter Periko & Jessi Leon, MTV DJ Mauricio Parra and a swimwear fashion show and exclusive prizes provided by the girls of La Belle Rebelle.

Guests who make a $20 donation will receive one complimentary drink from Gulf Liquors and an entry into the evening’s raffle.

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Find low-cost summer camps with free guides

Apr 152014
 

ChildrensTrust_logoKick-start the search for great summer camps throughout Miami-Dade County and avoid that summer brain drain by keeping kids active all summer long.

Pick up The Children’s Trust 2014 Summer Programs Guide at select Winn Dixie supermarkets throughout Miami-Dade County and online at the Children’s Trust website.

Information can also be accessed by calling 211. With information in three languages – English, Spanish and Creole, the guides provide address, contact information and a short description of hundreds of summer camps, both those funded by The Children’s Trust and others that are not. Camp locations are conveniently organized by zip codes. Program fees are listed and locations serving children with disabilities are identified.

Parents are encouraged to seek free and low-cost options early before they fill up. Once subsidized slots are taken, regular fees may apply.

In addition to camp listings, the guides contain the following articles of interest:

  • Choosing the Best Camp: Practical tips to consider when choosing a summer camp. What questions should you ask? How do you assess quality teaching?
  • Art Smarts: Fun and affordable ways to keep kids entertained and engaged this summer, from art-infused activities to artsy venues to visit around the county.
  • Helping Hands: Chores teach kids responsibility, teamwork and other valuable skills. Tips to get them motivated, and how to avoid chore-related tension.
  • Tough Talks: Discussing topics like peer pressure or drugs with your children and youth can be awkward – honesty and outside support are the key.
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Free lunch for first 100 at Daily Melt on April 12

Apr 092014
 

Grilled Cheese

The Daily Melt, owned by James Beard Award-winning chef Allen Susser, is offering customers a free meal. Beginning at noon on Saturday, April 12, the first 100 customers at the Midtown Miami location, 3401 N. Miami Ave., will receive a free lunch. The menu features a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches  as well as several gourmet soups.

Through the end of April, customers who Tweet, Instagram or post to Facebook about their meal at Daily Melt will receive a a coupon for a free meal. They will need to follow and tag Daily Melt on Twitter (@followdailymelt) and Instagram (@Dailymelt) and include the hashtag #NationalGrilledCheeseMonth. All entries will be put together in an album at the end of the month and the photo with most likes will receive a grand prize.

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Bread + Butter’s Frita Fridays and other happy hour deals

Apr 042014
 

Bread + ButterBe the first to try what is sure to be one of Miami’s cheapest high-end happy hours. Debuting Friday, April 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. is the new Happy Hour and Frita Fridays at Bread + Butter Restaurant, 2330 Salzedo St., Coral Gables.

During happy hour they’ll offer specially-priced bites, a $3 Cocktail of the Week and half-priced wines and draft beers. On Friday evenings, sink your teeth into $3 Fritas during the Frita Fridays promotion, offered in conjunction with the regular happy hour.

The happy hour menu features $3, $4 and $5 snacks, including:

  • B+B pickles
  • Hialeah-style warm peanut cones
  • Empanadas with goat cheese cream, dry apricot chimichuri and coriander leaves
  • Toston tostadas topped with chicharrones, refried black beans, guacamole, lettuce, tomato, onion and cotija cheese
  • Double bacon frita with American cheese, onions, B+B pickles, mustard, ketchup and fried 
  • Fried chicken thighs drizzled with buffalo honey sauce and served alongside buttermilk drop biscuits
  • Big Al’s Beef Jerky, housemade jerky served with crispy shallots and Korean chili.

From the bar, a special Batch Cocktail of the Week will offer imbibers $3 glasses of the specially formulated wine and beer batch libations.

Call 305-442-9622 for more info.

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Happy hour deals at Perfecto Gastropub in Brickell

Apr 032014
 

Perfecto interiorSwanky Brickell is dialing it down for happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. with inexpensive drinks and eats at the Perfecto Gastropub to get the weekend started.

The Spanish tapas menu features a wealth of Barcelona-inspired appetizers, some of which are included in the $3 to $6 options of Snack & Bites. Beer is $3.50, wine by the glass is $5, Shots de la Casa are $3 and well drinks are half-price.

Salmon tartare, octopus empanada, fresh made pork rinds, grilled bread with tomato and crispy calamari are all on the appetizer menu.

Perfecto Gastropub is at 1450 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131. Call 305-372-0620 to find out which appetizer are on special.

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Free first Friday Collins Park ArtScape jaunt

Apr 012014
 

Artscape logoHere’s a First Friday event that will let you discover Miami Beach beyond South Beach. On the first Friday of every month, from 6-11 p.m., head to Collins Avenue between 20th and 22nd streets, near the Bass Museum, for the First Friday Collins Park ArtScape.

Hosted by the Collins Park Neighborhood Association, the event gives restaurants and galleries a chance to open their doors and offer discounts on food and drinks and a chance to view and purchase art and accessories. Participating in the event are Avant Gallery, Riviera South Beach, Moreno’s Restaurant, Mokai and Sweetwater Beer Garden, Tribeca Trunk and Anthony Liggins Gallery 88.

The event runs through May.

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Free Fashion Arts Music night in the Grove

Mar 312014
 

FAM nightGet your fill of cultural fun during the return of F.A.M. (Fashion Arts Music) night on the first Saturday of the month in Coconut Grove along Grand Avenue, Commodore Plaza, Main Highway and Fuller Street from 7 to 10 p.m.

In addition to the Gallery Art Walk, F.A.M. Night affords visitors entertainment and shopping, with more than 20 boutiques, art galleries and musicians participatingt.

 F.A.M. participants include:

  • Academy of Arts & Minds, which will cover all facets of fashion, art and music by showcasing its latest fashion photo shoot, a live performance by the Jazz Band & Voices, and a gallery of artwork.
  • Design Bar, a home décor boutique, will feature The Oliver Gal Artist Co. – spearheaded by a sister duo ­– inspired by the Miami art scene and by photography from their travels around the world.
  • Reopening of the CGAF gallery, with a historic photography exhibit by Cathryn Griffith, Havana Revisited: An Architectural Heritage.
  • Musician Pino Grillo.

Additional participants are Blue Moon Studio, CocoWalk, The Bookstore in the Grove, Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Nikki’s Beachhouse, Ramona LaRue by Arianne, & Taurus in the Grove.

Call 305-461-5506 for information.

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Free Wynwood mural tours by bike

Mar 032014
 

Wynwood Bike TourDon a helmet and hoist yourself on a bike cruiser, then head over to Wynwood Tuesday through Sunday at noon for a meet-up at the hipster favorite Panther Coffee, 2390 NW Second Ave., for a Wynwood Mural Tour led by Ryan the Wheelbarrow.

The 90-minute tour is led by artist and bike enthusiast Ryan Ferrell, whose approach to the tours is to expose street art and graffiti lovers to small hidden gems that exist alongside larger, more commercial (hence commissioned) pieces.

Arrive a little early and get your caffeine fix and one of the neighborhood’s most popular coffee joints.

For more info on the tours, call 305-799-3166.

 

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