Catching up…
Because as you can tell, it’s Monday, not Friday and you’re receiving this in your inbox so let’s get to it because I’ve got a lot to tell you about since then.
Oscar Fuentes, Miami's own "The Biscayne Poet" presiding over event at Sweat Records where he read his work as did other local poets and he gave us a sneak preview of his upcoming short movie/video that's an homage to Miami.
The book I picked up at Sweat Records during the poetry event.
Like the poetry event at Sweat Records two Fridays ago that had a very beatnik vibe and was totally cool. I even picked up a great book about the evolution of the punk and new wave scene on South Beach.
The improv comedy troupe at Just the Funny Comedy Club on Coral Way. That's Brett Graff in the black top and glasses in the middle who I know and invited me to the show.
Saturday night, Monica and I had dinner at Sergio’s on Coral Way where I had the garlic shrimp (camarones al ajillo) and moros. We then went just a few blocks away to watch the very talented improv troupe at Just the Funny who made us crack up for a great 90 minute show.
Monks at Thai Miami Trail art exhibition at El Fresco art space in Little Havana.
This massive structure is the centerpiece of the El Fresco space in Little Havana.
Tuesday night, I attended the Thai Miami Trail art exhibition at El Fresco in Little Havana. It was nice to attend this event that unified street artists from Miami and Thailand where their works were presented side by side. A couple of monks were in attendance and graced and blessed us with their very soothing chant/prayer. It was a truly special night.
On Thursday, I was so excited to hit the road and head to Orlando to bring some things to Elizabeth and have a visit with her at UCF (University of Central Florida). I made it up there but had to drive through several really strong rainstorms and it got a bit scary but I made it through.
Wekiwa Springs State Park watering hole.
Boardwalk at Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Trail view at Wekiwa Springs State Park.
On my way to her I stopped at Wekiwa Springs State Park for a nice refreshing swim in the springs and enjoy a picnic lunch. I picked up a Pub Sub on the way there and enjoyed it while sitting on a lovely bench while enjoying the view. The funniest thing was watching a raccoon reach over the bench and try to grab this family’s lunch right out of their Publix bag! After lunch, I took a leisurely walk along one of their nature trails.
Once I got to Elizabeth’s and hanging out for a bit, we drove a short way and picked up some tasty bao buns and crab rangoon from a little spot not far from her apartment, brought it back to her place and enjoyed it while chatting and catching up. That was my dinner for the day.
Waterfront view at Cortez Kitchen Restaurant in Bradenton.
After a big bear hug and promise to return with Vance and Nick for a visit in October, I headed to Bradenton to spend some time with my brother Mario.
Friday was a super relaxing day just hanging out at Mario’s house, watching US Open Tennis, talking and catching up. That night, he drove me all around Anna Maria Island and we ended up having a late dinner at Cortez Kitchen Restaurant right on the water. The grilled dolphin sandwich I had there was so fresh!
View from Robinson Preserve Observation Tower in Bradenton.
On Saturday, even though I knew I needed to be home by 6 p.m. because I was going to the Jane’s Addiction/Love & Rockets concert that night, two bands I love, I couldn’t leave without visiting another nature spot. So after a quick breakfast with Mario, I headed to Robinson Preserve like 10 minutes from his house. It was so worth it, the view from the observation tower was unbelievable, as you can see above!
Left to right... my nephew Chris, brother Mario, me, Chase next to his mom Erika (Chris's wife) and his sister Belle in front.
Once I posted the photo from Robinson Preserve to our family group chat and Chris, my nephew and Mario’s son who lives in Bradenton realized I was still in town, he asked if I wanted to join him and his family for lunch at Miller’s Ale House right off I-75. So of course, I drove just a short 25 minutes to join them.
After enjoying a chicken Caesar salad and fun conversation with them and my brother Mario who joined us, I headed home to Miami. But that was not to be. I thought I’d left with enough time but a two-car accident just a few miles down on I-75 changed all that. I sat in traffic for 45 minutes to an hour so I ended up driving straight to Hard Rock Live for the show.
Love & Rockets in concert at Hard Rock Live.
Vance and I met in the parking lot and made our way to the venue which is inside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. There we watched as Love & Rockets and Jane’s Addiction put on a fantastic rock show. The opening act, The Crawlers from the UK were pretty impressive too. It was a fun night.
I wrapped up the weekend yesterday with a barbecue at Kevin and Michelle’s house where we were joined by our friends Rick and Adina and Phil and Margaret. Adina brought a game called Animo which was pretty fun and had us all laughing. She also made a fantastic Asian-inspired crunchy salad that went along great with the pulled pork and air fryer chicken the Wutzlers made.
Finally, I want to share a link to my article about a cool event that happened over the weekend. I know the event already took place but I encourage you to visit Edge Zones for any of their upcoming shows and check out what sound artist Juraj Kojs is up to. Here’s the link to my article which features links to websites for both.
And that’s all, I’ll see you right here in just four short days on Friday.
