Thursday, October 2

Jumpstart's Read For The Record
Hyatt Regency Coral Gables is participating in a global effort to highlight the importance of early childhood education. Jumpstart's "Read for the Record" is a national campaign to engage hundreds of thousands of children and adults in an effort to break the world record for the largest shared reading experience. From 9 to 10am, associates from Hyatt Regency Coral Gables along with NBC 6 Anchor Jackie Nespral, Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick, President of the Coral Gables Chamber Mark Trowbridge and performers from The Actors' Playhouse Theatre for Young Audiences cast of Wizard of Oz will be visiting Coral Gables Elementary. They will be donating special edition copies of Read for the Record's official campaign book, Corduroy, written by Don Freeman and published by Penguin Young Readers Group.

Shakra Thursday Specials
Unwind at the Westin Colonnade's lobby from 5 to 7pm with complimentary Chair Massages and Table Tai stretches at 180Aragon. Visit their beautiful and serene Yoga Studio for Yoga for Lunch al all levels from 12:15 to 1pm, for Body Sculpting at all levels from 5:15 to 6:15pm, and for Pilates at all levels from 6:15 to 7:15pm to stretch and tone your lower back and abdominal area. Enjoy their Zen and fully equipped locker rooms as well as class props for free. The first class for new students (Florida Residents) is always free at Shakra Relaxation Oasis, 271 Alhambra Circle. Call 305-774-1355. http://www.shakramiami.com

Miracle Mile Toastmasters Thursday Lunch
With a shared interest in public speaking, members of the Miracle Mile Toastmasters meet every Thursday at 12:15pm at JohnMartin's Irish Restaurant, 253 Miracle Mile. Enjoy the opportunity to network, gain confidence and become an effective public speaker. The cost of lunch is $19. Call 786-399-9609. http://miraclemile.freetoasthost.us

Shakra Thursday Specials
All Massages and Facial Services are 20% off at Shakra Relaxation Oasis. Check the website, and book your service now before there are no appointments left. Offers expire September 30th. Visit their beautiful and serene Yoga Studio for Yoga for Lunch at all levels from 12:15 to 1pm, Body Sculpting at all levels from 5:15 to 6:15pm, and Pilates at all levels from 6:15 to 7:15pm to stretch and tone your lower back and abdominal area. Enjoy their Zen and fully equipped locker rooms as well as class props for free. The first class for new students (FL Residents) is always free at Shakra Relaxation Oasis, 271 Alhambra Circle. Call 305-774-1355. http://www.shakramiami.com

2 For 1 Drinks At Uva Happy Hour
UVA Restaurant and Lounge at 2626 Ponce presents drink specials from 5 to 8pm. Call 305-476-8111.

Live Music At The Grape
Stop in to your favorite wine bar at the Village Of Merrick Park for a great assortment of wines by the glass or the bottle, plus great food and live music to round out the experience. Now, from 5 to 7pm Monday through Friday, enjoy 2 for 1 glasses of wines in the 1 to 6 category. Meet up with friends at The Grape for a great time every time. Call 305-444-WINE. http://www.yourgrape.com

Live At The Biltmore
This month's band is Ma'duro, a local Miami band that melds traditional Cuban music with Latin jazz, tribal beats, and contemporary dance music. In addition, Don Julio and Belvedere Vodka cocktails will be half off every Thursday this summer at Cascade Poolside Bar & Grill. at Cascade Cascade Poolside Bar & Grill, perched on the edge of the resort's famous 700,000-gallon swimming pool, the continent's largest resort pool. Call 305-445-1926. http://www.biltmorehotel.com

Dr. William R. Butler: Embracing the World
He was Vice President for Student Affairs and Professor of Education at the University of Miami from 1965-1997. Embracing the World: The University of Miami -- From Cardboard College to International and Global Acclaim, follows the passage of time as the University of Miami's temporary Cardboard College, chartered in 1925, became the present institution of international and global acclaim. The University's international history, from 1925 to 2005, brings to the reader wonderful stories involving hundreds of students, faculty members, administrators and trustees. Some unrecognized visionaries, who served collegially, are included, along with each of the five University presidents. Dr. Butler's story is personal and engaging. Dr. William R. Butler believes that the future path of the University is being shaped by a solid conviction that "The University of Miami has an international rendezvous with greatness." Meet the professor at Books And Books, 265 Aragon at 6pm. Call 305-442-4408. http://www.booksandbooks.com

Oktoberfest Is Back
It's time for the annual Oktoberfest celebration in Coral Gables at Fritz and Franz Bierhaus, 60 Merrick Way. The revelry continues until Monday, October 13, celebrating the original event held in Munich in 1810. Call 305-774-1883. http://www.bierhaus.cc

LoweDown Happy Hour: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
The Lowe Art museum presents its monthly LoweDown happy hour from 7 to 9pm, featuring a lecture, gallery tour, light tapas, and a flamenco guitarist. Cocktails generously provided by PAMA Spirits. Call 305-284-3535. http://www.lowemuseum.org

Thirsty Thursday Wine Tastings
Join your hosts, Lalo Durazo, owner of Jaguar, and wine educator Barry Alberts of Berries to Wine for a weekly sampling of fine wines and great food at Jaguar Ceviche Spoon Bar & Latam Grill, 3067 Grand Avenue from 7 to 9pm each Thursday. The cost is $15 per person for food and wine. RSVP is not required.

New Theatre Presents World Premiere Of The Rant
New Theatre presents its first World Premiere of the season with Andrew Case's thriller, The Rant making its World debut at 8pm. An investigator assigned to the murder case of a 16 year old African American boy shot and killed by an NYPD police officer must wade through prejudice, deceit, and a volley of anonymous threats to find out where culpability and truth really lies. Under the direction of New Theatre's Artistic Director, Ricky J. Martinez, returning Silver Palm Award winner for The Mission Ricky Waugh will grace the stage along with a stellar cast which includes Patrice DeGraff-Arenas, Reiss Gaspard and Pilar Uribe who will be making their New Theatre debut. The plays continues through October 26. Call 305-443-5909. http://www.new-theatre.org

Comedy Night At JohnMartin's
Enjoy Laughs On The Mile at JohnMartin's (253 Miracle Mile), every Thursday starting at 10pm as local comedian Freddie Stebbins and friends host a night of fun and frivolity at JohnMartin's Irish Pub. Call 305-445-3777. http://www.johnmartins.com

DJ Boe Spins At The Bar
Coral Gables' legacy pub presents the music of DJ Boe each Thursday evening, with drink specials: It's Super Size It Night for an extra ounce of liquor for free. Enjoy the selection of 48 bottled beers, 10 great brews on tap and the best comfort food every Thursday at The Bar, 172 Giralda. Call 305-442-2730. http://www.gablesthebar.com