Miami historic district to hold art festival

Art, music and food will fill the air at the Mimo Historic district's inaugural Mimo ART Boulevard festival.



BY RODOLFO ROMAN
SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD
Culture aficionados can get a head start on Art Basel as the historic MiMo historic district will transform into a major artistic festival on Sunday.
The MiMo Biscayne Association will present the inaugural MiMo ART Boulevard festival from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday at Biscayne Boulevard between Northeast 65th and 77nd streets.
Alisa Cepeda, the event's co-chair, said it's an opportunity to introduce the historic area to the community and visitors.
``It's a day to celebrate all that is great and happening in the MiMo Historic District while showcasing the area for the rest of our South Florida community and tourists alike,'' she said.
Art Basel Miami Beach, an art show, starts next month. MiMo ART Boulevard festival serves as a way to promote the MiMo District, artists, restaurants and talent who live in the area, added Cepeda.
Those who attend can see the recently installed LED sign of the Coppertone Girl. Participants will also have a chance to watch artists work along the boulevard and interact as they create their latest art work.
Festival-goers feeling artsy can grab a paint brush and help create a neighborhood mural on 7100 Biscayne Boulevard, while listening to about 10 live musical talents performing on stage like No Saints, Borrowed Time Band and Almost Blue.
Amy Aronson, who is the lead singer of the funk and rock group Almost Blue, thinks performing in her backyard is special.
``We're proud of our neighborhood,'' said Aronson, who lives in the area. ``It's really come a long way in the past few years.''
Aronson is the lead singer of the group, which includes about six members. Performing at local festivals help put local bands on the map, she said.
``This event and others like it help us to gain exposure while giving the event itself a hip image because the music and bands they bring are as good as any you'd see in a club,'' she said.
For food aficionados, there will be several chefs cooking several delectable dishes from local restaurants such as Kirs Wessel's Red Light and Michelle Bernstein's Michy's. Food tickets will be sold for $4. There will also be a wine area.
Children will also have an opportunity to draw at a hands-on art class. Cirque de Soliel-type street performers from the South Florida Circus Art School will be performing throughout the festival.
Animal lovers will enjoy a doggie talent show throughout the day at Smiling Pets, 7310 Biscayne Blvd.
To help kickoff the Christmas season, a tree-lighting ceremony will take place at the New Yorker Boutique Hotel, 6500 Biscayne Blvd., at 7 p.m.
For information, go to www.mimoartboulevard.com.