Greetings {name},

Monday, February 20 is President's Day, traditionally held on the third Monday of February, honoring presidents of the United States, including George Washington.

Tuesday, February 21 is Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), marking the last day before Lent, and often associated with lavish parades and parties in New Orleans.

Please enjoy this image that reminds us of the beauty, bounty and serene nature of our countryside.

Flying over the old historic Macs Field landing strip (78FD) just east of Krome.

click on the image to see enlargement.

Redland scenic photo illustrations © Robin and Robert Burr.

Saturday, February 18 - 10am to 4pm

Upper Keys Garden Walk 2023

Tour spectacular private gardens at the 42nd annual Garden Walk of the Upper Keys and enjoy complimentary activities at the club house including an art show, vendors and food trucks at MM 94 Bayside. In honor of the club’s 70th birthday, tickets to their 42nd Garden Walk are being offered at the discounted price of $25. The address is 94040 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Friday February 17 at 8pm

Ladies Of Simone

In celebration of the rich artistic legacy of the American musical icon and Empress of Soul, Nina Simone, The Ladies of Simone will perform classics such as “I Loves You Porgy,” “The Look of Love,” “My Baby Just Cares for Me,” “To Be Young, Gifted, and Black,” “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” and more. Get details and tickets online.

Saturday and Sunday, Feb 18-19

OFE Orchid Supplies - Sale Fair Weekend

Experience the big orchid sale fair carnival this weekend at OFE Orchid Supplies, featuring a fine group of vendors, including Krull-Smith Nursery, Orchids in Bloom, Florida Orchid House, Judelis Orchids, Orchids_365, Sierra Madre Orchids and Bromeliads, Orchids and Things by Lee, The Orchid Den, Morning Dove Nursery and Lady Vanda. Entrance and parking is free on Saturday, February 18 from 9am to 5pm and Sunday, February 19 from 10am to 3pm at OFE Orchid Supplies, 17899 SW 280th Street. Call 305-253-7080. https://ofeintl.com

Saturday, February 18 at 5pm

Black History Month Social Mixer

Attend an historical evening celebrating Black History in South Dade at the Seminole Theatre with recognition of long standing community leaders who provide excellence in Education and Service. Enjoy the finest appetizers from Homestead’s Black owned restaurant Yardie Spice. Combine this with light R&B on a 2nd Floor Terrace, while experiencing the view of the newest park in Homestead. This is an evening where all come together and celebrate achievements. Get details and RSVP online.

Sunday, February 19 at 8pm

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

Super-Hero partners Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and the Wasp. Together, with Hope's parents Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), and Scott's daughter Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought possible. Directed by Peyton Reed and produced by Kevin Feige and Stephen Broussard, "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" also stars Jonathan Majors as Kang, David Dastmalchian as Veb, Katy O'Brian as Jentorra, William Jackson Harper as Quaz and Bill Murray as Lord Krylar. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Tuesday, February 21 at 5pm

Afro La Viva: Black History Showcase

Meet up at the Cybrarium for an All Families Fun Night to remember, celebrating Black History in its fullness, from dance and music to food and literature. https://cybrarium.libcal.com/event/9995391

Wednesday, February 22 at 10am

A Black Business Showcase & Resource Fair

In Celebration of Black History Month and in Collaboration with Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee and Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, the Small Business Development Division of the Miami-Dade County Internal Services Department will host A Black Business Showcase & Resource Fair at the Moss Cultural Arts Center. Get details online.

Thursday, February 23 at 7:30pm

The Mersey Beatles - 1962-1966

They've been playing the Cavern Club for over 15 years and are one of the best you will ever see. These childhood friends have played in 20 countries, selling out shows world wide. Experience The Mersey Beatles natural Liverpool accents, wit, and charm. With no rehearsed scripts, their crowd banter truly captures the original spirit of the Beatles. These talented musicians appear with beautifully designed costumes and replica guitars from all eras. https://www.seminoletheatre.org/seminole-calendar-of-upcoming-events/735

Friday, February 24 at 6:30pm

Movies In The Park - Space Jam

The ‘90s are back and so is the City of Homestead Park and Recreation Department’s Movie in the Park event series. The festivities will conclude with Michael Jordans Space Jam at Roby George Park, 201 SW 111th Ave in Homestead. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic, blankets, and lawn chairs. The Movies in the Park event series is part of City of Homestead’s initiative to encourage residents to explore the parks and amenities the city has to offer. Call 305-224-4570 or email: parkevents@cityofhomestead.com

Saturday, February 25 at 10am

Lamplighters Writers Group

For those interested in joining the writers' group, the Lamplighters meet at 10am on the second and fourth Saturdays at the Homestead Cybrarium at 80 West Mowry Drive in Homestead. Members share information and tips on writing poetry, short stories, novels and more. For more information, please contact either Melody Thorpe (novagem@gmail.com) or Daniel Grusauskas (damaruda@gmail.com). Get details online.

Saturday, February 25 from 1 to 2pm

Art @ The Library - Hand Painting Class

Enjoy Hand Painting Classes with local artist SandyRose at the South Dade Regional Library Meeting Room. Appropriate for all ages. Get details online.

Saturday, February 25 at 6:30pm

Sunset Folk Music Series at Castellow Hammock

Enjoy a magical night of music and storytelling at the Sunset Folk Music Series at Castellow Hammock Park with Timothy LaRoque and Jason Katz. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic basket with your favorite treats. Glass bottles are prohibited. The cost is $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Castellow Hammock Preserve and Nature Center is located at 22301 SW 162 Avenue. Call 305-242-7688. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Sunday, February 26 from 2 to 3pm

Sunday Book Brunch at the Cybrarium

Join the hottest club in town, the Sunday Book Brunch book club at the Cybrarium. At this introductory meeting, learn all about this monthly book club for adults, which will read its first book during March. During this introductory meeting, discuss how the book club works and introduce the first book: Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Light refreshments provided. Registration required. Get details and RSVP online.

Sunday, February 26 at 2pm

First Year Tips for New Beekeepers

Learn tips and tricks that new beekeepers must know to have a successful hive. Special Speaker: Ms. Kat Sitton, Tropical Beekeeping Association Board Secretary. Arrive 15-20 minutes early to receive your wristband after paying in the Park Store. Get details online.

Sunday, February 26 at 4pm

The US Army Field Band

The Concert Band & Soldiers' Chorus are the oldest and largest of The U.S. Army Field Band's performing components. Founded in 1946 and 1957 respectively, these two ensembles combine to present joint concerts on their national tours. They have performed in all 50 states and 30 foreign countries for audiences totaling hundreds of millions. The 60-member Concert Band and 29-member Soldiers' Chorus perform regularly in some of the most famous concert halls in the world, and just as often in the humblest auditoriums in the smallest of communities. Tickets are free. Get details online.

Tuesday, February 28 at 4:30pm

Computer Class: Introduction to Computers

Attend an introduction to a computer's hardware and operating system. Ages 19 years and up. Call 305-233-8140 or email crespim@mdpls.org. Get details online. 

Wednesday, March 1 at 1:30pm

Lil' Learners Storytime at Cybrarium

Bring the little kids to the Cybrarium for Lil' Learners Storytime. Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes and fun activities that support early literacy skill development and help foster a love of reading in your children. For ages 3 and 4. Get details online.

Save The Date
Friday, March 3 at 8pm
Feast with the Beasts at ZooMiami

Zoo Miami Foundation is hosting Feast with the Beasts -- its 25th year -- to honor wildlife and tantalize your palates with tastes of the most extraordinary dishes created by some of South Florida’s most renowned fine food establishments, with full open Bacardi bars, wild animal encounters, live entertainment and a fabulous silent auction. Call 305-255-5551. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Save The Date
Friday, March 3 at 7pm
Palmer Trinity Presents Chicago 

After 25 years, Chicago is the one musical with everything that makes you shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame and fortune, where crime is sensationalized by the media. The production features choreography inspired by the iconic Bob Fosse and one show stopping song after another. Come witness Palmer Trinity Students dazzle you with America's longest running contribution in Broadway history and learn why the name on everybody’s lips is still... Chicago. Palmer Trinity Theatre offers students a rigorous and professional theatre experience in a caring and supportive environment with an emphasis on individual growth, process-oriented work, and the ensemble approach to theatre. Affiliated with the International Thespian Society, the Upper School and Junior Troupes present two productions a year. Get details and Purchase tickets online.

Save The Date
Saturday and Sunday, March 4-5

Homestead Stone Crab and Seafood Festival

Bring the family out to enjoy the freshest seafood Homestead and the Keys have to offer, with live local entertainment, brews on tap, unique arts, crafts and more -- Saturday, March 4 from 11am to 8pm and Sunday, March 5 from 11am to 6pm at the Homestead Sports Complex, 1601 SE 28th Avenue in Homestead. There will be food options for everyone, including BBQ, roast pork, and others, so bring all your friends. Benefitting the Rotary Club of Homestead Charitable Foundation. Admission is $10; ages 12 and under free. Get details and tickets online.

Save The Date
Friday, March 10 from 6 to 9pm

Stargazing at Fruit & Spice Park

Enjoy a night under the stars and moon cozied up by a bonfire. S’more kits, food trucks and an assortment of drinks will be available while supplies last. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, your telescope and small coolers are welcome. No large coolers or pets allowed. Get details online.

A big thank you to all of our Redland View sponsors for helping us highlight these special events in the countryside -- and thanks to our Redland View readers for your continued interest in these delightful cultural opportunities.

Robert and Robin Burr