Poetry, Cafecito and VR Roller Coasters

The summer of brats is dead. Long live the summer of brats.

Even if you can’t feel it outside, fall is just around the corner. In Miami, that can only mean one thing: the weather isn’t chilly. Arts season is upon us.

By the end of the month, you, dear reader, will be inundated with exhibitions, events, performances, shows, and projects for Miami Art Week in December. This is precisely the busiest time of year for me, your humble art journalist. My inbox is already a mess.

This is Arts Notes, the Herald’s monthly column on local arts and cultural events, exhibits and performances. Email me at [email protected] with suggestions for October.

There’s a lot to do this month in the calm before the storm. Here’s what’s happening:

Take a virtual reality roller coaster ride through “Niñalandia”

Miami-based artist duo LIZN'BOW will open their multimedia exhibition “Ninalandia Skycoaster” at Locust Projects in Miami. — Miami-based artist duo LIZN’BOW will open their multimedia exhibition “Ninalandia Skycoaster” at Locust Projects in Miami.

You can get lost in the wild, wonderful and strange world of Miami artist duo LIZN’BOW at their new exhibition.

“Niñalandia Skycoaster” is an immersive multimedia experience from Locust Projects that invites visitors to take a virtual reality roller coaster ride through a half-submerged, post-apocalyptic Miami. Think Mario Kart, but instead of a race car, you’re in the artists’ customized 2006 Buick Rendezvous, which zooms past a unicorn cow on a jet ski and giant milk jugs.

LIZN’BOW is comprised of artists Liz Ferrer and Bow Ty, who will perform at the opening of the show. Check out my profile on their feminist reggaeton project Niña to learn more.

When: Opening night on September 7 at 6 p.m. Performance at 8 p.m. On view until November 2.

Or: Locust Projects, 297 NE 67th St., Miami

Info: https://www.locustprojects.org

Miami Artist Weaves Memories in New Solo Show

Multidisciplinary artist Lisu Vega presents her latest works at her solo exhibition “Everything I Forgot?” at Little River.

The exhibition, produced in collaboration with local art platform ArtSeen365, explores her childhood and family memories through woven threads and fabrics. Vega learned to sew and weave alongside her maternal grandmother Yiya. After her grandmother passed away, Vega expressed her grief through creativity.

“By navigating the realms of physical and digital media, I am able to create a symbiotic relationship between the past and the present,” Vega said. “Most importantly, I pay homage to my grandmothers and the women who came before them; their DNA is woven into each of my pieces.”

When: Opening on September 7, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. On view until September 25.

Or: Outlying Areas, 3317 NW Seventh Ave. Cir., Miami

Info: Free and open to the public. https://www.instagram.com

Poetry, Cafecito and Cocktails in Little Havana

Daniela Pérez Mirón had to live far from Miami while studying for a master's degree in London, so her interest turned to ventanitas. — Daniela Pérez Mirón had to live far from Miami while studying for a master’s degree in London, so her interest turned to ventanitas.

O, Miami, the city’s nonprofit poetry organization, has teamed up with Havana Club rum to host Muy Fuerte y Muy Dulce: A Ventanitas Happy Hour.

It’s an evening of cocktails, networking, and “poetic surprises” inspired by the book “Ventanitas: A Window into Miami’s Coffee Culture.” The bilingual photo book by author Daniela Pérez Mirón and photographer Gesi Schilling delves into Miami’s robust and unique coffee culture and features ventanitas-inspired poems written by Miamians.

Here is my favorite poem from Rita Martinez’s book:

Todd, my gringo

husband, order kibble

And

Cuban Coffee in the Canary Islands under a Pseudonym

everyone can pronounce: Valentino.

When: September 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Or: Hoy Como Ayer, 2212 SW Eighth St., Miami

Info: Free and open to the public. https://www.eventbrite.com

Local food magazine takes over Wynwood hotspot

Local publication UndrBelly Magazine is hosting LuckyBelly, a culinary event featuring Miami-inspired Asian dishes at 1-800-Lucky in Wynwood.

Is this the most delicious night in Miami?

UndrBelly Magazine, Miami’s alternative food magazine, is hosting LuckyBelly, an evening of creative food, drinks and music at 1-800-Lucky in Wynwood. During the event, guests will enjoy six Miami-inspired dishes, a welcome cocktail and a unique zine by artist Little Riot. Menu items include lechon banh mi, chicken and mango bao buns and guava and cheese lumpia. Once you’re done nibbling, head to the dance floor or play a game of dominoes.

When: September 19, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Or: 1-800-Lucky, 143 NW 23rd St, Miami

Info: $80 for discounted tickets. $95 for tickets at the door. https://www.eventbrite.com

Free concert marks start of National Banned Books Week

The Books & Books Literary Foundation will kick off National Banned Books Week with a free concert featuring GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Joanie Leeds.

The Books & Books Literary Foundation is organizing Sing for FREADOM, a free concert to launch National Banned Books Week.

The event will feature a performance by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Joanie Leeds, live readings of banned children’s books and book purchase opportunities. Books & Books, the popular Miami bookstore, is a vocal advocate for the Florida book ban.

When: September 22, 3 p.m.

Or: Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables

Info: Free RSVP. https://www.booksandbooks.com

This story was produced with the financial support of individuals and the Berkowitz Contemporary Foundation in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, an independent journalism fellowship program. The Miami Herald retains full editorial control of this work.