Celebrate with music, fireworks, art and capybaras in Gables, Jungle Island, Miami Beach

It’s the season of celebration, and music can bring us all together.

Orchestra Miami will ring in the New Year with a free concert and fireworks in Miami Beach for everyone to enjoy.

The premiere professional orchestra will also host three-time Latin Grammy-nominated group Negroni’s Trio and Latin Diva Marinel Cruz.

This family-friendly event starts with a pre-concert at 8 p.m. with the main event beginning at 10 p.m., Dec. 31. Concert-goers can gather on the sand at Collins Park, between 21st and 22nd streets east of Collins Avenue.

The celebration will feature the OM String Quartet performing first with festive music to get you in the holiday mood.

Then Elaine Rinaldi, Orchestra Miami’s artistic director, will take the stage for a captivating performance with the featured guest performers leading up to a dazzling fireworks display at midnight.

“We are thrilled to once again present our annual New Year’s Eve concert,” Rinaldi said.

“This concert is truly a celebration of all things Miami. I couldn’t be more excited to perform with such exceptional musicians and bring our community together to celebrate the start of the new year with some fantastic music. Not to mention, seeing the fireworks right behind the stage!”

Negroni’s Trio, with José Negroni on piano, Nomar Negroni on drums and Josh Allen on bass, infuses jazz, pop and Latin classics with a creative touch. The group has performed throughout the world, including at jazz festivals and New York’s world-famous Blue Note Jazz Club.

Soprano Cruz has been captivating audiences worldwide with her exceptional voice. She has won numerous recognitions, and her collaborations with José Negroni have introduced her to a new audience.

“We are honored to be performing with Orchestra Miami on this special occasion,” said José Negroni. “We can’t wait to help Orchestra Miami throw a big musical party and start 2025 with a bang!”

Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or beach chairs, as there is no fixed seating for the general public. Picnics are allowed, but glass containers are strictly prohibited.

VIP tickets are also available for $120 per person and include a reserved seat, open wine bar and a champagne toast at midnight. Or, guests can reserve a Priority Seat with access to a cash bar for $60 per person.

Parking is available at the Collins Park Garage at 340 23rd St., the G7 Garage in the 1755 Meridian Building or in the 17th Street Garage. Visit OrchestraMiami.org or call 305-274-2103.

CAPYBARAS, NEW SHOW AT JUNGLE ISLAND

A visit to Jungle Island is another way to celebrate Miami’s gorgeous weather and love of fun.

You might even get to see the three adorable baby capybaras, who arrived Dec. 19. And they were just given names through a social media contest: Welcome, Simon, Alvin and Theodore!

Capybaras, the largest rodents in the world, can eventually weigh up to 150 pounds. They are herbivores native to South America that enjoy a diet of grass, fruits and aquatic plants.

Despite their size, Jungle Island staff say the adult capybaras are social and gentle, with the nickname of “the world’s friendliest animal.” The Miami staff caring for the new babies calls them their “Happy Cappys.”

Jungle Island is also celebrating with a new “Nalu” show featuring acrobatic performances, jungle characters and visually stunning scenes with hypnotic music and vibrant jungle-inspired sets. Directed by Cirque du Soleil veteran Francisco Santos, “Nalu” is billed as a must-see for visitors this winter break.

Park admission includes the show, the heated Jungle Splash water attraction and the educational and entertaining Guardians of the Jungle animal show. Families can also explore Treewalk Village and playgrounds, stroll through the lush tropical jungle, encounter exotic animals and discover the Everglades habitat.

For an additional cost, guests can test their skills on ziplines and aerial courses at Treetop Trekking Miami, or book a Capybara Encounter for up to four people. While the babies receive specialized care, this is a chance to connect with the friendly adult capybaras up close. More at www.jungleisland.com

GET SET FOR 74TH BEAUX ARTS FESTIVAL

Here’s a Miami winter tradition that families have been enjoying since 1952.

And after three years on the Watsco Center grounds, the Beaux Arts Festival of Art is returning to its original location on Stanford Drive in front of the Lowe Art Museum on the University of Miami campus.

More than 200 juried fine art exhibitors will be attending. This is one of South Florida’s leading art shows, and it attracts acclaimed artists from all over the country vying for $20,000 in prizes.

The two-day outdoor event is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 18-19, and admission is free thanks to support from presenting sponsor UHealth Jackson Urgent Care.

In addition to museum-quality fine art, the festival will feature live music, interactive art experiences for children and adults, and a marketplace featuring local vendors and dining including a beer and wine garden from Bay 13 Brewery & Kitchen. Visit www.beauxartsmiami.org

Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.

This story was originally published December 23, 2024 at 5:17 PM.