kawanzaa-web.jpgThursday, Dec. 27

A Kwanzaa Experience: Diaspora Arts Coalition presents an exciting and educational program, 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, 6161 N.W. 22nd Ave., Miami. The program features the history and origin of Kwanzaa and special appearances by spoken word diva Rebecca “Butterfly” Vaughn; vocalist Jaylon Ballard; Drums-N-Unity; Kwanzaa guru Altine Baki and more.

There will be a special performance by national recording artist, R&B soul-singer D.A. Smith. Call 786-237-5079.

DIBIA Holiday Clinic: Tis’ the season to hone your basketball skills with experienced coaches and trainers from Dibia Athletic Development, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. through Dec. 29 at Ransom Evergaldes High School, 2045 South Bayshore Dr., Miami. Cost $100. Call 786-543-8826 or email Brandon@dibiaathletic.com

Friday, Dec. 28

Broadway Songbook: The District Stage Company presents an evening with Miami’s own Broadway stars Andy Señor and Henry Gainza, 8:30 p.m. on Friday and 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. on Saturday at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 S.W. 211 St., Cutler Bay. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 day of show. Call 786-573-5300 or visit smdcac.org

Saturday, Dec. 29

Historic Victory Theater closes with Free Movie Matinees: The Fabulous Forties on the Avenue exhibit and the Victory Theater within the exhibit are permanently closing in January. Enjoy the last matinee showings of such holiday classics as It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol and Stormy Weather, 1 p.m. at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-357-6282 for more information.

Tuesday, Jan. 1

Kwanzaa on the Beach: Unity of Miami Gardens and the Rev. Dr. Joanna Gabriel offer something new to start the new year, a Sunrise Kwanzaa Meditation on the Beach, 7 – 8 a.m. at Hollywood Beach on A1A. Call 305-628-2322 or visit unitylight.org

Friday, Jan. 4

Flamenco Spanish Heritage:  Virtuoso Cuban musician Pedro Alfonso and his group of musicians will perform as part of his world music series at 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. at South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, 10950 S.W. 211 St., Cutler Bay. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 day of show. Call 786-573-5300 or visit smdcac.org

Shakespeare in the Park: Shakespeare Miami presents Twelfth Night, a hilarious comedy about a shipwreck, lovers, servants, set in the Roaring 20’s, featuring live jazz, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. through Saturday at ArtsPark at Young Circle Amphitheater, U.S. 1 and Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Admission free. Visit shakespearemiami.com

Saturday, Jan. 5

Parent’s Time Out: America’s Got Talent runner-up comedian Tom Cotter pokes fun at the outrageous challenges of parenthood with Kerri Louise as they take the stage, 8 p.m. at the Miramar Cultural Center, 2400 Civic Center Pl. on Red Road in Miramar. Cotter and Louise are a married comedy team who use hilarious relatable real life situations such as raising their three sons in their routine. Tickets $30. Visit miramarculturalcenter.org

 Sunday, Jan. 6

Amal & The Night Visitors: Orchestra Miami presents the classic at 2 p.m. in English with Spanish subtitles, and 4 p.m. in Spanish with English subtitles, at Teatro Trail, 3715 S.W. Eighth Street, Coral Gables. Tickets $25 – $40. Call 305- 274-2103.

Ongoing:

Kuumba Annual Kwanzaa Art Exhibition: Celebrate the seven principles of traditional African community values with great art through Jan. 21 at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center in the Amadlozi Gallery, 2166 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (Northwest 62nd  Street at Northwest 22nd Avenue) in Liberty City. Admission free. Call 786-237-5079.

Free FCAT Tutoring: For the second year, the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) at the Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Avenue, will offer free FCAT tutoring  through March 2013 for all children in Grades 3, 4 and 5. Prior registration required. Visit delraylibrary.org

Volunteers and Donors Needed: Vice Chairwoman Audrey M. Edmonson and the Miami Children’s Initiative (MCI) are calling for volunteers and donated supplies to help transform several city blocks in Liberty City into a showcase for the future of the Miami neighborhood. At 8 a.m., on Jan. 21, 2013, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday and a national holiday dedicated to community service, MCI staff,  volunteers and neighborhood residents will begin “Building a Future, Block by Block” by transforming Northwest 60th Street from 17th to 19th avenues, beginning at Charles R. Drew Middle, 1775 N.W. 60th St., Miami. Contact Luisana Cavallo at 305-636-2245 or visit miamichildrensinitiative.org/blockbyblock.shtml

Home for Every Holiday Pet Adoption: Through Dec. 31, adopt a pet from the Animal Services Shelter, 7401 N.W. 74 St., Miami. Open seven days a week. Visit miamidade.gov/animals