Twilight Fridays

There was a time before the pandemic when the First Friday of each month was celebrated with open art galleries and musical events. Some of that magic has returned at the Coral Gables Museum, with their monthly Twilight Fridays. Each month the museum opens from 6 pm to 10 pm on that first Friday, free to the public, with live music and a full cash bar. 

We attended the First Friday in August to listen to the sounds of rock band Purpleberry Jam, which played Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, and Santana covers, along with other psychedelic hits from yesteryear in the courtyard. Pretty darn good, actually. On other Fridays, the Florida Guitar Foundation has Open Mic Night for guitarists of all stripes, including classical and folk. They perform in the Community Meeting Room. 

During the night we went, more than 900 other museum-goers attended, though it never seemed crowded. “I came up with the name and the idea one night going home,” says museum director John Allen. “We’ve had a great turnout. People want to get out.” All of the exhibits are open during Twilight; in our case enhanced by an $8 rum and coke.