#ThankYouMiami for Themed Weeks - Live Arts Month

In Miami, a new month means a new theme. November is Live Arts Month and it couldn't have arrived at a better time. Until last month, it had been a few years since I had watched a live performance. Thievery Corporation's visit to the Fillmore Miami Beach in early October was the perfect reason to come out of my cultural hibernation. (Their 2010 concert with Massive Attack at Bayfront Park is hands down my favorite concert I have seen in Miami and I knew they would put on another fire show.) Since their show, I've been on a live arts kick: theater, live music, art shows, you name it.

Without knowing it was Live Arts Month, I have seen some really incredible performances that I am grateful Miami has brought to our sunny shores. These are the three I recommend most highly, with additional quality works to consider listed on our Miami Events page:

1. Our Town at The Colony Theatre

I read Our Town in 9th grade and didn't quite appreciate its wisdom regarding the human experience. When I heard it was playing at The Colony Theatre, I have to admit it was mostly due to name recognition and nostalgia that I decided to buy a ticket. I was also motivated by the "So Miami" twist that Director Michel Hausmann gave to the Pulitzer Prize winning play, such as a diverse cast and lines of dialogue in Creole and Spanish. I was expecting to feel cultured and entertained. I was not expecting to feel so moved by its message, a message that brought my entire row to tears thanks to an expertly delivered monologue by young, Mexican actress Thallis Santesteban. Buy tickets to Our Town before it stops running on November 19. You won't regret it.

2. Jazz Pianist Markus Gottschlich at The Betsy

I first saw Markus play as part of a trio at the 2014 South Beach Jazz Festival and I was completely blown away by his incredible talent. (It's not just me—he is widely lauded for his ability to compose and play the piano.) Beyond producing and playing at the South Beach Jazz Festival every year, Markus plays at various venues throughout Miami including the "(mostly jazz)" presentation at The Betsy this Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. If you have a chance to stop by, do it. Markus is world class talent and we are lucky to have his beautiful music grace our city, this time for free.

3. House of Creatives Music Festival at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park

We've been attracting some pretty killer music acts lately and this indie music festival is an example of that. Headlines Alt-J and MGMT are two huge reasons not to miss the two days of concerts at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park on November 11 and 12. The gourmet food selection and local vendors are another. Seriously, buy tickets. And after, please tell me how Wild Belle is live. I have been dying to hear Natalie Bergman's sultry smoky vocals since I first hear "Keep You" and am bummed I'll be out of town this weekend.

What other live arts performances or events are you looking forward to this month? Leave a comment below or send me a tweet @ThankYouMiami!