That’s entertainment
ANITA BRAHAM • The Hub at Temple Beth Am
WORK • Thursday Routine
ANITA BRAHAM • senior programming director • The Hub at Temple Beth Am
Neighborhood you work in: Pinecrest
Neighborhood you live in: Coconut Grove
It’s Thursday morning. What’s the scene at your workplace?
The Hub is a cultural arts space serving the greater Miami community. Our goal is to offer a little something for everyone — comedy, musical theater, featured authors, film screenings, culinary events, fitness offerings, and more — so no two days ever feel the same.
On Thursday, the energy is high: It’s basically Friday Junior. We’re usually deep into prep mode for a comedy show: stocking the bars and Top Nosh Café with snacks and drinks, making sure the theater and green room are ready to welcome our comics and guests, and fielding last-minute phone calls about how to snag premium seats.
What’s on the agenda for today?
Collaboration and creative momentum. I’m working closely with my colleagues and our PR consultant on promotions for upcoming comedy nights and Chef’s Table events, building buzz around appearances by Colin Quinn, Ariel Elias, Alex Edelman, Melinda Strauss, Adeena Sussman, and many others.
I’m also trying to protect some meeting-free time in the afternoon for brainstorming and research for the rest of the season: scanning upcoming book releases, connecting with our incredible partners at Books & Books, scrolling Instagram for new comedians, and keeping an eye on programming at organizations we admire, like 92NY and the Streicker Center in New York City.
Any bar or restaurant plans today, tonight, this weekend?
Tomorrow night is my usual Barracuda Taphouse & Grill trivia night with colleagues. This weekend, I’ve got a dinner club lined up with some of my best gals to check out the new Pari Pari Handroll Bar (intel below). And at some point this week, I’ll probably sneak in a dirty martini (or two) with coworkers at Fox’s Lounge because no workweek is truly complete without it.
How about a little leisure or culture?
This week I’m carving out time for a couple of hot yoga and Pilates classes at my favorite studio, Mimi Yoga in Coconut Grove. I’m also really looking forward to Symbiotic House, a new series by Miami-based artist Lee Pivnik kicking off at The Kampong, where artists and designers explore how their practices encourage ecological mutualism through design. ZeyZey is my go-to for live music, so at the start of every week I check their lineup and see if I can squeeze in a few hours of dancing.
Any weekend getaways?
St. Pete and Tampa. Downtown St. Pete is endlessly charming and the perfect place for a laid-back reset. My must-stops there are Bandit Coffee Co. and Slim Charmer, an incredible cocktail bar.
Gainesville (go Gators!) is a longer drive, but totally worth it. The scene has changed so much since I went to school there and I love seeing all the new spots that have opened: Afternoon, Superette, Baby J’s, and of course an old-school Gainesville classic, The Top.
What was your last great vacation?
The Azores, Spain, and Switzerland last fall. In the Azores, the highlight was soaking in the cliffside natural thermal baths at Ponta da Ferraria, though between the waterfalls, hikes, and hot springs, you really can’t go wrong anywhere on the islands. In Spain, Costa Brava remains one of my favorite places on earth and the best-kept secret. I return often to the small town of Calella de Palafrugell with a college bestie, where we spend our days swimming in crystal-clear water and eating baby squid at La Blava.
What store or service do you always recommend?
Books & Books is my forever recommendation for books, coffee, and literary events. I also can’t stop recommending Sana Skin Studio in Coconut Grove. I’ve been a member for years, and my monthly facial there is hands-down the most relaxing hour of my month.
Where are you donating your time or money?
When I have a few extra dollars to give, I donate to Pérez Art Museum Miami. Beyond their beautiful space and incredible collection, they offer meaningful, exciting programming that truly serves communities across Miami-Dade and beyond.