The New Canon Chamber Collective returns to the Sanctuary of the Arts (410 Andalusia Ave., Coral Gables) on Friday, June 13 at 7:30 pm, with a dynamic multimedia performance that bridges generations and genres. Remember the Times is a cultural homage to the Black sitcoms that defined an era, offering a soulful blend of music, theater, poetry, film, and dance.
Now in its third year, this original production pays tribute to the iconic shows that shaped Black American television from the 1970s through the 1990s: Good Times, The Jeffersons, A Different World, Living Single, Family Matters, and others. These programs were more than entertainment; they were reflections of Black life, aspirations, humor, and resilience. Remember the Times honors their legacy in a fresh and deeply felt performance that connects past and present.
The New Canon Chamber Collective, a South Florida-based ensemble known for innovative programming and community-rooted storytelling, has built a loyal following for its genre-defying approach to performance. Their productions consistently highlight voices and narratives often left out of traditional classical and chamber music repertoires. With Remember the Times, the group brings that same sensibility to television nostalgia, layering familiar cultural touchstones with new artistic interpretations.
Audiences can expect a full evening of original musical arrangements, live instrumental performance, choreographed dance numbers, spoken word poetry, and archival video elements—all stitched together through storytelling that reflects on how these sitcoms shaped identity, family, and social consciousness for millions of Americans.
The production’s musical backbone features arrangements that fuse soul, R&B, funk, gospel, and chamber music traditions. These reimagined themes and original compositions serve not just as accompaniment, but as emotional commentary—infusing each scene with texture and depth. The poetry and narration interwoven throughout the evening elevate the performance into something greater than a revue: it becomes a living conversation between generations.
Performers will draw not only on scripted material but also on personal testimony, underscoring the lived impact of these TV shows. Whether through a monologue about seeing oneself on screen for the first time, or a dance evoking the joy of watching Friday night TV as a family, Remember the Times invites audiences to reflect on what these stories meant then—and why they still matter now.
The setting—a historic Spanish-style building in the heart of Coral Gables—adds a layer of intimacy to the experience. The Sanctuary of the Arts, with its acoustically rich hall and vibrant arts programming, has become a local gem for audiences seeking thoughtful, community-oriented performances. Its central location on Andalusia Avenue offers easy access to nearby dining and parking, making it a perfect night out for longtime fans of these shows or first-timers curious about their enduring power.
Tickets are modestly priced—$13 to $33, including fees—making the event accessible for families, students, and longtime residents alike. Given the show’s previous popularity and its blend of cultural resonance and entertainment, early booking is advised.
Remember the Times is not a straightforward history lesson or a greatest hits showcase. It’s a reawakening of stories that continue to shape how we understand representation, joy, and belonging. In revisiting the groundbreaking characters and sitcoms that broke barriers and sparked laughter, this production asks an urgent question: what have we carried forward—and what do we risk forgetting?
For Coral Gables audiences, the performance is a chance to reflect on an era of television that was vibrant, meaningful, and often ahead of its time. But it’s also an invitation to experience something new—to see and hear these beloved shows through a fresh artistic lens.
Whether you grew up watching reruns of 227, learned life lessons from The Cosby Show, or discovered Living Single in college dorm rooms, Remember the Times will offer moments of connection, catharsis and celebration.
For tickets and more information, visit Sanctuary of the Arts.
