Contacts:
Carmen Ackerman, Riverwalk A&E District
954-414-6910 / [email protected]
Duree Ross, Duree & Company, PR Consultant
954-723-9350 / [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ALERT/CALENDAR LISTING
RIVERWALK ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT PARTNERS PRESENT
AN ARRAY OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN FEBRUARY
WHO:
The Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment (A&E) District partners – Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale, Florida Grand Opera, Fort LauderdaleHistorical Society and the Historic Stranahan House Museum – are keeping the February cultural calendar in Fort Lauderdale very active. From Broadway performances and ballet to children’s story time and acclaimed art exhibitions, Riverwalk A&E District partners are offering a multitude of cultural opportunities for anyone to enjoy.
WHAT/WHEN/WHERE:
Offering of the Angels: Old Master Paintings and Tapestries from the Uffizi Gallery
Throughout February, Museum of Art ׀ Fort Lauderdale
Offering of the Angels is curated by Antonio Natali, director of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, and features tapestries and paintings by some of the greatest artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, including Sandro Botticelli, Parmigianino, Alessandro Allori, LucaGiordano, and Lorenzo Monaco, among many others.
Digging the Past Exhibition
Throughout February, Fort Lauderdale History Center
Digging the Past is an archaeological survey of one of Fort Lauderdale’s most historically important sites, the parcel of land adjacent to the Stranahan House. It once provided prehistoric Native Americans with a place to gather, eat, and live; that was a camping ground for Seminoles for years prior to the Seminole Wars; a trading post and tourist camp established by pioneer Frank Stranahan in the 1890s; and home to restaurants, homes and a major grocery store during the 20th century. Visitors to the Fort Lauderdale History Center can see a sampling of the archaeological materials unearthed in 2006.
Primordial: Paintings and Sculpture by Isabel De Obaldía, 1985 – 2011
Throughout February, Museum of Art ׀ Fort Lauderdale
Demons, beasts, gods and ghosts are the subjects of this mid-century career retrospective of the work of Panamanian-based artist Isabel De Obaldía.
Fort Lauderdale’s FEC Passenger Station Exhibit
Throughout February, Fort Lauderdale History Center
This new exhibition allows guests to take a quick look at Florida East Coast passenger service in Fort Lauderdale and investigates the importance of the passengerstation to the growth of the town. For nearly 50 years, the station welcomed tens of thousands of people to Fort Lauderdale.
River Ghost Tours
Every Sunday in February, weather permitting, 7:30 p.m., Historic Stranahan House Museum
Historic Stranahan House Museum and Water Taxi offer an hour-long tour that includes a visit inside Stranahan House and a boat ride on the New River, including fascinating tales of spirits. Reservations a must; call 954-524-4736. $25 per person.
Miami City Ballet presents Program II
Friday, February 3 – Sunday, February 5, matinee and evening performances; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Program II will feature a new, world premiere ballet by Liam Scarlett. The Royal Ballet’s most successful young choreographer has accepted a commission from the Miami City Ballet to create his first work for an American company. Program II will also feature: In the Night (Robbins/Chopin) and Ballet Imperial (Balanchine/Tchaikovsky).
Artwalk: Third Avenue Artists
Saturday, February 4, 6 – 9 p.m.; Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale
This special annual event begins and ends at the Museum of Art, where attendees can view the glass exhibition Primordial, which is complimentary and open to the public for this event only. 2-for-1 beer and wine specials and music in the Museum’s beautifully designed new plaza. Free trolley service available to and from artist studios on Third Avenue.
Suntrust Sunday Jazz Brunch
Sunday, February 5, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Along the Riverwalk
A free day of concerts, unique vendors and local delicacies along the stunning New River.Everyone is invited to celebrate the culture, including well-behaved, leashed pets. Guests can bring chairs, blankets and picnic baskets, or attend the catered Jazz Brunch Buffet, including pancakes, catch of the day, pastries,fruits and more, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts’ Peck Courtyard, 10:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m. www.browardcenter/jazzbrunch.org
Historic Walking Tours
Sunday, February 5, 2:30 p.m.; Fort Lauderdale History Center
Hear stories about Old Fort Lauderdale and the early pioneers, learn about Henry Flagler and the Florida East Coast Railroad, and visit some of the oldest buildings in the city. Open to the public and free of charge, but donations to the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society are greatly appreciated. Historian Jim Sweeney leads the tours. For more information contact Ellen Ferrelli at (954) 463-4431 (ext. 12) or email [email protected].
Bonnet House Lecture Series – A History of the Everglades
Monday, February 6, 10 a.m.; Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Learn about the History of the Everglades with archaeologist and author Robert Carr.
Willie Nelson
Tuesday, February 7, 8 p.m.; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Don’t miss out on your chance to experience The Red Headed Stranger performing classics like Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain and Nothing I Can Do About It Now live on stage.
All Together Now and Twilight Notes present Dialect: Movement A Night of Art and Music
Thursday, February 9, 7:30-10 p.m.; Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale, Peck Sculpture Terrace
This edition of Dialect is a one-night-only happening, exploring movement through music, dance, performance art, and video. Open and free to the public. Cash bar on the Terrace. All Together Now is the Museum’s dynamic gathering of young adults.
Shen Yun Performing Arts
Friday, February 10, 8 p.m. and Saturday, February 11, 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday, February 12, 2:30 p.m.; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Falun Dafa Association of Florida presents a totally new 2012 production of Shen Yun, 5,000 years in the making. Shen Yun Performing Arts, the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, returns with a lavishly colorful and exhilarating show.
Impressions: A Juried Art Exhibit Kickoff and Reception
Friday, February 10, 6 p.m.; Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Impressions is an annual juried art competition that features food and wine amid the old Florida charm of the Bonnet House. All of the art work selected for the competition is for sale and 50 percent of the proceeds benefit Bonnet House. The Impressions exhibit will be on display to the public beginning Friday, Feb. 10 through Wednesday, April 18. For tickets and reservations, call 954-653-1551 or visit www.bonnethouse.org.
Riverwalk Trust Vendor Day in the Park
Saturday, February 11, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Under the Riverwalk District Plan, consideration is being given to allowing a small number of varied vendors along the Riverwalk. Riverwalk Trust will host a day in the park for interested vendors to set up and display their goods and services to be assessed for compatibility to potential locations. Not-for-profit organizations will be invited to participate that day and talk about their individual organizations. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Story Time for Families
Saturday, February 11, 2 – 3 p.m.; Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale
Medieval and Renaissance stories are featured in this presentation presented in conjunction with the exhibition Offering of the Angels: Old Master Paintings and Tapestries from the Uffizi Gallery, Florence. Enjoy family story time in the galleries and leave with a sweet treat! Story time is presented at no charge. Families who want to view the exhibition are admitted at the group rate of $15 adults, and $10 children. To RSVP and for more information, please contact Holly Giuliano at 954-262-0241 or [email protected]
Bonnet House Orchid Classes
Saturdays, February 11 and 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Learn how to care for orchids in this instructional and enjoyable class. Orchid Basics will be held on Saturday, February 11 and Advanced Orchid Repotting on Saturday,February 25. Cost per class is $30 for members and $35 for non-members; reservations required, call (954) 563-5393 x 137.
Laffing Matterz
Most Thursdays and Fridays, 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 8:30 p.m. in February; Sundays,
February 12, 19 and 26, 4:30 p.m.; Broward Center’s New River Room
Laffing Matterz at the Broward Center combines thebest of dinner theater with the hilarity of topical satire in a one-of-a-kind evening that everyone will enjoy. Laffing Matterz at the Broward Center hilariously takes on every subject from the latest scandal, social media, current events and everything in between, after you’ve savored a meal that surpasses any dinner theater fare you’ve experienced before.
Florida Sunshine Pops presents La Boheme to Broadway
Sunday, February 12, 8 p.m.; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Travel to romantic Italy with Puccini and Verdi via Broadway! Featuring La Traviata, La Boheme, Madama Butterfly, Turandot, Carmen, Rigoletto, Candide, Rent, and West Side Story.
Friends of the Museum of Art Afternoon Tea and Fashion Show
Monday, February 13, 2:30 p.m.; Riverside Hotel
The Friends of the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale hosts an afternoon tea and fashion show. $55 per person; reservations are required by February 9. To RSVP and for more information contact Lynda O’Brien at (954) 493-6313.
Love in the Park
Tuesday, February 14, 6–10 p.m.; Huizenga Plaza
Love in the Park is a new event coming to Fort Lauderdale that embodies food, wine, music and more! Love in the Park embraces the Valentine’s Day traditions of romance while offering a unique way to celebrate this special heartfelt holiday. Assemble your own gourmet basket through the Love in the Park outdoor market to enjoy on the concert green. For more information, visit Loveinthepark.info or find them on Facebook. Tickets on sale now.
Lecture: The Conservation of Old Master Paintings
Thursday, February 16, 6-7 p.m.; Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale
Paintings Conservator Claire Barry, Director of Conservation for the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, discusses the conservation of Old Master paintings, including the Titian Madonna on view in Offering of the Angels. Cost for Museum members is $5 and non-members is $10. For more information and to RSVP, contact Shelley Edwards at 954-262-0221 or [email protected].
Florida Grand Opera Presents Rigoletto
Thursday, February 16, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 18, 8 p.m.; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
One of the world’s best-loved operas, Verdi’s Rigoletto is the story of a court jester who enables the Duke’s philandering and mocks the husbands and fathers of the victims. When he finds his own daughter, whom he has kept a well-hidden secret, to be the Duke’s newest victim, he tries to repay evil with evil, and it goes horribly wrong. Nadine Sierra stars as Rigoletto’s daughter Gilda; Jeff Buchman is director. Michael Fabiano, direct from the Metropolitan Opera, joins the cast as the Duke of Mantua, along with FGO Resident Conductor Andrew Bisantz.
Sundiata: An African Folktale
Saturday, February 18, 7 p.m.; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Delou Africa Dance Ensemble presents Sundiata: An African Folktale as part of the Broward Center’s Arts Access program. This performance uses storytelling, music, song, dance, poetry and visual art to depict the life and times of the ruler Sundiata Keita of Mali, West Africa during the 13th Century. West African oral historian Ibrahima Dioubate from Guinea, West Africa, Lake Worth singer and songwriter Kalimba and spoken word poet, actor and drummer Abasi Hanif are featured guest artists.
Lecture: Sin to Salvation, The Cycle of Christian Art
Sunday, February 19, 3-4 p.m.; Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale
Eric Zafran, curator of European art at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Conn., speaks on theiconography of the paintings in Offering of the Angels in this lecture. Cost for Museum members is $5 and non-members is $10. For more information and to RSVP please contact ShelleyEdwards at 954-262-0221 or [email protected].
TacoStock
Thursday, February 23, 3-4 p.m.; Esplanade Park on 2nd Street
TacoStock is the first annual Taco Cook-Off with craft beer and local live music. For the pre-sale price of $25, attendees receive six tickets that can be used for either tacos or craft beer, or both. When you’re done eating from South Florida’s Best Taco Trucks and Restaurants, attendees vote for their favorite taco to be crowned “Best of TacoStock” by a panel of judges. Presented by Nacho Mama’s Mexican Grill and BurgerBeast.Com. Tickets $35 at the door.
The Art of Wine and Food Series
Thursday, February 23, 6-7:30 p.m.; Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale
Host Stephanie Miskew, a certified Sommelier and author of the stylist food blog The Glamorous Gourmet, takes guests on a delicious and exciting tour of fine wines and the tasty foods that go with them. $35 per person. Reservations are required. RSVP to Gail Vilone at [email protected] or 954-262-0249. Seating is limited!
Miami City Ballet presents Giselle
Friday, February 24 – Sunday, February 26, matinee and evening performances; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
The quintessential 19th century romantic ballet, Giselle (Coralli and Perrot/Adam) tells the story of a young peasant girl who is betrayed by her disguised aristocratic lover, dies of grief and madness, yet comes back from the grave to rescue him from the implacable revenge of the fearsome Wilis.
George Winston
Saturday, February 25, 8 p.m.; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Performing songs from his latest CD, Gulf Coast Blues & Impressions — a Hurricane Relief Benefit, seasonally themed works, and classic Vince Guaraldi’s Peanuts® pieces, don’t miss George Winston create lyrical musical paintings in concert. Please join us in support of Feeding South Florida (formerly Daily Bread Food Bank) by bringing a donation of canned food to the concert.
Are You My Mother?
Sunday, February 26, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
An enchanting original musical that takes audiences on a magical adventure as Baby Bird takes a journey that overflows with courage, determination, and a bit of calculated silliness. The Family Fun experience begins pre-show with free arts and crafts activities provided by Young At Art Children’s Museum and face painting by Curly Sue and friends. After the show, the entire family can enjoy complimentary snacks from Whole Foods.
Pianist Xuerong Zhao
Tuesday, February 28, 2012, 7:30 p.m.; Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale, Horvitz Auditorium
A superb evening of classical music by Chopin, Beethoven, Debussy and Brahms performed by a young pianist from Beijing. Xuerong Zhao made her New York concert debut at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in May 2010. This special concert is dedicated to loyal Museum members and is being provided through the generosity of Ben Torchinsky, in memory of his wife Sarah. Free to Museum members and $20 for non-members. RSVP is required, please contact Shelley Edwards at 954-262-0221 or [email protected].
Symphony of the Americas presents From Austria with Love
Tuesday, February 28, 8:15 p.m.; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Featuring 11-year-old Austrian child prodigy violinist, Elisso Gogibedaschwilli, performing one of the most popular violin concertos in the repertoire.
Broadway Across America presents Billy Elliot
Wednesday, February 29 – Sunday, March 11, matinee and evening performances; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Based on the international smash-hit film, Billy Elliot is brought to life by a phenomenal cast of 45 and the Tony Award-winning creative team — director Stephen Daldry, choreographer PeterDarling and writer Lee Hall — along with music legend Elton John, who has written what the New York Post calls “His best score yet!”
About Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District
The Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District is a unique partnership of arts and entertainment organizations located along the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale with the express mission of promoting cultural tourism in South Florida. Presenting over 1000 individual events each year, the District attracts well over 1 millionvisitors annually. Partners of the Riverwalk Arts& Entertainment Consortium include Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale, Florida Grand Opera, Fort Lauderdale Historical Society and the Historic Stranahan House Museum. It is supported by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more information about Riverwalk A&E District and its partners, visit www.riverwalkae.com.