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Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

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If you are looking for an unforgettable way to spend a morning or afternoon, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, located across the street from the beach in Boca Raton, is a great destination for all ages. Named for the native Gumbo Limbo trees which are found all over the property, the nature center was founded in 1984 by Gordon Gilbert, a former high school science teacher. Gumbo Limbo’s mission is to Increase stewardship of coastal and marine ecosystems and it remains an undiscovered gem in busy and bustling Boca Raton.

Photos: City of Boca Raton.

A self-led exploration of the property generally lasts about 1.5 -3 hours, and here are just some of the ways you can spend your day:

  • Enjoy a walk on the newly reconstructed boardwalk which travels 1/4 mile through the coastal forest and connects to Red Reef Park West.
  • Stroll through the butterfly garden, where many species of wild butterflies and birds can be seen year-round.
  • Walk the Ashley Trail and relax in the authentic Chiki overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.
  • Climb on and take photos with the life-sized sea turtle sculptures in the sea turtle sculpture garden.
  • Observe a variety of native fish and other marine animals in the four large outdoor aquariums, and attend the daily 12:30 feeding presentation.
  • Visit the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility to learn about the patients at the daily 2:00 turtle talk, and find out how you can help sea turtles around the world.
  • Don’t forget to stop in the nature-themed gift shop for unique and imaginative gifts.

Gumbo Limbo’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility is one of only 6 facilities in the state that treats sea turtles with a disease called Fibropapillomatosis (FP). Commonly found in green sea turtles, FP tumors grow on the face and flippers, making swimming and foraging difficult. In addition, thousands of hatchling sea turtles are treated at Gumbo Limbo every year and are given a second chance at survival.

Nearly all of Gumbo Limbo’s property is accessible with elevated boardwalks, ramps, and a mobi-mat through a portion of the Ashley trail and butterfly garden. Due to the number of native and endangered animals on property, pets are not permitted, but service dogs are always welcome.

You can visit Gumbo Limbo Nature Center at 1801 N Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33432. The Nature Center, Aquariums, and Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility are open 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday-Saturday, and 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM on Sundays. The Boardwalk, Butterfly Garden, and Ashley Trail are open daily from 7:00 AM – Sunset. Visit www.GumboLimbo.org to learn more about our facility and signup for programs including kayak and canoe tours, guided nature walks, beach combing, and campfire programs. Seasonal events include the popular Sea Turtle Day, held in March and Halloween in the Garden, held in October

WEST CORNWALL GOLF CLUB:  THE CLASSIC CORNISH LINKS

WEST CORNWALL GOLF CLUB:  THE CLASSIC CORNISH LINKS

By Mike May

When you think about playing golf in Great Britain, everybody seems to focus on those historic layouts in Scotland.  While those courses deserve to be on everybody’s ‘must play’ list, there are a number of great golf courses in England, specifically in the southwest of England, that will satisfy your craving for the classic, British links golf experience!

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

One of my personal favorites is located in the western part of England’s most westerly county, Cornwall.  The name of the course matches its geographic locale – the West Cornwall Golf Club (WCGC), www.westcornwallgolfclub.co.uk.  This course is located in the village of Lelant, equidistant from the more well-known communities of Penzance and St. Ives, both of which are fishing ports and vacation destinations.  As the course’s website states, the West Cornwall Golf Club “has been moulded around the natural contours of the sand dunes that form part of the Hayle Estuary and Porth Kidney Sands.  There are panoramic views from almost every hole with St. Ives Bay and Godrevy Lighthouse forming a memorable backdrop to this gem of a links.”

 

The West Cornwall Golf Club is the oldest golf course in Cornwall.  It was built in 1889.  The local church reverend – Rev. Tyacke – is given credit for designing this course.  The course’s website lists the WCGC as “one of the finest links courses in the county.”  It’s true!  Kudos to the late Rev. Tyacke for his efforts, back in the day.

THROUGH THE GREEN

West Cornwall is a par 69 layout for the men and a par 72 for the ladies.  There are three sets of tee that play to the par 69.  On paper, the course appears to be relatively short, but the conditions, specifically the nature of the terrain and the ever-present sea breeze, add a degree of difficulty that you can’t comprehend until you play the course.

It’s worth noting that the West Cornwall Golf Club is a perfect course to walk as the distances between greens and tees are minimal.  

A TOUR OF THE LINKS

At the second hole, the green is a raised putting surface, flanked by sand dunes to the left and right of the green.  There are no bunkers around the second green either, but when you consider those sand dunes, the ever-present wind, and the trouble that exists beyond the green, there’s no need for another hazard.  This 378-yard par four always plays longer than it appears on paper.

The view of the 2nd green from the 14th fairway. The 2nd green is bordered by two huge dunes.

When standing on the fourth tee, make sure that you avoid hitting the ball right as you might finish in the graveyard of the St. Uny Church that borders this fairway.  The graveyard is OB!  When you play the 354-yard fourth, you will share the same fairway with golfers who are playing the eighth, who will be coming in the opposite direction. 

West Cornwall’s equivalent of ‘Amen Corner’ is known as ‘The Triangle’ – holes five, six, and seven.  Of those three holes, two of them are par threes.  If you can emerge from ‘The Triangle’ in par, count your blessings.

The par four ninth is uphill from beginning to end and usually into the teeth of the wind which makes it play longer.  It’s rated as the toughest hole on the course.

The tee shot at the 328-yard 10th is blind.  The degree of difficulty at the 10th is enhanced by its two-tiered green and the five sand traps that surround the front portion of the green.  There are no flat lies on the 10th fairway.

The view of the two-tiered 10th green from the 13th tee, with the St. Ives Bay in the distance.

The 13th hole is a 268-yard, par four.  The fairway slants from left to right and is filled with many undulations.  On paper, the hole appears rather simple.  Because of the fairway’s slanted nature and its uneven texture, a well-struck tee shot will be followed by a short iron off a downhill, sidehill lie to a two-tiered green.  Even though it’s the shortest par four on the course, a par is earned with two solid shots and two putts.

From the 14th hole, look due north where you’ll see the Godrevy Lighthouse in St. Ives Bay.  You will also see the entrance to the Hayle Estuary.  On sunny days, the breathtaking view is a ‘Kodak Moment.’  

As you walk down the 18th fairway, you will see a classic Cornish ‘portrait’ in the distance — the West Cornwall GC clubhouse, the Hayle Estuary, and the Cornish countryside, complete with many hedge rows.  The setting is serene.

The view of the 4th green from the 8th tee, with the tower from the St. Uny Church in the distance.
The view of the 12th green, looking out to sea (St. Ives Bay), with the British Railways line acting as a barrier between the golf course and the sand dunes.

 

ETCETERA

Golf historians will be delighted to know that the West Cornwall Golf Club is the home of World Golf Hall of Famer Jim Barnes – sometimes referred to as ‘Gentleman’ Jim Barnes or ‘Long’ Jim Barnes.  In his professional career, he won the first two PGA Championships in 1916 and 1919; the 1921 U.S. Open; and the 1925 (British) Open Championship.  He is one of 15 men to have won at least three of golf’s four professional majors.  Rumor has it that Barnes, on at least one occasion, played the West Cornwall Golf Club in par while using just one club, a three iron.

The late, great Open golf champion Henry Cotton once wrote this about the West Cornwall Golf Club:  “Golfers will not easily tire of playing this course.”

Five-time Open Champion and accomplished golf course architect James Braid once visited the West Cornwall Golf Club.

“Braid did come here, but there is no record of him making any changes (to the golf course) and if he did suggest any, the Committee of the time must have decided not to adopt them,” said Gareth Evans, West Cornwall’s club secretary.

For many local golfers at West Cornwall, this course delivers a ‘home-sweet-home’ experience.

“West Cornwall has been my English golfing home ever since I started playing golf as a child,” said Neil Hodding, 57, who has been a member of the club for more than 40 years and lives in nearby Carbis Bay.  “I have lived and played golf around the world, but my golfing roots are firmly entrenched in that Cornish sand that’s the foundation for the links at West Cornwall.  There’s something magical about those links.”

When you play West Cornwall, bring a comfortable golf shoes and an adventuresome spirit!  It will create a golfing memory that will last a lifetime.

Looking back down the 2nd fairway from the raised 2nd green, with the St. Uny Church in the distance.

Music for the Mind Benefit Concert for Erick Sanchez

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Kretzer Music Foundation’s

MUSIC FOR THE MIND Concert Series

To Present a Benefit Concert for

Piano Tuner Erick Sanchez & Family

At the Harriet Himmel Theater at CityPlace

Tuesday, September 18, at 7 pm

 

Performances by Pianist Robin Arrigo and The Kretzer Kids

 

(West Palm Beach, FL – August 21, 2018) The Kretzer Music Foundation’s popular MUSIC FOR THE MIND concert series will be back next month with a benefit concert on behalf of longtime local piano tuner Erick Sanchez and his family. It will be held on Tuesday, September 18, at 7 pm, in the Harriet Himmel Theatre at CityPlace in West Palm Beach.

Erick Sanchez and his family

The evening will include a performance by YAMAHA Artist Dr. Robin Arrigo, an Adjunct Professor of Piano/Staff Accompanist at Palm Beach Atlantic University and Artist Resident for King’s Conservatory of the Arts.

 

Also scheduled to perform are members of the multi-talented musical group, The Kretzer Kids, including:

+ Skye Alyssa Friedman, a 16-year old resident of Jupiter who has performed on Broadway and recently appeared in a TV episode of Nickelodeon’s I Am Frankie.

+ Olivia Henley, age 15, a vocalist from Wellington, who recently had the female lead in Ghost: The Musical at The Kings Academy.

+ Giancarlo Llerena, age 17 and First Place winner of the Greater Miami Youth Symphony Concerto Competition.

+ Chris Santiago, 16 years old and from West Palm Beach, on vocals and trumpet who is featured on Legends Radio and is the current “Young Artist” of the Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook.

+ Josetta Wang, Jr., a talented 11-year old pianist from West Palm Beach and Junior Kretzer Kids Coordinator.

+ Zachary Williams, the extraordinary young pianist from Palm Beach Gardens who won the Downtown at the Gardens Talent Competition.

 

Tickets for this special MUSIC FOR THE MIND benefit concert are only $15 for Adults and $5 for Students. They are available for purchase by calling CTS Tickets at 866-449-2489.

 

Profit from this MUSIC FOR THE MIND concert will  be split between piano tuner Erick Sanchez and Kretzer Music Foundation scholarships for children.

 

“For well-known and respected piano technician Erick Sanchez, 2018 has been a nightmare,” explains Kathi Kretzer, founder of the Kretzer Music Foundation. “He was diagnosed with a herniated disc, myelopathy, spinal fluid leak, and disc degeneration syndrome. Back surgery failed to alleviate his pain and now he is unable to continue his career and support his family.” 

 

Sanchez has been a piano technician since age 16, and six years later earned a master’s degree from National Conservatory of Music in the Dominican Republic. At age 38, he is an accomplished and classically trained pianist as well as a highly skilled technician, who frequently donated his time tuning pianos for economically challenged children, as well as for Kretzer Music Foundation concerts.

 

Although Erick and Vanessa Sanchez are both American citizens, they were forced to return to the Dominican Republic due to the income loss from his physical disability. Just days after returning, their son had emergency surgery for a perforated appendix, followed by serious complications and additional operations. The Sanchez family dreams of coming home to Florida, and funds raised at this Kretzer Music Foundation benefit concert will help them in their struggles.

 

About the Kretzer Music Foundation:

Formerly known as the Kretzer Piano Music Foundation, KMF is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the gift of music to children and seniors. “We are passionate about music being a part of every child’s life and the Foundation provides performance opportunities so young artists can share their talents with others,” says founder Kathi Kretzer.

 

In addition to awarding scholarships for music lessons and donating pianos to disadvantaged children and local children’s charities, KMF’s popular programs include:

 

+ The KRETZER KIDS, gifted young people who have performed over 60 concerts annually for 16 years in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, community events and at children’s hospitals.

 

+  The Music for the Mind concert series presented the third Tuesday of every month at CityPlace in West Palm Beach.  These concerts feature various musical groups from our area.  Beginning in 2002, Music for the Mind has provided more than 12,000 young musicians the opportunity to perform while raising over $650,000 to help promote music in our schools and community.    

 

+ The Keyboards for Kids group piano classes were given to underprivileged children at Adopt-a-Family, the Boys and Girls Club and the Center for Creative Education.   

 

+ The headline-grabbing Keys to the Cities campaign placed 18 whimsically painted pianos in public spots from Jupiter to Delray Beach (and winner of the 2014 Bernays Award for Best Special Event from the Gold Coast PR Council). Afterwards, the pianos were donated to worthy local nonprofit organizations, including Adopt-a-Family, Quantum House, Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s, Grandma’s Place, Lighthouse for the Blind, Opportunity, Inc., Palms West Pediatric Oncology, Salvation Army and the YWCA, where they continue to brighten lives.

 

+  The PHYSICIANS TALENT SHOWCASE concerts held for five years featured a group of talented medical doctors and raised funds for local children’s charities and music education.

 

For more information about KMF, please visit www.kretzerpiano.com/KPMF.

Bread and Roses

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Flamingo Clay Studio

Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery

Presents

 “Bread and Roses”

The Women of the Resistance

Opening Friday, August 31- 6-10 PM

Continuing thru September 11

15 South J Street in Downtown Lake Worth

Free Parking and lots of Wine and Cheese

Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery presents its annual “Bread and Roses” exhibition, additionally titled, “Women of the Resistance.”  The show, last year, became an interactive debate, with folks who found the art of peace signs, the environment, women’s rights, civil liberties and civil rights offensive.  They brought a contingent of demonstrators to protest the gallery and the artists.  Parking front of the gallery, shouting and waving flags, they called the art inside, “hate” art.   The gallery artists met them with servings of cake and cookies.   Over 350 visitors flocked to the gallery that first evening, to support the artists and to purchase their works.”

“Bread and Roses” celebrates Women’s Equality Day, and the Women of the Resistance. The title, “Bread and Roses,” comes from a 1912 strike when women workers, at the Lawrence Mill in Massachusetts, sought higher wages (to purchase bread for their families) while also asking for roses in their lives. Life is a toil, but pleasure is well deserved and earned in the process.

Artists have always risen to the challenge of the fight against oppression, and for peace and social justice. Best known may be Picasso’s Guernica, but, throughout all wars and strife, artists have fought back, bringing change through their posters, guerilla art, and fine-art statements.  Today, artists like Maxine Schreiber and Alessandra Mondolfi take their art to the streets as well as to the internet and galleries.

This year, a life-long fighter for social justice lost her life to cancer.  Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery dedicates this show to, and celebrates the life of Connie Kurtz, who, along with her wife Ruthie Berman, won the fight for domestic partnership, in the New York School system.  They spent their entire lives fighting for equality, peace and social justice.

Performing protest songs on opening night will be singers Mel and Vinnie, and the GinKats, Ginny Meredith and Kat Mahoney.  They will be teaching “songs for the picket line.”  Mel and Vinnie worked for many years on the Hudson River with Pete Seeger.

Men, too, who fight hand in hand with women, will be participating in this show. 

Voter registration, and write-in ballots will be available in the gallery.

For additional information contact Joyce Brown, Joyce@Flamingoclaystudio.org.

Clay Glass Metal Stone Cooperative Gallery is sponsored by the Flamingo Clay Studio, a non-profit artist cooperative whose mission is to provide affordable studio and gallery space for three-dimensional artists.  The gallery is located at 15 South J Street in downtown Lake Worth. Hours are Sunday thru Thursday, 10AM-6PM. Friday and Saturday, 10AM-10PM.   Gallery openings are the first and third Friday of each month from 6-10 PM with many special events in-between. The Flamingo Clay Studio is located at 216 South F Street with open studio and workshop opportunities for those interested in the 3-D Arts of Clay, Fused Glass and Small Metals.

A Song of Travel

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A Song of Travel

Rudyard Kipling

By Rudyard Kipling

 

 Where's the lamp that Hero lit
 Once to call Leander home?
Equal Time hath shovelled it
 'Neath the wrack of Greece and Rome.
Neither wait we any more
That worn sail which Argo bore.

Dust and dust of ashes close
 All the Vestal Virgin's care;
And the oldest altar shows
 But an older darkness there.
Age-encamped Oblivion
Tenteth every light that shone.

Yet shall we, for Suns that die,
 Wall our wanderings from desire?
Or, because the Moon is high,
 Scorn to use a nearer fire?
Lest some envious Pharaoh stir,
Make our lives our sepulcher?

Nay! Though Time with petty Fate
 Prison us and Emperors,
By our Arts do we create 
 That which Time himself devours--
Such machines as well may run
'Gainst the Horses of the Sun.

When we would a new abode,
 Space, our tyrant King no more,
Lays the long lance of the road 
 At our feet and flees before,
Breathless, ere we overwhelm,
To submit a further realm!

Super Hero Night at Roger Dean Stadium

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Super Hero Night at Roger Dean Stadium

Join us Saturday, September 1st for Super Hero Night at the ball park, presented by Palm Beach Children’s Hospital! Fans can dress up in their favorite superhero costume as we’ll have special music and activities. The first 300 kids in attendance will receive a blue super hero cape courtesy of Palm Beach Children’s Hospital!

Night will include:

  • Costume contest
  • Honor local heroes
  • Super hero cape giveaway
  • Special Appearance by your favorite super heroes, courtesy of Jeffro’s Heroes

If you have a local hero that you’d like to nominate, please complete the following application- 2018 Hometown Hero Nomination Form

On Commitment

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Ask the Docs

Dr. Randy Laurich of The Wellness Experience in Wellington offers inspiration and motivation as he discusses commitment to yourself, health, family and community in order to become your highest self. Hope you enjoy this short video.

(Video by SharpShooter Marketing).

Dinosaurs Invade the Science Center!

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Lifelike Dinosaurs to Invade the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium!

Blockbuster Exhibit Dinosaur Invasion Starts October 13th

WHAT: Dinosaurs are coming back to the South Florida Science Center! The blockbuster exhibit Dinosaur Invasion will roar to life through advanced animatronics, fossils and authentic casts. Visitors will experience the reign of these amazing creatures through more than a dozen dinosaurs, which will be life-size recreations of the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptors and everything in between. This time, the apex predators will be “Bigger, Badder, More Teeth!” The T-Rex will be twice as big as last time he visited! Guests will get an up-close view of the amazing creatures and the most recent discoveries in the world of paleontology. All ages are invited to check out this immersive indoor and outdoor blockbuster exhibit. Find out what these giants ate, how they behaved and get a feel for just how big they were.

WHERE: The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach

WHEN: Saturday, October 13th, 2018 through Sunday, April 21st, 2019

WHY: This traveling exhibit is in line with the Science Center’s mission to “open every mind to Science.” Visitors will learn about the history and timeline of the dinosaurs’ reign as well as the geology and geography associated with this period and climatology.

HOW MUCH: Admission to Dinosaur Invasion is included in general admission to the Science Center, which is $16.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors, $12.95 for children (3-12), FREE for children under 3, and FREE for members.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: To purchase tickets to Dinosaur Invasion, contact the Science Center at http://sfsciencecenter.org/ or call 561-832-1988. Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @SFScienceCenter.

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Quantum Foundation Announces Two New Roles

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NEWS RELEASE

Quantum Foundation Announces Two New Roles
New Member Joins Team, Longtime Employee Promoted

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida: Quantum Foundation is pleased to announce the promotion of Shannon Hawkins as the new Director of Community Engagement and welcomes C’jon Armstead as the organization’s newest Program Officer.

Quantum Foundation’s mission is to fund initiatives that improve the overall health of people living in Palm Beach County. In its 20th year of grantmaking, the foundation has assets of approximately $140 million and since its inception has awarded more than $125 million to hundreds of local nonprofit grantees. Every dollar the foundation grants stays in the county to benefit local communities.

“We value our team members as they are vital to our mission to ensure people’s health is improved and their lives are enhanced,” said Eric Kelly, president of the organization. “Both Ms. Hawkins and Mr. Armstead are an engine for change and innovation in philanthropy, and we are truly grateful for their service.”

Ms. Hawkins has been with the foundation for more than 10 years. During her time with the foundation, Shannon has led three successful initiatives: navigation, helping individuals obtain health insurance, which resulted in more than $31 million in benefits to Palm Beach County residents; capacity building for nonprofits; and Quantum in the Community, a program that makes small grants to grassroots organizations that provide basic needs to support good health. In 2016, the total estimated value of basic needs services provided by Quantum Foundation in Palm Beach County was more than $15 million.

In her new role, she will work collaboratively with community groups to address issues that impact the well-being of those groups. She will also develop and facilitate relationships between the foundation and community leaders and stakeholders across Palm Beach County to advance the mission and programs of Quantum Foundation. Shannon will ensure that the programming pursued by the foundation is informed and driven by the community.

Prior to coming to the foundation, Ms. Hawkins worked closely with the Palm Beach County nonprofit community in a variety of roles. She served as an administrative coordinator and program director for the Palm Beach County Community Health Alliance (PBCCHA) from its inception in 2005 through 2007, working to improve access to healthcare for uninsured county residents. Before joining PBCCHA, she worked at OMEGA of Palm Beach County from 2001 through 2004, where she helped foster the development of a community where older adults will maintain their dignity, independence, and health. She also worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center from 1995 through 2000 as a nurse and patient advocate.

Ms. Hawkins is a veteran of the United States Army and has been married to Sergeant Dorian Hawkins of the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department for 23 years. They have four beautiful children and three grandchildren.

Mr. Armstead will manage program funding and various community initiatives. He will provide assistance to and work directly with community partners, applicants, and grantees.

Mr. Armstead graduated magna cum laude from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Science in biology. During his formal education, Mr. Armstead also gained hands-on experience working in the healthcare industry. In addition to rigorous study, he had extensive shadowing experiences with physicians and internships at multiple healthcare facilities. His experiences led him to the pharmaceutical industry where he spent six years working with pharmacists and other healthcare providers to improve the health of Palm Beach County residents.

Prior to coming to Quantum Foundation, Mr. Armstead was the Palm Beach market manager for South Florida Business & Wealth magazine where he had an opportunity to work with chief executive officers of large and mid-size corporations.

There is more to Mr. Armstead than just work. He also serves as a worship pastor at Family Church where he uses his musical talents regularly. He is happily married to his wife, Carleen. They have one beautiful daughter Mila, and recently welcomed their son, Zion.

For information about Quantum Foundation, or to learn about applying for grants, please visit http://www.quantumfnd.org/ or call 561-832-7497.
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Palm Beach Post Sunday on the Waterfront

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Sunday, September 16, 2018
4 – 7 p.m. FREE | Meyer Amphitheatre, 105 Evernia St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
“Chain Reaction” (Tribute to Journey)
Journey tribute band Chain Reaction will relive the rock group’s glory days from the late ’70s to the ’90s at the Meyer Amphitheatre. Guests will take a journey back in time when Steve Perry fronted the band and classics like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Lights” and “Lovin’, Touchin, Squeezin’” were making crowds across America go wild. Lead singer John D’Agostino aces Perry’s golden voice, capturing his power, range and tone. He is backed by the exceptional talents of four equally sophisticated musicians. The band’s passion for authenticity and attention to detail will make this Sunday on the Waterfront feel like a real Journey concert.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to this outdoor event. For more information, please visit Wpb.org/events or follow the City of West Palm Beach on Facebook @CityofWPB, on Twitter @westpalmbch or on Instagram @westpalmbch.