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Vatican Splendors Ft. Lauderdale
Vatican Splendors, A Journey Through Faith and Art
Saturday, January 29, 2011Holy Family with Two Angels 16th Century, Bologna Italy Oil on canvas Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, Vatican City State © Cittá del Vaticano |
It is now at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale -- one of only three U.S. venues to host the exhibition.
With its record-setting success and popular demand, this new exhibition is here in Fort Lauderdale, presenting a collection of more than 200 extraordinary artworks and objects of historical significance.
More than half of this new collection is comprised of objects which have never come to North America before, including many never seen outside of Rome.
The exhibit features 170 works of art and historically significant objects, many of which have never left the Vatican.
The exhibition is organized into 11 galleries that illustrate the evolution of the Church and its papacy beginning with Saint Peter through the papacy of Pope Benedict XVI, with thematic areas highlighting important developments, moments, people and events tied to the history of the Catholic Church and the Vatican, reflected in both important historical objects and artistic expression from different eras.
From the sights and sounds of the grand Basilica to a touchable cast of John Paul II’s hand, the exhibition is a multi-sensory experience.
Works by Michelangelo. Bernini. Giotto. Guercino. Artwork by 15th century masters. These have inspired artists for centuries. Now you can see the compass and tools that Michelangelo used in the painting of the Sistine Chapel and work on the Basilica. Relics of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, objects from the first century, including artifacts discovered at the tomb of Saint Peter, and personal items of Pope John Paul II are part of the splendid exhibition.
The exhibition commemorates the 500th Anniversary of several significant dates in Catholic history: the building of St. Peter's basilica, the founding of the Vatican Museums, and the painting of the Sistine Chapel.
Tickets to Vatican Splendors: A Journey through Faith and Art are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $13 for children
It’s an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss! Opens January 29 and closes April 24, 2011.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Friday and Sunday: January 14 & 16
BEGINNER'S BIRDING BOAT TOUR
Presented by St. Augustine Eco Tours, this 90-minute tour focuses on the area's most common bird residents and their identifying features. Led by an experienced birder, the tour will also include birds visiting on a seasonal basis. The cost of the tour is $35 per person. Departure times determined by local tide conditions. For more details and reservations, call 904.377.7245.
Saturday: January 22
MATANZAS 5K & FUN RUN
Take the lead, just keep pace, or cheer from the sidelines at one of St. Augustine's most popular races. This 5K run begins from Swing Park at Francis Field, located on Castillo Drive in St. Augustine, and continues the historic streets of beautiful St. Augusitne. The race begins at 9 a.m. with an awards ceremony after the race. Registration is $20 in advance, $25 the day of the race. For more information, please call 904.461.1615 or visit http://www.ancientcityrr.org/.
ST. AUGUSTINE'S ORIGINAL CHOCOLATE TOUR
Learn the history of chocolate and chocolate making while sampling truffles, pastries and gooey delights from the finest chocolatiers on this exciting tour presented by Old Town Trolleys. The tours depart from the Old Town Trolley Welcome Center located at 27 San Marco Avenue at 1:30 p.m. Tickets for this 2-hour tour are $60 per person. The tour includes stops and samples at Raintree Restaurant, Hilton Bayfront Aviles Restaurant, Casa Monica Hotel, Claude's Chocolates, Peterbrooke's Chocolates, and St. Augustine's original chocolatier, Whetstone's Chocolates. For more information and reservations, call 904.829.3800 or visit www.TrolleyTours.com/st-augustine/tour-chocolate.asp.
THE PLATTERS, THE COASTERS, THE DRIFTERS AND THE TEMPTATIONS SALUTE
Experience this exciting musical salute to The Platters, The Coasters, The Drifters and the Temptations at Fort Menendez located at 259 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. Performed by Myles Savage, former lead singer for The Platters, and Ira Greig of The Drifters, this salute features the all time classic songs of these immortal groups. The show begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are $40 with a limited time "buy one, get one free offer". To purchase tickets, CALL Fort Menendez at Old Florida Museum at 904.824.8874.
AN EVENING OF SWING
Celebrate a vibrant moment in St. Augustine's history when German saboteurs and submarines were at our beaches and the Coast Guard replaced our town's tourist economy. This big band concert and swing dance will be headlined by the acclaimed 18 piece Florida Swing Orchestra, with highlights such as a stirring "Tribute to Our Armed Forces" and an opening floor demonstration of the evolution of swing dance. It all takes place from 7:30 to 11:00 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, located at 190 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. Tickets are$35 general admission; $45 for reserved seating at tables of 10 around the dance floor. For more information, visit http://www.romanzafl.org/ or call 904.794.7564.
Saturday and Sunday: January 22 & 23
FIRST COAST OPERA - TOSCA
Enjoy a performance of Pucinni's Tosca! Set in 1800, the story centers on the evil doings of that city's chief of police, Scarpia, his lust for the beautiful opera singer Tosca, and his execution of her lover, the painter, Cavaradossi. This opera is sung in Italian, with supertitles in English. The performances take place at Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada Street in St. Augustine. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For tickets or more information, call 904.417.5555 or visit http://www.firstcoastopera.co/.
Space Shuttle Discovery Kennedy Space Center
Witnessing History in the Making at Kennedy Space Center
Monday, January 17, 2011
Growing up in Titusville, FL across the river from the Kennedy Space Center, I knew I had options of what I wanted to be when I grew up. There was the choice of an astronaut influenced by my father, an engineer. Or a ballerina like my mother.
During my childhood, I was heavily influenced by my favorite TV program, I Dream of Jeannie. A fantasy-seeker with an imaginative mind, I knew I had to be genie! What little girl would not want to be as striking and beautiful as Barbara Eden with her perfect figure, wearing pink touille. So of course I had the exact same genie attire, and my own genie bottle where "I would sleep" (it rested on my nightstand next to the regular person's twin bed), my hair in a pony-tail and I had the slight nod, blink of the eyes and folding of arms down pat.
Reality and my parents, however, reminded me that to enjoy a quality lifestyle meant I had to study and work hard. A greater impact was learning that nothing is impossible in the real world. So just before I graduated the 8th grade, I witnessed the first space shuttle launch. For the first time in my life, our city had a traffic jam! That's when I knew our unknown or often-poked-fun-of city name, was being watched all around the world! There was life beyond Titusville, Florida.
While my fantasy bubble bursted, there were no chards of glass to scar me. Instead, my parents often told me "anything is possible". The rockets on I Dream of Jeannie were a past history. At age 12, I was about to witness and live through a historical moment with the invention and launch of the Space Shuttle.
Today the Kennedy Space Center has come a long way in terms of a tourist destination since I was a child. I vaguely recall a couple of 1970's rockets and the display of the outfits worn by the men who stepped on the moon--that foil -like, ballooning ski suit attire. Now both adults and children of all ages will tell you it's educationally fascinating with its tours and exhibits of space crafts and the stories behind the pioneers and astronauts.
NEW ATTRACTIONS
Hubble 3D, is a new IMAX film narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio tells the story of the Hubble Space Telescope. A new exhibit using six projections screens, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted, speculates on the future of space exploration. And a new interactive stage show Star Trek Live, combines science with entertainment using special effects, audience interaction and real space technology.
In addition, the US Astronaut Hall of Fame ahs the new Science on a Sphere exhibit, which uses animated images to take visitors around the world and through the solar system.
All the new elements are included with admission the center, which is $41 for adults and $31 for childrena ges 3-11, plus tax and includes entry to the US Astronaut Hall of Fame. The price is valid for two days' admission if taken within a wek.
So I encourage every Floridian to make the trek to the Space Coast with the family, especially children to witness the final blast of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Originally scheduled to launch November 1, the launch is delayed due to reported cracks in the external fuel tank. Engineers are working to fix it. And they will. NASA reports a launch of February 24 at the earliest. So you still have a chance to plan the trip, book the hotel, and look forward to witnessing history--how often can you say that in your lifetime? Follow the news to get a better idea of the launch. Even better, click here for more tips on launch dates, times, viewing information, hotel packages and more! Be a part of history!
Does this mean I studied engineering or aerospace science? Not at all. My creative right brain won that tug of mental war and marketing is my passion. Hence the creation of my blogs.
Launch dates, Times and Hotel packages: http://www.spacecoastlaunches.com/
Shuttle Viewing: http://www.titusville.cm/ and http://www.spacecoastlaunches.com/
During my childhood, I was heavily influenced by my favorite TV program, I Dream of Jeannie. A fantasy-seeker with an imaginative mind, I knew I had to be genie! What little girl would not want to be as striking and beautiful as Barbara Eden with her perfect figure, wearing pink touille. So of course I had the exact same genie attire, and my own genie bottle where "I would sleep" (it rested on my nightstand next to the regular person's twin bed), my hair in a pony-tail and I had the slight nod, blink of the eyes and folding of arms down pat.
Reality and my parents, however, reminded me that to enjoy a quality lifestyle meant I had to study and work hard. A greater impact was learning that nothing is impossible in the real world. So just before I graduated the 8th grade, I witnessed the first space shuttle launch. For the first time in my life, our city had a traffic jam! That's when I knew our unknown or often-poked-fun-of city name, was being watched all around the world! There was life beyond Titusville, Florida.
While my fantasy bubble bursted, there were no chards of glass to scar me. Instead, my parents often told me "anything is possible". The rockets on I Dream of Jeannie were a past history. At age 12, I was about to witness and live through a historical moment with the invention and launch of the Space Shuttle.
Today the Kennedy Space Center has come a long way in terms of a tourist destination since I was a child. I vaguely recall a couple of 1970's rockets and the display of the outfits worn by the men who stepped on the moon--that foil -like, ballooning ski suit attire. Now both adults and children of all ages will tell you it's educationally fascinating with its tours and exhibits of space crafts and the stories behind the pioneers and astronauts.
NEW ATTRACTIONS
Hubble 3D, is a new IMAX film narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio tells the story of the Hubble Space Telescope. A new exhibit using six projections screens, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted, speculates on the future of space exploration. And a new interactive stage show Star Trek Live, combines science with entertainment using special effects, audience interaction and real space technology.
In addition, the US Astronaut Hall of Fame ahs the new Science on a Sphere exhibit, which uses animated images to take visitors around the world and through the solar system.
All the new elements are included with admission the center, which is $41 for adults and $31 for childrena ges 3-11, plus tax and includes entry to the US Astronaut Hall of Fame. The price is valid for two days' admission if taken within a wek.
So I encourage every Floridian to make the trek to the Space Coast with the family, especially children to witness the final blast of the Space Shuttle Discovery. Originally scheduled to launch November 1, the launch is delayed due to reported cracks in the external fuel tank. Engineers are working to fix it. And they will. NASA reports a launch of February 24 at the earliest. So you still have a chance to plan the trip, book the hotel, and look forward to witnessing history--how often can you say that in your lifetime? Follow the news to get a better idea of the launch. Even better, click here for more tips on launch dates, times, viewing information, hotel packages and more! Be a part of history!
NASA's first space shuttle, Columbia, rocketed into orbit April 12, 1981 |
Launch dates, Times and Hotel packages: http://www.spacecoastlaunches.com/
Shuttle Viewing: http://www.titusville.cm/ and http://www.spacecoastlaunches.com/
St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city, will serve as both the beginning and end of an exciting 260-mile bike tour scheduled to begin on February 26. Conducted by the non-profit Bike Florida, cyclists on the tour will follow the new St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop Trail, the longest mapped bike trail in the Sunshine State.
Part of the East Coast Greenway, the trail links small towns with rural areas and provides an ideal way to experience this unique part of Florida. The tour features stops at not only the oldest city, but also at museums, lighthouses, state parks, national monuments and stately homes along the way. Plus, there will be opportunities for winter swimming at natural springs with constant 72-degree water temperatures. Cyclists will follow a clockwise route to take advantage of prevailing sea breezes.
The tour includes six overnight stays at specially-selected accommodations including St. Augustine's beautiful Hilton Historic Bayfront Hotel, the White Orchid Inn in Flagler Beach and the Night Swan Inn in New Smyrna Beach.
The cost of the tour is $1,795 per person double and $2,095 single. The price includes all overnights, breakfasts, dinners and snacks, on-road cycling guides, support vehicle, maps, cue sheets and more. For details, go to Bike Florida.
Part of the East Coast Greenway, the trail links small towns with rural areas and provides an ideal way to experience this unique part of Florida. The tour features stops at not only the oldest city, but also at museums, lighthouses, state parks, national monuments and stately homes along the way. Plus, there will be opportunities for winter swimming at natural springs with constant 72-degree water temperatures. Cyclists will follow a clockwise route to take advantage of prevailing sea breezes.
The tour includes six overnight stays at specially-selected accommodations including St. Augustine's beautiful Hilton Historic Bayfront Hotel, the White Orchid Inn in Flagler Beach and the Night Swan Inn in New Smyrna Beach.
The cost of the tour is $1,795 per person double and $2,095 single. The price includes all overnights, breakfasts, dinners and snacks, on-road cycling guides, support vehicle, maps, cue sheets and more. For details, go to Bike Florida.
TANGO LESSONS EVERY TUESDAY
Tuesday nights
"Alma de Tango" features World Tango Champion Monica Llobet.
Bringing the romance, passion, and elegance of the tango to South Florida. Every Tuesday night enjoy the intimate atmosphere of a Buenos Aires milonga transported to the beautiful Danielson Gallery inside the historic Biltmore Hotel. From beginning basic steps and technique to advanced musicality, select your dance level and continue dancing the night away in a milonga style open dance for all enriched by top tango orchestras to nuevo tango by innovative musicians. No Argentinean night is complete without tango and a selection of fine wines. The Biltmore is also raffling away a brunch for 2 certificate!
Advance Group Class 8:00pm -9:00pm
Beginner Group Class 9:00pm - 10:00pm
Milonga dance for all 10:00pm- 1:00am
$20.00 for class and milonga, cash bar
Biltmore Hotel at 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Contact: monicallobet@yahoo.com
WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY
January 5, 5pm
Get a head start on a Happy New Year at HistoryMiami (formerly the Historical Museum) by enjoying an after-work glass of wine, live music and socializing with other fun professionals. Admission is free, and HistoryMiami members and County employees get a complimentary glass of wine. For other guests, happy hour prices for wine are $5 by the glass and $15 for an open wine bar. RSVP by email or phone.
ART DECO WEEKEND FESTIVAL
January 14-17
Ocean Drive closes these three days for the annual Art Deco Weekend Festival which began in 1976. Highlighting the artistic influence of Art Deco on architecture and design, the festival features over 85 events including guided walking tours, fashion show, theatrical performances, street vendors and performers, lecture series and even a dog parade. Most events are free so be sure to check the calendar of events for your preferred activity by clicking here.
PINECREST GARDENS FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
January 15, 16
Stroll through paradise while browsing and buying sculpture, paintings, photography, hand-crafted jewelry, ceramics and so much more all juxtaposed against the beautiful backdrop of the Botanical Garden. Save the date for the 8th Annual Fine Arts Festival, and spend a weekend being dazzled by some of the finest local and regional artists around. Judging and prizes will be awarded on Saturday at noon. Free admissions.
5th Annual International Chocolate Festival
January 21-23
Immerse yourself in everything chocolate, coffee and tea. This three day festival features chocolate treats, delicious cups of coffee and soothing teas. Learn how chocolate is made, show off your chocolate talent by submitting a recipe for a contest, sample selections, meet celebrated chefs and watch and learn them create divine chocolate desserts, take a stroll through Chocowalk and much more. Click here to peruse the schedule of day-filled activities for adults and children. It's all happening at the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden.
OVERTOWN MUSIC PROJECT
January 22, 8pm- midnight
The former "Harlem of the South" is remembered and celebrated for the music epicenter it served in Miami. Artists like Sammy Davis Jr. after performing for rich folks seated neatly at the Fountainbleau hotel would head over to Overtown for a toe-tapping-turned-dancing free show for the locals.
The event features an Afro-Cuban band Hinged, and old school Hip Hop with unlimited liquor beverages and a graffiti garden to set the stage.
Visit their website for historic photos of Overtown's heydey that was dotted with nightclubs and restaurants and music bars.
Address:
Music Overtown Project
2550 NW 2nd Avenue (Behind Wynwood Kitchen & Bar)
Street and Valet Parking
Tickets are $25 at the door
JAZZ AT PINECREST GARDENS
January 29
Mark the winter wonderland of South Florida with the cool and mellow sounds of The Rodriguez Brothers, straight from NYC's premiere jazz club The Blue Note. These talented Brothers mix it up with compositions influenced by Afro-Cuban and traditional jazz elements. Box Office opens at 6PM. Click here for tickets.
Tuesday nights
"Alma de Tango" features World Tango Champion Monica Llobet.
Bringing the romance, passion, and elegance of the tango to South Florida. Every Tuesday night enjoy the intimate atmosphere of a Buenos Aires milonga transported to the beautiful Danielson Gallery inside the historic Biltmore Hotel. From beginning basic steps and technique to advanced musicality, select your dance level and continue dancing the night away in a milonga style open dance for all enriched by top tango orchestras to nuevo tango by innovative musicians. No Argentinean night is complete without tango and a selection of fine wines. The Biltmore is also raffling away a brunch for 2 certificate!
Advance Group Class 8:00pm -9:00pm
Beginner Group Class 9:00pm - 10:00pm
Milonga dance for all 10:00pm- 1:00am
$20.00 for class and milonga, cash bar
Biltmore Hotel at 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Contact: monicallobet@yahoo.com
WIND DOWN WEDNESDAY
January 5, 5pm
Get a head start on a Happy New Year at HistoryMiami (formerly the Historical Museum) by enjoying an after-work glass of wine, live music and socializing with other fun professionals. Admission is free, and HistoryMiami members and County employees get a complimentary glass of wine. For other guests, happy hour prices for wine are $5 by the glass and $15 for an open wine bar. RSVP by email or phone.
ART DECO WEEKEND FESTIVAL
January 14-17
Ocean Drive closes these three days for the annual Art Deco Weekend Festival which began in 1976. Highlighting the artistic influence of Art Deco on architecture and design, the festival features over 85 events including guided walking tours, fashion show, theatrical performances, street vendors and performers, lecture series and even a dog parade. Most events are free so be sure to check the calendar of events for your preferred activity by clicking here.
PINECREST GARDENS FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
January 15, 16
Stroll through paradise while browsing and buying sculpture, paintings, photography, hand-crafted jewelry, ceramics and so much more all juxtaposed against the beautiful backdrop of the Botanical Garden. Save the date for the 8th Annual Fine Arts Festival, and spend a weekend being dazzled by some of the finest local and regional artists around. Judging and prizes will be awarded on Saturday at noon. Free admissions.
5th Annual International Chocolate Festival
January 21-23
Immerse yourself in everything chocolate, coffee and tea. This three day festival features chocolate treats, delicious cups of coffee and soothing teas. Learn how chocolate is made, show off your chocolate talent by submitting a recipe for a contest, sample selections, meet celebrated chefs and watch and learn them create divine chocolate desserts, take a stroll through Chocowalk and much more. Click here to peruse the schedule of day-filled activities for adults and children. It's all happening at the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden.
OVERTOWN MUSIC PROJECT
January 22, 8pm- midnight
The former "Harlem of the South" is remembered and celebrated for the music epicenter it served in Miami. Artists like Sammy Davis Jr. after performing for rich folks seated neatly at the Fountainbleau hotel would head over to Overtown for a toe-tapping-turned-dancing free show for the locals.
The event features an Afro-Cuban band Hinged, and old school Hip Hop with unlimited liquor beverages and a graffiti garden to set the stage.
Visit their website for historic photos of Overtown's heydey that was dotted with nightclubs and restaurants and music bars.
Address:
Music Overtown Project
2550 NW 2nd Avenue (Behind Wynwood Kitchen & Bar)
Street and Valet Parking
Tickets are $25 at the door
JAZZ AT PINECREST GARDENS
January 29
Mark the winter wonderland of South Florida with the cool and mellow sounds of The Rodriguez Brothers, straight from NYC's premiere jazz club The Blue Note. These talented Brothers mix it up with compositions influenced by Afro-Cuban and traditional jazz elements. Box Office opens at 6PM. Click here for tickets.