Jazz, Classical Greats at Coral Gables Congregational

MIAMI — This summer, June 3 through August 12, the Coral Gables Congregational Church Community Arts Program stages its 25th Anniversary Season Summer Concert Series. Concert goers throughout Florida and the world will again gather within the Church’s rare and intimate Spanish-revival edifice listed in the National Register of Historic Places and enjoy some of the music industry’s most revered classical and jazz artists for ticket prices that start at only $25.

• June 3 – PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND is hailed as “stunning, joyous and alive.” Direct from the Crescent city and the historic birthplace of the band nearly a half a century ago.
• June 17 – MARK KOSOWER, newly-appointed Cleveland Orchestra principal cello, is one of the outstanding cellists of his generation.
• July 1 – ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY, singer and songwriter, is known as an insatiable creative spirit and as a champion of the Great American Songbook.
• July 15 – AWADAGIN PRATT, classical pianist, is acclaimed for his musical insight and intensely-involving performances in recital and with symphony orchestras.
• July 29 – July 29 – NICHOLAS PAYTON, jazz trumpeter, made his recording debut in 1994 as a leader with From this Moment and ever since has been lauded as a significant, top-tier voice in jazz.
• August 12 – RAMSEY LEWIS, jazz pianist, is a captivating and multiple

Sarasota Open Volleys May 8-15

SARASOTA – The 2010 Sarasota Open is scheduled for May 8-15, 2010 at the new Tennis Gardens Stadium at the Longboat Key Club. This Men’s ATP/USTA Professional Men’s Tennis Tournament, where top players in the world compete, is expected to attract more than 25,000 patrons.

For those who want to do more the view the match from the stands, The Longboat Key Club is seeking volunteers to help with all aspects of the event. See www.sarasotafl.org for more information.

Daytona Museum Shows African-American Photography

DAYTONA BEACH – Southeast Museum of Photography presents Double Exposure: African-Americans Before and Behind the Camera until May 30. The exhibit showcases vintage photographs from the Amistad Center for Art & Culture’s historical collection of art and photo-based art by contemporary African-American artists.

This exhibition highlights African-American history, as well as the history of photography and includes photographs, albums, and cased images, as well as contemporary art that incorporate vintage photographic imagery. See www.smponline.org or (386) 506.4475.

Space Shuttle Blasts April 5

CAPE CANAVERAL – Space shuttle Discovery is scheduled to begin a 13-day flight to the International Space Station with a launch at 6:21 a.m. EDT on April 5 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Discovery’s launch date for the STS-131 mission was announced Friday at the conclusion of a flight readiness review at Kennedy. During the meeting, senior NASA and contractor managers assessed the risks associated with the mission and determined the shuttle’s equipment, support systems and procedures are ready. Read more

Rolex Sports Car Series in Homestead

* Nineteen Year Old Racing Sensation Dion von Moltke Roars Into Miami For Grand Prix of Miami

HOMESTEAD – Nineteen year old racing sensation, Dion von Moltke (www.dionvm.com), is roaring into Miami for the Grand Prix of Miami, March 5-6, 2010 at the Homestead Miami Speedway.

As the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series returns to Miami, all eyes will be on Dion as he returns to Doran Racing, driving with Memo Gidley. Dion will be driving the car #77, a Ford-powered Dallara Daytona Prototype that is being sponsored by McDonalds/South African Airways/P1 Groupe. This is a homecoming in many ways for Dion as Doran Racing gave him his Daytona Prototype start, and he currently lives in Miami attending college fulltime at Florida International University (FIU). P1 Groupe also provides driver management services for Dion, from sponsorships to marketing.

Five for Fighting Headlines SunFest April 28

WEST PALM BEACH – SunFest, Florida’s largest music, art and waterfront festival, announced several national acts scheduled to appear at the 28th annual event being held April 28-May 2, along one of the most scenic sections of Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach.

National acts scheduled to perform include Weezer, ZZ Top, Shinedown, Ben Harper and Relentless7, Patti LaBelle, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Flaming Lips, Rise Against, B-52′s, Damian Marley, Nas, Five For Fighting, Flogging Molly, Sister Hazel, Better than Ezra, Marcus Miller, Classic Albums Live, and The Charlie Daniels Band. Additional entertainment announcements will be made as they are confirmed.

See www.sunfest.com

Bass Museum’s Cool Nights Hot Jazz

MIAMI - Bass Museum of Art kicks off their winter jazz series, Cool Nights Hot Jazz, on Friday, Feb. 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. with pianist/composer Mike Orta. The bi-weekly Friday night concert has become a celebrated locals destination for culture, conversation and music, featuring Miami’s most talented local artists.

Held in the museum’s café and lounge designed by Chicago-based artist Dzine, the vibrant wall-to-wall mural painted with kaleidoscopic swirls and electric colors is the perfect backdrop for musical exploration. It’s the best deal in town, with admission is $5 for members and $10 for non-members, and includes complimentary Bustelo, Grolsch beer and Chilensis wine.

Winter Jazz Series Schedule (7 – 9 p.m.)

February 19                              Mike Orta Quartet
March 5                                    Fernando Ulibarri Quartet
March 19                                  Rudolfo Zuñiga Quintet
April 2                                      Shelly Berg Trio, with special guest Ed Calle
April 16                                    Negroni Trio

Bass Museum of Art, 2121 Park Avenue (in Collins Park), (305) 673-7530 or www.bassmuseum.org.

Amelia Island Film Festival Set for Feb. 25

AMELIA ISLAND –The newly created Amelia Island Film Festival, taking place Feb. 25 – 28, celebrates local and regional filmmakers in venues throughout historic Downtown Fernandina Beach. Program includes a meet and greet with filmmakers, writers, artists and songwriters. Call (904) 335-1110 or see www.ameliaislandfilmfestival.org.

Punta Gorda Art Show

PUNTA GORDA – The 7th Biennial National Art Exhibition benefits the programs and artists of the non-profit Visual Arts Center here. Running Feb. 6 – March 12 at the Visual Arts Center, 125 of the best entries are selected from all 50 states. This year, the top prize is $5,000. Call (941) 639-8810 or visit www.visualartcenter.org.

February is Edison Month in Fort Myers

FORT MYERS – During February, Fort Myers celebrates the birthday of its most illustrious historical figure, Thomas A. Edison, with the Edison Festival of Light Stadium Show, Grand Parade & Fireworks on Feb. 20. Invention competitions, parties, craft shows and a 5K run are all part of the celebration. The gates at the Edison Stadium, Fort Myers High School, open at 4 p.m. for individuals with reserved seating who wish to watch the parade and fireworks. Entertainment begins at 5 p.m. climaxing with fireworks at 7 p.m. to kick off the grand lighted parade. Parade admission is free; stadium seating for the event is $20 per person. Go to www.edisonfestival.org for more information.

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