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

Religion at Cypress Gardens; Bring Back Day of Discovery

WINTER HAVEN - Setting a TV show in Florida gives it insta-background. Swaying palm trees, easy weather for filming.

Such was the idea of the ministry of the religious program Day of Discovery, which for years filmed many of its TV shows at Florida’s Cypress Gardens. SEE FUNKY COOL VIDEO HERE Read more

While Visiting Florida, Get Some Religion

When you visiting Florida, finding a great church is easy; Florida has some of the country’s most dynamic congregations. Your hotel concierge can tell you about services and denominations that can turn a fun vacation into a week of personal transformation. Here are just a sampling of some of the religious offerings in Florida:

• MIAMI Father Albert Cutié, known to viewers of EWTN, leads mass at St Francis De Sales in South Beach. Along with his TV show, he has written a book on relationships. The church is on Lenox Avenue (621 Alton Road) in Miami Beach. Their slogan is “When You come to the beach, don’t forget who made it.” Info at www.saintfrancisonthebeach.com
• WINTER PARK Pat Morley has led thousands of men around the world to Jesus Christ through his Man In the Mirror ministry. It all started with a Friday morning bible study that grew, and grew. He still leads the men’s bible study each morning at the Winter Park Civic Center at 6:50 a.m. If you are in the Orlando area, come by and meet him. www.maninthemirror.com.
• FORT LAUDERDALE Dr. James Kennedy’s Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, seen on his television ministry, is known across the world for his practical teachings and scriptural integrity. Visit them on Sunday. While Kennedy died in 2007, his church, founded in 1959, has not. www.crpc.org
• LAKELAND The Lakeland Outpouring, an old fashioned revival through the Ignited Chuch, will continue through 2008. The nightly revivals include healing, singing and preaching. More information is at www.ignitedchurch.com
• DAYTONA BEACH The Drive In Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has been in operation since1953. In cooperation with the owners and management of the Neptune Drive-In Theater, the members of The First Christian Church of Daytona Beach organized and sponsored a Drive-In service. It continues today. www.driveinchurch.net
  
• PENSACOLA In downtown, the Episcopal Christ Church has over 150 years of history. Its original building is the oldest standing church building in Florida, dating from 1832. The new church, in the Spanish Renaissance Style, dates from 1903. www.christ-church.net