eNewsletter

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the oldest and most famous art museums in the world. It is housed in an impressive structure erected between 1560 and 1574 by Cosimo I de’ Medici that served as the judicial and government offices of the Tuscan state. Making its four-city United States tour, the Uffizi Gallery debuts in Fort Lauderdale. Offering of the Angels is curated by Antonio Natali, director of the Uffizi Gallery, and features tapestries and paintings by some of the greatest artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, including Sandro Botticelli, Parmigianino, Alessandro Allori, Luca Giordano, and Lorenzo Monaco, among many others. All of the 45 works of art in the exhibition are related to the theme of the Eucharist. The paintings and tapestries portray scenes from the Old Testament as well as events from the life of Christ. Tying together all the subjects is the theme of forgiveness.

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 once provided prehistoric Native Americans with a place to gather, eat, and live. Seminoles camped on and around the parcel for years prior to the Seminole Wars. In the 1890s, one of Fort Lauderdale’s earliest pioneers, Frank Stranahan, established a trading post and tourist camp on the same spot. During the 20th century, several homes, a handful of restaurants, and a major grocery store were built on the property. Visitors to the Fort Lauderdale History Center can see a sampling of the archaeological materials unearthed in 2006.

Demons, beasts, gods and ghosts are the subjects of this mid-century career retrospective of the work of Panamanian-based artist Isabel De Obaldía. The exhibition’s nearly one hundred works include approximately twenty paintings and drawings by the artist along with about eighty of her sculptures in glass.

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 passenger station to the growth of the town. For most of its inhabited history, the New River has been difficult to access. Tropical foliage and the Everglades made traveling south over land slow and tedious. When the first Florida East Coast train arrived at the north bank of the New River in 1896, Fort Lauderdale finally had a reliable, efficient connection to the rest of the country. For nearly 50 years, Fort Lauderdale’s FEC Passenger Station—once situated directly across from the New River Inn—welcomed tens of thousands of people to Fort Lauderdale.

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. You will be fascinated by the tales of spirits. Come along! Reservations needed. Tours every Sunday night at 7:30 PM. Cost is $25 per person and reservations are a must. Call 954-524-4736.

When it comes to Motown legends, it doesn’t get any bigger or any better than multi-platinum selling artists The Temptations and The Four Tops! Hitting the stage with their high-energy pop and funk from the 70s and 80s, these musical greats perform classic Motown hits from their repertoire. With stunning harmonies, powerful vocals and flawless dance routines, these enduring performers embrace generation after generation, bringing smiles to the faces of all their fans. Night after night, audiences are raving as they join the celebration and dance in the aisles.

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) – three stages of love – flirtation, passion and intimacy – are experienced through three glamorous pas de deux, all danced against a star studded night sky to Chopin’s ravishing piano music. The plotless masterpiece Ballet Imperial (Balanchine/Tchaikovsky) pays homage to the spirit and grandeur of imperial St. Petersburg. Balanchine described it as “a contemporary tribute to Petipa, the father of classical ballet, and to Tchaikovsky, his greatest composer.”

Begin and end this special annual event at the Museum of Art and view the stunning glass exhibition Primordial, which will be complimentary and open to the public for this event only. Enjoy 2-for-1 beer and wine specials and listen to music in the Museum’s beautifully designed new plaza. Free trolley service available to and from artist studios on Third Avenue.

The first Sunday of the month, Riverwalk becomes a soulful hot spot, which thrives with the sound of jazz music. Downtown Fort Lauderdale patrons and visitors can dance or relax to live performances and enjoy the scenic views. The Sunday Jazz Brunch offers 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 they can attend the beautifully catered Jazz Brunch Buffet at the Broward Center’s Peck Courtyard, which takes place just before the event starts at 10:30 AM and ends promptly at 1:45 PM. The Broward Center offers an amazing buffet that includes pancakes, waffles and eggs served in every style with all the trimmings, a full carving station, shrimp and fresh catch of the day, pastries, fruits and more.

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. Tours begin at 2:30 p.m. in the lobby area of the New River Inn, one of the first hotels built in Fort Lauderdale. Tours take place on the first Sunday of the month through May immediately following the Sunday Jazz Brunch. Tours are open to the public and free of charge, but donations to the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society are greatly appreciated. Historian Jim Sweeney will be leading the tours. For more information contact Ellen Ferrelli at (954) 463-4431 (ext. 12) or email education@fortlauderdalehistorycenter.org

Learn about the History of the Everglades: South Florida’s first tourist destination with archaeologist & author Robert Carr.

Willie Nelson is an American country music icon. For over 30 years, this “outlaw” singer-songwriter has recorded more than 200 albums and achieved both cult status and mainstream acclaim, earning multiple Grammy awards including “Country Male Vocal Performance” for his album Stardust. In his career, he blazed a trail through the music business, renowned for his unique musical interpretation. A consummate professional with a relaxed and poignant style, Nelson’s outlaw charm and humor have won him fans across the world. Experience this living legend as he takes to the road and showcases his musical mastery right here in South Florida! 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.

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.

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. Its masterful choreography ranges from grand imperial processions to legions of thunderous drums, with gorgeously costumed dancers moving in stunningly synchronized patterns. Spectacular visuals take you to another world, with blossoming landscapes and ancient buildings appearing on beautiful animated backdrops. Groundbreaking music seamlessly combines the best of the East and West, giving each dance its unmistakable flair. Ancient legends of virtue and modern tales of courage are brought to life in dance and song, making for one extraordinary, uplifting, and unforgettable experience. Shen Yun Performing Arts brings together over 100 of the world’s foremost classically trained dancers, choreographers, and musicians.

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% of the proceeds benefit Bonnet House. A juror selects first, second and third prize winners, and the artist with the highest number of votes by attendees will receive the People’s Choice Award. The Impressions exhibit will be on display to the public beginning Friday, February 10 through Wednesday, April 18. For tickets and reservations, call 954-653-1551 or visit www.bonnethouse.org.

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 Caitlin@goriverwalk.com for more information.

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 hgiuliano@moafl.org

Learn how to care for orchids in this instructional and enjoyable two-hour class. Orchid Basics will be held on Saturday, February 11 and Advanced Orchid Repotting on Saturday, February 25. The cost per class is $30 for members and $35 non-members; reservations required, call (954) 563-5393 x 137.

Laffing Matterz at the Broward Center combines the best 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.

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 – this performance is guaranteed to have you shouting “Encore!”

The Friends of the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale hosts an afternoon tea and fashion show at the Riverside Hotel. The cost is $55 per person and reservations are required by February 9. To RSVP and for more information contact Lynda O’Brien at (954) 493-6313.

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. All that encompasses Valentine’s Day is brought together in a festival atmosphere. Assemble your own gourmet basket through the Love in the Park outdoor market to enjoy on the concert green. Tickets on sale now.

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 please contact Shelley Edwards at 954-262-0221 or email shelley.edwards@moafl.org

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.

Eric Zafran, Curator of European art at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut, speaks on the iconography of the paintings in Offering of the Angels in his lecture, Sin to Salvation: The Cycle of Christian Art. Cost for Museum members is $5 and non-members is $10. For more information and to RSVP please contact Shelley Edwards at (954) 262-0221 or email shelley.edwards@moafl.org

It’s here! The first annual Taco Cook-Off with craft beer and local music, all at beautiful Esplanade Park in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. For the pre-sale price of $25, you will receive 6 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, vote for your Favorite Taco to be crowned “Best of TacoStock” by a panel of judges. TacoStock has also partnered with Brown Distributing Company to bring craft beer to our event. Brewers such as Cigar City, Magic Hat and others will be showcased. And to top it all off, live music! Brought to you by Nacho Mama’s Mexican Grill and BurgerBeast.Com. Buy your tickets in advance for $25 (or $35 at the door).

Host Stephanie Miskew, a certified Sommelier and author of the stylist food blog The Glamorous Gourmet, takes us on a delicious and exciting tour of fine wines and the tasty foods that go with them. Cost is $35 per person. Reservations are required. RSVP to Gail Vilone at gvilone@moafl.org or 954-262-0249. Seating is limited!

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.

Drawing on diverse influences from folk, R&B, jazz and blues to classical and pop music for his moving compositions and interpretations, George Winston is a consummate contemporary instrumental performer who’s achieved commercial and critical success. Melodic and soothing, Winston’s contemplative piano style conjures up seasonal images depicted in his bestselling albums Autumn, Winter into Spring, December and Summer. 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.

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. Are You My Mother? features a rich, upbeat musical score and imaginative sets. 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.

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 our 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 shelley.edwards@moafl.org.

Featuring 11-year-old Austrian child prodigy violinist, Elisso Gogibedaschwilli, performing one of the most popular violin concertos in the repertoire.

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 Peter Darling and writer Lee Hall — along with music legend Elton John, who has written what the New York Post calls “His best score yet!”