An emerging arts alliance for Palm Coast and Flagler County would capitalize on the economic benefits of an arts scene with more coordinated projects and strategy, led by the tourism council’s conciliating voice of Georgia Turner. Obstacles remain, however.
Culture
At Hollingsworth Gallery, “A Novel Idea” Weds Art and Books; Art League Springs Up
Hollingsworth Gallery’s new show, opening Saturday with a free reception, features artists’ renditions of their favorite literary works. The Flagler County Art League opens its annual Spring Show. Both free receptions begin at 6 p.m.
Palm Coast’s Rock n’ Rib Fest Takes Town Center This Weekend
Rock N’ Rib will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 12, and from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at Palm Coast’s Central Park in Town Center. Admission is $3 per day (down from $20 per person per day last year). Children 12 and under get in free.
Steve Solomon’s Jewish-Italian Neuroses Back At Flagler Auditorium: The Live Interview
Comedian Steve Solomon grew up in Brooklyn, taught physics and lived through the nightmare of being a school administrator in Long Island before finding fortune on the stand-up comedy circuit. He sat down for an interview with FlaglerLive before his show at the Auditorium on Friday, April 12.
Stetson University’s Concert Choir Belts Out Year’s Last Performance April 26
The final performance of the Stetson University Concert Choir in this academic year will be on Friday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Chapel inside Elizabeth Hall, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., on the DeLand campus.
Sex, Drugs, Tombs and Magical Thinking in 3 Dazzling Shows at City Repertory Theatre
Three weekends, three one-person shows, three experiences that will shock, touch and awe as John Sbordone directs “Sex Drugs, Rock & Roll,” “The Year of Magical Thinking” and “Spoon River” in a whirlwind of triple performances through March 31.
FAU Stomps on Academic Freedom Over Jesus Controversy as Scott Fans Fanaticism
Florida Atlantic University Professor Deandre Poole’s assignment involving the word “Jesus” on the floor drew in a politically motivated protest from Gov. Rick Scott while the university gave in to his demand that the lesson not be taught anymore.
For Helen Reddy, No More “Stupid Pop Songs” as She Takes Over the Auditorium Sunday
Helen Reddy, the woman responsible for the mega 1971 hit “I Am Woman,” that second-wave feminist anthem, doesn’t dance to anyone’s drum. At 71, she takes on stages and audiences as if it were still Seneca Falls.
Booze Up: Palm Coast Government Is Your New Special-Events Bartender
After some reservations two weeks ago, the Palm Coast City Council Tuesday agreed to have the city acquire a liquor license and itself sell booze at the city’s special events, generating more cash the city says it will reinvest at those events.
Flagler’s Taste of the Arts Festival Captions Mix of Unity and Rivalries Between Organizations
The Palm Coast Arts Foundation, the Flagler County Art League, the Flagler Playhouse, and Flagler Youth Orchestra open their second Taste of the Arts festival today, but county arts organizations have a way to go before calling themselves truly, communally unified.
Tipsy on Daytona Beach’s Example, Palm Coast Considers Getting Its Own Liquor License
The Palm Coast City Council is now considering applying for its own liquor license and, in an even more remarkable move, designating Central Park as a civic center where vendors could sell booze at special events under the city’s umbrella.
With “Twilight,” Rodney King Riots Transform Palm Coast Stage Into a Rap of Revelations
“Twilight,” the new play opening at Palm Coast’s City Repertory Theatre, is a violently exuberant recreation of the world of the 1992 South-Central riots into a unique theatrical experience that manages to coil hope, humor and grit out of despair.
Women of Ireland Bring Rhythms Of Strength to the Flagler Auditorium
One thing Jesuits and mystic-searching hippies are likely to agree on is the fact that the Irish produce good music. Another is that they also produce strong women, which brings us to the Women of Ireland, who performed at the Flagler Auditorium Sunday.
Ten Tenors Rekindle Flagler Love Affair With Two Shows at the Auditorium
The Ten Tenors, an Australian group that’s been coming to the Flagler Auditorium for years, is among the rarest of acts that commands two shows locally. The Ten Tenors will perform Feb. 11 and 12.
Light, Poetry, Action: Hollingsworth and Art League’s New Shows Look to Raise Roofs
The Flagler County Art League opens its second annual Art & Poetry Show this evening as Hollingsworth Gallery opens its fourth annual Members’ Show. Both events, near each other, are free and feature a wine and cheese reception from 6 to 9 p.m.
Flagler’s Tourism Council Would Relax Rules Governing Subsidies for Special Events
The changes, affecting $100,000 in bed-tax dollars county government, through the tourism council, awards organizations that put on special events, would dispense with the requirement that organizations spend the money advertising their event, and would allow them to spend it on incidental expenses that may be more difficult to track.
Flagler Beach City Government Wants to Take Over July 4 Events, But Unsure How
Flagler Beach government, eager to replicate Palm Coast’s method of making money from special events, would take over July 4 festivities run until now by the chamber of commerce, but city commissioners are uncomfortable with a complete take-over.
Lowe Family Brings Rain of Children and All-But-Kitchen-Sink Music to Flagler Auditorium
The Lowe Family’s six children and accompanists, at the Flagler Auditorium Thursday evening, make it a point to dare every musical genre, every instrument, every move, all wrapped in feel-good flags.
Ben Webster’s Danny Boy
Ben Webster played with Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, Cab Calloway, Benny Carter, and was overshadowed by the likes of Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young, but only in his lifetime.
Stephen Sondheim Sidles Up to Palm Coast in “Side by Side” at City Repertory Theatre
“Side By Side By Sondheim,” a revue opening at Palm Coast’s City Repertory Theatre Friday, is a clever reinvention of Stephen Sondheim’s lyrical genius by way of his classics, from “West Side Story” to “Sweeney Todd.”
Great American Songbook Tunes Into Palm Coast’s Older Ears at the Auditorium
The Great American Songbook, taking the Flagler Auditorium stage tonight, is the sort of period show ideally tuned to local demographics: older ears waxing nostalgic for the days when Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Judy Garland—as opposed to Rihana, Taylor Swift and Flo Rida—ruled the charts.
Cinderella With a Russian Twist and a Manly Stepmother Before Midnight at Auditorium
There are thousands of variants of Cinderella around the world. The State Theater of Russia brings its own to the Flagler Auditorium Thursday evening at 7:30, with color and surprises to spare.
On the Road 47 Years, Florence LaRue and The 5th Dimension Land at Flagler Auditorium
The Flagler Auditorium Friday evening kicks off 2013 with Florence LaRue and the 5th Dimension, one of the most popular groups of the late 1960s and early 70s, though only LaRue remains from the original group.
Oh, What a Night: The Hit Men Behind Frankie Valli Take the Auditorium, Minus Frankie
The Hit Men bill themselves as the original stars of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, and are behind such hits as “Oh, What a Night,” “Who Loves You,” and “Swearin’ to God.”
When the End of the World Is Art’s Excuse to Remake It in Rapture’s Image
“I Decided Not to End the World,” an exhibit that opens at Hollingsworth Gallery Friday, marks the alleged end of the world (according to the Maya calendar) by remaking it anew with the art work of children, adults and students, curated by JJ Graham.
From Washington Oaks Gardens to Flagler Beach, a Drenching of Grayish Christmas Cheer
Flagler Beach’s parade packed A1A and ran for 75 minutes, while Washington Oaks Gardens’ Holiday in the Gardens drew more than 1,000 people who donated food and toys for the needy.
New York Tenors Bring Tri-Ethnic Flavors of the City, and Attitude, to Flagler Auditorium
Andy Cooney, Daniel Rodriguez and Michael Amante bring their Irish, Puerto Rican, and Italian-flavored voices and songs to the stage by way of a Christmas show, mixing favorites with that inimitable New York attitude.
Magnificent Minis Tangle with FPC Student Artists’ Work in New Flagler Art League Show
The exhibit of miniature art known as the Magnificent Minis is an anual event at the Flagler County Art League, as is the showcasing of Flagler Palm Coast High School’s rich trove of student art and design.
So Long, Dave Brubeck (1920-2012)
Dave Brubeck died on Dec. 5, a day shy of his 92nd birthday, after helping to repopularize jazz at a time when younger listeners had been trained to the sonic dimensions of the three-minute pop single.
The Lives and Nuns of Danny Goggin, Creator of Tonight’s “Nunset Boulevard” at Auditorium
Danny Goggin, profiled in this piece, is the writer and director of what’s become a half-billion dollar “Nunsense” franchise, whose latest installment–“Nunset Boulevard: The Nunsense Hollywood Bowl Show”–takes the Flagler Auditorium stage tonight.
Robert Gill’s Mark Twain Takes Palm Coast at City Repertory Theatre
Robert Gill has taken Mark Twain all over Florida, performing in Jacksonville, Orlando, Avon Park, and St. Augustine, but this will be the Palm Coast debut, and it flows with whiskey and irreverence.
Strings on Speed: Bowfire Brings Its Holiday Blaze to the Flagler Auditorium
Thursday, Bowfire returns to the Flagler Auditorium, this time with its new Holiday Heart Strings show, giving Christmas favorites the Celtic, Blue Grass, Rock, Texas Swing, Gypsy and Klezmer treatment.
The Language of Class Warfare from Shaw’s “Pygmalion” to Sbordone’s Repertory Theatre
Language as class still has its cliques, as do all prejudices. It’s also a central theme of Pygmalion, the newest production of an old classic opening tonight (and running through Sunday) at John Sbordone’s City Repertory Theatre, at Hollingsworth Gallery.
Taking on Challenges and Skeptics, Palm Coast Arts Foundation Plants Grand Design
The Palm Coast Arts Foundation, lease finally in hand, plans to raise up to $7 million and build an events venue in Town Center, the first phase of a much bigger plan that would culminate in a $30 million, 2,300-seat performing arts center. It faces a tide of difficulties in a fractured arts community.
Awarding Just $20,000 in Arts Grants Again, Palm Coast Agrees to Rethink Its Stinginess
Palm Coast is willing to subsidize its money-losing tennis center to the tune of $240,000 in the last two years, but is awarding just $20,000 to support just nine arts and culture organizations. Some council members (calling the small amount “a joke”) want to change that.
Rivets on Ice: “Titanic,” The Musical, Sinks And Rises at the Flagler Auditorium Tuesday
Winner of five Tony Awards, “Titanic,” the musical–one of the most expensive Broadway productions ever–brings its sets and stories for a one-night engagement at the Flagler Auditorium Tuesday evening.
Almost a Quarter Century of Saturdays With the Artist at Flagler County Art League
The 24th Saturday Afternoon With the Artist is actually an evening show now, opening Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Flagler County Art League’s gallery at City Market Place, with 94 new works by local artists.
At Hollingsworth Gallery:
Richard Schreiner, Artist of the Year
Richard Schreiner, the Louis CK of painting, influenced many artists in Palm Coast through Hollingsworth gallery, where he worked until his death in July. Naming him the 2012 Artist iof the Year was an easy choice for the Gargiulo Art Foundation. A new exhibit, “Richard and Friends,” celebrates his work and those he influenced, at Hollingsworth through November.
“DrumLine,” at the Flagler Auditorium, Turns Half Time into Showtime
“DrumLine”‘s live stage band show recreates the common joke at black college football games–that the first two quarters are merely time for fans to eat, drink and flirt until it’s time for the real show at half-time. “DrumLine” is four quarters’ worth of half time shows.
Flagler County Library’s 2012 Teen Photography Contest Winners Announced
The winners, in a contest made possible by the Friends of the Library, are Anila Lahiri, Melanie Kantasee, Mary Thompson and Madison Gibbs. Their original works will be on display at the Flagler County Public Library until the end of November.
Big Bird Debate: How Much Does
Federal Funding Matter to PBS Anyway?
The amount of tax dollars PBS receives is roughly .012 percent of the $3.8 trillion federal budget – or about $1.35 per person per year, compared to $22.48 in Canada and $80.36 in Britain. Public broadcasting is a popular target among conservatives, who’ve long portrayed it as an example of wasteful government spending.
The Russians Are Coming to Hollingsworth Gallery as Animals Stomp Over the Art League
The Flagler County Art League’s popular annual Animal Kingdowm show opens Saturday, while Hollingsworth Gallery takes a turn for the east, with works by Russian artists. Both galleries at City Market Place host free opening receptions Saturday at 6 p.m.
Canaveral Seashore Plein Air Paint Out on Oct. 21-27 Gets Its Poster Child
Throughout the six-day Canaveral Seashore Plein Air Paint Out, as artists work from dawn to dusk, visitors can enjoy the seashore and to be a part of the art, talking to artists as they paint unique works of art at the many picturesque locations.
Where Obama Fear and Loathing Comes From
Charles Kesler’s new book on Barack Obama loathing is a window into the closing of the conservative mind, which Mark Lilla’s review opens a notch to let in a breath of wit–unusual for unusually dour liberals.
Lazarus Act: City Repertory Theatre’s “Jacques Brel” Revives Grand Voice With Force and Style
“Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well,” the Palm Coast City Repertory Theatre’s most successful production of its inaugural season, is rich in powerful and intuitive performances that recreate, in English, the songs and themes of the late French Bob Dylan.
Flagler County Art League’s Color Splash Returns with Brash of Brush
The Flagler County Art League’s “Color Splash” exhibit, featuring some 100 works in numerous mediums, opens Sept. 8 and runs through September and parallels growing success for the league’s classes.
Don’t Talk to an Empty Chair: Flagler Beach Museum Goes Boots and Bling for Bunnell
The Flagler Beach Historical Museum’s annual costume gala fund-raiser Saturday at the Black Cloud Saloon in Bunnell will be paired up with a 99th birthday bash for Bunnell, in preparation for that city’s centennial.
For the Flagler Youth Orchestra’s 8th Season, 200 Students Join Before Recruiting Begins
A Flagler Youth Orchestra trio is visiting five Flagler County schools Thursday and Friday in the FYO’s annual recruiting tour, but a record number of students have already signed up for the increasingly popular program ahead of its open house on Sept. 12.
Ed Skellings’s Death Leaves Florida Without a Poet Laureate for the First Time in 32 Years
A memorial to Ed Skellings will be held at the City Island library in Daytona Beach on Sept. 6 as the Florida State Poets Association lobbies the Legislature and Gov. Rick Scott to formalize the poet laureate’s appointment and link it to Florida’s literary and literacy efforts.
Wallace Stevens Read by Bill Murray
Bill Murray reads two poems by Wallace Stevens, “The Planet on the Table” and “A Rabbit As King of the Ghosts” as part of Poets House’s 17th Annual Poetry Walk.