Mardy Gilyard was having a field day at Carver Gym, the french fires were the very best this side of Belgium, and potatoes of all sorts and in all shapes were the star of the day at Bunnell’s third annual Potato Festival.
Culture
Star Wars Returns, Symphonic Fireworks, Psychedelic Art: Culture Worth the Miles
Theatrical madness of Orlando’s uncensored Fringe Festival, return of Disney’s Star Tours at Hollywood Studios, the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation’s Annual Statewide Conference, the Maitland Symphony’s soundtracks, and more.
Long Before the Potato Festival, Long Before Bunnell, Flagler Bred the Mighty Potato
Ahead of this weekend’s Potato Festival in Bunnell, Sisco Deen, the archive curator for the Flagler County Historical Society, traces the history of the potato’s evolution in Flagler County going back to the 19th century.
An Eye for a Lens: Art League’s Photography Show Brings Out Simpler Pleasures
The Flagler County Art League’s 2nd Annual Photography Show pays homage to Photoshop, landscapes and animal pictures, with 75 works from 33 artists from Flagler, St. Johns and Volusia counties.
Solidarity Against Cancer As Survivors Relay For Life in Overnight Trek at Town Center
Some 57 teams of walkers turned out for Relay for Life at Palm Coast’s Town Center, the annual, overnight walk against cancer and the culmination of a fund-raising effort expected to net more than $100,000. See the photo gallery.
Thelma and Louise of Geometric Abstractions Ride Into Hollingsworth Gallery
Louise Lieber, a sculptor and painter, and Antoinette Slick, a painter, are paired in a beguiling new show at the Hollingsworth Gallery. Their art is a journey into the possibilities and beauties of geometry.
The Taste of 100 Wines, Henry Patrick Raleigh, Shrek & Fringe: Culture Worth the Miles
All Florida art at the Mennello Museum, American illustrator Henry Patrick Raleigh at the Maitland Art Center, the science of wine-tasting at the Orlando Science Center, Shrek at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center, violinist Joshua Bell, and more.
Wicked Transition to Stage Magic as FPC Goes Emerald With “Wizard of Oz” This Weekend
“The Wizard of Oz” at the Flagler Auditorium is the biggest FPC stage production to date, with a live orchestra and a cast and crew of 75. The production gelled in a mere six weeks under a new director, after the previous one quit.
“For Colored Girls Who’ve Considered Suicide”: Blunt Poetry Theater at AACC Saturday
Ntozake Shange’s play for seven women characters, staged at the African American Cultural Center, was a Broadway hit in 1976 and remains a classic of an entirely original style of American stage poetry and oral folk traditions.
Violinist Joshua Bell with the Orlando Philharmonic and Other Virtuoso Acts: Culture Worth the Miles
Joshua Bell in two concerts with the Orlando Philharmonic, and the Orlando Philharmonic’s Concert at the Springs, Epcot’s annual Chef’s Gala to benefits Heart of Florida United Way, The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey’s “Baby Owl Shower” in Maitland, and more.
Brahms, Folk and Zeppelin as Youth Orchestra Bows in Season Finale at Flagler Auditorium
The concert, at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening, features some 250 musicians and five orchestras, showcasing students’ various skills. The concert includes a symphonic collaboration with members of the FPC band.
On Unexpectedly Historic Night, Jacksonville Symphony Celebrates America in Palm Coast
The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra lit up the night at Palm Coast’s Town Center Sunday with a tribute to Irving Berlin, John Williams, Aaron Copland and Scott Joplin, among other American greats, in the fifth annual picnic and pops concert produced by the Palm Coast Arts Foundation.
“The Me Nobody Knows” at Flagler Playhouse: Vivid, Raw and Joyful Ghetto Truths
“The Me Nobody Knows,” at the Flagler Playhouse for the next three weekends (April 29-May 15), is an original and affecting 1970 musical drawn from the true stories of adolescents in New York City’s slums.
Jacksonville Symphony Pops “Americana Under the Stars” at Palm Coast Concert
Featuring a slew of favorites from Gershwin to Berlin (Irving, that is) to Strauss, the Jacksonville Symphony’s annual pilgrimage to Flagler is the Palm Coast Arts Foundation’s signature event and fund-raiser.
Jonathan May Remembered, Sounds of Music and Texting Mommies: Culture Worth the Miles
The Metropolitan Area Youth Symphony celebrates Jonathan May Day, “The Sound of Music” at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, a new musical for texting moms at the Plaza Theater, the Orlando Philharmonic’s La Boheme, the senior pageant comes to Orlando, and more.
Flagler Palm Coast High School’s Formality Singers Soar
Flagler Palm Coast High School’s Formality Singers, led by Amy Fulmer, received Straight Superiors ratings in state assessments this week. Watch the videos.
State of the Ax: from Flagler to Tallahassee To D.C., Arts Funding Is Under Siege
The NEA’s federal arts dollars are on the defensive. Florida cut back its arts funding to almost nothing. Palm Coast, Bunnell and Flagler Beach are just as stingy. The county and school district alone still support art and culture.
John F. Kennedy’s Speech on the Arts and Robert Frost, Amherst College (1963)
Full text and audio of John F. Kennedy’s Amherst College speech on the arts in 1963, one of the most eloquent defenses of the artist and art’s role in American civilization by an American president.
Wounded Warrior Project Music Jam Saturday at Whiskey Still Campground
Beginning at 1 p.m., the Flagler County Professional Firefighters Association is hosting an all-day, all-night Flagler County music jam and benefit, featuring three bands at the Whiskey Still Campground.
NTSB Preliminary Investigation Report: Flagler County Airport Crash on March 26, 2011
Full text of the National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary investigation report, released on April 19, 2011, of the fatal plane crash at the Flagler County Airport on March 26, 2011, involving an Aerostar S A YAK-52, piloted by Bill Walker.
Phantom of the Opera, Art for $100 or Less, Snake Farming: Culture Worth the Miles
The Morse Museum’s new wing opens, the Works Progress Administration’s arts come to life at the Mennello Museum of American Art, Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera at University High School, art for $100, snake farming and more.
TDC Approves $30,000 for Dual July 4th Fireworks Under Unifying Americana Theme
With Palm Coast fireworks on July 3rd and Flagler Beach fireworks on the 4th, the tourist council is hoping Flagler County will be a destination for racing fans worn out by July 1 and 2 races in Daytona Beach.
Paul McCartney Redone, Sophocles at the Improv and Xanadu: Culture Worth the Miles
Brigan Gresh and Dina Mack at the Lake Eustis Museum of Art, a Greek tragedy a-la-improv at the Annie Russell Theatre, the Annual Taste of Oviedo, Tony Kishman as Paul McCartney, and more.
From Robert Penn Warren to Stanley Drescher: Flagler Beach Names Its First Poet Laureate
Stanley Drescher, a son of New York’s Lower East Side, has lived in Flagler Beach less than two years. He’s already left his mark on the city’s water tower, wielding his poetry like a crusader’s mightiest weapon.
Dust Up Those Squeals, Venus: Frankie Avalon At the Flagler Auditorium Tonight
Frankie Avalon, now 70, is making the Flagler Auditorium one of just 12 stops on his 2011 tour. He’ll be singing the hits that made him famous in pre-Beatles days, along with songs from his 30 movies that kept him famous.
Tour de Goodwill: 460 Cyclists Set Off in Flagler Beach Rotary’s 8th Annual Ride
The Flagler Beach Rotary’s Cycle Flagler drew the largest number of cyclists and raised upward of $14,000 for the Rotary’s Christmas and scholarship funds. Riders cycled from 24 to 100 miles.
Shakespeare, Carmen and Burlesque: Culture Worth the Miles
A sizzlingly luscious interpretation of Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ at the Orlando Ballet, the Harriet Lake Festival of New Plays at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, ‘Sugar Babies’ at the Winter Park Playhouse, and more.
Southeast Museum of Photography’s Summer Photo Camp
Campers will learn the mechanics of digital manipulation, lighting, shooting and editing techniques. No previous photography experience is necessary.
Flagler Firefighters Hold Third Annual Chili Cook-Off; Clover Beach Wins
The cook-off was started three years ago as a fund-raiser to help firefighters injured on the job. Some 250 people turned out, and the Keppler brothers (and uncle Harrington) won this year’s prize–for the second time in three years.
The Art League’s Nomadic Spring Festival Finally Finds a Home at City Market Place
Formerly known as Art in the Park, the Flagler County Art League’s Spring festival inaugurates its new home at City Market Place this weekend with some 50 vendors, 10 galleries and hundreds of artists and their works.
Palm Coast’s Rock n Ribfest Returns: Racing Pigs, Raging Bands, Roaring Fireworks
Mickey Thomas and Starship are headlining after a half dozen local bands in the daylong event at Palm Coast’s Central Park on April 9, beginning at noon. Tickets are $15 in advance, $25 at the door.
Civil War Recreations, a Pie Festival, Art, Cocktails and a One Act Fest: Culture Worth the Miles
‘First Thursday’ at the Orlando Museum of Art, Jon Didier at the Maitland Art Center’s Culture and Cocktails gathering (April 8), Tab Benoit and other New Orleans musicians at the Plaza Theater, a pie festival, and more.
July 4th Twice Over Again As Flagler Beach And Palm Coast Will Each Launch Fireworks
The Tourist Development Council would grant each city $15,000. Flagler Beach will have the July 4 display this time, while Palm Coast will launch on July 3rd, at Town Center. Last year, they did it in reverse.
Yes, Stetson Kennedy Is Still Alive: Labor and Civil Rights Legend at Stetson Wednesday
Stetson Kennedy, who unmasked the Ku Klux Klan after infiltrating it and remains a prominent voice for unions, labor and civil rights, gives a free lecture at Stetson University. He is 94.
Single-Engine Yak 52 Crashes at Wings Over Flagler; One Pilot Is Dead; Tribute on Sunday
The Yak 52 went down at 4:27 p.m. while in the middle of a maneuver with another plane. The pilot was killed.
Wings Over Flagler: Warbirds, Yakrobatics and Tributes This Weekend at the County Airport
Wings Over Flagler, the second annual fly-in at the Flagler County Airport, features several dozen vintage warbirds, choppers and other attractions. Visitors can chat with pilots and mingle with history. With a photo gallery.
Gleeful Power Chords, an Illustrious Wasteland and Gordon Lightfoot: Culture Worth the Miles
Gordon Lightfoot at the Plaza Theater, ‘My Illustrious Wasteland,’ the rock musical, returns to Orlando, the Glee-like Power Chords at the Orlando Repertory Theatre, the Orlando Philharmonic’ shows off its brass, and more.
Digital Video Awards’ 73 Contestants Spotlight School District’s Click on Technology
Computer-generated art, podcasts, digital photography and more: A complete list of contestants and winners from the second annual Flagler Digital Media Awards, held Friday at the Flagler Auditorium.
Reversing Bad Run, Flagler Auditorium Scores $5,000 Grant from Tourist Council
After losing out on at least $15,000 for various reasons, the Flagler Auditorium managed to eke out $5,000 from the Tourist Development Council, a small but significant financial boost to a budget of over half a million dollars.
Theatrical Premieres and a Unique View of the White House: Culture Worth the Miles
A new comedy about five would-be actors at the Mad Cow Theater, “Greater Tuna,” the critically acclaimed comedy, at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, “Charm” at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, and more.
“In the Mood” Tonight at the Auditorium: 1940s’ Swing, Romance and a Simpler Age
String of Pearls brings its swing, jazz and other big band sounds and dance of the 1940s to the Flagler Auditorium for one performance March 14, recalling what Woody Allen called “a more charming time and a better time.”
Humane Safari: Alms for the Paw Opening At the Flagler County Art League
The Flagler County Art League’s “Alms for the Paw” show, featuring 40 artists and 60 works, is part fund-raiser for the Flagler County Humane Society, part showcase for animal art: it’s not as easy as you may think.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 42-43
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 42-43, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: Tom Sawyer Wounded.—The Doctor’s Story.—Tom Confesses.—Aunt Polly Arrives.—Hand Out Them Letters– Out of Bondage.—Paying the Captive.—Yours Truly, Huck Finn.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 41
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 41, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: The Doctor.—Uncle Silas.—Sister Hotchkiss.—Aunt Sally in Trouble.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 40
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 40, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: Fishing.—The Vigilance Committee.—A Lively Run.—Jim Advises a Doctor.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 39
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 39, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: Rats.—Lively Bed—fellows.—The Straw Dummy.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 38
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 38, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: The Coat of Arms.—A Skilled Superintendent.—Unpleasant Glory.—A Tearful Subject.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 37
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 37, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: The Last Shirt.—Mooning Around.—Sailing Orders.—The Witch Pie.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 36
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 36, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: The Lightning Rod.—His Level Best.—A Bequest to Posterity.—A High Figure.
Flagler Reads Together: Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 35
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, Chapter 35, full text, With E.W. Kemble’s original illustrations: Escaping Properly.—Dark Schemes.—Discrimination in Stealing.—A Deep Hole.