Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District offers Cultural Activities March 2012
The Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment (A&E) District partners – Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale, Florida Grand Opera, Fort Lauderdale Historical Society and the Historic Stranahan House Museum – are presenting a plethora of cultural activities during the month of March. From acclaimed art exhibitions to comedian Jerry Seinfeld to children’s story time, Riverwalk A&E District partners are offering a wide variety of cultural opportunities for people of various ages and interests.
Offering of the Angels: Old Master Paintings and Tapestries from the Uffizi Gallery
Throughout March (closes April 8), Museum of Art ×€ Fort Lauderdale
Offering of the Angels is curated by Antonio Natali, director of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, 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.
Digging the Past Exhibition
Throughout March, Fort Lauderdale History Center
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. It once provided prehistoric Native Americans with a place to gather, eat, and live; that was a camping ground for Seminoles for years prior to the Seminole Wars; a trading post and tourist camp established by pioneer Frank Stranahan in the 1890s; and home to restaurants, homes and a major grocery store during the 20th century. Visitors to the Fort Lauderdale History Center can see a sampling of the archaeological materials unearthed in 2006.
Primordial: Paintings and Sculpture by Isabel De ObaldÃa, 1985 – 2011
Throughout March, Museum of Art ×€ Fort Lauderdale
Demons, beasts, gods and ghosts are the subjects of this mid-century career retrospective of the work of Panamanian-based artist Isabel De ObaldÃa.
Fort Lauderdale’s FEC Passenger Station Exhibit
Throughout March, Fort Lauderdale History Center
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 nearly 50 years, the station welcomed tens of thousands of people to Fort Lauderdale.
River Ghost Tours
Every Sunday in March, weather permitting, 7:30 p.m., Historic Stranahan House Museum
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, including fascinating tales of spirits. Reservations are a must; call 954-524-4736. $25 per person.
Billy Elliot
Wednesday, Feb. 29 – Sunday, March 11, matinee and evening performances; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Based on the international smash-hit film, Billy Elliot the musical is the joyous celebration of one boy’s journey to make his dreams come true.
Laffing Matterz
Most Thursdays and Fridays, 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 8:30 p.m. in March; Sundays,
March 11, 18 and 25, 4:30 p.m.; Broward Center’s New River Room
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.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival
Saturday, March 10, Noon; Las Olas Boulevard and Huizenga Plaza
Downtown Fort Lauderdale will transform into a sea of green for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority and the City of Fort Lauderdale. The parade will begin at noon along East Las Olas Boulevard and end at Huizenga Plaza, where the festivities will continue with lots of refreshments, live music and family fun.
Fort Lauderdale History Center Speaker Series – Native American Medicinal Plants
Monday, March 12, 6 p.m.; Fort Lauderdale History Center
Dr. Michelle Williams, Director for the Southeastern Region of Florida Public Archaeology Network at Florida Atlantic University, will be speaking on Native American Medicinal Plants in the Lucy Bryan Room at the New River Inn. Free and open to the public, but seating is limited. To RSVP, call (954) 463-4431 ext. 12 or email educationalfortlauderdalehistorycenter.org.
Reflection of Times
Tuesday, March 13, 1 – 3 p.m.; Historic Stranahan House Museum
An afternoon tea reception to include presentations from Leo Hansen, AIA; Margaret Kaywell, ASID; and Shelley Siegel, FASID on renovations to Henry Flagler’s first winter residence in Palm Beach and on Ivy Stranahan and her beloved home. A silent auction of exquisite “Florida Living” table settings and tours of the historic home will round out the afternoon’s activities. Proceeds from the event will benefit ASID students in emerging professional programs. Tickets are $50 and reservations must be made by March 5 by calling (954) 524-4736.
An Intimate Evening with Dudu Fisher
Wednesday, March 14; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Best known for his national PBS hit In Concert for Israel, and throughout the world for his stirring performance as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables on Broadway, Dudu Fisher returns to the Broward Center with two shows. Fisher will take the audience on an inspired journey showcasing his most famous and beloved repertoire with stories that celebrate the communities from where these songs were born.
Venetian Arts Society
Thursday, March 15, 7 p.m.; Stranahan House Museum
“From a woman’s perspective”-this evening will include a concert featuring Karina Igelesis, and champagne and dessert reception. For more information and reservations, call (954) 524-4736.
Young Artist Music Series featuring Palm Beach Opera
Thursday, March 15, 7 p.m.; Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
Some of South Florida’s finest young talent will be performing at Bonnet House’s Young Artist Series. Concerts will take place on the beautiful Bonnet House estate with wine, canapés, coffee and dessert included in the price. Tickets start at $35. RSVP to (954) 653-1553 or www.bonnethouse.org.
Denyce Graves
Friday, March 16, 6 p.m.; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Denyce Graves has performed across all four continents in the world’s famed opera houses and concert halls. Her expressive and rich vocalism, elegant stage presence and exciting theatrical performances have led to worldwide popular and critical acclaim. Graves is joined by Louis Salemno on piano.
The Art of Wine and Food Series
Friday, March 16, 6 – 7:30 p.m.; Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale
Host Stephanie Miskew, a certified Sommelier and author of the stylist food blog The Glamorous Gourmet, takes guests on a delicious and exciting tour of fine wines and the tasty foods that go with them. $35 per person. Reservations are required. RSVP to Gail Vilone at gvilone@moafl.org or 954-262-0249. Seating is limited!
Bonnet House Orchid Class – Diagnosing Orchids
Saturday, March 17, 10 a.m. – Noon; Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
This informative and enjoyable class will assist both novice and expert gardeners in identifying pests and diseases and successfully growing and maintaining orchids. For more information call (954) 703-2606 or emaillindaschaller@bonnethouse.org.
Lord of the Dance
Saturday, March 17, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance brings high octane Celtic dance and music to the Broward Center. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary tour with fresh new choreography, music and performers, Flatley’s Lord of the Danceis poised to captivate a whole new generation of fans and reconnect with core followers. With a dramatic storyline based upon mythical Irish folklore, audiences enjoy precision dancing, dramatic music, colorful costumes and state-of-the-art staging and lighting.
Story Time for Families
Saturday, March 18, 1 – 2 p.m.; Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale
Medieval and Renaissance stories are featured in this presentation presented in conjunction with the exhibitionOffering 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, contact Holly Giuliano at 954-262-0241 or hgiuliano@moafl.org.
Jojo Capece, All Roads Lead to Rome
Sunday, March 18, 3 p.m.; Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale
With an artist’s eye to describe the beauty and culture of Italy, Jojo Capece chronicles an unforgettable tale of American expatriate Bébé Deverton. Rome burns with passion and Capece’s tale sizzles with facts, imagination and a top-notch plot that transports the reader into the splendor and vortex of the Eternal City. FREE and open to the public. RSVP to Sally Glenn at sg841@moafl.org or call or (954) 262-0202.
President Bill Clinton: Embracing Our Common Humanity
Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 p.m.; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
President Clinton served the U.S. for eight years during a time of unprecedented prosperity and change. Now, President Clinton is a powerful voice for progress around the world as he shares his unique insights and observations with audiences across the globe. President Clinton’s public speeches describe the challenge of globalization, emphasize our growing interdependence, and point the way toward a common future based on shared goals and values.
Collecting Old Master Paintings
Thursday, March 22, 6 – 7 p.m.; Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale
Christopher Apostle, senior vice president and director of Old Master Paintings at Sotheby’s auction house, speaks about the trials and triumphs of Collecting Old Master Paintings. Tickets are $5 for Museum members and $10 for non-members. To RSVP, contact Shelley Edwards at (954) 262-0221 or email shelley.edwards@moafl.org.
Miami City Ballet presents Program IV: Coppelia
Friday, March 23 – Sunday, March 25, matinee and evening performances; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
The charm and humor of this classic romantic comedy, plus the sheer joy of Delibes’ score, have kept Coppelia in the repertory ever since it Paris premiere in 1870. Franz loves Swanilda-except when he has eyes for Coppelia, who turns out to be a mechanical doll!
Walter Isaacson: Steve Jobs
Friday, March 23, 7:30 p.m.; Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale
Essayist and author Walter Isaacson has received enormous attention for his new book, Steve Jobs. Isaacson interviewed friends, family and adversaries of Jobs – as well as Steve Jobs, himself, before the Apple CEO’s death in October 2011. This special presentation will be by ticket that is available for $10. That ticket can be redeemed for a $10 coupon that can be used to purchase either the Steve Jobs book or any book at Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale’s Books & Books. RSVP is required. RSVP to Sally Glenn at sg841@moafl.org or calling (954) 262-0202.
Gardening for Birds & Butterflies
Saturday, March 24, 9 a.m. – Noon; Bonnet House Museum & Gardens
This class with Paddy Cunningham, environmental educator, will help identify plants that can help attract and sustain birds and butterflies. Classes are limited to 25 people and reservations are necessary. For more information call (954) 703-2606 or email lindaschaller@bonnethouse.org.
Paul Winick: Cancer Dreams
Saturday, March 24, 3 p.m.; Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale
Local legend and author Paul Winick discusses his recent book, which is a story, told by a pediatrician, of his wife’s battle with breast cancer. Filled with drama, dreams, discovery, and ultimately with hope, Winick weaves a tale that captivates as it teaches. FREE and open to the public. RSVP to Sally Glenn at sg841@moafl.org or (954) 262-0202.
Sunday Storytelling Series: Willy Claflin
Sunday, March 25, 1 – 2 p.m.; Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale
Musician and storyteller Willy Claflin spins yarns and tells tales for this storytelling hour presented by the Broward County Library One World/Many Stories program. Free and open to the public.
Symphony of the Americas presents Broadway Goes to the Movies
Tuesday, March 27, 8:15 p.m.; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
An orchestral journey spanning the continent from New York to Hollywood with movie clips of stage and screen-featuring music from Chicago, Wicked, Evita, Star Wars, Grease, Harry Potter, Camelot and more.
Jerry Seinfeld
Saturday, March 31, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.; Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Due to popular demand, America’s premier comedian is hitting the road in a return to his first love-stand-up comedy. Hailed as “the master stand-up comic of his generation” and “the best comedian of our time” in a Washington Postarticle by Tom Shales, Seinfeld has an uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere.
The 15th Annual New Times “Original” Beerfest
Saturday, March 31, 6 – 11 p.m.; Huizenga Plaza
Beerfest is the oldest and largest in the area, offers guests craft beer, live music, televised basketball games, good food, and great times. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Children’s Starlight Foundation. Tickets cost $30 each prepaid online at NewTimesBeerfest.com or $40 at the door. Limited VIP tickets are available for $65 prepaid online or $75 at the door. Tickets for both general admission and VIP are limited, and restricted to those aged 21 and up.
