The OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Spring Edition - The Bi-Annual Event That Offers Visionary Perspectives On Diversity, Equality And Tolerance South Florida Sun Times Apr 3, 2025 Save The Dates From April 17th – May 4th For The Return Of The OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Spring Edition! Internationally Acclaimed As One Of The Largest LGBTQ+ Cultural Festivals In The World, This Season’s OUTshine Line-Up Hits Miami-Dade And Broward Counties With Thought-Provoking, Inspiring, Entertaining And Educational Star-Studded Features, Documentaries And Shorts Including Premieres From 20 Countries. “With more than 40 feature films and over 20 short films representing the filmmaking community worldwide, we have something for everyone,” said Allen Martello, Executive Director, OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival. “Last fall, we received overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding regionally connecting our bi-annual showings and special events. And this year, we’re returning with even more star-studded reasons to celebrate diversity and creativity in cinema. From our critically acclaimed opening film to other festival winners to our closing feel-good comedy, we invite our LGBTQ+ audiences and allies to come together in celebration of the triumph of the human spirit.” On Swift Horses, USA, 2025 will open the spring festival on Thursday, April 17th at 7:00 p.m., at Regal Cinemas South Beach, located at 1120 Lincoln Road Mall, Miami Beach, Florida 33139. Set in the 1950’s, this gorgeous adaptation of Shannon Pufahl’s 2019 novel follows a seemingly sensible newlywed Muriel, Daisy Edgar-Jones and her wayward brother-in-law, Jacob Elordi as they undertake parallel journeys of risk, romance and self-discovery. Directed by Daniel Minahan, the film also stars Will Poulter and Diego Calva. An afterparty at The Rum Room will take place immediately following the screening. The following evening places the focus on Latin filmmaking with the Noche Latina East Coast premiere of Fine Young Men, Hombres Integros, Mexico, 2024 at 7:15 p.m. at Regal Cinemas South Beach. Directed by Alejandro Andrade Pease, this coming-of-age drama about identity follows Alf, a student at a strict Catholic school, who finds himself drawn to Oliver, a charismatic new classmate. As their bond deepens, Alf distances himself from his longtime friends. However, when faced with peer pressure and societal expectations, he betrays Oliver in a desperate attempt to assert his masculinity. An afterparty at Twisted Tonic Rooftop with light bites and an open bar will follow the screening. This edition, OUTshine has expanded its Men’s and Ladies Spotlight Films to both counties. On April 19th, the Ladies Spotlight Sisters, Canada, 2024, a heartfelt tale of love, identity, belonging and the Men’s Spotlight North American premiere of Streets of Gloria, Ruas da Gloria, Brazil, 2024, a bold, sultry exploration of love and desire, set against the vibrant yet unforgiving backdrop of Rio’s nightlife, will screen beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Regal Cinemas South Beach. The afterparty for both will follow at The Greystone Hotel. On April 26th, Hot Milk, United Kingdom, 2025, an emotional family drama set amidst picturesque Almería, Spain, will screen for the ladies and Midas Man, United Kingdom, 2024, starring Jacob Fortune-Lloyd as Brian Epstein, the visionary who shaped music history by launching The Beatles' meteoric rise, will screen for the men beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Paradigm Cinemas: Gateway Fort Lauderdale 1820 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. Afterparties will take place at neighboring hotspots The Well and LIT. On April 23rd, OUTshine presents its South Florida Shorts Showcase with a special Cocktails & Cinema™ reception at 7:00 p.m. at O Cinema South Beach, located at 1130 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139. This bi-annual showing celebrates South Florida filmmakers - from students to seasoned veterans of the industry. This is a combination of queer filmmakers making queer films, queer people behind the camera and queer actors from South Florida. There will be a Q&A with filmmakers, cast and crew after the screenings plus a Tito’s Vodka open bar afterparty. Accidental Friends, Amici Per Caso, Italy, 2024, takes the focus as both an international premiere and this season’s Centerpiece Film screening at 7:30 p.m. on April 24th at Regal Dania Pointe, located at 128 Sunset Drive, Dania Beach, Florida 33004. In this Odd Couple-style comedy, two roommates with contrasting lifestyles, must cohabitate despite their differences. Omero's sexual orientation fuels Pietro's homophobia, leading to conflicts. Over time, they learn to understand and appreciate each other beyond prejudice. The film is directed by Max Nardari. An afterparty will follow at Bowlero, also at Dania Pointe. “Now, more than ever, it’s important for us to share the cinematic stories, stars and directors whose creative visions urge us to embrace our differences and foster a sense of unity and belonging,” said Joe Bilancio, Director of Programming, OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival. “We have meticulously curated a glowing roster of award-winning LGBTQ+ films and we’re thrilled to host several premieres that offer thought-provoking viewpoints, dramatic emotional escapes, eye-opening documentaries and situational comedies that promote tolerance, equality, understanding and empathy.” Capitalizing on that sentiment, OUTshine is proud to present the world premiere of the documentary Latter-Day Glory: The Aftermath of Growing Up Queer in the LDS Church, USA, 2025. Directors Brandon Deyette and Chucho E. Quintero follow two queer ex-Mormon missionaries embarking on a transformative journey across America, uncovering the devastating effects of religious dogma on LGBTQ+ members of the LDS Church. This season’s North American premieres include the dramatic thriller Queerpanorama, USA/Hong Kong/China, 2025, Becoming Ana, La Mitad de Ana, Spain, 2024, an intimate, honest portrait of a mother and child seeking to recognize themselves and each other; To Live, To Die, To Live Again, Vivre Mourir Renaitre, France, 2024, a love triangle shattered by the emergence of the AIDS crisis in the ‘90s; Blue For A Boy, Azul de Nino, Spain, 2024, the dramatic uncovering of an expected affair; Some Nights I Feel Like Walking, Mõnel õhtul tahaksin jalutada, Philippines/Italy/Singapore, 2025 and All For One, France/Belgium, 2025, a queer, feminist retelling of The Three Musketeers following four women tasked with protecting the Queen of France. Other premieres include the first U.S showings of Who Wants To Marry An Astronaut?, Argentina, 2024 and A Night Like This, United Kingdom, 2025 and the first East Coast runs of The Big Johnson, USA, 2025, a documentary chronicling the life of Dean Johnson – trailblazing drag queen, rock star, LGBTQI activist, junkie, genius, escort then John Doe; John Cranko, Germany, 2024, starring Sam Riley, a dance-infused tribute biopic to the virtuoso choreographer and Odd Fish, Iceland, 2024, an endearing dramedy testing the limits of friendship and transformational acceptance. An April 27th Drag Brunch, themed after the cult film To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar will take place at The Well and later that evening will be the closing night in-person film Four Mothers, Ireland/United Kingdom, 2024, at Savor Cinema, located at 503 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. Savor Cinema specializes in foreign, American independent and retrospective films, but also periodically holds live theater performances. It has even gone far back enough to its roots where it has hosted wedding services. The film was Directed by Darren Thorton, this comedy centers on a shy, commitment-phobic gay novelist living with his elderly mother. When his friends take off for PRIDE weekend, he finds himself caring for four eccentric, combative and wildly different women in this hysterical and possibly too-close-to home charmer. The awards night soiree will immediately follow. OUTshine At-Home viewing will be available from April 28th – May 4th. OUTrageous, OUTspoken and OUTstanding, this year’s OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival fall edition is Presented by Gilead. The Premiere sponsor is Comcast with Grand sponsors Delta, Google and HotSpots! Happening Out. AHF, FastPrintz and Titos are Major sponsors and Axel South Beach, Hotel Greystone, Twist South Beach, Wilton River Suites, Lexi Goza/State Farm, the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce are Supporting sponsors. Media partners include CultureOwl, Bulletin, #ILoveGayMovies, EDGE Media Network, Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald, OUT SFL, Miami New Times, OutClique, QueerGuru, Skirt SoFlo, WIREMAG, Tampa Bay Gay, Mochee Digital Media, Luminary Catalyst and GPR | Goodman Public Relations. Screening support is provided by The Well, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and Planet Printer. Ticket subscription packages and individual tickets starting at $15 go on sale March 28th. OUTshine passholders and Producer Circle members receive priority advance ticket purchase opportunities. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: https://outshinefilm.com . About OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival The OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival, celebrating its 43rd edition, is a bi-annual film festival with a mission to inspire, entertain, and educate; encouraging a sense of community through international and culturally diverse film, video and other media that offer historical, contemporary and entertaining perspectives on the LGBTQ+ experience. Launched separately - in 1998, as The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, and in 2008, as the Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival - both were brought together under one brand to become OUTshine Film Festival, underscoring its brightness, broad appeal and dynamic multicultural locations, the nonprofit festival is critically and internationally acclaimed as one of the largest LGBTQ+ cultural arts happenings in the world. OUTrageous. OUTspoken. And OUTstanding in what we deliver. For more information and tickets, visit: https://outshinefilm.com - And follow us on Facebook @OUTshineFilmFestival, on Twitter: @OUTshineFilm. And on Instagram: @OUTshineFilm. Previous Next

5 Bad Money Habits Hurting Your Financial Future Wed Oct 18 2023 16:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Hallandale Beach Food & Groove Is Back: Gulfstream Park to Host Hallandale Beach Food & Groove: A Wine, Food and Art Experience, Part of SOBEWFF, on Feb 25 Thu Feb 16 2023 17:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Secret Sculptures - 2 Hidden Art Gems In Florida Earn National Recognition South Florida Sun Times Jul 10, 2025 From The Getty Center’s Sun-Soaked Grandeur To The Surreal Spires Of Watts Towers And The Minimalist Monoliths Of Marfa, Texas, America Isn’t Short On Artistic Landmarks That Regularly Grace Instagram Feeds And Coffee Table Books. But Venture A Little Further Off The Map, And You’ll Find A Weirder, Wilder Layer Of Creativity That Rarely Makes The Travel Guides - Installations Born Of Passion, Obsession, And In Some Cases, Fruit. Rivers Art, a premium fine‑art printing provider, surveyed 3,002 art lovers to weigh in on which lesser-known landmarks they most want to experience in person. The result? A kaleidoscope of oddball, awe-inspiring, and deeply local art destinations - each one telling a story of place, purpose, and the strange joy of stumbling upon something unforgettable. The top 10 nationally were as follows: #1. Kakaʻako Street Art, Honolulu, Oʻahu, Hawaii The industrial neighborhood of Kakaʻako has become an open-air gallery, with massive murals and sculptural street art appearing on warehouses, stairwells, and sidewalks. Thanks to POW! WOW! Hawaiʻi, a local branch of the international POW! WOW! Worldwide collective, artists from around the world have added bold, modern layers to the area. Look closely and you’ll spot sculpted birds in flight, mosaic walls, and abstract installations tucked between food trucks and storefronts—urban art that pulses with island energy. #2. Coral Castle, Homestead, Florida Built single-handedly over decades by a Latvian immigrant using hand tools and sheer determination, Coral Castle remains one of Florida’s most mysterious and poetic landmarks. The massive limestone blocks form a whimsical fortress: rocking chairs carved from stone, a sundial, a heart-shaped table. Some say it was built for lost love. Others think it’s just eccentric genius. Either way, it stands quietly defying explanation. #3. Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle, Washington Stretching from downtown to the water’s edge, Olympic Sculpture Park is a rare piece of public space where art, skyline, and Puget Sound converge. Massive works like Alexander Calder’s Eagle stand boldly against views of the Olympic Mountains, while subtler pieces - rusted steel waves, minimalist benches, native plant installations—draw viewers into quiet contemplation. The park’s layout feels like a slow unfolding: each turn reveals something unexpected. It’s not fenced in or ticketed. It simply exists as part of the city’s breath. #4. Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau Wooden Carvings, Big Island, Hawaii At this sacred site on the Kona coast, traditional Hawaiian ki‘i (wooden guardian figures) stand watch over lava rock and tide pools. They’re not art in the Western sense—they’re spiritual protectors, deeply rooted in culture and place. But their forms—weathered, stylized, expressive—are strikingly sculptural. Seen against the black rock and blue sea, they’re haunting reminders that art can be protective, powerful, and alive with meaning. #5. Beale Street Brass Notes Walk of Fame, Memphis, Tennessee Embedded along the sidewalks of historic Beale Street are hundreds of brass music notes, each engraved with the name of a Memphis music legend—everyone from B.B. King to lesser-known blues pioneers. While not sculptures in the traditional sense, these shining inlays form a walking installation that pays tribute to the city’s rhythm and roots. Lit by neon and accompanied by street musicians, the brass notes become more than a monument—they become part of the music still being made. #6. Music Box Village, New Orleans, Louisiana Tucked along the levee in New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood, the Music Box Village is a sculptural playground of playable shacks and sound sculptures. Created by artist collective New Orleans Airlift, it’s part architectural experiment, part interactive music venue. Visitors can walk through and touch the walls to trigger sounds, or attend performances where musicians turn buildings into instruments. It’s inventive, kinetic, and totally rooted in the city’s creative spirit. #7. Wild Blueberry Land, Columbia Falls, Maine Yes, it’s real. This bright blue geodesic dome off Route 1 doubles as a bakery, shop, and interactive sculpture celebrating the state's blueberry obsession. Surrounded by fruit-themed sculptures, from giant pies to oversized berries, it leans fully into roadside Americana with a wink. The whole thing is homemade, hyper-specific, and full of color—a folk-art fantasia born of fruit and imagination. #8. Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky, Raleigh, North Carolina Tucked within a quiet grove in Raleigh’s Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park, Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky invites visitors into a contemplative space where art and nature converge. Designed by British artist Chris Drury, this earthen, dome-shaped structure functions as a camera obscura. Upon entering, a small aperture in the roof projects the sky, clouds, and surrounding treetops onto the interior walls, creating a live, inverted panorama. This fusion of ancient optical technology and natural elements offers a meditative experience, connecting viewers to the environment in an intimate and ever-changing display. #9. The Whale Bone Arch, Barrow (Utqiaġvik), Alaska Standing at the edge of the Arctic Ocean, the massive whale jawbones forming this arch aren’t part of a traditional sculpture garden, but they hold deep meaning. Raised by Iñupiat whalers, it marks the community’s connection to the land, sea, and subsistence traditions. There’s no sign, no explanation—just the arch, some driftwood benches, and endless ice-blue horizon. It’s stark, poetic, and profoundly tied to the rhythms of life in the far north. #10. Sun Tunnels, Great Basin Desert, Utah Out on the salt flats, where the horizon stretches forever, Nancy Holt’s Sun Tunnels rest in quiet alignment. These four massive concrete cylinders are more than sculptures—they’re instruments of time and light. Aligned with the solstices, they frame the rising and setting sun on specific days each year, connecting human design to celestial rhythm. Even on ordinary days, the experience is profound: crawling inside the tunnels, watching the light shift through their circular openings, the line between land art and sacred geometry begins to blur. One more of the most coveted "off-the-radar" artistic landmarks in America is in Florida: #35. Whimzeyland - Safety Harbor Tucked into a quiet residential street, Whimzeyland explodes with color and chaos. Covered in bottle caps, bowling balls, mosaics, and painted plywood, this kaleidoscopic home and yard is the life’s work of artists Todd Ramquist and Kiaralinda. It’s less a sculpture than a living environment-joyfully uncurated, unapologetically weird. Tourists find it by word of mouth, and locals just call it “The Whimzey House.” It’s Florida kitsch elevated to folk-art spectacle. “What we found is that people are drawn to art that feels personal - sometimes strange, sometimes sacred, but always rooted in place,” says Tony Gilbert of Rivers Art. “These aren’t just photo ops. They’re markers of memory, community, and imagination. And in many cases, they say more about who we are than the famous landmarks ever could.” To read more about these Hiden Art Gems visit: https://www.riverswallart.com/blogs/art-surveys/coolest-public-art-displays-united-states Previous Next

MLK Hallandale Beach Is Rich In History Thu Jan 11 2024 17:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Month To Remember At The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center South Florida Sun Times Sep 24, 2025 October Brings An Exciting Lineup Of Music, Dance, Theater And More To The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, Offering Something For Everyone. From Tributes To Legendary Performers And World-Class Ballet To Powerful Concerts And Halloween Thrills, The Month’s Programming Highlights The Diverse Artistry That Has Made The Venue A Cultural Gem In South Florida For 15 Years. Hayden Greyson presents Doctor My Eyes - A Tribute to Jackson Browne on Friday, October 10th at 8:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Don’t miss the world's most passionate salute to the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer with a lead singer who not only looks like Jackson Browne did in the '70s but sounds and emotes just like Browne. Audience toes will tap into earthshaking hits including “Doctor My Eyes,” “The Pretender,” “Running on Empty,” “Here Come Those Tears Again,” “Somebody's Baby, Take It Easy,” “That Girl Could Sing,” “Tender is the Night,” “Stay” and more, and hearts will melt to beloved ballads like “Late for the Sky.” Doctor My Eyes – A Tribute to Jackson Browne includes a full all-star band with a Latin Grammy-winning producer, harmony vocals a la Rosemary Butler and Bonnie Raitt, and the sounds of the lap steel and slide guitar made famous by David Lindley. Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida opens its 2025-2026 Season with a dynamic evening of classical and neoclassical works, ABT Program I: Firebird - Classical and Neoclassical Ballets on Saturday, October 11th at 7:30 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. The program begins with “Glinka Suite Fantastique” by Vladimir Issaev, a stylish neoclassical piece for a small ensemble that showcases technical brilliance and musicality. Next is the elegant “Talisman Pas de Deux,” a classical gem set in mythological India, followed by Vicente Nebrada’s vibrant “Double Clef,” where 13 couples — each representing a different musical instrument or orchestra section — bring Benjamin Britten’s score to life. The evening culminates with Issaev’s spectacular “Firebird,” a magical tale of love and triumph set to Stravinsky’s thrilling music. Featuring dazzling costumes, new sets and special effects, Firebird is a feast for the senses and a triumphant finale to a remarkable performance. This performance also features a free 30-minute pre-show discussion for all patrons inside the theater. VIP tickets are also available for this show, which include preferred seating and one drink voucher per ticket. Arts Ballet Theatre maintains a very strict late seating policy. Please arrive early as latecomers will not be admitted until intermission. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center continues its 15th Anniversary Season with CELIA CRUZ 100: Migguel Anggelo’s ICONS, a dazzling tribute to one of the most iconic voices in music history, the incomparable Celia Cruz, in the year and month of her 100th 'celestial' birthday. Brooklyn and Miami-based interdisciplinary artist Migguel Anggelo will ignite the stage with this celebration of the “Queen of Salsa” whose music and spirit continue to inspire generations. Directed and developed by Adrian Alea and led by musical director Jaime Lozano, the evening bursts to life with an all-star lineup of live musicians and dancers, and "local legends." These cameos include Robmariel Olea, dancers from Rosie Herrera Dance Theater, and Miami-based drag legends Adora and Ebonee Excell. CELIA CRUZ 100: Migguel Anggelo’s ICONS will pay tribute through community celebration, exploring themes of Latin cultural identity, resilience and the transformative power of music. Miami International Piano Festival opens its new season at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center with Concerto Night featuring three acclaimed pianists and conducted by Igor Gruppman on Sunday, October 19th at 5:00 p.m. The program features Dmitry Ablogin performing Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21, Ilya Itin performing Beethoven Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58 and Alexander Gavrylyuk performing Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16. Get in the spooky spirit just in time for Halloween with this one-man show as Joshua Kane performs: Gothic at Midnight: An Evening of Hilarity and Horror!, presented by the City of Aventura, on Friday, October 24th at 7:00 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. The Demons of Darkness have come to Aventura for an evening of ghostly and ghastly tales. Experience a roller coaster ride of terror and laughter as New York City-based actor Joshua Kane populates the stage with unforgettable characters. Inspired by the old-time radio dramas of Orson Welles and Vincent Price, Kane bewitches audiences with a devilish sense of fun and whimsy. Drawing from the works of Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Dickens, Ambrose Bierce and other classic creepsters, Kane "amuses you with his antics, frightens you with his intensity and charms you with his tales of the fantastic," according to the Charleston City Paper. This show is recommended for audiences ages 10 and older. Back by popular demand, Debbie Taylor and her seven-piece band bring “It’s Yesterday Once More” with the unforgettable, exquisite music of The Carpenters when Debbie Taylor and Paul Stewart present Top of the World: A Carpenters Tribute featuring Debbie Taylor in this return engagement at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on Saturday, October 25th at 8:00 p.m. This very talented and accomplished group of musicians brings to life the most authentic versions of the songs. The warmth and tone of Taylor’s vocals are so reminiscent of Karen Carpenter, audiences will think they're listening to Karen herself. The ensemble performs many memorable hits including "We've Only Just Begun," "Close to You" and "Rainy Days and Mondays" and is a must see for any and all Carpenters fans. This show sold out seven times since 2017, only missing 2020 due to the pandemic. Tickets to all shows are on sale now. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org - By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-Square-Foot, 330-Seat Waterfront Complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages. Previous Next

4th of July Fireworks Celebrations Thu Jul 01 2021 04:07:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Zumba & Yoga At Founders Park: Connect With Your Body & Neighbors In 2024 Fri Jan 26 2024 17:09:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Celebrating The 15th Anniversary Season With A Stellar Lineup And A Legacy Of Impact Aventura Digest Sep 5, 2025 The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center Kicks Off Its 15th Anniversary Season, Celebrating A Legacy Of Enriching The Vibrant Community Of Aventura, Known As The City Of Excellence. During This Milestone Year, The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center Will Continue To Elevate The Community’s Cultural, Educational And Artistic Landscape With A Season Filled With Exciting, Unforgettable Moments In One Of The City’s Most Cherished Spaces. “We’re incredibly proud to celebrate 15 years of serving South Florida,” said Jeff Kiltie, General Manager of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. “This season is not only a celebration of world-class performances and returning favorites, but also a tribute to the people who have supported us — our audiences, artists, volunteers and staff. We are excited to celebrate another fantastic season of excellence with the community.” Historic Highlights In July 2010, Avi Hoffman’s “Too Jewish?” was the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center’s inaugural performance on stage, which established the theater as a cultural cornerstone in South Florida. This season, Hoffman returns to celebrate this anniversary year with “Too Jewish?” on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 and “Still Too Jewish After All These Years” on Thursday, March 5th, 2026. Throughout the years, the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center has hosted some of the most recognizable entertainers in the world. The theater celebrated its official grand opening on October 23, 2010, with the incomparable Patti LuPone and then on October 23, 2015 celebrated the 5 Anniversary with Bernadette Peters. Among others who have graced the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center stage were Rod Stewart, Art Garfunkel, George Winston, Nestor Torres, Mandy Patinkin, Linda Eder, Melissa Manchester and more and comedians Robert Klein, Andrew Dice Clay and Elon Gold, among others. “The biggest growth we have seen over the years is the increase in rental activity,” Kiltie said. “Each season we attract more and more artists and companies who want to perform on our stage. In the inaugural season, rentals accounted for 23% of the overall programming. In the last two seasons rentals have accounted for 50 to 60% of the overall programming.” Over the last 15 years, the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center has broadened its audience, deepened community engagement, strengthened its economic impact, entertained patrons and provided opportunities for more than 100,000 students that includes educational programming, recitals, camps and school and family events. Since 2010, the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center has hosted a summer theatre camp, run by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and The Performance Project School of the Arts, attended by more than 2,800 campers. In addition, the more than 200 ushers who volunteer at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center have logged more than 55,000 hours. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center has had a significant economic impact on the region. In 15 years, more than 375,000 guests, who also visited local hotels, restaurants and shops, attended 1,925 performances, generating more than $11 Million in ticket sales and supporting local jobs in security, valet services, janitorial staff, technical production and more. In addition, hundreds of hotel rooms were booked for guest artists. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is also a gathering place for the community with festivals, Holocaust remembrance events, Veterans Day celebrations, corporate events, MMA exhibitions and even gymnastics recitals. In keeping with its mission to serve all members of the community, the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center has also presented sensory-friendly performances and 10 non-English language productions in Spanish, French, Arabic, Turkish and Haitian Creole. The annual Aventura International Film Series has screened 97 international films since its inception in 2010, showcasing cinema from around the globe. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center has also made a lasting impact through its partnerships with the Aventura City of Excellence School and Don Soffer Aventura High School, among others, and additional local community organizations, creating opportunities for arts education, student performances, summer camps and community collaborations that enrich the cultural fabric of the region. Tickets to all anniversary season shows are on sale now. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org - By phone at: 1 (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: 954.660.6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-Square-Foot, 330-Seat Waterfront Complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages. Previous Next

Laser Lights & Pixie Dust: July Shimmers At The Broward Center For The Performing Arts Thu Jun 13 2024 16:13:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A New Year, A New Beginning: Don't Start Off On The Wrong Foot by Making Excuses Bryan Golden December 22, 2022 Share The New Year is a time of resolutions. It's a time when people commit to making a change in their life. Losing weight, changing jobs, saving money, making money, a new relationship, getting in shape, going back to school, or giving up smoking, are just some of the goals people set for themselves on January 1st. Although it's possible for anyone to make a change or a new start, it takes determination, commitment and persistence. A new goal must be your own. You have to really want it. Without a burning desire, your motivation will fade quickly. It's virtually impossible to make a change due to external pressure. You may agree to what someone else wants you to do, but it's very difficult to succeed without an internal drive. So, in order to successfully make a change or reach a goal, you have to make sure it's what you really want. Don't start off on the wrong foot by making excuses as to why you will probably fail. If you don't truly believe you can do it, you won't. People who do this will say something like, "I'll try to do it, but …” Or you may hear, "I tried before and it didn't work but I'll give it another go." Before you begin, make sure the only things you are telling yourself are, "I can," "I will" and "I will do whatever it takes." A new beginning is a three-step process. You have to first know what you want, formulate a plan to achieve it and then take the necessary action to get it. Setting a specific goal is essential. The more detailed the better. If you want to lose weight, how much and by when? If you want a new job, what will it be and how much will it pay? If you want to save money, how much and how often? Next, you need a plan. Just like your goal, your plan must be as detailed as possible. If you are going to lose weight, what will be on your menu each week? Are you going to go on a specific diet, cut out certain foods, or just eat less? For finding a new job, what will be your strategy? Do you need a new resume? Will you look on line, in the classifieds, use an employment agency, network, cold call, or all of these? If you want to save more money, in what areas will you cut back? Do you know where your money is going? Have you created a budget? You want your plan to be doable. The smaller the steps are, the more likely you will be to succeed. Any time you feel a step is too big, break it down further. It doesn't matter how small each step is so long as you keep going and never give up. Losing 20 pounds may feel overwhelming, but dropping two pounds a month doesn't seem too bad. If you keep at it for 10 months, you will reach your goal. Saving $3000 might appear beyond reach, but cutting back $9 a day on family spending is manageable. Finally, you must take action. The best goals and greatest plans will go nowhere without action. The reason you divided your plan into small sections is so it would be easy to take action, one day at a time. All you have to do is keep going, until you achieve your goal. Bryan is the author of "Dare to Live Without Limits." Contact Bryan at: Bryan@columnist.com or visit: www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com < Previous News Next News >

“Bridge The Gap” Basketball Game - Strengthening The Relationships Between Youth And Law Enforcement South Florida Sun Times Aug 6, 2026 The YMCA Of South Florida Recently Hosted The 14th Annual “Bridge The Gap,” A Friendly Basketball Game With Teen Campers And Local Law Enforcement Officers From The City Of Fort Lauderdale And Broward Sheriff’s Office At The L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center’s Gym In Fort Lauderdale. Congresswoman Dr. Rosalind Osgood And Baltimore Ravens Wide Receiver Zay Flowers, Who Played In “Bridge The Gap” Games In His Youth, Spoke At The Game. The Annual “Bridge the Gap” basketball game creates positive interactions, helping local youth interact with law enforcement officers as mentors, allies and community partners. It is also an opportunity for officers to connect with residents on a personal level and build trust, understanding and mutual respect. Over the years, participants have developed genuine connections with officers who regularly patrol their neighborhoods. When positive relationships are established, communities have often experienced increased cooperation, improved communication and a reduction in youth-related crime. Several teens who played in the “Bridge the Gap Basketball Game” over the years, including NFL players Brian Burns and Flowers, have gone on to achieve success both academically and athletically. Their continued success serves as an inspiration to current participants and demonstrates the long-term impact of positive community engagement opportunities. About the YMCA of South Florida For more than a century, the YMCA has been woven into the fabric of the South Florida community. As an award-winning NonProfit, the Y is committed to strengthening community through more than 200 programs serving everyone from six months old to 100 years young. Our Family Centers and programs are inclusive, vibrant hubs of community life, offering a diverse array of classes, cutting-edge fitness facilities, life-saving aquatics, exciting community events, unforgettable camps, supportive afterschool care, and holistic health and wellness programming. At the Y, there’s something for everyone. Join the movement by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or: https://YMCASouthFlorida.org . Law enforcement officers from City of Fort Lauderdale Police, Broward Sheriff’s Office and teen campers pose for a group photo. Sharon Hughes, YMCA of South Florida’s Family & Youth Resource Director and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers Teen campers and City of Fort Lauderdale Police officers discuss strategy before the game begins Previous Next