Simple, Sweet Energy Bites Wed Dec 20 2023 05:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Tracy Jones Makes Its Debut: A New Comedy About Friendship, Connection And Chicken Wings April 13, 2023 Share It’s Tracy Jones and Tracy Jones and Tracy Jones! In Island City Stage’s newest comedy production, Tracy Jones by Stephen Kaplan, the lonely eponymous character throws a party inviting every other woman with the same name to join her for chicken wings and beer! Part of National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere in three different cities, this touching story of individual connection in an increasingly complicated world hits the South Florida stage from Thursday, May 18th, 2023 – Sunday, June 18th, 2023. “We're thrilled to showcase this hilarious new comedy. When I first read Tracy Jones, I instantly related to its four misfit characters all searching for true personal connections,” said Andy Rogow, Artistic Director of Island City Stage. “It’s an especially meaningful play in a world filled with zoom meetings and cocooning at home. In a bizarre moment of life imitating art, a recent New York Times article documented a party created in Brooklyn for all individuals named Ryan – and no one showed up! This is truly a play that will appeal to all audiences.” Tracy Jones is having a major life crisis. Her job at the bank is taking her nowhere, her panic attacks are getting worse and having such a common name is giving her an identity crisis. With everything spiraling out of control around her, it’s time to find something she can take control of. That’s when it hits her; she’s going to throw a party to celebrate every woman named Tracy Jones. After an extensive marketing campaign that included tracking down others by the same name, posters and a Facebook event, the party is finally here. The Funtime Party Zone at the Jones Street Bar & Grill is all set up and Tracy is eagerly awaiting her guests. Stephen Kaplan is an Award-Winning Playwright with productions off-Broadway and in regional theaters, nationally. Tracy Jones is a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere playing simultaneously at Williamston Theatre in Williamston, Michigan and CenterStage in Rochester, New York, in addition to Island City Stage in Wilton Manors, Florida. It was a Chameleon Theatre Winner and a finalist for B Street Theatre’s New Comedies Festival and for the ScreenCraft Stage Play Contest and the Trustus Playwrights Festival. It was one of two chosen for a developmental reading at Chameleon Theatre, Minnesota. Directed by Rogow and Co-Produced by Raymond Griffis and Mark Tews, Tracy Jones stars returning Island City performers: Niki Fridh as the lead Tracy, Matthew Buffalo, Irene Adjan and Sara Grant. Niki Fridh is a Six-Time Nominated and Two-Time Carbonell Award Winner and a Four-Time Recipient of the Silver Palm Award. Most recently, she was seen in August: Osage County and Almost, Maine (Palm Beach Dramaworks). Other memorable appearances include To Fall in Love, Most Wanted and The Revolutionists (Theatre Lab), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Trust (Zoetic Stage), Grounded and Vita & (Thinking Cap Theatre), White Rabbit Red Rabbit (Urbanite Theatre), The Book Club Play (Actors’ Playhouse), Summer Shorts 2014 (City Theatre) and Shorts Gone Wild 1, 2 and 3, also at Island City Stage. Matthew Buffalo was last seen as Miss West Coast in Island City Stage’s opening season production of Pageant and in Buyer & Cellar. His credits include the national tours of Fosse and Spirit of the Dance, plus many regional theater roles including Anything Goes (The Wick Theatre). Irene Adjan is a 12-Time Carbonell Award Nominee and Three-Time Winner. She will make her Island City Stage debut in Tracy Jones. Most recently Irene was seen in Footloose (Slow Burn Theatre Company) and in Milk & Honey (The Wick Theatre). Notable appearances include: Murder on the Orient Express, Finding Mona Lisa, Ragtime, The Full Monty, 1776, Annie, Joseph and Funny Girl (Actors’ Playhouse), Almost, Maine, House of Blue Leaves and Night of the Iguana (Palm Beach Dramaworks); The Impracticality of Modern Day Mastodons and The Glass Piano (Theatre Lab), Moscow, Assassins and Detroit (Zoetic Stage), Indecent, Casa Valentina, Adding Machine, In the Next Room and The Dead (GableStage); The Cake and many seasons of Summer Shorts and Winter Shorts (City Theatre). Sara Grant’s recent South Florida credits include The Odd Couple, Female Version (Boca Stage), Cock (Empire Stage & ArtBuzz Theatrics), Fefu and Her Friends (Thinking Cap), Something Rotten (PPTOPA; Carbonell Nominated for Best Supporting Actress), Swing, Swing, Swing (Kevin Black Productions), Richard II, Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival) and The Art Heist Experience (Right Angle Entertainment & Kravis Center). Grant is also the Managing Director of Sol Theatre, the home to Boca Stage and Sol Children’s Theatre. Creating quality professional theatrical experiences focused on the LGBTQ+ Community for a universal audience, Island City Stage’s 11th South Florida Season has tackled thought-provoking productions that explore the world of beauty pageants, poignant longing, gender questions, loneliness and the ins and outs of friendship. Tickets for Tracy Jones start at $40. Enjoy a Special Mimosa on Sunday, May 28th, 2023 for $55 that includes a Light Bites Pre-Reception and a Post-Show Talkback, sponsored by Home Instead. This production is also supported by FAB (Funding Arts Broward). For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.islandcitystage.org Or call: (954) 928-9800. Or email: md@islandcitystage.org . Follow Island City Stage on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/IslandCityStageFL and on Instagram at: @islandcitystage1. < Previous News Next News >

A Night of Timeless Laughter and Entertainment January 26, 2024 Share For over six decades, The Second City has held the coveted position as the foremost purveyor of laughter. The launchpad for the careers of comedic luminaries like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, and Steve Carell, it stands as a testament to nurturing the next generation of comedy icons. Now, brace yourself for an uproarious evening as The Second City presents their newest revue, "Comedian Rhapsody," a seamless blend of sketch comedy, music, and signature improvisation. Mark your calendars for the unmissable performance slated for Friday, February 23rd, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. Hosted at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, this event promises an unforgettable showcase of comedic prowess. A Tapestry Of Comedy And Musical Brilliance "Comedian Rhapsody" weaves together the finest sketches and songs from The Second City's illustrious history, juxtaposing them with the freshest, most resonant classics. Expect nothing short of side-splitting laughter as the Touring Company's brightest talents take the stage, armed with their sharpest wit and unparalleled improvisational skills. The show caters to all, even honoring the dedication of educators with special tickets available under the 'TEACHER' ticket type. These can be secured at price level 2, providing an opportunity for teachers to revel in a night of comedic brilliance. Ticketing Information Tickets for this uproarious performance are conveniently accessible through Ticketmaster, the official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. You can secure your seats online at: www.aventuracenter.org - Or by calling: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Alternatively, visit the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center's box office in person between Wednesday and Saturday, from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m., or 90 minutes before each show. With ticket prices starting at $45.00, this presents a golden opportunity to witness a legendary comedy institution in action. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center aims to ensure a hassle-free visit for all attendees. Convenient parking options include FREE parking in adjacent lots, guaranteeing easy access to the event. Additionally, Valet Services, priced at $20 Per Vehicle, are available at the main entrance for most performances, offering a premium arrival experience. Nestled at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180, the venue itself serves as a breathtaking backdrop for the evening's festivities. It transcends being merely a performance space; it transforms into a canvas where the echoes of legendary melodies intertwine, enveloping patrons in an ambiance of musical bliss and nostalgic charm. For comprehensive details regarding the event, parking, or ticketing, visit: www.aventuracenter.org - Or contact: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Take advantage of this opportunity to immerse yourself in an evening of sheer comedic brilliance and musical jubilation. The Second City's "Comedian Rhapsody" promises an evening where laughter resonates, memories are made, and the legacy of timeless comedy thrives. Join in and become a part of this remarkable celebration of humor and entertainment. For more information, visit: www.aventuracenter.org - Or by phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. < Previous News Next News >

Traitor To The Constitution: The U.S. Government Is the Real Criminal By John & Nisha Whitehead July 6, 2023 Share This entire fiasco - indicting Donald Trump for allegedly violating both the Espionage Act and obstructing justice by improperly handling classified records - is merely the latest in a never-ending series of distractions, distortions, and political theater aimed at diverting the public’s attention from the sinister advances of the American Deep State. Don’t allow yourselves to be distracted, diverted or mesmerized by the cheap theater tricks. This indictment spectacle is Shakespearean in its scope: full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. Nothing is the key word here. Despite the wall-to-wall media coverage, this is all just smoke and mirrors. Mark my words: the government is as corrupt and self-serving as ever, dominated by two political factions that pretend to be at odds with each other all the while moving in lockstep to maintain the status quo. If you really want to talk about who’s guilty of treason, set your sights higher: indict the government for overstepping its authority, abusing its power, disregarding the rule of law, and betraying the American people. When we refer to the “rule of law,” that’s constitutional shorthand for the idea that everyone is treated the same under the law, everyone is held equally accountable to abiding by the law, and no one is given a free pass based on their politics, their connections, their wealth, their status or any other bright line test used to confer special treatment on the elite. When the government and its agents no longer respect the rule of law - the Constitution - or believe that it applies to them, then the very contract on which this relationship is based becomes invalid. This abuse of power has been going on for so long that it has become the norm, the Constitution be damned. There are hundreds - make that thousands - of government bureaucrats who are getting away with murder (in many cases, literally) simply because the legislatures, courts and the citizenry can’t be bothered to make them play by the rules of the Constitution. Unless something changes in the way we deal with these ongoing, egregious abuses of power, the predators of the police state will continue to wreak havoc on our freedoms, our communities, and our lives. For too long now, the American people have played politics with their principles and turned a blind eye to all manner of wrongdoing when it was politically expedient, allowing the government to wreak havoc with their freedoms and act in violation of the rule of law. “We the people” are paying the price for it now. We are paying the price every day that we allow the government to continue to wage its war on the American People, a war that is being fought on many fronts: with bullets and tasers, with surveillance cameras and license readers, with intimidation and propaganda, with court rulings and legislation, with the collusion of every bureaucrat who dances to the tune of corporate handouts while on the government’s payroll, and most effectively of all, with the complicity of the American people, who continue to allow themselves to be easily manipulated by their politics, distracted by their pastimes, and acclimated to a world in which government corruption is the norm. It’s the nature of the beast: power corrupts. Worse, as 19th-Century Historian, Lord Acton concluded, absolute power corrupts absolutely. We’ve been losing our freedoms so incrementally for so long - sold to us in the name of national security and global peace, maintained by way of martial law disguised as law and order, and enforced by a standing army of militarized police and a political elite determined to maintain their powers at all costs - that it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when it all started going downhill, but we’re certainly on that downward trajectory now, and things are moving fast. Consider, if you will, all of the dastardly, devious, diabolical, dangerous, debilitating, deceitful, dehumanizing, demonic, depraved, dishonorable, disillusioning, discriminatory, dictatorial schemes inflicted on “we the people” by a bureaucratic, totalitarian regime that has long since ceased to be “a government of the people, by the people and for the people.” • Americans have no protection against police abuse. • Americans are little more than pocketbooks to fund the police state. • Americans are no longer innocent until proven guilty. • Americans no longer have a right to private property. • Americans no longer have a say about what their children are exposed to in school. • Americans are powerless in the face of militarized police. • Americans no longer have a right to bodily integrity. • Americans no longer have a right to the expectation of privacy. • Americans can no longer rely on the courts to mete out justice. • Americans no longer have a representative government. I haven’t even touched on the corporate state, the military industrial complex, SWAT team raids, invasive surveillance technology, zero tolerance policies in the schools, overcriminalization, or privatized prisons, to name just a few, but what I have touched on should be enough to show that the landscape of our freedoms has already changed dramatically from what it once was and will no doubt continue to deteriorate unless Americans can find a way to wrest back control of their government and reclaim their freedoms. Indictments, impeachments and elections will not save us. From Clinton to Bush, then Obama to Trump and now Biden, it’s as if we’re caught in a time loop, forced to relive the same thing over and over again: the same assaults on our freedoms, the same disregard for the rule of law, the same subservience to the Deep State, and the same corrupt, self-serving government that exists only to amass power, enrich its shareholders and ensure its continued domination. There can be no denying that the world is indeed a dangerous place, but it’s the government that poses the gravest threat to our freedoms and way of life, and no amount of politicking, parsing or pandering will change that. The Constitution doesn’t stand a chance against a federalized, globalized standing army protected by legislative, judicial and executive branches that are all on the same side. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, no matter what political views they subscribe to: suffice it to say, they are not on our side or the side of freedom. That is the real betrayal. Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an Attorney and Author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Popular Culture. John Whitehead's Commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org . Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org < Previous News Next News >

A Snowbirds Summer Guide: Don't Think of It as Just a Winter Timeshare Thu Jun 27 2024 16:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Open Enrollment For Habitat Broward’s New Affordable Single-Family Homes South Florida Sun Times Mar 19, 2026 Habitat For Humanity Of Broward Has Open Enrollment For Hardworking Families In Need Of Safe, Affordable Housing, With Applications Accepted Through Friday, March 27th, 2026. Interested families are encouraged to visit: https://habitatbroward.org/apply/ to submit an application before the deadline. Habitat Broward’s transformative homeownership program offers working families the opportunity to achieve homeownership in a thriving Broward County community featuring new energy-efficient homes. The program provides affordable mortgage options, financial education, and a clear path to building equity and long-term stability. The application process includes four steps: a pre-qualification questionnaire, orientation, financial analysis review, and a face-to-face interview. Families who are approved can expect to move into a home within approximately 12 to 18 months. Local companies and organizations are encouraged to share this life-changing opportunity with employees and community members who may benefit from this program. Eligibility requirements include, but are not limited to: • Must be a first-time homebuyer. • Must be a U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident. • Must be a current Broward County resident or working in Broward (for a year or more). • Must demonstrate a need for affordable housing. • Must be within HUD income guidelines. • Must be committed to making affordable mortgage payments. For more information, visit: www.habitatbroward.org or view an informational video on Habitat Broward’s YouTube channel. About Habitat for Humanity of Broward Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Broward brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat Broward offers a “hand up” not a “hand out” to families who are unable to qualify for conventional home financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives and achieve the economic empowerment of homeownership. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward please call: (954) 945-8031. Or visit: https://habitatbroward.org . Or check us out on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Previous Next

Addressing Food Insecurity In Miami-Dade: How JCS Senior Services Programs Support Vulnerable Older Adults Jewish Connection News Jun 18, 2026 Food Insecurity Continues To Be A Growing Concern Across Miami-Dade County, Particularly For Older Adults Living On Fixed Incomes. Rising Food Costs, Housing Expenses, And Transportation Barriers Have Made It Increasingly Difficult For Many Seniors To Access Consistent, Nutritious Meals. For Frail And Vulnerable Individuals, Food Insecurity Is Not Simply A Matter Of Hunger. It Is A Critical Issue That Affects Health, Threatens Independence, And Reduces Overall Quality Of Life. A core part of Jewish Community Services of South Florida’s (JCS) mission is addressing food insecurity – particularly for vulnerable seniors. Through a multitude of food-focused programs such as the JCS Delivers, Senior Ride, Congregate Meals, Kosher Food Bank, and Kosher Home Delivered Meals Programs, the agency works to ensure that older adults have access to nutritious, kosher food, social engagement, and supportive services that allow these treasured community members to age in place with dignity. Many seniors in Miami-Dade County rely on fixed incomes from Social Security or other public benefits. A portion of the clients served by JCS live on less than $1,300 per month, with some surviving on as little as $900 monthly. For these individuals, even small increases in food costs can make it extremely difficult to eat three meals a day. Public benefits such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) often help fill gaps in seniors’ diets. However, when SNAP benefits were suspended for the month of November 2025, many seniors faced an immediate food crisis. Without their life-sustaining SNAP benefits, purchasing groceries became nearly impossible for many of the clients served by JCS. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, JCS stepped in to provide grocery gift cards to seniors who rely on SNAP benefits. This emergency assistance ensured that vulnerable older adults could continue purchasing food during a particularly challenging period. The response from clients was one of profound gratitude. For many, this support meant the difference between having food on the table and going hungry. JCS Programs Supporting Senior Food Security To address both immediate and long-term food insecurity, JCS operates several interconnected programs designed to meet the diverse needs of older adults. JCS Delivers Shopping Program The JCS Delivers Shopping Program provides extremely low-income, homebound seniors with personalized grocery deliveries and essential household items, ensuring they have access to the necessities needed to live safely and independently. Each delivery also serves as a wellness check, offering regular contact and care to some of the most isolated members of our community. JCS Kosher Home Delivered Meals Program JCS’ Kosher Home Delivered Meals Program provides pre-made, frozen Kosher meals to homebound, nutritionally insecure seniors across Miami-Dade County who are unable to prepare meals for themselves due to frailty. Clients range in age from 60 to over 100, with many living on fixed incomes. Often, clients are below the poverty line of $15,560 annually for a single person. Many live alone, making this program a vital source not only of nutritious meals but also of social connection, regular wellness checks, and compassionate human contact. JCS Senior Ride Program The JCS Senior Ride Program provides reliable transportation for seniors to attend JCS’ congregate lunch meal sites, grocery shopping, doctor’s appointments, and community activities. The program provides more than just transportation, it offers seniors a vital connection to the services, support, and community they need to live independently. By offering safe, reliable rides to congregate meal sites, grocery stores, and community activities, the program helps older adults maintain their health, autonomy, and social engagement. JCS Congregate Meal Program The JCS Congregate Meals Program serves a hot, Kosher lunch five days a week (excluding federal and Jewish holidays) in Miami Beach, and four days a week in Aventura. By providing nutritious, Kosher meals in a welcoming community setting, the JCS Congregate Meals Program supports the well-being of older adults while fostering meaningful social connection. The program offers more than just a meal; it creates a vibrant environment where seniors can engage in activities that promote physical, emotional, and social health. With no income restrictions and inclusive participation, the program ensures all older adults have access to nourishment, community, and friendship. Maria’s Story Maria (name has been changed), a JCS client and 82-year-old Miami Beach resident living alone, survives on less than $900 per month in Social Security income. After paying rent, utilities, and medication expenses, very little remained for groceries. When her SNAP benefits were temporarily suspended in November 2025, Maria did not know how she would afford to feed herself. Through JCS services, she received assistance that helped stabilize her situation. She was provided with grocery gift cards during the SNAP disruption, transportation to grocery stores, and access to meals at the JCS Miami Beach Congregate Meal Site. These supportive services ensured that she continued to enjoy balanced, nutritious meals during a difficult time. Today, she regularly attends the JCS Miami Beach Congregate Meal Site, where she not only receives a nutritious Kosher lunch, but also participates in activities such as art classes and Bingo. She often shares that the program has helped her feel healthier, more connected, and less isolated. Food insecurity among older adults remains a significant challenge in Miami-Dade County. Through strong community partnerships, dedicated staff, and the support of generous donors, JCS helps ensure that vulnerable seniors have access to nutritious food and compassionate care. For many, these services are a lifeline, providing the stability and support they need to age with dignity, maintain their independence, and avoid the devastating consequences of hunger and isolation. To learn more, visit: www.jcsfl.org . To make a contribution, visit www.jcsfl.org/donate . Previous Next

The Power Of The Individual: Whatever You Can Conceive, You Can Achieve By Bryan Golden April 28, 2022 Share “You can’t fight city hall.” “What can one person do?” “Things never change.” “That’s just the way it is.” “There’s nothing you can do.” “You’re just beating your head against the wall.” “You have to learn how to accept reality.” You’ve probably heard all of the above phrases. The only purpose they serve is to obstruct individual initiative and achievement. This results in the propagation of the erroneous belief that individuals are at the mercy of groups, governments and committees. History has repeatedly shown that the power of the individual is the basis for all discoveries and advances. There has never been a statue erected to any group. Just think of all the notable people you are aware of. After many years of conditioning, we conclude that we are virtually powerless as individuals. It’s ironic that we develop this erroneous belief in the face of thousands of years of evidence to the contrary. Holding on to this outlook impedes on your success and can even limit your happiness. Feeling powerless as an individual leads to the formation of a victim mentality. This attitude causes you to blame others for your circumstances while looking outside yourself for solutions. In doing so, you put the direction of your life in someone else’s hands. Within you exists the power to change, innovate and create. Don’t be deterred by truisms. I’ll debunk each one listed in the first paragraph. As you exercise your power on a consistent basis, you will make things happen rather than waiting for them to happen. “You can’t fight city hall.” The government is nothing more than a collection of individuals who are supposed to serve the people. You can fight city hall if you have a strong enough motivation and drive. The history of our country is filled with individuals who took a stand and made a difference. “What can one person do?” Every accomplishment starts with one person who has a dream. Some people are leaders who attract others to their cause. Some people work alone. Either way, everything that has ever been attained is traceable to an individual. “Things never change.” Circumstances don’t change on their own. If you want things to change, you have to change them. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how long your situation has persisted. You can begin to take action today to change it. “That’s just the way it is.” If this were true, the human race would never have advanced from living in caves. This phrase is used to justify inaction. Things are the way they are until one person decides to alter them. “There’s nothing you can do.” If you are willing to put in the effort, there is always something you can do. When you do nothing, nothing happens. It is a proven fact that it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the grease. “You’re just beating your head against the wall.” A definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result. If what you are doing isn’t working, alter your strategy. Often, only a small adjustment is needed for a successful outcome. “You have to learn how to accept reality.” Whose reality does this statement refer to? Your reality is defined by your beliefs. If you think something is possible, you are right. Conversely, if you feel something is impossible, you are also right. Your mind won’t allow you to act in a manner contrary to your ideology. As an individual, you have the power to accomplish anything you set your mind to. Looking anywhere else for satisfaction in your life will lead to disappointment. Whatever you can conceive and believe, you as an individual, can achieve. < Previous News Next News >

Puddles Pity Party: The “Sad Clown With The Golden Voice” January 13, 2022 Share It sounds like a start to a joke, a 7-foot clown walks into a bar, but it’s not. He motions for a soda water and sits there staring at his drink. The year was 1998 and Puddles had wandered into the Star Community Bar in Atlanta, GA where bartender Big Mike Geier first laid eyes on the sad, silent clown. “There was a heaviness about him,” says Geier. “I could tell he wasn’t in the mood to chat, so I pretty much left him alone except to pass him the mustard when he pulled an onion and a heel of bread out of his pocket. A couple weeks later, he came by the bar and gave me a flyer to a show he was doing at a flea market. The sound system at that flea market was crap, but his voice was something else. I’ve been in my share of bands and wasn’t expecting much from a clown singing karaoke from a boombox. But I’ll be damned if his singing didn’t get me all choked up.” The two soon became close friends, with Big Mike acting somewhat as a confidant, and the pair travel all over with Puddles Pity Party, Mike speaking on behalf of Puddles since the clown chooses to stay silent. Originally from River City before kicking around Atlanta, the sulking serenader gained momentum after hitting the road as guest performer on the 2010 Aqua Teen Hunger Force Live tour and 2013 Eels tour and making special appearances at Seattle’s Teatro ZinZanni and NYC’s Sleep No More. It was Halloween 2013 when Puddles then collaborated with Postmodern Jukebox to record an epic version of Lorde’s hit song “Royals,” which instantly went viral on YouTube, having received over 29 million views so far. You may also recognize Puddles as quarter-finalist from Season 12 of America’s Got Talent and most recently on AGT’s The Champions 2020. The “sad clown with the golden voice” has captivated audiences and media from around the world, building a fan base of more than 425,000 on Facebook and nearly 800,000 subscribers to the Puddles Pity Party YouTube channel. Puddles has since performed all over the planet, garnering rave reviews at festivals like Edinburgh Fringe, Adelaide Fringe, Perth Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Fest, Belgium’s Gent Fest, Outside Lands and the Kennedy Center’s District of Comedy Festival. He was a feature performer in La Soiree’s 2014 Southbank show in London, which won the Olivier Award. He was handpicked by Neil Patrick Harris to perform Just for Laugh’s “Circus Awesomeus,” gala filmed for HBO Canada, and Jack Black selected Puddles for multiple performances at Festival Supreme. And he recently enjoyed a Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace. “Puddles gives an emotive performance that resonates with all kinds of folks,” says Geier. “The crowd really responds to him. There’s something about a giant sad singing clown that comforts us, let’s us know it’s ok to feel, to show our feelings. It’s a sad and beautiful world, and we’re all in it together, even when we’re totally alone.” Puddles Pity Party: Unsequestered In 2020, with touring cancelled, Puddles holed up in his studio and produced 12 episodes of his “Still Sequestered” show which featured a variety of special guests like Jack Black, Penn Jillette, Howie Mandel, E (from Eels), Weird Al, Sid Krofft, Michael Stipe, Patton Oswalt, Cait O’Riordan, Neil Hamburger, David Dastmalchian, Mastodon, Tim Heidecker and artist Mark Ryden. Puddles also developed a line of coffee. All that was tremendous fun, and kept Puddles from feeling too lonely. But nothing makes Puddles less dejected than performing in front of a live audience of the best fans any sad clown could ask for. He is beyond excited to get back on the road and bring his all new “Unsequestered Show” to his favorite venues! A veritable “Pagliacci by way of Pee-Wee Herman and David Lynch” (The AJC), Puddles Pity Party has over 790K YouTube subscribers and almost 300 million views for indelible interpretations of classics by the likes of ABBA, Bowie, Britney, Cheap Trick, SIA, Tom Waits and Queen along with his unforgettable rendition of the smoosh-up “Pinball Wizard/Folsom Prison Blues.” “It seems like a parody. But when Puddles opens his mouth to sing, it’s beautiful. Operatic.” - The Boston Globe “Fantastically brilliant…originality at its best.” - Simon Cowell “His special effect is a textured voice laced with melancholy…what makes him transcend the trope is his vulnerability.” - The New York Times In these strange times Puddles may be just the ticket to give us all an escape for an hour or two. For ticket information visit, https://www.ticketmaster.com/puddles-pity-party-tickets/artist/2039164 < Previous News Next News >

Ferrara Auto Spa, Ferrara Automotive: Serving the Broward Community for 20 years By David L. Snelling April 24, 2022 Share Ferrara Auto Spa and Ferrara Automotive have been around for the past 20 years. It is probably one of the longest operating repair shops in the East Hollywood area. For years, locals would entrust their family vehicles for repairs and other services so much so that even family from out-of-town would be referred to them. "This place is the best. My whole family brings all of their cars here and we can always trust that they will not only get the job done but do it without it costing an arm and a leg." - Richard Reale, Customer Testimonial In 2019, the business was remodeled and renovated to become a one-stop shop for locals to fulfill their automotive needs. Now customers can enjoy everything from a simple in and out hand car wash to complete detailing services at Ferrara Auto Spa and if their car needs any mechanical repairs or services, then Ferrara Automotive's Service Center is also there to help. "It's like walking into a dealership," Rachael Markovic, Marketing Director, said. While customers wait for their cars to be washed or repaired, they can relax in an air-conditioned lounging area, sip on some complimentary coffee, and use the free Wi-Fi they provide. Outdoor seating is also available for folks who like to enjoy the sunshine. In fact, they've got outdoor seating with music to make the experience a bit more fun! The business is located in the heart of Hollywood at 2000 Sheridan St. between I-95 and the beach. Just minutes away from the broadwalk that we all know and love, making it convenient to just drop the car off and enjoy your day at the beach while it's getting detailed. Markovic said the environment is "very" friendly and the business is accessible because it borders Dania Beach which is popular for its beaches. "It's a very laidback, friendly key-west styled life over here," Markovic said. "Customers drop off their cars for detailing and while waiting they go to the beach. There are not a lot of restaurants in the area so customers ask us what to do while waiting and we suggest they hit the beaches." The Auto Spa offers customers many different packages including basic in-and-out car washes that include interior cleaning, vacuuming, windows, rims and tire shine starting at $20. Ferrara Auto Spa also offers complete detailing services such as machine buffing, leather conditioning, interior shampooing and headlight restoration. The detailing packages start at $85 for the Premium Detail which includes complete interior cleaning with seat shampoo or leather conditioning and hand wax with bug removal. If you're looking for that silky smooth finish, then book yourself a Clay Bar Treatment. It will restore shine by removing contaminants and pollutants from the surface of the vehicles' paint and restore that silky smooth finish. for the VIP Package, customers get a deep interior cleaning that includes interior shampooing, conditioning, exterior detailing that includes machine buffing and waxing. The car wash and detailing have customers' vehicles looking brand new. Customers can enjoy benefits such as getting a FREE exterior hand car wash with every full-synthetic oil change and special discounts for our heroes who don't wear capes. Other services include FREE check engine diagnostics, ac repair service, brake services, oil services, tires, tow service, and battery services. Ferrara Auto Spa is open from Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Ferrara Automotive Service Center is open from Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ferrara Automotive Service 2000 Sheridan Street Hollywood, FL 33020 • (954)-927-5255 Auto Spa (954) 391-9188 < Previous News Next News >

Aventura Branch Library Happenings: Discover Your Jewish Genealogical Roots, Tai Chi, LEGO At The Library And Much More Fri Feb 14 2025 18:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Rooftop Family Movie Night: A Whimsical Evening Under The Stars In Sunny Isles Beach January 25, 2024 Share Sunny Isles Beach residents are in for a treat as they embark on a whimsical journey under the sea during the Rooftop Family Movie Night. The spotlight for this enchanting evening is on Disney's new rendition of the classic tale, "The Little Mermaid." What makes this event even more special is its unique venue – the Gateway Park Garage Rooftop. As families gather for this magical experience, the night promises to be filled with laughter, joy, and the timeless magic of Disney. The Gateway Park Garage Rooftop provides a new backdrop for the Family Movie Night. You will be perched atop the world, attendees will be surrounded by the panoramic views of Sunny Isles Beach, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for an outdoor cinema experience. The choice of venue adds an extra layer of excitement, offering a new perspective to the traditional movie night. The Rooftop Family Movie Night is scheduled for January 27, starting at 6:00 p.m. and concluding at 8:00 p.m. This two-hour window is dedicated to transporting families into the fantastical world of Ariel and her underwater adventures. The timing ensures that both the young and the young at heart can partake in the cinematic delight without disrupting bedtime routines. One of the hallmarks of this event is its family-friendly nature. It's an invitation for the whole family to come together and enjoy the magic of Disney under the starlit sky. The Little Mermaid, a beloved classic, gets a new lease on life, appealing to a new generation while rekindling nostalgia for the older ones. The rooftop setting amplifies the communal experience, creating lasting memories for families. The organizers have made this event accessible to all by offering free admission. Families can relish the enchanting evening without any financial constraints, fostering a sense of community and togetherness. Additionally, FREE Parking is available at the Gateway Park Garage. Attendees can take the elevator to the rooftop, making the journey to the magical world of Ariel hassle-free. To further accommodate attendees, additional parking is provided at the Sunny Isles Beach Government Center. For those parking at the government center, the SIBShuttle is available to transport them to Gateway Park. To enhance convenience, the SIBShuttle Mobile App allows real-time tracking, ensuring a seamless transition from the parking spot to the rooftop venue. Shuttle Schedules can also be viewed at: www.sibfl.net/sibshuttle - providing attendees with all the necessary information for a Stress-FREE experience. The Rooftop Family Movie Night is not just an event; it's an opportunity for the Sunny Isles Beach community to come together. The City of Sunny Isles Beach Cultural & Community Services Department is the driving force behind this enchanting evening. For those seeking more information or with inquiries, they can contact the department at: (305) 792-1706. This direct line of communication ensures that residents can stay informed and engaged, fostering a sense of belonging within the community. As the sun sets over Sunny Isles Beach, families will gather on the Gateway Park Garage Rooftop, ready for a night filled with wonder and cinematic magic. The Rooftop Family Movie Night promises to be a memorable experience, combining the allure of Disney with the unique charm of an outdoor rooftop setting. In an era where community events are more cherished than ever, this whimsical evening under the stars provides an opportunity for families to bond, laugh, and create lasting memories. If you would like to attend the event and have a few questions, contact the City of Sunny Isles Beach Cultural & Community Services Department at: (305) 792-1706. < Previous News Next News >