Upcoming Events At Aventura Arts and Cultural Center
Celebration of Life Music Festival – January 8, 2011
On January 12, 2010, The New Victorian School was completely destroyed by the 7.0 earthquake which hit Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Romel Joseph, Executive Director, was trapped under the rubble of the school for 18 hours. His remarkable ordeal captivated audiences around the world, including Miami Herald, Washington Post, London Times, CBS News with Katie Couric, BBC, Stevie Wonder and others. Walenstein Musical Organization, also founded by Mr. Joseph, will present a “Celebration of Life Music Festival” to commemorate the 1st anniversary of Haiti’s earthquake, as well as help raise funds for the reconstruction of The New Victorian School.
Miami International Piano Festival: Prodigies & Masters of Tomorrow – January 9, 2011
South Florida’s got talent! Luis Urbina (19 year-old pianist) joins forces with Michael Province (15 year-old violinist) in a program showcasing the brilliant virtuosity of these rising stars. Both were selected by the Piano Festival for their extraordinary musicianship and receive guidance from the great Masters within the Piano Festival family. Province was featured in the documentary, “The World’s Greatest Musical Prodigies.” Urbina performed with the legendary violinist, Ida Haendel in New York City. Today’s program will feature Michael & Luis playing solo works and partnering on Grieg’s Violin Sonata in G and the “Symphonie Espagnole,” (Violin and “Orchestra”) by Edouard Lalo.
Brazilian Voices – Smart Stage Matinee – January 10, 2011
Don’t miss the beat with Afro-Brazil … be part of this exciting experience of unique musical rhythms born long ago when the liveliness of Brazilian music fused with the thundering sounds of African beats. Two continents, separated millions of years ago are reunited on stage in the voices of almost 40 singers, a thrilling performance of Capoeira, colorful folk dances, Samba and Carnaval. Interactive live drums and vocals will display the best of the African influence and heartbeat.
Melodies and Memories – Say It With Music – January 12 – 16, 2011
Mazel Musicals, Inc. and the Broward Center of the Performing Arts present THE MELODIES and MEMORIES SERIES of the Gold Standards of the American Songbook, which includes SAY IT WITH MUSIC — the Songs of Irving Berlin. This new musical journey spans seven decades of American history as seen through the perceptive and hopeful eyes of Irving Berlin. Using 64 of Berlin’s enduring and popular favorites, this revue captures the spirit of America from the Ragtime rhythms of the early 20th century through the swinging sophistication of the 1920s and 30s. From the sentimental songs that inspired a nation during two World Wars to the innocent optimism of the 1950’s, these timeless classics do more than define the music of a generation — they define the music of our country. Jerome Kern said of his friend Irving Berlin, “He has no place in American music; he is American music.” Songs include: Cheek To Cheek – Always – How Deep Is The Ocean – Blue Skies – They Say It’s Wonderful – There’s No Business Like Show Business.
Lansky – The Double Chair Series – January 19 – 30, 2011
Mazel Musicals, Inc. and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts present “Lansky” – the story about Meyer Lansky, the infamous gangster, gambler and complicated man who masterminded some of the most ingenious wealth management systems for his gangland brethren. The play also deals with Lansky’s little known efforts to become an Israeli citizen and uses his life story as a crucible to explore Jewish identity and the choices first generation Americans made in order to achieve wealth and success. This one-man tour stars the legendary American and Israeli star Mike Burstyn, who was recently seen in N.Y. in “On 2nd Avenue,” for which he received his second Drama Desk nomination. He has been acclaimed on and off-Broadway in “Barnum,” “Jolson,” “The Rothschilds,” “The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife,” “Ain’t Broadway Grand” and is the recipient of three Israeli “Oscars.” If you missed this sensational performance last year at the Parker Playhouse, this is a “must-see” theatrical event for this coming season.
The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located 3385 NE 188th St, Aventura FL 33180. To purchase tickets or for more information visit the website at www.aventuracenter.org or call (305) 466-8002.