Friday, August 15, 2008, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm


Summer nights in South Florida are something special, especially when they are augmented with taiko drums and a cultural backdrop that can't be beat! Add a cold drink, a breathtaking sunset and a walking path through a tranquil garden, and you've got Sushi & Stroll Summer Walks!

Ronin Taiko Returns to Sushi & Stroll!

Returning to Sushi & Stroll this year is Ronin Taiko, a taiko drumming ensemble that electrified audiences at last year's Sushi & Stroll series. The group's powerful performance features Japanese taiko drums typically used throughout history in religious ceremonies, wartime and celebrations.

Tickets to the Ronin Taiko performances - scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium each evening of Sushi & Stroll - are an additional $2. Seating is limited, and tickets will be sold on a first come first served basis beginning at 5:30 p.m. at each walk. Reservations are not taken for this event.

2008 Remaining Dates: August 15, September 12, 2008. Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pm. Cost: $5 all ages, FREE for members & children 6 & under. (Taiko performances an additional $2.)
For more information, please call 561-495-0233.

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The first of three sessions by Mr. Tom showing science experiments to youngsters 5 and above took place Wednesday, July 16 from 11 AM to 11:45 AM.

Using an array of balloons, Mr. Tom Scherrer, Library Associate (Aka “The Mad Scientist”) demonstrated how the force of air in balloons propels them; the effects of helium in balloons, and how hot air balloons rise and behave to a rapt audience of youngsters and mothers in this the first of three Summer Science Club dates at Hagen Ranch Road Library, 14350 Hagen Ranch Road. The remaining two dates will be successive Wednesday’s July 23 and July 30 at 11 AM. Mr. Tom will have exciting experiments at these next two Club dates. Registration is recommended for these free programs. Call 561-498-3110 to reserve your place.

Tom Scherrer, age 59, has been a Scoutmaster in the Boys Scouts of America. Since retiring from the Bell System after 30 years of service he has been a librarian/teacher. Originally from Detroit, Mich., Mr. Tom relocated to Florida in 1981. The 5’ 8” slim instructor has five children and eight grandchildren so he’s had plenty of experience entertaining and reading to children which he does at our new library. This work provides him the opportunity to serve as a role model to youngsters.

“When it comes to role models, I remember my 4th grade teacher in the parochial school I attended in Detroit, Ms. Oulette. She was an outstanding lay teacher who taught us the importance of being responsible and disciplined that has benefited me throughout my lifetime.”

Tom is devoutly religious since “I accepted the Lord into my life in 1988 while on a retreat.” He enjoys traveling and outdoor activities like camping, canoeing, hiking. His favorite books are by C. S. Lewis and those about political history. When his children were younger they all enjoyed the first Star-Wars movie.

“Honest, trustworthy and good-natured people make up my cadre of friends,” says Mr. Tom. “I look forward to meeting lots of new friends through my Super Science Club demonstrations. Come on down and join us for educational fun.”

Try Lumosity--a fast, fun and effective way to take care of your brain. Did you know that the human brain starts slowing down as early as age 30? The good news is that you can speed it up, and improve even your most basic coganitive abilities at any age. Lumosity, a brain training program consists of engaging brain games and exercises developed by some of the leading neuroscientitsts in the country.

Try it today. Click here: http://www.lumosity.com" title="Brain Games

Now available throughout the Hurricane Season a direct link to the National Hurricane Center on the Alliance of Delray Website:

Go to www.allianceofdelray.com and click on "Hurricane Tracking" in the very center of the home page...you will immediately be connected to the National Hurricane Center of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Try it now and check it out often for approaching storms.

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For a great evening of free entertainment go to Sunset Cove for July 4!

Click on poster to enlarge.

The following information from State Representative Kelly Skidmore:
July 4th Events:
5:30-9:30 p.m. @ Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. Call 561-393-7806.
6:30-9:30 p.m. @ Sunset Cove Amphitheater, 12551 Glades Road, west of Boca Raton. Call 561-488-8069

Delray Beach Fourth of July Celebration: 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. @ State Road A1A and Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach. Activities include a sand-sculpting contest, patriotic bike and scooter parade and free concerts. Call 561-279-1380.

Deerfield Beach: All-American Fourth of July: 1-10 p.m. @ Main Parking Lot, Southeast First Street and Ocean Way, one block south of Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach
1-4 p.m. - Children’s' activities and music
6 p.m. - Final Countdown Band
7:30 p.m. - An oceanfront concert by Jay and the Americans
9 p.m. - The Mad Bomber fireworks
Complimentary parking at The Cove Shopping Center, 1500 E. Hillsboro Blvd. with shuttle service from 12-5 p.m. and 11 p.m.-12 a.m. (at the beach, drop off and pick up will be at Ocean Way and Southeast Third Street). Call 954-480-4433
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Sheriff Recommends Listing Emergency (ICE) Contacts in Cell Phones The Levis Jewish Community Center (JCC) and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office recommend listing emergency contacts in your cell phone under the listing “ICE” or “In Case of Emergency” to allow emergency personnel to contact next of kin quickly. Examples of recommended listings are the following:
…ICE-HUSBAND
…ICE-WIFE
…ICE-1 for primary contact
…ICE-2 for secondary contact
The JCC is distributing stickers to be placed on cell phones to signal to rescuers the presence of an ICE contact in the phone. Additional ICE materials are available at the Levis JCC Thrift Shop at 141 NW 20th St. in Boca Raton. For more information call 561-852-3200.

Women in Distress/AmeriCorps Recruitment Open AmeriCorps, a nationwide federal service and volunteering organization, has teamed up with Women in Distress to increase community awareness of domestic violence issues and offer domestic violence prevention programs. They are recruiting 20 candidates for full-time AmeriCorps positions to further the cause of domestic violence prevention. AmeriCorps members receive a $11,100 annual living allowance, housing, health insurance, student loan forbearance, professional training, networking opportunities and an educational stipend of $4,725 upon the completion of service. The program will begin on September 1, 2008. Resumes should be submitted to Elisa Covarrubias at ecovarrubias@womenindistress.org. Contact Elisa at 954-760-9800 ext. 1209 for more information. Candidates must be at least 17 years old and have a high school diploma.

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June 19 - September 21, 2008


The invention of the wheel has been considered one of the great milestones in the history of mankind, particularly because of its facilitation of long-distance transportation.

In Japan the wheel has had a different history than it has in other regions of the world. While in the past most travel was on foot, ironically today, Japan dominates world automobile markets.

This exhibition looks at the wheel and wheeled vehicles in Japanese history and examines their impact on Japanese civilization.

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A production team headed by New York TV producer for the Jon Stewart show, Miles Kahn (left) came to Vizcaya with two video photographers, a sound engineer and a production assistant to shoot material for an upcoming Jon Stewart TV program on Comedy Central, Ch. 73.

The popular political satirist sent his crew in to get the opinions of Florida senior citizens towards voting for Barack Obama. The program is aired at 11 PM, Mon., Tues., Wed. and Thurs. evenings with repeat showings the following days at 2 PM and 8 PM.

Preliminary interviews were conducted by Kahn with seniors at the Vizcaya clubhouse on Saturday, June 7.

Wyatt Cenac an on-air interviewer for the Stewart team joined the production team Monday, June 9. Vizcaya resident and board member Barbara Zee served (pictured at right with Wyatt Cenac) the production company as hostess for the community.

Wyatt Cenac's first interview subject was resident Allen Hamlin. Cenac interviewed Hamlin first in the lobby of the Vizcaya clubhouse, then out at poolside facing a sign that read "Restricted Smoking Area." Cenac covered up the word "Smoking" so it read "Restricted Area" playfully teasing Hamlin, who is African American.

Cenac joined a Mah Jong game with three senior ladies late that afternoon, drawing out their opinions of how they feel about voting for the first African American presidential candidate.

Tuesday, June 10th Wyatt Cenac hosted a round table discussion at Three G’s restaurant in West Delray with a group of Alliance of Delray and Vizcaya senior citizens to get their take on the election ramifications of Obama running against John McCain. Some of the participants were: Vizcaya residents Edith Gold, Irene Weiner, Art Gruskin, Florence and Al Hollin, and Alliance of Delray board members Evelyn Spielholz and Harold Kleiner.

We can hardly wait to see how Jon Stewart views Florida seniors when the program airs. As soon as we learn the on-air date of the show we will post it.

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Ronin Taiko Returns to Sushi & Stroll

Returning to Sushi & Stroll this year is Ronin Taiko, a taiko drumming ensemble that electrified audiences at last year's Sushi & Stroll series.

The group's powerful performance features Japanese taiko drums typically used throughout history in religious ceremonies, wartime and celebrations.

Tickets to the Ronin Taiko performances - scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium the evening of Sushi & Stroll -(whose hours are 5:30 to 8:30 PM) are an additional $2. Seating is limited, and tickets will be sold on a first come first served basis beginning at 5:30 p.m.at each walk. Reservations are not taken for this event.

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Bob Davis and his Big Band perform at the Spanish River Performing Arts Center, 2400 Yamato Road, corner of St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton tonight at 7:30 PM.

The 16 piece band, plus Ellen Davis, vocalist, play and sing the tunes made famous by Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and Harry James. Davis honed his skills playing for 17 years with Lawrence Welk as lead alto saxophone and flute. He also traveled with Bob Hope on his overseas junkets and played with Les Brown and his Band of Reknown.

Call 561-499-9976 for ticket information.

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West Delray Beach resident Galo Rivera is at the control on the engineer’s console at the Swing & Jazz concerts at the Spanish River Performing Arts Center the third Tuesday of each month that take place through April.

Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico 52 years ago he arrived in New York City when he was 15 years old. After graduating high school he attended the Recording Institute of America in New York City and at age 20 became recording engineer and record producer, as well as a song writer and guitarist.

In 1975 he co-wrote the song Yo se Que Lay un Dios, which translates in English to

I Know There Is a God

Recently Galo produced two CD’s of Spanish River church music. Not confined to only this genre, he also produced a CD for Novich’s Honkies Blues Band.

Today he plays his guitar specializing in Latin Rock music, inspired by world famous artist Carlos Santana. During the past six months his sextet recorded a song titled Neuve (Move) which has received extensive radio play in Miami, Texas, Central America and Spain. He and his sextet played a Latin Rock concert in Fort Myers, Fl. on this past February 8.

“Life is fun every day,” says 5’ 9” mustached and goateed Galo. “My 250 lbs. attest to my love of good food,” he says with a happy smile. “I like smoking a cigar in a quiet place; gives me time to think and create.

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I don’t usually do movie reviews, but my widower 88 year young brother-in-law Charlie saw this movie twice—once in the theater and a second time at home a few days ago when he rented the DVD from Blockbuster.

“How come you wanted to see it a second time,” I asked.
“I didn’t really understand what it was all about when I saw it in the theater,” he replied. “Maybe I slept through part of it, so I figured I’d give it another try at home.”
“You understand it any better the second time?” I asked him.
“It’s a very confusing movie,” he said. “You take the DVD and watch it, then explain it to me. Make sure you get it back to Blockbuster on time, though.”

The Mrs. and I watched it on a recent Sunday night. “Here’s my take on this flick, Charlie:”

The opening segments are all in that fast, multi frame business they use in Hollywood these days that hurts your eyes. George Clooney stars as Michael Clayton. He’s a lawyer working for a large law firm in New York City. Instead of trying cases he is the company trouble shooter who the bosses assign to clean up problems for clients.

We meet his young son who’s around 10 years old. We meet Clooney’s brothers—one a cop the other a deadbeat. We meet his associate and good friend, Arthur, who is working a high profile case for the firm fighting a class action suit by over 400 people against one of their biggest and most profitable clients. These folks claim that using the client’s insecticide, has caused cancer.

And we also meet three horses on a hill in Westchester County, N. Y., when Clooney spots them, gets out of his car, climbs the hill and stands in front of the three horses for about two minutes. They stare at each other. The three horses must represent some metaphoric symbol to someone in Hollywood, but I couldn’t figure out their purpose. Suddenly two explosions go off in Clooney’s car and the horses get spooked and gallop off. Clooney runs back to his car which is being burned beyond recognition. He throws his wallet and wrist watch in the vehicle and runs away. This helps him “disappear” while he searches for the reason and the perpetrator who killed his friend Arthur in an earlier scene.

The last third of the movie is more understandable than the initial footage. I don’t want to give anymore away and spoil it for those who haven't seen it yet.

“Charlie, do you understand it better now?” I’m leaving for Blockbuster.

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Mel Goldstein, the Director of the volunteer 34 member “Guys & Dolls” Choral Group rehearses every Tuesday morning at Delray Villas Clubhouse B. They recently performed at Majestic Isles in Boynton Beach, and local nursing homes. After performing at Manor Care, Yamato Road in Boca Raton on February 18, they have been invited back for a return engagement on March 24.

Goldstein, besides leading the group, is a soloist singing high tenor. Selma Moskowitz, soprano is the main female soloist, with other women performing solos dependant on the number being sung.

“We have 13 male tenor and bass voices in our chorus. I consider these men the finest male singers in the area. Many of them do solo turns at our concerts,” says leader Goldstein. “We have a vast library of music we use for our performances, from Broadway show tunes like Camelot, to Irving Berlin.”

Goldstein, 68, a big six footer, moved from Lindenhurst, L. I. to Delray Villas four and a half years ago. He was instrumental in restarting the choral group which had been dormant for a few years.

For 40 years he volunteered as a fireman and EMT on Long Island. He and his wife Lynn raised a son and daughter and have one grandchild. His son, daughter in law, their daughter and grandson are all professional singers. Goldstein's one regret was not becoming a Cantor.

“Working with the Delray Villas guys and gals talented singers has been a joy,” says Goldstein. With each rehearsal and live performance we improve our artistry. If any organization would like to book our group, call me at 561-381-0131.”

Traffic Update: S.R. 806/ Atlantic Ave. from a point east of S.R.7/ U.S. 441 to a point west of Lyons Rd.
Construction began on January 7, 2008 on 0.5 miles of S.R. 806/ Atlantic Ave. from a point east of S.R.7/ U.S. 441. This $756,745.68 construction project including milling and repaving of the existing roadway, drainage improvements, guardrail relocation and new signing and pavement markings. The project is being built by Ranger Construction Industries, Inc. and is expected to be complete May 2008.

Update for Week of March 10: Restriction: There will be alternating lane closures from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., Monday, March 3 through Friday, March 7. Flagmen will be onsite to assist motorists during lane restrictions, delays are expected. There will be intermittent lane closures 8 p.m. until 6 a.m., Monday through Friday, beginning on March 10 and ending on March 31, for guardrail installation. Flagmen will be onsite to assist motorists during lane restrictions.

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Hatsume Fair: February 23 & 24, 2008, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Celebrating the first bud of spring, The Morikami’s largest annual event, Hatsume, transforms the normally tranquil Morikami Park into a unique Japanese spring festival. Presented by The Sun-Sentinel, Hatsume Fair features four stages with continuous entertainment including taiko drummers, Japanese tea ceremony, flower arranging as well as martial art, bonsai and origami demonstrations! Also included are avenues of artisan booths, plant sales, a bonsai exploration area, and Asian and American food vendors.

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Paul Cohen and his 17 piece Big Band will play the ageless sounds of Basie and Ellington. You’ll hear And the Angels Sing, One O’Clock Jump and many other fabulous tunes from the Swing era, featuring Paul on trumpet and his talented sidemen Tuesday evening
February 19 at 7:30 PM. Lisette Lyons and Jack Marek will handle vocals.

County Commissioner Burt Aaronson will present a $5,000 scholarship donation check from the Swing & Jazz Society to Dr. Heather Coltman, Chair of F. A. U. Department of Music to be awarded in increments of $1,250 per year over a four year period to an outstanding jazz studies student to be selected by Dr. Coltman and staff. Last year’s winner, Ms. Alison Weiner, pianist will play two numbers at the 8:30 PM intermission.

All Swing & Jazz Preservation Society performances take place the third Tuesday of each month from November through April 15, 2008 in the 1500 seat venue at Spanish River Performing Arts Center located at 2400 Yamato Road, corner of St. Andrews Blvd. in Boca Raton beginning at 7:30 P. M. Tickets are $18 for members and $26 for non-members. Membership applications for a full 12-month period are available in the lobby at concert night, or by calling (561) 499-9976. Visit www.swingandjazzpreservationsociety.org.

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Thursday, Jan. 31 - Public is invited for gourmet appetizers, fine wine and jazz in beautiful tropical setting at:

American Orchid Society, 16700 AOS Lane (next to The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens,) west of Delray Beach, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
$15 for American Orchid Society Members and $25 for non-members
More information: Call 561-404-2052 or 404-2011

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Randolph Del Lago, Creative Director of the Delray Beach Playhouse has created showcases of well-know playwrights, stage actors and actresses for the Trails Chapter of the Brandeis University National Women’s Committee for the past ten seasons. www.bunwctrails.org He usually creates three or four segments, the last one being a musical tribute to the subject honoree, spread over a three month period between January and March each season.

Del Lago does extensive research, writes the scripts and engages a troupe of four players to do the reading to sell-out audiences. In past seasons he has provided retrospect’s on the lives of Lillian Hellman, Arthur Miller, George S. Kaufman, Somerset Maugham, and Fanny Brice, to name a few. In recent years neighboring chapters of BUNWC in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach have subscribed to his popular showcases.

Subscriptions are so popular two performances had to be scheduled: Thursday and Friday, January 17 and 18. The performances began at 2 P.M. to a full house each afternoon in the 400 seat Temple Emeth sanctuary off West Atlantic Ave., Delray.

Randolph’s introductory monologue described the early life of playwright/novelist Edna Ferber who was born August 15, 1885 in Kalamazoo, MI. At age 15 in Appleton, WI. she became the first female newspaper reporter. Her family had moved from Ottumwa, IL. where they had been subjected to humiliating anti-Semitism. Ferber nurtured smoldering indignation about discrimination from that early experience. The stories she wrote were often about strong women facing down adversity. In the mid 1920’s Ferber was the most popular female novelist in the country with novels such as “So Big,” “Cimarron,” “Giant,” and “Saratoga Trunk.” Many of her works were made into films and theatrical productions.

To dramatize scenes from Ferber’s plays, Del Lago introduced four actors who read roles from selected plays. Shown in photograph: Heidi Harris, Randolph Del Lago, Harriet Oser, Lourelene Snediker and Wayne Le Gette. They gave excellent performances.

Before the program began a special member of the audience was serenaded by everyone with “Happy Birthday To You.” Henrietta Warhoftig, (shown in photo) seated in the front row was celebrating her recent 100th birthday.

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Addie L. Greene, Chairperson Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners received a check from Rene Zerah, President of the Swing & Jazz Preservation Society for $1,000 for one of her favorite charities: the Boynton Beach High School choral group.

The choral group, “Dimensional Chorus,” sang during intermission of the Tuesday evening, January 15 Swing & Jazz Preservation Society Concert at the Spanish River Performing Arts Center, Boca Raton. Commissioner Greene turned the check over to Boynton Beach H. S. Principal Mrs. Kathleen Perry and Choir Director Mr. Sterling Frederick to purchase supplies for the choir.

Shown in photo, l. to r.: President Zerah; Addie L. Greene; Sterling Frederick; Kathleen Perry; Gladys Whigham, Aide to Commissioner Greene; and Jerry Atlas, Vice President of Swing & Jazz Preservation Society.

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The Swing & Jazz Preservation Society Presents Ed Polcer and his Jazz All-Stars this Tuesday evening. They will take you back to the days when W. 52 Street in New York was the Mecca of Swing & Jazz at clubs like Leon & Eddie’s and Eddie Condon’s with a mixture of great musicianship, narrative and nostalgia.

The Swing &jazz Preservation Society is headed by Rene´ Zerah, President.
 
County Commissioner Addie Greene will present a donation from the Swing & Jazz Preservation Society to the Boynton Beach H. S. Choir, one of her favorite charities. The Choir will perform at intermission.

All Swing & Jazz Preservation Society performances take place the third Tuesday of each month from November 20, 2007 through April 15, 2008 at the 1500 seat venue at the Spanish River Performing Arts Center located at 2400 Yamato Road, corner of St. Andrews Blvd. in Boca Raton beginning at 7:30 P. M. Tickets are $18 for members and $26 for non-members. Membership applications for a full 12-month period are available in the lobby at concert night, or by calling (561) 499-9976.

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Duffy Jackson and Damian put on a great evening’s entertainment at the Spanish River Performing Arts Center, Yamato Road, corner of St. Andrews Boulevard, Boca Raton.
This was the second in a series of concerts presented by the organization the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 P.M. through April 2008.

Duffy Jackson, the irrepressible drummer/scat singer and his six talented sidemen: Alex Norris, trumpet; Mike Gold on alto sax, clarinet and flute; Tom Mitchell, tenor sax; Rick Doll, bass; Dolph Castellano, piano and Dante Luciani, trombone contributed impressive solo stints driven by the frenetic pace of Duffy on the drums—each without a note of sheet music in front of them.

Lester Leaps In got the evening off to a rousing start, followed by a sweet rendition of Rose Room. Solo passages by Dante Luciani on trombone and Alex Norris on trumpet on a beautiful old favorite, Polka Dots and Moonbeams was followed by Mike Gold with a clarinet solo on Stardust. Pianist Dolph Castellano played No Greater Love. Count Basie classic Jumpin’ at the Woodside showcased leader Jackson on his drums to conclude the first half of the evening’s concert.

Born and raised in jazz, Duffy has been performing since the age of four when his father, the late legendary jazz bassist, Chubby Jackson gave him his first set of drums. Jackson, Sr. played with the Woody Herman orchestra during the 40’s. Duffy at age 18 was touring the country with Lena Horne; at 20 with Sammy Davis, Jr. Since then he played with big name bands led by Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Lionel Hampton and Illinois Jacquet and worked with jazz legends Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Eckstine, Stan Getz, Buddy Rich and Harry “Sweets” Edison.

Damian, singer/comedian, well known by S & J regular concert goers, took over the second half of the show, singing many great favorites such as The Song is You, From this Moment On, You and the Night and the Music and a comedic spoof of Night and Day. In between songs, he regaled the audience with fresh and timely down to earth comedy.

The January 15, 2008 S & J concert features Ed Polcer and his Jazz All-Stars. Visit website www.swingand jazz preservationsociety.org for detailed information or call 561 499-9976.

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The Swing & Jazz Preservation Society Presents Damian, Singer/Comedian and
Duffy Jackson, Drummer with his Jazz Septet Tuesday December 18, 2007 at 7:30 P.M.

A double header program of great entertainment: the songs and comedy of Damian and the musicianship of that master of the drums (and other instruments) Duffy Jackson, leading a group of versatile jazz musicians who will provide an outstanding evening’s entertainment.

The Swing & Jazz Preservation Society is headed by Rene´ Zerah, President. The Society donates funds to Palm Beach County public schools and colleges, working with the music departments to determine their needs, laying the foundation for future musicians to play American jazz.

All Swing & Jazz Preservation Society performances take place the third Tuesday of each month from November 20, 2007 through April 15, 2008 in the 1500 seat venue at Spanish River Performing Arts Center located at 2400 Yamato Road, corner of St. Andrews Blvd. in Boca Raton beginning at 7:30 P. M. Tickets are $18 for members and $26 for non-members. Membership applications for a full 12-month period are available in the lobby at concert night, or by calling (561) 499-9976 in advance of concerts.

For further information visit their website: www.swingandjazzpreservationsociety.org

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Did you know that everyone in the neighborhood can call the Kings Point box office at 499-3335 Ext. 225 from 9 A.M. to Noon and from 1 to 3 P.M., Monday through Friday and order tickets to their shows?

On Friday evening, December 21 at 8 P.M. Michael Kessler and Melinda Jackson stage the romantic musical comedy “Let’s Dance.” Also appearing will be Mitchell Kahn, singer/pianist. Ticket price $10.

Friday evening December 28 at 8 P.M., “Broadway Babes,” a talented cast of ten will sing and dance through memorable Broadway Show tunes. Price $10.

You can also register for their classes—everything from Arts & Crafts to Yoga, including a class by this Blogger on Creative Writing and How to write the story of your life, given every Monday from 1:30 to 3:00 P.M. beginning January 7, 2008. Call Diana at 499-7751, Ext. 226 for further information about all classes.

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The 16 piece Latin Jazz “Orquesta Nostalgia” led by Anselmo Vidal, Jr. produced a grand opening for the ninth season of the Society at the Spanish River Performing Arts Center, Boca Raton Tuesday evening November 20.

Playing a wide variety of Cuban/Puerto Rican standards from the late 1950 heydays of Tito Puente’s band, and utilizing many of the arrangements of that group, the audience applauded and cheered their appreciation for the verve and drive exhibited in their repertoire beginning with the first set opening number Mama Guela and continuing to Donde Estabas Tu which closed out the first half of the concert.

Lead vocalist Dennis Rivera helped produce the true Latin flavor of the evening with his superb singing. Leader, Vidal, Jr., Ramon Aponte and Willie Suarez provided the back up chorus to Rivera.

While most of the instrumentalists are long time experienced sidemen, youth graced each end of the stage. Young marrieds Eddy and Lisa Rodriguez and Daniela Vega and Christian Tabois provided graceful, sensuous dancing to the accompaniment of many of the numbers.

The second half of the program included familiar standards Tea for Two Cha Cha and Mambo with Me from the movie “Mambo King.”

A rousing finish to the exciting musical evening was Cochise providing stellar performances by the young dancers and solo instrumental turns by Marty Fried on sax; Al Lilianstein on trombone; Willie Suarez on bass guitar; Arty Azenza on piano. Throughout the evening, the percussion artistry of Joe Glavez on Timbales, Joe T. on bongo drum, Milt Rodriguez on Congo drum and Anselmo Vidal, Jr. on the small Timbales pushed the band forward with a driving beat.

The next concert in the series takes place Tuesday December 18, starring singer/comedian Damian and featuring showman Duffy Jackson on drums and his 7 piece instrumental group playing traditional jazz. For reservation information call (561) 499-9976.

Photos Above: Anselmo Vidal, Jr.; Eddy and Lisa Rodriguez

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The Swing & Jazz Society’s opening season concert begins next Tuesday evening, November 20, 2007 at the Spanish River Performing Art Center, 2400 Yamato Road, corner of St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton.

Anselmo Vidal, Jr. leads his 16 piece Latin jazz band playing rumba, mambo and cha-cha music. From the moment Anselmo kicks off the beat you’ll know you’re in for a lively, toe tapping evening. An extra treat: Two couples will demonstrate Latin dances.

Anselmo arrived in New York City from Aquadilla, Puerto Rico with his parents when he was 9 years old. He attended Metropolitan High School in the city. During these formative years he honed his talents as a Latin percussion musician, playing drums, timbale’s (bongo drums) and timbalito’s (small timbale’s).

The Tito Puente band inspired Anselmo to some day form a band that played exciting Latin music that included Mambo, Cha-Cha, Bolero and Meringue.

In 1992 Anselmo and his wife Miriam moved to south Florida. In 2003 with the help of a New York musician, Carlos Castillo who transcribed arrangements, Anslemo was able to realize his life long dream, putting together his 16 piece “Orquesta Nostalgia” with the help of Willie Suarez, bassist; Joe Tumminello, percussion; Jack Bragin, and Dr. Tim Walters, trumpet players. Among the other key musicians in the band are Jimmy Sedler, lead trumpeter; Marty Freed, sax; and lead vocalist, Dennis Rivera.

Anselmo, at 72 years young demonstrates his tall talent even though he only stands 5’ 2” and is slightly built at 130 pounds, by leading the band, playing the music he loves and slapping out the rhythm on his timbale’s and timbalito’s.

“Putting this big band together is a labor of love,” states Anselmo. “I look for musicians that have a passion for playing Latin music and who are dedicated to the same strong work ethic that I have for the success of the band by playing lively Latin music most people enjoy.”

For ticket information call (561) 499-9976, or purchase at box office the evening of the concert at the Arts Center.

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