In an economic climate that often forces the Cultural Arts to take a backseat to other equally important priorities, members of the South Florida community have taken the initiative to ensure continued funding for arts performances on Miami Beach.
The 2010 Miami Beach Arts Gala: A Celebration of the Arts on October 23rd will pay tribute to locally-based Arts luminaries Judy Drucker, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient; Michael Tilson Thomas, Visionary Award recipient; and Dr. Sanford L. and Dolores Ziff, Cultural Arts Champions.
All of the proceeds from the Miami Beach Arts Gala will be donated to the Miami Beach Cultural Arts Council, which will utilize the funds for awarding grants to local performing arts organizations.
Spearheaded by Commissioner Jerry Libbin with Gala co-chairs Bob Goodman and Harvey J. Burstein, the Gala committee includes representatives from arts organizations, tourism and allied industries – all dedicated to preserving Miami Beach’s rich legacy of showcasing the best talent the City has to offer.
“It is heartwarming to see how the community has come together to support something that is such an integral part of our identity as a Cultural Arts Mecca,” says Jerry Libbin. “This event will surely make a difference in how Miami Beach is perceived as a cultural arts center.”
Artistic Elements From Within the Community
In addition to a dinner menu with whimsical, arts-themed monikers for each course and original invitation artwork created by Miguel Paredes, the Gala features a medley of performances by local performers.
Baby B Strings, a trio comprised of violin, viola and cello, will provide traditional classical music during the cocktail reception.
Oriente, led and conceived by Cuban-born guitarist/composer, Eddy Balzola, is the featured musical entertainment throughout the dinner program. Oriente’s sound is a lively and distinctive collage of Cuban, Brazilian, southern Blues and Jazz influences. They have garnered international attention and are currently touring with Yanni.
Side stages in the main ballroom will feature three diverse dance troupes: Pioneer Winter Collective, Dance Now! Ensemble and Miami Contemporary Dance Company.
Even the centerpieces that will grace the tables reflect the evening’s arts theme, as they are created by art students from Miami’s Terra Environmental Research Institute, an eco-friendly prototype for schools to come. The students used dried tree branches to create twig sculptures for each table.
The Miami Beach Arts Gala takes place on Saturday, October 23 at 7 pm at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Ballroom D, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach. For further information, please call (305) 673-5177.
Event Image created by Miguel Paredes