Author Archives: Pompano Beach Arts

Jazz Fest Pompano Beach Returns for a Spectacular 5th Year

Two-Day Beachfront Celebration Set for April 18-19, 2026

POMPANO BEACH, Fla., April 3, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Pompano Beach Arts proudly announces the return of Jazz Fest Pompano Beach for its milestone 5th year, taking place Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2026. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, this free, two-day festival brings together world-class headliners and an exceptional showcase of South Florida’s own homegrown talent, alongside outstanding cuisine and vibrant community spirit along the shoreline. V.I.P. is almost SOLD OUT.

Image caption: Jazz Fest Pompano Beach.

Over the past five years, Jazz Fest Pompano Beach has evolved from a cultural initiative into a premier destination event, attracting tens of thousands of attendees from across South Florida and beyond. This year’s sponsors who include the Broward Cultural Division; Champion Porsche and the Judith Ann Linnell Foundation, along with continued support from the City Commission, ensure the festival plays a key role in driving economic growth while enhancing the city’s cultural landscape and quality of life.

A WORLD-CLASS LINEUP

This year’s festival delivers an extraordinary lineup of award-winning headliners, rising stars, and standout local talent. Saturday night opens with the elegant and soulful sounds of flutist Kim Scott, followed by the high-energy, signature saxophone stylings of Richard Elliot. Headlining the evening is Brian Culbertson, whose dynamic, genre-blending performance promises an electrifying close to the night.

On Sunday, the Beach Mainstage features The Purple Project: Reimagining the Music of Prince, presented by Latin Grammy-nominated pianist Martin Bejerano. This innovative tribute delivers a bold jazz-fusion take on Prince’s iconic catalog.

The evening continues with contemporary jazz favorite Walter Beasley, known for his smooth, soulful sound, before culminating in a high-powered finale from Ghost-Note, the acclaimed funk-fusion ensemble known for their explosive performances.

Guiding the weekend’s energy is host Drew Heyman, Y100’s Music Director and a beloved South Florida personality, bringing his signature charisma and connection to the community and the festival stage.

LOCAL TALENT TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT

Jazz Fest Pompano Beach also celebrates the region’s rich musical talent with a dedicated Local Stage.

Saturday, April 18 (1 PM – 5 PM):

Haley Cove
Garçon de Kilimanjaro
Nicole Kidd

Sunday, April 19 (12 PM – 4 PM):

The Fella Band
Kizie The Violist
Inner Court

BEACHSIDE TASTE OF POMPANO

Festivalgoers can explore the lively Beachside Taste of Pompano, featuring a curated selection of local culinary favorites including Lucky Fish; Oceanic; The Beach House; Baresco; How You Brewin?; Falafal Beach Grill; The Briny Pub; Taco Station; Carlucci’s; Lola’s on the Water and Zoe’s Beachside Grill; and Stingers. From savory bites to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

ADMISSION & VIP EXPERIENCE

General admission is free; however, registration is encouraged for concessions, security and safety planning. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for comfortable seating; and to take Ride Share as parking challenges are to be expected.

For an elevated experience, VIP Passes are available for SUNDAY and include:

Premium up-front seating on portable flooring
Access to a private VIP bar
Exclusive Jazz Fest 2026 swag bag

JOIN THE CELEBRATION

Jazz Fest Pompano Beach 2026 promises two unforgettable days of music, community, cuisine, and coastal charm. From smooth jazz to funk-infused performances, the festival offers something for every music lover.

For more information and to register, visit: Jazz Fest Pompano Beach on the website: https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/events/jazz-fest

Image caption: Pompano Beach Arts.

ABOUT POMPANO BEACH CULTURAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

The department programs and manages the City’s premier cultural arts venues, including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center; Ali Cultural Arts Center including The Hive Black Box Theater; Bailey Contemporary Arts; and the Blanche Ely House Museum. The department also oversees the City’s Public Art Program and the Artists in Residence (AiR) initiative. Learn more: https://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/government/cultural-affairs-department

MULTIMEDIA:

Image links for media:

[1} Event poster: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0403-s2p-pbajazz26-300dpi.webp

[2] Pompano Beach Arts logo: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0403-s2p-pbalogo-300dpi.webp

NEWS SOURCE: Pompano Beach Arts

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Pompano Beach Arts), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

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Jazz Fest Returns to Pompano Beach, FL for a 5th Year on April 18-19, 2026

Announcing Our Spectacular LINEUP in this Warm, Jazzy, FREE, Beachside Experience - Save Your Dates!

POMPANO BEACH, Fla., Dec. 2, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department, operating as Pompano Beach Arts, proudly announces the milestone “sapphire” 5th anniversary of Jazz Fest Pompano Beach, taking place Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2026. Set along the city’s stunning shoreline, the festival once again brings two days of world-class performances, culinary delights, and community celebration — all free to the public. This event is set to rival the most notable Jazz Festivals in the county, with warm breezes, salted air and the vibes of sultry jazz.

Photo caption: Brian Culbertson.

BEYOND THE EXTRAORDINARY PERFORMANCES, JAZZ FEST POMPANO BEACH OFFERS:

Exclusive VIP opportunities with premium viewing and commemorative 5th anniversary items
Local Talent Stage (artists announced soon)
Culinary village featuring local and global flavors
A scenic beachfront setting perfect for all ages
Creative activations showcasing Pompano Beach’s Artists in Residence and placemaking projects

This spring, Pompano Beach will transform into a vibrant hub of rhythm and soul as Jazz Fest unites an exceptional lineup of performers and invites residents and visitors from near and far. Each performance’s distinctive style, while standing strong individually, will blend into a festival experience that audiences can’t forget long after the final note fades.

“What began five years ago as an ambitious cultural initiative has evolved into one of South Florida’s premier music events, attracting thousands of visitors from across the state and beyond,” says Cultural Affairs Director Ty Tabing. “Thanks to the support of the City Commission and the dedication of Pompano Beach Arts, our Jazz Fest continues to enrich the community, fuel local economic growth, and highlight the city’s creative energy.”

GRAMMY WINNERS ARE COMING TO OUR STAGE!

In our star-studded lineup, no name shines brighter than multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter Brian Culbertson—a genre-defying musical force known for electrifying every stage he graces. Also among them is Ghost Note, the powerhouse funk-fusion ensemble that takes rhythmic innovation to new heights. Additionally, Percussionists Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth are recipients of two Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for Culcha Vulcha (2017) and Sylva (2016).

LOCAL TALENT IS NOT TO BE MISSED

The Local Talent Stage remains a cornerstone of the festival, celebrating the depth and diversity of our community’s musicians. While we’re not ready to announce this year’s performers just yet, stay tuned—exciting local talent updates are coming soon.

Your RSVP helps us to plan for adequate security, food, drinks, and merchandise. Sign up today to stay informed about all things Jazz Fest.

TWO NIGHTS OF UNFORGETTABLE JAZZ — ONE INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE! FREE COMMUNITY EVENT

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026

Opening the Night: Kim Scott
Start your evening wrapped in the elegance of Kim Scott’s radiant flute artistry. The 2024 Artist of the Year (Smooth Jazz Network) and breakout star of 2021, whose No.1 Billboard album ‘SHINE!’ brought her global acclaim, Scott is widely-known for her smooth, contemporary sound and expressive stage presence. She brings a refreshing, melodic energy that invites audiences in from the very first note. Her music dances between sophistication and soulful groove, setting the perfect foundation for the night’s journey. She opens the festival with grace, warmth, and a musical sparkle that captivates listeners of every age.

Elevating the Energy: Richard Elliot
Then the stage heats up — and so does the crowd. “Grammy-nominated saxophonist Richard Elliot with decades of chart-topping contemporary jazz recordings is an iconic saxophonist with a tone that’s instantly recognizable. Bringing a thrilling dose of power and charisma, Elliot’s performances are known for their drive, passion, and undeniable flair. Richard’s bold sound bridges the finesse of smooth jazz with the pulse of funk and R&B, energizing the audience and building anticipation for the evening’s grand finale.

Brian Culbertson
Closing out the night is none other than…insert drumroll…. Brian Culbertson. Whether he’s behind the piano lighting up the room with his trombone, or driving a rhythmic explosion alongside his band, Brian delivers a high-energy, immersive experience that seamlessly blends jazz, funk, soul, and pure showmanship. Culbertson performs majestic music — and creates an atmosphere, a feeling, a moment you’ll carry long after the final note.

With 30 Billboard No. 1 singles, Brian’s impact on contemporary jazz and funk is undeniable. A true crowd-maker and moment-creator, Brian Culbertson ensures the night ends with magic. He is not to be missed!

SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2026

Connie Han – The Opener with an Edge
Kicking things off is the brilliant Steinway Artist Connie Han, whose explosive piano style blends classic jazz sophistication with modern swagger. Described by Variety as “one of contemporary jazz’s most talented and inventive musicians” and dubbed by DownBeat Magazine “The Jazz Warrior-Goddess” with “a skill and ferocity unmatched by all but the most accomplished of pianists.” She’s bold, edgy, and sets the tone for a night that’s anything but ordinary. Her performance opens the door to what jazz can be: daring, expressive, and fresh.

Walter Beasley – Smooth, Soulful, and Unmistakably Signature
Following Connie Han is the iconic, Walter Beasley, a two-time Boston Music Awards winner, whose silky saxophone and soulful vocals have made him one of the most beloved figures in contemporary jazz. He brings warmth, groove, and heartfelt emotion — creating the perfect musical bridge in the evening. Where Han is fiery and sharp, Beasley is smooth and soothing, balancing the night with a rich, melodic soulfulness.

Ghost-Note Brings the Heat – Headed by Snarky Puppy’s multi-Grammy–winning percussion duo of Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth
Closing out the night is Ghost-Note whose explosive sound — filled with deep-pocket grooves, electrifying percussion, and high-energy stage presence — transforms jazz into an unstoppable force.

Image caption: Jazz Fest Pompano Beach 2026.

Don’t miss the BEST, FREE Jazz Fest ON THE BEACH in the country — Where every note tells a story, and every artist brings something extraordinary.

Go to Pompano Beach Jazz Fest for the latest updates!

Performance times and full festival schedule to be announced soon.

Add to Calendar – and stay tuned!

Follow Us & Stay Connected

Pompano Beach Arts

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pompanobeacharts/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PompanoBeachArtsOfficial

Pompano Beach Arts remains committed to producing an event that celebrates artistic excellence while showcasing the city’s growing reputation as a cultural destination in South Florida. We are also proud to announce the support of the Broward Cultural Division which has provided financial support for this event.

Learn more at: https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/events/jazz-fest-1

ABOUT POMPANO BEACH CULTURAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

The Cultural Affairs Department, operating as Pompano Beach Arts, provides diverse cultural programming—including visual arts, digital media, music, film, theater, and dance—for the enrichment of residents and visitors throughout Pompano Beach and South Florida. The department manages key cultural venues such as the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Ali Cultural Arts Center including The Hive Black Box Theater, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, and the Blanche Ely House Museum. It also oversees the City’s Public Art Program and Artists in Residence initiatives.

MULTIMEDIA:

Photo link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/25-1202-s2p-culbertson-300dpi.webp

Photo caption: Brian Culbertson.

Jazz Fest logo graphic: https://cdn.pompanobeachfl.gov/events/slider-mobile/_eventSquare/Jazz-Fest-2026-Thumbnail.png

NEWS SOURCE: Pompano Beach Arts

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/jazz-fest-returns-to-pompano-beach-fl-for-a-5th-year-on-april-18-19-2026/

Making Waves! Jazz Fest Pompano Beach Announces 2025 Lineup: Free Music Festival Brings Grammy Winners and Rising Stars to City’s Shore

POMPANO BEACH, Fla., Dec. 3, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Mark your calendars, music lovers! Pompano Beach Arts is thrilled to announce Jazz Fest Pompano Beach will return to the City’s beautiful shore on January 24th and 25th, 2025. This 4th annual festival promises to be bigger and tastier than ever before, featuring a stellar lineup of renowned jazz musicians including Joshua Redman & Gabrielle Cavassa, Judith Hill, Randy Brecker, and Jazz Funk Soul alongside a vibrant new food court with a New Orleans flavor, all directly on the beach stage!

Image caption: Jazz Funk Soul.

This free festival will once again be hosted by Mark Ruffin of Sirius XM’s Real Jazz. There is no charge for General Admission tickets, but registration is required. There are a limited number of VIP Seats at $200 for a 2-day pass. Complete details at www.pompanobeacharts.org/jazzfest.

“This year’s event will feature two days of critically acclaimed artists who have graced the stages of the biggest jazz events in the world. We are honored to produce this landmark festival for our community, shining the spotlight on our City while welcoming music lovers from all over the state and beyond,” said Ty Tabing, Director of The City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department, operating as Pompano Beach Arts. “Our Cultural Affairs Department is grateful to the City Commission for their support of events like Jazz Fest, which impact our City’s economic development while enhancing the quality of life for our residents.”

Jazz Fest Pompano Beach is proud to welcome Champion Porsche, Visit Lauderdale, and Pompano Magazine as lead sponsors.

Festival Lineup:

:: FRIDAY, JANUARY 24th, 2025 |LOCAL TALENT STAGE │Great Lawn: 1:45-4:45pm

FERNANDO FERRARONE

Trumpeter and Alto Saxophonist Fernando Ferrarone is a 2-time DownBeat Award winner on trumpet and alto saxophone. He is a band leader, composer and arranger. Fernando attended Berklee College of Music on a full tuition scholarship in Boston. He has performed in various jazz festivals such as the Monterey jazz festival and the Montreal jazz festival in Canada. Fernando has performed throughout New York City jazz clubs and with bands including Sonora Dinamita and Grupo Rebolu. Internationally, he has performed extensively in Peru and Colombia.

BOP SHOP BRASS

Bop Shop Brass emerged at the end of the pandemic, born from the enthusiasm of musicians eager to reconnect and perform together. Their journey began at various farmers’ markets around Miami, where they quickly discovered a unique, groovy sound that resonated with their audience. By meticulously curating a repertoire filled with undeniable BOPS, they’ve been able to captivate listeners across South Florida, sharing their passion for music and creating unforgettable experiences for everyone who hears them.

:: FRIDAY JANUARY 24th 2025 │ Pompano Beach on the sand:

RANDY BRECKER | MAIN STAGE 5:00 PM

Randy Brecker is a Grammy® Award-Winner legendary jazz trumpeter and composer known for his exceptional performances on the trumpet and flugelhorn. Born into a musical family in Philadelphia in 1945, he has left an indelible mark on the world of jazz, R&B, and rock for more than six decades. Brecker has worked with a diverse array of artists and bands, including Blood, Sweat and Tears, Horace Silver Quintet, Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, and the Brecker Brothers Band. Throughout his career, he has released numerous albums and earned multiple Grammy nominations and wins. Randy’s enduring passion for music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans worldwide.

ADAM HAWLEY | MAIN STAGE 7:00 PM

Adam Hawley, a celebrated guitarist, producer, and composer, has released four albums and produced music resulting in 16 Billboard #1 Hits. His album Escape was the #1 Selling Album in the nation in its first week, and its debut single became the Billboard and Smooth Jazz Network Song of the Year for 2020. His fourth album, Risin’ Up, also saw chart-topping success. In 2022, he achieved four more #1 hits and the 2022 song of the year.

JOSHUA REDMAN & GABRIELLE CAVASSA | MAIN STAGE 9:00 PM

Grammy nominated jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman, widely revered as one of the greatest of his generation, performs music from where are we, his celebrated debut on the venerable Blue Note Records label. Redman calls where are we “a meditation on America and the power and importance of place.”

Featuring songs from American icons such as Guthrie, Springsteen, Perkins, and others, each selection is performed with the improvisational brilliance that is the hallmark of Redman’s artistry. Accompanied by the enchanting voice of New Orleans based vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa, the Joshua Redman Group has been lauded by critics as “a graceful triumph of understated virtuosity.”

:: SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2025 |LOCAL TALENT STAGE │Great Lawn 1:00 pm – 4:45 pm

LUIGI ARRENDONO

An acclaimed saxophonist, drummer, and composer of Dominican & American heritage. Graduating from the University of North Florida in the summer of 2021, Luigi has established himself as a remarkable musician, composer, and band leader celebrated for his distinctive and enchanting sound, as well as his expressive, rhythmic, and melodious improvisations on the saxophone and drums. Arredondo has performed alongside Tito Puente Jr, Mario Castro, Agapito Pascual, and Scott Giddens. Taylor Roberts and many other esteemed artists.

TRAD305

The Trad305 is an award-winning ensemble that brings the rich and lively history of traditional jazz to life. This group of talented musicians specializes in sub-genres such as Dixieland, Tin Pan Alley, Ragtime, American Songbook, Hot Jazz, and more. Their performances capture the essence of jazz from its early days up until the rise of swing in the 1930s, delivering an authentic and captivating musical experience. The “TRAD” is composed of a “banjolele”, a “contrabass”, and a “reedmaster” performing every woodwind instrument. All members vocalized in this period’s jazz style and never used any amplification or electricity.

Trad305 is part of the The Damian J Project, founded by musician Damian J. Sanchez, as an open-sourced musical collaboration dedicated to the preservation, development, and education of jazz. After touring extensively with such artists at BB King and The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Sanchez founded the project which allows musicians the freedom to perform with a variety of groups.

GINETTA’S VENDETTA

Ginetta Minichiello is a triple-threat female powerhouse who plays pocket trumpet, sings, and composes while leading her acclaimed jazz combo Ginetta’s Vendetta worldwide. From Moscow to Jakarta, Paris to Beirut, Jamaica to California, Canada to Mexico, she continues her musical ministry as a Jazz Ambassador, calling Jazz “America’s Greatest Export!” Just releasing her brand new CD, Fun Size on the summer solstice, 2024, Ginetta is ready to take on the world. As she entertains and teaches audiences around the globe about Jazz, she is garnering new fans and inspiring young musicians from the far east to Miami!

:: SATURDAY, JANUARY 25th 2025 │ Pompano Beach on the sand

JUDITH HILL | MAIN STAGE 5:00 PM

Grammy® Award-Winner Judith Hill’s latest album, Letters from a Black Widow, delves into her struggles after the deaths of Michael Jackson and Prince, two iconic artists who selected Hill for collaborations.

After Jackson’s sudden passing in June 2009, Hill sang lead on a number at Jackson’s memorial service, putting her on the worldwide map. Her rise to fame is explored in “20 Feet from Stardom,” the Oscar-winning documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman.

In her current album, Hill integrates theatrical elements and confronts the figure of the Black Widow that haunted her for so long. Inspired by a vision of a mountain representing her trauma, the album encompasses new stories of discovery, resistance, and redemption while maintaining her soul and funk foundation. The album features impressive guitar solos, with Hill explaining that the guitar has become a newfound voice for her during the songwriting process. Hill also experimented with her writing style while creating the album, allowing some songs to evolve from music, while others focused on storytelling and tone.

GERALD ALBRIGHT | MAIN STAGE 6:45 PM

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Albright is a versatile musician who started as a saxophonist before transitioning to bass. He has worked with various artists such as Anita Baker, Ray Parker Jr., and Whitney Houston. His solo career took off in 1987 with the smooth jazz album Just Between Us, and he has since released several successful albums. Albright’s music defies easy categorization, as he draws from contemporary R&B and urban jazz influences. He aims to take his listeners on a journey through different musical textures, rhythms, chord progressions, and moods. Whether in concert, on the radio, or through his albums, he wants to convey that he is in a good place in his life.

JONATHAN BUTLER | MAIN STAGE 8:15 PM

South African-born, Grammy® Award-Nominated guitarist Jonathan Butler is known for blending R&B, pop, jazz fusion, and worship music. His breakthrough to a wider audience came in the late ’80s with hit singles like “Lies.” He has lived in England and California and remains a star in South Africa. Butler’s faith is central to his music, as many of his albums showcase his love of gospel music and groove-based jazz chops.

Born in Cape Town in 1961, Butler was signed to Jive Records at 16 and released his debut album, Introducing Jonathan Butler. Moving to England, he continued to find success with albums like Worship Project, Jonathan, Brand New Day, and Grace and Mercy. In 2018, he reinterpreted classic songs by Burt Bacharach and Hal David on Close to You. His 2023 album, Ubuntu, celebrated the spirit and musical traditions of his home country.

JAZZ FUNK SOUL – JEFF LORBER, EVERETTE HARP, AND PAUL JACKSON, JR. | MAIN STAGE 9:45 PM

Jazz Funk Soul, a Grammy® Award-winning smooth jazz supergroup, formed in the mid-2010s with Jeff Lorber, Chuck Loeb, and Everette Harp. After Loeb’s passing in 2017, guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr. joined the group. Critically acclaimed as Contemporary Jazz pioneers, their irresistible musical recipe is simple – gorgeous melodies, unforgettable grooves, exhilarating solos and charged interplay.

Pianist, composer, and producer Jeff Lorber has been a major innovator on the creative music scene for over three decades. Along with maestros Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample and Bob James, Lorber is a groundbreaking Fender Rhodes pioneer. Having produced for everyone from Dave Koz to Kenny G, the Grammy nominated pianists’ long running acclaimed ensemble, Jeff Lorber Fusion, was a major force in Contemporary Jazz’s early beginnings. The Berklee College of Music alum’s 2014 CD Prototype with his Jeff Lorber Fusion scored a Grammy for ‘Best Contemporary Instrumental’ album.

Everette Harp’s soulful and trademark blend of Jazz, R&B, Funk and Pop have made him a favorite among fans, fellow musicians and critics alike. Harp’s impressive career that has allowed him to collaborate with everyone from Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Anita Baker, Luther Vandross and Patti Labelle to George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Billy Joel and Kenny Loggins. Harp has left an indelible imprint on the scene with his own unique, muscular and soulful approach. His work on TV has brought his saxophone into the homes of millions who have heard him playing the theme songs for such popular TV shows as Entertainment Tonight and Soul Train. He also holds the distinction of being a former member of the posse on the first Arsenio Hall Show.

Los Angeles native Paul Jackson, Jr. launched his own solo career in the late 80s. His distinctive musical style and technical prowess have made him a favorite among live audiences. First call for numerous musicians, Jackson has recorded with an impressive roster of musicians including Quincy Jones, Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, Michael Jackson and Bob James, among many others. He has also lent his guitar work to several film scores including Get On Up, Zootopia and The Color Purple. The guitarist is also featured on Daft Punk’s CD Random Access Memories, which scored five Grammys in 2014.

About the City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department:

The mission of the Cultural Affairs Department, operating as Pompano Beach Arts, is to provide cultural programming that includes visual arts, digital media, music, film, theater, dance, and public art for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors to Pompano Beach, Broward County, and the greater South Florida area. The department programs and manages the City’s premiere cultural arts venues, including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Ali Cultural Arts Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, and the Blanche Ely House Museum. The department also oversees the City’s Public Art Program and the Artists in Residence (AiR) initiative. https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/

NEWS SOURCE: Pompano Beach Arts

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/making-waves-jazz-fest-pompano-beach-announces-2025-lineup-free-music-festival-brings-grammy-winners-and-rising-stars-to-citys-shore/

Pompano Beach Arts Introduces 2024/2025 Artists in Residence Class

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Pompano Beach Arts is excited to announce the new Artists in Residence (AiR) class at Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCA). This dynamic initiative offers a unique opportunity for creative exploration, collaboration, and growth within South Florida's vibrant arts community. Each season, new artists are selected through a competitive process. This year's class features artists with an expansive array of creative techniques and influences. During this semester, the artists will be showcased through dedicated exhibitions and major events including Jazz Fest Pompano Beach 2025, while also interacting with the community through art workshops.

To learn more about the artists and their upcoming event and class schedule please visit https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/bailey/artists-in-residence.

"We are honored to welcome such a remarkably talented and diverse group of artists," said Ty Tabing, Director of the Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department, operating as Pompano Beach Arts. "BaCA has become an extraordinary incubator for our AiRs, providing dedicated studio space to expand creativity, while also empowering entrepreneurial growth through marketing and business classes. We are also very proud of the array of opportunities we have been able to provide to our artists including participation at Jazz Fest, creating signature murals for the City, and introducing them to grant opportunities."

ABOUT THE 2024/2025 ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE:

Alyssa Book

Alyssa Book is a Cuban American fiber artist who uses rug tufting techniques to create one-of-a-kind, tactile works of art. Based in South Florida, Book's vibrant style uses bold lines and bright colors to evoke a sense of childlike wonder.

After a challenging experience with postpartum depression, Book turned to her craft as a source of solace and healing. Inspired by the Woodstock era and the inherent restorative power of color, she creates yarn art that sparks joy and inner peace. Her works have been exhibited at galleries throughout South Florida's Tri-County area.

Angelica Clyman

Broward County's dramatic transformation serves as a wellspring of inspiration for artist Angelica Clyman. Growing up amidst these changes, her artistic focus centers on forgotten spaces and their bygone eras, utilizing a variety of mediums to explore the life cycles of these ordinary places. Her creative process involves visiting abandoned sites and collecting remnants, which she transforms into paintings, sculptures, and prints. These artworks act as narratives, preserving memories and giving voice to the past.

Clyman's artistic journey is marked by solo exhibitions and featured works in the Miami Children's Museum permanent collection. An alumna of New World School of the Arts and Florida International University, she currently shares her artistic knowledge as a studio art instructor at Broward College and serves as the director of the Rosemary Duffy Larson Gallery.

Constance Ivana

With a lifelong passion for art and a mission to expand artistic access, Constance Ivana uses her creative voice to tackle issues of social justice and Black history, primarily through vibrant works in spray paint and acrylics. Currently an artist-in-residence at History Fort Lauderdale, her pieces are often imbued with messages of hope and encouragement.

A retired Broward County educator with 21 years of teaching experience, she transitioned to HR recruiting. Constance is a regular volunteer with the City of Fort Lauderdale and has fostered collaborations with a wide range of organizations, including the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Art Prevails, Art 13, Art n Soul, Heal the Planet, numerous schools, independent artists, and various nonprofits. Beyond selling her artwork, Constance actively engages the community by hosting painting parties and workshops and creating impactful murals.

Florencia Clement de Grandprey

Florencia Clement de Grandprey is a self-taught mixed-media figurative artist. Originally from Spain, her mission is to empower and inspire through positive and meaningful artwork. Painting full-time since 2014, she initially used canvas, incorporating discontinued fabric and paper samples to create backgrounds and "dress" her subjects. Eventually, discovering she could paint directly on upholstery fabric and area rugs, she fell in love with this new medium. Through her artwork, she celebrates our uniqueness and imperfections, highlighting our strengths and beauty.

Lauren Georgia

Lauren Georgia is a digital artist and educator who creates immersive installations that blend reflective surfaces, light, and shadows into unique experiences. These environments focus on transformation, offering participants opportunities to confront their own reflections and perceptions of identity and self. Balancing deeper questions with a playful approach, Georgia incorporates bright colors and patterns into her work and has exhibited in both group and solo shows throughout Florida.

Raised in Pompano Beach, Florida, Georgia graduated from the University of Florida with Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Art Education and Digital Media. As an educator, she most recently taught digital art and design portfolio development at Dillard High School.

Mark Viau

Mark Viau is a multimedia artist with a strong foundation in classical fine art techniques. His creations are known for their rich layers of color and captivating depth. He invites viewers into a world brimming with life, where traditional methods meet contemporary innovation.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Viau attended Wayne State University on a fine arts scholarship. The COVID-19 pandemic rekindled his passion for art, inspiring him to channel his experiences into a vibrant and expressive body of work. As the father of triplets, Mark's life journey has been both dynamic and enriched by the joys of parenthood.

ALIGUORI

Nino Liguori has always enjoyed telling stories through his paintings, which are visual parables and allegories. His work alludes to art history, design, innovation, and humanity itself, intertwining fable and fact, imagination and realism. An art educator, he has worked with diverse socio-economic and racial groups in Broward County and was twice a finalist for Visual Arts Educator of the Year.

Liguori advanced his painting studies by obtaining a master's degree in Europe and Asia. He studied at The Academie de Beaux Arts in Paris, collaborated with art collectives in Rome, and learned brush and breathing techniques in East Asia. His artwork has been featured in New York Magazine and Hi-Fructose Magazine. Honoring both his Italian heritage and the storytelling nature of his work, he signs his paintings "ALIGUORI."

Symphonii Smith-Kennedy

Symphonii Smith-Kennedy fostered her artistic exploration in painting and self-discovery during her education at New World School of the Arts and through her art studio with Zero Empty Spaces. She utilizes art to explore her identity as a Black queer woman in today's world, drawing on her experiences, imagination, and fascination with fantasy to influence her work.

Primarily an oil painter, she also uses other mediums to create sequential narratives influenced by Afro-centric culture and fantasy. While painting is her main focus, Smith-Kennedy's aspirations bridge the gap between fine art, illustration, and entrepreneurship.

Learn more: https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/bailey/artists-in-residence

About the City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department:

The mission of the Cultural Affairs Department, operating as Pompano Beach Arts, is to provide cultural programming that includes visual arts, digital media, music, film, theater, dance, and public art for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors to Pompano Beach, Broward County, and the greater South Florida area. The department programs and manages the City's premiere cultural arts venues, including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Ali Cultural Arts Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, and the Blanche Ely House Museum. The department also oversees the City's Public Art Program and the Artists in Residence (AiR) initiative.

Pompano Beach Arts is excited to announce the new Artists in Residence (AiR) class at Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCA). This dynamic initiative offers a unique opportunity for creative exploration, collaboration, and growth within South Florida's vibrant arts community. Each season, new artists are selected through a competitive process. This year's class features artists with an expansive array of creative techniques and influences.

Related link: https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/

Pompano Beach Sizzles as Southern Fried Poetry Slam Comes to Town

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The nation's hottest wordsmiths are descending upon the City of Pompano Beach for the 32nd Annual Southern Fried Poetry Slam. Pompano Beach Arts is proud to announce that this electrifying four-day festival will take place June 12-15, 2024. This celebration of spoken word, performance poetry, and the power of community attracts over 200 poets from around the country who will battle it out for bragging rights and a chance to be crowned champion.

The festival takes place across Pompano Beach's cultural hub, including the Ali Cultural Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, and the beach!

Tickets are $25 for a festival pass, which includes the preliminary bouts and Final Stage. Workshop passes, which include four programs, are $15. Learn more at https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/.

"We are honored that our City was selected for this prestigious competition," said Ty Tabing, Director, Cultural Affairs Department. "Through our current programs, such as Lyrics Lab and the Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival, we have developed a reputation as an incubator for spoken word artists. Hosting the Southern Fried Poetry Slam enhances our commitment to supporting this dynamic and entertaining form of expression."

Since 1993, during the first week of June, a city in the southeastern region of the United States has played host to one of the largest spoken word and performance poetry tournaments in the world. The fierce talents of over 200 exceptionally gifted writers and orators will be on full display as they compete for cash and prizes. Representing poets hail from the southern states and beyond, with past competitors flying in from as far away as California and Hawaii to take part in this prestigious competition.

"We are so very excited to be visiting Pompano Beach this summer, and we look forward to having our competitors fully experience the beauty and culture of your city," said Sarita Goods, President, Board of Directors Southern Fried Poetry Inc. "In addition to the slams, our event offers workshops and other activities for the poets to enjoy while experiencing the host city."

Pompano Beach local and Southern Fried Poetry, Inc's Vice President of the Board of Directors, Sharonda "Eccentrich" Richardson has been the driving force ensuring that 2024 is her city's time to shine in spoken word. "I have been working to make this happen for a long time, and now it's become a reality," said Richardson. "This event is a tremendous opportunity to immerse yourself in a spectrum of spoken word styles and perspectives, from heart-wrenching narratives to hilarious social commentary."

Richardson is also the founder of Free on the Inside, the poetry pipeline series, which goes into prisons to facilitate workshops and showcase spoken word poetry. In 2018, she created the first poetry festival in the history of Pompano Beach, Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival.

To learn more about Southern Fried Poetry Inc., and all event details visit https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/events/southern-fried-poetry-slam.

About the City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department:

The mission of the Cultural Affairs Department is to provide cultural programming that includes visual arts, digital media, music, film, theater, dance and public art for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors to Pompano Beach, Broward County, and the greater South Florida area. The department programs and manages the City's premiere cultural arts venues, including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Ali Cultural Arts Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, and the Blanche Ely House Museum. The department also oversees the City's Public Art Program and the Artist in Residence (AiR) initiative. Learn more: https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kay Renz
Kay@KRPRMediagroup.com

The nation's hottest wordsmiths are descending upon the City of Pompano Beach for the 32nd Annual Southern Fried Poetry Slam. Pompano Beach Arts is proud to announce that this electrifying four-day festival will take place June 12-15, 2024. This celebration of spoken word, performance poetry, and the power of community attracts over 200 poets from around the country who will battle it out for bragging rights and a chance to be crowned champion.

Related link: https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/

Jazz Fest Pompano Beach 2024 Makes a Huge Splash

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Under a canopy of stars, Pompano Beach was transformed into a haven for jazz enthusiasts as over 10,000 music fans showed up for the beachside celebration. Jazz royalty including Branford Marsalis, Ms. Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton, David Sanchez, and Najee held court on the Champion Porsche Stage at Jazz Fest Pompano Beach 2024 and captivated audiences with their incredible talent.

This year's event, hosted by Mark Ruffin of Sirius XM's Real Jazz channel, was the first time the festival was located directly on the beach which allowed for exponential audience growth. With the tremendous success of this 3rd annual event, the City's Cultural Affairs Department is already planning the 2025 festival.

Upcoming announcements will be featured on https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/.

"Jazz Fest was a true testament to the power of music and art to bring people together," said Ty Tabing, Director Cultural Affairs Department. "We saw families dancing on the sand, people swaying to the melodies, and everyone smiling as they experienced phenomenal art displays by our Artists in Residence, and the incredible food and beverage options from our local venues. We are so grateful to everyone who made this extraordinary event a success, and we cannot wait to do this again next year!"

Restaurants participating in the "Beachside Beats & Culinary Treats" food & beverage area included Baresco, Beach House, Burger Fi, How You Brewin', Cannoli Kitchen Pizza, Kilwins, Lucky Fish and Oceanic.

The stunning artistic experiences provided by the talented Artists in Residence from Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, were underwritten by a $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Broward to expand this program outside the venue walls. Jazz Fest was the first time these funds were utilized, and they allowed for an array of impressive artistic experiences including live painting, art installations, mural curations, dance, and even a projection under the pier.

Jazz Fest Pompano Beach 2024 Sponsors include: Champion Porsche, John Knox Village, Bank United, Gold Coast Jazz Society, Outclique, and Pompano! Magazine.

About the City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department:

The mission of the Cultural Affairs Department is to provide cultural programming that includes visual arts, digital media, music, film, theater, dance and public art for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors to Pompano Beach, Broward County, and the greater South Florida area. The department programs and manages the City's premiere cultural arts venues, including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Ali Cultural Arts Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, and the Blanche Ely House Museum. The department also oversees the City's Public Art Program and the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts' Our Town grant awarded to the Pompano Beach Crossroads place-making arts initiative.

Under a canopy of stars, Pompano Beach was transformed into a haven for jazz enthusiasts as over 10,000 music fans showed up for the beachside celebration. Jazz royalty including Branford Marsalis, Ms. Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton, David Sanchez, and Najee held court on the Champion Porsche Stage at Jazz Fest Pompano Beach 2024 and captivated audiences with their incredible talent.

Related link: https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/

Bailey Contemporary Arts is Proud to Introduce the 2023 / 2024 Artists in Residence

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department is delighted to introduce the 2023/2024 class of the Artists in Residence (AiR) program at the historic Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCA). The AiR Program provides artists with studio space to create new work, collaborate with fellow resident artists, and engage with the community.

This dynamic and diverse group of artists will be in residence though June, and each will be featured as an "Artist of the Month," offering them the opportunity to showcase their work and create unique programs to attract art lovers to BaCA.

Learn more at https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/.

"In our second season of our reinvigorated Artists in Residence program, we are thrilled to welcome an extremely talented group of creatives who will fill our studios with an eclectic mix art including paintings, ceramics, and dance," said Ty Tabing, Cultural Affairs Director. "We look forward to supporting each artist's growth during this semester, while also supplying them with additional business and marketing skills required to accelerate their careers."

Below are brief bios of our artists, which include the month, they will be featured in multiple programs and workshops. For more details about each artists visit https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/bailey/artists-in-residence

:: Michele Del Campo / October

At the age of twenty, Michele Del Campo began a global artistic journey, resulting in his work being exhibited in numerous international galleries. His familiarity with different cultures has fostered a visual repertoire that is a fusion of different places; mixing elements that shifts focus to stories and moods. While his portraits are more than simple individuals; instead, capturing autobiographical moments and a broader humanity. His figurative works include large-scale oil paintings and intimate charcoal drawings.

:: Alejandra Abad / November

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Alejandra Abad is an interdisciplinary visual artist and educator who explores belonging and mutual compassion as key parts of collective wellness. Through layering, abstraction, and light, she creates new landscapes that relate to place, family, and community. Her playful storytelling often features fragmentation, folklore, and mythology. Abad's installation work creates environments that include sculptural elements and video projection that relate the history of anticolonial movements to international surrealism and magical realism.

:: Renée Rey / December

Renée Rey's art reflects a vision for an inclusive, just, and healthy world. In both large and intimately scaled paintings, mixed media, and assemblage artwork, she creates other-worldly ecospheres that celebrate connection and kinship among diverse people, cultures, nature, and technologies. As she considers these concepts, Rey experiments with combining abstraction, realism, and surrealism, and varied media including oil, acrylic, paper, sandpaper, pins, clay, and wood branches.

:: Walter O'Neill / January

Walter O'Neill had been a painter for over 30 years, exhibiting his oil and fresco paintings in group and solo exhibits in New York, Maine, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. In 2017, his artistic focus changed after taking a clay class and now ceramics is his primary art form. The Deerfield Beach resident has exhibited his work at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale, Gallery 21 in Wilton Manors, Sugar Sand Community Park in Boca Raton, and in several venues as a member of the LGBTQ arts group ArtsUnitedFlorida.

:: T.M. Pride / February

Terrence "T.M." Pride is a multifaceted artist, with an expansive career showcasing many roles including director, choreographer, dancer, costume designer and teacher. A graduate of Florida A&M, he has choreographed over sixty pieces of work, including musicals, and commissioned ballets. T.M. is a member of Actors Equity Association and the Stage Directors & Choreographers Society, with Off-Broadway credits including For Colored Boyz; Regional credits in American Black Princess and American Son; along with Film/TV credits in: First Ladies, Lovecraft Country, and Underground Railroad. He currently serves as the producing artistic director for Brévo Theatre and director of the dance program at Dillard High School for the Arts.

:: Louiveste La Croix / May

Louiveste La Croix is an artist born in Haiti and currently based in South Florida. His artwork is a unique combination of multimedia techniques, gestural figures, and abstract color schemes that captivate viewers. La Croix uses his art to convey messages of spiritual awareness, unity, and consciousness through natural elements while also paying tribute to historical roots to promote conscious evolution. He believes that true artistry comes from taking risks and doing something that has never been done before, as well as expressing oneself authentically.

About the City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department:

The mission of the Cultural Affairs Department is to provide cultural programming that includes visual arts, digital media, music, film, theater, dance and public art for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors to Pompano Beach, Broward County, and the greater South Florida area. The department programs and manages the City's premiere cultural arts venues, including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Ali Cultural Arts Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, and the Blanche Ely House Museum. The department also oversees the City's Public Art Program and the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts' Our Town grant awarded to the Pompano Beach Crossroads place-making arts initiative.

The City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department is delighted to introduce the 2023/2024 class of the Artists in Residence (AiR) program at the historic Bailey Contemporary Arts Center (BaCA). The AiR Program provides artists with studio space to create new work, collaborate with fellow resident artists, and engage with the community.

Related link: https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/

Pompano Beach Arts Announces Headliners for Jazz Fest Pompano Beach 2024 – Branford Marsalis Leads an All-Star Internationally Acclaimed Lineup

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Pompano Beach Arts is proud to announce the headlining acts for Jazz Fest Pompano Beach 2024. Grammy(r) Award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis, one of the most iconic jazz musicians of our time, leads a stellar lineup of internationally renowned artists including Ms. Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton, David Sanchez, and Najee. This year, the musical celebration extends to three days, January 18-20, 2024, with a kick-off event featuring "South Florida's Queen of Soul" Valerie Tyson and her band.

A 3-day VIP pass is $175, and general admission tickets to all performances are free, but registration is required at https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/.

"This festival has quickly garnered a reputation for attracting the biggest names in jazz," stated Ty Tabing, Cultural Affairs Director. "And this year, we are honored to present an unforgettable lineup of legendary artists. Each of our headliners has been influential in the explosive popularity of this art form, and we are thrilled to showcase these tremendous talents, while expanding Pompano Beach's reputation as a cultural destination."

Jazz Fest Pompano Beach takes place in multiple venues across the city, including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, the Great Lawn along the beachfront, and throughout the growing entertainment and dining district known as Old Town Pompano Beach, which is across the street from the cultural center. In addition to the extraordinary list of headliners, Jazz Fest Pompano Beach also features emerging artists, college jazz bands, and a wide assortment of food and drink vendors.

* 3-DAY JAZZ FEST POMPANO BEACH 2024 KICK OFF EVENT | Valerie Tyson Band | Thursday, 1/18/24 | 7-9pm | FREE GA | $175 3-Day VIP Pass

We're kicking off Jazz Fest Pompano Beach 2024 with a fun-filled celebration featuring South Florida's Queen of Soul, Valerie Tyson and her amazing band. With her enviable mastery of Top 40 hits, R&B classics, and smooth jazz, Tyson and her fellow musicians will be setting the tempo for a weekend of memorable performances.

* Jazz Fest Pompano Beach 2024 - David Sanchez and Najee | Friday, 1/ 19/24 | 6-10pm | FREE GA | $175 3-Day VIP Pass

See you Friday night at the Great Lawn on the Beach when two Grammy Award-winning artists take the stage; jazz tenor saxophonist David Sanchez followed by American smooth jazz saxophonist Najee.

David Sanchez has emerged as one of the most respected jazz musicians of the 21st century, blending Afro-Caribbean rhythms from his Puerto Rican upbringing with jazz influences. He's garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards for his diverse and innovative compositions. During Jazz Fest, his ensemble will consist of a piano, acoustic bass, drums, percussion, and guitar.

Najee, a Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and flautist, has become an international pioneer in the industry by pushing musical boundaries throughout his career and collaborating with legendary artists such as Prince, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan. His fusing R&B and jazz into a unique and captivating sound has resulted in six #1 albums on the Billboard charts.

* Pompano Beach Jazz Fest 2024 - | Saturday, 1/20/24 | 2 pm-10pm | FREE GA | $175 3-Day VIP Pass

Old Town Pompano Beach comes to life with a stunning day of jazz featuring multiple stages, showcasing both local and global performers including headliners:

Ms. Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton

Lisa Fischer, who spent four decades as a featured background with icons like The Rolling Stones, Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, and Tina Turner, is now taking center stage with her own award-winning style. The 2013 Best Documentary Oscar winning film, "Twenty Feet from Stardom," altered the course of Fischer's musical journey by telling her story through clips of her legendary duets with Mick Jagger and Sting.

The film left audiences eager to hear more, leading to her organic fusion of Caribbean psychedelic soul and jazzy progressive rock which has been exciting fans worldwide! At Jazz Fest, Lisa Fischer will perform with Grand Baton, a dynamic collaboration that has impressed audiences at major events including The Monterey Jazz Festival, The Newport Jazz Festival, and The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

An Evening with Branford Marsalis

After four decades in the international spotlight, the achievements of saxophonist Branford Marsalis continue to grow. From his initial recognition as a young jazz lion, he has expanded his vision as an instrumentalist, composer, bandleader, and educator, crossing stylistic boundaries while maintaining an unwavering creative integrity.

In the process, he has become a multi award-winning artist with three Grammys, a citation by the National Endowment for the Arts as a Jazz Master, and an avatar of contemporary artistic excellence.

The Branford Marsalis Quartet, formed in 1986, remains his primary means of expression; however, he is also a frequent soloist with classical ensembles and acclaimed orchestras and his legendary guest performances with the Grateful Dead and collaborations with Sting have made him a fan favorite in the pop arena.

His work on Broadway has garnered a Drama Desk Award and Tony nominations for the acclaimed revivals of Children of a Lesser God, Fences, and A Raisin in the Sun.

He received an EMMY nomination for composing the music for the History Channel's documentary, Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre. His screen credits further include original music composed for: Spike Lee's Mo' Better Blues, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks starring Oprah Winfrey, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom starring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman.

LEARN MORE: https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/events/jazz-fest

Pompano Beach Arts is proud to announce the headlining acts for Jazz Fest Pompano Beach 2024. Grammy(r) Award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis, one of the most iconic jazz musicians of our time, leads a stellar lineup of internationally renowned artists including Ms. Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton, David Sanchez, and Najee.

Related link: https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/

Two TV Icons Take the Stage at The Pompano Beach Cultural Center

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Pompano Beach Cultural Center is proud to present the humorous and insightful stage play "Willie & Esther", starring 70s television legends Ted Lange and BerNadette Stanis. Combining quick-witted dialogue and deeply emotional scenes, James Graham Bronson's story follows two middle-aged African American lovers as they fantasize about robbing a bank.

Ted Lange, best known for his role as Isaac on "The Love Boat," and BerNadette Stanis, who gained fame as Thelma in the groundbreaking sitcom "Good Times," portray the couple for two special performances; Saturday, March 26 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 27 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $45-$75. Learn more at https://www.pompanobeacharts.org.

"'Willie & Esther' premiered in 1987 at the Inner City Cultural Center in Los Angeles and won first place at the Center's first short-play competition, beating out more than 100 other plays from around the U.S.," said Phyllis Korab, Cultural Affairs Director. "Since then, the play has had many successful stagings, including an acclaimed Off-Broadway run. Now, we are thrilled to launch our own production, showcasing the talents of two beloved television stars."

The play centers on a couple who hatch a plan to overcome their troubles by robbing a bank. A frustrated scam artist, Willie, is a warehouse worker scheming to achieve a big break. Meanwhile, Esther endures the drudgery of her beauty parlor job and Willie's endless schemes. Hilarious, touching, and real as a bad day, this play's truth is that sometimes the only way to overcome your troubles is to laugh at them with someone you love.

"Willie & Esther is riotous, seamless, even daring because it pulls out the emotional stops and triumphs on its own terms," -- Los Angeles Times.

ABOUT THE CAST:

BerNadette Stanis is a Juilliard School trained actress, best known for her breakout role as sassy Thelma Evans in "Good Times." Stanis is also the author of four books: "Situations 101: Relationships, The Good, The Bad & The Ugly"; "For Men Only"; "Situations 101: Finances"; and "The Last Night."

Ted Lange personifies the Renaissance Man Theatre Award he received from the NAACP. A graduate of London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Lange's career had gained worldwide attention as a gifted actor of stage and screen, revered director and prolific writer. He has written 25 plays and counts three Shakespearean plays among his directing credits.

RELATED PROGRAMMING:

Live on the Set: The Love Boat with Theodore Lange | March 24 | 7 - 9 p.m. | FREE

Join us for a screening of an episode of "The Love Boat" at 7:15 p.m. followed by an Interview and audience Q&A with Theodore William Lange who portrayed Isaac on the wildly successful television show. This romantic and comic drama aired from 1977 to 1987 on ABC and followed three story lines of the passengers and crew of the cruise ship, Pacific Princess.

Live on the Set: Good Times with BernNadette Stanis l March 25 | 7 pm - 9 p.m. | FREE

Join us for a screening of an episode of "Good Times" at 7:15 p.m. followed by an Interview and audience Q&A with BernNadette Stanis who played Thelma on the sitcom that aired for six seasons on CBS from 1974 to 1979. Created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans and developed by executive producer Norman Lear, "Good Times" was television's first African American two-parent family sitcom. Florida and James Evans and their three children live in a public housing project in a poor, black neighborhood in inner-city Chicago and the show's characters attempt to overcome poverty.

Writing the Play-Master Class with Ted Lange | March 28 | 6 - 9 p.m. | $65

In this playwriting masterclass led by legendary actor, playwright, and director Ted Lange from the iconic television show "The Love Boat" you will discover or rediscover, the playwriter in you! Whether you've never written anything before, you're experienced in another kind of writing, or you're a playwright looking to sharpen your skills, "Writing the Play" offers clear, step-by-step guidance in the basics: character, conflict, and structure, setting, dialogue, and formatting. But that's not all. Need to make that good script great? We'll study more than a dozen elements you can use in the rewriting process to move your script up a level and then discuss what to do next in the development process.

WHERE:

Pompano Beach Cultural Center is located at 50 Atlantic Boulevard, Pompano Beach, Florida.

About the City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department

The mission of the Cultural Affairs Department is to provide cultural programming that includes visual arts, digital media, music, film, theater, dance and public art for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors to Pompano Beach, Broward County, and the greater South Florida area. The department programs and manages the City's premiere cultural arts venues, including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Ali Cultural Arts Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, and the Blanche Ely House Museum. The department also oversees the City's Public Art Program and the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts' Our Town grant awarded to the Pompano Beach Crossroads place-making arts initiative.

Learn more: https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/

The Pompano Beach Cultural Center is proud to present the humorous and insightful stage play "Willie & Esther", starring 70s television legends Ted Lange and BerNadette Stanis. Combining quick-witted dialogue and deeply emotional scenes, James Graham Bronson's story follows two middle-aged African American lovers as they fantasize about robbing a bank.

Related link: https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/

Malcolm-Jamal Warner Joins Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival as Celebrity Judge

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Pompano Beach Arts is proud to announce that television icon Malcolm-Jamal Warner is joining the fourth annual "Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival" as a celebrity judge. The famed star of "The Cosby Show" and current hit "The Resident" will also be performing his poetry at the festival and sharing thoughts about his career during an Artist Talk.

The three-day event attracts the premier spoken word artists in the country and will take place December 9-11, 2021 at the City's cultural venues. Event details and tickets are available at https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/exit36.

"We are honored that actor and poet Malcolm-Jamal Warner will be a judge at this year's festival. His participation will shine the national spotlight on an event that is growing in prestige every year," said Phyllis Korab, Director, Cultural Affair Department. "Warner stole our hearts as a lovable Huxtable kid in the 80s and is now gaining raves as Dr. Andre Jeremiah Austin on the hit show 'The Resident.' But many do not realize the acclaimed actor is also a leading voice in the spoken word realm."

Warner, who is a Grammy(R) Award-winner, has tackled many important issues with his spoken word performances including problems with the penal system and in 2020 he chronicled life as a black man with his film "Word Warriors III."

Warner has said, "Poetry had always been a huge part of my life. My father went to Lincoln University with Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson, so I literally came out of the womb listening to Gil Scott-Heron. So, poetry's always been a huge part of the expression of self."

The Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival was founded by Eccentrich, one of the top-ranking female poets in the country. She developed the platform to serve the community through educational, theatrical, and literary performances. The festival showcases local, regional, and nationally recognized poets, while educating and encouraging self-expression in local youth.

"Now more than ever, spoken word artists are shaping the cultural and social dialogue in our country," said Eccentrich. "This form of expression empowers those who have felt unheard, providing platform to address both deeply personal situations and larger global issues. We are excited to return for our fourth year, and we look forward working with a dynamic group of participants."

TICKET AND SCHEDULE INFORMATION:

Tickets are $10 a day or $25 for a festival pass, available at https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/exit36

* Thursday, December 9, 2021

Bailey Contemporary Arts Center

Artist Talk & Happy Hour 6p to 7p (In-person and virtually via zoom)

Prelim bout - 7p to 8p (In-person and virtually via zoom)

Artist Market & pop-up poetry - 8p to 9p

* Friday, December 10, 2021

Blanche Ely House Museum

Lunch Time Story Slam - 12p to 1p (In-person and virtually via zoom)

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

Artist Talk - 6p to 7p (In-person and virtually via zoom)

Prelim bout 7p to 8p (In-person and virtually via zoom)

Artist Market & Cyphers - 8p to 9p

* Saturday, December 11, 2021

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

Final Stage - 7p to 10p (In-person and virtually via zoom)

About the City of Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department

The mission of the Cultural Affairs Department is to provide cultural programming that includes visual arts, digital media, music, film, theater, dance and public art for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors to Pompano Beach, Broward County, and the greater South Florida area. The department programs and manages the City's premiere cultural arts venues including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Ali Cultural Arts Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts Center, and the Blanche Ely House Museum. The department also oversees the City's Public Art Program and the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts' Our Town grant awarded to the Pompano Beach Crossroads place-making arts initiative.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kay Renz

Kay@KRPRMediaGroup.com

Pompano Beach Arts is proud to announce that television icon Malcolm-Jamal Warner is joining the fourth annual "Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival" as a celebrity judge. The famed star of "The Cosby Show" and current hit "The Resident" will also be performing his poetry at the festival and sharing thoughts about his career during an Artist Talk.

Related link: https://www.pompanobeacharts.org/