By Kurt Loft. It’s not often we hear music from a composer who lived more than 900 years ago, about the time of the Second Crusade and building the Cathedral of Notre Dame. But the poems and sounds of Hildegard von Bingen still linger after all this time – a German nun whose music, writing, scientific musings and mysticism shaped ideas in a world dominated by male thought and action. This weekend, The Florida Orchestra and Master Chorale of Tampa Bay offer a piece by Hildegard to kick off a serene night of music that ends with Mozart’s Requiem…. Read More
By Emily Stehle. This show at Florida CraftArt, a project of SAQA’s (Studio Art Quilt Associates Inc.) Florida region, offers a unique perspective of the creation of artwork. The assumption is that every work begins with a question. And every art quilt by the 29 artists in this exhibit examines and explains their answer to this question…. Read More
By Harriet Monzon-Aguirre. I really encourage everyone to visit Clyde Butcher’s exhibition before it closes on May 31. His message is moving and important. If you are visiting the Clearwater Main Library with children, the second floor is a wonderful space. Where else can you find a boat amongst books overlooking the Clearwater Marina?
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By Kurt Loft. The all-volunteer orchestra includes 70 musicians ages 18 to 80 and serves as a platform for people who want to play part-time, but still tackle challenging works. “The beauty of our group lies in the members,” says double bass player Paul Kurtz. “It’s a beautiful blend of young, old, Black, white, brown, yellow, straight, gay – basically, come as you are. And to me that is a true reflection of community.”… Read More
By Gabrielle Reeder. Dane Capo and his mother Krista taught and curated an art class titled “Fearless Abstract” at Indian Rocks’ Beach Art Center, on painting without the feeling so common to artists – fear. “We came up with the idea out of Autism Awareness Month,” Krista says. “Everybody asks about how he chooses his colors and how he comes up with these weird mixtures and things. I blame it on the Autism because he doesn’t have any fear about choosing a color.”… Read More
By Kayte Bush. I left with dozens of images swirling in my head, I had seen all that these amazing emerging artists put out into the world. That is the message I will take away from the 2021-2022 Emerging Artist’s Opening Night – shimmering, natural, unabashed love, compassion and most of all, hope. . . Photos by Priscilla Wyatt… Read More
By Kurt Loft. What keeps a marriage between two musicians in tune? A little Mozart, a morsel of Mendelssohn, a bit of Beethoven. It works for cellist Edward Arron and pianist Jeewon Park, a husband-and-wife duo who close out the Palladium Chamber Players season May 4. “I consider myself the luckiest cellist in the world to be married to such a marvelous pianist,” Arron says. “After 21 years of making music together, we have total trust in one another onstage.”… Read More
After a prolonged Covid-related hiatus, One City Chorus is back to rehearsing in person – and performing a benefit concert. Admission is free and donations will be accepted to benefit the people of Ukraine. The titles of some of the songs One City Chorus will be singing on May 1 suggest what the concert will be about – “You Gotta Put One Foot in Front of the Other,” “I Still Believe,” “Hope Lingers On”… Read More
By Harriet Monzon-Aguirre. Visiting the Safety Harbor Library and requesting a Museum Pass for one of nine brilliant museums in Pinellas County is how I imagine Charlie felt when he won the golden ticket to see Willy Wonka’s factory. There is a rush of excitement to choose a museum, pick up a pass – and head out on a new adventure. On this occasion we went to see Maurus the Explorasaurus at the Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Pete…. Read More
The 17th annual Sunscreen Film Festival is eye-opening for viewers – and for Bay area filmmakers. “The workshops are one of the most popular parts of the festival,” says Tony Armer, festival founder. “Providing educational programs on a wide variety of topics like screenwriting, acting, producing, finance and distribution gives people a chance to interact with professionals, ask questions and learn about aspects of the industry that are sometimes tough to learn.” And the lineup of new films is stellar. … Read More
