November 25th, 2010

Delray Beach, Florida, Village By The Sea, Activities, Events, South Florida, Palm Beach County

Just like a lot of you, I am in the cooking mode for Thanksgiving.  My Turducken is all thawed and as soon as I finish this post I will start making my side dishes.  Simple is the way I like my dishes; not too sweet but with a lot of flavor.

I have gotten my wish; it is a gray day and cool; leaves are on the ground.  Actually, they are all over my deck and yard.

I was thinking about all the people that have been traveling since yesterday on planes and cars and I give thanks that on this Holiday, I have stayed home; football games and enjoying the season.

The town of Delray Beach, Florida, is one of those I write about a lot.  I do because I have a place there and a lot of people from the eastern shore (Delaware and Maryland) visit this Village by The Sea.  It must be that it reminds us of home.  The coastal atmosphere and the relaxing way in which we live here at the beach.

It still amazes me as I write this, how someone about a month ago wrote to my blog; took the effort to tell me how horrible Delray Beach was and the added comment was that she hated my life.  Oh, well, what can I answer to that?  To each its own, that’s what I say. 

I do like Delray Beach; the way the town is set up, the beach is great, fantastic restaurants, little boutiques, lots of activities and events, music to entertain the visitors and residents every day of the week.  Gorgeous palm trees and accessibility to walking, biking and running.

So, speaking of that, this is what I found out and I am passing it on to you in case you are in the area:

Old School Square – Cultural Arts Center – 51 N. Swinton Ave., tel. 561-243-7922.  website www.oldschool.org.

This is a National Historic Site that houses the Cornell Museum of Art & American Culture, Crest Theatre and Vintage Gymnasium, restored in early 20th century school buildings.

It is considered the catalyst for the 1990’s renaissance of downtown Delray Beach when historic preservation and the arts became one.

If you visit the website you will find all kinds of info. regarding classes, exhibits, specials events and performances.  Here are a few coming up:

Friday, 11/26 – The Holiday Carousel opens for the Holidays.  It is a 50 seat carousel for kids and adults.  Hours are 5 – 9 p.m. weekdays and 1 – 9 p.m. on week-ends and during the December break.  $2.

Also on Friday, 11/26 is the very popular Gallery Walk.  Delray Beach is known for its vibrant art scene; about 20 galleries are found in downtown Delray.  On Fridays from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. the galleries open their doors for a walk.  Wine and cheese served at participating galleries. 

Saturday, 11/27 – Trash & Treasure Community Yard Sale from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Entertainment Pavilion where the Old School Square is located.  Join them for a bargain hunter’s dream.  More info?  Call 561-243-7922, e xt. 319.

Saturday, 12/4 is Cycles, A Musical Journey, at the Old School Square at 8:00 p.m. $30.  Drew Tucker, Delray’s percussionist has arranged this musical “feast for the senses”.  It combines classical piano with high energy percussion (Blue Man Group-Style).

Drew Tucker has performed with Diana Krall, Ed Calle, Arturo Sandoval and Ricky Martin, among others.  He is also a teacher and a mentor.

Holiday Festivities – The lighting ceremony of the 100-foot Christmas Tree at Old School Square  will be on Thursday, 12/2.  So many events will start at 5:00 p.m.

For a complete schedule please visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com/holiday-festivities.

Thursday, 12/2 – Art & Jazz – On Atlantic Ave. featuring live musical entertainment, open house specials and gallery exhibitions from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Until February 27, 2011 – The Cat’s Meow – A Purrfect Celebration of Cats….Wild to Mild an exhibit at the Old School Square.

Saturday, 12/4  and Sunday, 12/5 – Cat Adoptions in the Cornell Museum with Cats Exclusive, Inc.  Saturday from Noon until 3 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Sunday, 12/5 – Art Class Open House. at the Old School Square, from Noon until 4 p.m. – Meet the instructors and take advantage of the incentives for new students.

This little Village by The Sea is also very musical; during the week you will hear music emanating from different venues and restaurants.  One place that does have music every day of the week, is Johnny Browns.  It is located on 301 East Atlantic Ave., right by the railroad tracks.  It is also a restaurant with burgers, wings, ribs, and, Classic Rock.  Its website is www.johnniebrowns.com.

The performers are very good and for all tastes.

Sundays – Reggae and classic rock with Usher, West & Battle from 8 until midnight.

Mondays – Big Brass Bed – One of South Florida’s best, playing tribute to Bob Dylan and more.  That starts at 8 p.m.

Tuesdays – A live tribute to Rod Stewart with The Hot Rod Band.  Impersonator, look-alike.  All Rod, all Night.  Starts at 8 p.m.

Wednesdays – The Flyers – Classic Rock’s Finest – Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, George Harrison, Jimmy Hendrix, and more.  8:00 p.m.  I have heard them and they are great!!

Thursdays is a popular night with a Tribute to Elvis by Scott Ringersen.  Two shows at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.  Have seen this show, as well and he is good with a big following.

Friday, 11/26 – Aces’n Kings from 9:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.

Saturday, 11/27 – The Johnsons from 9:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.  Very talented and have seen them as well.

Well, I think for now this is enough……I hope you are having a great day!!  Talk to you later…

March 22nd, 2010

Delray Beach, Florida Events & Activities 3/22/10 – 3/29/10 The Delray Beach Film Festival, Asian Food Fair, and More

For a small Village by The Sea, Delray Beach, Florida can show its visitors a good time and this coming week is going to be a lot of fun.

Monday, 3/22 through Sunday, 3/28 is the 5th Annual Delray Beach Film Festival and Market 2010.  There are 200 films, 2 workshops daily, parties, sporting events, student films, networking for filmmakers, distribution and film financing workshop, and so much more.  You can call 561-381-3212 or visit www.dbff.us.

This year the Creative Chair of the festival will be Barry Bostwick.  Remember him?  He was best known for his role as Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.  The other stars that are to receive the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Awards are Sharon Gless, from Cagney & Lacey and Burn Notice and Jessica Walters of Play Misty for Me and Arrested Development.

Mercedes Benz has partnered with the Festival.  They will be donating a new Mercedes for the winner of the Hole in One Contest during the golf tournament on Thursday, 3/25.  Local golf threesomes are partnered with a film industry or golf pro to complete the foursome.

There will be spectacular parties and each night has a designated after party spot.  Film lovers are invited to mix and mingle with the cast and crew of the films screenings during the Festival.

The Delray Film Festival is a non-profit organization, (501) (c3) and is dedicated to provide the Delray community and its visitors with a diverse presentation of independent films from around the world.

The programming includes: Independent feature films, foreign films, including programming relevant to the community: Spanish language and Brazilian films, Haitian films, Jewish and Israeli films, shorts, documentaries, (including a “green program”) animation, Xtreme sports, children’s films and a day of children’s events.

The workshops offered are incredible, free and open to the public.  For a complete list of these workshops, and locations, please visit http://www.dbff.us/workshops.asp.

Tuesday, 3/23 at Murder on the Beach Mystery Book Store and at 7:00 p.m., located on 273 NE 2nd Ave., Linda Fairstein will talk about and sign her book, Hell Gate, the 12the book in her Alex Cooper series.  Linda Fairstein was a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for 30 years.  The event is free and open to the public, but in order to take a seat, you must purchase a book.  For more information, please call 561-279-7790 or visit www.murderonthebeach.com.

Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the American Orchid Society, located on 16700 AOS Lane, off of Jog Rd. – The Orchid Doctor is In.  If you are having problems with your orchids, blooms are falling off, plants are sick, then you can get answers by bringing the invalid plants to the AOS Visitor’s Center and talking with the “Orchid Doctor”.  Wednesdays 10 – 11:30 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 1 – 4 p.m.  For more info. please call 561-404-2000 or visit www.aos.org.

Thursday, 3/25 Robert Osborne will be at the Crest Theatre, Old School Square.  Lecture series features one of the most recognizable TV personalities today and Robert Osborne is also one of America’s foremost film historians.  2:00 p.m. and tickets are $25 and $40.  Location 51 N. Swinton.  Tel. 561-243-7922, ext. 1 or please visit www.oldschool.org.

Friday, 3/26 is the Gallery Walk on Atlantic Avenue from 7 – 10 p.m.  The downtown galleries, art studios and showrooms open their doors to the public for an evening of art, music, and refreshments right on the Avenue.

Saturday, 3/27 – Just like every Saturday, The Green Market will be from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the street on SE 4th Avenue, 1/2 block South of Atlantic Ave.  This is a local market and you will find fresh local produce, organic produce, flowers and plants, pasta, hummus, fresh baked breads, pastries and desserts, and handmade Italian cheese, among others.  For more info. please call 561-276-7511.  Email address:  greenmarket@delraycra.org.

Saturday, 3/27 at the Pineapple Grove Arts District, off of Atlantic Ave., NE 2nd Ave. is Take it Easel from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  There will be music, children’s craft area, easels and artists, and all this is on the sidewalks.  Need more info?  Please call 561-279-1380, ext. 36.

Saturday, 3/27 is the Narrated Bus Tour of Historic Delray Beach.  It is conducted by the Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History. Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes; you will be visiting 10 historic sites.  $15/adult/senior citizen, free for children under 18.  11 a.m. departure from the Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W Atlantic Ave., 561-243-2662. You can also visit www.delraybeachbustours.org. Note:  Please be prompt.

Saturday, 3/27 and Sunday, 3/28 is the Asian Food Fair & Cultural Show at the Old School Square Entertainment Pavilion.  Continuous live Asian music and dance, arts and crafts, costumes, food and children’s activities.  This event is presented by the Bangladesh Association of Florida.  $10 admission.  Location: 51 N. Swinton Ave., Tel. 561-351-5019 or 561-876-2255.  Website www.asianfair.org.

Sunday, 3/28 is the Delray Beach Chorale.  Freedom: The American Dream.  The music of American composers, traditional American spirituals and more.  Location is the First Presbyterian Church,  33 Gleason St. at 4 p.m.  Tickets $20/person; $5/students.  Tickets are available at the door.  Please call 800-984-7282 or visit the website www.delraybeachchorale.org.

The Delray Beach Chorale has been performing music in the South Palm Beach County since 1982.  The Chorale has about 70 members and performs 2 major programs a year; winter and spring.

Have a great time!!  Talk to you later….