national society of arts and letters - News - The Coastal Star2024-03-28T23:48:16Zhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/national+society+of+arts+and+lettersPay It Forward: Students of song, dance to dazzle at galahttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/pay-it-forward-students-of-song-dance-to-dazzle-at-gala2024-02-27T18:36:26.000Z2024-02-27T18:36:26.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming<div><p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12390141472,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12390141472,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="548" alt="12390141472?profile=RESIZE_584x" /></a>The National Society of Arts and Letters’ Florida Chapter’s annual Star Maker Awards will honor Yaacov Heller with the Lifetime Achievement Award and raise money for scholarships, competitions and mentoring programs for performing and visual artists. The event is 6 p.m. March 26 at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club. Tickets are $375. ABOVE: (l-r) Co-Chairwomen Shari Upbin, Alyce Erickson (seated), Arlene Herson and Sue Heller with Yaacov. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>By Amy Woods</strong></p>
<p>This year’s Star Maker Awards, the big benefit for the National Society of Arts and Letters’ Florida chapter, will celebrate musical theater by showcasing the talents of young artists on the rise.</p>
<p>The annual extravaganza includes the presentation of scholarships to those whose performances win first, second and third places in the competition, with the No. 1 winner earning a spot at the society’s national contest in May.</p>
<p>“It’s wonderful to be able to present these young artists,” event Co-Chairwoman Alyce Erickson said. “They come, and they are presented, and that’s how they grow.”</p>
<p>The gala is set for March 26 at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, where guests will gather for the black-tie-optional evening of cocktails, cuisine and stage numbers.</p>
<p>“It’s a matter of giving back to the community and helping younger people,” event Co-Chairwoman Shari Upbin said. “I think our main goal, of course, is to present the scholarship winners artistically — it’s almost mind-boggling when you hear them — and to bring in funds.”</p>
<p>The 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is internationally renowned, Boca Raton-based artist Yaacov Heller. Heller’s accomplishments as a sculptor and a silversmith convey messages of acceptance, hope, love and peace, and throughout his 60-year career he has been commissioned to create historically significant works for presidents, kings and queens, heads of state and other dignitaries.</p>
<p>“He’s really excited,” said Kirsten Stephenson, president of the Florida chapter. “It’s nice to have someone who is really honored to be honored.”</p>
<p>The National Society of Arts and Letters’ mission focuses on finding talented amateurs at the beginning of their careers and providing a combination of money and opportunity for them to advance in their disciplines.</p>
<p>“I really feel like we all need to collaborate on the arts right now,” Stephenson said. “When we find a kid who wants to play violin, I think they need a lot more help than the kid who wants to become an engineer. When you’re dealing with kids in the arts, it’s almost an uphill battle.”</p>
<p>Founded in 1944, the society has 15 chapters across the country. The Florida chapter’s membership is 60 and counting.</p>
<p>“We’ve taken off on membership,” Stephenson said. “We’ve got a waiting list for the board. We’re in a really good place right now. But we’re not in a good place financially. We are struggling a bit because we give our money straight to the kids. We depend on the gala, so it’s very important that we do this well.” </p></div>Celebrations: Star Maker Awards; The Addison, Boca Raton — April 19https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/celebrations-star-maker-awards-the-addison-boca-raton-april-192023-05-30T15:29:45.000Z2023-05-30T15:29:45.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11172406665,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11172406665,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="663" alt="11172406665?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11172409066,RESIZE_584x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11172409066,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="400" alt="11172409066?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a><em>The National Society of Arts and Letters’ Florida chapter honored Arlene Herson with the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts. The evening included performances by several scholarship recipients and competition winners and featured an inspiring presentation by Honorary Chairwoman Andrea Virgin. ‘Through this event, we spotlight the local emerging artists who benefit from our fundraising efforts and the community’s generous support,’ NSAL President N’Quavah Velazquez said.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><strong> TOP:</strong> (l-r) Michael and Kathy Costin, Patsy Copeland, Ray Gerson and Gerry Ehrlich. </em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><strong>MIDDLE:</strong> (l-r) Megan Savage, Victoria Bramble, event Chairman Dr. Ron Rubin, Gioia Gedicks and Daniel Guevara. </em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><strong>BOTTOM:</strong> Event Chairwoman Kirsten Stephenson and Herson. <strong>Photos provided by Amy Pasquantonio</strong></em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11172409083,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11172409083,RESIZE_400x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="309" alt="11172409083?profile=RESIZE_400x" /></a></p></div>Pay It Forward: Star Maker Awards The Addison, Boca Ratonhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/pay-it-forward-star-maker-awards-the-addison-boca-raton2023-03-28T18:27:51.000Z2023-03-28T18:27:51.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11004874284,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11004874284,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="11004874284?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a><em>April 19:</em></strong><em> The Florida chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters will honor Lifetime Achievement Award winner Arlene Herson and raise funds for its scholarships, competitions and mentoring programs for performing and visual artists. Time is 5:30 to 10 p.m. Cost is $350. Call 561-945-0999 or visit nsalflorida.org. LEFT: (l-r, sitting) Judi Asselta, Dr. Ronald Rubin, Shari Upbin, (standing) Kirsten Stephenson, Herson, N’Quavah Velazquez and Alyce Erickson. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p></div>Pay It Forward: Star Maker Awards; The Wick Theatre & Costume Museumhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/pay-it-forward-star-maker-awards-the-wick-theatre-costume-museum2022-03-29T19:43:33.000Z2022-03-29T19:43:33.000ZThe Coastal Starhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/TheCoastalStar<div><p><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10247024652,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10247024652,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="10247024652?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a>Coming April 10: Broadway legend Avery Sommers and piano virtuoso Lisa Leonard will be honored by the National Society of Arts and Letters' Florida East Coast Chapter with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Time is 6:30 p.m. Cost is $275. Call 561-391-6380 or visit <a href="http://www.nsalfloridaeast.org">www.nsalfloridaeast.org</a>. <strong>ABOVE:</strong> (l-r, seated) Shari Upbin, Dr. Ron Rubin, Gerry Ehrlich, and Sommers; (standing) Kimberly Wick, Judi Asselta, Leonard, and Kim Champion. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p></div>High Drama: Arts society contest sets stage for young thespians to shinehttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/high-drama-arts-society-contest-sets-stage-for-young-thespians-to2019-04-02T22:51:03.000Z2019-04-02T22:51:03.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p class="p1" style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960854877,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960854877,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960854877?profile=original" /></a><em>Darius J. Manuel (right) reacts as he is awarded top prize in the National Society of Arts and Letters' regional drama contest at the Crest Theatre. He earned a spot in the national competition. With him are Joshua Hernandez, who placed third, and Aletta Kemp. <b>Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star</b></em></p>
<p class="p1"></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>By Ron Hayes</b></span></p>
<p class="p2">One at a time they will step from behind the curtain and stand center stage at the Crest Theatre in Old School Square.</p>
<p class="p3">“Good morning,” they will say, “I’m No. 1.” Then “I’m No. 2. … I’m <br /> No. 3. ...”</p>
<p class="p3">They have names, but the trio of judges in the front row won’t know them.</p>
<p class="p3">They are from Boynton Beach and Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Miami, but the judges won’t know where they live.</p>
<p class="p3">All the judges will know for sure on this Saturday morning, March 9, is that each of them has a dream.</p>
<p class="p3">They are 12 aspiring actors — seven young men, five young women — dressed in black slacks, black skirts, black blouses, black shirts.</p>
<p class="p3">They have no costumes, no sets, no music, and when they are done, they will have no applause.</p>
<p class="p3">All they have is a chair, two brief monologues and eight short minutes with which to attempt to win one of the top three spots in the Florida East Coast Chapter awards for the National Society of Arts and Letters 2019 Drama Competition.</p>
<p class="p3">The first-place winner will receive $2,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the national competition May 30-June 2 and a chance to win $12,000.</p>
<p class="p3">The second-place winner will go home with $1,000, and the third-place winner with $750.</p>
<p class="p3">The other nine will go home with no prizes.</p>
<p class="p3">“But it’s wonderful whether they win or lose, because they make connections that can last a lifetime,” says Judi Asselta, president of the Florida East Coast Chapter, one of 17 chapters nationally.</p>
<p class="p3">Founded in 1944, the NSAL sponsors competitions and scholarships in the visual arts, dance, literature, music, musical theater and drama.</p>
<p class="p3">The local chapter was founded in 1984, and Asselta has been involved since 2007.</p>
<p class="p3">“There’s no elimination for this contest,” she explains. “The hopefuls have only to apply. We had 14 originally, but two had to drop out because they got work.”<br /> And so they begin.</p>
<p class="p3">“No. 1,” a disembodied voice announces, and Nikembe Patterson, 24, of Coral Springs appears.</p>
<p class="p3">For four minutes, he will be Tartuffe, from Molière’s play of the same name, then Alfred Doolittle from <i>My Fair Lady</i> for four more.</p>
<p class="p3">But Tartuffe has scarcely begun to speak before Judge Jeffrey Bruce, a professional actor with a résumé longer than eight minutes, interrupts.</p>
<p class="p3">The acoustics are not great here, he tells Patterson gently, and many in his audience may be elderly.</p>
<p class="p3">In other words, speak up.</p>
<p class="p3">This is the only time any of the judges interrupts. In addition to Bruce, they are Barbara Bradshaw, a professional actress for more than 42 years, and Sue Ellen Beryl, managing director of Palm Beach Dramaworks.</p>
<p class="p3">“No. 2 …”</p>
<p class="p3">Charles Alguera, 20, of Lake Worth, is Troilus from <i>Troilus and Cressida</i>, then instantly transforms himself into Vince from <i>Buried Child</i>.</p>
<p class="p3">They are called. They appear. They perform a short speech from one classic play and one modern play, and they disappear.</p>
<p class="p3">No one stumbles or forgets a line.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Rebecca Seide, 25, of Boynton Beach is a commanding presence, with a wild storm of thick black hair she whips about with passion during her performance as Shaw’s <i>Saint Joan</i>. She is also the only performer to use the chair, which she kicks.</p>
<p class="p3">By the time No. 12 is called and Darius J. Manuel, 25, of Fort Lauderdale has taken his turn in <i>Titus Andronicus</i> and <i>Fences</i>, the empty stage has been inhabited by William Shakespeare and Tennessee Williams, George Bernard Shaw and Aristophanes, Christopher Durang and August Wilson.</p>
<p class="p3">Asselta thanks them all, and the judges disappear to choose the winners.</p>
<p class="p3">Another half-hour passes and they are all called on stage again, where they finally hear applause.</p>
<p class="p3">Third place goes to Joshua Hernandez, 23, of Miami for his excerpts from Shakespeare’s <i>Two Gentlemen of Verona</i> and <i>Water by the Spoonful</i>, by Quiara Alegría Hudes.</p>
<p class="p3">“I chose that selection because she’s a Puerto Rican playwright and I’m Puerto Rican,” he said later.</p>
<p class="p3">A graduate of Florida State University, he has appeared at GableStage in Coral Gables.</p>
<p class="p3">“My parents supported me, but they told me to have a backup plan,” he said. “I think they saw how serious I am.”</p>
<p class="p3">Second-place winner is Jarod Neil, 20, a freshman at Lynn University, for his speeches from <i>Romeo and Juliet</i> and <i>Laughing Wild</i>, by Durang.</p>
<p class="p3">And first place, $2,000 and a trip to Washington, goes to Manuel, for <i>Titus</i> <i>Andronicus</i> and <i>Fences</i>.</p>
<p class="p3">“I didn’t think I did well,” he said later. “I didn’t think <i>Fences</i> was going well. The words were all jumbling together in my brain.”</p>
<p class="p3">Now all the actors sit along the edge of the stage to hear the judges’ praise and criticism.</p>
<p class="p3">Bruce singles out Seide, she of the stormy black hair and kicked chair.</p>
<p class="p3">“You were using your hair as a second character, so we couldn’t see your face,” he tells her. “If you start high, you have nowhere to go. If you’re yelling, you start speaking faster and we can’t understand a word you’re saying.”</p>
<p class="p3">Bradshaw echoes Bruce more generally. A lot of these young thespians have used their hands incessantly, as if they were conducting the words as they spoke.</p>
<p class="p3">“When you gesture,” Bradshaw advises, “make sure it has a meaning behind it.”</p>
<p class="p3">And Beryl seems to wonder whether some of them knew the context in which they were speaking.</p>
<p class="p3">“Read the entire play, so you know what you’re talking about,” she says. “Still is more powerful than hysteria. Underplaying is listening. Slow it down and enunciate.”</p>
<p class="p3">And so, they go upstairs for a lunch provided by the NSAL.</p>
<p class="p3">Seide was neither disappointed nor hurt by either her loss or the criticism.</p>
<p class="p3">“This was my first experience,” she said. “I have no theater experience. I’m a visual artist, but I messed up my hand — carpal tunnel — so I needed an artistic outlet and decided to apply.</p>
<p class="p3">“I guess they didn’t like my hair and my … overall-ness,” she concluded. “I guess stillness was preferred to hysterics.” </p>
<p class="p3"></p>
<p class="p1" style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960854482,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960854482,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="7960854482?profile=original" /></a><em>Darius J. Manuel, drama competition winner, takes center stage between (l-r) event co-chairwoman Joy Banton, third-place winner Joshua Hernandez, co-chair Judi Asselta, judge Sue Ellen Beryl, second-place winner Jarod Neil of Lynn University and judge Barbara Bradshaw. Certificates and totes were among the thespians’ souvenirs. <b>Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star</b></em></p></div>Around Town: NSAL ballet competition winners sparkle in gala at Royal Palm Yacht Clubhttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/around-town-nsal-ballet-competition-winners-sparkle-in-gala-at-ro2017-06-28T00:30:00.000Z2017-06-28T00:30:00.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960727301,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960727301,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="600" alt="7960727301?profile=original" /></a></strong><em>ABOVE: Judge Steven Caras joins the after-dinner dancing with winning students including Sophie Miklosovic from Pompano Beach (left) and Guari Shankar (center).</em></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>By Thom Smith</strong></p>
<p>Some impressive performers have dazzled audiences on <em>The Voice</em> and <em>America’s Got Talent</em>, but the route to stardom doesn’t necessarily go through New York or Hollywood. In early June, it passed through the gates of the Royal Palm Yacht Club in Boca Raton.<br /> The occasion: <strong>The Red Rose National Awards Gala</strong>, culminating the 73rd annual meeting of the <strong>National Society of Arts and Letters</strong> and its En Pointe Classical Ballet Competition. <br /> Seventeen regional finalists competed for cash prizes ranging from $1,000 to $12,000, and the standards were high.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960727856,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960727856,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="600" alt="7960727856?profile=original" /></a><em>Caras and fellow judges Maurice Brandon Curry (left) and Christopher Wheeldon hold photos of judge Cynthia Harvey, who had to leave early. <strong>Photos provided</strong></em></p>
<p><br /> The judges were choreographers <strong>Maurice Brandon Curry</strong>, whose work ranges from the Queen’s Trust Benefit for Queen Elizabeth II to fashion events for Giorgio Armani; <strong>Cynthia Harvey,</strong> the first American to perform as principal ballerina for England’s Royal Ballet; <strong>Steven Caras</strong>, former dancer with the New York City Ballet, author, professional dance photographer and Palm Beach resident; and <strong>Christopher Wheeldon</strong>, who switched to choreography after performing as a soloist with several international companies.<br /> NSAL also honored Wheeldon with its 2017 Gold Medal of Merit for his unique approach in choreographing An American in Paris, which won the 2015 Tony Award.<br /> High standards indeed. Each dancer performed a solo routine at Florida Atlantic University’s theater on June 2. The judges conferred into the night and the winners were announced at the gala. Each judge also spent considerable time one-on-one with each dancer, offering insight, advice and encouragement. <br /> “They’re so talented. They won’t go unnoticed,” Wheeldon said.<br /> The Yacht Club stage wasn’t conducive to ballet, but the evening wasn’t lacking for inspiring performances by scholarship winners from previous NSAL competitions in music, performing and visual arts. <br /> Mezzo-soprano <strong>Zaray Rodriguez</strong>, a Cuban-American from Miami, studied voice at Palm Beach Atlantic College and is debuting this summer at the Aspen Music Festival. Bulgaria-born violinist <strong>Yordan Tenev</strong> and Gainesville-born pianist <strong>Bailey-Michelle Collins</strong> now study at Lynn University. <br /> ***<br /> Speaking of FAU, its annual Festival Repertory showcase of theater and dance continues through July with a drama, a musical and a jazz concert. At the Studio One Theatre, <em>Sense and Sensibility,</em> a modern look at Jane Austen’s classic, switches off with Sondheim and Lapine’s Broadway classic <em>Into the Woods</em> on weekends, the latter running a week longer, through July 30.<br /> On July 15 and 16, the big band sounds of Ellington, Goodman, Basie and Miller will fill the University Theatre. (<a href="http://www.fauevents.com">www.fauevents.com</a>) <br /> ***<br /> One earlier Summer Rep show had a bittersweet tone. <strong>Heather Coltman</strong> played her last FAU concert June 12. A native of Zambia, Coltman served FAU as teacher and administrator for 23 years, the last five as dean of the Schmidt College of Arts and Letters. <br /> She ran 10 departments and was a major force in the development of two platforms of FAU’s strategic plan: “Peace, Justice and Human Rights” and “South Florida Culture: The Region as an International Hub for Arts and Humanities.” <br /> She is also a talented pianist who has performed around the globe as soloist and accompanist. She’s been a fixture at FAU’s annual Piano Gala Extravaganza that features four pianos on stage and sometimes twice as many players. <br /> But now her talents have taken her to Harrisonburg, Va. On July 1, she became provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at James Madison University. U.S. News and World Report ranks it No. 2 among public schools in the South that do not offer doctorates. <br /> ***<br /> I don’t have much use for Twitter these days, but for his SiriusXM radio show, country music star <strong>Kenny Chesney</strong> dropped <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960728260,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960728260,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-right" width="100" alt="7960728260?profile=original" /></a>a tweet a few weeks back that deserves repeatin’: “Headed down A1A to @bostonsonthebch in #DelrayBeach for this wk’s Bar at the End of the World!” <br /> He describes Boston’s, one of only 11 far-flung hangouts in his first wave of bar ratings, as a place “where time melts and you find friends, whether you’ve met them or not.” </p>
<p>Chesney doesn’t bring an entourage or make a big fuss when he visits, says Boston’s Manager Mark DeAtley. He prefers to sit at the bar — usually unrecognized — and watch a game on TV while sipping a beer or his favorite drink, a Boston Strangler. <br /> ***<br /> Speaking of cocktails and Delray Beach, nearly 3,000 guests showed up a few weeks back at the Marriott and other watering holes for <strong>Apres at the Beach</strong>. The weekend celebration of distilled spirits offered seminars, tastings of more than 80 craft cocktails and a mixology competition. <br /> “Prizefighters Breakfast” was singled out for best cocktail by a jury of spirits experts. <strong>Keith Popejoy</strong>, bar manager at newcomer Death or Glory, combined 2 ounces of Tullamore Dew, 3/4 ounce of lemon, a half ounce each of Foro Amaro and honey and “barspooned” it. Then he added Earl Grey Tea Confit and Earl Grey Tea, smoked the glass and finished it off with an ice cube of black and bergamot tea — that’s what brings the big tip! <br /> The “Audience Favorite” award, however, went to Funky Ginger, concocted by <strong>Erica Watkins,</strong> cocktail chef at The Old Arcade at Caffe Martier: 2 ounces of New Amsterdam gin, 1 ounce of fresh pressed apple juice, 10 ounces of lemon and 1 ounce of simple cranberry-ginger puree, shaken and strained twice.<br /> ***<br /> The revelry continues Aug. 1-7 with the second annual <strong>Dine Out Downtown Delray Restaurant Week</strong>. The Downtown Development Authority has lined up more than 20 restaurants to offer multicourse prix fixe lunches and dinners plus special events ranging from beer and cocktail classes to chef demonstrations. <br /> Special dine-out deals under $10 will be offered, while lunch specials run $20 and less and dinner specials $40 and less. <br /> No special requirements. Diners can simply visit any of the listed restaurants and request the Dine Out menu. Reservations, while encouraged, are not required. <br /> The lineup includes 32 East, 50 Ocean, Big Al’s Steak, Boston’s On The Beach, Caffe Luna Rosa, City Oyster & Sushi Bar, Cream, Death or Glory, Delray Hideaway, Eat Market, Farmhouse Kitchen, JuiceBuzz, Juice Papi, Max’s Harvest, Mellow Mushroom, PRIME, Racks Fish House & Oyster Bar, SALT 7, Sandwiches By The Sea, Sazio and Windy City Pizza. (<a href="http://www.downtowndelraybeach.com/restaurantweek">www.downtowndelraybeach.com/restaurantweek</a>) </p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960727873,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960727873,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="600" alt="7960727873?profile=original" /></a><em>Latin jazz drummer Tito Puente Jr. (right) celebrated his birthday June 2 and 3 with a pair of sold-out performances at the Arts Garage in Delray Beach. This was one in a series of Latin jazz performances at the Arts Garage. <strong>Jerry Lower/The Coastal Star</strong></em></p>
<p><br /> ***<br /> If you like tributes — bands that play the music of other, more famous bands, try <strong>Summer in the City 2017</strong> at Boca’s Mizner Park Amphitheater any Friday night through Aug. 11. <br /> Up July 7 is <strong>Liverpool Live</strong> — the sounds of you know who — followed by <strong>Turnstiles</strong> (Billy Joel), the <strong>Petty Hearts</strong> (guess!), <strong>Crystal Visions</strong> (Fleetwood Mac) and the final tribute Aug. 11 by <strong>Ruffhouse</strong> (Bob Marley). <br /> On July 28, the bands will give way to a screening of <em>Moana,</em> preceded by a Polynesian dance show. Symphonia Boca Raton wraps up the series Aug. 12 with “A Space Odyssey.”<br /> Admission is free. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair or rent a chair for $5.<br /> Though not part of Summer in the City, several other shows at Mizner Park will attract attention. On July 29, it’s the Brazilian Bar Sertanejo music event featuring <strong>Vinicius</strong> and <strong>João Bosco,</strong> followed Aug. 1 by <strong>Straight No Chaser</strong> and <strong>Postmodern Jukebox</strong>. <br /> ***<br /> Way down the road, mark Nov. 10 at Mizner for <strong>Jethro Tull by Ian Anderson</strong>. The name is confusing. The legendary band was dissolved in 2012 — by Anderson. Now he’s back, as are latter-day Tull keyboardist John O’Hara and bassist David Goodier, interspersing a few lesser known tunes among the Tull classics. But it isn’t Tull, technically (legally?) and spiritually. Anderson wails on his flute with the intensity of a youngster just beginning to cut records on vinyl, but with a voice now thicker than a brick, he leaves much of the vocal work to the bandmates, whatever band they may comprise. <br /> ***<br /> Many members of the next generation of doctors and nurses are learning their skills at FAU. They’ll need some gear, and for the seventh year an essential wardrobe item — their first lab coats — will come from members of the community. A $200 donation provides the coat with the donor’s name in a pocket to be presented at the <strong>White Coats-4-Care Reception</strong> Aug. 3 in the Delray Acura Club in FAU Stadium. Call 297-4452 for details.<br /> ***<br /> For more than two centuries, <strong>Bastille Day</strong> has been celebrated on July 14, and for decades the <strong>Norton Museum of Art</strong> has saluted the event at its Art After Dark gatherings Thursday closest to the date. This year, however, the celebration will move to Saturday, July 15, from noon to 5 p.m. and will feature, naturally, all things French — music, film, language lessons, food, drink and, of course, art. </p>
<p>Highlighting the party will be French Connections: Photography. The exhibit, which opened June 29, draws from the museum’s collection of French photographs, particularly more than 10,000 by Eugene Atget.<br /> And, as Norton’s expansion continues, admission is free! <br /> ***<br /> They come and they go. <strong>Max’s Harvest</strong> in Delray Beach has a new chef. He’s <strong>Blair Wilson</strong>, former award-winning executive chef at The Social Club in Miami Beach. A Virginian, Wilson has a soft spot for Southern cooking but has developed an international repertoire while utilizing local food sources. <br /> Wilson replaces <strong>Eric Baker</strong>, who like so many former Dennis Max hires is moving on to his own restaurant, in West Palm Beach. He’ll join <strong>Jason Lakow</strong>, former GM at Cafe Boulud in Palm Beach, to create Mazie’s, a “comfort food” spot on Antique Row, formerly occupied by Gulf Stream Bistro & Seafood Market (and long ago by a Burger King). <br /> Of the change, Max said, “I’m proud of the fact that I’ve worked with such great people who have learned from us and then been able to graduate to another level and follow their dreams. It’s the highest compliment to Max’s Harvest and is the natural order of things in our business.”<br /> ***<br /> Should you have happened to come upon a wicket, you could be certain that <strong>Teddy Prentis</strong> would be nearby. Teddy, “Mr. <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960728068,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960728068,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-left" width="99" alt="7960728068?profile=original" /></a>Croquet” and arguably the game’s greatest ambassador, died in May while in Bermuda for a tournament after his rented motor scooter collided with an oncoming car. <br /> A Delray Beach resident, Prentis, 68, was a regular fixture at croquet centers in Boca Raton, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and Wellington. He also had homes in his native Long Island and Romania. <br /> Said U.S. Croquet Association President Sara Low in announcing his death: “We all loved him for his athletic ability in the sport, his knowledge of and position within its history, his commitment to teaching us to improve our play and his great sense of humor.” <br /> In the early ’60s, the 14-year-old Prentis, then a handyman and refreshment dispenser at Westhampton Mallet Club in New York, swung his first mallet. He won eight national titles and in 1989 was inducted into the U.S. Croquet Hall of Fame. He then turned his attention to teaching the sport, becoming the world’s first professional croquet instructor. <br /> He was instrumental in transforming croquet from an elite game played on estate lawns by old men to one played by fans from all walks of life. He even helped introduce croquet to the Special Olympics. He will be missed. <br /> <br /> <em>Thom Smith is a freelance writer who can be reached at thomsmith@ymail.com.</em><br /></p></div>New Member Social: Private home Boca Raton – Oct. 23https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/new-member-social-private-home-boca-raton-oct-232017-01-04T00:59:42.000Z2017-01-04T00:59:42.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960690481,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960690481,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="600" alt="7960690481?profile=original" /></a><em>The Florida East Coast Chapter of the National Society of Arts and Letters kicked off the 2017 season in style when Barry and Joyce Levin opened their Boca Raton home and welcomed more than 40 members – and prospective members. They enjoyed libations and hors d’oeuvres, as well as a performance by students from Lynn University’s Conservatory of Music. ABOVE: (l-r) NSAL President Emeritus Alyce Erickson, with the university’s Mendelssohn Octet members Yvonne Lee Sooi Cheen, Andrew Baloff, Yue Yang, Shanshan Wei, Yordan Tenev, Akmal Irmatov, Khosiyatkhon Khusanova and Kayla Williams. <strong>Photo provided</strong></em></p></div>Student Scholarship Awards: Lynn University, Boca Raton – April 12https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/student-scholarship-awards-lynn-university-boca-raton-april-122014-06-04T01:59:57.000Z2014-06-04T01:59:57.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960512856,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960512856,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="538" alt="7960512856?profile=original" /></a><em>The National Society of Arts and Letters’ Florida East Coast Chapter selected 13 students to receive scholarships to colleges of their choice during an event chaired by Highland Beach resident Judi Asselta. Asselta introduced each student and presented all of them with a certificate and check. The winners represented such disciplines as dance, drama, literature and musical theater. Above: Brian Edwards, Asselta, musician Yasmeen Ampuero and artist Patricia Burdette. <strong>Photo provided by Barbara McCormick</strong></em><br /><br /></p></div>Red Rose Gala: Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, Boca Raton – March 27https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/red-rose-gala-royal-palm-yacht-country-club-boca-raton-march-272014-04-30T14:40:39.000Z2014-04-30T14:40:39.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960508897,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960508897,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="360" alt="7960508897?profile=original" /></a><em>The National Society of Arts and Letters’ Florida East Coast Chapter welcomed more than 200 guests to its 32nd black-tie event honoring winners of the competition and scholarship recipients. Guests enjoyed an evening of dinner and dancing and a silent auction highlighted by a performance by this year’s woodwinds and musical-theater champions. ABOVE: Judith Asselta, with Alexander and Roswitha Guzinski.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960509669,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960509669,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="253" alt="7960509669?profile=original" /></a></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>RIGHT: Kevin Ross and Co-Chairwoman Alyce Erickson, with the Lifetime Achievement Award. <strong>Photos provided by Downtown Photo Fort Lauderdale</strong></em></p></div>Annual High Tea: Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, Boca Raton – Feb. 24https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/annual-high-tea-royal-palm-yacht-country-club-boca-raton-feb-242014-04-02T14:27:17.000Z2014-04-02T14:27:17.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960491097,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960491097,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="573" alt="7960491097?profile=original" /></a><em>Members of the National Society of Arts & Letters’ Florida East Coast Chapter celebrated the Annual High Tea at the home of Jay and Marilyn Nelson. Chapter President Shari Upbin welcomed patrons and performers to enjoy artisan breads, fresh fruit, sandwiches and scones. A musical program followed. On Feb. 16, the chapter sponsored its Career Awards Competition for woodwinds-flute, clarinet and oboe. The competition took place at Lynn University in Boca Raton. Winners included Anna Maria Brumbaugh, John Hong, Jessica Esposito and Kelsey Page Maiorano. ABOVE: Cellist Doniyor Zuparov, pianist Feruza Dadabaeva, Alyce Erickson and Jon Robertson at the Annual High Tea. BELOW: Robin Johnson (seated), with Judi Asselta at the Annual High Tea. <strong>Photos provided by Lucien Capehart Photography</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960492269,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960492269,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="334" alt="7960492269?profile=original" /></a></strong></em></p></div>NSAL season opener: Private home, Highland Beach – Nov. 9https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/nsal-season-opener-private-home-highland-beach-nov-92014-01-02T15:38:53.000Z2014-01-02T15:38:53.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960484088,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960484088,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="180" alt="7960484088?profile=original" /></a><em>The National Society of Arts and Letters, Florida East Coast Chapter, celebrated the start of the season with the music of Stephen Sondheim at an event themed ‘Broadway Under the Stars.’ More than 70 guests enjoyed an evening of socializing, spirits and stellar entertainment at the home of Robert and Dorinda Spahr. ABOVE: Jon Robertson and Alyce Erickson. <strong>Photo provided by Barbara McCormick</strong></em></p></div>Red Rose Gala: Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, Boca Raton – April 4https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/red-rose-gala-royal-palm-yacht-country-club-boca-raton-april-42013-05-29T16:12:50.000Z2013-05-29T16:12:50.000ZChris Felkerhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/ChrisFelker<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960450883,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960450883,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="360" alt="7960450883?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>The National Society of Arts and Letters’ Florida East Coast Chapter presented Daniel Biaggi,</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>general director of the Palm Beach Opera, with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership and Artistic Excellence.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>To honor Biaggi, soprano Nadine Sierra, winner of the society’s 1997 voice competition,</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>performed Glitter and be Gay and Caro Nome. Several scholarships also were presented at the gala,</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><em>as well as checks for the Art of Printmaking competition. ABOVE: Dorinda Spahr, Robert Spahr and Isabelle Paul.</em></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><strong>Photo provided by Barbara McCormick</strong></p></div>High Tea: Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, Boca Raton – March 1https://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/high-tea-royal-palm-yacht-country-club-boca-raton-march-12013-05-02T15:45:30.000Z2013-05-02T15:45:30.000ZMary Kate Leminghttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/MaryKateLeming769<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960436681,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960436681,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="180" alt="7960436681?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><em>LEFT: Marilyn Nelson, standing with violinist Kristen Seto and pianist Stephen Seto, helped the National Society of Arts and Letters’ Florida East Coast Chapter hold a successful High Tea that brought together old and new members, and welcomed patrons of the arts.</em></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960437268,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960437268,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="538" alt="7960437268?profile=original" /></a><em>ABOVE: Vern Cameron, Judi Asselta, Roswitha Guzinski and Shaun Schofield. Courtesy photos by Barbara McCormick</em></p></div>Society Spotlighthttps://thecoastalstar.com/profiles/blogs/society2012-01-04T17:00:00.000Z2012-01-04T17:00:00.000ZDeborah Hartz-Seeleyhttps://thecoastalstar.com/members/DeborahHartzSeeley<div><p><span><b>National Society of Arts and Letters Season Opener</b></span></p>
<p>Dorinda and Bob Spahr home, Highland Beach</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960368685,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960368685,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="360" class="align-center" alt="7960368685?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>A festive dinner party with musical entertainment opened the social season for members and friends of the National Society of Arts and Letters (NSAL) Boca Raton South Florida Chapter. The Nov. 5 affair was hosted by Dorinda and Bob Spahr with daughter Jessica Paton in Highland Beach. (l-r) Judi Asselta, President NSAL, Dr. Raylene Phillips, Drs. Jon and Florence Robertson, and Alyce Erickson, NSAL advisor.</span></p>
<div><span><br /></span></div>
<div><p>Wee Dream Ball</p>
<p>Woodfield Country Club, Boca Raton</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960368699,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960368699,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="360" class="align-center" alt="7960368699?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p>Themed “The Ultimate ‘70s Birthday Party” in honor of the Florence Fuller Child Development Centers’ 40th anniversary, the Wee Dream Ball on Dec. 9 capped off an entire year of community-focused anniversary celebrations. (l-r) Neil and Karen Meany, Sharon and Jay DiPietro. <b>Photos provided</b></p>
<div><b><br /></b></div>
<div><p>Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Ball</p>
<p>Boca Raton Resort & Club</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960369062,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960369062,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="360" class="align-center" alt="7960369062?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p>Preparations are under way for the 50th Annual Boca Raton Regional Hospital Ball to take place on Jan. 21 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. Committee members for the ball include: Standing (l-r): Deanna Rosemurgy, Jan Savarick, Holli Rockwell, Jeannette Markus, Linda Ferguson, Joan Wargo, Debbie Leising, Marleen Forkas, Terry Fedele, Laura Stoltz, Barbara D. Cohen, Lynn Holcomb, Sarah Pollak. Seated (l-r): Jeanette Himes, Barbara Schmidt, Patricia Thomas, Mary Ann Perper, Helen Babione.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><span><b>19th Annual St. Jude’s Ball</b></span></p>
<p>Marriott Hotel, Delray Beach</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960368494,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960368494,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="360" class="align-center" alt="7960368494?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p>St. Jude Catholic Church of Boca Raton honored a group of outstanding individuals who positively impact the lives of others in the parish and in the community at the 19th Annual Gala on Nov. 19. Among the honorees was The Very Rev. Michael T. Driscoll, right. With Rev. Driscoll are (l-r) Michael and Janna Chiappetta and Susan Lawton.</p>
<div><p><span><b>Kravis Center Dress Circle members honored </b></span></p>
<p>Kravis Center, West Palm Beach</p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960369092,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960369092,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="360" class="align-center" alt="7960369092?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p>Kravis Center Dress Circle members Stuart and Sharyn Frankel, of Boca Raton, received a New York State of Mind honor </p>
<p>at the Dec. 5 event.</p>
</div>
<p></p>
<p>OSJ Commandery of Florida</p>
<p>Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club, Boca Raton</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960369266,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960369266,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="305" class="align-center" alt="7960369266?profile=original" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Members, dignitaries and friends of the Order of St.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">John, Knights Hospitaller (Malta) gathered recently at the Royal Palm</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Yacht and Country Club home of Commander Isabelle K. Paul for a</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">ceremony and reception honoring South Florida philanthropist Dame</p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Henrietta Countess de Hoernle on Nov. 28.</p>
<p><span><b>Bethesda Ball Fashion Show</b></span></p>
<p>32 East, Delray Beach</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}7960369852,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}7960369852,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="360" class="align-center" alt="7960369852?profile=original" /></a>Bethesda Ball supporters attended a luncheon and fashion show <br /> at 32 East in December featuring the fashions of Miami couture <br /> designer Rene Ruiz, who strikes a balance between old-world <br /> craftsmanship and modern glamour by blending Miami’s sultry <br /> sexiness with graceful elegance. Pictured above are Jan Kucera, <br /> Gina Brody, Luane Venables and Penny Kosinski.</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p><b><br /></b></p></div>