(PRESS RELEASE)_Fresh off drumming with Aerosmith at the Grammy’s and performing at the prestigious MusicCares where Aerosmith was honored as the Person of the Year…John Douglas has been getting ready to kick off his 2021 North American Art Tour…and what better place than Delray Beach, Florida. The Opal Grand, Delray Beach’s premier luxury resort OPAL GRAND RESORT & SPA announces their presentation of Douglas’ “High-Performance” Fine Art Tour: in its’ limited engagement, March 25 – March 28, 2021, with live appearances by Douglas on Friday, March 26 (12-3pm and 6-9pm) and Saturday March 27 (12-4pm and 6-10pm). The event is complimentary to the public and all artwork is on exhibition & available for acquisition.  Graciously sponsored by the Prakas Company.


​ RSVPs requested at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-renowned-drummer-and-rock-roll-fine-artist-john-douglas-to-appear-tickets-142557712957, [email protected] or 561-715-9525

(PRESS RELEASE)_​MIAMI, FL.- Meliá Hotels International, owner and operator of 390 hotels globally, has announced “The Big Day For Our Biggest Heroes” photo contest, giving frontline workers the chance to win a wedding at one of the company’s leading resorts. 
 
Starting February 11, 2021, U.S. frontline workers will be able to submit an engagement photo via online entry form for a chance to win one of the newly launched wedding bundles at any Meliá Hotels & Resort property or Paradisus by Meliá property throughout Mexico and the Caribbean.
 
“To show our gratitude for everything frontline workers have done for us this past year, Meliá Hotels International is honored to give five lucky couples the wedding of their dream,” said Anthony Cortizas, Vice President of Global Brand Strategy. “With so many nuptials postponed and cancelled over the last year, we want to bring back love in 2021 and help take the stress out of wedding planning for so many that helped us get through 2020.”
 
The five lucky couples will get to choose their wedding location from a selection of stunning resorts across Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The new Romance by Paradisus and Love Stories by Meliá programs, designed to help today’s busy couples plan a beautiful destination wedding, is overseen by the professional and attentive Romance Managers. From start to finish, these specialists customize celebrations large and small, including LQBTQ+ nuptials and weddings that honor a variety of cultures and heritages. 
 
As part of the new Romance by Paradisus program, the wedding bundles have been designed with a variety of different couples in mind. Each bundle includes the ceremony and set-up, wedding arch, flowers and cake and from there can be customized to personal styles and tastes. The “No Shoes Allowed” Wedding Bundle offers a relaxed ceremony overlooking crystal blue waters with beach-chic details. For the ultimate nature lover, the “Nature Vibes” Wedding Bundle includes sustainable décor created by local artisans against a plush garden backdrop. The most elegant experience, “Go Out With A Bang!” bursts with dazzling bright lights and golden glittery fireworks, beneath a starry sky. “All Aboard!” lets couples tie the knot on the water, during the magical golden hour at sea. And lastly, the “It Takes Two Or A Few” is the most intimate experience for couples and a few guests. 
 
With the Love Stories by Meliá program, each of the three special wedding bundles include the ceremony and set-up, bouquet and boutonniere, wedding cake, wedding arch and themed decor. The “Soul of Love” Wedding Bundle focuses on mindfulness and features a native, spiritual blessing for two. “Tropical Tale” is a burst of vibrant colors, flavors, flowers and local music - a true tropical celebration. For couples looking for a chic, luxurious experience with high-end details, the “Glam Up” Wedding Bundle is ideal. 
 
In addition to a romance bundle of their choice to help create their 2022 dream wedding, the winning couples will receive three nights of suite accommodations at the host resort and four additional suites for up to eight wedding guests to join them for their celebration. 
 
All weddings are operating under the Stay Safe with Meliá program. Knowing that health and safety are always a top priority, for couples on their wedding day and every day, all Paradisus properties have a Stay Safe Bridal Ambassador, to ensure the Stay Safe with Meliá protocols are being correctly enforced. MHI has partnered with Bureau Veritas, a company leader in inspection, certification, and testing, to ensure the Meliá Hotels International system is achieving the highest standards in the management of preventative measures to combat COVID-19 in its hotels worldwide. hese safety measures include temperature checks of all guests upon arrival, special PPE amenities kits with a mask, gloves and hydroalcoholic gel, and enforcing social distancing at restaurants, pools and entertainment activities.
 
Frontline workers can enter until March 10, 2021 at romancebymelia.com/weddinggiveaway/ or romancebyparadisus.com/weddinggiveaway. One entry valid per couple, per website and the winners will be announced in late March 2021.

(PRESS RELEASE)_(West Palm Beach, FL – February 22, 2021) The Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council International, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and further cultivation and use of tropical and rare fruit in South Florida and around the world, is hosting its annual Tropical Fruit Tree & Edible Plant Sale on Saturday, March 27. The popular event will be held from 9 am to 2 pm in the Agriplex Building on the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach. Both admission and parking are FREE.
 
At this year’s Tropical Fruit Tree & Edible Plant Sale, vendors from all over the state will offer a wide variety of delightful and delicious fruit trees, including Avocado, Banana, Barbados Cherry, Black Sapote, Canistel Citrus, Dragon Fruit, Fig, Guava, Grumichama, Jackfruit, Jaboticaba, Longan, Lychee, Macadamia, Mamey Sapote, Mango, Miracle Fruit, Mulberry, Papaya, Peach, Persimmon, Soursop, Sugar Apple, Star Apple, Tamarind, herbs and spices, plus specially formulated fertilizer, and more.
 
Fresh honey from the Palm Beach County Beekeepers Association will also be available for purchase, promises group president Kevin Easton.
 
Visitors are encouraged to bring a wagon to help carry purchased plants. Also available will be educational information on the planting and growing of fruit trees, along with knowledgeable volunteers and vendors to answer any questions.

(PRESS RELEASE)_The second annual “Pedal For People” charity bicycle ride/walk/run is on Sunday, March 28th, 2021. The event will begin at 7:30 am from South County Regional Park’s Sunset Pavilion. The goal of the ride is to raise money to help conduct independent and unbiased research in the treatment of cancer and diabetes.  2019 saw the birth of this amazing event, and raised significant funds for Kess Creates, with 100% of the proceeds from the event donated.  Although delayed due to Covid-19, the event is now scheduled, and is a 100% socially, distanced safe outdoor event for everyone.  The event will strictly adhere to all CDC guidelines and is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a safe and wonderful day in the Florida sunshine while supporting its’ vital mission of giving.  Renowned Singer/Songwriter Mason Pace will be performing live. There will be music, food, entertainment for the kids.  For more information and to register visit www.pedalforpeople.org

(PRESS RELEASE)_(West Palm Beach, FL – February 19, 2021) In celebration of Black History Month and beyond, the Kravis Center invites people to enjoy a series of engaging experiences including music, stories, discussions and more created and presented by NJPAC (New Jersey Performing Arts Center). Visit kravis.org/njpac for a listing of all the NJPAC programming. Additional virtual offerings can be found at Kravis.org/athome.
 
TODAY
February 19 at 9 am (available for 48 hours)
Books on the Move
Firebird: Misty Copeland
Join New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s Teaching Artist Wincey Terry for a free reading of Firebird by Misty Copeland. In her debut picture book, Misty Copeland tells the story of a young girl–an every girl–whose confidence is fragile and who is questioning her own ability to reach the heights that Misty has reached. Misty encourages this young girl’s faith in herself and shows her exactly how, through hard work and dedication, she too can become Firebird. Lyrical and affecting text paired with bold, striking illustrations that are some of Caldecott Honoree Christopher Myers’s best work, makes Firebird perfect for aspiring ballerinas everywhere. This event will be available at kravis.org/njpac for 48 hours beginning TODAY (February 19, 2021) at 9 am.


February 23 at 7 pm
Regina Carter: A Salute to Ella in Stories and Song
The voice! The songs! The swing! You’re invited to an hour of music and words in joyful celebration of the First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald. This online event brings together two Ella fans for one unforgettable conversation: Regina Carter (jazz violinist extraordinaire, MacArthur Genius, and artistic director of NJPAC’s Geri Allen Jazz Camp) and John Schreiber (NJPAC President and CEO). Go beyond the familiar songs and stories for a new look at Ella’s everlasting impact, along with living performances from Regina, whose transformative album Ella: Accentuate the Positive explores the nooks and crannies of the singer’s extensive repertoire. Reservations required at kravis.org/carter.
 
February 26 at 9 am (available for 48 hours)
PSEG True Diversity Film Series presents:
Boss: The Black Experience in Business
From Madam C.J. Walker—the world’s first self-made female millionaire of any race—to  contemporary business titans like Jay-Z and Merck’s CEO Ken Frazier, Black business leaders have not only built their companies despite formidable obstacles, but they’ve viewed their work as an essential component of the struggle for justice.
Join the PSEG True Diversity Film screening at NJPAC, for a look at the long and inspiring history of Black business leadership and Black entrepreneurship, and how both have impacted the social justice movement.

We encourage everyone to view Boss: The Black Experience in Business prior to the event.
Moderated by Chike Uzoka, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of the Newark-based Valentine Global, our panelists of business owners, executives and academics in the field will talk about the support networks available to Black-owned businesses, the secrets of maintaining resilience in the workplace, the value of mentorship, and the vital importance of Black entrepreneurs. This event will be available at kravis.org/njpac for 48 hours beginning on February 26, 2021 at 9 am.

March 2 at 7 pm
Alto Madness: Charlie Parker Centennial Celebration
NJPAC and Jazz Standard present an online celebration of the legendary Charlie Parker! 100 years after his birth and long after his death at the young age of 34, the jazz master’s legacy is as vital as ever. GRAMMY® Award-winning producer Seth Abramson hosts this conversation with alto sax stars Charles McPherson and Donald Harrison, delving into all things Bird—from the creation of bebop to his influence on their own careers. Plus, they’ll give on-the-spot live performances of Charlie’s classic compositions. Don’t miss this opportunity to deep dive into the life and music of one of the all-time greats, from the comfort of your home. For tickets, please visit www.kravis.org/parker.
 
March 5 at 9 am (available for 48 hours)
Funk Wizdom and Other Afrofuturistic Tales
George Clinton in conversations with Nona Hendryx
You’re invited to a deep-dive, no-hype, real-talk interview with the Godfather of Funk himself, George Clinton. R&B Hall of Famer Nona Hendryx (Labelle, Mamafunk) will sit down with George for a no-holds-barred conversation about art, music, sex, hopes and dreams, life and afterlife. They’ll delve into Afrofuturism and Afropastism: from Sun Ra to Donald Glover (AKA Childish Gambino), The Invisible Man to Watchmen, Blaxploitation to Black Panther, Sister Rosetta Tharpe to Oprah Winfrey. This event will be available at kravis.org/njpac for 48 hours beginning on March 5, 2021 at 9 am.