(PRESS RELEASE)_(West Palm Beach, FL – May 25, 2023) — Natural Movers Foundation announced that the nonprofit will present its inaugural Natural Movers Dance Concert in the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, June 16 at 7 p.m.

This year, the concert will reflect themes of connectivity, dreams, hope, reality and liberation. This mixed bill will feature new and premiered contemporary works by local and national dance artists, including: 

• “Discotheque” by Libby Faber (Libby Faber in collaboration with friends)
• “In the Mirror” by Christopher Huggins (Ballet Palm Beach)
• “Whisper” by Jacqueline Lopez (independent artist)
• “Moving Layers” by Ericka Squire (Ericka Squire//The Dance Company) 
• “The Optimist” by Kristen Vencel (Demetrius Klein Dance Company)

(PRESS RELEASE)_(West Palm Beach, FL.) – On Friday, May 19, 2023, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries (GGI) proudly celebrated the Commencement Ceremony for 10 graduates of the Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches. The event occurred at the Turner Building on the Keiser University Flagship Campus in West Palm Beach.

Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches is a public charter school of The School District of Palm Beach County and is managed by Gulfstream Goodwill Industries. Headquartered in West Palm Beach, the Career Academy provides education, training and career pathways that promote self-sufficiency and independence, serving students with disabilities, ages 16-21, who have deferred their diplomas.

"The Commencement Ceremony of the Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our students,” said GGI President and CEO Keith Kennedy. “We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and excited to witness their continued growth as they embark on meaningful careers in our community. At Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, we are committed to empowering individuals with disabilities, and this ceremony exemplifies the transformative impact of education and training."

(PRESS RELEASE)_(West Palm Beach, FL.) – Recently, Young Friends of the Kravis Center celebrated the 30th Anniversary season by gathering for cocktails prior to the performance of Postmodern Jukebox, featuring the greatest 20th century musical genres, fused with the recognizable hits of our own modern era. The reception was held in the Kravis Center’s Ellen and Robert M. Jaffe Windsor Room.

Throughout the season, Kravis Center Young Friends enjoyed an exclusive backstage tour, networking events, as well as attending performances.  The group will end the season by supporting the education program, the Kravis Center Dream Awards, an evening celebrating high school musical theater in Palm Beach County. Three Young Friends Executive Committee members will present awards at the June 4 event.

(PRESS RELEASE)_​WEST PALM BEACH (May 25, 2023) - The Economic Council of Palm Beach County Foundation is honored to announce the winners for the 39th Annual William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education presented by Hanley Foundation. Over 500 guests gathered at the 2023 Dwyer Awards ceremony on Monday, May 1, at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach to celebrate the nominees and winners who were judged on their classroom accomplishments, personal education philosophy, leadership, and outside of the classroom school-related or community-based activities.  

By GERRY BARKER
Photos by Gerry Barker

Attention, all lovers of sushi: You have a new place in town to pursue your passion.

Sushi by Bou, with locations in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, continues its expansion in South Florida, with its latest opening set for West Palm Beach on May 26, and coming soon to Boca Raton. North Palm Beach Life was among invited media to get a preview of "the modern omakase concept from New York" (where the chain got its start).

Located at 340 Clematis St. in downtown West Palm Beach, don't be confused if your GPS says that's the Vinyl Fish Club. Like their other locations, Sushi by Bou is a restaurant inside a restaurant, styled as a micro "speakeasy" with its décor and ambiance. And about the name -- it's short for one of the concept's creators, Chef David Bouhadana.

Once our group was ushered inside by Peyton, our personable hostess, it was clear we've not in Kansas anymore. Feathered chandeliers hang from the ceiling as a pink neon sign sports the name, "Sushi by Bou" on the wall behind the counter, which seats 12 guests. As a homage to Palm Beach, the chain's Humberto De Andrade, who did much of the design, has provided small, plastic flamingos to hold our chopsticks. So cute.

While Pam loves her sushi, I have always been reluctant to give it a try.  So maybe now is as good a time as any to take the plunge.

In omakase, the chef selects the courses, and Sushi by Bou offers two versions -- a 12-course ($60) and a 17-course ($100), each timed for 60 minutes. Before Chef Moon and his team get us started, we try a few of their signature cocktails, including the Shiso Southsider (vodka, simple syrup and lime juice), Gin and Flowers (gin, St. Germain, prosecco, club soda) and Koko Fizz (rum, pineapple juice, coconut syrup and lime juice) -- each $17. Our favorites were the Southsider and Koko Fizz, the latter a Japanese version of the pina colada.

We watch as the chefs do their magic, crafting delicate pieces of fish and rice into little, delectable works of culinary art. Throughout, they interact with the guests, even offering us a chance to join in and on one occasion, help apply flames to the food.

When they tell us the chopsticks are there for show, I'm relieved -- that's one utensil I've never mastered! Rather, they suggest using your fingers, and then using the wet cloth provided in our place setting. Works for me.

When the sushi starts arriving, the recommendation is to eat it in one bite. Our first course is Hamachi (yellowtail), and per their suggestion, I down it in one swallow. To my surprise, it's very tasty. We are off to a good start.

As Chef Moon's fingers fly, the sushi starts arriving at regular intervals, and includes Akami (lean tuna), Gindara (miso cod), Hotate (scallop) and Unagi (BBQ eel). Despite the image of a slithering sea creature, my favorite was the BBQ eel. It really was delicious. At one point, the chefs passed out shot glasses of sake, and we all toasted to our health. 

Sushi lovers should definitely make it a point to try Sushi by Bou. And if you've never tried it, like me, you may find out what you've been missing. More BBQ eel, please.
​

(PRESS RELEASE)_WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA (May 12, 2023) –Sip, Sample & Savor while celebrating Summertime, and the opening of several new eateries, at The Warehouse District (1200 Elizabeth Avenue) and Grandview Public Market (1401 Clare Avenue), on Thursday, June 1 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 
 
Stroll through Grandview Public Market as you enjoy music spun by DJ Roberto and progressive-style light bites at the venue’s newest eateries such as Nativus, Clare Avenue Grill, Josey’s Smoothies & Salads, Joi Poke and Sushi and Bonitas.  The District Bar will serve specialty cocktail tastings to pair with each food sampling.  Nativus will serve complimentary coffee throughout the evening.
 
Each attendee will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize with a drawing at 9 p.m.  Winners must be present to claim the prize.
 
Admission is free.  Advance registration is required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sip-sample-savor-tickets-630340905617.
 
Complimentary valet parking is available on Elizabeth and Clare Avenues.

(PRESS RELEASE)_May 23, 2023 (Lake Worth Beach, Fla.) -- The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is pleased to announce that Delray Beach-based professional artist Patricia Lappin has been named the recipient of the 2022-2023 Dina Baker Fund for Mature Female Artists.

Thanks to the generosity of local artist and longtime Cultural Council supporter Dina Baker, the Dina Baker Fund for Mature Female Artists was created to help stabilize and strengthen the careers of female artists ages 60 and up with financial need and recognizable merit. The artist may use the $10,000 grant for professional development, arts-related exhibitions, equipment and supplies, healthcare costs or basic living expenses.

(PRESS RELEASE)_May 23, 2023 (WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) – The Armory Art Center has begun restoring the historic Old Armory building. Over the next few months, portions of the Art Deco building will be closed to the public as repairs move throughout the building. The brief interruptions will not impact summer classes.

Before it was put to use by an arts organization, the Old Armory building served as a training center for soldiers and National Guardsmen. The building was designed by William Manley King and built in 1939 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) under Franklin D. Roosevelt.