(BRIGHTLINE NEWS)_As the government shutdown approaches a record breaking 28 days, mounting bills and no pay has greatly impacted the country’s federal employees. In South Florida, the cost of driving – from gas to parking, tolls to maintenance – can be incredibly daunting. To help ease the financial burden of transportation costs for federal workers in South Florida, Brightline is offering free rides for Federal employees (Smart Service only) between its Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach stations.

Federal employees must present their government issued employee ID to guest service agents at each Brightline station to receive a free SMART ride. Federal employees are eligible to receive complimentary rides until the government reopens. Rides can only be booked in the station.

The intercity passenger railway service provides easy access to museums, airports, federal buildings and courthouses located in all three counties. The Brightline team wants its show support for all federal workers during this time and help ease the everyday cost of living.

(PRESS RELEASE)_(Fort Lauderdale, FL – January 17, 2019) A drama about an acting troupe performing a controversial play and a world premiere musical about life in Cuba past and present garnered the most nominations for the 43rd annual Carbonell Awards, which honor excellence in theater in South Florida.  Indecent, produced by Palm Beach Dramaworks in West Palm Beach, earned nine nominations, and Havana Music Hall, produced by Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables, earned seven.

Palm Beach Dramaworks shows earned 18 nominations overall, the most of any theater in the tri-county region, for its productions of the plays Indecent, Equus and Edgar and Emily, and the musical Woody Guthrie’s American Song.  Slow Burn Theatre Company in Fort Lauderdale earned 16 nominations, the most of any theater in Broward County. Zoetic Stage received 14 nominations, the most for any theater in Miami-Dade County.  Both Slow Burn and Zoetic Stage hold the distinction of earning at least one nomination for every show the companies produced in 2018.  Miami-Dade theaters earned 43 nominations, Palm Beach County 37, and Broward County 21.  Nominations recognized 37 shows at theaters stretching from Coral Gables in the south to Jupiter in the north. 

For the second year in a row, the nominations are being announced live from 8:30 to 10 a.m. today by The Morning Lounge with Jill and Rich on Legends Radio100.3FM and the Carbonell Awards Facebook Live simulcast.

The awards will be bestowed at the Carbonell Awards ceremony on Monday, April 8, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. at Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale.

“South Florida’s regional theaters continue to grow and excel,” said Jody Leshinsky, president of the Carbonell Awards Board of Directors.  “In 2018, 97 productions met the eligibility requirements for Carbonell Award evaluation, including more musicals than any other year.  The nominees are a mix of new and veteran theater artists, first-time nominees and past winners. And the range of work, from classic plays and beloved musicals to world premieres and shows recently on Broadway, points to South Florida as a hotbed of talent and creativity with an audience hungry for all kinds of theater.”

​​BOCA RATON_ You probably know Pam and I are both movie geeks. So when we heard about Living Room Theaters, we had to set up a visit.

Located on the campus of Florida Atlantic University, at 777 Glades Rd., it bills itself as " the new evolution of cinema," featuring a "sophisticated yet superbly comfortable environment that combines a European style café and lounge with a relaxing place to see wonderful movies." Dinner, a drink and a movie -- a can't miss combination.

Because it is situated at a college, be mindful about parking in the right place. Any red-striped spot is fair game, and those are all directly in front of the cinema (a portion of your ticket price is allocated to parking).

​Specializing in independent movies -- typically the kind that win awards at film festivals -- the concept originated in Portland, Oregon. 


While we were there before the dinner hour, we had a chance to enjoy a glass of prosecco while perusing the menu, which had lots of options for lunch, dinner or just dessert. The offerings included two of our favs -- chicken piccatta and eggplant parmaigiana, both at affordable prices. Another nice feature is all the artwork from local artists exhibited on the walls.

We were there to see "The World Before Your Feet," which documents Matt Green's quest to walk all 8,000 miles of blocks, bridges, beaches and backroads of New York City. The one-time civil engineer subsists on the kindness of strangers and money he makes pet-sitting while on this years-long quest. Prior to this, he walked 3,000-plus miles across the United States. What can you say? Matt's just a guy who likes to walk and see the world up close and personal.

If you're into independent films that don't rely on CGI to draw an audience, Living Room Theaters is just the place for you. Find out more at their website, HERE.

(PRESS RELEASE)_(West Palm Beach, FL – January 15, 2019) The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts today announced another sensational musical addition to its upcoming performance schedule:

April 3 at 8 pm (Wednesday)
Jackson Browne
Acoustic Tour

Singer songwriter Jackson Browne will be accompanied on this Acoustic Tour by longtime band mates and vocalists Alethea Mills and Chavonne Stewart, and the acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Greg Leisz. For more information, please visit www.jacksonbrowne.com.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall
Tickets start at $49.50

How to Get Tickets to Jackson Browne: 

A pre-sale to Kravis Center donors starts tomorrow. To purchase tickets, donors should visit kravis.org and use the passcode, or call the Box Office. For information about becoming a Kravis Center donor, please call 561.651.4320 or visit kravis.org/membership.

Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, January 18 at 10 am – online through the Kravis Center’s official website at kravis.org; in person at the Box Office, located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; or by phone at 561.832.7469 or 800.572.8471. For group sales, please call 561.651.4438 or 561.651.4304

(PRESS RELEASE)_DELRAY BEACH, FL, – Foodies, beer lovers and oenophiles will delight in this year’s inaugural pairing event, "Game, Set, Pour" on Friday, February 22, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at the Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.com. Guests will enjoy local craft beers, renowned wines, and delicious samplings from the area’s hottest restaurants. The event will take place at the tournament’s on-site Hospitality Pavilion, just steps away from Stadium Court.

Featured craft breweries are Barrel of Monks Brewing, Boca Raton Prosperity Brewers, Funky Buddha Brewery, South Beach Brewing Company, Sailfish Brewing Company, Saltwater Brewery, Islamorada Beer Company, Islamorada Distillery, Copperpoint Brewing Company, Devour Brewing Company, and Cigar City Brewing. The featured craft beers will be paired with culinary delights provided by some of the best local restaurants, which include Dada, Kapow, Rocco’s Tacos, Los Bacados, Brule, and more.  Feeling puckish?  Fine wines from Raeburn Russian River Valley Winery will also complement these culinary masterpieces.

A draw event to determine brewery and restaurant pairings will be announced on the Delray Beach Open’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit ACEing Autism whose mission is to connect children with autism through unique tennis programs, while developing and advancing proven methods to positively impact the children, families, and communities they serve.
 
VIP tickets are $75 in advance ($90 at door), and include early access to food, beer, wine pairings and a one-of-a-kind collector’s glass. General admission tickets are $55 ($65 at door). All tickets include seats to the evening’s Quarterfinal pro tennis matches.
 
The Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.com ATP Tour event will feature the season debut of No. 5 ranked Juan Martin del Potro, plus No. 6 ranked Kevin Anderson and No. 17 Milos Raonic.  And with ATP sensation Nick Kyrgios and defending champion Frances Tiafoe also in the mix, the Delray Beach singles title will be heavily contested. In doubles action, the Greatest Doubles Team of All-Time Bob and Mike Bryan will be trying to capture their 5th Delray Beach title. 
 
For more information or to purchase tickets, call (561) 330-6000 or visit GameSetPour.com.
 
The Delray Beach Open is held at the Delray Beach Tennis Center, 201 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, Fla. (January 11, 2019) – Happy birthday Brightline! On January 13, Brightline is turning 1, and in honor of the big day, Brightline will be offering $10 fares on short segments for SMART service throughout the entire day. Birthday cupcakes and celebratory surprises will be offered to Brightline’s guests throughout the day.

Since opening a year ago, Brightline has helped nearly 600,000 guests travel in a more convenient, efficient and productive way. By connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Brightline has enabled locals and visitors to explore more culture, dining, arts and sporting events across South Florida. Brightline’s convenient, comfortable and reliable service has also served to connect friends and family throughout the region.

“We’re beyond excited to celebrate Brightline’s birthday with our teammates and guests who have been part of this special journey,” said Patrick Goddard, Brightline’s president. “Our first year of operations was trail-blazing, and the future only gets brighter from here. Thank you to our friends, family and guests for helping us to transform transportation in the United States.”

In just 365 days, Brightline has:

·       Carried enough passengers to fill up 9 Super Bowl stadiums
·       Traveled as many miles as 195 cross-country trips between Los Angeles and Miami
·       Departed more than 8,000 trains
·       Hosted 1,540 loving pets
·       Had 16,984 excited children on board, and this doesn’t include our trips to the North Pole onboard the Polar Express
·       Distributed more than 16,000 train pins
·       Shared more than 150,000 pieces of safety literature
·       Reduced greenhouse emissions
·       Saved countless hours of precious time by transporting guests reliably and conveniently

Brightline guests have come from far and wide, including 41 states and 34 different countries (including Japan and Australia) and six continents.

​Guests are invited to help celebrate Brightline’s birthday on Sunday. $10 fare tickets can be purchase at gobrightline.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)_(Delray Beach, FL – January 10, 2019) Cathy Balestriere, general manager of Crane’s Beach House Boutique Hotel & Luxury Villas, today announced that the popular boutique hotel is now offering guests a unique and unforgettable Beach House Proposal Package, perfect for romantic twosomes with marriage on their minds.

“Consider this potential scenario,” muses Christine Therien, the hotel’s creative assistant general manager and in-house wedding coordinator. “A romantic couple can begin the stay with a soothing massage, followed by a sunset walk on the beach, where the happy couple discover a beautiful picnic setting for two. What she doesn’t know (but he does) is that this isn’t the picnic setting of a random tourist—it’s just for them! And sitting there, inside a specially wrapped box, is an adorable teddy bear that holds a simple message that says, ‘I have a question to ask you.’ That’s when he goes down on one knee and she blushes with joy. This amazing evening is then capped off with a candlelit dinner for two at one of Delray Beach’s upscale dining establishments.”

“For anyone wanting to meet that special someone or finally tie the knot, Crane’s Beach House is the perfect place, especially our always popular Tiki Bar. It is open to the public and many singles and couples stop by for a drink or to listen to live music prior to going out for dinner,” declares Balestriere. “Our Tiki Bar is also a great place to have a bachelor’s party, and even the eventual wedding.”

“Best of all, Christine Therien is experienced at all wedding details, from flowers to music and staging; she can even perform the ceremony itself and has done so numerous times in the past. She’s a master of the memorable romantic moment,” adds Balestriere.

Also included as part of the new Beach House Proposal Package at Crane’s Beach House are a bottle of champagne and glasses, one dozen fresh red roses, a fresh fruit and soft brie platter, and, of course, the squishy-soft teddy bear with the “I have a question to ask you” message. (Accommodations, dinner, and gratuities not included.)

Other romantic inducements available at Crane’s going forward include:

+ Sweet Romance: This package offers seasonal fresh flowers, chilled bottle of bubbly and a sweet chocolate surprise upon arrival.
+ Beach Picnic for Two, including a bottle of house wine, fruit, specialty bread, chicken salad, chips and cookies, all conveniently prepared and packed.
+ Breakfast for Two, including six fresh eggs, bacon, seasonal fruit bowl, orange juice, bottle of champagne, pancake mix, syrup, yogurt, bagels, muffins and condiments – delivered the day the guests arrive for whipping up in the in-room kitchen. (Available in Villas and Suites only.)

And on Valentine’s Day, Crane’s goes that extra little step by putting something special in every guest room, like a red rose or heart-shaped chocolates. Each year it is a little bit different, but always very cool.

To inquire about the rate for these various packages or to make reservations, please call 561.278.1700 or visit the website at www.cranesbeachhouse.com.

“Of course, if the proposal leads to a wedding, what better place to stay for the honeymoon than in one of the gorgeous villas at Crane’s Beach House,” asks Balestriere. “On the other hand, if the marriage sadly doesn’t work out, our Tiki Bar is the absolute best place to hold a kick-ass divorce party.”

About Crane’s Beach House Boutique Hotel & Luxury Villas:

Crane's Beach House Boutique Hotel & Luxury Villas creates a real tranquil environment for guests, even though the boutique hotel is just steps away from the shops and restaurants along Delray Beach's popular Atlantic Avenue. The two poolside tiki bar are stocked with an array of tropical drinks, wines and both domestic and imported beer, with a music-filled happy hour from 5 to 9 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

In addition to being admitted to the TripAdvisor® Hall of Fame 2015, Crane’s Beach House has been named to the prestigious Expedia Insiders Select List™ listing “the world’s best hotels” as judged by the experience of Expedia® travelers, and earlier this year it received a certificate of recognition for gathering exceptional guest ratings and reviews from Hotels.com customers. Crane’s also is a repeated recipient of the Florida Superior Small Lodging Association’s prestigious Donal A. Dermody White Glove Award for housekeeping excellence and exceptional service.

For more information please contact Crane's Beach House Boutique Hotel & Luxury Villas at 561.278.1700 or visit the website at www.cranesbeachhouse.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI – Maestro Jeffrey Eckstein and Siempre Flamenco announce the return of Flamenco Sephardit Passion and Grace to Miami for the sixth consecutive year on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 7:00pm.  Temple Emanu-El (1701 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139) once again hosts the performance. Featuring a cast of international opera stars, guitarists, flamenco masters, and distinguished classical musicians, Flamenco Sephardit promises audiences a deeply emotional and transcendent experience.

The production welcomes Laura León as vocal soloist (replacing Rebekah Diaz Fandrei), cellist Chava Appiah, and violinist Katherine Kobylarz. 

The show explores the connection between Ladino and Flamenco music, two distinct cultures born in Spain.  Ladino originated from the Jews who were exiled from Spain during the Spanish Inquisition. It emerged from the songs these exiled Jews composed in their adopted homelands using their old Spanish from the 1400s. Similarly, Flamenco emerged from the cries and sufferings of the Moors, Gypsies, and Jews after they were banned from Spain during the Spanish Inquisition. Flamenco Sephardit explores similarities and differences in these two cultures.

The talented ensemble includes the father/daughter team of Jeff and Lakshmi Basile.  Jeff is a prominent bassist and composer and has written the string arrangements for the show since its inception.  Lakshmi (La Chimi) is a world-renowned flamenco dancer who has spent much of her career in Spain. The cast also features vocalists Rabbi Marc Philippe and Paco Fonta, dancer Celia Fonta, guitarists Paco Fonta and Michel Gonzalez, and percussionist Adolfo Herrera. 

“The message of Flamenco Sephardit has always been to bring people of diverse cultures and religions together, to remind us that we all have similar origins, and therefore should live together in peace,” said Maestro Eckstein. “We are so excited to welcome the incredible Jeff Basile and La Chimi to this already phenomenal cast. Flamenco Sephardit is experiencing a full circle moment, with La Chimi having spent so much of her Flamenco career living in Spain, complementing Paco Fonta’s heritage from Andalusia, and Jeff having collaborated on all of our strings arrangements since 2013. We are also so pleased to welcome back our sound designer Cody Engstrom, who truly makes the space come alive!” said Eckstein.

Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased by visiting www.flamencosephardit.com or by calling 800.515.1831.  Tickets purchased on January 27th online or at the door are $30.  VIP tickets are $65 in advance and $75 on January 27th and include seats in the first 5 rows, a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception, as well as a meet and greet with the company. 

(PRESS RELEASE)_Wentworth Galleries is honored to present the works of world-renowned artist Michael Israel at both South Florida locations. Israel is an American artist made famous for his speed painting techniques. Artist Appearances are schedule at Wentworth Gallery Las Olas on Friday, January 25 from 7-9pm (819 East Las Olas Blvd. // RSVP: 954-468-0685 // lasolas@wentworthgallery.com) and on Saturday, January 26 from 6-9pm at Town Center Mall at Boca Raton (6000 Glades Rd. // 561-338-0804 // towncenter@wentworthgallery.com). The galleries will host this public exhibition, which is complimentary, and RSVP’s are strongly suggested. For more info, visit http://www.wentworthgallery.com.