You (2010), by Sibel Kocabasi.Next week, Upon a Time, an exhibition featuring collaboration between ceramic sculptor Brian Somerville and painter Sibel Kocabasi, opens on the Eissey Campus of Palm Beach State College in Palm Beach Gardens.Kocabasi, a Turkish-born artist who received the Hector Ubertalli Award in 2006 and exhibits widely, creates paintings that “reflect the … [Read more...]
Theater feature: Beatles tribute band graduates to big centers
The members of Rain, in full Sgt. Pepper regalia.By Hap ErsteinJust because you cannot afford to book a band, or the members have long since stopped talking to each other, let alone playing together, that should not stop a performing arts center from presenting the group anyway. Or at least a reasonable facsimile.That is the rationale behind the tribute band phenomenon, which … [Read more...]
Music feature: Mustafa Jazz Festival readies for 14th annual event
Jazz trumpet legend Melton Mustafa.By C.B. HanifNot equal are those who know and those who do not know about the annual Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival. Those in the know aren’t better than anyone else, of course, but they’re likely to share some more artful vibrations Friday and Saturday.That’s when the 14th annual festival swings forth at the Lou Rawls Performing Arts Theater on … [Read more...]
Music review: O’Connor dazzles in Wellington show
Violinist Mark O'Connor.By Bill MeredithForty-eight-year-old violinist Mark O'Connor already has a 35-year recording career covering almost every style of music.And he drew upon all of his experience -- starting out as a guitarist in legendary French violinist Stephane Grappelli's swing band, working with iconic bluegrass mandolinist David Grisman, doubling on violin and … [Read more...]
Music feature: Violinist O’Connor to play genre-busting recital
Violinist Mark O'Connor.(Photo by Erica Horn)By Bill MeredithSome musicians are so adept at different styles that they get tagged with the phrase "they can play anything." Fewer actually earn the distinction, since most don't get the chance, or even seek, to play every style.American violinist Mark O'Connor is the exception, since the 48-year-old has practically been there and … [Read more...]
Music review: Dweezil’s Frank tribute band stronger, more polished
Dweezil Zappa.(File photo by Benoit Aubry)By Bill MeredithZappa Plays Zappa, guitarist Dweezil Zappa's tribute band to his late father Frank Zappa, first appeared in South Florida on Dec. 10, 2006.That concert at Mizner Park Ampitheatre in Boca Raton featured a circus-like atmosphere, partly due to a band that grew to 10 pieces through guest alumni from Frank's touring units, … [Read more...]
Music feature: Jazz world remembers pianist Higgins
Pianist Eddie Higgins (1932-2009).Photo by Andrea Canter.By Bill Meredith Drummer Art Blakey (1919-1990) took many a young, future jazz star on the road for seasoning with his group The Jazz Messengers between the 1950s and the 1980s. The list included Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, Keith Jarrett, Jackie McLean, Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Joanne Brackeen, Benny … [Read more...]
Weekend picks: Dec. 25-28
A scene from the Moscow Classical Ballet's The Nutcracker.Dance: This is normally the time of year when we'd expect to see Ballet Florida's Nutcracker in Marie Hale's indelible, lovely production. Ballet Florida, sadly, is no more, but there is still a Nutcracker at the Kravis over Christmas. The Moscow Classical Ballet's version of Tchaikovsky's immortal 1892 ballet opened … [Read more...]
Weekend arts picks: Dec. 4-7
Twin Palms, by S. Bart Barchat.Art: Some people may believe that all the art action is happening in Miami this week, but there’s plenty to see on the art scene in Palm Beach and Martin counties:Falls at Manitoga, by S. Bart Barchat.At the Lake Park Library, S. Bart Barchat is the featured artist for December 2009. A New York native, Barchat has traveled the world with his … [Read more...]
CD review: Los Lobos delightfully reimagines Disney songs
Los Lobos tackles the Disney catalog in its latest release. By Chauncey Mabe When I first learned that Los Lobos was about to put out an album of Disney songs, I was righteously indignant.Such a misguided project could only be a sellout, at best, and, at worst, a complete collapse of creative drive. What in the world could the trailblazing East L.A. Chicano rockers have in … [Read more...]