POMPANO BEACH, Fla. — The Pompano Beach Cultural Center (www.ccpompano.org) opened Thursday, May 11 with a spectacular ribbon cutting ceremony featuring dancers whose costume unfurled to become the red ribbon cut by Mayor Lamar Fisher and an esteemed group of City, County and State leaders.
Over one thousand patrons then toured the remarkable new venue, meeting eleven resident companies, exploring the world premiere Cuban art exhibit, “Shipwrecked of Reason” and enjoying performances by an array of musicians and dancers. The festivities then continued throughout the weekend as hundreds of patrons enjoyed The Preview Party fundraiser, Havana Nights and The Florida Grand Opera Family Day.
“The opening of the Cultural Center was truly one of the most exciting events in our City’s history,” said Mayor Lamar Fisher. “There had been so much anticipation surrounding this day, and everyone who attended was dazzled by the iconic beauty of this venue as much as the incredible performances.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony highlighted the mission of the Center of nurturing emerging talent while showcasing internationally renowned artists. Patrons enjoyed the incredible movement of local Eta Nu Step Dancing team to the beat of Fushu Daiko taiko drummers and the Blanche Ely High School Jazz band’s performance accompanied by Grammy-winning saxophone player Ed Calle.
“This four-day opening was truly a series of grand events that showcased this iconic new venue and the incredibly diverse programming that is in store for patrons,” said Alyona Ushe, President and CEO of The Creatives, the organization which programs and manages the Center. “Thanks to the extraordinary vision of Pompano Beach City leaders, this community now has a venue that will draw national and international talent, while also supporting and nurturing regional and emerging talent.”
“Every corner of this venue was activated with phenomenal performances,” continued Ushe. “This weekend represented the excitement that will be here on a regular basis, not only with live music and dance performances, but also with visual and multimedia art. Our opening featured both local live art with Todd the Painter and the world premiere Cuban art exhibit, ‘Shipwrecked of Reason.'”
This exhibit was curated by internationally renowned curator, Isabel Maria Perez Perez, who came in from Cuba for the event. The show features the top 20 Cuban Contemporary artists and will be on display until the end of July. Havana Nights featured two-time Grammy-award winner Marlow Rosado and brought the exhibit to life with Cuban dancers, big band, cigar rollers, antique cars, Cuban cuisine and coffee. “Our patrons were transported into Havana and enjoyed the best of Cuban culture throughout the night,” said Ushe.
“This weekend would not have been possible without the tremendous support of so many amazing people including Melanie Riddick, who chaired the Preview Party; award winning playwright Michael McKeever, who helped produce our opening shows; Marlow Rosado who staged ‘Havana Nights,’ and to our many wonderful sponsors,” said Ushe.
The opening presenting sponsors included Sabbia Beach, Pompano! Magazine, JetBlue, Lifestyle Magazine Group, NBC 6, OHL Building, Isle Casino and Bateman Gordon Sands.
For a full list of upcoming performances please visit http://www.ccompano.org/.
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