50 THINGS
WE LOVE
A&E “It’s fun, and basically free, it’s open, it’s outside, and there’s nothing like rhythm.” So summarizes Michael Teller, organizer of Palm Beach County’s drum circles for the past decade or so. And there’s no regional drum circle more popular than the Wednesday night bash at Old School Square, a raucous tradition that can attract up to 250 attendees drumming, dancing or just enjoying the positive vibes. Teller starts each rhythm on his set of dundun drums, and his fellow-musicians endeavor to follow along, or perhaps go in their own direction. Some bring other forms of percussion, such as washboards and tambourines, and some play wind instruments like flutes and didgeridoos. It’s a place where grooves are born and friendships are struck. Cardio has never been this fun.
Best comeback Its plans quickly scuttled in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pan-
demic, the second Beatles on the Beach festival finally took its bow in December, with founder Daniel Hartwell managing to rebook most of the previously scheduled talent—including headlining Monkee Micky Dolenz. Framed by the 100-foot Christmas Tree, the holiday ambience only enhanced its genial “come together” atmosphere: On the closing night of the two-day event, Delray locals, including drum circlers, joined a professional Beatles tribute band and a full symphony orchestra, sending us home in style.
What Delray is missing Not since the dissolution of the Theatre at Arts Garage, circa 2017, has Delray Beach had a professional theatre company to call its own. Yes, we have the historic Delray Beach Playhouse, which has been producing handsome community theatre for more than 65 years strong, and has been presenting one-person shows from touring
Beatles on the Beach
JOHNATHAN M PHOTOGRAPHY/JOHNATHANMPHOTO.COM
Weekly vibe maker
Drum circle
performers. But as a destination where new and established plays are mounted with award-winning talent, one needs to venture to Boca or West Palm Beach. It’s high time a producing company set up a
shingle in Delray Beach. As far as a performance space suited for such a venture? It’s a fair question, and one we don’t have an answer for, at least until the Crest Theatre roars back to life.
MORE THINGS WE LOVE TO DO COCO MARKET: In addition to the monthly art walk in the Andre Design District, the wellness-inspired Coco Market is another growing event held at Veterans Park the first Sunday of the month. CRAFTED ON THE AVE: This market at the Libby Wesley Plaza the first Saturday of the month, from 1 to 5 p.m., is organized by the CRA and highlights micro-businesses that create handmade products/art. SPADY MUSEUM WEST SETTLERS WALKING TOUR: In addition to its longtime Ride and Remember Trolley Tours, Spady is now offering walking tours to explore one of Delray’s most historic African-American neighborhoods. spadymarketplace.org/historical-tour.
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