Palm Coast Observer Online by Palm Coast Observer

APRIL 2, 2015

ARTS + CULTURE From Palm Coast to New York and back again

INSIDE

CELTIC FESTIVAL Máirtín de Cógáin is among the performers at the upcoming Celtic Festival. PAGE 7B

Shanna Fortier

Ali Bonner, Dani’ Talo, Tamara Brown and Frank Anello make up half the cast for the City Repertory Theatre production of “Committed.”

ART CRIMES

WELCOME TO THE

MADHOUSE

Robert Wittman tells tales in Palm Coast. PAGES 6B

lagler Palm Coast High School grad Andrew David Sotomayer moved to New York to chase his dream. Now, Palm Coast’s City Repertory Theatre will perform a musical he co-wrote for the New York stage.

PAGE 3B

SALVO ART

The April show will feature abstract impressionist artists. PAGES 2B

“We often hear of the athletic exploits of local graduates, but it is rare

EDITOR’S PICKS

that one has achieved this special height in the performing arts.” JOHN SBORDONE, City Repertory Theater artistic director Theresa Balderas

Andrew David Sotomayer and Tricia Brouk (center) pose with the New York cast of “Committed.”

What to do and when ... Check out the arts calendar for the month of April, from St. Augustine to DeLand to Daytona Beach. 4-5

ARTS & CULTURE

OrmondBeachObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

Salvo Art goes abstract

FLAGLER BEACH

The April show will feature seven abstract impressionists. SHANNA FORTIER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

RESTAURANT D

The idea behind the new show at Salvo Art Project in Bunnell, is to bring new faces and new ideas to the area. The show showcases the work of seven abstract impressionist artists: Toni Slick, Gretchen Nass, Betty Parker, Jean Banas, Melissa Mason, Martha Mahoney and Beau Wild. It was curated by guest curator Diana Gilson, who says that the exhibit is a challenge to the community. “These are spontaneous compositions of the unconscious,” Gilson said. “It’s not so much about creating something you can identify with immediately, like a bowl of fruit; they’re trying to express something that is personal to them — using energy and movement, shapes, brush strokes, color, line and composition to create a whole new visual. Instead of saying, ‘That’s a nice bowl of fruit,’ you look and say, ‘What is it?’ and you start to enjoy it more.” Gilson said that understanding abstract work is more like understanding instrumental music, which allows the listener relate to the piece on their own terms. Some of the painters are inspired by their surroundings, like Slick, who uses images of graffiti and aged walls as the base of her piece. The walls represent history, time, decay and what was once new transforming with time.

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“She tries to deal with the walls, but you won’t see a wall when you look at her painting because that’s just the starting point,” Gilson said. On the other hand, Parker and Nass draw from their innerselves, their pieces evoking dream-like and Zen quality. Gilson said that all the artists she chose for the show have inspired her over the years. “I’ve been inspired by them in so many ways; by their art, by their energy, by their vision,” she said. “Working in a world where 80% is realism, especially in Florida, and these people had the courage to go beyond that and say, ‘We don’t want to paint what everyone else is painting; we want to paint what’s in our heads and in our hearts.’” The show opens 6-9 p.m. April 18, at Salvo Art Project, 313 Old Brick Road, Bunnell.

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ARTS & CULTURE

PalmCoastObserver.com

‘Committed’ in Palm Coast SHANNA FORTIER

The upcoming show at the Palm Coast City Repertory Theatre features more than just local talent on stage. Flagler County talent also co-wrote the show. “Committeed,” a musical that tell the story of five women and three men in 1989, at an Upper East Side psychiatric ward, was written by Tricia Brouk with music and lyrics by Flagler Palm Coast High School alumnus Andrew David Sotomayer. The show originally premiered at West End Theatre in New York City in April 2014 and will be performed in Palm Coast for 12 shows opening April 24. “It’s a fascinating exploration of these young people coping with the stresses that have been sent their way,” said John Sbordone, artistic director of CRT. Brouk describes the show as a little “Orange is the New Black” meets “Girl Interrupted” meets “Friends.” “Pain is pain,” Brouk wrote in the show’s description. “We all know it, we all feel it, we all

young artists growing up in Palm Coast that it is possible to go after your dream.” ANDREW DAVID SOTOMAYER, lyricist/composer of “Committed” the musical Photo by Theresa Balderas

FPC alumnus Andrew David Sotomayer wrote the music and lyrics for the show and also played the character of David on stage in New York.

researching illnesses and giving life to the characters, realizing through their development process that there’s something for everyone to connect with; whether it’s being the new person

THE CAST Dani’ Talo Ali Bonner Christina Goodin Catherine Syvester Frank Anello Kelly Nelson Rivera Jacob Brunt Tamara Brown

“Committed” took the stage in April 2014, in New York, and will be produced this month in Palm Coast at City Repertory Theatre.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 1ST

THURSDAY APRIL 2ND

FRIDAY APRIL 3RD

$15.00 Ride Bands with Coupon (students only) $20.00 Without Coupon 4H and FFA Goat and Steer Show begins – 7:00 p.m. Disc-connected K-9’s 6:00 and 8:00 p.m.

All Night

Disc-connected K-9’s 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. 4H and FFA Swine Show 7:00 p.m.

Disc-connected K-9’s 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. 4H and FFA Livestock Sale – 7:00 p.m.

Student Night $20 Ride Bands $20 Ride Bands

Free Gate Admission Gates Open at 5:00 p.m. and Close at 11:00 p.m.

2nd Annual Smokin’ on The Farms BBQ Event Site Opens Today at 12:00 p.m.

2nd Annual Smokin’ on The Farms BBQ Event Site Opens Today at 9:00 a.m.

Gate Admission: $5.00 General Admission/Children Under 10 Free Gates Open at 5:00 p.m. and Close at 11:00 p.m.

SATURDAY APRIL 4TH

Statewide 4H Archery Competition Begins at 8:00 a.m.

Family Fun Day

12:00 to 6:00 P.M. ~ $20.00 Ride Bands Second Annual Smokin’ on the Farms BBQ turn in begins at 11:00 a.m. ~ Awards at 3:00 p.m. BBQ Dinners available at 12:00 p.m. Oneblood’s Big Red Bus 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Disc-connected K-9’s

1.00 p.m. • 3:30 p.m. • 6:00 p.m.

Children under 10 free Gates Open at 12:00 and Close at 12:00 p.m.

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n When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays April 24 through May 10 n Where: City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B207, Palm Coast n Tickets: $25 for adults and $15 with a student ID. Call 585-9415.

example for all the

relate to it. Sometimes it’s difficult to talk about. ‘Committed’ is a theatrical experience that brings awareness to mental illness and with compassion and humor, try to get past the suffering.” She said the hope is to use art to de-stigmatize mental illness and get people talking about it. Brouk and Sotomayer spent time

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

IF YOU GO

FROM PAGE 1B

“I hope it serves as an

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

or somebody who suffers from clinical depression. The show’s dark but beautiful approach to the issue of mental illness is something that CRT director Sbordone was drawn to in addition to the opportunity to work off a new script. But the kicker was the chance to bring Sotomayer’s work back to Flagler County. “We often hear of the athletic exploits of local graduates, but it is rare that one has achieved this special height in the performing arts,” Sbordone said. “What better for a theater that’s doing different and edgier stuff than to bring home a local talent that’s been off in New York and having great success.” Sotomayer said it’s almost difficult to wrap his head around a Palm Coast theater performing a show that he co-wrote.

“It’s so huge for me personally because I grew up in that community,” Sotomayer said, noting that when he was growing up, there were few places to perform musical theater. “The fact that a theater in my hometown exists is amazing, and them wanting to perform original work is amazing.” Five of the eight cast members selected for the Palm Coast show are young adults who have graduated from Flagler County schools. “That’s quite beautiful: it’s really amazing that there are FPC grads in the show,” Sotomayer said. “It’s such a gift to be able to have young artists perform your work, period. But, people from my hometown, who come from a similar experience — without even knowing them, we share something.” On that same note, Sotomayer hopes that by a Palm Coast theater choosing to perform a show co-written by a product of Palm Coast, that it gives some encouragement to those reaching for the stars. “I hope it serves as an example for all the young artists growing up in Palm Coast that it is possible to go after your dream,” Sotomayer said. “You can move to New York and write a musical.”

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Gates Open at 1:00 p.m. and Close at 6:00 p.m.

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4H and FFA Exhibits inside the Cattlemans Hall. Come and see the canning, baking, quilting, sewing, arts and crafts and vendors inside the hall. Hall is open nightly til 10:00 p.m. Gate admission is not included with purchase of ride tickets or arm bands. There are no refunds or rainchecks. All acts, exhibits, prices or other advertised events are subject to change without notice. NO RE-ENTRY once visitors exit the gates, another admission ticket will be required to re-enter the Fair. The Flagler County Fair is not responsible for any third party advertising. All acts are included with a Fair Gate Admission Ticket. Ride tickets, arm bands and games are extra.

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ARTS & CULTURE

OrmondBeachObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

ARTS CALENDAR

MUSEUM FILM SERIES: PHOTOGRAPHERS AT WORK 5:30 p.m. April 2, 9, 16 and 30, at the Southeast Museum of Photography, 1200, International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. Films in date order are “La Maleta Mexicana,” directed by Trisha Ziff; “Eloquent Nude,” directed by Ian McCluskey; “Bert Stern: Original Mad Man,” directed by Shannah Laumeister; and “Dorothea Lange: Grab a Hunk of Lightning,” directed by Dyanna Taylor.

adults are $20, $30 and $50. Visit cirqueItalia.com or call 941-704-8572.

NOW THROUGH MAY 10

STEVE SOLOMON’S “CANNOLI, LATKES & GUILT!” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at the Flagler Auditorium, 5500 State Road 100, Palm Coast. Just in case you missed one of Steve Solomon’s award-winning “My Mother is Italian, My Father is Jewish ... ” comedies, he’s back with a show featuring the very best comedy bits from his earlier three shows, plus loads of new comedy pieces. Tickets are $29 for adults and $18 for youth. Call 437-7547. FILM SERIES: MODERN ART: FORERUNNERS AND INFLUENCES 1:30 p.m. April 3, 10, 17 and 24, at the Southeast Museum of Photography, 1200 International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. Films in date order are “The Post Impressionists: Toulouse Lautrec,” directed by Kultur Films, Inc.; “Cezanne: Three Colors,” directed by Janice Sutherland; “Matisse/Picasso: Two Giants,” directed by Philippe Kohly; and “Marcel Duchamp,” directed by Kultur Films, Inc. “NEW BEGINNINGS” ART OPENING 6-9 p.m. April 3, at Ocean Art Gallery, 200 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach. Featuring artist Lisa Jill Allison. “1964”: THE TRIBUTE 6:30 p.m. April 3, at the St. Augustine Amphitheater, 1340C State Road A1A S., St. Augustine. The Tribute has been thrilling audiences all over the

“THE GROWTH OF A COLLECTION PART II: 2002-2014” This exhibition is the second installment in the “Growth of a Collection” series and presents a sampling of museum acquisitions made between 2002 and 2014 under the direction of Kevin Miller. It reveals the diverse range of photographic imagery acquired during this time, from early 20th century panoramic views of Daytona Beach, to significant images by recognized leaders in the fields of photojournalism, advertising, portraiture, editorial and fine art photography today. When: Exhibit continues through May 10 Where: Southeast Museum of Photography, 1200 International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach

globe with what Rolling Stone Magazine has called the “Best Beatles Tribute on Earth.” For tickets, visit staugamphitheatre. com.

THE BASEBALL PROJECT WITH CHUCK PROPHET 7 p.m. April 3, at the Colonial Quarter, 33 St. George St., St. Augustine. Part of the Spring 2015 Sing Out Loud Series, tickets are $23. Visit staugamphitheatre.com.

and “Absolut Warhola,” directed by Julian Schnabel. CIRQUE ITALIA 7:30 p.m. April 3; 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. April 4; and 2:30 and 5:30p.m. April 5, at the Daytona Beach Kennel Club, 960 S. Williamson Blvd., Daytona Beach. The first official touring water circus in America, featuring a 35,000-gallon round water stage about 4 feet high with a lid that lifts 35 feet up in the air while a curtain of rain and fountains dance. Cirque Italia is a family friendly and animal free show. Prices for

MUSEUM FILM SERIES: EVERYTHING WARHOL 7 p.m. April 3, 10, 17 and 24, at the Southeast Museum of Photography, 1200 International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. Films in date order are “Ciao! Manhattan,” directed by John Palmer and David Weisman; “I Shot Andy Warhol,” directed by Mary Harron; “The Life and Times of Andy Warhol – Superstar,” directed by Chuck Workman;

OPENS APRIL 17 “NO SEX PLEASE, WE’RE BRITISH” A British farce written by Alistair Foot and Anthony Marriott. The fast-paced plot revolves around an assistant bank manager, who lives above his bank with his new bride Frances. When Frances innocently sends a mail order off for some Scandinavian glassware, what comes back is Scandinavian pornography. They must decide what to do with the floods of photos, books, films and eventually girls that threaten to engulf

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DELLA MAE WITH THE WILLOWWACKS 7 p.m. April 4, at the Colonial Quarter, 33 St. George St., St. Augustine. Part of the Spring 2015 Sing Out Loud Series, tickets are $20. Visit staugamphitheatre.com.

flaglercountyartleague.com. See story on Page 6. MOVIE MATINEE SERIES: WOMEN 1:30 p.m. April 8, 15 and 29, at the Southeast Museum of Photography, 1200 International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. Films in date order are “Eat, Pray, Love,” directed by Ryan Murphy; “Chocolat,” directed by Lasse Hallström; and “Babette’s Feast,” directed by Gabriel Axe.

“CAMELOT” 7:30 p.m. April 6, at the Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Blvd., Daytona Beach. The four-time Tony Award-winning Broadway tour tells the story of the legend of King Arthur who rules his kingdom with new ideals, bringing peace to a troubled land. For tickets, visit peabodyauditorium.org.

FILM SERIES: THE MIND IS A WONDERFUL SERVANT BUT A TERRIBLE MASTER 7:30 p.m. April 8, 15 and 29, at the Southeast Museum of Photography, 1200 International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. Films in date order are “The Fire Within,” directed by Louis Malle; “Persona,” directed by Ingmar Bergman; and “Interiors,” directed by Woody Allen.

RESCUING THE WORLD’S STOLEN TREASURES WITH ROBERT K. WITTMAN 7 p.m. April 7, at the Flagler Auditorium, 5500 State Road 100, Palm Coast. Join for an evening with Robert K. Wittman, author of the New York Times best-seller, “Priceless,” as he recounts more than 20 years working undercover to apprehend art thieves, scammers and black market traders. Tickets are $20. Visit

CAPTAIN BLOOD 80TH -ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION April 10-11, at the St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum, 12 S. Castillo Drive, St. Augustine. The event commemorates the career of Cinematic Swashbuckler Errol Flynn, including screening two of the icon’s most popular films and a visit from the legends daughter, celebrated author and photographer Rory Flynn, as

this happy couple. Directed by St. Augustine resident John Pope, the cast includes Matthew Whaley, Kathryn Suddard, Micah Laird, Linda Mignon, James Desmond, Jan Peter Buksar, Kelly Kates, Nicole Payne and Martin Fillman. Tickets are $25 per person. Call 904-825-1164 or visit limelight-theatre.org. When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday April 17 through May 10 Where: Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine

ARTS & CULTURE

PalmCoastObserver.com

“YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN” 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays starting April 17 and running through May 2, at the Flagler Playhouse, 301 E. Moody Blvd, Bunnell. Directed by Michale Beaman and Musical Director Curtis Powell, the Mel Brooks musical comedy tells the story of the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students. Call 5860772 or visit flaglerplayhouse. com. PORT ORANGE ART FEST 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 18 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 19, at the City Center Complex, 1000 City Center Circle, Port Orange. ORMOND BEACH CELTIC FESTIVAL 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 18 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 19, at Granada Ave., downtown Ormond Beach. Headlining the festival’s more than 20 bands are Gailfean, an Irish Traditional music group featuring three All-Ireland masters and Sioda, a new arrival on the Irish music scene. Daily admission is $5/ Children under 12 are free. See story on Page 7. SALVO ART SHOW 6 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at

APRIL 19

PICNIC AND POPS For the past eight years, the Palm Coast Arts Foundation has transformed Palm Coast’s Central Park in

ALAN JACKSON WITH SPECIAL GUEST JON PARDI AND BRANDY CLARK 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 24, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 State Road A1A S., St Augustine. For tickets. Visit staugamphitheatre.com.

APRIL 6-28 “INCREDIBLE INDIA”: A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION BY ALAN E. HOVEY Ormond Beach photographer and world traveller Alan E. Hovey took the photographs during his tour of the heart of India in 2013. The collection of 41 photographs will be shown within four groups; street scenes, sacred places, rural India and children. The exhibition is intended as a compliment to the annual Indian Cultural Society Festival, which will take place in the Rockefeller Gardens 12:30-5 p.m. Sunday, April 12. Hovey and his wife, Sue, have lived in Ormond Beach since 2001. He has had a lifelong passion for photography, and is an active member of the Casements Camera Club. His photographs usually focus on people, and several of his images have won awards. When: April 6-28 Where: The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach

Salvo Art Project, 313 Old Brick Road, Bunnell. Entry fee is $10. The opening will feature music by Luis Mario and His Latin Jazz. See story, Page 2. PUTTING ON THE RITZ 7 p.m. April 18, at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach. Tom Rippey, with special guest appearances by Anita Jones and Marybeth Oxnam and entertainment by Palm Coast Belly Dance, Daytona Salsa, The Dancing Diva, Victoria & The Cabaret Troupe and Sea Goddess Dancers and Dixie Stars.

12:30 p.m.: “Tapped,” directed by Stephanie Soechtig and Jason Lindsey; 2 p.m.: “dirt!,” directed by Bill Benenson and Gene Rosow; 3:30 p.m.: “More Than Honey,” directed by Markus Imhoof; and 7 p.m.: “Avatar,” directed by James Cameron. Admission is by donation.

Town Center into a concert hall for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. This year’s concert will be led by Maestro Christopher Confessore, guest conductor. Confessore made his international debut in June 2004 conducting the Sibiu Philharmonic Orchestra in Romania. “Picnic and Pops is the perfect setting to experience a world-class musical experience of popular favorites and symphonic classics,” said Robert Massey, president and CEO of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. “As a recent transplant to Florida, I’m looking forward to continuing the Jacksonville Symphony and the Palm Coast Arts Foundation

TASTE OF ST. AUGUSTINE April 25, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 State Road A1A S., St Augustine. Serving tastes from over 20 St. Augustine restaurants. Call 904-829-2273. BILLY JOEL TRIBUTE: TONY MONACO AND TURNSTILES 7:30 p.m. April 25, at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach. Tickets are $30. Call 686-3375.

BOB DYLAN 7 p.m. April 18, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340C State Road A1A S., St. Augustine. For tickets, visit staugamphitheatre.com. EARTH DAY FILM SERIES April 22, at the Southeast Museum of Photography, 1200 International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. Presenting films that illustrate some of today’s most critical environmental issues. Films playing are

“COMMITTED” 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays April 24 through May 10, at City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B207, Palm Coast. A new musical with book by Tricia Brouk and music and lyrics by Flagler Palm Coast High School graduate Andrew David Sotomayor. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 with a student ID. Call 585-9415. See story on Pages 1 and 3.

FLORIDA-GEORGIA U.S. PAGEANT April 24-26, at the Flagler Auditorium, 5500 State Road 100, Palm Coast. The FloridaGeorgia U.S. Pageant hosts competitions for woman 21-65: Ms. Florida (21-39);

partnership to bring the performing arts to the residents of Palm Coast.” Attendees are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks. For individual tickets, or to purchase tables of 10, call 263-2991 or visit thepcaf.org. General Admission is $45 ($40 for members) in advance of the performance; $45 at the gate, if seating available. An on-site catered dinner is provided to those who wish to purchase a sponsor table ($1,000 or $2,500) along with first tier seating. When: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19 Where: Central Park at Town Center, Palm Coast

NATIONAL POETRY MONTH CELEBRATION April 26, at City Coffee Company, 1280 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd., St. Augustine. All are encouraged to step up to the poetry podium and share poems prepared or a favorite poem. Call 904-5010043 or visit facebook.com/ ancientcitypoets. POP ART IN THE GARDEN 5-9 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach. Includes a one-of-a-kind silent auction, Dessert Dash, entertainment and gourmet food and wines. Tickets are $85. Call 676-3347. WILCO 6 p.m. May 1, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 State Road A1A S., St Augustine. For tickets. visit staugamphitheatre.com. ART IN THE PARK 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 2-3, at the Rockefeller Gardens Park, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach. The 43rd-annual Art in the Park will feature over 100 artists and crafters. Free. Call 676-3241. JIM MILLER’S BIG BAND AMERICA 2 p.m. May 2, at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach. Tickets are $15. Call 676-3375.

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AMERICAN ENGLISH 7:30 p.m. April 17, at the Flagler Auditorium, 5500 State Road 100, Palm Coast. Voted number one for three consecutive years by thousands of Beatles fans as winners of sound-a-like contests at Beatlefest. Tickets are $29 for adults and $18 for youth. Call 437-7547.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

Ms. Florida and Ms. Georgia Woman (40-65)*; and Mrs. Florida and Mrs. Georgia United States (21-65).

well as museum founder Pat Croce. Call 904-819-1444 or visit thepiratemuseum.com. FLAGLER ART & WINE SHUTTLE 2-6 p.m. April 12, along the A1A art corridor from Flagler Beach to The Hammock. The Flagler Art & Wine Shuttle will roll out with a revised plan visiting The Baliker Gallery, I Am Art/ Rachel & Friends, Hammock Wine & Cheese Shoppe, Art LaMay Studio, Flagler Beachfront Winery, Ocean Art Gallery, Gallery of Local Art and Down by the Sea Boutique & Gallery. Shuttle tickets are $10 per person or two for $15 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com. Call 693-4882.

ARTS & CULTURE

PalmCoastObserver.com

APRIL 19

PICNIC AND POPS For the past eight years, the Palm Coast Arts Foundation has transformed Palm Coast’s Central Park in

FLORIDA-GEORGIA U.S. PAGEANT April 24-26, at the Flagler Auditorium, 5500 State Road 100, Palm Coast. The FloridaGeorgia U.S. Pageant hosts competitions for woman 21-65: Ms. Florida (21-39);

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THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

Ms. Florida and Ms. Georgia Woman (40-65)*; and Mrs. Florida and Mrs. Georgia United States (21-65).

ARTS & CULTURE

OrmondBeachObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

Secrets of art crimes revealed Art crimes investigator will speak in Palm Coast. SHANNA FORTIER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

“It is my belief that art is what separates us from the beast.” ROBERT WITTMAN

Courtesy photos

Robert Wittman will speak April 7 at the Flagler Auditorium.

and promote the arts in Flagler County,” Wittman said. “It is my belief that art is what separates us from the beast — it’s so important. And the protection of that artwork is something that we all have a responsibility for. When artwork is stolen or taken out of public view — a Monet is not the same as a Chevy — it’s a piece of property that is indicative of the inner genius, and we need to preserve that for future generations.” The Flagler County Art League has been promoting the arts throughout the community since its birth in 1978. The organization, which has a membership of more than 350 artists, art lovers and supporters, provides a creative environment for artists to develop, collaborate and showcase their work. The Wittman event is an attempt for the art league to appeal to the masses when it comes to introducing art

to the community. “We have strived to support our local artists and to bring a variety of artistic experiences to our community,” said Ann DeLucia, president of the Flagler County Art League. “And of course, we are very excited to have Robert Wittman, a real life Indiana Jones, coming to Flagler County as a guest speaker — a first event of its kind in this area.”

“Priceless” will be available to purchase at the event.

IF YOU GO

Wittman helped recover the stolen “Self Portrait,” by Rembrandt.

n What: Going Undercover: Rescuing the World’s Stolen Treasures with Robert K. Wittman n When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 7; with and VIP private reception at 5:30 n Where: Flagler Auditorium, 5500 State Road 100, Palm Coast n Tickets: $20 for general admission; $60 including VIP private reception and a singed copy of “Priceless.” Call 437-7547 or 866-353-4537 or visit flaglerauditorium.org.

DON’T MISS THE LAST TWO SHOWS OF THE SEASON!

Thursday, April 2nd 7:30pm Comedy at its best!

World renowned Beatles Tribute!

Friday, April 17th 7:30pm

167028

The small self-portrait on copper painted in 1630 by Rembrandt was among three paintings stolen at gunpoint from the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm in an armed robbery in December 2000. The total worth of the paintings were estimated at $42 million. The Rembrandt was recovered in 2005, in Copenhagen, when FBI Art Crime team founder Robert Wittman led a recovery effort by going undercover as an authenticator for an Eastern European mob group. Wittman tells the tale in depth in his book, “Priceless,” and will feature the case in his upcoming speaking event hosted by the Flagler County Art League, Tuesday, April 17, at the Flagler Auditorium. Throughout the evening in Palm Coast, Wittman will reveal the secrets behind his 20 years of investigating heists of famous pieces of art and antiquities by recounting stories from his New York Times best-seller. “The most important thing about the event in Palm Coast is that it is put on by FCAL and a fundraiser to do more programs

5500 East Hwy 100 • Palm Coast, FL Across from FC Airport TICKETS: 386.437.7547 • Toll Free 1.866.FLAGLER www.fl aglerauditorium.org • Group Rates Available

ARTS & CULTURE

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2015

Return of folk: Irish festival marks fifth year More than 20 bands will play at the fifthannual Ormond Beach Celtic Festival.

MUSICAL LINEUP

Each day at the festival features five music stages filled with music, dance and storytelling by regional and international performers.

EMILY BLACKWOOD

The lineup: Backintyme Bardic Rose Charlie Gear Ennis Pruitt Crooked Road Gailfean Guy George Hendricks School of Irish Dance Inisheer Irish Dancers Jig To A Milestone Joe Cavanaugh Just Twistin’ Hay MacNamarra’s Hurrah Megan Irby Meridian Mike Campbell Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder Oddbins Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center Dancers Rosie O’Grady’s Highlanders Scottish Country Dancers Síoda

COMMUNITY EDITOR

The members of the Irish traditional music group Gailfean were blown together by Hurricane Sandy. In 2012, Don Penzien, Brian Conway, John Whelan and Máirtín de Cógáin were all teaching Irish music and culture at a retreat in Texas when the storm hit. Travel plans were canceled, artists demonstrations were rearranged, and the four of them ended up on stage together. “We’ve all known each other for years,” said Penzien, who mostly plays guitar in the band. “After that night, we enjoyed performing together, and people started asking to book us.” After the band was formally created, they decided to name it after the weather that brought them together. Gailfean means big storm in gaelic. “I didn’t start performing until I got out of grad school for clinical psychology,” Penzien said. “I tell people I’m a professor so I can afford to be a musician. I fell in love with music first and the culture second.” Penzien said there’s a lot of talent in the other members of the band, including Whelan, who is an All-Ireland button-box champion and was named “Tra-

Courtesy photos

Don Penzien, Brian Conway, John Whelan and Máirtín de Cógáin

ditionalist of the Year” by Irish Echo magazine. Conway is an all-Ireland, Sligo style fiddler, and cork-born Cógáin is the singing, dancing, bodhrán player who also happens to be an All-Ireland champion storyteller.

The group will be celebrating their love for celtic culture at the fifth-annual Ormond Beach Celtic Festival this April. They, along with 20 other bands, will perform throughout the two-day festival.

IF YOU GO

n When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 18; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 19. n Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach n Cost: $5 for adults, children 12 and under are free n More info: Visit ormondbeachcelticfestival.com or call

Ormond Beach MainStreet at 492-2938.

John Whelan and Máirtín de Cógáin show off their dance moves at a previous concert.

Performers in the festival’s jam tent welcome anyone who wishes to bring an instrument and become a part of the music. Rosie O’Grady’s Highlanders, an Orlando based bagpipe and drum band, will lead daily parades on the festival grounds as well as performing on stage.

EIGHTH

ANNUAL

PRESENTS

“Symphony In Central Park” With the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra

Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 8 p.m. Central Avenue at Town Center, Palm Coast. Gates open at 6:30 pm for picknicking. “Symphony In Central Park” Reserved Tables for 10, $400; With the Jacksonville Symphony individual seating, $40 forOrchestra Sunday, April 19, 2015 PCAF Members or at 8 PM Central Avenue at Town Center, Palm Coast. Gates open 6:30 pm for picnicking. $45 for General Admission. Reserved 10, $400; All tickets atTables gate -for $45. individual seating, $40 for SponsorshipPCAF tables available. Members or Call forAdmission. $45263-2991 for General All tickets at gate - $45. tickets or on-line Christopher Confessore, Sponsorship tables available. Conductor at www.thepcaf.org Call 263-2991 for