5 minute read

The Arts & Culture Report

Windsor’s imaginative and dynamic cultural programming inspires, entertains and broadens the mind. Each season a full lineup of events is planned, with activities that range from book signings to ballet performances to sumptuous dinners.

Windsor’s Visiting Author Series is often informative, sometimes thoughtprovoking, occasionally whimsical but always enjoyable.

Members were excited to have Dr. Edith Widder return to Windsor for a February luncheon presentation about her exciting memoir, Below the Edge of Darkness.

Widder is a renowned scientist and bioluminescence expert. In her book, published in 2021, Widder takes readers along on an adventure where she faces life-and-death experiences as she embarks on groundbreaking research exploring the hidden world found deep in the ocean.

An April luncheon at Windsor’s Beach Club gave Members an inside look into the world of a legendary designer who spent nearly six decades dressing Cher, Bette Midler, Tina Turner, Elton John and many other notable entertainers. The Hollywood-inspired luncheon was the perfect setting to introduce a recently published book, The Art of Bob Mackie, which features hundreds of photos and dozens of never-before-seen sketches from Mackie’s personal collection.

Frank Vlastnik, who co-wrote the book with Laura Ross, visited Windsor to share slides and inside stories about the designer, who was known for glamorous and unforgettable costumes and gowns.

Windsor Member Jay Newman was pleased to share his debut novel, Undermoney, with Members during a luncheon held in Windsor’s iconic Town Hall. Drawing on his insider knowledge after four decades in the highest echelons of global finance, Newman set out to pen a page-turning thriller about a group of American operatives who secretly take over the world’s largest dark money fund. Combining espionage, financial intrigue and geopolitics, Newman keeps readers hooked with his sudden turns and unexpected twists in this fastmoving tale set in glamorous locales, from New York to Washington, the Middle East to the French countryside.

Color Scheme: An Irreverent History of Art and Pop Culture in Color Palettes is not just a visually pleasing read. It’s also an invitation to look at the world in a

Members enjoyed hearing Chef Samuelsson speak about his career, history and current endeavors. At the end of the evening, each attendee received a signed copy of Chef Samuelsson’s latest book, The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food.

Each season, Windsor shows its strong support of the arts by planning events that feature local and international performers.

In March, Members made their way to the beautiful Town Hall for Windsor’s annual opera concert, which featured the returning duo Martin Nusspaumer as Tenor and Maria Antúnez as Mezzo-soprano. Accompanying the talented vocalists was pianist Jared Peroune.

Nusspaumer and Antúnez performed nine notable pieces curated specifically for the occasion. The performance featured favorites from Carmen, Samson et Dalila, The Sound of Music, West Side Story, Faust and Les Misérables, among others.

The Windsor audience was especially moved when Nusspaumer performed Bring Him Home from Les Misérables, as a touching tribute to Ukraine.

Following the performance guests had the opportunity to engage with the opera singers and pianist during a reception held at Windsor’s Town Hall Portico and Lawn.

After a two-year hiatus, Ballet at the Pergola returned to Windsor’s Village Centre in April. Windsor Members enjoyed a delightful outdoor performance by Ballet Vero Beach dancers including Katherine Eppink and Anders Southerland, who recently joined the group as resident professional dancers. Also performing at the afternoon event were two extraordinary dancers from Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami, Mayrel Martinez and Maikel Hernandez, who emigrated from Cuba.

In between performances, Ballet Vero Beach Artistic Director Adam Schnell thanked Windsor for its support and talked about the ballet organization’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of artists and arts lovers by providing free student matinee performances.

Windsor Members enjoyed a cocktail reception along with several more outstanding performances. The finale was an impressive 10-dancer Tarantella – a folk dance characterized by light, quick steps and fast-tempo music.

new way using the color palette as a vehicle to examine art history and popular culture. Author Edith Young shared that invitation with a Windsor audience during a luncheon at the Beach Club where she discussed her stimulating book.

Gathering together to enjoy good food and fine wine is a favorite pastime for Windsor Members.

In February, Marcus Samuelsson’s skills as an award-winning chef were on display at Windsor’s highly anticipated Jazz Supper. Chef Samuelsson is a food activist, author, television personality and owner of several restaurants including Red Rooster Harlem, which is known for celebrating the New York neighborhood’s diverse culinary traditions. Chef Samuelsson is the youngest person ever to receive a three-star review from The New York Times.

The Windsor event included a sit-down dinner, live jazz music by Daniel “Saxman” Fuqua, personal remarks by Chef Samuelsson and a book signing. Windsor’s culinary team, led by Executive Chef Justin Schreiber, spent two days collaborating onsite with Chef James Bowen, director of culinary services for the Marcus Samuelsson Group. Chef Samuelsson then joined the team at Windsor to serve an array of dishes inspired by Red Rooster Harlem. A menu with the Red Rooster theme was provided at each setting.

The celebrated fête kicked off with a cheerful cocktail hour at Windsor’s Beach Club Salon and Bar. Canapés included Deviled Eggs, a Seafood Fritter with Old Bay Aioli, Chilled Tomato Soup and Red Rooster’s signature cocktail, “Yes, Chef.” Then, 120 Members were seated in Windsor’s oceanfront dining room and veranda where tables were adorned with colorful linens and King Protea floral arrangements.

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AMENITIES

1. VILLAGE CENTRE 2. FITNESS & WELLNESS CENTRE 3. TOWN HALL 4. EQUESTRIAN CENTRE 5. BEACH CLUB 6. POLO FIELD 7. CROQUET GREENSWARD 8. TENNIS CENTRE 9. CLUBHOUSE 10. THE GALLERY 11. FUTURE FITNESS & WELLNESS CENTRE 12. FUTURE KAYAK LAUNCH