Nestor Torres
Upcoming event features playing along with Latin Grammy® Award-winner Nestor Torres
Following the landmark event as the first in the nation to offer a sensory-friendly program created in a virtual format, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts has launched the new All Abilities Series of interactive free events for families to enjoy together from the comfort of their homes.
“I’ve been struck that while theaters are dark, millions have turned to the arts online,” said Broward Center President and CEO Kelley Shanley. “That connection, even through a screen, has proven vital to our well-being. Through this program we are continuing our commitment to ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to participate in arts experiences that help connect us. Thanks to the generous support of The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation and the Taft Foundation, and our partnership of UM-NSU CARD, we have been able to create the new All Abilities Series and offer it to families free of charge.”
The All Abilities Series features inclusive engaging arts experiences including online resources to make each event interactive, educational and entertaining. All that is required is an internet connection to join a Zoom session and get in on the fun. Each event in the All Abilities Series can be found in the calendar of upcoming events on the Broward Center’s website at BrowardCenter.org. The event listing includes links to obtain the free resources and join the live events.
The series continues on with Play Along with Nestor Torres on Saturday, November 7 at 11 a.m.as the Latin Grammy® Award-winner presents a jam session with viewers. They can play their own instrument or make a paper flute with directions from the Broward Center. Torres’ rhythmic and mellifluous flute delivers a crossover fusion of Latin, Classical, Jazz and pop music. His mission to empower, inspire and revitalize every person’s humanity through music and the arts, dialogue and education makes him a perfect fit for the All Abilities Series.
Audiences can next get their groove on with Drumming Jam with Jahidi on Saturday, November 21 at 11 a.m. Rhythms and voices come to life virtually in this epic online drumming jam using simple instructions the Broward Center offers on how to make a homemade drum. During the jam, Jahidi aims to empower, heal and unify kids and adults of all abilities through rhythm and sound. Drums are not only a fantastic tool for stress relief and musical expression, they are also a therapeutic tool for stimulating speech and voice for those with special needs population.
The Broward Center then brings the spirit of the holidays to the virtual stage with a Holiday Sing-Along on Saturday, December 12 at 11 a.m. with the Broward Center Spotlights, the Center’s professional youth ensemble under the direction of Tammy Holder, Artist-in-Residence. The whole family is invited to make their own instruments and enjoy singing or listening to holiday classics as we celebrate the magic of the holidays together this season.
The All Abilities Series previewed in October as participants used homemade maracas and tambourines in an exciting and interactive movement and dance class with TJ Tekurio, a Broward Center teaching artist. Together they put syncopated rhythms and fun steps into an amazing dance routine that was accessible to all.
With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center was the first in the country to pivot from live sensory-friendly productions to one offered virtually with an October screening of Curious George: The Golden Meatball that included a downloadable virtual social story, pre-show arts and crafts activities, a character guide and instructions for a virtual post-show meet and greet dance party with Curious George and the cast. This production was presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) and is based on the books by Margret and H.A. Rey and the play owned by Universal Stage Productions.
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. For more information visit BrowardCenter.org, like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BrowardCenter and Facebook.com/
The Broward Center 2020-2021 season is presented by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. AutoNation, Bank of America, Brightline, Canteen, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, JetBlue, MasterCard and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center are proud sponsors of the Broward Center.
About The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 700 performances each year to more than 700,000 patrons, showcasing a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive JetBlue Flight Deck on the Club Level, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, waterfront dining at Marti’s New River Bistro and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 130,000 students annually. The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit BrowardCenter.org.
Broward Center’s Road to Recovery Fund
The Broward Center is on the Road to Recovery. While the theaters are dark and staff is at a minimum, the hard work continues. Faced with the loss of 90% of its revenues, the Center depends on contributions to sustain its operations as it prepares for the day when the doors reopen, the curtain rises and the lights return to the Broward Center stages. Donations to the Road to Recovery Fund can be made at BrowardCenter.org/R2R.
