ReportWire

Tag: APP Latest Arts & Entertainment Stories

  • ‘Mercy’ unseats ‘Avatar: Fire & Ash’ atop the box office

    [ad_1]

    NEW YORK — With a winter storm blanketing a large swath of the country, Hollywood had its quietest weekend of the year at the box office. The Amazon MGM sci-fi thriller “Mercy” dethroned “Avatar: Fire and Ash” from the No. 1 spot with $11.2 million in North America, according to studio estimates Sunday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Some 250 theaters were forced to close, from Texas to Maine, according to data firm Comsore. More than 140 million Americans were under winter storm warnings, depressing moviegoing

    • “Mercy,” a $60 million thriller starring Chris Pratt as a man in a near-future standing trial before an AI judge, was the top new release

    • “Fire and Ash” has now cleared $1 billion internationally, but its domestic haul ($378.5 million) is well off the pace of the other two films

    •  The lead movies in Thursday’s nominations — “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” — long ago completed their theatrical runs, but a handful of nominees saw strong business



    Some 250 theaters were forced to close, from Texas to Maine, according to data firm Comsore. More than 140 million Americans were under winter storm warnings, depressing moviegoing.

    But the weekend was never going to be a blockbuster one, anyway. “Mercy,” a $60 million thriller starring Chris Pratt as a man in a near-future standing trial before an AI judge, was the top new release. It arrived with withering reviews (20% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) and an equally poor reception (a “B-” CinemaScore) from audiences.

    That was still enough to finally dislodge James Cameron’s third Pandora epic from its monthlong perch atop the box office. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” slid to second place with $7 million. While The Walt Disney Co. release is starting to peter out domestically, it remains a top draw overseas. It took in $28.1 million internationally in its sixth weekend.

    “Avatar: Fire and Ash” isn’t going to come close to the box-office heights of the previous two “Avatar” movies. The 2009 original grossed $2.9 billion and the 2022 sequel, “The Way of Water,” tapped out at $2.3 billion. “Fire and Ash” has now cleared $1 billion internationally, but its domestic haul ($378.5 million) is well off the pace of the other two films.

    The “Oscar bump” that films once saw following nomination is largely a thing of the past. The lead movies in Thursday’s nominations — “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” — long ago completed their theatrical runs. But a handful of nominees saw strong business.

    Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet,” nominated for eight Oscars including best picture, collected $2 million in its first weekend of wide release. The Shakespeare drama, starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, has been in theaters for two months, steadily increasing its theatrical footprint. It’s up to $17.6 million domestically and $42.1 million worldwide.

    Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme,” nominated for nine Oscars, earned $3.5 million in its sixth weekend of release. The A24 title, starring Timothée Chalamet, this week cross $100 million globally. It’s made $86.2 million domestically thus far.

    But newer releases struggled. “Return to Silent Hill,” the third installment in a horror series kick-started with 2006’s “Silent Hill,” opened with $3.2 million. Though Sony released the 2006 film and Open Road distributed the 2012 follow up, the low-budget “Return to Silent Hill” was put out by Iconic Events.

    In its second week of release, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” dropped swiftly. The Sony release, directed by Nia DaCosta, opened last week to a disappointing $13.3 million in sales despite good reviews. But its second weekend was even worse, dropping 71% with $3.6 million.

    Other new releases flopped. Roadside Attractions’ “H Is For Hawk,” starring Claire Foy, took in just $150,000 from 472 theaters. Sony’s “Clika,” about a migrant worker with music aspirations, managed only $1.2 million in 522 locations.

    Top 10 movies by domestic box office

    With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:

    1. “Mercy,” $11.2 million.

    2. “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” $7 million.

    3. “Zootopia 2,” $5.7 million.

    4. “The Housemaid,” $4.2 million.

    5. “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” $3.6 million.

    6. “Marty Supreme,” $3.5 million.

    7. “Return to Silent Hill,” $2.7 million.

    8. “Hamnet,” $2 million.

    9. “Lord of the Rings,” $2 million.

    10. “Primate,” $1.7 million.

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • Tarpon Springs invites local artists to light up the Sponge Docks

    [ad_1]

    TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. — Local artists and photographers are being invited to showcase their work in one of Tarpon Springs’ most iconic areas.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tarpon Springs’ Public Art Committee is seeking submissions for illuminated art boxes that will be installed on lampposts along Dodecanese Boulevard

    • The display is designed to enhance the visitor experience both during the day and at night

    • There are 40 available display spaces across 20 double-sided illuminated art boxes


    The city’s Public Art Committee is seeking submissions for illuminated art boxes that will be installed on lampposts along Dodecanese Boulevard at the Sponge Docks. The display is designed to enhance the visitor experience both during the day and at night, adding another layer of visual storytelling to the heavily visited waterfront district.

    One artist preparing a submission is Shari Gaines, a painter based in Dunedin who has been creating and selling artwork for 17 years. Gaines is currently working on an oil painting inspired by a photograph she took in Tarpon Springs.

    She says she was immediately drawn to the scene, particularly the boats, which she describes as appearing to “have a conversation” with one another. Gaines says the flexibility of oil paints allows her to adjust the composition as she works, refining the piece until it feels right.

    Much of Gaines’ work is inspired by scenes she captures herself throughout Florida. She said that authenticity is central to her process, preferring to paint from real-life experiences or her own photographs rather than images found online. Her work often reflects Florida’s water, light, and vivid sunsets.

    City leaders say public art plays a significant role in reinforcing Tarpon Springs’ identity as a cultural and tourist destination. Vice Mayor Michael Eisner says the Sponge Docks already offer visitors a sensory experience through Greek music, food, and architecture and that public art adds to the feeling of being transported to another place.

    The submission criteria for the project is straightforward. Artists must depict something recognizable in or around Tarpon Springs, such as local nature scenes, beaches, parks or waterfront views. Selected works will be displayed for one year.

    If chosen, Gaines’ piece would be her second artwork featured through the city’s public art program. She says art helps reflect the character and beauty of Tarpon Springs and gives visitors another way to connect with the community.

    Gaines displays her work on her website.

    There are 40 available display spaces across 20 double-sided illuminated art boxes. The submission deadline is Jan. 2.

    Artists interested in participating should email their submissions to arbcreative@yahoo.com and include their name, email address, mailing address, and phone number.

    [ad_2]

    Jeff Van Sant

    Source link

  • ‘Avatar’ and ‘Marty Supreme’ propel strong ticket sales

    [ad_1]

    NEW YORK — Hollywood wrapped up a turbulent year with big ticket sales for “Avatar: Fire and Ash” and a box-office hit for Timothée Chalamet with “Marty Supreme” over a busy holiday weekend in movie theaters.

    What You Need To Know

    • As expected, James Cameron’s latest trip to Pandora dominated ticket sales, collecting $88 million over the four-day Christmas-to-Sunday period and $64 million on the weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday

    • In two weeks, “Fire and Ash” has quickly amassed $217.7 million in North America, but the $400 million-budgeted film has been a massive draw internationally, grossing $542.7 million thus far overseas

    • But much of the heat in theaters over Christmas and on the weekend belonged to “Marty Supreme,” A24’s biggest budget release, Josh Safdie’s 1950s-set table tennis drama collected $27.1 million over the four-day weekend, a smash success for the indie studio

    • Hollywood is ending the year with its best Christmas Day box office since before the COVID-19 pandemic, a celebratory final note in what’s been a rough year for the film industry



    As expected, James Cameron’s latest trip to Pandora dominated ticket sales, collecting $88 million over the four-day Christmas-to-Sunday period and $64 million on the weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. Though “Fire and Ash” initially opened notably softer domestically than its 2022 predecessor, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” it held better in its second weekend. It dipped just 28%, whereas “Way of Water” fell 53%.

    In two weeks, “Fire and Ash” has quickly amassed $217.7 million in North America for The Walt Disney Company. But the $400 million-budgeted film has been a massive draw internationally, grossing $542.7 million thus far overseas. To reach the box-office heights of the previous films, both of which rank among the biggest blockbusters ever, “Fire and Ash” will need to sustain business through New Year’s and early January. If it does, “Avatar” could become the first franchise with three $2 billion movies.

    But much of the heat in theaters over Christmas and on the weekend belonged to “Marty Supreme,” A24’s biggest budget release, Josh Safdie’s 1950s-set table tennis drama collected $27.1 million over the four-day weekend, a smash success for the indie studio.

    Chalamet went to great lengths to promote the acclaimed release, including appearing atop the Sphere in Las Vegas. The strong opening proved that the 30-year-old star has drawing power beyond most of his contemporaries, and it marked a rare box-office win for a wholly original film. Safdie’s film carries a price tag of about $70 million.

    “Marty Supreme” even bested the film most analysts expected to rank number two: Sony Pictures’ “Anaconda.” The big-screen comedy, starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd, collected $23.7 million over the four-day holiday weekend. That’s still good for comedy, a genre most studios have abandoned in recent years. But “Anaconda” (50% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes) was surely dinged by poor reviews.

    Hollywood is ending the year with its best Christmas Day box office since before the COVID-19 pandemic, a celebratory final note in what’s been a rough year for the film industry. Going into the year, expectations were high for the industry’s first year this decade not marred by pandemic or strike.

    “It was a really solid end to a tumultuous year,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Comscore. “It’s been a roller-coaster ride. I think the best news for the industry — I know we kind of say this every year — but if you look at the lineup for 2026, it’s pretty incredible.”

    But domestic ticket sales on the year are ending roughly on par with the disappointing $8.75 billion in 2024. With three days left in 2025, the box-office total is $8.76 billion, according to Comscore. By comparison, in 2019, that total was $11.4 billion.

    That’s a worrying development for theaters, which are now nervously watching Netflix attempt to buy one of Hollywood’s most storied studios in Warner Bros. The highest grossing film of the year was a Chinese production, the $2 billion-generating “Ne Zha 2.” The most-watched movie of 2025 was “KPop Demon Hunters,” a movie Sony Pictures sold to Netflix. Even the Oscars are headed to YouTube.

    What worked in 2025? PG-rated movies. For the second year in a row, PG-rated movies outperformed PG-13 ones. Domestically, PG films generated $2.87 billion, according to Comscore, while PG-13 movies collected $2.78 billion.

    The three biggest Hollywood blockbusters were all PG-rated: “Zootopia 2” ($1.42 billion globally), “Lilo & Stitch” ($1.04 billion) and “A Minecraft Movie” ($958.2 million).

    “Zootopia 2” even outranked the newcomers over the traditional weekend. In its fifth weekend, it earned another $20 million. Propelled by “Zootopia 2,” “Lilo & Stitch” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” Disney became the first studio since 2019 to cross $6 billion worldwide in the year.

    Yet expectations are already growing for a rebound year at the box office in 2026. Among the major titles upcoming are “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” the live-action “Moana,” “Toy Story 5” and “The Mandalorian and Grogu.”

    The coming week, when schools are out and many people are off work, should be one of the busiest weeks of the year in theaters. Aside from the top films, a number of other releases will hope to capitalize.

    That includes Lionsgate’s “The Housemaid,” the Paul Feig thriller starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried ($46.7 million in two weeks); “David,” the animated David and Goliath film from Angel Studios ($49.8 million in two weeks); Paramount Pictures’ “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants” ($38.2 million in two weeks); and Focus Features’ “Song Sung Blue.”

    “Song Sung Blue” may be particularly well-positioned for strong legs. The Craig Brewer-directed film, starring Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman as members of a Neil Diamond cover band, debuted over the holiday weekend with a four-day haul of $12 million. Audience scores (an “A” CinemaScore) have been excellent.

    Top 10 movies by domestic box office

    With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:

    1. “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” $64 million.

    2. “Zootopia 2,” $20 million.

    3. “Marty Supreme,” $17.5 million.

    4. “The Housemaid,” $15.4 million.

    5. “Anaconda,” $14.6 million.

    6. “David,” $12.7 million.

    7. “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants,” $11.2 million.

    8. “Song Sung Blue,” $7.6 million.

    9. “Wicked: For Good,” $5.3 million.

    10. “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” $4.4 million.

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • North Carolina teen carving own path in music despite family name

    [ad_1]

    FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Fayetteville native Durrell Babbs Jr. is on a journey to recognition, through his music.

    Despite the fame and success of his parents, 17-year-old Babbs said he wants people to know him for who he is and his own sound.   

    What You Need To Know

    • Durrell Babbs Jr. released his first song “Christmas Songs” in 2024

    • Babbs is relaunching the song this year 

    • The Fayetteville native says he will release new song in 2026 



    His father is R&B singer Tank, and his mother is Fayetteville radio personality Alysse Stewart. 

    This week, Babbs is relaunching a song he released last year titled “Christmas Songs,” about the holiday and the joy it brings. 

    Through the soulful beat and catchy chorus, Babbs said he wanted to promote feel-good music, especially during the holidays, when families come together and bond.

    He said his music is for all ages, but he really wants to reach the younger generations.

    “I wanted to make something that everybody can resonate with, even though there’s a lot of bad days, there’s always good days to come right after,” Babbs said.

    At just 7 years old, Babbs began piano lessons.

    “And after that, I kept going. I kept learning songs and songs,” he said.

    Many people might assume his inspiration came from his parents, but Babbs said it’s his love for the melody, for the keys, for the rhythm and for what he calls good vibes. 

    “Might not be able to reach out to everybody, but people around the time will still know about it and might try to listen to it. So I might be able to reach everybody in the end,” he said.

    Babbs is carving his own path trying to inspire younger generations to use their talents for good.

    “You got to give the gift, make everybody happy around the world,” he said.

    Babbs said he plans to audition for UNC School of the Arts in Winston-Salem in his senior year. 

    He said he will also release a new song in 2026 and that there might be more holidays songs in the near future.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

    [ad_2]

    Jatrissa Wooten

    Source link

  • Wallenda promises mix of circus, Broadway, American Ninja Warrior at new show

    [ad_1]

    SARASOTA, Fla. — Daredevil high-wire artist Nik Wallenda is back this winter with a new show in Sarasota. 

    With Wallenda as executive producer, University Town Center is offering Wonderland: Believe from Friday, Nov. 21 to Sunday, Jan. 4.

    Wallenda told Spectrum Bay News 9 that the show offers a combination of story, acrobatics, daring high-wire precision and show-stopping numbers.

    “We are very much a blend of American Ninja Warrior, Broadway and circus,” Wallenda said.

    It’s the latest show for Wallenda, a member of the legendary Flying Wallendas family. He holds more than a dozen Guinness World Records and labels himself a “producer, daredevil, entertainer, TV personality, motivational speaker and author.”

    Wallenda said he recruited performers from around the globe — “the best of the best” — to show off their skills at this event.

    [ad_2]

    Jeff Butera

    Source link

  • ‘Wicked: For Good’ soars to a $226 million global debut

    [ad_1]

    Universal Pictures’ two-part “Wicked” gamble continues to defy gravity at the box office. Just a year after part one brought droves of audiences to movie theaters around the country, even more people bought opening weekend tickets to see the epic conclusion, “Wicked: For Good.” According to studio estimates on Sunday, “Wicked: For Good” earned $150 million from North American theaters in its first days in theaters and $226 million globally.

    What You Need To Know

    • Not only is it the biggest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation, unseating the record set by the first film’s $112 million launch, it’s also the second biggest debut of the year behind “A Minecraft Movie’s” $162 million

    • Universal began rolling out “Wicked: For Good” in theaters earlier this week, with previews on Monday ($6.1 million from 1,050 theaters) and Wednesday ($6.5 million from 2,300 theaters)

    • Second place went to “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” with $9.1 million in its second weekend, followed by “Predator: Badlands” with $6.3 million in weekend three

    • Thanksgiving is often one of the biggest moviegoing frames of the year, Dergarabedian said, and both “Wicked 2” and “Zootopia 2” will benefit



    Not only is it the biggest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation, unseating the record set by the first film’s $112 million launch, it’s also the second biggest debut of the year behind “A Minecraft Movie’s” $162 million.

    “The results are just fantastic,” said Jim Orr, who heads domestic distribution for Universal. “Some films can deliver a false positive when tickets go on sale early but these results speak for themselves.”

    Universal began rolling out “Wicked: For Good” in theaters earlier this week, with previews on Monday ($6.1 million from 1,050 theaters) and Wednesday ($6.5 million from 2,300 theaters). By Friday it was playing in 4,115 North American locations and had raked in $68.6 million. IMAX showings accounted for $15.5 million, or 11%, of its domestic haul — a November record for the company.

    IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond said in a statement that the strong market share shows, “our momentum carries into demos and genres beyond our traditional core, including families.”

    As with the first film, women powered opening weekend, making up around 71% of ticket buyers according to PostTrak exit polls. Critics were somewhat mixed on the final chapter, but audiences weren’t: An overwhelming 83% of audiences said it was one they would “definitely recommend” to friends. As far as foot traffic is concerned, the box office tracker EntTelligence estimates that about 2 million more people came out for “Wicked: For Good’s” first weekend than for “Wicked’s.”

    Jon M. Chu directed both “Wicked” films, starring Cynthia Ervio and Ariana Grande. The first film made over $758.7 million worldwide and received 10 Oscar nominations (winning two, for costume and production design ). The question is how high “Wicked: For Good” can soar. Combined, the two films cost around $300 million to produce, not including marketing and promotion costs.

    “The first film paved the way,” Orr said. “It’s really become a cultural event I think audiences are going to be flocking to theaters for quite some time to come.”

    Two other films also opened in wide release this weekend, but further down on the charts behind a buffet of holdovers. Searchlight Pictures opened its Brendan Fraser film “Rental Family” in 1,925 theaters where it earned $3.3 million. The Finnish action film “Sisu: Road to Revenge,” a Sony release, also played in 2,222 theaters. It earned an estimated $2.6 million.

    Second place went to “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” with $9.1 million in its second weekend, followed by “Predator: Badlands” with $6.3 million in weekend three. “The Running Man” followed in fourth place with $5.8 million, down 65% from its debut last weekend.

    Although this weekend the box office was more of a winner takes all scenario, “Wicked: For Good’s” success is vitally important for the exhibition industry as a whole as it enters the final weeks of the year.

    “It sets up a very strong final homestretch of the year,” said Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore’s head of marketplace trends.

    After the slow fall season, the Thanksgiving blockbusters could not arrive soon enough. Early next week, “Zootopia 2” enters the mix and is also expected to drive big crowds to the cineplex over the holiday break.

    Thanksgiving is often one of the biggest moviegoing frames of the year, Dergarabedian said, and both “Wicked 2” and “Zootopia 2” will benefit. Last year “Wicked,” “Moana 2” and “Gladiator II” helped power a record five-day frame.

    The running domestic box office is currently hovering around $7.5 billion, according to Comscore. Before the pandemic, the annual box office would regularly hit $11 billion, but the post-pandemic goal has lessened to $9 billion. The big question now is whether titles like “Wicked: For Good,” “Zootopia 2” and “Avatar:Fire and Ash” can push the industry over that threshold.

    Top 10 movies by domestic box office

    With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:

    1. “Wicked: For Good,” $150 million.

    2. “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” $9.1 million.

    3. “Predator: Badlands,” $6.3 million.

    4. “The Running Man,” $5.8 million.

    5. “Rental Family,” $3.3 million.

    6. “Sisu: Road to Revenge,” $2.6 million.

    7. “Regretting You,” $1.5 million.

    8. “Nuremberg,” $1.2 million.

    9. “Black Phone 2,” $1 million.

    10. “Sarah’s Oil,” $711,542.

    [ad_2]

    Associated Press

    Source link

  • St. Petersburg unveils walkable artwork in Sunset Park

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The city of St. Petersburg unveiled a 175 foot long walkable mosaic aimed at drawing visitors to Sunset Park on Wednesday, which depicts the sunrise over Tampa Bay in the east and ends with a sunset on the Gulf beaches in the west.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Sunshine City Mosaic was unveiled on Wednesday in Sunset Park in St. Petersburg 

    • The artwork is made up of 15,000 pieces of porcelain tile and glass, which creates nine vignettes of Florida’s wildlife

    • It took three local and emerging artists two and a half years to complete the project  

    • The 175 foot long walkable mosaic aimed at drawing visitors to Sunset Park


    “The goal when we originally started was to make kind of an iconic piece for the city,” said artist Alex Kaufman. “Something that everyone would take pride in.”

    Kaufman, along with artists Laura “Miss Crit” Spencer and George Retkes, were commissioned by the city in 2023 to create the Sunshine City Mosaic for $50,000. The artwork is made up of 15,000 pieces of porcelain tile and glass, which creates nine vignettes of Florida’s wildlife.

    “The Sunshine City Mosaic is not just a public art installation, it’s a celebration of our community’s spirit and natural beauty,” said Mayor Kenneth Welch. “It’s exciting to see such an ambitious project come to life, connecting our vibrant artistic culture with the stunning landscapes of our parks on the west side.”  

    Spencer called the two-and-a-half-year project, which endured some public delays, a “remembrance piece” and was still processing its completion.

    “When you’ve worked on a project for as long as this one, it becomes like a sibling or a family member,” she said. “I’m still going to be sneaking out here once a week to sweep her off and make sure she’s doing okay.”

    The artists were hoping it was going to be longest mosaic in Florida, but the Science Center has a mosaic that is 275 feet long which the city believes holds the record. Retkes said before the unveiling that the Sunshine City Mosaic had been getting a lot of buzz in the Old Pasadena neighborhood.

    “They’ve already expressed some gratitude for seeing a new piece and getting to walk through the park to enjoy it,” he said. “(It) should hopefully attract some more people over to the side of town.”

    Kaufman said the city got a great deal on the project, and he was grateful they were chosen through a program for emerging artists.

    “They took a chance on us, and we gave them something really special in return. So it’s beneficial to both parties,” he said. “This is an amazing deal for the city, but it’s also our hometown. So, it’s also our business card too.”

    The Sunshine City Mosaic joins the more than 90 pieces that make up St. Pete’s public art collection.

    [ad_2]

    Josh Rojas

    Source link

  • World’s largest horse show returns to Columbus

    [ad_1]

    COLUMBUS, Ohio — The All American Quarter Horse Congress, billed as the world’s largest single-breed horse show, has returned to Columbus this fall, bringing more than 4,000 horses and their competitors from across the globe.

    What You Need To Know

    • More than 4,000 horses and 25,000 entries are competing in the 2025 Quarter Horse Congress

    • The event spans 30 days and includes shopping, food, and family attractions in addition to competition

    • The Futurity finals this weekend will award a $100,000 prize

    The event, now in its 58th year, spans 30 days at the Ohio Expo Center and draws exhibitors from all 50 states and about eight countries. Alongside competition, the Congress features 20 acres of shopping with more than 200 vendors. The annual show also attracts more than half a million visitors, making it one of central Ohio’s largest events.

    Kelli Diaz, the president of the Ohio Quarter Horse Association, said the event is about more than trophies and titles.

    “It’s such a positive place to be,” Diaz said. “We’re just a big family doing what we love.”

    Justin Billings, CEO of the association, said the scale of competition is reflected in the prizes and the number of competitors.

    “There are about 400 trophies behind me awarded to the champions of each one of our competitions,” Billings said. “They represent the hopes and dreams of the 25,000 entries entered in this year’s horse show.”

    For Diaz, who has attended since she was 6 years old, the Congress is both a family tradition and a community gathering.

    “If you’ve never been here before. It’s an experience unlike anything you’ll ever experience,” Diaz said. “If you have been here before, it’s even better than it’s been in the past. And every year we think we’re going to peak and we don’t. We just get a little bit better, a little bit stronger and a little bit bigger.”

    This weekend, the Futurity finals will award a $100,000 prize, one of the largest at the show. For many long-time participants, the meaning of the Congress goes beyond money.

    “This is, part of my fabric,” Billings said. “It feels like family to me being at the Congress. It’s where I grew up. It’s where I feel at home. And, I enjoy it. It wouldn’t be October if it weren’t for the Quarter Horse Congress and the opportunities here.”

    [ad_2]

    Saima Khan

    Source link

  • America’s River Roots Festival cancels ticketed headliners

    [ad_1]

    CINCINNATI — While the America’s River Roots Festival is not going anywhere, some major headliners are no longer heading to the river.

    What You Need To Know

    • America’s River Roots Festival canceled its ticketed headliners

    • Free musical performances will take place on both sides of the river

    • Ticketholders were contacted about refunds

    According to a statement from the River Roots Festival, the decision comes amid “a changing entertainment landscape,” to cancel the paid stage concerts. Among the expected headliners were Weezer, Maren Morris, Janelle Monáe, Mt. Joy and other bands.

    Free musical performances will continue to be available on both sides of the river featuring multiple genres. Ticketholders will be refunded to point of purchase.

    “This decision allows us to focus even more on what our community has told us they value most: free and affordable experiences for people of all ages,” organizers said in a statement. “It also allows us to connect directly to the Ohio River as the kickoff to the America250 celebration – with more than 175 themed riverboat cruises, plus cultural exhibits, artisan markets, and multicultural food, beer and bourbon experiences.”

    The centerpiece of the festival are the nine riverboats from seven cities offering a new way to explore the river. 

    “Our commitment to creating an unforgettable celebration of music, food, and culture remains unchanged,” organizers said. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to the riverfront Oct. 8-12 to honor our roots — together.”

    [ad_2]

    Madison MacArthur

    Source link

  • Private music academy in Bradenton thrives amid arts funding cuts

    [ad_1]

    BRADENTON, Fla. — Last year, Gov. Ron DeSantis made huge cuts to Florida’s arts funding, leading many public school districts to place uncertainty on many programs.

    As a result, one music academy in Manatee County says they’re seeing a spike in enrollment as parents sought options.

    • Last year, Gov. Ron DeSantis made huge cuts to Florida’s arts funding

    • With some school districts seeing a decrease in funding for arts programs, Premier Music Academy owner Whitney Lopez says she’s seeing an increase in students seeking private and group lessons

    • She says they’ve seen a 51% increase in enrollment between 2022 and 2025, which led to them expanding and opening a second location recently

    • Public arts and culture funding did see some reversals in Florida’s budget for 2025-26, as the state restored millions of dollars in grants

    “We had people driving from North Manatee, from South Manatee,” Premier Music Academy owner Whitney Lopez said. “I do believe that it has to do with the school systems slashing funding for the arts.”

    She says they’ve seen a 51% increase in enrollment between 2022 and 2025. That led to them expanding and opening a second location recently.

    “The funding being so low for the arts — we’re ready for the boom,” she said.

    Lily Woodruff, a student at the academy, has been attending for six years and plans to continue.

    She found her talent at a young age. Now at 14 years old, Lily plays six instruments. She says she’s refined her skills over the years, and that her musical passion is driven by faith.

    “I love playing piano. Because it gives me an opportunity to just, like, do what I want and just to, like, glorify God through music,” she said. “I want to get better so I can be a worship singer.”

    She says the arts are a critical part of her life and supports keeping them in education. Lily will be a freshman in high school this fall where she hopes to learn more about music.

    Public arts and culture funding did see some reversals in Florida’s budget for 2025-26, as the state restored millions of dollars in grants.

    [ad_2]

    Julia Hazel

    Source link

  • Gulfport’s Brenda McMahon Gallery mounts protest show “We the People…”

    [ad_1]

    GULFPORT, Fla. — Art is cathartic for Judith Villavisanis. “A lot of things are happening now, and it’s a way of me being able to deal with them,” the muralist said about the political upheaval in the United States.

    The Gulfport artist is working on a piece she named “The Would-Be King Holds Court.”

    “I want people to look at it and form their own opinion about what it is,” said Villavisanis.

    She says the topic is not too hard to figure out this time — it’s about the supreme court.

    The mixed media piece joins other protest art in the exhibition, “We the People. This is what democracy looks like,” at the Brenda McMahon Gallery in Gulfport.

    “There’s so much dialog going on in the country about really fiery issues, controversial issues. And I feel like art has such a way of addressing issues at hand, not with the mental mind, but with the heart.”

    No stranger to protest art — Villavisanis creates work around her worries — like her interpretation of the living swamp in peril: Sorpresa Tempesta.

    “It means everything to me. And a lot of it is disappearing,” she said.

    And where the professional mural artist makes all her ideas real is the sketchbook. “It’s my map.”

    Sometimes this terrain is tricky when she takes the path less traveled.

    But like McMahon, she wants her work to communicate in a way words fail.

    “And I think through art, I can connect better, too, with the message,” said Villavisanis.

    This is her message — her expression of freedom — as the United States celebrates its own.

    [ad_2]

    Virginia Johnson

    Source link

  • Newly born Masai giraffe makes debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

    [ad_1]

    ORLANDO, Fla. — A newly born Masai giraffe named Tucker made his Walt Disney World debut on Monday at Animal Kingdom’s Harambe Wildlife Reserve alongside his mom, Mara.

    Tucker is the first giraffe calf born at Walt Disney World Resort since 2021. The Masai giraffe is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with around 30,000 giraffes remaining globally, according to Disney.

    Disney has partnered with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to help protect and conserve the iconic species. Through the AZA’s Species Survival Plan, Disney has welcomed the births of a variety of animals, including Hartmann’s mountain zebras, cotton-top tamarins, a rare addax, and an endangered Sumatran tiger cub, Disney said in a release.

    Guests can take a trip on Kilimanjaro Safaris to view the variety of wildlife that call Animal Kingdom home, including Tucker the giraffe.

    Tucker the Masai giraffe calf at Animal Kingdom (Courtesy: Walt Disney World)

    Over the next few weeks, guests will get the chance to witness the calf’s development journey, as he takes his first steps and explores his surroundings.

    As an AZA-accredited facility, Animal Kingdom has an on-site veterinary care hospital and a team of specialized care experts providing the highest standard of care to Tucker and the park’s other animals.

    Disney said the calf’s birth contributes to the genetic diversity and health of the Masai giraffe population, ensuring that future generations can enjoy seeing the animals.

    Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Disney Conservation Fund continues to support organizations at the forefront of critical conservation efforts, directing more than $132 million to programs and communities working to protect wildlife, inspire action, and promote environmental resilience. 

    Tucker the Masai giraffe calf at Animal Kingdom (Courtesy: Walt Disney World)

    Tucker the Masai giraffe calf at Animal Kingdom (Courtesy: Walt Disney World)

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Seven years of biscuit and tang in Tampa, celebrated

    [ad_1]

    TAMPA, Fla. — This sport has been part of St. Pete for more than a century.

    Once a retiree’s activity, it now inspires players of all ages. We’re talking about shuffleboard!

    What You Need To Know

    •  Shuffle’s Seventh Birthday Party Weekend is March 21-23

    • Events are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday

    • Celebrations include live entertainment, a drag show, an art showcase and shuffleboard tournaments

    • Shuffle in Tampa is one of the few places in the states with indoor regulation-size shuffle board courts


    The St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club opened in 1924, and other clubs sprang up in true Florida fashion.

    The sport has undergone a modern, vibrant resurgence.

    Case in point: Shuffle in Tampa is celebrating seven years in business.

    It’s one of the few places in the states with indoor regulation-size shuffle board courts.

    Co-owner Jennifer Evanchyk says they’ve worked hard to build a social community.

    “And just good vibes all of the time,” said Evanchyk, of their Tampa Heights neighborhood stop.

    The vibes are all biscuits and tang.

    A tang is the apparatus used to push discs, or biscuits, across the shuffleboard court.

    Your goal is to push the discs into a triangle divided into seven sections — with scores of 10, -10, eight or seven.

    “Anything on the line is a zero,” Evanchyk said.

    Worse than zero — sliding into the base of the triangle — called the Kitchen.

    “So anything that lands inside the Kitchen is a negative 10,” Evanchyk said.

    But the best part is the “strategery.”

    “And you are encouraged to knock your opponent out,” said Evanchyk.

    Or knock them into the Kitchen!

    Evanchyk says the seventh anniversary is both amazing and unbelievable, considering some things the world endured — the COVID-19 pandemic, economic issues, social concerns and political uncertainty.

    “It sometimes feels like 20 years ago, and sometimes it feels like a year,” Evanchyk said.

    In that spirit, Shuffle is using the celebration as a fundraiser for Ukraine.

    Evanchyk’s grandfather is Ukrainian.

    “We are just on the side of the oppressed,” Evanchyk said.

    Evanchyk and her co-owner, Danielle O’Connor, have built a community strong enough to help one another.

    All done with a tang and biscuit.       

    Weekend celebrations include live entertainment, a drag show, an art showcase and shuffleboard tournaments.

     

    [ad_2]

    Virginia Johnson

    Source link

  • Beloved music instructor to be inducted in Polk’s Arts & Culture Hall of Fame

    Beloved music instructor to be inducted in Polk’s Arts & Culture Hall of Fame

    [ad_1]

    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — The Polk County Arts and Culture Alliance will celebrate its annual Hall of Fame Gala Tuesday. This year, the group will induct five local legends, including beloved music instructor Dr. Jessie Davis Owens.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Polk County Arts and Culture Alliance will induct five people into its Hall of Fame Tuesday

    • Inductee, Dr. Jessie Owens, has taught jazz and classical music to Polk County students for the past 50 years

    • The Arts and Culture Hall of Fame Gala will be held at Nora Mayo Hall in Winter Haven


    Owens first sat behind a piano during her middle school band class. She later learned to play more instruments and spent the last 50 years sharing her knowledge of jazz and classical music with Polk County students.

    “It makes me feel wonderful that I touched somebody’s mind and given them the gift of love,” Owens said.

    Since retiring, Owens has held most of her classes in her home. She teaches people of all ages through her nonprofit, the Dr. J. Owens Academy of Fine Arts, including 9th grader Zyonn McGriff.

    “Her impact on me has been really special to me and my connection through music,” McGriff said.

    Owens’ impact on the community has earned her several awards and recognitions over the years.

    Recently, the city of Winter Haven declared Oct. 15 Dr. Jessie Davis Owens Day. Now, she looks forward to being inducted into the Polk Arts and Culture Hall of Fame.

    “It’s been quite a surprise. Really, honestly, I’m honored and humbled, and just overjoyed,” she said.

    But like any true musician, Owens said this recognition wasn’t something she strived for.

    “I wasn’t doing it for show, or fashion, or form,” she said. “It’s just a passion of mine. I just love music. I love singing. I love playing. I love conducting it.”

    Most importantly, she loves sharing music with others, which is what she plans to do behind her piano for years to come.

    The Hall of Fame Gala will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at the Nora Mayo Hall in Winter Haven. For tickets to attend, click here.

    [ad_2]

    Alexis Jones

    Source link

  • Final preparations underway as BLINK 2024 approaches

    Final preparations underway as BLINK 2024 approaches

    [ad_1]

    CINCINNATI — The country’s largest immersive art event is just days away. 

    What You Need To Know

    • BLINK, which begins Oct. 17, is four days of free public art, spanning 30 city blocks from Cincinnati into northern Kentucky

    • It features more than 80 light, projection and mural projects from renowned artists

    • The projection project at Music Hall in Cincinnati features 12 projectors, 120 light fixtures and four different artists

    • There are six unique zones in the festival’s footprint 


    It has been a crazy couple of days for the people in charge of making sure BLINK runs smoothly. The festival of art and light returns Thursday, Oct. 17, and features four days of free public art, spanning 30 city blocks from Cincinnati into northern Kentucky. There will be more than 80 light, projection and mural projects from renowned artists.

    “Shutting down the city to throw a giant public art party every couple years is how we like to think about this work,” said Justin Brookhart, BLINK executive director. “You’ll see us running around, dropping a lot of equipment, building scaffolding towers. You’ll see mural artists up on lifts painting incredible artwork.”

    “We’re going to be running around right up until the last minute to get everything perfect for folks to come enjoy free public art in Cincinnati and northern Kentucky.”

    Brookhart said guests should make sure not to miss the supernova laser bridge, which will run parallel to the Roebling Bridge, or the projection project at Music Hall in Cincinnati. That project features 12 projectors, 120 light fixtures and four different artists.

    Will Jennings, Four Wall Entertainment senior project manager, said it has been in the works for several months and will be “incredible.”

    “We’ve been figuring out how many projectors, what projectors to use, working with the content team to make BLINK happen,” Jennings said.

    This is the fourth edition of BLINK, which takes place every other year. The team is anticipating more than two million attendees, creating a $126 million economic impact for the region.

    A big focus for this year’s BLINK, Brookhart said, is the connectivity and walkability.

    “We’ve condensed our footprint a little bit and tried to make it more dense, having corridors where there’s a lot of activation, so if people are in that area they get to see a whole lot in a short period of time,” he said. “We do think this is a ‘nowhere else’ experience. There’s nowhere else in the United States where something like this happens at this grand of a scale.”

    Brookhart said he recommends attendees plan out their routes throughout the six unique zones in the BLINK footprint. Check out the festival’s website for more details and information. 

     

    [ad_2]

    Sam Knef

    Source link

  • Hurricane Milton affects tolls, transportation, services and events

    Hurricane Milton affects tolls, transportation, services and events

    [ad_1]

     

    Transit Operations

    Toll Roads

    Tolls on roads on the Gulf Coast, in Central Florida and along Alligator Alley have been suspended to ease evacuation ahead of Hurricane Milton, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday.

    Pinellas Suncoast Transit Association

    Beginning Monday, Oct. 7, all routes, including PSTA Access, will run as scheduled fare-free to assist with evacuation operations. These evacuation services will run until winds reach a sustained 40 mph. Routes will continue to run fare-free as scheduled until 2 p.m. Tuesday. After 2 p.m., PSTA will continue running specific evacuation services at the direction of the Pinellas County government. These evacuation services will run until winds reach a sustained 40 mph.

    PSTA services will be suspended on Wednesday, Oct. 9. The administrative office will be open on Monday but closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

    Entertainment

    Straz Center

    The Straz Center is closed Oct. 8-10 in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. The scheduled performances of “The Man Who Love Batman” are canceled, and ticket-holders will be contacted.

    Amalie Arena

    The Tampa Bay Lightning-Nashville Predators preseason game on Monday, originally re-scheduled from Sept. 27 due to effects from Hurricane Helene, has been canceled as the Tampa Bay region prepares for Hurricane Milton, the team announced Sunday. Single-game ticket-holders inquiring about refunds for Monday’s game should contact their original point of purchase. Bolt for Life Members will receive additional information from their account executives.

     

     

    [ad_2]

    Spectrum News Staff

    Source link

  • Morean Center for Clay hosts annual art yard sale

    Morean Center for Clay hosts annual art yard sale

    [ad_1]

    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Morean Art Center is hosting the Art Yard Sale this Saturday, Sept. 14, at 9 a.m., where nothing is over $100.

    What You Need To Know

    • Morean Art Center at 719 Central is hosting an Art Yard Sale

    • It starts Saturday, Sept. 14, at 9 a.m.

    • Nothing at the sale is over $100

    “Before I was even born, my mom wanted to raise an artist,” said Erica Bleu, smiling as she looked down at her pottery wheel.

    Bleu is in the middle of a two-year Artist in Residence program at the Morean Center.

    She uses her hand-thrown vessels as her canvas. All this started thanks to her artist parents—especially her mom.

    “We’re Native American, so she’d sell her bead work. And so, all I knew was art growing up,” said Bleu.

    She is one of about 20 artists the Morean Center invited, adding their treasure troves to the organization’s annual yard sale. In addition to her ceramic earrings decorated with bone sketches, Bleu’s currently working on shadow frames for her work.

    “I do a lot of insect imagery,” said Bleau.

    Once dried, she fires and glazes the frames. And she’s not alone in her work.

    “So I raise a lot of tarantulas,” Bleu said, holding a baby named Tobey Maguire.

    He hangs out in her art space, along with friends Webony and Sprinkles.

    “I find spiders and other bugs very inspiring,” said Bleu. “I look to their behaviors and how they mirror our own. I love having them around. They’re very comforting to me, at least.”

    [ad_2]

    Virginia Johnson

    Source link

  • Taylor Swift endorses Kamala Harris after debate

    Taylor Swift endorses Kamala Harris after debate

    [ad_1]

    Pop star Taylor Swift says she will be voting for Vice President Kamala Harris, ending months of speculation about whether she would offer an endorsement in November’s election.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pop star Taylor Swift said on Instagram late Tuesday night following the first presidential debate that she will be voting for Vice President Kamala Harris, ending months of speculation about whether she would offer an endorsement in November’s election

    • Swift encouraged her 283 million followers on Instagram to research their choices in November’s election and check their voter registration

    • The megastar said she will support the vice president “because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them,” and praised her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, as a champion “for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body for decades”

    • She also broke her silence about Trump posting an AI-generated image purporting to show Swift endorsing the Republican ex-president



    Swift made the announcement on her Instagram page following the debate between Harris and former President Donald Trump.

    “Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight,” Swift said in her post late Tuesday night. “If you haven’t already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most. As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country.”

    “I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election,” Swift added, saying she will support the vice president “because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.

    She also offered high praise for Tim Walz, her running mate, saying the Minnesota governor “has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body for decades.”

    Swift later encouraged her 283 million followers on the popular photo-sharing platform to make sure they’re registered to vote and urged them to do their own research on who to support before signing the post, “Taylor Swift, Childless Cat Lady,” a reference to Trump’s running mate JD Vance’s previous criticisms of “childless cat ladies.”

    When asked in the spin room following Tuesday’s presidential debate for his reaction to the endorsement from Swift, Trump replied: “I have no idea.”

    She also broke her silence about Trump posting an AI-generated image purporting to show Swift endorsing the Republican ex-president, who she publicly opposed in 2020 in support of Joe Biden and Harris.

    “Recently I was made aware that AI of ‘me’ falsely endorsing Donald Trump’s presidential run was posted to his site,” Swift wrote. “It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth.”

    [ad_2]

    Justin Tasolides

    Source link

  • Broadway is back in North Carolina

    Broadway is back in North Carolina

    [ad_1]

    DURHAM, N.C. —  Broadway is officially back in North Carolina. From Wilmington to Durham and Greensboro to Charlotte, some of Broadway’s finest productions are set to grace stages across the Tar Heel state.

     

    Following a record-breaking 15th anniversary season at the Durham Performing Arts Center, thousands of people are making their way to the Bull City this week for the kick off to a brand new Broadway season. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Broadway is officially back in North Carolina 

    •  Major Broadway productions are coming to Wilmington, Greensboro, Durham and Charlotte this fall

    • These Broadway series are huge economic drivers for the city, generating millions of dollars for the local economy

    • Single and season tickets are still available 


    “We opened in 2008 and we’re proud to say that we have contributed over a billion dollars to the local economy since then. Just last year we had over 600,000 guests in our door, which was a new record. So we keep growing bigger and better every year,” said Josette Roten, director of marketing and sales for the Durham Performing Arts Center.  

    On the menu for the season opener this week is Clue, a side splitting comedy based on the cult classic film and wildly popular board game. It will continue its run at the DPAC through September 8. 

    “This is the first comedy Broadway play that we’re bringing to DPAC, so that makes it really special. But if you love the classic board game, the movie, this is the show for you,” Roten added.  

    And joining the murder mystery this season are other new popular shows like & Juliet, Neil Diamond the Musical and Back to the Future.  

    “There’s nothing like seeing a show live on stage. The energy of the audience and the cast connecting, it’s just magical. You can get an experience from a movie or television show, but nothing will compare to a live event,” Roten said.   

    In May, we took you behind the scenes in Durham of the groundbreaking Disney musical The Lion King. And after a month of reigning supreme over the Queen City, the show is leaving Charlotte on Sunday to make room for a new season of performances that are expected to draw people from near and far.  

    Last year, Charlotte’s Blumenthal Performing Arts Center saw 191 Broadway performances, making an estimated economic impact of more than $64 million. And this fall, the center is kicking off two different Broadway series featuring new shows like Shucked, Some Like It Hot and Kimberly Akimbo, and other classics like Six The Musical and Wicked. 

    Just down the road in Greensboro, the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts is also coming off a banner Broadway season, where thousands of guests attended shows, staying in hotels and eating in local restaurants.    

    “You add up 7 performances, we also offer specials, and all the one-night performances we host. So it’s a $100 million plus economic impact for the community,” said Scott Johnson, general manager for the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts.  

    And with big-time shows like MJ the Musical, Hamilton and Mama Mia gracing the stage in a few short weeks, the venue’s already setting a new record with more than 17,500 season seat members.    

    “The shows that we present are just as good as New York and those that come do appreciate seeing them local. And you can save a lot of money by seeing them in Greensboro, North Carolina versus New York City,” Johnson added. 

    Meanwhile the Wilson Center in Wilmington is welcoming a slew of big shows starting next month with Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, and then in March of next year, The Addams Family:  A Musical Comedy.  

    Exciting seasons that are officially getting underway across the state, proving you don’t have to go all the way to New York to experience the best of Broadway!  

    [ad_2]

    Caroline Blair

    Source link

  • SAGES produces plays that focus on senior issues involving senior actors

    SAGES produces plays that focus on senior issues involving senior actors

    [ad_1]

    PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — The Seniors Actors Guild and Education Services’ motto is “plays with purpose.”

    By mixing comedy and drama into plays around issues that affect seniors, SAGES aims to empower older adults through their performances.

    Letty Mendoza, who is starring in the play Defying Gravity, said acting in plays that are aimed at older adults is important to her.

    “We do plays with purpose about issues that affect seniors and nobody else was doing anything like that,” she said. 

    What You Need To Know

    • SAGES aims to empower older adults through plays with purpose

    • Their next performance of Defying Gravity in on Sept. 14 in Dunedin

    • All plays surround issues that affect seniors using senior actors

    From plays about falling to others about phone scams and driver safety, SAGES puts on plays that involved senior issues while using senior actors.  

    “People have had to take away grandpa’s car keys or their father’s car keys and they know how difficult it is,” she said. “So we try to present it in a funny way, but it’s a serious subject so we want to get a lesson in there.”

    SAGES Co-Founder Christine Hamacher said they put on these plays to empower seniors. 

    The topics may not be easy to talk about but by doing so, Christine said they can help older adults continue the quality of life they deserve. 

    “People don’t want to talk about aging and the things they are afraid of. Fear is a big part of that,” she said. “Working on this particular issue, defying gravity, which is about fall prevention, we’re able to help people stop falls. We’ve actually worked with 911 and our fire rescue to reduce the number of falls in Pinellas County for the first time ever.” 

    According to the CDC, around 3 million older adults are treated for fall injuries in emergency departments every year. 

    Letty said those watching their plays may know about falling risks, but through this medium, they’re educated in a much more entertaining way. 

    “You could stand up in a lecture hall, give a lecture on it and it would be so boring,” she said. “But people remember when it’s a play, when you got a little bit of humor and a little bit of pathos and a little bit of tragedy.” 

    The next performance of Defying Gravity will be on Sept. 14 in Dunedin, and it is free.

    [ad_2]

    Matt Lackritz

    Source link