Trombonist Dwight Decker looks forward to the spontaneous singalongs. Valerie Adams, a violinist, enjoys the end of the show when hundreds of children erupt in screams so loud, "you have to plug your ears." ...more

December 15, 2008

The gift list for those shopping at the Alternative Christmas Market might include bed linens for neglected children, toys for children of parents in prison and perhaps a water buffalo to help a family in a developing nation out of poverty. ...more

December 1, 2008

John Shaw's penchant for variety will be put to the test Dec. 12 through 14 for The Florida Orchestra's concert "Haydn, Brahms & John Shaw." The orchestra's principal percussionist will perform the concerto "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel" by Scottish composer James MacMillan. ...more

November 30, 2008

DADE CITY Youth Ranch Sponsors Festival Sertoma Youth Ranch will feature its annual Thanksgiving bluegrass festival Thursday through Sunday . ...more

November 26, 2008

When The Florida Orchestra's season comes to a close in six months and we look back on those stick-to-the-ribs highlights, this weekend's program will stand out as a keeper. ...more

November 23, 2008

When The Florida Orchestra's season comes to a close in six months and we look back on those stick-to-the-ribs highlights, this weekend's program will stand out as a keeper. ...more

November 22, 2008

Low-Income Loans The recent decision by the city and county to ban "yield spread premiums" on low-income loans is yet another example of government removing choices under the guise of protecting people. I was in the mortgage business for 12 years but am no longer in it, so I have no dog in this fight, but I can tell you that a yield spread premium is a great way to reduce the out of pocket expenses associated with a home closing. ...more

November 20, 2008

St. John's Episcopal Parish Day School recently kicked off a curriculum unit on the orchestra with a trip to the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Fourth-graders enjoyed a concert by The Florida Orchestra that focused on fascinating rhythms. ...more

November 5, 2008

The Florida Orchestra will celebrate celestial bodies this month with "Holst: The Planets," part of the Progress Energy Masterworks series. Under the direction of Stefan Sanderling, the orchestra's music director and conductor, the show will also feature the Women's Chorus of the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. ...more

November 2, 2008

Classical music is so called because it has worldwide, timeless appeal. For opening night, which is part of the Progress Energy Masterworks series, The Florida Orchestra celebrates the opuses of musical geniuses born centuries ago. ...more

October 19, 2008