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Cornell Art Museum Showcases New Emoji Art Exhibition

Monday, March 25, 2024 - 4:03pm

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) announced the opening of the Cornell Art Museum’s newest art exhibition: "Emotional Intelligence: Sculpting the Language of the Digital Age" by Matthew LaPenta. The exhibition, featured in the Cornell Art Museum’s Spotlight Gallery, will be on view April 5 to June 30, 2024 and is free and open to the public.



To celebrate its arrival, the museum is hosting an Opening Reception during First Friday Art Walk on Friday, April 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. The free event will feature a meet and greet with LaPenta, live music and refreshments.



“The Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square strives to present high-quality, diverse and inclusive art for all ages,” said Marusca Gatto, the DDA’s Cultural Arts Director. “In showcasing this exhibition, we are sparking an important conversation on society’s use of emojis to communicate more effectively. By using these internationally recognized symbols, our emotions, thoughts and intentions are more easily understood by our intended audience.”



For the last 10 years, LaPenta has reimagined emojis in the enduring medium of bronze, creating a captivating dialogue between technology and tradition. He invites viewers to contemplate the evolving ways we convey feelings in an increasingly interconnected world. His one to five foot sculptures celebrate the universality of emotions and also serve as a reflection of our changing cultural landscape, where digital symbols take on physical form, preserving their significance for generations to come. He has shown his work across the U.S., as well as in Canada, England, Italy, and Japan.



“While experimenting with digital symbols in other mediums, I realized there was this whole other language of emojis that had yet to be recorded in a meaningful way,” said LaPenta.” Seamlessly merging modern communication with timeless artistic craftsmanship, LaPenta’s bronze sculptures transcend the digital realm, offering a tangible representation of the emotions and expressions that have become integral to contemporary human interaction. “If you think back to ancient times and the use of hieroglyphics,” added LaPenta, “we have been using iconography as language for over 5,000 years, and there is a universal significance to that.”



The exhibition is ideal for guests of all ages. The Cornell Art Museum is free and open to the public. Hours are: Wednesday 12-5PM; Thursday & Friday 12-7PM; Saturday 10AM-5PM; and Sunday 12-5PM.



Connect with the artist on Instagram @matthewlapenta. For purchase, please contact Matthew at thelapenta@gmail.com.



For a full list of events happening at the Cornell Art Museum, visit https://delrayoldschoolsquare.com/cornell or call 561-654-2220.

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Twilight Concert Series Continues at Old School Square in Delray Beach

Monday, March 18, 2024 - 4:07pm

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has announced two new FREE Twilight Concerts at the Amphitheatre at Old School Square (51 N Swinton Ave) in Delray Beach. Held on the last Thursday of the month, the Twilight Concerts features artists from varying musical genres including pop, country, rock n’ roll, reggae and much more.



Upcoming FREE Twilight Concerts include:



• Thursday, March 28, 2024 from 6 – 9 p.m.: FREE Concert featuring LOVESONG: The Cure Tribute. LOVESONG is a nationally touring tribute to The Cure with a full concert experience filled with the songs and video elements that pay tribute to Robert Smith and the legacy of the band and music. The venue opens at 6 p.m. Music from 6:30 to 9 p.m.



• Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 6 – 9 p.m.: FREE Concert featuring Hot Brass. Hot Brass, featuring Debbie Pierce, is an Earth Wind, & Fire and Chicago Tribute Band. The high energy 8-10 piece band features music from the supergroup Earth, Wind, & Fire with songs from the 2004 Chicago/Earth, Wind, & Fire World Tour. The venue opens at 6 p.m. Music from 7:30 to 9 p.m.



The DDA invites everyone – rain or shine – to bring lawn chairs and their dancing shoes and enjoy a night of fun and free entertainment with some of the best regional/national bands! Guests are encouraged to bring takeout meals and snacks from local restaurants or purchase food and drinks from the local vendors featured onsite. There is no outside alcohol allowed; refreshments will be available at the onsite pavilion.



For more information and to see a full list of events at Old School Square, please visit: https://delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events.

 
 
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Reservations Open Feb. 1 for Highly Anticipated Dining Event on Atlantic Ave in Downtown Delray Beach-‘Savor the Avenue’

Monday, January 29, 2024 - 3:09pm

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) announced today that reservations open this Wednesday, February 1, 2024 for its highly anticipated dining event, Savor the Avenue. Savor The Avenue, which is held annually in Downtown Delray Beach, invites locals and visitors alike to dine on some of the best food that Downtown Delray Beach has to offer, under the stars, in the middle of iconic Atlantic Avenue. This year’s event, which will stretch from Swinton Avenue to East Fifth Avenue, takes place on Monday, March 25, 2024, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.



Savor the Avenue diners will enjoy a four-course meal from their choice of one of sixteen local Downtown Delray Beach restaurants. For 2024, participating restaurants include Avalon Steak and Seafood with sister restaurant Campi Italian, Cabana El Rey, Caffe Luna Rosa, City Oyster, Costa By Ok&M, Elisabetta’s, Le Colonial, Lemongrass, Lionfish, Rocco’s Tacos, Rose’s Daughter with sister restaurant Brulé, Salt 7, Vic and Angelo’s, and The Wine Room.



“Savor the Avenue is one of our most highly anticipated events each year and is one of the highlights of the season for people who love living in and visiting Downtown Delray Beach,” said Laura Simon, Executive Director of the Delray Beach DDA. “The opportunity to dine and enjoy some of the most delicious food in South Florida while sitting in the middle of Delray’s most iconic street just can’t be missed!”



The event is reservation-only and sells out quickly. Reservations open on February 1, 2024, and must be booked directly with the participating restaurants. Prices vary and are set by the restaurant; please check with the restaurant when booking. To learn more about Savor the Avenue and view the restaurant menus, please visit to https://downtowndelraybeach.com/savortheave.



In addition to the food and beverage showcase, participating restaurants also compete for the “Best in Show” table. From elegant to eclectic, each restaurant stages a unique theme through its table settings that showcases its special style or cuisine. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and walk Atlantic Avenue to view the beautifully decorated tables. Last year, SALT7 took home the grand prize, while Rocco’s Tacos and Rack’s Farmhouse took second and third place, respectively.



Savor the Avenue is produced by the Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority, Boca Magazine and Delray Magazine. A portion of proceeds from the event goes to ‘Eat Better, Live Better’ a Delray Beach-based nonprofit that provides healthy and balanced food to local families.

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Beatles on the Beach Returns to Delray Beach for ‘Sun, Fun, Love and Music’ at Old School Square January 26-28, 2024

Wednesday, January 10, 2024 - 3:10pm

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is excited to announce the much-awaited Beatles on the Beach Festival is set to return to Delray Beach this January featuring headliner and Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inductees CHEAP TRICK, among others. The festival, commemorating the 60th Anniversary of The Beatles’ arrival in America, will run from Friday, January 26 to Sunday, January 28, 2024, at The Amphitheatre at Old School Square (51 N Swinton Ave) in Delray Beach.



As the ultimate celebration of the iconic British rock band, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for all music enthusiasts, with Beatles-inspired bands including the #1 Beatles Tribute Band, The Fab Faux – featuring Will Lee of the Late Show with David Letterman Band and Jimmy Vivino of The Tonight Show Band with Conan O’Brien – and many more. The City of Delray Beach will be transformed into a vibrant haven for Beatles fans, offering a wide range of exciting events including live performances, tribute acts, BeatleCon, Beatles Art Exhibition, Beatles Bar Crawl, interactive exhibits, special screening of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band at the Delray Beach Library, VIP Party at THRōW Social and panel discussions with notable experts from the music industry.



WHEN: Friday, January 26, 2024 at 6 p.m. to Sunday, January 28, 2024 at 10 p.m. For a full schedule and lineup of the weekend, please click here: https://beatlesonthebeach.com/lineup-2024/.



WHERE: The Amphitheatre at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444, and various other venues in downtown Delray Beach. Parking available in Old School Square garage.



WHO: Performers will include Cheap Trick, The Fab Faux, Greg Bissonette, The Weeklings, Kiss Alive, Rock and Roll Fantasy, She’s Leaving Home, Ticket To Ryde performed by Mike Kozak, Paul Davie, Forever Eric, Miss Dympsey’s Class, Melody Road, Jerry Leeman, Tony Oldland, and a Young Musicians Showcase.



COST: General Admission single day tickets start at $39.50 and $65 for two days with several other VIP packages and passes also available. All tickets can be purchased here. Food and beverage vendors will be on site. No outside alcohol is allowed in the venue. Tickets include food and beverage discounts at participating merchants.



QUOTE: Daniel Hartwell of United We Rock, Producer of Beatles on the Beach: “We are excited to show off our beautiful Delray Beach to the thousands of Beatles and classic rock fans that make the yearly trip to our festival! Let's all enjoy some Sun, Fun, Love and Music!”



For more information about the festival, performers, and schedule, visit https://beatlesonthebeach.com/



For a full list of Downtown Delray Beach events, please visit: https://delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events.



Follow updates on social media @DowntownDelray and @DelrayOldSchoolSquare

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Artikal Sound System Returns Home to Delray Beach for First Hometown Concert at Old School Square Since the Pandemic

Wednesday, January 3, 2024 - 3:12pm

The Delray Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is excited to announce that hometown band Artikal Sound System is headlining its biggest show ever in Downtown Delray Beach. The popular reggae-rock band will perform at The Amphitheatre at Old School Square on Saturday, February 3, 2024! Artikal Sound System’s stop in Delray Beach is part of the band’s Cowboys vs. Aliens 2024 Tour, which features special guest Tunnel Vision and Joey Harkum.



The group recently released a new single “Batshit Crazy” in October and dropped a reggae-infused “Happy Holidays” album in November. Artikal Sound System, which started right here in Delray Beach, will perform songs from their 2022 album, "Welcome to Florida,” in addition to newly released music.



WHEN: Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Concert starts at 6:30 p.m. Rain or Shine.



WHERE: The Amphitheatre at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444. Parking available in Old School Square garage.



COST: General Admission tickets are available for $15 and can be purchased here. Food and beverage vendors will be on site. No outside alcohol is allowed in the venue.



About Artikal Sound System:

Artikal Sound System is a reggae band based out of South Florida. Founded by Chris Montague (guitar) and Fabian Acuña (bass) in 2012, Artikal Sound System honed their chops backing a series of Caribbean singers. Along the way, the boys picked up the insane and absurd keys player Christopher Cope and the heavy-footed drummer Adam Kampf before finally trying something a little sonically different with their neighbor, female vocalist Logan Rex. After nearly a decade of playing together, the boys sound tight and powerful, creating the perfect foundation for their jazz-influenced singer to dance around on lyrically and literally. What you hear is the sound of friendship, hard work, imagination, and the hope to spread their message of love and the importance of having a good time. Learn more at https://artikalsoundsystem.com.



Follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/artikalsoundsystem



Follow on Instagram @artikalsoundsystem Listen here https://soundcloud.com/artikal-sound-system



For a full list of Downtown Delray Beach events, please visit: https://delrayoldschoolsquare.com/events.



Follow updates on social media @DowntownDelray and @DelrayOldSchoolSquare

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