Lakewood Arts Council announces inaugural event

LAKEWOOD RANCH — When American Ideals Foundation creator Bob Moffa rolls up his sleeves Oct. 1, it won’t be just for show.

As the veteran composer and internationally acclaimed pianist settles his fingers on a piano to perform his original pieces in the performance hall of Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, he’ll not only raise for funds for three local groups but also announce to the community the members of Lakewood Ranch Arts Council, a newly formed group meant to bring arts and culture to Lakewood Ranch.

About 17 people have joined his effort to bring the arts and culture to the East County community. And in partnership with the American Ideals Foundation, the new group will host the event, “October Romance,” at 8 p.m., Oct. 1, at Gold Coast Eagle’s Performance Hall, 7051 Wireless Court, Lakewood Ranch. The one-and-one-half hour concert will include performances of Moffa’s original piano pieces, as well as by vocalist Victor Lawrence and poet Terri Kowalski.

“It’s very emotional,” Moffa said of the performance. “I tell the stories of each piece of music before it’s played. That makes it more of a warm concert.

“I’ll get the audience involved somehow,” he said. “We’ll give the audience a little sample of things to come.”
Additionally at the show, a jazz bassist will sit in on one of Moffa’s jazz numbers for an improvisational session. There also will be a short art auction featuring pieces by Greg Crumbly and Lana Kond.

Complimentary beer and wine will be served from 7-8 p.m. The concert is free, but organizers hope to raise funds for the arts council, the American Ideals foundation and the Veterans Memorial Park project slated for San Marco plaza through sponsorships and donations.

“I think society has kind of lost the reason for art, and this council is really good because a lot of the focus has been for children and to bring the arts back,” said Kristeen Ezell, council member and owner of Visual Harmony Productions, which has been helping with marketing efforts. “It’s very important. There’s a lot of history. I think (art) brings the community together.”

Moffa said the council is working on scheduling several other events within the next few months, including a clothesline art show for children and other outdoor events that can be organized quickly.

Also under consideration is a Jazz Supper Club, in which organizers would recreate the atmosphere of the 1930s at a local eatery and have three or four jazz musicians or groups perform throughout the evening. Other types of art — such as a display of paintings or even a poetry reading — would be incorporated into the event as well.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

OCTOBER ROMANCE
WHEN: 8 p.m., Oct. 1
WHERE: Gold Coast Eagle Distributing Performance Hall, 7051 Wireless Court, Lakewood Ranch
DETAILS: Concert featuring international composer/pianist Robert Moffa, vocalist Victor Lawrence, artwork by Greg Crumbly and Lana Kond and poetry by Terri Kowalski. Complimentary beer from 7-8 p.m. Concert at 8 p.m.
COST: Free
BENEFICIARIES: Lakewood Ranch Arts Council, Veterans Memorial Park in San Marco Plaza and American Ideals Foundation
INFORMATION: (813) 416-8456