The Education Center plans music, education and fun spring events

By Dana Kampa
| 5:00 a.m. February 18, 2025

Susan Goldfarb, program director at The Education Center, speaks with attendees at a recent showing of works by the Highwaymen Artists.

Longboat Key
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The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel has a fresh lineup of lectures and programs offering interesting takes on classic art, health, technology and more for spring.

Program Director Susan Goldfarb said there is plenty to anticipate this year, especially when it comes to music.

The musical entertainment continues with the concert nights from 7:30-8:30 p.m. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents the “Men of Soul” on March 9, focusing on the late 1960s with songs by Sam Cooke, James Brown and Otis Redding. Carl Kurtyka, the center’s very own tech director, presents “Let’s Groove to the Music” at 7:30-8:30 p.m. on March 23, featuring soul, funk, blues, R&B, and rock and roll. Pianist Jesse Martins and clarinetist Sergey Gutorov perform their “Kaleidoscope” show on March 30, taking a musical journey around the world.

"We have quite a variety with the lecture series this year," Goldfarb said.

Tuesday lectures continue at 3 p.m., with “Balancing the Environment and Development” by conservationist Jon Thaxton on March 4, “The Enchanting Aurora” by astronomy educator Chap Percival on March 11, “A Journey through the Intestinal Tract” by Dr. Isaac Kalvara on March 18, and “The Artistry of Dance and Theater Photography” by professional photographer Sorcha Augustine on March 25.

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Multi-part spring classes begin March 3, and subjects include keeping up with technology, Ted Talks, Henri Matisse, "The Dark Side of the White House," Bollywood, communication techniques, widow support, musical theater and more.

The center will also continue its recurring programs, including yoga, piano lessons, bridge, nature walks, movie nights and others.

Events take place at the center at 567 Bay Isles Road. For information about upcoming events and programs, visit TBIEducationCenter.org. Those who are interested can register online, by email at admin@tbieducationcenter.org or call 941-383-8222. The center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.