Mayor of the City of Pembroke Pines Receives
U.S. Conference of Mayors Public Leadership in the Arts Award

Frank Ortis, Mayor of the City of Pembroke Pines received the U.S. Conference of Mayors Public Leadership in the Arts Award at the U.S. Conference of Mayor’s meeting in Washington, D.C. in January.

The awards honor elected officials and artists who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the advancement of the arts. Americans for the Arts and The United States Conference of Mayors have jointly presented the awards annually since 1997.

Recognizing that the arts were the key to Pembroke Pines' vitality, Mayor Frank Ortis made it his mission to build arts and cultural resources into the city. His efforts include visionary initiatives to invest in much-needed infrastructure, including theater, classroom and studio space, as well as increasing opportunities for residents of all ages to enjoy and participate in the arts. He has been instrumental in the establishment of arts resources in Pembroke Pines, including Studio 18. This 11,000 square foot creative re-use facility was transformed from a dilapidated state hospital laundry into an arts center that offers arts classes and showcases contemporary art.

Each year, the city underwrites nine free outdoor jazz performances that feature local musicians. It also hosts the Pembroke Pines Arts Festival, an annual, two-day, outdoor arts celebration that features the work of nearly 100 artists and attracts more than 15,000 visitors.

"This award verifies the strong arts and culture commitment of Pembroke Pines," states Mayor Ortis. "In our municipality, the arts and culture are an essential part of our citizen's everyday lives. On behalf of the citizens of Pembroke Pines, it is an honor to receive this award."

Maria Zouroudis of Pembroke Pines Florida is among, ten finalists in Guitar Center’s, artist discovery program which aims to find the nation’s best unsigned singer-songwriter.  

Out of the more than 17,000 hopefuls, 10 finalists, hand-selected by Grammy award-winning producer John Shanks, will compete on Feb. 18 at Hotel Café in Los Angeles, where one winner will be selected to win an array of career-altering prizes including a three-song EP produced by Shanks - whose resume boasts 60 million records sold, 43 #1 singles and 67 #1 albums with artists including Sheryl Crow, Kelly Clarkson, Keith Urban, Bon Jovi and Alanis Morissette, as well as $10,000 cash and gear from Fender, Taylor, Shure, an Ernie Ball.  The 10 finalists will travel to Los Angeles to compete for the grand prize, performing live in front of judges John Shanks and Scott Igoe, music agent for Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Guitar Center Singer-Songwriter finals will be hosted by renowned music tastemaker, and music journalist Nic Harcourt.  Harcourt also hosts Connections with Nic Harcourt on eclectic rock station KCSN, who will also be re-broadcasting the finale on air.

The Coral Springs Center for the Arts announces world-class string and piano virtuosi, triplets Tom, Josh and Mike Lubben, South Florida's unique local talent, to appear with the Sy Sugar POPS Symphony Orchestra, January 8, 2012.

These 17-year-old triplets were musicians before anything else. They loved listening to older brother Joseph play since the age of three. They started formal musical training at age five with Russian-American violinist and pianist, Leana Strouse, first violin then piano at age six. Mike continued to focus on the violin, Tom on the violin and the viola and Josh on the violin and cello. They are profoundly talented on string and piano.

Triplets, Tom, Josh and Mike are passionate performers and enjoy performance and competitions. They have won first place awards from the National Federation of Music Regional and State competitions, which honor exceptionally talented young musicians. They are an inspiration to us all.

These rising stars are not to be missed!

To purchase tickets, visit the Coral Springs Center for the Arts web site at www.coralspringscenterforthearts.com.