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Local Talent Will Be 'Moonlight'-ing

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By MEGAN HUSSEY, Tribune correspondent

Published: January 26, 2008

DADE CITY - For the past 11 years, the Heritage Arts Center Association's "Moonlight and Ivory" concert and art show fundraiser has treated Pasco County audiences to an elegant evening of fine music, art and gourmet treats.

"The purpose of 'Moonlight and Ivory' is to spotlight local artists and musicians from this area," said event founder and board member Barbara Friedman of Dade City.

"There are local people from Zephyrhills, Dade City and Wesley Chapel here to show what they've got. These are the lawyers, dentists and insurance agents we see every day, but we don't realize they have this musical talent."

This year's "Moonlight and Ivory" concert, sponsored by the Heritage Arts Center Association and TECO, will take place at the Dade City Woman's Club in Dade City on Feb. 2. Some of the musical stylings include classical, jazz, Broadway, and - for the first time - rock music.

Local lawyer Dennis Alfonso and Derrick Tucker will, according to a news release, "be kicking it up a notch with a little bit of rock 'n' roll."

"We'll have a rock band playing Grateful Dead stuff that includes a lawyer," Friedman said.

Another first this year includes the availability of padded seats in the Dade City Woman's Club building, which will be decorated for "Moonlight and Ivory," complete with flowers and greenery. Performers will dress in tuxedos, sequins and elegant dresses. Gourmet desserts and coffees will be served.

"This is an elegant event in a beautiful atmosphere," Friedman said.

Musical highlights of this year's event include local dentist Rebecca Friedman Groomes playing piano and singing with husband David.

The show is produced by Showstoppers show choir director Alison Graham, who also will perform.

"This year's show has the best variety ever, covering all ends of the spectrum from bluegrass to classical to Led Zeppelin," said Friedman, who also will perform. "We're very excited."

"Moonlight and Ivory" will feature an exhibit of paintings, pottery, sculpture and other art forms. The artists include Sonia Alexandra, showing stained glass, and William Burtnett, who will display heated wax tiles.

Proceeds from "Moonlight and Ivory" support the Heritage Arts Center Association's efforts to promote arts and arts education in this area.

The Heritage Arts Center Association hosts the annual Spotlight on Talent competition, in which young performers compete for more than $2,000 in cash scholarships and trophies.

"Some of our former Spotlight winners are now performing in 'Moonlight and Ivory,'" Heritage Arts Center Association President Jean Johnson said. "They're growing into their talents."

The group also gives cash awards to talent category winners in the Miss Pasco County and Miss Pasco County Fair pageants. And the group awards art scholarships to students at Zephyrhills, Pasco and Wesley Chapel high schools.

"This is not only a fundraiser, but a wonderful show that spotlights all the talented people in our community," Johnson said.

In exchange for supporting the arts, guests at "Moonlight and Ivory" can enjoy a show that, Friedman said, offers a little something for everyone.

"Our theme, this year and every year, is diversity and variety," she said.

"MOONLIGHT AND IVORY"

SOME BACKGROUND: The "Moonlight and Ivory" art show and concert will be presented at the Dade City Woman's Club in Dade City on Feb. 2.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: Proceeds from this show benefit the arts scholarships given each year through the Heritage Arts Center Association.

A LITTLE HISTORY: "Moonlight and Ivory" is co-sponsored by the Heritage Arts Center Association and TECO.

The Heritage Arts Center Association, according to www.heritagearts

.org, is "a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and encouraging the performing and visual arts that enhance the cultural environment of the communities of Pasco County." Jean Johnson is the organization's president.

GET INVOLVED: The "Moonlight and Ivory" matinee show will be performed at 2 p.m.; admission is $15. The art show and refreshments will follow the concert. The evening show begins with art and refreshments at 7 p.m., with the concert starting at 7:30. The evening ticket price is $25. Tickets can be purchased from the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, 14112 Eighth St., Dade City, or from Heritage Arts Center members. Tickets also will be available at the door until the performance is sold out.

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