Broward Center for the Performing Arts' opening celebration - posted by FFAB

The new Huizenga Pavilion at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale. (Carline Jean, Sun Sentinel)

'Have some fun…' With Sheryl Crow at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts' opening celebration

On April 12, the grand opening celebration of the Huizenga Pavilion at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts will feature a live performance by singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow. Marking a major milestone in the center's ENCORE! capital expansion project, "Opening Night" will be an evening of entertainment and festivities underwritten by Linda and Douglas Von Allmen.

The celebration will begin with a cocktail reception in the Peck Courtyard at 7 p.m., followed by a private performance by Grammy Award-winning Crow in the Amaturo Theater at 8:30 p.m. The evening will culminate with a post-show extravaganza at the Huizenga Pavilion and Wendt Terraces at 10 p.m.

"To us, the Pavilion is more than a building," said Marti Huizenga, who serves as co-chairwoman of the ENCORE! capital campaign, joined by Rose Miniaci, Charles L. Palmer, Bernard J. Peck and Ramón Rodríguez. Huizenga added, "It offers an opportunity to celebrate the arts in Broward County and connect the beauty of the New River and the rich cultural traditions in our community. We are particularly pleased that this opening celebration will support the center's education and enrichment program, one of the largest and most successful in the nation. This event ultimately will introduce even more children to the wonders of the arts."

The naming of the Huizenga Pavilion was a result of the Huizengas' gift to the campaign and recognizes their ongoing support of the Broward Center.

"We're pleased to help showcase the new Huizenga Pavilion to our community for the first time," said Linda Von Allmen. "We proudly support the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the centerpiece of arts and entertainment in this area, and are excited to be a part of the center's ENCORE! expansion project."

Located along the New River, the Huizenga Pavilion offers stunning waterfront views from indoor and outdoor settings. The two-story structure, with floor-to-ceiling windows, will offer casual fun at the New River Bistro on the first floor and 3,500 square feet of event space in the Porter Riverview Ballroom on the second floor.

Read the Sun Sentinel article here 
Broward Center for the Performing Arts Website

I couldn't find any news articles after the event on the 12th. I did however speak to some that attended and can report that the evening was a big success!  

The Broward Center was a major catalyst in revitalizing the whole downtown of Fort Lauderdale. It shows how important it has become to the community that 25 years later when the Center itself needs revitalizing so much support is shown by way of the successful $56 million capital fundraising campaign.  

Now with the addition of the muti-use 15,000 sq ft Huizenga Pavilion, the 25,000 square feet of high-tech instruction space in the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center and the total upgrade of technology, lights and sound to the two theaters the Broward Center will continue to significantly impact the Culture in Broward County for at least another 25 years!  Bravo to all those involved!  GL