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Created: December 30 2014

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – In the new year, everyone hopes for health, happiness, prosperity and more – but one thing is a given: endless, exciting cultural activities at The District. In January, The District partners – Broward Center for the Performing Arts, NSU Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, Florida Grand Opera, Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, Historic StranahanHouse Museum and Bonnet House Museum & Gardens – are kicking off 2015 with a variety of cultural events and activities appealing to people of various ages and interests. Following is a taste of the cultural happenings at The District in January.

What better place is there to enjoy a delicious weekend brunch than Marti’s New River Bistro at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts? Every Saturday and Sunday, anyone can enjoy a relaxing brunch from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. with spectacular views of the New River. Menu items include inspired new takes on traditional favorites, such as Nutella French toast and a Bistro BLT with candied bacon. The inventive menu also includes crisp potato cakes topped with smoked salmon and lemon yogurt whip, jumbo lump crab cake eggs Benedict, southern fried chicken and maple waffles, as well as eggs and omelets made-to-order. While reservations are encouraged, walk-ups are welcome. For reservations, call 954-660-6333 or book on OpenTable. For more information, visit www.browardcenter.org.

On Sunday, Jan. 4 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., the sound of jazz music will overtake the Riverwalk during the Suntrust Sunday Jazz Brunch. This free day of concerts, unique vendors and local delicacies along the picturesque New River is a treat for residents and visitors alike, in addition to well-behaved, leashed pets. Guests can bring chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to enjoy a day of fun and relaxation. For more information, visit www.goriverwalk.com.

<p ">Of course, a special event is needed to celebrate the end of the holidays, and the Historic Stranahan House Museum is providing just that with its Thursday, Jan. 8 Holiday Hangover Event. Taking place from 6–9 p.m., the food festival will feature samples from some of the area’s finest eateries, all with the elegant and historic backdrop of the Historic Stranahan House. Guests will enjoy live music by Chris Monteleone, lead singer of the Sosos. $25 per person, includes food and drink samples. Ticket also includes a raffle to win a 25-person event at the Stranahan House. For reservations or information, call 954-524-4736 or order online at www.stranahanhouse.org/events.

NSU Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale is offering a wonderful way to begin 2015 with an appreciation for art with its Collectors’ Perspective Series – Martin Z. Margulies on “American Scene Photography” on Sunday, Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. One of the world’s leading collectors and most prominent figures in Miami’s art scene, Margulies will discuss his “American Scene Photography” collection, including contemporary and vintage photography, video, sculpture and installation. This event is free with Museum admission. RSVP to moareservations@moafl.org or 954-262-0204. For more information, visit www.moafl.org.

Tourism is a major part of South Florida’s culture – but to enjoy a historical and colorful behind-the-scenes look at this booming industry, guests can enjoy Fort Lauderdale Historical Society’s Broward 100 Lecture Series, Tony Ferrelli’s “Historical (Hysterical) Tourism” on Monday, Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. Ferrelli, a 40-year veteran of the hospitality industry (half of those years were under the employ of George “Bob” Gill – the father of Broward hospitality), will share interesting tidbits and funny anecdotes that he has collected over the years. This event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required. Located at the New River Inn Museum ofHistory. For more information, visit www.fortlauderdalehistoricalsociety.org.

On Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m., Bonnet House Museum & Gardens will commence its 2015 Concert Under the Stars series, which will take place once a month on Thursday evenings through April. January’s concert will feature University of Miami Frost Opera Theater. Taking place on the Veranda Lawn beneath the moon and stars, the concerts present a beautiful evening of sweet music from various musical performances and complimentary wine, dessert and coffee among the delightful setting of the Bonnet House. The event is sponsored by Whole Foods Market. For more information and pricing, visit www.bonnethouse.org/music-series.

Now is a great time to purchase tickets for Florida Grand Opera’s presentation of “Così fan tutte,” with performances on Thursday, Feb. 12 and Saturday, Feb. 14, both at 7:30 p.m. at Broward Center for the Performing Arts. This comedic romp of an opera tells the story of two military officers, who decide they will test the faithfulness of their fiancées by wearing disguises. The battle of the sexes was never this much fun ... and all set to Mozart's masterful music. For more information, visit www.fgo.org.

With the free opera previews, beginning one hour before the performance in the theater, guests can get the most out of the performance and beat the traffic. The witty and captivating Justin Moss tells the inside story of the opera. After the opera, guests can enjoy a free informative Q&A session hosted by Florida Grand Opera General Director Susan T. Danis and members of the senior artistic staff. 

These and many more January activities are highlighted on The District’s vibrant, award-winning consumer website, www.riverwalkae.com, a one-stop resource for those planning a trip to Fort Lauderdale or locals who want to see what’s happening in the area.  

About The District
The District is a unique partnership of arts and entertainment organizations located along the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale with the express mission of promoting cultural tourism in South Florida. Presenting over 1000 individual events each year, The District attracts well over 1 millionvisitors annually. Partners of The District Consortium include Broward Center for the Performing Arts, NSU Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, Florida Grand Opera, Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, the Historic Stranahan House Museum and Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. It is supported by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more information about The District and its partners, visit www.riverwalkae.com.