Jesse is at the leading edge of a jazz revival in South Florida.
Blue-gowned dancers dance to a soulful version of Joy to the World.
. . . causing her to break down in grief.
A family waits for the show to start.
Deena and a friend help Sean lead dancing.
Many but ONE has talented dancers in a range of ages.
A rosy sunset joins the crowd in greeting Santa.
The drumline of Chaminade-Madonna High School gets everyone’s attention . . .
Gravelly voiced Dale Powers plays keyboard . . .
. . . but he checks out the story for himself . . .
. . . a soul on trial for her life . . .
He then joins the dance and embraces the day … and one of the dancers. 🙂
Christmas Near the Beach 2018 featured Many but ONE, a ballet troupe and dance school in Boca Raton, Florida.
. . . for Santa’s arrival, in a classic T-Bird.
“Hug her like you mean it!” I said. Sure enough, the girl came through for me. 🙂
The choir of First Presbyterian Church invites children from the audience to help sing Silent Night.
Members of Destiny Rayne’s band do a sound check.
. . . and gives the first gift of the season to the Holy Family.
The singers really seem to feel the message themselves.
. . . and the Wise Men offering gifts to the Christ Child.
And the audience vigorously follows along.
Santa returns once more to lead the crowd in Silent Night, using their cellphones as candles.
Deena and three friends form a dance quartet.
. . . as does a Christmas tree.
The newly freed soul rejoices.
Destiny Rayne’s bassist tunes his instrument. I got on my knees to get this angle. 🙂
A crowd member gets into the dance.
A Satan figure brings them to their knees.
Angels dance with Mary.
. . . as Sean leaps from the stage for some close-up dancing.
Pastor Al Pino of Palm Vista Community Church, Miami Lakes, gives a short message on the meaning of Christmas.
They look forward to deliverance by a Messiah.
Joseph rejects her in disbelief . . .
As the kids dance . . .
Then he sings a carol honoring the Christ Child.
A singer with Sensere gives it up for the gospel.
. . . even leaping for joy.
He even scowls amid the festivities.
. . . as sax master Jesse Jones Jr. and his friend, guest trombonist Charlie, play together.
Women in brown outfits perform as the Children of Israel.
The green guy is not amused . . .
Sensere merges gospel with Motown-era soul.
Dr. E whips up some enthusiasm from the crowd . . .
Santa hams it up for the camera. 🙂
Grinchy glares from his mountain.
A member of Many but ONE gets some Grinchy makeup.
Check out their shirts: “God, Family & the Band.” Great riorities.
Sean Olivera leads kids in some hip-hop, a role he’ll fill two or three times over the night.
One last shot: Deena with her husband, Mickey. She gathers the talent for CNTB, while he helps with the organization and financing. This is the twelfth time they’ve put together this beautiful Christmas gift for South Florida.
Reassured, he accepts Mary.
Deena performs a narrated mime in three roles, as a satanic accuser . . .
. . . and thank God for their deliverance.
She announces to Joseph that she is to bear GodÕs Son.
. . . then confirms MaryÕs destiny to Joseph.
Christine Maldonado sings with Peace Fighter, a favorite band at CNTB.
Destiny Rayne opens the five hours of music, dance and pageantry in CNTB 2018.
Jeff Maldonado sings and plays lead guitar for Peace Fighter.
DJ Mr. E is hard to get in a candid shot. He always knows where the camera is. 🙂
The dancers celebrate the story.
Children of Many but ONE sing about Christmas.
Mary dances with the daughters of Israel . . .
Some of the Many but ONE company dance a parody of Dr. Seuss’ book “The Grinch That Stole Christmas.”
A dad twirls his little girl.
Children check out the nativity story in the Bible.
Angels surround and adore the Baby Jesus . . .
A family waits for the show to start.
A Satan figure brings them to their knees.
Festival organizer Deena McDaniel discusses the show with Andrew Curran, who will play Santa.
Santa takes the stage . . .
Gabriel encourages her . . .
. . . and as Christ, who secures her pardon.
The women cry out for freedom from sin and its price.
I was privileged to be given such access to the festival — I was even allowed on the stage for reverse shots like this.
As night falls, a large teddy bear on the stage takes on a magical hue . . .
Kids get into the groove.