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