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