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