All this I remember in stark contrast to the rest of that nightmarish day seven years ago. One plane hit, then the second; the towers burned and fell. The formerly picturesque views from my office and home windows became front-row seats to the horror.

The center is an independent non-profit 501©3 corporation devoted to developing, building and operating the new performing arts center in downtown Orlando. Ground-breaking is expected to take place in 2009, with its official inauguration scheduled for 2012. With the price tag currently in excess of $135 million, many believe this will be the project to put Orlando on the map of artful destinations.

“Through our programs on such issues as divorce, abuse and healthy lifestyles, young people learn respect; personal responsibility; and how to make positive life choices,” says communications manager Denise Valenzuela Lucich.

Each show is designed to illustrate a particular concept students are studying. “We always think of the gallery as a classroom,” says Janet Kilbride, assistant director of The UCF Art Gallery. “It’s why we want to bring in something to expand knowledge of our students and guests.”

First, have an idea of the style of music that is appropriate for your occasion. Background music should compliment the event and not be overpowering for the size of your venue.  If your party is a mixer, your guests should be able to carry on conversations while enjoying the music. For the company Christmas party, you might choose the elegance of a string quartet or harpist alternating with Carolers. For the lighter atmosphere of a pool party, you might prefer a jazz trio. A house party will give you the opportunity to have a professional pianist perform on the beautiful grand piano you were hoping the kids would learn to play.

Per Danielsson, professor in Jazz Piano at UCF, offered us a thoughtful insider’s view of our city and its relationship with the arts. He says, “Orlando has the fortunate or unfortunate (depending on your view) distinction of being a ‘tourist city.’ There are numerous attractions, parks and entertainment choices aimed at the tourist crowd. Indeed, many musicians in this city have benefited financially throughout the years by performing at such attractions. But what the city seems to lack are various venues for the local population to enjoy the abundant talent in this area. It would be great if more people supported the arts financially. Supporting the arts means paying an artist well for his experience, expertise and performance, not to just provide a place where the musicians can play for free, which is often the case.”

“In order to address critical challenges, there is a need to deal with the conditions that created them in the first place – conditions that are causing them to compound and worsen as our population grows,” said Robert H. (Bob) Brown, president/CEO of Heart of Florida United Way. “Doing so calls for a new approach for United Way. In addition to the traditional support of direct services and fundraising we’re known for, we are expanding and changing the way we do business.”