by Lisa Dykes, Executive Director
Ocean Reef Cultural Center

In 22 years of existence, the Cultural Center has become a fundamental, indispensable part of life on the Reef.  The Center is so woven into the everyday fabric of our community that it’s easy to forget what a luxury it is to enjoy films, lectures, concerts and live theater just a cart ride away. A return to life before this community hub — when movies were a minimum of 40 minutes away, and live theater, musical performances and topical lectures were even farther — is now unthinkable.

With the renovation of the Cultural Center’s theatre and exterior behind us, we are excited to bring to Ocean Reef an exciting calendar packed full of live entertainment, lectures, and opportunities for everyone.

During the holiday’s we have two nights of Family Entertainment with Illusionist Adam Trent. Il Divo kicks off our calendar, and from Broadway, Kelli O’Hara and Michael McCorry Rose will entertain with two evenings of Cabaret Dinner Theater. Our Chamber Music Festival,  headed up by Artistic Director Anne-Marie McDermott, will feature four evenings and one afternoon of program highlights. Harry Connick, Jr., an entertainer that has been a “must” for the Cultural Center, will finish off January.

February includes LeAnn Rimes, Chris Isaak, Emmylou Harris and The Simon & Garfunkel Story. This year Zoetic Stage returns with Ira Levin’s wickedly funny thriller Deathtrap.

Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly will be on tour together for the first time for their Hologram show. This show will feature remastered audio from both legends alongside a live band and singers.

COVID gave us challenges last season, but our greatest challenge was for us to try outdoor entertainment on the grounds of the Cultural Center….and what a success it was! This year we are excited to bring in Foreigner and The Band Perry to our outdoor setting.

The Campus at the Cultural Center covers a variety of mind-expanding topics, presented by dynamic speakers who will inform and entertain. Dining with the Presidents offers a relaxed and delicious way to learn more about this country’s leaders from outstanding historians. Great Decisions is a series of virtual lectures focusing on the most thorny problems facing the world today. The popular Film Society presents a menu of carefully selected films with culinary content.

The continued success of the Cultural Center has been made possible by Ocean Reef Members and, of course, The Ocean Reef Community Foundation and the All Charities Weekend Fundraising event.