Janis Fontaine

West Palm Beach

Writer at Freelance

Columnist at The Coastal Star

Calendar Editor at Florida Weekly

Country music and entertainment writer

Articles

Basilica designation recognizes St. Edward's place in history

2 months ago | thecoastalstar.com | Janis Fontaine

St. Edward Catholic Church is now the Basilica of St. Edward, making it the 94th minor basilica in the United States. St. Edward, the only Catholic church on Palm Beach, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. It got the basilica designation in part due to its ornate architecture and historical significance. Photos providedBy Janis FontaineIn January, Gerald M.
New leader at Unity of Delray can draw on acting career, long spiritual journey

2 months ago | thecoastalstar.com | Janis Fontaine

Senior Minister Jeanmarie Eck goes from a mega-church in Houston to a more intimate role in Delray Beach. Photo providedBy Janis FontaineUnity of Delray Beach has filled its senior minister position, a job vacant since Greg Barrette left in 2019. South Florida native Jeanmarie Eck returned from Houston in November to fill that role. "We had a feeling the right person would come along. We were steadfast and we refused to water down our standards," board President Harvey Brown said.
Andrew Kato’s 20-year adventure at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre

Feb 12, 2025 | wlrn.org | Janis Fontaine

Twenty years ago, Andrew Kato asked Jay Johnson, his partner of a year, if he wanted to leave New York to go on an adventure. “We packed up a U-Haul Beverly Hillbillies-style and moved into a small townhouse in Abacoa.”Kato, then 40 and a powerhouse theater producer, and Milton and Tamar Maltz, the new owners of Jupiter’s community theater, found they shared a vision for what the theater could be. The Maltzes had the money, and they believed Kato was the man who could make it happen.
Using Lego blocks to teach city histories

Jan 31, 2025 | thecoastalstar.com | Janis Fontaine

Stephen Schwartz works with Addy Berry and Liam Spengler using Lego blocks to build the northern wall of the Old City of Jerusalem during a Jan. 25 presentation at Cason United Methodist Church in Delray Beach.
From theater to symphonies, our guide to the Spring 2025 arts scene in Palm Beach County

Jan 24, 2025 | msn.com | Janis Fontaine

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From theater to symphonies, our guide to the Spring 2025 arts scene in Palm Beach County

Jan 24, 2025 | palmbeachpost.com | Janis Fontaine

The holidays may be over, but arts season in Palm Beach County is kicking into high gear. While our northern neighbors are snowed in, we can hit the museums, spend evenings at the theater, catch all manner of concerts without thought to heavy coats or mittens. And the offerings are top notch. Spectacular entertainment is on tap from Boca Raton to Jupiter. Get your calendar ready; you’ve got some decisions to make, and it won’t be easy. There’s so much going on we couldn’t include it all here.
St. Gregory's music ministry soars with master organist in charge

Dec 2, 2024 | thecoastalstar.com | Janis Fontaine

Organist Tim Brumfield's career has led him around the world, including a stint at St. John the Divine cathedral in New York City. But when he saw an opening for the job at St. Gregory's in Boca Raton 10 years ago, it proved to be divine inspiration. Photo provided By Janis FontaineFrom the time Tim Brumfield accepted his first professional job at age 12 as the pianist at his hometown Red House Baptist Church in Richmond, Kentucky, he has been mindful of the responsibilities inherent in his work.
Best Christmas, holiday lights in Palm Beach County, mapped

Nov 22, 2024 | yahoo.com | Janis Fontaine

South Florida could hardly be mistaken for a winter wonderland, but when the holiday season rolls around, we do not skimp on festive lights, trees and displays. But Palm Beach County is vast, and you'll need a guide if you don't want to simply cruise the streets looking for best and brightest lights. Fortunately, we have come into this month prepared to help.
$80 million Roosevelt High rebuild, Black history museum picking up steam

Nov 6, 2024 | wlrn.org | Janis Fontaine

Momentum is building for a long-sought African American museum and library at the site of the historic Roosevelt High School in West Palm Beach. About 70 people gathered last Wednesday to discuss the project at a town hall meeting led by Danita DeHaney, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties.
Palm Beach County offers robust season of arts & entertainment to close 2024

Nov 1, 2024 | palmbeachpost.com | Janis Fontaine

Mark your calendars. We've assembled a guide to the 2024 arts and entertainment season. From Jupiter to Boca Raton, there's something for everyone.