Patch Moment: Arts Party in Brandon Draws Eclectic Talent and a Last-Minute Win

His dad bought “like 100 tickets” but Basil Noriega bought just one.

Turns out it was the one that mattered most.

At the Greater Brandon Arts Council’s “Arty Party” membership drive and fundraiser March 5 at Center Place, a raffle was held for a frame full of Florida Lottery tickets.

John Noriega, who runs Bills Prescription’s Center on Brandon Bouleveard, which his father, Bill, opened more than a half century ago, bought a whole bunch of red raffle tickets that in the end didn’t mean a thing.

At the last minute, his son, 23, stepped up to buy one more ticket, which bought him a frame-full of lottery tickets.

“All good,” John Noriega said.

Indeed, the annual membership drive afforded a unique opportunity to hear and see talent that otherwise is not as readily available to see in one place at one time.

“I wish more people were here, The talent here is great,” said Dover activist George Neimann, who spoke with Christian Stewart after his first set of music at the event.

Entertainment included members of the Bloomingdale High School Orchestra; Tatiana Frost and Fabio Fiore from Way 2 Dance; homegrown singer-songwriter-guitarist Stewart; dancers from Kim Hall’s School of Dance; and Doc Silverhawk, who specializes in Native American music.

The Greater Brandon Arts Council strives to promote the visual, performing and literary arts through education, cultural, public awareness and networking events.