First Person
An arts lover proves that culture doesn’t have to be costly

By Patricia Herbello Espinosa

	Melanie Penn and Jamey Isenor as Sandy and Danny in Grease , now playing at Actor's Playhouse in Coral Gables, one of the many cultural organizations that offer discount tickets

When I went to see Alejandro Sanz at the American Airline Arena, it was a dream come true. I purchased his latest CD months before the concert; I learned all the lyrics by playing it over and over on my car's CD player. I fell in love with his talent as a composer, his vocals—and himself, of course. When I saw him on stage I was filled with joy. Not only I did I get to see my favorite artist but I saw him for free. What a feeling!

I work at radio stations WRMA, WXDJ and WCMQ, so every now and then I get a freebie or discount tickets. It feels great to get discount tickets for a good play or musical performance. That is why I want you to be aware of Culture Shock Miami, an organization sponsored by Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs that offers $5 tickets for great events to students ages 14 to 22.

Gerry Landreth, Culture Shock Miami projects administrator, explains how it works:

“With proper I.D. a student age 14 to 22 can purchase a $5 ticket for a great variety of events going on in Miami. He or she can then purchase a second $5 ticket for another person of any age. It is a great opportunity for the youth to experience quality entertainment at a very reasonable price.”

Landreth also says that since the organization started two years ago, over 15,000 students have participated. Information about Culture Shock Miami is available at public schools and libraries, colleges, universities and at http://www.cultureshockmiami.com/

If you are over 22 but still not old enough to get those senior citizens' discounts, you can still grab great discounts on same-day events, and even free movies, just by spending two minutes on the phone. Call the Coconut Grove Playhouse, Actors Playhouse, Miami City Ballet, or the Florida Grand Opera and ask for their same-day discount ticket programs. Also visit http://www.wlrn.org/ for free movie screenings and check http://www.theatreleague.net/ for more opportunities to receive discount tickets for great performances.

Creative teachers, who are always looking for ways to make their teaching a fun experience, can take advantage of these opportunities. They can take their students to cultural events that will enrich their education. All these cultural institutions have group discounts.

For the little ones, there are many opportunities to enjoy fun and educational activities. You can call the Children's Cultural Coalition at 305-856-1163 and ask for information about a variety of programs dedicated to widen our children's cultural experience. Drag your kids away from the TV and the video games and take them to a play, or an art exhibition, or a botanic park. At first, they may throw a fit but in the end, they will love it.

There are plenty of cool, culturally enhancing and affordable things to do in this town. You just need to know where to find the break.

And I just told you.