TONIGHT AT THE BUBBLE: Heart Show

"Keep the Beat," by local artist and congenital heart defect survivor Danny Kidwell

Tonight Local artists Hilda Vazquez, Kristin DaSilva, Kathy Hunt, Lisa Perz a.k.a. Coma Girl, Luis Acevedo, Nevermay, Veezie Lu, Retro Moxie, Lindsay Bell, Danny M. Kidwell and Rockin Mamaz will exhibit their works in  Heart Show, a group art exhibition to raise awareness about the 1 in 100 babies born with a congenital heart defect.

The event, which will also feature music by Joel DaSilva of Joel DaSilva and the Midnight Howl and Dooms de Pop, is a fundraiser for Angel's Pediatric Heart House,

Jonas the warrior

The organizer is Erin Engwall, whose son Jonas has a congenital heart defect.

A day after Jonas was born, Jonas was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and helicoptered from Broward General to Miami Childrens' Hospital. While his first four months were difficult, Jonas has made much progress, and at 3 takes his own medicine and is zipping through kindergarten-level workbooks. The third and final stage of his heart repair will take place in the next year or so.

"He is a joy to be around, always cracking jokes and filling the room with laughter," Engwall notes. "
Like any other 3-year old boy, he loves cars, Curious George and riding his tricycle at the playground. 
Our family is blessed to have this incredible warrior walking among us, and his story has only begun."

Engwall says their journey was made easier by Angel's Pediatric Heart House, a South Florida non-profit organization that provides financial, emotional and social support to families of children with congenital heart defects.

"Being able to commiserate with other families with CHD survivors is priceless," Engwall notes.

A hand-painted guitar by Luis Acevedo is among the raffle prizes.

Angel's Pediatric Heart House, which organizes events and picnics for kids with CHD and their families, has helped her family through difficult times,  providing things ranging from Christmas presents to care packages. "One year, after a picnic, Sonia Perez (director of the organization) overheard me saying I didn't know if I had enough gas to make it home, and gave me $20 for gas."

"I wanted to do something to give back, hence this art show and fundraiser for them," notes Engwall.

 In addition to all the local art and music, tonight's show will include a raffle with prizes such as a custom hand-painted acoustic guitar by Luis Acevedo, a gift certificate to Undergrounds Coffeehaus and a gift card for handmade children's clothing from Rockin Mamaz.

Admission is $10, and the party starts at 7 p.m. Feb. 9 at The Bubble, 810 N.E. Fourth Ave., Fort Lauderdale.