Orchestra brings ELO hits to The Center

BY JOE BECHT SPECIAL

Eric Troyer and The Orchestra are coming to The Center of Anna Maria Island on Tuesday, March 21.

“We are excited to come to Anna Maria for the first time,” the singer and keyboardist said. “We hear that it is a wonderful place. We play a lot of venues in Florida and this will be our first time here.”

Troyer predicted that Electric Light Orchestra fans will be pleased. “We are going to play all of the hits - ‘Don’t Bring Me Down,’ ‘Can’t

ELO2, which was started by ELO’s

“When Bev decided to move on, we continued as The Orchestra

Ring Sarasota performs at Roser

The Roser Concert Series continues this spring with the uplifting sounds of handbells as Ring Sarasota takes to the stage on Sunday, March 19. The group, under the direction of former Navy bandleader Rick Holdsworth, showcases the ringing of over 200 individual bells and hand chimes rung by a large ensemble of ringers to create a symphony of sound. This year’s concert season theme for Ring Sarasota is “I Wanna Be Like You.” Doors open at 3 p.m. and the free concert begins at 4 p.m. in the Roser Memorial Community Church Sanctuary, 512 Pine Ave. in Anna Maria. A free-will offering will be taken.

and have been performing for over 20 years,” Troyer said.

The band consists of Troyer, former ELO member Mik Kaminski, Parthenon Huxley, Glen Burtnik (formerly of Styx), Gordon Townsend on drums and Louis Clark, son of ELO member Louis Clark Sr.

“Everyone loves the music of ELO,” he said. “Those in attendance are going to have a great time!”

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.itickets.com/ events/470574

COVID-19 low in Manatee County

MARCH 6

Cases 202

% Positivity 8.79%

Deaths 0

% Eligible population vaccinated 74.6% New hospital admissions 23

MARCH 13

Cases NA

% Positivity 9.07%

Deaths 0

% Eligible population vaccinated 74.6% New hospital admissions 40

Manatee County community level of COVID-19 transmission

Source: Centers for Disease Control

35th Annual Springfest this weekend

The Anna Maria Island Art League will hold the 35th Annual Springfest Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts on Saturday, March 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Holmes Beach city field, 5901 Marina Drive. Professional artists and crafts persons from across the U.S. will display art at the event, which will also feature live music, food and beverages.

A highlight of the festival is a gala raffle of artwork donated by festival exhibitors. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5 and winners need to be present to win. Proceeds benefit the League’s scholarship fund, which provides classes to children and adults. For more information, call the Art League at 941-778-2099, visit www. islandartleague.org/festivals/ or email artleagueami@gmail.com.