September2015

&

Arts & Culture SEASON GUIDE

750

Concerts, Performances, Exhibitions, Festivals, Fairs, Events & More

The Creative

Force

Pops Conductor Andrew Lane, Opera Director Victor DeRenzi, Ballet Director Iain Webb & Asolo Rep Director Michael Edwards SEPTEMBER 2015 $3.95 U.S.

A season of song, drama, dance, beauty, sex, laughter & love returns

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Here you will find a rich myriad of activities surrounded by spectacular views of Sarasota Bay. Start your day with a workout in the fitness center, a soothing Tai Chi class, or a dip in the pool. Maybe you prefer the creative outlet of our woodworking shop or art studio. Join in on a game of bocce or a sit in on an educational lecture.

There is so much to choose from, the possibilities are endless. And it is not just a possibility, but everyday life here at Plymouth Harbor.

Once you see Plymouth Harbor and meet the vibrant people who call it home, you will change the way you think about your future.

Residents treasure the time they spend in their lovely, spacious apartment homes – yet appreciate all of the thoughtful services and amenities that are part of the Plymouth Harbor lifestyle. And they love the beautiful setting that looks like a first-class resort, but feels just like home.

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Some day,

he’ll be courage.

Some day, this cute, cuddly—and not just a little bit crazy—10-week-old will be the difference between a life half lived, and one fully engaged.

But it’s not easy. It takes two years, thousands of dollars, and hundreds of volunteer hours to turn raw potential into polished performance. And it’s all possible because of people just like you.

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FLEXIBILITY Scene Magazine.indd 1

5/29/15 6:49 PM

ARTS & CULTURE September 2015

Volume 58 No. 9

32

44

32 ONE PALM Sarasota’s Newest Mix-Use Tower

44 ART ATTACK A Showcase of Artistic Expression Photography: John Revisky

54

54 FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE Downtown Gem has Something for Everyone

By Sue Cullen

60 ARTS AT A CROSSROAD An Interview with Jim Shirley, Executive Director of the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

64 SARASOTA OPERA VISITS VERDI Opera Executive Director Richard Russell Shares his Journal from a Trip to Remember

81 2015/2016 ARTS & CULTURE GUIDE

cover

Sarasota Orchestra Pops Conductor Andrew Lane, Sarasota Opera Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi, Sarasota Ballet Artistic Director Iain Webb & Asolo Rep Artistic Director Michael Edwards. Photography by John Revisky. Baroque furniture and ladder provided by SO STAGED.

8

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September 2015

Timing is everything!

Audit | Accounting | Consulting | Tax Mauldin & Jenkins is a leader in providing audit, tax and consulting services to not-for-profit organizations in Florida, and throughout the Southeast. We serve over 40 not-for-profit organizations in Manatee and Sarasota Counties.

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1301 Sixth Avenue West | Suite 600 Bradenton, FL 34205

DEPARTMENTS

26

38

40

20 EVENTS CALENDAR 22 PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR 26 DESIGN

By Gus Mollasis

105 BEHIND THE SCENE Sarasota’s Society Maven Gives the Latest Scoop

By Jacqueline Miller

By Debbi Benedict

29 GET INSPIRED

113 SOCIALS

Cultural Events from the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

Mother’s Helping Mother’s Reopens

GIVING

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

By Ryan Van Cleave

40 Circus Boosters

116 LITERARY SCENE 120 SCENE LOCALLY News Shaping Our Community

By Steven J. Smith

122 REWIND

70 EDUCATION

Memories from Our Archives

The Ringling

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

SCENE

The Art of Survival: Pieter Kohnstam

Walk (or Sleep) This Way

38 A Wise Use of Talent

10

72 SCENES FROM AN INTERVIEW

|

September 2015

Š2015 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Each franchise independently owned and operated.

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Locally Owned, Operated & Printed Since 1957 CEO/President

Ronald Milton

Publisher & Executive Editor

Julie A. Milton

Vice President Sales Art Director Special Issue Coordinator Distribution Contributing Writers

Steve Slocum Michelle Cross Debbi Benedict Dick Jackson Debbi Benedict Sue Cullen Gus Mollasis Steven J. Smith Ryan G. Van Cleave

Photographers

Nancy Guth Daniel Perales Enrique Pino John Revisky Jessica Tasetano

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SCENE Magazine publishes 12 issues a year by RJM Ventures, LLC. Address editorial, advertising and circulation correspondence to the above address. Sufficient return postage and self-addressed, stamped envelope must accompany all manuscripts, art work and photographs submitted if they are to be returned or acknowledged.

Publisher assumes no responsibility for care of return of unsolicited materials. Subscription price: $12.95 per year, $19.95 for two years. All contents copyrighted.

Reproduction without permission is prohibited. ISSN 1535-8895.

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September 2015

TOM LEE

Shank’s Mare Photo by Ayumi Sakamoto

The

Experience RINGLING INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL

OCT 15 – 18

For four extraordinary days in October, artists and audiences from across America and around the world come together at The Ringling to experience the phenomenon that is RIAF! RIAF 2015 presents seven

compelling perspectives on beauty, innovation, and artistry by performers representing

the many and varied cultures of Asia. Plan now to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime, not-to-be-missed opportunity!

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INFORMATION + TICKETS

ringling.org | 941.360.7399 S TAT E A R T M U S E U M O F F L O R I D A

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| F L O R I D A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

RIAF 2015 SCHEDULE THU OCT 15 6:00 – 10:00 PM OPENING NIGHT Details @ ringling.org FRI OCT 16 2:00 PM

PHARE: CAMBODIAN CIRCUS PENI CANDRA RINI

5:00 PM

PHARE: THE CAMBODIAN CIRCUS

RONNARONG KHAMPHA

RONNARONG KHAMPHA

My Name is Ong Photo by Wang Yuanqing

ORKES SINTEN REMEN 8:00 PM

TAO DANCE THEATER JEN SHYU

Khmer Metal

TOM LEE

Photo by Peter Phoeng

SAT OCT 17 2:00 PM

TAO DANCE THEATER RONNARONG KHAMPHA ORKES SINTEN REMEN

5:00 PM

JEN SHYU TOM LEE

8:00 PM

PHARE: CAMBODIAN CIRCUS PENI CANDRA RINI

ORKES SINTEN REMEN Photo courtesy of artist

ORKES SINTEN REMEN SUN OCT 18 2:00 PM

PHARE: CAMBODIAN CIRCUS JEN SHYU TOM LEE

5:00 PM

TAO DANCE THEATER PENI CANDRA RINI ORKES SINTEN REMEN

PENI CANDRA RINI Photo by Pandji Vasco

TAO DANCE THEATER Photo by Jin Hai

JEN SHYU

Solo Rites: Seven Breaths Photo by Steven Schreiber RIAF 2015 is sponsored in part by the Asian Cultural Council, a nonprofit organization that supports US-Asia exchange through the arts.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR “In my own philanthropy and business endeavors, I have seen the critical role that the arts play in stimulating creativity and in developing vital communities…. the arts have a crucial impact on our economy and are an important catalyst for learning, discovery, and achievement in our country.” –Paul G. Allen, Co-Founder, Microsoft

W

e’ve all read quotes about the importance of the arts similar to Paul Allen’s quote, so we know that when we support the arts, we are enhancing our quality of life and investing in our community’s economic wellbeing. An economic impact study conducted in Sarasota County three years ago determined that local arts organizations spend more than three times the national average and employ nearly double the people in similar regions. I suspect those numbers are substantially higher in 2015. And while the arts in our community seem to be thriving, it is up to all of us to make sure it stays that way.

Arts and culture is the theme of our September issue, which contains a season guide that includes schedules for performing arts, visual arts, museums, festivals and fairs, and arts organizations. Be sure to mark your picks, put them on your calendar, and buy your tickets early.

Our cover is graced by four leaders in performing arts: Michael Edwards, the incredibly talented artistic director at Asolo Rep, brings us another winning line-up this season that includes the powerhouse classic West Side Story, as well as the world-premiere of Josephine, a musical about the sensational Josephine Baker starring Deborah Cox. Maestro Victor DeRenzi, who has elevated Sarasota Opera on the world stage, leads the opera in its completion of the Verdi cycle. Sarasota Opera is the only opera company in the world to stage every Verdi opera. Not even the famed La Scala in Milan can make that claim. Bravo, Maestro! Uber cool and dripping with talent, Sarasota Ballet artistic director Iain Webb has made ballet in our town a top draw, appealing to audiences of all ages. Iain has also received worldwide notoriety for his exciting ballets and divertissements and for the world’s most extensive active Sir Frederick Ashton repertoire. Pops Conductor Andrew Lane is part of the artistic leadership at our beloved Sarasota Orchestra, which includes its leader, the dynamic Music Director Anu Tali, Principal Guest Conductor Dirk Meyer, and Music Festival Artistic Director Robert Levin. They all bring excitement and energy to their work, delivering the best of the classics along with fresh musical twists to favorites.

You’ll also find an in-depth article about the leaders at Florida Studio Theatre. With more than 200,000 attendees annually enjoying five intimate theater and cabaret spaces, they are delivering eclectic and powerful productions not to be missed. In Arts at a Crossroad, Sue Cullen interviews Arts Alliance Executive Director Jim Shirley who discusses how decisions being made today will impact our area’s reputation as Florida’s cultural coast. Ryan Van Cleave discusses the educational programs at The Ringling, and talented photographer John Revisky captures an array of local artistic talent in his spread, Art Attack.

SCENE also publishes the arts guide for the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County scheduled for release October 1. This handy pocket-style guide will be distributed to all arts and cultural venues in Sarasota County and Bradenton, as well as hotels, businesses, and information centers. The guide is sponsored by several local businesses – all leaders in supporting the arts for our enjoyment.

If you are new to our area and want to get involved in the arts, call and speak to the organization’s development director or community relations’ director to learn ways you can make a difference.

Whether it’s through donations large or small, lending a hand, or offering your expertise, helping the arts will bring a smile to your face, joy to your heart, and engage you in our wonderful community.

Michelle Crabtree Broker Associate, realtor® CLHMS, CRS, CIPS, GRI, ABR, GREEN A third generation local and Broker Sales Associate since 1982, Michelle is dedicated to serving your needs in Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch.

• 2015 Five-Star Real Estate Agent “Best in Client Satisfaction” – 8 years • 2015 Florida Realtor Honor Society – 8 years • Women’s Council of Realtors 2013 “Entrepreneur of the Year” & 2009 “Business Woman of the Year” • 2013 & 2007 SAR “Meritorious Service Award” • 2010 Director, Sarasota Association of Realtors (SAR) - 3 year term • 2008 WCR Sarasota Chapter President • 2005 WCR Sarasota “realtor® of the Year”

c 941.724.4663 michelle.crabtree@sothebysrealty.com

www.crabtreehomes.com julie@scenesarasota.com

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

September 2015

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September Calendar

For a complete listing of community events please visit scenesarasota.com Marble Urn, Chiurazzi Foundry, Bequest of John Ringling, 1936, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the State Art Museum of Florida. Photo by John Revisky

Selby Gardens Along the Rainbow River Exhibit

59th Annual Pioneer Days Parade

Through September 13 In the current body of work from tal-

September 5 - 7 9:00 am Olde Engelwood Village. Fun over the

ented Sarasota artist, Tom Stephens, visitors to Selby Gardens’

three days includes Cardboard Boat Races, Photo Contest, Car

Museum of Botany & the Arts will be transported on a visual

Show, Englewood’s Got Talent, a Diaper Derby, a fish-a-thon for

hike through dense landscapes. Both the foliage and the art-

kids, a chalk fest and more. englewoodpioneerdays.com

work will be available for sale. 941-366-5731 | selby.org

Van Wezel Friday Fest on the Bay Sarasota Sailing Squadron 69th Annual Labor Day Regatta

September 18 5:00 pm Van Wezel. Reverend Barry & Funktastic

September 4 6:00 pm – September 6 2:00 pm City Island. The

town/soul & disco hits of the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s, complete with a 4

3 day event is attended by sailors from ages 8 to 80 and it draws

piece horn section. Tickets are free. 941-953-3368 | vanwezel.org

Soul featuring the Hellacious Horns plays the best-loved funk/mo-

about a thousand visitors each year. Activities include five separate race courses, live music, barbeque, refreshments and awards

Sarasota Opera A Taste Of Downtown

ceremony. Register your boat and take part for $60 - $95. It’s free

September 19 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Sarasota Opera House. En-

viewing for spectators. 941-388-2355 | regattanetwork.com

joy menu samplings from your favorite downtown restaurants, along with fine wine pairings. This event benefits Sarasota

7th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival

Youth Opera. 941-328-1300 | tickets.sarasotaopera.org

September 5 – 6 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Miami Avenue in Downtown Venice. Support the arts, Venice Main Street, and the

Ringling Museum Day Live!

local economy by coming out to this free festival featuring

September 26 Enjoy free admission to The Ringling and other

100 of the the most skilled artists and crafters in the country.

participating museums throughout the United States. 941-359-

artfestival.com

5700 | ringling.org

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September 2015

PERFORMING ARTS CALENDAR The Secret Garden

Florida Studio Theatre 941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org

FST Improv Through September 19 Comedy Lottery plays every Saturday at 7:30 pm. Before every show, 12 audience members are randomly selected out of a bucket containing 50 games. Those 12 games comprise the line-up for the night.

The Swingaroos

Manatee Performing Arts Center 941.748.5875 / manateeperformingartscenter.com

The Secret Garden September 17 – October 4 Set in the early 20th century, The Secret Garden tells the enchanting story of young orphan Mary Lennox as she returns to Yorkshire, England to live with her reclusive uncle and his invalid son. Let the music lead the way as she blossoms into a woman while bringing new life to a neglected garden.

Lemon Bay Playhouse

The Boys Next Door

A Bench in the Sun September 2 - 20 Harold and Burt, longtime friends, live in a retirement home and spend their days on a bench in the garden

SCENE

bickering. A once famous actress has moved in, giving them something new to argue over. When they learn that the home is about to be sold, and they will have to find a new residence, the three join forces to prevent this upsetting development.

Through September 20 New York City’s underground jazz band with a suitcase full of original songs and Hit Parade covers from the 20s to the 2010s. A little kitschy, a little classy, and a lot of fun, The Swingaroos continue the tradition of the swingera Territory bands.

941.475.6756 / lemonbayplayhouse.com

22

Sarasota Piano Quartet

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September 2015

September 10 – September 27 This touching production tells the story of four mentally disabled men living together. Leave in awe after listening to their humorous remarks and how these men live their lives every day. In collaboration with Easter Seals Southwest Florida.

SEPTEMBER 17—20

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Balanchine Millepied - Film September 10

William Tell – Film September 13

Antony and Cleopatra – Film September 24

Mahagonny – Film September 27

Sarasota Orchestra 941.953.3434 / sarasotaorchestra.org

Service

Quality

Trust

Chamber Soirée 1 September 20 Featuring Sarasota Wind Quintet and Sarasota Piano Quartet

Chamber Soiree 2 October 1 Featuring Jay Hunsberger, Principal Tuba

941-377-8777

The Players Theatre 941.365.2494 / theplayers.org

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof September 3 – 13 This 1955 Pulitzer Prize winning drama by Tennessee Williams is a powerful, gripping tale of passion, greed and death. Full of unforgettable characters, this production by the critically acclaimed Two Chairs Theatre Company must not be missed!

The 39 Steps

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September 2015

September 30 – October 11 Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have this fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre! The New York Post called it, “The most entertaining show on Broadway!”

Urbanite Theatre 941-321-1397 / urbanitetheatre.com

Isaac’s Eye Through September 6 Lucas Hnath blends history and fantasy as he reimagines the contentious,

Choosing the right

plague-ravaged world Isaac Newton inhabited, exploring the dreams and longings that drove the rural farm boy to become one of the greatest thinkers in modern science.

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September 12 Featuring your favorite songs from the 50s and 60s.

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September 10 – 20 A holocaust survivor tells the true story of the children she taught during the war.

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Exit Laughing September 29 – October 18 If your highlight of the week for the past 30 years has been bridge with the “girls,” what do you do when one of your foursome inconveniently dies? If you’re Connie, Leona and Millie, you dare to “borrow” the ashes from the funeral home for one last card game. What happens next becomes the wildest, craziest, most hilarious night of your life.

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Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 941.953.3368 /vanwezel.org

Reverend Barry & Funktastic Soul Featuring The Hellacious Horns September 18 Free outdoor event. This 8-piece show band plays funk/Motown, soul and disco hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s.

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September 2015

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25

DESIGN

Walk (or Sleep) This Way

By Jacqueline Miller

T

he Buenos Aires portside barrio of La Boca is now

only did it grab my attention, but also I was delighted to learn

famed for its soccer team. But from 1830 to 1930,

it is hand made from reclaimed wood, which has been certified

many Italian immigrants from the port city of Ge-

by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

noa would settle there, naturally finding many similarities to port

If you are not familiar with reclaimed wood, it is re-pur-

town living. With them they brought their unique identity to this

posed wood giving new life to otherwise discarded material,

old town, where the old General Roca Railway chugged through

giving each piece of furniture made from reclaimed wood

for many years, and where tango artists first danced on the Cam-

a unique patina and grain, showing also the marks of pre-

inito (“little walkway�), its most famous pedestrian street.

vious use as well as aging. These subtle scratches, cracks

For those fortunate enough to have their own home back

and color variations are what make each piece special. The

then, they would paint the outside of their wood homes with

overall finish is created by hand polishing and brushing each

leftover paint from the shipyard. When the population grew

piece with high quality environmentally friendly oils to cre-

so quickly and housing became a problem, they constructed

ate or enhance a genuine aged patina. Reclaimed wood is

shared housing called conventillos, constructed from scrap cor-

also more environmentally friendly because the more time

rugated metal and wood from old ships.

a forest has had to develop naturally, the more efficient it

It is the La Boca railway area of Buenos Aires that inspired a rustic, charming and unique collection called Caminito, which I found while searching for a one-of-a-kind statement bed. Not

26

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September 2015

eco-system becomes.

The Caminito collection bed can be found at Pamaro Shop at 5465 University Parkway (941.359.0025).

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Š2015 Tableseide Restaurant Group. All Rights Reserved. All names and their logos are trademarks of the Tableseide Restaurant Group.

The Modern Events team is Sarasota's top quality catering and venue provider focused on creating experiences with exceptional food, service and ambiance. We strive to surpass the expectations of our clients with our honest dedication to producing outstanding events. With our fabulous space, food and staff, Modern Events can handle any occasion.

Allow us to serve your next wedding or special event.

GET INSPIRED Cultural Happenings brought to you by the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

“Sarasota's arts scene is a plethora of shows, festivals, classes and resources. It opens so many doors. Being born and raised here, I took for granted the constant activities available and now, as an adult, I wish I had learned sooner. There's always somewhere, some way to be involved at any age, at any time. Finding hobbies for kids in this area isn't the easiest thing to do, but the arts provide so many different options for children that could lead them into a career doing something they love. Sarasota's devotion to the arts gives them that chance.”

–Casey Kelley, Customer Service Representative, Resource One, Inc.

Culture Collective Opening Night Party Sept. 2015 Are you a 21 to 39 year old looking to experience the arts but you don’t know where to start? The Culture Collective can help. The Sarasota Culture Collective gives those interested in the arts (ages 21-39) the chance to experience Sarasota’s world-class organizations at a dramatically discounted rate and exclusive access to pre- or post-show mix and mingle events. With a membership, you can see one performance at each of the following venues: Asolo Rep, Sarasota Ballet, The Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Opera, Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling.

Pre/post show events include cocktails, appetizers, a chance to schmooze with the younger set in Sarasota and a short up close and personal presentation by a performer, director, etc. from the arts organization.

Join us for the kick-off event in September. Keep a look out for the 2015-16 schedule and more information on the kick-off soiree at sarasotaculturecollective.com

September 2015

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29

Facing the Music Boostore1Sarasota Sept. 13, 2015 at 2 p.m.

A Bench in the Sun Lemon Bay Playhouse Sept. 2 - 20, 2015 Harold and Burt, longtime friends, live in a retirement home and spend their days on a bench in the garden bickering. A once famous actress has moved in, giving them something new to argue over. When they learn that the home is about to be sold, and they will have to find a new residence, the three join forces to prevent this upsetting development. Lemonbayplayhouse.com

Kate Soper and Wet Ink: Ipsa Dixit New Music New College Sept. 26, 2015 One of the most exciting composers of her generation, Kate Soper comes to NMNC to thrill us with Ipsa Dixit, her new quasitheatrical work for voice and instruments.

A dazzling singer, Soper will perform with Wet Ink, the New York based new-music ensemble (percussion, violin, and flute).

Ipsa Dixit is a concert-length piece that uses texts by Lydia Davis, Wittgenstein, Freud, Plato, Aristotle, and others to explore the treachery of language and the frustrations and limits of communication. Attend a free conversation with the artist on Thursday, Sept. 24, 5p.m., Mildred Sainer Pavilion. newmusicnewcollege.org

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Poet Carolyn Gregory introduces her latest collection, Facing the Music. Gregory has published poems in American Poetry Review, Seattle Review, Wilderness House Literary Review, Cutthroat, Main Street Rag, Bellowing Ark, Tower Journal, and Borderlands: Texas. She has won a Massachusetts Cultural Council award and was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She has published two chapbooks and a previous full-length book, Open Letters. Additionally, she has written music and theater reviews for Slant for the past twenty years.

Facing the Music speaks of dualities, dealing with the hungry ghosts of addiction, war, violence against women and loss with compassion and a lyric sword. Many of Gregory’s poems are philosophical and progressive, spiritual and profane at the same time. sarasotabooks.com

Annual Arts Celebration Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County Oct. 26, 2015 The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County invites the public to attend the Annual Arts Celebration at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. There will be performances from various arts organizations and awards for those people that help shape the arts in Sarasota. It’s a great time to rub elbows with other arts lovers and to celebrate what makes Sarasota so unique – our thriving arts scene.

Celebrating Senior Living!

A leisurely life of socializing with new friends, participating in stimulating activities, enjoying delicious chef-prepared meals, hopping onto convenient transportation, and receiving hassle-free care when you need it, is just around the corner.

Our bright and bustling community will offer independence, freedom, safety, security, and a new social circle.

HarborChase is Sarasota’s newest Assisted Living and Memory Care community. Join our Charter Club and be the first to select your luxurious apartment, with 24-hour on-site nursing, extended congregate care license (ECC) to ensure our families and residents receive all the special attention the need.

Call to find out about our exclusive Charter Club specials!

Sales Center Now Open!

Call (941) 468-2838 Today!

5311 Proctor Road, Sarasota, FL 34233 www.HarborChase.com Assisted Living Facility # Pending

ONE PALM

One Palm, located on the corner of Ringling Boulevard and Palm Avenue, is soon to be the one and only choice for luxury apartment living in downtown Sarasota.

One Palm, located at 201 S. Palm Avenue, is taking luxury living to new heights featuring first class amenities and services. One Palm is a uniquely designed tower including both upscale rental residences and Aloft hotel accommodations. The property provides exclusive amenity services as well as hospitality/restaurant spaces that will be open to the public.

One, two, and three bedroom apartment homes range from 688 square feet to nearly 2500 square feet. The spacious floorplan designs feature custom finishes and fabulous view options including downtown waterfront, a lush tropical courtyard, or city skyline.

Interior finishes boast a modern-zen style featuring granite countertops, oversized subway tile, gas stoves, walk-in showers, large closets, expansive balconies, and designer cabinetry.

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One Palm residents have exclusive membership to the Aloft executive level featuring the roof top pool, pool bar, fitness center, and social gathering spaces. Downstairs the venues includes WXYZ bar, relaxing courtyard & cyber cafĂŠ. Valet parking is just one of the many concierge services that the property will provide.

With all this, One Palm is also within walking distance to Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota Opera, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and many downtown shops and restaurants. One Palm is also just minutes away from the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, The Ringling, Mote Marine and area beaches.

If you would like to learn more about One Palm, call 941-234-4063 or visit onepalmsarasota.com.

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Redef ining the Art of Wealth Management An exclusive approach to financial planning that incorporates an array of sophisticated assessment tools and a zeal for connecting with, and helping, clients has spurred substantial growth for Wealth Planning and Design Inc. Its proprietary approach helps client families understand more deeply their own views of finances and risk and aligns portfolios to reflect their goals — but does not stop there.

A team of financial professionals also identifies inefficient strategies that can impact wealth creation while getting to know clients on a deeper level that forges lasting relationships.

“We want to listen to our clients, discuss their goals and

cluding a tool that gives clients and their spouses an in-

ambitions, evaluate what they have been doing, and

depth view of their communication and decision-mak-

look for any holes we can fill so they can retire comfort-

ing styles. The assessment also reveals more detail about

ably,” said Len Leetzow, who handles the firm’s portfolio

their risk tolerance — far beyond being asked if they are

management. “Of course we’ll look at their portfolio, but

conservative, moderate, or aggressive. Clients then re-

first we want to see the whole picture and create a plan

ceive a comparison of their risk tolerance in relation to

with concrete steps for achieving goals. Without a plan,

the actual risk in their current portfolios.

it’s just a dream.” To better communicate this comprehensive approach and to encompass its growing team,

Clearly understanding each other’s styles and prefer-

the Lakewood Ranch firm recently changed its name to

ences can be impactful in many ways. “People make an

Wealth Planning and Design at Nepsis Advisor Services

emotional connection with this, and spouses have told us

from The Leetzow Group at Nepsis Advisor Services.

they’ve never been able to communicate so well about money. We have a process we follow, and people are

Wealth Planning and Design begins creating plans by

loving it,” says advisor Mark Clark. “We have taken the

helping clients, their spouses, and team members build

assessments, too, and we share our results with clients.

a bridge of understanding. Along with a comprehensive

For us, it’s about the people, the impact we can have on

financial review, it incorporates other assessments in-

their lives, and making that connection with them.”

L-R, Seated: Greg Roberts & Joni Rametta. Standing: Mark Clark & Len Leetzow. Photo by Nancy Guth Having worked in the early part of his career with a se-

have been aware they were losing though alternatives in

nior-focused insurance agency, advisor Greg Roberts too

mortgage financing, retirement plan funding, and oth-

often saw the struggle that can result from financial pit-

er areas. That approach can increase cash flow without

falls. “I saw people who put all their eggs in one basket

having to seek higher returns, which can mean taking

because of an influential relationship. They lacked the

on additional risk. “We help them find money to repur-

appropriate diversification and therefore experienced

pose,” he said. “They can save the majority of this mon-

less than favorable results,” Roberts said. “Unfortunate-

ey if they choose, but also put some toward lifestyle to

ly, they didn’t have a clear picture of their alternatives.

make the journey more pleasant.”

We want to help people with their financial direction.”

It all comes down to viewing a client’s whole picture People often think the only way to accomplish their fi-

and looking more broadly at potential solutions. The

nancial goals is by taking on more risk, but that is not

team assisted one couple in resolving an issue regard-

necessarily true. Wealth Planning and Design advisors

ing where to spend their retirement years and whether

have helped clients understand other options that can

they could afford two homes. “We helped them see they

impact them financially. “Older retired clients may come

could afford both homes for four or five years, which

in who are paying more in taxes than they want and

helped them move forward knowing they could com-

think they are stuck, but that is not the case,” Clark said.

fortably postpone making a final decision,” said advisor

“We also were able to help a business owner implement

Joni Rametta. “We gave them an option they didn’t see

strategies that reduced his tax liability and freed addi-

before walking in our door. Our approach is about you,

tional funds for his family.”

where you are, and how to eliminate your pain points.

We feel lucky to be able to make our living by helping

Advisors also can help clients find money they may not

people live a good life and reach their goals.”

More information about Wealth Planning and Design is available by calling 941.361.1484 or visiting wealthplanninganddesign.com.

Advisory services offered through Nepsis Advisor Services, Inc.; an SEC Registered Investment Advisor.

The First American Company To Bring Ashton’s Enigma Variations & Marguerite and Armand Into Its Repertoire join The Sarasota Ballet family and become a part of something special

“Few, though, can have appreciated the extraordinary level both of Mr. Webb’s ambition and his company’s level of achievement.”

– Alastair Macaulay The New York Times

“Webb and his ex-ballerina wife Margaret Barbieri have, in a few years, given this small American company the world’s most extensive active Ashton repertoire.”

– Gerald Dowler The Financial Times (London)

2015 - 2016

SEASON Victoria Hulland & Ricardo Graziano ‘Marguerite and Armand’

www.SarasotaBallet.org

|

941.359.0099

Photography by Frank Atura

THE BEST OF THEATRE OF DREAMS

Production is accompanied by Live Music

FSU Center for the Performing Arts

23 - 25 October 2015

Choreography by dancers of The Sarasota Ballet and Pavel Fomin’s 1997 ballet Hommage à Chopin.

MACMILLAN, WRIGHT & ASHTON Sarasota Opera House

20 - 21 November 2015

Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Concerto, Sir Peter Wright’s Summertide & Sir Frederick Ashton’s Marguerite and Armand.

JOHN RINGLING’S CIRCUS NUTCRACKER Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

18 - 19 December 2015

Bringing the spirit of the holidays to Sarasota, Matthew Hart’s choreography entwines the classic Nutcracker story with the rich history of John and Mable Ringling and Sarasota’s connection to the circus.

Danielle Brown & Ricardo Graziano Emeralds

BALANCHINE, DE VALOIS & GRAZIANO FSU Center for the Performing Arts

29 January - 1 February 2016

George Balanchine’s Emeralds, Dame Ninette de Valois’ The Rake’s Progress & Ricardo Graziano’s In a State of Weightlessness.

THE SARASOTA BALLET PRESENTS

SMUIN BALLET - SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA FSU Center for the Performing Arts

26 - 28 February 2016

Founded by Emmy and Tony Award winner Michael Smuin. Smuin Ballet is an American ballet company with a distinctly American accent.

Kate Honea & Ricardo Rhodes Stars and Stripes

ASHTON & BALANCHINE Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

8 - 9 April 2016

Sir Frederick Ashton’s Enigma Variations & George Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes.

Logan Learned Jazz Calendar

WHEELDON & ASHTON Sarasota Opera House

29 - 30 April 2016

Christopher Wheeldon’s The American, Sir Frederick Ashton’s Jazz Calendar & Ashton’s A Wedding Bouquet.

Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Concerto Choreographed by Sir Kenneth MacMillan Emeralds & Stars and Stripes Choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust In a State of Weightlessness premiered at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, August 12, 2015

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A Wise Use of Talent

The Baumann Family & USF Sarasota-Manatee By Ryan G. Van Cleave | Photo by Nancy Guth

T

o hear Charles Baumann talk about the many groups,

in an agreement that enables the institutions to join forces in

organizations and partnerships he’s been involved

new science ventures, provide expanded learning and create

with over the years, you might wonder whether he’s

economic development opportunities regionally and statewide.

had time to sleep: The FCCI Insurance Board, the

“I’ve been involved with Mote since the 1980s. They’re like fam-

Community Health Corporation Board of Directors, the Ameri-

ily,” Baumann said. “The work they’re doing is having a huge

can Institute of Certified Public Accountants are just some of the

impact right here in our community.”

groups that have benefitted from his help.

His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2009, they earned

But the two organizations the Sarasota resident (“born and

him a Donald A. Gifford Alumni Service Award recognizing al-

raised in Manatee County”) mentions most are the Mote Marine

ums for service to the university. “As a member of the USF Sara-

Laboratory and University of South Florida, which Baumann at-

sota-Manatee Board of Trustees and the USF Foundation Board

tended “a long, long while ago,” he says with laugh. Baumann’s

of Trustees, Mr. Baumann has been a tremendous leader and ad-

appreciation for his alma mater and USF Sarasota-Manatee, in

vocate for USF Sarasota-Manatee,” Regional Chancellor of USF

particular, is readily apparent. He’s quick to point out what he

Sarasota-Manatee Dr. Sandra Stone said. “His contributions to

likes most about the local campus: “USF Sarasota-Manatee has

USFSM and his community-engagement efforts have had a pro-

great people. They really listen to the community.”

found effect on the Sarasota-Manatee region.”

When he first reached out to USFSM more than 20 years

Baumann’s leadership is still being felt today. His fundraising

ago, its presence in the Sarasota area was limited to say the

efforts, in particular, were of tremendous benefit in building up

least. The campus, a satellite of USF Tampa, was a mere six

the Sarasota-Manatee campus, which officially opened in 2006

years old when the young accountant left the IRS in 1981 to take

north of the New College campus. “While most of the money

a job at Sarasota-based Kerkering, Barberio & Co., P.A. After

came from the state, we raised money to make the school better

years of crisscrossing the state for the feds, Baumann returned

for the students and the community,” he said. “It’s the sort of

to the place of his youth. At the time, USFSM, a youngster itself,

thing that lets you drive home with a smile on your face.”

was sharing space on the New College campus and was hardly

Even in seemingly routine matters, Baumann has played a

known outside the tightknit college community. “If there was a

role. For years, the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus lacked its

question about academics by a newspaper reporter they went to

own “Rocky” mascot. Baumann worked with USF athletic offi-

New College for a quotation,” Baumann recalled. “So we decid-

cials in Tampa to allow the Rocky costume to be purchased and

ed to establish USF Sarasota-Manatee’s own identity.”

brought to the Sarasota-Manatee campus to be used at events.

What Baumann did was strive to bring USFSM into the

“I kept talking to the athletic department, driving them crazy,”

spotlight, and one of his earliest efforts was “Brunch on the

he said. “Whenever Rocky shows up, people love it. It’s fun and

Bay,” an annual benefit that’s now a mainstay of the Sarasota

it promotes education.”

social scene. Not only did Baumann play a key role in founding

Reflecting on his years of support, Baumann never imag-

the charity event, he chaired the first Brunch on the Bay orga-

ined making such an impact. He frequently credits his wife,

nizing committee. “It brings about 1,000 people to the cam-

Linda, for her support, creativity and sacrifice. “When I worked

pus,” he said of the event. “It’s not about making money, but

for the IRS we never got invited to parties, so we always had

rather about introducing the university to the (Sarasota-Mana-

time to keep our lawn well-cared for,” he said. “Today? We’re

tee) community.”

doing so many things and having so much fun that our lawn is

Brunch on the Bay is now entering its 22nd year.

looking a little shaggy.”

Baumann has helped the university in other ways, too. A

Although he’s no longer full-time at Kerkering, Barberio

longtime supporter of the Mote Marine Laboratory – he current-

(he refuses to use the word “retired”), Baumann keeps a full

ly serves on its board of (honorary) trustees – Baumann used

schedule, largely with philanthropic work. It’s clear he enjoys

his influence to build a bridge between the university and the

making a difference, whether setting up internships, organiz-

renowned marine research facility. The result: The Mote Marine

ing meetings or sharing his CPA knowledge. And while he

Laboratory-USFSM biology program partnership where students

admits, “I wasn’t really involved with the university when I

team up with scientists on research in the lab and out on the

was a student,” he’s more than made up for that over the past

Gulf of Mexico. The sides formalized their relationship in 2009

three decades.

September 2015

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Circus Boosters

Ed Town & Steve Rubin By Steven J. Smith | Photo by Nancy Guth

A

lthough Ed Town and Steve Rubin never ran

Town started out by spending two days a week in the

away to join the circus, they chose the next

organization’s offices answering phones and working on

best thing — donating their time and money

the database, entering donor information and selling tickets

to perpetuate The Circus Arts Conservatory’s

when the shows are running. He then told Rubin about his

wonderful programs.

Town grew up in upstate New York, but considers himself

activities with the circus and thought it could use Rubin’s talents as well.

“a New York City guy.” He made his career there, working

“I told him what a terrific costume shop the circus had

for 25 years in international human resources for such es-

and he came up to see it one day,” Town said. “That’s when

teemed institutions as American Express, Tiffany & Company

he got hooked.”

and Borden. Rubin hails from Utah and enjoyed a successful

“Ed told me they were up all night sewing sequins on

career as a set and costume designer for the New York City

costumes and I thought, you know, I did that for years,” Ru-

Ballet, the Broadway show On Golden Pond and regional

bin added. “I should be able to help out with that.” Now

theaters such as the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. They

Rubin volunteers a day or two a week by keeping the circus

retired in 2000 and moved to the greater Sarasota area. It

performers’ costumes in tiptop condition. “I handle what-

was here they first encountered Circus Sarasota, which was

ever comes up in the costume shop,” he said. “You never

rebranded in 2013 as The Circus Arts Conservatory, a non-

know what that’s going to be. Some of it’s pretty menial, but

profit performing arts educational organization.

it doesn’t matter if it helps them.”

“In 2001 we first went to Circus Sarasota and we’ve gone

“We started out as audience members and donors and

back every year since,” Town said. “We always take friends,

then saw the important work Sailor Circus does with kids,”

either to Circus Sarasota or Sailor Circus. We feel like am-

Town added. “It’s incredible. We increased our donations

bassadors for circus arts.”

then increased our affiliation through our volunteer efforts.”

The two began their association with The Circus Arts

Rubin said he loves working with the kids. “They’re fas-

Conservatory as donors some years ago and have gradually

cinating and challenging,” he said. “And much more moti-

increased their roles with the organization.

vated than I was, when I was their age. It’s really a pleasure

“I was leaving one volunteer opportunity and was look-

to see that.”

ing for something else to do,” Town said. “And the CAC

“People don’t know all the other things CAC does,

had moved their offices to the current Bahia Vista location,

like preserving the history of circus and promoting ed-

which made it a much easier commute for me than when

ucation,” Town added. “They offer a summer camp for

they were up on 17th Street. I had always thought that would

children ages 6-15, which takes place in one- and two-

be a fun place to volunteer, so I contacted them and have

week sessions during June, July and August. In addition,

been helping out ever since.”

they go into nursing homes and entertain residents with

Sailor Circus started out in 1949 as a small high school

a program involving humor therapy which improves their

gymnastics class and has grown into a top circus school in

memory, reduces stress, eases anxiety and depression,

the U.S. Students learn circus arts in a safe and nurturing at-

decreases pain perception and enhances their lives. It

mosphere. Over the last six decades, thousands of students

wasn’t being dazzled by the stars of Circus Sarasota or

have completed the Sailor Circus training program. Each

having sawdust in our veins that got us interested in this

year, students train with coaches and volunteers to create

organization. It was seeing an after-school program that’s

performances that have evolved into a major tourist attrac-

been running for 65 years and has turned out some really

tion in the Southwest Florida region.

wonderful young adults. What they do for the community

“I think it’s great that there’s a place for kids to have some structure, in a way that also gives them a little art, exercise and entertainment,” Rubin said. “It’s just a wonderful program.”

is laudable.”

For more information on The Circus Arts Conservatory, visit www.circusarts.org or call 941-355-9335.

September 2015

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Each year the CirCus Arts ConservAtory presents a multitude of circus productions that expand all creative barriers and bring the best in circus arts to southwest Florida.

2015 CirCus Arts ChArity Golf tournAment monday, october 12 Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club, 15150 70th Terrace E., Bradenton 34202 Spend the day on the exceptional grounds of the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club in support of the CAC Outreach Programs. sAhib shrine CirCus friday, october 23 and saturday, october 24 Sailor Circus Arena - 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota 34239 This incredible show offers all the best the circus has to offer but with a limited engagement so you should get your tickets early.

sAilor CirCus holidAy speCtACulAr saturday, december 26 thru tuesday, december 29, 2015 Sailor Circus Arena - 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota 34239 Celebrate the holiday season circus style! A wonderful family experience featuring students ages 8 – 18 who will make your spirits bright!

WindjAmmers ConCert sunday, january 17, 2016 Sailor Circus Arena - 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota 34239 Performing locally since 1986, The Windjammers Unlimited is a historical music society that is dedicated to the preservation of traditional circus music. This free performance brings the old and new together combining Sailor Circus performers with live traditional circus music.

CirCus Arts gAlA under the Big top Friday, January 29, 2016 The Big Top – Behind UTC Mall, University Parkway and I-75 Join us as we make a toast and celebrate 2015 NEA National Heritage Fellow and CAC co–founder Dolly Jacobs in a night of fabulous food and entertainment that you can only find at the circus! This is the gala you won’t want to miss!

CirCus sArAsotA Winter perFormAnCe Friday, February 12 thru sunday, February 28, 2016 The Big Top – Behind UTC Mall, University Parkway and I-75 Under the Big Top for over 18 seasons we have presented an international, all-star lineup of circus artists with an unparalleled array of thrilling acts. The Circus Sarasota winter production will once again amaze audiences celebrating the unique circus heritage of our community for only 2 weeks! Last year’s shows all sold out so make plans to get your tickets early!

Cirque des Voix saturday, march 19 and sunday, march 20, 2016 The Big Top – Behind UTC Mall, University Parkway and I-75 A unique and exhilarating spin on the traditional circus, this powerful performance combines world-class circus acts with the 100+ voices of the Key Chorale and the musical expertise of the 30-piece Cirque Orchestra to produce one of the most breathtaking professional shows you’ll ever have the pleasure of experiencing. sAilor CirCus spring shoW thursday, march 31 thru saturday, April 9, 2016 Sailor Circus Arena - 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota 34239 One of Sarasota’s most important traditions, the 67th edition of the Sailor Circus Spring Show presents 100+ youth performers to amaze audiences. A must-see for all circus fans, you won’t believe the professionalism or incredible talent of these students!

941.355.9805 CirCusArts.org

t r A ck!

a t At

Photography:

JOHN REVISKY

main thing “isThe to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live.

”

– Auguste Rodin

Shakespeare’s headstrong shrew is none other than Michelle Bianchi Pingel, Managing Director of The Players Theatre. By day, she is the “work” wife of her tamer, The Players Artistic Director Jeffrey Kin, who she affectionately calls her “work” husband. This dynamic duo delivers top quality community theater year after year and has so much fun doing it. Join in as The Players begins its season with Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, September 3rd – 13th. theplayers.org

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The saying “You can take a girl off of the farm, but you can’t take the farm outta the girl” resonates within local artist Cassia Kite. Born and raised a Midwest farm girl, her childhood experiences of farm living greatly influence her work, which communicates the nostalgia, appreciation, love and admiration for her upbringing.

Cassia’s work will be on display at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts Key Influence Exhibition from September 26 through October 31. She is represented locally by State of the Arts Gallery, State Street, Sarasota. cassiakite.com

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Exquisite chef by day, true artist by his sheer talent in various mediums, Guillaume Dupont creates magnificence with every dish he proudly crafts.

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Let the sparks fly! His father was the world-renowned scrap metal auto part sculptor, John Chamberlain, so it is no wonder why metal sculpture artist Duncan Chamberlain creates metal sculpture that is interesting, unique and beautiful. His work has graced many homes and businesses and has also been exhibited in Sarasota’s Season of Sculpture and in front of Art Center Sarasota. ducanchamberlainart.com

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Whether she’s working with glamorous runway models in NYC or zombies on The Walking Dead, Sarasota’s Kamila Wysocka is a top talent in the art of makeup.

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ONE LIFESTYLE. ONE CHOICE. ONE PALM.

RESERVE YOUR HOME TODAY AT WWW.ONEPALMSARASOTA.COM | 941-234-4063

The arts shine in St. Pete.

Come find your sunshine in our acclaimed arts scene, with scores of galleries, dazzling performing arts, six art districts, world-class museums and centers for glass and clay.

Creating a cultural climate that rivals the world’s greatest cities – all within steps of Florida’s most scenic urban waterfront.

SarasotaScene.indd 1

8/4/15 4:59 PM

Come as you are.

Leave different.

TM

Sarasota’s Orchestra With four exhilarating series, the Sarasota Orchestra offers music lovers a diverse mix of concerts from September through May. With more than 70 musicians living in our community, the Sarasota Orchestra is both a local treasure and one of the finest regional orchestras in the country. The Sarasota Orchestra is also the parent program of the renowned Sarasota Music Festival held each June. For more information visit our website or call the Box Office.

Masterworks

Pops

Be there as the Sarasota Orchestra, led by music director Anu Tali, presents its hallmark series of seven powerful concerts featuring guest conductors and guest artists from around the globe. Each concert features some of the most

This season the Orchestra presents three vibrant Pops concerts featuring the most memorable music from Broadway, a mulitmedia Disney in Concert experience, and a nostaligic trip to yesterday as guest conductor Jack Everly and the Sarasota

important works of the classical repertoire.

Orchestra turn back the clock to the 1960’s.

Chamber Soirees

Great Escapes

Chamber music lovers will especially enjoy this concert series, featuring our principal musicians. Our resident ensembles of Orchestra musicians fill out these programs held in the intimacy of Holley Hall.

These audience favorites mix popular music with light classical works. Great Escapes concert themes include: music of the movies, holiday tunes, music’s all-time classics, Valentine’s week celebration, unforgettable music, and hot Latin nights!

Get Your Tickets Now! Music Director Anu Tali

Anu Tali photo by Kaupo Kikkas

941-953-3434 SarasotaOrchestra.org

Florida Studio Theatre Downtown Gem Has Something for Everyone

C

By Sue Cullen

ruising downtown Sarasota on any given evening, one area that nearly always bustles with activity is the corner of Palm and Cocoanut av-

enues where an eclectic assemblage of theater-goers gather for Florida Studio Theatre’s equally eclectic performances.

Striving for audience engagement in an intimate setting, FST offers something for everyone. While it has certainly entertained audiences over the years, it also has explored the edges of theater art and, in the process, encouraged us to explore the range of what it means to be human.

Florida Studio Theatre has just come off of a successful winter and summer season and is preparing to announce its performance line-up for the 2015-2016 winter season later this month. It’s a safe bet that will include offerings drawn from both

“

entertaining and important regional, Broadway, off-Broadway

We are a theater driven by artists for the audi-

ence and see the value of theater to help society

evolve in a positive direction. Adults attend to

learn life skills and to grow as human beings,

”

which has been done for 3,000 years.

and international theater

produc-

tions. It may even include some new plays since new play development is

an

important

part of FST’s mis-

sion. FST also is in the midst of launching several new initiatives this year and is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of its Write A Play program for students.

“We are a theater driven by artists for the audience and see the value of theater to help society evolve in a positive direction.

Adults attend to learn life skills and to grow as human beings, which has been done for 3,000 years,” says Richard Hopkins, CEO and Artistic Director. “Some think that focusing on the audience is pandering. We try to understand our audience, the community, and their needs, fears and dreams. That drives play production and play creation.”

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Photo of Kate Alexander, Rebecca & Richard Hopkins by John Revisky

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Photo of Vanessa Morosco & Jason Cannon in Dancing Lessons by Cliff Roles

doned her and what kind of person he really is. The play explores the dichotomy of great people doing bad things.”

As well as examining the spectrum of human behavior, FST productions also have tackled thorny societal issues. Ten years ago, it produced Hedwig and the Angry Inch, dealing with transgender issues. “We focus on the needs of society in dealing with issues like gender, race, and how to deal with people who are different like in Dancing Lessons,” Richard says. “Our work speaks to contemporary audiences about contemporary issues. We did gender issues 20 years ago and while there was nothing naughty involved, we got hate mail. Today we’re not where we were then with race relations and gender issues. It’s evolving, and I feel theater has been a big part of that communication and in taking us to a turning point.”

Kate Alexander, FST’s Associate Director and founder of the

In 2011, David Mamet’s Race hit the stage and FST expanded

FST Theatre School, concurs with Hopkins. “We are a the-

the dialogue online and into the community. “We embarked

ater of entertainment and a theater of investigation,” she says.

on a synergistic experience for our community, and over

“We do the gamut and are not afraid of it.” Covering the gam-

40 organizations became involved in a continuing dialogue

ut is made possible by FST’s five intimate theater and cabaret

across the community, including the Sarasota Ministerial As-

spaces. The largest still seats only 237 patrons and the others

sociation,” Kate said. “Twenty-five ministers talked about race

seat about 100. “It’s a special relationship and connection be-

from their pulpits, and the Ministerial Association kicked off

tween the actors and the audience,” says Managing Director

a diversity group from last year’s activities.” Those activities

Rebecca Hopkins, who oversees FST’s administrative opera-

included FST’s production of Fly, about the famed Tuskegee

tions and has been involved in new play development since

airmen and their fight for freedom here and abroad. “Our

1998. “It’s magical. You can feel them breathe.”

community needs to talk about race, and also listen, with a

Nowhere was that more evident than with last winter season’s Dancing Lessons, a gem of a play with just two char-

FST also serves up its share of lighter fare in addition to

acters, a young man on the autism spectrum and the in-

dealing with the weightier issues. Confections like last sea-

jured, sidelined female Broadway dancer from whom he

son’s Hairspray and other audience favorites also grace the

seeks instruction. “This was the little play that would not

mainstage, and it has a robust line up of political/social

stop because of the relationship developed between them,”

commentary with Laughing Matters and improv including

Rebecca says. “Audiences can expect more of that for the

Comedy Lottery in which the audience participates. FST

mainstage.” The show was so popular, it played to 18,000

also has delved deeply into the art of Cabaret. “One of the

people (more than any other show in the season) and ran

reasons we got into Cabaret is that tremendously artistic the-

eight weekly shows at near capacity for 14 weeks.

ater can get too precious, too microscopic and egocentric,”

The show was written by Mark St. Germain, whose relationship with FST spans 30 years. Richard is hopeful a new play St. Germain is writing will be ready for this season. “The play deals with the little known fact that Albert Einstein and his wife had a daughter they gave up for adoption,” he says. “In the play, the daughter confronts Einstein to ask why he aban-

56

cross-cultural and cross-institutional discussion,” she says.

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Richard says. “This is more reckless and because it is small and simple, we can take a risk and change quickly if it is not working. We have always been a minimalist theater, more metaphoric and less literal, which leaves more to the imagination of the audience. This is minimalism at its best.”

Cabaret performances have proven extremely popular with

Photo of Joe Casey & Sarah Hund in American Pie by Carla Varisco

audiences. Musicals and musical revues in FST’s Cabaret Series, such American Pie celebrating America’s response to the “British invasion.” The most successful Cabaret show to date, American Pie completed its run of 19 weeks with 161 performances. “We develop our own shows during the winter season,” says Rebecca, who has created more than 25 musical revues for FST. “We have been at the forefront of developing Cabaret theater. These are full shows, fleshed out. They celebrate the lyric poets of our time.

Ours is probably the largest Cabaret audience in the country with over 11,500 subscribers.”

A point of pride for FST leadership is its accessibility and appeal to a broad spectrum of the community through affordable ticket prices, Pay What You Can nights, a robust educational outreach program, and something a little indefinable that has happened quite deliberately. “You can come in jeans or a fur coat and feel comfortable,” Kate says. “We have an actual receptionist, real people answer our phones, and our box office has no window. Every moment is geared to an intimate and authentic experience.”

That accessibility is also apparent in FST’s education programs. In addition to bringing in thousands of students for per-

Photo of Robert Karma Robinson, Sean Hopkins, Michael Pauley & Jordan Bellow in FLY by Matthew Holler

formances annually, its Write A Play initiative, which reaches

challenges may help children in Easter Seals programs. The

50,000 students and teachers, gives grade school children

school also offers adult acting and improvisation classes.

the chance to write about subjects meaningful to them and then to see an anthology of their plays performed. FST’s The-

All of this adds up to a combined reach of more than

atre School accepts all children, 20 percent of whom are on

200,000 attendees annually. “Florida Studio Theatre’s min-

scholarships, with no auditions. Kate studied with the great

imalist approach also translates into a significantly smaller

Sonia Moore, a protégé of Constantin Stanislavski whose con-

budget than for many not-for-profit professional theaters,”

cepts underpin method acting, which she has used to de-

Richard says. And FST definitely feels the love from its audi-

velop her own teaching methods. Students progress at their

ence members, 57 percent of whom are also donors, eclips-

own pace through monologue, scene study, and play perfor-

ing the national average of 21 percent.

mance. “They learn the art of seeing life in theater and theater in life,” Kate says. “Theater is an investigation of the self and the human condition. Our inherent belief is that all children need a place of expression.”

“The central story about Florida Studio Theatre is that we walk our talk.” Richard says. “Our mission, our core values, and our philosophy permeate every function of the theatre from the page to the stage, from the box office to the board

Now coming on stream is a geographic expansion of Write

room, from the actor to the audience. FST is the voice of the

A Play into New York at the Chautauqua Institution, Russia,

people. Our goal is to put the world on the stage. When

Israel, and Scotland. With new grant monies, a new initia-

we do that, we naturally find the world in the audience.

tive with high school students is being added, and a program

Everyone is welcome.” More information about Florida Studio

for grieving children is being developed through hospice.

Theatre is available by calling 941.366.9017 or visiting

FST also is exploring how its VIP program for students with

floridastudiotheatre.org.

September 2015

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by Carlos Vicente

Picture this: Turin, 1896, when a thirty-eight-year-old Giacomo Puccini is premiering his new opera—La bohème—under the baton of a conductor from Parma, named Arturo Toscanini.

Ten years earlier, in 1886, a nineteen-year-old cellist fresh out of the conservatory joined the string section of an Italian opera company, which toured South America every few years. During a performance of Verdi’s Aida in my hometown, Rio de Janeiro, the local conductor—who lacked command of Verdi’s monumental score—had just been fired moments before curtain, so an immediate replacement was needed to avoid a riot at the opera house. With encouragement from members of the orchestra, and to the astonishment of all, both onstage and off, the very young Toscanini rose to the podium and conducted the entire work from memory with an energy seldom seen in the Theatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro.

By the time of the premiere of La bohème, the young Toscanini had the time to make a name for himself as an opera conductor, and to gain the trust of great composers such as Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini.

Even before the opening performance, drama had already been in the air.

Although initially good friends and partners in the creation of Manon Lescaut, the relationship between Puccini and the composer Ruggero Leoncavallo had seen better days.

Leoncavallo had publicly suggested that Puccini stole his idea to write an opera based on Henri Murger’s Scenes de la vie de Bohème. According to Leoncavallo, Puccini rejected his proposal to work in partnership on a new opera to be called La bohème, then enlisted Luigi Illica and Giuseppe

Giacosa to write the libretto he would himself set to music.

Puccini responded to the allegations affirming he had no knowledge of his friend’s work on the subject, but that he would encourage Leoncavallo to continue writing his version, and let the public choose whose version would prevail.

The opera tells the story of a group of friends—Parisian artists and intellectuals—who are living up to the ideals of the bohemian life style. The four struggle with poverty, but never let hardship bring them down. It’s Christmas Eve, and with the money Schaunard, a musician, has collected from an odd job, the friends decide to celebrate at the Café Momus.

As the plot unfolds, Rodolfo and Mimi fall in love in the Latin quarter of 1830’s Paris—and though it doesn’t get much more romantic than that, critics weren’t so sure about Puccini’s latest work.

Carlo Bersezio, from La Stampa wrote that “[Puccini cannot be forgiven for] composing his music hurriedly and with very little effort to select and polish ... [The work contains] music that can delight but rarely move.”

The reviews were harsh, alleging that Puccini had lost his way after the success of Manon Lescaut, and hoped he would find his way back as soon as possible.

But La bohème—Puccini’s most melodious love story—survived the test of time, and continues to delight audiences to this day.

This fall, it will return to the Sarasota Opera stage just as the composer intended for it to be performed. This is one of those works where just the sheer breadth of emotion— from the silliness of the bohemians’ jokes and pranks, to the heartbreak of a young life taken by illness—will transport and inspire you for an evening you won’t soon forget.

“We wonder what could have started Puccini toward the degradation of this bohème. The question is a bitter one, and we do not ask it without a pang, we who applauded and shall continue to applaud [his last opera, Manon Lescaut], in which was revealed a composer who could combine masterly orchestration with a conception in keeping with the best spirit of Italy,” wrote Berta, in the Gazzetta del Popolo.

Making their Sarasota Opera debuts, meet these principal artists who have sung leading roles with opera companies all around the world—soprano Jessica Rose Cambio as Mimì, Uruguyan tenor Martín Nusspaumer as Rodolfo, and Craig Irvin as Marcello. For a familiar face, soprano Angela Mortellaro, who has dazzled audiences with her sparkling vocalism in Die Fledermaus, returns to sing the role of the flirty Musetta.

Cambio

Mortellaro

Nusspaumer

Irvin

Whether you want to enjoy the whole lineup of Sarasota Opera performances and concerts or just a few, getting tickets is easy! Visit Sarasota Opera’s Box Office at 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236, call (941) 328-1300 or go online to sarasotaopera.org

Arts

at a Crossroad

By Sue Cullen | Photo by John Revisky

An Interview with Jim Shirley, Executive Director of the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County Arts and culture in Sarasota County are at an important crossroads, and decisions being made today will impact – one way or another – the area’s long-standing reputation as Florida’s cultural coast. With the sale of the Quay bayfront parcel and the future of properties such as the former G. Wiz science museum and Proscenium project under review, the face of Sarasota will change. The only question is: how? All of this is unfolding under a broader umbrella of challenges faced in a society deleting arts curricula from schools, slashing government funding, and coping with an aging support base.

“At this time, it is critical to have a unified voice for the arts if we are

to ensure community interests are heard as the City of Sarasota

to have an influence within the community,” says Jim Shirley, Exec-

weighs the future of a key asset for the entire region, the bay-

utive Director of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County,

front. As well as addressing broader issues affecting the arts, the

a membership-based arts advocacy organization comprised of arts

Alliance also is reviving, in a new way, two beloved events that

and cultural organizations and individuals. “Projects being consid-

fell victim to the recession, Arts Day and the Reading Festival.

ered by city and county commissioners will affect our community’s branding. There are hundreds of beautiful beaches in Florida, and many of the people who come here can choose to live anywhere.

The arts are what convince them to say, ‘I want to live here’.”

“Right now, we believe it is important to focus on the opportunities we have today that will have a major impact on the future of our community,” says Shirley about the Alliance’s role as a founding member of Bayfront 20:20. “How will that project brand Sara-

It’s a busy time for the Alliance, whose arts advocacy is being felt

sota — for the arts or something else? Think of Sydney, Australia,

on many fronts, including the Bayfront 20:20 grassroots initiative

and how its beautiful bayfront opera house has become the city’s

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brand. In our case, the Van Wezel is 60 years old, and large and

With that in mind, the Alliance has a long-standing relationship

small groups have identified the need for additional rehearsal and

with the schools, in collaboration with local foundations, to en-

performance space. We aren’t saying the bayfront must be devot-

sure students have the opportunity to be exposed to the arts.

ed to the arts, but that it should remain available to the community

“This is one of the most important things we do, and virtually

and reflect our brand as an arts community by including a strong

all of our partner organizations have educational outreach,” he

cultural purpose. We need to go about this thoughtfully.”

says. “It is one reason why arts haven’t been cut in our schools,

Looking beyond the bayfront, the Alliance also is involved with initiatives to beautify the north Trail corridor from the airport to

and that’s one reason why Sarasota County has one of the top education systems in Florida.”

the Van Wezel – the gateway to the city. It is proposing public

To the joy of many, the Alliance is holding its InspireSarasota!

art for some of the new roundabouts being installed and also is

festival in November 2016 combining the most popular features

involved in a project with ArtSpace to develop affordable live/

of the former Arts Day and Reading Festival. “We’re taking the

work housing for creatives in that area.

best of both to create something new,” Shirley says. “It is a big

Understanding the need for continued philanthropic support for the arts as current patrons are aging, the Alliance has developed the Cultural Collective, to encourage young professionals to become acquainted and fall in love with the arts, through an afford-

celebration of the importance of the arts in our community.”

In the nearer term, the Alliance’s annual free Arts Celebration will be held October 26 at the Van Wezel, with multiple performances and recognition of artistic achievement.

ably priced sampler of performances. The Arts Leadership Pro-

“If we look out 100 years, decisions made today will impact

gram allows younger business leaders to learn about the business

that future, and we have the opportunity to shape that thought

and artistic aspects of cultural organizations and recognize the

process now,” Shirley says. “If you believe, as we do, that arts

scope of effort needed to create successful arts organizations.

are a vital part of our community, please join us. By standing

“These people will be the leaders of the future,” Shirley says,

together, our voices have a better chance of being heard.” Any-

“and it’s important they know the things that endure are the arts

one interested in membership or learning more about the Alli-

and the learning and education stimulated by the arts.”

ance may call 941.365.5118 or visit sarasotaarts.org.

September 2015

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941.351.8000 | 800.361.8388 asolorep.org

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Sarasota Opera completes its Verdi Cycle at the end of March 2016 – a 28-season effort to perform all of the works of Italy’s greatest composer, Giuseppe Verdi.

This landmark achievement will bring much-deserved national and international acclaim to Sarasota Opera.

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Richard Russell, Executive Director of Sarasota Opera, shares details from his journal of a trip to remember.

Day One To kick-off the celebratory season, Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi and I accompanied a group of 27 Sarasota Opera patrons to Italy for a nine-night tour, which began the first night with a welcome dinner at the Grand Hotel et de Milan, steps from La Scala, and Verdi’s on-and-off residence for the last 30 years of his life. He passed away at the hotel at age 87 in 1901.

Sarasotans in front of a statue of Verdi in Busseto

Teatro Verdi Performance

Day Two On the second day, everyone made the short walk to Milan’s famous “Teatro alla Scala,” the world’s most historic and well-known opera house, which opened in 1778. Despite the fact that La Scala was the site of the premieres of Verdi’s Oberto, Un giorno di regno, Nabucco, I lombardi alla prima crociata, Otello, and Falstaff, it has never performed all of Verdi’s operas as Sarasota Opera will do by the end of next March.

The visit included a tour of a room at La Scala devoted exclusively to Verdi and a guided tour by one of the theater’s music staff of the auditorium and backstage. The group then went to the Casa di Riposo per Musicisti (Rest Home for Musicians), more commonly known as the Casa Verdi, where they were met by the Director of Communications, who hailed Verdi as a national hero whose music inspired Italians in their quest for unification in the mid-1800s.

In a letter to a friend, the composer wrote of this home, “Among my works, the one I like best is the home that I had built in Milan for accommodating old singers not favored by fortune, or who, when they were young, did not possess the virtue of saving. The poor, dear companions of my lifetime! Believe me, my friend, this home is truly my most beautiful work (la mia opera più bella).”

That evening, the group attended a reception in the Sala Verdi, the hotel suite that was Verdi’s home for the last years of his life. After the reception, everyone went back to La Scala for a performance of Turandot

by Verdi’s heir, Giacomo Puccini. The audience was extremely enthusiastic about the singers, but the group was surprised to hear booing as the conductor took his bow. It’s not something we’re used to in Sarasota, but a staffer at La Scala warned that it happens often in Italy.

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Days T hree t Four The morning was spent touring two of Milan’s major sites – the Duomo and Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”, which everyone marveled at given its beauty yet deteriorated condition.

Days Five t Six

The following day, the group went to Parma. Verdi was born

The morning bus ride passed through the small town of Le

in a small town outside Parma. The first stop was a tour of Te-

Roncole (now called Le Roncole Verdi), where Giuseppe Verdi

atro Regio, a beautiful theater similar in size to our Sarasota Op-

was born and spent his first years. Following this, we made our

era House. It is in this theater that a Verdi Festival is held every

way to the town of Busseto.

October. Next was a visit to the Corale Verdi, home of the Verdi

When the composer was 11, he moved to Busseto to attend

Choral Society, which began in 1905. The evening concluded

school. There he became close to the family of Giovanni Barezzi,

with what was for many, the highlight of the tour.

whose daughter would become his first wife. He later received

In March 2013, Sarasota Opera had a visit from four mem-

financial support from the town (and especially from Barezzi)

bers of the Club of the 27. Each of these devoted enthusiasts

for his musical studies in Milan. However, his relationship with

of the music of Giuseppe Verdi is named after one of the com-

the community soured when following his first wife’s death, he

poser’s operas. They meet once a week to discuss music and

returned to Busseto and lived openly with the singer Giuseppi-

have developed ongoing education programs in schools about

na Strepponi, who would later become his wife. The populace

music and Verdi.

shunned Strepponi and felt that Verdi was ungrateful for their

This year, the Sarasota Opera group visited “the 27” in their clubhouse, a small cove underneath Parma’s musical

earlier support. When he heard them claim they “made” him, he declared that they should then “make another one.”

school – Casa della Musica. They entered a dark room with

Welcoming the group to Busseto were four members of the

the only illumination highlighting a bust of Verdi. The mem-

Club of the 27. The first stop was Teatro Verdi, a small, 300-

bers of “the 27” were lined up against the wall and began

seat, beautiful theater named in the composer’s honor. Cross-

singing “Va, pensiero”, the chorus of the Hebrew slaves from

ing a square past a large statue of the composer, the group

Verdi’s opera Nabucco, which is a second national anthem for

made their way to the Casa Barezzi, home of the composer’s

Italians. Following this ritual, the president, Enzo Petrolini (Un

patron Giovanni Barezzi. It was as a lodger in this house that

giorno di regno), presented Sarasota Opera’s group with gifts

the composer met his first wife Margherita, who, along with

and medals in the image of Verdi. Next was a concert in the

their two young children, died tragically only a few years after

Casa della Musica by five accomplished young Italian singers

their marriage. The house was a center of musical life in the

followed by dinner hosted by the Club of the 27.

village and is now restored to display artifacts about the com-

One more presentation ended the evening: a plaque that

poser and his relationship to the Barezzi family.

commemorates the friendship between the Club of the 27 and

After lunch, the group moved on to one of the most honored

Sarasota Opera. Members of the club promised that many of

places by Verdi lovers, the Villa Verdi at Sant’Agata (Saint Agata).

them would join their new friends in Sarasota for the Grand

Following his unpleasant experience living in Busseto and being

Finale of the Verdi Cycle in March 2016.

a farmer at heart, the composer purchased a farm in 1848 and immediately began extensive alterations and additions. He expanded the house and the grounds so that within a few years it was the biggest employer in the area encompassing many acres.

Several of the 100 rooms of the house are now maintained as a museum, but the rest is still used as a home by Verdi’s descendants. The group was given a special treat when the guide took them to rooms not generally open to the public, including the salon, foyer, dining room, and billiard room, where they were joined by Angiolo Carrara-Verdi, the great-great-great grandson of Verdi’s heir, Filomena Maria Carrara-Verdi, and his wife.

The following day included a short tour of conductor Arturo Toscanini’s birthplace and the beautiful Teatro Farnese followed by a trip to Piacenza for a concert performance of Verdi’s I due Foscari at the Teatro Municipale.

Outside the Villa Verdi at Sant'Agata

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September 2015

Audiences in the region of Parma are known as some of

the most discerning and judgmental in the world. Singers who don’t make the grade have been literally run out of town. But when they are enthusiastic, they are indescribably appreciative and demonstrative. That was certainly the case that evening.

I due Foscari was performed without sets or costumes, but was sung complete with orchestra and chorus. The cast included world-renowned baritone Leo Nucci, tenor Fabio Sartori, and soprano Kristin Lewis, who is known by the Sarasota audience for her performance of Musetta in La bohème there in 2006. Since then she has made a successful career in Europe and is now based in Vienna. The conductor was Donato Renzetti.

The theater was pulsing with excitement for the performance. All the principals were exciting and easily thrilled the audience. But the palm for this performance had to go to veteran baritone Nucci, who at the age of 73, still has the goods to deliver. After his final aria, the audience could not contain themselves and leaped to their feet in appreciation.

Presentation by the president of the Club dei 27 to Sarasota Opera

Victor DeRen zi, Teatro La Fenice A rtistic Direct Fortunato O or rtombina, an d Richard Russell inside Teatro La Fe nice

T he Last Days of a Trip t o Remember The final leg of Sarasota Opera’s Verdi Pilgrimage took the group to the beautiful city of Venice.

Venice figured large in Verdi’s career. Several of his greatest operas were premiered in the city including Ernani, Attila, Rigoletto, La traviata, and Simon Boccanegra. It was in the city he also met one of his closest collaborators and friends, librettist Francesco Maria Piave. In another act of the composer’s charity, Verdi supported Piave and his family after the poet was struck down by a stroke and left paralyzed in 1867 until his death in 1876.

The group traveled from Parma to Venice and then transferred by water taxi to the Bauer’s Hotel, near the Piazza San Marco. That afternoon they toured the Ca’ Rezzonico, a palazzo which once included Robert Browning and Cole Porter as its tenants, and is now one of the finest museums of art in Venice.

Following the tour they went to the island of Giudecca and the famous Cipriani Hotel where they had a private dinner overlooking the Grand Canal. The next day, they toured St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Market, and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a building for which Tintoretto provided all of the artwork, including some of his greatest masterpieces.

A performance at the Teatro La Fenice was on tap for the evening. The famous theater, site of the Verdi premieres (including the opening night fiasco of La traviata) in Venice, is named after the “Phoenix.” The beautiful, but ill-starred venue, has had to repeatedly “rise from the ashes” as fires have destroyed the theater three times – in 1792, 1836, and most recently in 1996. It is one of the most historically important theaters in the country and one of the most ornate.

The artistic director of the Teatro La Fenice, Fortunato Ortombina, gave some insight into the theater and the production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, which the group would enjoy that evening.

Through a partnership with the Art Biennale, the set design was by visual artist Mariko Mori, whose futuristic aesthetic is reflected in the giant Möbius that dominates the spare stage and which inspired a modernistic interpretation of the opera. Notwithstanding the varying opinions of the production, everyone was glad to have experienced opera in this historic theater.

The last day of the trip, the group visited Lake Orta and the beautiful Villa Crespi. Even Maestro DeRenzi, who had been before to many of the places visited, had never been to parts of the Casa Verdi in Milan and Villa Verdi at Santa’Agata that are not usually open to the public, or had the opportunity to meet one of the composer’s descendants.

It was an experience that no one will soon forget and a fitting start to the season that will bring the Grand Finale to Sarasota Opera’s 28-season long “Verdi Cycle.”

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Broadway Series

Menopause The Musical

The Secret Garden

June 7 – 19, 2016

September 17 – October 4, 2015 Associate Producer Mike Henry

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee October 29 – November 15, 2015

Cabaret The Dawsons in Concert

The Little Mermaid

November 4, 2015

December 3 – 20, 2015

Joey to the World

Associate Producer Betty Dodt

December 9, 2015

A Chorus Line January 7 – 24, 2016

Under the Radar – Starring Lynn Bernfield

Producer Rex Hagen Co-Producers Bud and Betty Shapiro Associate Producer Susan K. Strauss

Lip-Schtick

January 27, 2016 February 24, 2016

Chess February 11 – 28, 2016 Co- Producers Nancy & Hal West and Jon & Bette Frick

Theater for Young AUDIENCES

Bye Bye Birdie

Little Mermaid Jr.

March 17 – April 3, 2016 Associate Producer Mary Zabin

Phantom April 21 – May 8, 2016 Producer Maintenance Too Paper Company Associate Producer Mary Zabin

December 5, 2015

Dear Edwina Jr. June 24 – 25, 2016

The Wiz July 22 – 23, 2016 * P r od u c t i ons s u b j e c t t o c h an g e *

For Gallery Exhibits, Films,Lectures & Conservatory Program information please visit our website or call:

ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com Box Office: 941-748-5875

Studio Series

Concerts & Comedies

Presenting Action Through Acting

Billy Rice Unplugged – Lounge Style

Boys Next Door

October 17 – 18, 2015

September 10 – 27, 2015

Decades – Your Music, Your Memories, Your Life!

In collaboration with Easter Seals Southwest Florida

Bark – The Musical

November 9 – 10, 2015

Kim Betts and Gamble Creek Band

October 22 – November 8, 2015 In collaboration with the Humane Society of Manatee County Producer Kayjan Fund of Manatee Community Foundation Associate Porducers Pete & Me

The Miracle Worker

November 14, 2015 2pm

Tribute to the King December 11 – 12, 2015

It Was A Very Good Year

December 3 – 20, 2015 In collaboration with Lighthouse of Manasota & Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

December 31, 2015

Rat Pack – Together Again January 20, 2016

Diary of Anne Frank January 14 – 31, 2016

A Neil Diamond Tribute

In collaboration with the Florida Holocaust Museum

February 5, 2016

Yank – The Musical

Valentine’s Day Mascara Murder Mystery Brunch

February 18 – March 6, 2016 In collaboration with Equality Florida Co-Producers Ron Lennon & Randy Rentfro

To Kill a Mockingbird

February 13 – 14, 2016

Terry Lee Goffee (The World’s Greatest Johnny Cash Experience) February 26 – 27, 2016

April 14 – May 1, 2016 In collaboration with Manasota Bar Association

* P r od u c t i ons s u b j e c t t o c h an g e *

EDUCATION

The Ringling

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art isn’t just a cool place to spend an afternoon appreciating the Gatsby-like Venetian wonder of Ca’ d’Zan, Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden, the James Turrell Skyspace, and Cornelis van Cleve’s Nativity or Peter Paul Rubens’ The Triumph of the Eucharist — it’s also the State Art Museum of Florida. Talk to anyone who works there and you’ll instantly realize how seriously they take their responsibility of serving the region. To that end, they have created a dynamic education series for K-12 students and their teachers, making art and art education come alive.

These programs make up an important part of The Ringling’s mission to increase the cultural literacy of Florida’s citizens from a young age and to serve as a catalyst in their understanding of the community’s important art, cultural, and historical heritage.

“The Ringling’s offerings geared towards school-

zations to ensure that students can come and witness

age learners evolve and respond to the needs of stu-

art firsthand. Not through the pages of a book. Not on

dents and teachers,” says Curator of Education Maureen

a screen. Not delivered through the words of a lecture.

Zaremba. “Through novel instructional approaches and

“It’s important to experience art in person,” says Bon-

tools, we endeavor to bring this historic campus and its

nie Thomas, Scholastic Programs Coordinator, about

collections to life and share what makes this place so

the different kind of energy museum-goers feel when

special — and fun. Our tours represent a handshake

encountering art live. “People need to view historical

across time for students.”

objects directly and have the opportunity to respond,

The Ringling works with area schools and organi-

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September 2015

to feel and react accordingly.”

To that end, The Ringling has worked with Any

ulary and use visual thinking skills to critically exam-

Given Child Sarasota — part of an initiative of the John

ine works of art. High school students can explore

F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to support

history and literature in the “Myths and Legends”

long-range arts education plans for students in grades

tour, which features depictions of legendary figures

K-8 — to offer a grade-specific museum experience for

in sculpture and paintings.

Sarasota County students. This past year, fourth graders

Educators may also customize their own self-guid-

took a tour that focused on the “Superhuman in Sara-

ed tours of The Ringling to ensure that every curricu-

sota” where they looked at examples of people doing

lum connection they want to make happens. If they

extraordinary things. That learning was then extended

want to talk about the role of railroads in American his-

into the classroom, where students were asked to think

tory, they can see John and Mable’s private railcar, the

about individuals in their lives who demonstrated su-

Wisconsin. If teachers want to cover topics relating to

perhuman qualities, and then the students engaged in

the circus, there’s the Tibbals Learning Center, which

drawing activities related to that theme. Most impor-

has the world’s largest circus model that shows what

tantly, the students attended these events for free, and

the circus was like back during its heyday. To prepare

the resources The Ringling provided for teachers cost

for such a visit, The Ringling has developed a variety

nothing as well. The only thing that can cost schools

of resources and activities that correspond to different

money is transporting the students to the museum,

venues, themes, and exhibitions.

and needs-based bus scholarships are available on The Ringling’s website to help offset those costs.

Supplementing tour offerings are professional development workshops for K-12 teachers in all subject

Thomas says, “We want these experiences to be a

areas that are offered several times throughout the

given, something that schools just plan on doing every

school year. These workshops always focus on some

year. We don’t want it to turn into extra work for teachers

aspect of the collection or special exhibition, which

or schools, so we always try to align what we do with

familiarizes teachers with what The Ringling has avail-

learning standards. We know that we’ll never match up

able. Plus, teachers receive plans and materials that

our tours perfectly with every teacher’s curriculum —

connect works of art or objects to standards, making

who knows where each class is from teacher to teacher,

them related to what they’re doing in the classroom.

week to week? So we instead focus our efforts direct-

“It’s also a great opportunity to network with other

ly on the Sunshine State standards and the new Florida

teachers,” says Victoria Van Cleave. “The Saturdays

Standards, which are common across the board.”

for Educators are can’t-miss events.” Yes, these specific

Those efforts extend beyond the Any Given

workshops have a modest $5 fee for participants, but

Child initiative for fourth graders, to all the schools

attendees get lunch as well as three Continuing Educa-

that The Ringling serves across the state. Nearly

tion credit hours.

9,000 students toured The Ringling last year, and

In 2016, a new Center for Asian Art in the Dr. Hel-

nearly 2,000 teachers and chaperones accompanied

ga Wall-Apelt Gallery for Asian Art will open, provid-

them, enjoying the same experience of having well-

ing educational opportunities for students, scholars,

trained docents show young people how to active-

and the general public and enabling them to better

ly look, interpret, and analyze. For example, there’s

understand and appreciate Asian history and society.

the “Animal Safari” tour, in which elementary school

With this 32,000-square-foot addition, located off the

students learn about the roles that animals play in

southern wing of the Museum of Art, The Ringling will

our lives and in art, then compare the different ways

further expand its ability to connect classroom topics

that artists have depicted our furry, scaly, or feathery

with real works of art and historical artifacts.

companions. Then there’s the “Creative Colors” tour,

For more information about The John & Mable

in which middle school students learn how artists use

Ringling Museum of Art or their education pro-

color to set a mood, define a character, or convey

grams, please visit www.ringling.org or call (941)

symbolic meaning. They also learn art-related vocab-

359-5700.

September 2015

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Scenes from an Interview

Pieter Kohnstam

By Gus Mollasis

It has been said “the art of survival is a story that never ends.” Those words ring true in the life of Pieter Kohnstam. As the evil changing winds blew through Europe during the tumultuous times of World War II, young Pieter’s family was faced with a choice and dilemma. Would they accept the invitation of their neighbors and friends, the Frank family, and go into hiding with Anne and her family, or flee for the road to freedom and a chance to live? Pieter’s parents took to the road with their six-year-old son on a journey of survival that would be long and hard. Pieter made his way from the Netherlands, to Argentina, and eventually America, and now resides in Venice, Florida with his wife, Susan. Together they continue to educate the masses about his family’s flight and fight for survival, and the importance of never forgetting what took place during those horrific times defined by Hitler’s Holocaust. In his enlightening book, A Chance to Live, there are many lessons of survival, love and hope that resonate today, just as powerfully as they did back then in those war torn days. Recently I had the chance to sit down and talk with Pieter about his parents, their shared interest in art, and his childhood playmate, Anne Frank. I learned that the art of survival is truly a story that never ends, as we took a look at some scenes from an interview of his life.

Where were you born?

Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

pius, who during the war came to Harvard. My father proved himself as an artist at the school which attracted faculty that included famed artists Paul Klee, Josef

I understand that your father worked for your

Albers, and Wassily Kandinsky, to name a few. He was

grandfather’s company, which had something to

very talented.

do with toys?

They were toy merchants among other products that they designed. It was a very big company called

Amongst your art, you display a number of your father’s pieces.

MoKo which was named after my great grandfather,

We have a few pieces. As many as we could take.

Moses Kohnstam. My Grandfather, Willie, and my fa-

Mostly they are paintings from after the war. Many

ther, Hans, worked for him at his company in Nurem-

of the paintings before the war have disappeared, al-

berg. The building still stands today. My father was a

though we have one dated 1927. Most of his art work

very talented painter who wanted to be an artist and so

was donated by his second wife and myself to the City

there was an arrangement made in our family. Back in

Museum of Munich. When I attended the dedication

those days, the early 1920s, it was understood that men

ceremony of his work, I got to see how highly respect-

would go out and work. An arrangement was made

ed and admired he was for his art.

between them where my father would be sent to art school if he also continued to work in the family busi-

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What does your father’s art mean to you today?

ness. He attended the Bauhaus School in Germany,

Because of the events that took place, I feel that he

which was run by the founder, architect Walter Gro-

was not totally recognized for what he was worth. It’s

September 2015

perfect a

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Won’t you show your support and help us continue to keep the children coming?

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my hope to show through my work how some artists

ing through Europe prior to World War II. Tell us

were not recognized. One of my goals is to educate

about that.

people, especially my own family, as to who their great grandfather was, and what he created in his life.

My mother was a very gregarious person. She was interested in many things and spoke a number of languages. My parents had to flee Germany in their first

Did you have a favorite toy growing up?

year of marriage 1932. They found their way to Am-

There is one and it was from my grandfather’s com-

sterdam and resided in this building where there were

pany. I was six years old and I saw this phenomenal

many people who fled their countries who were also

scooter in the living room. I still remember the color.

Jewish. Quite a few were also professionals. Sadly,

It was chrome blue. My playmate, Anne Frank, and I

many of them during the occupation committed sui-

immediately took it across the street where we had to

cide. During that time, my mother got friendly with the

try it out. We would play on the scooter and one time

Franks. One of the two daughters, Anne, was very out-

a bad maneuver over gravel caused me to fall and I cut

going and happy. She was seven years older than me

my chin. This was 1940. The Netherlands were occu-

and did not like having to be in that apartment. She

pied so it was not easy for Jewish people to go to the

was more interested in movies, actresses, cosmetics,

hospital and be treated. The little scar that I have here

wearing high heels and playing. My mother and Anne

on my chin is from wiping out on the scooter and it is

hit it off immediately, and had a connection. So nat-

my souvenir of my time with Anne Frank.

urally she asked her to be my babysitter. She was my playmate and babysitter until we fled in 1942.

You were neighbors with Anne Frank and her family.

We lived in the same apartment complex. They had

Before fleeing Amsterdam with your family chron-

a bigger apartment and lived on the second floor and

icled in your book, A Chance to Live, your family

we were on the ground floor.

was asked by the Franks to hide in the now famous apartment. Please tell us about that.

Your life took a drastic change when you were

When Holland was occupied in 1940, times were al-

six years old and the winds of change were blow-

ready very difficult for Jews and some non-Jews to con-

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September 2015

duct a normal life. There was no way to earn money.

burn and blow the place up. But if we left, we had a

During curfew hours, my parents played bridge together

small chance of surviving, and a chance to live. That

almost every night with the Franks. I would be playing

is how the title of this book came about and how my

on the floor and Anne would be playing near me. I don’t

wife, Susan, cleverly came up with that title. Along

remember exactly what I was doing. At some point, as

with the Franks and a few others, we were among

conditions worsened and it became clear that the per-

some of the first people ordered to go to the railroad

secution would lead to the inevitable elimination of the

station. From there, we were going to be transported

Jewish people, Otto Frank invited us to join their family

to Westerbork, a heavily guarded prison in the Neth-

in their hiding place. That was a big secret that nobody

erlands. From there, weekly transports of 600 - 700

knew about and was never told to anybody. For various

people in freight cars that we all have seen, would have

reasons after speaking to my grandmother, my mother

taken us either to Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia or

decided it was not a good idea.

Auschwitz concentration camp. We learned later that only 700 or so of the 1500 ordered to report did in fact

You paint a picture of the time in your book of how

report. We assumed that they fled like we did, escaped

different your journey could have been had you

or did whatever they could to survive. And of course

not fled.

the Franks went into hiding.

When the orders came from the Nazis through the Jewish organization in Amsterdam that we had to

What will people learn about your journey and

present ourselves at midnight at the secondary railroad

your family’s story of survival when they read A

station in Amsterdam, there was a meeting held very

Chance to Live?

quickly amongst our family. Also invited to the meeting

We are all part of the human race and a discrimina-

was the doctor who lived across the street who sad-

tion and attack on one person is to me an attack on all.

ly eventually committed suicide. At this meeting my

What message I intended to convey is this – the Nazis

mother, father and grandmother were deciding what

and other dictatorships can never take this one thing

we were going to do. Two things came out of the meet-

from us, the Jewish people, and that is hope. We don’t

ing. My grandmother said that if we stayed she was

lose hope. We have to stand up. We’re doing presen-

going to close the apartment and turn on the gas and

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75

the Anne Frank Center USA in disseminating education,

but this is the type of stimuli I remember being imbued

awareness through exhibits and speeches. I’m doing this

with. I started by watching him. Mixing colors – he was

so that individuals will understand that this should nev-

a fantastic colorist. I started copying from Michelange-

er happen again. And how do we do that? We do that

lo and Rembrandt in pencil.

through education. The other reason I wrote the book is for my family and future descendants to understand and

Do you find it interesting that many years later you

learn about their families and where they came from.

paint similar subject matters to your father?

It’s important for them to know how people who were

Yes up to a certain point. I became more spiritually

stripped of everything were able to confront and over-

connected in trying to make statements. I liked Dali very

come that. In my parent’s case, they had to start over

much. The fight for life as we go through life. That is what

twice. They fled Germany in 1933 and then in 1942 from

I was very much involved in wanting to create. For me

the Netherlands at a fairly young age when people are

it was a time of theoretical and philosophical intellectu-

striving to build their lives. How do you overcome these

ality. Interestingly, when I was a teenager and then later

obstacles? Hard work. Strap up your boot laces. Educate

in my forties, one thing that comes across in my art is

yourselves and hopefully earn some money to support

survival and interfaith. How did I combine a cross with a

your children’s education so that we may move forward

Star of David? People are people regardless of their faces

in fighting genocide, persecution and all those things

and faiths. I have a piece where I don’t have a head on

that are so alive today in many places of the world. We

the body. I never painted the faces and always left the

must make sure this hope cannot be killed. To think that

faces open. One of them is entitled The Walk of Life.

a little country like Israel has been surrounded going back 3000 years by big enemies, you wonder how have

Today you’re reaching out with your book educat-

they survived. They have survived by working hard, ed-

ing people about your family’s plight as survivors,

ucating and never losing hope.

while you have now become involved with the Anne Frank Center in the United States.

If you could thank your parents for the greatest gifts they gave you, what would they be?

The Anne Frank story and my story I keep them somewhat separate. The connection is that, yes, I grew

From my mother it is survival (tearing up). She in-

up with Anne Frank and that’s very special to me. But

stilled in me an urgency that we must fight to stand

when I go out and give a talk for Anne Frank, it’s for

up and do what we can to strap up. That life and its

Anne Frank and not Pieter Kohnstam. I try to leave A

struggles and challenges are never ending and evolv-

Chance to Live apart from that. It’s a big honor for me

ing. I also learned from her to be outgoing. My father

to do this. Anne Frank is a medium and a magnet at

taught me the arts and history. Much of the great clas-

the same time. The magnet is that it attracts people for

sic stories, even the films of the ‘30s and ‘40s, adven-

the interest in this young girl. The interest is that we

tures, classical music and jazz came from my father.

are utilizing this person to move into educational areas

He was an intellectual person. I presume had the war

of bringing awareness to people by educating teach-

not come, he would not have worked for his father,

ers, students and those at houses of worship. We show

but instead would have become an artist as well as a

and tell them what this is all about. We focus on the

professor.

Holocaust, persecution and genocide and all kinds of discriminations. This is what has attracted me. The

It seems that instead of handing you a baton, your

main reason is to keep our stories alive, those of over

father handed you the paintbrush and a love and

6 million Jews who perished, plus millions more who

talent for painting and the arts.

were killed during World War II. Our goal is to keep our

That’s true. I didn’t realize that until many years

Jewish stories alive by letting people know this existed.

later that I had this talent. Then at some point I real-

In some areas of the Middle East, where many people

ized that I enjoyed doing it. I taught myself how to

either on purpose or for lack of education do not know

draw. I was always interested in drawing with pencils

the story of the Holocaust, we are bringing that out.

and charcoals. During my visits with him, he would be painting or drawing while listening to classical music. I

Are you concerned that some in the world are not

remember hearing Tchaikovsky’s piano concerto num-

getting the message?

ber one (laughing). It might have been on only once,

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September 2015

Regarding the lack of knowledge of all this, the

Gala

Reflections Celebrating 30 Years

with a Caring Community December 13, 2015 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Gala Co-Chairs Debbie Haspel & Susan Mallitz

featuring the

Sarasota Orchestra To receive your invitation: Contact: Monica Caldwell | 941.366.2224 | mcaldwell@JFCS-Cares.org

denying of it all really concerns me. Because denial represents a will that is based on someone’s decision.

Not knowing about it is something else. There I point my finger at governments who fail to inform their citizens of the history that occurred. The little bit that we’re doing, I hope not only to be preaching to Jews, the choir if you will, but all people, regardless of faith, creed, ethnicity or color.

Why is A Chance to Live an important book?

I never thought of it in those terms and never anticipated the legs that it would have. However we have been translated and published in the Netherlands and by the end of this year we will be published in Germany in the province where my ancestors came from and where they had to flee and were robbed and killed. So that to me is important. People have told me they have gotten something out of this book. With the help of my father, who wrote the manuscript, I translated the text from German to English. We’ve been able to put on paper something people have felt about the survival of a family. We see the problems this couple encountered along this journey with their young child. Perhaps people will see how this couple, who knew they would divorce, also knew that they would survive with and for their child. In that way, I’m the link. Perhaps it shows people the will to live and struggle for life and their child who they both love even though they don’t feel the same love for each other.

Finish the following sentence: I am a survivor because…

I used the negatives with tools that are positive to make a successful life for myself and to build a family.

I recently thought about what advice I should give my grandchild who’s heading to college. You live sound by the rules, study and work. Choose your friends carefully. Have some time for enjoyment and move

Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind

Anne Frank: I see a wonderful young girl who was blessed with a talent to put on paper what she was seeing. Anne saw the goodness of people and she knew there had to be a world with better people.

America: It’s a wonderful country of liberty and freedom.

It’s an icon and a republic that can’t ever be killed. America continues to regenerate itself and attract people from all over the world who want to come here.

Freedom: Where the mind can go and create and develop ideas.

Art: I think art is expression in various forms, albeit music, painting and theater. Art is the ability to put down and create something for the enjoyment of others to see, hear and be inspired by.

The State of Israel today: I am concerned and have been. When I was on internship in Switzerland, Mr. Ben-Gurion came to Argentina and met my parents. How that happened I don’t know. It is noteworthy that this small country and cradle of democracy stands for freedom where people can go to this mythological place overlooking the sea to create, develop, educate and cure. Many of the people who are treated in hospitals in Israel are not Jewish people. Often when catastrophes occur in the world you can always be assured that Israel will be there with medical assistance.

on. If my grandchild knows how to handle challenges and struggles that are constant and never end, then his parents have done a good job.

My children are…

Wonderful. Smart. And I tell this to Susan often,

The most important thing that the world needs to

“Look what we’ve started.” We were able to create and

know about the Holocaust is…

build a family.

That intelligent people systematically prepared and planned to exterminate human beings for the sole purpose of creating a master race.

My perfect day is…

Being able to get up every day, stand erect and use that day wisely and properly to promote the values of

My wife Susan is…

The best thing that happened in my life.

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September 2015

life with my wife and continue to share with the world what we’re doing.

Do you have a quote you live by?

“A healthy mind and a healthy body.”

How does it feel having walked the journey of survival from age six to now in your late 70s, and hear words thrown around that talk of the destruction and elimination of Israel?

In a minimalistic and simplistic way, my feelings can be summed up in a few words. Terrible. Sad. Disappointed. Disgusted. Outraged. Even after thousands of years of historical conflicts and wars it is truly amazing that a country can continue to espouse threats because of a different religious ideology. To know that today, in the 21st century, the religious leaders have taken it upon themselves to state a philosophy that condones the killing of other people of a different religion, shocks me.

There are absolutely no words to describe this line of thinking.

It is terrible and sad, a continuous cancer that is unending, and we have not yet found the key to ameliorate the entire situation.

Give me your initial reaction to a line from the film, American Hustle, which states, “The art of survival is a story that never ends.”

That’s very well said. The only thing I can add to this is how come I didn’t say this? (smiles) Although I’ve been saying all along that challenges and struggles are a never-ending confrontation in our life. That statement summarizes that.

Paint me a picture of what you would tell Anne Frank had she had a real chance to live.

From a slightly different angle, I’m not sure that Anne would believe that her little playmate, Pieter, who she played with as child, would be doing what he’s doing today. I know one thing, we would be great friends. Great friends.

How do you want people to remember the Holocaust?

By what it is and that we have to confront it, face it and fight it.

How do you remember your parents?

With dignity and love.

How do you want to be remembered?

That I was a good human being who was caring with others and loving to my family and in a humble way, was interested in others. With what we’re doing with regards to the book and The Anne Frank Center, I’m merely acting as a messenger. Much of the credit goes to my loving wife who does most of the work. I just speak.

September 2015

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Deborah Webster’s art was selected for the cover of the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County’s 2015/2016 Arts & Culture Guide. Her work was chosen from many other outstanding submissions in a contest for local artists sponsored by the Alliance and SCENE Magazine.

Deborah Webster is a mixed media artist living on Anna Maria Island, off the Gulf Coast of Florida. Her work is inspired by life at the water’s edge, creating images of the movement of water and other natural elements.

The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

2015|2016

Deborah’s undergraduate training focused on psychology and art. She holds a master’s degree in painting and has received various grants and awards for arts-in-education programs developed during her teaching career in a New York state inner city high school.

arts

culture

guide

She was the recipient of an NEA sponsored residency at the Art Institute of Chicago for two summers and in 2007, Deborah was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to study aboriginal art as she traveled through Australia. She received the Fulbright Project of the Year in 2008.

Her work has been exhibited in several solo shows as well as numerous juried and invitational exhibits in local and national galleries. In 2002, Deborah was the subject of a PBS documentary, “Horses: Saratoga Style”. She lived in Hawaii for several years as an Artist-in-Residence both at the Kalani Honua Cultural Center on the Big Island and the Keapana Center in Kauai. Her adventures and experiences in Hawaii, Australia, and most recently, on the island of Anna Maria, serve as the inspiration for her work. Currently, she is the owner of Artspace Anna Maria Island, a working studio and gallery. deborahwebster.com

Artist’s Statement: My work embodies patterns and energy systems created by the movement of water, air and other natural elements. Abstract images are formed in my imagination as I walk the beach every day. Using layers of various materials found in my environment, I express the complex energy patterns within the water, as I combine delicate handmade papers, rich oil pigments, and glass beads with a variety of recycled objects. Surface colors are created using many layers of oil glazes to capture the colors of the water, which surrounds me.

As I work with these materials, I focus on the ways patterns interact throughout the layering process until suddenly the image in front of me comes to life. My thinking now has visual form. The result is a richly textured and layered surface that symbolizes the energy in moving water.

Currently, I am working with experimental ink drawings that are then cut into “droplets” and attached to canvases expressing the elegant sway of seaweed.

The series, Dancing Water, addresses the joy and playfulness of sunshine, gentle breezes, and of course, the swirling patterns inherent in the natural ebb and flow of water moving through the streams of my experience.

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September 2015

arts& culture

2015/2016

guide

Brought to you by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County

PERFORMING ARTS

82 – 90

Museums & Visual Arts

92 – 95

HISTORY, SCIENCE & EDUCATION FESTIVALS & FAIRS

97 – 99

100 – 101

ARTS COMMUNITIES & ORGANIZATIONS 102 – 103 ARTS & CULTURE GUIDE Sponsors: Canandaigua National Bank and Trust Company | The Concession Real Estate Morton’s Market | Plymouth Harbor | Preferred Auto Sales Ringling College of Art + Design | Salt & Light Productions Serbin Printing | Studio South Fitness All listings are subject to change. Please call venue directly to verify the time and location of an event.

September 2015

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Pop Series

Special Performances

Carole J. Bufford, cabaret artist Body & Soul

Jerry Herman’s Broadway

November 14 – 15, 2015

October 11, 2015

Holiday Brass & Voices

PO Box 1213

Quartetto Gelato Exotic Flavors

Holmes Beach FL 34218

December 5 – 6, 2015

December 19 – 20, 2015

941.795.2370

Fred Moyer Trio Tribute to Five Great Jazz Pianists

Vocal Stars of Tomorrow

amicco.org

Winter Holidays Concert

January 9 – 10, 2016

April 15, 2016

December 13, 2015

Quintango – violins, cello, bass, piano

Concert of New Year’s Eve Waltzes

April 30 – May 1, 2016

Asolo Repertory Theatre

January 24, 2016

5555 North Tamiami Trail

Handel – Master of Oratorio Concert

My Favorite Things Music of Rodgers & Hammerstein

February 21, 2016

May 1 – 8, 2016

941.351.8000

Performing Arts Anna Maria Island Concert Chorus & Orchestra

Opera in the Afternoon

Sarasota Opera House

Axiom Brass, Gloria Musicae Singers

Holley Hall at the Symphony Center

Sarasota, FL 34243 1.800.361.8388

March 20, 2016

Lunch, Look & Listen Series

AsoloRep.org

Winter Holidays Concert

Michael’s On East Ballroom Ann Alton, cello Joyce Valentine, piano

Mainstage

January 21, 2016

November 10 – December 27, 2015

December 13, 2015

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota

West Side Story

Miami Guitar Trio

All The Way

1226 N. Tamiami Trail, Ste. 300

February 18, 2016

January 6 – April 9, 2016

Sarasota, FL 34236

Gulfshore Trio – violin, cello, piano

Living on Love

941.306.1200

March 17, 2016

January 13 – February 25, 2016

artistseriesconcerts.org

Ah, Wilderness!

North Port Series

January 20 – April 10, 2016

Performances at the Historic Asolo

North Port Performing Arts Center

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

Theater

March 9 – April 17, 2016

Classical Recital Series

Four of a Kind The Miami Saxophone Quartet

Soyeon Kate Lee, piano

January 24, 2016

March 30 – April 24, 2016

October 31 – November 1, 2015

Dick Hyman – Emmy Award winning pianist

Josephine

Les Amies – flute, viola, harp January 23 – 24, 2016

February 21, 2016

Summer Musical TBA

Akropolis Reed Quintet – oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, bass clarinet

My Favorite Things Rodgers & Hammerstein and Gloria Musicae Singers

June 2 – 25, 2016

February 20 – 21, 2016

March 6, 2016

for Actor Training

Trio Celeste – violin, cello, piano

Disgraced

April 27 – May 29, 2016

FSU/Asolo Conservatory

The Real Inspector Hound

March 5 – 6, 2016

Soiree Series

November 3 – 22, 2015

Amit Peled, cello Noreen Polera, piano

Weisenborne/Fischer residence

The Liar

Liana Branscome, violin Grigorios Zamparas, piano

December 29, 2015 – January 17, 2016

September 27 – 28, 2015

February 23 – March 13, 2016

Priscila Navarro, piano

Nora

October 18 – 19, 2015

April 12 – May 1, 2016

April 9 – 10, 2016

Anderson & Roe, piano duo Alexander Markov, violin Monica Pasquini, soprano David Mcferrin, baritone May 28 – 29, 2016

Songs of Broadway leading man John Raitt Bob McDonald, baritone Joseph Holt, piano March 27 – 28, 2016

82

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September 2015

Macbeth

Banyan Theater Company

Exsultate! Chorale

Ring Sarasota

Jane B. Cook Theatre

PO Box 1004

April 17, 2016

5555 N. Tamiami Trail

Venice, FL 34284

Playreader’s Café

Sarasota, FL 34243

941.484.8491

May 18, 2016

941.358.5330

Exsultate.org

BanyanTheaterCompany.com

Venice Performing Arts Center

Gloria Musicae

With a Little Brass

941.387.6046

Belle Canto

December 6, 2015

GloriaMusicae.org

c/o First United Methodist Church

Americana

A Classic Christmas

104 S. Pineapple Avenue

February 21, 2016

December 2, 2015

Sarasota, FL 34236

Masterworks

Creation

941.955.0935

April 10, 2016

February 28, 2015

Barnum’s Bird

bellecanto.org

Belles on Broadway

The First Brass of Sarasota

April 3 & 5, 2016

November 8, 2015

4565 Northlake Drive

Patriotic Spectacular

Singspiration: If Music Be the Food Of Love

Sarasota, FL 34232

July 4, 2016

March 6, 2016

TheFirstBrass.org

941.928.0296

Guitar Sarasota 941.362.2991

The Circus Arts Conservatory

Florida Studio Theatre

2075 Bahia Vista Street

Sarasota, FL 34236

International Concert Series

Sarasota, FL 34239

941.366.9000

Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota

941.355.9805

FloridaStudioTheatre.org

3975 Fruitville Road

circusarts.org

(Season Announcement Late September 2015)

Sarasota, FL 34232

Shrine Circus

GuitarSarasota.org

1241 North Palm Avenue

Classical Guitarist – Ekachai Jearakul January 16, 2016

October 23 – 24, 2015 December 26 – 29, 2015

Glenridge Performing Arts Center

Classical Guitar Duo – Matteo Mela & Lorenzo Micheli

Windjammers Concert

7333 Scotland Way

February 20, 2016

January 17, 2016

Sarasota, FL 34238

Circus Sarasota Winter Performance

941.552.5325

Classical Guitar/Flute Duo – Eugenia Moliner & Denis Azabagic

February 12 – 28, 2016

TheGlenridge.com

March 19, 2016

Cirque des Voix

The Mongillo Brothers

Alvaro Pierri

February 19 – 20, 2016

October 24, 2015

April 9, 2016

Sailor Circus Spring Show

Sarasota Ballet School

March 31 – April 9, 2016

November 22, 2015

Sailor Circus Holiday Show

The Chorus of The Keys

Jacobites Pipe and Drum Band

Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota

December 6, 2015

7120 Myakka Valley Trail

The Four Freshmen

Sarasota, FL 34241

941.957.0404

December 13, 2015

JacobitesBand.com

DiversitySarasota.org

Lecture - Michael Lasser/Astaire

Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center

January 20, 2016

Jazz Club of Sarasota

Holiday Concert

Michael Lasser & Friends

330 Pineapple Ave, Ste. 111

December 4 & 6, 2015

January 23, 2016

Sarasota, FL 34236

Spring Concert

The Lady with All the Answers

941.366.1552

April 30 – May 1, 2016

February 17, 2016

jazzclubsarasota.com

Cynthia Sayer

36th Annual Sarasota Jazz Festival

February 27 – 28, 2016

March 6 – 12, 2016

September 2015

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83

Key Chorale

Plaza Suite

Diary of Anne Frank

941.921.4845

January 20 – February 14, 2016

January 14 – 31, 2016

KeyChorale.org

The Rat Pack Together Again!

First United Methodist Church

John Tuff and Friends “No ‘Cryin’ In Your Beer Old-time Country Music”

Sarasota Choral Festival

February 20, 2016

Under the Radar

October 10, 2015

7th Annual Shorts Aloud Festival

January 27, 2016

Holiday Concert

February 27 – 28, 2016

Neil Diamond Tribute

November 29, 2015

On Golden Pond

February 5, 2016

Bach & Beethoven

March 9 – April 3, 2016

Chess

February 13, 2016

Tim Allan “String Instrument Concert Musical Variety”

February 11 – 28, 2016

Cirque Des Voix Performance with Circus Sarasota

April 9, 2016

February 13 – 14, 2016

Proof

Yank – the Musical

March 19, 2016

April 27 – May 15, 2016

February 18 – March 6, 2016

Benderson Park

Making God Laugh

David Scarbie Mitchell

Tomorrow’s Voices Today

June 8 – 26, 2016

February 24, 2016

Riverview High School

January 20, 2016

Valentine’s Day Mascara

Ultimate Johnny Cash Tribute

April 30, 2016

Manatee Players

February 26 – 27, 2016

La Musica International Chamber Music Festival

502 3rd Ave. West

Bye Bye Birdie

Bradenton, FL 34205

March 17 – April 3, 2016

PO Box 5442

941.749.1111

To Kill a Mockingbird

Sarasota, FL 34277

ManateePlayers.com

April 14 – May 1, 2016

941.366.8450 x3

The Secret Garden

Phantom

LaMusicaFestival.org

September 17 – October 4, 2015

April 21 – May 8, 2016

Sonata a Due

Arts & Lecture Series - Nancy Cohen

December 7, 2015

October 21, 2015

McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre

30th Annual International Chamber Music Festival

Bark – The Musical

1923 Ringling Blvd

October 22 – November 8, 2015

Sarasota, FL 34236

April 4, 7, 10, & 13

25th Annual Spelling Bee

941.925.FUNY (3869)

Musical Chefs

October 29 – November 15, 2015

McCurdysComedy.com

April 8, 2016

The Dawsons in Concert

Ron Feingold

Simply Sonatas at Sainer

November 4, 2015

October 7 - 11, 2015

April 11, 2016

Decades Rewind

Scott Novotny

November 9 – 10, 2015

November 4 - 8, 2015

Lemon Bay Playhouse

Kim Betts & Gamble Creek Band

Erik Myers

96 West Dearborn Street

November 14, 2015

November 11 - 15, 2015

Englewood, FL 34223

The Little Mermaid

Iliza Schlesinger

941.475.6756

December 3 – 20, 2015

November 20 - 21, 2015

LemonBayPlayhouse.com

The Miracle Worker

Mike Rivera

A Bench In The Sun

December 3 – 20, 2015

November 25 - 29, 2015

September 2 – 20, 2015

The Little Mermaid Jr.

Girls Night Out Male Revue

Murder at the Howard Johnson’s

December 5, 2015

December 1, 2015

October 21 – November 8, 2015

Joey to the World

Mike Green

Greg Nielsen’s Jazz Band

December 9, 2015

December 2 – 6, 2015

November 21, 2015

Tribute to the King

Carl Rimi

Over the River and Through the Woods

December 11 – 12, 2015

December 9 – 13, 2015

December 2 – 20, 2015

A Very Good Year – New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve with Happy Cole

Marcy Downey “Hits and Bits of the Sullivan Show”

December 31, 2015

December 31, 2015

A Chorus Line

Happy Cole

January 9, 2016

January 7 – 24, 2016

January 2 – 3, 2016

84

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September 2015

Musica Sacra Cantorum

Chorale

Broadway Series

941.405.7322

Tropical Christmas

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

musicasacracantorum.org

December 12, 2015

September 3 – 13, 2015

An Evening with Oscar, Allen & Cole

The 39 Steps

New Music New College New College of Florida

February 20, 2016

September 30 – October 11, 2015

April in Paris…And Maybe New York

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Caples Fine Arts Complex

April 16, 2016

October 28 – November 15, 2015

She Loves Me

5800 Bayshore Road Sarasota, FL 34243

Symphony

December 2 – 20, 2015

941.487.4888

Field of Screams

The Drowsy Chaperone

NewMusicNewCollege.org

November 1, 2015

January 13 – 31, 2016

Kate Soper and Wet Ink

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Hand on a Hardbody

September 26, 2015

December 13, 2015

February 17 – March 6, 2016

Miya Masaoka

Love is a Many Splendored Thing

La Cage Aux Folles

November 14, 2015

January 31, 2016

March 23 – April 10, 2016

JACK Quartet

On Broadway

The Smell of the Kill

January 16, 2016

February 28, 2016

April 27 – May 8, 2016

Eliza Ladd

Hooked On Classics

February 12, 2016

April 3, 2016

Third Coast Percussion

Backstage At The Players Series

The COCKfight Play

April 30, 2016

OASIS — Opera for Animals: Singing is Saving

November 12 – 15 & 18 – 22, 2015

Special Events

8437 Tuttle Ave., #333

January 28 – 31 & February 3 – 7, 2016

The Sarasota String Quartet: Music by New College Student Composers

Sarasota, FL 34243

Doubt, A Parable

941.351.1007

April 14 – 17 & 20 – 24, 2016

April 24, 2016

OperaForAnimals.org

Electronic Music Class Concert: The Final Projects

Love, Loss and What I Wore

S.N.A.P. (Something New At Players)

Perlman Music Program/Suncoast

Series

941.955.4942

September 25; October 16;

PerlmanMusicProgramSuncoast.org

November 20, 2015 January 15; February 5; March 18;

6400 W. Price Boulevard

Perlman Music Program Alumni: In Concert

North Port, FL 34291

October 10, November 22, 2015,

Sarasota’s Psychic Challenge

941.426.8479

& April 17, 2016

October 17, 2015

nppaa.net

Sarasota Winter Residency

The Players New Play Festival

December 17, 2015 – January 2, 2016

June 27 – 30 & July 1, 2016

Our America!

The Perlman Music Program – Suncoast’s Celebration Concert

Winner of Last Season’s New Play Festival

October 29, 2015

January 2, 2016

August 25 – 28, 2016

December 6, 2015

The Players Theatre

Players Sing-a-long Events

Something Blue!

838 N. Tamiami Trail

Rocky Horror

January 21, 2016

Sarasota, FL 34236

October 16, 2015

It’s Broadway, Baby!

941.365.2494

Grease

February 25, 2016

ThePlayers.org

January 8, 2016

For the Birds

Players Follies Play Reading Festival

Sound of Music

March 31, 2016

October 24 – 25, 2015

February 12, 2016

May 12, 2016

North Port Performing Arts Association

Band

A Most Wonderful Christmas!

Beneva Fruitville’s Variety Show

April 22, 2016

The French Connection April 28, 2016

September 2015

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85

Summer Sizzler Series 2016

Balanchine, de Valois & Graziano

Great Performers Series

Cosi

FSU Center for the Performing Arts

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

June 15 – 16 & 23 – 26, 2016

January 29 – February 1, 2016

777 N. Tamiami Trail

Cyrano

The Sarasota Ballet Presents...

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

July 13 – 17 & 21 – 24, 2016

FSU Center for the Performing Arts

January 26, 2016

Next Fall

February 26 – 28, 2016

Cleveland Orchestra

August 25 – 28, 2016

Ashton & Balanchine

January 31, 2016

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Miró String Quartet

April 8 – 9, 2016

February 15, 2016

P.O. Box 1622

Wheeldon & Ashton

Sarasota, FL 34230

Sarasota Opera House

Russian National Orchestra Vasily Petrenko, conductor

941.926.POPS (7677)

April 29 – 30, 2016

March 8, 2016

The Pops Orchestra

Olga Kern, piano

thepopsorchestra.org State College of Florida’s Neel Performing

Film and Lecture Series

Arts Center

FSU Center for the Performing Arts

Riverview High School Auditorium

Film

Munchtime Musicales Series

A Christmas Carol

Dame Margot Fonteyn

Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center

December 12 – 13, 2015 (Neel PAC)

November 2, 2015

709 N. Tamiami Trail

New Year’s Eve Celebration

Violette Verdy

December 31, 2015

January 11, 2016

Cheryl Losey Feder & Ann Hobson Pilot, harpists

(Bradenton Area Convention Center)

25 Years of The Sarasota Ballet

November 18, 2015

Let’s Be Frank

February 8, 2016

February 21, 2016 (Riverview HS PAC)

TBA

The Jazz Trio - Moore, Goodman, Mancini

February 22, 2016 (Neel PAC)

March 7, 2016

December 16, 2015

April 10, 2016 (Riverview HS PAC)

Lecture

The Bridge Trio - Piano, violin & Cello Tschanz, Brunelle, Sanderling

April 11, 2016 (Neel PAC)

Marguerite and Armand

January 20, 2016

November 11, 2015

Mr. B

Sister Team Cynthia Lawing and Gloria Cook, premier solo pianists

ringsarasota.org

January 20, 2016

February 17, 2016

The Sounds of Freedom

The History of The Sarasota Ballet

Sarasota Opera Studio Artists

November 8, 2015

February 17, 2016

March 16, 2016

Holiday Concert with the Bay Chorale

A Wedding Bouquet

Belle Canto Women’s Chorus

December 6, 2015

March 16, 2016

April 13, 2016

Sarasota Choral Society

Sarasota Concert Band

SarasotaChoralSociety.org

2936 Webber Place

It Takes a Village

Ring Sarasota

March 14, 2016

TBA February 21, 28, & April 17, 2016

Sarasota Ballet

Church of the Palms Presbyterian Church

Sarasota, FL 34232

5555 N. Tamiami Trail

Handel’s Messiah

941.650.1177

Sarasota, FL 34243

December 5, 2015

sarasotaconcertband.org

SarasotaBallet.org

Sarasota Chorus of the Keys

Best of Theatre of Dreams

ChorusoftheKeys.org

Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company

941.359.0099

FSU Center for the Performing Arts

(Formerly Fuzión Dance Artists) 8437 Tuttle Ave. #160

MacMillan, Wright & Ashton

Sarasota Concert Association

Sarasota Opera House

PO Box 1714

941.345.5755

November 20 – 21, 2015

Sarasota, FL 34230

sarasotacontemporarydance.org

John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker

941.225.6500

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

scasarasota.org

New College Black Box Theatre Close Up

October 23 – 25, 2015

December 18 – 19, 2015

86

SCENE

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September 2015

Sarasota, FL 34243

October 15 –18, 2015

Jane B. Cook Theatre

Fall Music Film Series

941.925.3602

Voices of Fuzión

Speaking in Strings

SarasotaMusicClub.org

December 3 – 6, 2015

September 9, 2015

Eicher Auditorium, Sunnyside Village

Retrospect

Music from the Inside Out

March 17 – 20, 2016

October 14, 2015

Just Friends – Lyn Purmort, soprano Bob Constantino, piano

Evolving Revolving

Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould

October 16, 2015

November 4, 2015

November 20, 2015

June 2 – 5, 2016

Sarasota Folk Club

I Solisti Woodwind Quintet Holiday Music – Sunnyside Singers

941.371.1433

Lecture and Performance Series

December 18, 2015

SarasotaFolk.org Sarasota Sailing Squadron

The Verdi Connection, Sarasota Opera Studio Artists

Bello Canto, Elizabeth Goldstein, Director

1717 Ken Thompson Parkway

January 6, 2016

January 15, 2016

Sarasota, FL 34236

Aida, Giuseppe Verdi

941.377.9256

January 13, 2016

Lena Cambis with advanced violin students from Sarasota Music Academy

Larry Mangum

Turandot, Giacomo Puccini

February 19, 2016

September 28, 2015

January 20, 2016

Olivia Swann, Irish harp and poetry

Brendan Nolan

Piano Masterworks Mary Rose Norell, piano

March 18, 2016

October 26, 2015

Hank Woji & Eileen Kozloff

January 27, 2016

Scholarship Luncheon, Winners’ Performance

November 30, 2015

Vocal Vixens of Jazz

April 23, 2016

Holiday of Song

February 3, 2016

December 14, 2015

Fidelio, Ludwig van Beethoven

Sarasota Opera

Small Potatoes

February 10, 2016

61 North Pineapple Avenue

January 25, 2016

Sarasota, FL 34236

Sparky & Rhonda Rucker

A Program of Celtic Music, Gregory Martin, piano

February 29, 2016

February 17, 2016

SarasotaOpera.org

Yo Mamas (Carolyn & Carly)

La Battaglia di Legnano, Guiseppe Verdi

61 N. Pineapple Avenue

April 25, 2016

Invitational

February 24, 2016

941.328.1300

May 23, 2016

Songs We Grew Up With

sarasotaopera.org

Paul Garfinkel & Al Scortino

March 2, 2016

Opera House Tours

June 27, 2016

Manon Lescaut, Giacomo Puccini

November 2 & 9, 2015; February 1, 8,

Ellen Bukstel

March 9, 2016

15, 22, 29, March 7 & 14, 2016

July 25, 2016

Flute & Harp, A Match Made in Heaven, Cheryl Losey, Harp; Betsy Hudson Traba, Flute

2015 Fall Season

Buddy Mondlock August 29, 2016

941.328.1300

Sarasota, FL 34236

Puccini’s La bohème

March 16, 2016

October 30, November 1, 4, 10, 12, 15,

Sarasota Jewish Chorale

Elektra, Richard Strauss

17, 2015

941.355.8011

March 23, 2016

Hans Krása’s Brundibár

SarasotaJewishChorale.org

November 14, 2015 Other Events

Sarasota Music Archive

Puccini’s La Boheme with Phyllis Lowitt

2016 Winter Opera Festival

Selby Public Library

October 28, 2015

Verdi’s Aida

Gelbart Auditorium

January 30, February 4, 7, 10, 20, 23, 28,

1331 First Street

Special Mother’s Day Concert A Music Tribute to Mothers

Sarasota, FL 34236

May 7, 2016

Mozart’s Così fan tutte

941.861.1168 SarasotaMusicArchive.org

March 2, 5, 13, 15, 19, 2016 February 6, 9, 11, 14, 17, 21 & 26,

Sarasota Music Club

March 4 & 12, 2016

PO Box 19613 Sarasota, FL 34276 September 2015

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87

Beethoven’s Fidelio

Performances/Lectures

Pops

February 13, 18, 24, 28,

Tosca’s Kiss

Memories of My Favorite Things

March 1, 5, 11, 2016

September 25, 2015

January 22 – 23, 2016

Verdi’s The Battle of Legnano

Music to Lift Up Your Hearts - Richard & Stacy Ridenour, piano

Disney in Concert

February 27, March 3, 6, 8, 12, 16, 18, 2016

March 18 – 19, 2016

October 7, 2015

The Beat Goes On

2015-2016 Season Concert

Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco

April 15 – 16, 2016

Performances

November 9, 2015

Forbidden Music – The Music Banned by the Nazis

Opera and Art

Great Escapes

February 5, 2016

Movie Night

November 7, 2015

Villains and Victims

October 14, 2015

Artists Choice Concert

February 25, 2016

Snow Globe December 9 – 12, 2015

March 9, 2016

The Young Verdi Concert

Prologues

Crazy for Classics

March 17, 2016

Unity Church, Sarasota

January 13 – 16, 2016

The Verdi Cycle Grand Finale Concert

La bohème

A Song In My Heart

March 20, 2016

October 26, 2015

February 10 – 13, 2016

Aida

Unforgettable

2015-2016 Lectures

January 11, 2016

March 2 – 5, 2016

It’s a Scandal!

Cosí fan tutte

Latin Nights

October 15, 2015

January 18, 2016

May 4 – 7, 2016

The Tenor Voice

Fidelio

October 22, 2015

January 25, 2016

Chamber Soiree

Opera vs. Opera

The Battle of Legnano

Around The World

October 29, 2015

February 1, 2016

September 20, 2015

My System is better than Your System November 5, 2015

Quintets and Tuba

Sarasota Orchestra

October 1, 2015

709 N. Tamiami Trail

Percussion Perfect

2015-2016 Meet the Artists

Sarasota, FL 34236

October 29, 2015

La bohème

941.953.3434

Mozart Fest 1

October 20, 2015

SarasotaOrchestra.org

January 29, 2016

Mozart Fest 2

Aida January 26, 2016

Masterworks

January 31, 2016

Così fan tutte

The Emperor

Splendid Strings

February 2, 2016

November 6 – 8, 2015

February 25, 2016

Fidelio

Eroica

Brass to Bassoon

February 9, 2016

December 4 – 6, 2015

March 6, 2016

The Battle of Legnano

Winter Dreams

Cello Time

February 23, 2016

January 7 – 10, 2016

April 21, 2016

All About Mozart

Sarasota Opera Guild

February 4 – 7, 2016

Special Events

941.374.2914

Maestro

Thrill of a Lifetime

sarasotaopera.org

February 19 – 21, 2016

February 27, 2016

Our Town

Sarasota Music Festival

Social & Singing Events

March 11 – 13, 2016

June 2016

Sarasota Opera House

Legends

October 20, November 17 2015,

April 1 – 3, 2016

January 19, February 16, March 8, 2016

88

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September 2015

State College of Florida

Suncoast Concert Band

The Ultimate Doo Wop Show

5840 26th Street

12308 Lobelia Terrace

October 24, 2015

Bradenton, FL 34207

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

Lewis Black: The Rant Is Due: Part Deux

941.752.5252

941.907.4123

November 13, 2015

scf.edu

SuncoastConcertBand.org

Straight No Chaser

Concert Season at Northminster

November 19, 2015

Music/Dance

Presbyterian Church

Craig Ferguson: The New Deal Tour

Neel Performing Arts Center

November 8 & 22, December 6

December 1, 2015

Faculty Recital: Aza Torshkoeva, piano

& 20, 2015; January 10, February 7,

Daryl Hall & John Oates

October 1, 2015

March 6, April 3 & 17, May 1, 2016

December 2, 2015

Fall Festival of Music Concert

Suncoast Jazz Ambassadors

October 6, 2015

December 13, 2015, January 17,

Moscow Ballet: Great Russian Nutcracker

The Civil War

February 14, March 13, April 10, 2016

December 28, 2015

October 23 – 25, 2015

The Producers

Faculty Recital: Martha Lopez, soprano

Special Concerts at Church of the Palms

November 5, 2015

January 24, February 21, March 20, 2016

Symphonic Band Concert: Let’s Hear It for the Girls!

Salute To Vienna New Year’s Concert with The Strauss Symphony of America

Theatre Odyssey

January 3, 2016

November 12, 2015

PO Box 1383

42nd Street

Symphony Orchestra Concert: A Night at the Circus

Sarasota, FL 34230

January 20 – 21, 2016

941.799.7224

Joshua Bell

November 17, 2015

TheatreOdyssey.org

January 30, 2016

Dance Recital

Yanni

December 3, 2015

Student Ten-Minute Playwriting Festival

Holiday Concert

January 15 – 16, 2016

Masters of Illusion – Believe the Impossible

December 8, 2015

Ten-Minute Play Festival

February 4, 2016

Jazz Bands in Concert

May 5 – 8, 2016

The Book of Mormon

December 30, 2015

February 2, 2016

February 9 – 14, 2016

December 10, 2015

USA Dance

Neil Berg’s 107 Years of Broadway

Sundays at Neel

Sara Dance Center

February 17, 2016

Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol

5000 Fruitville Road

Moscow Festival Ballet – Cinderella

December 13, 2015

Sarasota, FL 34232

February 24, 2016

Glenn Miller Orchestra

941.685.7026

The Philadelphia Orchestra

January 17, 2016

DanceWhiteSands.com

February 25, 2016

Kristin Chenoweth

The Brothers Four

February 27, 2016

Buddy & Beyond

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

February 14, 2016

777 N. Tamiami Trail

March 1, 2016

New Odyssey

Sarasota, FL 34236

February 28, 2016

941.953.3368

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Jay White – America’s Diamond

VanWezel.org

March 3 – 4, 2016

March 20, 2016

John Cleese and Eric Idle

Disney Fantasia Live in Concert

October 2, 2015

March 9, 2016

Theatre

Shen Yun Orchestra

The Joffrey Ballet

Howard Studio Theatre

October 13, 2015

March 10, 2016

Play #1: TBA

Beauty and the Beast

Saturday Night Fever

October 2 – 4 & 9 – 11, 2015

October 14, 2015

March 16, 2016

Play #2: TBA

Rick Springfield

Bullets Over Broadway

November 20 – 22 & 27 – 29, 2015

October 15, 2015

March 21, 2016

January 24, 2016

The Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra

September 2015

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89

Stomp

Main Stage

The Capitol Steps

March 22, 2016

Exit Laughing

January 17 – 18, 2016

Linda Eder with Robert Cuccioli

September 29 – October 18, 2015

The Diamonds

March 24, 2016

Hair

January 24 – 25, 2016

Million Dollar Quartet

November 10 – December 12, 2015

Back Home Again: A Tribute to John Denver

March 26, 2016

A Christmas Carol

January 31 – February 1, 2016

Broadway! The Big Band Years

December 17 – 21, 2015

Harry James and the Andrews Sisters

April 4, 2016

Noises Off

February 6, 2016

Mamma Mia!

January 12 – 31, 2016

Let’s Hang On

April 19 – 20, 2016

Ragtime

February 21 – 22, 2016

Performances as of August 9, 2015.

Please visit vanwezel.org for updates

February 16 – March 13, 2016

Rave On

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to The Forum

February 28 – 29, 2016

Venetian Harmony Chorus

April 5 – 24, 2016

February 6 – 7, 2016

701 North Indiana Ave

Stage II

March 18 – 20, 2016

Englewood, FL 34223

The Beauty Queen of Leenane

Monday, Monday

941.480.1480

November 5 – 22, 2015

April 10 – 11, 2016

VenetianHarmony.com

Sweeney Todd

Close to You

January 21 – February 14, 2016

April 17 – 18, 2016

The Kingston Trio ECS

The Venice Symphony

Venus In Fur

Venice Performing Arts Center

March 31 – April 17, 2016

Education & Outreach

One Indian Ave.

Metamorphoses

The 24th Annual Silver Fox Show

Venice, FL 34285

April 28– May 15, 2016

March 22 – 26, 2016

The 21st Annual Loveland Show

941.488.1010 TheVeniceSymphony.org

Cabaret

Germanic Gems – Tai Murray, Soloist

Church Basement Ladies

November 20 – 21, 2015

October 2 – 25, 2015

Festive Sounds of the Season

The Great American Trailer

West Coast Black Theatre Troupe

December 18 – 19, 2015

Park Christmas Musical

1646 10th Way

Scandinavian Scenes – Mackenzie Melemed, Soloist

December 3 – 20, 2015

Sarasota, FL 34236

Rocky Horror

941.366.1505

January 15 – 16, 2016

February 26 – March 19, 2016

westcoastblacktheatre.org

Love Is In the Air – Qol Quartet

June 2 – 5, 2016

The Color Purple

February 12 – 13, 2016

Generations

October 14 – November 21, 2015

Vive la France – Ann Hobson Pilot, Soloist

A Christmas Carol

A Motown Christmas

March 25 – 26, 2016

December 17 – 21, 2015

December 2 – 31, 2015

Tales of Enchantment – Joy Chatzistamatis, Soloist

James and The Giant Peach

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

May 17 – 22, 2016

January 13 – February 20, 2016

The Sam Cooke Story

April 15 – 16, 2016

Feelin’ Groovy

Special Events

March 2 – April 9, 2016

April 29 – 30, 2016

The Alter Eagles

Driving Miss Daisy

November 15 – 16, 2015

April 20 – May 28, 2016

Venice Theatre

The James Taylor Experience

140 West Tampa Avenue

December 6 – 7, 2015

Venice, FL 34285

The Sounds of Christmas

941.488.1115

December 22 – 23, 2015

VeniceStage.com

The All American Swing Experience December 29 – 31, 2015

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September 2015

Between our MainStage, Stage II, Cabaret, Generations & Concerts Series, we’ve got the best in live entertainment for everyone!

I Never Saw Another Butterfly

Ragtime

Generations Drama: Sept. 10 - 20, 2015

MainStage Musical: Feb. 16 - Mar. 13, 2016

Exit Laughing

The Rocky Horror Show

MainStage Comedy: Sept. 29 - Oct. 18, 2015

Cabaret: Feb. 26 - March 19, 2016

Church Basement Ladies

Venus in Fur

Cabaret: Oct. 2 - 25, 2015

Stage II Drama: March 31 - April 17, 2016

The Beauty Queen of Leenane

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Stage II Dark Comedy: Nov. 5 - 22, 2015

MainStage Musical: April 5 - 24, 2016

Hair, Directed by Tony Winner Ben Vereen!

Metamorphoses

MainStage Musical: Nov. 10 – Dec. 12, 2015

Stage II Drama: April 28 - May 15, 2016

The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical

James and the Giant Peach

Cabaret: Dec. 3 - 20, 2015

A Christmas Carol

Generations Musical: Dec. 17 - 21, 2015

Noises Off

MainStage Comedy: Jan. 12 - 31, 2016

Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Generations MainStage Musical: May 17 - 22, 2016

de certs incluutes n o c ’s n o ib seas ton Trio, tr ters Plus, this n The Kings ol Steps, Denver, The Carpe The Capit gles, John to The Ea d more!

an

Stage II Musical Thriller: Jan. 21 – Feb. 14, 2016

TICKETS & more information: 941.488.1115 | VeniceStage.com 140 W. Tampa Ave. on the island in Venice

MUSEUMS & VISUAL ARTS Anna Maria Island Art League

Fine Craft & Photography Juried Open Show & 12 X 12 Juried Open Show

Gallery Window Theme – Home Coming

February 23 – March 25, 2016

October 1 – 31, 2015

Fine Arts Festival of Manatee County

Show & Tell at Gallery

February 27 – 28, 2016

October 5, 2015

5312 Holmes Boulevard

Snatch It

Holmes Beach, FL 34217

March 5, 2016

Wall of Water Acrylic Painting with Kathy Sparks

941.778.2099 IslandArtLeague.org

Florida Life-Juried Open Show / Member Show-Juried Open Show

Winter Fest

March 29 – April 22, 2016

Chinese Brush Painting with Renee Vickery

December 12 – 13, 2015

Spring Pottery Sale

October 14, 2015

Spring Fest

April 15 – 16, 2016

March 12 – 13, 2016

Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Curated & Student Show Juried Open

Silhouettes/Elephants with Mara Trumbo

Art Center Manatee

April 26 – May 27, 2016

209 9th Street West

October 7, 14, 21, 28, 2015

October 28, 2015

Gallery Window Theme – artsHOP November 1 – 30, 2015

Bradenton, FL 34205

Art Center Sarasota

941.746.2862

707 N. Tamiami Trail

Drawing & Colored Pencil with Roger Rockefeller

ArtCenterManatee.org

Sarasota, FL 34236

November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2015

Girls Night Out

941.365.2032

October 2, November 6, December 4, 2015

ArtSarasota.org

Photography & Photoshop with Mariarosa Rockefeller

January 15 & 29, February 5 & 19,

Molly Wicks installation / Delicate Balance (Joan Lyons/Meg Pierce) / Sarasota - Art Student Discovery / Daily News (Juried)

November 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2015

October 15 – November 21, 2015

Values in Watercolor with Cheryl Jorgenson

March 8, April 8, 2016

Art Matters-Juried Open Show & Art

by Kids with Cancer-Curated Show Through October 2, 2015

Endangered by Lloyd Roberts-Curated Show / Go with the Flow Juried Open Show / Photos from Far & Near

by Nell Rude-Curated Show October 6 – November 6, 2015

SARTQ Exhibition / Young Guns / ASALH Black Muse 2016 / Visually Speaking (Juried) December 10, 2015 – January 16, 2016

Petticoat Painters / Kevin Costello Installation / MASHterpieces III / New/Renew (Juried)

Words, Melodies & Art November 2, 2015

November 3, 10, 17, 24, 2015

Palm Frond Masks with Dee Pastorius November 11, 2015

artsHOP

All Things Considered Juried Open Show / Over 80 & Still CreatingCurated Show

March 17 – April 23, 2016

November 13 – 15, 2015

North Sarasota County Schools Spring Art Show

Gallery Window Theme – Let’s Do Christmas

November 10 – December 4, 2015

April 26 – May 7, 2016

December 1 – 31, 2015

Holiday Pottery Sale

Drew Galloway / Techno/ Digital Art Project: Sarasota / Local 707 (Juried, members only)

Anna Maria Island Gallery Walk

December 4 – 5, 2015

Fur, Feathers, Flora & Fauna Juried Open Show / Wood Artists John Mascoll & Jim O’Donnell Curated Show December 8, 2015 – January 8, 2016

Artful Holidays December 10 – 12, 2015

December 4, 2015

May 19 – June 25, 2016

Chinese Brush Painting with Renee Vickery

Florida Flavor IV

December 9, 2015

July 7 – August 13, 2016

Marketing & Licensing Your Art

Tasha Lewis sculptures / Local Photographers Invitational / Project: Sarasota / Blurred Lines (Juried)

December 7, 2015

Embracing Our Differences Outdoor Exhibit

A Portrait of Us by Mary Whyte & Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society

August 25 – September 30, 2016

January 12 – February 19, 2016

EmbracingOurDifferences.org

An Intimate Evening with Mary Whyte

Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island

January 13, 2016

5414 Marina Drive

April – May 2016

Used but Useful Sale

Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Exhibit in Bradenton Riverwalk

February 19 – 20, 2016

941.778.6694

April – May 2016

941.404.5710

AMIArtistsGuildGallery.com

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September 2015

Exhibit in Island Park

Englewood Art Center

Person, Portrait, Pose | Poets + Painters

Sherry O’Connell

A Division of Ringling

April 12 – May 13, 2016

April 5 – May 13, 2016

College of Art and Design

Reception: April 16, 2016

Reception: April 16, 2016

Englewood, FL 34224

Ken Mitchell Gallery

Fine Arts Society of Sarasota

941.474.5548

Erik Groff + Michael Wyshock

1701 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34236

ringling.edu/eac

September 8 – October 28, 2015

941.330.0680

Reception: October 3, 2015

FineArtsSarasota.com

Events

SARTQ: Green

Bites & Bytes: Brown Bag Lunch and Technology Mini-Workshop Series

November 3 – December 16, 2015

Guided Art & Backstage Tours at The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Reception: November 7, 2015

First Tuesday of each month, October – May

Third Friday of the Month

Cynthia Mason: Space Makers

Annual Creators & Collectors Tour

October 2015– March 2016

January 5 – February 13, 2016

March 11 – 12, 2016

Talking Creativity – Artist Talks: SARTQ

Reception: January 16, 2016

November 2015

Jane Fine

Plein Air Adventure Painting – Jeff Markowsky

February 17 – March 30, 2016

Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society (FSWS)

Reception: February 27, 2016

7215 11th Avenue West

November 3 – December 30, 2015

Rick Reeves

Bradenton, FL 34209

Fall Open House

April 5 – May 11, 2016

941.792.0608

November 7, 2015

Reception: April 16, 2016

SuncoastWatercolorSociety.com

Plein Air Painting at the Hermitage Artist Retreat

Mangrove Gallery

October 24 – November 30, 2015

November 20, 2015 – January 31, 2016

Paul Findlay: Fire in the Night

ArtCenter Manatee, Bradenton

Pop-Up Exhibition Series: Dearborn Street Farmers Market

September 8 – October 28, 2015

January 12 – February 19, 2016

Reception: October 3, 2015

Ringling College Galleries - Sarasota

January – February, 2016

Linda Lee Foster Paul

May 20 – June 10, 2016

Talking Creativity – Artist Talks: Cynthia Mason

November 3 – December 16, 2015

January 2016

Englewood Camera Club

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center

Spring Open House

January 12 – February 19, 2016

525 Kumquat Court

January 16, 2016

Reception: January 16, 2016

Sarasota, FL 34236

Talking Creativity – Artist Talks: Jane Fine

Boca Grande Arts Alliance

941.545.5635

February 2016

February 23 – March 30, 2016

Sarasotapeacenter.com

350 South McCall Road

Visual Arts Center, Punta Gorda

Reception: November 7, 2015

Reception: February 27, 2016

Dr. Nik: A Retrospekt – Art Exhibit

Warren Loranger Gallery

Sheryl Unwin

Through November 2, 2015

Abstract Multi-Media

April 5 – May 11, 2016

Grant Peeples & The Sarah Mac Band

September 15 – October 30, 2015

Reception: April 16, 2016

October 10, 2015

Badi Assad Concert

Reception: October 3, 2015

Conservation | Art + Earth

Members Gallery

October 17, 2015

November 3 – December 17, 2015

Artist TBD

Brian Smalley & Roy Schneider

Reception: November 7, 2015

September 12 – October 30, 2015

October 30, 2015

Nature Reflected

Reception: October 3, 2015

The Slambovian Circus of Dreams

January 12 – February 19, 2016

Johan Bjurman

November 6, 2015

Reception: January 16, 2016

November 3 – December 17, 2015

Human-Made | Recycled, Reused, Repurposed = Art

Reception: November 7, 2015

The Artist’s Closet: A Clearinghouse Art Fest

Carole LaFountaine

November 7, 2015

February 23 – March 30, 2016

January 12 – February 19, 2016

Reception: February 27, 2016

Reception: January 16, 2016

World Culture Art Exhibit Opening: Cuba

20th Annual Youth Art Exhibition

Russ Burch

November 14 – December 21, 2015

April 2 – 7, 2016

February 23 – April 1, 2016

Bruce Jackson Attica Photographic

Reception: April 2, 2016

Reception: February 27, 2016

January 9 – February 14, 2016

September 2015

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Spuyten Duyvil in Concert January 15, 2016

The Exonerated Play Reading

Marietta Museum of Art & Whimsy

Jazz Sunsets on the Bay October 16 – 17, 2015

2121 North Tamiami Trail

Holiday Nights at Ca’ d’Zan

February 4 – 5, 2016

Sarasota, FL 34234

November 12 & 19, December 3,

I Have a Name Art Exhibit

941.364.3399

10, 17, 2015

February 20 – 22, 2016

whimsymuseum.org

Ringling by the Bay

World Culture Art Exhibit: India March 26 – April 24, 2016

Tim Grimm in Concert April 15, 2016

Longboat Key Center for the Arts

November 16, December 21, 2015;

North Port Art Center

January 18, February 18, March 21,

5950 Sam Shapos Way

April 18, May 16, 2016

North Port, FL 34287

Holiday Splendor

941.423.6460

December 3, 2015

NorthPortArtCenter.com

Bazaar and Surreal

Exhibitions

Division of Ringling College of Art and Design

Through October 17, 2015

Back and Forth: Thinking in Paint

6860 Longboat Drive South

Patron’s Art Show

Through October 25, 2015

Longboat Key, FL 34228

October 26 – November 9, 2015

Clowns!

941.383.2345

Celebrate the Season

September 11 – November 30, 2015

ringling.edu/lbkca

November 16, 2015 – January 9, 2016

Paul Rudolph

(See website for scheduled classes)

September 25 – December 6, 2015

Through the Keyhole: SARTQ Open Studios

Palm Avenue Arts Alliance PalmAvenue.org

Royal Taste: The Art of Princely Courts in Fifteenth-Century China

September 26, 2015

An Evening of Classics

October 9, 2015 – January 10, 2016

Key Influence on display

October 2, 2015

October 9 – 30, 2015

A Prelude to Season

Glittering Grandeur: Spectacles under the Big Top

Reception: October 9, 2015

November 6, 2015

December 4, 2015 – February 29, 2016

Key Influence Panel Discussion

37th Annual Holiday Walk

Samurai: The Way of the Warrior

October 21, 2015

December 4, 2015

January 15 – April 17, 2016

The Interpreted Landscape: Malcolm Robertson & Cindy Mason Exhibition

Art of the Violin January 1, 2016

Ink, Silk and Gold: Islamic Art from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

November 13, 2015 – January 16, 2016

Romancing the Arts

February 5 – May 1, 2016

Reception: November 13, 2015

February 5, 2016

James Corwin Johnson Documented Travel Photography Opening & Artist Talk

A Taste of Palm Avenue

Films

March 4, 2016

National Theatre Live

An Affair to Remember

October 23, November 13, December 11,

December 9, 2015

April 1, 2016

2015, January 8 & 22, 2016

2nd Annual Contemporary Glass Art Auction

The Ringling

Performance

January 29, 2016

5401 Bay Shore Road

Ringling International Arts Festival

Public Opening: Contemporary Figurative Glass Art Exhibition

Sarasota, FL 34243

October 15 – 18, 2015

941.359.5700

Ronnarong Khampha

January 30, 2016

Ringling.org

October 16 – 17, 2015

Annual Community Juried Exhibition

Every Thursday evening throughout the year

Jen Shyu - Solo Rites: Seven Breaths; Orkes Sinten Remen; Peni Candra Rini; Phare: The Cambodian Circus; Tom Lee: Shanks’ Mare

Joseph’s Coat Skyspace

October 16 – 18, 2015

March 9 – 30, 2016

Events

Reception: March 9, 2016

Art After 5

Manasota Weavers Guild P.O. Box 17876

Thursday & Friday evenings

Sarasota, FL 34276

Ringling Underground

Programs

ManasotaWeaversGuild.com

October 1, November 5, 2015, February

The Literati Book Club

4, March 3, April 7, 2016

October 1 – 2, November 5 – 6, December

Gatehouse Gatherings

5 & 10, 2015, January 7 – 8, February 4 –

October 16 – 18, 2015

5, March 31, April 1, May 5 – 6, 2016

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September 2015

Towles Court Art District

October 3, November 7, December 5,

Cuban Art from the Collection of Jorge Reynardus

2015, January 9, February 6, March 5,

November 6 – December 9, 2015

Sarasota, FL 34236

April 2, May 7, 2016

Student Curatorial Projects from BU 455

941.587.9851

Gallery Walk and Talk

November 18 – December 2, 2015

TowlesCourt.com

ROAR! The Ringling Order of Art Readers

October 22, November 19,

1938 Adams Lane

Art Walks

December 17, 2015, February 13, 2016

Siesta Key Crystal Classic

Viewpoint: A Brilliant Dynasty

siestakeycrystalclassic.com

October 24, 2015

The Crystal Classic

Collecting Recollections

Two Columns Gallery

November 13 – 17, 2015

Ringling College Student Exhibition Space

November 3 & 17, December 1, 2015

Third Friday of every month

1947 Ringling Boulevard

Study Day: A Brilliant Age: New Perspectives on the Ming Dynasty

The Southern Atelier

November 14, 2015

Sarasota, FL 34243

Bayfront Gardens Workshop: Plant a Palm!

941.753.7755

Venice Art Center

TheSouthernAtelier.org

390 Nokomis Avenue

December 1, 2015

Exhibitions & workshops offered year round.

Venice, FL 34285

Sarasota Architectural Foundation

South Florida Museum and Bishop Planetarium

941.364.2199

201 10th Street West

October 16, 2015

sarasotaarchitecturalfoundation.org

Bradenton, FL 34205

Sarasota Chalk Festival Artists

SAF Film: Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman

941.746.4131

November 9 – 16, 2015

SouthFloridaMuseum.org

Art in Motion

October 6, 2015

See History, Science &

November 27, 2015

SarasotaMOD Architecture Festival

Education section for listings.

Annual Tea

7226 21st Street East

November 6 – 8, 2015

Sarasota, FL 34236 1947gallery.blogspot.com

941.485.7136 VeniceArtCenter.com

Americana-Members Show

December 4, 2015

Sarasota Museum of Art

State College of Florida Fine Art Gallery

1001 S. Tamiami Trail

5840 26th St. West

January 8, 2016

Sarasota, FL 34236

Bradenton, FL 34207

Bling Thing Jewelry Show

941.309.SMOA

941.752.5225

January 16, 2016

sarasotamuseumofart.org

scf.edu/ArtGallery

Fine Arts Show

Anticipated opening: first half of 2016

“Phantasmagorical”: The World of Elisabeth Stevens

February 20, 2016

October 16 – December 9, 2015

March 4, 2016

Sarasota Sculpture Center 1662 Floyd Street

Simply Sensuous, a Feast for the Senses

Everything Art-Member’s Show Angles, Lines and Curves

941.928.4445

Surface Design Guild Sarasota

sarasotasculpturecenter.org

SarasotaSurfaceDesign.com

South County Public School Show

Exhibitions & workshops offered year round.

May 7, 9, 11 & 12, 2016

Sarasota, FL 34239

Selby Gallery

April 8, 2016

Celebrate the Blues

Ringling College of Art and Design

Tapestry Artists of Sarasota

2700 North Tamiami Trail

8069 Stirling Falls Circle

Sarasota, FL 34234

Sarasota, FL 34243

941.359.7563

941.359.1765

Women Contemporary Artists

Ringling.edu/SelbyGallery

americantapestryalliance.org

941.358.9159

June 10, 2016

Annual Faculty Exhibition

WomenContemporaryArtists.com

October 2 – 31, 2015

Ringling College Campus Artwalk

Spring Exhibit: Art and Frame of Sarasota

November 6, 2015

March 10 – April 8, 2016

September 2015

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Proceeds to benefit area charities and other projects of the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch

Palm Printing • Marketing By Design • Artistree • US Tent • Tidy Coast Containers Kerkering Barberio & Co • The Mall at UTC • Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School • Salt & Light Productions State Farm~Susie Jackson Agency • Johnson Smith Company • Lakewood Ranch OB/GYN RE Crawford Construction • Mosaic • Caldwell Trust Company • UPS Store LWR • Fawley-Bryant Architects Betras, Kopp & Harshman • Hautamaki & Horiuchi • Tutschulte, Polis, Jerome Group/Merrill Lynch Lake Erie College of Medicine • Hees & Associates Engineering • Red Lion Jobs • Schroyer Drapala Engineering Coastal Eye Institute • Dr. David Schrelberman • Willis A. Smith Construction • Cardinal Mooney High School

Media Sponsors: Clear Channel Radio • Sarasota Herald Tribune

ABC TV 7 • Sarasota Magazine (Biz 941) • Scene Magazine Bradenton Herald • Around The Ranch For More Info & Tickets Go To:

www.SuncoastFoodAndWineFest.com

History, Science & Education Adult and Community Enrichment Center

Hermitage Artist Retreat

Historic Spanish Point

6660 Manasota Key Road

337 North Tamiami Trail

Englewood, FL 34223

Osprey, FL 34229

941.475.2098

941.966.5214

HermitageArtistRetreat.org

HistoricSpanishPoint.org

4748 Beneva Road

See Arts Communities & Organizations for

Story Telling Festival

Sarasota, FL 34233

event listings.

November 13 – 14, 2015

941.361.6590 ACE-Sarasota.com

Alliance Francaise de Sarasota

Fairy House Festival

Historical Society of Sarasota County

March 5, 2016

Sarasota, FL 34236

Longboat Key Education Center

200 S. Washington Boulevard, Ste 2

941.364.9076

5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Ste 212

Sarasota, FL 34236

HSOSC.com

Longboat Key, FL 34228

941.955.0700

Historic Trolley Tours

941.383.8811

AFSarasota.org

November 14, December 5, 2015, January

LBKEducationCenter.org

Big Cat Habitat

1260 12th Street

9 & 30, February 20, March 12, April 2 & 30, 2016

Manasota Weavers Guild

Myakka River – Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

ManasotaWeaversGuild.com

Sarasota, FL 34240 941.371.6377

October 13, 2015

section for complete listings.

BigCatHabitat.org

Historical LeBarge Cruise

7101 Palmer Blvd.

Crowley Museum & Nature Center

See Museums & Visual Arts

Sarasota’s Treasures – Lost & Saved

Manatee County Agricultural Museum

November 1, 2015 November 10, 2015

1015 6th St. West

16405 Myakka Road

Antiques, Arts & Collectibles Fair

Palmetto, FL 34221

Sarasota, FL 34240

November 14, 2015

941.721.2034

941.322.1000

Fascinating Florida

manateeclerk.com/historical/AgMuseum.aspx

CrowleyFL.org

January 12, 2016

Halloween Social

Full Moon Hikes

Sunday in The Park

October 17, 2015

October 27, November 25, December 25,

January 17, 2016

Christmas in the Park

2015

Private Tour of Ca’d’Zan

December 4 – 5, 2015

January 23, February 22, March 23, April

January 19, 2016

Night for the Museum

22, May 21, 2016

The Great Developers: Past & Present

February 20, 2016

Community Service Volunteer Day

February 9, 2016

Heritage Festival

October 9 – 11, 2015

TBA

March 12, 2016

Crawleyween

March 8, 2016

October 23 – 25, 2015

Thanksgiving Campout

Historical Perspectives Through Local Museums

Manatee Village Historical Park

November 24 – 27, 2015

April 12, 2016

1404 Manatee Ave. East

Holiday Escape Campout

Bradenton, FL 34208

December 11 – 12, 2015

Historic Burns Square

941.749.7165

Valentine’s Day Campout

Pineapple Avenue between Ringling

manateeclerk.com/historical/

February 13 – 14, 2016

Avenue and Mound Street

manateevillage.aspx

Guitar Sarasota

Spirit Voices from Old Manatee October 1 – 4, 8 – 11, & 15 – 18, 2015

GuitarSarasota.org

A 1915 Florida Cracker Christmas

See Listing in Performing Arts Section

December 13, 2015

September 2015

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Heritage Days Open House

Palmetto Historical Park

The Concerto from Vivaldi to Bartok

March 5, 2016

515 10th Ave. West

January 15 – February 17, 2016

Palmetto, FL 34221 941.723.4991

Four Operas at Sarasota Opera (2016)

manateeclerk.com/historical/palmettopark.

January 15 – February 29, 2016

811 South Palm Avenue

aspx

Sarasota, FL 34236

Halloween Social

Minority Artists in the Mainstream World

941.366.5731

October 17, 2015

February 29 – March 21, 2016

Selby.org

Christmas in the Park & Silent Auction

See website for current events and exhibits.

December 4 – 5, 2015

The Symphonic Life II: Inside Musicians’ Lives

Heritage Festival

February 29 – April 4, 2016

March 12, 2016

The Technological Art Revolution

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

March 1 – April 5, 2016

1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy

Pierian Spring Academy

Sarasota, FL 34236

221 Beach Road #128

Transcending the Jewish “Artless Tradition”

941.388.4441

Sarasota, FL 34232

March 2 – 23, 2016

Mote.org

941.716.2471

Mote’s Night of Fish, Fun & Fright

PSAsrq.org

The Outsider in Fiction III: The Disenfranchised & The Powerless

October 23, 2015

War & Music

March 2 – April 6, 2016

Shindig Teach-A-Kid Fishing Clinic

October 19 – November 16, 2015

November 7, 2015

The Symphonic Life III: Inside the Repertoire

This Is a Real Romance: Elizabeth Barrett & Robert Browning

William R. Mote Memorial Snook Shindig Honoring Captain Scotty Moore

October 19 – November 30, 2015

March 3 – 24, 2016

Powel Crosley Estate

30th Annual Run For The Turtles

My Five Year Old Could Have Painted That & Who Was Vincent VanGogh?

April 2, 2016

October 20 – November 10, 2015

941.722.3244

The Sarasota Ballet’s 25th Anniversary Season

powelcrosleyestate.com

Year-Round Exhibits

November 13 – 14, 2015

Shark Zone: Creatures from the Reef Florida Bay Habitats Sea Turtles: Ancient Survivors Manatees: From the River to the Seas Oh Baby! Life Cycles of the Sea

October 20 – December 1, 2015

The Outsider in Fiction: From Eastern Europe — Discontent & Alienation & The Technological Art Revolution

One Seagate Drive Sarasota, FL 34243

Ringling College of Art and Design 2700 North Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34234 941.351.5100

October 21 – December 2, 2015

Ringling.edu

The Exotic Dream: 19th Century Orientalist Artists

See Englewood Art Center, Longboat Key

New College of Florida

October 22 – December 3, 2015

listings in Museums & Visual Arts.

5800 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, FL 34243

Great Compositions Rooted in Native Music

941.487.4153

January 12 – February 17, 2016

ncf.edu/new-topics-new-college

New Stars from Old Galaxies: Contemporary Jazz Vocalists & Their Creative Impressions

Benefiting Ringling College Library

January 13 – February 17, 2016

RCLassociation.org

Cinema of Ingmar Bergman Hollywood’s Biggest Night

Amy Tan - Platinum Dinner Speaker

New Topics New College Speaker Series

Benefiting New College Foundation See website for upcoming topics.

January 13 – February 17, 2016

Play Reader’s Circle January 14 – February 18, 2016

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September 2015

Center for the Arts and Selby Gallery

Ringling Town Hall Lecture Series Association 941.925.1343

January 6, 2016

President Shimon Peres: Ninth President of the State of Israel

SOULSPEAK/SOULMOVES

Tapestry Artists of Sarasota

Soulspeak.org

941.359.1765

January 19, 2016

Workshop & event info available online.

americantapestryalliance.org

Jim Messina & Karl Rove

See Museum & Visual Arts for schedule.

Venice Heritage

February 16, 2016

South Florida Museum, Bishop Planetarium & Parker Manatee Aquarium

Robin Roberts

201 10th Street West

Venice, FL 34284

March 7, 2016

Bradenton, FL 34205

941.237.0478

General David H. Petraeus (US Army, Ret.)

941.746.4131

veniceheritage.org

southfloridamuseum.org

Holiday Tea

March 15, 2016

Film Fridays

December 27, 2015

Every Friday Night

Venice Book Fair & Writers Festival

Family Night at the Museum

March 19, 2016

February 3, 2016

Sir Ken Robinson

Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, Inc.

P.O. Box 1190

First Saturday every month

Venice Heritage Annual Dinner

941.953.8727

think + drink (science)

May 26, 2016

HistoricSarasota.org

Second Wednesday every month

26th Annual Historic Homes Tour – St. Armand’s Key

Stelliferous Live!

Last Wednesday every month

March 6, 2016

Sarasota Architectural Foundation 941.364.2199 SarasotaArchitecturalFoundation.org See Museum & Visual Arts for schedule.

Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL) Box 219 8499 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34238 941.365.6404 SILLSarasota.org Sarasota & Venice Global Lecture & Music Series Schedule available online.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens 3701 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, FL 34234 941.355.5305 SarasotaJungleGardens.com Schedule of events available online.

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Festivals & Fairs OCTOBER 2015 Beers, Boats, and Bacon Festival Nathan Benderson Park WorldClassRowing.com October 10, 2015

Ringling International Arts Festival The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art Ringling.org October 15 – 18, 2015

Dragon Boat Festival 2015 Nathan Benderson Park WorldClassRowing.com October 17, 2015

Taste of St. Armands St. Armands Circle, Sarasota starmandscircleassoc.com October 17, 2015

7th Annual Sarasota Pumpkin Festival

Fright Night: Halloween on St. Armands St. Armands Circle, Sarasota starmandscircleassoc.com October 31, 2015

NOVEMBER 2015 28th Annual Downtown Venice Art Fest 941.484.6722 West Venice Avenue Downtown Venice venicemainstreet.com artfestival.com November 7 – 8, 2015

Sarasota Medieval Fair Sarasota Fairgrounds sarasotamedievalfair.com November 7 – 8, 14 – 15, 21 – 22, 2015

Sarasota Chalk Festival ChalkFestival.com West Miami Ave., Venice November 9 – 16, 2015

ArtsHop

Sarasota Payne Park sarasotapumpkinfestival.com October 23 – 25, 2015

941.778.2099 culturalconnections.info November 13 – 15, 2015

Mote’s Night of Fish, Fun & Fright

Siesta Key Crystal Classic

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.388.4441 Mote.org October 23, 2015

948 Beach Rd siestakeycrystalclassic.com November 13 – 17, 2015

21st Annual Downtown Sarasota Art & Craft Festival

St. Armands Circle, Sarasota artfestival.com November 14 – 15, 2015

5 Points Park & Central Ave artfestival.com October 24 – 25, 2015

St. Armands Boat Show St. Armands Circle, Sarasota starmandscircleassoc.com October 24 – 25, 2015

Lakewood Ranch Boo Fest Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch LakewoodRanch.com/Events October 30, 2015

Venice Main Street Halloween Parade venicemainstreet.com October 30, 2015

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September 2015

27th Annual St. Armands Art Festival

Festa Italiana Greenbrook Adventure Park LakewoodRanch.com/Events November 14, 2015

Suncoast Food & Wine Fest Sarasota Polo Club at LWR 941.870.0002 suncoastfoodandwinefest.com November 14, 2015

Harvest Festival Mixon Fruit Farms mixon.com November 21 – 22, 2015

Venice Brews & Blues Festival venicemainstreet.com jazzbluesflorida.com November 21, 2015

Siesta Key Village Annual Holiday Lighting siestakeyvillage.org November 28, 2015

Venice Main Street Holiday Parade venicemainstreet.com November 28, 2015

DECEMBER 2015 Venice Main Street Christmas Walk venicemainstreet.com December 3, 2015

6th Annual Sarasota Craft Show Robarts Arena sarasotacraftshow.com December 4 – 6, 2015

37th Annual Holiday Night of Lights St. Armands Circle starmandscircleassoc.com December 4, 2015

Bradenton Blues Festival Realize Bradenton bradentonbluesfestival.org December 5, 2015

Olde Englewood Village Winter Fine Arts Festival West Dearborn Street oldeenglewood.com December 5 – 6, 2015

Holidays Around the Ranch LakewoodRanch.com/Mainstreet December 11, 2015

28th Annual Winterfest Festival of Fine Arts and Fine Crafts Anna Maria Island Art League IslandArtLeague.org December 12 – 13, 2015

JANUARY 2016

FEBRUARY 2016

Venice Book Fair and Writers Festival

10th Annual Coquina Beach Winterfest Arts & Craft Show

Grand Ovation at Lakewood Ranch

2650 Gulf Drive sunsetboulevardpromotions.com January 9 – 10, 2016

Lakewood Ranch Main Street LakewoodRanch.com/Mainstreet February 6, 2016

Centennial Park, Downtown Venice venicebookfair.com March 19, 2016

20th Annual Anna Maria Islandfest Arts & Craft Show 5801 Marina Drive sunsetboulevardpromotions.com January 16 – 17, 2016

Venice Nokomis Rotary Arts Festival

28th Annual Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts Main Street, Sarasota artfestival.com February 13 – 14, 2016

22nd Annual Siesta Key Craft Fair

Venice Airport Grounds VeniceNokomisRotary.org January 16 – 17, 2016

Ocean Blvd. & Beach Road artfestival.com February 27 – 28, 2016

9th Annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival

Orange Blossom Festival

Main Street, Venice artfestival.com January 23 – 24, 2016

18th Annual Downtown Sarasota Art in the Park Main St. & Gulf Ave. sunsetboulevardpromotions.com January 23 – 24, 2016

9th Annual Forks and Corks dineoriginal.com January 29 – 30, 2016

13th Annual St. Armands Circle Art Festival

Mixon Fruit Farms mixon.com February 28 – March 1, 2016

dineoriginal.com January 31, 2016

SarasotaFilmFestival.com April 1 – 10, 2016

La Musica International Chamber Music Festival LaMusicaFestival.org April 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 2016

Venice Shark Tooth Festival

38th Annual Siesta Fiesta

West Venice Ave., Venice artfestival.com March 5 – 6, 2016

artfestival.com Ocean Boulevard in Siesta Key Village April 9 – 10, 2016

36th Annual Sarasota Jazz Festival

De Soto Heritage Festival

JazzClubSarasota.com March 6 – 12, 2016

Anna Maria Island Art League IslandArtLeague.org March 12 – 13, 2016

The Grand Tasting 2016 At The Ringling

Sarasota Film Festival

15th Annual Downtown Venice Art Classic

22nd Annual Winterfest at the Mansion Arts & Craft Show

boulderbrook.net Palm Avenue, Historic Downtown Sarasota January 30 – 31, 2016

APRIL 2016

MARCH 2016

27th Annual Springfest Fine Arts & Crafts

Sarasota Masters Art Festival

Main & Pineapple Street sunsetboulevardpromotions.com March 26 – 27, 2015

Venice Airport festival grounds sharkstoothfest.com April 8 – 10, 2016

artfestival.com January 30 – 31, 2016

Phillippi Estate Park, Sarasota sunsetboulevardpromotions.com January 30 – 31, 2016

7th Annual Downtown Sarasota Springfest Arts & Craft Show

Florida Winefest & Auction floridawinefest.org March 17 – 20, 2016

Sarasota County Agricultural Fair

desotohq.com April 2016 (TBD dates)

MAY 2016 13th Annual Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival Main Street, Sarasota artfestival.com May 7 – 8, 2016

SUMMER 2016 Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week

Sarasota Fairgrounds sarasotafair.com March 18 – 27, 2016

Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau SarasotaFL.org/savor June 1 – 14, 2016

The Rotary Club of Englewood’s Fine Arts Festival

Sarasota Music Festival

Dearborn Street, Englewood englewoodrotary.org March 19 – 20, 2016

sarasotaorchestra.org June 2016

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ARTS COMMUNITIES & ORGANIZATIONS Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County 1226 N. Tamiami Trail, Ste 300 Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.5118 SarasotaArts.org

17th Annual Awards Ceremony Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall October 26, 2015

Principal’s Luncheon Marie Selby Botanical Gardens November 4, 2015

Artists’ Guild of Anna Maria Island 5414 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217 941.778.6694 AMIArtistsGuildGallery.com See Museums & Visual Arts for complete event listings.

Hermitage Artist Retreat 6660 Manasota Key Road Englewood, FL 34223 941.475.2098 HermitageArtistRetreat.org

Beach Reading – Florida Association of Teaching Artists October 2, 2015

The Persistence of Memory Book Discussion – Author Tony Eprile November 2, 2015

Plein Air Painting with the Englewood Art Center!

November 20, 2015 Check website for Community Programs, Artist Talks, Beach Readings, The Composer Series, and Open Studio dates.

Historic Burns Square Pineapple Ave. between Ringling Ave. & Mound St.

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September 2015

Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

Tour de Cure

8100 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Relay for Life

Bradenton, FL 34202

April 16, 2016

941.907.9243

Tribute to Heroes Parade

LakewoodRanch.com/Mainstreet

May 29, 2016

Music on Main

April 10, 2016

Free concerts the first Friday of each

Events at Lakewood Ranch

month.

6220 University Parkway

Classic Car Show

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240

First Wednesday of each month.

941.907.6000

Team Toy Ride/ Celebration

LakewoodRanch.com/events

October 4, 2015

Harvest Moon Classic

10th Anniversary Celebration

October 8 – 11, 2015

October 16, 2015

Tour of Homes

Boo Run

October 16 – November 22, 2015

October 31, 2015

20th Anniversary Party

Cyclefest

Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch

November 1, 2015

October 23, 2015

Empty Bowls

Boo Fest

November 13, 2015

Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch

Horsepower for Hope

October 30, 2015

November 21, 2015

Festa Italiana

Ponies under the Palms

Greenbrook Adventure Park

November 22, 2015

November 14, 2015

Christmas Season Celebrated

Suncoast Food & Wine Fest

December 3, 10, 17, 18, 2015

Sarasota Polo Club

Breakfast/Lunch with Santa

November 14, 2015

December 6, 13, 19, 20, 2015

47th Annual Devereaux-Kaiser Car Meet

Jingle Bell Run – Arthritis Foundation

January 31, 2016

December 5, 2015 December 11, 2015

Manatee County Cultural Alliance

Jingle Bell Run – FL Cancer Specialists

926 12th Street West

December 18, 2015

Bradenton, FL 34205

Chanukah Celebration

941.746.2223

December 7, 2015

ManateeArts.org

Holidays Around the Ranch

Christmas Photos with Santa at the Cinema December 9, 2015

Palm Avenue Arts Alliance

Suncoast Half Marathon

PalmAvenue.org

January 24, 2016

First Friday Gallery Walks

Grand Ovation

See Museums & Visual Arts for complete

February 6, 2016

event listings.

MS Walk March 5, 2016

Realize Bradenton

Take Stock in Children 5k

941.621.6471

March 6, 2016

realizebradenton.com

JDRF Walk

Bradenton Blues Festival

April 9, 2016

December 5, 2015

The Rosemary District

Towles Court Art District

East of US 41, North of Fruitville Road,

1938 Adams Lane

centered on Central Ave.

Sarasota, FL 34236

Founded in 1886, this historic district offers

TowlesCourt.com

dining, art, shopping, and more.

Third Friday Art Walks 6 – 10 pm monthly

Sarasota Film Society 941.364.8662

Venice Main Street

FilmSociety.org

941.484.6722

Burns Court Cinemas

venicemainstreet.com

506 Burns Court

See Festivals & Fairs section.

Sarasota, FL 34236 Lakewood Ranch Cinemas

Village of the Arts

10715 Rodeo Drive #8

Bradenton, FL

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

941.747.8056

Cine-World Film Festival

VillageoftheArts.com

November 6 – 15, 2015

Art Walks First Friday & Saturday every Month.

Sarasota Italian Cultural Events, Inc.

Schedule of workshops & events

P.O. Box 17292

Centerstone Art in Recovery Show

Sarasota, FL 34276

October 2 – 31, 2015

ItalyInSarasota.com

Community Trick-or-Treat

See website for a listing of lectures

October 31, 2015

and events.

Festival of the Skeletons Artwalk

available online.

November 6 – 7, 2015

Sarasota Pen Women

Village Wide Yard Sale

941.342.8542

November 14, 2015

SarasotaPenWomen.com

Small Business Saturday

The Bat Lady’s Journey Brenda Spalding

November 28, 2015

October 14, 2015

December 4 – 5, 2015

My Journey into Art Beverly Fleming

One Week Till Christmas Shopping Event!

November 11, 2015

Village Reunion

Holiday Gala

January 17, 2016

December 9, 2015

Open Studio Tour

Silent Auction, Fundraiser Student Awards

February 27, 2016

January 13, 2016

March 19, 2016

Senior Student Awards

Village Garden Walk

Luncheon

April 9, 2016

A Village Christmas Artwalk

December 19, 2015

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February 9, 2016

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Visit Sarasota County

March 9, 2016

Sarasota, FL 34236

701 N. Tamiami Trail

VisitSarasota.org

500 S. Washington Blvd, Ste. 400 Sarasota, Florida 34236 www.solutionssarasota.com

Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week

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June 1 – 14, 2016

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September 2015

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Behind the Scene

Society Maven Debbi Benedict Gives the Latest Scoop I recently read an essay in the New York Times by Dominique Browning titled, “I’m Too Old for This”, about when you are over a certain age – she says 60 – that you can say the phrase often so you can be done with the things that no longer suit you. In fact she says it is her new mantra. I so agree.

Though I will be turning 58 this fall and not 60, I feel like I have reached that point in certain parts of my life where it is time to fully embrace all the things that I have been putting off doing because it is not “what people expect of me.”

During a recent health scare this summer, I really started to think about what I wanted in life and it turned out I need to be doing more farming and living a simpler homesteader-type lifestyle. (I know, it’s kind of hard to believe coming from me, isn’t it? But I have actually always been that type of gal.)

I have two quotes in my office at home. The one taped on the top of my laptop says, “You know all those things you have always wanted to do? You should go do them.” And the other one taped above my desk says, “One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted. Do it now.” Those two sayings kept popping up in my brain during this stressful summer. I knew I needed to pay attention to what they were telling me.

Herbs, edible landscapes, and homesteading have been loves of mine for over 30 years. Of course, as you all know, so have fancy designer clothes and glamorous parties. Once many, many years ago, I was in a local bookstore in Sarasota Square Mall that is no longer there. I walked up to the check-out and placed two magazines on the counter. One was Town & Country and the other was Mother Earth News.

The person helping me said, “My, you are quite the dichotomy!” And he was exactly correct. Those two magazines say pretty much who I am in a nutshell – a homesteader in fancy clothes.

Concentrating on the Town & Country part of my life has been paramount for the last 25 or so years and I have enjoyed this time in my life immensely. You know how I love wearing a pretty ball gown! But life changes and so do priorities.

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My husband is semi-retired now, having sold his business a couple of years ago to take care of his 97-year-old father until he passed away, and we have started to spend three months of the year at our farm in Michigan. We would like to be able to spend more time there. It seems like once the temperature hits 82 and the humidity kicks in, my husband is already packing his suitcase and is itching to drive north on the interstate.

The Mother Earth News part of my life is now desperately calling me saying, “Pay some attention to me before you really get too old!” Starting 20 years ago and ramping up dramatically about five years ago, I finally talked my husband into making our yard an edible landscape and it is a dream come true for me. I get tremendous pleasure walking around our property every night we are in Florida to see what is growing.

We have over 30 different fruit trees and bushes on our 10,000 square foot lot (about a quarter acre) including macadamia nut, cashew, three figs, olive, black sapote, plum, jujube, persimmon, pear, peach, hog plum, papaya, lemon, lime, orange, mulberry, guava, cinnamon, carambola, Barbados cherry, bananas, plantains, pomegranate, two avocados, cherry of the Rio Grande, goji berry, lychee, loquat, allspice, bay leaf, blackberries, blueberries, lots of herbs, and many butterfly plants. I always say that our landscape needs to feed us, the birds, the bees, the butterflies, and our souls.

I can’t tell you how much I love my home and yard. It is my happy place. It’s certainly not lavish by Sarasota standards, far from it, but I love it all the same. For one thing, it has been our home for almost 29 out of the 33 years we have lived here. I see such marvelous possibilities for sustainability in our area and I am anxious to start vigorously working on creating that type of community.

Our immediate neighborhood is fortunate to be on Dona Bay/Shakett September 2015

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Creek and we have hundreds of people visit our little piece of paradise each year to see the huge eagle’s nest in the very tall pine tree two doors down from us.

They eagerly and excitedly watch the pair raise two eaglets every spring from the vantage point of the tiny county park and boat launch that is hidden away in our little residential area. You can’t imagine the people coming from all over the state

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who set-up cameras and telescopes to watch the magic. Since we are near the Legacy Trail, we also see big bicycle groups coming around the corner to go down the short block to see nature’s majesty. It is quite incredible.

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It is so funny that I have come full circle to where I was when my husband and I were first married 40 years ago.

Even though my in-laws owned a very successful large grain farm, my motherin-law was very old-school. When I read about the homesteading lifestyle now, it is the exact same lifestyle as they had (except my father-in-law bought a brand new car every year), and which she tried to teach me back in 1975.

Family Law Attorney

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The summer we were married, she was bound and determined to teach me to can fruits and vegetables and I was equally determined NOT to learn, as that was much too old-fashioned and country for me. I was the one who was going to college to study fashion merchandising

Manatee and Venice Circuit since

and management, so I could eventually

1997 including divorce, paternity,

work for one of the big high-end retailers.

all child-related matters,

I was NOT going to be a traditional

distribution of assets and debts, spousal and child support and domestic violence.

farmwife. I was going to wear designer clothes and be glamorous!

I am sure my dearly departed motherin-law is laughing her head off in heaven right now. I read every book I can get my

434 South Washington Boulevard

hands on regarding homesteading and

Sarasota, FL 34236

frequently study my 25+-year collection

941-706-2860

magazine that is the bible on living the

angela@srqfamilylaw.com 108

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September 2015

of Countryside & Small Stock Journal homesteading life, as far as I am concerned.

The new path I am planning will

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embrace the homesteading part of me.

“I was an before I was a

In addition to writing about society galas, I want to add writing about all things homesteading. My blog will also make the transition. I hope to turn my urban homestead into a place of sharing with others what I have learned over the past

– Dr. Alissa Shulman

many years with hands on classes and to test the new skills such as canning and fermenting that I want to learn. I am concocting all kinds of other activities to go along with this adventure. Among many

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other things, I really want to raise chickens, rabbits, and bees when it becomes legal to do so in my area, which I hope is soon.

I know, I know, you can’t really see me doing this in jeans and t-shirts, can you?

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No, I can’t either. I don’t even own a pair of jeans. I assume I’ll be wearing more Lilly Pulitzer-type apparel, at least for my

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farming social endeavors. I mean, after all,

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it worked for Lilly and her juice stand!

Will I start to disappear from the social scene once I am up to my eyeballs in my bee-keeper’s suit? Absolutely not! I am currently the president of the board of The Hermitage Artist Retreat and you can count on still seeing me at many charity lunches and black-tie events, just not with

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a camera in my hand. And you will still be able to find me right here on the SCENE

HOME INSURANCE

social page, at least for awhile! After all, I can’t cut out this social stuff cold turkey

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So what is this column all about? It’s about embracing all the passions that you

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while you do the other everyday things of life. As the saying goes, “You always think there is time.” Make sure you don’t let

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September 2015

involved in things that give you joy and if it is not what people expect from you.

Until next time….TaTa!

104381

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have buried deep down, being ignored

Debbi Benedict is SCENE’s society maven and Special Issues Director. Contact Debbi at 941-468-2782 or debbibenedict@verizon.net

Pro-Legends of Golf Jim Albus • Andy Bean • Bobby Cole • Jim Dent • Dow Finsterwald • Robert Gamez • Gibby Gilbert • Lou Graham Jerry Heard • Tommy Horton • Tony Jacklin • Warren Jacklin • Doug Johnson • Larry Laoretti • Wayne Levi • James Mason Jim McClean • Mark Mouland • Bobby Nichols • Lonnie Nielsen • Jay Overton • Phil Parkin • Dana Quigley • Joe Rassett Tom Shaw • Hollis Stacy • JM “Woody” Woodward • Jimmy Wright • Larry Ziegler

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Charity ProAm 3 Day Event: November 8-10, 2015

Hosted By:

Sunday, November 8

Sponsored By:

Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club The Ritz-Carlton Members Club Callaghan Tire Waste Pro Scene Magazine Bridgestone Tire Moffitt Cancer Center Continental Tire Firkins Auto Sales Hooters Florida Cancer Specialists Dattoli Cancer Center

$1,900 per Player

Monday, November 9

Tuesday, November 10

Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club or The Ritz-Carlton Members Club

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• Registration at Lakewood Ranch

• 7:00 am – Breakfast.

• 7:00 am – Breakfast

• 8:30 am – Shotgun Start.

• 9:00 am – Shotgun Start

• 5:00 pm – Tall Tales Party with Trick

• Awards Party after Golf to include

Golf & Country Club • Practice Round – Call for tee times: Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country

Shot Artist David Edwards

Club – 941.907.4710 or The RitzCarlton Members Club – 941.309.2900.

• 6:00 pm – Pairings Party, cocktails, hors d’oeurves, dinner & auction at Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club.

Callaghan Tire CEO Dan Callaghan presenting check to Moffitt Cancer Center.

Cocktails & Steak Cookout.

Callaghan Tire has raised over $400,000 for Golfers Against Cancer, which dedicates it fundraising solely to cancer research. All event proceeds will directly benefit Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa and its commitment to research and education for the prevention and cure of cancer.

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The number of people we help support each year is equal to almost

A THIRD OF SARASOTA COUNTY’S POPULATION.

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CAMPUS OF CARING The Glasser Schoenbaum Human Services Center is an internationally recognized concept in philanthropy and in nonprofit administration that supports organizations who deliver services to those in need in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Celebrating our 25th anniversary, we currently provide homes to 19 nonprofit health and human service agencies on our campus at a deeply discounted occupancy rate, so they can focus on what’s important. Our reach is extraordinarily wide and our impact is profound.

Just as your next donation can be.

1750 17th Street, Sarasota FL 34234 941.365.4545 Visit us on Facebook or at gs-humanservices.org to make a donation, view our event calendar and learn more.

Social Mothers Helping Mothers Reopens After closing for the month of July due to renovations made possible by a generous private donor, Mothers Helping Mothers (MHM), a local all volunteer notfor-profit charity, reopened. More than 90 families received gently used and new donated items at no cost.

Renovations include new floors, display pieces, and soft lavender walls creating a calming atmosphere for mothers and children. Donations of clothing, shoes, toys and baby items are needed. MHM has served the community for nearly 26 years and help over 6,000 families a year.

MHMSarasota.com

Photos by Nancy Guth

Madeline Brogan & Terry Stottlemyer

Erika Donahue & Amelia Baldwin

Anapaola & Yovanni Ramirez

OCT. 7 Goodwill Ambassador of the Year Awards Dinner Honoring Rick Fawley, Sharon Hillstrom, Phil Mancini, Michael Klauber and Representative Greg Steube

Michael’s On East

6pm—9pm

Tickets $150 /pp

Tickets: www.experiencegoodwill.org September 2015

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Mothers Helping Mothers A Network for Necessities

“This means everything to us!! Finally, her own crib at three months.

Now I know she is safe at night and we can both sleep well!”

“I’ve been on the list for this toddler bed for four months—I’m so happy!

My baby is 18 months old, and she never even had a crib of her own. I’m so thrilled for her—my little girl is getting her first “big girl bed” of her own!”

–Jennifer

What’s Unique About MHM? 3 all items are donated 3 all volunteer – no paid staff 3 all services are FREE 3 minimal overhead In a typical year we help over 900 families representing almost 2000 children.

“Thank God! My four month old finally has a crib! He has been sleeping in a play pen—I could have never gotten a crib for him on my own. This is incredible!”

–Lovshia

“Baby Gracie has been in the court system for the 7 weeks she has been on earth. This crib is a positive step toward being able to adopt her and give her a permanent home!

The crib was a requirement for me to be able to bring her home, and I never could have gotten one with out you.

Thank you so much!!”

–Lori

Who We Are Since 1990 Mothers Helping Mothers, Inc., an all volunteer group, has been providing the basics such as clothing and baby items to families in need.

All items are donated or purchased with grant funding or private donations and are given to the many families who come to us each week.

Additionally, we offer emotional support and referrals to other agencies in Sarasota County.

What we need: • Baby items: car seats, cribs, highchairs, playpens, stroller, swings and toys • Baby, children’s and women’s clothes • Cleaning supplies • School supplies • Holiday assistance • Personal care items • Cash donations—even small amounts help!

• Volunteers

Mothers Helping Mothers, Inc. We are a 501(c)(3) registered with the state of Florida.

We are located at 2239 N. 301 at Simply Self Storage.

Our hours: Tuesday and Friday, 9-11:30am. This is when donations can be dropped off and also when we see clients. Phone: 953-7572

PROCEEDS BENEFIT

Thursday, October 15, 2015 • 6-9 p.m.

Saks Fifth Avenue The Mall at University Town Center $125 per person/$175 Patron Saks Fifth Avenue stores nationwide will donate 2% of sales Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 18 to local and national women’s cancer organizations.

For more information or to register, please call (941) 917-1286 or visit SMHF.ORG #KTTC2015 | #KTTCxSaks

KTTC Sarasota

Theater Performances:

Boys Next Door September 10 – 27, 2015

The Secret Garden September 17 – October 4, 2015

Gallery Exhibition:

Mike Taylor – Aluminum Casting & Polly Boston – Watercolor

Tickets on sale now! $26-$36

Box Office: 941-748-5875

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ManateePerformingAr tsCenter.com

Literary Scene

By Ryan G. Van Cleave

Hurricane Island: A Quint Mitchell Mystery The latest mystery by Florida author

ornery cat that likes to jump on the key-

Parker Francis — the pen name for Vic-

board while I’m writing and tap dance

tor DiGenti — is a worthy installment in

across the keys.” He also notes that while

the series. In the first book, private in-

his first two Quint Mitchell books were

vestigator Quint Mitchell gets involved

told in first person, “I wanted to expand

with unearthing a murder victim at an

the viewpoints with this book, keeping

archaeological dig in St. Augustine. In

Quint’s first person viewpoint, but telling

the second book, Jacksonville, Florida

the story in third person through several

PI Mitchell is hired to track down the

of the other major characters.” The book

HeartThrob Bandit all the way to South

does indeed seem richer with that ex-

Carolina. In this latest book, Mitchell

panded range of viewpoints. You can also

finds himself on Hurricane Island where

tell Francis has seen more than his fair

there’s murder and mayhem set against

share of hurricanes because the descrip-

some serious weather unpleasantness.

tions are disturbing in all the right ways.

Mitchell has help again in the form

Those who enjoy Francis’ writing will

of his pal Woody Carpenter, a former

be pleased to hear that he’s got a lot of

Atlanta police detective who has since

projects underway, including the biog-

become a fishing boat captain in Cedar

raphy of a WWII veteran, a new novel

Key, Florida. Carpenter’s more than just

(outside of the Quint Mitchell series)

a sidekick because his wife Kate is kid-

set in the near future where the US has

napped alongside Mitchell’s girlfriend,

come under constant terrorist attacks,

which sends the team on a frantic chase

and a collection of short stories.

by boat and car. A rapidly approaching

I’ll resist saying that Hurricane Island

hurricane provides an ominous back-

will blow you away, but I’ll say this —

drop to this fast-paced tale.

readers of James Lee Burke, Michael Con-

The biggest challenge in writing Hurricane Island, says Francis, is “Duke, my

nelly, and Robert Crais might find Francis’ work a satisfying, comfortable read.

For more information about Hurricane Island (Windrusher Hall Press, paperback, 302 pages, $16.95) or the author, please visit www.parkerfrancis.com

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September 2015



Nick and Tesla’s Special Effects Spectacular: A Mystery with Animatronics, Alien Makeup, Camera Gear, and Other Movie Magic You Can Make



 

  

     

 

 

“Science Bob” Pflugfelder (with New York Times bestselling author Steve Hockensmith) has concocted a new book that takes amateur inventors Nick and Tesla Holt on another wild journey. A Hollywood film, The Stupefying Metalman, is being shot in their hometown and it’s up to the mystery-solving twins to keep the production from being shut down. Add in homemade gadgets, their friend DeMarco (an aspiring stuntman) and his Aunt Zoe (a producer on the movie), a lead actor who seems to have forgotten how to act, and red herrings aplenty, and you’ve got the makings for lots of fun.

A real plus is that all of the female characters resist falling into stereotypes. They turn out to be leaders, thinkers, and doers — all good things! The big fun, however, is that throughout the story, Pflugfelder gives instructions on how to create your own movie-themed inventions such as a Superheroic Grappling Hook and Horrible Alien Zomboid Makeup.

If you’re interested in learning how to make cool movie props or you’re just a fan of action movies, you’ll find this book especially rewarding. Those who enjoy the adventures of Nick and Tesla can find more of them in the previous four books of this science-based series.

For more information about Nick and Tesla’s Special Effects Spectacular (Quirk Books, hardcover, 256 pages, $12.95) or the author, please visit www.nickandtesla.com

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CoParenting After Divorce: A GPS for Healthy Kids

Turning Your Dreams Into An Address Wanda Martinetto REALTOR

®

Servicing Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota & Bradenton

Cell: 941.773.7807 Office: 941.556.0500 Email: Wanda@LuxuryLakewoodRanchHomes.com Web:

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Psychologist and Parenting Coordinator Debra K. Carter’s new book looks to address the divorce epidemic (current-

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ly standing around 50% of all marriages)

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that’s fast becoming the norm in the US. GPS doesn’t stand for “global positioning system,” as you might expect, but rather “Guidance for Parenting System,” which

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is a strategy designed to help young people survive and thrive during this lifetime

Personalization

change. But the other GPS meaning works as a metaphor, because Carter’s book seeks to help keep families on a good path.

Written in clear language that anyone

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issues young people feel when parents are going through a divorce, including anxiety, loss, loneliness, feeling reject-

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ed, and loyalty confusion. Following the GPS system will reduce conflict and

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keep children’s needs a priority (which doesn’t happen often enough).

If you know parents who could use help during the difficulties of a divorce, this book might be the Godsend they need.

For more information about CoParenting After Divorce: A GPS for Healthy Kids (Unhooked Books, paperback, 186 pages, $21.95) or the author, please visit www.carterpsych.com/bio_carter

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XEROX – Premier Partner

September 2015

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119

LOCALLY

NEWS SHAPING

OUR COMMUNITY Johnson Singer Foundation Awards $100,000 to Regional Land Trust

State College of Florida Earns THE Gold Standard Among Florida Colleges

The Johnson Singer Foundation recently awarded $100,000 to Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. This unrestricted gift will help support the foundation’s mission to forever protect critical natural lands. Foundation president, Christine Johnson, said, “We are on a fast track to save important, environmentally sensitive lands in our region. These lands are an economic driver, protecting our water supply, our recreational waterways and making our lives better here on the Gulf Coast. We can’t do this work without forward-thinking donors who recognize the impact of the land decisions before us.” conservationfoundation.com.

A new performance funding system for state colleges approved last week by the State Board of Education ranked the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) sixth in the state, placing it in the top tier of Florida’s 28 colleges. This distinction recognizes SCF’s superior performance in educating local students, protects the school’s current funding and promises an additional percentage of the state’s education budget. scf.edu.

Hospital Board Appoints New Member To Northern District Seat

The Sarasota County Public Hospital Board, the governing body of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, today appointed James “Jim” Meister to Seat 1 in the Northern District. He will serve on the unpaid nine-member hospital board until the election in 2016, filling the seat vacated by Richard “Dick” Merritt. smh.com

The Concession Reports Increased Sales in First Half of 2015 The Concession Residences, a high-end gated golf-course community located between Sarasota and Manatee counties, recently sold 23 home sites for future custom built homes in the first half of 2015, representing a nearly 20 percent increase over home sites purchased by consumers over the same period last year.

The luxury community has experienced an 18 percent rise in the average sale price of home sites from $258,524 in 2014 to $305,617 in the second quarter of 2015. TheConcessionRealEstate.com

Matching Grant Fills Funding Gap for Low Income Older Adults Healthcare Needs The Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation has awarded a $50,000 dollar-for-dollar match grant to the Friendship Centers in support of its medical and dental clinics in response to the funding shortfalls due to recent vetoes out of Tallahassee.

To double donations through this match challenge and help provide healthcare for older adults in need, please contact Marty Katz, Director of Development & Marketing at mkatz@ friendshipcenters.org or 941-556-3253.

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Pines of Sarasota Announces Appointment of New CEO Senior care community Pines of Sarasota announced the appointment of David Sylvester as President/Chief Executive Officer. Sylvester succeeds John Overton who retired in late June after 14 years of continuous service to the company and 42 years in the industry. pinesofsarasota.org

Goodwill Manasota President Named to Goodwill Industries International Board Bob Rosinsky, president and CEO of Goodwill Manasota, has recently been elected to the Goodwill Industries International board of directors. Rosinsky has spent more than 40 years with the Goodwill organization, serving in his current capacity since January 2013. His election took place during the annual Goodwill meeting of executives and board leaders held recently in San Diego, CA; he will serve a three-year term. experiencegoodwill.org

Williams Parker Announces New Leadership Sarasota-based law firm Williams Parker recently appointed Ric Gregoria to serve as its president. Gregoria succeeds William M. Seider, who served as the firm’s president for nine years. This transition, with other changes in the firm’s management, is part of the firm’s longterm succession plan. The firm also appointed Rose-Anne Frano to its management committee. Michael J. Wilson is the third member of the firm’s three-person management committee and serves as the firm’s treasurer. Jeff Troiano succeeds Frano as the chair of the firm’s estate planning, business succession, and estate and trust administration practice group. The firm’s real estate practice continues to be chaired by Patrick Ryskamp. Mark Schwartz leads its litigation practice and John Wagner chairs the business and tax practice. williamsparker.com

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REWIND

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September 2015

1970

designed from two seashells to represent its waterfront locale; funded by a city bond referendum, and a bequest from philanthropists Lewis and Eugenia Van Wezel; painted in purple hues at the request of the architect’s wife, and we’ve enjoyed it immensely for 45 years as did the partygoers on opening night.

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