Letter From The Editor

THANKS TO OUR MANY TOP-NOTCH ARTS AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS, we have an incredible array of offerings this season that will inspire, educate and entertain, and allow us to see things we never have before.

At The Ringling, storytelling unites two exhibitions from one of the world’s finest private collections of French art, while percussionist Matthew Duvall starts off New Stages, The Ringling’s contemporary performance series. A Music Man named Noah Racey starts off Asolo Rep’s 60th anniversary lineup. Remember him from Pulse? Incredible talent. Figaro saves the day in Sarasota Opera’s season opener, The Barber of Seville, while the Sarasota Youth Opera presents a revival of the charming opera, The Little Sweep. Sarasota Ballet enters its 27th season with a season of tributes featuring ballets from critically acclaimed choreographers. In Anu Tali’s last season as Music Director, Sarasota Orchestra’s season promises to deliver performances of “unsurpassed energy, passion and excellence.” The Van Wezel’s season lineup includes the legendary Bob Dylan and Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Famer Stephen Stills and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Judy Collins.

Florida Studio Theatre starts its season off with a “knock ‘em dead hit musical comedy,” A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. The Players Centre for Performing Arts kicks off its 89th Broadway Season with Annie Get Your Gun. And the always innovative Manatee Performing Arts Center presents Anne of Green Gables in September. Too little space stops me from telling you more, so be sure to check out our Arts and Culture Guide in this issue, featuring season schedules for performing arts, visual arts, museums, festival and fairs and more!

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen is quoted as saying: “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.”

We know that when we support the arts, we are enhancing our quality of life and investing in our community’s economic wellbeing. Sarasota County economic impact studies have determined that local arts organizations spend more than three times the national average and employ more than double the people in similar regions. And while the arts in our community are thriving thanks to many of you, it is up to all of us to make sure it stays that way.

“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”

- Edgar Degas

So, please support the arts. Make a contribution to your favorite organizations. Check out our season guide in this issue, mark your picks, buy your tickets early and see for yourself how glorious the arts and culture in our town really are.

Note: This past month, we lost two community icons, bothof whom I had the great pleasure of knowing. First, we lostthe incredible philanthropist Betty Schoenbaum, whose lifewas exemplary, her giving legendary and her legacy longlastingand impactful. I remember meeting Betty when I firstbecame Sarasota Scene’s publisher several years ago. We werescheduled to have a half hour meeting. I was there for threehours and could have stayed much longer if I didn’t have to besomewhere else. She was a fascinating woman, so giving, soloving. Thankfully, we will remember her many contributionsto our community today, tomorrow and always. Her name, herwork and her soul will always remain in our hearts. Next, welost Steve Seidensticker, a friend and local restaurateur (Louie’sModern, Libby’s, Muse, and Oak & Stone). Steve touched somany people’s lives. He could never say no – he was alwayswilling to help. I remember when my husband, Ron, took overownership of Café L’Europe, Steve was the first one there tooffer advice and a helping hand. In his former role as BoardChair of JFCS, Steve’s leadership took the organization in anew and exciting direction. He was a force, a great guy and agreat businessman who will be greatly missed.