Arts + Entertainment 11.7.24 by The Observer Group Inc.

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

RISE SHINE AND

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

When Jeffery Kin chose a name for his arts organization in October 2021, he had no idea how prescient “Sarasota Rising” would sound three years later.

“I picked Sarasota Rising because a rising tide lifts all boats,” says Kin, former producing artistic director of The Sarasota Players. “I knew that the organization would be the producer of the Living Arts Festival, but I needed a name that would work for other events as well.”

Back in 2021, Sarasota was rising pretty nicely on its own. The pandemic and the opportunity to work from home drew more people to the area, with its easy access to free public beaches. Meanwhile, the city’s reputation as Florida’s “Cultural Coast” continued to attract more artists and arts patrons to this circus town.

Now, after three hurricanes (two of them extremely destructive) not to mention a torrential rain storm in June that generated national media coverage, some are beginning to question their commitment to Sarasota.

Told about people posting on Facebook that it’s time to pack up

their tent and leave Sarasota, Kin is philosophical: “Maybe it’s their time to go.” For his part, the arts champion is here to stay, come rain or shine. Still, there’s no denying “paradise lost.” (Thank you, English poet John Milton.) The 100-year-old belief that good luck or Seminole magic was protecting Sarasota from a direct hurricane hit was blown away.

Cue Kin and the city’s first Rising Arts Festival, which will run in different venues around Sarasota from Nov. 10-17 and will even take a road trip south to Venice on Nov. 14.

NOT JUST A SPOLETO WANNABE

For the last three years, folks have been asking Kin why Sarasota needs a Living Arts Festival when the town’s arts organizations rebounded from COVID just fine on their own.

Before recent weather events, Kin would point to Sarasota’s lack of a performing arts festival like Spoleto, held annually in Charleston, South Carolina. While he was in the process of formulating his fest, he visited some of his future rivals for inspiration.

Now Kin’s focus seems to be less on raising Sarasota’s already formidable presence on the national arts stage than lifting spirits in a battered community. Whatever the motiva-

Sarasota Rising’s first Living Arts Festival aims to raise spirits in the community.

IF YOU GO SARASOTA RISING’S LIVING ARTS FESTIVAL

When: Nov. 10-17

Where: Various locations around Sarasota and Venice

Tickets: Free and up Info: Visit SarasotaRising.org.

tion, tourists are welcome, even if they come from Englewood.

When people ask Kin why we need the Living Arts Festival, he reminds them: “The arts help people heal from adversity.”

On a recent ride around town with Kin, all one could see were mounds of tree branches and mountains of ruined furniture. Maybe it’s time to take a break from the cleanup and worry about the financial impact of the hurricanes. Let’s see what this Living Arts Festival is all about. Kin is especially excited about the closing event, “A Celebration of Youth,” at the Sailor Circus Arena on Sunday, Nov. 17. At this affordable event, the audience will see the next generation of Sarasota’s performers — singers, dancers, musicians and circus artists.

The students hail from organizations such as the Circus Arts conservatory, Westcoast Black Theatre

“The arts help people heal from adversity.”

Troupe, Cuban Ballet School, the Sarasota Ballet Studio Company, the Venice and Riverview High School choirs and others. Think “Glee” meets “Fame” meets “The Greatest Show on Earth.” As Tim Robbins says over and over in “The Hudsucker Proxy” when he tries to sell his boss on the HulaHoop, “You know — for kids!” Children may not understand the financial impact of hurricanes,

Sarasota Rising founder Jeffery Kin poses on a parking lot downtown with the postMilton skyline of Sarasota in the background.

Top: The Circus Arts Conservatory will be one of the many arts organizations showcased in “A Celebration of Youth,” the closing performance of Sarasota Rising’s first Living Arts Festival on Sunday, Nov. 17.

Above: Clyde and Niki Butcher’s Venice Gallery is one of the many stops on the “All Roads Lead to Venice” tour on Thursday, Nov. 14.

Jeffery Kin, Living Arts Festival founder and executive director

Courtesy images

Monica Roman Gagnier

but they’ve certainly experienced upheaval and trauma. What better way to demonstrate the power of arts and community than “Rise and Shine Saturday” on Nov. 9? Originally scheduled for the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, the event has been moved into tents on the adjacent green because FEMA has taken over the auditorium for its disaster recovery operations.

TURNING

Several of the events Kin has lovingly put together over the last three years had to change direction because of the hurricanes’ impacts. That’s not a problem for the Ohio native, who is a theater trouper if there ever was one.

As Kin drives around town, he notes venue changes for the Rising Arts Festival, funded by donors such as the Downtown Improvement District, Jonathan and Michelle Mitchell, Jaime and Julie DiDomenico and many others.

A free opening night party titled, “A World of Entertainment,” will now take place at 7:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Art Ovation Hotel downtown after issues with vendors moved it from the roof of the Northern Trust Building.

The soiree will feature performances by one-man Cuban band Renesito, Sarasota Jewish Theater, Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota and Tania Vergara’s Endedans Contemporary Ballet.

A festival event that Kin had hatched with Embracing Our Differences has been canceled.

Visitors were to travel paths at Selby Gardens’ Spanish Point campus and view art created by kids for the annual Embracing Our Differences exhibition as well as banners from arts organizations such as Sarasota Contemporary Dance, Modern Marimba and CreArte Latino.

As they say in baseball, there’s always next year. In the meantime, if you’re hankering for some Embracing Our Differences art, head over to the Sarasota Art Museum, housed in the former Sarasota High School.

“Embracing Kindness,” a collaboration between Embracing Our Differences and SAM, features 14 enlarged images of artwork. The show is free and runs through Dec. 17.

GET OUT OF TOWN

If you want to take a day trip, the Living Arts Festival’s “All Roads Lead to Venice” has your name on it. With such a vibrant arts scene in Sarasota, it’s sometimes easy to forget that there’s a cultural destination just 17 miles south. While Venice suffered a lot of damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022, its beautiful pink downtown was spared the wrath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The city of Venice is inviting visitors to a “takeover” of its downtown by arts groups such as the Venice Arts Center, the Venice Symphony and the Venice Theatre in an event sponsored by Venice Mainstreet and The Downtown Association.

“All Roads Lead to Venice” includes a tour of the town’s art galleries, including one run by Clyde and Niki Butcher. In case you missed it, revered landscape photographer Clyde Butcher was recently awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Joe Biden at the White House.

We can’t make any guarantees about which members of the Butcher family will be on hand Nov. 14. The Butchers will hold an open house on Nov. 16 at their Venice Gallery & Studio and another on Dec. 11 at their Big Cypress Gallery.

It’s time to get back on the road to Sarasota. One late starter in the Living Arts Festival is a screening of the Off-Broadway performance of “Clowns Like Me,” a humorous oneman show about mental illness.

If that doesn’t sound like a barrel of laughs to you, you haven’t seen Scott Ehrenpreis perform. He makes dealing with autism spectrum disorder, OCD, bipolar disorder, social anxiety and depression funny. We kid you not! The screening takes place at Burns Court Cinema on Nov. 16.

Feeling overwhelmed by all the arts choices available now that season has kicked into gear? Kin and Company has just the remedy for you: Arts Roulette! On Nov. 16, festival team members will go out into the community to help arts patrons spin the wheel.

“Bettors” can take home free tickets to shows by arts groups participating in the Living Arts Festival. After the last few months, it will be good to get be winning again.

SARASOTA COUNTY LIBRARIES AND HISTORICAL RESOURCES PRESENTS

November Literary Celebration

Featuring bestselling authors, writing workshops, book signings and more at all Sarasota County Libraries locations.

Soman Chainani "School for Good and Evil" Thursday, Nov. 7 | 6 p.m. | Shannon Staub Library

Bestselling author of The School for Good & Evil series, now a major motion picture from Netflix.

Amor Towles "A Gentleman in Moscow" Friday, Nov. 8 | 7 p.m. Venice Performing Arts Center

Bestselling author of “Table for Two,” “Rules of Civility” and “A Gentleman in Moscow,” now streaming on Paramount +.

Chef Edward Lee "Bourbonland"

Tuesday, Nov. 12 | 6 p.m. Shannon Staub Library

Celebrity chef and James Beard Award-Winning

Author of “Bourbon Land” and “Buttermilk Graffiti.”

Curtis Sittenfeld "Prep" Saturday, Nov. 16 | 3 p.m. Selby Library

Short story writer, novelist and bestselling author of “Prep,” “American Wife” and “Romantic Comedy.

And many more!

Composing a climate-proof future

Sarasota Orchestra moves ahead on its new music center as it welcomes a new maestro.

MONICA ROMAN GAGNIER

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

In a world filled with drama kings and queens who know how to put on a good show, Sarasota Orchestra President and CEO

Joseph McKenna is a rarity. He has the demeanor of an accountant and the soul of an artist.

McKenna’s strangely calm when the winds howl and the power goes out. You can imagine him assembling his team in a bunker and plotting strategy with a flashlight, pen and paper.

He might even give high-wire artist Nik Wallenda a run for his money when it comes to having nerves of steel. Of course, McKenna gets to do his job a little closer to the ground.

In short, McKenna has the perfect disposition for leading an organization through the process of finding a replacement for a beloved music director who died suddenly, planning for a new music center that will survive Florida’s increasingly powerful hurricanes and making lastminute date and venue changes to a season of concerts while planning for the next one.

There’s a bit of a patient tutor sitting in McKenna’s chair at the head of a conference table, despite the power conferred by that position and his title.

When an interviewer asks, “Were you scrambling after the Van Wezel announced it was closing through the end of the year?” McKenna doesn’t miss a beat. He calmly replies, without hostility, “We don’t scramble at Sarasota Orchestra.”

He explains that he got a courtesy call from his friend, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Executive Director Mary Bensel, ahead of the announcement that the Van Wezel would close for the rest of 2024 because of dam-

among the community’s youth.

The hurricane also prompted Sarasota Orchestra to postpone the announcement of the architect for its new music center on Fruitville Road near Interstate 75. On Oct. 29, the orchestra announced the selection of William Rawn Associates of Boston to build its new facility.

The music center will have an 1,800-seat main performance hall, a 700-seat flexible space for chamber music and special events and multiple rehearsal rooms. The orchestra paid $14 million for a 32-acre site in April 2023.

age inflicted by Hurricane Milton on Oct. 9.

While Sarasota Orchestra holds some of its smaller, casual concerts in Holley Hall, down the street from the Van Wezel, the so-called “Purple Palace” is where its formal Masterworks concerts take place.

The most important of these is the first Masterworks of the season, “Going Places.” It will be the first concert to be conducted by Grammy Award winner Giancarlo Guerrero since he was named music director designate of Sarasota Orchestra.

Guerrero was hired in August after a two-year search for a new music director following the untimely death of Bramwell Tovey in July 2022.

The new maestro, who is music director at the Nashville Symphony, will officially start his new position in the 2025-26 season.

After some finessing — don’t call it “scrambling” — McKenna and his team moved Masterworks 1 to the Sarasota Opera House with a slight tweak to the dates. It will now take place Nov. 7-9.

The historic opera house has 1,119 seats, fewer than the Van Wezel’s 1,741 seats, so concertgoers will be treated to a more intimate experience.

Some family-oriented concerts had to be canceled after Hurricane Milton, something that pains McKenna since he rightly sees the orchestra’s future players and patrons

As Sarasota Orchestra mulled over possibilities for a future home over the last decade or so, McKenna has been vocal, though never loud, about the need for a resilient facility. Not everyone shared his concern about the possibility of flooding and other damage should storms intensify.

Asked if he was tempted to feel “smug” because his fears have become a reality, McKenna turned to Gordon Greenfield, the orchestra’s chief marketing and communications officer, and said, “I’m not smug, am I, Gordon?”

As they say in court, “Rephrase.” Is McKenna feeling vindicated? Well, his immediate concern is the well being of his employees, musicians, patrons and donors.

After that, he’s feeling hopeful about a climate-proof future for Sarasota Orchestra in a new facility that will last 100 years.

McKenna says the torrential rainstorm of June 11 and three hurricanes this season — Debby, Helene and Milton — have demonstrated the importance of having adequate acreage for drainage around the new music center.

Pressed for the price tag of the facility, McKenna demurs. As for the opening date, he and his team are aiming for the end of 2029.

Right now, the orchestra’s development staffers are having “quiet” conversations with potential large donors, McKenna says. He adds that it would be premature to talk about financing options, including a mix of private and public funds.

IF YOU GO MASTERWORKS 1: 'GOING PLACES'

When: Nov. 7-9

Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets: $29-$105 Info: Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

“People like to say, ‘If you’ve seen one project, you’ve seen them all.’ Well, I say, ‘If you’ve seen one project, you’ve seen one project,’” McKenna says, seeming to pause for the expected laugh that his quip will elicit.

As the interview draws to a close

and McKenna is given the opportunity to deliver his own commentary instead of responding to questions, a philosopher steps out of the shadows.

“A lot of people ask why we need a new music center,” McKenna says. The bottom line: “We need to learn how to listen.”

In a world where we’re too often thinking about what we’re going to say next or whether we should take a selfie, McKenna has a point. Our survival may very well come down to our ability to listen — and follow instructions — when the next hurricane comes roaring out of the gulf or the one after that.

Grammy Award winner Giancarlo Guerrero will conduct his first Masterworks as music director designate of the Sarasota Orchestra from Nov. 7- 9 at the Sarasota Opera House.

Monica Roman Gagnier

Joseph McKenna, president and CEO of Sarasota Orchestra.

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

‘9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL’

7:30 p.m. at the Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave. W, Venice $15-$37 Visit VeniceTheatre.org.

This toe-tapping musical is based on “9 to 5,” a 1980 film about sexism in the office that featured the hit song of the same name written and recorded by Dolly Parton, who also starred in the film with Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Dabney Coleman. Runs through Nov. 24.

DON’T MISS

OFF THE PAGE: AMOR TOWLES

How can you not love a writer named “Amor?”

It’s destiny. Come see Amor Towles, author of bestsellers “Rules of Civility,” “A Gentleman in Moscow” and “The Lincoln Highway” talk about his craft and why he walked away from a finance career to become a man of letters. In retrospect, it looks like a smart move since his books have sold more than 8 million copies and won numerous awards.

IF YOU GO

When: 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8

Where: Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave. Building 5, Venice Tickets: Free Info: Visit OffThePageFL.org.

‘MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG’

7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $40 Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. com.

Stephen Sondheim’s semiautobiographical musical, “Merrily We Roll Along” explores the relationship between composer Franklin Shepard and his two lifelong friends. Runs through Nov. 10.

‘SOUL CROONERS:

SOLID GOLD EDITION’

7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $22-$52

Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.

Created and directed by Nate Jacobs, “The Soul Crooners” returns to Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s main stage for the first time since its 2009 premiere. The opening show of WBTT’s 25th anniversary season celebrates the soul music of the 1970s. Runs through Nov. 17.

‘JENNIFER, WHO IS LEAVING’

7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. $5-$33

Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

Directed by Celine Rosenthal, “Jennifer, Who is Leaving” is a comedy set in a Massachusetts donut shop about three overworked women. Runs through Dec. 1.

‘WAITRESS’

8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.

$39-$59

Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

For fans of Sara Bareilles, Florida Studio Theatre’s production of “Waitress” needs no introduction. The Grammy-winning singer/ songwriter wrote the music and lyrics for this hit Broadway musical based on a 2007 film of the same name. Spoiler alert: Pie is always the answer! Runs through Dec. 29.

FRIDAY

IN-STUDIO: FALL PERFORMANCE

7 p.m. at Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300

$20-$25

Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org.

Come see the Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble, a training company for aspiring dancers under the direction of Xiao-Xuan Dancigers and Melissa Rummel. Runs through Nov. 9.

HALIE LOREN

8 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court

$34

Visit WSLR.org.

Singer/songwriter Halie Loren burst onto the music scene as a teen in 2009. Since then, she has crossed genres and languages to win fans all over the globe.

OUR PICK

‘THE HOBBIT’

Sarasota Youth Opera presents Dean Burry’s “The Hobbit.” Sarasota Youth Opera commissioned Burry to write orchestrations for the prelude to J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic “The Lord of the Rings” because the original “Hobbit” was written for piano only. Runs through Nov. 10.

IF YOU GO When: 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9

Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets: $15-$30 Info: Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

RINGLING UNDERGROUND

8 p.m. at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road

$15; students free Visit Ringling.org.

If you’re a student with an ID, you’ve got a place to get your groove on for free. November’s lineup includes headliner HuDost, Divine AF’s and Gabe Hernandez.

SUNDAY

GREAT BALLS OF FIRE AND PATRIOTIC SALUTE

3 and 7 p.m. Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Building 5, Venice $35- $65 Visit ThePopsOrchestra.org.

Robyn Bell leads The Pops Orchestra in a double-barreled concert honoring Jerry Lee Lewis, rock ’n’ roll’s first wild man, and those who have served their country. Continues Nov. 11 at SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St., W., Bradenton.

MONDAY

MONDAY NIGHT JAZZ

AT THE CABARET

7:30 p.m. at John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $34-$39 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Jazz Club of Sarasota presents Brandon Robertson, an Emmynominated music director and bassist originally from Tampa.

TUESDAY

ZOTA QUARTET

Noon at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road Included in museum admission Visit Ringling.org.

Perlman Music Suncoast presents the Zota Quartet, who met in 2023 at the Perlman Music Program Chamber Music Workshop. The program features Debussy’s “String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10” and Felix Mendelssohn’s “String Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Op. 13.”

Excelsis Percussion Quartet

Marcelina Suchocka, Aya Kaminaguchi, Britton-René Collins, Mariana Ramirez

November 24, 4:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church

Winner of the 2024 Chamber Music America Artistic Projects Grant and featured on NPR’s From the Top with Christopher O’Riley, this quartet’s unique programs are rooted in the belief that music has an ability to unite us all. In fascinating performances, they speak the universal language of rhythm through a repertoire that spans from classical to avant garde to pop.

Raise Your Voice

Joseph Parrish, baritone

Jesse Martins, piano

December 12, 11:00 am performance followed by lunch • Sarasota Yacht Club

Joseph Parrish, winner of the 2022 Young Concert Artists’ Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, is known for his versatility in both operatic and popular music. Joseph is passionate about giving back to the communities that have nurtured him and works to address diversity in the classical music world. Following his riveting ASC debut in 2023, he collaborates with pianist Jesse Martins from Sarasota Opera in this return engagement. Their program features music of William Grant Still, Donizetti, and Rachmaninoff.

Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble holds an In-Studio Performance on Nov. 8-9.

These local coffee shops define cool beans

EMMA BURKE JOLLY CONTRIBUTOR

Let me take you back to 2012 when I was a broke grad school student. My parents were my roommates, I commuted into Manhattan five days a week and I spent all my pennies on experiences rather than saving up for — you know — actual adulting.

Picture a 20-something me, convinced she knew everything about anything. I was willing to intern for anyone who would invest their time in me, and these internships hardly ever came with a paycheck.

I interned at a fashion house for Zac Posen, now executive vice president and creative director of Gap Inc. I stocked closets full of Chanel and other couture brands at Harper’s Bazaar, accompanied Paris Hilton backstage to an Israeli fashion designer’s show during New York Fashion Week and even made it to the second round of interviews for a gig at Rolling Stone that ultimately went to a nepo baby.

My love affair with coffee intensified as I hopped on the 5:30 a.m. train to Manhattan. By the time I caught the 10:21 p.m. back home, I was either toasting the day with a cocktail or slurping down another cup of caffeine.

My crowning professional achievement? Interning (and eventually working) at “The Jerry Springer Show.”

From the pinnacle of luxury fashion to the chants of “Jerry! Jerry!” one thing was universally true: Everyone needs their morning jolt. Fast forward to 2024. No more late-night brews for me. I’ve set a caffeine cutoff time of 2 p.m. But there are some local coffee gems that take me back to those invincible, caffeinated days of my 20s. So let’s spill the beans on the coffee spots that are truly worth the buzz!

SHELF INDULGENCE USED BOOKS CAFÉ

2805 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 941-260-5326; ShelfIndulgenceUsedBooks.com/Cafe

Calling all foodies and book lovers!

This charming used bookstore and café is a cozy haven where you can indulge in flavorful, locally brewed coffee from Sarasota’s own Latitude 23.5 Coffee and Tea. Enjoy fresh, organic ingredients with mouthwatering vegan and vegetarian options while you curl up with a good book. Whether you’re a trivia enthusiast or simply seeking a tranquil escape, this café has something to delight everyone.

Espresso Yourself: I don’t know if it’s being a Floridian or my evolving taste buds, but if you’re like me, you might be loco for the coco-nut. Blend beachside bliss with a cup of joe in the form of the tasty Almond Joy latte ($4.65), made with espresso, coconut and mocha syrups and finished off with almond milk.

Brew-tifully Un-bean-lievable: In the mood for something just a tad sweeter? The sugar cookie latte ($4.95) is simply divine. Espresso, brown sugar and vanilla syrups with milk, whipped cream and cookie topping — designed so even the Grinch-iest of people can get into the holiday spirit. (It will be here before you know it.)

Here’s the Tea: Not crazy about coffee? I recommend the green tea

Arnold Palmer ($3.25) — half freshsqueezed lemonade and half organic iced green tea.

O & A COFFEE & SUPPLY

1316 Main St., Sarasota; 941-5528659; 1570 Lakefront Drive, Sarasota; 941-217-4821; plus a mobile coffee bar at Sarasota Farmers Market on Saturdays,OAndACoffee.com

If you’re the kind of coffee lover who prefers to skip the super-sweet

seasonal blends in favor of the rich, bold flavors of a perfectly brewed cup, this is where you need to be. At O&A, every cup is a masterclass in coffee, brewed with care, precision and deep knowledge. The attention to detail, from selecting the beans to crafting your personalized brew, ensures a coffee experience far beyond the ordinary. This is where true coffee enthusiasts come to savor the best in town.

Espresso Yourself: The first time I went into owner and founder Justin Banister’s first brick-and-mortar store in 2019, I quickly learned that all those coffee runs that I made as an intern were for coffee that sucked. Banister’s beans hit notes in my mouth that I didn’t even know existed. The flat white ($5) is as beautiful as it is packed with flavor. It does the job of jump-starting your day just right. Made with effort and care, this order requires a prep time of five minutes. It’s a glorious delivery when that bell rings. Brew-tiful and Un-bean-lievable: My runner-up favorite is without a doubt the cold brew ($5). It’s perfect for those mornings you thought were full of fall essence but heat up in the blink of an eye. Add a touch of honey and you are a caffeinated queen ready to embark on the day’s conquests. Here’s the Tea: Yes, they have tea but it wouldn’t be Eating with Emma without, well, eating. The breakfast burrito ($8.50 and up) is a tantalizing tastebud experience you weren’t expecting, foodies. Have a brew-tiful morning.

MOJO RISIN’ COFFEE SIESTA KEY

5251 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key; 941-349-6656; MojoRisinCoffee. com

This Siesta Key hotspot is a mustvisit for coffee lovers and cocktail seekers alike, blending laid-back vibes with a splash of retro flair.

A

WORLD OF e nter t ainmen t

Friday, November 8th

Art Ovation Hotel | 1255 North Palm Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236

Our Living Arts Festival officially begins with this FREE eclectic opening night party. In the lobby of Art Ovation Hotel experience a global perspective of our incredible arts and culture offerings. Officially titled “A World of Entertainment” it’s a fusion of international and local arts. Imagine our world-class Chalk Festival on the streets below and music from Renesito, a one man cuban band that will set the tone for world-class entertainment at our doorstep. With the support of our generous donors, we present a glimpse of the unbelievable week of arts programming, from theater and dance to fine art and music, all with an inclusive world beat.

Enjoy LIVE performances by: Sarasota Jewish Theater, Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota, A premiere dance performance by Tania Vergara’s Endedans Contemporary Ballet and more!

Let’s come together to applaud the potential in all of us to elevate our cultural coast.

Whether you’re stressed, blessed or just coffeeobsessed, here’s where to find a good cup of joe.

Nestled beneath a tiki hut roof and right next to the iconic Gilligan’s, this café has become a local legend, standing strong after hurricanes Helene and Milton. Whether you’re craving a smooth caffeine boost or a classic cocktail, this midcentury modern-inspired spot serves up the perfect blend of cool vibes and great drinks.

Espresso Yourself: For someone who is not a huge fan of bananas or anything banana flavored, I was shocked when I ordered the monkey mocha ($5.50 and up), chugged it and immediately pondered ordering a second one. Espresso, served iced or hot, with caramel and banana fuels your mind, body and Siesta Key soul in a seriously sensational way.

Brew-tiful and Un-bean-lievable: I often hear my dad’s voice, “KISS: Keep It Simple, Stupid,” and

I do my best to follow his advice. The café con leche ($3.50) combines equal parts of espresso with whole dairy milk. I instantly remember why I am so thankful not to be lactose-intolerant. Skip breakfast and enjoy an Espresso Martini ($11) with Smirnoff vodka, Baileys, Kahlua, fresh pulled espresso and you might need a nap before you start your day. But who said that’s a bad idea?

Here’s the Tea: Our noncoffee drinkers (hi, Mom!) can order a chai latte ($5.25), hot chocolate ($5.25 and up), iced or hot tea ($3.50) or head straight to the bar and pick up a bloody mary ($8) loaded with Smirnoff, seven spices, horseradish and pickled green bean. That’s sure to get your mojo risin’!

JOIN US FOR...

Scan the QR code to learn more!

Courtesy image

Mojo Risin’ Coffee captures the Siesta Key vibe while serving up coffee suitable for everyone in the family.

Wednesday, Oct. 30, at Sharky’s on the Pier

Benefiting Children First

Flip Flops & Fashion

THURSDAY,

After the battering Sarasota County took with three consecutive hurricanes, the fate of a Sharky’s on the Pier reopening was watercooler chatter.

With the help of dedicated employees and volunteers, Sharky’s moved tons of sand, cleaned house, restocked and opened just in time to host the Children First 17th annual Flip Flops & Fashion event Oct. 30, with some 360 guests in attendance.

The energy and excitement was more palpable than usual due to the cancellation and date changes that are happening with many events. The weather was a perfect 80 degrees with a low dew point, but the wind was blowing a steady 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph, keeping the tent flaps down.

Happily, it was another sold-out event raising funds to provide services for children and families. Established in 1961, Children First is Sarasota County’s exclusive provider of the Head Start program.

Co-chairs of the event were Georgia Anderson, Brenda Belsito and Emma Kate Sylvestri.

Children First VP of Philanthropy, Jessica Rogers, gave a warm welcome to the crowd.

“At Children First, we focus on how we can be most resilient, especially in times of adversity,” Rogers said. “We are so thrilled that our partners, sponsors and volunteers chose to join us by literally moving all the obstacles that we faced to ensure an amazing 17th annual Flip Flops & Fashion.”

Dazzling the guests with her effervescence and wide smile, Krystel Beall introduced the models as she described the outfits worn by men, women, children and an infant. All fashions and accessories were provided to the models by Bealls.

— JANET COMBS

Candy Exline is a center director for Children First and is modeling Bealls fashions with her daughter, Shelby.

MLB fans were happy to see former Baltimore Orioles center fielder Jeremy Shelby and his wife, Alysha, back out on the Flip Flop & Fashion runway. Together with their children, daughters Ashyr and Alyza, and son, Jersey, the family delighted all.

Guests enjoying the VIP tent include Ali Miller, Nikki Logan Curran, Brenna Wilhm, Megan Greenberg and Erica Ficarrotta.

Quentin MacDonald, Children First CEO Philip Tavill and Robbie Hoskins

Jessica Rogers with co-Chairs Georgia Anderson, Brenda Belsito and Emma Kate Sylvestri

Ingrid Summers, Adela Glover, Greg Parris, Kim Parris and Sheila Bruce

Photos by Janet Combs Matt and Krystel Beall, of Bealls Department Stores, presented the annual Flip Flops & Fashion event held in the sand at Sharky’s on the Pier.