The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast kicks off the debut season of its “Hear and Now Concert Series” with a performance from violinist Rachel Lee Priday and pianist David Kaplan, both concertizing professionals and alumni of PMP programs. 

The first in a series of three concerts stretching into early Spring, the series includes the 11th annual Celebration Concert, marking the culmination of the PMP/Sarasota Winter Residency and bringing famed violinist Itzhak Perlman to the stage along with the students, and a final show on Apr. 19 featuring the Ariel String Quartet.

The unifying principle behind the series, according to PMP/Suncoast executive director Elizabeth Power, is the young artist and the cutivation of young artists, whether it be current students, aged 12 to early 20s, on stage with Perlman, or the recent graduates performing the opening and closing shows.

“We’re celebrating this incredible young artistry,” said Power. “They’re so talented, so focused. You’re going to hear the next generation of concert artists.”

Priday and Kaplan have already begun cementing their names, receiving critical acclaim from performances across the country, including New York, Chicago and Boston, as soloists and company members. Still, Priday remembers her time with PMP.

“Sarasota is filled with memories for me,” said Priday, who attended the Sarasota Winter Residency twice, most recently in 2008. “As I’ve continued on in the professional world, I realize that learning never stops. The skills you learn in a residency like this continue to be essential throughout your life.”

Kaplan, a regular presence on the New York scene through performances with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, previously attended the Chamber Music Workshop as part of PMP’s Summer Program on Shelter Island.

“He’s a phenomenal young pianist,” said Power. “He’s not new to Sarasota because he’s concertized in Florida before, but this will be his first time with us and we’re looking forward to having him join us.”

Programming for the night includes selections from Schumann, Dietrich and Brahms, as well as Beethoven’s Kreutzer Sonata.

While almost all events hosted by PMP/Suncoast are free and open to the public, this concert will be one of the few with a ticket price, with proceeds going toward PMP’s educational programming, such as the Educational Outreach Program, sending musicians into local schools, and the Super Strings.

Priday and Kaplan play Dec. 4 at 7pm in the Sarasota Opera House. 

NV5 recently leased a 1,057-square-foot office space on Sarasota Center Boulevard in Sarasota.  The new tenant was represented by Linda Emery of Sperry Van Ness Commercial Advisory Group. 

NV5 Technical Engineering

The Way Church of Bradenton has recently leased a 2,763-square-foot retail space located on Cortez Road West in Bradenton for a new church. David Murrell, of Sperry Van Ness Commercial Advisory Group, represented the tenant. 

The Way Church At Bradenton

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has named Kitty Cranor to its board of directors. She offers tremendous business savvy and nonprofit experience for the benefit of the organization, which is in its 15th year. Upon arriving in Sarasota eight years ago from Louisville, Kentucky, Cranor wasted little time getting involved. She donates her time to organizations including Tidewell Hospice, the Out-of-Door Academy, All Faiths Food Bank and Healthy Start, where she has served on the executive board since 2008.  

Westcoast Black Theater Troupe

At Thanksgiving, a little bit of people food for Fluffy should be no problem, but use good judgement, and if you're going to give her a little something extra, make it just a tidbit, not a meal. Some Thanksgiving fare is definitely a no-no, however. Even though turkey is a tad on the oily side, a little bit is okay, but the skin is bad news because it's fatty and in a worst-case scenario can bring on pancreatitis. Pumpkin on the other hand (in moderation) is actually good for your dog. Turkey bones are very dangerous, so keep those away from Fluffy, and discard that carcass discreetly (as in outside), because even the most well behaved dog can turn into a trash thief in the face of an alluring temptation. Additionally, no macadamia nuts, raisins or grapes. A little dressing is probably alright mixed into her food, but the seasoning 'sage,' commonly found in dressing, can cause stomach upset in some dogs. Keep bread dough away from Fluffy too, since it contains yeast, and yeast can cause tummy and gastrointestinal problems. 

Be aware of your dog's physical proximity to the front door. Guests coming and going provides a great opportunity for her to take flight, and looking for an escaped dog on Thanksgiving is no fun. Just in case, make sure she has her I.D.

Dogs understand when the leaders eat, subordinates stay away from the food. Make sure she stays away from the Thanksgiving feast when your family sits down. Maybe in another room altogether. Advise your guests not to feed her either. Finally, try to keep your dog's overall routine basically the same. It probably makes sense to take her for a nice walk before your guests arrive, as well. This will help to settle her mind around the added activity.

A native of Louisiana, SRQ Daily Columnist Gregg Flowers owns Dog's Best Friend Dog Training Services here in Sarasota, where he "teaches dogs and trains people." Gregg became fascinated by our relationship with dogs as a boy in the '60s, and by 1985 had developed his own unique style of working with dogs and their humans 

Dog's Best Friend