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SRQ DAILY Mar 30, 2017

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"The arts are where it all begins."

- Dr. Larry Thompson, Ringling College
 

[Arts and Culture]  State of the Arts Part 2
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

The White House this month proposed a budget calling for the elimination of three cultural agencies: the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). While the impact to the federal budget would be negligible, the cultural impact at the community level could be more pronounced. This is the second in a three-part series examining that possible impact.

The loss of these cultural agencies would extend beyond the stages and galleries dotted across town and into the classrooms, where students have in the past benefitted in terms of materials and opportunities made possible by the NEA.

“It’s a huge loss,” says Dr. Larry Thompson, president of Ringling College of Art and Design. The college has no current grant with the NEA, but in the past has received many, including a four-year grant ending in 2015 that totaled just over $200,000. Ringling College was able to match that funding at a ratio of three to one and fund a series of scholarships for underprivileged youth looking to attend an art and design college. That’s tangible impact, but even more “tremendous,” according to Thompson, is the symbolic impact that an NEA endorsement can have on fundraising and reputation. And that’s something he’ll miss more than the funding.

“It signifies a lack of understanding of the importance of arts and culture in our society,” Thompson says, “and that’s the really troublesome piece, because arts and culture are where the heart and soul are.”

Alongside institutional offerings such as scholarships, the loss of the NEA and agencies like it would have scattered effects across the country, even reaching into individual classrooms. Dr. Amy Reid, a professor of French literature at New College of Florida, has for the last 16 years dedicated time not teaching to translating the works of the Cameroonian writer Patrice Nganang from French to English, completing two novels and an assortment of shorter pieces already. She uses these in her class, where she teaches students in both French and English.

“I wanted to be sure that my students who read in English, and the broader public, had access to beautiful and meaningful works of literature,” says Reid. Currently, and with help from a grant from the NEA, Reid is translating a third of Nganang’s novels exploring the history of Cameroon, particularly around the time of Charles De Gaulle and the Free French Forces. “We need to recognize that the NEA, the NEH and the CPB have huge impacts across our country,” she says, “and when we support artists, we are making the world of art accessible. This is something we should value.”

Thompson also sees the move to defund as shortsighted at a time when the future needs innovation and dreamers who can imagine the world of tomorrow. “One of the biggest things we need in our society is creativity,” he says. “It’s needed in all industries and the arts are really the epicenter of creative thought.”

“The arts are where it all begins.” 

[Ryan Flies]  From the Cockpit Part 13: BushCat LSA
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Editor’s Note: This is part thirteen of an ongoing series documenting the flights of active-duty US Navy Pilot Ryan Rankin on his journey to fly 52 planes in 52 weeks through the year 2017.

When Rankin first started planning this yearlong project, the BushCat Light Sport Aircraft was at the top of the list. Like the Duke, it has that ineffable ramp presence—something aggressive but fun in the way it sits on the runway like 700 pounds of aluminum tubing and trilam skin waiting to pounce. “It just looks like a plane you’ll have fun in,” says Rankin. “Like you could just take off, land in a field and go camping.” After numerous flights cancelled by everything from scheduling conflicts to freak fog banks in North Florida, Rankin finally managed to take off with Brody Hughes of Salt Air Aviation on a chilly 45-degree morning.

Manufactured in South Africa by SkyReach, the no-frills bush plane has quickly become an aircraft of choice for anti-poaching outfits, thanks to its nimble nature. With big wheels and low weight, the BushCat can not only handle rough, unpaved terrain, but also needs little in the way of length when it comes to finding a runway to take off from or land on. Perfect for the backcountry and spontaneous flights, the BushCat’s usefulness in preventing poaching becomes obvious.

Rugged and utilitarian, the BushCat is decidedly not an aerobatic plane, says Rankin. “But aerobatics is a very small part of flying and general aviation,” he adds. The majority of aviation entails getting from Point A to Point B and simply enjoying the experience of flying. And in that column, Rankin gives the BushCat high marks, finding the plane “surprisingly stable and steady,” especially given that it’s “essentially sailboat fabric and aluminum tubing.” Cruising over the beach and swooping low over the waves (away from populated areas, says Rankin), the BushCat gave little jostle and required no extra manhandling by the pilot.

But while the BushCat is considerably stable in the air, groundwork has a learning curve. “Even for a tailwheel,” says Rankin, “it’s a little bit trickier of an aircraft.” The big wheels that make it so great for backcountry puddle-jumping, also give the plane an extra spring that can make landings sensitive. It’s even harder on  asphalt, where the tires have an extra bite, threatening to throw off directional control. “You really have to be on top of it,” says Rankin. “You can’t let it get away from you.”

For more about the flight in Rankin's own words and a video of the flight, follow the link below. 

Pictured: Brody Hughes (left) and Ryan Rankin fly the BushCat LSA. Photo courtesy of Ryan Rankin.

Ryan Flies

[Daily Shop]  Vintage Victorian
Aviel Kanter, aviel.kanter@srqme.com

Even the most modern gal needs a bit of vintage flare every now and again. Retro Rosie is there to suit you up in the hippest of the old world, with brooches and pendants plucked straight from the Roaring '20s. Add one of these hand-carved cameos to your silk collar to update your working-woman uniform, stack the bracelet style with a delicate gold watch or string a pendant along a 16-inch gold chain for an unforgettable statement piece—you'll be the talk of the town.   

Photo courtesy of Retro Rosie.

Retro Rosie, 817 Manatee Ave. E, Bradenton, 941-708-0913.

[Recognition]  LECOM Park Named Best of the Ballparks in Grapefruit League

Readers of Ballpark Digest and Spring Training Online were asked to select their favorite Grapefruit League venue this past March. Capturing at least 65 percent over three rounds of voting, LECOM Park was chosen as the fan favorite for the second straight year. The final round saw fans select the spring home of the Pittsburgh Pirates by a 67.9-percent to 32.1-percent margin over Hammond Stadium, spring home of the Minnesota Twins. The ballpark is also the regular-season home of the Florida State League’s Bradenton Marauders. Built in 1923 for the St. Louis Cardinals and known by many old-timers as the former spring home of the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, LECOM Park is a ballpark where Roberto Clemente gracefully patrolled the outfield, where Willie Stargell engaged the fans and where generations of Pirates greats began their seasons over the last 48 years in Bradenton. Enhancements over the past few years saw the construction of a right-field boardwalk and a center-field Tiki bar, installation of new seats and new grandstand roofs and expanded concessions. 

City of Bradenton

[Synergy]  Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Helps Legacies Take Root

Starting this month, 11 Sarasota-Manatee area Jewish organizations will get the support they need building endowments, thanks to the newly launched LIFE & LEGACY program. The Sarasota-Manatee LIFE & LEGACY program, which joins similar efforts in more than 40 cities around the country, is a four-year partnership program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and managed by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Through the program, lay leaders and staff from a cross-section of synagogues, social service agencies, and day schools will receive the appropriate training, support and monetary incentives to start conversations, secure legacy gifts, steward donors and integrate legacy giving into the philanthropic culture of the Jewish community. To lead this initiative and serve as the liaison between the community and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Gisele Pintchuck has been appointed the local LIFE & LEGACY director. 

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

[Hires]  Simpkins Joins MindSpa

Kendra Simpkins, MSW has joined MindSpa to provide Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) to support veterans and other clients dealing with trauma and mental health issues. She owns Sarasota Rapid Resolution Therapy and works with the founder of RRT, Dr. Jon Connelly. RRT is an integrative therapy that credentialed practitioners use to help clear anxiety, guilt and grief associated with prior trauma. Simpkins earned a master of science in social work from Columbia University and a bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of South Florida. She’s currently a registered clinical social work intern. Simpkins served in the US Army as an intelligence analyst and was honorably discharged in 2010. During her graduate studies at Columbia, she conducted research in PTSD and trauma at Columbia Medical Center and provided therapeutic counseling to many veterans. Simpkins has also served as a peer mentor with the Wounded Warrior Project. 

MindSpa Sarasota



[TODAY]  GRAB BAG: Rosemary Gathering: A Fundraiser , March 30, 5-8pm

Hosted at Mandeville Beer Garden, take a seat at the table with the Rosemary District’s passionate business owners, creative professionals and residents. Learn more about the District’s planning initiative, give your input on the district’s trajectory and talk with the people steering the District into its future. Admission for this event is $30, which includes 2, 12oz Draughts and 1 Hamburger. Complete a survey and receive $10 in Mandeville Bucks, All proceeds will be donated to the Rosemary Planning initiative. For more information please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/599723583554231/

Mandeville Beer Garden, 428 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota

[TODAY]  BUSINESS: SB2: GOOD CULTURE Burgeoning Arts , March 30, 7:00am-9:00am

Join SRQ Magazine for another dynamic SB2: Breakfast Symposium on Thursday, March 30, 2017 from 7:30 am-9:00 am at The Francis, Downtown Sarasota. Keynote Nathan Schwagler, Co-Director of the Dali Museum, will give us insight on arts organizations creating energetic spaces for creativitySpecial guest panelists include: Steven High, Executive Director, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art; Jeff Rodgers, Director of Education, South Florida Museum; Anne-Marie Russell, Executive Director, Sarasota Museum of Art; Tom Barwin, City Manager, City of Sarasota and Board Member of the Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization. Tickets are $35/per person and includes a mouth-watering breakfast spread provided by The Francis. Reserve your spot online at SRQSB2.COM.

The Francis , 1289 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[TODAY]  PERFORMANCE: Blood Brothers , March 30 – April 23

By Willy Russell

In this dramatic musical, twin brothers are separated at birth, with one raised in wealth and other in poverty. They grow to be friends and then bitter enemies without ever knowing their blood connection. There will no performance on April 16 (Easter Sunday) show times Tuesday-Saturday 8pm and Sunday 2pm.For More Information and to Purchase Tickets please visit https://venicestage.com/portfolio/blood-brothers/

Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice

[TODAY]  PERFORMANCE: The Silver Foxes , March 30 – April 2

The Silver Foxes are a troupe of professionally directed, volunteer performers who are celebrating 25 years of quality entertainment. Their annual MainStage production evokes Carol Burnett-style variety shows with singing, dancing, and hilarious sketch comedy. Tickets are $29. Show times March 30-April 1- 7pm, April 1- 2pm, April 2- 2pm. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit https://venicestage.com/portfolio/the-25th-annual-silver-fox-show/

Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice

[SOON]  HEALTH: Sweet Ceremonies into the Heart , March 31, 7-9pm

 Join Pineapple Yoga Studio on a journey into the heart space. The instructor will start with gentle breathing exercises and guided imagery. A special cacoa that is prepared for ceremonial use only on an organic farm in Guatamala will be offered as a delicious drink (some call it heart-earth medicine) to soften into the center of the heart. From here students will melt into that yummy bahv. (Bliss) thru music and singing with Kirtan artist Rick Franz. Rick’s been playing and touring with some of the world's well known kirtan leaders for many years. This class will be held in the indoor yoga studio. Tickets are $20.00 if purchased online or $25.00 if purchased at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit http://www.pineappleyogastudio.net

Pineapple Yoga Studio , 517 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Music and Paws in the Park: Seranation , March 31, 6-8pm

Benefitting Royal Pet Rescue Seranation is a six-piece, reggae-rock/pop band from St. Petersburg, FL. With band members hailing from different musical backgrounds, Seranation has a unique blend that they have labeled "Tropical-Rock". Seranation constantly delivers catchy lyrics, tasteful guitar hooks, and up beat tempos. For more information please visit www.realizebradenton.com

[SOON]  FOOD: Wine Walk to Ca' d'Zan , March 31, 6pm

Enjoy fare by Sarasota's top caterers while sipping on a variety of wines provided by Total Wine & More. Each tasting station will be theatrically decorated in the spirit of this year’s theme, red or white. Learn about wines while you enjoy the splendor of the Ringling grounds and gardens on this self-guided wine tasting tour along the drive to John and Mable Ringling’s historic mansion. Tickets for this event are $135/person. To purchase tickets and for more information please visit https://www.ringling.org/events/wine-walk-ca-dzan

The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Jazz at two - Patrica Dean Trio , March 31, 2pm

Patricia Dean - on drums and vocals. As a drummer, she is an inspiring and supremely tasteful timekeeper, accompanist and soloist. As a jazz vocalist, she is swinging, sensitive and wonderfully musical. For more information please visit www.jazzclubsarasota.org/calendar-of-events

Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Bo-Nita , March 31 – April 30, Wed-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm


You could say that life gets a little weird for precocious 13-year-old Bo-Nita when she winds up with a dead ex-stepfather on her bedroom floor. With humor, pathos and a dash of Midwestern magical realism, this wild one-woman, seven-character adventure follows a mother and daughter’s elaborate plan to try to hold their dysfunctional family together. Tickets range from $5-$28.

Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second Street Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Sarasota Film Festival , March 31 – April 9

Held annually, the Sarasota Film Festival presents cinema alongside exciting programs and events, with more than 180 films screened each year including features, documentaries, shorts and kid–friendly picks. Entering its 19th year, the film festival is proud to bring the best new and veteran independent filmmakers to this week long festival with local and kid–friendly programs that showcase the Gulf Coast community. 

Sarasota Film Festival, 332 Cocoanut A. Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  GALLERY: Closing Night Celebration, Remember Warhol: 30 Years Ago , April 1, 5:30-8:00pm

Come celebrate Andy Warhol with fans and art lovers. Some 80’s music and a disco ball will be in the back of the Alfstand & Contemporary gallery along with food and beverages. Renowned photographer Christophe von Hohnenberg will be signing copies of his award-winning book. This is the last chance to view the critically acclaimed Remembering Warhol: Thirty Years Ago exhibition before showing at ART New York, May 3-7. For more information please visit www.alfstandand.com

Alfstad & Contemporary , 1419 5th St., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Diego Figuieredo with O Som Do Jazz , April 1

Acclaimed by the critics as the newest discovery in the guitar world, Figueiredo has made a massive impression in the contemporary jazz world. Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, O Som Do Jazz features Rio de Janeiro singer Andrea Moraes Manson and a crew of experienced musicians performing Brazilian jazz, Bossa Nova, samba, samba, Balanço and MPB.  O Som Do Jazz (the sound of jazz in Portuguese) recaptures the grace, energy and spirit of 1960s Brazilian music. www.fogartyville.org

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Ring Sarasota , April 1, 8pm

Florida’s premier bell ensemble explores rhythm from a new, light-hearted, and daring rendition of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and classic Glenn Miller in “Moonlight Serenade” to the West Indian Island Calypso beat of “Yellow Bird.” Feel the pulse of Abba’s disco classic “Dancing Queen” and the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby.” You’ll marvel at Ring Sarasota’s crisp and precise technique illuminating the pizzicato stylings of Leroy Anderson to the smooth jazz texture of Errol Garner’s “Misty” and more! It’s more entertaining than you can imagine! Tickets start at $20. 

The Glenridge Performing Arts Center , 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota 34238

[SOON]  GALA: Firefly Gala , April 1, 6:00-11:00pm

The 7th annual Firefly Gala, presented by The Dart Foundation features an intimate concert by Flo Rida at the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club. Benefitting Forty Carrots Family Center, this award-winning gala includes cocktails, a gourmet dinner and a full-scale performance, all to help strengthen families in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club, 15150 70th Terrace E, Bradenton, FL 34202

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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