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SRQ DAILY Oct 13, 2017

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"Selby Gardens has the best scientifically documented collection of orchids in the world right here in Sarasota."

- Jennifer Rominiecki, Selby Gardens
 

[Nature]  A World of Orchids at Selby Gardens
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

The Conservatory at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has reopened to the public with the debut of a new botanical exhibition, The Orchid Show: Earth, Air, Fire, Water. Though closed for only a brief period, the inside of the Conservatory appears transformed, showcasing the diversity and adaptability of the Orchidaceae family through distinct habitats created by Selby Gardens staff, including volcanic landscapes, misty pools and the mighty Mount Selby rising up in the middle, complete with cascading waterfall. Across the campus, inside Payne Mansion, the other side of The Orchid Show revels in both the science and art of botanical taxonomy through illustrations, pressed and preserved specimens and even an autographed work by Charles Darwin.

Entering the Conservatory, the eco-tour begins with Air. Around 70 percent of all orchids are epyphitic (air plants), meaning they cannot gather water and nutrients from the soil, and instead must adapt other methods of collection. To demonstrate this, Selby staff repurposed a tree set for removal, sawing it into pieces so that it could fit through the door and then reassembling it inside “like a jigsaw puzzle,” says Mike McLaughlin, director of horticulture at Selby Gardens. Epyphitic orchids teeming on the branches recreate the leaf effect, while great blowing fans emphasize the orchids’ scattershot method of reproduction—spewing countless tiny seeds into the air in the hope that a few will find a suitable landing. Turning to Mount Selby (Earth), lithophytic orchids (rock-growers) find their purchase along slick, rock faces.

Moving past Mount Selby, dangling orchids such as the rattlesnake orchid with its tiny blooms and long ropy inflorescence or the Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis and its broad drooping leaves reveal the family’s variety—and sometimes devious nature. Pollenated by scavengers and carrion-feeders, the Bulbophyllum takes on a reddish appearance like an old carcass and emits a similar odor as well when blooming. “Plants are almost smart,” says McLaughlin, “and that’s a sneaky orchid.”

Though no orchid seems to enjoy a close encounter with an open flame, all owe quite a bit to the Sun, or, as McLaughlin puts it, “the big fire in the sky.” And some do thrive in volcanic terrain, reveling in the heat and deriving nutrient from ash. One particular Australian orchid even relies on smoke for germination. In an artful array of fiery red blooms, igneous rock and a dangling driftwood sun, The Orchid Show pays homage. And all along the northern wall, crawling mists sweep over orchids in what is the most reliable form of hydration many of them can ever expect.

On the other side of the grounds, the Payne Mansion houses the other half of the exhibition, where botanical illustrations joined pressed specimens, both framed on the wall as artistic and scientific counterpoints. Nearby, preserved specimens float like organic sculptures. It’s a blurring of lines, says curator Dr. David Berry, that presents the scientific in an artistic context and vice versa. “The change in context encourages people to look at them in a different way,” he says. Encased in glass, attendees can also view historical artifacts from pioneering taxonomists like Carl Linnaeus and Charles Darwin, and take a gander at a preserved moth much like the one that vindicated Darwin’s theories 16 years after his death.

The Orchid Show: Earth, Air, Fire, Water will be on display through Nov. 26, with “Orchid Evenings” every Wednesday, where guests can pay for an twilight experience with open bar and dinner and more orchids than they know what to do with. 

Pictured: The majestic Mount Selby rises in the middle of the 2017 Orchid Show at Selby Gardens. Photo by Phil Lederer.

[Good Bite]  Nonstop Gnocchi
Zachary Bright

For a singular twist on a classic Italian dish with nearly 2000 years of history, look no further than BRAVO Coastal Bar and Kitchen. Bite-sized brown butter gnocchi rest in a sea of specially made sweet corn sauce. The small dough dumplings themselves are crisp and crunchy on the outside and fluffy as pillows on the inside. Paper thin prosciutto lie atop the dish alongside a smattering of fresno chiles, which add a touch of meat and spice. The plate is finished with a garnish which adds a vibrant green to the warm earthy tones of the gnocchi and sauce.  

Photo by Zachary Bright.

BRAVO Coastal Bar & Kitchen, 3501 South Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, 941-316-0868.

[Recognition]  Fox Receives Lifetime Achievement Alumni Award

The University of South Florida (USF) College of Education has announced the recipients of the College’s 2017 Distinguished Alumni Awards, including Booker Middle School Creative Writing Teacher Joanna Fox, who will receive the Dean's Lifetime Achievement Alumni Award. The recipient of the Dean's Lifetime Achievement Alumni Award is recognized as a community member who has demonstrated long-term contributions, achievement and service within education or a related profession—on a local, state, regional, national and/or global level. Since graduating from the College of Education in 1999 with a degree in english education, Fox has served for 17 years at Booker Middle School, and revolutionized the way creative writing is taught to her students by providing them with a comfortable and singular place to let their ideas flow in her classroom that she and her students refer to as “The Dragonfly Café.” Fox has tackled common challenges in the middle school setting through her teaching, such as providing her students a creative outlet to have their voices heard through off-campus poetry performances, and having her students’ families become involved in the writing process at Family Writing Nights. Because of her work, Fox has received numerous awards and recognitions such as the Florida Teacher Certification Examination’s Beginning Teacher of the Year Award and Teacher of Excellence Award, the Arts Leadership Award for Sarasota County, Scholastic’s Outstanding Educator Award and the International River of Words/Kalmanovitz School of Education Teacher of the Year Award.  

Booker Middle School

[Expansion]  One Particular Harbor Marina Underway

Minto Communities and Margaritaville Holdings have announced that construction is progressing on the new deep water marina at One Particular Harbour Margaritaville, located at Harbour Isle, a 220-acre private island community on Anna Maria Sound in Bradenton, Florida. The One Particular Harbour Margaritaville marina and adjoining neighborhood of 132 luxury residences are being developed by Minto in partnership with Margaritaville Holdings. Move-in ready homes are available now, while construction on the marina is slated for completion in spring 2018. Featuring direct, no-bridge access to the Gulf of Mexico, the marina at One Particular Harbour Margaritaville will include 55 wet slips and 128 dry slips, ships store and up to 30,000 square feet of commercial space with a signature Margaritaville restaurant concept, entertainment and shops. State-of-the-art aspects will include floating boat docks and an enclosed boat storage facility capable of supporting vessels up to 42 feet in length. 

One Particular Harbor

[Synergy]  SCF, BASC to Host State Volleyball Tournament

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) and The Bradenton Area Sports Commission (BASC) will host the Region 8 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) volleyball tournament Nov. 3 to Nov. 5 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. The College and Commission hosted the tournament last year and are scheduled to continue through 2018. By bringing the tournament to the convention center, SCF and The Bradenton Area Sports Commission are hoping to expand the sports industry in the area. Manatee and Sarasota counties have attracted world-class rowing events, soccer tournaments, polo competitions and can boast quality teams in the state, including SCF baseball, tennis and volleyball. The competitions are an economic engine, filling local hotel rooms, boosting restaurant sales and getting visitors into area shops. Sponsorships are still available and offer an opportunity to promote a business or organization to audiences from across the state. 

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota



[TODAY]  DANCE: SCD + Piazzolla , October 12 – October 15

Sarasota Contemporary Dance will kick off their 12th season with a highly anticipated collaboration between renowned harpist, Ann Hobson Pilot and Violinist, Tai Murray inspired by and to the music of Astor Pantaleon Piazzolla. SCD + Piazzolla will present a unique musical and choreographic spin on this famous artist, which promises to keep romance alive through a hot contemporary production. 

Jane B Cook Theatre FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota FL

[TODAY]  THEATER: Anna in the Tropics , October 12 – October 29, 8pm

Go back in time to a Cuban-American cigar factory in 1929 Florida. Lectors are employed to educate and entertain the workers, and when a new one comes to a certain factor and reads aloud from Anna Karenina, he influences the lives of his listeners. 

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton

[WEEKEND]  THEATER: Remembering Red: A Tribute to Red Skelton , October 14, 2pm, 8pm

Take a trip down memory lane and reminisce Red Skelton. Brian Hoffman portrays the man and some of his popular characters in a spot-on depiction. Meet characters from Gertrude and Heathcliffe, Clem Kadiddlehopper and Freddy the Freeloader and bust you gut from laughter. Arrive early to enjoy a half hour pre-show video with celebrities from the screen in the 50s to 70s. 

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton

[WEEKEND]  MUSIC: Sarah Mac Band , October 14, 8pm

Sarah Mac Band has been called the "Next Big Thing in Florida." Musicians Sarah Mac, Claire Swindell, and Charlie Vanture make up the twelve year old trio. The group create original music that blends the styles of all three artists.

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

[WEEKEND]  PERFORMANCE: Mission: Wildlife , October 15, 2pm

Catch Wildlife Ambassador Julie Scardina and her troupe of rescue animals on the big stage. Audience participation is heavily featured and encouraged in this performance for people of all ages. Learn more about flora and fauna from across the world. Tickets are $27, $30 or $37, depending on seating.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Ringling International Arts Festival , October 18 – October 21

For ardent aficionados of adventurous art, the 2017 Ringling International Arts Festival (RIAF) presents a dynamic array of ingenious and inventive contemporary performance. With music ranging from the folkloric to the avant-garde, dance that explores the comedy and pathos of 21st-century life, and theatrical narratives both intimate and massive in scope and in scale, this is your opportunity to explore the unexpected and expect the unexplored. With affordably priced performances you can enjoy the entire day. Lunch and dinner are available on-site. Members save 10% on all tickets and Non-Members save 10% when purchasing 4+ RIAF productions. Tickets may be purchased online, in person or by calling. Come, be amazed, and take part in the adventure!

The Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  BUSINESS: 22nd Annual Share the Light Luncheon , October 19, 11:30am

Join Second Chance Last Opportunity for the 22nd Annual Share the Light Luncheon on October 19 at Michael’s on East. Emceed by Bobeth Yates of ABC7 and Justin Mosely of The Suncoast News Network, the event will honor Lee-En Chung, P.E., LEED AP, Founder and Construction Consulting Engineer and Valerie Powell-Stafford, FACHE, CEO at Englewood Community Hospital. Standard tickets are $65/person or $520 for a table of eight. 

Michael’s on East, 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Night of Fish, Fun and Fright , October 20, 6:00pm

Buoys and ghouls of all ages are invited to dress up in costume for a Night of Fish, Fun and Fright at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Unearth shark teeth in Coffin Creek, enjoy deep sea delights in the Diner of the Dead and take part in Mad Science experiments and activities. Don’t miss Mote’s signature underwater pumpkin carving in their spooktacular shark habitats and enjoy entertainment from students at EveryOneRocks.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium , 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Woodwork , October 20, 8pm

Formed in March of 2016, the indie band has shown mastery in their music and performances. Their music is an almalgam of genres, with a blend of folk and jazz music coupled with hints of Latin jazz and fingerstyle guitar. 

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

[SOON]  GALA: 2nd Annual Women’s Sports Museum Gala, "A Celebration of Women in Sports" , October 20, 6:30pm

Join the Women’s Sports Museum for their Second Annual Gala, “A Celebration of Women in Sports” on October 20. Trailblazers from the world of sports will be honored at this year’s gala, including sports broadcast journalist Lesley Visser, mountain biker and extreme athlete Rebecca Rusch and groundbreaking equestrian Donna Cheek. This year, the event moves to Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens. The museum will present two scholarships to Sarasota County female student athletes. Sponsorships, in-kind donations and contributions are also being accepted, with all proceeds benefiting the nonprofit foundation’s efforts to build the nation’s first standalone museum dedicated to women in sports right here in Sarasota.

 

Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens, 811 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Nosh and Knowledge , October 23, 12:00pm

Join Aviva: A Campus for Senior Life over lunch on October 23 at Michael’s on East for their new lecture Series, Nosh and Knowledge.  Don Burris, the senior attorney who successfully argued the “Woman in Gold” legal case before the U.S. Supreme Court will be here to share this incredible story and participate in audience Q & A. 

Michael’s on East, 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: White Rabbit Red Rabbit , October 25 – November 5

The play you are about to see is sealed inside an envelope. One actor will perform it, but they’ve never seen the script and never rehearsed it. In fact, there is a new actor every performance. There is no director. Slyly humorous and audaciously pointed, this theater-entertainment-meets-social-experiment is unlike anything you’ve experienced. In collaboration with Ringling International Arts Festival, this special event will play just 10 performances at Urbanite Theatre, with 10 different actors. We dare you not to Google for more. For more information please visit www.urbanitetheatre.com for show times and tickets. 

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 Second Street, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: A Little Night Music , October 26 – November 12, 8pm

Get whisked away by romantic nineteenth century waltz from Stephen Sondheim. His music is sure to transport listeners to a weekend in the country. Tickets are $27, $30 or $37, depending on seating.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton

[SOON]  MUSIC: Charles Wesley Godwin , October 26, 8pm

A singer and songwriter born and raised in West Virginia, Charles' music has been shaped by his experiences growing up. His songs and stories, which center around his childhood spent in Appalachia, have captivated audiences with their one-of-a-kind sound.

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

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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