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SRQ DAILY Nov 30, 2023

Thursday Family and Recreation Edition

Thursday Family and Recreation Edition

"My goal is to educate people. It is exciting to keep these stories going and add to them as modern mythology."

- Ren Pearson, Bookseller, Bookstore1Sarasota.
 

[Bookstore1Sarasota]  Going Gothic
Laura Paquette, laura.paquette@srqme.com

For an evening of thrills and chills, head to Bookstore1Sarasota to experience The Gothic Library, a live radio theater program that brings gothic literature to life. If it’s been a while since your last English class, Thought Co. defines gothic literature as “writing that employs dark and picturesque scenery, startling and melodramatic narrative devices, and an overall atmosphere of exoticism, mystery, fear and dread.” Noteworthy gothic works include Rebecca, Dracula and Frankenstein, an iconic story by Mary Shelley that Bookseller Ren Pearson has adapted to a radio format for the December edition of The Gothic Library.

“I know the horror scene back and front,” says Pearson, who does sound tech for Theatre Odyssey, which puts on a festival featuring ten-minute-long plays and another with works from local student playwrights. “Theatre Odyssey is best known for the Ten-Minute Play Festival, but COVID put a damper on those plans,” he adds. Pearson and his friend and fellow Theatre Odyssey alum Tom Aposporos found an unexpected way to keep the festival alive. “I had a bevy of useless knowledge about old-fashioned radio theater, and all that we needed was a place to record, microphones, equipment and for the scripts to be rewritten for a radio theater format. Tom and I talked about how other people were using Zoom, but it had its limitations much to the detriment of the enjoyment of the listener. We came up with the idea of doing a full podcast, which gave us more control and made it a lot easier to deliver quality. Surprisingly, Theatre Odyssey took a chance on our wild idea, actually purchased the equipment and turned the 2020-2021 season’s Ten-Minute Play Festival into an online radio festival,” says Pearson.

As pandemic restrictions eased, Pearson returned to the stage and began working at Bookstore1Sarasota. “I ended up with this really good equipment and thought ‘What do I do with it now?’” Inspired by the lofted event space in the shop, he pitched the idea of an evening of classic gothic literature, and The Gothic Library was born and is now presented in association with Theatre Odyssey. The first event this past July featured short stories The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allen Poe, The Signal-Man by Charles Dickens and Oh Whistle and I’ll Come To You My Lad by M.R. James. “I honestly expected a handful of people to show up. I did not expect for us to sell out both nights,” Pearson adds. “It really clicked and was much bigger than I expected.”

For Pearson, Frankenstein presented a challenge in terms of casting. “It’s a really well-written book that can be a hard read because it’s so emotional and heavy. I had a Doctor Frankenstein, but it wasn’t until I found my monster that I decided to do the piece,” he says. Tom Horton will play Victor Frankenstein, and Pearson’s brother Vincent will give the spark of life to his monster. “I’m fortunate to cast people who love these characters as much as I do and can give them their own spin.” Alongside the actors, the show is set to feature visual elements that will enhance the viewing experience. “We encourage the audience to use their imaginations, close their eyes and listen. We see their bodies react to certain sounds, wince and jump,” he adds. “My goal is to educate people, and it’s exciting to keep these stories going and add to them as modern mythology. I hope that they’re entertained and having as much fun as we are. And if they get scared, that’s good too.”

The Gothic Library will present Frankenstein on December 14, 15 and 16 and tickets can be purchased on Bookstore1Sarasota’s website. Bookstore1Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, sarasotabooks.com. 

Pictured: Frankenstein will come to life via radio theater at Bookstore1Sarasota. Photo Courtesy of Bookstore1Sarasota.

Bookstore1Sarasota

[Adult Education]  Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning's 2024 Global Issues and Music Mondays Series Start in January in Sarasota, Venice and Lakewood Ranch

2024 marks the 53rd anniversary of Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning's (SILL) "Global Issues" series. This hard-hitting series, which runs January 9-March 29, features 24 internationally renowned experts
discussing a vast range of domestic and global issues. The lectures are presented on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sarasota; Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. at the Venice Community Center in Venice; and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 5 p.m. at the Cornerstone Church in Lakewood Ranch. Lectures will also be available for purchase on video. The 2024 season also features the popular "Music Mondays" series, which presents performances and lively conversations with renowned and emerging performers, January 8-March 25, on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Palms in Sarasota; and Mondays at 3 p.m. at Venice Presbyterian Church in Venice. 

To learn more, visit.

[Hospital News]  SAACC's Holiday Tree Salutes Newtown Trailblazers

The Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition celebrates Black history all year long. So, choosing a theme for SAACC’s holiday entry in University Town Center Mall’s special event called the “Festival of Trees” was easy. Ornaments that feature images of Newtown leaders, residents and pioneers will be showcased on a holiday tree designed by Tonya Jones, of LACE LLC a black female owned events company. During mall hours from Dec. 1 –17, shoppers can browse SAACCs design, and all the 40 trees entered in this year’s contest by Sarasota and Manatee County non-profit organizations. A preview party will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 1 on the mall’s upper level. Take a break from shopping, cast a vote for the tree that celebrates Newtown and Overtown trailblazers; and make a bid to purchase it during the silent auction. Supporters are invited to take photos and post them on SAACC’s social media pages with a brief memory about the photograph. “We’ll always find ways to tell stories of courage, dignity and determination whether it’s at the historic Leonard Reid House which opens on Dec. 15 and 16 with soulful music, or on downtown murals, or trolley tours,” said SAACC president Vickie Oldham. “That’s our mission.” The festival’s silent auction ends December 17, and the winning bidders can pick up trees on Dec. 19. Proceeds benefit participating charitable organizations For more information, call Mydahlia Glover 813-419-0454. SAACC P.O. BOX 686 SARASOTA, FL 34230 www.thesaacc.com. 

[Holiday Event]  BLVD Bike Ride: Holiday Edition

BLVD Bike Rides finishes the year on a joyous note celebrating the holiday season in style with a decorated bike tour through town! The event is free and open to everyone in the community and aims to bring residents, neighbors and friends together, while enjoying a fun bike ride in downtown Sarasota. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own bikes and water bottles for the ride.

Wednesday, December 20th 2023, Festive Holiday Bash. Dress Up your bike! Ride begins at 5:30 p.m. 

To register click here

[Sports Event]  Coastal Orthopedics Surgeon to Serve as On-Site Physician for World Champions Cup

Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and shoulder and elbow specialist Dr. R. Stephen Otte with Coastal Orthopedics, a full-service provider of comprehensive orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, spine care, diagnostic imaging and physical therapy service, will serve as an on-site physician for the upcoming World Champions Cup at The Concession in Bradenton, Florida. During the week of December 7 - 10, Dr. Otte will be in charge of the local team providing medical coverage for the tournament’s events. Dr. Otte will provide care for the players, caddies and staff, and will be on site at the course to assist with any player injuries or health care issues as they arise, as well as support the medical and training teams as an additional resource for any orthopedic medical matters. The three-team, three-day stroke play tournament will be sanctioned by the PGA TOUR and is set to air on ESPN and ABC. The event is expected to attract over 35,000 individuals. Dr. Otte was previously the on-site physician for the World Golf Championships-Workday Championship at The Concession Golf Club in 2021. He has also served twice as the on-site physician for the Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open. For more than 50 years, the team at Coastal Orthopedics have served the Sarasota-Bradenton community. The physicians have worked with sports teams, athletic organizations and high school teams throughout the area. To purchase tickets to this year’s tournament or to find out more information, visit WorldChampionsCup.com. 

Pictured: Dr. R. Stephen Otte when he served as the on-site physician for the 2021 PGA Tour's World Golf Championships-Workday Championship at The Concession Golf Club.

[Event]  Wellen Park to Host Second Annual Half Marathon and 5K Presented by Hotwire Communications

Calling all runners and walkers – Wellen Park will host its second annual Half Marathon and 5K, presented by Hotwire Communications, Saturday, March 16, 2024. The 13.1-mile course is certified by USA Track & Field. Both races start and finish at Solis Hall in Downtown Wellen, with an awards ceremony to recognize male and female winners in the following categories: overall, masters, grand masters, senior grand masters, veterans’ grand masters and top three finishers in each age group. Runners and attendees are encouraged to dress up and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with festive green gear. Attendees will also enjoy live music from Solis Hall’s outdoor stage, as well as beverages and food from different Downtown Wellen restaurants and The Yard eateries. The half marathon is open to runners 15 and older and starts at 7:30 a.m. The 5K run starts at 7:45 a.m. and is open to runners and walkers of all ages, with strollers and leashed dogs permitted. The half marathon and the 5K have also been cleared for disabled runners. The course is flat, paved and will be well-marked. Entry fees are $80 for the half marathon and $30 for the 5K. Entry fees increase Jan. 1, 2024, and spots are limited. Registration and event details, such as race packet pick-up, are available at runsignup.com/Race/FL/Venice/WellenParkHalfMarathonand5K. Hotwire Communications has signed on as the presenting sponsor for the Half Marathon and 5K run. Additional sponsorships are available. For more sponsorship information, contact events@wellenpark.com. 

Pictured: The half marathon is open to runners 15 and older.

[Event]  New College to Host First Event in Socratic Stage Dialogue Series November 30 Featuring Jason Greenblatt and Ghaith Al-Omari

The New College Office of Public Policy Events announces the first event in the “The Socratic Stage Dialogue Series” will take place Thursday, November 30, 5:30-7 p.m. in Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Jason Greenblatt, a former White House Special Envoy to the Middle East, and Ghaith al-Omari, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, will discuss and debate topics to include the Israel-Hamas war, the Israel-Palestinian conflict and the future of the Middle East. The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. Online registration is now open. Priority will be given to New College students, faculty and staff. The event will be filmed and the video will be made available through the Office of Public Policy Events webpage.Jason Greenblatt is a diplomat, lawyer and commentator who served as an Assistant to the President and the White House Special Envoy to the Middle East in the Trump Administration. In his role, Jason served as one of the chief architects of the Peace to Prosperity plan between Israel and the Palestinians, and was one of the key players in laying the foundation for the Abraham Accords. He is the Senior Director of Arab-Israel Diplomacy for the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, and author of In the Path of Abraham. Ghaith al-Omari, the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Senior Fellow in The Washington Institute’s Irwin Levy Family Program on the U.S.-Israel Strategic Relationship, is the former executive director of the American Task Force on Palestine. He served as advisor to the negotiating team during the 1999-2001 permanent-status talks in addition to holding various other positions within the Palestinian Authority. The New College Office of Public Policy Events seeks to advance civil discourse and engagement through facilitating events that foster open discussion and debate on relevant public policy issues. Such debates or group forums will provide opportunity for a wide range of viewpoints and perspectives to be presented. Future events will include speakers from within and without the state university community that hold broadly divergent and opposing perspectives.  

To register click here

[Grand Opening]  Local Momtrepreneur and Chiropractor Unveil The Flock SRQ with Grand Opening Celebration

Local momtrepreneur Tatiana Fernandez and pediatric chiropractor Dr. Jina Foltz are hosting a grand opening celebration to unveil The Flock SRQ, a social club and playhouse designed to provide young minds with a safe and engaging space to explore, learn and grow. With Foltz’s expertise in pediatric chiropractic care and Fernandez’s passion for imaginative play, the duo joined forces to bring a first-of-its-kind experience to the Sarasota community. The indoor playhouse will serve littles from ages zero to four, and foster a harmonious and nurturing environment that emphasizes the importance of play in a child’s life, recognizing it as a powerful tool for learning, socialization and emotional development. Classes of all types will be offered, including open play, tummy time, baby massage, books and bubbles, sensory play, arts and crafts, dance and more. Quarterly meet-ups and events are also planned, and the ability to host birthday parties and baby showers at the space will also be an option. Attendees at the grand opening celebration will be able to learn more about The Flock SRQ, tour the space, enjoy light bites and drinks, participate in giveaways and meet Fernandez and Foltz. The playhouse plans to officially open to its pre-sale members on Monday, Dec. 4 and to the public on Friday, Dec. 8. The grand opening celebration is open to the public.

Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon, 1977 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota. 

[Recognition]  School District Announces Finalists for Manatee County Educator and Support Employee of the Year

The School District is proud to announce finalists for Manatee County’s Educator of the Year and Support Employee of the Year. On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, Superintendent Jason Wysong, along with School Board Members Mary Foreman, Gina Messenger, and Richard Tatem, joined representatives from the Manatee Education Foundation (MEF) and School District Leadership, to surprise eight exceptionally talented finalists for the 2024 Excellence in Education Awards. EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS: Katie Bagley, 3rd Grade Teacher at Prine Elementary School, Joadie Durfee, 5th Grade Teacher at Barbara A. Harvey Elementary School, Debra McCarthy, Language Arts Teacher at Lakewood Ranch High School, Jessica Spence, 1st Grade Teacher at McNeal Elementary School. SUPPORT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS: Denise Costello, Paraprofessional at Sea Breeze Elementary School, Jennifer Harper, VPK Child Development Associate at Williams Elementary School, Patrice Cairo, Computer Lab Manager at Witt Elementary School, Patricia Pearson, Clerical Assistant/Attendance Clerk at Braden River Middle School. The finalists will be honored, and the “Educator of the Year” and “Support Employee of the Year” will be announced at the Excellence in Education Awards to be held on Thursday, February 8, 2024, beginning at 7 p.m. at Manatee High School. The educator representative for Manatee County will advance to the Florida Teacher of the Year program, while the support representative will advance to the Florida School-Related Employee of the Year program. 

[Contest]  YVote Contest Winners Announced

Six high school students from Sarasota’s public schools have won awards from the League of Women Voters of Sarasota County’s YVote Contest for their essay or poster entries expressing their views on why it is important for every eligible person to vote. The students received their awards for their winning entries on November 28, 2023, during Sarasota School Board’s Moments of Pride Special Event. Teams of League members and other Sarasota writing and art experts judged the entries through a ‘blind’ process where they had no knowledge of the student’s name, grade, or school. First place winners received $500; those in second place received $300; third place winners received $200. Essay winners were: 1st Place - Hayden Heaney, Venice High School, Grade 10 for his essay, The Pivotal Role of American Democracy. 2nd Place - Addyson Domian, Venice High School, Grade 12, for her essay, To the 44%. 3rd Place - Kathryn Domian, Pine View High School, Grade 10, for her essay, Tiny But Mighty Spark. Poster winners were: 1st Place - Aliciana Harvey-Lopez, Pine View School, grade 12, for her poster, Empowering the Voice of Diversity. 2nd Place - Vito Sgroi, Riverview High School, grade 10, for his poster, Step Up. 3rd Place - Jacquelyn Williams, Suncoast Polytechnical High School, grade 12, for her poster, All United Voting. The YVote contest was conducted in partnership with Sarasota district public schools and was fully funded by Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Winning entries will be on display at libraries throughout the county during 2024.

 


 



[HOTY]  2024 Home of the Year is Live!

SRQ Magazine is calling home builders, architects, landscape architects and interior designers to submit their projects from the past year. The winning entries are awarded Home of the Year Platinum, Gold, and Silver Awards and the winning entries are published in the March 2024 awards edition of SRQ Magazine. 

Enter Here!

[Feature]  Fall Design Inspirations
Emma Dannenfelser, emma@srqme.com

FALL DESIGN INSPIRATIONS | Home design trendsetters share a collection of the brightest trends to revamp and refresh Gulf Coast homes this Fall, November 2023. 

Read Here!

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Sarasota Cars and Coffee at University Town Center , March 11 – December 9, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

This monthly gathering of car enthusiasts brings together automobile lovers from every walk of life, not to mention a wide array of spectacular cars. Bring your own vehicle (all makes and models are welcome) to show off, or check out the hundreds of cars on display. Each month, the event sponsors a different charity, and attendees are encouraged to donate $10 to benefit the charity. The event, occuring on the second Sunday of each month, will feature live music, complimentary coffee and more. To learn more, visit facebook.com/carsandcoffee941. Sarasota Cars and Coffee, The West District at University Town Center near Ford’s Garage, 295 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Fresh Harvest Farmers Market at Wellen Park , June 25 – December 29, 9 am to 1 pm

Visit Fresh Harvest, the newly launched weekly farmers market in Downtown Wellen. Fresh Harvest offers a selection of local goods from nearly 40 local vendors. Fresh Harvest takes place every Sunday in Downtown Wellen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse different vendor booths and stock up on a variety of goods. Vendors will offer a wide variety of locally grown and produced food, including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages. A limited selection of craft vendors also participate in the farmers market. For a listing of participating vendors and more information on Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, visit wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market. Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Jazz Thursdays , July 13 – December 14, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Join Sarasota Art Museum for Jazz Thursdays featuring live jazz music, contemporary art, and sips and bites from Bistro. Hosted by the Jazz Club of Sarasota. Jazz Thursday happens on the second Thursday of each month, 5:30-8 p.m. Galleries, Bistro, and SHOP open. FREE for Members, $20 for Not-Yet Members.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Sights and Sounds at Waterside Place , July 28 – May 31, 6 to 9 p.m.

Head out to Waterside Place for a rocking evening as part of the Lakewood Ranch Sights and Sounds Program. Enjoy a live concert in partnership with Easterseals and EveryoneRocks, featuring artists who are rocking their spectrum. This event is free and open to the public; there is limited seating at the Plaza, but attendees are welcome to bring their own seats. Food and beverages will be available from numerous Waterside Place merchants. For more information on shows, dates, and times, visit lakewoodranch.com/sights-sounds/. Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Dr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  FOOD: Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch , September 3 – September 30, 10am-2pm

Experience some of the best food and flavors of the region with more than 100, and still growing, curated vendors. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has fast become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts. Aside from all the goodies you can shop at the Farmers Market, find your flow in a free yoga class or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops. 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch.

[SOON]  HEALTH: Wellen Park Group Fitness , October 15 – December 16, 8-9am

Starting the week of Oct. 15, a dynamic lineup of weekly fitness activities for the community will begin. Groups will meet in Downtown Wellen, in front of Kind Vibes Outfitters. Yoga and Zumba classes meet on the Great Lawn. Walking Group Meet-Up, every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Cycling Group Meet-Up, every Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. Running Group Meet-Up, every Monday at 6 p.m. Yoga, every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Zumba, every Monday from 8 to 9 a.m. For more information, visit wellepark.com.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Presents Joyful! Joyful! , November 29 – November 30

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is gearing up for the holidays, ready to celebrate the season with its holiday production and Christmas card to the community, Joyful! Joyful! Theater fans of all ages and religious backgrounds are invited to celebrate the season with high-spirited, uplifting songs as only WBTT’s singers, dancers and musicians can perform them. The show runs from November 29-December 30, 2023. The original musical revue – created, adapted and directed by WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs and performed for the first time in 2021-features a blend of new takes on traditional holiday tunes, gospel-infused classics and pop songs. The show will include Joy to the World, an O’Jays-inspired take on Carol of the Bells, a gospel-infused rendition of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, African Drummer Boy and many more. For more information, visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Holiday Gems at The Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota , December 5, 7:30pm

The Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota will open its 2023-2024 season with Holiday Gems on December 5, 2023 at 7:30pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota located at 2050 Oak Street. The annual holiday program, conducted by music director Robert Vodnoy, includes music by Debussy, Vivaldi, Mahler, and Tchaikovsky, plus holiday favorites. Featured soloists include harpist Giuseppina Ciarla and mandolinist Rafael Ramirez. Tickets are $39 for adults and $5 for students. A series ticket for all three orchestral concerts is priced at $105, and includes an invitation to a pre-concert reception. More information and tickets are available online at www.chamberorchestrasarasota.org, or call 219-928-8665.

[SOON]  FOOD: Toys for Tots Progressive Dinner , December 6, 6pm

Taste Dining and Travel invites you to their annual Toys for Tots Progressive Dinner on Wednesday, December 6 at 6pm. The dinner tour will begin at Jpan, where guests will enjoy appetizers and bubbly before boarding the trolley with Mr. and Mrs. Clause and heading to Mattison’s 41 for the main course. The tour will conclude with desserts and coffee at an exciting surprise restaurant. Tickets for the event are $150 and guests are instructed to bring an unwrapped, new toy that will be donated to Toys for Tots. Call 941-366-7950 to reserve your spot.

[SOON]  FOOD: 8th Annual Ugly Sweater Crawl, Sarasota , December 9, 3-10pm
Join us for the 8th Annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl. Get that Goodwill sweater, find those tacky holiday pants, and get ready to jingle bell ROCK on Dec. 9th. Regular and VIP tickets are available, and you will enjoy specials throughout the evening as you visit local bars. Purchase tickets at https://uglysweatersarasota2023.eventbrite.com/.
[SOON]  FOOD: Book Launch Celebration with Award Winning Journalist Carrie Seidman , December 18, 5-6pm

In the tradition of such beloved food writers as Ruth Reichl, Laurie Colwin, and Calvin Trillin, Carrie Seidman, an award-winning newspaper journalist for 45 years, has written A Place at the Table, a collection of essays that explores the intersection between what sustains us physically and how it binds us emotionally. Join us as we celebrate her book's release with a Q and A, reading, and book signing. A Place at the Table will strike chords of remembrance and nostalgia in readers at a time when health and heritage have assumed a high priority and food has become an avenue for creativity, solace, and connection. Bookstore1Sarasota, 17 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-365-7900, sarasotabooks.com.

[SOON]  GALA: New Year's Eve Gala , December 31, 7pm-1am

Kick-off 2024 at Selby Gardens. Enjoy private access to Lights in Bloom, passed hors doeuvres, a seated four-course dinner, as well as a performance by The Sarasota Ballet and dancing to DJ Karim. The countdown to the new year culminates with a champagne toast and an excellent view of the fireworks overlooking Sarasota Bay. selby.org.

[SOON]  GALA: Celebrate 75 Gala and Concert , February 15, 6pm
Celebrate 75 years of inspiring music all season long, and our Celebrate 75 special concert and gala experience will be the party to top them all. We invite you to support 75 more years, and beyond, of enriching lives through music by purchasing tickets to Celebrate 75. For access to the best seats and the full celebration, opt for a Gala ticket, which includes pre-concert cocktails and a gourmet dinner after the performance. Concert-only tickets are also available for purchase. The concert program, led by Creative Partner Peter Oundjian, captures all the euphoria of reaching this milestone in our history as Florida’s oldest continuously operating orchestra. After two stirring fanfares written by Aaron Copland and Joan Tower, legendary pianist Garrick Ohlsson joins Sarasota Orchestra for the monumental Piano Concerto No. 3 by Rachmaninoff. Paired with An American in Paris by Gershwin, a rhapsodic portrait of a stroll through the City of Lights, this one-night-only program promises to thrill. Gala begins at 6:00 pm, and concert begins at 7:00 pm. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, sarasotaorchestra.org.
[SOON]  MUSIC: Van Wezel Presents The Concert, A Tribute to ABBA , May 4, 8pm

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to welcome The Concert, A Tribute to ABBA to Sarasota on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 8 p.m. The Concert: A Tribute To ABBA continues to be the top ABBA tribute group in the world, dazzling all who see with their fantastic performance while playing the most iconic hits from ABBA, including Mamma Mia, S.O.S, Money, Money, Money, The Winner Takes All, Waterloo, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, and Dancing Queen. Tickets are $30-$75 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. Pre-show dining is available through Mattisons at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the box office.

[SOON]  THEATER: Deck the Halls Returns to Florida Studio Theatre , November 25 – December 24, 10am and 12pm

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is excited to bring children and their families the magic of the holiday season with the latest iteration of Deck the Halls. This interactive family-friendly, music-filled show celebrates everything that makes the holidays in Sarasota special. Since Deck the Halls was first produced in 2016, the show has become a holiday tradition for many families on the Suncoast. This year, the festivities return with all-new sketches, all-new songs, and all-new memories ready for the making. Created by Caroline Saldivar and Sarah Durham with additional material by Dellan Short and Jeremy Weinstein, Deck the Halls plays select Saturdays and Sundays with showtimes starting at 10am and 12pm in FST’s Keating Theatre. For more information, visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Take it to the Limit at Florida Studio Theatre , November 29 – November 30

Florida Studio Theatre presents Take it to the Limit, a high-energy tribute to the rebel musicians of the 1970s who helped bring Rock and Roll back to its Southern roots. Created by Richard Hopkins, Rebecca Hopkins, and Sarah Durham with Musical Arrangements by Jim Prosser, this all-new Cabaret features such songs as When Will I Be Loved, Ramblin Man, Landslide, and Hotel California. Take it to the Limit begins playing November 29 in FSTs Goldstein Cabaret. Tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941-366-9000.

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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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