Theater-goers may recognize Brian Craft from his apprenticeship at Florida Studio Theatre, performing in touring shows and on the Keating Stage in productions such as Rap-punzel, or perhaps from his run in Violet for The Players, but the actor is picking up stakes next month for a brief sojourn in New York City and the glitz and glamour of Broadway, with a solo performance in this year’s Broadway Sings for Pride event on June 22.

“It’s really important to me because when I was a kid growing up not knowing who I am, I looked up to the Broadway stars a lot,” said Craft, currently also in preparation for the imminent opening of Icons at The Players. “It was something I wanted to do and I identified with them.”

Founded in 2011 by Neal Bennington and in response to mounting suicides within the LGBT community, Broadway Sings for Pride’s annual concerts bring Broadway performers, non-profit organizations and communities together in support of LGBT youth and acceptance, presenting a night of music, theater and guest speakers with proceeds going to related campaigns and non-profits.

“It’s not only raising money, but awareness, and celebrating the fact that there is help out there and a really strong community behind us,” said Craft, who has been involved for the last few years in varying capacities, first attracting Bennington’s attention with the cast of an Off-Broadway revival of Let My People Come. Striking a rapport, Craft was invited back as a host the following year and as an ensemble member in the years following. This year will be his first as a solo performer.

“So I’m doing something crazy with a puppet,” said Craft laughing. He’s selected a piece from Avenue Q, a musical starring puppets and satirizing the unrealistic expectations instilled from children’s programming, called “Purpose,” which he feels will be a good fit, puppets or no. “Because it’s about not really knowing who you are and where you’re going to end up,” said Craft. “And everyone loves puppets.”

Craft will be back in Sarasota soon though. He’s done “the whole New York thing” and left it behind, now finding himself enjoying the enthusiasm of the Suncoast’s theater scene and planning to do more in the area. But still, he’ll always make time for Broadway Sings for Pride. “It’s a night of celebration and empowerment, being who you are and being proud,” said Craft. “It’s everything I stand for and believe in.” 

Pictured: Brian Craft. Photo by: Nelson Castillo.

Pampering is a woman’s favorite pass-time, so why shouldn’t men have the same pleasure? Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon is the Sarasota hotspot for men to indulge in a classic barber service or spa treatment. Frank’s Signature Haircut includes a scalp, neck and shoulder massage, as well as a hot towel facial wrap. Guests can clean up with a straight razor shave and enjoy a cocktail in the lounge as they wait. Frank’s also offers gift certificates that make a perfect present for Father’s Day. A pedicure in secluded comfort is a relaxing surprise that’s sure to please. 

Frank�s Gentlemen�s Salon, 4141 South Tamiami Trail, Suite 21, Sarasota, 941-926-2631

Jason Swift, president of Swift Construction, will be leading the Education Foundation of Sarasota County as its new board chairman. Officers elected to serve with Swift for 2015-2016 are: Tom Koski, vice chairman; Louis DeCongelio, secretary; and Tricia Fulton, treasurer.  New members of the Board elected to serve three-year terms include: Cathi Bell, chair of the Education Foundation’s 2015 Evening of Excellence student art competition and community volunteer; Stuart Henderson, architect at Fawley-Bryant Architects; and Jacquelyn Woods, Realtor at Key Realty and community volunteer. During the past year, the Foundation raised over $1.2 million for classroom grants, technology, student awards, teacher recognition and other programs.  

Education Foundation of Sarasota County

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation has recognized 10 professional advisors who facilitated philanthropic gifts resulting in endowments of more than $1 million at the foundation. The endowed funds created through these gifts will benefit a cause of the donors’ choice. The 10 local advisors honored are: Gary Chmielewski, Raymond James Financial Services; David Dunkin, David A. Dunkin P.A.; Bruce Haltinner, Wells Fargo Advisors; James L. Hinck, Wells Fargo Advisors; Thomas J. Hinck, Wells Fargo Advisors; Peter O. Mason, Raymond James Financial Services; Jay McHargue, Merrill Lynch; Stephen Picazio Sr., Merrill Lynch; Scott Pinkerton, Wells Fargo Advisors; Merrill Wynne, Habif, Arogeti and Wynne. 

Gulf Coast Community Foundation

Lbar will open today with a mustache and beard competition. At the event, $500 in cash prizes will be awarded for best beard and best mustache. Lbar is a speakeasy-style establishment that will offer craft bourbons and brews, cocktails and supper. The opening will take place from 9pm-2am at the Osprey Avenue location in Sarasota. 

Lbar