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SRQ DAILY Mar 23, 2017

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"You can always be a very skeptical knower or always be a very hopeful believer."

- Dwight Currie, Ringling Museum
 

[Performance]  Ringling Unveils RIAF 2017 Lineup
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

When approaching a new experience, whether it be artistic or otherwise, one is presented with a choice, says Ringling Museum Curator of Performance Dwight Currie, speaking to an assemblage of patrons and staff in the Chao Lecture Hall of the museum’s Center for Asian Art. “You can always be a very skeptical knower,” he says, “or always be a very hopeful believer.” For Currie’s part, he aims to be an ever-hopeful believer, and this year’s lineup for the Ringling International Arts Festival (RIAF) belies that dedication. The artist takes the audience to places previously unexplored, he says, and the audience must agree to explore alongside. Running from October 18–21, the seven shows of RIAF 2017 boast two US premieres, two significant Sarasota connections and one production that remains a mystery even to Currie.

In the realm of theater, two performances come to Sarasota, including the US debut of the high-flying Italian performance artists of eVenti Verticali. Installing a three-story-high projection screen in the Ringling Museum courtyard, these opening night performers suspend in front of the screen from cables to dance and run and fight across the scrolling images behind them, creating the illusion of traversing cityscapes or making a high-speed escape down a desert highway. “Like stepping into a video game,” says Currie. At the other end of the spectrum, German photographer Volker Gerling’s Portraits In Motion offers a less rambunctious and more introspective experience through his “thumb cinemas.” Trekking hundreds of miles across the European countryside documenting its people, Gerling reveals poignant moments through flipbook-style shorts composed from his photography, sharing stories with the audience as he goes.

For music lovers, RIAF 2017 brings the US premiere of Nobuntu, an a cappella quintet from Zimbabwe. Melding traditional Zimbabwe folk music with Afro jazz and gospel, Nobuntu brings an exuberance in their voices matched only by the vibrance of their garb. Joining Nobuntu on this year’s musical roster is Sarasota’s own ensemblenewSRQ. People asked, says Currie, if an international arts festival in Sarasota should feature artists from Sarasota, to which he had one response: “When they’re this good, yeah.” Taking part in a new RIAF series placing performance within the galleries, ensemblenewSRQ will perform both within the James Turrell Skyspace and the Huntington Gallery. In the Skyspace, the musicians will play a piece created by acclaimed contemporary composer John Luther Adams, written specifically for the Skyspace. In the Huntington Gallery, ensemblenewSRQ will perform works from the late contemporary composer Luciano Berio’s Sequenza series, a trying selection of solo performances that Currie dubs, “intensely physicalized works of bravura.”

When it comes to dance, RIAF 2017 brings two almost diametrically opposed choreographic interpretations of life in the 21st century. Ing an Die, from Antwerp-based choreographer James McGinn, tells a pre-apocalyptic love story in three parts, with each emphasizing a different aspect of story telling, the result is “almost operatic in its thematic ambition,” says Currie. Born and raised in Sarasota, including an education at Booker High, this will be McGinn’s first display of his work in his hometown. At the other end of the spectrum, the wild and wacky antics of Monica Bill Barnes & Co. in Happy Hour show that dance can also just be a lot of fun. Setting up behind the Circus Museum, where the audience can eat and drink and laugh and sing karaoke, the performers "crash" the party in character as two besuited businessmen looking for a good time but “desperate to fit in and hilariously inept.”

The final performance comes from Nassim Soleimanpour, an Iranian playwright forbidden from leaving his country. Entitled White Rabbit Red Rabbit, Soleimanpour tells his story by sending it abroad in sealed envelopes that cannot be opened until the night of performance. At each performance, an actor (selected with the help of Urbanite Theatre) will receive the envelope for the first time and give an unrehearsed and undirected performance of Soleimanpour’s words. “It’s something that I trust will surprise us all,” says Currie. And to him, the mystery and the willingness to embrace that mystery is what RIAF is all about.

Tickets are on sale now. 

[Ryan Flies]  From the Cockpit Part 12: Beechcraft 60 Duke
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

This is part twelve 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.

Rankin had never flown a Beechcraft 60 Duke before, but after one look he knew he wanted to. It’s called “ramp presence,” he says. Some planes have it and some don't—and the Duke has it in spades. Sleek and gleaming in the sun with twin-engine propellers and a swept-back style, the Duke hit the market in 1965 and hasn’t slowed down since. “It looks like a plane that wants to fly,” says Rankin, “like it’s moving on the ground.” He recalls the old pilot’s adage: “If it looks right, it flies right.”

Taking off from Jake Edwards National Airport in Gulf Shores, AL, with the aircraft’s owner, Chris Phillips, and Rankin’s close friend, Brett Taylor, the Duke was everything Rankin hoped for. Not an aerobatic plane or a utility craft, the Duke specializes in transporting passengers and pilots in comfort and class. The interior cabin resembles an upscale private jet and the cockpit comes equipped with autopilot and a full avionics package—an extra bit of pampering not typically found on military aircraft. “It has everything you need,” says Rankin. “This plane is just so smooth.” The Duke, despite being powered by piston engines, also features a pressurized cabin, which not only increases comfort for the people within but allows for a higher cruising altitude.

But the best part, says Rankin, was the ability to really spend time with his fellow pilots during the flight. Rankin and Phillips have been friends for around eight months, ever since Phillips discovered Rankin’s second job building furniture out of old airplane parts in his home workshop. Visiting scrapyards and boneyards, Rankin will hack off a wing or take home an engine—picking through old metal carcasses for anything he thinks he can repurpose, such as the engine cowling from a DC-8 airliner and another from a 737, which now live in Phillips’ office as a receptionist desk and wall mirror, respectively. Taylor helps in the construction and is also a pilot, but this would still be his first flight with Rankin as well. A low-maintenance ride (at least in-flight), the Duke doesn’t require the constant attention other planes may demand, says Rankin, leaving time to talk shop and enjoy the company.

“It was more an experience with people,” says Rankin. “That’s why it was such a fun flight.” When asked what kind of furniture he could craft from the Duke, he laughs: “I don’t know if Chris would let me hack his airplane apart, but all kinds of things. You’re limited by your imagination in these things.”

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

Pictured: Ryan Rankin in the cockpit of the Beechcraft 60 Duke. Photo courtesy of Ryan Rankin.

Ryan Flies

[Daily Shop]  Against the Grain
Aviel Kanter, aviel.kanter@srqme.com

Wood grain isn't something one normally associates with fine jewelry—accent tables and luxury cars, sure, but jewels? Iconic designer Alexis Bittar will make you think twice about what constitutes lux jewelry, with bold and brilliant pieces that make any outfit just a little more daring. His new arrivals have landed at Bohemian Bliss, bringing polished gold and silver wood grain to the fore, grounding you solidly down to earth. See the hand-crafted Lucite button earrings with satellite crystal details or the 10k gold chain necklace with the same woodsy, hand-painted Lucite pendant, accented with crystals and a vibrant neon orange enamel flare. Just wear one or combine the whole set and be on your fashion-forward way.  

Photo courtesy of Bohemian Bliss.

Bohemian Bliss Boutique, 1544 Main St., Sarasota, 941-312-6983.

[Hires]  Chamber Announces Two New Hires & Promotion

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce has announced the addition of two new staff members, Megan Neal and Darlene Martin and the promotion of Craig McGonigal. Megan Neal, the membership and events coordinator, will assist the membership team as the go-to person for events and member-related questions. Raised in Sarasota, she spent most of her days growing up on the Gulf beaches and is a graduate of the University of South Florida. Darlene Martin, the membership investment representative, will be responsible for bringing in new chamber members. She originally hails from New York and grew up in Atlanta, GA. Martin is a graduate of Kennesaw State University in Georgia with an associate’s degree in Business Administration and comes to the chamber with over two decades of sales and business-to-business experience working to increase value to customers. Craig McGonigal, formerly the membership and events coordinator, was recently promoted to membership engagement manager. McGonigal’s new role will be working with members to ensure satisfaction and assisting with member engagement. 

Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

[Community]  Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation Seeds Youth in Nature Initiative

The Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation granted $65,000 to Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast to launch the Youth in Nature initiative. The overarching goal is to provide at-risk youth with “Wow!” moments in nature, offering experiences in the region’s spectacular parks and preserves and, hopefully, catching sight of some of nature's most amazing creatures. The Robert R. Harlan and Susan H. Lowy Harlan Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County also invested in the initiative. Conservation Foundation is committed to ensuring that youth education and engagement is central to its mission. The program emphasizes discovery, active nature-based activities, playing nature-based games and providing experiences that do not take place before an electronic screen. A growing body of research indicates that children experience reduced stress levels and improved social skills as a result of greater activity in nature. Benefits also include increased concentration, greater attention capacities and higher academic performance.  

Conservation Foundation

[Real Estate]  Halfacre Construction Selected to Build New Preschool

Commercial construction company Halfacre Construction Company was selected to build the new preschool at the SKY Family YMCA in Venice. The $1.5-million project is slated to begin in June 2017 and wrap up by the end of the year. The existing preschool and SKY Academy locker room will be demolished, and a new 10,000-square-foot building will take its place. The new facility will include a 12-classroom preschool for children ranging from infants to five years old. Previously, Halfacre Construction Company completed three projects for the SKY Family YMCA, including a renovation of the facility’s gymnasium and gymnastics centers, a cafeteria and kitchen addition and updates to its SKY Academy, a tuition-free, Sarasota public charter middle school. Located at 701 Center Rd. in Venice, the new facility will incorporate a feng shui aesthetic with an abundance of natural light. 

Halfacre Construction



[TODAY]  DANCE: Shadowland by Pilobolus , March 23, 8:00pm

Created by famed dance company Pilobolus, Shadowland By Pilobolus tells the story of a teenage girl, longing for independence, who sleeps, only to wake to something incredible lurking behind her bedroom wall – her shadow. Legendary modern dance is combined with high–energy, fast–paced multimedia, merging front-of-screen choreography with projected images to create a narrative with the fluid logic of a dream, powered by the grace of an acrobatic dance, which evinces surprise and joyous delight in a way that is uniquely Pilobolus. 

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236

[TODAY]  GALLERY: La Biennale di Venezia di Architettura , March 23, 5:30-7:30pm

The Center for Architecture celebrates an iconic and ubiquitous medium for American story telling – the refrigerator door. Human Tales on Refrigerator Doors is collaboration between UF CityLab – Sarasota Master of Architecture students and Sarasota’s Sweet Sparkman Architects with assistance from UF CityLab Program Director, Martin Gold, AIA NCABB. Human Tales returns to its Sarasota home following a successful premier in the 15th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice, Italy. Please visit www.cfasrq.org for more information and to purchase tickets. Members are free tickets for non-members are $10.00 All sales final. 

Center for Architecture , 265 S. Orange Ave, Sarasota

[TODAY]  GRAB BAG: Paris Flea Market , March 23 – March 26

Shop for jewelry, designer clothing, art, collectibles, furniture, housewares and more. Proceeds benefit the Sarasota Orchestra and its Youth Orchestra program. March 23, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., March 24 – 26, 10 :00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. More info at www.SOFriends.org/Paris.

Sarasota-Bradenton Commerce Center, 7246 E. 16th St., Bradenton

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Art in the Dark , March 24

Experience art in a whole new light at Art in the Dark on March 24 at Michael’s on East. Enjoy an evening of dining, dancing and auctions presented by Lighthouse of Manasota. 

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

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Jazz at Two - Marc Mannino & Friends , March 24, 2-4pm

Guitarist Marc Mannino Quintet with George Mancini, trombone, John Miller, bass, Bob Lunergan, drums and vocalist Shari Morningstar. For more information please visit www.jazzclubfsarasota.org/calendar-of-events

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

[SOON]  MUSIC: Strangeways , March 24, 8pm

Originally formed in 1994, The Strangeways deliver a groove-laden mix of ska, reggae, dancehall and rock steady the way it's meant to be served: with a full brass section, courtesy of trumpeter Will Haynes, trombonist Bruce Glasberg and saxophonist Patrick Lynch. Bassist and lead songwriter Jason Nwagbaraocha is also backed up by guitarist Tony Shepperd, drummer Dan “Duckie” Garrido and keyboardists Clyde “Supa C” Pinder, with nearly every member contributing to the vocal duties in some way. The Strangeways are always willing and able to get their hometown dance floors jump’n'. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Full Belly Stuffed Burgers will provide food. www.fogartyville.org

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

[SOON]  GALLERY: Old Dogs and New Tricks By Evelyn McCorristin Peters , March 25 – April 28

Evelyn McCorristin Peters began traveling the world in 1984 with Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus traveling to 48 states as a scenic artist. Today she continues to explore the country through the educational and conversation efforts of Haai, Inc. In her latest exhibition Peters has the intention of portraying all the reasons people should welcome an older dog into their homes. For more information please visit www.artuptown.com

Art Uptown Gallery, 1367 Main Street, Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Music Compound Talent Competition , March 25, 1pm

This live competition will be open to 15 individuals. All ages are welcome to attend. There is a $15 audition fee; electronic submissions are accepted in addition to in-person auditions. Please RSVP at www.MusicCompound.com The first place winner will receive a prize valued at $3,000 that includes a 3-month premium Music Compound membership, 3 hours of The recording time at Jump Dog Audio Productions, the opportunity to work with songwriter Alicia Major and headline at Music Compound

Music Compound Facility , 1751 Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Frank and Vinny , March 25, 8pm

Frank Vignola is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world’s top musicians. Vignola’s jaw- dropping technique explains why the New York Times deemed him “one of the brightest stars of the guitar.” A typical performance will take the audience on a tour of musical history. Bach, Mozart and Beethoven will be freely mixed with Ellington and Waller, blended with Gershwin and Carmichael, peppered with Bob Marley, Sting and Lennon/ McCartney, and spiced with Rodrigo and Lecuona. www.fogartyville.com

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

[SOON]  GALA: Live Laugh Love , March 25, 10:00am-2:30pm

Laugh until your heart’s content at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast’s Loving Yourself Live Laugh Love Extravaganza on March 25 at the Ritz-Carlton. Guests will enjoy shopping, a delicious lunch and side-splitting comedy from the funny and motivational Linda Larsen. Bigs and Littles will also be modeling fashions provided by Shore and the Sarasota Cuban Ballet will take the stage for a graceful and elegant performance.

The Ritz-Carlton, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr. Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSIC: Joy of Jazz , March 26, 2pm

Joy of Jazz with the Jim Wellen Quintet features Billy Marcus, keys; Dick Hamilton, trombone; John Lamb, bass; Al Hixon, drums and Jim Wellen on tenor sax. Concert will feature some classic jazz standards and music from the American songbook. For more information please visit www.jazzclubsarasota.org/calendar-of-events

Centennial Park Gazebo, Venice Ave., Venice

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Where the Votes Are , March 28, 7:30-9:00am

Join Senior Editor Jacob Ogles for a precinct-by-precinct analysis of the March 14, 2017 Municipal Election featuring highlights and key findings.

SRQ Studios, 331 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Momix Opus Cactus , March 28, 8:00pm

Internationally celebrated for presenting work of superior inventiveness and physical beauty for over 35 years, Momix combines athletic dance, riveting music, outrageous costumes, props and pure talent. Under the direction of Moses Pendleton, the breathtaking dance company returns to the Van Wezel with Opus Cactus. Back and better than ever after a ten-year break, Opus Cactus brings the American Southwest to life with dynamic images of cactuses, slithering lizards and fire dancers.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Center for Architecture Atelier Talk , March 29, 5:30-7:30pm

Halflants + Pichette is an award winning modern architecture studio founded in 2006 with offices in Sarasota and Tampa. The firm’s goal is to create thoughtful, high quality modern designs that respond to context and function. Halflants + Pichette provides a range of services that include architectural design, interior design, master planning, and full construction services. Refreshments and drinks will be served. Members are free and non-members are $10. For more information please visit www.cfasrq.org for more information. All sales are final. 

Halflants + Pichette , 1383 5th St., Sarasota

[SOON]  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

[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

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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