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SRQ DAILY Apr 21, 2017

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"If the process they put us through was any indication how it would be to work with them, I don't think I'd go down that road."

- Michael Parker, artist
 

[Government]  Public Art Controversy Under Investigation
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Three Sarasota city employees remain on paid leave while officials investigate whether the city parking director wrongly influenced a recommendation for his son-in-law to create art for the new State Street Parking Garage.

The city has been conducting a public search for someone to produce art in the new garage to both enhance the appearance and provide descriptive markers so users remember where vehicles were parked. Five finalists made presentations to the Public Art Committee on April 12, and the board ultimately voted 3-1 in favor of awarding the $100,000 project to Sarasota artist Mark Krucke. But that came only after Parking Director Mark Lyons, Krucke’s father-in-law, weighed in regarding concerns with a competing proposal by artists Michael Parker and Richie Brasil. “I don’t believe I would work with the City of Sarasota after that,” says Parker. “If the process they put us through was any indication how it would be to work with them, I don’t think I’d go down that road.”

Krucke says he asked early whether being related to Lyons would be a problem. The artist’s understanding was no conflict existed because Lyons doesn’t sit on the Public Art Committee. “It wasn’t his decision in any way,” Krucke says. Krucke boasts his own credentials; he recently was selected to produce bronze sculptures for display on campus at Manchester University, and past work includes public art installations in Winter Haven and Sebring, as well as in Virginia and North Carolina. He feels his art won the endorsement because of its practicality. “It’s really a functional piece of art,” he says. “Some artists missed the mark." 

Public Art Committee members narrowed finalists down to mural proposals from Krucke and from Parker and Brasil. Krucke plans to theme each garage level with a species of indigenous marine life, with first-floor seahorses and herons on the top level; wall sculptures of jellyfish will also accent parts of the garage. The Parker-Brasil proposal involved demarking each level with transitioning colors, names of notable Sarasota neighborhoods and paintings of famous sculptures within the community.

The four board members initially voted 2-2 on which mural should win the recommendation, twice. After the second vote, Lyons approached the committee with concerns about the Parker-Brasil proposal, from spreading spray paint to hard-to-maintain ceiling art. “So much of what was presented, I see, logistically, challenges in it all coming to fruition,” Lyons said at the Public Art Committee on April 12. Shortly afterward, committee member Benjamin Grijalva, a student participating in the Students Take Active Roles program, changed his mind from the Parker-Brasil proposal to Krucke’s plan. “If it’s not realistic,” Grijalva said at the same meeting, “I don’t know if it’s worth the time.”

Committee chairman Norman Schimmel, who backed Krucke throughout, said he did not know of any relationship between Lyons and Krucke, and does not believe the rest of the board did either.

Lyons remains on paid administrative leave while city officials investigate the events of the meeting. Two other city employees who work with the committee, Neighborhood and Development Services General Manager David Smith and Senior Planner Clifford Smith, also are on paid leave. City officials would not speak to the matter during an ongoing investigation, according to city spokeswoman Jan Thornburg. A Public Arts Committee scheduled earlier this week was canceled. 

Parker, who learned from SRQ that Lyons was Krucke’s father-in-law, has no plans to challenge the recommendation. “All over Florida this nepotism is going on,” he says. “I get it.” But the arduous process was unfair to all artists involved, he says.

Krucke knew Lyons was on leave but was “in the dark” on the investigation otherwise. “If they do reverse the decision, I believe that demonstrates some discrimination because of my family ties,” he says. “There was no favoritism in my eyes.” 

Pictured: A Rendering from Mark Krucke's proposal for the State Street Parking Garage. Image courtesy of the City of Sarasota.

[Music]  A Toast to His Royal Badness
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

The Purple One. The High Priest of Pop. The Prince of Funk. When Prince died one year ago to the day, the world mourned. The Grammy and Academy Award-winning musician introduced the world to countless hits, including “Little Red Corvette,” “Kiss” and “Purple Rain,” assembling a massive body of eclectic and innovative work that spanned 39 studio albums, while also wowing audiences as an electric and unafraid performer. And this Sunday, April 23, NEXXLevel Band invites all of His Royal Badness’ local fans out to Fogartyville Media and Arts Center for a tribute concert in his honor. The show starts at 7pm and tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.

For Troy Nichols, vocalist and founding member of NEXXLevel, Prince was always an inspiration. The first concert Nichols saw was Prince bringing down the house in Philadelphia. His first band, Royal and the Royalties, was a thinly veiled Prince homage. It wasn’t just one song or one album, it was the entirety of Prince—this man who could jump from genre to genre, instrument to instrument, record all of his own work and always push the boundaries. “Prince was the musician’s musician and the performer’s performer,” says Nichols. It was that first concert, he says, that he first truly understood what a concert could be—not just a series of songs, but a curated performance that builds upon itself.

And that’s something that Nichols tries to bring to every NEXXLevel show, using musical interludes and stage interaction to make even a tribute concert more than a recreation. Joined by Jack Berry on bass, Nicholas Sanchez and Akeem Esdaile on guitar, Jared Johnson on drums and Fernando Cruz on the saxophone, NEXXLevel will of course bring some of Prince’s greatest hits to the stage on Sunday, but also some deep cuts that deserve greater appreciation. Sunday’s show also brings a slate of special guests to the lineup, including Troi Lauren, a Philadelphia-based performer (and Nichols’ daughter) who last toured the world as a principal dancer and singer with the Michael Jackson tribute, Invincible, and Sarasota native Kevin Mendel, a 17-year-old guitar wunderkind.

“I’m hoping that the audience appreciates the genius of this man and what his life represented,” says Nichols. “We have a part of him—a legacy that will last forever—and that’s his music. And music is a wonderful way to reach and touch people. That’s all we can hope for.”

The Tribute to Prince begins April 23 at 7pm at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. 

Pictured: NEXXLevel performs. Image courtesy of Troy Nichols.

[Good Bite]  Light Lunch
Aviel Kanter, aviel.kanter@srqme.com

Station 400 knows how to do lunch, and its expertise shines through in the simple chicken salad scoop plated amidst fruit and crackers. The chicken is tender and juicy, not saturated in mayo but stays moist and the heaping scoop provides just enough protein to get you through until dinner, not to mention the dollop of sweet mango chutney ripe for mixing in with the succulent chicken. The fruit selection always comes out fresh, with a medley of blueberries, strawberries, melons of many colors, blackberries and pineapple. And the crackers aren't mere chips, pita or saltine, but rather a long crunch full of seeds, a dash of salt and hearty cracked whole grain. Insider tip: order the sweet potato fries to offset your healthy entree. 

Station 400, 400 North Lemon Ave., Sarasota, 941-906-1400.

[Recipe]  Polo Pumpkin
SRQ Staff

Even if you're not from a big Italian family, there's nothing more comforting than a hearty ravioli. Commandeer Polo Grill's recipe for the sumptuous pumpkin and goat cheese recipe and prepare when you need an extra pick me up. Salute!

Ingredients: ¾ cup pumpkin puree; 1 oz. goat cheese; salt and freshly ground white pepper; 2 sheets fresh egg pasta, each sheet cut into 6 rectangles; 1 oz. roasted pecans, chopped; 8 Tbsp. butter; 12 to 16 fresh sage leaves; freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree with the goat cheese and season to taste, with salt and white pepper. In the center of 6 pasta rectangles, place 2 tablespoons of the pumpkin puree mixture. Sprinkle with the chopped pecans. Slightly wet the edges of the pasta with a little cool water. Lay the other 6 pasta rectangles over the filled pasta rectangles. Gently seal each ravioli by pressing around all edges with the tines of a fork. Place the ravioli in the boiling water and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Remove from the water and drain. Season the ravioli with salt and pepper. Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat and, when hot, add the butter and let it melt in one spot. (Do not move the pan.) When the butter has begun to brown around the edges, pick up the sauté pan and swirl to keep the melted butter from burning and to melt the remaining butter. Add the sage leaves and reduce the heat to medium. Continue to cook until the leaves are crispy, 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. To serve as an appetizer, lay 1 ravioli in a shallow bowl and spoon the brown butter over the top. Garnish with the crispy sage leaves. Sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano and serve. 

Photo courtesy of the Polo Grill.

The Polo Grill & Bar, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, 941-782-0899.

[Recognition]  Livengood Honored With Two FPRA Awards

Kim Livengood of the Eclipse Agency was honored with two awards during the Central West Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association’s (FPRA) recent award luncheon. She received an Image Award for her national media outreach efforts for Tervis to drive awareness of their Super Bowl Championship products and an Award of Distinction for promoting the International BMX Supercross World Cup. According to the FPRA, winners of these prestigious awards demonstrate the very best examples of innovation and planning in the field of public relations.  

The Eclipse Agency

[Exec Moves]  SOA Welcomes Kirtley

Sarasota Orthopedic Associates (SOA) has announced the expansion of its marketing team with the addition of Kim Kirtley as workers compensation development manager. Kirtley joins SOA after a fifteen-year career in the pharmaceutical industry where she earned multiple prestigious awards for her accomplishments including President Club and Pacesetter honors. Kirtley will develop, facilitate and nourish relationships with employers and insurance companies to guarantee smooth interaction and patient transition into the workers compensation division of Sarasota Orthopedic Associates. A native of Sarasota, Kirtley earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science Education from the University of Florida at Gainesville. SOA has three locations throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties and offers same day appointments when needed. The commitment of Sarasota Orthopedic Associates is to get patients back on their feet, back to work, back in the game and back to life. 

Sarasota Orthopedic Associates



[Women In Business ]  TICKETS GOING FAST: HEAR ME ROAR Awards and Leadership Luncheon, April 27, 10:30am

SRQ Magazine will host the third annual Women in Business Hear Me Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at The Francis in downtown Sarasota. We will recognize this year’s Women in Business nominees, our judges, keynote speaker, Ria Persad, past Leadership Circle ambassadors and our “Hear Me Roar” Trailblazer Award recipient, Nancy Bernardini, and announce the finalists and winners who will be inducted into this year’s esteemed 2017 WIB Leadership Circle.

To purchase your tickets to the SRQ Women in Business Hear Me Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon and for more details on the program, visit SRQHEARMEROAR.COM

Click SRQ

[TODAY]  GRAB BAG: 35th Annual Sarasota Boat Show , April 21 – April 23

Nearly two hundred exhibitors will showcase an outstanding selection of boats ranging from motor yachts and fishing boats to cruisers, runabouts and personal watercraft. Also on display will be a full range of marine electronics and products, as well as paddleboards, canoes, kayaks and other on-the-water toys. Additionally, the show offers free kids’ fishing clinics on Saturday and Sunday, presented by Captain Dingman. Children will learn everything they need for a successful catch, including how to fish the water column, lure selection, casting and more. All participants will receive a free rod and reel combo while supplies last. There also will be a free kids-only raffle at the end of each clinic with chances to win fishing gear.

Marina Jacks Sarasota, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota

[TODAY]  MUSIC: Ari and the Albils , April 21, 6-8pm

Benefitting Moonracer No Kill Animal Rescue. Ari and the Alibis infuse funk, jazz, and samba with blues, soul, and rock to create a memorable ear-catching sound. In 2016, they were nominated for best local band in Tampa Bay, and Ari for best Jazz vocalist. They also received Grammy nods in two categories: Best Rock Song (Dirty Little Secret) and Best Rock Performance (Dirty Little Secret and Bon Appetit). Ari and the Alibis played at the Bradenton Blues Festival “Appetizer” Concert in 2016. For more information please visit www.realizebradenton.com

Bradenton Riverwalk , 452 W. 3rd. Ave., Bradenton

[SOON]  SEMINAR: 2017 Hear Me Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon , April 27, 10:30am-1:30pm

SRQ | The Magazine will host the third annual Women in Business Hear Me Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at The Francis in downtown Sarasota. We will recognize this year's nominees, our judges, keynote speaker, past Leadership Circle ambassadors and the "Hear Me Roar" Trailblazer Award recipient and announce the finalists and winners who will be inducted into this year's esteemed 2017 WIB Leadership Circle. 

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

[WEEKEND]  HEALTH: YMCA Healthy Kids Day , April 22, 10am-2pm

The Manatee YMCA will be holding a free community event to inspire kids to keep their minds and bodies active. YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®, the Y’s national initiative to improve health and wellbeing for kids and families, features activities to motivate and teach families how to develop a healthy routine at home. It will feature an obstacle course, a free fishing clinic, vendors, a DJ, kids crafts and activities, food for purchase, exhibitors such as the Humane Society of Manatee County, Jungle Gardens, O’Brien Family Farms, and more. YMCA membership specials will also be offered at the event. Pre-registration at a Manatee YMCA branch is required for the fishing clinic only. Children who participate in the clinic will receive a free rod and reel. For mor information please visit www.manateeymca.org

Bradenton Riverwalk

[WEEKEND]  MUSIC: Sideline Bluegrass Band , April 22, 8pm

Sideline plays songs you love. Some are bluegrass classics, some are destined to be classics, and all of them are performed in a way that makes audiences understand why these pickers and singers are A-tier bluegrass players, loved and adored by fans the world over.  Band includes Steve Dilling, Jason Moore, Daniel Aldridge, Skip Cherryholmes, and Troy Boone. www.fogartyville.org

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

[WEEKEND]  THEATER: TapFASTic , April 22 – April 23

Join The Players’ electrifying dance troupe The Flash tappers for a show that will knock your socks off! This show is “All About Tap!” and features choreography from son of the greats such as gene Kelly, Gregory Hines, Ruby Keeler in evergreen hits such as “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “Mack the Knife” and “Money, Money.” Show dates are April 22nd at 8pm and April 23rd at 2pm. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit http://www.theplayers.org/shows/snap/

The Players Theatre of Sarasota, 838 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[WEEKEND]  FOOD: Blossoms & Brunch , April 22, 10:30am

Share the legacy of Mable Ringling’s beloved rose garden and enjoy a beautiful brunch alongside the garden. Surrounded by blooming roses, Blossoms & Brunch will begin with a reception complete with entertainment and mimosas. In recognition of Mable's legacy the net proceeds from this event will support ongoing maintenance and improvements of the Bayfront Gardens.

Mable's Rose Garden, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[WEEKEND]  BUSINESS: Jazz in the Ballpark , April 22, 7pm

Big Band Jazz at Ed Smith Stadium featuring Michele Pruyn and the Swing Sisters and the Sarasota Jazz Project with David Pruyn. Tickets available from the Orioles box office or call 941-893-6300. For more information please visit www.Jazzclubsarasota.org/calendar-of-events

Ed Smith Stadium , 2700 12th St., Sarasota

[WEEKEND]  PERFORMANCE: The Four Freshmen , April 23, 2pm

The Four Freshmen were one of the top vocal groups of the 1950s loved for their unusually, free, improvisational approach to harmony singing. Brian Wilson often recognized The Four Freshmen as an inspiration behind the development of the Beach Boys’ sound. Recognized by Downbeat Magazine as the 2000 Vocal Group of the Year, that vocal flair that caught hearts over 50 years ago is still captivating audiences today with the talents of members Tommy Boynton, Stein Malvey, Curtis Calderon, and Bob Ferreira. Tickets start at $35. 

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

[WEEKEND]  MUSIC: Monday, Monday , April 23 – April 24

Monday, Monday pays tribute to one of the most harmony-rich pop groups of the ‘60s: The Mamas and the Papas. Hear legendary songs made famous by The Mamas and the Papas as well as sure-fire hits from other legends of the Woodstock era. Tickets are $32. Show times April 23- 8pm, April 24- 3pm and 8pm. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit https://venicestage.com/portfolio/monday-monday/

Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice

[SOON]  THEATER: Boeing Boeing , April 26 – May 14

It’s the 1960s and our swingin’ Bachelor Bernard couldn’t be happier as he juggles 3 gorgeous stewardesses in his gorgeous Paris flat. His perfect world and careful planning comes to an end when his friend Robert appears and the Boeing Corporation creates a new and speedier jet. In true classic farce style, all 3 stewardesses come into town simultaneously and Bernard’s perfect life gets bumpy in this door-slamming and groovy play based on the 1965 American film starring Tony Curtis and Jerry Lewis. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit http://www.theplayers.org/shows/2016-2017-broadway-series/

The Players Theatre of Sarasota, 838 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Glass Onion Beatles band , April 28, 6-8pm

Benefitting Friends of Manatee County Animal Services. The Glass Onion is dedicated to faithfully reproducing the songs of the Beatles. They use many of the same instruments and amplifiers that the Beatles used to create that “classic sound,” including Rickenbacker, Gibson, and Epiphone guitars, a Hofner bass, and Vox amplifiers. The Glass Onions play all the Beatles most loved classics, as well as songs rarely performed by bands. For more information please visit www.realizebradenton.com

Bradenton Riverwalk , 452 W. 3rd. Ave., Bradenton

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: SARTQ Print Party , April 29, 11am-7pm

Bring t-shirts, shorts, skirts, baby clothes, dog shirts… anything that you can lay flat and will absorb ink! Choose from 20 different original screen-printing designs made by 10 unique artists, as well as a special Mandeville silkscreen just for the event! Bring the kids, and have creative fun with your choices! Blank t-shirts will be available for purchase. For more information please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/399314987091010/?notif_t=plan_user_invited&notif_id=1490206860082111

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

[SOON]  HEALTH: Yoga and Empowerment - A Fundraising Event for Girls Inc. , April 29, 1-3pm

Join Christie Rosen, local yoga instructor, wellness coach and author of the new book empowering the Sensitive Soul for a donation based gentle yoga class and book signing event. All donations will directly support Girls Inc. Sarasota. The yoga class will take place from 1-2pm and will be suitable for all levels. Afterward there will be a book signing, time to mingle and complimentary snacks and drinks. Join us in supporting the life-changing work of Girls Inc. while also experiencing the wonderful healing benefits of yoga and relaxation. For more information please visit www.pineappleyogastudio.net

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

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Pink Kitchen , April 29

Work with nationally-renowned experts in key health and lifestyle fields at the Circuelle Foundation’s Pink Kitchen at the USF Culinary Lab . Cook alongside CA Health and Longevity Institute's Paulette Lambert, RD, CDE and get educated on anti-cancer health tips and recipes. Learn about the health consequences of sleep, meditation and mindfulness from UCLA researcher Dr. Marc Milstein. Move with new exercises and information about a healthy lifestyle. Your participation benefits Circuelle Foundation’s educational programs, dedicated to educating, engaging and empowering young adults to become self-advocates for their breast health and awareness.

USF Culinary Lab, 8130 Lakewood Main St d104, Lakewood Ranch, 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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