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SRQ DAILY Jun 30, 2017

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"I wanted to focus on the people of Egypt. I wanted to show who the people really are, the people who make a life there."

- Jack Jonathan, photographer
 

[Gallery]  The Egypt That Time Forgot
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Living in Kansas City, more than 50 years after emigrating from Cairo, the photographer Jack Jonathan visits a local exhibition of Arabian art. He strikes up a conversation with a reporter covering the show, also from Egypt, and talk turns to one of Jonathan’s own exhibitions—his first—a massive collection of photographs taken from 1947 to 1951, right before he left for the US, capturing the people of Egypt. At the show’s opening even King Farouk, who would abdicate the throne months later, bought some of the new photographer’s work. But the exhibit was never shown again.

The reporter calls at 9pm that night. She’s leaving town the next day, but needs to see Jonathan’s pictures. Jonathan has only 18 of the original 90+ photographs on display in his studio, but he agrees. Inside the studio, looking at the faces on the wall, the reporter begins to cry. “Mr. Jonathan,” she says. “We cannot remember four generations before. This is the best we have to tell us what we were.”

Open now in the Willis A. Smith Gallery at Ringling College of Art and Design, Egypt—The Eternal Spirit of Its People brings Jonathan’s exhibit, 65 years later and now digitized and reprinted, to Sarasota. Divided into thematic sections, Jonathan’s photos explore different aspects of Egyptian life at the time, from the prevalence of mosques in Cairo (nearly each ruler or conqueror built a new one, regardless of faith) to the Nile’s constant presence, but keeping the people at the forefront. Even when emphasizing Egypt’s architectural beauty, the image is almost always through the lens of how the people interact with the space.

“Most tourists who come to Egypt either photograph misery or monuments,” says Jonathan, now 96 years old but still working. “I wanted to focus on the people of Egypt. I wanted to show who the people really are, the people who make a life there.” And though one section of the exhibit is dedicated to rural life in mid-20th century Egypt, where people worn by time and hardship live in simple houses with the animals right outside, the tone is more celebration than commiseration. On the opposite wall—"The Faces of Egypt"—smiling faces of every sort beam.

One photograph in particular merits special mention, despite the absence of people in the frame, as a shot that literally can never be taken again. Visiting the pyramids while working for the US embassy in Cairo, Jonathan explores a nearby excavation while the US ambassador climbs the monuments for lack of mountains. The excavation has just uncovered a temple in the shadow of the Sphinx, the carved stone doorways still standing though the rest collapsed. Jonathan takes the shot—the face of the Sphinx glimpsed through two ancient portals—a moment in time now gone, as the temple remains are eventually removed to a museum, but preserved as a piece of Egypt’s legacy through Jonathan.

Currently on display at Ringling College, Egypt—The Eternal Spirit of Its People runs through August 4. 

Pictured: Photographs by Jack Jonathan. Image courtesy of Ringling College.

[Pageant]  Behind the Tiara
Dylan Howell, dylanh@srqme.com

With the Miss Florida Pageant coming in July, three local pageant winners will compete at the state level for a chance to represent the State of Florida at the national Miss America Pageant in September. SRQ goes behind the tiara with Miss Manatee Jercoiya Waiters, Miss Manatee River Jessica Hargrave and Miss DeSoto Heritage Samantha Hyatt to talk about goals, giving and why they chose the pageant life.

Like most pageants, July’s competition includes aesthetic contests with evening gowns and swimsuits, but there remains an intellectual side that often goes unnoticed. Public speaking, political awareness, professional composure—all are demanded of any potential pageant winner. “The four points of the Miss America crown we wear represent service, scholarship, success and style,” says Hyatt. “That in itself shows how well-rounded Miss America contestants are.” Hyatt herself is an experienced rifle twirler on the Elite Rifle Line with the Gator Band and performed for former president Barack Obama in the 2012 Inaugural Parade.In addition to all of this, each contestant must also have a platform—a cause that they champion through the competition. As Miss Manatee River, Hargrave’s platform is the Florida Oceanographic Society, which works to restore Florida waterways. With each contestant picking a platform close to their heart, Waiters speaks for autism awareness, stemming from her brother being diagnosed at a young age. Hyatt’s passion lies with the Girl Scouts, encouraging young women and girls to follow in her scouting footsteps.

And as an institution itself, the Miss America Organization holds an important place in all the contestants’ lives, opening doors and encouraging personal development. “It has offered me the opportunity to change my life through the ability to obtain an education,” says Waiters. “An education I know now will change the future, not only for myself but for the thousands of other young women who participate in this amazing program.” The Miss America Organization remains the largest scholarship provider for women in the nation and has catapulted countless careers including Fox and Friends co-host Gretchen Carlson and actress Vanessa Williams. “The skills pageants help women develop are incomparable,” says Hargrave. “I can truly say they have made me the woman I am today because competition has pushed me to become the best version of myself possible.”

The Miss Florida Scholarship Pageant Finale kicks off in Lakeland this Saturday, July 1st . 

Pictured, from left: Samantha Hyatt, Jercoiya Waiters and Jessica Hargrave.

[Good Bite]  Rainbow Roll for the Soul
Jasmine Respess, jasminer@srqme.com

Upon its invention 2,000 years ago in Japan, sushi looked little like the popular dish today. It wasn’t until the Edo Period of the 17th century that raw, fresh fish on sushi even became the norm, and it wasn’t until the 1980s that a Norwegian businessman named Bjorn Erik Olsen introduced salmon to the menu and it became a sushi staple. And it wasn’t until Kam’s Bubble Tea and Sushi opened in a converted cottage on Fruitville Road that the Rainbow roll, with salmon and tuna, reached this kind of excellence. In plain view of the customers, Kam’s chefs skillfully hand-roll made-to-order sushi daily. The Rainbow Roll begins with a crisp sheet of seaweed paper, then a bed of sticky white rice is added, next creamy avocado and tuna slices fill the middle. Finally, the colorful roll is topped with juicy salmon. With help from hot wasabi and palate-cleansing ginger, every bite of the mingling flavors satisfies the stomach as the beautiful pink, green and yellow half-circle roll pleases the eye. Bubbles teas with chewy, sweet tapioca balls and smoothies in a variety of flavors including green tea, lychee and watermelon, pair perfectly. A great lunch spot, with purchases between 10am and 2pm Kam’s offers a free soup infused with spinach, carrots and scallions. 

Photo by Jasmine Respess.

Kam's Bubble Tea and Sushi, 1813 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, 941-960-1610.

[Exec Moves]  Liang Joins Education Foundation Board

SRQ MEDIA CEO/President Lisl Liang will be serving on the board of directors for The Education Foundation of Sarasota County starting this July 1. The mission of the Education Foundation is to strengthen the community by investing in educational opportunities for the students, teachers and schools of Sarasota County through strategic philanthropy. A brighter and stronger youth force today means a better and stronger community and workforce tomorrow. The Education Foundation of Sarasota County engages in college and career readiness, technology and innovation, academics and the arts. 

Education Foundation of Sarasota County

[Recognition ]  Doctors Hospital Named One of the Best Places to Work

Doctors Hospital of Sarasota has once again been selected as one of the Best Places to Work by Modern Healthcare. The hospital has made the list nine years in a row. According to Modern Healthcare, this annual awards program recognizes companies who continuously try to improve their work environment and increase employee engagement, satisfaction and retention through innovative ideas. The hospital offers comprehensive benefits and is committed to providing a healthy work environment. There are stress breaks for employees with massages, free Tai Chi classes, tuition reimbursement, ongoing job training and appreciation events throughout the year. Doctors Hospital of Sarasota has almost 800 employees and 250 volunteers. Earlier this year it was also recognized by Becker's Hospital Review on its "150 Great Places to Work in Healthcare | 2017" list. This year the hospital also received an “A” for its commitment to quality from the Leapfrog Group. 

Doctors Hospital of Sarasota

[Synergy]  PMP Suncoast Receives Grant from Woman's Exchange

The Perlman Music Program (PMP) Suncoast was awarded a grant in the amount of $20,000 by The Woman's Exchange. These funds will help support three programs presented by PMP Suncoast throughout the 2017-2018 Season: PMP Alumni: In Schools; PMP Alumni: Around Town; and Super Strings. Each year, PMP/Suncoast brings students and alumni of PMP to Sarasota and Manatee counties to train and perform for local audiences and participate in education and community outreach programs. PMP Alumni: Schools brings alumni into elementary, middle and high schools, as well as special education schools and after-school programs, to educate and interact with students and teachers. PMP Alumni: Around Town offers free or low-cost performances and events in collaboration with local community venues and organizations. The Super Strings program provides young string musicians from across the state of Florida the opportunity to perform with the PMP String Orchestra during the PMP Sarasota Winter Residency, under the baton of Itzhak Perlman. Since its inception in 1962 and through its consignment operations, the Woman’s Exchange has awarded over $8 million in grants and scholarships to support the arts in Manatee and Sarasota counties. With more than 260 volunteers and 5,000 consignors, all of the scholarship and grant monies are generated through sales at their retail store in Sarasota. 

The Perlman Music Program Suncoast

[Exec Moves]  Arman Joins RE/MAX Platinum Realty

Jessika Arman has joined the Venice office of RE/MAX Platinum Realty as broker-associate. Previously with Michael Saunders & Co., she specializes in luxury waterfront properties on the barrier islands. Arman is a Florida native and second-generation broker-associate who has been selling real estate since 1998. She runs a boutique-style, exclusive real estate practice. Arman has earned a Five Star Real Estate Agent award for Best in Client Satisfaction for six years in a row. She has been a member of her local board of Realtors Global Council since 1999 and had led trade missions to Germany. RE/MAX Platinum Realty offers full-service residential real estate solutions in Sarasota and Manatee counties in Florida, specializing in luxury and waterfront properties. With offices in downtown Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Osprey and Venice, the company leverages RE/MAX corporate resources to market homes to more than 90 countries in 32 languages. 

RE/MAX Platinum Realty



[TODAY]  FESTIVAL: Sarasota Powerboat 2017 Grand Prix Festival , June 24 – July 4

The 33rd Annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival returns June 24-July 4 with events for the entire family to enjoy. Powerboat and AquaX Pro race teams will compete for the checkered flag on July 1 and 2 just off Lido Beach with televised coverage to over 100 countries beginning late July.  New events this year include a Grand Prix Comedy Night at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, a venue change for the Festival Kickoff Party to Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens, and a Grand Prix Fan Fest on July 1 and 2 in the Van Wezel parking lot.  The Fan Fest is free with Suncoast Charities for Children producing the entire Festival, including the July 4th Bayfront Fireworks.

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Jeffery A. Cornwell , June 12 – September 22

Featuring paintings by Ringling College Fine Arts alumnus Jeffery Cornwell. Showing across the United States in galleries and alternative spaces, Cornwell draws inspiration from the natural environment and the relationship of sky to land.

Patricia Thompson Gallery , 2700 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota

[WEEKEND]  THEATER: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea , June 7 – July 2

Take a plunge into the pages of Jules Verne's classic science fiction story and get swept away in this dazzling multisensory experience. Our modern day storyteller Jules finds himself transported on board the Nautilus submarine, where he joins the mysterious Captain Nemo on a journey to the depths of the sea... and the edge of your seat. Brought to stunning life through a mix of unforgettable characters, eye-popping projections and interactive technology, this time-honored tale explores our place in time and space, and illuminates the mysteries of the deep blue sea. 

The Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 N. Tamiami Tr. Sarasota

[WEEKEND]  PERFORMANCE: IncrediBello! , June 13 – July 29

This summer promises to be a hair-raising event when Feld Entertainment brings Bello Nock back to the Sarasota stage. Bello, the world-renowned, gravity-defying comedic daredevil with the unmistakable foot-high hair, returns to his hometown to engage audiences with his lovable personality, trademark humor and playful antics.

Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[WEEKEND]  GALLERY: Summer Time Hues , July 1 – September 15

State of the Arts Gallery will be hosting Summer Time Hues July 1 through September 15. The theme of this exhibition is the color blue which can be found in all participating paintings. From abstract work to a realtistic flamingo, there is a variety of ways blue is expressed in this showing. 

State of the Arts Gallery , 1525 State St., Sarasota

[WEEKEND]  THEATER: America the Beautiful: A Patriotic Celebration , July 1, 7:30pm

Just in time for the Fourth of July, join Brian Gurl and friends on a patriotic adventure as you experience a captivating, exhilarating show honoring the music of American Legends such as Irving Berlin, Woody Guthrie, Lee Greenwood, Elivis Presley, George M. Cohan, John Philip Sousa and more! 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]  PERFORMANCE: Naming True , June 2 – July 2

Amy, a transgender teenage girl from Seattle, and Nell, a dying woman who’s lived most of her life on the streets of Detroit, find themselves in an unlikely meeting in a Florida motel room to discuss publishing Nell’s childhood memoir. An intimate tale of survival, redemption, and the desperate need to share our stories, Naming True investigates how to persevere in the absence of hope. For more information please visit www.urbanitetheatre.com for show times and tickets.

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 Second St., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: 9th Annual Sarasota Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular , July 4, 11:00 am-10:00 pm

Join Marina Jack for their annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on Independence Day between 11:00 am-10:00pm. Indulge in the decadent menus from the Dining Room, Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill and Deep Six Lounge & Piano Bar all while enjoying the magnificent display of lights in the sky. Marina Jack II will host a three hour cruise featuring a buffet, live music and premier viewing of the fireworks display.

Marina Jack, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  BUSINESS: The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey by James Lecesne , July 5 – August 6

In this award winning southern regional premiere, tenacious and flamboyant 14 year-old Leonard Pelkey disappears. A small town New Jersey detective slowly unravels the mystery, portraying over a dozen eccentric characters along the way. A luminous force of nature whose magic is only truly felt once he is gone, the town’s citizens question how they live, who they love, and what they leave behind. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org

Florida Studio Theatre , 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Venice Summer Cabaret Festival , July 6 – August 27

Venice Theatre is delighted to invite audiences to its 5th Annual Summer Cabaret Festival. The popular event keeps music lovers and theatergoers entertained throughout the summer months with a variety of music in a nightclub setting. The irrepressible Eric Watters will kick off the festival on Thursday, July 6, 2017 with his tribute to Johnny Mercer, "My Huckleberry Friend." The festival will continue in “Pinky’s Cabaret” (the theatre’s black box Pinkerton Theatre) through Sunday, August 27, 2017. Tickets are $20 for each show and will go on sale June 6, 2017.

Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave.,Venice

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: YPG After Hours at Escape Countdown , July 6, 5:30-7:30pm

Come join us YPG Thursday, July 6th at Escape Countdown for the area's largest monthly networking event, YPG After Hours! With an average of 80-100 young professionals gathering on the first Thursday of each month you're guaranteed to make new friends, secure new clients, and learn more about what Sarasota has to offer. Along with great drink specials, enjoy appetizing lite bites for the duration of the event.

Escape Countdown , 6525 S. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Florida's Finest , July 6 – August 11

This juried exhibition showcases the wide-ranging talents of Florida-based artists, and includes two- and three-dimensional works in a variety of media. R. Lynn Whitelaw, the founding director and curator of the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art at St. Petersburg College, juries this year’s exhibition to be installed in all four of the center’s galleries. 

Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Madera Fina Brings Tropical Sounds to Sarasota , July 9, 7pm

The singer-songwriter Abraham Dorta and percussionist Delvin López give life to the Afro-Caribbean music duo Madera Fina that demonstrates the wide range of genres that unfold in the Puerto Rico independent music scene. In the hand of Abraham's guitar mastery, Madera Fina blends a broad amalgam of tropical styles including bossa nova, classical and Caribbean styles.  

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

[SOON]  THEATER: The Marvelous Wonderettes , July 12 – July 23, 7:30pm and 2pm

This smash Off-Broadway hit whisks you away to the 1958 Springfield High Prom where four girls with hopes and dreams serenade you with over 30 classics from the 1950s and 1960s. Single tickets are $18.

The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 N Tamiami Tr., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Little Black Dress: Salute the Runway Fashion Show and Luncheon , July 13, 11:30 am- 1:00pm

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida will team up with local women veterans through the Goodwill Manasota Veterans Task Force to recycle dresses from Goodwill and put together an amazing fashion show. Join us at the Hyatt July 13 and discover the unique creations of these wonderful students while supporting a good cause!

Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  THEATER: Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr. , July 13 – July 17

Join the Blue Fairy, Stromboli and a lively cast of characters as Geppetto journeys beyond his toyshop to discover the meaning of family. When the Blue Fairy grants Geppetto’s wish to bring his beloved puppet to life, the new father quickly learns about the challenges of being a father.

Venice Theater , 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: The Blue Eyed Bettys , July 18 – August 20

With Daniel Emond on banjo, Sarah Hund on fiddle, and Ben Mackel on guitar, The Blue Eyed Bettys delight with their contemporary bluegrass sound. An original music group formed while performing in the hit FST Cabaret show Poems, Prayers, and Promises, audiences are snapped to attention with their powerful vocals, three part harmony, inventive storytelling, and natural onstage chemistry. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.floridastudiotheatre.org

Florida Studio Theatre , 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SB2 GOOD HAND: Building Capacity in Our Philanthropic Sector , July 20, 7:30-9:00am

Join SRQ Magazine for the last SB2: Breakfast Symposium of the season on Thursday, July 20, 2017 from 7:30 am-9:00 am at The Francis, Downtown Sarasota. Keynote David Odahowski, President & CEO of the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundationwill give us insight on building capacity in the philanthropic sector. Special guest panelists include: Roxie Jerde of The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Stacey Corley of Ringling College of Art and Design, Veronica Brandon Miller of Goodwill Manasota, Susie Bowie of Manatee Community Foundation and Heidi Brown of the Jewish Family and Children's Service. Moderated by SRQ MEDIA Executive Publisher Wes Roberts. Tickets are $35/per person and includes a delicious breakfast buffet provided by The Francis. Reserve your spot online at SRQSB2.COM.

The Francis, Downtown Sarasota, 1289 N. Palm Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  DANCE: Sarasota Contemporary Dance , July 20 – July 23

Directed by Leymis Bolanos Wilmott, a one woman show performed by Stephanie Bastos, who dances with the aid of a prosthetic leg.

New College of Florida, Black Box Theater, 5800 Bay Shore Rd., 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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