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SRQ DAILY Dec 12, 2017

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"Like all of us, they just want something to get through this cold snap, and are looking toward the end of the week."

- Bill Wilson, Resurrection House
 

[Giving Back]  Cold Snap Ramps Up Homeless Needs
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

The cold snap means the first real taste of winter on the Gulf Coast, and a serious threat to the health of those living on the streets. Agencies and nonprofits dealing with transient clients have seen a surge in demand for beds and blankets as individuals seek shelter from the weather—or just a way to better survive the week.

As soon as the National Weather Service forecast a cold front hitting the region, bringing with it nighttime temperatures in the 30s, Sarasota County officials announced it would work with partners to provide cold weather sheltering for those in need. The Salvation Army’s Center of Hope in 10th Street enacted its cold weather operation plan, opening its front porch opening at 4pm on Saturday. Grace United Methodist Church in Venice opened up at 5pm.

But for those who couldn’t, or chose not, to go to a shelter, various nonprofits in the region provided for those braving the cold. Bill Wilson, acting executive director of the Resurrection House in Sarasota, says there was significant demand in the last week for blankets, jackets and hats. While they quickly ran out of jackets, the charity at least had received a donation of blankets from the Notre Dame Club. “We had blankets to meet all the needs,” he says. The Resurrection House serves about 150 homeless individuals each day.

But Wilson said those living on the streets were reliant and resourceful. Few homeless individuals would sleep completely exposed to the elements. “Like all of us, they just want something to get through this cold snap, and are looking toward the end of the week,” he says.

Leaders say, though, that with a brush of cold weather hitting the area in early December, there’s barely been time to build up normal levels of supplies to help homeless individuals. Donations are being accepted at all toeless-oriented charities and faith-based partners addresses transient services in the region. 

[PINC]  Challenging Convention and Championing Beauty at PINC Sarasota
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

The audience has gathered in their seats in the Sarasota Opera House as internationally acclaimed graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister takes the stage. Dressed casually and speaking with a slight Austrian accent, he’s here to talk about beauty. Many people have their own thoughts on the matter, he admits. They say that beauty is boring. That it resides, if anywhere, in the eye of the beholder, something unable to be touched, much less used, quantified or understood. “They are idiots,” Sagmeister says, and their ideas “utterly stupid and ultimately inhuman.” He has roughly 20 minutes onstage and he has won multiple Grammys, so the audience listens. “I’ll try to convince you,” he says.

Such frankness may not be exactly par for the course at PINC Sarasota, but it’s not unusual either. As one of 14 speakers participating in last Thursday’s conference, Sagmeister represents just one of the many rabbit holes that the audience poked their collective heads into, including presentations from a wildfire specialist, an Iditarod champion, innovative educators, human rights advocates and artists of all stripes. In a conference celebrating People, Ideas, Nature and Creativity (PINC), there’s plenty of room under the umbrella.

Before Sagmeister, the audience heard from people like community organizer Meg Daly, who’s transforming her city (Miami) with a team of volunteers and a vision, and Claire Elsdon, who quit a job in finance to ride her motorcycle through Africa, and now runs a company teaching women to ride and maintain motorbikes that enable essential services, such as midwifery, to reach rural areas. Artists of all types fit under the umbrella as well, whether they work in felt (Lucy Sparrow) or metal (Reuben Margolin) or sand (Jim Denevan). Other speakers, such as Jaha Dukureh, who met with world leaders in the Americas and Africa to end female genital mutilation and saw tangible legislative results, shared stories of international movements.

Whether learning about the mechanics of wildfire or the possible benefits of a Russian spacesuit found on eBay, PINC Sarasota is about expanding the idea of the possible and daring each audience member to question the choices made and paths taken. Was it right, or was it just safe? At PINC, it’s all about making that leap to fulfill one’s passion. And with speakers as convincing as Sagmeister, maybe one or two in the audience will feel compelled to jump.

Held every year in December since 2014, PINC Sarasota will return next year, with tickets going on sale in September. 

Pictured: Stefan Sagmeister works the audience at PINC Sarasota 2017. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

[Exec Moves]  Frano Joins Sarasota Orchestra Board of Directors

Williams Parker shareholder Rose-Anne B. Frano has been appointed to the board of directors of Sarasota Orchestra. Sarasota Orchestra’s mission is to engage, educate and enrich the community through high-quality, live musical experiences. Frano is a board-certified specialist in wills, trusts and estates. She focuses her practice on estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer tax planning for individuals and their families and on the administration of estates and trusts. Frano creates tax-efficient succession plans using a variety of traditional estate planning vehicles, charitable entities, and business entities; prepares federal estate and gift tax returns; administers complex trusts and estates, including estate plans consisting of closely held businesses; and implements complex post-mortem planning techniques. 

Williams Parker

[Expansion]  WBTT Original "A Motown Christmas" Licensed by Texas Theater

One of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s original productions, A Motown Christmas, has been licensed by the Jubilee Theatre in Fort Worth, TX, for a sold-out run. Created by WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs, A Motown Christmas is the first WBTT original to be licensed by another professional theater, and Jubilee Theatre Marketing Director Jiles King reports that the show was sold out by the time previews opened to the public. Jacobs has penned numerous original shows and hopes that this will become a new and regular source of revenue for the organization. WBTT’s run of the show ends on December 23 and has been sold out since late November. However, stand-by tickets are sometimes available in advance or on the night of a show. 

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe



[TODAY]  THEATER: Annie , November 30 – December 17, 2pm, 7:30pm, or 8pm

Rewatch the classic American musical where a little orphan girl takes the stage by storm. See the child heroine work her magic onstage and enjoy the performance live. Tickets are $27, $30 or $37, depending on seating.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Avenue W., Bradenton

[TODAY]  THEATER: Flowers for Algernon , November 30 – December 17, 2pm, 7:30pm or 8pm depending on day

When a laboratory experiment successfully increases the intelligence of a mouse, Charlie Gordon, a spirited autistic man, volunteers as the first subject for human trials. The play grapples with society’s less-than-ideal treatment of mental illness, the ethics of human experimentation and the difficulty faced in accepting and loving ourselves.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton

[SOON]  THEATER: Heisenberg , December 13 – March 4, 2pm, 3pm, 7pm or 8pm depending on day

Initiating a comic and electric dance of love, young Georgie falls for the much older Alex, planting a surreptitious kiss on his neck as the two collide in the crowded London train station. Strangers now connected through an impulsive act of affection, the two engage in a back and forth of romantic stakes, where everything is uncertain.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Floating Cubes , December 14 – January 19

Recently showing with the Skyway: A Contemporary Collaboration exhibition uniting The Ringling Museum with the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg and the Tampa Museum of Art, artist Akiko Kotani comes to Art Center Sarasota for another site-specific installation. Working in weaved plastic, Kotani explores minimalism and simplicity as she pushes the boundaries of her medium.

ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  FOOD: Men, Whiskey, Watches and Wheels , December 15, 6:00PM

Men, Whiskey, Watches & Wheels features whiskey tasting from select distillers, an assortment of fine luxury watches, exotic cars, a live and silent auction, casino-style games, and networking with the area’s business community. Proceeds will support Child Protection Center’s mission in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse. This year's poker tournament will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at One Eyed Jacks Poker Room at Sarasota Kennel Club at 6pm. Ticket to the main event includes an open bar, whiskey tasting and food buffet.

Edson Keith Mansion at Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 South Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34231

[SOON]  MUSIC: Dynamite Dulcimer Jam , December 16, 8pm

Come out and experience two virtuoso folk artists laying it down individually and in duo performance. Dan Landrum is the nation’s best known dulcimer artist, having been tapped for three world tours with keyboardist Yanni. Aaron O’Rourke began performing on mountain dulcimer at the age of 16. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

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

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Lights in Bloom , December 21 – December 30, 6:00PM

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens lights up the holiday season with Lights In Bloom. Over one million lights will illuminate the garden and walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels. Visitors will have the opportunity to stroll through magical gardens filled with beautifully lit flowers, radiant rainforest butterflies, dragonflies and more. The tropical holiday paradise includes nightly visits from Santa and his elves (before Christmas Eve), children’s arts and crafts activities and games, plus live entertainment with SoulRCoaster each evening. Grilled foods will be available for purchase from the Michael’s on East grill including a cash bar. The Selby House Cafe will also be open with its full menu. In its 14th year, Lights In Bloom has become a tradition for residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season in Sarasota

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens , 811 S Palm Ave Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSIC: Perlman Music Program Winter Residency , December 21 – January 6

The Perlman Music Program’s (PMP) intensive 17-day Winter Residency offers unparalleled musical training for international students, ages 12 to 20+, who play the violin, viola, cello and bass. With a faculty led by Toby and Itzhak Perlman and comprising some of the most gifted musical talents of our time, the PMP Sarasota Winter Residency offers an artistic and personal experience that changes students' lives forever. The winter residency’s free public events include orchestra and chorus rehearsals, master classes, and works-in-progress student recitals. Question and answer sessions with the Perlmans, PMP students and faculty follow many of these events that take place in a heated, outdoor performance tent on the grounds of the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus. Each year, the winter residency culminates with the Celebration Concert with Itzhak Perlman conducting the PMP String Orchestra and Patrick Romano leading the PMP Chorus at the Sarasota Opera House. 

USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL

[SOON]  THEATER: Home for the Holidays , December 26, 8pm

The five young comedians of local group Millenial Fresh are sure to make audiences laugh in this holiday inspired sketch comedy show. Taking place at Westcoast Black Theatre, this event will be a great way to bust your gut for the holidays.

Westcoast Black Theatre , 1646 10th Way, Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: New Years Eve Fireworks , December 31, 7:00PM

The 7th Annual New Years Eve Fireworks Celebration at Marina Jack will be bigger and better than ever. Enjoy a variety of entertainment and menu options onshore at Marina Jack along with a sparkling midnight fireworks show. Climb aboard the Marina Jack II for a four–hour celebration dinner cruise, complete with party favors, live music and fireworks on Sarasota Bay. Either way, you are sure to have a sparkling New Year! 

Marina Jack , 2 Marina Plaza Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSIC: An Evening in Mayberry , January 5

The Dillards are a a musical group with a history dating back to The Andy Griffith Show over 50 years ago. Join them for an evening in Mayberry, and have the opportunity to relive musical memories and meet some of the Mayberry friendly faces. Tickets are $22 in advance and $25 at the door.

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

[SOON]  MUSIC: Musical Landscapes , January 6, 7:30pm

See the world from your seat with an evening of musical panoramas. Whitacre's luminous reimagining of the River Cam, which flowed past his window at Cambridge University, features Sarasota Orchestra's own principal cellist Natalie Helm. Hailed for his "energy and enthusiasm," guest conductor Stefan Sanders dynamically guides guests on this matchless musical tour. 

Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Cast, Cut and Cold - Glass , January 8 – March 24

Technically amazing and visually stunning examples of creations by more than two dozen masters of glass art including Peter Bremers, Vadlec Ciglar and Irene Frolic astound in this exhibition. Numerous examples, styles and methods of glass casting and etching are represented in this one-of-a-kind gallery.

Ringling College of Art and Design Gallery, 2700 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Shakespeare in Love , January 10 – March 28

Adapted for the stage by Lee Hall, Shakespeare in Love will offer an entrancing theater production that follows the story of Will Shakespeare, a struggling playwright tormented by writer’s block. To his rescue comes the vivacious Viola, Will’s greatest admirer. But Viola has a secret and Will finds himself star cross’d.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: The Mountaintop , January 10 – February 18

This performance depicts a fictionalized portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his last night of his life. With a theatrical imagination, the play gives viewers a window into what went on in the legendary man's life, and what his hopes, vulnerabilities and fears were.

Westcoast Black Theatre , 1646 10th Way, 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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