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SRQ DAILY Jan 26, 2018

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"What we don't discuss enough is the conversion from visitor to resident to business owner."

- Elliott Falcione, Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
 

[Dance]  Sarasota Contemporary Dance Finds Home in the Rosemary District
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

The 12th annual Dance Makers concert run from Sarasota Contemporary Dance kicked off last night in the Jane B. Cook Theatre of the FSU Performing Arts Center, bringing the multitalented dancers of SCD to the stage for the first in a series of four daily concerts running through Sunday. Performing works from internationally acclaimed choreographers from across the country and beyond, such as Millicent Johnnie, Lucy Bowen McCauley, Rosanna Tavarez and Crystal Edwards, the annual concert celebrates the company, the choreographers, the collaborators, contemporary dance itself and, this year, a new home for SCD.

“It’s been a long process,” says SCD Founder and Artistic Director Leymis Bolanos Wilmott of the road to opening her own movement center in the Rosemary District this year. Previously operating out of the New College of Florida campus, where the company also hosted many of its shows, for the past three years Wilmott has focused her energies on finding a studio home for the company. Working with New College has been a “great partnership,” she says, and SCD will remain a presence on campus, “but to have our own home is crucial for the longevity of the company.”

Not only will it give the company a firm identity and foothold all its own, but a whole host of possibilities and new amenities. Situated in the Rosemary District off Boulevard of the Arts, the space brings the company itself a newly designed and sizable studio space, including SCD’s first (and much-anticipated) set of Marley sprung floors, as well as enough room to choreograph larger productions than prior years, and even host open rehearsals.

Yet, alongside the addition of new dressing rooms and office space, the inclusion of a lobby space seems to excite Wilmott most, seen as an opportunity to engage the Rosemary community. A planned grand opening on March 11 is set to do just that, with performances, sample classes and time to hear from members of the community as to what they want from their local dance studio and movement center. “It’ll be an opportunity for an exchange of ideas,” says Wilmott.

In the meantime, there’s still time to catch SCD’s annual Dance Makers concert at the Jane B. Cook Theatre of the FSU Performing Arts Center, happening tonight and Saturday night at 7:30pm and Sunday afternoon at 2pm. 

Pictured: The performers of Sarasota Contemporary Dance in Crystal Edwards' "The Toggle." Photo by Sorcha Augustine.

[SB2]  Localpreneurs Honored For Business Achievement
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Some of the region’s top startups won recognition at the inaugural SRQ Localpreneur of the Year awards Thursday, shortly after business leaders gathered for a panel discussion on attracting the boon of a booming economy to the Gulf Coast. At the SB2 2018 State of the Region event, tourism and economic development players said the region continues to be strong in terms of tourism growth, and it continues to strive for economic diversification.

“The biggest competitive advantage is the place we have and the people it brings here,” says Mark Huey, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County. “Many of the businesses that do come here first engaged through the tourism industry.” Virginia Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County, said overall visitation to the region went up 6.5 percent in 2017, in spite of the impact of Hurricane Irma. “But what matters most to me is it was accompanied by a significant increase in visitor spending,” she says. 

Jeffrey Mayers, general manager for The Resort at Longboat Key, noted one fifth of jobs in Florida are directly or indirectly tied to tourism. “People come here as visitors many times first.” Indeed, Elliott Falcione, executive director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, says boosts in visitation to the region not only mean jobs in the hospitality sector but potential to attract entrepreneurs. “What we don’t discuss enough is the conversion from visitor to resident to business owner,” he says. He noted that when new visitors come to the area, 84 percent book a second trip here in the next year.

Rick Piccolo, president and CEO of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, said those visitors are coming from more areas as well. About 70 percent of air traffic comes from visitors to the region compared to 30 percent local, and the key markets remain New York, Boston, Washington D.C. and Chicago, but the airport has recently announced Allegiant Air service to markets like Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Indianapolis, so he expects interest from the Midwest to steadily rise. At the event, Brian Mariash of Mariash Loather Wealth Management noted a distinct acceleration in the economic recovery, something that should benefit this region because of the disproportionate level of luxury amenities here. “That has been helped by the tax package passed recently,” he says, which makes it more enticing for states with high income tax rates to move to Florida.

At the event, SRQ Media announced the first winners of its Localpreneur of the Year Awards. The winners of the competition were selected by judges (and former Sarasota entrepreneurs now living outside the market) Jonathan Rose Companies Development Director Andrew Foley and ORA Interactive Chief Growth Officer Ray Villares.

The five winning entries in the competition this year were: Jim Abrams, BizZoom, Fyzical Therapy and American Dreams Restaurant Group; Jesse Biter, PropLogix and BOLD; Joy Randels, Applied G2 and Invision Communications; Brendan Ragan and Summer Dawn Wallace, Urbanite Theatre; and Mike Quillen and Mike Gowan, Gecko’s Hospitality Group. 

[Recognition]  Sarasota County Schools Honored with FMEA Awards

An elementary music teacher from Laurel Nokomis School and the music programs at Brookside and Woodland middle schools were honored by the Florida Music Education Association at the organization’s FMEA Awards Breakfast, held earlier this month at the Tampa Convention Center. The FMEA Awards are presented during the organization’s annual conference to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of exemplary music teachers, school and district administrators, businesses and others who have made an outstanding contribution to music education. Laurel Nokomis elementary music teacher Charles Allen was one of nine teachers statewide to receive the 2018 Music Education Service Award, awarded to music educators active in the field for 25 years or more. Allen was recognized for his 31 years of service. Two Sarasota County middle schools, Brookside and Woodland, were presented with Middle School Music Enrollment awards. The awards are given to music programs demonstrating high enrollment in music courses. 

Sarasota County Schools

[Exec Moves]  CAN Community Health Announces 2018 Board of Directors

CAN Community Health has announced a new slate of members for its board of directors. The board members will work closely with CAN President and CEO Richard E. Carlisle to establish the overall goals and provide specific direction for the organization. The CAN Board will be led by 2018 Chair Bob Trisolini. He is replacing 2017 Chair Eric Snider. Leona Collesano was announced as vice chair. Phil Baker was announced as treasurer and Bob Nosal will remain in his role as secretary. Stephen Covert will serve as assistant secretary. Rev. Demetrius Jifunza, Nati Shabat and Meadow L. Walker will remain as CAN board members. In addition, Covert and Jackie Rogers were appointed as new members to the board. CAN has served the needs of the HIV/AIDS community in Sarasota, surrounding counties, the state of Florida and now South Carolina for more than 26 years. CAN seeks to create hope and healing for the HIV/AIDS community, combat the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, increase knowledge and prevention, remove obstacles to care and continue essential HIV/AIDS research. 

CAN Community Health

[Expansion]  Pines of Sarasota Announces Renovation, Capital Campaign

This week, Pines of Sarasota Foundation President Janet K. Ginn and Pines of Sarasota President/CEO Mike Ward announced a reimagining and renovation of Pines’ Assisted Living Facility and a partnership with the Esther & Harold Mertz Foundation, which has committed support for the project and for Pines’ mission. The renovation will modernize the facility, offering residents more privacy and a broader variety of room configurations while maintaining the high quality of service and care for which Pines of Sarasota is known. In addition to the changes to resident rooms, Pines’ signature porte cochere will be added to a newly configured entrance that will welcome visitors and residents and shield them from inclement weather. Funding for the $3.9 million project will be supported by the Esther & Harold Mertz Foundation, which will match all donations on a 2:1 basis. In a show of faith, the Mertz Foundation has already contributed $2.6 million in matching funds. Should contributions from the community exceed the amount needed for the renovation project, the Mertz Foundation will continue to match those gifts, with the funding set aside for future campus improvements. 

Pines of Sarasota

[Recognition]  City of Sarasota Earns Tree City USA Designation for 32nd Year

The City of Sarasota has been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for the 32nd year in a row. The 2017 Tree City USA award recognizes the City’s commitment to maintaining and expanding a healthy tree canopy in Sarasota. Sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, the Tree City USA Program honors more than 3,400 cities with this distinction based on four requirements. The city must have (1) a tree board or department, (2) a tree care ordinance, (3) an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and (4) an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The City of Sarasota meets those requirements and goes beyond them, supporting innovative programs like the Community Canopy Project, offering trees to residents at no cost. In the end, maintaining a healthy tree-line not only improves the visual appeal of the City’s neighborhoods, but also increases property values, decreases energy bills and protects the environment. 

Tree City USA



[TODAY]  PERFORMANCE: Northside Hollow , January 26 – March 11

Trapped underground after a deadly collapse, a coal miner finds his salvation in the arrival of a young and inexperienced first responder. While they wait for additional rescue assistance, they discover they have a curious amount in common. As the men confront mortality, their connection may unearth a deeper revelation about acceptance and spiritual refuge. For more information please visit www.urbanitetheatre.com for show times and tickets.

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 Second Street, Sarasota

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Shine the Light Artist Talks , January 24 – January 26

A three-tiered group exhibition featuring a glass installation highlighted by Laura Donefer's Todesmarche Revisited: In Honor of Those Who Perished During the Death Marches, inspired by her father's research into the fates of their own family members during the Holocaust; Take Me to Jermany, a photographic exhibit by Charlotte Schmitz chronicling her time photographing refugees from the Syrian civil war; and artist Deborah Haber's video trailer from her film-in-progress, Moses Man: Finding Home, the story of her parents and their nine-year journey during the Holocaust, before finally finding home in America. Artist talks on January 24 and 26.

Alfstad& Contemporary, 1419 5th St., Sarasota.

[TODAY]  FESTIVAL: Shred the Love , January 26, 6-9pm

Music Compound is excited to announce a partnership with several local students to present the first ever Shred the Love Concert and silent auction. Funds earned from Shred the Love will go to the Music Heals Us Foundation. Music Heals Us purchases ukuleles for children that are fighting cancer. The entire event is being orchestrated and performed by local high school students. The event will be held Friday January 26th, from 6-9pm at Music Compound. 

Music Compound , 1751 Cattlemen Road Sarasota, FL 34232

[TODAY]  MUSIC: Amadeus , January 24 – January 27, 5:30pm, 7:30pm, and 8pm

The maniacal and quirky music prodigy stereotype exists for a reason. From Mozart’s impishness to Schubert’s obsessive work habits, this presentation explores the intriguing and outrageous stories behind many of the best known musicians and composers. Guest conductor Stefan Sanders will be joined by operatic tenor Jason Collins and Principal Bass John Miller.

Holley Hall, 709 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[TODAY]  PERFORMANCE: Moving Identities , January 26 – January 29, 2pm and 7:30pm

Opening with another company premiere, Paul Taylor’s Airs kicks off the night with a beautiful and flowing performance that showcase the choreographer’s passion for modern dance and ballet. Following Airs, Sarasota Ballet Resident Choreographer Ricardo Graziano brings the return of his Valsinhas, which premiered in 2013.  

Sarasota Ballet, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Welcome Reception: Art Glass Weekend , January 26, 5:30pm–8pm

On display is Shine the Light, a moving exhibition that focuses on the historical aspects of refugee displacement and persecution. Featured is Laura Donefer’s masterwork, Todesmarche Revisited, a 22-foot long installation of 900 casts of bare, upturned, glass and cement feet, cast from real people, including Holocaust survivors. Also showing is a photo essay exhibit by Charlotte Schmitz and a short film preview by Dave Marshall and Deborah Haber.

Alfstad& Contemporary, 1419 5th St., Sarasota.

[TODAY]  THEATER: Nine , January 11 – January 28, 2pm, 7:30pm or 8pm depending on day

Guido Contini is a wreck and dreading his 40th birthday, a dread that stifles the easy flow of his creative juices. He runs off to Venice in search of inspiration. In a swirl of present issues, revisiting traumatic memories and grasping at women likes straws, Contini finds himself on the verge of total annihilation.

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

[TODAY]  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

[WEEKEND]  MUSIC: Dance Makers 12th Annual Concert , January 27, 7:30PM

Join Sarasota Contemporary Dance for their annual concert featuring imaginative dance pieces by internationally acclaimed contemporary choreographers. Performances will be held at FSU Center for the Performing Arts and continue for several nights. 

Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Trl Sarasota, Florida 34243

[WEEKEND]  GALA: Party Under the Stars , January 27, 6-10pm

Party Under the Stars transports guests to a rooftop party in Manhattan with a festive evening under the stars featuring music, dancing, dining and a silent auction with fabulous prizes. This year, FCS Foundation Chair and CEO of Florida Cancer Specialists, Brad Prechtl and his wife, Terri Prechtl, Lead Patient Support Volunteer at Florida Cancer Specialists, Lakewood Ranch will be honored during the night. All event proceeds provide non-medical, financial assistance to cancer patients. 

Polo Grill , 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

[WEEKEND]  MUSIC: Tango!! , January 28, 3pm

All the way from Buenos Aires, Latin Grammy-winning pianist and composer Pablo Ziegler celebrates the tango in all its forms in an intimate chamber music setting. Ziegler brings his own compositions, as well as works of tango legends such as Ángel Villoldo, Gerardo Matos Rodríguez and Ástor Piazzolla, for whom Ziegler served as pianist for many years and iconic recordings. 

Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice

[SOON]  GALLERY: My Sarasota , February 1 – March 9

An illustrator, graphic designer and former student of the great Paul Rand, John Pirman unites influences from modern architecture and Swiss design to pop culture and old posters of the WPA for his own distinct, minimalist and symbolic style. See vibrant illustrations of Florida life, as well as Pirman’s own renderings of various pieces of modern architecture.

ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: The Theatre Odyssey 6th Annual Student Ten-Minute Playwriting Festival , February 3 – May 5

View eight ten-minute plays selected for full production from the many submitted each year to this annual contest. Adjudicated by theater professionals, cash prizes will be awarded for the first place winner and runner-up.

Cook Theater, 5555 N Tamiami Tr., Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Bradenton Area River Regatta , February 3

The 2018 Bradenton Area River Regatta has it all, including speed, stars, and showmanship, in a free family spectacle that will have you holding your breath through every heart pounding moment. As Manatee County’s largest spectator event, the action is riveting and the thrills nonstop as world-class performers on and off the river showcase their awe-gasping athleticism and see-it-to-believe-it championship skills.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: SWAC Speaker Series , February 6, 6:30PM

Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for a series of high–profile foreign affairs lectures covering current international issues ranging from foreign intelligence to peace negotiations to immigration and trade. This month, President and CEO of the Rachel Carson Foundation, Doctor Robert Musil will discuss the social responsibility of sustaining the planet for future generations and global climate change. Each lecture is followed by a wine and cheese reception for members. 

Mildred Sainer Pavillion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  THEATER: Rhinoceros , February 7 – April 14

A biting absurdist satire from Eugene Ionesco, a seemingly normal man wakes up, goes to work, drinks too much and flirts with his coworker, when normalcy is shattered by the thundering arrival of a full-grown rhinoceros. As the townsfolk transform into horned beasts around him, this man must contemplate the temptation and tragedy of following the herd. Directed by the Tony Award-winning Frank Galati.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Shakespeare's Greatest Hits , February 7 – June 10, Varies by day

"Brush Up Your Shakespeare" with the best of the Bard. This tongue-in-cheek musical revue is a collection of songs inspired by the world's greatest playwright. From relevant to irreverent, from soulful to sinful, from "Get Thee To A Nunnery" and "Othello's Rap" to "What A Pieve of Work is Man" and "Tonight." 

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Shivoo Havana Fashion Show , February 9, 11am-2:30pm

Get your SHIVOO on and come enjoy a boisterous celebration at the Shivoo Havana Fashion Show hosted by the Sarasota Garden Club at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom. This energetic occasion features a raffle silent auction, live Cuban music and a photo flower wall. The raffle prize includes a gardening tour for two in sunny Cuba.

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

[SOON]  SEMINAR: SRQ ProjecTHINK Conference , February 10, 8:45am-12:00pm

PROJECTHINK is the ultimate exploration into the world of innovation and creativity in learning. Designed for educators, professionals and anyone interested in thinking outside of the box, PROJECTHINK will challenge perceptions and jumpstart creative sparks, from early education to lifetime learning. How is learning adaptive? What are the new perspectives on engaging minds creatively at every age? How can organizations cultivate innovation and creativity to solve challenges? These questions and more will be explored along with cutting edge concepts and research at this year's PROJECTHINK Conference.  

Ringling College's Alfred R. Goldstein Library, 2700 Bradenton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234

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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