« Back To SRQ Daily Archive

SRQ DAILY Feb 21, 2018

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"The tone of voice of one word can change the direction your life goes."

- Jason Cannon, Florida Studio Theatre
 

[Theater]  Choice and Consequence Onstage at Florida Studio Theatre
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Opening tonight in Bowne’s Lab Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre continues its Stage III series with a production of Constellations, by Nick Payne. Part rom-com, part metaphysical dive into multiverse theory and the perils of infinite consequence, the production pushes the form as it pushes the audience, turning a simple boy-meets-girl story into a powerful exploration of both the fragile truth of romantic relationships and the unrelenting gulf between meaning and language.

Following the relationship of Roland and Marianne, played by Chris Tipp and Alexis Hyatt, respectively, the play drops the audience into their world only in those pivotal moments where every choice matters—even if, perhaps especially, there’s no way of knowing it at the time. “The tone of voice of one word can change the direction your life goes,” says FST Associate Artist Jason Cannon, who directs Constellations. Thus the play unfolds across parallel lines as small movements and misunderstandings echo through time and space to create very different realities and relationships for Roland and Marianne.

A two-person show with one costume for each character, two props and no set, Constellations represents theater “in its purest, rawest form.” Stripped down (“Elegant,” clarifies Cannon) the performers, crew and audience direct their focus onto the relationship unfolding, or unraveling, onstage. “You can look at it as fewer tools,” says Cannon, “or you can look at it as fewer places to hide.”

Esoteric and introspective, Constellations marks a far cry from the family-friendly fare of the Main Stage, with its big comedies and fan-favorite musicals, but that’s the entire point of Stage III, says Cannon, and an important callback to FST’s heritage. Making its name as the small and edgy theater in town, Stage III allows the theater to preserve that element while growing and pleasing its established audience base. But there remains a significant portion of that audience, says Cannon, that “wants to get punched in the mouth” (emotionally or intellectually, not literally) when they sit down for a show. For them, Stage III comes out swinging.

Opening tonight at Florida Studio Theatre, Constellations runs through March 16. 

Pictured: Alexis Hyatt and Chris Tipp. Photo by Matthew Holler.

[Community Foundation]  Sister Act for the Performing Arts
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

The ultimate, noble gesture to use philanthropy as a way to honor the memory and merit of a loved one–  That’s just what Dr. Gertrude Hight did to recognize her beloved sister, Muriel O’Neil once she passed. These two kind-hearted theatre buffs display a kind of sentimental expression that can now be enjoyed throughout the entire performing arts community.

The Muriel O’Neil Fund was created by Gertrude out of respect for her late sister, having been very close and living together in Sarasota at the end of their lives. Muriel had passed away in 2013, one month shy of her 90th birthday. Not having any children of her own, Muriel left quite a significant estate to Gertrude. Gertrude knew she didn’t really have a need for the money, thus decided to use the money to honor her sister’s memory instead. Gertrude passed away herself just last year, but before she did, she worked with Williams Parker– a local legal firm, to create a trust that would form a$3.1 million charitable fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Gertrude knew Muriel was an immensely passionate fan of the arts, and wanted to make sure that Muriel’s name would live on through the power of philanthropy long after she was gone.

Once Muriel retired to Florida from her important positions for various magazines, as well as The New York Times, she became involved in local theatre and arts organizations in their formative years. For decades, she attended a number of events around town, either by herself or escorted by her sister. She wasn’t a socialite by any means, and came across incredibly genuine and modest. In the trust, Gertrude designated that the funds be distributed to Muriel’s favorite local performing arts organizations. The only catch was that the funds had to be used creatively to ensure that naming opportunities were available. Now Muriel’s love for the arts will be shared throughout the community, and her name will be remembered in Sarasota for generations to come. As will Gertrude’s, for the thoughtful reverence to her sister and selfless act to the community. Here’s how the funds were disbursed and allocated:

Asolo Repertory Theatre – Went to purchasing and installing a state-of-the-art sound system in Mertz Theatre, construction and capital improvement costs in the newly expanded Robert and Beverly Koski Production Center Campus, and created an endowed fund in Muriel’s name to support the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training Student Fellowship.

Florida Studio Theatre – Used for the renovation and improvements to FST’s Arnold Simonsen and Ronda Montminy Theatre Wing and the Roberta Leventhal Sudakoff Theatre Wing. Also created an endowed fund in Muriel’s name to underwrite the Florida Studio Theatre Mainstage Winter Series into perpetuity.

Sarasota Ballet – Funding the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory Program on an ongoing basis and providing a senior student scholarship annually under Muriel’s name. Also went to enhancing Dance the Next Generation learning center and mentor program, and funding the Sarasota Ballet International Intensive program.

WEDUHelped cover the costs of transitioning programs and services previously provided by University of South Florida Foundation and created an endowed fund in Muriel’s name to provide sustainability and support to WEDU television station.

Players Centre for Performing Arts -  Made a $1 million gift to kick off The Player’s capital campaign and its efforts to raise $30 million for the new performance and arts education complex in Lakewood Ranch. A wing of the new complex will be named after Muriel.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is proud to partner with SRQ Media Group to highlight stories about community impact powered by philanthropy in our region, thanks to the support of donors and our local nonprofit partners. The Community Foundation is a public charity founded in 1979 by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council as a resource for caring individuals and the causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. For more information, visit www.CFSarasota.org. 

Image provided by Observer Media Group

[Exec Moves]  Nautilus Homes Promotes Ellis to Project Superintendent

Sarasota-based luxury homebuilder Ryan Perrone of Nautilus Homes has promoted Kendall Ellis to the position of project superintendent.  Ellis has worked with Perrone for two years, learning the luxury residential construction trade and acquiring the skills of project supervision and management through both infield and in the office experience. Ellis also volunteers in his community as a head coach for Florida Storm Elite Basketball, a US amateur basketball league that travels and plays competitively throughout Florida; he coaches the sixth grade elite team. He moved to southwest Florida in 2001 and is the father of three children. 

Nautilus Homes

[Sports]  Orioles Announce Plans for Opening Day

The Orioles have announced plans for Opening Day of the 2018 Spring Training season on Friday, February 23, when the Orioles host the Tampa Bay Rays at 1:05pm at Ed Smith Stadium. All fans in attendance will receive a 2018 Spring Training schedule magnet, sponsored by Visit Sarasota. Additionally, the first 1,000 female fans in attendance will receive a Birds of Paradise flower, courtesy of Beneva Flowers. In a special pre-game ceremony, the U.S. Special Operations Command Parachute Team will parachute in to center field with the ceremonial first pitch ball. President and CEO of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Kevin Cooper will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, while local tenor Jason Ferrante will perform the national anthem before the game. Throughout the season, ballpark gates will open two hours prior to the scheduled first pitch. Season plan members will be able to access the ballpark 15 minutes early through a dedicated entrance at the Home Plate Gate for all 16 home games, including Opening Day. Tickets for the Orioles Spring Training home opener are still available and can be purchased at the ticket box office at Ed Smith Stadium. 

Baltimore Orioles Spring Training

[Opening]  Lucia Light Florida Opens Brick-and-Mortar in Serenity Stations

Serenity Stations, located at 2020 Rose Street just off US-41 is now home to Lucia Light Florida. Owner and practitioner Waxela Sananda began Lucia Light Florida as a light therapy practice and this marks a milestone as the first Lucia Light brick-and-mortar in the area. The Lucia N03, the model of light device in use at Lucia Light, aims to provide deep nervous system relaxation while simultaneously stimulating meditative thought. Incorporating gongs and sound bowls, Sananda seeks to create a tranquil and inviting experience for those looking for a transcendent experience.  Sananda also complements her sessions with clairvoyant readings. 

http://www.lucialightflorida.com/



[TODAY]  THEATER: Bullets Over Broadway , February 21 – March 11

Loaded with big laughs, colorful characters and the songs that made the ’20s roar, this show brings musical comedy back with a bang. Based on the screenplay of the acclaimed 1994 film by Woody Allen, this musical is a love letter to the Golden Age of Broadway. A straight-arrow playwright plans to stand firm against compromising his work but quickly abandons that stance when his producer finds a backer to mount his show on Broadway.

The Players Theatre, 838 N Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Heather Maloney , February 22, 7pm

Coming to Sarasota is Signature Sounds artist, Heather Maloney. Maloney has toured nationally as a headliner as well as in support of acts like Lake Street Dive, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Gary Clark Jr., Colin Hay and Mary Chapin Carpenter. In 2014 she collaborated with the rising Boston quartet Darlingside on the Woodstock EP, a tribute to the Joni Mitchell-written, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young-covered 60’s anthem. The cover was featured on the New York Times and garnered attention from Graham Nash himself. Her sound is inspired by a mix of 60's and 70's rock and 90's radio hits from women like Fionna Apple and Mariah Carey. 

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

[SOON]  MUSIC: Midori Honors Bernstein , February 22 – February 25, 2:30pm and 8pm

Internationally acclaimed violin legend Midori makes her Sarasota Orchestra debut with this tribute concert to iconic American conductor Leonard Bernstein. Settling on the theme of love, Midori interprets Bernstein’s serenade for violin and orchestra, bringing the passion and virtuosity that audiences first saw when Midori took the New York Philharmonic stage at age 11.

Van Wezel, 777 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  FOOD: Men, Whiskey, and Watches South County , February 22, 6:00PM

Men, Whiskey and Watches South County held at the Suncoast Air Center will feature a deluxe tasting from local restaurants, open bar and casino entertainment. Also enjoy whiskey tasting from select distillers, an assortment of fine luxury watches, premium cigars, and live and silent auction. Network with the area’s business community and help us raise awareness about child abuse in our beautiful community. Proceeds will support Child Protection Center’s mission in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse.

Suncoast Air Center, 400 Airport Ave. E Venice, FL 34285

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Ballet Hispánico , February 23 – February 25, 2pm and 7:30pm

Since its founding in 1970 by Venezuelan-American dancer and choreographer Tina Ramirez, Ballet Hispánico has dedicated itself to the exploration and celebration of Latin dance of all kinds. Now under the direction of Eduardo Vilaro, the Manhattan-based company fuses classical, contemporary and Latin dance into one beautiful presentation.

Sarasota Ballet, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Flooding Adaptation in Costal Florida: A conversation outlining a platform for adapting to future climate disruptions , February 23, 6pm

Brooks and Scarpa principal, Jeffrey Huber will lead a panel discussion with professor of environmental studies at Ringling College of Art and Design, Tim Rumage and architect, professor at University of Kansas and recipient of the AIA Upjohn Research Initiative Grant, Keith Van de Riet entitled "Wicked Water". The discussion will emphasize the importance of understanding that the coastline is not static and of adaptation in urban planning to accomodate changes. 

Center for Architecture, 265 South Orange Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Renesito Avich and Friends CD Release Party , February 23, 8pm

The party will feature Mauricio Rodriguez on Bass, Gabriel Hernandez on Piano, Patriciochino Diaz on percussions and Adanyer Guzman Delfino on trumpet. Guest singer Miriamne Martinez Ramos. A native of Santiago, Cuba, Renesito's music fully exploits the possibilities and techniques of the tres guitar.  Through the veins of this young artist flow the melodic cadence coined by Miguel Matamoros. Hailing from Cuba, Gabriel Hernandez is an extraordinary pianist and composer who studied in the conservatory of Camagüey, and who has been performing in jazz festivals and clubs for the past 30 years with his own projects and with the Afro-Cuban All Stars and Cubanismo.

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

[SOON]  MUSIC: Aztec Two Step , February 24

The story of Aztec Two-Step is intertwined with the history of folk/rock music in America. Originating from a chance meeting at an “open mic night” in a Boston folk club in 1971, Rex & Neal’s first four albums on Elektra & RCA Records helped usher the music of the 60’s into the 1970’s and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the musical genre. As their recording career continued, so did the critical acclaim. In 1986, their album “Living in America” was named in Billboard’s year-end critic’s poll. It also received the New York Music Award for the Best Folk Album. 

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

[SOON]  MUSIC: Global Jazz & Exotic Chamber Music , February 25, 3pm

With influences across the globe, Mr. Ho’s Orchestrotica references everything from Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich to George Gershwin, for a jazzy sound all its own, sprinkled with world music traditions from Asia, the Middle East, the Balkans and Latin America. Performing as a quintet, selections range from Gershwin’s Preludes to the original “Would You Like Bongos with that Fugue?”

Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice

[SOON]  FILM: Itzhak Film Screening , February 25, 4pm

Regarded as the world's greatest living violinist, Itzhak Perlman is no stranger to audiences in Sarasota and Manatee counties.  In Itzhak, we learn about Perlman's struggles with polio as a young child, tales of growing up as the child of Polish survivors - where his mastery of the instrument takes him from his small neighborhood in Tel Aviv to the world's most prominent stages.

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, The Beatrice Friedman Theater, 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Poison , February 26, 8pm

Alone in a room for the first time in years, a couple is brought back together again after a harrowing breakup. As the play progresses, old wounds re-open, new truths surface, and the real reason behind their separation is learned. Delicate yet hard-hitting, Poison holds up a hopeful mirror to humanity where love and humour can still be found in the midst of so much pain.

Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St., Sarasota.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Dinner with Chef Einat , February 26, 5pm

Two-time Chopped winner Israeli chef Einat Admony will be hosting a dinner featuring a variety of the best Israeli cuisine. Admony additionally is owner of several establishments in New York City, including Balaboosta, Bar Bolonat, and the Taim restaurants.There will be two seatings so as many as possible will be able to attend this event; tickets are $150 per person.

Louie’s Modern, 1289 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill , February 28 – April 8

In this musical, audiences will get an in-depth look at the legendary musical performer Billie Holiday and one of her final performances. Listen to beloved classics in this riveting portrait of one of the greatest jazz vocalists of this time.

Westcoast Black Theatre , 1646 10th Way, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Baby , March 1 – March 18

Three couples work their way towards parenthood under three very different sets of circumstances in this new hit musical.

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

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Art, Math and Orange Peels: The Legacy of Dr. William Thurston , March 1, 5:30pm

Join New College of Florida President Donal O’Shea and Anne-Marie Russell, Executive Director of the Sarasota Museum of Art, as they tease out the beauty and complexity of math and fashion using Dr. Thurston’s studies as a point of departure. Celebrate interdisciplinary thinking, and find out how peeling an orange can lead to revelations about the shape of the universe.

Mildred Sainer Auditorium, 5313 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  SPORTS: Archie Griffin Celebrity Golf Classic , March 5 – March 6

Golfing with heart takes on a new meaning at The Concession Golf Club as two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin partners with The Concession Charities for the 8th Archie Griffin Celebrity Golf Classic. More than 20 professional athletes are expected to attend, including current and former NFL players Eddie George, Joey Galloway, Leroy Hoard, Isaac Curtis, Will Allen, Michael Merriweather, Robert Smith, Louis Breeden and Keith Byars. Proceeds from the celebrity tournament will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, empowering more than 7,000 youth to reach their potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Full event details are available online including an up-to-date list of attending celebrities and sponsorship opportunities

The Concession Golf Club , 7700 Lindrick Ln, Bradenton, 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

Copyright © 2024 by SRQ Media Group, 331 South Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe

Read More

Where Oil Meets Water

Where Oil Meets Water

Phil Lederer | Mar 1, 2024

Freedom to Wander

Freedom to Wander

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

Drive and Dine

Drive and Dine

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

A Mesmerizing Journey

A Mesmerizing Journey

Barbie Heit | Mar 1, 2024