« Back To SRQ Daily Archive

SRQ DAILY Apr 13, 2018

Friday Weekend Edition

Please allow images to view this email properly

Friday Weekend Edition

"It is a very vulnerable process to make art and to share it."

- Sarah Viviana Valdez, curator
 

[Hospitality]  Art Ovation Hotel Declares Local Pride with "Legacy"
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Quietly receiving guests since last Monday, the Art Ovation Hotel announced itself loud and proud last night, inviting hundreds from the local arts community out to celebrate the opening of the hotel’s first exhibition—Legacy. Featuring the work of 12 faculty and alumni from the Ringling College of Art and Design, Legacy stands as the first in a planned series of exhibitions, rotating every four months, and, according to hotel officials, a hallmark of the kind of local-focused, art-centric cultural hub Art Ovation Hotel aims to be. Says Larry Abbo, CEO of Prime Hospitality Group, “We’re just here to show the world what Sarasota is all about.”

With 12 artists to show, the hotel itself transforms into a towering gallery. In the lobby, beginning from one end, find a nook dedicated to the work of Joe Fig, Ringling College’s recently hired head of the fine arts department, whose digital prints capture artists in their natural habitats—their studios—and mixed-media sculptures recreate their workspaces. Turning the corner, a massive wall the length of the lobby showcases the large-scale paintings of Tom Stephens—abstract and full of marks, sometimes almost verging on science fiction—and those of Douglas Higgins, full of muted, earthen tones and indecipherable symbols, like bizarro playing cards or atom bombs.

In the middle of the space, a sculpture from George Snyder looking like disco bamboo, and another from Vicky Randall. By the elevators, photographs by Sally Pettibon and prints by Thomas Carabasi, and around the corner work from Nathan Skiles.

In all, that’s at least eight artists on display before one leaves the lobby. Exploring the rest of the hotel, from the rooftop on down, stopping for a glance on every floor, guests will find art from the likes of Steven Strenk, Cynthia Mason, Jason Aponte, Jill Taffet and Jeff Schwartz, associate vice president of academic affairs and dean of graduate studies at the college. “I can’t tell you how excited we are,” says Schwartz of the opening. “It’s been a great journey.” And with two Ringling alum already hired by the hotel, and sketchbooks in every room with sketches from Ringling students and faculty, he looks forward to a growing and rewarding relationship moving forward.

Angus Rogers, founder and president of Floridays Development Company and one of the prime movers behind Art Ovation Hotel, agrees. “This is just the beginning,” he says. 

Pictured: Artist Joe Fig discusses his work with guests in a quiet nook at the Art Ovation Hotel opening of "Legacy." Photo by Phil Lederer.

[Film]  Sarasota Film Festival Begins Tonight
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Tune in, turn off, drop in, drop out, grab some popcorn and explode—the 20th annual Sarasota Film Festival has arrived. Kicking off this evening with an opening night party at the Sarasota Opera House, audiences will first gather inside for the opening night film—Class Rank, a whip-smart comedy about high school outsiders jockeying for position post-graduation, directed by Eric Stoltz (Pulp Fiction, Madame Secretary)—before spilling out into Five Points Park for a block party till midnight. And while Stoltz is scheduled for the screening, only time will tell if he stays to party. Tickets to the party are $25.

The festival continues throughout the week and through next weekend. With hundreds or films (narrative and documentary, short and feature-length) slated for this year, the majority will screen in the newly renovated theaters of the Regal Hollywood 11 Cinemas on Main Street. The newly opened Art Ovation Hotel will play host to a handful as well, right across the street from Florida Studio Theatre, where the festival will once again host In Conversation events with various festival guests, including Stoltz, writer/actor Steve Guttenberg, documentarian Rory Kennedy and Oscar-nominated actor Virginia Madsen. Sarasota Opera House will host the closing night films—Love Means Zero, a documentary about tennis legend Nick Bollettieri, and Above and Beyond: NASA’s Journey to Tomorrow, the latest documentary from Kennedy.

Screening begin tomorrow at 10am, with the final showing of the day at 10pm. The In Conversation event with Stoltz is also on Saturday, scheduled to begin at noon at FST. The first film in the narrative competition will screen as well, with Don’t Leave Home showing at 8pm at Regal Hollywood 20.

For those interested in the annual Through Women’s Eyes selections (a sort of mini-festival within the festival and focused on women filmmakers) the majority will screen throughout this weekend, including RBG, the documentary about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, on Saturday, and the award-winning drama August in Berlin on Sunday.

Tickets for all showings and events are currently on sale. Depending on the film and occasion, tickets run from $10 to $20. For a full listing of films and events, complete with descriptions, showtimes and prices, follow the link below to the Sarasota Film Festival guide. 

Pictured: Block party from Sarasota Film Festival 2017. Photo courtesy of SFF.

Sarasota Film Festival Film Guide

[Gallery]  "Evolving/Revolving," "Making Place" Open at M. Chapel Projects
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Two exhibitions open simultaneously tonight at M. Chapel Projects, an alternative arts space on Princeton Street with a community and progressive focus, founded and operated by local artist Marianne Chapel. A solo show, Evolving/Revolving, will highlight the work of award-winning multi-media and interdisciplinary artist Elizabeth Sher, whose world travels serve as the basis for her continued artistic explorations. The second, a group show entitled Making Place and curated by local artist Sarah Viviana Valdez of Art Center Sarasota, unites the work of six regional artists for a meditation on art as agency, healing and safety.

Though technically based in California, where her studio lies, the entire world serves as Sher’s inspiration. An avid traveler and firm believer in the importance of the artist residency, Sher uses her frequent travels and experiences outside of the United States to fuel her art, utilizing everything from film and metalworking to classic collage, painting and drawing to reimagine and recombine the sights, sounds and smells of her adventures into the audience’s own. This latest exhibition draws primarily from the artist’s experiences in Spain, near Barcelona, and on the north island of New Zealand.

Opening alongside Evolving/Revolving, the group pop-up exhibition, Making Place, presents a similarly broad representation of media, but all thematically linked through Valdez’ curation for an inspired conversation about the power of art and the need for safe, accepting spaces. From the pointillist figures and self-portraits of Kieran Castano to the photography of Andrea Soldner and the feminist nail art from Erin Hart, founder of Nail Pop, each artist uses their medium and art to examine everything from the place of the individual to the junction of fashion and identity. Also featuring the work of Ava Zelkowitz and Jesica Glas, new music and sound art from Onirologia will permeate the space as one more uniting element.

“The reason it’s important to talk about making safe spaces for creating and exhibiting art is because of the political climate,” says Valdez. And as part of a community of artists where diversity in gender, race and thought represents the norm, concern over a national discourse that has a tendency to turn ugly or even violent when addressing issues of oppression and marginalized peoples and voices, emerged as a natural through-line for artists exploring their space in society. “It is a very vulnerable process to make art and to share it,” says Valdez. “There is something in each of the artworks that shares a personal experience about their body, their community, the past or present.”

Evolving/Revolving and Making Place open tonight at M. Chapel Projects with a reception at 6pm, free and open to the public. The shows will then be on display through the month of April, from 11am to 3pm, on each Saturday, Monday and Wednesday. 

[Exec Moves]  SCD Names Donelly to Board of Directors

Sarasota Contemporary Dance (SCD) has named Norbert Donelly, a prominent local businessman, to its board of directors. Donelly has strong roots in the local business economy as chair of Tervis, a family owned local manufacturing company that he joined in 1988. Donelly has also for many years devoted himself to the Sarasota community—both in the arts and other not-for-profit organizations. Among the many organizations he has supported, Donelly was a former board member of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, where he chaired several committees. He has been a board member and/or supporter of many other nonprofits including: the Sarasota Ballet, the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, VMA Academy, Embracing Our Differences, Unidos Now, as well as the Booker High School Film Academy. Prior to joining Tervis, Donelly worked for several firms in banking finance and real estate based in NYC. He graduated from Brown University with a degree in economics. 

Sarasota Contemporary Dance

[Recognition]  Sarasota Schools Lead State in Pell Grant Pursuit for Third Year

The Talent4Tomorrow Partnership, a collective impact team of local organizations focused on increasing college and credential attainment in Sarasota County, announces that the Sarasota County School District has been recognized as having the highest FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) completion rate in the state, according to the Florida College Access Network (FCAN). This is the third year in a row that Sarasota County has been named number one in the state for “Large Districts” in FCAN’s annual Florida FAFSA Challenge. Completing the FAFSA is the first step to accessing financial aid for college, as well as a leading indicator of college attendance. But research indicates that Florida high school graduates leave behind over $100 million in federal Pell Grants alone by not completing the form. Through targeted efforts developed by Talent4Tomorrow in partnership with the school district, 47.8% of Sarasota County high school seniors completed the FAFSA as of March 31, 2018. According to FCAN, the incremental increase in FAFSA completion over the last two years has resulted in approximately $800,000 in additional Pell grants available for Sarasota County graduates to pursue their higher-education goals, with the average student award approximately $4,000. 

Sarasota County Schools

[Recognition]  Finney Team Earns RE/MAX Chairman's Club Award

Duane and Rhonda Finney of The Finney Team at RE/MAX Alliance Group have earned the distinguished RE/MAX Chairman’s Club Award, which recognizes the highest producing RE/MAX associates based on performance.  In 2017, the Chairman’s Club Award was presented to fewer than 2 percent of all active RE/MAX agents worldwide. With more than 25 years of full-time real estate sales and marketing experience, the Finneys specialize in residential resales and new-home construction located in Bradenton, Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, Lakewood Ranch and Longboat Key, Florida. RE/MAX Alliance Group has been ranked the #1 RE/MAX franchise in Florida. The company also made the REAL Trends Top 500 list of the largest residential brokers in the United States, as well as RISMedia's Top 500 Power Brokers list. With more than 300 agents and staff, RE/MAX Alliance Group offers residential and commercial real estate solutions throughout Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties. 

RE/MAX Alliance Group



[TODAY]  MUSIC: Taking Flight , April 13 – April 14

Soar with Stravinskyʼs magnificent Firebird Suite and Korngoldʼs rousing The Sea Hawk Overture. Renowned piano soloist Orion Weiss takes command of Brahmsʼ Piano Concerto No. 2 in B Flat Major and Bizetʼs crowd-pleasing Carmen Suite No.1 rounds out this program.

Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice.

[WEEKEND]  SEMINAR: SFF Media Brunch Panel: Self Care and Mental Health in the LGBTQ Community , April 14, 12pm

Join us for a community conversation centered on issues of mental health and self care in the LGBTQ POC community with Tangina Stone sharing her own coming-of-age experience and growth. Canton, Ohio-bred and Brooklyn-based alternative-r&b artist Tangina Stone has been championed as a universal breath of fresh air with a purity in her sound and vulnerability in her lyrics that transcends the music scene. Stone will perform an acoustic set followed by a talk back/interview. Buffet style brunch included.

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

[WEEKEND]  HEALTH: SCADaddle 5k for Research , April 14, 8am

SCAD stands for Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection and is a little known condition in spite of being the leading cause of heart attacks for women under 50. When Tracy Murphy had a heart attack due to SCAD, doctors were not able to properly diagnose and treat Murphy right away. Now, Murphy is working with the Mayo Clinic to raise both awareness and money for their research study on SCAD. Come out and enjoy a fun run or walk for a good cause on a beautiful Saturday morning, kids can run as well. 

Payne Park, 2050 Adams Ln., Sarasota.

[WEEKEND]  MUSIC: Wyonna and the Big Noise , April 14, 8pm

Wynonna and her band The Big Noise, led by her husband, drummer and producer, Cactus Moser, return to the Van Wezel this season. Respected by the millions of fans who are drawn to her music and undeniable talent, Wynonna’s rich and commanding voice has sold over 30 million albums worldwide spanning her remarkable 33-year career. As one-half of the legendary mother/daughter duo "The Judds," Wynonna was once dubbed by Rolling Stone as “the greatest female country singer since Patsy Cline."

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[WEEKEND]  GALA: Art in the Dark , April 14, 6:00pm-11:00pm

Experience art in a whole new light at the Art in the Dark event at Michael’s On East to benefit Lighthouse of Manasota.  Lighthouse of Manasota is the only nationally accredited, private, non-profit agency providing rehabilitation training to blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages residing in a five county region.

Michael’s on East, 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239

[WEEKEND]  MUSIC: Chris Botti , April 15, 8pm

Returning by popular demand with an intimate live concert, trumpeter Chris Botti will again thrill you with his love for rich, evocative melodies and a treasure chest of jazz standards, famous classical masterpieces and soon-to-be instant favorites.  Whether he’s performing with illustrious symphonies or at renowned venues around the globe, his unparalleled crystalline and poetic sound transcends musical boundaries and has cemented his place as one of the most brilliant and inspiring forces of the contemporary music scene

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Let It Be , April 17, 8pm

This is the show that you never got to see The Beatles ever perform.  Let It Be relives the past from Ed Sullivan to Abbey Road, with favorite hits including “Hard Day's Night,” “Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band,” “Twist and Shout” and “Strawberry Fields,” and imagines the reunion that never was.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALA: Blue Ties and Butterflies , April 18, 6:00pm-9:00pm

On April 18 during Child Abuse Prevention Month, Child Protection Center will hold its 6th annual Blue Ties & Butterflies at Michael’s On East. This signature, event is beautifully designed to build awareness about CPC's mission in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse. Child abuse is a difficult topic, but one we cannot ignore. At Blue Ties & Butterflies, we celebrate the healing and hope CPC provides to children and families in our community. We promise you an unforgettable evening full of hope and inspiration.

Michael’s on East, 1212 S East Ave, Sarasota, Florida 34239

[SOON]  THEATER: Shakespeare in the Gardens , April 18 – May 15

Experience Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” during the Asolo Rep’s outdoor performances. The lawn behind Payne Mansion will serve as the backdrop to this comedy anchored by the entire ensemble of second year graduate actors of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 South Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Soul Man: A New Musical Revue , April 18 – May 26

As the 1960s Civil Rights movement unfolded, black music evolved from the controlled Motown performances to fiery cross rhythms sound—a little gospel, a lot of soul. The passionate soloists, such as James Brown, Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, added energetic movements and unique vocalizations that inspired many future performers. Soul Man will feature some of WBTT’s most popular male performers.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1646 10th Way., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: ABBA The Concert , April 18, 8pm

The audience and press all agree that this is the closest to ABBA you’ll ever get. ABBA The Concert brings one of the greatest pop phenomena back to life and continues to be the top ABBA tribute group in the world. Be dazzled by the performance of the most iconic hits from ABBA, including “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S,” “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes All” and “Dancing Queen.” Come dance, come sing, having the time of your life at the ultimate tribute celebration.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Romantic Wonders , April 19, 5:30pm

Two quintessential Romantic era composers are the stars of our final soirée. Brahms' Clarinet Trio opens with a sense of longing as the clarinet and cello engage in a beautiful duet. The dance continues and expands with expressive interruptions from the piano until the final stormy movement. Mendelssohn's Octet cemented his legacy as one of the great prodigies and composers of all time. The work combines two string quartets with stunning melodies and a graciously balanced structure.

Holley Hall, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Pageant , April 19 – April 21, 7:30pm

Back by popular demand! This is not your everyday beauty pageant. These “ladies” will fight for your vote to capture the crown of “Miss Glamouresse.” The six vivacious contestants include: Miss Deep South, Miss West coast, Miss Great Plains, Miss Bible Belt, Miss Industrial Northeast, and Miss Texas.Watch these lovely “ladies” compete in evening gown, talent, swimwear, and spokes-modeling. An evening filled with lots of laughs, where the audience actually chooses the winner!

The Players Centre of Performing Arts, 838 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Solo Blanco , April 19

Come out to Jorge Blanco's first solo exhibition in Sarasota. Blanco is a Venezuelan sculptor and illustrator whose art values a postive lifestyle. His work embraces scale, landscape, urbanism and technology while creating soaring testaments to the optimism of everyday life.

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma , April 19, 8pm

Since 2000, the Silk Road Ensemble has been redefining classical music for 21st-century audiences. Established by world renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the musicians represent a global array of cultures while co-creating art, performances and ideas. They draw on a rich tapestry of traditions that make up our shared cultural heritage, creating a new musical language. A uniquely engaging and accessible encounter between the foreign and the familiar that reflects our many-layered contemporary identities. Their most recent album, Sing Me Home, won the Grammy this year for Best World Music Album

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Swingin' at the Club , April 20 – April 21

This swingin’ night of musical sensations focuses on Harlem’s heyday when Duke Ellington’s orchestra was the house band, and Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald and Ethel Waters showcased the classics of the Great American Songbook. This production features the brilliant trumpeter, vocalist and conductor Byron Stripling, vocalist Carmen Bradford and tap dancer Ted Louis Levy.

Van Wezel, 777 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  FOOD: Garden to Plate Wine Dinner , April 20, 6pm

An evening hosted by Nora and Billy Johnson and Jenny and Ken Pendery will have one continuous table set on the Great Lawn. Guests will enjoy fine wines selected by Michael Klauber that compliment an extravagant, multi-course dinner personally designed by Phil Mancini.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Suncoast Boat Show , April 20 – April 22

The 36th annual Suncoast Boat Show takes place in downtown Sarasota on April 20 - 22, 2018, at Marina Jack’s in Sarasota, Florida. Enjoy the great outdoors while pricing and comparing hundreds of boats from the Gulf Coast's leading boat dealers. See various types and styles all in one place. Cruisers, Runabouts, Bowriders, Sportfishers, Center Consoles, Motor Yachts, Inflatables and more. Shop tents full of electronics, accessories, jewelry, art and clothing all in a festive atmosphere with food, drinks, music and much more.

Marina Jack’s, #2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236

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