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SRQ DAILY Apr 20, 2018

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"I am happiest when I create art."

- Ha Pham, artist
 

[Film]  Madsen Sees Hope in AIDS-era Film '1985'
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Virginia Madsen expects when many Sarasota Film Festival goers see the AIDS drama 1985, they will remember lost figures in their own life who were claimed by an epidemic at a time when so little was known. But she also hopes a new generation of filmgoers will consume the period piece. “I would like this film to be there for very young people,” Madsen tells SRQ. “I don’t think the dad in this movie would watch this movie, but I think very young people could be empowered by this story and recognize themselves.”

Madsen in the film plays the mother to main character Adrian (Cory Michael Smith), a closeted gay man who returns to his conservative family to tell them he’s dying. The 56-year-old Madsen in real life was a 24-year-old actress in Hollywood in the year 1985, and knew too many people facing the same struggles and fate. She even had an uncle, one largely estranged from family, who died in the AIDS era, and Madsen had to explain to older family how he died. “There was so much fear and misinformation out there, and so much of people in front of you dying,” she says. “It was terrifying.”

Yet, Madsen views this film as a story of love. Sure, it’s about a tragedy defining a certain era, but it’s also about parents learning to cope with the circumstances around their child’s life and mortality. She notes there’s a younger brother in the house, played by Aiden Langford, who even as he loses his brother knows he can grow up in a more accepting home. “It’s about a love of family, a love of brothers, and about two parents who don’t know their son but they love him so much,” Madsen says.

Before signing on to this film, she’d seen director Yen Tan’s short film of the same name, and she knew the film would be a good fit for her after actor Michael Chiklis signed on to play the main character’s father. Now the film serves as one of the Centerpiece Films at the Sarasota Film Festival just weeks after premiering at South By Southwest. Madsen will attend both a Friday screening at 5pm and a Sunday screening at 2:30pm at the Regal Hollywood 11 Cinemas. Madsen on Saturday will also sit down for an In Conversation event at 1pm at Florida Studio Theatre.

Madsen’s appearances will be part of a series of festival highlights including In Conversation events with actor Steve Gutenberg, in town with Chasing The Blues, and documentarian Rory Kennedy, here with Closing Night Film Above and Beyond: NASA’s Journey to Tomorrow. The “Chill Under The Stars” event, presented by ChillLounge Night, will cap off major festivities at Selby Five Points Park from 6-11:30pm on Saturday night. 

[Visual Arts]  Artist Spotlight: Ha Pham
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

As the third artist-in-residence to grace the artist’s nook at Art Ovation Hotel, Ha Pham has, throughout this week of the Sarasota Film Festival, been showing her sketches and paintings—not to mention making new ones in real-time—and serving as something of a local artistic ambassador for the many festival guests populating the hotel. Arriving in the United States from Vietnam at age 8, Pham found an outlet in art and room to grow in Sarasota, apprenticing with local artists and training at Southern Atelier. SRQ took a moment to look beyond the brushstrokes.

SRQ: What is your preferred medium/media and why? Ha Pham: I love charcoal because it’s very forgiving. It’s a raw and simple medium but can have so much impact, and it’s easy to bring around with you everywhere. I also love oils because of its blending capability. 

How did you know that this was how you wanted to communicate with the world? Art just came to me naturally. When I came to the United States, I didn’t speak English so I gravitated toward visual arts. I’d checked out books with bird drawings at the library and copied those drawings. I didn’t have many friends so I spent a lot of time drawing alone. I still don’t have many friends but that’s ok, I have more time for creating art. 

Who were/are your biggest artistic influences? There are so many great master artists I admired. I love Gustav Klimt’s audacity for unconventional figure paintings, John Sargent Singer’s brush strokes, Degas’ uses of colors. There are several artists I follow on Instagram who influence me a lot: Jeremy Mann, Romel De La Torre, Kevin Bielfuss, Jaw Cooper, Reiner Gamboa, Andy Espinoza, Audrey Kawasaki, Soey Milk, and many more. I could fill up the whole page. 

What keeps bringing you back to the canvas? Love and passion, I am happiest when I create art. 

As you finish your week in residency with Art Ovation Hotel, what does it mean as an up-and-coming artist to see this kind of support for the arts in the community? I really appreciate this kind of nurturing environment. I get to interact with art admirers on a personal level and they get to see and understand the process of a painting. I love it. 

Where can readers see your work around town? At Cafe Barbosso and Empacurious, and of course my website www.hapham.gallery, I’m also on Instagram @hapham_art.

What’s next? I’m going to be working with Cafe Barbosso to help a local charity called Everyday Blessings, a foster home care for children and young adults.  Every painting we sell, a portion of the proceed will go to the charity. I’m also going to be teaching more. I didn’t realize how much I like to see a student progressing. This July, I want to do a painting trip in Vietnam. Traveling and painting has always been my dream. 

Pictured: Ha Pham hard at work in the artist's nook at Art Ovation Hotel. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

[Swim City]  Suitcase Chronicles
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

Firm believers will say that the culture of a destination is often best told through clothing, and this entire get-up from Swim City has got us seriously craving the tropical feels. With its selection of designer swim and resort wear, it becomes a refuge for swimsuit addicts and sun bunnies alike. Pulling together this look, the stylists at Swim City provided a a one stop shop glimpse at all your Vitamin D essentials:

Protect your pretty hairs with the Panama Jack Straw Hat, which boasts a UPF50+ rating on its close-weave material, blocking 97% of the sun’s UV rays. The OluKai U’I Sandal is crafted of the finest materials from Hawaii, making them the most durable, comfortable flip flops you’ll step into, we reckon. Get yourself a pre-tan before you jetset, with the SunBum Self-Tanning towelettes for a healthy glow. PuraVida Gold Bitty bracelets and the Sun N’ Sand Poly Straw Tote give the outfit a touch of island flare. The Peony colored Vince Camuto Cruise bikini exudes an effortless appeal to combo your bronze from the SunBum Natural Browning Lotion. Not to mention, Swim City recently got in a slew of new stylish cover-ups to throw in the mix.

Ready to combine your fashions with some travels? Memorial day is creeping up—your next long weekend escape to the tropics awaits. So buy the flight, pull the suitcase from under the bed and pack for some R&R, because it’s time to dispatch to the Keys or the Caribbean. Endless island getaways are just a hop, skip and a jump away, and what’s even closer? Swim City’s multi-suitable locations:

50 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-954-8800. 1960 Stickney Point Rd. Sarasota, 941-922-4545. 3170 Gulf of Mexico Dr. Longboat Key, 941-383-2288. Swim City is a member of Provisionist, SRQ media's content marketing program for local retailers.  

Photo by Wyatt Kostygan

Hat $22, Sandals $90, Towelettes $4, Bracelets $10/each, Bag $40, Top $62, Bottom $46, Tanning Lotion/Oil $15/each.

[Education]  Study Shows SCF Economic Impact of $432 Million

An economic analysis of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota’s (SCF) impact on its service area shows that the college has a total annual impact of $432.4 million. That impact represents 1.5 percent of the total regional economy. The college benefits local businesses by increasing consumer spending in the region and supplying a steady flow of qualified, trained workers. It enriches the lives of students by raising their lifetime earnings and helping them achieve their potential and SCF benefits state and local taxpayers through increased tax receipts and reduced demand for government-supported social services. EMSI, a leading provider of economic impact studies and labor market data to educational institutions, workforce planners and regional developers, developed this report for SCF. 

SCF Economic Impact Report

[Exec Moves]  Asolo Rep Announces 2018-19 Board of Directors

Asolo Repertory Theatre has announced its 2018-19 Board of Directors. Officers include Ann Charters (President), Carole Crosby (Vice President/President Elect), Sy Goldblatt (Vice President), Dennis Dirks(Treasurer), and Giselle Huberman (Secretary). New members include Terry Brackett, Andrew M. Economos, L'Tanya C. Evans and William D. Evans. Now in its 59th season, Asolo Repertory Theatre is recognized as one of the premier professional theatres in America and one of the largest in the Southeastern United States. To view a full list of the members of the Asolo Rep board of directors, follow the link below. 

Asolo Repertory Theatre Board of Directors

[Education]  Goodwill Manasota Relaunches Good Readers Program

Goodwill Manasota has invited area families to enjoy the Good Readers Program, which will begin anew in Manatee County later this month. Each of the monthly installments will take place on Saturday mornings at 11am in one of the four Goodwill Manasota Bookstores in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Goodwill Ambassadors (volunteers) will read to groups of children for an hour, while parents are free to browse the store or listen with their child. When story time ends, each child will receive a free book. First launched in 2014, the Good Readers Program works to engage young minds and foster a lifelong love of reading in children. Studies show that children exposed to books at a young age are more likely to do better both academically and behaviorally. The goal of the Good Readers program is to provide additional support and assistance for low-income children, and the gift of books of their own. Dates and locations of the Good Readers Program are: Manatee Bookstore (5512 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton), April 21 and August 18, 11am; Clark Bookstore (5831 Derek Avenue, Sarasota). May 19 and September 15, 11am; Tara Bookstore (7200 55th Ave E, Bradenton), June 16 and October 20, 11am; and Venice Bookstore (1752 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice), July 21 and Nov 17, 11am. 

Goodwill Manasota



[TODAY]  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.

[TODAY]  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.

[TODAY]  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

[WEEKEND]  FESTIVAL: Chill Under the Stars , April 21, 6:00pm

Join the Sarasota Film Festival tonight and "Chill Under the Stars" as Chillounge Night makes its triumphant return to Sarasota and transforms Five Points Park into a magnificent outdoor lounge with all the chic and stylish vibes that it has become known for throughout Florida. The event starts at 6pm and will showcase live band performances, a sophisticated and fun fashion daybed parade, the signature and colorful Brazilian Samba Parade and much more. With hundreds of cool outdoor furnishings and fine food/drinks to complement the entertainment, this will be an intimate and magical evening for thousands to enjoy. Admission is $30 per person in advance and $40 at the door (must be 21 or older). Chillounge Night, founded in Sarasota 10 years ago, continues to bring a unique brand of "dazzle" with the ultimate outdoor lounge party.

Five Points Park , N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[WEEKEND]  GALA: Firefly Gala , April 21, 6:00pm-11:00pm

Experience the sparkling night of Firefly Gala with incredible auctions and delectable dining. Marvel at the full stage and light production at this intimate, private concert. Help children and families create good beginnings that last a lifetime. Enjoy cocktails and spectacular silent auction on the lawn followed by dinner and a concert featuring Jason Derulo. Dancing at the After Party will feature DJ Jeffrey Michaels of J2 Events.

The Ritz‐Carlton, Sarasota, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236

[WEEKEND]  PERFORMANCE: Bill Engvall , April 22, 8pm

Come see Bill Engvall, a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum-selling recording artist and one of the top comedians in the country. He was a contestant on Season 17 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, and as a fan favorite, he made it to the finals. He also lent his voice to the animated comedy series Bounty Hunters, which aired on CMT. Bill was part of the enormously successful Blue Collar Comedy concert films, which sold over nine million units and received a Grammy nomination. He also starred on the WB’s hit sketch comedy show Blue Collar TV.

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

[WEEKEND]  MUSIC: Garden Music Series: Enrique Chia , April 22, 1pm

The traditional sounds of Cuba are resurrected through the piano playing of Enrique Chia. Nominated for a Grammy Award in 2001 in the Best Classical Crossover category for his album the Music of Ernesto Lecuona, Chia weaves a dance-inspiring mixture of soft pop, Latin dance tunes, and boleros.

[SOON]  MUSIC: A Chorus Line , April 24 – April 25, 8pm

A Chorus Line is musical theatre in its purest form. Its celebration and true-to-life depiction of performers and their struggle to achieve greatness on the Broadway stage has earned the show unanimous praise as one of the true masterpieces of live theater.  The iconographic stories, simultaneously touching, funny and inspiring, will haunt you long after you leave the theater. 

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

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Collaboration Celebration , April 24, 11:30am-1:00pm

Collaboration is our common thread. Our community creates the ties that bind. On April 24th The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center celebrates the many nonprofits who have found valuable collaborations on its Campus of Caring. You are invited to the Collaboration Celebration Luncheon at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens to join in honoring three agencies nominated by GSHSC’s campus community for their collaboration, growth and engagement: Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County, More Too Life and Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness.

Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens, 811 S Palm Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236 United States

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Environmental Summit in Sarasota , April 25 – April 27

Don’t miss this community-wide environmental event that happens only once every five years. Expert panel discussions, viewpoints from local thought leaders, and provocative lightning talks will weave connections between our environmental heritage and a resilient future for healthy natural habitats.

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

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SRQ Hear Me Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon , April 26, 10:30am-1pm

SRQ | The Magazine hosts the fourth annual Women in Business Hear Me Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at The Francis in downtown Sarasota. We will recognize this year's nominees and winners who are inducted into the esteemed 2018 WIB Leadership Circle during the awards ceremony. Keynote Speaker Cricket Burns of CricketsCrush.com is known for her renowed personal style and for having her finger on the pulse of collective fashion trends. She became an esteemed fashion editor and stylist in New York City where for three decadres, she held masthead positions at numerous publications including posts as fashion editor at Harper's Buzaar and Seventeen magazines. Now she focuses her laser-chic styling on the world of home decor. This year's Trailblazer Awards honoree Patti Cazzato was appointed CEO of Timbuk2 in 2014 to helm the company in its 25th anniversary year. She spent nearly three decades in global retail expansion, creative merchandising, product innovation and sustainable manufacturing with high-profile, multi-billion dollar global brands. Pop Up Boutiques and Registration: 10:30am, now expanded to Louies Modern. Luncheon program: 11:30am to 1pm. And, new this year, a post-event Roar Social takes place at Louies Modern from 1-3pm. Tickets: $75/person and $850/table. Click here for tickets.

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

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Mummenschanz You & Me , April 26, 8pm

This Swiss-based theater troupe has been dazzling worldwide audiences for more than 45 years with inventive uses of shadow, light, and creative manipulation of objects. “you & me” focuses on the love and mutual joy the audiences and performers experience in Mummenschanz’s one of a kind theatrical performances, hence the title “you & me”. As musicians of silence, their soundtrack is the awe, joy, and laughter expressed by audiences in response to their pioneered form of visual theater.

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

[SOON]  THEATER: Nice Work If You Can Get It , April 26 – May 13, 2pm, 7:30pm or 8pm depending on day

A play written in the spirit of Gatsby, Nice Work tells the riveting story of a wealthy bachelor in search of meaning. Jimmy Winter is marrying just to appease his mother and retain his inheritance, but when he drunkenly stumbles into a team of bootleggers, his life unwittingly takes a turn for the new. 

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

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Great Masters of Dance , April 27 – April 28, 2pm and 7:30pm

Closing the season with two company premieres and one of the sexiest shows in ballet, the night begins with Antony Tudor’s The Leaves Are Fading. A company premiere, this epic romance celebrates pure dance with unfettered passion. Following Leaves, the company premiere of George Balanchine’s Bugaku illustrates the choreographer’s genius, and concludes with another production of company favorite Sir Frederic Ashton.

Sarasota Opera House, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: Blossoms and Brunch , April 28, 10:30am

Share the legacy of Mable’s beloved rose garden while you enjoy a beautiful brunch surrounded by blooming roses. Blossoms & Brunch will begin with a mimosa reception complete with entertainment and silent auction. A seated brunch will begin at 11:30am. Following brunch, return to the rose garden to discover a variety of sweets at our dessert buffet. $120.

Bayfront Gardens Mable's Rose Garden, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  MUSIC: James Bond in Cello Case , April 28 – April 29, Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday at 3pm

Putting the debonaire and danger back into the cello, the Rastrelli Cello Quartet thrills and entertains with nontraditional programming and performance leading back to a single source—MI6 superspy James Bond. The quartet brings iconic Bond songs to new life, ranging from the days of Sean Connery and From Russia with Love to Daniel Craig’s modern incarnation.

Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 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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