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SRQ DAILY May 18, 2018

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"It's working towards just being me. For some people that's easy; for me, it's never been easy. "

- Elizabeth Weil Bergmann
 

[Dance]  Bergmann Brings Vulnerability, Humor to New SCD Series
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Sarasota Contemporary Dance kicks off its new In Studio Series this evening with the first of two special performances from guest choreographer and dancer Elizabeth Weil Bergmann. A Julliard School-trained performer and retired dance director from Harvard University, Bergmann has, in addition to her own international career, instructed the likes of Madonna, Natalie Portman and the acclaimed dancer Christine Dakin. This weekend, Bergmann breaks new ground in her accomplished career with the first production of Coming to Myself, a deeply personal performance interweaving Bergmann’s talent for dance with her passion for poetry.

“It’s about becoming my authentic person,” says Bergmann, calling the performance something akin to a “journey of discovery,” as she discards all those things that serve only to obscure the genuine article, like pretense and fear. Both poetry and dance come into play in this operation, as Bergmann alternates between the two, starting the night with a poem before transitioning to dance, and continuing from there, back and forth, revealing more and more with each step. “It’s working towards just being me,” she says. “For some people that’s easy; for me, it’s never been easy. But I think I’m there.”

A project seemingly years in the making, the seed was first planted with the 2003 production of “Shedding,” a dance explicitly about unburdening the self, and choreography Bergmann revives as one of the five dances in Coming to Myself.  But from there, her poetry surprisingly became a key aspect in the artist fully being vulnerable and open in her exploration. Because although Bergmann is no stranger to poetry, and the poems performed come from various periods throughout Bergmann’s life, as she’s used the form to explore everything from the nature of the self to the nature of love, this will be the first time sharing these private meditations in such a public fashion. And that’s the scary part. But scary often makes good art, as vulnerability and honesty go hand-in-hand on any mission of self-discovery, and Bergmann knows both of these things. “How else could I do it?” she asks.

Always looking to grow, Coming to Myself also sees Bergmann challenging herself as she incorporates both slide imagery and musical accompaniment into the production—all under her direct control throughout. Because Coming to Myself doesn’t end with Saturday’s performance, and Bergmann hopes to take it on the road. This means creating a multimedia show compact enough to travel and streamlined enough that she can perform it near anywhere without assistance. She already has plans to take the show as far as Trinidad and Tobago in the coming months.

But for now, Bergmann looks to the present and the experience she wants to create with Sarasota audiences. “I hope that I move them,” she says. “Like any artist, you want them to relate—that some part of who they are, they will see in your work.”

Coming to Myself is slated for two productions at Sarasota Contemporary Dance Home Studio: tonight at 8pm and again tomorrow, Saturday, May 19, at 8pm. 

Pictured: Elizabeth Weil Bergman rehearses "Coming to Myself." Photo by Bob Thill.

[Community]  Sasaki, SBPO Unveil Master Plan in Community Meetings

Sarasota Bayfront Planning Organization and master design and planning firm, Sasaki, will host three large presentations for the community to reveal the first draft Master Plan for the future of The Bay. The draft is based on a careful synthesis of community feedback, various community meetings and other input gathered via the in-person and online surveys during the mid-April Sasaki visit. The purpose of the presentations is to share the first draft, gather additional input and answer community questions. Feedback will be gathered following the presentations with an online and in-person survey. Gina Ford and Susannah Ross, from the Sasaki Design Team, will provide an overview of the master planning process to-date, the current draft master plan including potential strategies for finance and governance, and next steps. The presentations are open to the entire community. Due to limited capacity, RSVPs are required for each presentation.  Following the presentations, all materials and surveys will be available directly on the Bayfront website. Two presentations will be this coming Monday, May 21, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, with the first beginning at 8:30am and the second at 1:30pm. The third presentation is on Tuesday, May 22, at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium at 5:30pm. 

SBPO Presentation RSVPs

[Recognition]  Gekht Performs Surgical First for Manatee County

Pain management specialist Dr. Gennady Gekht with Coastal Orthopedics recently performed the first two cases of minimally invasive indirect decompression surgery in Manatee County to help relieve spinal stenosis. Through the use of indirect decompression surgery, Dr. Gekht, with the assistance of fellow pain management specialists Dr. Douglas Constant and Dr. Justin Sirianni, was able to help reverse the effects of spinal stenosis for two of his patients. Characterized by the narrowing of the spine, spinal stenosis is a degenerative condition that frequently affects the elderly population. Spinal stenosis is often caused by changes to the spine related to osteoarthritis, resulting in significant lower back and leg pain when standing and walking due to additional pressure placed on the spinal nerves. While Dr. Gekht has been doing pain management procedures for the past 12 years, minimally invasive indirect decompression procedures are relatively new. The Superion Interspinous Spacer was commercialized in July 2016. More than 100 doctors are trained nationally on the procedure, including 20 in Florida. Coastal Orthopedics is the only medical group in Manatee County and the surrounding area that performs this particular procedure. 

Coastal Orthopedics

[Recognition]  Jaso Nominated for Harris Teacher Award

Dr. Jennifer Jaso of Sarasota Middle School was nominated for the Harris Teacher Award by the Museum of Florida History, the administrator of the National History Day program in Florida. The Harris History Teacher of the Year award is sponsored by Dr. James F. Harris and is awarded to one middle and high school teacher annually. Harris sponsors the awards in recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in the lives of students. The two national winners will be announced on National History Day, June 14. The winners are chosen by a team of teachers and historians. Nominees’ work must clearly illustrate the development and use of creative teaching methods that interest students in history and help them make exciting discoveries about the past. 

National History Day

[Real Estate]  Patella Joins RE/MAX Alliance Group

Realtor Jon Patella has joined RE/MAX Alliance Group as part of the Sarasota Native Group. Formerly with Wagner Realty, he specializes in new construction and golf communities. As a native of the Sarasota area, Patella brings extensive knowledge of the local market. Both he and wife, Jessica, have Sarasota roots that date back to the 1950s. He also has strong communication skills, contract knowledge and an ability to negotiate and get deals closed. A graduate of Florida State University, Patella has a background in hotel and country club operations. He is active in the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, serving as treasurer from 2015 to 2017. RE/MAX Alliance Group is the #1 RE/MAX franchise in Florida and the #16 RE/MAX franchise in the United States. 

RE/MAX Alliance Group



[TODAY]  GALLERY: Southern Watercolor Society Curated Show , May 15 – June 22

Bringing its 41st Annual Juried Exhibition to Bradenton, the Southern Watercolor Society takes over all three of ArtCenter Manatee’s galleries with a collection juried by international award-winning master watercolorist John Salminen. In addition to the exhibit, each annual show brings with it a watercolor workshop for interested artists. Salminen will be teaching the workshop as well.

ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St. W., Bradenton

[WEEKEND]  SPORTS: Bombers vs. Swan City , May 19

Watch Bradenton's favorite, fierce roller derby squad face Swan City in their home arena. Prepare for a night of tough competition and keep the good times rolling to benefit Ewenity Farm, a herding dog haven. 

Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex, 5309 29th St. East, Ellenton.

[WEEKEND]  SPORTS: Sarasota Tarpon Tournament , May 12 – June 17

The Sarasota Tarpon Tournament will take place from May 12-June 17 celebrating the start of Tarpon Season and 88 continuous years of sanctioned competition. For an entry fee of just $125, anglers not only compete for an overall winner category, but also, weekly, junior, ladies, and ‘his & hers’ categories. Weekly winners and winners of the two additional categories will all compete in a 2-day Fish-Off weekend to determine overall winner whose name is inscribed on the historic trophy. A kick-off party will be held on May 9 at White Buffalo Saloon featuring live music, great food and a cash bar.

[SOON]  FILM: Bag It Film Screening , May 22, 7pm

Sponsored by Rethinking Plastics, the goal of this screening is to raise awareness regarding the average American's overuse of plastics. Americans use roughly 60,000 plastic bags a day for a few minutes of single use before it is thrown away. Jeb Berrier's film, Bag It, follows where "away" is and the fate of these plastic bags. For environmentalists and for those looking to learn more, the film is an interesting piece that will open eyes to just how much we use plastic, why that is harmful and what people can do.

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

[SOON]  GALLERY: Martha's Vineyard Location - Feeling Fresh , May 24 – June 20

Nikki Sedacca Gallery is pleased to open with an exciting exhibition, “Feeling Fresh,” debuting work by nationally-acclaimed artists Kathe Fraga and Carter Wentworth, and featuring new works by Linda Richichi and Joan Konkel. This show seeks to highlight the light, bright, and joyous excitement that builds as the warm summer breeze infuses the salty air to signal the start of seasonal activity on Martha’s Vineyard, featuring diverse mediums such as oil paint, watercolor and metal mesh and fresco.

530 Burns Gallery, 530 Burns Ct., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Studio Year End Showcase , May 25

Students from The Players Studio will showcase their talent, appearing in songs, dances and acting scenes. A must see!

The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: KidSpace , May 26

KidSpace is a program for kids who want to explore everything there is to know about space and become Masters of the Universe. From 10:15–11am on the second and fourth Saturday morning of each month, we'll unleash the awesome power of the Bishop Planetarium, taking off from Earth's surface and flying to places no human has gone before.

South Florida Museum, 201 10th St. West, Bradenton

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Roots of Unity (with Chris Kottke) , May 27, 2pm

This performance is from a jazz ensemble called The Roots of Unity, headed by trumpeter Chris Kottke. Their repertoire includes both straightahead and latin jazz, from classic standards to modern originals. Kottke attended the Berklee College of Music and was active in the Boston jazz scene for about a decade before moving to Sarasota in 2016 to pursue his day job as a math professor at New College of Florida. In addition to the Roots of Unity, Kottke can be occasionally heard in such Sarasota-based jazz ensembles such as Ocean's 11 and the Sarasota Jazz Project.

The Reserve SRQ, 1322 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Always...Patsy Cline , May 30 – July 1

A tuneful and memorable tribute, Patsy Cline's rise to legendary stardom is told through the eyes of her biggest fan, Louise Seger. From her performances in honky-tonks to the Grand Ole Opry, Patsy Cline will "always" have a place in country music, with hit songs such as, “Walking After Midnight,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Crazy,” “Sweet Dreams,” and many more you know and love.

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

[SOON]  THEATER: Menopause the Musical , May 30 – June 10

Inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine, writer Jeanie Linders created Menopause The Musical® as a celebration of women who find themselves at any stage of “The Change.” Set in a department store where four women with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra meet by chance at a lingerie sale, the all-female cast makes fun of their woeful hot flashes, forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges. 

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. West, Bradenton

[SOON]  FOOD: Reserve Spring and Summer Wine Tastings , May 31, 6pm

Come through the Reserve to help them fine tune their retail wine selection. Wines from a wide array of places such as France, Italy, Argentina and more are offered. Pair the wine with a savory meat and cheese platter and enjoy the low key evening. The event is reoccuring, so May 31 is not the last chance to take advantage of this wonderful deal.

The Reserve SRQ, 1322 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: The Twenty-Third Annual Loveland Show–Unplugged: The Best Day of Your Life! , May 31 – June 3

Venice Theatre and the Loveland Center have been partnering for 20 years to provide adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities the chance to grow and learn through theatre study. Loveland students, under the direction of professional staff and with help from community volunteers, rehearse all season to present this full-scale musical on MainStage.

Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave West, Venice

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: World Oceans Day , June 2, 10:00am-1:00pm

A worldwide ocean celebration is on the horizon. Join the fun during the World Oceans Day Family Festival on Saturday, June 2 at Mote Aquarium. Mote’s World Oceans Day event will spotlight the ocean's deep connection to the human spirit and the boundless inspirational power of our natural world's greatest resource. The family festival is free with regular paid admission to Mote Aquarium and is free for Mote Members.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium , 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: All About Women Expo , June 3, 12pm–5pm

Experience a day of pampering for women with four featured areas that host Beauty, Wellness, Fashion and Girls Wanting to Have Fun. Enjoy make-up and hair care techniques, massages, sample products, talk to doctors and health professionals, watch a fashion show and more, all for free. Register to have access to the VIP area with wine tastings, a painting class, photo booth, appetizers and everyone receives a glam bag full of swag.

Westfield Sarasota Square Mall, 8201 South Tamiami Trl., 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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