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SRQ DAILY Jun 22, 2018

Friday Weekend Edition

Friday Weekend Edition

"I could've been a musician, but it's quite stationary."

- Kwesi Johnson, Kompany Malakhi
 

[Music]  Hitting the High Notes at SMF Part 3: World Premiere
Cassandra Manz, cassandram@srqme.com

Editor's Note: This is the third in a three-part series on the Sarasota Music Festival.

This Saturday, spectators will take their seats at the Sarasota Opera House to witness the grand finale of the Sarasota Music Festival: the world premiere of Luminous Bodies, composed by Robert Sirota at the special request of the festival, to be performed by SMF artistic director Jeffrey Kahane and yMusic, an ensemble of six New York instrumentalists, returning to the festival after a celebrated debut last year. After three full weeks of performances, the festival culminates with this never-before-heard piece by a world-renowned composer.

Sirota worked on Luminous Bodies for five months, but he came up with the title first. In this case, the astrophysical term used to describe heavenly bodies that emit their own light, like stars, represents not only the seven musicians who will perform the piece, “who also have a kind of inner light," but also a set of composers that have inspired Sirota in his own life, emitting light in their own way: George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Lili Boulanger, Fanny Mendelssohn and Leonard Bernstein. Each of the five movements bear a composer’s first name. “I try to weave something about their music into my own music,” he says. “So the piece is a kind of big tapestry of dedication to artists and composers.”

Sirota hopes Luminous Bodies will showcase the talent and range of the seven musicians for whom it was written—including his daughter, who plays the viola with yMusic. “I like a challenge,” Sirota says. “And if people of the caliber of Jeffrey Kahane ask you to write a big piece for them, and you're not motivated by that to do something as brilliantly as you can, then you're probably in the wrong business.”

Sirota doesn’t try to tell an audience what they’re supposed to feel or how they’re supposed to respond. Mostly, he is interested in the conversation between himself and the five composers he dedicated his piece to, and, only by extension, the conversation between his piece and the audience. “It'll be different for different people,” he says. “But I think any work of art that can't be experienced in a number of different ways is not a particularly strong work of art.” 

Pictured: Composer Robert Sirota. Photo by Brian Hatton.

[Dance]  Paying Full Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Get a front row seat to the inner workings of contemporary dance this afternoon with a special presentation featuring visiting choreographer Kwesi Johnson. Artistic director of the UK-based Kompany Malakhi, Johnson has been in town and working with performers from Sarasota Contemporary Dance for the last week, creating a new piece that will debut tonight at SCD’s special event, Behind the Curtain with Kwesi Johnson.

Working with seven dancers from SCD, the resulting performance is an exploration of the myriad influences that inspire each, as well as tribute to the positive forces who have all helped along the way. “It’s an acknowledgement,” Johnson sums up, “of those people who have allowed them to be the people they are.” For such a personal project, Johnson adopted what he refers to as a director’s role, as opposed to a choreographer, per se—providing guidance and helping to fine-tune performance, but not dictating every movement from conception to conclusion. “I give stimulus,” he says, “they create, I shape.”

Such creative freedom and collaboration also served to help the group create a 10-minute performance from the scant time they had together since Johnson’s arrival. And Johnson brooks no shortcuts or filler—meaning zero repetition, all progression, no matter how beautiful the moment was the first time. He makes the comparison to theater or film: “Would somebody say the same line twice?” he says. “If I’m repeating something, there’s a reason.” Instead, through the performance, the audience will be treated to high-energy moments of chaos, grounded meditations and everything in between. “It’s not a storyline,” Johnson cautions, “but it has themes.”

An international choreographer whose work has taken him as far afield as Vietnam and South Africa, Johnson’s pioneering approach and movement vocabulary encompasses influences as varied as the globe he trots. Under Johnson’s direction, hip hop theater meets contemporary dance meets physical theater meets UK Jazz dance and more—and all coming to Sarasota for Behind the Curtain. “You’ll see all of those elements in it,” he says, but coming out the other side something altogether its own.

Behind the Curtain with Kwesi Johnson happens today, June 22, at 3pm at Sarasota Contemporary Dance. Tickets are $10. 

[Government]  County Approves 2018 Tourist Development Arts Grants

The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County has announced that the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners has approved the recommendations for funding of the 2018 Tourist Development Cultural/Arts (TDC/A) Grants. TDC/A grants come from a portion of the tourist tax dollars collected to fund Sarasota County arts and cultural organizations in order to offer high quality programming that continues to attract tourists to our area. Grants are available to organizations with recognized ability to produce, present and promote cultural and arts activities that appeal to tourists. For a complete list of organizations and their awards, visit the website below. 

2018 TDC/A Grant Winners

[Government]  Manatee County Releases Updated Website

Filled with beautiful local photography, packed with updated information and optimized for mobile phones and tablets, Manatee County Government has released a new website designed to be more user-friendly than ever before. The name of the website has not changed but the experience is new and improved for the 100,000-plus visitors to the site each month. The site's biggest improvements include: orange quick links on the homepage to direct visitors to the County's most popular sites and services; dozens of the County's most frequented pages alphabetized under new menu tabs for Residents, Business, Things To Do and more; and a powerful in-site search tool will give visitors a quick, easy way to find what they're looking for without having to know the inner workings of local government. The County's previous website was launched in 2010. 

Manatee County Government

[Healthcare]  SMHF Approves 10 Grants, $3.3 Million for Local Healthcare

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation recently approved 10 grants totaling $3,347,698. Nine of the grants were awarded to Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and one was made to Good Samaritan Pharmacy & Health Services. The nine grants awarded to Sarasota Memorial Health Care System total $3,309,498 and will provide new diagnostic and interventional tools for the treatment of heart disease and stroke, new diagnostic and monitoring equipment to enhance care in SMH’s trauma center and lab renovations on its North Port campus. The grants include more than $2 million for upgrading one of three catheterization labs at SMH, $370,000 for new imaging software for SMH radiologists, $251,000 to expand SMH’s telestroke capabilities, $148,000 to help cover the cost to expand and enhance laboratory services in the growing south Sarasota County region, $195,000 provide faculty rotations for subspecialists training within the Sarasota Memorial’s Internal Medicine Residency Program and more. $38,000 was also awarded to Good Samaritan Pharmacy & Health Services. The not-for-profit organization collaborates with SMH to ensure uninsured and underinsured patients at SMH’s Internal Medicine Practice in Newtown receive medications prescribed as part of their medical treatment. 

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation

[Business]  Sirius Day Spa to Open Two New Locations

Sirius Day Spa has announced two locations opening in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. Karen and Richard Medford, multi-franchise owners indicated the Lakewood Ranch location has started construction and will be open by September. Located at the Green in Lakewood Ranch, Sirius Day Spa shares the development with prominent neighbors, Earth Fare and L.A. Fitness. The second location, at University Town Center, also neighbors to L.A. Fitness. Sirius Day Spa UTC, will be opening in University Park and is expected to open shortly after. Sirius Day Spa offers a membership program including dollar for dollar credit, for all 40+ services including massages, teeth whitening, blow bar and styling, manicure-pedicure, facials, waxing, body wraps and more. Sirius Day Spa is offered by The Leonosio Group, founders of Massage Envy, Amazing Lash Studios, The Joint Chiropractic and Red Line Athletics, and headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ. 

Sirius Day Spa

[Real Estate]  Ryntal Promotes Idsardi to Leasing Agent

Ryntal Property Management, a leader in residential property management, has announced the promotion of Chelsea Idsardi to leasing agent. Idsardi will be responsible for leasing rental properties throughout Manatee County. Idsardi joined Ryntal in 2015 as an administrative assistant and receptionist. She currently has an associate degree and is in her final year at USF to earn a degree in marketing. 

Ryntal Property Management



[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

[TODAY]  THEATER: The Lion King Jr. , June 22 – June 23

The African savannah comes to life with Simba and Nala, Pumbaa and Timon, Mufasa and Scar, and more unforgettable characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again in this inspiring, coming-of-age story. This vibrant tale has captivated worldwide audiences. With Sir Elton John's music, dazzling costumes and extraordinary talent, this is a show not to be missed.

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

[TODAY]  FESTIVAL: Friday Fest: Jah Movement , June 22, 5:00pm

Opening the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall’s Friday Fest summertime concert series is reggae band Jah Movement. Fronted by hometown hero and vocalist extraordinaire Shantel Norman, Jah Movement plays top 40, Funk, Soul, R&B and Calypso Dance music. Winners of Creative Loafing’s 2016 ‘Best Local Reggae Band’ in the Tampa Bay Area and recent 2nd place winners of Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s Best Local Entertainment for 2017, Jah Movement is made up of some of the best musicians in the South West Florida Region. Each of the four events will feature food trucks, beverage vendors and more – it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a summer sunset over Sarasota Bay. Don’t miss out - “The Movement” is sure to get you dancing!

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

[WEEKEND]  MUSIC: Sarasota Music Festival , June 4 – June 23

Classical musicians from around the world converge for three weeks of breathtaking concerts, featuring artists such as Vijay Venkatesh and Robert Sirota.

Sarasota Orchestra, Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[WEEKEND]  THEATER: Incognito , June 8 – July 8

In a cerebral journey through neuroscience, amnesia, and the theft of Albert Einstein’s brain, playwright Nick Payne investigates the nature of identity in a series of mysterious and touching interwoven tales.

Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St., Sarasota

[WEEKEND]  SPORTS: HotelPlanner Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix , June 23 – July 4

The 34th Annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix, offers events for the entire family to enjoy.  Powerboat racing will take place off Lido Beach on July 1 broadcasted by CBS Sports, with boats racing at speeds over 100 MPH. Other Festival events include a Golf Classic, Car Show, Kickoff Party, Racer Autograph Signing, A Fan Festival, Downtown Block Party, Motorcycle Charity Ride and much more. The Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix is produced by, and benefits, Suncoast Charities for Children supporting local children and adults with special needs.

[WEEKEND]  PERFORMANCE: Jungle Book , June 6 – June 24

Join Mowgli, Baloo and friends when Asolo Rep presents the world premiere of Jungle Book from the creators of the hit show Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Using the same jaw-dropping multi-media theatrical approach, Jungle Book re-imagines Rudyard Kipling’s classic stories through modern eyes to transport audiences to the world’s jungles. Family Day is June 16; Family Package pricing starts at just $15 per ticket when one person in the party is 18 or younger.

Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  THEATER: Murder for Two , June 27 – July 29

Officer Marcus Moscowicz is a small town policeman who dreams of becoming a detective. When shots ring out at the surprise birthday party of great American novelist Arthur Whitney, and Whitney ends up dead, Marcus sees an opportunity to prove his sleuthing skills. With only a short time to solve the case, he has to find out, “whodunit?” In a witty musical homage to classic murder mysteries, Murder for Two is the perfect blend of music, mayhem, and murder.

 

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  FILM: SAF Film: "Modern Ruin: A World's Fair Pavilion" with Matthew Silva , June 28, 5:30pm-7pm

"Modern Ruin: World's Fair Pavilion" (2015) tells the story of Philip Johnson's New York State Pavilion during the glory days of the fair, and chronicles its demise over the past 50 years. The film details its post-fair use as a 60s concert venue and 70s roller rink, including the years of neglect and recent growing advocacy efforts. Tickets are $15 for the public, $10 for SAF members, and students with IDs as well as Ringling College staff get free admission. 

Larry R. Thompson Academic Center Auditorium, 2363 Old Bradenton Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  FILM: Films on the Fairway , June 30, 7pm

The Palms Golf Club and the Sarasota Film Festival are teaming up for Films on the Fairway. Throughout the summer, you will be able to enjoy a film, food and fun on the gorgeous greens of the Palms Golf Club. In their upcoming screening, the golf club will show Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, the 1981 Steven Spielberg classic starring Harrison Ford. Tickets can be bought in advance or purchased at the door. Premium tickets are also available on a limited first come-first serve basis. For $27.50, enjoy dinner, a beverage of choice, a golf cart with preferred viewing, unlimited popcorn and waitress service! Reservations must be made and paid in prior to June 23rd, 2018.

The Palms Golf Club, 1990 S Beneva Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip from Little Sarasota Bay to Palmer Point Beach , June 30, 8:30am-11:30am

Join John Sarkozy, as he shows you the natural beauty of Little Sarasota Bay. All kayak equipment will be supplied to you and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members. A short training session will be given before the trip for those who wish to take it. Take a break on the “crown jewel” of local beaches and take a swim or a walk before paddling back to the mainland.

American Littoral Society

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip from Caspersen Beach to Lemon Bay , July 1, 8:30am-11:30am

Enjoy quiet water, open-seated kayaking and exploration from Casperson Beach to Lemon Bay. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members.

American Littoral Society

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip from Little Sarasota Bay to Palmer Point Beach , July 4, 8:30am-11:30am

Join John Sarkozy, as he shows you the natural beauty of Little Sarasota Bay. All kayak equipment will be supplied to you and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members. A short training session will be given before the trip for those who wish to take it. Take a break on the “crown jewel” of local beaches and take a swim or a walk before paddling back to the mainland.

American Littoral Society

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular , July 4, 4:30pm-10:00pm

Join Marina Jack for their annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on Independence Day between 11:00 am-10:00pm. Indulge in the decadent menus from the Dining Room, Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill and Deep Six Lounge & Piano Bar all while enjoying the magnificent display of lights in the sky. Marina Jack II will host a three-hour cruise featuring a buffet, live music and premier viewing of the fireworks display.

Marina Jack's, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip From Curry Creek to Nokomis , July 7, 8:30am-11:30am

Enjoy the great outdoors with a kayak paddle led by John Sarkozy, through Nokomis and the Curry Creek Preserve. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which $20 for ALS members and $25 for non-members. Bring drinking water, suncreen and your sense of adventure. 

American Littoral Society

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip From Snook Haven Down The Myakka River , July 10, 8:30am-11:30am

Take a kayak trip led by John Sarkozy from the wild and scenic Myakka River, and travel downstream from Snook Haven. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip, which is $20 per person for ALS members and $25 for non-members. For those who want it, there will be a short training session given before launch.

American Littoral Society

[SOON]  THEATER: What the Butler Saw , July 10 – July 29

Wild, risqué, and ferociously funny, Joe Orton’s classic farce takes aim at everything from sex to psychiatry. In an exclusive, private mental health clinic, Dr. Prentice is attempting to seduce his prospective secretary when his wife walks in, interrupting his sordid intentions and kicking off a maniacal tour de force involving a state inspector, bellboys, slamming doors, and, above all, Orton’s wicked wit and breakneck dialogue. 

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Tops from Flops , July 11 – July 22

A musical review of America’s most treasured musical theater songs that came from some of Broadways biggest fiascos.  Enjoy an evening of great and enduring all-time hits from composers like:  George M. Cohan, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and many more!  An exuberant tour through the last 75 years of Broadways musical giants all spawned from Broadways biggest flops.

Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Tenth Anniversary Sarasota Improv Festival , July 12 – July 14

Troupes are coming from all over the country, from as far away as France and Spain, all ready to bring their best spontaneous hilarity to the Gulf Coast. Featuring an unprecedented THREE headliners - Baby Wants Candy (Chicago), Impro Madrid (Spain) and Impro Theatre (LA) - one for each day of the Festival. Plus, several returning favorites including North Coast (NYC), Parallelogramophonograph (Austin, TX), ImprovBoston (Boston, MA), STACKED (Chicago, IL) and Available Cupholders (Austin, TX). 

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., 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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