SRQ DAILY Mar 6, 2019
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"Every dog counts."
Will the Southeastern Guide Dogs break its own record at its next scheduled Walkathon event? Last month, the nonprofit broke the World Record for the number of dogs wearing bandanas at a single event with 885 dogs at the St. Petersburg Walkathon, held in Vinoy Park. Not slowing its pace, the organization ramps up for the Suncoast Walkathon—combining Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota into one super event at Nathan Benderson Park on Saturday, March 16. Aside from the free, family-friendly 3K walk, the Waggin' Tails Festival commences with live entertainment, music, food trucks, a beer garden, kids’ corner, doggie zone, shopping at a vendor fair and an exciting raffle drawing.
People are encouraged to lace up their sneakers and bring their pets along to take a stroll in support of the worthy cause the organization represents by sporting the symbolic bandanas given to each participant. These annual events are essential to the nonprofit's fundraising efforts, allowing it to expertly train and condition selective breeds into skilled canines and provide them as service/companion dogs for those who have visual impairments or to veterans with disabilities and PTSD, all at no cost. And once the organization finds the perfect fit for an individual, the process doesn’t just end. “We follow people for life,” says Ruth Lando of Southeastern Guide Dogs, which keeps in touch with its beneficiaries and their journeys with their new furry best friends.
Every year, the organization's five Walkathon events manage to raise about $1 million, Lando says. But this time, the 2019 goal has reached an all-time high of $1.3 million. “Anybody can bring their dog and register to walk, so come out for the cause,” she says. “Every dog counts.”
Event Schedule
9am Registration Opens
10am 3K Walk & World Record Attempt
11am–2pm Waggin’ Tails Festival 
Pictured: 885 people brought their dogs to the Southeastern Guide Dogs Walkathon in Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg on February 23, to break the world record for the number of dogs wearing bandanas at a single event.
Four select composers come to Sarasota this month for a musical milestone, as the EarShot initiative, dedicated to identifying and promoting promising musical talent, teams up with the Sarasota Orchestra. Chosen from 127 applicants, Krists Auznieks, Nicky Sohn, Sam Wu and Kitty Xiao will spend a week in workshop with the musicians of Sarasota Orchestra, as well as three visiting mentor composers and LA-based conductor Christopher Rountree, all leading to a concert on March 16, where the young composers will hear their music performed by a full orchestra for the first time. In this four-part series, SRQ meets the minds behind the music.
An Australian composer based in Rochester, NY, Kitty Xiao counts Stravinsky, Sculthorpe, Ravel, Barok and Ives among her musical inspirations, as well as Talking Heads and Michael Jackson. Her composition is entitled Ink and Wash.
What was the inspiration for your composition? Xiao: Ink and Wash is inspired by Chinese calligraphy, especially the works of New York-based artist Gu Wenda. I was drawn to the way in which Wenda works with a past tradition to create new ways in questioning the present and the future.
What was your biggest challenge in this piece? I was experimenting with some textural ideas in this piece that I had never done before. This was more challenging for orchestra in comparison to chamber music, where you can go and ask the musicians to try out the ideas together.
Do you have a favorite instrument to write for? I love writing for percussion, because it takes me so long just to figure out what I want to write for. At the moment I’m composing for organ, which is a pretty sensational instrument. I love its aspect of time and place.
What does it mean for you, to take part in the EarShot initiative? To actually have the opportunity to hear my work performed with the full force of the orchestra is not just going to be a wonderful learning experience but also an intricately personal and powerful moment.
Where do you hope to take your art in the future?
I’m really interested in producing my own concerts, that combine other explorative elements such as new instrument, spatial and/or acoustic design.
I also really love the idea of doing more noise projects.
Pictured: Kitty Xiao. Photo courtesy of Sarasota Orchestra.
Andrew and Judith Economos have donated $500,000 to New College of Florida to fund scholarships for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The Archimedes Scholars Program, named after the legendary Greek mathematician and scientist, will provide a $10,000 scholarship annually to a New College student and a $5,000 scholarship yearly to two graduates of high schools in Sarasota or Manatee County pursuing studies in a STEM field.
“We hope that it will aid outstanding scholars in pursuing careers in STEM fields,” say the Economos, who are funding the Archimedes Scholars for the next five years with the goal of extending and broadening the scholarship program after the pilot phase. The first scholarships will be awarded in fall 2019.
Easterseals Southwest Florida’s CEO Tom Waters has announced an operating agreement between Easterseals and InStride Therapy, Inc., the Nokomis-based provider of equine-assisted therapies and activities. The formal partnership, which builds on years of collaboration, will enable the two organizations to serve even more children and adults in the Gulf Coast region. Waters, who now also serves as chief executive of InStride, explained that the “Easterseals at InStride” partnership will increase the geographic reach of a variety of proven therapy services and bring much-needed new services to the community, including programs for veterans, first responders and children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The joint operating agreement also will provide more effective use of the charitable dollars entrusted to both organizations, such as by cross-training and integrating therapy teams.
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) hosts its annual black-tie gala, SPARCCle in The City, on Friday, March 29, at The Westin Sarasota. A magical evening of extravagance awaits with entertainment from one of Sarasota’s most prominent Latin Funk and Motown dance bands, Big Night Out, a delicious five-course dinner and an exclusive live and silent auction packages.
Live auction items include: a weeklong adventure in Mykonos, Santorini and Athens, donated by Admiral Travel International, Inc.; a $5,000 shopping spree for up to four people at McCarver & Moser Jewelers; a private wine dinner for 12 at Michael’s Wine Cellar; a romantic and secluded getaway in Portsmouth, Dominica at Secret Bay Resort, curated by Andrew Harper Travel; a seven-night stay in St. Maarten at the Simpson Bay Resort & Marin; and a prestigious collection of award-winning 95+ rated wines.
All proceeds support SPARCC’s mission to stop domestic and sexual violence in the community.
The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has awarded the hosting rights of the U-18 Baseball World Cup 2021 to USA Baseball and the cities of Sarasota and Bradenton. This marks the first time since Cape Cod and Fenway Park hosted the 1995 Junior World Championship that the top youth international baseball event will be held in the United States. The 30th edition of the U-18 Baseball World Cup will take place in September 2021 and feature the world’s best players from 12 countries in the U-18 category (16 to 18 years old). As the host nation, the USA Baseball 18U National Team—the current four-time defending U-18 world champions—will be granted an automatic berth into the global tournament.
All 50 U-18 World Cup games will be played between Ed Smith Stadium and LECOM Park, the Spring Training homes for Major League Baseball’s Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates, respectively. The successful staging of the 2017 U-18 Baseball World Cup in Thunder Bay, Canada, helped the Thunder Bay International Airport break its all-time monthly passenger record for the month of August, while generating a CAD 6.3 million economic impact on the city, as well as multi- millions in brand exposure for sponsors and commercial partners.
Adapted by Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s novel of the same name , Christopher is exceptionally intelligent, but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an ear-shattering discovery.
International circus artists will leave audiences awestruck. Every year features a new cast in an intimate one-ring European style Big Top. This year’s show features incredible artistry on the Cyr Wheel, a modern blend of aerial dance and majestic horses, hand-to-hand acrobatics, high wire, teeterboard, juggling and much more! See below for this year’s circus artists.
Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir., Sarasota
Although unfinished at the time of his death, this opera remains one of Italian composer Giacomo Puccini’s most loved works, known for being his most musically adventurous. The story opens with exiled Prince Calaf, wandering outside of the Chinese Imperial Palace, where he falls in love with the cold and distant Princess Turandot. To obtain her hand in marriage, a suitor must answer three riddles—but if they fail, they face execution. Prince Calaf declares his intention to complete the challenge and win the Princess’ heart, but a surprise test follows.
Sarasota Opera House , 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
The Ditchfield Family Singers are renowned from coast to coast for their close harmony and unique family blend, highlighted in their mastery of their a cappellarepertoire , which is a part of every show. Performing everything from Broadway to Barbershop, Standards to Doo-Wop, they present a truly unforgettable entertainment experience.
Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice
Kathe Fraga narrative paintings are inspired by the romance of vintage Chinoiserie, layered with pattern, botanicals, color and hidden motifs. Worn surfaces and distressed textures combine to create a sense of something soft and lovely and familiar.
530 Burns Gallery , 530 Burns Ct., Sarasota
Here is the description we're using: You're invited! Join us on Friday, March 8th from 4-9 p.m. for Music on May Lane, our first neighborhood block party complete with food, drinks, and music, in the heart of the Rosemary District. Celebrate with us at The Bayside Club!
The Bayside Club, 800 Cocoanut Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
The 10thAnnual Ponies for Pups Charity Polo match benefitting the non-profit, no-kill shelter, Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue, the event is specifically intended to offset costs related to the medical care, rehabilitation and well-being of the hundreds of animals taken in annually.
The program includes selections from Bernstein's "Candide", and the "West Side Story Suite" plus music of Charles Ives and Gershwin including music from "Porgy & Bess". Renowned clarinetist, Richard Stoltzman is joined by his son Peter - also a well-established musician, composer and arranger.
Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
Join the Booker High School Visual & Performing Arts department and fellow art lovers for an unforgettable evening featuring a mozaic of stellar performances, exquisite art, silent and live auctions and more. Sip signature cocktails and feast on culinary creations catered by Michael’s on East, as you mingle under the stars to bolster the stars of tomorrow. It will be an evening to remember and supporting a mission we should never forget—ensuring the enduring legacy of the arts in Sarasota and beyond.
Mendelssohn’s powerful choral masterpiece brings to life some of the most dramatic moments in the Old Testament. Fire comes from the heavens, storms gather, and the people cry for vengeance. From the prophet’s curse of drought, to confronting an evil queen, to his ascent to heaven on a fiery chariot, Elijah is an extraordinary musical experience.
First United Methodist, 104 South Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Four women musically review their life experiences as told through the songs made famous by the late and legendary “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin. Join to pay tribute to one of America’s most iconic voices in this joyful appreciation of Aretha’s music and its impact on our lives.
Westcoast Black Theatre Mainstage, 1646 10th Way., Sarasota
Through a visceral mixing of oil and acrylic paint, Walter Matthews’ densely worked canvases create a reflection of the artist’s intensity and anxiety. Continuing the annual tradition, Spectrum IV embeds the independent work of three natural solo artists into an experimental installation that blurs the lines between collaboration and contamination. Split between a series of micro-exhibitions, New Realities features the perspectives and studio practices of junior level Fine Art students attending Ringling College of Art and Design.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
Applications are open for this year's SRQ Magazine SMARTgirl Mentorship and Leadership Luncheon taking place on Friday, March 15, 2019 from 9:30am-1:30pm at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. The free program provides 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade girls attending school in Sarasota and Manatee counties with career pathway exploration, STEM coding workshops and a luncheon featuring speakers presenting on the topic of overcoming challenges, being a leader and achieving success. The sessions and workshops are led by some of the community’s top women leaders including the ambassadors of the Hear Me Roar Leadership Circle.
Free program, no cost to apply or attend. Submit your application online at SRQMAG.COM/SMARTGIRl by Thursday, January 31, 2019 to be considered. All materials for the conference will be provided, including lunch and snacks. Limited spots available, apply early.
Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236
With a 17-piece orchestra, the program includes such well-loved favorites as “Here’s That Rainy Day,” ”September Song,” “Over the Rainbow,” “Minor Blues,” “Artistry in Rhythm” and many more from the American popular music and jazz artist.
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice
A musical tribute to the black musicians of the Harlem Renaissance and the new “swing” beat, experience the jazz scene—uptown, downtown, raffish and startling beautiful atmosphere. Come, swing and jive to such songs as “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” “I’m Going To Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter,” “The Joint is Jumpin’” and, of course, “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”
Stone Hall: Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W, Bradenton
A percussionist of great versatility and virtuosity, George Nickson brings the marimba to the fore in this concert that includes selections from Debussy’s “Children’s Corner Suite” and “Over The Rainbow” by Harlan/Oetemo. Principal percussionist for the Sarasota Orchestra and founding member of ensemblenewSRQ, Nickson has been hailed across the country, including as “a performer handling his role with ease and flair” by The New York Times.
Michael's on East ballroom, 1212 South East Ave., Sarasota
A Key Chorale special event, Cirque des Voix is a performance unlike any other. See world-class circus artists combine with the 100+ voices of the Key Chorale and the musical mastery of the 40-piece Cirque Orchestra to produce one of the most unforgettable productions you’ll ever experience.
The Mall University Town Center, 140 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota,
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