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SRQ DAILY May 3, 2019

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"I am not going to be apologetic anymore - I am a trailblazer."

- Dorothy Butler Gilliam, journalist
 

[Business]  Women In Business Leadership and Awards Luncheon Celebrates Trailblazers and Entrepreneurs

With a roar that shook the rafters, SRQ Media’s fifth annual Women In Business Leadership and Awards Luncheon came to the Hyatt Regency Sarasota yesterday, uniting professionals from all across the region to celebrate those women making great strides in everything from education and entrepreneurship to healthcare and the arts.

Over a light lunch (and after an impromptu shopping spree in the lobby with pop-ups from vendors like Molly’s, Apricot Lane, Philosophy and Vines, Saks Fifth Avenue, Diamond Vault and more), the hundreds gathered enjoyed a presentation from Keynote Speaker Geralyn Lucas, the announcement of the 2019 Trailblazer Award Recipient and the induction of the 2019 Women In Business Leadership Circle.

A journalist and author turned advocate for breast cancer awareness and survivor acceptance, Lucas took the stage to tell her own very personal account of being diagnosed at age 27 and facing a mastectomy with little available guidance or support. Equal parts humorous and heartfelt, she shared her story with a rapt audience hanging on to every twist and turn, as she recounted the little victories and the big ones—and lessons learned. “Always take that risk,” she said, and be open about who you are and what you’re going through—reactions may be surprising. “Courage is just so contagious,” she says. “The best thing I’ve ever done is share my story and hold out my hand to someone else.”

A trailblazer who literally wrote the book (her memoir is titled Trailblazer: A Pioneering Journalist’s Fight to Make the Media Look More Like America), acclaimed journalist Dorothy Butler Gilliam was also in attendance to receive the 2019 Trailblazer Award. The first black woman journalist at The Washington Post, Gilliam’s storied career documents a battle waged tirelessly on two fronts, facing both racism and sexism both in the office and out, yet never backing down. Accepting the award on behalf of black women journalists everywhere, she reflected on her journey. “Women of our generation didn’t really hear our roar,” she said. “So I found a little bit of my roar today. I am not going to be apologetic anymore—I am a trailblazer.”

Closing out the luncheon, the crowd recognized the finalists and inductees into the 2019 Women in Business Leadership Circle, as selected by a judges panel of professional women. Winners this year include: Luz Corcuera, executive director of UnidosNow; Johnette Isham, executive director of Realize Bradenton; Terri Najmolhoda, vice president and general manager with Saks Fifth Avenue; Christine Robinson, executive director of The Argus Foundation; and Sally Schule, director of community engagement with Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. 

Pictured: Finalists and inductees into the 2019 Women In Business Leadership Circle. Photo by Evan Sigmund.

[Theater]  NNPN Festival Spotlight Part 3: Lia Romeo
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Florida Studio Theatre teams up with the National New Play Network (NNPN) this year to host the NNPN Women in Playwriting Festival right here in Sarasota, inviting four women playwrights from around the country to bring their latest work for a series of staged readings from April 24 through May 10. The featured artists each receive a week of development sessions with FST, followed by the reading and a talkback session to receive feedback from the audience. In this four-part series, SRQ goes backstage with the playwrights.

A New Jersey-based playwright, Lia Romeo’s The Forest explores unconventional relationships, as a daughter amidst marital crises and a mother losing her memory (but finding something else in her caregiver) must come to terms with the reality of their circumstances and each other. To make matters weirder, a forest inexplicably begins growing through the living room floor. The reading will be tonight at FST.

What was your inspiration for The Forest? I'm often drawn to writing about inappropriate relationships—relationships that feel right to the people involved in them, but that are wrong in some way by society's standards. I'm still working out how the surreal elements and the realistic elements of the play interact with each other, and that's one of the things I want to focus on when I look at the play again as part of the festival.

Why are festivals like this important in this day and age? We're living in a moment where people are listening to women's voices more than ever before, which is really exciting. And to put those voices onstage—to literally give them a platform from which to be heard—is incredibly important.  

How can the theatrical community support women playwrights year-round? As a brand new parent, I'm realizing how important it is for theaters to provide childcare and support for artists with families. (Not that this is specifically a women's issue. It affects male artists just as much, or at least it should.)

How does playwriting give you a voice? I'm a shy person, but shy people still want to be heard—we just don't necessarily want to shout in order to do it. So playwriting is like this amazing shortcut—I can write down all my thoughts and hopes and fears, and then other people can say them, and I can sit in the back of a dark room and watch an audience listen and respond. It's my favorite thing. 

Pictured: Lia Romeo.

[Theater]  FST Announces Summer Mainstage and Cabaret Seasons

Florida Studio Theatre has announced its lineup for the 2019 Summer Mainstage and Cabaret Seasons.

The Off-Broadway sensation, The Marvelous Wonderettes, opens FST’s 28th Summer Mainstage season. When four friends are called upon to perform at their 1958 senior prom, they rally together to entertain their classmates with classic hits like “It’s My Party,” “Lollipop,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” and “Mr. Sandman.” Next on the Mainstage is Ethel Waters: His Eye is on the Sparrow by Sarasota playwright Larry Parr, which world-premiered at FST in 2005 with Jannie Jones, who will be lending her voice to the role once again. Concluding the Summer Mainstage season is the regional premiere of The Cottage by Sandy Rustin, a sophisticated romantic comedy that starts to unfold when Sylvia Van Kipness decides to expose her secret love affair to her husband.

Opening the FST’s Summer Cabaret Series is Come Together: When the 60s Met the 70s by Carole J. Bufford, a music revue that explores the changing musical landscape from 1965-1975. Next up, due to audience demand, The Swingaroos return for a third summer with a brand-new show inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood, The Swingaroos: Hollywood Serenade, paying homage to icons like Frank Sinatra, Cab Calloway, and Fred Astaire. The summer season concludes with a celebration of one of the most successful acts in music history—Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons in Who Loves You

Florida Studio Theatre

[Visual Arts]  Gulf Gate Library Seeking Artists to Create Sculpture from Reclaimed Copper

The Sarasota County Libraries, in partnership with the Friends of the Gulf Gate Library, is seeking to commission a sculpture to be located in the lobby of the Gulf Gate Library, and has issued a call to artists.

Sections of copper roofing which were saved prior to demolition of the previous Gulf Gate Library are to be transformed into artwork that will create excitement and interest in the community, honor and commemorate the rich history of the library, celebrate the impact the library has on the community, inspire people to remember the past influence of the library and engage in life-long learning opportunities at the library. A committee comprised of members of the Gulf Gate Library staff, Friends of the Gulf Gate Library members, and Sarasota County staff will review all applications and choose finalists who will have the opportunity to present their concepts to the committee. The call to artists expires on June 7, and the selected artist will be announced on June 28, 2019.

The call to artists and application can be found at the link below. 

Gulf Gate Library Call to Artists

[Visual Arts]  Sarasota Orchestra Seeking Visual Artists for Harmony Gallery

The Sarasota Orchestra is inviting artists to submit applications to exhibit their work during the 2019–20 season in the Orchestra’s Harmony Gallery, located in the atrium of the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center. The application deadline for the 2019–20 Harmony Gallery exhibitions is June 21. Juried decisions will be announced by July 19.

he application process is open to all Sarasota, Manatee or Charlotte county artists and 2D works in any media, excluding installation, video, performance or audio. Interested artists should submit a completed application, along with 10–15 samples of their most recent work either digitally, printed samples or a link to an online portfolio site. Exhibited in public forum with large numbers of children, subject matter deemed inappropriate for youth may be rejected at the sole discretion of the Sarasota Orchestra Art Committee. The Committee has final approval of work presented for hanging. 

The Orchestra will host artist receptions for each exhibition in the atrium of the Symphony Center, and 25% of the proceeds from the sale of Harmony Gallery artwork will be donated to the Orchestra.

Applications are available at the website below. 

Sarasota Orchestra Harmony Gallery Application

[Giving]  Designing Women Boutique Awards Nearly $140,000 in Grants
Designing Women Boutique awarded nearly $140,000 in grants to area nonprofits at a reception hosted by BMO Bank in downtown Sarasota. DWB was founded 17 years ago to support the Asolo Rep and has since expanded its giving. The grants are made possible by donations of cash, goods, volunteer hours, and store merchandise. Representatives from nearly 30 organizations were on hand to receive their grants. Among those receiving grants are the Asolo Rep, All Faiths Food Bank, Easter Seals, Meals on Wheels, and Southwest Florida Faces Autism (pictured) and many more
 


[TODAY]  PERFORMANCE: Evolving/Revolving , May 2 – May 5

"Evolving/Revolving" is becoming SCD's annual homage to the 'upbringing' of Sarasota Contemporary Dance. The final performance of the season will be comprised of diverse, new works by past company collaborators and/or dancers as well as works brought back by popular demand. This year's production will feature Gerri Houlihan, Pamela Pietro, and an aerial work by SCD Co-Founder, Rachael Inman.

Jane B. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Run4Love FUN-K , May 4

Run and honor the LGBTQ+ history, at the Ringling Bridge. The Fun-K welcomes everyone just wear your silliest light-up, glowing, flashing, blinking costumes and show up!  Get some cool stuff, including a limited-edition T-shirt of the first-ever Harvey Milk Run4Love! Participants 21+ will also get a free beer alongside some great food offerings from The Overton Restaurant.

JD Hamel Park, JD Hamel Park, Bayfront Dr., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Plena Adentro , May 4

Plena’s origins can be traced back to the changes in society caused by Puerto Rico’s transfer from Spanish to U.S. rule, and the abolition of slavery which caused displaced colonial sugar cane workers to seek economic opportunities in the growing cities of the island. While it is important to study Plena given the popularity of its folkloric style, it is equally as important because it is a living tradition that is still an active part of Puerto Rico today, marking important occasions in the lives of our people, from birth to death, and even street protests.

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

[SOON]  THEATER: Sweeney Todd- The Demon Barber of Fleet Street , May 4 – June 1

This murder and revenge in 19th Century London has shocked audiences. Unjustly imprisoned for 15 years, barber Sweeney Todd returns to take his revenge on the judge who took him from his family. When he partners with Mrs. Lovett and opens a barber practice above her meat pie ship, Todd’s need for vengeance increases. Their notoriety soars until Todd comes face to face with the judge. This thrilling theatrical treat is Sondheim at his very best.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Tomorrow's Voices Today , May 5

Witness a choral festival incorporating more than 200 singers of all ages. Maestro Caulkins inspires music-making at the highest levels, planting seeds that will ripen throughout students’ lives with an eclectic program from classics to contemporary. Key Chorale’s 6th annual collaboration with the Sarasota County Schools will feature Pine View, Venice and North Port High School choirs performing separately and alongside Key Chorale.

Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Harvey Milk Festival , May 9 – May 11

The photo exhibition, at the Art Center Sarasota from May 9-11 is intended to showcase American LGBTQ+ history from the 1890s to the times of Harvey Milk. May 10-11, located at 500 Tallevast Rd, presents the BASSment which offers the community a safe space and diverse platform to inspire the youth. May 11 starts off with a brunch at Stage Restaurant following the Harvey Milk Music Festival which celebrates the 10 year anniversary by presenting music at HD Jamal Park.

Various locations , Various locations

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: An Afternoon of Operetta , May 12

Two centuries after the beginnings of operetta - a form of opera with light music and subject matter - it continues to delight audiences worldwide. Our production showcases the work of favorite composers Gilbert & Sullivan, Franz von Suppe' and Jacques Offenbach. Revel in the glorious melodies featurning soloists, chorus and instrumentalists.

Sarasota Opera HOuse , 61 NOrth Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  HEALTH: Relay for Life Sarasota , May 18

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is the world’s largest movement to end cancer. Money raised from Relay For Life helps the American Cancer Society save lives by funding ground breaking research to discover cancer’s causes and cures and help people facing cancer today with free programs and services. People form teams and raise money together leading up to the event. Then, everyone comes together for a night of fun that celebrates cancer survivors, remembers loved ones lost to cancer, and unites us in our commitment to fight back against the disease.

Van Wezel , 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL

[SOON]  FOOD: Morton's Market 50th Anniversary Party , May 19

Join Morton's Market to celebrate their 50 Year Anniversary. Food & Fun! Live music & raffle prizes! All proceeds to benefits the Morton Culinary Education Fund.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Fur, Feather, Flora & Fauna , May 21 – June 21

An all media, open exhibition throughout all galleries. Includes Art & Animals on June 1—a fun family day with animals and art, nonprofit organizations, information, activities and photo opportunities. Guests are invited to bring their leashed, well behaved pets.

ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St W., Bradenton

[SOON]  HEALTH: Warrior Pose For Warriors: A Yoga Fundraiser Supporting Veterans at the Sarasota Opera House , May 23

An evening with Operation Warrior Resolution (OWR) supporting military servicemembers with yoga, breath and body work and sound immersions on the stage of the legendary Sarasota Opera House. The event will be led by popular yogi master and Lululemon ambassador, Ms. Ashley Stewart. All proceeds will support OWR’s mission of providing immediate and effective mental health care at no cost for all U.S. military veterans and family members. Operation Warrior Resolution is a locally-based military nonprofit celebrating its first year as an officially recognized 501 c3 with a warrior pose for warriors – doing a downward dog on the same very stage a young Elvis Presley once shook his hips and sang “Hound Dog” at the Sarasota Opera House.

 

A variety of small eats and juices will be provided by local vendors in the courtyard immediately afterwards. Spots are limited, so get your ticket today and support our country’s warriors with a warrior pose yourself at the Sarasota Opera House!

Sarasota Opera House

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: SRQ Margarita Festival , May 25, 2:00PM - 10:00PM

Join us for the inaugural SRQ Margarita Festival, the perfect combination of live music and margaritas. Enjoy a variety of margarita flavors, 5 great bands, the areas best food trucks, games, anda spectacular firework display to end the night. Tickets are limited and are on sale now. Proceeds from event will benefit Turning Points, Barking Out Loud Rescue, and Farm Dog Fosters. #SRQritafest

Van Wezel, 777 North 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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