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SRQ DAILY Nov 8, 2019

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"I think the original writers of the musical really captured the danger of neutrality. I was inspired by this lesson in the script and how you can't hide behind walls."

- Josh Rhodes, Director and Choreographer of the Asolo Repertory's "Sound of Music"
 

[Theatre]  Fear and Kindness in”Sound of Music”
Andrew Fabian

When “The Sound of Music” premiered on Broadway in 1959, it did so to audiences still shaking off the trauma of a second major war. The alarming rise of the Nazi party in Europe left many reeling and wondering if the same could happen anywhere. For Josh Rhodes, director and choreographer of the Asolo’s “The Sound of Music” production, the play’s iconic music often overshadows the theme of fear so central to the musical’s meaning, and in this theme, he saw an opportunity to frame the story’s tension as a battle between doing what’s right and doing what’s easy.

“I think the original writers of the musical really captured the danger of neutrality,” says Rhodes. The von Trapp family of Austria is affluent and somewhat removed from the graver grotesqueries of Germany’s fascist fire until the Anschluss, when Germany forcibly annexed Austria back into its empire. The patriarch of the family, who opposes Nazi ideology, seems skeptical the regime can succeed, and this skepticism eventually forces his family to make a hasty escape or risk being thrown into Hitler’s war machine. “I was inspired by this lesson in the script,” says Rhodes, “and how you can’t hide behind walls.” And the Asolo’s in-house set designers gave Rhodes a chance to capture this lesson 

In collaboration with the Asolo’s set desginers, Rhodes was able to create scenes in which the character’s “are sort of boxed in,” he says. This serves to simultaneously shield them from the outside world and give viewers a sense that the von Trapps cannot fully understand the gravity of the looming war. This will also give the Asolo’s production a freshly conceived look that will still feel familiar to longtime fans of the musical. And when producing a musical that is such a pillar in theatre, director’s like Rhodes are faced with the daunting task of honoring its original timelessness while still finding something new to say. But Rhodes felt the time was appropriate for the play’s theme of fear to take a prominent role. “There’s a certain harshness in our society right now,” he says, “and I think the play asks us to soften our hearts and be kind.” 

The production opens next week at the Asolo Repertory Theatre on Wednesday November 13th and stars Maddie Shea Baldwin as Maria. 

Pictured: Maddie Shea Baldwin poses as Maria with the von Trapp children. Photo by John Revisky

[ShopTalk]  Eat, Pray, Love Pastries
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

Whether we’re ready for it or not, the holiday season is upon us. Neighborhood dinner soirees, holiday work parties and festive family get-togethers. This time of year gathers everyone together around some sort of dining table, with endless baked goods in hand. November and December will perpetually be our guiltless cheat months. If this year, you want to shamelessly indulge as much as host your own hot-out-the-oven treats, this new book may help do the trick.

Food writer, pastry chef and educator, Susie Norris wants to help home cooks celebrate the holidays with home-baked meals and mood-lifting sweets through the world's great culinary capitals.  In her new cookbook, A Baker’s Passport, Norris shares over 200 technique-driven recipes culled from her global travels and her award-winning culinary travel blog, Food Market Gypsy, designed to inspire home cooks as well as experienced chefs.If baking is a newfound hobby for you, Norris suggests key ingredients and cooking tools to have on hand before departing on what is sure to be a finger licking good adventure.

This global tour of regional baking explores the breads of Vienna, the cakes of France, Amercian family favorites and much more. By 2020, you’ll have stamped your passport full with worldly recipes including Quiche Lorraine, Chicken Blanc, Black Forest Cake and Creme Brûlée, as well as different soufflés, sweet and savory pies and cookies. No matter what ethnic background your family hails or which holiday you celebrate, these recipes are sure to unite all in jolly pastry delight.


 

Photo courtesy of Lifestyle Public Relations

Click here to purchase.

[Gallery Opening]  Chasen Opens v2.0 at Westfield Siesta Key
Andrew Fabian

When Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue left Westfield Siesta Key, they took with them the gravity of their brands, a gravity that pulled shoppers into the orbit of the brightly lit, air-conditioned corridors of the mall. Since then, the mall has been somewhat successful in reimagining itself as something of a social nexus with a high-end theatre, a highly popular grocery, respectable restaurants and a fresh gym. The arts, too, are a part of the reimagining. For Andrew Chasen of Chasen Galleries, the sparsely occupied mall was an opportunity to try something a little different and see if fine art really can help progress the mall’s reinvention.

“A fine art gallery can help bring a level of respect and sophistication,” says Chasen. The mall already has Art Avenue, a large gallery owned by entrepreneur and art collector Paul Sykes, but Chasen’s second gallery would offer a more intimate, local appeal. The location is prime, with easy access from a large swatch of Sarasota’s more well-heeled neighborhoods. “It really should be more successful than it is,” says Chasen of Westfield Siesta Key. And, because the mall’s occupancy still leaves a bit to be desired, Chasen was able to secure a favorable lease. His second Sarasota gallery will occupy the space formerly held by White House Black Market. Already amply wired for lighting, the space, which is slightly larger than Chasen’s Osprey Avenue location, was a perfect fit for a gallery. What’s more, the same hardware that once held racks of clothes is also perfectly adapted to hanging art. For Chasen, the risk is low and the reward high. When asked if fine art can really help anchor a mall as a long-term cultural destination, Chasen says “why not?”  

Pictured: Art now lines the walls where clothes were once displayed.

[Performance]  Music Compound instructor and students host pop-up gigs for tips, that are then donated to local charities.

Busking is a term used to describe street performers playing music for tips. Music Compound instructor, Bill Shepherd, has formed a Busking group known as the Sarasota Buskers.  100% of tips earned are donated to local charities.  The group is made up entirely of Music Compound students that decided to volunteer their talent and take their music to the streets.  Ages range from 18 to 80, and members of the group take ukulele, guitar, and/or piano lessons at the downtown studio adjacent to the Bazaar at Apricot and Lime. You will find the Sarasota Buskers at area parks and restaurants.  “Our goal is to raise money for charities while having fun with others.” Bill Shepherd, the instructor, shared.  So far, the Sarasota Buskers have raised $381 for the Child Protection Center.  Music Compound’s owner, Jenny Townsend is one of 40 captains for the CPC’s 40th Anniversary fundraising campaign. Jenny has recently begun ukulele lessons and plans to join the buskers at local pop-up gigs this month to assist with drumming up funds for the CPC. Visit the Sarasota Buskers Facebook page to learn more about their upcoming gigs. 

Find more.

[Philanthropy]  All Star Children's Foundation Welcomes Chief Development Officer

The All Star Children’s Foundation announces the appointment of Stephen Fancher as its chief development officer. Fancher will be responsible for overseeing all development and fundraising efforts for the nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to healing the effects of trauma suffered by children who have been abused and transforming foster care through innovation, science, and compassion.

Graci McGillicuddy, All Star’s co-founder and board chair, notes that “Stephen has a rare mastery of education, finance, and the needs of nonprofits. He’s a musician and former teacher, who is devoted to empowering children. He also brings his years of expertise as a financial advisor at a leading firm.”  Although McGillicuddy is thrilled with Fancher’s track record, she’s more impressed with his heartfelt commitment to making the world a better place for children. “He’s a leader who cares, and that’s exactly what All Star needs,” she says. “We’re delighted to welcome Stephen and know he’ll redouble our efforts to raise funds for our state-of-the-art treatment for childhood trauma.”

Stephen Fancher moved to Sarasota in 2012, relocating from the New York area where he was active as a musician and teacher. Passionate about teaching, Fancher was awarded Stamford, Connecticut’s Teacher of the Year in 2012. He decided to transfer his skill set as teacher to the field of finance and joined the Mariash-Lowther Group at Merrill Lynch in Sarasota as a financial advisor from 2012 to 2016. He quickly became involved with area nonprofits, including serving as a development officer for Sarasota Opera, and vice president of development for JFCS. He has served on the boards of the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota and Sarasota Music Conservatory. He also served as the assistant conductor and accompanist for Key Chorale. Fancher lives in Sarasota with his wife, Michelle, and daughters, Piper and Sofie. 

[Staff Announcement]  Bogati Urns Expands Sales Team by Two

Bogati Urns announces the addition of Kelly Knake as director of sales and Kimber Dudek as a sales representative. Knake comes to the company with four years experience as a Naval Aviation Life Support Technician during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, 10 years as office manager at various industries and 14 years as a global account rep for a wholesale seal distributor. Dudek has 15 years of experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples assisting corporate clients with their incentive gift needs. Founded in 2004 by Andrea Bogard LeBlanc, Bogati Urn Company offers funeral homes and crematories unparalleled service and wholesale pricing on an equally unparalleled variety of urns, scattering tubes and related products. Its original lead crystal line has expanded to feature a diverse and hand-selected product line from trusted manufacturers and skilled artisans worldwide. Its inventory now includes hundreds of memorial urns for adults, children and pets in varying materials, including glass, marble, wood, brass and metal. Custom options are also available. 

Find more.

[Real Estate]  Seaward Development Joins Forces with Michael Saunders & Company for EPOCH Sales

Michael Saunders & Company (MS&C) has been appointed the exclusive listing broker for EPOCH, an 18-story, boutique condominium community of just 23 residences under construction on Sarasota’s downtown bayfront, between South Palm and Gulfstream Avenues. Seaward Development announced the partnership with MS&C for the final 60% of sales,  just as the 5th deck was being poured on the new luxury tower.

“Joining forces with MS&C is a natural fit for us,” said Patrick DiPInto, President of Seaward Development. “Both of our firms are locally based, entrenched in luxury waterfront real estate and laser focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences. EPOCH offers an incredible location with unparalleled views of the bay, the highest level of finishes and a focus on personal service. We trust that MS&C will help spread our message around the world.”

Sales and marketing have been overseen by Amy Drake, Property Perspectives Group. She will continue in her role at EPOCH, rejoining the MS&C New Homes & Condominiums team where she spent 10 years as Division Director. “This is like going home for me,” said Drake. “I am thrilled to be back with the best new homes team in the business and to be working again with a visionary like Michael Saunders. The company has the resources and reach like no other and the entire MS&C  team speaks the language of our sophisticated buyers.”   

EPOCH was designed by Nichols Brosch Wurst & Wolfe of Coral Gables and is being built by Gilbane Construction, general contractors in business for nearly 150 years. Both full or half floor residences of 3,680 SF – 5,650 SF feature open kitchens, oversized great rooms, indulgent bedroom suites, walls of glass and unobstructed bay views. Building amenities Include 24/7 concierge service, two levels of garage parking, a rooftop terrace, a guest suite, fitness center with massage suite, and a social room for entertaining that opens to the pool terrace - offering a 70 ft lap pool with a bar/grill area for entertaining, cabanas and gathering spaces with fire troughs. Residences are priced from $3.3M to $6.8M, $9.5M for the penthouse with private rooftop terrace. 

More info.

[Innovation]  Sarasota Charter School Invited to Reimagine Education Awards in London

The Operation Outbreak educational platform, developed at Sarasota Military Academy (SMA), a local, public charter school, was recently named one of the world’s most innovative hybrid learning programs by a global educational awards program jointly organized by The Wharton School and QS Quacquarelli Symonds. SMA has been invited to attend the Reimagine Education Awards in London, England (8th-10th December, Queen Elizabeth II Centre). SMA Outreach Director Dr. Todd Brown will represent the Academy and present the Operation Outbreak (O2) program to 500 educational experts from across the world. 

Sarasota Military Academy submitted an extensive application for this opportunity, focusing on the Operation Outbreak (O2) program, and was placed on the shortlist. The shortlisted applicants comprise the top 15% of applicants to the competition, including applications received from over 1500 educational innovators from 39 countries. The awards, which reward innovative approaches that enhance student learning outcomes and employability, offer $50,000 in funding to the overall winners.

“Operation Outbreak is a highly-exciting, highly-engaging example of how technology can be leveraged in ways that improve verisimilitude, learning engagement, and, most importantly, learning outcomes. Shortlisting Operation Outbreak proved an easy choice for both our independent judges and internal team: in particular, O2 and its creators were commended for clear evidence of attainment gains, the compelling creation of an experiential learning program that offered its student participants high-fidelity experiences of a disease outbreak scenario, and the innovative-yet-accessible use of widely-available, user-friendly mobile technologies,” said Jack Moran, Reimagine Education Program Manager. “It is a commendable example of how STEM education can be revisited in ways that don’t require difficult-to-acquire technological expertise, and we eagerly anticipate its progress.”

“The Reimagine Education Awards are considered the “Oscars” for education throughout the world, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to present Operation Outbreak (O2) as the program continues to gain international attention,” said SMA Outreach Director Dr. Todd Brown. “With more than 1500 submissions from 39 counties, I am so proud of O2 and how it is gaining consideration as one of the best educational platforms in the world, and I am excited to expand this program within and beyond our Academy walls.”


 

Pictured: Sarasota Military Academy (SMA) Outreach Director Todd Brown with participants from the 2018 Operation Outbreak at SMA Prep.

For more.



[Fall Home Portfolio ]  Domicile: The SRQ Fall Home Portfolio is now online

Check out what's trend for the upcoming year from leading local designers, home builders, and specialists. From fits to finishes and what’s hot for design and build, our experts share their inside tips so you can ring in the next decade with renewed homespiration. 

Click here to view the feature

[SOON]  FILM: Sun Xun: Time Spy , August 11 – February 16

A mesmerizing 3D animated film by Chinese painter and draughtsman, Sun Xun incorporates traditional techniques including ink painting, charcoal drawing and woodblock printing. He uses analog and digital technologies to explore pressing concerns of the time.

The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road

[SOON]  GALLERY: Jack Davis: Drawing American Pop Culture , October 18 – December 6

Famed in particular for his speed and a tendency to create images overflowing with colorful characters, Jack Davis was one of the founding members of Mad Magazine's "Usual Gang of Idiots." He supplied covers for Tim and TV Guide, designed numerous album covers and movie posters, and, over his 60-year career, became one of the most in-demand caricaturists and cartoonists in the world. This exhibition attempts to show Davis' range by bringing together a selection of his original work that demonstrates his breadth of subjects and his skills as an artist. This body of work focuses on American popular culture, diving deeper into his career than the sports and caricature work for which he is best known. Opening Reception, Friday, October 18, 5-8pm. Evening Panel Discussion, Thursday, November 14, 6-8pm.

Lois and David Stulberg Gallery in the Richard and Barbara Basch Visual Arts Center, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Veterans Day Block Party , November 9, 4pm-9pm

Everyone is welcome to come celebrate the military nonprofits of Sarasota over Veterans Day weekend, November 9th at CitySide Apartments in the historic Rosemary District. The celebration will kick off at 4pm with Sarasota's most popular yoga teachers for an hour of Street Yoga, the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner and color guard to kick off the bands at 5pm with performances by Dan Johnson of Operation Hemingway, Ari and the Alibis, Enrique Casados and Kaliedogroove. Great food and beverages provided by Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Tsunami Sushi, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. There will be fun activities for kids and admission is free.

CitySide Apartments , 700 Cocoanut Ave. and May Ln.

[SOON]  SPORTS: 16th Annual Memorial Golf Tournament , November 9, 7:30am

Golf one of the country’s finest courses while supporting children, teens and young adults in grief. Before you tee off, a delicious breakfast will be generously provided by Station 400. Enjoy food and fun on the course, and then come back to the clubhouse for cigars and whiskey. All food and drink for the entire day is included in your golf registration. 

Legacy Golf Club At Lakewood Ranch, 8255 Legacy Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34202

[SOON]  SPORTS: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk , November 10, 8am

This year's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be held on November 10, 2019, at Nathan Benderson Park. When you sign up, you join thousands of people just like you who want to see a world where this disease doesn't exist. You'll walk, you'll fundraise, you'll make lifelong friends. Most of all, you'll help save lives from breast cancer - and help us work toward a future without it. Check in begins at 8am for participants and the walk starts at 9:30am.

Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235

[SOON]  FOOD: Bowls of Hope 2019 , November 10, 11am-2pm

Bowls of Hope returns November 10th to Ed Smith Stadium. Join All Faiths Food Bank for one of the community’s largest and most popular family-friendly events where more than 40 of our community’s finest restaurants and caterers serve delicious soups, breads, desserts, and more. Guests select beautiful handcrafted bowls to keep, donated by by local potters, artists, and students while enjoying a modest meal as a reminder of the empty bowls they help to fill.

Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St, Sarasota, FL 34237

[SOON]  THEATER: The Sound of Music , November 13 – December 28, 7:30pm and 8pm evening performances and 1:30 and 2pm matinees

Like a breath of fresh Alpine air, this beloved musical masterpiece sweeps onto the Asolo Rep stage just in time for the holidays. Maria, a young nun causing trouble at the abbey, is sent off to be governess to Captain Von Trapp’s seven troublesome children. She brings much-needed love and joy to the family – and the widowed captain – and transforms their world and hers through the power of music. But the looming threat of Nazi Germany’s invasion of their native Austria darkens their future. Overflowing with some of the most iconic songs of all time, this heart warming family musical will be helmed by Josh Rhodes, returning on the heels of his spectacular production of Evita in 2017.

FSU Performing Arts Center, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Modern Home Symposium , November 13, 5:30-7pm

Join SRQ MEDIA and Modern Home Magazine for the annual Modern Home Symposium featuring panelists who represent the top modern architecture and design gurus from the region to share their most memorable structures. Taking the audience into the design process, each panelist shares their source of inspiration in creating some of the area’s most significant spaces. Panelists include Nathan Cross of NWC Contruction, Steve Murray of Murray Homes, Jonathan Parks of Solstice Planning and Architecture and Mark Sultana of DSDG Architects. Registration opens at 5pm. The program is from 5:30-7pm. Light bites, wine and beer. RSVP to srqmag.com/moho.

SRQ Studios, 331 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota

[SOON]  FOOD: Wine, Women & Shoes , November 14 – November 16, 530pm

Forty Carrots Family Center presents the 15th anniversary of Wine, Women & Shoes. The award-winning series kicks off with a private reception featuring a dozen partner wineries on Thursday, Nov. 14 at Michael’s Wine Cellar. The Signature Luncheon on Friday, November 15 is an all day affair with sipping and shopping, a professionally produced fashion show and an afternoon of dancing in the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Lounge. The public is invited to sample and purchase the wines at an open house on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Michael’s Wine Cellar. The weekend wraps up that evening at winemaker dinners hosted by Forty Carrots supporters in their homes. An exciting online auction and chance drawings are also open to the public participation starting Nov. 10 at winewomenandshoes.com/fortycarrots.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival , November 15 – November 18, 10am-5pm

The Siesta Key Crystal Classic is a visual and cultural arts festival held on Siesta Beach every November. In just 24 sculpting hours, the master sculptors create sand masterpieces, some over ten feet tall, and transform the always beautiful Siesta Beach into an outdoor art gallery. And it’s more than just sand, the festival also features live music daily along with a large village of shopping and food and drink vendors. Other activities include the popular three day “Quick Sand” competition, sand sculpting lessons and an amateur competition. Hours are extended on Saturday & Sunday until 9 pm with colored lights on all the sculptures and live music!

Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Gonzalo Rubalcaba , November 15 – November 16, 7:30pm

Pianist and composer Gonzalo Rubalcaba was already a young phenom with a budding career in his native Cuba when he was discovered by Dizzy Gillespie in 1985. Since, Piano & Keyboard Magazine selected him in 1999 as one of the great pianists of the 20th century, alongside figures such as Glenn Gould, Martha Argerich and Bill Evans; he has won two Grammys and two Latin Grammys, and established himself as a creative force in the jazz world.

Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Women's Sports Museum Launch Party , November 16, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Be a part of HERstory.  The Women’s Sports Museum is the first-of-its-kind in the world devoted solely to women in sports to be built in Sarasota, Florida. The much-anticipated museum will be a living, breathing museum featuring interactive, state-of-the-art exhibits that recognize the women who have given their time, talent, tears and triumphs to defy gender stereotypes and lead all women to heights beyond expectation. Don't miss the Women's Sports Museum Launch Party at the Sarasota Yacht Club

Sarasota Yacht Club

[SOON]  HEALTH: Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group , November 18, 10am-11:30am

On every third Monday of the month, Julie Cook Downing, President of Caregivers Comfort Creations, LLC, facilitates a Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group. This group focuses on the caregiver and offers a retreat from the never ending mental and physical responsibilities of caregiving. This free, open group provides compassionate support and an opportunity to explore new solutions together to caregiver challenges. The group meets in the classroom outside of the cafeteria.

Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, 5731 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL 34233

[SOON]  HEALTH: Veterans' Caregivers Free Lunch and Learn Support Group , November 18, 12:15pm-1:45pm

Welcoming all Veterans' Caregivers and Veterans caring for a loved one to a free lunch and monthly Caregivers Support Group every third Monday of the month. This group focuses on the Caregiver, and not the patient. Julie Cook Downing, Facilitator and President of Caregivers' Comfort Creations, LLC, has over two decades of experience with both support groups and Family Caregiving.

Mindspa Integrative Wellness Center, 5632 Bee Ridge Rd #101, Sarasota, FL 34233

[SOON]  GALA: Champions for Children Gala , November 23, 6pm-10pm

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County is thrilled to announce the Champions for Children Gala will be held at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club on November 23, 2019. This year, we will honor Tom and Debbie Shapiro. Join us for an enchanting evening with silent and live auctions, a gourmet dinner prepared by Chef Paul Mattison and dancing. All proceeds will support our valuable programs designed to enhance more than 9,000 Club members' academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character and leadership development.

Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, 3100 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237

[SOON]  FOOD: Caregivers Comfort Socializing Lunch , December 2, 12:15pm-1:45pm

Julie Cook Downing, President of Caregivers' Comfort Creations, LLC and Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group Facilitator, hosts a monthly lunch at The Rosemary restaurant in Sarasota. This event provides caregivers some time to relax, enjoy themselves and eat a delicious meal with others sharing similar situations. The lunch takes place from 12:15-1:45pm.

The Rosemary, 411 North Orange Avenue

[SOON]  SEMINAR: SWAC Lecture: Richard Skolnik , December 3, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for the next program in its 2019-20 Lecture Series, “Global Health: Why You Really Must Care,” featuring Richard Skolnik, former Director for Health in the South Asia Region of the World Bank and Executive Director of Harvard’s US-supported AIDS treatment program for Botswana, Nigeria, and Tanzania. He will discuss some of the key challenges in global health, the threats they pose for the U.S. and the world, and how they might be addressed. Each SWAC lecture is followed by a members-only reception with the speaker in a historic building on Sarasota Bay. The lecture is free, but reservations are suggested.

Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Sarasota Contemporary Dance: Reverend Barry & The Funk , December 5 – December 8, 7:30pm

As part of Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, SCD Artistic Director’s passion to collaborate with local musicians, SCD will join forces with Reverend Barry & The Funk, an 8-pc funk band featuring a 3-pc horn section, and one of the fastest-rising “buzzworthy” acts in the state of Florida. Fueled by their recent #1 Global Position on ReverbNation’s Funk Charts after the release of their debut album “SxyGdLuv,” and the success of their recent breakout single “LoveShine,” the band is now headlining festivals and larger venues around the state. This is the first time that SCD will be partnering with a funk band, and we couldn’t be more thrilled that they are already a Sarasota favorite. This production will feature original choreography by Artistic Director, Leymis Bolaños Wilmott in collaboration with the SCD dancers. This unique evening is sure to be unlike any other, and is not to be missed!

Jane B. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  FILM: Gazebo Starlight Cinema Series , December 6

Join the Gazebo Starlight Cinema series with this month’s movie: Home Alone. With a screen stretched around the Gazebo pillars and family flicks back-projected from within, what better place than the facing grassy knoll to relax in a beach chair or curl up on a blanket? Bring the whole family to kick off your weekend while enjoying the park! Support local Venice Avenue businesses by bringing snacks, dinner, ice cream (or gelato!) to enjoy during the movie.

Downtown Venice Centennial Park, 200 West Venice Ave.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Art of Performance: Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol: Tijuana , December 6 – December 7, 7:30PM

This Mexico-city based theater ensemble has created a suite of works that explore ideas of democracy in the 21st Century and blends them with narrative collages from Mexican history. The solo work Tijuana is the staged result of a real anthropological theater experiment undertaken by Lagartijas ensemble member Gabino Rodríguez, in which he abandoned his life in Mexico City to work on an assembly line in a Tijuana factory on the U.S. border. Passing under a false identity for six months, he earned the legal minimum wage to explore how the current day Mexican working-class survives.

Historic Asolo Theater , 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Lights In Bloom , December 14 – January 4, 6pm-9pm

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens lights up the holiday season with Lights In Bloom. Over two million lights will illuminate the gardens and walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels. Visitors will have the opportunity to stroll through magical gardens filled with beautifully lit flowers, radiant rainforest butterflies, dragonflies and more. The tropical holiday paradise includes nightly visits from Santa (before Christmas Eve), children’s arts and crafts activities and games and special entertainment. Grilled foods will be available for purchase from the Michael’s on East grill including a cash bar. The Selby House Cafe will also be open with its full menu. In its 16th year, Lights In Bloom has become a tradition for residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season in Sarasota.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

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