SRQ DAILY Dec 13, 2019
Friday Weekend Edition
"Together, we're inspired to dream larger in approaching community problems in new and divergent ways."
Anand Pallegar, bespoke and brimming with confidence, his palms upturned, smiles at the gathered crowd.
“The future is so PINC,” he tells them, repeating the event’s slogan from a stage that is lit up, ironically, in bright green.
Like John Ringling, Sarasota’s original master of ceremonies, Pallegar and the team at DreamLarge have spent the year since 2018’s PINC (People Ideas Nature Culture) collecting curiosities from around the globe: professors, artists, wonks, a cartographer from Hungary, a documentarian from Tehran, even a luthier from the far off land of Columbus, Ohio. Pallegar promises that his audience will leave the Sarasota Opera House totally transformed.
Pallegar’s creatures, of course, are more than just impressive resumes—like Ringling, half the thrill of Pallegar’s performance comes from the ever-present threat that the show could go off the rails. Will a joke go too far, or will the many discussions of environmentalism and affordable housing resonate uncomfortably with the audience? Danny Houck, self-taught craftsman and creator of fine violins, exemplified this sense of anything-could-happen by announcing that he would no longer be making musical instruments. He is now dedicated to using hermetic magic and invocation techniques in order to channel the spirits of dead artists. He claims to have contacted Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Mark Rothko, and others that he is not yet ready to announce publicly.
The danger, of course, is all a part of the show. Like the crystals and opals that artist Tyler Thrasher cultivates as a part of his artistic practice, PINC’s end result is a happy mix of directed chaos and professional showmanship. Genuinely interesting people are rarely predictable, and PINC is undeniably populated with interesting people.
Dr. Jack Levin is a mild mannered professor who happens to write books about serial killers. He’s met Charles Manson. Gelareh Kiazand is a documentarian who has, over the course of her journey, documented the shrinking Arctic Circle, followed a nomadic tribe around rural Iran for months, and even documented the ancient art of Muslim prayer rug weavers. Matthew Diffee is a quick-witted charmer out of Denton, Texas who draws absurdist cartoons for the New Yorker and other publications. Stephen Wiltshire is an artist on the autism spectrum with a flawless memory and an interest in cityscapes.
There’s a host of these characters, but the patchwork of ideas and experience that one is left with at the end of the day starts to make a certain kind of sense. Creativity can come from a variety of sources: everyone on stage was defined by a sense curiosity, open-mindedness and the ability to pay attention to details. Pallegar ends the event by telling his audience that "together, we’re inspired to dream larger in approaching community problems in new and divergent ways." The hope of this event's founders, then, is that the audience will take home many of the same qualities shared by the presenters and disperse their effects in our own Sarasota community.
Photo by Evan Sigmund
Grab a coaster and cable knit sweater and gather around the dreamy string lights for a winter’s evening at Michael’s on East for some storytelling in a glass. The AAA Four-Diamond Restaurant just announced the launch of its new seasonal craft cocktail menu—nine innovative additions that each behold their own story.
MOE's team of mixologists developed the new menu of liquid narrations with inspiration from local, seasonal ingredients and the restaurant’s international relationships. Some of these global revelations are reflected in some of the multinational cocktail names like Fu Lang Chang—Santo Blanco Tequila, Pedro Ximenez Sherry, Joffrey’s Espresso and chocolate bitters; Hola Santo—Santo Mezquila, Cocchi Rosa and Velvet Falernum; and Cape Town Sundowner—Inverroche Verdant Gin, yellow chartreuse, pink peppercorn syrup and fresh lime juice.
The Cape Town Sundowner happens to be inspired by Co-Proprietor of MOE, Michael Klauber’s experience enjoying a classic safari ‘sundowner’ cocktail while leading the bi-annual Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club trip to South Africa. “I’ll never forget our first sip of a sundowner with Inverroche while visitingLondolozi Game Reserve,” he says. “We knew immediately it was a special part of Africa we’d like to offer our friends back at home!”
In addition, the menu encompasses modern handcrafted creations, like Green With Envy and Basil Berry Lemonade, as well as old favorites with a slight twist, like Scotch Sandy and Vanilla Old Fashioned. “This time of year there's a lot to celebrate," says Klauber. "Whether it's holiday fun with friends and family, some well-deserved time off from work, or looking forward to the New Year, Michael’s On East has the perfect way to ‘toast’ to the season."
Photo courtesy of Michael's on East
Manatee County Habitat for Humanity’s fourth subdivision, Poling Gardens, received approval from the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners on December 5. Poling Gardens is named after the original farm owner’s family and joins Village of the Palms, Washington Park and Hope Landing as the latest subdivision created by Manatee Habitat since it was founded in 1994.
Located in the Samoset Neighborhood, this 3-acre subdivision will consist of 16 single-story homes for first time home buyers who have completed Habitat’s home ownership financial literacy and education courses and will contribute between three and four hundred hours of “sweat equity” prior to purchasing the homes with an interest free loan. Poling Gardens will begin construction in 2020.
“We are grateful for the approval from our County Commissioners and excited to begin another community project that provides environmentally friendly, safe and affordable housing to local families,” said Diana Shoemaker, Manatee Habitat CEO.
Sarasota County Schools is pleased to announce thatAtwater Elementary School has been invited to participate in the 2019 – 2020 ECTAC Exceeding Expectations (E2) Project. Currently in its ninth year, the ECTAC E2 Project strives to uplift and recognize Title I schools across Florida that are exceeding expectations related to improving student achievement across many benchmarks.The East Coast Technical Assistance Center (ECTAC) is a collaborative network of over forty Florida school districts. ECTAC personnel assist member school districts in the development and implementation of the U.S. Department of Education’s Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Title I program. Schools that have 50%–100% of their student population qualify for free or reduced lunch are selected for the E2 Project using criteria based on School Grade data obtained from the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) database.
Manatee County is accepting applications for an NAACP seat on the Children’s Services Advisory Board (CSAB). The volunteer board makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on the priorities and expenditures of the County’s dedicated millage for children’s services. The vacant seat must be filled by a member of the NAACP. The representative will be appointed for the remainder of a term that ends Sept. 30, 2020. To qualify for consideration, applicants must be a resident of Manatee County. Employees, owners or voting board members of agencies that receive funding from Manatee County, or individuals that contract with agencies that receive County funding, will not be considered to serve as a representative on this advisory board. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 3. Applications must include: 1) Advisory Board Application, 2) Children’s Services Advisory Board Supplemental Questions (Page 4 of the Advisory Board Application), and 3) a resume or a Curriculum Vitae (CV). Apply on the County's new online application page.
Goldfish Swim School, the country's leading water safety and swim lesson school offering infant and child swim lessons, is pleased to announce the opening of a new 8,500 square foot Lakewood Ranch location. The newest addition to the Goldfish Swim School family will be welcoming swimmers into the pool in January, 2020. Located in San Marco Plaza at 8205 Natures Way, Suite 111, Goldfish Swim School Lakewood Ranch offers a wide range of swimming classes for children ages 4 months old to 12 years old, of all skill levels, at times that are convenient and flexible for every family's schedule.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County is celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments of Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club member Fatima D. and Teen Specialist Geoffry Gilot as Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) recently appointed them to serve on the 2020 National Keystone Conference Steering Committee.
The National Keystone Conference Steering Committee features an exclusive group of outstanding teens and Club advisers from Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation who were selected through a competitive application process. Fatima and Geoffry were selected for their dedication to the Lee Wetherington Keystone Club, which is a unique leadership development experience that provides Club members, ages 14-18, with opportunities to enhance their academic success while preparing for their future careers and improving their communities through service projects. Fatima is a 17-year-old senior at The Out-of-Door Academy, and has been a Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club member since 2008. She is actively involved in the organization’s service, entrepreneurial, career prep, vocational training and leadership development programs. Fatima is also the STAR (Students Taking Active Roles) Leadership Training Program Student Representative who serves on the agency’s Board of Directors.
At the 2020 Ignite Education: Teacher of the Year Awards, Sarasota County school teachers were recognized for making a difference. This year's honoreesa include Marissa Dobbert of Sarasota Military Academy Prep who was named Middle School Teacher of the Year, Joshua Grant of Venice High School who was named High School Teacher of the Year, Ali Binswanger of Lakeview Elementary Scool as the Innovation Award Recipient and Sherri T. Reynolds of the Sarasota High School Class of 1971 who was recognized as the Alumni of Distinction.
Several members of the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange (GCBX), a not-for-profit trade organization, are providing $25,000 of pro bono in-kind services to help renovate an existing 3,657-square-foot duplex for Prodigal Daughters, a Christ-centered rehabilitation ministry for women suffering from the bondage of addiction, human trafficking, abuse or any other life-controlling issues. The Prodigal Daughters Journey Home serves as the nonprofit’s only housing for its 18-month to 24-month residential rehabilitation program. The four-bedroom and two-bathroom duplex consists of a playroom, craft room, living room and dining room. The home’s occupancy can accommodate 6 people, but the nonprofit is currently working on a change-of-use permit to allow up to 23 people.
Sarasota-based online retailer JMX Brands, parent company of DutchCrafters Amish Furniture, has been named a 2019 Leading E-Tailer by weekly trade publication Furniture Today. This marks the fifth time the company has made the “exclusive report that lists 23 online and home furnishings retailers in alphabetical order within three categories: over $1 billion, between $100 million, and less than $100 million.” The small business founded by Jim and Linse Miller to connect people to handpicked products with exceptional service landed in the latter category with an estimated 2018 total sales of $10 million to $14.9 million.
Born and raised in Mexico City, where he spent most of his career, Manuel Álvarez Bravo (Mexican, 1902-2002) was one of the most important figures in 20th century Latin American photography. Although he took art classes at the Academy of San Carlos, his photography was mostly self-taught, but he was savvy to the emerging international artistic avant-garde. Considered to be one of the founders of modern photography, his work extends from the late 1920s to the 1900s. He was a key figure from the period following the Mexican Revolution—often called the Mexican Renaissance—in which arts and literature flourished. This “Renaissance” owed to the happy—though not always tranquil—marriage between a desire for modernization and the search for an authentic national identity with Mexican roots, in which archaeology, history and ethnology played an important role. Support for this exhibition has been provided, in part, by the Ringling Endowment at the Florida State University Foundation. Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues.
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
¡Vívelo! merges different rhythms and dance styles such as folkloric dance, contemporary, Spanish dance, and African-inspired movements. Mexican musical ensemble Son Luna provides the traditional music of Veracruz, Mexico, and dance troupe Jóvenes Zapateadores showcase the evolution of Son Jarocho roots with different rhythms and dance styles. Masterfully displaying dance genres from the region, this production provides strong entry points for audiences of all ages seeking a highly energetic folkloric performance experience.
Historic Asolo Theater , 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
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
Returning for the third year, the Sarasota Cuban Ballet brings its stunning production to the VPAC for three performances. Accompanied by 26 musicians from The Venice Symphony with guest conductor Joeseph Caulkins, and a brand new set, these pre-professional performers will stun you with their elegance and strength in this holiday tradition. Single tickets on sale now at veniceperformingartscenter.com or (941) 218 3779.
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave building 5, Venice, FL 34285
A Retrospective collection, with a significant nod to music, the arts and the legacy of the Pop Art genre from the studio of artist legend, Peter Max, will be on exhibition and available for acquisition in a limited engagement presentation at Chasen Galleries, Sarasota’s premier pop art gallery. The exhibition opens with an evening preview event on Thursday, January 16, 2020 from 5-8 pm. The Exhibition extends through Sunday, January 26. Two limited engagement, not-to-be-missed Gallery receptions for the public will take place on Saturday, January 25 from 6 to 8 pm and Sunday, January 26 from 1 to 3 pm. All receptions complimentary and open to the public with RSVPs suggested; 866-900-6699.
Chasen Galleries, 1830 S Osprey Ave suite 102, Sarasota, FL 34239
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
Each season, The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast hosts The Perlman Music Program (PMP) Sarasota Winter Residency. Founded by Toby Perlman, and with a world-renowned faculty led by her husband, internationally acclaimed violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman, PMP augments its seven-week summer school program in Shelter Island each December with a 17-day winter residency, December 21, 2019 - January 4, 2020, in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The residency provides valuable mentoring and performance opportunities for approximately 35 young international string musicians, ages 12-20+, and offers 20+ free and low-cost musical events on the campus of USF Sarasota-Manatee. Each year, the winter residency culminates with the Celebration Concert, January 4, 2020, with Itzhak Perlman conducting the PMP String Orchestra and Patrick Romano leading the PMP Chorus at the Sarasota Opera House.
USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 34243
Don’t miss the 34th Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday, December 14 beginning at 6pm. The best areas for viewing are Marina Jack Restaurant, Bayfront Park, City Island. All boats must pass approx. 1/3 of the marina side Bayfront Park, to be considered for judging. The Bay front Park spectator viewing area has been expanded to include the entire Northern tip of the island near the fountain.
Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Concealed and Revealed offers a unique selection of paintings by the artist, along with numerous objects from the Solomon Archive on view for the first time. Syd Solomon (American, 1917-2004) described himself as an “Abstract Impressionist” alluding to the fact that his work infused impressionism into the processes, scale and concepts of Abstract Expressionism. Solomon moved to Sarasota in 1946 with his wife Annie. His was the first work of contemporary art to be collected by The Ringling in 1962. His paintings were greatly influenced by climatic factors and reveal a fascination and concern for Florida’s aquatic environment. Solomon incorporated his experience as a camouflage designer during World War II into his painting. It is not well-known that he was also an accomplished graphic artist, who in his early years designed commercial signage for prominent hotels and businesses in Sarasota. Like his work in camouflage, Solomon’s calligraphic skill was essential to the development of his later gestural abstraction.
Syd Solomon: Concealed and Revealed is presented in partnership with the Estate of Syd Solomon and is accompanied by a 96-page publication with essays by former curator at The Ringling Michael Auping, George S. Bolge, Dr. Gail Levin, and Mike Solomon. The exhibition will include artworks from private collections and The Ringling’s permanent collection.
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
Ringling by the Bay will return for 10 events November through May. We hope that you will join us on the Bolger Campiello for these fun-filled evenings with live music and dancing. Food and beverage are available for purchase on the bayfront. Limited seating is available.
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat and the FSU/Asolo Conservatory are teaming up to present an open class with renowned mime artist Bill Bowers. The class will take place Saturday, December 21, from 11 AM – 12 PM, in the Jane B. Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for Performing Arts. The workshop is free to attend but reservations must be made through the Asolo Repertory Theatre Box Office. Bill Bowers will spend a week working closely with FSU/Asolo Conservatory students, who will assist him in this hour-long workshop in the Cook Theatre. Bowers will demonstrate basic pantomime technique and perform selections from his solo plays. The students, who have been studying with Bowers, will share work from their week-long residency with him.
Jane B. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
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
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is proud to present Sarasota’s most sophisticated and diversely entertaining New Years Eve experience; a black-tie event featuring a private journey through tropical holiday light displays, passed hors d’oeuvres, a seated four course dinner, special performances by The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company and Trainees from the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory and dancing at Michael’s on the Bay. The countdown to the New Year culminates with a champagne toast and a perfect view of fireworks overlooking Sarasota Bay. Celebrate the New Year in style.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
The Perlman Music Program Suncoast Super Strings is presented as part of a public orchestra rehearsal during the PMP Sarasota Winter Residency. Super Strings promotes the interaction of local young musicians with international students of The Perlman Music Program and world-class faculty. Forty-five string players from across the state of Florida join the PMP String Orchestra on stage, for a special one-time PMP Sarasota Winter Residency event, to perform the 1st Movement of Felix Mendelssohn's String Sinfonia No. 2 in D Major, under the baton of Itzhak Perlman. Tickets $10 at Perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org
USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243
Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL) is preparing for its 49th year of extremely popular global issues lectures and musical conversations. In 2020, these programs will begin in January and continue through the end of March. Speakers of global issues lectures are well-known, highly experienced experts, and guests on musical conversations are internationally renowned musicians, singers, and performers. SILL is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. In its 49th season, its programs will include 96 lectures and musical conversations presented in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch. SILL audiences mostly consist of highly educated and intellectually curious seniors living on the Suncoast year-round or during winter months. SILL also simulcasts some of its lectures to selected senior communities. Last year, attendance at SILL events exceeded 40,000. Single tickets to SILL events are only $10 at the door when available, and a season ticket for 12 same-day lectures cost just $85, which represents substantial savings. For program schedules, venues, speaker bios, and ordering season tickets visit sillsarasota.org
First United Methodist Church, 104 S. Pineapple Ave.
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