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SRQ DAILY Dec 4, 2020

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"A mirror is very one-dimensional but seeing yourself on film is such a valuable teaching tool."

- Lauren Ostrander, Sarasota Ballet Dancer
 

[Dance]  For Two Sarasota Ballet Dancers, Virtual Programming is a Silver Lining
Andrew Fabian, andrew.fabian@srqme.com

At the end of a particularly trying section of a ballet, when a dancer has leaped and spun and leaped again until their legs and arms burn with the effort, a certain energy builds between themselves and the audience. They have given the audience their energy in a very real sense, and the audience awaits the final maneuver that signals it is now their time to return that energy with applause. But with nobody in the seats, recently promoted dancers in the Sarasota Ballet, Lauren Ostrander and Janae Korte, must make do.

The two coryphées had not performed in 7 months, and a triumphant return to the stage was tempered by the newness of the virtual production experience. “You kinda miss that applause when you finish a variation,” says Korte, who, along with Ostrander, performed in excerpts from the work of George Balanchine for Sarasota Ballet’s Digital Program 2. Ostrander seconds that sentiment, but adds, “you still got a little bit of that magic.” 

But if the production was an exercise in making do, it was not without its undeniable advantages. “A mirror is very one-dimensional,” says Ostrander, “but seeing yourself on film is such a valuable teaching tool.” The dancers were able to get new perspectives on their technique and the nuances of their performance, notes they can take with them onto the practice floor. With the convenience of the virtual stream, the dancers also reached audiences that otherwise don’t get an opportunity to watch them dance. “My fiancé was living in Switzerland and was able to see me perform,” says Ostrander, “I actually FaceTimed him while he was watching it, so it was cool to see his reaction and get real-time feedback.”

That outreach helped the digital program find viewers in other countries as well. “We sold tickets in Australia, Finland, Italy, Japan,” says marketing director Jason Ettore, “and we had viewers from 26 different states.” It helped make the company’s efforts worth it. “We thought it would be easier to produce these programs,” says Ettore, “but it’s actually more complicated. So, to get that viewership was really exciting.”

The digital programs also come with bonus features that let viewers in on some behind-the-scenes commentary from dancers and director Iain Webb. Korte and Ostrander got a chance to talk about their experience with being promoted to coryphées, what it was like dancing in front of a camera instead of an audience, and what it meant to them to be on stage after so long. “Ultimately, any moment on stage is what we love,” says Ostrander, “so it was just a gift.” A silver lining tempers Korte’s experience as well—“filming this has been a treat, but we’re so excited to have an audience again soon and have that energy when we finish dancing.”

The company’s Digital Program 3 opens January 1st, with arrangements and excerpts from Peter Darrell’s “Othello,” Christopher Wheeldon’s “The American,” and others. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, December 22nd. Ticket holders will receive a link to view the program and its accompanying materials via email. 

Sarasota Ballet Company, 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

Click here for more information.

[ShopTalk]  Don't Curb Your Enthusiasm on Curbside Cocktails
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

There's no need to dull your excitement--it's quite alright to get a bit giddy over the prospect of pulling up 1st street and stock up on a few craft cocktails to bring home with you from the bar team of Sage. Considered among the top brass in the restaurant game, the high-end restaurant is elevating its guest's experience more by offering its ultra craft cocktails by the bottle as part of its holiday curbside takeout service. David Tlaiye, beverage director at Sage and his team are imbueing the stoke further by using a clarification process that results in juices that are as clear as water, silky smooth and vividly flavorful. The combination of enzymes and a high-powered centrifuge removes the solid particles from juices like freshly-squeezed lime and pineapple without affecting the flavor--producing transparent cocktails with depth and uniquely translucent presentation.

Choose from six different handcrafted beverages including The Clarita: a light and refreshing margarita that is also completely clear; The Old Spaniard: Sage’s signature old fashioned with saffron and cinnamon flavors; The Pineapple Coconut Daiquiri: featuring RumHaven, a rum made with coconut water; The Clear Bird: a truly elevated rum tiki cocktail with a clear, hay hue; The Negroni: slightly lighter than the classic gin libation, Sage’s version is the perfect sip at home or on the beach; and The Metropolitan: a Cosmopolitan made with hibiscus tea instead of cranberry juice. “The flavors in these cocktails are meant to capture the distinct spirit of the holiday season in southwest Florida,” says Tlaiye. “The brightness of citrus and hibiscus, balanced with more traditional holiday flavors like saffron and cinnamon make our beverages both intricate and accessible.” 

Each libation comes elegantly packaged in a 12 oz. glass bottle, containing at least three servings and the accompanying garnish, for $23 each. As enticing as it is to drink straight out the beautiful bottle, the cocktails are intended to be enjoyed over ice in your preferred glassware at home. The citrus-based cocktails have a shelf life of 7-10 days; the Negroni and Old Spaniard last between two weeks and a month--making them ideal gifts for the holidays, Christmas dinner and New Year’s Eve celebrations. “We love hosting patrons in our bar spaces, but for this year’s holidays especially, it’s important that people be able to enjoy the flavors of Sage wherever they feel safest and most comfortable,” says Tlaiye. “We love the idea of being a part of people’s home holiday traditions.”

Call ahead 941-445-5660 to order your bottles separately or as part of a full Sage holiday meal at home. 

Photo taken by Zach Dauth

Sage, 1216 1st St., Sarasota, @sagesrq

[Recognition]  Sarasota Book Receives National Book Award in Photography Category

The Lure of Sarasota and Her Islands is the Award-Winning Finalist in the Photography Category of the 2020 Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest.The Lure of Sarasota and Her Islands which includes new images of Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key, Siesta Key, Casey Key, and Manasota Key. Each colorful page introduces a stunning image of a serene scene, a wildlife closeup, an inviting white sandy shore and more. 

Click here for more information.

[New Position ]  Brigette Davis Appointed to Florida Head Start Association Board of Directors

Brigette Davis, Associate Head Start and Early Head Start Director at Children First in Sarasota, has been elected to the Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) Board of Directors. Ms. Davis said, "I am proud to be appointed to the FHSA Board of Directors. It is an honor to serve with this esteemed group of leaders who are passionate and committed to early childhood education, specifically Head Start and Early Head Start and the high-quality comprehensive services they provide." 

Click here for more information.

[New Building]  Coastal Orthopedics Announces Plans for Future Expansion

Coastal Orthopedics, a full-service provider of comprehensive orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, spine care, pain management and physical therapy services, is planning to further expand in Manatee County with a new medical center and headquarters. Located on State Road 64 just east of Interstate 75, the 17-acre parcel will be the future home to Coastal Orthopedics’ new 88,000-square-foot medical facility. “Coastal Orthopedics is expanding to match the demand of the population growth throughout Manatee and Sarasota Counties,” said Paige LeMay, CEO of Coastal Orthopedics. “We have a vision for the future and a big part of that vision is the opportunity to provide a complete continuum of services in one location for our patients.” 

Click here for more information.

[Donation]  Community Day School Receives Major Gift for New Campus

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School, a Sarasota-based private Jewish day school serving children of all faiths in preschool through eighth grade, has received a donation of $300,000 from an anonymous family foundation in support of its “Owning Our Future” campaign. “Even as the pandemic continues to impact organizations throughout the community, we are seeing incredible levels of excitement about what we are trying to achieve with our school philosophy and potential for expanded programming on our new site,” said Rachel Saltzberg. “Numerous significant gifts have affirmed that there is overwhelming support for our rigorous curriculum, purposeful pluralism, and record of success in developing lifelong learners who we believe will help to change the world.” 

Pictured: The Community Day School Panthers are looking forward to having a gym of their own on the school’s new campus.

Click here for more information.

[Animal Adoption]  Manatee County Animal Services “Home for the Holidays”: Fee-Waived Adoptions

Holiday cheer and hope are in the air at Manatee County Animal Services (MCAS) because every pet deserves a "Home for the Holidays," MCAS is presenting several options to help our shelter animals this holiday season.  For all pets, adoption fees will be waived in lieu of a donation made to the Friends of Manatee County Animal Services (FoMCAS). This promotion is effective from November 20 through January 5. Adoptions include spay/neuter, microchip, and rabies certificate. 

Pictured: Nora (black cat), 1 year-old domestic shorthair.

Click here for more information.



[SOON]  GALLERY: Art Uptown Gallery: Imagine: Paintings by Jill Krasner , November 28 – December 25, Gallery hours.

Jill Krasner, Art Uptown’s December solo artist, takes viewers on a magical, mystery tour of imaginary gardens all artistically grown during the 2020 pandemic. Wander through a new collection of exuberant paintings filled with a jumble of jaunty, colorful flowers and landscapes without borders from November 28 until December 25, 2020. Jill’s latest work continues to demonstrate her color mastery and complex, inventive surfaces. Stroll through Jill Krasner’s new collection at Art Uptown, located at 1367 Main Street, Sarasota open Monday through Friday, 11 am to 5 pm, Saturday, 11 am to 3pm and Sunday 12 noon to 5pm. You can meet the artist during Saturday gallery hours. Private appointments can be arranged by calling 941-955-5409. The gallery continues its commitment to visitor and staff safety by the use of masks, sanitizer, frequent cleaning and social distancing. 

Art Uptown Gallery, 1367 Main Street

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Hermitage: Illuminating the Transcendent , December 4, 5pm

The Hermitage Artist Retreat’s popular beachfront series continues with “Illuminating the Transcendent,” with composers Krists Auznieks and Robert Pound and poet Jason Schneiderman, Friday, December 4, 5 p.m. These outdoor, beachside events are at the Hermitage, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood. Admission is free but registration is required at HermitageArtistRetreat.org. Capacity will be limited to accommodate safe social distancing, so early reservations are recommended. Masks are strongly encouraged.

The Hermitage, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood

[SOON]  GALLERY: Michael Murphy Gallery: Celebrity Artist Sara Conca , December 4 – January 5, 5pm-9pm and gallery hours.

Please join Michael Murphy Gallery, Tampa’s premier fine art gallery, for the opening reception of Rythmique: a solo exhibition of the works of world-renowned contemporary abstract artist Sara Conca. Sara's museum-provenanced work graces international & celebrity private art collections, luxurious European chateaus, & venerable municipal collections throughout the globe. Her natural mixed media paintings, flecked with gold and dynamically textured, invite the viewer into their colorful movements. Sara will be making a very special live appearance on December 5, 2020 & available for private appointments to discuss her work and private commissions on December 4, 2020. Gallery curators are onsite and private curatorial tours are available.  All artwork will be on exhibition and available for acquisition beginning December 5, 2020 through January 5, 2021. An in-gallery reception is planned for Saturday, December 5 from 5pm- 9pm.  This event is complimentary and open to the public with RSVPs recommended at 813-902-1414 or gallery@mmgart.com.

Michael Murphy Gallery, 2701 South MacDill Avenue, Tampa

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Virtual: The Florida Center for Early Childhood: Annual Winter Benefit , December 4, 7pm

With your safety in mind, we have replaced our gala with an interactive, virtual event that includes multiple ways to participate on December 4, 2020 with an interactive wine tasting hosted by Michael's on East at 7pm, entertainment by musician Jonathan Cortez and Hall of Fame keynote speaker Linda Larsen at 7:30pm, and program, auctions and chance drawings at 8pm. Whether you purchase an event ticket to enjoy the interactive wine tasting, watch the event livestreamed on our YouTube channel, enter our chance drawing, bid on silent auction items or do all of the above, your participation will help us reach our goal of raising $100,000 by December 31st. Your support will ensure we can continue providing critical services for over 3,000 children and families. 

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Florida CraftArt: Annual Fine Craft Artist Festival , December 5, 10am-5pm

This Saturday, December 5 from 10am to 5pm, 18 fine craft artists will be featured in Florida CraftArt's 23rd annual festival. Because of the pandemic, it will be a smaller version of Tampa Bay's highly anticipated annual fall festival that typically showcases 100 fine craft artists and attracts collectors and enthusiasts alike each fall in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. This year's festival, free to the public as always, will be held outdoors by the Florida CraftArt gallery at 501 Central Avenue. It is the perfect opportunity for people to purchase quality, handmade original gifts created by Florida artists.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Virtual: The Sarasota World Affairs Lecture Series Featuring Richard Skolnik , December 7, 6:30pm-8pm

Exactly one year ago Mr. Skolnik addressed SWAC and warned of the potential for a global pandemic. And here we are in the third surge of COVID-19. He is returning to update us on the situation, discuss the key challenges in global health, and perhaps make some predictions on future global health concerns on Zoom from 6:30pm to 8pm on Monday, December 7, 2020.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Virtual: Van Wezel: Charlotte's Web Schooltime Performance , December 7 – December 20

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall’s Education & Community Engagement Department is thrilled to announce a free streaming of TheaterWorksUSA’s Charlotte’s Web from December 7 through 20. Based on the popular children’s book, this performance was set to be the final Schooltime Performance of the 2019-2020 school year and was canceled this past spring due to COVID-19. This free program for all schools will be available for streaming from December 7 through 20. Complimentary live Zoom workshops with teaching artists are also available at no charge. Topics include mood/setting, character traits and more. The program is recommended for grades K-5, and teachers can register now on a first come, first served basis.

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Virtual: Artist Talk & Demo with Choreographer Liony Garcia & Dancers , December 10, 11am

Miami based dancer and choreographer Liony Garcia will discuss his time as an artist in residence at The Ringling, and his project Corporeal Decorum on December 10, 2020 at 11am. Joined by his dancers for this  broadcast from the Historic Asolo Theater, this part artist talk-part demonstration will elaborate on the Art Deco movement of Miami, and discuss how the past can be brought into embodied practices by translating historic architectural and object design into present day movement and scenography. This opportunity is $5 for the public and free for members.

[SOON]  THEATER: Virtual: Florida Studio Theatre: Reckoning: Race in American Theatre , December 10, 11am

America's scars of racism run deep - both North and South of the Mason-Dixon Line. Hear from playwrights Rachel Lynett and Kenneth Jones on December 10, 2020 at 11am about their works in progress, tackling America's history of division and inequality with undeterred honesty. Lynett's play, Carry Me, based on real events, centers on two wealthy Black Suffragists from Philadelphia who face a challenging decision about the politics of progress. Jones shares about his play, Last Call at the Old Slave Quarters Lounge, a bold new work set in a popular Mississippi restaurant steeped in unsettling history. When long-buried secrets are unearthed, they challenge the status quo of three generations of a family of restaurateurs, revealing conflicting views on heritage, community and responsibility.

[SOON]  FOOD: Jazz Brunch with Nancy Pastore and Danny Hoefer , December 13, 10am-2pm

Join Hamlet's Eatery for a Jazz Brunch on Sunday, December 13 in the gorgeous outdoor courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime. Relax under the covered patio at 821 Apricot Avenue, Sarasota from 10am until 2pm. Menu options will include both traditional and vegan dishes from build your own omelettes with fresh organic eggs to tofu scrambles. Free mimosa with entree. Starting at 10:30am until 1:30pm, enjoy live jazz music featuring Nancy Pastore and Danny Hoefer. Stay afterwards for A Christmas Carol presented by The Players Centre for Performing Arts. Showtime at 2pm and tickets are only $20 available through The Players.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Virtual: Key Chorale: A Come Together Holiday , December 14, 6pm

A Come Together Holiday is a virtual one-hour celebration of music for the holidays on December 14 at 6pm. Featuring the Chamber Singers, Section Leaders Ensemble and soloists Jamal Sarikoki, Amy Connours, Lorraine Murphy, Michelle Caulkins and Mark Wagstrom. Special performances also by violinist Daniel Jordan and clarinetist Laura Petty. Viewers can also be part of the performance with eight singalongs such as Joy to the World, Winter Wonderland, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Jingle Bells and more. So grab your cup of eggnog, or hot chocolate, and enjoy the joy and peace of the season with Key Chorale. This one-hour concert is perfect to watch and sing along with family and friends from the comfort of your home.

[SOON]  GALLERY: 530 Burns Gallery: On the Sunny Side , November 13 – December 7, Gallery hours.

'On the Sunny Side' features artists like Teresa McCue and Alreen Joseph who explores the way light and nature interact on canvas. From shimmering abstracted scenes in yellow hues to more literal depictions of the perfect day, the artists in this exhibition remind the viewer that there is always something for which to be grateful. The exhibition will run from Friday, November 13 through December 8 2020. The sun rises each morning as it always does, casting a warm glow and illuminating pathways into nature. This feeling of comfort is evident in Teresa McCue’s work, despite being painted during the global pandemic. McCue paints her spiritual connection to nature through patterns, textures, and rhythms with acrylic paint and pastel. Color is an important factor in her abstracted paintings that seek to evoke the spirit of the landscape. Living near the water in New Hampshire, McCue is continually pushing the range of color found within the landscape to their abstracted forms.

530 Burns Gallery, 530 Burns Lane

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Drive-Thru Winter Wonderland Experience and Holiday Toy Drive , December 5, 4pm-7pm

Join Safe Place And Rape Crisis Center from 4pm to 7pm on December 5, 2020 at 2139 Main Street for a "touchless" drop-off event and winter wonderland experience to make the holiday season extra special for survivors and their children and raise funds to help SPARCC’s life-saving, free and confidential programs and services.

Safe Place And Rape Crisis Center, 2139 Main Street

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: HD at the Opera House: Macbeth , December 6, 1:30pm

The warrior Macbeth fights on the side of the King of Scotland, but when a coven of witches prophesy that he shall become king himself, a ruthless ambition drives Macbeth and his wife to horrific acts. Murder makes Macbeth king, and intrigue and butchery are the hallmarks of his brief, doomed reign. The witches make another prediction, which also comes true: Macbeth and his lady lose their lives, and justice is restored. From Royal Opera House, starring Anna Netrebko, Ildebrando D'Arcangelo, Yusif Eyvazov, Francesca Chiejina, Konu Kim, Simon Shibambu, Jonathan Fisher; conducted by Antonio Pappano. Macbeth will play at 1:30pm on December 6, 2020 and will run for 3hr and 20m, including one intermission, sung in Italian with English subtitles.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Avenue

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Virtual: The Hermitage Artist Retreat: Future Tradition with Du Yun , December 18, 5pm

The Hermitage Artist Retreat’s popular beachfront series continues with "Future Tradition," featuring a talk and demonstration with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and performer Du Yun on Friday, December 18 at 5pm.

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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