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SRQ DAILY Mar 3, 2023

Friday Weekend Edition

Friday Weekend Edition

"I think the circus artists rarely have the opportunity to perform to live music so it really brings out a certain amount of energy, drama and power to the show which is really palpable."

- Joseph Caulkins, Artistic Director, Key Chorale.
 

-IN THIS ISSUE: LEGO Master - Artist, Designer and LEGO extraordinaire Tyler Clites talks about how he's built a career one piece at a time, March 2023.
[Arts & Entertainment]  Cirque des Voix: Circus of the Voices
Dylan Campbell, dylan@srqme.com

“Around 2011, Pedro Reis, the co-founder of Circus Arts Conservatory and myself had a mutual friend, Richard Storm, that thought we should meet.” says Joseph Caulkins, the Artistic Director of Key Chorale. “Richard was at the time the Executive Director of Key Chorale and had a great love for the circus. He told me that it’d be really cool if we could do something with the circus and I thought to myself that’s the stupidest idea of all time, we're a symphonic chorus that doesn’t make any sense.’”

What Caulkins didn’t realize was that his meeting with Reis would spark one the most fruitful partnerships either company has been a part of – Cirque des Voix: Circus of the Voices, a unique production pairing the musicality of Key Chorale with the high-flying acts of the Circus Arts Conservatory. “Richard had a knack for knowing if you put the right creative people in the room together they’ll make something special. So after dragging my feet I finally met Pedro and probably in about an hour we’d come up with this idea of Cirque des Voix,” says Caulkins with a laugh.

This March will mark the 13th production of Cirque des Voix and will feature acts such as Samantha Pitard, hair hang, paired with “Alice’s Theme” from “Alice in Wonderland” by Danny Elfman and Aleksandr Deev, Cyr wheel, accompanied by “Justice League” by Jeff Marsh and “Code Name Vivaldi” by James Powell. “Every year’s a little different, we always have the incredible combination of 100 voices of Key Chorale and a 40-piece orchestra and we accompany some of the greatest circus acts around the country. So we combine all of those together with the musical and circus arts and it creates a really high energy and dynamic environment,” says Caulkins. “I think the circus artists rarely have the opportunity to perform to live music so it really brings out a certain amount of energy, drama and power to the show which is really palpable.”

CAC’s Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota – NEW LOCATION, Friday, March 10 at 8 p.m., and Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12 at 1 p.m. CAC: 941-355-9805 

Pictured: Maestro Joseph Caulkins will conduct the Cirque Orchestra and Key Chorale Photo by Cliff Roles.

To learn more click here.

[Arts & Entertainment]  Through Women’'s Eyes International Film Festival Celebrates Women's Voices and Stories with 38 Films from 11 Countries

The Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival returns to Sarasota just in time for International Women’s Day to offer women’s stories and perspectives from around the world. Now in its 24th year, the festival will spotlight women facing Covid lockdown, women in wartime and as refugees, reproductive health and safety, gender roles, and also humorous approaches to taboo subjects through animation and creative storytelling. On Friday, March 10, organizers will host the first in-person North American screening of the documentary Shirin Ebadi: Until We are Free, featuring Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi, at its opening celebration. Following the screening, festival organizers will present comments by Dr Ebadi and director Dawn Engle in a short program on the current state of the uprisings and struggle for human rights in Iran. The opening celebration will take place at Ringling College of Art and Design in the Larry R. Thompson Academic Center, Morganroth Auditorium.This year’s selections include 7 features, 21 shorts, and 10 Emerging Filmmaker films, with five that will be screened in-person, and the rest available online and on-demand through the weekend. They represent China, Ireland, Ukraine, England, Canada, Germany, South Africa, Belgium, the Philippines, UAE, and the USA. After receiving over 325 submissions from 43 countries, the selection committee chose 38 films that reflect a diverse array of experiences by and about global women and the LGBTQ+ community. A number of the chosen independent filmmakers are expected to attend the festival and meet with audiences to share what inspires them and how they created their films. The festival will once again celebrate excellence with an awards ceremony, shorts block screening, and meet-and-greet with filmmakers, this year on Saturday, March 11 from 1-4 p.m. at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center in Sarasota. The awards to be announced will include Best Feature, Best Narrative Short, and Best Documentary Short; local secondary students from the New Gate Montessori IB Global Program also participate in judging and presenting an Impact Award. Tickets and event passes are now available at the film festival website. 

To learn more click here.

[Local Shopping]  Casual Chic is Trending for Spring 2023
Kendall Stone, kendall@moteltherapy.comom

I keep an eye on runway shows and fashion trends so you don’t have to. As a Sarasota Native, I filter through style trends to give you realistic style advice for all ages; and for the record I stray away from hyper-trends and fast fashion.Let’s talk about what styles are on the horizon for spring and summer 2023 and where you might find them locally. I’m calling the overall theme of this year “casual chic”. Over the past 2 years we’ve seen athleisure wear takeover and we are now seeing the popular style slowly elevate. For example, upgrade your leggings to a skirt or a flowy dress but feel free to keep the sneakers on. For dresses and skirts we’re seeing a lot of longer hemlines this year. Midi and maxi dresses will be popular. If you really want to be ahead of the curve, denim maxi skirts are slowly becoming the “it” item amongst influencers and celebrities. It’s also a personal favorite trend of mine. We’re also seeing a lot of feminine details like bubble hems, bows and soft colors. Surge Style, a boutique on Main Street, has great feminine pieces and dresses that align with these trends. For denim we’re seeing a revival of the skinny pant! They got a bad rep last year but designers are quickly welcoming the style back this year. If you still like the look of a skinny pant but want to feel modern and on trend, opt for a slim straight leg. Motel Therapy, a local boutique located in Burns Court, carries the Aussie Brand Rolla’s which offers these styles under $150. Trousers are still all the rage this year and look great worn casually with a sneaker and tee of your choice. Speaking of sneakers, one of the most popular lifestyle sneakers at the moment are the Adidas Sambas (it also has a great price point at $100). The black Sambas were seen all over for fall and winter; I’ll be opting for a bright color for spring and summer. Other brands like New Balance continue to be very popular and are releasing great modern lifestyle options. Whenever discussing trends, I always like to end with saying fashion and style are best when it feels personal to you. Use trends as a guide to feel modern and then wear it however you feel best!


Kendall Stone is owner and fasion buyer for Motel Therapy,  532 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-960-2277. 

Pictured: Style inspiration for slim straight denim. Photo by Kendall Stone, as seen on Motel Therapy’s Instagram

[Arts & Entertainment]  The Hat Theater Collective Announces its Cast for The Ballad of Old Manatee

The Hat Theater Collective is proud to announce the cast and creative team of the World Premiere of The Ballad of Old Manatee, co-created by Founder and Producing Artistic Director, Danae DeShazer, and Derek Brookens. The immersive historical drama runs Fridays and Saturdays, April 21 - May 6, 2023 at the Manatee Village Historical Park (1404 Manatee Ave E) in Bradenton, FL with a portion of ticket sales being donated to the Manatee County Historical Commission, Inc. Tickets can be purchased by visiting atthehat.org/tickets. The Ballad of Old Manatee tells the dynamic love story of James C. Vanderipe and Sarah Lee—and an intense conflict between James and Sarah's father, the Reverend Edmund Lee. This conflict, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, leads to James' death and burial in what is called "The Lonesome Grave." The cast includes Alexander Zickafoose (he/him) as James C. Vanderipe, Ashley Figlow (she/her) as Sarah Lee, Lee Gundersheimer (he/him) as Reverend Edmund Lee, Donna DeFant (she/her) as Electa Lee, Grace Wolfe (she/her) as Eliza Burts, and Derek Brookens (he/him) as the Narrator. Jason Ellis (he/him) will play James C. Vanderipe at select performances. Rounding out this ensemble cast is Susie Lowe (she/her), Brandy Harlan (she/her), Sean Harlan (he/him), and Derrick Duncan (he/him). The Ballad of Old Manatee will be directed by Danae DeShazer (she/her). Ms. DeShazer is a professional director, actor, teaching artist, and choreographer. She is the former Associate Artistic Director at McLeod Summer Playhouse in Carbondale, Illinois. She has toured with several youth theater companies, including The National Theatre for Children, Prairie Fire Children's Theatre, and Lexington Children's Theatre. Local audiences might have seen her work at Manatee Performing Arts Center (RENT), Theatre Odyssey's One Act Play Festival (WINNER! That Kiss), or The Players Centre (Broadway on the Bay: The Sarasota Divas; …Spelling Bee). Derek Brookens is the co-creator of The Ballad of Old Manatee, writing the book, music, and lyrics. Mr. Brookens’ work was most recently seen as a finalist in The Players Centre’s New Play Festival with his full-length play, Gin Rickey. Originally from Pennsylvania, Derek spent a decade performing professionally across the country. He’s been an actor and songwriter since age 15 and a playwright since 25. His other works include “The Sword in the Stone,” an original musical adaptation for students. He’s also completed “28 Plays Later,” a daily playwriting challenge, twice. Joining Ms. DeShazer and Mr. Brookens on the creative team are Carrie Greenberg (she/her) as Rehearsal Assistant, Andrea Knies (she/her) as History Consultant, and Olivia d’Amico (she/her) as Costume Consultant. This interactive and unique theatrical experience will serve as a fundraiser for the Manatee County Historical Commission, Inc. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Manatee County Historical Commission, Inc. maintains the historically significant buildings within the Manatee Village Historical Park in order to preserve and share the heritage of Manatee County’s founding period (1840-1918). Tickets are on sale for $27 and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Manatee County Historical Commission, Inc. These proceeds will assist in the repairs and maintenance of the 1887 Church. Tickets can be purchased by visiting atthehat.org/tickets. The production is approximately 75 minutes with no intermission and will have a limited run on Fridays and Saturdays, April 21 - May 6, 2023. 

[Arts & Entertainment]  FST's Smash Hit Cabaret, The 70S: More Than A Decade, Extends Again, Breaking Box Office Records

Due to continued audience demand, FST’s wildly popular Cabaret, The ‘70s: More Than A Decade, will be extended for a third time, breaking box office records in the process. With the announcement of this third extension, the wildly popular music revue has officially become the biggest hit in FST Cabaret history. With 21,000 tickets sold, The ‘70s: More Than A Decade has surpassed previous record-breaking Cabarets, including Unchained Melodies (2019) and Blue Suede Shoes (2018). “The '70s: More Than a Decade will always hold a special place in my heart," said Lead Developer Rebecca Hopkins. "As a child of the '70s, myself, this show was especially meaningful for me to write. We've been overwhelmed by the audience's response since the revue opened in October 2022. I couldn't be more pleased that so many people have shared a special connection with this Cabaret and its music, as I have." 

Pictured Left to Right: Brianna Barnes, Michael James Byrne, Eddie Weaver, and Jannie Jones. Photo by John Jones.

[Lecture]  New Topics Lecture Discusses the Impact of Seashells on Climate Change

Based on her most recent book, “The Sound of the Sea, Seashells and the Fate of the Oceans,” the New College Foundation welcomes award-winning environmental author Cynthia Barnett for the next New Topics lecture on March 21, 2023. Barnett will explore the long, rich and surprisingly profound relationship between humans and seashells.  Traveling from Florida to the Bahamas to the Maldives, West Africa, and beyond, Barnett uncovers the ancient history of shells as global currency, their use as religious and luxury objects, and the rarely appreciated but remarkable creatures that make them.  Barnett says, “While shells reveal how humans have altered the climate and the sea—down to its very chemistry—they are also sentinels of hope for coastal adaptation for climate change, alternative energy and other solutions that lie beneath the waves. I look forward to illuminating the beauty and wonder of seashells as well as the human ingenuity and scientific solutions they represent for our warming world.” All New Topics events are held at Sanier Pavilion on the New College campus at 5:30pm and are sponsored by The Observer Media Group. Tickets are $10, free for faculty, students and staff. To learn more and register, visit ncf.edu/new-topics. For questions, contact the New College Foundation at foundation@ncf.edu or 941-487-4800. 

[Spring Break]  Splashin' Spring Break at Selby Gardens

“Sea” what you can find during Splashin’ Spring Break at Selby Gardens. Looking for family-friendly activities during spring break for Sarasota County Schools? Head to Selby Gardens for dip netting in Sarasota Bay! Venture into the seagrass meadows at the Downtown Sarasota campus to learn about the plants and animals that live in the bay. Afterwards, spend the remainder of your day exploring the Gardens. “Splashin’ Spring Break” will take place daily March 14 through 17 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. 

To register click here.



[SRQIST]  LEGO®️ Master
Dylan Campbell, dylan@srqme.com

LEGO Master | Artist, Designer and LEGO extraordinaire Tyler Clites talks about how he's built a career one piece at a time. Discover how Tyler turned his passion into a career, March 2023. 

Read Here!

[Event]  SB2 Luncheon

Join us on March 7, 2023 at Michael's On East for a dynamic luncheon symposium centered on conversations focused on regional philanthropic topics. The luncheon will include a panel discussion to explore the ever-changing world of non-profits and honor outstanding individuals who have made a meaningful impact within the community. 

Reserve Your Tickets Here

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Van Wezel Foundation Inspiration Gala with Kenny Loggins , March 10, 5 pm

Join us as we celebrate the 35-year partnership of the Van Wezel Foundation and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for an intimate experience featuring exceptional dining and Grammy-winning musician Kenny Loggins. Proceeds from the evening will the support the mission of the Van Wezel Foundation: to create and sustain a vibrant perfoming arts center, advance education, and enrich communities by inspiring minds through the power of the arts. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 5:00 Cocktails, Dinner & Program, 8:00 Live Performance. Gala co-chairs: Kathy Martella and Susan Travers. For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Julie Schwartz at 941-271-4180 or jschwartz@vwfoundation.org.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: FST - A Place in the Sun - A Tribute to Stevie Wonder , November 16 – April 16, Varied

A Place in the Sun – A Tribute to Stevie Wonder, will begin playing in FST’s Goldstein Cabaret on November 16, 2022. The new music revue celebrates the legendary musician whose catalogue spans six decades and multiple musical genres, taking audiences through the beloved songbook of musical pioneer, Stevie Wonder. Created by Jason Cannon, Richard Hopkins, and Sarah Durham, this all-new Cabaret features such timeless hits as “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” “Isn’t She Lovely?,” and “Superstition.” Tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Sarasota Concert Association announces Free Music Matinees , January 4 – April 19, 12:00 PM

The Sarasota Concert Association announces its 2023 Music Matinees concert series. These four free noon-time concerts showcase exceptional regional musicians performing a variety of musical styles, including classical and folk music. Scheduled this season: Passerine; Wednesday, January 4 at noon. With inventive vocal harmonies and song-writing skills, supported by the sounds of acoustic strings, Passerine offers a fresh take on traditional folk and bluegrass music, as well as a repertoire of original songs that range from ballads to contemporary Americana. Duo Pianists Michael Baron and Priscila Navarro; Wednesday, February 22 at noon; The Baron-Navarro Piano Duo performs a wide range of music, from classical to popular, for two pianos and piano four–hands with electric energy and melting lyricism. Their New York City debut as a piano duo at Carnegie Hall in March of 2022 was sold out and met with critical acclaim. Soprano Hein Jung and pianist Gregorios Zamparas; Friday, March 17 at noon Soprano Hein Jung has performed in recitals and with opera companies in major cities throughout the U.S, Italy and South Korea. She will be accompanied by pianist Gregorios Zamparas who has been praised for his versatility as a recitalist, orchestra soloist and chamber musician throughout the U.S. and Europe. Cellist Natalie Helm and Pianist Jesse Martins; Wednesday, April 19 at noon Principal Cellist of the Sarasota Orchestra, Natalie Helm is a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral musician, and educator. For this performance she will collaborate with pianist Jesse Martins, who also serves as conductor and vocal coach with the Sarasota Opera. The concerts are free but pre-registration is required and available 30 days before each concert at SCAsarasota.org. Performances take place at David Cohen Hall in the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail. Visit www.SCAsarasota.org or call the box office at 941-966-6161.

[SOON]  THEATER: Asolo Repertory Theatre: Silent Sky , January 19 – March 5, Varied

At the turn of the 20th century, years before women had the right to vote, one woman’s breakthrough changed our perception of the stars. Full of wonder, humor, and heart, SILENT SKY is the remarkable true story of Henrietta Leavitt, one of the pioneering women astronomers working at Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s. You will be enthralled by the story of this extraordinary woman who took on the astronomy establishment in order to discover the mysteries embedded in the sky. Henrietta transcended the odds while navigating love, family, and the universe, going on to make a world-altering advancement to the field of astronomy that forever changed our view of the cosmos.  Written by one of today’s leading playwrights, Lauren Gunderson, this mesmerizing drama is directed by Seema Sueko, who recently brought this work to life at Washington D.C.’s Ford’s Theatre. 

Asolo Repertory Theatre

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Art Center Sarasota: Same Source , February 2 – March 11

The Same Source exhibit by Luca Molnar uses various media to explore the connection between historical figures and personal mythologies. The exhibit highlights the connection between private life, domestic spaces and memory. On Thursday, Feb. 16, Molnar will participate in an artist talk via Zoom from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The exhibit runs from Feb. 2 to March 11. To learn more, visit artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 2023 Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature , February 12 – June 26, During garden hours

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ 2023 Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature showcases the creativity and innovation of American artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933). The first exhibition of its type to be presented in a botanical garden, the exhibition highlights the inspiring connection between Tiffany Studios and the natural world through unique horticultural displays in the Tropical Conservatory and the Gardens, accompanied by seminal examples of Tiffany’s work on view in the Museum of Botany and the Arts. To learn more, visit selby.org. Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Reel Music at the Florida Studio Theatre , February 15 – June 25, Various times

Florida Studio Theatre presents the original music revue, Reel Music, celebrating the movies that helped create the soundtrack to the last century. Featuring classics like “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Circle of Life,” and “My Heart Will Go On,” this new Cabaret traces how films—and the music highlighted in them—have evolved over the past one hundred years. Created by Richard Hopkins, Rebecca Hopkins, and Sarah Durham with musical arrangements by Jim Prosser, Reel Music begins playing February 15, 2023, in FST’s Court Cabaret. Single tickets for Reel Music
range between $18-39 and are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Palmetto Heritage Festival , March 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On Saturday, March 4th, from 10 am to 1 pm, Palmetto will celebrate its history during their Heritage Festival at Palmetto Historical Park and Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 515 10th Ave. West, Palmetto. This FREE event will feature a park open house and activities for the whole family. The 1880 Heritage Station Post Office will be operational, so bring your stamped mail! Guided tours of the park buildings will take place at 10:30, 11:30, and 12:30. The Agricultural Museum will be launching their new logo and will have giveaways for visitors, first come, first served. There will be a giant paint-by-number logo for visitors to paint along with contests, activities, and crafts throughout the grounds. Word of Mouth BBQ will be on site with delicious food available for purchase. Dairy Days of Manatee County, a new exhibit featuring Manatee County’s dairy industry, will open during Heritage Festival. From historic dairies of by-gone days to currently producing dairy farms, you will learn about local dairies and the innovations that changed the industry. Children’s learning activities are included in the exhibit. For more information, call 941-721-2034 or email agriculturalmuseum@manateeclerk.com.

[SOON]  THEATER: Network at Florida Studio Theatre , January 25 – March 19, Various times

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to present Network, a fast-paced drama following the downward spiral of Howard Beale, a longtime news anchor who has worked at a television network, UBS, for 25 years. When Beale learns that he is being fired for poor ratings and low viewership, he unravels live on air during his final broadcast. As a result, his show’s ratings soar, and Howard becomes the biggest thing on television. Seeing Howard as a new populist prophet, UBS decides to leverage Howard’s newfound popularity to boost its bottom line. Network begins playing January 25, 2023, in FST’s Gompertz Theatre. Single tickets to Network range from $25-39. Subscriptions and single tickets are on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000.

[SOON]  HEALTH: A Woman's Journey , March 3, 9:15 - 11:30 a.m.

Don't miss A Woman's Journey, on March 3rd at the Westin Sarasota. Since 1995, Johns Hopkins Medicine’s annual women’s health program A Woman's Journey provides new and compelling information about important issues affecting women's health. Through a selection of seminars presented exclusively by Hopkins faculty physicians, participants are able to hear first-hand about advances in medicine from the individuals performing the research, all the while interacting with a diverse group of attendees. Registration is $95. Click here to register: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/awomansjourney/upcoming-live-programs/florida-2023-sarasota.html

[SOON]  THEATER: Urbanite Theatre: That Must Be The Entrance To Heaven , June 9 – July 9

THAT MUST BE THE ENTRANCE TO HEAVEN by Franky D. Gonzalez. A World Premiere. June 9 - July 9, 2023. Urbanite Theatre. Glory. Survival. Legacy. Citizenship. Four Latino boxers all chase a world title to achieve their personal versions of heaven. But to get there, they must battle each other, their own battered bodies, and the universe itself. All four men walk the line between life and death in this poignant, poetic collision of combat and cosmos. For tickets and info contact - phone (941) 321-1397, email info@urbanitetheatre.com, website www.urbanitetheatre.com.

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 2nd Street Sarasota FL, 34236

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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