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SRQ DAILY May 10, 2024

Friday Weekend Edition

Friday Weekend Edition

"The two writers who wrote the script pulled from their own personal experiences."

- Logan Junkins, Director, Last Chance Trailer Park.
 

[Arts & Entertainment]  The Sarasota Players Presents Last Chance Trailer Park
Dylan Campbell, dylan@srqme.com

Life is all about second chances. And sometimes third, fourth or even fifth chances. The characters in The Sarasota Players’ new musical Last Chance Trailer Park know all about that. The original musical from The Sarasota Players Follies, a 55 and over performance group, premieres at The Players Studio Black Box this weekend.

Last Chance Trailer Park takes place in the heart of rural Georgia, within a community of mobile homes that while charming, has seen better days. Last Chance Trailer Park is run by its benevolent owner CC, who oversees an eclectic cast of residents with her friends Ginny and George, that includes rambunctious and imaginative teenagers, struggling millennials, gambling addicts and burgeoning families.

“When we originally started workshopping the show last July, it didn’t even start in a trailer park, it was more in an urban setting with a bunch of apartments. Our story was more focused on the community and people coming together and helping each other even in their worst times,” says Logan Junkins, the director of the show. “The two writers who wrote the script pulled from their own personal experiences. One of them had lived in a more rural area and had issues with tornados, so we have a tornado that passes through our story. We brought these things to the table to put our characters in the most turmoil that we could.”

While turmoil is generally the name of the game for character development, Last Chance Trailer Park is an ultimately uplifting tale about the power of community, full of brightness and levity as well. From even just some of the 55 and over actors playing teenagers to musical numbers such as “I Don’t Look Good Naked Anymore”, Last Chance Trailer Park mixes tenderness with hilarity in a way that audiences won’t soon forget.

May 10 and 11 at 7pm, May 12 at 2pm, The Players Studio Black Box, 1400 Blvd. of the Arts, Suite 200, Sarasota, Box Office: 941-365-2494. 

Pictured: Residents of Last Chance Trailer Park, Fran Hall as Ginny (left) and Connie Farris as CC (right). Photo courtesy of The Players Studio.

[Arts & Entertainment]  Your Chance to Spin it to Win it at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Wheel of Fortune LIVE!, a live theatrical experience, will be coming to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 7:30pm. The live stage show, produced by Right Angle Entertainment in collaboration with Sony Pictures Television and UTA, is the one-and-only way fans can experience America’s Game® in person outside of Sony Pictures Studios. Tickets go on sale on Friday at 10 a.m. EDT. Tickets start at $37 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. 

[Leadership]  Choral Artists of Sarasota Welcomes Danielle La Senna as its New Executive Director

Choral Artists of Sarasota announces the appointment of Danielle La Senna as its new executive director. La Senna brings over two decades of experience in arts and education, along with a passion for cultivating community engagement and musical excellence. She succeeds Susan Burke, who has served as the executive director of Choral Artists for the past decade. Burke will retire this month. 

[Arts & Entertainment]  Hermitage Continues Year-Round Programming With New Summer Events

The Hermitage’s year-round multidisciplinary programming offers audiences a one-of-a-kind look into the creative process. New June, July, and August programs are presented in partnership with regional arts and cultural organizations throughout Sarasota County including Asolo Repertory Theatre, Oak Street Stage, Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, Bookstore1, and more. New events include programs with current Tony Award nominee Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer and 2024 Hermitage Greenfield Prize Finalists The Lazour Brothers, joining previously announced May events including Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Raven Chacon, internationally acclaimed visual artist Diana Al-Hadid, Tony Award-nominated playwright Bess Wohl, and more. 

[Arts & Entertainment]  The Sarasota Players Announces its 95th Season

The Sarasota Players is proud to announce its 95th Season of bringing the community to the stage. The event will be held at their theatre space at The Crossings at Siesta Key (3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239) on May 20 at 6pm. Staff and supporters of the first performing arts organization in Sarasota will enjoy performances and updates about the theatre, along with seeing the upcoming 2024-25 lineup for the first time! The event will feature light bites and is free to the public. The Players is the perfect place for anyone in the community looking to become involved in the performing arts. From volunteering on the stage, in our costume shop, scenic department, painting or helping us organize, do laundry or attending classes there’s a way for everyone to join our family. It’s the perfect environment to learn and grow in. Even if you’ve never been involved with The Players, we encourage you to join us and learn more about what we have to offer. Want a sneak peek? Throughout the season, audiences are taken on a journey alongside these characters as they navigate the highs and lows of their quests. Whether it's overcoming adversity, breaking free from societal constraints, or finding the courage to pursue their dreams against all odds, the heroes of these shows embody the universal desire for fulfillment and self-realization.

3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota. Please park and enter the mall by Connor’s Steak and Seafood. 

To RSVP click here

[Transportation]  Sarasota County Rebrands its Trolley, Welcomes Service's Two Millionth Rider

Sarasota County commemorates the two millionth passenger milestone on its Siesta Key trolley. To mark the special occasion, the trolley is being rebranded as the Route 77 Siesta Islander. This rebrand includes a new name, updated appearance and improved app features. Sarasota County’s free trolley service launched on Siesta Key in 2017 under the name “Siesta Key Breeze.” Since then, the county's open-air trolleys have provided rides to residents and visitors traveling between Siesta Key Village, Siesta Beach and Turtle Beach. In summer of 2022, Sarasota County commissioners approved transitioning the county’s entire transit system to the “Breeze” brand, and the Transit Department rolled out the Breeze Rider app for standard bus routes.  The Transit Department has been installing technology on the trolleys that allows them to work with the Breeze Rider app. Passengers are now able to use the app to view the 77 Siesta Islander's arrival times and track the trolleys. The trolleys' new design with Breeze branding will complement Breeze buses, Breeze OnDemand minivans and future Breeze Plus paratransit vehicles. Transit team members estimate the two millionth passenger stepped aboard the trolley during the first week of May. Traveling on the 77 Siesta Islander continues to be free for all passengers, operating daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. For more information on the 77 Siesta Islander, visit scgov.net/breeze/touring or call 311.  



[SOON]  GALLERY: Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O Keeffe at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens , February 11 – June 30, n/a

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will present Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O Keeffe as the eighth iteration of its annual Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, which examines the work of major artists through the lens of their connection to nature. The exhibition, which will be on view from February 11 through June 30, 2024, at Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus, will explore the unexpected yet profoundly impactful mentoring relationship that developed between iconic artists Yayoi Kusama and Georgia O Keeffe. The theme of the upcoming Goldstein Exhibition is the latest announcement of programming planned for Selby Gardens 50th anniversary season. For more information, visit selby.org.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Sights and Sounds at Waterside Place , July 28 – May 31, 6 to 9 p.m.

Head out to Waterside Place for a rocking evening as part of the Lakewood Ranch Sights and Sounds Program. Enjoy a live concert in partnership with Easterseals and EveryoneRocks, featuring artists who are rocking their spectrum. This event is free and open to the public; there is limited seating at the Plaza, but attendees are welcome to bring their own seats. Food and beverages will be available from numerous Waterside Place merchants. For more information on shows, dates, and times, visit lakewoodranch.com/sights-sounds/. Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Dr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens , November 11 – August 31, N/a

Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens will be on view through August 31, 2024 at the Historic Spanish Point campus. Selby Gardens is excited to present the extraordinary imagery of photographer and conservationist Clyde Butcher throughout the grounds of the Historic Spanish Point campus. Large-scale prints on aluminum of Butcher’s beautiful photographs of plants, animals, and habitats of Florida will be exhibited amid the natural landscape of the 30-acre waterfront preserve, enabling the public to engage with the artist’s work like never before. In the tradition of earlier landscape photographers like Ansel Adams, Butcher captures the beauty and majesty of America’s natural treasures in dramatic black and white. The unique environments of Florida have been subjects of particular interest to Butcher since the 1980s, when he was first introduced to the magic and mystery of sites such as Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. Nature Through the Lens will include Butcher’s photographs of regional locales such as Myakka River State Park and Casey Key. This exhibition is presented in partnership with the Clyde Butcher Gallery & Studio in Venice, Florida. For more information, visit selby.org.

[SOON]  HEALTH: Yoga at The Ringling , May 1 – May 15, 6:30pm

Yoga at The Ringling, May 1 and May 15, taught by Ashley Stewart, is an all levels vinyasa class. You can expect a mix of seated, standing, and lying down postures synced with the flow of your breath. Ashley will guide you through connected movements to help increase your self-awareness while immersed in the healing powers of being in nature. Music is played in the background to enhance the senses as your eyes dance across the sunset sky to see birds, dolphins, and fish that often make an appearance in the evening. Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. Please bring sunglasses, water, towel, a yoga mat, and sunscreen to make it the most pleasurable experience. $20 / $15 Member.

The Ringling, Ca' d'Zan Terrace

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Wonder, Human Experience and the Arts , June 6 – June 9, Various times
As a museum complex featuring visual and performing arts alongside circus history and a Gilded Age mansion, all situated on a bayfront campus, The Ringling is truly a site filled with wonder. This interdisciplinary symposium explores wonder as a source of creative inspiration, artistic medium, and physical and social well-being. Join us for the full symposium or catch the not-to-be-missed keynote sessions, open to the public. To learn more, visit ringling.org.
[SOON]  GALA: Grand Carnival In Bloom , June 1, 8-11pm
On June 1, Project Pride SRQ will present the Grand Carnival In Bloom. Event organizers are looking forward to launching Pride Month in grand style with the Grand Carnival In Bloom, an enchanting evening filled with flowers, a DJ spinning music hits, cool country performances, and delightful surprises. Dive Bar Wine and Spirits will be on-site to craft specialty cocktails that will elevate the experience, and some of the finest restaurants in Sarasota will tantalize your taste buds with lite bites and desserts. The Grand Carnival takes place on Saturday, June 1, 8-11 p.m. at the Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota. Tickets, which include open bar, food and entertainment, are $125/VIP, enables early entry at 7 p.m., $85/general admission; door price is $150, subject to availability. Proceeds from the event will support Project Pride programs and events. For more about Project Pride and its Pride Month events, visit www.ppsrq.org.
[SOON]  MUSIC: Jazz Thursdays , January 11 – June 13, 5:30 pm-8 pm

Join us for live jazz at Sarasota Art Museum, hosted by the Jazz Club of Sarasota, featuring Hot Club of SRQ, and extended hours in the galleries, Bistro, and SHOP. Sip on refreshing cocktails and enjoy small bites in the Bistro. Each second Thursday of the month features a different style of jazz, from straight-ahead to free jazz, bebop to swing-programmed in partnership with Jazz Club of Sarasota. Galleries are open until 7 pm on Jazz Thursdays. Learn more and purchase tickets at sarasotaartmuseum.org.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Space Saturdays , March 2 – December 7, 10am-2:30pm

Join us for Space Saturday, the first Saturday of every month, as we explore a different topic in the world of astronomy. During Space Saturdays, you will discover an out-of-this-world activity during Backyard Science, formerly Science Sprouts, in The Mosaic Backyard Universe, explore space with a staff astronomer during KidSpace in The Planetarium, and finish your day with an astronomy-themed story during Tales Under the Tree. To learn more, visit bishopscience.org.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Free Second Sundays , March 10 – December 8, 11am-5pm

Enjoy a day of art and family fun at Sarasota Art Museum. On the second Sunday of each month, we offer free admission for visitors, special performances, and art-making activities for the whole family. To learn more, visit sarasotaartmuseum.org.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Family Saturdays , March 23 – May 25, 10am-12pm
Kids and kids at heart can enjoy fun art and nature activities on Saturday mornings, at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on March 23, April 27, and May 25. Activities will run from 10 a.m. to noon each day, and participation is included in admission to the Gardens, which is always free for Selby Gardens members. These Family Saturdays celebrate the current exhibition on view, Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia OKeeffe. Several activity stations with different art-focused projects will be set up in the Ann Goldstein Childrens Rainforest Garden during each monthly event. The goal is to invite kids of all ages to explore the artwork of Yayoi Kusama and Georgia OKeeffe through activities that also connect them to the natural environment. Admission to Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus is $26 for adults, $11 for ages 5 to 17, and free for children 4 and under. Tickets may be purchased online in advance at selby.org. Selby Gardens members always receive complimentary admission as well as discounts for guests. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit selby.org.
[SOON]  MUSEUM: Shinique Smith, Parade , January 4 – January 5, Various times

Enjoy the extraordinary opportunity to experience the work of contemporary artist Shinique Smith in conversation with the collection of European art at The Ringling. Unfolding across six galleries of the Museum of Art, the exhibition creates a series of unique stories that together form an abstract narrative of the parade as a metaphor for life. Well known for her monumental sculptures created from an array of materials, including luxurious textiles, personal clothing, dyed fabrics, ribbon, and wood, and for her abstract paintings of calligraphy and collage, Smiths work in this exhibition speaks to various facets of the European artistic tradition, such as classical drapery and religious iconography, while foregrounding notions of Black femininity and the history of the circus. Learn more at ringling.org.

[SOON]  FOOD: Late Night Happy Hour at Geckos on Hillview Street , November 29 – May 31, 10pm-Midnight
Join your friends, after-work buddies and the team at Geckos for our new Late Night Happy Hours. Every Friday and Saturday from 10 pm to Midnight, we will offer food, wine, cocktails and beer specials sure to prolong your weekend fun. Join us and ask your friendly barkeep or server about our Late Night Happy Hours. ONLY at Geckos on Hillview Street in Southside Village. GeckosGrill.com.
[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Bradenton Market Returns , October 7 – May 25, 9am-2pm

Realize Bradenton is happy to announce the return of the Bradenton Market to its weekly schedule. This beloved community gathering will be held Saturdays through May 25, 2024 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm on Old Main Street in Bradenton. Founded in 1979, the Market has expanded to include more than 90 local vendors. In addition to the weekly shopping and music, the Market hosts special event days throughout the season. Halloween at the Market will be held on Saturday, October 28. This family-friendly event includes trick or treating with vendors, face painting with Manatee School for the Arts Academic Team from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, and a dance performance by Slick Motion Studios at 10:00 am. For more information, visit RealizeBradenton.com.

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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