SRQ DAILY Jan 23, 2019
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"In most solo work, the wall is gone. You feel like it's just you, having a dialogue without speaking."
Being a solo performer can be scary, isolated onstage under a spotlight and the expectant eyes of the audience. It can be lonesome, stuck in a writer’s room of one for hours and days and weeks. And none of this approaches the difficulty of mounting a production and corralling an audience for anything less than a two-hour performance full of extravagant sets and costume changes. But for the last four years, solo artists of all types, from Sarasota and beyond, have found the power of their combined strength in the annual SaraSolo Festival, presenting 16 solo acts over the course of two weekends, and ranging the gamut from cabaret and jazz performance to dramatic memoirs, improv comedy and dance. The fifth annual SaraSolo Festival kicks off this weekend, and tickets are on sale now.
Divided into two weekends, performances begin January 26–27, with shows at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm each day. The remaining eight acts will perform the following weekend, February 2–3, at the same times. Curated to show the breadth of possibility in solo performance, a wide variety of acts are on deck for audiences, promising a very different experience each weekend. “I’m in love with every one of them,” says Ann Morrison, SaraSolo artistic director and co-founder, of the assembled acts for 2019. “They’re like my children,” she says.
With 16 acts to choose from, festival-goers can opt to attend them all, or pick and choose according to taste and audience. Some shows are appropriate for all ages, such as Hendrik Morsman’s Hendrik’s Magic Flute, which begins this Sunday’s festivities with a 1pm performance. Hailing from the Netherlands, Morsman restages Mozart’s classic as a one-man opera, bringing everything from miming, puppetry and an alto saxophone to bear. And Kumiko Yamamoto’s Oh, Origami! performance, scheduled for the final Sunday of the festival, sees the origami expert crafting dragons, cranes, masks and more as she weaves her stories. “Magnificent” and “spectacular,” says Morrison, it’s a sure-fire crowd-pleaser for kids and adults.
For those seeking heavier topics, several options abound, including Larissa Marten’s I Killed the Cow on January 26 and Maureen Muldoon’s Trans-Parent Love, an autobiographical performance about a Midwestern mother’s journey after finding out her child is pansexual and transgender. Adult-oriented but a bit on the lighter side, Ashley Strand’s Enough of an A**hole to Say It Onstage, sees last year’s SaraSolo Maestro Award-winner return to the stage for another round of stand-up. And for those looking to keep the laughs going, Tyler Crose brings his interactive improv comedy to the festival as well, following a “country western cabaret” performance in drag by Matthew McGee.
And perhaps Morrison’s—and SaraSolo’s—greatest victories come in those performers who return again and again, growing each year. Kaylene McCaw began by taking cabaret and playwriting workshops from Morrison and fellow SaraSolo co-founder Blake Walton. In the following years, she produced her own show, performed it at the festival, won a John Ringling Towers Grant to continue developing the concept and this year returns to the festival with a sequel—Suntelia. “It’s been a real thrill to watch,” says Morrison. “It’s her best work yet.”
The SaraSolo festival runs the weekends of January 26–27 and February 2–3. Schedules, descriptions and tickets can be found at the website below. 
Pictured: Kumiko Yamamoto will fold the art of origami into the art of storytelling at SaraSolo Festival 2019. Photo courtesy of SaraSolo Festival.
The Education Foundation of Sarasota County has a longstanding tradition of supporting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education to help students build key skills relevant to today’s and tomorrow’s demands.
In-depth exposure to STEM disciplines introduces students to potential careers, opens the door for a multitude of future opportunities, and enhances students’ understanding of how the world works.The Education Foundation supports STEM-focused education through various activities and events, including two in late January.
The STEMSmart Student Summit, held Jan. 24 from 8 am to noon at Suncoast Technical College’s Sarasota campus, is an exciting project-based one-day competition primarily for high schools. Students collaborate in competitive teams to propose STEM-based solutions for real-world situations. STEM areas emphasized include health care, web design, publishing, 3D design, spreadsheet applications and general mathematics.
The Education Foundation provides funding and judges for the event. STEMSmart Summit highlights will be featured on the Education Foundation’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/EducationFdn and in local media.
The Education Foundation also funds elementary and middle school students’ participation in the STEM Fair, which is run by Sarasota County Schools district. This year’s fair will be held Jan. 30 and 31 from 8am to 4pm at Robarts Arena.
The STEM Fair provides students with the opportunity to conduct research on their chosen topic and present their findings to judges. No previous STEM experience is necessary for STEM Fair judges, and training is provided by the district. Interested volunteers may register below.
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) will offer a Florida applied home inspection course. American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT), in partnership with SCF, works with home inspection trainers to present the courses. Classes will be held from 8am to 5pm, March 1–3 in Building 18 at SCF Bradenton. Cost is $1,495 per person.
The course provides hands-on experience, including two field inspections. It also provides information about the software used in the business, professional report forms and the tools needed. It is a first step in becoming a licensed home inspector in Florida. The course covers limited visual examination of: the structure, electrical system, HVAC system, roof covering, plumbing system, interior and exterior components and site conditions.
For information or to register, call 941-363-7203.
Republican Party of Sarasota County Chairman Joe Gruters has announced that he has appointed RPOS Vice Chairman Jack Brill to be Acting Chairman of the RPOS, while Gruters focuses on his new position as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. Brill will now be in charge of all aspects of running the RPOS. He has been been vice chairman of the RPOS for the last three years. Prior to that, he was finance chairman of the RPOS for four years and also president of the Sarasota Republican Club for three years.
Neal Signature Homes, a Lakewood Ranch-based premier semi-custom homebuilder, recently contributed $5,000 as a grand-level sponsor for the SKY Family YMCA’s Hometown Partners program in Venice. For five years, the homebuilder has supported programs and events through the SKY Family YMCA, with proceeds benefiting the Children & Families Scholarship Fund. The SKY Family YMCA operates three preschools throughout south Sarasota County and cares for more than 300 children—from infants to 5-year-old children—each day. More than 50 percent of these families qualify for financial assistance to ensure their children are in safe and wholesome environments daily.
The Hershorin Schiff Community Day School recently received a Soft-Stick Equipment Grant from US Lacrosse valued at $600. Items being sent to the school include 30 soft lacrosse sticks and balls. US Lacrosse has also provided access to a Physical Education Curriculum Guide and videos on teaching soft lacrosse. The school will begin recruiting interested students of elementary and middle school age, planning to offer the sport as age-appropriate afterschool clubs within the next month or two. Community Day School—which will have increased outdoor space and improved athletic facilities when it moves to The Larry Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life for the 2021-2022 school year—expects to compete in middle school league play once it relocates. The equipment provided through Soft-Stick Equipment Grants are supplied by STX, a leading manufacturer of lacrosse equipment.
Adapted by Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s novel of the same name , Christopher is exceptionally intelligent, but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an ear-shattering discovery.
Monty Navarro may be distant heir to the family fortune, but there are several deadly ways to jump the line of succession. All the while, Monty must juggle his mistress, his fiancée, and the constant threat of landing behind bars. Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance… and be done in time for tea.
Florida Studio Theatre , 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota
Join SRQ Magazine for SB2 for the State of the Economy at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota with a panel of regional experts from small businesses, economic development, finance, hospitality and real estate including Jacki Dezelski of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Kevin Cooper of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Drayton Saunders of Michael Saunders and Company, Mark Huey of the EDC of Sarasota County, Philip Rich of Seaside Bank, Jeff Mayers of The Resort at Longboat Key Club and Sharon Hillstrom of the Bradenton Area EDC. The winners of the 2019 Localpreneur of the Year Competition will also be announced and recognized during a special awards program. Tickets are $55/person, $250 for a half table of four and $500 for a table of eight. Registration begins at 11am. The program runs from 11:30am to 1pm. Ticket online at SRQSB2.COM.
Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, Florida 34236
The Ringling is proud to welcome over 10,000 students to their museum each year. During this tour, Katie Nickel, School and Teacher Programs Coordinator, will walk through the galleries through the eyes of a child and explain how she strategically designs school experiences for different ages and subject areas.
Museum of Art , 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
In Gallery 1, Sarasota Visual Artists Studios will present an exciting exhibition featuring the work of Andrea Dasha Reich, Barbara Banks, Bill Buchman, Duncan Chamberlain, Grace Howl and Larry Forgard. A collaboration between Jen Nugent and Jack Arbough uses drawing, collage and video to address competing impulses to conserve and explore in Gallery 2. In Gallery 3, the Manasota branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History highlights African-American artists from Sarasota and Manatee counties. And Gallery 4 features an open, juried exhibition.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
Kicking off 2019 with a bang, Program 4 features a world premiere from Sarasota Ballet’s Resident Choreographer and Principal Dancer, Ricardo Graziano, alongside David Bintley’s Four Scottish Dances and the company premiere of Sir Frederick Ashton’s Varii Capricci. This will be the eighth full work choreographed by Graziano for the Company.
FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
From hurricanes to red tide and sea level rise, learn how a changing climate affects the Sarasota-Manatee region and the state of Florida. Expert speakers will discuss the challenges and impact on our region while uncovering the adaptive strategies that bring unique social and economic opportunities.
USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota
An ever-changing spoof of Broadway musicals, sing and laugh along with the roast of such timeless Broadway hits as LesMiserables, Cats, West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof and many more. The costumed cast of four talented singer/entertainers wrap highly professional performances with musicality and laughter.
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice
Attend the Grand Opening to celebrate the launch of the Center For Sight at the Pelican Plaza office location. Attendees will enjoy exclusive discounts, extravagant giveaways and prizes, special swag bags for first 500 attendees, and delicious food and drinks with samples from surrounding businesses to kick off the new location and store.
Center For Sight , 8224 South Tamiami Trail., Sarasota
"Dance Makers" is the annual dance celebration bringing together some of the most sought out contemporary choreographers. The evening will feature new and imaginative dance works by internationally acclaimed contemporary choreographers, such as Ana Maria Alvarez (LA), Katiti King (NYC), Kira Blazek (NC) and Kwesi Johnson (UK), in addition to a multi-media solo set on Artistic Director, Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, choreographed by Tennille Lambert (NYC). This versatile program is sure to delight and inspire - while offering something a little unexpected.
Jane B Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County is thrilled to announce our Steak & Burger Event, Celebrating Our Youth of the Year, will be held at The Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club on February 1, 2019 at 6:00 pm. Join us for this western-themed, fun filled night, where kids eat steak and adults eat burgers! Support of Steak & Burger helps financially sustain high-quality programs that we offer to more than 7,000 youth in Sarasota County. All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, helping our members reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, 3100 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
Join Designing Women Boutique on Saturday, February 2nd from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the areas most unique Upscale Sidewalk Sale offering only the best fashion brands with new and gently loved merchandise, as well as vintage and limited selection items. Entry is free.
Browse amongst booths filled with beautiful clothing and jewelry, elegant handbags, fine art, antiques, home furnishing and more. Expect to see goodies from Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, Versace, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein and many other favorites. Food court, refreshments and other goodies will be available for purchase.
Another highlight of the day will be the presence of appraisers Linda Dyer, Colleene Fesko, Stuart Whitehurst and Sara Wishart as seen on PBS Antique Road Show will be on-site by appointment providing verbal appraisals and to evaluate any treasures shoppers care to bring along. There will be a minimal charge for this service and the time slots will fill up fast.
Proceeds will benefit DWB’s grants program and their signature GroundWorks initiative that funds scholarships, mentoring and career advancement opportunities.
Designing Women Boutique, 1226 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Drawn from the superb collections of the Stibbert Museum in Florence, Italy, this extraordinary exhibition reveals the figure of the knight in the Middle Ages and Renaissance through over 80 exquisite objects, including full suits of armor, helmets, corselets, swords and other weaponry. The exhibition explores the function and craftsmanship of these exquisite objects as well as their historical context, focusing on themes of love and war, jousts and tournaments, and the 19th-century revival of interest in medieval knighthood.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.
Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for the next program in its 2018-19 lecture series, Can We Prevent the Next Attack? Understanding the Opportunities and Challenges of Countering Violent Extremism, featuring Dr. Stevan Weine, MD, Director of the International Center on Responses to Catastrophes at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. For the past 25 years, Dr. Weine has studied trauma- and migration-impacted populations to provide culturally-sensitive mental health and support services to the victims of mass violence, deprivation, terrorism, displacement, and disease. 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 (sarasotawac.org).
The 2019 Lemur Gala, Red Ruffs & Roses, is a captivating and inspiring evening to celebrate lemurs and join to help save them from extinction in the wild. World-renowned conservationist Dr. Thomas Lovejoy, world-renowned conservationist who coined the term "biological diversity is the distinguished speaker at the event.
Michael's On East, 1212 South East Ave., Sarasota
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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