SRQ DAILY Dec 27, 2019
Friday Weekend Edition
"There is a direct connection that could be made between Abduraimov's breadth of musical maturity and the wide-ranging scope of his program."
The Sarasota Concert Association is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a lineup of world-renowned classical artists and ensembles featuring the opening of the 2020 Great Performers Series season with the renowned pianist Behzod Abduraimov performing Chopin’s 24 Preludes, Op. 28, Debussy’s “Children’s Corner,” and Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.”
Behzod Abduraimov’s performances combine an immense depth of musicality with phenomenal technique and breath-taking delicacy. Recognized as much for his depth of substance as well as his sweeping style, this young Uzbeki pianist has already performed with the world’s leading orchestras in collaborationwith such conductors as Ashkenazy and Gergiev and brings to Sarasota a program fresh from a second appearance at Carnegie Hall.
“There is a direct connection that could be made between Abduraimov’s breadth of musical maturity and the wide-ranging scope of his program,” says Charles Turon Ph.D. Turon a pianist, educator and recently retired professor of piano, music theory and music history at State College of Florida, explains that the first half of the program begins with all 24 Chopin Preludes, which in themselves range from the deceptively simple to unquestionably virtuosic. “As a bookend to these miniature masterpieces is Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures at an Exhibition,’ a work of rich imagination inspired by a varied set of 10 drawings and paintings capped with the monumental ‘Great Gate of Kiev.’ Between Chopin and Mussorgsky, Abduraimov explores the magic of childhood though Debussy’s ‘Children’s Corner,’ a work the composer dedicated to his own daughter. The variety of this program will provide the audience with a very wide array of emotions and afford Abduraimov the opportunity to display both intimate expression and impressive pianism.”
The performance takes place Wednesday, January 15, 7:30 pm at the Van Wezel Performing Art Hall in Sarasota. 
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College welcomes guests to visit its new home at the Ringling College Museum Campus, located at what was the historic Sarasota High School at 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The free event on Tuesday, January 7, 3-5 pm will feature brief remarks by Dr. Larry R. Thompson, president of Ringling College of Art and Design; Janna Overstreet, director of OLLI at Ringling College; and Steve Thaxton, executive director of the National Resource Center for Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes.
“Ringling College is so pleased and proud to be officially welcoming OLLI and its community of lifelong learners to its new home at the Ringling College Museum Campus,” said Dr. Larry R. Thompson, president of Ringling College of Art and Design. “This community-serving campus enables us to serve learners of all interests while extending the creative energy and vibrancy of Ringling College even more fully into the greater Sarasota community.”
OLLI at Ringling College is a program under Ringling’s Continuing Studies umbrella, along with Studio and Digital Arts. The program received distinction as an OLLI in 2018, becoming one of the 124 lifelong learning programs supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation. OLLI is a national organization, with programs in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to its 150 classes on diverse topics, OLLI at Ringing College lectures, discussion groups, travel opportunities, and a documentary film series.
The event also includes guided tours of the new space and light refreshments. To attend, please RSVP via email to specialevents@ringling.edu or phone to 941-309-0108.
Due to audience demand, Florida Studio Theatre (FST) announces the second extension of Bright Star, the five-time Tony-nominated musical and winner of the 2016 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Broadway Musical. Called “Shining” and “Outstanding” by The Observer, Bright Star tells an inspiring story of forbidden love, betrayal, and the power of compassion. With Music, Book, and Story by Steve Martin and Music, Lyrics, and Story by Edie Brickell, Bright Star is now held over through Friday, January 17 in FST’s Gompertz Theatre.
“Bright Star touches the chords of our souls,” shared Kate Alexander, Director of Bright Star. “It explores our need to belong—to need each other and to confront life’s sorrows, and it does so with unadulterated joy. This production shows the joy of reconciling life’s journey, not with pleasant diversions, or with a false ‘happily ever after’ ending, but with real work in understanding each other.” Inspired by a true story, Bright Star centers on Alice Murphy, an accomplished literary editor with a harrowing secret. When Alice meets Billy Cane, a young soldier returned from World War II with dreams of becoming a writer, he awakens in her a longing for the child she once lost. Alice sets out on a quest to understand her past, and what she discovers has the power to transform both of their lives.
Photo: Max Meyers. Photo by Matthew Holler.
Dining, dancing and celebration--say goodbye to the teens and ring in the twenties at a Sarasota local staple. Mattison's Forty-One is hosting a rockin' New Year's Eve bash, from 4pm to 12 am. The Mattison's team will be installing a dance floor for the first time, so guests are encouraged to get down to the sounds of local band, Debbie Keeton and the New Year’s Eve All Stars, who will be playing everything from swing to pop, as well as covers by Frank Sinatra and today’s top hit music. Meanwhile, Chef Paul has created a menu featuring Crab Stuffed Lobster and Mediterranean Branzino, Niman Ranch Steak, Prime Rib, Duck, Lamb Chops and more. A complimentary toast at midnight on Mattison's prime patio spot in the open air will undobtedly be an unforgettable locale amongst downtown's Pineapple Drop block party.
Reservations are strongly suggested. Mattison's Forty-One, 7275 S Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, 941-921-3400.
Senior Advisor, Tony Veldkamp, CCIM and Advisor, Matt Fenske of SVN Commercial Advisory Group recently coordinated the sale of a 10+/- acre, 3 parcel land plot in North Port, FL. Toledo Blade Developers, LLC was the buyer. Purchase price was $850,000. Veldkamp and Fenske represented the seller. Two of the three parcels will be developed into a series of nine, 5,000-6,000 SF office buildings. The back, larger parcel is currently under contract to be sold to an industrial developer who plans to develop the plot into industrial space. Fenske and Veldkamp will stay on to handle the purchase and leasing of the new office project.
Brandon Johnson, principal at North Port High School, has named Billy Huthman as head football coach. Coach Huthman served as the North Port Bobcats assistant football coach during the 2019-20 season where he was responsible for quarterbacks and special teams. He also teaches HOPE and physical education at the school. In his new role, Coach Huthman will utilize his prior head football experience to advance the Bobcats in the coming season.
“We wanted a head football coach with previous experience developing a wide-open offense to take the Bobcats to the next level,” noted Brandon Johnson, principal at North Port High School. “Coach Huthman’s previous experience, along with his passion and dedication for the North Port High School community, makes him an excellent choice for the head coaching position. We are excited for the upcoming season under Coach Huthman’s leadership.”
“I have known Coach Huthman for several years and I am delighted he has returned to our school district to serve as both a coach and educator,” stated James Slaton, athletic director for Sarasota County Schools. “He is a first-class teacher, and together with his coaching staff, players from North Port High will be successful both on and off the field for years to come.”
Coach Huthman left the North Port High School football program in 2012 due to a lack of teaching positions in the school district. Since then, he has served as an instructor as well as a head football at Cocoa Beach High Schooland an assistant coach at Cardinal Mooney High School, both in Florida. He also served as the assistant football coach at Hickman High School in Missouri. During the 2019-20 football season, Coach Huthman returned to North Port High School and served as assistant football coach and physical education teacher. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education and master’s degree in education from Central Methodist University in Missouri. Coach Huthman also holds a degree from Grand Canyon University as an education specialist in K-12 leadership. His coaching experience includes working with quarterbacks, special teams, wide receivers and running backs. Coach Huthman and his family reside in Placida, Florida.
Like a breath of fresh Alpine air, this beloved musical masterpiece sweeps onto the Asolo Rep stage just in time for the holidays. Maria, a young nun causing trouble at the abbey, is sent off to be governess to Captain Von Trapp’s seven troublesome children. She brings much-needed love and joy to the family – and the widowed captain – and transforms their world and hers through the power of music. But the looming threat of Nazi Germany’s invasion of their native Austria darkens their future. Overflowing with some of the most iconic songs of all time, this heart warming family musical will be helmed by Josh Rhodes, returning on the heels of his spectacular production of Evita in 2017.
FSU Performing Arts Center, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
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
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
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
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
Ring in the New Year at the Sarasota Bayfront Midnight Fireworks Spectacular! See one of the best fireworks displays Southwest Florida has to offer. Make your reservations now by calling Marina Jack at (941) 365-4232. Proceeds benefit Suncoast Charities for Children.
Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
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
Holidays at The Point brings fresh new life to our past events, Holly Days and Mangrove Lights. Each day/night will bring you and your family new memories, experiences, and a wonderful new holiday tradition. Ring in the new year at Historic Spanish Point. Fun for the whole family – enjoy lawn games, hula hoop and dance competitions for the kids, s’ mores roasting, holiday treats, cash bar and music. Tickets for each event are $15 for adults, $7 for kids (aged 12 and younger). Tickets for Historic Spanish Point Members are $12 for adults, $5 for kids (aged 12 and younger).
Historic Spanish Point, White Cottage Lawn, 337 N. Tamiami Tr., Osprey, FL 34229
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.
Created and choreographed by Yin Mei, an artist of the Chinese diaspora who has been part of the New York dance scene since the 1990’s, this new dance theater piece for five dancers melds themes from the iconic Chinese literary work The Peony Pavilion and Yin Mei’s own life experience as a teenage government dancer during the Chinese Revolution. Highly visual and referencing a dense collection of letters she wrote to her family over two decades, the work is a dance painting that occupies the space between truth and dreams.
Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
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