SRQ DAILY Dec 18, 2020
Friday Weekend Edition
"To be kind and giving, it makes for a joyful heart."
For Nate Jacobs, the last 20 years have been an uphill battle. From an upstart performer at Asolo reprising roles as outdated Black stereotypes to the founder of a once-fledgling theatre company that now finds itself at the top of the theatre food chain, Jacobs has kept his eyes on the prize. “It started with me, a poor, struggling artist,” he says, “and I just felt like our community needed to hear more Black stories and see more Black artists.” And through all the campaigning for diversity and bouncing around from venue to venue, he always found a stage to stand on and a song to sing. Yesterday, in a collaboration with The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, WEDU premiered “This Light of Mine,” a documentary about Jacobs, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected him and his vision.
“The pandemic has been the greatest challenge I’ve ever faced,” says Jacobs, “this is the first obstacle that has kept me off the stage.” A big milestone in WBTT was when the company secured a place with Actor’s Equity Association. It ensured the company’s performers got paid, but it also ensures their safety and dictates the conditions under which its members may perform. For most of this year, that meant no performances at all—a bitter pill to swallow for a theatre company that just finished its gleaming permanent venue and training campus earlier this year.
The documentary explores how the company maneuvered to make do during the pandemic that still keeps indoor productions largely off-limits. “They’ve been filming for over 7 months or so,” says Jacobs, “but more recently they wanted to explore more of what’s happening now in terms of COVID and what our plans are.” Filmmakers went behind the scenes on WBTT’s push to create an outdoor theater space in the parking lot of their campus on Orange Avenue, and they also explore the relative success of the performances produced. The documentary also features fresh footage of the completed interior renovations, with shots of all-new accouterments and the now-ubiquitous empty seats.
But in spite of the continuing uncertainty surrounding live performance in the time of COVID, the final cut of the documentary is full of the hope and optimism of the theatre’s singularly focused leader. “This is my calling and my destiny,” says Jacobs. It shows a man and a company that continue to make moves behind the scenes and formulate a plan for the future. “I’ve wrestled with this baby [WBTT], this is just a new wrestle,” he says, “but I have full confidence this will pass and we’ll get back to building our platform so that it’ll be here for generations to come.”
The documentary airs again today, December 18 at 10 pm; December 20 at 2 pm; December 21 at 9 pm; and December 28 at 11 pm. A Zoom panel discussion featuring Jacobs and WEDU editor Danny Bruno takes place at 3 pm after the December 20th showing. 
Photo by Sorcha Augustine.
Realize Bradenton is thrilled to announce the release of the first children’s book showcasing the history and natural environment of the area where the City of Bradenton was founded. The book is titled, Old Manatee A to Z. A true community project led by Realize Bradenton, Old Manatee A to Z was written by local children’s author, Ryan G. VanCleave, and illustrated by local artist and illustrator, Don Brandes. Subject matter includes everything from the Manatee River, to Native Americans, to freedom seekers, early settlers, ice cream socials, and the railroad.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is pleased to announce the opening of a new video exhibition. For Real This Time will showcase the work of artists Deanna Bowen, Allison Janae Hamilton, John Sims, Cauleen Smith, Martine Syms, Kara Walker and Bear Witness. During this extraordinary time, video has become the key medium contributing to the public sphere. “Artists in this exhibition are using the immediacy of video to reveal underexposed truths about the darker side of human behavior, offer ways to confront and process traumatic historical and recent events, and to spread messages of hope, each in their own distinctive visual language, said Ola Wlusek, Keith D. and Linda L. Monda Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art. For Real This Time opens up a space for deeper reflection on the common experience of resilience across cultures in order to create a shift in our psyches that inspires tangible and effective change.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat presents “Future Tradition,” a presentation and conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and performer Du Yun, Friday, December 18, 5pm This virtual event is free, but registration is required at: HermitageArtistRetreat.org. Born and raised in Shanghai, China, and currently based in New York City, Du Yun works at the intersection of opera, orchestral, theater, cabaret, musical, oral tradition, public performances, electronics, visual arts, and noise.
Ringling College of Art and Design today announced that the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded Ringling College a $30,500 grant from the John J. Clopine Fund to support student scholarship and community arts engagement. “We value our long-standing partnership with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and are pleased that they have expanded their support this year to include the Sarasota Art Museum,” said Ringling College of Art and Design President Dr. Larry R. Thompson. “This grant will help us make our amazing galleries and world-class contemporary art museum available to a broader audience, providing opportunities for virtual art engagement and education to those who might not otherwise be able to access them.”
A standout Goodwill Manasota team member was recently granted a multitude of reasons to celebrate this holiday season as her family was selected to be the beneficiary of the Adams and Reese Sarasota office’s HUGS Program. Goodwill Manasota employee Irma Orona, her mother, Virginia Guerrero (who also works at Goodwill), children and other family members living with her have received items including a Christmas tree and decorations, lots of clothing – including work clothes for Irma and Virginia – plentiful toys for the children, and a generous Publix gift card.
Pictured: Adams and Reese team members (from l-r) Drew Chesanek, Debbie Woodson, Helen Martin, Tellie Settimi and Ryan Owen with Goodwill team members Virginia Guerrero and Irma Orona.
Join Friends of Osprey Junction Trailhead (FOJT) for their “TreeJuvenation Florida” webinar, a 1-hour workshop on January 13, 2021. They're celebrating Florida Arbor Day by offering a workshop on the importance of trees. By attending this session you’ll learn about and discover the many benefits you and your community derive from trees. These benefits include improved physical and mental wellness, reducing carbon dioxide, lowering temperatures, mitigating heat-island effects, and how trees contribute to cleaner water and cleaner air. This presentation will answer the many questions you might have about why adding trees to your landscape is important and how they add more life to your yard.
PAWS (Pet Advocates Working in the Suncoast) utilizes nationally certified pet therapy dogs whose Handlers are volunteers who have received training on mandatory reporting of child abuse and dynamics that surround child sexual abuse. PAWS dogs have been utilized in the following capacity: stress relief for clients and staff, the State Attorney’s Office for pre-filing interviews, depositions and trial, YMCA Youth Shelter, Ringling College students, state and national presentations with the Florida Network of Children’s Advocacy Center and the National Child Protection Training Center
Photos by Rachel Duke
SMH is looking forward to receiving our first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines, possibly early next week if the Moderna vaccine is approved for emergency use by the FDA as expected this week. They feel incredibly privileged to be among the first to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, which for many of the staff, provides a glimmer of hope that there is an end in sight after a long fight on the front lines of this pandemic. SMH is prepared to begin administering vaccines within 24 hours of their arrival. The goal is to administer as many vaccines as possible to our staff and care providers, based on supplies.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized Sarasota Memorial and the Structural Heart Team for its expertise in TAVR (transcatheter valve replacement procedures). According to the ACC, SMH is the first hospital in Southwest Florida to be awarded Transcatheter Valve Certification. “Sarasota Memorial has demonstrated its commitment to providing the Suncoast with excellent heart care,” said Phillip D. Levy, MD, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Sarasota Memorial with Transcatheter Valve Certification.”
Ann Walborn delves into the deep.
Click here to read the full article from SRQ's December 2020 edition.
This exhibit, located at the Center for Architecture Sarasota began on November 5 and will run until December 19 from 12pm to 5pm, will display the winners chosen at the AIA Gulf Coast Chapter 2020 Design Conference. The cost of the exhibit is free for all.
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
Join the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School on December 16, 2020, January 13, 2021 and February 10, 2021 to witness the future in dance and see up close the amazing students of SCBS.
Sarasota Orchestra celebrates the holidays with music for the season from December 17 until December 20, 2020. This not-so- “Silent Night” will include the theme from “It’s a Wonderful Life” and other traditional favorites. Bring music’s warming glow to your holiday celebration. $10 Streaming Access from December 24 through 29.
Holley Hall, 709 North Tamiami Trail
To celebrate our landmark 15th season, Sarasota Contemporary Dance is partnering with Rosemary Square, home of our studio on Boulevard of the Arts at 7:30pm on December 18, 2020. This fiesta brings a dance party atmosphere to our backyard with a live DJ and an interactive art installation featuring highlights from SCD’s robust historía. This event will premiere a live collaborative performance in conjunction with Ringling School of Art and Design alum, Skylar Martinez, local Lyricist and B-boy Rick Levin, and DJ Karim Manning. Fiesta de Colores promises to be a fun-filled, socially-distanced evening for those who enjoy a lively outdoor experience.
Rosemary Square District courtyard
This fun family friendly festive event features miles of Christmas decorations and music that creates an atmosphere that will get your Christmas season started off right from Friday, December 18 at 6am until Saturday, December 19 at 11:59pm. This professionally chip timed night glow run will be a memorable experience like no other. Athletes run or walk the lakeside Christmas themed course with thousands of lights and lighted characters at night. Athletes add to the atmosphere with their complimentary glow products that are included with registration. ...and YES, there is 100% chance of pretty snowfall at the finish.
NBP Regatta Island, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle
Clara is given an enchanted Nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. As midnight strikes, she creeps downstairs to find a magical adventure awaiting her and her Nutcracker.The magician Drosselmeyer transforms the drawing room for a battle between mice and toy soldiers. During the battle, Clara saves the Nutcracker's life - so breaking a magical spell that turned him from a boy to a toy - and the Mouse King is defeated. In celebration, Drosselmeyer sweeps Clara and the Nutcracker off to the Kingdom of Sweets, where they meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and take part in a wonderful display of dances. The next morning, Clara's adventures seem to have been more than just a dream. This production will take place at 1:30pm on December 20, 2020.
Sarasota Opera House
Get ready to be caught in a submarine snowstorm when we explore the question, "Does it snow in the ocean?!" As we approach winter, let's thaw out our thoughts with some red hot research presented by the coolest scientists. Join Mote Marine Laboratory from 6:30pm to 7:30pm on December 18 as we chill out with a NOAA scientist and a Weather Channel meteorologist. We will discover the Arctic answers to some polar puzzlers, uncover a flurry of frozen facts, and learn the rancid reality of marine snow... Ages 21 and up. This is a webinar-style, entertaining and interactive virtual program. Price is per connection. Zoom link is included in your confirmation email. Registration is required, and closes at 4:30pm on the day of the event.
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.
Back by popular demand. Join Hamlet's Eatery for a Jazz Brunch on Sunday, December 20 in the gorgeous outdoor courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime. Relax under the covered patio at 821 Apricot Avenue from 10am to 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 10:30 am until 1:30 pm, enjoy live jazz music from the Father & Son Jazz Duo. Norm and Jack Gagne, have been playing together for many years.
No school? No problem. Add some science fun to the season with family friendly
Holiday Happenings at Mote Aquarium on December 21, 22, 23 and December 28, 29, 30 from 10am to 3pm. When you purchase your tickets to Mote Aquarium, add a Holiday Happenings Pass to your child’s admission for an additional $7 ($6 for members). With a Holiday Happenings Pass you can get slimy at our dissection station, investigate ocean acidification at the chemistry station and make an eco-friendly craft at our creativity station! Additional offerings for little ones ages 3 -5 will be available during our Shark Pups and Grown Ups sessions at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm (guests should meet in front of the main aquarium building 10 minutes before program start time). Passes are $6 for members and $7 for non-members. Event will be held in an open-air courtyard.
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Choral Artists of Sarasota's 42nd season, entitled "Rise Up" continues with "Holiday Lights" a concert celebrating the season with Hanukkah and Christmas songs that illuminate the essence of light for each holiday. The concert will be streamed online and features, among other works, "Navidad Nuestra," which highlights the Christmas story through the eyes of the indigenous people of Argentina. This concert features the debut of tenor Rafael Dávila with Choral Artists. The concert is live-streamed Wednesday, December 23, 4pm, and is available in replay for 30 days. A "Concert Insight" featuring a live-streamed, informal chat about the music, composers and themes with Artistic Director Joseph Holt and guests is Thursday, December 10, 10am and available in replay for 30 days.
The stars are the stars during our monthly live, guided tour of the night skies, Stelliferous. This month Planetarium Manager Howard Hochhalter and Bishop Curator Tiffany Birakis are teaming up for a special program at 7pm on December 23, 2020 that will explore how different cultures around the ancient world ascribed meaning to the movement of the stars and planets, including the Star of Bethlehem. This Zoom program will include opportunities for Q&A.
This year's event will be a Virtual Race on Thursday, Dec. 24 at 8am through Sunday, December 27th at 1pm, 2020 and is hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Auxiliary to benefit their Nursing and Health Careers' Scholarship Program. Keep the tradition going in 2020 with the 9th Annual Jingle Run, a virtual 5K run/walk to help support the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Auxiliary Nursing Scholarship Program. Proceeds from The Virtual Jingle SK Run and Walk go directly to the Auxiliary's New Nursing Scholarship Program designed to benefit students enrolled in college nursing program and currently doing their clinical affiliation at the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. To register for the Virtual race go to www.raceroster.com, go to register for a new event and search under the word "Jingle." Register to run or walk wherever you are to show your support for future nurses. Participants will receive a bib number and custom designed 2020 medal. Participants who complete the virtual run/walk and submit results will be eligible for raffle prizes.
Join Michael's On East for Family Style Dinner, Housemade Desserts, or Individual Servings on Christmas Day, December 25. Family Style Dinner Heat and Serve options include Turkey Dinner for $199 and Prime Rib Dinner for $299, both of which serve up to 6 people and are available for pickup from 12pm until 1:30pm. Housemade Desserts include a chocolate yule log, pecan pie, key lime tart, cheesecake, and Christmas cookies and are available for pickup from 12pm until 1:30pm. A La carte Individual Turkey and Prime Rib Dinners are alternatively available for dine-in or pick up from 2pm until 8pm. Order online before Sunday, December 20.
For over 70 years, students ages 8-18 have amazed audiences with an incredible spectacle of youth circus arts. See them flip, fly and soar to new heights in this annual holiday production daily at 2pm and 7pm, Sunday at 1pm and 6pm and Thursday at 1pm from December 26 until December 31, 2020. The entire family will enjoy acts showcasing beautiful aerial artistry, heart-stopping acrobatics, incredible acrobatic roller skating, lightning fast juggling and more.
Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista Street
After a year like this one, Blase Southern Style is stepping into some revelry to toast the end of 2020 and ring in 2021, including a special New Year's Eve Vaudeville style Party. As a show of appreciation to diners who have supported the restaurant over the past year and to add some holiday cheer to the New Year, Blase Southern Style is offering a new winter menu and a drink on us, a late happy hour from 4pm to 8pm, and all-inclusive New Year's Eve Party from 9pm to 2am including 4-course dinner, open bar, champagne toast, Vaudeville Show, live entertainment and dancing.
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 |
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe
