SRQ DAILY Jan 29, 2021
Friday Weekend Edition
"There's been a lot of focus recently on painting Black Americans as separate from mainstream American culture. But if you look at [hip-hop] now, it's super powerful that the underdog of the American story ends up dominating the world's music landscape."
A cursory glance at Miles Iton’s LinkedIn profile raises more questions than answers. What is a multimedia writer and creative? A social entrepreneur? Is Iton a filmmaker, a marketing whiz, an educator or a scholar? The simplest answer is “yes.” And beginning next week, Iton will be stitching all of those hats together when he and a combination of New College students and community applicants set out to co-create an English instruction course called Lo-Fi Language Learning.
The program uses the freestyle ethos of hip hop as a tool for language instruction. Iton conceived of the program as a New College student, refined it as a Fulbright Scholar at National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan, and will now put the work into action with the first cohort of aspiring teaching artists. “The goal is for us to come up with the pilot program to create a creative teaching experience,” says Iton.
In Taiwan, where the government has begun implementing a comprehensive push for English language instruction, Iton made his mark by studying ways in which art can be used in language instruction. As a grad student, he fashioned himself into the template for a hip-hop educator as both a private tutor and community workshopper. The plan now is to shape the first crop of teachers into a similar mold.
“Part of the approach is to help build confidence,” says New College’s director of community outreach Stacey Campo, “so we try to demystify this idea that rapping isn’t for everybody.” Though she’s quick to point out that she will never be caught trying to rap, the idea is to package the language instruction in an environment of fun and experimentation while activating more areas of the brain and immersing the learner in the language. The same goes for the instructors themselves, who will finish the semester-long program with a TEFL certification free of charge.
For Iton, another wrinkle comes in the form of cultural literacy and awareness. “There’s been a lot of focus recently on painting Black Americans as separate from mainstream American culture,” says Iton, who is Black. “But if you look at [hip-hop] now, it’s super powerful that the underdog of the American story ends up dominating the world’s music landscape. In a way, the program helps show how times are changing.” 
Pictured: Miles Iton (second from L) and his Lo-Fi team receive 1st prize at Taiwan's Be Young! Beyond! Startup Pitch Competition in 2019
A follow-up to her wildly successful You Are A Badass, Sincero digs deeper in the self-help vault to unlock our problems with too often saying yes or no, or by just being our own worst control freaks. Her informal writing style, to borrow a Julie Andrews lyric, is 'the spoonful of sugar that helps the medicine (advice) go down so well’.
Many of our behaviors are based on habits formed long ago, meaning since childhood. Sincero gives us forgiving solace that many of these we picked up as survival skills that are no longer needed in our adult lives. By studying our thoughts and subsequent feelings (which lead to the behaviors) and revamping who we want our one life to live identities to be, Sincero helps retrain our brains to be modulated to higher successes and happiness.
I will never forget how one simple chapter of her original book had me standing taller both literally and figuratively. This new ‘be your best manual’ feels as if she’s now strengthened my core. Fantastic for a positive 2021 kick off!
Roxanne Baker is a Bookseller at BookStore1 Sarasota. Bookstore1Sarasota was opened in 2011 with one mission: to bring a high-quality independent bookstore to the Sarasota area. Their passion for the joy of books inspired them in the beginning and continues to drive them today. They offer a shopping experience curated with their customers in mind, and are gratified by the long-term relationships they have built with those who have come through their door: patrons and authors alike.
Bookstore1, 12 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, 941-365-7900, georgia@sarasotabooks.com
“The Better Times Project” has been born and nearly 190 versions of the song have been recorded – including an upbeat, gospel-flavored version by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT). “This project offers an illustration of the many ways one song can be used, and a reminder that you don’t have to be a professional to make art. Every version here was done from lockdown and quarantine, with birds, dogs, children in the background,” Ian said. “I am extremely happy WBTT has joined us in this effort to bring hope, and dignity, in these troubled times.” Contributed versions are in 10 languages and sign languages, with formats including videos, coloring books/pages, dance and animation. Ian is using Facebook – where she has over 556,000 followers – to drive people to other artists’ sites.
Pictured: Artists performing in WBTT’s version of ‘Better Times Will Come’ are Nate Jacobs (foreground) and (back, from l-r) Tsadok Porter, Raleigh Mosely II and Ariel Blue
The Englewood Art Center, a division of Ringling College of Art and Design, presents “Left Coast Connections,” a group exhibition curated by George Zebot, on exhibit now through May 28. This exhibition features the work of 31 artists with connections to the visionary artist and teacher, Dick Oden, who taught at California State University Long Beach. Showings are by appointment only.
Hot Works 2nd Sarasota ‘Open Air’ Fine Art show held this past weekend, outdoors at Phillippi Estate Park in south Sarasota. As part of their commitment to bring art education into the community, a Youth Art Competition for grades 6-12 or ages 9-19 was integrated within the art show. Sponsored by Institute for the Arts & Education, the associated 501c3 non-profit, students are encouraged to submit his/her original art that was publicly displayed in the art show the entire weekend. Winner include: One $100 Best of Youth Art: Jade Moon, Drawing, Age 17 and Three $50 Youth Art Awards of Excellence: Naveah Babich, Mixed Media, Age 13, Nalin Isme, Painting, Age 13 and Jordan Townsend, Sculpture Age 11.
Patty@HotWorks.org
A rising star in the art world has debuted in Tampa Bay. Florida CraftArt has added her artwork to its Permanent Collection of Fine Craft. Nneka Jones’ triptych, “Layers of Identity,” is part of a series dealing with the removal of negative stereotypes associated with being a woman of color. Ms. Jones commented on the triptych, “This series emphasizes that there are several layers of history and behavior that have been collaged, embedded and projected on to these women from a very young age, creating an image that appears to be perfect but when layers are stripped away, the raw reality begins to emerge.” Florida CraftArt is Florida’s only statewide nonprofit organization representing established and emerging fine craft artists. Since1951, Florida CraftArt has advanced and celebrated Florida’s fine crafts, in St. Petersburg and throughout the state. Florida’s fine craft artists and their work. Visit Florida CraftArt at 501 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. Admission is free. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10am to 5:30pm and Sunday from noon to 5pm.
Featured: Rising star Nneka Jones artwork named Layers of Identity.
Choral Artists of Sarasota’s 42nd season, entitled “Rise Up!” continues with two live and in-person outdoor concerts in February. “Marching to Freedom” pays tribute to racial injustice through music composed by Black Americans.Live Performance: February 3 at Historic Spanish Point and streamed online from February 14-March 14. Also upcoming, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” showcases uplifting songs from Broadway musicals. Both programs are presentations by Selby Gardens. This will be streamed online: March 11- April 9 with a “Concert Insight” with Artistic Director Joseph Holt on February 18.
Join Hamlet’s Eatery for a Jazz Brunch on Sunday, January 31 from 10-2pm. Located in the outdoor courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime at 821 Apricot Ave, Sarasota. Plenty of room to social distance and seating under a covered patio. Starting at 10:30 am until 1:30 pm, enjoy live jazz music with Hot Tonic. Fronted by bassist/vocalist Victoria Woods and guitarist Josh Hindmarsh, Hot Tonic are a swinging acoustic band merging classic jazz with vintage Americana/roots music. Expect to hear Jazz standards, a Patsy Cline song, and some Postmodern Jukebox style interpretations, Hot Tonic is a truly unique experience.
Come and play with six local outdoor enthusiasts.
Click here to read the full article in SRQ's January 2021 edition.
Help those in need at the Mayor's Feed the Hungry "Fill the Truck" Food Drive on Saturday, January 30 from 9am to noon at the Van Wezel. The Van Wezel is proud to announce a partnership with Impact100 SRQ to host the Mayor’s Feed the Hungry "Fill the Truck" food drive. Impact100 SRQ has funded the cost of the refrigerated truck to enable collection of both perishable and non-perishable food items to help meet our community’s essential needs in Manatee and Sarasota Counties.
February 4 through 14, The Players Centre for Performing Arts presents, In Love with Shakespeare, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Featuring scenes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Taming of the Shrew, Romeo and Juliet and more. Experience passion through Shakespeare’s words because, as the Bard wrote in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, “The course of true love never did run smooth.” Masks are required for this outdoor event. Temperature checks will be conducted, and patrons will be socially distanced. Hamlet's Food Truck will be available Thursday through Sunday (will be closing 30 minutes prior to performance). Seats are provided. NO TICKETS will be printed for this event. Upon making your purchase your name will be on a reservation list. Tickets are $20 for adults and $12.50 for students (under 24). Performances February 4-6 and 9-13 will begin at 7:30pm and performances on February 7 and 14 will begin at 2pm.
Sarasota Film Society is planning a “Save Our Cinemas” Fundraiser for Burns Court & Lakewood Ranch Cinema on February 27th at our Lakewood Ranch Cinema theater, located at 10715 Rodeo Drive, Bradenton. We are planning this Fundraiser at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas as it can house many more people so we can safely hold this event under CDC guidelines to ensure we have space to accommodate our loyal members & patrons. We are planning a fun filled day with Food, Beverages, Alcohol, Entertainment, Movies, Popcorn, Chinese Raffle, Silent Auction & 50/50 Raffle. Our auction items are from our loyal local businesses who have graciously donated to help our cause. Event will be from 12:00pm – 3:00pm followed by movie screenings starting at 4:00pm for anyone who purchased a ticket. Attendance is being capped at 150 people even though our buildings capacity is a little over 1000 people. Admission will be $20.00 for Members & $25.00 for Non-Members. Our Raffle Pricing is as follows - $1.00 Per Ticket - $10.00 for 12 Tickets - $20.00 for 25 Tickets. Our 50/50 Raffle Pricing is as follows - $5.00 for 6 Tickets - $10.00 for 13 Tickets - $15.00 for 25 Tickets.
You’ve experienced the power of live opera from your seat—now get the insider perspective from the comfort of your home. Join us on February 1, 2021 at 6pm to 7pm. Signup for this FREE event. You’ll receive a zoom link and password within 24 hours of reserving your tickets. A Zoom account is not required if you are joining Zoom Meetings as a participant. Sarasota Opera Executive Director Richard Russell interviews Maestro Victor DeRenzi, stage director Martha Collins, soprano Hanna Brammer, and tenor Chris Bozeka, from Sarasota Opera's upcoming production of Rossini's "The Happy Deception".
You’ve experienced the power of live opera from your seat—now get the insider perspective from the comfort of your home. Join us on February 16, 2021 at 6pm to 7pm. Signup for this FREE event. You’ll receive a zoom link and password within 24 hours of reserving your tickets. A Zoom account is not required if you are joining Zoom Meetings as a participant. Maestro Victor DeRenzi will interview conductor Marcello Cormio, stage director Mark Freiman, soprano Anna Mandina, and bass Stefano DePeppo about the upcoming production of Pergolesi's "Maid to Mistress" (La serva padrona).
You’ve experienced the power of live opera from your seat—now get the insider perspective from the comfort of your home. Join us on March 1, 2021 at 6pm to 7pm. Signup for this FREE event. You’ll receive a zoom link and password within 24 hours of reserving your tickets. A Zoom account is not required if you are joining Zoom Meetings as a participant. Sarasota Opera Executive Director Richard Russell will interview conductor Victor DeRenzi, stage director Stephanie Sundine, baritone Alexander C. Boyd, and bass Stefano dePeppo about Sarasota Opera's upcoming production of Rossini's Il signor Bruschino.
Following one of the most controversial presidential elections in U.S. history, the storming of the U.S. Capitol Building, and in the midst of the "dark winter" of the Covid-19 pandemic, Harvard-educated cultural historian and California Institute of Integral Studies professor of philosophy and psychology Dr. Richard Tarnas will speak on the topic of "Weathering the Storm in Our Unprecedented Times" during a live Zoom event airing Friday, January 29 from 7pm to 9pm. Presented by the C.G. Jung Society of Sarasota, this online presentation is open to the public, will include a question and answer period, and will also premiere an episode of Changing of the Gods, a 10-part documentary series to be released Spring/2021 based on Dr. Tarnas' 2006 award-winning book Cosmos and Psyche: Intimations of a New World View. Advance online registration is required.
This presentation precedes a reading of Kaczmarek’s play, Sam & Lizzie, which will be presented live on the Hermitage Beach on Saturday, February 13. Kaczmarek is a Hermitage Fellow and a rising star in film, theater, and television. The Hermitage Artist Retreat's 2021 winter season continues with "In Conversation with Emily Kaczmarek," a virtual conversation with playwright and recent Hermitage Fellow Emily Kaczmarek, Friday, January 29, 5pm, via Zoom. This presentation precedes a reading of Kaczmarek’s play, Sam & Lizzie, which will be presented live on the Hermitage Beach, in collaboration with Urbanite Theatre Company, on Saturday, February 13, with two presentations at 5pm and 7:30pm. To register for this Zoom event on January 29, visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
Join us for an online reading of Last Call at the Old Slave Quarters Lounge by playwright Kenneth Jones, a bold new work in progress set in a popular Mississippi restaurant steeped in unsettling history, on January 29 at 3pm. When long-buried secrets are unearthed, they challenge the status quo of three generations of a family of restaurateurs, revealing conflicting views on heritage, community and responsibility. Following the reading, stay for a chance to give feedback and ask questions of the playwright. FST is requesting a suggested donation of $10 to attend this event. Reservations are limited to one per order, per device. Attendees will need to download the Zoom mobile or desktop app to participate in this event.
WSLR is making the film festival sensation WBCN and The American Revolution available for screening from January 16 through January 29, 2021. Interested parties can rent the film to stream online by visiting https://lcmedia.vhx.tv/products/wslr-presents-wbcn-and-the-american-revolution. Tickets are $10, and proceeds will be shared with WSLR as part of a nationwide campaign to support community radio, film and media arts organizations during the pandemic. All film rentals will include an invitation to join an online discussion on Tuesday, January 26 at 7pm, featuring film director Bill Lichtenstein and WSLR founders David Beaton and Arlene Sweeting, regarding the importance of community radio and how media can create social change. A portion of all proceeds from this non-profit production will benefit a scholarship in the name of Fred Taylor at the Berklee College of Music and a scholarship for documentary film students in the name of Danny Schechter at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
Members’ Show: Contemporary Craft at its Finest is a juried exhibition of original art showcasing the best of handcrafted work by Florida CraftArt members. Forty-six artists created 79 pieces from intricate jewelry to glass sculptures. Visitors will have the opportunity to virtually meet the artists and the show’s judge Susana Weymouth at the virtual opening reception on Friday, January 29 at 6 p.m. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82206474125. The show runs through March 20 when the People’s Choice Award will be presented at the closing reception. People can vote for their favorite work of art in the Florida CraftArt Exhibition Gallery.
Booker High VPA Level 3 students celebrating their lives and personalities through solo performance. For 3 years SaraSolo's education outreach program SoloSynergy has guided Juniors in Booker High School's VPA program toward the development of creative, personal solo performances in a variety of styles and disciplines. A yearly showcase for teachers, family, and peers opens eyes and hearts while allowing students to find a deeper understanding of themselves and others. This event will be streamed online on Youtube from January 27 to 30.
Claire Chase is a soloist, collaborative artist, curator and advocate for new and experimental music. Over the past decade she has given the world premieres of hundreds of new works for the flute in performances throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, and she has championed new music throughout the world by building organizations, forming alliances, pioneering commissioning initiatives and supporting educational programs that reach new audiences. She was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2012, and in 2017 was awarded the Avery Fisher Prize. In 2013 Chase launched Density 2036, a 23-year commissioning project to create an entirely new body of repertory for flute between 2014 and 2036, the centenary of Edgard Varèse’s groundbreaking 1936 flute solo, Density 21.5. This concert, at 8pm on January 30, 2021 will feature music by Suzanne Farrin, Du Yun, Mario Diaz de Leon, Felipe Lara, and others. Tickets: $15/ Pre-concert talk at 7:30pm.
New College
For the 15th year, Rainforest Masks of Costa Rica will return to Selby Gardens. A collection of more than 300 masks created by a collective of indigenous Borucan artists will be on display and available for purchase. The Rainforest Masks of Costa Rica exhibit and sale showcases artists from the Borucan Indian tribe of Costa Rica. Experience the vibrant, hand-carved and painted balsa wood masks showcased in the Museum of Botany & the Arts from January 9 to 31, 2021.
Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure - a new exhibit created by Minnesota Children's Museum and the creators of the top-rated PBS Kids TV series "Wild Kratts" - will open soon at Mote Aquarium. The exhibit focuses on building STEM-based skills for children ages 3 to 9. It will be at Mote from January 30 to June 6, 2021. Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure transports visitors to the Wild Kratts world, immersing them in whole body explorations of ocean habitats. Using Wild Kratts technology and the powers of science and teamwork, children and their families will join the Wild Kratts team to solve problems, help marine animals, and foil the villains' nefarious plans.
Color & Clay, an installation by Joan Libby Hawk, ceramist, and Jana Millstone, painter, presents a unique conversation between artists and mediums at Art Uptown gallery, Sarasota. Artists Joan Libby Hawk, a ceramist, and Jana Millstone, a painter, present Color & Clay - A Duet, their unique conversation between artists and mediums. The collaborative exhibit of clay objects and paintings, on view at Art Uptown from January 30 to February 26, 2021, celebrates color, light and form. Sharing a contemporary visual sensibility, the artists explore the connections between their three-and two-dimensional work, riffing off the play of light, negative space and transparent color. The artists will host a Zoom conversation in early February to talk about their collaboration and the installation’s visual goals. Details to come. Visit this engaging installation at Art Uptown, located at 1367 Main Street, open Monday through Friday, 11am to 5pm, Saturday, 11am to 3pm and Sunday, 12pm to 5pm. You can meet the gallery artists all day on Saturdays. 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.
Key Chorale Chamber Singers, orchestra and soloists will come together virtually on January 29 for "Bach" Together Again. Originally scheduled as an in-person concert, this celebration of Baroque music, will be professionally recorded and made available online from the premiere on January 29 until February 21. Trumpet, timpani and jubilant choral writing are ever present in Bach's Magnificat, his first large-scale work composed for the churches in Leipzig. Vivaldi's spiritual magnificence and Italian mastery make his Gloria his greatest choral masterpiece. Soloists include tenor Matt Morgan, soprano Lorraine Murphy, bass Jamal Sarikoki, soprano Michelle Caulkins, and contralto Amy Connours. The concert will be recorded in the round at Church of the Redeemer, a church with seating for more than 400 people, with the performers spread throughout the entire venue. Tickets to watch the 75-minute streaming video are $30 per household; patrons will receive a viewing link that can be activated any time during the streaming run. To purchase, go to keychorale.org.
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