SRQ DAILY Jun 4, 2021
Friday Weekend Edition
"I really miss connecting with people, it's very healing for me but more than anything it's about recognizing my power as an artist and as a voice for marginalized communities."
At the intersection of music and activism stands Olmeca with a megaphone in hand making proclamations. The rapper’s words speak not of death and hellfire and a looming end of times but of cross-cultural compassion and understanding. More shaman than preacher, Olmeca pulls from his diverse Mexican, American and indigenous identity to not only identify what ails society, but to offer a path towards a more perfect union. And starting next week, the bilingual rapper, scholar, community advocate and Kennedy Center fellow from Los Angeles brings his megaphone to Sarasota’s Van Wezel for an artist residency.
As part of the Van Wezel’s artist residency pilot started during the pandemic, Olmeca will help the program usher in its IDEA initiative (inclusivity, diversity, equity and access). In addition to writing music for popular television shows like Sons of Anarchy and its spinoff, The Mayans, Olmeca is also a faculty member at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he teaches courses in the Interdisciplinary Gender and Ethnic Studies Department such as Latin American History, Latinx in the US, and a course called Hip-Hop and Social Justice that explores the intersection of hip-hop culture, aesthetics and social impact.
His scholarly work will inform the bulk of his activities during the residency. “One of the things I’ll be doing is a workshop about culturally relevant pedagogy,” says Olmeca. In that June 9th seminar, the rapper will expound on the importance of creating spaces for diverse demographics. His expertise on the topic is bolstered by his personal experience being raised in both the US and Mexico, giving him a unique outside perspective on cultural literacy.
But despite the activist and academic nature of his music’s content, the rapper still leaves plenty of room for art. To that end, Olmeca will also have the opportunity to share knowledge gleaned inside the music industry with artists at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. “I’m going to be sharing some insights on how to survive in the music industry and teach them some of the lingo,” he says, “but I’ll also share some of my process of making music.” The goal is to help the troupe’s aspiring musical talent navigate the pitfalls of the industry while staying true to their lived experiences as members of the BIPOC community.
And on Saturday, June 12th, Olmeca puts the full weight of his activism, scholarly work and musical talent behind a free community concert on the outside lawn of the Van Wezel. The concert will be his first since the pandemic shut venues down across the country, and for the rapper, it promises to be a cathartic experience. “I really miss connecting with people, it’s very healing for me,” he says, “but more than anything it’s about recognizing my power as an artist and as a voice for marginalized communities.” 
State lawmakers boasted about this year’s legislative successes and defended controversial legislation at a Sarasota Tiger Bay meeting on Thursday.
Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, in addition to defending online sales tax legislation as recouping $1 billion owed to the state, also fielded criticism of impact fee legislation passed this year. He predicted his bill, which caps impact fee increases at 12.5% each year, will be signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“I'm a believer that development should pay its own way. I live near Clark and I'm thinking to myself all these homes are built out there, they should have expanded Clark Road first,” Gruters said. But he said some counties last year raised impact fees by between 100% and 300%, which makes the cost of homebuilding impossible to control. “What we did is we created predictability in the marketplace,” Gruters said.
Rep. Tommy Gregory, R-Sarasota, pushed off questions about whether the Legislature help grow sports tourism. He said as far as funding. “If you find me an economist to tell me it's a good return of investment for the state to spend money on stadiums or something else, then I would say we can talk, but I think the reality is you're not going to,” he said.
But not everything discussed with Tiger Bay attendees generated controversy. Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton, touted environmental spending, most notably $100 million secured to clean up the Piney Point industrial site. “For that issue to pop up, for the delegation to come together and for us to get $100 million in the budget to solve that issue was incredible work,” he said. “It took a great team effort.”
Rep. James Buchanan, R-Venice, said the Legislature passed important processes for improving wastewater facilities and dealing with sea level rise in the state. “There is no denying that we are seeing sea level rise,” Buchanan said. “We're seeing increased flooding, and we want to get out in front of this. Too often in politics, at any level, folks wait and we kick the can down the road. This was something that we wanted to get on and not wait until it's a five alarm fire.”
And Rep. Fiona McFarland, R-Sarasota, finished her first session most excited about work on early education and in environmental projects. “I was proud to have my hand in that,” she said. ”A lot of the work this year, it’s not sexy. It’s quiet work that we’ll see the benefits of 10 years into the future after we’re all out of office.”
Photo by Jacob Ogles: Joe Gruters speaks at Tiger Bay
Artists have been given awards for their artwork in the Beautiful Bountiful Bowls juried exhibition. The handmade bowls were created by outstanding contemporary fine craft artists. From around the state, 33 artists created 100 pieces in ceramics, fiber, glass, metal and wood. Best of Show went to John Mascoll, Renee Farr (Cape Coral) won First Place for “Kaleidoscope, Second Place was awarded to Tampa-based artist Susan Gott for “Teal Celestial Vessel.” Young St. Petersburg potter Kayla Harbeitner was awarded Third Place for “Illusion of Celadon."
St. Armands Circle’s summer happening series, “Sol of the Circle,” is scheduled to continue on Wednesday at 6pm with a free outdoor yoga class set amongst the area’s lush tropical inner-circle park. Each second Wednesday of the month, St. Armands Circle will host Breathe: An Outdoor Yoga Series. Beginner and experienced yoga enthusiasts can relax and get a quick workout by bringing their own mat and stopping by the lush Circle grounds for a free class from a trained, local yoga instructor.
National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) has announced winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. Amy Jones, who is graduating this week from Lakewood Ranch High School, is among the recipients. She received the National Merit Embry-Riddle Scholarship and plans to study Mechanical Engineering.
Five Florida public school arts teachers will spend part of their summer on Manasota Key while working on their own artistic endeavors. They are the winners of the 2021 State Teachers Artist Residency program (STARs), presented by the Hermitage Artist Retreat and the Florida Alliance for Arts Education (FAAE). This year's recipients include three visual arts educators, a creative writing teacher, and one music instructor. These five teaching artists will present a hands-on, family-friendly showcase of their work on Saturday, July 17, 11am, at the Hermitage’s Manasota Key campus.
On Tuesday, June 8 from 8:30am to 9:30am, Manatee Community Foundation will host a dynamic virtual discussion about transforming donor engagement by building a culture of philanthropy in nonprofit organizations. In this conversation with local leaders, we will hear real success stories from the field about creating an organization in which every team member recognizes—and enjoys—their critical role in fundraising.
Publix Super Markets Charities recently granted $5,000 to support Safe Children Coalition's Achievers program for the 2021 program year. For the past 31 years, the Safe Children Coalition's Achievers Program has helped youth to succeed both academically and socially as they receive the support necessary to reach their highest potential. The target population for Achievers is at-risk, minority and other disadvantaged youth in Sarasota County’s middle and high schools.
Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger (TBNEH), a tri-county leader in hunger relief, research and program development, will deliver hurricane food packs on Saturday, June 12th, to all Meals On Wheels St. Petersburg (MOWSP) and Meals On Wheels for Kids (MOW4Kids) recipients in preparation for this year’s hurricane season.
Melinda Sanchez a professional Realtor with Florida Suncoast Real Estate has been awarded the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) "At Home with Diversity" (AWHD) certification. This program is designed to present a picture of the changing face of the real estate industry and prepare agents to work effectively with and within today's increasingly diverse pool of sellers and home buyers.
The property located at 1812 E. Brandon Boulevard in Valrico, FL sold for $1,600,000. The Seller was RT Tampa Franchise, LP. The buyer was One Oak Development of Clearwater, FL. The seller was represented by John Milsaps of SVN Coastal Commercial Advisors.
The Miss GEICO Offshore Racing Team will bring high-speed excitement to the shores of Lido Beach during the 36th Annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix on June 26-27.
The Gecko’s Hospitality Group family of restaurants is teaming with Big Top Brewing to help celebrate Sarasota’s Centennial this year with a limited time special beer, Gecko’s Hospitality Group’s Centennial Lager. The first batch of GHG’s Centennial Lager will be available on June 7 and can be enjoyed when you dine in at any of the Gecko’s Hospitality Group’s family of restaurants, at select Centennial celebration events throughout the County and in six packs through GHG’s Alcohol To Go program.
Five Florida public school arts teachers will spend part of their summer on Manasota Key while working on their own artistic endeavors. They are the winners of the 2021 State Teachers Artist Residency program (STARs), presented by the Hermitage Artist Retreat and the Florida Alliance for Arts Education (FAAE). This year's recipients include three visual arts educators, a creative writing teacher, and one music instructor. The five receive a residency at the nationally renowned Hermitage Artist Retreat, where they can focus on their own work and craft as creative artists. These five teaching artists will present a hands-on, family-friendly showcase of their work on Saturday, July 17 at 11am at the Hermitage’s Manasota Key campus, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood. Additional details to be announced soon. To register for this program, visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
A "Celebration In The Park", organized by the Sarasota Downtown Enrichment Association, is scheduled to take place in J.D. Hamel Park on Saturday, July 3 from 11am until 10pm and again on Sunday, July 4 from 3pm until 7pm. Following the parade on July 4, and preceding the bayfront fireworks display, this season's American Idol breakout star Alana Sherman will be performing the national anthem. For more information please contact: Ron Soto 941-321-0562.
The Waves & Wheels Kickoff Party, on Thursday, June 24 from 6pm to 10pm at Robarts Arena, and will feature Exotic Cars, Custom Motorcycles, and Race Boats On Display – and you can Meet The Drivers. Tickets are $50 and must be purchased in advance. Complimentary Food, (1) Complimentary Drink Ticket and a Full Cash Bar will be provided. Live music by Lucky Penny, one of the Tampa Bay area's hottest dance bands.
This Celebrate Sarasota event provides a chance for all to see the race boats participating in the Grand Prix Race up close and meet the race teams on June 25. Boats will be displayed along Main St. (Between Orange Avenue & Gulfstream Avenue), around Five Points Park, and on South Palm Avenue. Live music will be on Lemon Avenue. For more information please contact Ron Soto 941-321-0562. Race teams should contact Lucy Nicandri 941-706-3795.
The Red, White, & Blue Motorcycle Poker Chip Run will take place on Saturday, June 26. Cash prizes for top three hands: $1,000 cash - first place hand with the most points, $500 cash - second place hand with the most points, and $250 cash - third place hand with the most points. In case of a points tie, winners will roll dice on stage to determine a final winner. Should the ride be canceled due to inclement weather, hands will be sold inside the dealership between 9:30am and 1pm. Official Stops include The Haven, Salty Jim's and Stragglers. Last bike in at Rossiter's Harley-Davidson at 1pm, enjoy live music, Food Vendors, and Full Bar. Winners announced on stage at 2pm. Registration is from 9:30am to 11am. Extra chip awarded with any retail purchase of $50 or more from Rossiter's Harley-Davidson on the day of the run. Receive 200 bonus points if pre-registered by June 24 at suncoastsummerfest.org.
Southside Village Stroll will take place on June 30 from 4pm to 9pm on Hillview St. and S. Osprey Ave. Presented By: Southside Village Business Association and A Celebrate Sarasota Event. For more information please contact Knickole Barger at 941-232-3406 or knickolebarger@gmail.com.
The Newtown Backyard BBQ Cook-Off will take place on July 1 from 6pm to 9pm and is A Celebrate Sarasota Event. For more information on this event contact Shantel Norman at 336-918-1658 or snorman@visitsarasota.org.
The Suncoast Summer Fest Boat Fun Run will take place on Friday, July 2 Saturday, July 3 and Sunday, July 4. Cash prizes & awards for the top 3 hands are $1,000, $500 and $250. Participation is limited so pre-register today. All boats must be pre-registered by June 7 or until the run is sold out. Available packages: VIP Captain's Package $350, VIP Passenger Package $175, Passenger Package $75, Individual Welcome Reception Tickets $100 Per Person, and Additional Fun Run Poker Hands $50 Each. Casual lunch run down to Evie's at Spanish Point is open to everyone and Fun Run Welcome Reception at The Westin Sarasota from 6pm until 10pm for VIP ticket holders only. On Saturday, July 3 Fun Run on Sarasota Bay from 11am until 4pm for pre-registered boats only and Post Fun Run Awards Dinner at Embassy Suites from 6pm until 9pm for pre-registered boats only. On Sunday, July 4 Celebration in the Park at J.D. Hamel Park from 3pm until 10pm, July 4 Downtown Parade at 8pm, and Sarasota Bayfront Fireworks at 9pm.
Celebrate Sarasota July 4 Parade & Bayfront Fireworks will take place on July 4 in Downtown Sarasota. The parade will pay tribute to veterans, first responders, and front line workers. It will begin at 8pm starting at Mound St. (U.S. 41) and Orange Ave. ending at Bayfront Drive (U.S. 41) and Main St. (J.D. Hamel Park). Designated areas for public viewing will be marked along the parade route. Bayfront fireworks, organized by Suncoast Charities for Children in partnership with marina Jack, will follow at approx. 9pm to close out the evening celebration. For more information on the parade please contact Dan Kennedy at 941-812-5406 or chessie@comcast.net. For more information on the Bayfront Fireworks please contact Marina Jack at 941-365-4232.
Join us on Friday, June 4 from 8am to 10am as Jeff LaHurd takes us back in time in exploring the history of downtown Sarasota. Jeff LaHurd is a county-wide historian and a prolific author on the history of the city & county he loves. Tour will begin at 8am and start at the War Memorial in J.D Hamel Park. We will hear about the landing of the Scots, the old City Hall, and the Memorial. Public parking is available across the street from the J.D. Hamel Park along Bayfront Drive. We will proceed to Main St and then Palm St toward the Woman's Club. At Main and Palm, view Mira Mar. Back to Main to Five Points, and hear about its significance to the community then head to the Sarasota Opera House. Back to Main to the Kress Bldg, Mattison. Then State St and stop at Rise & Nyes for a quick beverage. Then to Orange St where the Post Office Bldg is. Back to Main and Ringling Blvd looking toward the courthouse and Sarasota Terrace Hotel. 10am Tour Concludes. Pre-registration is required.
This documentary concert film, which will play at the Historic Asolo Theatre on June 4 at 6:30pm, captures the sounds and performances of some of the major jazz artists at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival. Unlike earlier jazz movies that had been filmed in smoky black and white, this is shot in vibrant color. While musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Thelonious Monk, Anita O'Day and Mahalia Jackson perform, images of beaches, sailboats on water, dancing couples and the faces of joyful audience members are intercut into the proceedings. Seating will allow for social distancing. In the event of rising COVID cases or safety concerns this event is subject to be moved outdoors or canceled. Ticket holders will be notified upon any changes made and refunded if the screening is canceled. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13.50 for adult members, and $10 for students.
Join us on Friday, June 4 as Jeff LaHurd takes us back in time in exploring the history of downtown Sarasota. Jeff LaHurd is a county-wide historian and a prolific author on the history of the city & county he loves. Tour will begin at 8am and start at the War Memorial in J.D Hamel Park. We will hear about the landing of the Scots, the old City Hall, and the Memorial. Public parking is available across the street from the J.D. Hamel Park along Bayfront Drive. After parking you will cross over Bayfront/Rt. 41 to the Park. We will proceed to Main St. and then Palm St. toward the Woman's Club. At Main and Palm, view Mira Mar. Back to Main to Five Points, and hear about its significance to the community then head to the Sarasota Opera House. Back to Main to the Kress Bldg., Mattison. Then State St. and stop at Rise & Nyes for a quick beverage. A beverage is included with your registration. Then to Orange St. where the Post Office Bldg. is. Back to Main and Ringling Blvd. looking toward the courthouse and Sarasota Terrace Hotel. Tour Concludes at 10am.
The Ringling is pleased to announce a new exhibition of the work of Sam Gilliam. The exhibition, which is being drawn primarily from local collections and features work from the early 1970s to 2010, will run February 21, 2021 through August 15, 2021. Sam Gilliam is one of the most important abstract artists working today. He will have a career retrospective, at the age of 87, in 2022 at the Smithsonian Institution Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, DC. Known for his experimental exploration of materials and constant invention, Gilliam first came to critical attention in the 1960s as a later member of the Washington Color School artists. To emancipate his art from constraints, Gilliam infused his appreciation of blues and jazz improvisation to be conceptualized in abstraction. His radical freedom to express spontaneity when working with materials created the first of his important "drape" paintings in the late 1960s that he would continue to explore throughout his career. By removing the canvas from the traditional stretcher, Gilliam created innovative work that was both painting and sculpture. His installation of the "drape" works filled galleries with painted canvases suspended off the walls or from the ceilings and often draped over objects such as sawhorses or ladders. These pieces encouraged improvisation because they could not be hung in the same manner twice.
This exhibition showcases the legendary Pop artist's screen prints based on Monet's world-famous paintings of waterlilies and haystacks from February 13 until June 27, 10am to 5pm. Lichtenstein's rarely seen Water Lilies and Haystacks provide an unexpected homage to a staple of the public imagination - Monet's paintings of his garden and home at Giverny that inspired them. The display of Lichtenstein's art in the midst of a horticultural evocation of Giverny creates a unique experience for more than 100,000 garden visitors. Selby Gardens, transformed into Monet's famed gardens at Giverny through the Pop Art lens of Roy Lichtenstein, includes iconic elements of Monet's garden such as the green Japanese bridge, trellises, and benches. This conjuring of Lichtenstein's world also serves as the dynamic backdrop to the lush plantings and mixed borders for which Monet's paintings were renowned. An avid gardener, Monet once said, "My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece." Marie Selby Botanical Gardens evokes this crowning achievement with a surprising Pop Art twist.
The DSA Presents First Friday Gallery Walk. Enjoy your walk or stroll in Downtown Sarasota with participating galleries, including State of the Arts Gallery on State Street, AlexArt International located at 25 North Pineapple Avenue, Dabbert Gallery on Historic Palm Avenue, Art Uptown Gallery on Sarasota’s Main Street, and 530 Burns Gallery in Historic Burns Court.
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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