SRQ DAILY Dec 3, 2021
Friday Weekend Edition
"Commercial non-office space that's suitable for a dance studio is very expensive and hard to come by, but this new space was just manna from heaven."
For the last 10 years, the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School (SCBS) has operated out of a patchwork of retail spaces in a shopping center off Beneva Road. Though the facilities had ample square footage and a few sections of sprung floor, the space belied the level of excellence the school has achieved by way of the prestigious accolades won by many of its students in national and international competition, including the Prix de Lausanne and the Youth American Grand Prix. But on the cusp of the organization’s 10-year anniversary, a new space will help usher in a new decade of success.
That new space is in the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida 18-acre campus located on the corner of Cattlemen Road and Proctor Road. Designed by renowned Sarasota architect Guy Peterson, the multi-volume structure houses the Gulf Coast Event and Conference Center, a high-ceilinged, brightly lit space that will allow the organization to host larger in-studio productions. “Commercial non-office space that’s suitable for a dance studio is very expensive and hard to come by,” says SCBS administrative director Barbara Worth, “but this new space was just manna from heaven.”
The space’s flexibility and amenities also offer significant advantages over the existing one. A kitchen, nicer bathrooms and offices mean staff and students can sink into a place that feels a little more like home, and it means Worth no longer has to step outside to take a phone call during active training sessions. For the school’s pre-professional students—arguably the most visible and talented members of the school—the space also provides classroom spaces and reliable Wi-Fi so they can get their schoolwork done in the same place where they train six hours a day. “In the current space, they’d sometimes have to find a corner of the studio that had the best Wi-Fi connection,” says Worth.
And the school secured the space just in time for some sold-out Nutcracker productions tonight and tomorrow. “Normally we have our productions at the Venice Performing Arts Theatre,” says Worth, “but with COVID-19 still putting a lot of in-person events in limbo, we thought it’d be easier to use the new space.”
“Even though we’ve achieved incredible success in modest facilities, having a new facility—aside from allowing us to expand the school numbers—also helps with our international appeal. It gives us a fresher feel to bring in more exposure.”
SCBS moves into the new space during their winter break from mid-December to mid-January. The school is currently fundraising for sprung floors. 
Photo courtesy of Sarasota Cuban Ballet School
The treasured Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert returns to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Monday, January 3 at 7 p.m. Audiences can expect timeless music, dazzling costumes, breathtaking dances, and beautiful flowers. For more than 25 years, Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert has combined these elements to create an unforgettable New Year’s celebration that continues to enchant and delight audiences across the United States and Canada. The exuberant music of Johann Strauss and his turn-of-the-century counterparts is brought to vibrant life in a joyful spectacle featuring European singers, dancers, and the Strauss Symphony of America. This beloved concert event draws direct inspiration from Austria’s famous Neujahrzkonzert, broadcast annually on New Year’s Day to millions of viewers worldwide. Maestro Alastair Willis, an expert in Viennese music, will lead the orchestra and the audience on a journey through the Golden Age of Vienna with wit, charm, and more than a few jokes along the way. Beautifully costumed performers from Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami will enhance the concert-going experience, evoking the majesty of a bygone era. Arias and duets from jubilant, comedic operettas will be performed by soprano Ute Gfrerer and tenor Brian Cheney. Energetic, lighthearted, and full of romance, Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert is a musical treat for audiences of all ages.
The Players Centre for Performing Arts is happy to bring back an audience favorite. The Marvelous Wonderettes created by Roger Bean always delights audiences and is the perfect opener for our new temporary, indoor space – Studio 1130 at The Crossings at Siesta Key Mall. Featuring over 30 classic ’50s and ’60s hits, The Marvelous Wonderettes will keep you smiling in this must-take musical trip down memory lane!This smash Off-Broadway hit takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom, where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy: four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts. As we learn about their lives and loves, the girls serenade us with classic ‘50s hits including “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” In Act II, the Wonderettes reunite to take the stage and perform at their 10-year reunion. We learn about the highs and lows the girls have experienced in the past decade and are charmed to find that no matter what life throws their way, they will conquer it all together.
Performances: Dec. 8-11, 14-18 at 7:30pm; Dec. 12, 18-19 at 2pm at Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota, 34239.
“Holiday Night of Lights” is St. Armands official “kick-off” to the holiday season. The event begins with a special performance at 6:00 pm. Join in with the annual Christmas Carol Sing-along right after that, followed by “Santa’s Arrival” and the tree-lighting ceremony. Local elected officials such as Mayor Erik Arroyo, Vice Mayor Kyle Battie, City Commissioner Hagen Brody and Jen Ahearn-Koch, and City Manager Marlon Brown will be in attendance. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. The event runs from 6-9 p.m. and is presented by St. Armands Circle Association and the St. Armands Business Improvement District.
On Tuesday, December 7, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Manatee Community Foundation will present a free webinar for donors, “7 Tips for Year-End Giving.” The virtual event will include a discussion of what caring people should keep in mind to bring joy and confidence to year-end giving, based on what is most important to each individual or their families. Topics include charitable tax deductions, understanding charitable impact, the value of being flexible and more. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions.
To register or learn more, email Events@ManateeCF.org.
While Goodwill Manasota is well known for accepting donations of gently-used items from the community and selling those goods in its retail stores – with revenues funding its mission of changing lives through the power of work – it's not just items like clothing, home goods, books, sporting goods and electronics being accepted. For many years, Goodwill has placed food barrels at all donor doors at its stores as well as at its attended donation centers in Sarasota and Manatee counties; the beneficiaries are The Food Bank of Manatee, owned and operated by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, and All Faiths Food Bank in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Most-needed items are peanut butter, canned items such as soup, fruit, vegetables, stew, fish and beans, pasta, rice and cereals. Community members are asked not to include any items that are older than 2-3 years, opened or used, dented/damaged, meant for decorations or displays, or that do not have a label. The Food Bank of Manatee is a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. The Food Bank of Manatee provides nutritional assistance and caring supportive services to individuals in need throughout Manatee County by distributing food to nonprofit agencies including food pantries, soup kitchens, and churches. Together with its partners, All Faiths Food Bank provides healthy solutions to end hunger in our community. All Faiths Food Bank, the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, serves individuals in need through its programs and member network that includes nearly 200 human services organizations, schools, faith-based and secular organizations, and other groups that serve the community. The organizations plan to continue the food collections at Goodwill locations.
Pictured: Goodwill Manasota president Donn Githens (left) with team member Jenna Karbowski at the Goodwill corporate campus in Bradenton
General Director Richard Russell and Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi announced that Melissa Voigt has returned to Sarasota Opera as Senior Development Officer. Ms. Voigt first joined the company in 2000 as Individual Giving Officer and became Director of Development in 2002. During her tenure, she led the completion of the $20 million capital campaign that funded the renovation of the historic Sarasota Opera House. Ms. Voigt left the company in 2009 to become the Chief Development Officer for Girl Scouts of Southwest Florida. From 2013 to 2018 she served as Director of Development for Child Protection Center and the Van Wezel Foundation. Most recently, she was Executive Director of the Ear Research Foundation. In her new position at Sarasota Opera, Ms. Voigt will work closely to develop relationships with high-level donors and some institutional partners. She will also collaborate with fellow development colleagues to supplement the stewardship of high-level corporate partners and to cultivate new and increased gifts.
Not surprisingly, most of the top-ten best cities in the country for snowbirds were ranked in Florida. The Sunshine State’s been welcoming snowbirds for decades, and is a popular designation for winter getaways, thanks to their beautiful beaches, world-famous theme parks, professionally-designed golf courses and world-class amenities. Coming in at fourth place is Sarasota for its boating, beaching, performance theaters and touring art museums. For the full link to the study, click here.
Sarasota Audubon Society (SAS) Oscar Scherer State Park Walks will take place every Thursday, from November 4 through April 7. Meet 8:30am inside park at Lake Osprey Nature Center (fee). 1st, 2nd and 5th Thursdays led by Venice Audubon; 3rd & 4th Thursdays led by Peter Brown (508-241-5541).
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is pleased to announce that they are once again offering guided tours of the Bayfront Gardens. The tours will start Nov. 1 and run through March 28, 2022. Garden Tours are available Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, beginning at 10:30am. This walking tour led by volunteer guides will introduce guests to interesting botanical specimens on the 66-acre campus while providing a historic overview of the development of the estate. The Ringling’s grounds have been accredited as a Level II Arboretum through ArbNet. The property boasts over 2350 trees within the arboretum representing native, exotic, historical and culturally significant trees. The Bayfront Gardens tours last approximately 90 minutes and cover about 1 mile in distance. Guests are encouraged to bring bottled water, and wear appropriate closed-toe footwear, sunblock and hats. There will be a maximum of 10 participants per tour. Tours are subject to weather conditions. Tickets will be available 30 days before each tour. Price: $15 / $10 for Members. More information and tickets are available at: https://www.ringling.org/events/bayfront-garden-tour.
Moonlight & Melodies Dinner Series is a new dining experience for opera lovers. This year Sarasota Opera welcomes our community into the Donna Wolf Steigerwaldt Courtyard for an immersive themed dinner series that highlights composers from the season. As we come together to share our awe for the exquisite art these composers created, enjoy curated cocktails and food prepared by the best of Sarasota’s chefs in a setting that will transport you to a different location each evening. Make your reservations now so you won’t miss out on this exciting and new event. Moonlight & Melodies Dinner #1 will take place on Monday, November 1 at 6pm and Moonlight & Melodies Dinner #2 will take place on Monday, February 21 at 6pm.
The comedy team of Compton and Bennett are off their walkers again in this hysterical sequel to the runaway hit about the nursing home and beyond. Christmas, Hanukkah, and retirement will never be the same. Assisted Living the Musical® THE HOME...for the Holidays with Music, Lyrics & Book by Rick Compton and Betsy Bennett will show from November 19 to December 19 at the Venice Theatre.
St. Armands Circle has announced the event dates for its upcoming 2021 Holiday Soirée. Experience life on the circle and visit an assortment of some of the best merchants in the region. Holiday Soirée, a joint effort by the St. Armands Circle Association and St. Armands Business Improvement District, invites locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves and enjoy weekly events happening throughout the month of December. The Holiday Soirée will start Saturday, November 27. Is there a better place to spend the holiday season than on the Circle? Let it snow somewhere else. Come join an incredible series of holiday events presented by the St. Armands Circle Association. There will be six different events throughout the next month, the first starting on Saturday, November 27 as the circle kicks off the holiday season with the Let’s Go Shop Small event. Visitors can support local businesses on the Circle and get a head start on all their holiday shopping. The following week on Friday, December 3, features the Holiday Night of Lights. Beginning at 5:30pm, come enjoy the ceremonial tree lighting, sing along with carolers and witness Santa arrive on the Circle. Kids will have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with Santa from 6:30pm – 8pm. The final two weeks of the Holiday Soirée features two weekly events. Starting on Thursday, December 9 from 6pm to 9pm, enjoy the sweet sounds of the season by coming to Songs on the Circle. Stroll, shop and dine while you listen to this live music event. Then on Saturday, December 11, come see Porsches in the Park. Experience a day filled with beautiful automobiles and perfect weather. St. Armands Circle Association finishes its Holiday Soirée with its final two events on the week before Christmas. Ladies Night, which will be held on Thursday, December 16 from 6pm to 8:30pm, includes promotions from participating merchants for ladies. Shop and dine out on the Circle with a festive atmosphere that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit. The final event will conclude on Sunday, December 19. From 11am to 1pm, the Circle encourages you to enjoy a special holiday-themed mid-day soirée at its St. Armands Family Day.
Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is pleased to announce the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is hosting its fifth annual holiday toy drive benefitting the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida’s Guardian ad Litem program. There are currently more than 1,300 children from throughout Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect and as such, appointed a Guardian ad Litem. Because the children range in age from newborn to 18 years old with varying personal needs, the sheriff’s office has chosen to focus the holiday initiative solely on toys and gift cards. Citizens are asked to refrain from donating clothing or stuffed animals and to make sure all donations are new and unwrapped. The initiative begins Wednesday, December 1 and continues until Sunday, December 12. Citizens can deliver donations to the agency’s headquarters located at 6010 Cattleridge Boulevard, Sarasota, every day between 7am and 7pm. The initiative launched in 2017 when the agency moved into its new headquarters facility on Cattleridge Boulevard in Sarasota. To date, with help from agency members, residents, local businesses and organizations, the sheriff’s office has donated more than 7,000 gifts including $20,000 in gift cards to the Guardian ad Litem program. Thanks to a partnership with the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Public Safety Department, public safety personnel are once again generously donating a holiday tree which will serve as the collection site for the toy drive. The tree will be delivered to the sheriff’s office headquarters on Monday, November 29 at 11am.
Celebrate the holiday season with the return of Palmetto’s Christmas in the Park on December 3 and 4 at the Palmetto Historical Park & Manatee County Agricultural Museum. Reservations will be required and visitors have the choice of two different experiences when registering. The address is 515 10th Ave. West, Palmetto. To make reservations, visit www.manateecountyagmuseum.com beginning November 15. Option 1 – Visit with Santa & Palmetto Historical Park Tour: Start your time with a visit with Santa in the Chapel where kids young and old will be able to tell Santa their Christmas wishes. Parents, don’t forget your cameras! Feel free to bring a letter for Santa and either place it in the mailbox or hand it to him to read later. After your visit with Santa you will go on a guided tour of the Palmetto Historical Park’s decorated historic buildings and learn about the history of Palmetto. The Manatee County Agricultural Museum will also be open for a self-guided tour and there will be several activities on the park grounds including reindeer games and crafts. This tour is approximately 45 minutes. Option 2- Visit with Santa Only: Visit with Santa in the Chapel where kids young and old will be able to tell Santa their Christmas wishes. Parents don’t forget your cameras! Feel free to bring a letter for Santa and either place it in the mailbox or hand it to him to read later. When you leave Santa you are encouraged to enjoy the Palmetto Historical Park grounds where there will be several activities including reindeer games and crafts. The Manatee County Agricultural Museum will also be open for a self-guided tour.
Multiple Grammy® nominee MARTINA MCBRIDE has sold over 23 million albums to date, which includes 20 Top 10 singles and six #1 hits. Martina’s latest Christmas album, It’s The Holiday Season, features her favorite Christmas standards, all with the backing of a symphony. The album brought back her The Joy of Christmas tour, this time with a local orchestra at each performance! Most recently, McBride launched her first exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame, highlighting her prestigious career in country music. The exhibit runs through August 2022. This show will take place on Saturday, December 4 at 8pm.
HANDS ON HANUKKAH is a Community Event taking place at the UTC Mall during the 8 days of Hanukkah. The family-friendly events feature arts & crafts, raffles & giveaways, food & photos, storytelling, live musical performances and end with lighting the hanukkiah. All events start at 4pm and end at 7:15pm. HANDS ON HANUKKAH runs Sunday, Nov. 28th - Sunday, Dec. 5th and is produced by Temple Sinai Sarasota.
A brand-new rendition of everything that makes the holidays in Sarasota special. With all-new songs and sketches, audiences should get ready to celebrate the holidays – Florida style – palm trees with decorations, swimming in the sea, sand snowmen, and more. An annual Sarasota holiday tradition, Deck the Halls invites families to deck the palms and join in on the fun at this interactive family show. Deck the Halls, by Sarah Durham and Caroline Saldivar, will play Saturdays and select Sundays from November 27, 2021 - December 24, 2021 in FST's Bowne's Lab. Subscriptions and single tickets are on sale and can be purchased by clicking the button above or by calling the Box Office at 941-366-9000.
During the holiday season, WBTT presents its Christmas card to the community, the world-premiere musical revue “Joyful! Joyful!” Enjoy high-spirited, uplifting songs of the season as only WBTT’s singers, dancers and musicians can perform them. A blend of new takes on traditional holiday tunes, gospel-infused classics and pop songs, the concert will include a twist on the carol “Joy to the World,” a version of “Carol of the Bells” that’s an homage to the O’Jays, and a lively gospel rendition of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus,” to name a few. Some talented Stage of Discovery students will be featured; Jacobs will direct. Show runs from December 1 to 30, 2021. Ticket sales are scheduled to begin in the late summer. Call the Box Office at 941-366-1505 or visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.
During December join us for a special holiday trolley or van tour complete with cocoa, carols & Christmas stories about Sarasota. Step onboard our Holly Jolly Trolley or Van with guide Jenny Jingle for our special daytime holiday tour with cocoa, carols & Christmas stories of Sarasota. Visit city spots with Christmas story connections, hear about our Sarasota traditions during the holidays & sing along to your favorite Christmas songs. Includes FREE cocoa at the Trolley Cottage before the tour. We award prizes for best Ugly Sweater on our Holly Jolly Trolley Tours during December so dress in your holiday best. Tour ticket includes FREE Parking.
Holiday Splendor will take place on Dec 2, 9, 16 from 5pm to 8pm. Celebrate the holiday season and help support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. Local schools will provide musical entertainment on the Bolger Campiello. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. All venues will be open for self-touring, including the Museum of Art, Ca' d'Zan, and the Circus Museum. Admission to this event is free with one unwrapped toy per person. Regular admission will apply without a toy donation. $15 Adult / $5 Child. Guests are encouraged to shop in the Museum Store, which has a large selection of toys under $20. Please enter through the Visitors Pavilion.
Realize Bradenton is thrilled to announce the all-star lineup for the 10th anniversary of the Bradenton Blues Festival. Friday, December 3, 2021 will feature Cece Teneal and Soul Kamotion, Johnny Rawls, and Doug MacLeod from 4pm to 7:45pm. Saturday, December 4, 2021 will feature Terrie Odabi, Jimmy Carpenter, James Armstrong, Dawn Tyler Watson, Bernard Allison and Bobby Rush from 11am to 7:30pm. Sunday, December 5, 2021 will feature Ariella from 11am to 2pm. The Bradenton Blues Festival Weekend will take place December 3 - 5, 2021. The Friday and Saturday concerts will be held at LECOM Park and the Sunday Blues Brunch at Mattison's Riverwalk Grille. Tickets go on sale May 1, 2021.
Come share in the festivities of the 5th Annual Siesta Beach Seafood & Music Festival in Siesta Beach, FL. The event sets up on the Siesta Key Pavilion and runs December 3-5, 2021 and is graciously hosted by Sarasota County. The event begins Friday December 3 with hours noon-9pm and continues Saturday 11am-9pm and Sunday 11am-6pm. Bring family and friends to enjoy fresh seafood and outstanding live musical performances. This event will offer a variety of seafood, cooked fresh on site. Seafood dishes are prepared using fresh, local and sustainable ocean resources from the Florida Gulf Coast. Select from meat and vegetarian offerings and a diverse menu of side dishes and desserts. Alcoholic, non-alcoholic and fruit drinks are available. While savoring your meal, relax to some of Florida’s top musical groups from genres. Friday, December 3rd: 2:30 - 4:30pm Shaw Davis & The Black Ties, 4:30 - 6pm Frank Bank, 6:30 - 8:30pm Gas House Gorilla. Saturday, December 4th: 12:30-2pm Prodigal Sons, 2:30 - 4pm Shaw Davis & The Black Ties, 4:30 - 6pm Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio, 6:30 - 8pm Have Gun Will Travel, 8:30 - 10pm Damon Fowler Band. Sunday, December 5th: 12:30 - 2pm The Whole Band, 4:30-6pm Billy Rice Band, 4:30 - 6pm 22N. On the breaks between performances, enjoy shopping in a marketplace of fine arts, crafts, and select fine products and food items. So much to see and do. We will lay the table, all you need do is come and partake in the feast.
Start your countdown—the holiday season is upon us. That’s why Fresh Fridays wants to give you a reason to Shop, Stroll and Sing! in celebration of the holiday spirit. After visiting your favorite downtown store for some special holiday shopping, we hope you’ll join us again for the second Fresh Fridays event on Lemon Avenue and State Street from 8pm to 11pm. Join in with your friends for a special holiday karaoke on our main stage, enjoy a sampling of sweet treats from local restaurants and bakeshops, and even a possible forecast of snow. Whatever your holiday tradition, we hope to see you on Friday, December 3rd at the freshest event of the holiday season. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and information in the weeks ahead.
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