SRQ DAILY Dec 17, 2021
Friday Weekend Edition
"Creating music is a collective process."
When jazz materialized as an art form in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it carried with it an implicit aim of democratizing music. Created largely by African Americans who were denied access to formal music training and who were influenced by their West African roots, the genre came to symbolize the pursuit of freedom to express oneself. Operating in a sidelined orbit around Western European music traditions, the jazz approach to music gave its early adopters the agency to establish their own provenance and build a genre with open access.
And for Hermitage fellow Luke Stewart, improvisation continues to be one of the most effective tools within the jazz genre to continue its long tradition of open access and free expression. The multi-instrumentalist, who begins his second stay at the artist’s retreat next week, is best known for his avant-garde improvisational soundscapes on both electric and upright bass. His virtuosic style sees him create runs and feedback loops with accompanying musicians that can include any combination of horns, drums and vocals. As he hops from ensemble to solo and back to ensemble again, his career, in a way, has been made by belonging to every band and no band at all—he is above all else an individual in his own orbit who, for a time, gathers with other celestial bodies on a stage or a street to create a beautiful, striking noise.
“Improvisation is a practice that’s historically been aesthetically and structurally marginalized next to the idea of this ‘capital C’ composer,” says Stewart of free form jazz. That Composer, in Stewart’s estimation, has also embodied all the implicit and explicit power differentials in a society, as well as served to gatekeep access to music composition, performance and ownership. Stewart’s career is an attempt to advocate for a more egalitarian approach to music.
“Creating music is a collective process,” says Stewart, “one in which the composer, conductor, musicians and even the audience are sharing in an idea.” As part of Stewart’s stay at The Hermitage, he will participate in a performance and music-making masterclass with Booker High students called “The Edge of Music” in which he will share some of his insights into an approach to music he hopes can transform the way we exist in the world. “Breaking down a concept that reaches not just into music, but into how we perceive and accept all forms of art,” says Stewart, “and even how we relate to each other.”
“The Edge of Music” takes place next Friday, December 17th at 5:30. Click here to learn more. 
If you’ve ever had a period of wanderlust, or perhaps had a wild streak, Jami Attenberg’s memoir I Came All This Way To Meet You: Writing Myself Home is the perfect selection.
Attenberg, approaching fifty, takes us through a good portion of her life through travels to Italy, Hong Kong and New York. Akin to Rachel Cusk, Attenberg uses her travel for guideposts to reflect on her wounds and victories. What results is a poignant, but no nonsense assessment of freedom and her own evolutionary value system.
I adored learning of Italian and French Catacombs as well as an ossuary that captured Attenberg’s fascination as she wrestled with her life and what is beyond the beyond. I also appreciated her life as a writer and her study of what that art means to her and the larger world. Attenberg displays extra love for various bookstores she lands in as both speaker and shopper, magnifying their importance equal to that of the traditional historic sites.
Written both pre and post pandemic, Attenberg finds the perfect sweet spot of acknowledging the socio-political milieu without harping on such travails. Her point being, life goes on and what really ends up mattering are deep friendships, a comfortable home base and great literature.
I Came All This Way To Meet You: Writing Myself Home is available for pre-sale at BookStore1 12 S. Palm Avenue or via their online store at sarasotabooks.com. Publication Date January 2022 ISBN Number: 9780063039797
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast to host the exhibit, The Natural World Through the Eyes of Flo Singer Johnson, January through March 2022. This unique exhibit showcases a sample of Johnson's bold, colorful watercolor interpretations of landscapes, animals, flowers, and seascapes.
Flo Singer Johnson (1923-2012) was born in Germany and exhibited annually in Europe for more than a dozen years. Described as an impressionist, she was known for her passionate use of color and exploration of shapes, painting personal, subjective statements of her perceptions of the natural world. Johnson and her husband Floyd were both visual artists and founded the Floyd C. and Flo Singer Johnson Foundation. They lived in Sarasota for more than 40 years.
The exhibit’s opening reception is Wednesday, January 12 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the foundation’s Burrows-Matson House headquarters at Bay Preserve, 400 Palmetto Avenue in Osprey. All artwork will be available for purchase and the Singer Johnson Foundation is generously donating one-hundred percent of the proceeds to Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast.
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation recently awarded a $10 million grant to the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute at Sarasota Memorial. Funds will be directed toward the development and expansion of programs and services that are essential to providing comprehensive cancer care to our community. The Healthcare Foundation awards SMH grants in the areas of patient care, technology, clinical research, staff education and facilities. Support for Oncology Nurse Navigation, Genetic Counseling, Lung Cancer Screening, Breast Health Diagnostics and Treatment will help these critically important programs continue meeting the growing needs in the community. Oncology Nurse Navigators connect patients to vital resources, monitor treatment plans and ensure that patients receive the care they need when they need it. Genetic counseling helps patients make educated decisions when choosing treatment options, making lifestyle choices or even exploring preventative surgeries. The Lung Cancer Screening Program was initiated in 2016 and now screens, manages, and coordinates follow-up care for over 700 patients per year. Support for Breast Health will help with the expansion and coordination of diagnostic and treatment services for uninsured patients. Additional areas that will benefit from this grant include the development of Medical Directorships, the expansion of the care team for the Oncology tower’s inpatient units, the Cancer Registry and new Symptom Management Clinic. Community support will continue to make a significant impact at the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute as the proposed next phases of development—an outpatient center on the SMH-Sarasota campus and cancer services on the SMH-Venice campus—get under way.
Two of the Florida Center for Early Childhood’s programs were recognized nationally through the New York-based Council on Accreditation (COA,) and earned high marks during the process. The Florida Center’s robust Mental Health Therapy program along with its Early Childhood Court program for the 12th Judicial Circuit, were both awarded national accreditation after an extensive application and site review process.
COA accreditation is an objective, independent, and reliable validation of an agency’s performance conducted by a group of specially trained volunteer ‘Peer Reviewers’ who organize an administrative analysis and a series of on-site interviews with trustees, staff and clients. Organizations pursue accreditation to demonstrate the implementation of best practice standards in the field of human services. COA evaluated all aspects of The Florida Center’s programs, including services, management, and administration. The agency’s first accreditation was awarded in 2000 and programs have continued to meet the COA best practices.
“This was a long process and I’m certainly grateful for our amazing board and staff for taking this on,” said Kristie Skoglund, CEO. “This accreditation reinforces the value of our services in helping local children and families in need.”
Photo courtesy of the Florida Center for Early Childhood.
Today, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) is proud to announce that the Lockheed Martin Corporation has made a $210,000 donation to help ensure the mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those that serve and their families, and Teach the next generation about the value of our freedom is carried out in communities across the country. Through this donation, Lockheed Martin has sponsored nearly 15,000 wreaths for placement at grave markers of veterans from all backgrounds on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. The wreaths will be distributed to nearly 30 locations across the U.S. and employees can participate. Wreaths Across America is the non-profit organization best known for placing wreaths on veteran’s headstones at Arlington National Cemetery. However, in 2020, the organization placed more than 1.7 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths at 2,557 participating locations nationwide.
The dream of one man became a cultural tour de force for Sarasota’s performing arts community. In 1999, actor and playwright Nate Jacobs founded the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, establishing a unique dramatic company to present and explore the Black experience. After twenty years of challenges and hard-won triumphs, the troupe experienced one of its toughest years yet in 2020. The killing of George Floyd ignited a national reckoning on race, and the COVID-19 pandemic made theatres go dark. Drawing on the resilient spirit that carried the troupe across previous hardships, WBTT has reimagined ways to stage its performances and fulfill its mission to promote inclusion and diversity in the arts. As a new generation of artists comes onboard, the troupe also finds successful approaches to address racism and lift others up through opportunity, mentorship and outreach. Produced by WEDU PBS in partnership with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with generous funding from the George J. & Alice Pugh Donor Advised Fund. The film is available at https://www.wedu.org/shows/documentaries/this-light-of-mine/
Your holiday season won’t be complete without attending this time-honored tradition as Key Chorale joins Music Director Troy Quinn and The Venice Symphony for “A Holly Jolly Holiday.” Classic carols O Come All Ye Faithful and O Holy Night, beloved standards Sleigh Ride and White Christmas, and music from The Nutcracker are just a few of the highlights. Key Chorale will bring you to your feet on December 17 from 7:30pm-9:30pm and December 18 from 3:30pm to 5pm and 7:30pm to 9pm at Venice Performing Arts Center with Handel’s majestic Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah. A sing-a-long with surprises, Chanukah music and holiday film favorites round out this festive program.
The inaugural Bradenton Seafood & Music Festival makes its debut on Friday, December 17 from 4pm to 10pm; Saturday, December 18 from 11am to 10pm and Sunday, December 19 from 11am to 6pm at the Riverwalk Pavilion with fresh seafood and live music The event is FREE and open to the public. The event will offer a variety of seafood cooked fresh on site by local restaurants and food purveyors. Seafood dishes are prepared using only the freshest local and sustainable ocean resources from the Florida Gulf Coast. Meat lovers and vegetarians can select from a diverse menu of meats, vegetarian offerings, side dishes and desserts. Alcoholic, non-alcoholic and fruit drinks will also be available. The musical line-up includes: Friday, December 17: 4:30pm – 6pm Mike Tozier (rock & blues), 6:30pm – 8pm Joey Gilmore (American blues guitar), 8:30pm – 10pm Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’Blues (blues & rock). Saturday, December 18: 12:30pm – 2pm Ben Prestage (blues), 2:30pm – 4pm Shaw Davis & the Black Ties (blues & rock), 4:30pm – 6pm Possessed By Paul James (folk, soul & blues), 6:30pm – 8pm Damon Fowler (blues & rock), 8:30pm – 10pm Albert Castiglia (blues). Sunday, December 19: 12:30pm – 2pm JP Soars (blues), 2:30pm – 4pm Sean Chambers (blues & rock), 4:30pm – 6pm Ronnie Dee and the Superstars (R&B & funk). On the breaks between performances enjoy shopping in a marketplace of fine arts, crafts, and select fine products and food items.
In-Studio Performance Series featuring SCDE: Winter Showcase will take place on December 17th and 18th at 7pm at SCD Home Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts. Tickets are $20. The SCDE Winter Showcase will feature works choreographer by SCDE Co-Directors Melissa Rummel and Xian-Xuan Yang Dancingers.
Every 3rd Saturday from 10-3 The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime opens their outdoor space for guest vendors, dog rescues, and live music. Check out the 40 local creators and curators inside The Bazaar every Thursday - Saturday. Enjoy a delicious lunch and support local. Free, until you buy something amazing!
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 ten-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 together. Single tickets available Sept. 1, 2021 ($26.50 preview/ $29.50 single/ $14 student). Subscriptions are available now. The show dates are Dec. 8-11, 14-18 at 7:30pm and Dec. 12, 18-19 at 2pm.
Inspired by one location and three random notes on the keyboard, the cast of FST Improv’s Treble in Paradise creates a fully-improvised musical right before your very eyes. With no scripts, no musical score, and absolutely no idea what will happen next, our ensemble of improvisers delivers full-blown musical numbers, drama, and spontaneous choreography in this all-new musical improv show. Treble in Paradise will show every Saturday from December 4 to 18 in FST’s Bowne’s Lab.
Friends of Manatee County Animal Services (FoMCAS) invites everyone to join them at the February Yappy Hour at Motorworks Brewery. FoMCAS will be the featured nonprofit and will have over $4000 in raffles and silent auction items plus a 50/50 drawing to help fundraise for the Manatee County Animal Services shelter animals. The family friendly and pet friendly event will be held on Sunday, February 21st in the Motorworks Beer Garden from 1pm to 4pm. The event will feature vendors selling an array of pet and non-pet related products with drink specials and food from local food trucks all in the 12,000 sq ft. artificially turfed beer garden. Raffles and silent auction items include resort stays on Anna Maria Island, spa packages, restaurant gift cards, sailing excursions, fabulous gift baskets, pet items, tickets to sporting events and a golf package, handmade arts by local artisans, jewelry, baskets of spirits, gourmet gift packages, and much, much more. Pet owners are encouraged to bring their leashed pets to enjoy the day and help contribute to the Friends of Manatee County Animal Services whose mission it is to work hand in hand with Manatee County Animal Services to enrich the lives of the shelter animals by raising funds to provide additional resources, medical care and heartworm treatment. Animal Network is the event partner with Motorworks Brewery for the monthly Yappy Hour held on the third Sunday of each month. It features different local nonprofit animal organizations that support, rescue, and find loving homes for dogs and cats in our community. Each month, the guest organization receives the funds raised through the silent auction, raffles and 50/50 split drawing. Over the last three years the event has raised over $100,000 shared among the various guest organizations. Animal Network, Dawg Phonics and Motorworks are sponsors of the Yappy Hour.
Crosley Christmas-Holiday Songs & Fables Runs from Thursday December 9 2021 to Sunday December 19 2021 at Bradenton Kiwanis Theater, 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton. Approximate running time: 2 hours. The Crosley Theater Company is delighted to share sing-a-long songs & fun-tastic fables with you this holiday season. T’will be an evening filled with laughter & joyous celebration, and quite possibly…a bit of a mystery. After intermission, Gwendolyn Crosley will present her favorite Christmas classic ever. It was written by Master Storyteller, Charles Dickens, and is one of his famous, if not most famous story, “A Christmas Carol." Produced by the Powel Crosley Theater.
A magical Venice Theatre tradition celebrating its 20th year. Our original musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic story follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he reflects on his past, present and possible future. A Christmas Carol will show from December 10 to 20 at the Venice Theatre.
Sameer Patel leads a program of intimate favorites on Wednesday, December 22 at 7:30pm at the Sarasota Opera House. The pastel colors of Debussy's Petite Suite are followed by Respighi's entrancing Adoration of the Magi. Young violinist Geneva Lewis will perform Massenet's moving "Méditation" from Thaïs and the icy "Winter" concerto from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons. Mozart's "Paris" Symphony, among the master's grandest works, is guaranteed to leave the listener rejuvenated.
Florida Studio Theatre’s resident improv troupe, FST Improv, will return to a weekly live performance schedule with Triple Play, a full-length show created specifically to entertain from a distance. Drawing inspiration from audience suggestions, a rotating cast of three improvisers will perform games, scenes, and songs—all made up on the spot. Starting Saturday, March 20, Triple Play will take place Saturday evenings at 8:30pm for socially-distanced audiences in FST’s Keating Theatre. Tickets are $15 per person and are now on sale. To purchase tickets, call FST’s Box Office at 941.366.9000 or visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org. FST's musical improvisers, Jim Prosser and Helena Rankin, will provide comical accompaniment as performers play some of Sarasota's favorite improv games - all while maintaining social distancing. In addition to live audiences, the cast of Triple Play will draw inspiration from prompts submitted virtually through text or via Twitter. With this added virtual element, FST Improv will engage with audiences in Sarasota and beyond. Triple Play performances will be socially-distanced and in compliance of all CDC guidelines, including socially-distanced seating, paperless ticketing, and limited theatre capacities. Facial coverings must be worn at all times - including throughout performances - when on campus at FST, aside from dining in FST's Green Room Cafe & Bar. Socially-distanced pre-show dining is available indoors and outdoors in FST's Green Room Cafe & Bar one hour before each Triple Play performance.
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.
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