SRQ DAILY Sep 22, 2023
Friday Weekend Edition
"It makes me feel alive, both in positive and negative ways."
Ask Jose Ramirez, Latin America’s number one blues artist, what life is like on the road and this is what he’ll give you. “It’s crazy, it’s exciting, it’s hectic, it’s exhausting, it’s frustrating, it’s passionate, it’s a combination of everything. It makes me feel alive, both in positive and negative ways. We really, really just do this for the love of it,” says Ramirez. “Touring musicians are not becoming rich out here, especially in the blues and jazz genre. That’s not why we do it.”
They do it, because for musicians like Ramirez, it’s their dream. They do it because it’s all that they’ve ever wanted to do–even if it’s often an uphill battle. “People usually see the nice fancy parts of the shows–the green room photos or the photos on stage, but people don’t usually see all the driving involved and the sleepless nights and the eating poorly on the road or sometimes not at all because you have to leave at that instant to get to your next gig,” says Ramirez. “At the end of the day, I guess we do it because we love it.”
Costa Rica is not what one would call a “hotbed” of blues music. And yet, that’s where Ramirez hails from, where his dream of being a touring blues musician began. Spurned on by his father’s love of the blues, Ramirez worked at his craft until emigrating to the United States just under 10 years ago. Now 35, Ramirez has released two studio albums, including 2022’s “Major League Blues” under a contract with Chicago’s Delmark Records and has toured extensively around the country and Europe. Ramirez is currently in the midst of a “hybrid tour” of sorts–he spent this summer touring Europe before heading back stateside this fall, where on September 30, he will return to the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s Donnelly Theatre with The Jose Ramirez Band for the third time in three years. “It’s a great feeling every time we return to Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. There’s always been great chemistry between my band and the people at the theater and the crowds,” says Ramirez. “Personally it feels like coming home, because I used to live in Tampa Bay and play locally in the area.”
The Donnelly Theatre, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Campus, 1012 N. Orange Ave, Sarasota, Box office: 941-366-1505. 
Pictured: The Jose Ramirez Band returns to WBTT’s stage on September 30. Photo by Sorcha Augustine
Congratulations to the 7 winners of the sixth annual Florida Gulf Coast Sunset Photo Contest sponsored by South County Healthy Living and Englewood Healthy Living. The winners include Shane Fowler, Marie Laforge, Deborah Papineau, Louise Longet, Amy Baker, Rachelle Vance, and Tony Tesoriero. Fowler is a four-time winner of the contest and Laforge and Papineau are three-time winners. The seventh annual contest begins January 1. This year’s judges included Aimee Odette, the owner of The Island Bookshop and Collectors Gallery & Framery on Venice Island, Charleen Elliott with the Englewood Art Center, professional photographer Claudia Daniels, and graphic art designer Veronika Humphreys. “Our annual sunset photo contest showcases the natural beauty of our region and the creative talent of locals enjoying the outdoors,” said Randy Moore with Triple 3 Marketing. “It’s also an opportunity to thank the individuals and organizations that maintain and protect our beaches, parks and preserves.”
Photo Credit Amy Baker.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) kicks off its 2023-2024 Winter Cabaret Series with Up on the Roof, an energetic music revue celebrating the legendary songwriters who churned out hit after hit in Midtown Manhattan, creating what became known as the “Brill Sound.” Featuring more than two dozen hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s, Up on the Roof explores the lasting contributions of such songwriting teams as Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, and Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Created by Rebecca Hopkins and Richard Hopkins with musical arrangements by Jim Prosser, Up on the Roof begins playing September 27 in FST’s Court Cabaret. Up on the Roof is part of a three-show subscription package. Also included in the Cabaret subscription package is Take it to the Limit, a tribute to the music of 1970s Rock & Roll rebels, along with The Flip Side, an offbeat Cabaret celebrating some of the best comic songwriters of the 20th Century. Subscriptions for all three Winter Cabaret shows can be purchased for as little as $49. Subscriptions and single tickets are now on sale at 941.366.9000 or FloridaStudioTheatre.org. From the late ‘50s to the early ‘60s, there were several buildings in Midtown Manhattan, including the Brill Building, that had staffs of young songwriters who crafted numerous hits for such artists as The Drifters, Elvis Presley, Dionne Warwick, and The Monkees. Featuring songs like “A Teenager in Love,” “One Fine Day,” “Walk on By,” and “River Deep Mountain High,” Up on the Roof examines how these legendary writers helped create what is now considered modern pop music. Bringing this distinctive sound to life in FST’s Court Cabaret is a four-person ensemble: Jannie Jones (The 70s: More Than A Decade, 2023), Jacquelyne Paige (FST debut), Joey Panek (The God Committee, 2023 Summer New Play Festival) and Brandon Wardell (Reel Music, 2023). FST’s Resident Pianist, Jim Prosser, will provide musical accompaniment on the piano.
Pictured: Brandon Wardell, Jannie Jones, Joey Panek, and Jaquelyne Paige. Photo by FST.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) kicks off its 2023-2024 Winter Cabaret Series with Up on the Roof, an energetic music revue celebrating the legendary songwriters who churned out hit after hit in Midtown Manhattan, creating what became known as the “Brill Sound.” Featuring more than two dozen hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s, Up on the Roof explores the lasting contributions of such songwriting teams as Carole King and Gerry Goffin, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, and Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Created by Rebecca Hopkins and Richard Hopkins with musical arrangements by Jim Prosser, Up on the Roof begins playing September 27 in FST’s Court Cabaret. Up on the Roof is part of a three-show subscription package. Also included in the Cabaret subscription package is Take it to the Limit, a tribute to the music of 1970s Rock & Roll rebels, along with The Flip Side, an offbeat Cabaret celebrating some of the best comic songwriters of the 20th Century. Subscriptions for all three Winter Cabaret shows can be purchased for as little as $49. Subscriptions and single tickets are now on sale at 941.366.9000 or FloridaStudioTheatre.org. From the late ‘50s to the early ‘60s, there were several buildings in Midtown Manhattan, including the Brill Building, that had staffs of young songwriters who crafted numerous hits for such artists as The Drifters, Elvis Presley, Dionne Warwick, and The Monkees. Featuring songs like “A Teenager in Love,” “One Fine Day,” “Walk on By,” and “River Deep Mountain High,” Up on the Roof examines how these legendary writers helped create what is now considered modern pop music. Bringing this distinctive sound to life in FST’s Court Cabaret is a four-person ensemble: Jannie Jones (The 70s: More Than A Decade, 2023), Jacquelyne Paige (FST debut), Joey Panek (The God Committee, 2023 Summer New Play Festival) and Brandon Wardell (Reel Music, 2023). FST’s Resident Pianist, Jim Prosser, will provide musical accompaniment on the piano.
Pictured: Brandon Wardell, Jannie Jones, Joey Panek, and Jaquelyne Paige. Photo by FST.
For the past 47 years, the Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota has been our area’s number-one choice for fun, economical, entertaining, and popular-style music concerts. This upcoming 48th season, “The Epic Season,” continues that trend with an amazing lineup of guest artists and shows. “Each season, the orchestra reaches higher to bring the best entertainment value to our patrons, both local and from afar,” said conductor and artistic director, Robyn Bell. “This season packs in something from everyone’s popular music palette, including The Beach Boys, Michael Bublé, Broadway love songs, and bagpipes for St. Patrick’s Day. The orchestra and our guest artists will leave you with stunning performances of epic proportions!” The 4-concert season performances are held on Sunday afternoons at the Riverview Performing Arts Center and on Monday nights at the SCF Neel Performing Arts Center.
Project Pride SRQ, the region's leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated Sarasota Pride, scheduled to take place on October 21st, 2023, in the heart of the Rosemary District along Boulevard of the Arts and Florida Ave. Sarasota Pride has been dedicated to celebrating diversity, promoting inclusivity, and supporting the LGBTQ+ community for many years. The annual outdoor festival has become a beloved tradition, bringing together individuals, families, and allies from across Sarasota and beyond for a day of entertainment, education, and unity. This year's festival promises to be the biggest and most vibrant yet, with an exciting lineup of events and activities that will appeal to attendees of all ages and backgrounds. Sarasota Pride will take place from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on October 21st, 2023, along picturesque Boulevard of the Arts and Florida Ave. Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to join Sarasota Pride in celebrating diversity, fostering understanding, and embracing the power of love and acceptance. For more information about Project Pride SRQ and Sarasota Pride Festival, please visit our website at ppsrq.org.
Sarasota Orchestra kicks off its 75th anniversary season with a special, full orchestra concert for families entitled FREE Family Concert: Ferret in the Orchestra. Sarasota Orchestra invites families to come out for an evening of symphonic music in a narrated concert specially designed for elementary and middle school aged audiences. The live orchestra will entertain listeners of all ages with high-energy classical music and favorite popular tunes. Conductor Christopher Confessore, Principal Pops Conductor of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, leads the concert. Music columnist Mary Colurso of The Birmingham News remarked, "Anyone who regards the symphony as stuffy and elitist hasn't been to a...show when Confessore's in charge.” Greg Smith, narrator and architect of The Animated Orchestra, is a prolific composer of family and educational symphonic works. A long association with the Walt Disney Company has yielded original themes, songs, and arrangements for their animated features, movies, and all of their worldwide theme parks. His works have enjoyed over 1,000 performances by more than 200 orchestras.
October 6, 7:00 pm, Van Wezel, 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-263-6799.
Get ready to embark on a journey into the vibrant heart of Hispanic arts and culture as Florida's Paradise Coast gears up for an exhilarating celebration like no other - ¡ARTE VIVA! Presented by the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau, this yearlong extravaganza promises to be an unforgettable tribute to the rich cultural tapestry of the Hispanic community, which constitutes nearly 30% of the region’s population. ¡ARTE VIVA! recently earned two prestigious SUNsational Awards presented by the Florida Festivals and Events Association. These accolades recognize innovation, uniqueness, and creative collaboration. In its budget category, ¡ARTE VIVA! secured the First Place award for its exceptional Public Relations/Media Campaign, and an impressive Third Place for its captivating Website. Last year's ¡ARTE VIVA! advertising campaigns achieved over 50 million impressions across key drive markets. Social media campaigns that showcased individual artists’ stories garnered over 7.5 million impressions, 59,000 website visits, and nearly 44,000 video views. The second season of ¡ARTE VIVA! will bring some extraordinary new programs ¡ARTE VIVA! is set to offer residents and visitors an unrivaled assortment of events and performances throughout the year, spread across multiple locations throughout Florida's Paradise Coast. It's a heartfelt tribute to the beauty and unique contributions of Hispanic culture. For a comprehensive list of upcoming events and to immerse yourself in the ¡ARTE VIVA! experience, please visit the ¡ARTE VIVA! website at www.arte-viva.com.
The Stage at Payne Park LLC (The Stage), a wholly-owned subsidiary nonprofit organization of The Players, Inc. with a mission to remodel and operate the existing Payne Park auditorium for its new home, held its first consortium meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. The three-hour meeting, moderated by Ray Collins, allowed the group of 30 to voice opinions, as well as discuss ideas and requirements unique to each organization for the design and development of The Stage at Payne Park regarding facility design, scheduling, marketing, ticketing, box office, call center, offices and studios, among other items. During the gathering, The Stage at Payne Park also shared some of its preliminary development and marketing plans. While the organizations had widely varying requirements, many spoke of the need for a bigger performance space or a more permanent home for their organization, an outdoor venue option, an emphasis on acoustics with requirements ranging from solo performance artists to a 35-piece orchestra with a cast of 12, a reception area, and rehearsal space and studios, among other items. Representing The Stage was Brian McCarthy; Steven Butler, chair of the consortium and artistic director for The Players; Nancy Jenkins, project manager; Brian Hersch, chief executive officer of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County; William Skaggs, chief executive officer of The Players; members of the board of trustees; Olivier Corizzi, chief executive officer of Creative Strategy Lab; Kate De Michieli, director of public relations with One Eight Oh PR; Marcel Maslowski, president of FG+M Architecture; Colin Derek, architect with FG+M Architecture; and Alec Stoll, ASTC and acoustician with Stages Consultants. 10 members of the 19-member consortium also contributed to the audience, including Key Chorale, SaraSolo Productions, The Hermitage Artist Retreat, The Players, Sarasota Contemporary Dance, Sarasota Jewish Theatre, Squeaky Wheel Theatre Group, Ring Sarasota, Artist Series Concerts and ensembleNEWSRQ. The nonprofit expects to hold additional meetings over the course of the next several months to gather community feedback. Construction on The Stage at Payne Park is expected to start in March 2024, with an estimated completion slated for summer 2025.
THE FIRST LINE | In what started out as a way to help his son play hockey, Bradley Gustafson inadvertently created the most popular youth sports league in the region, September 2023.
The Ringling presents a solo exhibition of works by Lorna Bieber in May that includes two new pieces making their debut in the Keith D. and Linda L. Monda Gallery for Contemporary Art. Her artwork first and foremost encourages us to indulge in the pleasures of looking and discovering anew the details of the visual world. Her artistic practice is grounded in appropriating, recycling, and manipulating imagery. The work reminds us of the image world that inundates our daily existence. Our experience of reality is mediated through a barrage of photographic digital images that supplants our connection to the natural world. Yet, Bieber is less interested in a critique of this condition than she is in offering her work as an antidote, a way to inspire viewers and reconnect with our shared sense of wonder. Included with museum admission. The Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota, ringling.org.
Visit Fresh Harvest, the newly launched weekly farmers market in Downtown Wellen. Fresh Harvest offers a selection of local goods from nearly 40 local vendors. Fresh Harvest takes place every Sunday in Downtown Wellen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse different vendor booths and stock up on a variety of goods. Vendors will offer a wide variety of locally grown and produced food, including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages. A limited selection of craft vendors also participate in the farmers market. For a listing of participating vendors and more information on Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, visit wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market. Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.
Friday Fest, the free, outdoor summertime concert series at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall continues with TEN-76 on August 11. TEN-76 is a powerhouse high energy band that covers classic and modern rock. From the Lakewood Ranch homebase, TEN-76 regularly plays many of the local venues and are expanding in the Southeast Region. They have volunteered their time and entertainment for many charities to help raise funds and awareness.
Head out to Waterside Place for a rocking evening as part of the Lakewood Ranch Sights and Sounds Program. Enjoy a live concert in partnership with Easterseals and EveryoneRocks, featuring artists who are rocking their spectrum. This event is free and open to the public; there is limited seating at the Plaza, but attendees are welcome to bring their own seats. Food and beverages will be available from numerous Waterside Place merchants. For more information on shows, dates, and times, visit lakewoodranch.com/sights-sounds/. Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Dr., Sarasota.
The 2022 through 2023 exhibition season of Art Center Sarasota concludes with four exhibits, August 24 through September 30. In The Ephemerality of Being, Lauren Mann reflects on the beauty and magic of everyday life in colored pencil drawings that are full of patterns and idiosyncrasies. Artist Iren Tete presents Systems of Entanglement is an installation of ceramic sculptures inspired by forms, materials, and thoughts that exist somewhere between reality, dream, and possibility. In SUPERPOSITIONS, Ry McCullough creates colorful works of collage, sculpture, and wall bound hybrids inspired by the traditions of still life and modernist abstraction. An Abstract View re-examines abstraction and its relevance in contemporary art and is juried by Tre Michel, co-owner of State of the Arts Gallery. The opening reception for all four exhibits is Thursday, August 24, 6 to 8 p.m. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For information, visit www.artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032.
Calling all Jeep Enthusiasts! The Sarasota Hooters location is hosting Jeep Night on the third Thursday of the month starting at 6pm. Hooters is giving away raffle prizes during the monthly events. The September 21 raffle prize is a Flashcal For Jeep Superchips Calibration Tool. Congratulations to Shawn Miller who won a Jeep Tow Kit during the August 17 Jeep Night. Upcoming Jeep Nights will take place on December 21. Hooters of Sarasota is located at 6507 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Visit Hooters during Jeep Night and present your Jeep key for 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages and an entry for the giveaway. Jeep Night has become a favorite thing to do for the Sarasota community. From regular customers to Hooters Girls who own Jeeps and Jeep lovers everyone is enjoying this opportunity. For more information, visit www.HootersFlorida.com.
Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, first concert of the season is Tango on September 23, 4PM at Church of the Palms in Sarasota. Billboard Top 10 Duo Ben and Winnie join the more than 100 voices of Key Chorale to celebrate the passion and sizzle of the Argentine Tango. Bandoneonist Ben Bogart, pianist Winnie Cheung, and four traditional tango dancers take you to the streets of Buenos Aires. Together they present Martín Palmeri’s Misatango, a Latin mass incorporating the harmonies, rhythms, and sensual qualities of the tango. Soloists Amy Connours and Stephanie Jabre add their vocal sparkle to the dance. Key Chorale will be joined by a string quintet, piano, and the bandoneon, a button-accordion that has become synonymous with the tango.To purchase tickets to “Tango” or to buy a season subscription, visit www.keychorale.org or call 941-552-8768 to reserve the best seats and to take advantage of additional savings.
Celebrate National Family Health & Fitness Day on Saturday, September 30, at 7am with
New Balance University, located at 315 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota. Whether you run, walk or jog, you’re invited to our free fun run or walk. Fun for the Whole Family! Join us in a whatever you want to make it 5K-ish marked course run or walk. There will be a digital clock, the ability to demo New Balance shoes, bathrooms, water and raffle prizes. Strollers and dogs welcome. Open to all ages & ability levels-runners and walkers. RSVP at stores.newbalance.com/Universitypark.
The Bay Turns One! Community celebration provides free, exciting, and diverse programming for the entire community to enjoy. With more than 30 free events over the 5 days, there’s something for everyone, including family-fun activities, headlining musical acts by Journey former lead vocalist Steve Augeri and Sarasota’s own Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, food and cultural festivals, a one-year community celebration party, Boo! at The Bay Halloween, dancing, nature explorations in nature and more! For more information, visit thebayturnsone.org.
Secure your tickets to our Art of Performance Season Kickoff Party: White Hot Fête on Friday, Oct 20 featuring La Dame Blanche. White Hot Fête is Sarasota’s hottest party. Put on your stylish glow and celebrate the opening of the cultural season in your finest all-white attire! General admission includes a pre and post-show DJ, live concert with La Dame Blanche, as well as food and beverages for purchase. Tickets for general admission are $35 for non-members and $31.50 for members. VIP admission includes priority entrance to the venue at 7pm, a private VIP Section, open bar and buffet, as well as VIP parking access. VIP tickets are $125 per ticket. Be sure to buy your tickets soon, VIP tickets are limited. 5401 Bayshore Rd., Sarasota, www.theringling.org.
Taste of New Orleans will take place on Saturday, October 28th at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. This event has developed an exceptional reputation, providing guests with hors doeuvres, live entertainment, and an unforgettable bayfront setting. Taste of New Orleans sponsorships are available at a variety of levels. Proceeds support Truly Valued programs, that increase confidence and better decision making skills through changed behaviors of the youth and families that we serve. Visit https://trulyvalued.org/taste-of-new-orleans to purchase tickets.
Join us on November 15th at 7pm to kick off the 2023-2024 season with the Tobias Quartet! Members of the Tobias Quartet initially connected during summers spent at the renowned Perlman Music Program on Shelter Island, NY. They reunited during their studies at the Juilliard School and the quartet ultimately formed in the summer of 2021 at the Music from Angel Fire Festival, located in New Mexico. During their residencies at Music from Angel Fire in 2021 and 2022, the quartet performed a wide range of repertoire including the world premiere of an octet by Elise Arancio in collaboration with the Vera Quartet. The name of their ensemble pays homage to Toby Perlman, to whom they are eternally grateful for her infinite wisdom and inspiration. Tickets will be available October 1st and this public show will be located at the Sarasota Art Museum in Thomas McGuire Hall, 1001 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, https://www.perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org.
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