When Vicki Chelf began her Women of Resistance series in 2021, her goal was simple: to commemorate women who fought against fascism during World War II by painting their portraits.

She would use collages of vintage French newspaper from the era, which she rescued from a waterlogged basement in the town of Aubin, as the backdrop; her memories of a small museum dedicated to the French Resistance as fuel. But while the show was well-received, it ultimately did not have the impact Chelf wanted. Something was missing. “People liked seeing the paintings,” she came to realize, “but they’re moved by the stories.” Two years later, the project returns as “Celebrate the Women of Resistance,” a two-night-only live storytelling performance with original music and dance, hosted next weekend by the First Presbyterian Church in Downtown Sarasota.

Roughly 90 minutes long, the show plays out as a series of four vignettes, each highlighting the antifascist activities of its subject and each brought to life by a different artist or collaboration. Fans of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will recognize Brentney J. as famed jazz performer Josephine Baker, who smuggled messages across enemy lines for the Allies while touring Europe. And sharp-eyed Sarasota Ballet fans may recognize the work of former Ballet Master James Jordan, who created original choreography to tell the story of American film star Hedy Lamarr, who just might have revolutionized torpedo guidance systems at a time when German U-boats posed a serious threat. Rounding out the show are the stories of French Resistance fighter Andree Peel, performed from original choreography by Suzanne Caesar, and British resistance agent Noor Inayat Khan, told through poetry and dance by Megha Vaid. Music for the performance is composed by Warren Slim Williams.

“I’m hoping these stories will give women the confidence that they can make a difference in the world,” Chelf says. “So many people feel powerless today, but these stories are so empowering that you can’t help but feel hopeful.”

“Celebrate the Women of Resistance” runs two nights only, Oct 20 & 21, at First Presbyterian Church. Tickets: $27. The celebration continues Oct 22, 6pm, at Art Avenue Gallery in Downtown Sarasota, with the unveiling of a new painting by Chelf. 

Pictured: Vicki Chelf working on her portrait of Noor Inayat Khan. Photo by Phil Lederer.

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In today’s world, chart-topping singles can come from truly anywhere: the laptop of a college student, the social media page of an up and coming songwriter or the childhood bedroom of an unknown creative spirit. The digital age has truly expanded the music industry in a way that has never been seen before–with the stroke of a few keys on a laptop the basis of a hit track can be born.

But it wasn’t always this way. In the period between Elvis Presley’s Army enlistment in 1958 and the British Invasion in 1964, a unique subgenre of pop music dominated the charts: the Brill Building sound. The subgenre, named after Manhattan’s Brill Building, was born out of the culmination of prominent singers and songwriters that all worked and recorded in the Brill Building at the same time and is the focus of Florida Studio Theatre’s cabaret, Up On The Roof by Rebecca and Richard Hopkins. “Rebecca, who has been the lead developer of this project, based it off of people who came through the Brill Building, such as Carole King, Neil Diamond, Gerry Goffin and more of the greats of that era,” says Richard Hopkins. “It is a show that’s filled with one hit after another, with songs like “A Teenager in Love”, “Some Kind of Wonderful” and “River Deep Mountain High”. It’s amazing to think that these people were all working together in the same building and influencing each other.”

Outside of the recognizability factor of these classic hits, Hopkins was also drawn to the material because of how it reflected the lives of the songwriters. As they grew older and experienced more and more of the world, their bubblegum pop gradually took a tonal shift. “The interesting thing about this era is that the artists mature. When they were first writing, they were writing songs about adolescent love, however, as they grew up they began to write other material, like Carole King’s “Pleasant Valley Sunday”, which is sort of a cynical take on her experience of moving out of the city and into the suburbs,” says Hopkins. “It’s an amazing progression from these teen pop songs to songs like “Pleasant Valley Sunday” and “Walk On By”, which is a more mature breakup song that reflects the songwriters going through heartbreak and divorce. Rebecca has done such a good job of using the show to track the maturation of many of the key songwriters of the era and how that affected their music.”

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota, Box Office: 941-366-9000. 

Pictured: Brandon Wardell, Jannie Jones, Joey Panek, and Jaquelyne Paige are featured in Up On The Roof at FST. Photo courtesy of courtesy of FST.

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The Bay Park Conservancy will kick off The Bay Turns One! – a five-day First Anniversary Community Celebration beginning Wednesday, October 18, 2023. The Bay, a signature bayfront public park designed to be “one park for all,” has become a beloved and sustainable gathering place for the community with more than 250,000 visitors in its first year. The park’s First Anniversary community celebration will feature “the very best of The Bay” and provide free, exciting, and diverse programming for the entire community to enjoy. The full schedule of events can be found online at www.TheBayTurnsOne.org. The Bay Turns One! First Anniversary Community Celebration begins on Wednesday, October 18 and runs through Sunday, October 22. Highlights of the five-day celebration include: A Latino-inspired, family-friendly ¡Bailando for All! dance party (Wednesday, October 18), A one-year milestone Community Celebration Party recognizing one-year old babies and couples who have been together for one year (Thursday, October 19), A not-so-scary Boo! at The Bay Halloween event filled with trick-or-treating, free pumpkin pickings, a double-feature movie night and includes a Sensory-Friendly hour (Friday, October 20), The Second Annual Multicultural Festival at The Bay celebrating a tapestry of cultures with vibrant performances and delicious cuisine (Saturday, October 21), A bayside concert featuring Journey former lead vocalist Steve Augeri (Saturday, October 21), The Second Annual Taste of The Bay food festival in partnership with the Sarasota-Manatee Originals (Sunday, October 22), A not-to-miss “Soul & Sass” concert by Sarasota’s own Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (Sunday, October 22). The entire celebration is intertwined with everyday free programming such as guided kayak tours in partnership with Ride & Paddle, fitness classes provided by CoreSRQ, yoga taught by local yogis, guided nature walks, and music featuring some of the area’s favorite artists. Everyone is encouraged to bring family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, Meet-up and other groups and clubs to attend the many free events offered in the park. Providing the community with 5 days of FREE fun-filled activities and events is no small undertaking — it requires a lot of help from many. Many Volunteer roles are still available. For more information and to register for various The Bay Turns One! events, visit the website at www.TheBayTurnsOne.org. The community is also invited to subscribe to The Bay newsletter and follow The Bay on Facebook and Instagram. The Bay Turns One! is sponsored by generous Friends of The Bay including: Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Jody Beresford & Bob Mayer, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, DreamLarge, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Michael & Terri Klauber, AG Lafley, Cathy Layton & Pete Russell, Leading To Win, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, Michael Saunders & Company, Shumaker, and Jim & Susan Travers. For more information about The Bay and The Bay Park Conservancy, visit www.thebaysarasota.org, or contact Julia Groom at julia@dreamlarge.org or 941-786-8732. 

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The Sarasota Players is back with their annual autumn tradition of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Oct. 26 through 28 at The Sarasota Polo Grounds at Lakewood Ranch (8201 Polo Club Ln, Sarasota, FL 34240). This is an outdoor event, that’s perfect for all ages. Attendees are asked to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs to this outdoor event, and to dress up for the nightly costume contest! Shows start promptly at 6pm. This year, on Saturday, Oct. 28, starting at 3pm, families can enjoy a fall festival tailored to the kids. With a bracelet they can enjoy face painting, bounce houses, games and more before the show begins at 6pm. This festive play follows new schoolmaster Ichabod Crane as he arrives in Sleepy Hollow. He contends with ghost stories, winning the heart of the wealthy Katrina, and dealing with his rival for her affections Brom Bones. And of course, we can’t forget the appearance of one of the most famous ghosts in America, the Headless Horseman. This story is based off the short story by Washington Irving.

Oct. 26 and 27 at 6pm, Oct. 28 – Fall Festival starts at 3pm. The show starts at 6pm, 8201 Polo Club Ln, Sarasota. All events take place on the VIP side of the field.

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She’s baaaack! That’s right, the hostesss with the mostess Myra Mains is headed to Hamlet’s Eatery for a festive night of fun. The beloved hotspot for foodies and music enthusiasts, combines the best of both worlds with Music Bingo! Join them every 2nd Friday of the month for an evening filled with delicious food, toe-tapping tunes, and prizes. The next one is Friday, Oct 13th. Doors open at 5pm and the first round starts at 5:30. Play one or play all four - no fee to play! Music Bingo is an innovative twist on the classic game, combining the thrill of bingo with the joy of listening to your favorite songs. Myra Mains plays an eclectic mix of music from various genres and eras as players mark off the corresponding song titles on their bingo cards. It's a guaranteed recipe for a night of non-stop fun! But that's not all - Hamlets Eatery is renowned for its great food, and this event promises to be no exception. Whether you're a meat lover or vegan, Hamlets Eatery has something for everyone! As the excitement builds throughout the night, be prepared to win prizes. The winners of each round will be rewarded for their bingo prowess. Whether you're a music aficionado, a food lover, or simply someone looking for a fun night out, Music Bingo at Hamlets Eatery on Oct 13th is an event you won't want to miss. No reservations needed. For more information visit www.hamletseatery.com or call 941-445-1938. 

Hard Heart Burlesque is ready for the best time of year, spooky season! Sunday, Oct. 22 at 8pm at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre join some of Florida's finest burlesque and variety performers as we ring in Halloween. There will be some tease, some live vocals, some screams and some tricks and treats. As Sarasota's local burlesque company, Hard Heart is proud to bring in artists from all over the state for your viewing pleasure. Created by your producers "the sweetheart with a switchblade," Miss Marina Elaine and "the quadruple threat," Karma Kandlewick,October’s show features Misty Rose, Lilabelle Quantrelle, Lashes Lane, Lola Lacolombe, Nicole Dreger and emcee Alistair Graves. This is an 18 and older show.

Sunday, Oct. 22 at 8pm, McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, Tickets: $37. 

The Perlman Music Program nurtures the talent of gifted young musicians by providing an opportunity for them to train in Sarasota with Itzhak Perlman and other renowned musicians at the PMP Winter Residency. After the residency, PMP students move on to higher education and careers. The Perlman Music Program Suncoast (Perlman Suncoast) then invites these alumni back to the Sarasota-Manatee region for performances and outreach initiatives in public venues, retirement centers, private communities, places of worship, and public schools. Each performance offers a unique opportunity for area audiences to learn about and interact with the musicians through Q&A sessions and post-concert receptions. In November, Perlman Suncoast presents two recitals by the Tobias Quartet. The first event is Wednesday, November 15, 7 p.m., in the Thomas McGuire Hall at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The program features Ludwig van Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 18 No. 2 in G Major and Maurice Ravel’s String Quartet in F Major. Tickets are $20. To purchase tickets, visit PerlmanSuncoast.org. 

Limited tickets are on sale now for Gaze & Graze, a progressive dinner and gallery tour, Friday, October 20, starting at 5:30 p.m. Gaze & Graze is presented by Creative Liberties and Grae Productions. Guests will visit seven locations, including Hamlet’s Eatery for an appetizer and a sneak peek of their talent show; Creative Liberties 1 for an appetizer from Taco Fusion Express, home-brewed beer from Ray & Patti Spicochi and local art; Vino Bistro for an appetizer, local art and live local music; SPAACES for an entree from Skinny Nick’s BBQ and local art; Define Art Gallery for an entree from Kurto’s Chimney Bread and local art; Art Ovation Hotel for an entree from Tzeva Restaurant and local art and Creative Liberties 2 for dessert from the Bread Bandits, dessert beer from the Spicochi’s and local art. Tickets are $125 per guest; limited tickets are available. Purchase at: https://www.creativeliberties.net/ggdinner. 

Artist and gallerist Mara Torres González recently relocated MARA Art Studio + Gallery from the Rosemary District to Palm Avenue—a corridor long known for its prestigious galleries. A grand opening is scheduled for Friday, November 3, 6-8 p.m. during Palm Avenue’s First Friday Gallery Walk. The gallery is now at 76 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota. For more information, call (941) 914-8110 or visit MaraStudioGallery.com. 

Pictured: Javier Suarez, Notorious, at MARA Art Studio + Gallery.

Musica Sacra reaches higher this season to offer events that are passionate and immersive. “Beyond just hearing the music,” says Artistic Director Steven Phillips, “the audience will experience its power and be riveted by what they see and hear.” Phillips brings vision and adventure to his new role. He holds a Bachelor of Music in organ performance, a Master of Arts in Choral Conducting, and a Master of Arts in Religious Studies. In addition, he has done postgraduate studies in piano, composition, and jazz improvisation. Steven is a versatile artist with several recordings to his credit as performer, composer, arranger, conductor, and producer. He works in classical, jazz, and popular styles, and serves as Director of Music for First Presbyterian Church, Sarasota, where his piano and organ improvisations regularly delight attenders.  The first concert, New Beginnings, will be performed on Friday, October 27. Exploring themes of a new day, a new song, and a new journey, the program creates a tapestry of music by Monteverdi, Franck, Paulus, Jenkins, Thompson, and other greats. Highlighting the evening is Bach’s masterful Cantata 140: Sleepers Wake, performed by the choir, chamber orchestra with concertmaster Marcus Ratzenboeck, soprano soloist Stephanie Jabre, bass Jesse V. Martin, and tenor Matthew Jarvis.  A Celtic Christmas is the colorful second concert, presented on Friday, December 8. The 50-voice choir, dancers, soloists, and folk instruments will bring listeners into a magical world, seeing the Christmas season through Celtic eyes. Collaborators in this annual event, now in its seventh year, are. fast-rising Palm Beach folk stars The Lubben Brothers, the First Presbyterian Choir, and acclaimed local bagpiper Kevin Weigand. To be performed on Friday, March 8, Chant Re-Imagined spans many traditions, including Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Native American, African, and Indonesian. According to Phillips, chant is an ancient art form that opens its performers and hearers to deep contemplative places within. Listeners will hear this ancient heart music in its original form, in addition to experiencing layers of sound that include percussion, strings, wind instruments, and pulsing rhythms. The brilliant duo, Modern Marimba, is featured in the event, with its mallet-wielding founders Tihda Vongkoth and Steph Davis.  American Spirit, on Friday, May 17, caps the season with a burst of American creativity and vision. The choir and orchestra will join to present works by Aaron Copland, Howard Hanson, Gwyneth Walker, and others, set to words by Walt Whitman and Langston Hughes. Featured pianist Glenn Priest will give a rousing centennial performance of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, and guest artist Maicy Powell of West Coast Black Theater Troupe will join for a triptych of spirituals that embody the uniquely American hope of freedom for all. Ms. Powell will also perform Amanda Gorman’s now-famous inaugural poem, The Hill We Climb. All concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. and are held at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street. The church’s fine acoustics, downtown location, and ample parking make it an ideal performance venue. Tickets and more information on the 2023-24 Musica Sacra season are available at the website: MusicaSacraSarasota.org. Tickets are $35 for general seating and $90 for a three-concert season pass. In addition, admission to A Celtic Christmas is by voluntary donation, with a recommended donation of $20 per person and a $50 family maximum.  

SRQ’s Giving Coast program connects the nonprofits in our region with our philanthropic readers in the Giving Back May/June and the December editions of SRQ Magazine with the Donor's Guide To Giving. Our region is known for its strong philanthropic spirit. Join us this May/June in recognizing and sharing your organization’s mission and your wish list with those who want to support you. Capture your story and engage our readership in your philanthropic work. Space closes Friday, October 20, 2023. Please reach out to your Account Executive or Robinson Valverde at robinson.valverde@srqme.com