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SRQ DAILY Mar 7, 2024

Thursday Family and Recreation Edition

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Thursday Family and Recreation Edition

"I can't help but feel electricity and anticipation for the journey ahead. "

- Thayer Greenberg, Director of Education, The Players Studio.
 

[Baseball]  The Grapefruit League Reaches its Halfway Mark
Dylan Campbell, dylan@srqme.com

As temperatures begin to rise and alligators emerge from their winter slumber, the 30 teams in Major League Baseball have also begun to shake off the cobwebs. The on-field action of Florida’s Grapefruit League has neared its halfway point ahead of MLB’s Opening Day on March 28, making now as good a time as any to check in on how the three teams that nest in the Sarasota-area are doing this year.

The Baltimore Orioles, calling Sarasota’s Ed Smith Stadium their home away from home have plenty to be excited about this spring. Fresh off an American League best 101-61 season, the Orioles go into this year ready for a chance at postseason redemption and armed with more young talent than ever. The biggest story out of camp is of youngster Jackson Holliday and his quest to make the big league camp out of spring. The 20-year-old shortstop is looking to force management’s hand—as of Tuesday, he’s hit .333/.364/.619 in 22 plate appearances this spring.

The Pittsburgh Pirates, migrating to Bradenton’s LECOM Park each February, are largely defined by their prospects. Right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes, the no. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Amateur Draft, impressed in his Grapefruit League debut, hitting 102 mph with his fastball twice. 19-year-old Termarr Johnson, the fourth overall selection in 2022’s MLB draft, has also impressed this spring after a strong showing for the Single-A Bradenton Marauders last summer.

Down in North Port’s CoolToday Park—which is, in fact, a very cool stadium—the Atlanta Braves are hard at work preparing to defend their National League East division title. On Monday, the Braves trimmed their big league spring training roster by eight members. Pitching has stood out for the Braves this spring—earlier in the week, top prospect Hurston Waldrep, a right-handed pitcher out of the University of Florida, impressed with his upper-nineties fastball. The Braves’ ace in the hole, former seven-time all-star Chris Sale, has also been a bright spot, having yet to let up a run in either of his two starts in camp. 

Pictured: Orioles second baseman Jackson Holliday, left, forces out Red Sox Nathan Hickey in the fifth inning of the 2024 Grapefruit League Spring Training season opener at Ed Smith Stadium. Photo by Kenneth K. Lam for The Baltimore Sun.

[Tropical Mart]  Live Your Best Gulf Coast Life at the Tropical Muse Makers Mart
Laura Paquette, laura.paquette@srqme.com

Nothing captures the Gulf Coast’s elegant yet laid-back and fun design style quite like Pansy Bayou. The home and lifestyle brand represents a collaboration between Founder Ellen Hanson, of Ellen Hanson Designs, Studio Director Casey Stephenson and Pansy Bayou Team Member and Senior Designer and Director of Ellen Hanson Designs in New York, Lisa Hargus. The team has created an interior design studio and retail shop that curates a selection of unique products coveted by Sarasotans. Some of the store’s most popular featured makers include Textile Designer Charlotte Osterman, Designer Christina Vicente and Wolfum, a home goods brand. If you’re not familiar with the Pansy Bayou, then stop by their first annual Tropical Muse Makers Market on Saturday, March 9 from 3-5pm.

Pansy Bayou has partnered with Vital Surf Gear for this sip-and-shop event that will showcase both brands’ rich collections of products. “There is somewhat of a hole and opportunity for curators such as Lisa, Ellen and myself to say ‘here are some great folks that we all know and you guys should know them too,’” Stephenson says. At this mart, visitors can discover the treasure trove of items curated by the Pansy Bayou team, like rugs, tabletop games, ceramics and more, along with products from Vital Surf Gear. Keep an eye out for the gorgeous quick-drying Turkish towels from Fouta Harissa. Several makers local to Sarasota will be featured, and some of the shop’s most popular makers will attend the event in person. As a women-owned business, Pansy Bayou is excited to celebrate women makers during the event, which takes place during Women’s History Month. “I love that it’s women-centric. It’s for everyone but features women makers and innovators,” Hargus adds. “I think it’s claiming some space and bringing up some voices.”

The team hopes that attendees will find something to suit both their style and budgets, and the products range from under $100 to more luxurious items. “Because of the creativity of the team and Casey’s eye for presenting this Gulf Coast chic point of view, the shop has a lot of identities that we play with and enjoy,” says Hargus. Along with beautiful products for the home and Florida lifestyle, guests can enjoy eats and drinks like cookies featuring Charlotte Osterman’s prints. As a bonus, five percent of the event’s profits will be donated to the Suncoast Water Keeper to protect the natural spaces that define our region. “It’s about finding items that live in your home as an accessory,” Stephenson adds, “but that you can also use on the Gulf Coast in a utilitarian way.”

Tropical Muse Makers Mart at Pansy Bayou, 1533 Dolphin St., Sarasota, 941-413-5115, pansybayou.com. 

Visit the Tropical Muse Makers Mart for fun Florida accessories. Photo Courtesy of Pansy Bayou.

Pansy Bayou

[Arts & Entertainment]  Music Bingo, March 8 at Hamlet's Eatery

Music Bingo is happening Friday, March 8th from 6-8pm at Hamlet’s Eatery with a total twist! Talented local musician, Sabrina, will be hosting. She will be playing some of the songs LIVE! Come for dinner, stay and enjoy the tunes and win prizes! The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime will also be open. Music Bingo is similar to regular Bingo but instead of calling out numbers, music is played and you find the song title on your card. There will be four rounds and no charge to play. You can play one round or all four. Dinner is available featuring traditional and vegan options. There is Prosecco on tap and a great selection of craft beers. Hamlet’s Eatery is located in the courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. For more information call 941-445-1938 or visit www.HamletsEatery.com 

[Scholarship]  DutchCrafters Heritage Scholarship Application Open until May 1, 2024

In alignment with the company’s core value of giving back, DutchCrafters, the leading retailer of Amish furniture at www.dutchcrafters.com,  created its Heritage Scholarship in 2011. This scholarship offers education assistance to hardworking undergraduate students who are motivated by their heritage to build on their career aspirations, add creative value to their future employers, and serve their communities. Application for the 2024 DutchCrafters Heritage Scholarship is now open through midnight, May 1, 2024. Three winning applicants will each be awarded a $500 Heritage Scholarship. Recipients will be notified by email no later than July 12, 2024. Students currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time student at an accredited undergraduate institution in the United States to study nursing, education, business, engineering, or another field are encouraged to apply. This scholarship recognizes that the potential for creative value often lies within traditions and success stories that have been passed along from previous generations and mentors. Applicants are required to compose an essay that expresses how a deep sense of heritage fuels their educational and vocational goals. The essay should reveal how the student intends to reflect cultural traditions in their educational studies and in their future professional opportunities. Additionally, applicants must provide a statement of financial need. All information about the Heritage Scholarship can be found at https://www.dutchcrafters.com/heritage-scholarship. To learn more about last year’s recipients, read their stories at https://www.dutchcrafters.com/content/dutchcrafters-amish-furniture-heritage-scholarships-awarded-for-2022-23-school-year/. For scholarship-related questions, please email scholarship@dutchcrafters.com. 

[Education]  New College Celebrates Successful Visit from High School Leaders from Across the Region

New College of Florida welcomed principals and headmasters from esteemed private and public charter schools on February 22-23 for a transformative two-day engagement centered around the essence of classical liberal arts education. The event served as a platform for meaningful dialogue on the ethos of traditional liberal arts and its significance in shaping future leaders. The two-day gathering hosted K-12 educational leaders on New College’s Sarasota Bay waterfront campus and embraced discussions on the challenges and opportunities inherent in contemporary learning paradigms and the future of higher education. The event featured members of the New College administration and guests, including Jeremy Tate, founder of the Classic Learning Test (CLT). Discussions included New College's academic landscape, its world-class faculty and curriculum in Data Sciences, Marine Mammal Sciences, Economics, and Psychology, along with personalized educational opportunities, financial aid initiatives, and campus enhancements. Highlighting recent milestones, New College marked its largest incoming class in 2023 and expects to exceed all admissions goals year on year. Additionally, New College is pioneering its distance-learning program and the introduction of a classical great books degree program in collaboration with Ricketts Great Books College. Notably, the Board’s approval of the Master's of Marine Mammal Science program for 2024/2025 underscores New College's commitment to excellence in graduate education. 

[Competition]  Community Day School Student Qualifies for Debate Championship

The Hershorin Schiff Community Day School Middle School Debate Team, under the guidance of teacher Michael Podolsky, recently attended and excelled during its third Incubate Debate Tournament of the school year, which was held at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Fla. Community Day School (CDS) is celebrating one particular success: seventh-grader Matisse Cantero has qualified for Incubate.Champs, which will bring the top students from the Incubate Debate regions across Florida and South Carolina to the championship in Jacksonville, Fla. in early April. Other CDS students excelled during the competition as well. Sixth-grader Ava Chapman earned her way to the semi-finals. Seventh-grader Logan Curie, sixth-grader Benny Labinger, and eighth-grader Erik Sinift were recognized with E.M. Hemingway Nobility Awards for most-improved from the first to the second rounds of the tournament; Sinift and sixth-grader David Turner both made it into the Tribunal Round for commendable performances in the preliminary rounds; and Turner’s team won its room for the Tribunal Round. During the competition, middle and high school students competed alongside each other.  Competitors are judged by panels of elected officials, members of the judiciary, civil servants, college professors, first responders, members of the armed forces, and faith-based leaders. Incubate Debate operates competitive debate regions in Florida and South Carolina that collectively host no-cost debate tournaments every school year. Students from all backgrounds come together to debate timely and timeless topics that relate to the U.S. Constitution, foreign affairs, current events and issues, and the economy. Cantero, who lives in Sarasota with his parents, older brother, three guinea pigs and two parakeets, is currently hard at work preparing for the championships. In addition to debate, the 13-year-old also enjoys playing basketball, watching anime, and expanding his adventurous palate. There will be a “last chance” qualifier tournament in Sarasota on March 9; several Community Day students will participate, in hopes of joining Cantero for the Incubate.Champs in April. To learn more about the school, visit CommunityDay.org or call 941-552-2770. 

Pictured: CDS student Matisse Cantero will be headed to the Incubate Champs in Jacksonville, Fla. in April.

[Recognition]  Sarasota Ford and Le Mans Kitchen honor Sarasota County School-Related Employee of the Year

Sarasota Ford and Le Mans Kitchen recently honored Stacy Lahdenpera, Sarasota County Schools’ overall 2024 School-Related Employee of the Year, during an award ceremony held on Feb. 29 at Michael’s on East in Sarasota. During the event, Lahdenpera was awarded by Sarasota Ford team members a free, two-year lease on a brand new 2024 black Bronco Sport, as well as extended the opportunity to be wined and dined with a guest at Le Mans Kitchen, the dealership’s restaurant. Lahdenpera currently serves as the administrative assistant for the principal of Riverview High School. The award was made possible through a partnership between Sarasota Ford and Tandem Construction. In conjunction with the lease, Lahdenpera and a guest will be treated to a three-course meal at Le Mans Kitchen, a first-of-its-kind restaurant inspired by Ford’s history of racing at the 24 hours of Le Mans in France, nestled inside Sarasota Ford’s dealership that offers a world-class culinary experience. The Florida Department of Education’s School-Related Employee of the Year program annually recognizes outstanding education support personnel for the significant contributions they make to their schools and district school systems. The program honors one state representative and four finalists from the 67 school districts in Florida. All non-certified, non-instructional educational support personnel who serve at the school or district level, including teacher aides, library aides, bookkeepers, bus drivers, food service staff and custodians, among others, may be nominated. 

Pictured: Stacy Lahdenpera and Terry Connor, Sarasota County's superintendent of schools.

[Arts & Entertainment]  The Sarasota Players Expands Their Players Studio Education Program

The Sarasota Players, like our growing and flourishing community, is expanding and developing with the area. They are thrilled to announce the exciting addition of two accomplished professionals to The Players Studio. These new hires underscore the organization's commitment to fostering educational growth and providing unparalleled experiences for both aspiring and seasoned performers. Assistant Director of Education, Karla Quiñones Castillo, originally from Puerto Rico, Karla earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication and Theatre Education at Colorado State University and became an English Language Arts and Theatre Teacher/Director in the Thompson School District in Loveland, Colorado where she became a founding teacher for a new magnet program: The Loveland Integrated School of the Arts (LISA). In her 17 years of education, Karla has established two award-winning theatrical programs which included high recognition, such as the recipient of the 2016 Bobby G. Award for Best Hair and Makeup Design and Best Performance of an Ensemble for the Mountain View High School's production of AIDA, the 2016 Colorado Thespian Society Conference Mainstage Production of Peter and the Starcatcher, and the Thompson School District's Secondary Educator of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year. In addition to Karla's experience in education, she has worked as a freelance director for a non-profit theatre in Colorado directing productions such as She Kills Monsters and Dog Sees God. She is also no stranger to performing on the stage as well, playing the memorable roles of Diana Goodman in Next to Normal, Maggie in The Shadow Box, Rona Lisa Peretti in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and just recently playing Adult Alison Bechdel in Fun Home, to name a few. Studio Production Manager, Brian F. Finnerty previously worked in arts education for over fifteen years in the Sarasota Community. Brian was a competition dancer for 14 years before shifting his passion toward musical theater, where he attended Booker High’s Visual and Performing Arts program and Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts. He’s trained under and shadowed artists like Sonya Tayeh, Anthony Morigerato, and Savion Glover. He’s directed, choreographed, and performed at numerous theaters around the country resulting in multiple awards for his talent and dedication. “I am so excited to welcome Karla Quiñones Castillo as our Assistant Director of Education and Brian Finnerty as Studio Production Manager,” says Thayer Greenberg, Director of Education at The Players Studio. “I can't help but feel electricity and anticipation for the journey ahead. Their addition to this team is not just a reinforcement of the commitment The Sarasota Players have to the studio, but their expertise and energy have already brought so much. I know with Karla and Brian by my side, the possibilities are endless. Expect greatness.” 

[Arts & Entertainment]  Sarasota Art Museum Spring Exhibition Opening Party

Join Sarasota’s most creative and social fans of art, and enjoy early access to SAM’s newest exhibition, Impact: Contemporary Artists at the Hermitage Artist Retreat, before it opens to the general public. Party includes music by DJ Joey D and cocktails/lite bites (available for purchase). Invite your friends and your friend’s friends, and don’t miss this exciting art party! Membership will be verified at check-in.

Friday, March 8, 2024, 7:30 - 9:30 pm, $15 Museum Members | $25 Not-Yet Members

For more information click here



[SOON]  BUSINESS: Lets Connect at Oscura in Old Manatee , August 31 – December 26, 8:30-10am

Connect with local business owners at every Thursday at Oscura. Lets Connect is a community of collaborative business professionals from the Manatee and Sarasota County areas. RSVP on Eventbrite to attend, admission is free.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Fresh Harvest Farmers Market at Wellen Park , June 25 – May 31, 9 am to 1 pm

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.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Music Mondays , January 8 – March 25, Various times

The 2024 season of Sarasota Institute of the Lifetime Learning Music Monday Series presents performances and lively conversations with renowned and emerging performers, January 8-March 25, on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Palms in Sarasota; and Mondays at 3 p.m. at Venice Presbyterian Church in Venice. https://sillsarasota.org/index.htm.

[SOON]  THEATER: Improvisational Drama Workshop Series , January 24 – March 12, 1-3pm

The Ringling invites older adults to participate in this free improvisational drama workshop series on the Strengths and Challenges of aging. The workshop series is free for all 55 and older community residents. No acting experience is necessary. Please note that this is not taking place at The Ringling. The weekly workshops will be held at: The Pines of Sarasota Healthcare, Cullers Hall, 1501 N Orange Ave, Sarasota. Your talents, abilities, and creativity will be explored through fun-filled improvisational theater games in a safe, creative, and inspiring environment. Through creating various drama characters, participants will experience the strengths, joys, and challenges of aging. Improvisational drama is a form of theater in which characters and dialogue of a story are made up in the moment…there are no written scripts. Participants tap into and celebrate their creativity while interacting and learning from their peers. The program will culminate in a celebration of your work, held at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Please email education@ringling.org or call 941-358-2693 to register. Space in this workshop is limited; please register as soon as possible.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Embracing Our Differences , January 24 – April 14, Various times
Embracing Our Differences celebrates its 21st anniversary this year. Visit the exhibit at the downtown Bayfront Park in Sarasota. The winning artworks combine a deep understanding of both medium and message. Awards are given for Best-in-Show Adult, Best-in-Show Student, and Peoples Choice categories, with the last chosen by visitors to the exhibit. Adult winners each receive $2,000, and students receive $2,000 to be split with their school’s art or writing program. The statements accompanying each artwork are also vital and provide insight into our common humanity as well as the differences that make us all unique. For more information, visit www.embracingourdifferences.org.
[SOON]  THEATER: A Night in November , February 21 – March 15, Various times
One of the most highly acclaimed Irish comedies, A Night in November is a hard and humorous look at The Troubles in Northern Ireland during the 1990s. The play follows Kenneth McCallister, an opinionated government clerk who, barely, tolerates his wife, his in-laws, and his Catholic boss. On one fateful night in Belfast, as the Republic of Ireland qualifies against Northern Ireland for the World Cup, Kenneth finds himself watching the fanatical hatred of the crowd rather than the match, an event that profoundly changes his life. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit floridastudiotheatre.org.
[SOON]  THEATER: Born with Teeth , February 21 – March 29, Various times
Do not miss the opportunity to witness the fascinating dynamic between Shakespeare and Marlowe as their secrets unravel on stage. Born with Teeth runs through March 29, 2024. Visit asolorep.org for a full performance schedule. Tickets start at $35 and are available now in person at the Asolo Rep Box Office at 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, by phone at 941-351-8000 or 800-361-8388, or online at asolorep.org.
[SOON]  THEATER: Misery , February 21 – March 10, Various times

The Sarasota Players gets down and dirty with the classic Stephen King thriller, Misery by William Goldman running through March 10 at The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Starring real-life married couple Alison Guerrero-Heideman and Jeremy Guerrero-Heideman and directed by Kelly Woodland, this show will have you on the edge of your seat. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit theplayers.org.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: How to Create a Budget That Works for You , March 7, 1pm
Whether you are striving to pay off debt, grow your business or just gain control of your finances, creating an effective budget is the cornerstone of business success. In this webinar, our expert speaker will show you how to build an effective and easy budget that you can use to plan, manage and save for the financial future of your business. Learn about understanding profit and loss, your expenses, pricing products and services and money-saving strategies in business. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
[SOON]  MUSIC: Duo Chinoiserie , March 7, 11am
Duo Chinoiserie, composed of Jing Xia, Chinese guzheng and Bin Hu, classical guitar, brings the entrancing sounds of their unique project to the Sarasota Yacht Club on March 7. They blend ancient Chinese zither and classical guitar. Xia and Hu reproduce the elegance of the Chinoiserie style and bring the best of Eastern and Western cultures together through music. Their bold and carefully handpicked selection of repertoire explores the dialogue and complementary textures of the instruments while uniting contrasting musical styles into a cohesive, well-defined whole. The 11:00 am performance is followed by lunch. Single ticket: $68, includes lunch. To learn more, visit artistseriesconcertsorg.
[SOON]  MUSIC: Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight and Lord Nelson Mass , March 10, 7pm
Choral Artists of Sarasota continues its 45th season with Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight, based on a poem by Vachel Lindsay and composed by Florence Price, the first African American woman to have her music performed by a major symphony orchestra. The program also features Joseph Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass by Joseph Haydn, also known as Mass in a Time of Anxiety, which is recognized as one of his greatest compositions. The concert is Sunday, March 10, at 7 p.m., at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. Tickets are $40, general admission; and $5 for students. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org or call 941-387-4900.
[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Sidewalk Astronomy , March 15, 7:30-10pm
Join us under the stars for a night of good eating and great observing. We have partnered with the Local Group of Deep Sky Observers to bring Sidewalk Astronomy to The Bishop. At this free event, you can see the Moon, Jupiter, and much more through powerful telescopes. You will even have a chance to win a free Celestron StarSense Explorer 10-inch Dobsonian telescope. We have also partnered with the FEWD Taco Tent and the Edible Cookie Dough Cafe for you to enjoy a bite to eat while observing the universe. Drinks, including beer, wine, soda, and water, will be available for purchase. In addition to telescopes and tacos, you will have a chance to see our newest Planetarium show, Big Astronomy, at 8, 8:45, and 9pm for just $3 per person. For more information, visitbishopscience.org.
[SOON]  SPORTS: Wellen Park Half Marathon and 5K , March 16, 7:45am

Wellen Park invites the community to participate in its second annual Half Marathon and 5K, presented by Hotwire Communications, Saturday, March 16, 2024. The 13.1-mile course is certified by USA Track and Field. Both races start and finish at Solis Hall in Downtown Wellen, with an awards ceremony to recognize male and female winners in the following categories: overall, masters, grand masters, senior grandmasters, veterans grandmasters and top three finishers in each age group. Runners and attendees are encouraged to dress up and celebrate St. Patricks Day with festive green gear. Attendees will also enjoy live music from Solis Hall’s outdoor stage, beverages and food from different Downtown Wellen restaurants and The Yard eateries. The half marathon is open to runners 15 and older and starts at 7:30 a.m. The 5K run starts at 7:45 a.m. and is open to runners and walkers of all ages, with strollers and leashed dogs permitted. The half marathon and the 5K have also been cleared for disabled runners. The course is flat, paved and will be well-marked. Entry fees are $85 for the half marathon and $35 for the 5K, spots are limited. Registration for the half marathon and 5K closes March 15 at 5 p.m. Registration and event details, such as race packet pick-up, are available at runsignup.com/Race/FL/Venice/WellenParkHalfMarathonand5K.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Family Saturdays , March 23 – May 25, 10am-12pm
Kids and kids at heart can enjoy fun art and nature activities on Saturday mornings, at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on March 23, April 27, and May 25. Activities will run from 10 a.m. to noon each day, and participation is included in admission to the Gardens, which is always free for Selby Gardens members. These Family Saturdays celebrate the current exhibition on view, Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia OKeeffe. Several activity stations with different art-focused projects will be set up in the Ann Goldstein Childrens Rainforest Garden during each monthly event. The goal is to invite kids of all ages to explore the artwork of Yayoi Kusama and Georgia OKeeffe through activities that also connect them to the natural environment. Admission to Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus is $26 for adults, $11 for ages 5 to 17, and free for children 4 and under. Tickets may be purchased online in advance at selby.org. Selby Gardens members always receive complimentary admission as well as discounts for guests. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit selby.org.
[SOON]  GALA: Third Annual Polo for Parkinsons , March 24, 11am
The third annual Polo for Parkinsons fundraiser will be held at the Sarasota Polo grounds on Sunday, March 24, 2024. This annual fundraising event presented by Parkinson Place raises awareness for Parkinson Place Center, where community members with Parkinsons disease and other movement disorders, as well as their caregivers, can come together for support and participate in over 85 classes and activities. Companies, organizations and individuals have the opportunity to participate in this Luau-themed event. Sponsorships range from $10,000 to $1,000 with individual tickets priced at $100 per person. Parkinson Place Center will welcome you to the Polo Pavilion on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at 11am. Lunch will be catered at Noon with the Polo match starting at 1pm. For more information about tickets and sponsorship opportunities please call Suzanne Hudson-Smith, CFRE at 941-210-6275 or shudsonsmith@parkinsonplace.org.
[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Wild About Nature Festival , April 6, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join us for a day of fun and outdoor adventure at the Wild About Nature Festival on Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Reconnect with the great outdoors and help foster a love of nature in the next generation as you spend a day in the sun on the beautiful shores of Little Sarasota Bay at Bay Preserve. Families of all ages are encouraged to take part in this fun-filled day of nature-based education and exploration. The wide variety of activities includes dip-netting, face painting, hula-hoop lessons, crafts, games, and more. There will be live music and food trucks making this a guaranteed good time. This is a FREE family festival open to all. Registration is not required. The event will take place at our Bay Preserve headquarters located at 400 Palmetto Ave. in Osprey. For more information, visit conservationfoundation.com.
[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Bird Photographer of the Year , February 13 – April 28, Various times
Prepare for an awe-inspiring journey into the world of birds. The prestigious Bird Photographer of the Year exhibition has landed at The Bishop, showcasing winning and finalist images that capture the beauty, drama, and intricate details of avian life. Travel to remote corners of the globe through stunning photographs: witness eagles soaring, hummingbirds hovering, and penguins waddling. Each image is a testament to the skill and passion of the photographer, offering a unique window into the lives and wonders of these feathered marvels. Beyond a visual feast, the exhibition is a powerful reminder of our interconnected planet and the importance of bird conservation. Prepare to be captivated, and inspired, and leave with a renewed appreciation for the birds that share our world. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit bishopscience.org.
[SOON]  MUSIC: George Thorogood and The Destroyers , May 1, 7:30 pm
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to welcome George Thorogood and The Destroyers to Sarasota on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 7:30pm. Five decades, 15 million albums and more than 8,000 performances later, few bands can still rock the house like George Thorogood and Destroyers. Tickets start at $41.50 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726.
[SOON]  GALLERY: Under My Skin , February 2 – March 16, Various times

SPAACES is pleased to announce a new solo exhibition by Babs Reingold Under My Skin. This is the first solo exhibition by Babs in Sarasota. The exhibition includes a series of new stain paintings/assemblages, sculptures from the Luna Window series, and a group of small drawings. 2087 Princeton St., Sarasota, https://spaaces.art/under-my-skin/.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Theresa Caputo Live, The Experience , April 11, 7:30pm

For more than a decade, Theresa Caputo, known worldwide as the Long Island Medium, and star of the new Lifetime Series Raising Spirits, has touched the lives of millions of fans, comforting supporters when they need it most. Now Sarasota fans will get their chance at healing when the acclaimed medium and beloved personality appears live at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Thursday, April 11 at 7:30pm. Known for her unique ability to communicate with those who have passed on, Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience brings Theresa face-to-face with her fans as Spirit guides her through the audience. A full-stage video display ensures that everyone in the theater has an up-close experience regardless of seat location. Through personal life stories, candid humor, and intimate details about her gift to communicate with those who have passed, the beloved television personality and best-selling author delivers healing messages to her audience, reassuring them with the revelation that their deceased loved ones are still with them, just in a different way. Recognized as one of the most renowned mediums for over 20 years, Theresa Caputo Live: The Experience is an awe-inspiring event you will not want to miss. Learn more about Theresa at www.theresacaputo.com. Tickets start at $64.23 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office. Pre-show dining is available through Mattison’s at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the box office.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Sarasota Jazz Festival , March 17 – March 23, Various times

The Sarasota Jazz Festival returns this March. The event will feature concerts, the jazz trolley pub crawl, late-night jazz jams, jazz films and more. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit jazzclubsarasota.org.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Palmetto Heritage Day , March 9, 10am-3pm

On Saturday, March 9th, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, local history will be celebrated during the Palmetto Heritage Festival at Palmetto Historical Park and Manatee County Agricultural Museum, 515 10th Ave. West, Palmetto. This free event will have a park open house and activities for the whole family. The 1880 Heritage Station Post Office will be operational with a one-day-only cancellation designed by Kaylee Schauer, a local middle school student, so bring your stamped mail. Word of Mouth BBQ and Frosted Pink Artisan Cookies will be on site with delicious food available for purchase. A special feature of the Heritage Festival this year is The Original Florida Highwaymen Art Show and Sale. The Florida Highwaymen are a small group of African American landscape artists who began painting in the late 1950s. The paintings were then sold out of the trunk of their cars, as the artists went from door to door at homes and business offices or set up shop on a busy corner at the side of the road. Their bright and sultry images of the tropical beauty of Florida were sold for as little as twenty or thirty dollars. Today, their paintings are widely sought-after collectibles. For more information visit manateecountyagmuseum.com.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: 2024 Lakewood Ranch Irish Celtic Festival , March 9, 11:30am-4pm
Get your Irish on at our epic Irish Celtic Festival and Lucky Dog Parade. It is the perfect St. Patricks Day celebration. Enjoy Celtic food, craft beers, and sensational entertainment. Kids will have a blast too, with face painting and park fun. Do not miss the Lucky Dog Parade and the 21 and up Relay Race. To learn more, visit LWRIrishCelticFestival.org.

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