SRQ DAILY Nov 8, 2024
Friday Weekend Edition
"I tell a story in each painting. It's not just decoration."
My uncle used to say a lot of things can happen at a Dunkin’ Donuts after dark, but few of them are good. Urbanite Theatre’s production of Jennifer, Who Is Leaving will have to be one of the exceptions.
Set in a snowbound Dunkin’ Donuts and to a startlingly efficient script by Morgan Gould, the story takes audiences off the less-traveled exit of a Massachusetts’ highway to where the dutiful Nan (played to perfection by Suzanne Grodner) holds court at her usual night shift, covering for a coworker (the not-to-be-underestimated Trezure B. Coles) and catering to a husband suffering from chronic self-induced helplessness. What’s unusual about this night? The arrival of the titular Jennifer—a hopelessly harried caretaker to a hopelessly cantankerous old coot. (Played by Summer Dawn Wallace and Ned Averill-Snell, respectively.)
What follows is a razor-sharp character drama that is by turns hilarious, tragic, delightful, insightful, and, surprisingly unpredictable, given the rather explicit nature of the title. Armed with compelling characters and the kind of dialogue that threatens to give you whiplash when you tear your eyes from one side of the stage to the other, eager for the next line, the show lures you in with a comic touch, charms you into submission, and, before you know it, you’ve just gleefully participated in a multi-pronged dramatic examination of the physical and emotional labor borne by women in modern society.
It is a herculean task and one this cast executes masterfully under Celine Rosenthal’s direction, delivering performances so compelling one might think they’d been rehearsing these parts all their lives.
And in a way, maybe they were.
When emotions hit fever pitch, it’s even possible to forget you’re watching a play at all. And when the proverbial curtain drops, it feels more like an interruption than a conclusion. You can’t believe it’s already over—and you’re hungry for more.
Currently onstage at Urbanite Theatre, Jennifer, Who Is Leaving runs through Dec. 1. 
Pictured: Summer Dawn Wallace stars in Urbanite's production of 'Jennifer, Who Is Leaving'. Photo by Sorcha Augustine.
The MARA Art Studio + Gallery is celebrating the work of Puerto Rican artist Julia Rivera through a special exhibition of paintings and sculpture, currently on display in the Palm Avenue gallery. Entitled Small Talk, the show highlights both the warm and whimsical side of the New York-based artist, as well as the pointedly political, where art meets activism and Rivera clearly has more to say than small talk.
“I tell a story in each painting,” Rivera says of her latest series of paintings, an unabashedly feminist response to modern politics and an appeal for the restoration of women’s rights. “It’s not just decoration.”
Wooden-framed and of varying sizes, each painting in Rivera’s latest is a portrait of sorts, featuring a central female figure clad in a black that straddles the line between mournful and official. Few stare back at the viewer; most have their eyes and faces obscured by pigment, plant matter, or superimposed silhouettes of the good ol’ U.S. of A. One wears boxing gloves. All bear titles like, There Is No Limit To What We As Women Can Accomplish and Behind Every Successful Woman Is Herself and I Am Speaking. “I come from a family of strong women,” Rivera says by way of pithy explanation.
And while her compositions can be straightforward to the point of bluntness—“I like simple,” she says—her process is anything but. Composed on canvases of resin-coated wood, each portrait is a layered creation of papers and paints, piled one atop the other to build texture and depth.
Also on display in Small Talk is a selection of sculpture from the artist. And where the paintings are fiercely political, the sculptural work comes across as welcoming and playful, even childlike in its innocent joy. “When you walk into your house, you don’t want something that scares you!” laughs Rivera. “You want something that makes you smile.” Handmade and lightweight, Rivera sees them as the opposite of those serious bronzes she would see as a child. “Little happy pieces,” she says of the plump little forms.
Some wear bananas on their heads. She says it’s because they look like smiles.
Currently on display at MARA Art Studio + Gallery, Small Talk runs through Nov. 22.
Pictured: Julia Rivera's sculptures reflect her Puerto Rican roots. Photo by Phil Lederer.
Selby Gardens is excited to collaborate with Artist-in-Residence Patti Smith on this exhibition at our Historic Spanish Point campus! Patti Smith: A Book of Days features a selection of photographs taken by the famed poet and musician that offers an intimate view of her life on and off the road. The photographs are taken from Smith’s recently published, New York Times bestselling publication, A Book of Days. Her compelling images will take visitors on a journey through time and space, charting both the course of a year and the natural environment of the Historic Spanish Point campus.
Patti Smith: A Book of Days, Member Preview, Friday, November 8, 10am to 5pm, Historic Spanish Point campus, 401 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey.
ensembleNEWSRQ (enSRQ), the innovative chamber music ensemble, continues its ninth season with ensembleNewSRQ with "Ives and Schoenberg at 150," a concert celebrating the 150th birthdays of two revolutionary composers, Arnold Schoenberg and Charles Ives. Born just a month apart in 1874, Schoenberg and Ives each transformed the landscape of contemporary music with unparalleled vision and innovation. This special program features Charles Ives' iconic, “Piano Sonata No. 2: Concord, Mass. 1840-1860,” brought to life by the renowned pianist and one of the world’s great interpreters of the music of Charles Ives, Stephen Drury, in his ensembleNewSRQ debut. Schoenberg's evocative “Pierrot lunaire” will be performed by the celebrated local vocalist Thea Lobo. Blending instrumental mastery with expressive vocal artistry, this performance offers an unmissable tribute to two towering figures in music history. The concert is Monday, November 25, 7:30 p.m., at First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota. A post-concert reception will follow, offering attendees the chance to meet the guest artists.
Choral Artists of Sarasota has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, with support from the Huisking Family Fund, McCauley-Brown Fund, and John J. Weiss Memorial Fund. This grant will help bring “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a powerful musical journey about the life and legacy of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man who was tragically murdered in Wyoming in 1998, to Sarasota audiences on April 5. The story is both deeply moving and uplifting, inspiring hope for a world grounded in love and acceptance. “Considering Matthew Shepard” was composed by Craig Hella Johnson, premiered in 2016, and has been performed by more than 40 choirs across the world. This production is joined in partnership by Embracing Our Differences, Project Pride, and ALSO Youth.
The Sarasota Medieval Fair is a time-traveling adventure that offers a blend of history, fantasy and unforgettable experiences. We’re bringing history to life with authentic full contact jousting, music from wandering troubadours, artisans, performers and more! Bring the family out to the Sarasota Medieval Fair and enjoy a day of merriment in the fresh air at the Woods of Mallaranny. Join us Saturdays and Sundays, November 2-December 1, and on Veterans Day. Opening weekend is in the history books, and now we turn our focus to November 9-11, with Heroes & Villains Weekend. Whether you’re a Merlin or a Mordred, a Knight in Shining Armor or part of the Plundering Hoard, come dressed as your favorite hero or villain this weekend, November 9-10, and on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11. Be historical or be hysterical. Either way, join in the fun!
This small group guided walking tour introduces you to interesting botanical specimens, while providing a historic overview of the development of the estate. While the storms have limited access to some areas of the Bayfront Gardens, this offers a special chance to witness the resilience of our landscapes and learn about our recovery processes. Join us to explore and enjoy the continuing stories and wonders of our environment.
Nov 8 - Apr 28, 2025, 10:30am, Bayfront Gardens | Check-in at Visitors Pavilion, $15 | $10 for Members.
Meet renowned forensic artist Joe Mullins and watch the secrets behind the art and science of forensics unfold, as he conducts a presentation on facial reconstruction and the world of Forensic Art. This remarkable profession plays a crucial role in solving some of the most challenging cold cases in the nation, and will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of art in the pursuit of justice.
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 7pm. All are welcome to attend. Advanced sign-up is required.
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota presents Joseph Parrish and Jesse Martins in Raise Your Voice on December 12 at Sarasota Yacht Club, and James Ehnes and Friends on December 17 at First Congregational United Church of Christ. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or call (941) 306-1202. Baritone Joseph Parrish, winner of the 2022 Young Concert Artists’ Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, is equally at home with operatic and popular repertoire. Parrish made his Salzburg Festival debut in “Der Spieler” this season and enjoys a robust concert career performing with orchestras and in recitals at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and Alice Tully Hall. Parrish is passionate about giving back to the communities that have nurtured him and works to address diversity in the classical music world. For this Lunch and Listen recital – Raise Your Voice, 11:00 a.m. on December 12 at Sarasota Yacht Club – Parrish is joined by Sarasota Opera’s Jesse Martins at the piano. Their program includes opera arias and art song, featuring the music of William Grant Still, Donizetti, and Rachmaninoff. Tickets are $70 (includes lunch). James Ehnes is one of the most in-demand violinists on the international stage. He is a regular soloist with the world’s greatest orchestras, performs recitals worldwide, and has received Grammy, Gramophone, and JUNO awards for his recordings. Joined by his friend and colleague Orion Weiss, whom the New York Times called “a brilliant pianist,” the pair perform Beethoven’s “Kreutzer” Sonata. After intermission, Ehnes joins forces with violinist Daniel Jordan, violists Stephanie Block and Nathan Frantz, and cellists Natalie Helm and Bjorn Ranheim for Tchaikovsky’s exceptional string sextet, Souvenir de Florence. James Ehnes and Friends is December 17, 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ. Tickets are $43 for general seating and $63 for VIP seating. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or call (941) 306-1202.
Pictured: Pianist Orion Weiss performs with James Ehnes and Friends Dec 17 2024. Photo sourtesy of Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota.
Jetty Boys Rum Cakes is a family business in the truest sense, November 2024.
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.
Experience some of the best food and flavors of the region with more than 100, and still growing, curated vendors. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has fast become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts. Aside from all the goodies you can shop at the Farmers Market, find your flow in a free yoga class or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops. 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch.
Since we opened in January, SRQ is getting to know us for our hand-tossed & crafted Pie's, Calzones, Sammies & Salads + our tasty beverages. Now you can join your buddies for what some call 'the most wonderful time of the year' - FOOTBALL SEASON! Drop in when you're strolling on Main to catch your team or join your buddies for Pie On Main's Game Watching parties, featuring Happy Hours from 4-7:00 Daily, plus our Special Sub of the Day and extensive selection of Domestic and craft taps. Ask your friendly barkeep about our Tuesday Karaoke or our sister restaurant, 3.14 Pi in Siesta Village. Convenient parking in our lot on First Street.
Pie on Main, 1507 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join us every Saturday for a FUN, hands on exploration into different areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math! Students will take part in unique activities and collaborative challenges plus create take-home projects using high-tech Fab Lab equipment like the vinyl cutter, laser cutter, foam cutter and more.
Suncoast Science Center, 4452 S Beneva Road Sarasota Florida 34233
Cask & Ale on Main Street lifts a toast to our fabulous Jazz Brunch every Sunday from 11:00-3:00. We offer a diverse chef-prepared menu with a full spread of Brunch delectables + our rotating Chef's Special menu, Bottomless Mimosas and a wide selection of craft cocktails. And of course, sharing the good vibes of live Jazz with you from Noon-4:00!
Cask & Ale, 1548 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236
David Fithian's exhibition, "Faces and Places," presents a series of paintings and drawings deeply rooted in Cubism and Abstract Illusionism, where divergent and eccentric perspectives converge into dynamic compositions. Fithian's structured approach invites viewers on a visual and intellectual journey, challenging both the eye and mind to explore new dimensions of perception.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota FL 34236
Join us at The Bishop for Gentle Yoga with Manatees! Enjoy tranquil views of the manatees being cared for in the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat while engaging in yoga poses focused on balance, flexibility, and strength. Guests will need to bring their own yoga mats. Proceeds support the rehabilitation and return of manatees to the wild. Group size is limited to 15 participants and advance registration is required. Ages 7 and up welcome!
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
We can already hear the sounds of the fair: the shouts of “throw wide the gates!”, laughter at our Children’s Realm, cheers during the equestrian tournaments, and the music from wandering troubadours. And who could forget the aroma of turkey legs and kettlecorn in the air? The festival as more than just an event. The Sarasota Medieval Fair brings together local artisans, performers, and vendors, and serves as a fundraiser to multiple non-profit organizations.
Woods of Mallaranny, 29847 FL-70 E. Myakka City, FL 34251
The Living Arts Festival officially begins with this FREE eclectic opening night party. In the lobby of Art Ovation Hotel experience a global perspective of our incredible arts and culture offerings. Officially titled “A World of Entertainment,” the opening night party is a fusion of international and local arts. Imagine the world-class Chalk Festival on the streets below and music from Renesito, a one-man Cuban band that will set the tone for world-class entertainment at our doorstep.
Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
‘Tis the season to celebrate! University Town Center (UTC) will officially kick off the holiday season on Saturday, November 9 with Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade and an after-party concert with platinum-selling singer/songwriter Cassadee Pope. At 6:00 p.m., the merry celebration will ramp up with a gravity-defying tree lighting ceremony by renowned aerialists Nik and Erendira Wallenda.
University Town Center, 257 N Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Her journey was as extraordinary as her music. At eighteen, Carole King wrote number one songs for Aretha Franklin and The Drifters. At twenty-nine, she was the voice of a generation. The road along the way was full of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. It wasn’t always perfect, but it was real - and that's what made it beautiful. A smash hit on Broadway and London’s West End, this soaring and inspiring musical features two decades of King’s hits, including “You’ve Got a Friend,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “I Feel the Earth Move.”
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243
Art comes in many shapes and sizes and we are very proud that the folks at Lifeline Productions are helping the festival with a special film premiere. “Clowns Like Me” is a one-man show by local actor Scott Ehrenprise telling the heartfelt story of his struggle with mental illness...in the most comical of ways.
Burns Court Cinema, 506 Burns Lane, Sarasota Florida 34236
Join us for a day filled with deliciousness at the 4th Annual Grilled Cheese Festival at CoolToday Park. This family-friendly, free event offers something for everyone: Food Trucks, Live Music, Craft Beers and Fun for the Whole Family.
CoolToday Park, 18800 W Villages Pkwy, Venice, FL 34293
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with UnidosNow and The Ringling at the third annual NocheUnidos, a collaboration between The Ringling and UnidosNow. This elegant evening, held in the magical Museum of Art Courtyard, features dining, dancing, music, and fellowship that honor the rich and dynamic cultures that have influenced our Gulf Coast community, including the African diaspora, Indigenous America, and Europe. The event kicks off with festive Puerto Rican rhythms from Bomba Yemayá and parades into the night with an upbeat Mardi Gras spirit captured by the New Orleans-based 79rs Gang. Dress in white to call in the season with elegancia as we come together to honor unity and the riches of our region.
The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
The 27th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival is a three-day event held Feb. 14-16, 2025 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds that benefits Suncoast Charities for Children. National Headline Acts include Blue Öyster Cult (Friday – Feb. 14), Grand Funk Railroad (Saturday – Feb. 15), and Creed Fisher (Sunday – Feb. 16). The Festival features continuous live music, vendors, daredevil acts, a charity motorcycle ride, bike show, a motorcycle “sound off” competition, biker games, and much more! On-site camping is also available. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the gate (12 and under free). Limited VIP tickets are also available. Over the past 26 years, the Festival has raised over $2.8 Million for charity.
Sarasota Fairgrounds
Join our poetry community and take part in our Poetry Open Mic! Share original work or recite your favorite poem. Whether you're a reader or a member of the audience, everyone is welcome.
Bookstore 1, 117 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
The inaugural exhibition, Shopliftable, will feature artworks small enough to steal by 50 of Sarasota's favorite artists, highlighting the gallery's commitment to innovative and engaging presentations. Marilyn Anderson, Mark Anderson, Joseph Arnegger, Jorge Blanco, Don Brandes, Matteo Caloiaro, Thomas Carabasi, Tom Casmer, Omar Chacon, Tylor Trobaugh Christian, Jessie Clark, Keith Crowley, Ian Dean, Jack Dowd, Linda Driggs, Regan Dunnick, Joe Fig, Gale Fulton-Ross, Sheryl Haler, Nancy Hielscher, Christina Hess, Virginia Hoffman, Cassia Kite, Keith Losh, Mike Marsicano, Noelle McCleaf, Jenny Medved, Joseph Melancon, Janna Millstone, Brooke Olivares-Caloiaro, Meg Peirce, George Pratt, Mary Grandpre, Vicky Randall, Taylor Robenalt, Jared Robison, Marina Shaltout, Eszter Sziksz, Tom Stephens, Steven Strenk, Rob Tarbell, and Rose Marjanneke Williamson.
502 Gallery, 502 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota
Life in One Cubic Foot features the research of Smithsonian scientists and photographer David Liittschwager as they discover what a cubic foot of land or water—a biocube— reveals about the diversity of life on our planet. Life in One Cubic Foot is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Season subscriptions and individual tickets are going on sale for Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's highly-anticipated 25th anniversary season, titled "25 Years of Black Heritage." The season features four mainstage productions - "Soul Crooners Solid Gold Edition," "Fences," "Five Guys Named Moe," and WBTT's first-ever tap dancing musical revue, "Syncopated Avenue"; holiday show is "A Motown Christmas." Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org to learn more about WBTT and to purchase tickets and subscriptions.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
We are all on a journey in this life; some are just beginning, while others are entering the twilight of their quest. Along the way, we encounter bumps, triumphs and hopefully, joy and transformation. Artists are asked to share their journey, which can include but is not limited to: travel, vacation, personal journey, healing journey, exploration, progress, roaming, or voyage.
Art Center Sarasota, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
Join Charles Miano in this online workshop focused on painting figures within landscapes under studio conditions. Learn how to seamlessly integrate human forms into natural settings, creating a visual story inspired by the old masters. Discover how to manipulate light and shadow to enhance the presence of figures, creating depth and realism in your paintings. Learn how to compose dynamic scenes that balance human presence with the natural beauty of the environment.
Online, Online
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