MARCH 19, 2017

MARCH MADNESS IS IN FULL SWING

Number One Seed Villanova is gone.  Losing to Wisconsin in a thriller as I write this.  Who is next??? Kansas, North Carolina, Gonzaga?  By the time you finishing reading, one or more may follow.  Whoever you are rooting for enjoy yourself.  As a College Basketball fan, we wait all year for March Madness....

Just announced.......lineup for 19th annual Sarasota Film Festival. Running March 31-April 9, the festival will screen 79 films and 130 shorts at the Regal Hollywood 20 Theatre.  Opening night showcases a documentary Take Every Wave: The Life of Laird Hamilton, directed by Rory Kennedy who will he on hand for this screening.   Hamilton is a legendary surfer.

Alec Baldwin, Diane Lane, Arund Virad

 Closing night gets even more interesting as just released Paris Can Wait with star Diane Lane in attendance.  Also starring, but not announced as attending,  is Alec Baldwin, whose  career has seen a tremendous bounce from his frequent SNL appearances, where he "becomes"  President Trump.  Francis Ford Coppola's wife Elanor is director.

Beach Rats

One other movie of note, Beach Rats, a coming of age movie shot entirely in 16 millimeter on summer nights around Coney Island, Brooklyn.  This is a centerpiece film which is also showing in a current NY New Directors/New Films festival at the Museum of Modern Art. Click here for all the latest information on screenings and locations. A guide is also available at their box office in Hollywood 20.

A recent addition to our dinning choices has been earning good word of mouth  from several corners of  Sarasota. Friend Joe Marsh was a recent diner at  CAFE BARBOSSO, 5501 Palmer Crossing Circle off Clark Rd. 

Joe writes..."Martha and I went to dinner Wednesday evening with some friends to recently opened CAFE BARBOSSO.  The Manager/Chef is Joe DiMaggio, a relative of the "Yankee Clipper."  He grew up in Little Italy in NYC, and some of his recipes are his grandmothers from the old country.  The food was enjoyable, tasty and reasonably priced.

In  addition to his love for food, Joe DiMaggio's other love is painting in oils.  He has a number of them hanging on the restaurant walls; all of which are available for purchase.   Joe is always inviting aspiring young artists to paint while you dine.  It's truly worth a try."

Coincidentally, Joe Marsh and I were together last week when a woman walked up to us.  I knew the name, but not the face.  Helen Spindler, who helps with spelling and grammar of blog, mentioned the restaurant while introducing herself. 

Friend  Judy Cahn also had positive things to say; especially likes the pizza.  Seems like word is spreading.  For reservations for dinner Tuesday-Sunday 4pm-10pm call 941-922-7999.

 If you haven't been watching  FX's  FEUD Sunday 9pm-10pm you are missing one heck of a show.  Taking place in the early 60's; it sure feels like it!!!  One of the most creative and authentic looking shows about Hollywood with acting over the top.  Especially Susan Sarandon as Bette Davis and Jessica Lange as Joan Crawford..

The action takes place during the filming of their terrific 60's horror movie, Whatever Happened To Baby Jane.  The feud between these two stars really got going on the set once production began ; in part set up by the studio to create a better movie.  Also in the all-star cast are Kathy Bates, Stanley Tucci, Alfred Molina and many more.

Writer and director Ryan Murphy brings this one to us.  You may recognize the name.  He is the genius behind Nip Tuck, American Crime Story, as well as one of my favorites, American Horror Story.  

Tracy Michelle Arnold

The just opened Asolo Repertory Theatre production of The Little Foxes has received critical acclaim.  Starring Tracy Michelle Arnold, whose credits include 17 season s at American Players Theatre in Wisconsin.   The aforementioned Bette Davis starred in the 1941 film version.   Laura Linney and Cynthia Nixon star in NY prodcution of Foxes.  Over 80 years young, this one is timeless.

Frank Galati returns to direct Asolo's  newly mounted production.  He is a familiar name here, having directed  other Asolo productions including 1776 and Guess Who's Coming To Dinner.  Galati is a Broadway Tony winner for his 1998 adaptation of The Grapes of Wrath.   

Foxes  plays through April 15, and continues one of this theatre's most successful seasons ever.  Also continuing are Born Yesterday through April 15 and The Great Society through April 2.  Click here to order your seats on line. Box office number is 941-351-8000.


As   Spring Training comes to a close, I want to call your attention to Saturday March 25.  A 6:05pm start against The Minnesota Twins.  A special treat as this is Fireworks Night.  I've been to Ed Smith for this promotion in the past, and if you like your Fireworks up close and personal this is the spot to be.  Call 877-222-2808 or click here and purchase tickets on line. Several remain, but this one is sure to be a sellout.




JIM'S RANT......Chris Anderson  writing in Tuesday's Herald has nothing but complaints for Nathan Benderson Park.  His main gripe about the Park is lack of isolation from traffic as well as stores, power lines, water tower,  and  the many distractions caused by same. While walking there on Saturday didn't notice so called "distractions." Instead of embracing the Park's beauty and tranquility he turns the other cheek....get a life!!
  

 
  SEE YOU NEXT WEEK, AND AS ALWAYS THANKS FOR READING.........JIM