MARCH 5, 2017

SARASOTA DOES IT AGAIN....BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN FLORIDA

According to  U.S. News & World Report , in  its 100 best places to live in the USA, Sarasota is ranked #21.  Tampa is a distant #35.   "Warm-temperatures year round, award-winning beaches and a thriving arts and cultural scene have made Sarasota a go-to-place for retirees and families, not to mention a handful of celebrities, " the report says.  But we already knew this!!!


When  Piano Men closes April 15 it  will end a very successful 20 week run;  a  record for a show at FST's Winter Cabaret.   Starring two very talented singing musicians Brian Walters and John Grecco who work their way through the music of Billy Joel,  Elton John, Fats Waller and Stevie Wonder among others.

Doesn't get much better than this!!

I saw this a few weeks ago and was so entertained, I am going back this week.  The songs are memorable from Piano Man to Your Song to Tiny Dancer.  All arrangements are new and nostalgic.  I challenge you to go through the evening without memories of your youth.

For ticket information call 941-366-9900 or order tickets from the comfort of your home by clicking here.

Westcoast Black Theatre continues their season with an instant classic, "Girl Groups:The 60's Explosion"  Obviously, just the opposite of above, but every bit as good.  I've heard this from some who attended an early performance.

In the early years of contemporary music, girls were mostly backup for men's groups.  Once in front of the microphone they morphed into the Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas and The Marvellets among others.

Next weekend welcomes the 46th Annual Creators & Collectors Tour.  Benefiting the Fine Arts Society of Sarasota;  this event brings together several  of the artists thriving in our community. Dates are March 10-11.

William-Kidd

This self-guided art studio tour provides experienced and novice art lovers with an insiders look at the six private work spaces of  some of Sarasota's top artists; each with their own expertise from art to craft to sculpture

After the studio tour,  visit with several artists at the Galleria on Ringling College of Art & Design Campus 2700 N. Tamiami Trail.  Both days the schedule is 10am-4pm.  For additional event information you can go to the site below.

  Click here to purchase advance tickets as well.  Tickets are also available at several of your favorite galleries around Sarasota. 


Academy  Awards Recap....I did have a smile on my face; then all hell broke loose.  So as you see from the graphic, it's egg I'm wearing  as I write this.  Saw the entire 10 hour telecast ( at least it felt that long) .  Thought Jimmy Kimmel was terrific as host; his  handling of the wrong envelope  was spontaneous and spot on.

The opening number set the tone for an upbeat evening ; the gowns were beautiful; the Awards predictable.  Moonlight was tough to watch, but in reflection, it was worthy of Best Picture.  At least La La has spurred a re-wind of the movie musical; and for that we call ALL be thankful.  

Marlene Meyer, along with a few other readers, has discovered a gem of a restaurant you would not normally frequent.   Located 4900 N. Tamiami Trail, Sunnyside Cafe is serving from a huge menu 7 days a week.  She writes..."13 of us went and each got something different from pancakes, eggs benedict, salads with fresh tuna, fish&chips, lox and bagels, and more!!! 

 Everyone loved it.   Went back the next day, and had a lamb burger; also delicious.  Cute atmosphere, breakfast all day, attentive-friendly staff, good prices."

Owners are Hungarian and specialize with  dinners on  Friday 5-9p.m.with Hungarian music, candles, and great food.  Reservations are a must.  Call 941-359-9500.  For a look at both menus click here.


Give it up for the Baltimore Orioles.  A recently released economic impact analysis commissioned by Sarasota County Government concludes close to $89 million is generated in the area by this organization.   This takes into account a wide range of advertising spread over seven Mid-Atlantic states along with management of youth sport tournaments and recreational programs at their complex.  

What with every game a sellout, in addition to other events around the ballpark, you would think an airline might show interest in a direct flight to and from Baltimore.

Maggie  Menderski had an interesting item  in Wednesday's paper.   Instacart, a  new online service that delivers  groceries from a variety of stores has launched in our area. Their roster includes  Publix Super Markets, Whole Foods Market, Costco, and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits. 

For much more information I suggest you click here. Once on their site, you can enroll for the service as well.

As an incentive to sign for the Instacart,  they are offering a year membership for $49.  In addition, there is a weekly program as well as a 14 day free trial period.  A wave of the future here now! 
 

JIM'S RANT....I've been stopped more than once at various venues with an old refrain..."Longboat  traffic  has never been worse.  More back-up than previous years.  More time to cross bridge."  After several years, I've stopped listening.  With more development on the way, I guess you'll have to put up with congestion. One solution, a water taxi shuttle from the north end of the island is not going to cut it.  




Until next week have a good one......JIM