OCTOBER 22, 2017

CONGRATULATIONS TO LOS ANGELES  DODGERS

YOU BEAT MY CUBS!!!!!


In The Heights, the brainchild of Lin-Manuel Rivera (Hamilton), opened on Broadway in 2008, and went on to win 4 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.  It's the opening show at Westcoast Black Theatre, where it's playing to capacity nightly.

This show looks back in time when immigrants migrated from the New York to the Washington Heights neighborhood of upper Manhattan.  Through songs reflecting the heritage of Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic,  you are transformed into their world .  Miranda's score includes hip-hop, salsa, and Caribbean that will have you dancing along with the cast.

Now playing through November 19, you can call 941-366-1505 or go to their website for tickets and information about this show and the entire season.  If tickets are gone, check back, as performances are being added, including a matinee this Thursday October 26.


 The fall movie season is in full swing, what with Cine-World Film Festival a few weeks away, and the always anticipated end of year movies a month away. 

Running Friday 11/3-Sunday 11/12, you have a strong list of over 30 films to choose from.  Ranging American, foreign, documentary and closed caption, at first glance this year's list seems an improvement on the past couple of years. 

Many of the films have played in festivals from Cannes to Toronto.  Here is a short list of some of the best.....

Borg Vs. McEnroe....taking place in 1980, these two top tennis players of that era squared off against each other at Wimbledon.  If you enjoyed Battle of the Sexes, you will love this one.

Lady Bird.... As the world changes in 2002, a mother and daughter living in Sacramento Calfironia compete against each other in a changing world. 

Last Flag Flying....A top rate cast including Bryan Cranston, Lawrence Fishburn and Steve Carell, these three come together at funeral of young Marine killed in Iraq War.  

Score....An inside look at how music is composed for the movies we enjoy so much.  This documentary features John Williams and Danny Elfman among others.   Spoiler Alert...this one is also on Amazon, but wonderful on a big screen.

Happy movie-going!!! 


And if  you are  one of those "would rather watch at home", you're in for a treat.  This past Sunday, Netflix began streaming a NEW movie from acclaimed director, Noah Baumbach :The Meyerowitz Stories.

Featuring Dustin Hoffman, Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, Emma Thompson, Elizabeth Marvel and even more, it tells the story of a father and his relationship with wife and children as they grow apart and grow into adulthood.

Filmed on the streets of New York at many locations familiar to those who live or travel there, the two hours fly by.  And if you need a refreshment or get a phone call there's always the pause button.  

Bravo Coastal Bar & Kitchen is open at Westfield Siesta Key and it's a winner.  Totally different from it's sister chain, Brio Tuscan Grille at UTC;   serving lunch, dinner and even coffee with  pastries in the morning for early breakfast,  Kitchen is so much more than Italian.
  
Their dining room is ultra contemporary and open.   The 6,900 square-foot, 323 seat restaurant comes equipped with USB ports and electrical outlets which encourage those of you who like to work and eat to do so.  There is an outdoor patio complete with fire pit, television and lounge furnitre.

Now for the best part.  The food is really good.  From small plates to full meal, there is much more than pasta and your typical Italian.  Along with salad, hamburger, calamari, they serve the best skirt steak I've had in Sarasota.  Along with crispy fries you've come to expect now with this dish, it will make you want to come back.

For several years now, The Manatee Community Band has been performing

throughout the community in High Schools, Colleges and Parish's.  Their 2017-18 season is about to kickoff with a very special program Saturday Oct. 28.  Along with  a touring band from France, Les Philhammonsite in a program aptly titled, USA MEETS FRANCE.

Admission is free for this 7:30 p.m. concert at Manatee High School 902 33rd St. Ct, Bradenton.

Seating is open, so if you want to spend an evening listening to music from around the world, the place to be is here.   Click here for additional information including how to become a participant.


 
JIM'S RANT.....Sarasota is now 6 weeks removed from Hurricane Irma;  I'm still having nightmares!  Not nearly as damaging a storm as Harvey or Maria, Irma took down several trees and created a waste nightmare.  Why is it though, many neighborhoods are still waiting for this debris to be cleared?  Very disappointing.  

Have a great week.....JIM