OCTOBER 29, 2017

HAPPY HALLOWEEN...ARE YOU READY TO PARTY????

Many of you read Jim Knows late Saturday or Sunday.  If so , you have something to do this afternoon.  

The  first of several Craft Festivals is open  until 5pm.  Located in a familiar area 5 Points Park & Central Avenue, there is a variety of jewelry, pottery, ceramics, photography, painting, clothing...you get the idea.  And if you're hungry, food trucks have been added this year.  

In next weeks edition, I'll have advance information on this year's American Craft Council show at Robards arena December 1-3.  



 Sarasota Opera returns this week with an old favorite LA TRAVIATA.  Arguably Verdi's most successful opera, it tells a familiar tale.  A woman of means falling in love with a peasant.  But as you can imagine, through a strange turn of events, she is forced to abandon her lover and return to her family.  Beginning November 3, and running for 7 performances, this promises to be a sell out.  To order tickets visit visit their web site and learn about this opera as well as the outstanding season they have planned.


The food is very familiar; what isn't is TOO JAYS new look.   After a few months of remodeling, their act is as good as ever.  Facing stiff competition from newly opened Connors and Bravo, Too Jays more than holds its own.  For those on the run, they've added a counter for dining as well.

We had dinner there this week and am happy to report the corn beef is delicious along with the bread which doesn't fall apart with the touch.  

Letters, I get Letters....An avid steak eater writes....."Your critique of Connors was much too complimentary. I had dinner there a couple of weeks ago and ordered their special 12 oz. PRIME cut of sirloin steak which I had to send back because they absolutely ruined it.....the replacement was a 12oz strip steak ,which they also destroyed. Needless to say, I'm not going back."






Almost going unnoticed for a few years, Sarasota Contemporary Dance is selling out this season.  Your next chance to see this exceptional group is November 30-December 3 when their annual VOICES will be playing.  
 
This spectacle is a hallmark of the company's approach to dance.  Full of physicality, thought, and wonder.  Totally creative and original, VOICES is choreographed by members of the troupe as well as guest choreographers from around the country.

Appearing in the intimate Jane B Cook adjacent to the Asolo Theatre.  For tickets please go their web-site. There you will find additional information on performers, etc.

SELBY Botanical Gardens, is an attraction available year round.  With a diverse collection of plants from tropical and subtropical regions around the world, it is a wonderful side trip for  visiting family and friends; especially this time of year when the weather is ideal to be outdoors.

Now featured through is their annual Orchid show.  Though smaller in presentation than some other annual shows, this one is easy on the eyes and also takes you through some outstanding areas of the property.

As you walk along the Gardens you end up at Payne Mansion.  There you will find an exhibition of treasures from their research collections.  These explore the science and splendor of orchids through as witness through the elements of nature, earth, air, fire and water.

The 14th annual Sarasota MEDIEVAL FAIR returns next weekend to the Fairgrounds.  For pure family fun, this unique event features tournaments, food (of course), artisans.  There are $off coupons available all over the place.  Admission is not free, but the parking is.  See you there.
 

Many of you are poised to attend this year's CINE-WORLD;  for those of you who are not, there is a gem of a movie playing in Bradenton.  Showing only at AMC 20, MARSHALL is based on an early trial in the career of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.  It is also very topical, since the case involves a sexual assault.  The difference here the charge is made against a black chauffeur by his white socialite employer.

The cast is full of unknowns, but Kate Hudson, Josh Gad and James Cromwell are well known from previous screen roles.  

Sometimes the best movies are the ones you hear the least about.  See it soon, as I doubt it will be playing next weekend.


JIM'S RANT....Here we are at the end of October, Halloween is tomorrow, leaves are off the trees, Sarasota's weather is more fall like, AND the Christmas decorations are all over the place. In my youth, Thanksgiving was the traditional start of the holiday season.  No longer, now that on-line shopping is king...Oh well, we can start thinking Easter soon.....Until next week, thanks for reading.....JIM