DECEMBER 16 2017

NOTE:  Due to Computer Issues, the 12/9 JIM KNOWS SARASOTA has been updated.  I will return with a new edition next week.



 HAPPY SHOPPING....JIM

DECEMBER 9, 2017

GOOD TO BE BACK!!!!!

Classic Cuban Auto

 HAPPY HANNUKAH.....

This eight day Jewish Celebration  begins at sundown Tuesday and ends the evening of December 20.  Lots of potato latkes and dreidel spinning.

DECEMBER is  without a doubt the most wonderful time to be in Sarasota.  So many venues with so much family and adult entertainment.......

Playing now at Manatee Performing Arts Center  is classic musical, ANNIE.   Running through December 30, I strongly recommend.

Recently saw the cast of talented youngsters perform a few scenes from this show, and they were terrific.   In fact, the entire cast is excellent,  but the kids brought so much talent and showmanship to the performance we were begging for more.  Don't beg, but click here to order tickets for the remaining performances. 

Box-office number is 941-748-5857.  See you there this week.





What may well be one of their  best opening  musicals ever, EVITA, playing at ASOLO rep is drawing standing ovations at all performances.  I was right there with the sold out matinee crowd last Sunday, and if you want to see this before closing later this month, I suggest you do so now.  Very few tickets remain for the coming performances. Click here to order on line, but I suggest you call box office at 941-351-8000.


 The acting, singing, staging, lighting, orchestrations...brought a little piece of  Broadway to Sarasota.  Though some may disagree with the new direction chosen by director, choreographer Josh Rhodes, you will be caught up in Eva Peron's story from birth to her untimely early death.

Now playing to sold-out crowds as well, is FST'S BLUE SUEDE SHOES.  This Goldstein Cabaret production takes you back to an era of fabulous music. It was the 50's when Rock N' Roll took over the music charts.  From rhythm and blues, country western, swing and do-wop came the sound that would change pop music forever

And along with sound came talent for the ages.  From the so-called father of Rock N'Roll, Chuck Berry, to Buddy Holley to The King himself, Elvis Presley, the revue celebrates their music along with many memorable hits including Rock Around The clock, Mustang Sally,  I Feel Good, Love Me Tender,  In The Ghetto and much, much more.    To order tickets for Cabaret and Mainstage click here.


This past week had dinner at one of our favorite Sarasota restaurants,  The Rosemary.  In their few short years of existence,  The Rosemary has become not only one of Sarasota's before theatre dining destinations, but one of our best. Their new menu is over the top, as is presentation, service and taste.  Our party had a late dinner, but several tables remained occupied. 

Sure to be busy this holiday season call 941-955-7600.  And when you call, ask to be put on the email list.  Very creative.

 
Now that we're nearing a break from favorite television programming, NETFLIX is streaming season 2 of The CROWN.  A new era begins for Queen Elizabeth as she struggles to navigate the changing world around her while preserving both the monarchy and her marriage.

THE PERLMAN MUSIC PROGRAM/SUNCOAST  kicks off  its 14th annual season December 20 with an event under the stars on the campus of South Florida University. Featuring PMP students ages 12-20 from around the world;  this  marks the 10th year of this classical showcase of young talent under the watchful eyes of Itzhak and Toby Perlman.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 night of performance.  There will be much more information next week, but for now Click here to purchase tickets for this event.


Most events are free.  You can call 941-955-4942 for additional information.

JIM'S RANT.....It didn't come a day too soon, but the city of Sarasota has decided to cash in on their State St and Palm Avenue parking lots.  Why it took so long is anybodies guess.  And why my long ago proposed  Parking for Charity idea was never considered.  But this promises to be confusing as the first 3 hours in State and Palm garages will remain free.   You pay beginning hour number#4.  So if your a wise shopper and diner you'll be able to save the money and donate to your favorite charity of choice......JIM....See you next week as we get closer to Christmas........