JANUARY 14, 2018

JIM KNOWS SARASOTA RETURNS THIS WEEK WITH BREAKING SRQ NEWS.........




 

What had been rumored for months came true Tuesday as up and coming carrier, Allegiant Air announced its move to Sarasota.  With over 50 destinations, SRQ is now a bigger player in the region.

Unfortunately with good news comes bad...Elite Air which was to begin non-stop to Pittsburgh in February abruptly cancelled their plans.  No reason was given, but one can assume they were priced out of our market.

Monday marks what  would have been the 89th birthday of Martin Luther King.  This is one of the rare times the celebration of King falls on his actual birthday and  is being commemorated with several events in Sarasota.

Sponsored by Temple Emanu-El and the Newtown MLK committee, a 7:30 breakfast at Robert Taylor Community Center kicks off the day.  Following the breakfast will be a Unity Walk emblematic of the freedom marches of the 1960's.  In the evening Westcoast Black Theatre is presenting a program of music  with Nate Jacobs and several cast members performing along with what should be, a stirring speech from Reverend Charles Mackenzie.  

Tickets for the breakfast event will be available for $20 the Robert Taylor Community Center.  The evening performance still has limited seating available. .  Call 941-366-1505 for additional information.

If you are unable to participate in these and other celebrations around Sarasota, then at least take a few minutes to reflect on King's contributions to our country.  There has never been anyone like him in our lifetime.

Let the performances begin!!!  We are well into our annual social and entertainment season, and if you want to attend theatre or a gala, you can do so almost every night.

Only a few more days to see ONCE, but now playing is  well reviewed drama HEISENBERG.  Taking place in  a London train station, two strangers connect in the oddest way, and form a relationship that is both funny and touching.  A young woman plants a kiss on an older mans neck and with that the evening becomes a comical sparring match between the two.

Playing in the Keating Theatre this show runs through March 4, but will surely be extended.  But don't wait for that since most performances sell out this time of year.  For an easy way to order tickets click here or call 941-366-9000.

There was a time our Performing Arts Hall was somewhat of a white elephant, but no more!!  VAN WEZEL has a packed schedule of performers along with familiar Broadway musicals beginning now and culminating early May. 

Tomorrow  night brings back the legendary 5th Dimension and the

month concludes with Tony winner Cabaret.  Jackson Browne  will be here as will Michael Feinstein, Paul Anka and Renee Fleming.  For a complete listing of events click here. You can call the box office at 941-953-3368.
Or you can purchase tickets at Van Wezel and while there pick up a copy of their brochure.





With so many new and unusual restaurants now open, or about to open,  it is easy to forget Captain Brian's Seafood and Market....DON'T!!!!  Located 8421 North on the Trail,  Brian's is home to some of the best seafood in town, and at reasonable prices.   Where else in town can you get fresh catch seafood, an eye popping salad bar along with a side for under $25? And you can get a comparable meal at lunch for under $16.  No wonder there's a line this time of year.

I have no idea how long Brian's has been open,  throughout the years,  but very little has changed other than location from one end of strip mall to the other end.   While you're there take a look at their open market.  Though stone crabs are not plentiful this year, on most days you will find them at Captain Brian's.

One final note,  Brian is oneof a handful of restaurants offering round tables for large groups.  If party is HUGE, Brian can accommodate you.  Click here to view both menus as well as daily specials

A word of caution to those who have been to this restaurant; they do not take reservations.  So be prepared to wait or go early when less crowded.



Many of you will be reading this well after Monday's MLK events, but you still have time to honor and learn more about Dr. King.

  THE MOUNTAINTOP is running now  at Westcoast Black Theatre.  After giving his now famous Memphis speech, Dr, King returns to his hotel room to reflect on the speech and his time in Memphis. Ordering room service, a maid appears with coffee and a pack of cigarettes.  Together they share visions of what life is really about.  To order tickets click here or call 941-366-1505.





JIM'S RANT.....Several years ago Southwest's purchase of Air-Tran eliminated non-stop Baltimore flights from SRQ.  The Orioles draw considerably more fans for spring training games than the Pirates, yet now  non-stop service to that city, and none to Baltimore. Don't you think its time to correct this imbalance???

JIM KNOWS SARASOTA has been on hiatus for a few weeks due to computer issues.  I missed the opportunity of wishing all my readers

See you next week.....JIM.....