JANUARY 13, 2019

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW...........

The very popular PBS program, "Antiques Roadshow", which filmed at the Ca'd'Zan of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art will air January 28, February 4 and 11.  The Ringling will host a pre-screening on January 15.  Unless you already have a ticket this event is  SOLD OUT!

Anu Tali is in her last months as Music Director of SARASOTA ORCHESTRA.  I know she has her detractors, but I feel she has brought a renewed  energy and enthusiasm to the orchestra during her tenure.  This week you have three chances (4 if you want to travel to Neel) to see her and hear the orchestra in Masterworks 4, AX Plays Beethoven, Friday-Sunday at Van Wezel.  

Pianist Emanuel Ax, an International super-star, brings his piano to Sarasota, for a performance of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No 1.  Tickets are available for all remaining concerts, but are going fast.  To order visit www.sarasotaorchestra.com or call 941-953-3434.





If you are a regular reader of Blog, you know by now we love eating out; especially at what we consider Sarasota's better restaurants.   That is why we're excited at the long anticipated opening of Rosemary and Thyme.  And now comes news that one of the area's better restaurants, Beach Bistro is expanding beyond its Anna Maria Island location to under construction condo tower BLVD at the corner of Tamiami Trail and Blvd. of the Arts.  They will occupy two floors for dining and drinking.  Opening (hopefully) early 2020.

Following the highly successful revival of The Music man, Asolo Rep is getting serious with Arthur Miller's The Crucible.  First staged on Broadway in 1953, this was meant to be Arthur Miller's take and condemnation of so-called Communist "witch hunt" of that era.  As I write this, The Crucible is in previews with opening last Friday.  Quite a departure from family musical, but Asolo seems to get drama right most of the time. 

 Playing until March 10, you can purchase tickets at box office or call 941-351-8000 or www.asolorep.org.  



As I write today after finishing this week's Ticket insert from Sarasota

Herald Tribune, I know many of you no longer subscribe to their print edition.  Here's a tip for those who don't; Ticket is available weekly free of charge at anyone of the Herald's on-street boxes located up and down Main St. and several locations in retail areas.  I cheat from Ticket weekly.

Its rare to have a festival beginning on a Friday and running in the evening as well throughout the weekend.  The 4th annual Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival is an exception!  Beginning this coming Friday and running through 6 pm Sunday, you can feast on a variety of seafood items, cooked fresh on site.

 Meat and vegetarian items will also be available as will desserts, drinks.  All along with fine arts, crafts and wall to wall entertainment.  Starts 4 pm Friday on Gulf Stream near JD Hamel Park.

When it comes to special occasions no one does it better than Hyde Park.  The only thing lacking from this fine restaurant is the noise associated with most others.  From salad to entree and even dessert the service is impeccable, the food irresistible, the noise tolerable.

You don't have to break the bank to eat at Hyde Park.  Their menu has salads along with one of the best, if not  THE best burger in town.  The big enough for 2 burger comes with ample fries for the table.  Add cheese, bacon, tomato, and you are in for quite a treat.

The bar menu includes the above burger and fries for $5.00  I'm eager to go back!!!!

If you don't have any plans for Wednesday morning, tickets are STILL available for the RCLA lecture featuring Shaquille O'Neal.  Much more than a sports figure, Shaq has gone from playing to broadcasting to business.  I watch him during NBA games on TNT, and enjoy him; sometimes more than the game.  Tickets for the 10:30 lecture at Van Wezel are available by calling 941-309-5100.  The evening lecture is sold out!

JIM'S RANT.....A sad rant this week as I continue my recovery from last Sundays Bears, Ravens losses and try to move on to this weekend's games.  Though a year in Philadelphia at WIP, home of the Eagles radio broadcast gives me some rooting interest; I cannot get excited for them today.  And Chargers, last week's  conqueror of Ravens continue to be nomads as their new home in LA is still being debated.   Wishing for a new Bear's kicker, a less predictable Ravens offense in 2019 and a competitive Super Bowl..........Thanks for reading this week.......JIM