THE MOST ANTICIPATED SEASON FOR THE SARASOTA ORCHESTRA IS HERE. BOX OFFICE IS NOW OPEN FOR SINGLE TICKET SALES!
Anu Tali, the new Music Director of the Sarasota Orchestra, will be on scene most of season. This is just one reason for the anticipation. The other is a strong program across the board from Masterworks to Pops to Great Escapes. Last year 39 concerts sold out. This season promises more sell outs. For a complete month to month schedule as well as on opportunity to buy tickets online click here.
VAN WEZEL recently announced their programs for the coming year. In all honesty, I am underwhelmed. After teasing us with Bill Maher, Multi-Tony winner Audra McDonald, Martina McBride, Phillip Phillips and a strong line-up of Broadway musicals, Dance and Symphony Orchestras, the schedule appearing in the Herald Tribune was much of the same old of past years.
Don't get me wrong, Johnny Mathis, Paul Anka, Wanda Sykes and Diana Krall are great entertainers, but outside of the above mentioned plus Vanessa Williams and Susan Boyle, VAN WEZEL's remaining dates are uninspiring. For a complete list of performances along with an opportunity to purchase tickets on line click here. Single tickets go on sale September 12.
Main Street at Lakewood Ranch relaunched their Farmer's Market as a once a month event in hopes of going weekly by winter. Sad to say, there was not much to recommend about last Saturday's market. There were twenty two vendors with little or no produce to offer. Mostly jellies, crafts, food and little else. The longest lines were at Starbucks, which as you know if you read this blog on a continuing basis, was "overlooked" by the Herald Tribune in their list of top 20 Main St. attractions.
On the other hand, Saturday was a big day at the only Farmer's Market that matters.....Lemon and Main in downtown SARASOTA. According to merchants we spoke to this has been their best summer. And for good reason. An expanded and growing number of booths with fresh produce on both ends and organic produce in the middle. Food booths galore, and the additional attraction of Whole Foods once you have finished with market.
Continuing my reviews of restaurants committed to the University Town Center, I was going to tell you about Zinburger. While in Atlanta we stopped at their Lenox Mall location to give it a try. Unfortunately, the Bradenton Herald reported today that Zinburger had backed out in July. It would have been a nice addition to Sarasota.
I am happy to report their replacement is in the same genre ; unfortunately they will not be ready for the October opening. Look for B&B Burger and Beer Joint to join the other restaurants in time for Black Friday shopping frenzy. Their wide menu of burgers even offers a 10-pound "mother burger" along with a bar offering more than 75 beers, several of which will be local.
It was also announced national chain Noodles would occupy one of the out parcels near the mall. No opening date as yet.
TELEVISION ALERT: For those of you Bill Maher fans who have tickets for his Van Wezel performance in October, you can also catch him for TWO hours this Friday on HBO. In an interesting programming move, Maher will return to Real Time (9 pm) live in D.C. with Jerry Seinfeld and Nancy Pelosi among his guests. Then he will run to another venue where he will perform his comedy act (10pm) in front of a live audience. He promises everything from religion to Donald Trump to the political dysfunction in Washington. These are two hours to record or watch live or catch On-Demand; but they are hours you should not miss!!!
I am beginning a new feature this week honoring those who are making a difference with their money, services, and hands on approach to community commitment in SARASOTA/MANATEE. Without the generosity of this community in total we would be like any other Florida city offering beaches, restaurants, shopping, warm weather and not much more. Due to that generosity our culture and other services far exceeds many larger markets and is responsible for the good word of mouth SARASOTA creates around the country.
My first "person making a difference" is not an individual, but a company led by a father and son, Randy and Shaun Benderson, who learned how to make it matter from their father/grandfather, the master , Nate Benderson. The Benderson Family gives so much to the community beyond the landscaped beauty of their shopping centers and other developments from Ellenton to North Port and beyond.
There is the Nathan Benderson Park attracting world class rowers from around the world; Benderson Rehab Center in the Anchin Pavilion; contributions to Temple Emanu-El such as repaving the driveway and parking lot, putting in landscaping, as well as matching funds for a renovation of the social hall and sanctuary. The Benderson's are heavily involved with All-Faiths Food Bank, as well as JFCS and of course Nate's Place where you can adopt a rescue dog. All donations to Nate's Place go directly to the care and rehabilitation of these rescue animals. There is more, but you get the idea. Giving back and doing it with NO fanfare is what makes us so fortunate to have them as citizens of our community.
Hat's off to the Benderson Family for making SARASOTA a better place for all of us.
JIM'S RANT....Once again I am targeting the Herald Tribune for not paying attention to it's winter, but really year round resident, THE BALTIMORE ORIOLES. As of this writing The Orioles stand atop their American League Division, and hopefully not jinxing them, a lock to win and advance to the American League playoffs at least. If not for the daily box score you wouldn't even know this team existed. Think of all the dollars generated by the Orioles and the attention they bring to Sarasota throughout the season. You would think the Herald would have the good sense to make them part of their daily sports reporting and you can add the Manatee neighbor PITTSBURGH PIRATES as well.....just one man's opinion; though I have heard this from several others.
Once again, we have lost an entertainment icon. Joan Rivers was the ultimate entertainer, and even at 81 was as strong as ever. She was a true trailblazer for female comediennes, and she will be missed. Hard to believe she Joins Robin Williams who passed away a short time ago. If you did not see her documentary it is available On-Demand.
Thanks, as always to Tracy for her editing my early messy version of this week's blog. More about Tracy and her family next week.....JIM
TOMORROW, THE FIRST MONDAY IN SEPTEMBER IS SET ASIDE TO HONOR THE MILLIONS OF AMERICAN WORKERS.........IT ALSO MARKS THE UNOFFICIAL END OF SUMMER...AS WELL AS THE LAST BIG SUMMER SHOPPING WEEKEND WHICH MEANS MANY OF THOSE HONORED WORKERS WILL BE WORKING.......
As fall approaches, we are only 6 weeks away from one of the most anticipated SARASOTA events I have ever been witness to....the opening of UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER. Those of you who won't be returning for a few months will be blown away by the beauty of the building as well as the traditional Benderson landscaping. From Apple to Brooks Brothers to Crate and Barrel to Pottery Barn to lulu lemon to anchor stores
Saks, Macy's and Dillard's there is nothing comparable for miles. In addition to stores there are restaurants galore. In the coming weeks, I will touch on those that are new not only to immediate area, but Florida as well. This week it's......
SOPHIE'S, Saks Fifth Ave. own restaurant and bar. SARASOTA'S version will be the second of more to open in other markets down the road. Why we were chosen for Sophie's speaks well of Saks expectations for UTC.
SOPHIE'S will be as upscale as the department store. Open for breakfast as well as lunch with plans to add a dinner menu in the future. The 2,600 square-foot space will feature an indoor, 60-seat dining room as well as a 60-seat outdoor terrace for dining, lounging and a second bar. The menu will feature Sophie's signature salads, appetizers and drinks, but skew closer to flavors found in Florida. Chicago's version has a best seller in its crab cake; look for a similar dish here. As this is written, the menu is a work in progress.
If you've ever been to Saks New York restaurant then you can expect the same quality and elegance associated with that one.
Across the street from UTC in the area soon to be occupied by Panera Bread among others, DSW has committed to an out parcel. It will be adjacent to Sports Authority. And, Panera will be joined by Blaze Pizza, among others. University Parkway and I75 is definitely the place for shoppers, eaters, boaters, walkers....just about everyone. Now, all you have to do is find a parking space.
Season tickets for next season's Sarasota Ballet are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale tuesday. If you have not been to one of this outstanding companies performances, then I, of all people, am going to recommend one NOT TO BE MISSED. We were fortunate to see a summer performance of the opening Fall program...The Secret Garden. It was breathtaking, unusual and one for the entire family. There were several children at our performance, and as we left after the standing ovation, there were smiles on most of their faces.
Our Ballet ensemble , after its Kennedy Center performance last year, will be at the New York City Center for two performances in October. It continually amazes how we have some of the finest arts, from music to theatre to dance. One reason is the generosity of sponsors and donors. We are very fortunate to live in such a cultural environment. For more information and an opportunity to buy tickets click here/
Own a home in SARASOTA and in the market for outside lighting, I have a great company for you. And no, this is not a paid advertisement, but a personal recommendation for Night Affects, Inc. You can see for yourself the kind of beauty they can create for your home by clicking here.
I have worked with them for several years, and recently had a problem with lanai lighting when landscape company cut lines along with power. Owner Michael Flanegin was in Chicago for a wedding while his chief engineer was also out of town. With a heavy load of work for his remaining crew, he found time to have someone here to correct the problem for a dinner party we were hosting that evening.
It is because service such as this as well as the ongoing beauty of the outside lighting, I am happy to recommend them to you. Several of my neighbors have seen our lights and called Flanegin. They haven't regretted it, and neither will you.
Going to the beach today or tomorrow to soak in the last weekend of summer or just staying home waiting for the NFL season to kick off this Thursday......then pick up one of the best reads of the season, Daniel Silva's entertaining The Heist. Set in today's middle-east world of terror and treason, it reads as current as this morning's network news programs. Silva does extensive research for all his books...this one seems like it could have been written yesterday.
Next week, I will bring you up to date information on the coming season for several of SARASOTA'S entertainment venues, not the least of which is The Van Wezel concert hall. The quality of shows announced this weekend far exceeds anything we've seen in several years. Tickets for all performances go on sale Tuesday. For an advanced peek at the just announced schedule and to purchase tickets click here.
JIM'S RANT......Once again our infamous Herald Tribune has featured a front page TICKET article....Lakewood Ranch Main Street TOP 20...and once again have not done their homework. It would be unfair to knock some of the choices, but how could they not list STARBUCKS who attracts more shoppers to the street other than the Cinema, as well as VILLAGE BIKES, easily the best bike and repair shop this side of Sarasota????? Our only major paper needs to pay more attention to Sarasota/Manatee and less to Venice.....just one man's opinion...
Had a wonderful time with Tracy and family and will update you next week...until then..JIM
DO YOU HAVE A PIECE OF FURNITURE GATHERING DUST IN YOUR GARAGE? CLOTHES THAT HAVE OUTLIVED THE SEASON? DISHES AND SILVER YOUR CHILDREN LAUGH AT WHEN YOU OFFER TO THEM????? Why not try SARASOTA'S Woman's EXCHANGE, INC?
This non-profit consignment shop sits on Orange Ave. just before Pineapple. Never been there? You're in for a surprise. Neat, well organized and run by a slew of dedicated volunteers, it is always busy. And the quality of their merchandise is top drawer. For more information, store hours and how to donate or consign click here.
I recently had the opportunity to revisit Selby Botanical Gardens. It has been several years since our last visit, but nothing has changed. This is truly one of SARASOTA'S treasures with some of the biggest banyan trees imaginable and orchids to buy you can't find anywhere else. Open daily and some evenings, Selby is a great picnic location or just the spot to get away from the world's problems and get lost in their beauty. To get the latest in exhibits and pricing click here.
EXCLUSIVE....EXCLUSIVE....The University Parkway corridor is about to get more populated .
PARKWAY COLLECTIONS at the corner of University and Lockwood Ridge, home to Parkway Cinema's, Infuzion, Outback Steakhouse, Peaches, Ufit, Tuesday Morning and others is about to reinvent themselves. Detwiler's has signed a lease for the former Sweetbay location, and is about to begin construction on the interior. No announcement of opening date. Known for its organic fruits and vegetables, Detwiler's also carries homemade pastries, seafood, deli, and many other healthy items. To learn more about this unique food market click here.
There are several new movies to tell you about. Playing for a few weeks now, the James Brown biography, Get On Up starring Chadwick Bosman of 42, reconstructs the troubled life of the so called "King of Soul". I found it disjointed and difficult to follow with the director cutting from present to past to make his point. The music is great as is the acting. However after over two hours I was happy for the blast of hot air as I left Lakewood Ranch Cinema.
Also playing at Lakewood Ranch, a far better movie The Hundred-Foot Journey starring Helen Mirren is playing. Adapted from the best selling book, this is the third food themed movie of the summer and it is equally as delightful and entertaining as the other two. And, when has Helen Mirren ever been in a really bad movie? She is simply one of the best actress's of our generation. If this one doesn't send you out of the theater hungry there's not much more I can do for you.
There are several first run-before theater release movies appearing weekly right in your living room. VOD....Video on Demand is generating more revenue for art releases then their actual theatre release. Playing now are The Calling with Susan Sarandon, Ellyn Burston and Donald Sutherland; Frontera with Ed Harris, Eva Longoria and Amy Madigan, and Four Minute Mile with Richard Jenkins and Kim Basinger. All rent for 48 hours at $9.99.
Located at Philipi Creek Village with a magnificent waterfront view, The Table, offers you an exciting SARASOTA dining experience. From its beautiful and modern bar to main dining room to their spectacular outside seating along Philipi Creek you will be treated to as good a meal you can find anywhere.
And if you hurry, their $29 summer menu is still in effect. The menu is full of wonderful dishes very creatively prepared by their chef and served by a professional wait staff well trained in their craft. We were told, when crowded, The Table was noisy. Not anymore. Fully occupied on a Saturday night, the sound level is what you would expect from such a big crowd. Go enjoy a wonderful meal at The Table.
As we move closer to fall, several major venues are announcing all or parts of its schedule. Florida Studio Theatre which just concluded a very successful summer program released its first attraction , and it's a Whopper..............
.....they are following up last season's hit production of Monty Python's Spamalot, with another big Broadway musical, the multi-Tony Award winning HAIRSPRAY. Opening date at Gompertz, is Nov.14. I've seen Hairspray on Broadway, aboard a cruise ship, as a movie and now in Sarasota. This is one show you can see again and again and come away as entertained as the first time.
A true comedic genius is no longer. I will always Remember Robin Williams for his humor, sensitivity and willingness to go where others were reluctant. He was tireless in his travels to entertain our troops all over the world. Mork and Mindy, Tonight Show appearances, The Bird Cage, Good Will Hunting.....so many wonderful Williams moments...rest well Robin....you will be missed.
JIM'S RANT....The primary for November's election is still a week away, and I don't know about you, but I am totally finished with the campaign. Ad after ad after ad..mostly negative....thankfully I record most programs so miss many of them. The Supreme Court's decision to allow unlimited PAC money will go down in history as one of their worst...If Crist loses does he become a Libertarian next????And Scott has done so many good things for us I am at a loss to remember them......
I'll be with Tracy and family next week and will return with last blog of summer the following week. Effective that day, 8/31 Jim Know's SARASOTA returns to a weekly blog. Until then, have a great two weeks.....JIM
AUGUST MARKS THE SUMMER HOMESTRETCH...BACK TO SCHOOL....AND..........
Your favorite football teams have been in camp for almost two weeks. Exhibition games are about to begin. The first is today's Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio; and in a few weeks you can join thousands on Sunday to watch AMERICA'S favorite game FOOTBALL; either in the comfort of your own home or at the dozens of Sports Bars in SARASOTA.
Which leads me to my first article announcing the opening of a new, better and bigger GECKO'S at Cattleman and Fruitville across the street from Sam's Club in the former location of shuttered Trader Vic's. Several screens are available for all games on Sunday as well as college football on Saturday. And along with the game comes the food GECKO'S is known for. Salads, burgers, cheese-steaks, hot dogs, pizza, wings, fries Not to be outdone by the food, there is a wide variety of beer along with mixed drinks and soda.
GECKO'S other locations are The Landings, Braden River Plaza, Twelve Oaks Plaza, Palmer Crossing Circle and Southside Village. As we move closer to opening kick-off I will try to feature many of Sarasota's best Sports Bars.
Today (Sunday) is the last day to take advantage of a tax-free weekend featuring clothing, computers and back to school items. I doubt any of you will need the latter!! Spent part of Friday at Ellenton Outlet Mall where parking was a premium, many stores packed to capacity and the average age made us look even older than we are!! But, to lure customers, many locations around SARASOTA are offering incentives to get you into their doors. Check today's paper for last minute deals.
Looking for an inexpensive lunch and dinner that is not time consuming? Try Jason's Deli in the Fresh Market shopping center off University. Since opening a few years ago, Jason's has improved its menu with creative offerings featuring daily soup specials, several sandwich creations and an extensive salad bar as well stocked as their neighbor Sweet Tomatoes. The entire menu is available for take out and delivery. Offering gluten free as well as FREE ice cream. You won't go home hungry. For menu and hours click here.
RUMOR CONFIRMED....RUMOR CONFIRMED....Due to the overwhelming success at it's first FLORIDA location right here in SARASOTA....TRADER JOE'S IS seeking a second SARASOTA location...site to be determined...I'll let you know as soon as decision is final..........
A new addition to our downtown area is the BALTIMORE SNOWBALL FACTORY. Located around the corner from El Greco on Orange Ave. This is one of the only shops I know of in SARASOTA dispensing snowballs. What a way to escape the heat with an inexpensive cup of chipped ice with your favorite flavor. There are dozens of flavors to choose from root beer, cheese cake, Silver Fox/Almond Vanilla....my favorite!!
If you are planning a party or event, Baltimore Snowball Factory can come to you. If you are looking to cut down calories while at the same time craving something sweet and cold this is the place for you. For a complete list of flavors and other information click here.
A few weeks ago, we saw a delightful movie at Hollywood 20, which has spread to several other area theaters. Begin Again, stars Mark Ruffalo and Keira Knightley. Mark plays a down on his luck music executive with a broken marriage and teenage daughter who he has little time for. Knightley, whose boyfriend is Adam Levine of The Voice and Maroon Five, is attempting to enter the music industry.
With New York as a background, Ruffalo helps her cut an album. What she does with it in the end is a nice way to wrap up an entertaining couple of hours. John Carny, who created and created Tony winning Once, is the director/producer of this one as well.
Today is the last day to see a wonderful performance at Florida Studio Theatre, Becoming Dr. Ruth. I wrote about the show in the last blog and had a chance to see it myself last week. What a character study by Susan Greenhill. By the end of her performance you will be on your feet cheering. Closing as well today, is Clearly Invisible in the Cabaret. Though I have not seen it, I am told Carl Seiger is an illusionist as good as any.
VAN WEZEL continues to announce shows for the coming season. They are going to release the full list early September. But if you want to get a jump with and early purchase you can call 941-953-3368 or click here and order on line. Among the recent announcements are Capitol Steps 11/1, Wanda Sykes 11/16, Mannheim Steamroller 11/19 (a sure sell-out with some of the best Christmas arrangements around, and Kenny Rogers 11/29. Along with Bill Maher, Audra McDonald, several Broadway shows and the usual number of Symphony Orchestras, you should be spending many a winter evening at VAN WEZEL.
WBTT this week announced their 15th year anniversary season kick-off. A fund-raiser, also at
VAN WEZEL on 10/6. A one time only performance of an electrifying show, The Eve of Jackie: A musical tribute to Jackie Wilson. Award-winning Broadway singer Chester Gregory stars in this raw and jaw-dropping tour de force of Jackie Wilson during his last complete performance in September 1975, one night before his career ends during that performance.
As you can imagine, tickets are not the normal WBTT price range. This summer's series was priced at $29. Tickets for this show begin at $100 and close at $35. Click here to purchase tickets for this show and the remaining performances of Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul. We saw the show at a sold-out performance and highly recommend.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman's last movie before his untimely death in February, A Most Wanted Man, showcases his depth as an actor and how much he will be missed. John Le Carre's post 9/11 political passion play about sins committed in the name of national security showing exclusively at Burns is true to the book.
It is also an art-house thriller with its psychological plot of more talk than action; however, don't let that keep you away. Shot in Hamburg Germany where the 9/11 attack was planned, the city's gloom and beauty make the movie that much more compelling. It will keep you guessing until the final scene. If you did not read the book I recommend going on line for a review to better understand what you are about to see.
Those who have seen A Most Wanted Man have their own take on the ending. This movie makes for great discussion over dinner or drinks. My choice for sleeper hit of summer.
JIM'S RANT.....Seems like the only land-line calls are telemarketers of one kind or another. I recently received one of the most unusual. I was awarded $7,000 no strings attached. Just had to supply a credit card or bank account for quick deposit of money. I may be OLD, but not stupid. AND the area code was 202 for Washington, but the voice was distinctly Indonesian. AND re-registering again at DoNotCall doesn't eliminate the problem as it was designed to do.....
Tracy did her magic again and Roberta had her usual comments!!!!...Until August 17.....JIM
JULY-AUGUST-SEPTEMBER are usually the slow months in SARASOTA........NOT ANYMORE....
There are several shows playing at different venues as good if not better than IN SEASON...consider THE PRINCE OF SOUL now at Westcoast Black Theatre through August 10th. This is the second and last show of their summer season, but is an instant hit as it was three years ago.
Starring as Marvin Gaye is Sheldon Roden, recreating the role again, he looks talks and sings like Gaye so much that you may think Gaye has come back from his grave to entertain you. Combining music and drama, this one should not be missed. Tickets are scarce so call 366-1505 and reserve yours today.
Currently playing at Florida Studio Theatre in the intimate Keating Theatre is a one woman show Becoming Dr. Ruth. Running through this week, unless extended, the show is an insight into America's most famous sex therapist. Played by Susan Greenhill, who has been at FST in several other productions, Dr. Ruth comes alive as she revisits her fascinating life after the death of her third husband.
A moving, funny portrayal of one woman's determination to survive, thrive and keep learning. If you enjoyed last season's Thurgood, you will love this!!
BANYAN Theatre company's second production The Sty of the Blind Pig takes place on Chicago's South Side during the 50's in an era that precedes the civil rights movement. First presented on Broadway in 1971, it came away with the Drama Desk award among others. An emotional roller coaster of a story not dimmed by the passing of time, this intimate production is heartwarming emotional stuff associated with good theatre.
PIG closes in two weeks to make room for the third and final production of the summer, Collected Stories by Donald Margulies. Performances are in the Jane B. Cook Theatre in FSU Center for Performing Arts.
Continuing at Historic Asolo Theatre in the Visitor's Center at Ringling Museum is their annual SUMMER CIRCUS SPECTACULAR. A one-hour performance of circus acts for all ages. Performances continue through August 2nd Tues-Fri 11am and 2pm; and Saturday at 2 and 5pm. In addition to tickets for the show, another $5 gets you admission into Circus Museum. Many have called this year's edition the best yet.
Christian Stoinev shown above is still in the running on NBC's "America's Got Talent" and returns via tape to that show for another audition round this coming Tuesday or Thursday at 8pm. If he makes it out of this round, live performances begin the following week. If he wins the prize is a $1mil contract for Las Vegas performances.
MAIL BAG....Not everyone agrees with my reviews of movies, restaurants, books, shows, television, whatever. The purpose of this blog is to let you know what's happening in SARASOTA and where possible I put my own slant on the attraction, book or restaurant. By now, you know my favorites. With so many new restaurants opening in the fall, I'm sure there will be more.
I recently gave a not so good review to CULVER'S, a new burger and custard restaurant on University Parkway. Last week, in a review by Cooper-Levey-Baker correspondent for the Herald Tribune, he also would opt out for Five Guys. One of you disagreed with me and wrote: "I must disagree with your evaluation of Culver's. I thought it was terrific. The food was excellent. It was brought to my table in exactly 5 minutes......" The writer goes on to compliment restaurant for handling of crowds which by the way seem never-ending both inside and take-out.
Then there's the letter from a reader who bought Harlan Coben's thriller Missing You on my recommendation. Space does not permit the entire letter...Here are the juicer parts..."single most inane book I've read since "Once We Were Brothers." Harlan Coben hasn't changed in 30 years. He still has the same plot formula with a missing person who miraculously appears about 80% into the book as the plot completely falls apart. Though one of the characters, a 45 year old woman is locked in a box for 6 days, she manages to escape and subdue a grown man by using an ax.........WOW, what a plot. Please forward your check made payable to me for $10.99 for buying this drivel..." The check was sent but returned with the proviso I not recommend any further reading material....LOL!!!!
YUME SUSHI has a new home, but you don't have to go very far from their old location. In fact, it is across the street at shuttered Sangria Tapas restaurant which bit the dust months ago. Airy and more inviting than its former location, YUME has a new menu with more entrees, but the same delicious sushi they are known for.
What was most exciting about the evening were the crowds. Almost full at 6:15; completely full at 7:30 with a decent wait....all this on a Tuesday night. When going downtown, with the State Street lot torn up, parking is at a premium. But don't let that stop you as the NEW YUME is a great addition to Main st. dining.
Le Chef, not to be confused with Chef, is a French film which in its own way is as funny and delightful as the other. Playing at the BURNS, it is a pleasant way to spend a hot afternoon or evening.
Also playing at the BURNS, a documentary dedicated to the life of Roger Ebert, LIFE ITSELF. Though tough to watch at times, since Ebert and wife Chaz took part up to his passing; it is nevertheless a story of a man, his movies and his will to live under terrible circumstances. Surely, an Academy Award nominee for best 2014 documentary. You can also view this at home with VOD.
Also showing on VOD, new releases....Snowpiercer, #1 on Entertainment Weekly Must See list last week, Affluenza, Happy Christmas, A Long Way Down, They Came Together and one of Phillip Seymour Hoffman's last movies before his untimely death God's Pocket. In addition Venus in Fur currently at BURNS while playing as well on VOD.
JIM'S RANT...On Thursday TICKET featured their list of the top 50 places to eat, drink, shop and be entertained in downtown SARASOTA ..........impossible to list every attraction, restaurant and shop....BUT..NO Brooks Brothers, Hyde Park,Eileen Fisher, Patrick's,Yume Sushi, Mattison's, Toasted Mango, Word of Mouth, First Watch, PF Chang's, Reasons, Whole Foods, Starbucks, Opera House, Americano Cafe, Duvals, J. McLaughlin, The Brown Bag, As Good As It Gets, Evelyn and Aurthur ,Envie, Salute!, Station 400, Savory Street, Traders on Main, Dead Poet's Sushi, Melange, Sur Le Table , WBTT, and so many more. LAZY reporting and an insult to our intelligence! For their list click here.
See you again in two weeks.....thanks to Tracy...letter writers...and all of you for reading.....JIM
