JANUARY 31, 2016

GREASE LIVE AIRS TONIGHT LIVE ON FOX.........

Taking a page from NBC and filling the void before SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, FOX has recreated a three hour version (including those ever present commercials) of GREASE televised live before an actual audience spreading over two theaters.

What's intriguing about this GREASE is not the cast of almost-famous performers, but its director, Thomas Kail, who helmed the unstoppable Broadway juggernaut HAMILTON.  We saw that show over the summer and it's as good as advertised!!

This performance combines the elements of the movie (remember John Travolta and Olivia Newton John) and the Broadway show that preceded it.  A new song has been added as well.  So sit back and enjoy tonight as you prepare for next week's big game. 

20% off OPENING WEEKEND!!!!

The tent is up and now all that's missing is YOU!!!  CIRCUS SARASOTA, under the big top in its new location at Nathan Benderson Park, is now selling tickets for all performances.  Dates are February 12-28.  Titled, Red White and BELLO!!! , and featuring many of last year's wonderful performers without  Nik Wallenda and his family.  However, after selling out last year , I would get my tickets NOW.  You can call 941-355-9805 or click here to purchase tickets on-line. 

AJC's 2016 Winter Lunch & Learn is a few weeks away.  On Thursday, February 11, at Michael's On East, the program features Deidre Berger, Director AJC Berlin.  Her topic which is grabbing headlines on evening news nightly as well as on the Presidential campaign trail is EUROPE IN CRISIS: TERRORISM, POPULISM AND IMMIGRATION.  Tickets including lunch are only $30 and can be purchased by calling 941-365-4955 or email Sarasota@ajc.org.  What with the rise of anti-Semitism both here on several college campus's and around the world, this is one event you should not miss.

SARASOTA Orchestra Masterworks continues its exceptional season this weekend (February 4-7) as Anu Tali returns for an ALL ABOUT MOZART program.  She is joined by a father-son duo, Sergey Dogadin on violin and Andrei on viola.  Mozart's 41st and final symphony highlights this performance.  Tickets are available for all performances at 941-953-3434 or by clicking here and purchasing your tickets on line. 

If you go Sunday afternoon, you will be home in ample time for Super Bowl 50.

A GREEK FESTIVAL

 The 32nd Annual GLENDI....A Greek Festival is also this weekend, February 4-7. It takes place at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox church, 7671 N. Lockwood Ridge Road.  Treat yourself to the food, music and traditions of Greece.  Admission is $4.00, kids under 12 free. Proceeds benefit Take Stock in Children.   This is always a big event For more information including parking and shuttle service to event click here.
 

ALL THIS AND MORE ON DISPLAY 3/11-12

 In a few weeks, (March 11&12) you can take advantage of a self-guided tour of Artist Studios located at the Ringling College of Art & Design and several additional locations around Sarasota. 
 
Tickets purchased on-line will be mailed, or if you prefer can be picked up at the college.  The cost is $20 now or $25 at the door.  Money raised by the event goes for scholarships for students involved in the arts in SARASOTA. For a complete list of 2016 Creators and Collectors Tour click here.

Last year this same program raised over $40,000 and hopes to do even better this year.   The charm of our city is the blending of art, symphony, theater, opera, ballet and more.  

A unique diversion for out of town guests is the Gospel Brunch at Blue Rooster located at 4th and Orange.  Doors open at 11:30am for the first buffet/performance.  The buffet is southern style with fried chicken, grits, bacon, eggs and more.  The music quite frankly disappoints as it is lacking in gospel.  During the week, Blue Rooster presents some remarkable talent along with their unique menu.  Though the brunch is popular, I recommend going in the evening when the entertainment is better.

A GOSPEL DIVA

If on the other hand, gospel music is your thing, there is a Gospel Music Convention starting Monday and running through next Saturday.  Taking place at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, Palmetto.  Tickets are $18 per night.  There are several performances spread over the six days.  For a complete schedule of performances please click here.

With so many new restaurants it is impossible to try them all in one week, let alone a month.  However, Contributor Debbie Yonker, Mark Freed, Roberta and I made our way to the recently opened RUSTY BUCKET 257 N. Cattleman Rd. across from UTC. 

 A friendly upscale sports bar; there is nothing like it in SARASOTA.  We all felt transported to another city...Atlanta or Chicago.  Hard to describe, it just has the feel of being somewhere else.   The decor is tasteful.  The menu gives many choices.  Hamburger of course, pizza too, scrumptious salads and more.  There are several television sets for the sports crowd, but if its good comfort food at reasonable prices this new one is a great addition to our restaurant scene for all of us.  Serving lunch and dinner daily.

JIM'S RANT....check the blog, but on January 17, I wrote Sol was leaving Sol Meyer and moving into the vacated Applebee's near Hollywood 20. Ten days later,  The Herald confirmed this in their Business Section. In all the years living here, I have never seen more hype for such a mediocre product. Sol Meyer,  A disaster from the start, could right itself with a new chef.   One can only hope Sol's NYC Delicatessen a few blocks east  gets its act together with the former chef in this new location.  One thing though, JIM DOES REALLY KNOW SARASOTA.......

THANKS TO TRACY FOR HER USUAL FINE JOB.  UNTIL NEXT WEEK......JIM

To join us at the event please click here