NOVEMBER 13, 2016

Bleacher wall at Wrigley Field says it all!!!  See you next year.

The November moon will light up the sky Sunday night into Monday

MONDAY'S FULL MOON IS AN EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED..........

Called a "Supermoon",  it  will be as close to Earth as any have been for 70 years.  The next moon of this magnitude will be in 2034.





 Single tickets are now on sale for VIOLINS OF HOPE February 1-16.  A limited "Full String" pass for all events at several venues is $100.  A great value when you consider the price of opening night Ritz performance tickets.  However, the pass tickets are limited, so I encourage you to either call 866-465-3995 or go to their website for tickets and additional information to what follows.

 Opening night's kick-off of Hope begins with the Len Mazur Memorial Concert in the Ritz ballroom with a yet to be announced featured soloist and members of the Sarasota Orchestra.  Price range for the Ritz Ballroom concert  is $36 or $54.  The higher priced ticket includes your choice of one additional performance featuring Perlman Music Program/Suncoast Alumni along with a conversation with Amnon Weinsten and James Grimes.  Full details at above site.

My advice is go for the $100.  It's a small investment for several days of entertainment and education.

By now most if not all of your should be aware the ASOLO season kicks off this week with one of the most popular musicals of all times GUYS AND DOLLS!!!    Last year's opening musical , WEST SIDE STORY set box office records.  Previous  year's hits 1776, My Fair Lady and Bonnie and Clyde all were exceptional productions.  

If you see only one show this year, get tickets now for this one!!!  Call 941-351-8000 Click here for more information, including a calendar for best seats, or order on line as well.

 With all the great theatre  and cabaret in Sarasota, it's easy to forget that there are several other venues in cities close by.  One is Venice Theatre where Billy Elliot the Musical is playing through Dec.4.  This area premier of the smash Elton John hit captured 12 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.  Before its Broadway performances, Billy Elliot was a wonderful movie.  Jay Handelman's recent Herald-Tribune review was one big RAVE!!  

Those of you who went to Venice for Ben Vereen's Hair last season were not disappointed.  To purchase tickets call 941-488-1115.

Easy  way to get to Venice and avoid I75 is to take the South Trail.  And if you want a meal before or after the performance then Marlene Meyer recommends Nokomis Crab House 920 S on that Trail. 

Dial 941-485-2722 to reserve crabs

 She writes: "If you want a small joint with no atmosphere but great Hard Shell Crabs (Maryland Style) this is the place.  The chef/owner if from Annapolis area.  Always busy and filled with people from MD.  Crabs are $60.00 per dozen. 

 Table reservations not allowed, but crab reservations are!! (Jim states:"figure that one out").  Marlene continues "Love their soft shells even though fried." 

While on the subject of crabs, have you tasted this year's Stone Crab catch?  I did last week, and as advertised, the best in several seasons.   Had  dinner at longtime friend's home and feasted on a fresh catch from Star Fish Company located 12306 46th Avenue West-just off Cortez Road.  A long way to travel for some of you, but it's well worth the ride.

And who couldn't use a good LAUGH these days?  Here comes one from Chabad of Bradenton. The fun starts Sunday December 4 7:30 PM at the Chabad House 5712 Lorraine Road.  That's when national comedian Marc Weiner takes the stage with his acclaimed comedy show.  Tickets are $40 and can be purchased by calling 941-752-3030 or by clicking here. Tickets are $40 and include appetizers and desserts. You'll have to buy your own drinks at a cash bar.

Rasa Saldatis will be at Craft Show

Those of you who missed the St. Armands Circle Arts Festival Saturday- Sunday should not lose any sleep over it.  Next weekend you'll be able to do it all over again, when close to 100 talented artisans move across the Ringling Bridge to Main St. SARASOTA  for one more event.  Running Saturday and Sunday 11/19-20 around Five Points and beyond giving you one last  outside shopping event before the American Fine Craft Show December 2-4 Robarts Arena.  This time of year, it's impossible to go a week WITHOUT a craft show.



JIM'S RANT....It's finally over!! Who would have thought Christmas music along with those inevitable Christmas commercials would sound so good?  The transfer of power from one administration to another is a time honored tradition that in spite of bitter rhetoric goes on without a hitch.  What makes our country great is our ability to come together in moments of good and bad....God Bless America!!!!


Thanks for reading and putting up with me.....JIM

WELL IT DID!!!