JUNE 4, 2017

SIESTA IS NO.1 AGAIN.....SEE FOR YOURSELVES.......

It may be a quiet time for Sarasota, but you would never know it by the number of venues offering Summer entertainment. 

Though the Sarasota Symphony Orchestra is on hiatus for the summer, classical music abounds for the next few weeks.  For several years the Orchestra has been host to  Sarasota Musical Festival, as young talent gather from all over the country to learn from a professional staff of musicians.  The sessions take place at either Holley Hall or the Opera House.

The first Saturday Symphony on June 10 showcases the talent of both faculty and student participants in full orchestral splendor at the historic Sarasota Opera House. Along with Flutist Jasmine Choi, a 2105 student and Music Director Jeffrey Kahane this first concert is titled " The Triumphant Fifth", with music from Beethoven, Faure and Ibert.  

To purchase tickets call 941-953-3434.


Burt & Me, featuring the songs of Burt Bachrach and Hal David opened FST's Mainstage summer season Wednesday and runs through 6/18.  The show is about a young man who learns to enjoy taking piano lessons his parents force on him after his teacher introduces him to Bachrach's music.  More than a play with music, this is a coming of age romantic comedy.

 
Several more familiar Bachrach songs are performed by the talented cast.  They include Close to You, What the World Needs Now, Close to You, One Less Bell to Answer, and Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head.  Sounds like a good way to spend a HOT June night.  To purchase tickets for all shows click here or call 941-366-9000.
 

After a disappointing Premier and run of  Beatsville, Asolo Rep closes its season with its annual family production.  A theatrical reimagination of Jules Verne's classic deep sea tale, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, opens Wednesday and plays through July 1.

According to their publicity, "Leagues comes to life through visually striking multimedia story-telling, with vivid projections and puppetry taking the audience on the voyage of a lifetime."  Should be terrific entertainment for the young and young at heart.

Several  area attractions are partnering with Asolo.  Among them, Mote Marine Laboratory, South Florida Museum, Manatee County Libraries and Schools, and Conservation Foundation of Gulf Coast.  You can click here to reserve tickets for this family show.

Back by popular demand... SHIRLEY AND ME.  A total sell-out at the recent Sarasolo Festival.  Actress, artist, and writer Jan Wallace appears in a one time only performance next Friday, June 9, 8:00pm at the Starlite Room 1001 Coconut.  Tickets are $15 at the door or call 941-979-8084 to reserve one.  Pre-show dinner is available as well.  To reserve a table call 941-708-5613.
 

More summer fun next week.  But if you can't wait, this week's OBSERVER includes Summer 2017 SEASON....copies all over town.



Last week my Tuesday ROMEO group made a return visit to BOCA.   As some of you may recall, the same group had lunch there several months ago, and came away dissatisfied. 

Not anymore!!!!

A new easier to navigate lunch menu,  new manager and terrific server, erased any negative memory.  The food was delicious.  Three of us had the chopped salad with several components from romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, garbanzo beans and air-chilled chicken plus several more ingredients.  Their salad easily blows most of the like salads away.  A special  donut with ice cream dessert completed our triumphant return.

Main dining area of BOCA

Unlike several other restaurants in that area, BOCA does accept reservations at  941-256-3565. A word of caution.....BOCA has become a very popular spot and does get noisy in the evening.  My best advice if you want quiet is to book their second floor.  Your lunch can easily be enjoyed in their main dining area.  Either way, I  NOW enthusiastically endorse BOCA!!!!! 



Next weekend you can take advantage of still another St. Armands Circle CRAFT FESTIVAL.  Running June 10th-11th 10am-4pm.  This is the 16th annual from promoter American Craft Endeavors, which is one of several bringing these events to the Circle.

JIM'S RANT.....I am a big supporter of Savor Sarasota.  Though the cost for dinner has gone to $32, it's still  good value for the money.  However, if you DON'T eat dessert,  then you'll find in most cases, it's better to order from the menu.  Some restaurants will let you substitute a starter for dessert; several won't.  What with the entire restaurant industry in a funk (see WSJ article 5/31) most Sarasota restaurants are offering deals.  Support the promotion, but watch that waistline......

Footnote:  Ariana Grande, along with several recording and performing super-stars, is back in Manchester tonight for a star-studded benefit concert in support of the bombing victims.  When tickets went on sale Thursday, they sold out in 7 minutes!!!!

If you want to watch the show live, The Free Form network channel 444 is carrying the entire performance.  ABC will be repeating that after their NBA playoff coverage.

Pres. Trump's Word of The Week

Thanks for reading....see you next week...JIM












































JIM'S RANT....I am a big supporter of Savor Sarasota.  However, I have a word of caution as you make dinner reservations at your favorite restaurant.  Beware of