MARCH 18, 2018

HERE THEY COME.........

SPRING BREAK is officially here.   Maybe not the crowd as shown here, but hundreds at our many beaches and restaurants.  The good news is our visitors will add plenty to economy; The bad news is traffic until the end of April.

 SARASOTA Fairgrounds is once again host to COUNTY FAIR.  Open today (Sunday) until 5:00pm, and 10 Monday-Thursday.  Closing day is Friday when gates open at 2:00 and close at 11:00.  If you are thinking of going tomorrow (Monday) or Friday 5-close admission is only $1.  There is of course a Midway with several rides along with special events every day.  Food is plentiful, and along with livestock, plants, fortune teller your time there will be well occupied. For a complete entertainment schedule and guide to exhibits click here

Bryon Stripling Guest Conductor

Those of you who were at last week's at Sarasota Orchestra's sold-out Van Wezel Best of Broadway concert left cheering and singing.  Along with Broadway stars Norm Lewis and Laura Osnes, the orchestra performed music from hit musicals South Pacific, The Producers, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, and many more.

One concert remains next month Swingin' At The Club.  A tribute of sorts to Ella, Cab and The Duke, selections range from Dinah to Stormy Weather, St. Louis Blues and Minnie The Moocher.  Playing April 20 and 21, tickets do remain, but they are going fast.  For tickets the box office can be reached at 941-953-3434 or you can click here to purchase tickets on line. 



 Most restaurants are busy this time of year some deservedly so, some not so.  One of those who deserves the crowds every day of the year is Michael's On East.  A Sarasota original, Michael's is easily one of the best choices for a sandwich or three course dinner.  And if you go on Friday, and love lobster, their special will fill you long after the last shell is cracked.  For $39.95 you get two Maine lobster, corn, along with mussels and clams. Their service, bread and desserts are also outstanding.  For reservations call 941-955-1945.  

Outside dining at Dry Dock

Dry Dock revisited.....Much better experience this week.  Had reservation booked for 6:00 pm.  When we arrived a line had already formed at the front door.  Upon checking in we were immediately ushered to our table. We'll be back, but probably after the season rush is over.




There is still time to purchase tickets and join one of the seasons' best events; JFCS Celebrity Chefs and Wine Tasting at Longboat Island side.  For $100 you get to sample food from 125 of the area's best restaurants along with some of the best wine available anywhere.  Under a tent; festivities begin at 5:30 and your out the door at 8:30.  To purchase tickets call 941-366-2224 NOW!!!

Mark your calendar now for the upcoming SARASOTA FILM FESTIVAL.....It's their 20th anniversary and promises to have many gems among the 100 or more films.  As always, there will be stars, entertainers and musicians attending with easy access to the public.  Taking place at Hollywood 11 April 13-22, an announcement of scheduled events and attendees should be announced this week.  If it is, check back here for details next week.

Steve Guttenberg, Eric Stoltz and Rory Kennedy are the early Hollywood participants.  A complete list of movies, parties and panel discussions will be listed here next Sunday.  If the films are equal to the just concluded Jewish Film Festival we're in for a treat.

 Chasing the Blues is a comedy built around the search for a missing blues record.  This one stars Guttenberg and will play at Hollywood 11.  More on the brand new stadium theatre down to 11 screens from 20 next week.

 JIM'S RANT....This Herald headline caught my attention this week..."Curtains for arts programs?"...the article suggests that the recently passed  state budget  could lead to job and program cutbacks at FST and Asolo among others.  I know our generous community will not let that happen.  The diminished appropriations are due to a shift in priorities since the Parkland shootings.  A state rich in the arts should find a way to protect that along with our children...don't you think??  Thanks for reading...JIM...See you next week