SEPTEMBER 22, 2018

ITS TIME FOR ANOTHER SEASON OF JIM KNOWS SARASOTA

And what a season we have ahead of us form Opera to Symphony to Theatre; Sarasota is as good as it gets in Florida.

THE LION KING

Though not arriving until next year, Disney's classic musical will be playing for 23 performances at Van Wezel  March 14-31.  Tickets for this amazing show go on sale November 2, but you can purchase now as part of a season subscription.  For more information call 941-953-3363 or visit their box office.

The Van Wezel schedule is loaded with the likes of Carol Burnett, Howie Mandel and  Whoppi Goldberg.   Joining Lion King among others,  are Rent, On your Feet and Finding Neverland.  Their website is user friendly at www.vanwezel.org


If you take your theatre at a smaller venue, then Florida Studio Theatre is perfect.  Not a bad seat in the house.  Their first show is Tony winner A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder! followed by two original productions and another Tony winner The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time.   Season opens November 7.


The FST Cabaret will satisfy your music tastes and if so inclined feed you as well.   Beginning in October with Unchained Melodies, a look back at the popular music of the 50s and 60s.  I am especially looking forward to The Wonder Years with music from Elvis, the Bee Gees,  Beatles and more.

The FST subscription hot line is 941-552-1521 or visit their friendly box office at 1521 N. Palm ave.  Hours vary, but they are open until 9 every day but Monday.

Going to a concert or theatre  isn't complete without a meal at one of our growing list of restaurants. Several have opened this summer; I will get to most in the coming weeks.  Most accessible to theatre is The Rosemary where Savor Sarasota has been extended through October. 

For  those of you unfamiliar with this promotion, a three-course dinner is $32.  The menu is extensive and the portions are HUGE!!! 

 
Friend Marlene Meyer has a new venture.  She will be selling her napkin rings and other craft items exclusively at Summer Home & Garden.  Located at 1526 Fruitville Rd(between Lemon and Orange) this charming shop has crafts, garden whimsy, eclectic upholstery, greeting cards, lotions, soaps, and much more.  Sort of like shuttered Mary's On Main.  Marlene will be on site weekly.
For her schedule call 941-512-4495.

If you're reading this on Sunday and are sitting around with nothing to do then head on over to Benderson Park.  Close to 2000 rowers are competing at The World Rowing Masters Regatta.  That number includes several from Italy, Great Britain, Rome, Germany and Miami.

Bring a lawn chair, your own food, or a hearty appetite as several local vendors are on site to treat your pallet.

Benderson Park is pet friendly.  Just be sure your dog is on a leash.  See you there!!!

RED TIDE has been an ongoing issue for months;  causing cancellations and closings.  Due to tide and more, I  am sad to report the closing of an old friend MOZAIC.  In an email to diners last week they said goodbye.  They will be missed...............

JIM'S RANT......It was a very good summer for SRQ.   Not only did a record number of travelers fly in and out of Sarasota, but several non-stop flights were added, negating the drive to Tampa.  Two airlines began service to Philadelphia; another to Chicago; still another to Dallas-Fort Worth; and Allegiant Air began service to Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis.  Missing from this list is Baltimore, home of the Orioles who take over Ed Smith Stadium late February and March for spring training.  It can't be the Orioles woeful record for lack of non-stop to that city.  Not a good summer for BWI........Good to be back.  Until next week.....JIM