NOVEMBER 2, 2018

VOTE TUESDAY.............

By now you know why your vote is so important this week.  So get out there, cast your ballot, fix yourself a strong drink, and get ready for the television pundits to tell you what the results "really" mean.


One by one our favorite venues are opening.  MANATEE PLAYERS is already into its second production, and it's an oldie but goodie.  Cabaret has generated some of the strongest reviews I've ever seen for a  local theatre troupe.

Jay Handelman writing in this week in The Herald ....." have seen Cabaret many times, but can't recall feeling quite the emotional wallop delivered by this thought provoking production since the 1998 Broadway revival.  Cast is uniformly terrific with many outstanding performances.  You will not be disappointed.

Playing through November 11 call 941-748-5875 or www.manatee-performingartscenter.com for tickets.    For those of you who have not been to this gem of a theatre it's located 502 Third Avenue W. Bradenton.



ASOLO REP is 2 weeks away from kicking off its 18/19 season with legendary hit The Music Man.  First performed on Broadway in 1957 where it won The Tony for that year beating out that year's West Side Story, then a movie and revived all over the world many times.  This will be Asolo's first presentation of one of America's classic musicals. Playing through the holidays, this will be a tough ticket!

1962 movie Robert Preston Shirley Jones

The music covers the musical spectrum from rousing marches, soaring ballads, and vocal arrangements which some consider the precursors to popular rap music of today.  For tickets call 941-351-8000 or visit www.asolorep.org 

Where is the pineapple?

When Sarasota friends Pam and Randy Silagi left on their long delayed African trip I asked them to stay in touch.  That they have, and sounds like the trip is fascinating.  One of their first stops upon arrival was the farmers market in Arusha Tanzania.  They write....."Not at all unlike the farmers market in Sarasota, only we stand out a little bit more."  Judge for yourself!!

"We head to Serengeti tomorrow. " Where they wrote..."a bit chilly though, temps in the low 6o's.  No television, no newspapers, incredibly peaceful, love it."  AND NO POLITICAL ADS.


If you've been watching television the past few weeks you could not miss the Holiday advertising.   Jingle Bells the middle of October?? Sure why not.  

Which brings me to a new feature through Christmas/Hanukkah...GIFT ideas........ read this week of a new book from pen of Dick Vitale..Mount Rushmores of College Basketball.  Celebrating 40 years as an ESPN college basketball analyst, Vitale picks his four greatest college basketball coaches of all-time. The book costs $29.99 and is available at DickVitaleOnline.com.  ALL money generated goes to benefit the V Foundation for cancer research.

REMEMBER OUR PITTSBURGH BROTHERS AND SISTERS

If you're reading this on Sunday you still have time to travel to this week's outdoor Arts Festival holding fort in downtown Venice.  As always, over 200 artisans work is on display for just looking or purchasing.  BUT, if you can keep that credit card in your wallet for another week,  the end of year big one is coming to ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE next Saturday and Sunday November 10/11.

This show stretches around the circle and features several new artists to the area.   In addition to crafts, jewelry, art, and hidden treasures, there is food both in and outside the event.  All your favorite Circle restaurants will have extended hours to serve the masses.  See you there.

Someone once asked me "how many hamburger restaurants can you squeeze into one destination zone.  Apparently as many as the shopping zone will accommodate.  Take UTC as an example of over-kill.  Burger-Fi;  Burger&Beer Joint; Shake Shack; Five Guys; Ford's Garage; Wendy's, and maybe more.  It's called survival of the fittest, and a year from now I'll let you know who did.

One who has survived for many years, PATRICK'S on Main features $5 hamburgers on Monday.   Along with the burger comes fries or slaw.  One catch; but a minor one; you must order a drink.  We've gone several Mondays this summer, and along with several others went last Monday.  Packed inside and out as well as bar, the result for us this week was disappointing.  Won't be going back until season is over.  Please let me know your favorite burger.

JIM'S RANT.....Simple this week.  Stop complaining about the negative political climate and do something about it.  Tuesday are the so called Midterms where a new House; several Senate races; and along with Governor races, will go a long way in shaping our civility for the next two  years and beyond.  Then sit back and watch the "fake media" diagnose the results.......Thanks for reading.  Until next week....JIM

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE!!!!