DECEMBER 23, 2018

AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT

There's lots  of anger and frustration in our country right now, and for at least the week of Christmas and New Year we should put our angst away and celebrate our friends, family, neighbors and THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR.

If music is your choice, Music Mondays,  SILL  presents 12 unique interviews with local and national artists.  From singers, pianists and composers you not only will learn about the artist and their instrument, but watch them perform as well.

Global Issues will give you an insider's view of today's world.  Lectures featuring well-known and recognizable experts in the fields of diplomacy, academia and public affairs are scheduled for Sarasota, Venice and Lakewood Ranch.

Tickets are $10 at the door or subscription of $85.  For a complete schedule go on-line to www.sillsarasota.org, or look for their ad in this week's Observer.

Also available in this week's Observer is their quarterly SEASONS magazine insert for Winter 2019 with months of December through March.  From lectures, to theatre, to sports and culture, SEASONS will help you plan  for the events well in advance of their announcements.


It's been several months since dining at Mediterraneo , but this past week's dinner was as good as remembered, if not better.  Starting with their tomato on toast to bread to salad to pasta.  And ending with their famous Profiteroles, no one went home hungry.  Service was excellent as well. 

In their same Main St. location since 1996, with ample street and garage parking, Mediterraneo, continues doing Classic Italian better than most of its competitors.  And equally important, they have kept pricing fair and reasonable.

  Reservations are available on Open Table or calling 941-365-4122.  We were there on a busy Tuesday and sat away from the noise in their back room. 

Anu Tali

Hard to believe we are almost into 2019, but in a little over a week we will be there.  Early January 4-6, Sarasota Orchestra brings its 3rd Masterworks presentation to Van Wezel Saturday evening or Sunday matinee.  Conductor Anu Tali, a few months from her grand finale, conducts a concert "Summer to Winter",  featuring Grammy nominee  and world-renowned violinist, James Ehnes.

Tickets are ridiculously priced starting at $34.  Order yours now before this becomes a sell-out at 941-953-3434 or www.SarasotaOrchestra.org.

The one and only MARVIN GAYE

Westcoast Theatre  Troupe's current presentation has been here before; but never this good!  Now try getting a ticket.  Sheldon Rhoden returns for a third time as Marvin Gaye:  Prince of Soul was sold out well in advance, but stand-by tickets are available for all performances. 

 For this production, Nate Jacobs has the benefit of Gaye's entire catalogue and with his cast of 15 makes use of most of them.  Unless extended, the closing is Jan 13.  LOL, but call 941-366-1505 or visit their boxoffice at 1012 N. Orange.



While George Armstrong waits for permits to complete his Rosemary and Thyme , The Rosemary continues to provide great meals for special occasions like the coming holidays.  Open for dinner Christmas Eve and Day with special menus as well as New Year's Eve for breakfast, lunch and SPECIAL New Year's Eve dinner menu until 9:pm.  Closed January 1st.  Call 941-955-7600.  To view Holiday Menus go to www.RosemarySarasota.





JIM'S RANT....With the miserable weather this past week, I've been watching ABC7 news for Bob Harrigan's weather forecast.   It's not Bob's fault to be preceded and followed by more 30 second spots than I could count.  How does an advertiser expect a consumer to remember as many as 8!!! back to back.  Oh for the days of product separation,  and number of spots permitted by FCC during program breaks. No wonder Netflix is so popular these days.....Have a wonderful holiday and I'll see you for the last blog of 2018....JIM

FYI....Direct flights now to Atlanta, Cleveland, Philadelphia NOW!!