FEBRUARY 17, 2019

CELEBRATING TWO OF OUR GREATEST PRESIDENTS....

They sure don't make them like GEORGE and ABE anymore.   So spend some time reflecting on how our country got started and where we're headed; while you head out to your nearest Mall or Store and take advantage of PRESIDENTS DAY SALES!!!!


SPRING TRAINING is happening all over our state; especially here where we have two teams in our backyard. The Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, and the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota.

Ed Smith Stadium

Of special interest to Pirate fans is non-roster invite Garth Brooks, who is training this week at Lecom Park.

No celebrities at Ed. Smith Stadium, where a group of young, hungry, and hopefully talented players are beginning   a rebuild of the once proud Oriole franchise.  

Practice is open to the public as most of the outside diamonds are in use for fundamentals this time of year.  Games start Saturday 2/23 when Baltimore hosts the Minnesota Twins.  For tickets the box office is open daily.  Or you can call 941-893-6300.  Help is also available at www.Orioles.com/spring.

SELBY GARDENS invites you to its spring exhibit VOYAGE TO PARADISE.  Running  through June,  this exhibition highlights the essential role of botanical elements in achieving the artist's vision of the exotic.    Along with lush displays of tropical plants in the conservatory, in colors inspired by Gauguin's paintings, several of Gauguin's wood cuts and lithographs are on display.

Located at 900 South Palm Ave. More information at www.selby.org-


The reviews keep on coming for Sarasota's newest restaurant ROSEMARY&THYME.  In a blink of an eye, Rosemary diners have moved down the block to George Armstrong's new creation.  With an enlarged menu, featuring most items from Rosemary, a full service bar for table or bar dining and many dessert choices this is the place to go for any occasion.

Joe Marsh writes....."had dinner last night at Rosemary&Thyme.  The food was outstanding and considering the restaurant was full, including all the outside seating, the service was quite good.  I had the Tomahawk Pork Chop, which was outstanding, and done just right...."

As a convenience to Rosemary&Thyme patrons, parking is now available at Gulfside Bank, 333 N. Orange on the corner of Orange and Fruitville.  Reservations a must at 941-955-7600.

Fans of Judy Garland can't wait for Sarasota Orchestra's next live orchestra and film event.  On March 1&2 at Van Wezel, the orchestra under the direction of Steven Reinecke is presenting an evening  with Judy Garland in concert.

The life of iconic superstar Judy Garland will be told through live music paired with Garland's original vocals.  Rare home movies, photos and the star's own reminiscences accompany the original arrangements.  Just writing this, brings back memories of one of music's greatest singers and performers.

Tickets are from $35 and can be purchased at Orchestra box office,  the Van Wezel ticket office or by picking up you cell and calling 941-953-3434.  This is sure to be a sell-out, so I encourage you to buy tickets today.  You can also go on line at www.sarasotaorchestra.org.






The VAN WEZEL SEASON rolls along with night after night of entertainment and theatre.  Of course, the big one this year is THE LION KING, opening next month for 17 performances. This show marks the longest engagement in their history, but having seen this on Broadway and  as a movie, it is well worth the extra performances.  Hard to believe tickets are still available.  The dates are March 14-31 and include several matinee performances. 

I am anxious to see how the show plays without a center aisle.  To purchase tickets the quickest way is their box office on site.  Call 941-953-3368 or visit them online at www.VanWezel.org.




If you haven't been paying attention, the road show of Broadway sensation, HAMILTON, has rolled into the Tampa's Straz Center for the Performing Arts for a limited engagement ending March 18.  

Scene from Broadway cast of Hamilton

After several years,  HAMILTON, is still the highest grossing performer on Broadway and is nearly sold out in Tampa.  Tickets for each performance are available through a daily lottery.  If you are interested call 800-955-1045 or www.strazcenter.org/hamilton.  We saw this on opening week, and still remember its brilliance.

Mary Poppins is back again performing nightly at Manatee
 Players through March 3.  This charming theatre is located at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. West Bradenton.


This production is theBroadway version and stars local  favorite Sarah Cassidy.   Joining her is a Broadway veteran Kevin Steele, who is making his local debut as the chimney sweep Burt.  I have been to Manatee Arts Center over the years for several performances, and have always come away happy I made the trip.

Tickets are available at their box office or calling 941-748-5875.  


JIM'S RANT......No one asked me, but renovating Bobby Jones Golf Club's 290 acres to the tune of $16 million is ridiculous.  With declining interest in players due to length of the game,  plus the availability of  several public courses in the area, the need for Bobby Jones has been diminished. What makes more sense is selling the land for affordable housing which is sorely lacking in and around Sarasota.........

Roberta, Gayle, Linda, Ruth, Jim, Nancy
enjoying Valentines Day dinner at Rosemary&Thyme