APRIL 28, 2019

WELCOME TO MAY AND THE WARM DAYS AHEAD......

Hopefully you are reading Jim Knows Sarasota Saturday or Sunday, because there is still time to attend the area's biggest and best Outdoor Art Show and Craft Marketplace.  SIESTA FIESTA, for the 41st time is open through 5pm Sunday.  

Running along Ocean Blvd. and throughout the village, familiar, new, different and exciting craftsmen from around the country will be available to view or purchase.  Of course there is food.  Getting there is easy as buses will be running throughout the 2 days from Westfield Mall. Siesta Drive at 41.

If you live in the Lakewood Ranch area, there is a Fine Art Festival on Main Street this weekend as well.  Whichever you choose, have a great time.



Finally saw FST's smash hit Cabaret show The Wonder Years.  It was so good,  I am thinking about going again before it closes June 9.  Maybe it was the 60's, the performers, or the amazing graphics that told the tale of the music; whatever, I was thoroughly entertained for 2 hours.

I've heard from many who only see one Cabaret each season because of familiarity.  If you've seen one make it two this year.  Tickets available at box office, 941-366-9000, or  www.floridastudiotheatre.org.



A second visit to FST, this time to see Mark St. Germain's new play Wednesday's Child.   This murder mystery tackles some every day issues without preaching to the audience.  Well written, acted and directed, Child should be added to your calendar.  Scheduled to close May 24, unless extended.

As you approach St. Armands Circle you will pass a restaurant which has been open

for years, but seldom mentioned when Sarasota dining choices are discussed...it should be.  Reservations are honored; service is quick and efficient; the food served hot and tasty.  If you haven't guessed by now it's SHORE.  Occupying the second floor of a building  whose first floor is devoted to vacation clothes.  You  can walk up or take an elevator.

When you arrive Shore has a beach feel to it, with just enough noise to let you know you are in a popular place.  From salmon to hamburger to chicken to pasta and more, you won't go away hungry.  Rather than dessert there, take a walk around the corner for gelato and drive home happy.

Hard to believe, but Mother's Day is 2 weeks away.  Time to start planning where to take your mother or wife for brunch/dinner on their day.  One of the best, with the most food, easy location and most beautiful setting is Selby Gardens.  Catered as always by Michael's On East, their spread includes omelet and pancake station, carving station, salads and a wide variety of desserts.

Members $70; non-members $80; children 3-11 $30.  All this and admission to the most beautiful grounds for a picnic.  Call 941-248-3585 or specialevents@selby.org



With DANCE, DANCE, DANCE, Sarasota Orchestra wraps up its 2019 Great Escapes series.  Everyone in the audience is sure to be moving in their seats for this concert of music composed for dance.  From the subtle charm of the Brazilian Samba to the exuberant energy of a Las Vegas show, you will revel in popular music from around the world.  Performances begin Wednesday May 1,  and run through Saturday at Holley Hall.

Tickets are available for any of the four performances by calling 941-953-3434 or visiting them on line at SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Next weekend why not take a trip south to VENICE for their annual Seafood & Music Festival.
Starting at 4 on Friday afternoon, and continuing Saturday until 11; Sunday until 6pm. some of the best seafood and entertainment from all over the state.  Admission is free; the food isn't!  And if you aren't completely worn-out from this week's Sarasota craft shows, you can shop to your heart's content at this festival.  



JIM'S RANT.....How many remember 2011 when parking meters were introduced to Main St.?  If you don't,  try remembering back to 2012 when they were removed due to merchants stating the meters" killed business".  Seven years later those meters are coming back.  This is probably due in large part to  the success of  meters on St. Armands Circle and the user-friendly equipment this time around.  I'll take a wait and see attitude on this one....See you in a week....JIM