JUNE 16, 2019

Today is for US!!!!  Relax, watch some golf, have dinner with the family.  You've earned this day.


With the exception of FST's summer schedule of Main Stage and Cabaret shows, Urbanite and Players, most if not all take a breather before  returning in September with their 2019-20 season.  However, there is one show left at ASOLO.

Around The World in 80 Days has been well received by critics and readers of this blog. 

However, you have only this week to see it as closing is a week from today.

For both young and older audiences, World, according to Jay Handelman...."whisks the audience right along on a journey filled with ingenuity and theatrical flair."  Produced by the same company that brought well received  Hetty Feather to ASOLO three years ago is family friendly with plenty of opportunity for its audience of all ages to be constantly entertained and surprised.

Tickets for this final week can be purchased at box office day of performance or by calling 941-351-8000.  You can also click Asolorep.org to purchase on line.  

Last Sunday's highly anticipated Tony Awards were for me a three hour bore.  Sure there were scenes from most nominated musicals, and some clever side numbers, but I felt Cordon  was flat, and the shows not as good as past years.  I was disappointed that Mockingbird came away with only one Award, but not having seen any of the other nominees, I'll have to go with the voters.  Only 8 more months until Hollywood presents their Academy Awards!


This week's Romeo lunch was at old favorite Mediterraneo restaurant.  Though not participating in Savor Sarasota, they offer a wide ranging lunch  menu of pasta and salads, all reasonably priced.  Never crowded at lunch, a quiet table where you can have a conversation without yelling  is easy to find.  

Who can resist a shared piece of tiramisu for dessert.   Four forks, and we all went home happy.  Thanks for the treat Joe.


Sarasota Music Festival continues with several interesting events this week. 

Of special interest to me, and hopefully you, is the Friday June 21 program Beethoven, Brahms, and Bebop.

  Performed in the Sarasota Opera House, tickets can be had for as little as $29.   And when do you get to see our Orchestra and jazz musician Wynton Marsalis all on the same stage.  This promises to be the most exciting program of the Festival.

The box office at 709 N. Tamiami Trail is open daily from 10:00 am.  You can also purchase tickets  by calling 941-953-3434 or sarasotaorchestra.org.  I look forward to seeing many of you Friday evening.  

No surprise that SRQ announced number of passengers for May.  Their increase year to year is a whopping 38%, and reflects the addition of two new carriers, 23 new routes and 18 new destinations in the past year plus.  This increase is remarkable when you consider the number of airports within close proximity to our market.  This speaks well to SRQ management and you the consumer who is supporting our airport.



The PLAYERS CENTRE For Performing Arts last production opened Wednesday,    It was written by Nora and Delia Ephron in 1995.  Produced on Broadway in 2008, Love, Loss, and What I Wore, it is a series of monologues performed by a rotating cast of five women.

Saz Franz writes in the Herald...."...there is a sense of authenticity and energy to these relatable stories, which are told with humor and heart.''  Playing through June 23, with all tickets at a reasonable $18.  They can be purchased at box office 838 N. Tamiami Trail, by phone at 941-365-2494 or theplayers.org


Sub Lovers ALERT!!!! Now through June 19 PUBLIX  has lowered the price of

their subs to the ridiculous low price of $5.99, a $3 savings.  And, they are worth every penny.  We had a rare Boars Head roast beef, but also available is rotisserie chicken and ham.  Highly recommend.





JIM'S RANT.......Savor Sarasota continues around town, as many restaurants extend the promotion beyond this weekend.  While most participating restaurants provide ample portions at lunch and dinner, several don't!! Shame on those who thought this was a menu sampling, and skimped on portions.  Hats off to those who use the opportunity to keep portions the same as usual while welcoming new and old friends.  Check with your favorite restaurant to see if they are continuing the promotion......JIM....See you next week.....

Tiramisu at Mediteranneo