JUNE 23, 2019

NIK WALLENDA WALKS AGAIN.....

Tune in tonight 8pm ABC 7 or your local ABC station to watch Nik and sister Lljana walk 25 stories over New York's Times Square.  Since the families horrific 2017 fall at Benderson Park, we've heard very little from Nik, but all that will change tonight.  If successful, two more televised stunts are being planned for future viewing.


When you recover from Nik and Lljana's walk you should consider some lighter entertainment.  Beginning Wednesday FST's Main Stage returns to the Keating Theatre 
with Ethel Waters: His Eye is on the Sparrow.  Waters music will never grow old.  Who can forget classics "Am I Blue?" This Joint is Jumpin," and Stormy Weather.

This show is scheduled to close August 4, giving you several opportunities to purchase tickets at 941-366-9000.  Box office is open daily and on nights of performance or go to www.floridastudiotheatre.org.

Also continuing into early August is this year's Summer Circus Spectacular in the Historic Asolo Theatre at the Ringling.  Hard to believe so much  can be packed into an hour, but once the performance begins it's non-stop til the last act. Somewhere between the first act and grand finale you forget the setting is an air conditioned theatre, but instead a circus big top tent.

Credit goes to the energetic cast of characters and amiable host Jared Walker who builds anticipation for each act with his boyish enthusiasm.  Jay Handelman writes.."packs a lot of excitement into each performance with a mix of grace, humor and heart-stopping thrills into just an hour..."

See for yourselves by purchasing tickets at box office in lobby of The Ringling  or 941-360-7399.

Not many locals eat at Jack Dusty.  You should!!  Lcoated in the hotel lobby of very popular Sarasota Ritz Carlton Hotel, there is ample seating in a spacious dining room or on their deck with its waterfront view.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, we choose their elaborate brunch.  Too many items to mention here, but enough food to make one full, happy and ready for an afternoon nap. Jack Dusty offers a full bar with an excellent bloody Mary!

Most of my friends consider Jack Dusty as one of those "special occasion" restaurants.  They're wrong.  Though elegant in setting, this is as casual as it gets.  Shorts, khaki or tie come as you are and enjoy a really good "hotel restaurant."

Once again SRQ is adding several non-stop flights to a major market. 

 Low-cost carrier FRONTIER is adding Cincinnati to its growing list of markets.  Service won't begin until October, and involve only three days to travel, but it beats the drive to Tampa or St. Pete.  And if you hurry $39 fares are available Tuesday only at www.flyfrontier.com.  Certain exclusions apply.

Siesta Sunset

Those flights and several others will be filled this summer with visitors taking advantage of Sarasota and Venice ranking as "Top 10 Beach Towns"  Wallethub, the personal finance website, recently ranked Sarasota No. 6, while Venice came in at 10.

For those of  you who like IMPROV, FST is the place to be July 12 & 13,  Over those two days performance will be almost non-stop for several hours each day.  Single tickets go for $10, but a pass for Friday is $39; Saturday $59; or go both days for $75.  Headliner Quartet arrives here from LA.

JIM'S RANT.......It is way too early to think about the 2020 Presidential election, but here we are in Battleground State Florida.  President Trump is off and running (though he never stopped) and a field of 23 Democrats are gearing up for an NBC debate this week.  This rant is not for or against any candidate, but is a shout out to those who did not vote in 2016....YOUR VOTE COUNTS......If you're not registered now is the time.  If you are get ready for a wild 2020....JIM

Than ks for reading.  Join me next week for my last blog until early fall....