JUNE 30, 2019

INDEPENDENCE DAY...........2019

The granddaddy of fireworks displays takes place along the Bayfront.  Bring your lawn chair and sit on U.S. 41 as the show starts around 9 and lasts 30 minutes.  If you are dining on one of the many downtown restaurants, step outside at 9, turn your head east and view the biggest show in Sarasota.

For those of you who prefer a family outing then 

the third annual Nathan Benderson Park Fireworks show Wednesday July 3 is for you. Complete with food trucks, a  4 Mile Race around the park, and ample room around the lake for family picnic.  Admission is FREE all day.  For more information call 358-7275.  Free parking at UTC, with bus transportation to and from the event.


SARASOTA POWER GRAND PRIX is on now.  Powerboat Races at Lido Beach  next Sunday beginning at 10.  The raucous Boats On The Block Party is the night before starting at 6:00 p.m. on Main St to  Orange, Gulfstream and S. Palm.  Remember Main St. and Lemon are closed for paving until JULY 4 FIREWORKS.

BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW

Critics, friends and Blog readers all agree,  Come Together, the current FST Cabaret presentation is a must-see.  Irv Becker writes..."performance by Carole Buford and 4 piece band was sensational. Maybe the best in all the years I've attended.  It is a "must see."  If you don't enjoy and think it's terrific, let me know and I'll pay for the tickets!"

COME TOGETHER

With music from The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Simon&Garfunkle and Tina Turner how could it be anything but great.  Playing through July 21, good seats remain for most performances.  Their box-office is open daily,  call 941-366-9000, or www.floridastudiotheatre.org and grab yours today.  


I can remember when PACIFIC RIM was one of the few choices for Japanese-Thai-Sushi.  Not the case today, as similar menus are available all over the place.  However, on a recent early Wednesday, tables were at a premium, and justifiably so.  The food, form Lettuce Wrap, to California Roll, to Thai Noodles was as good, if not better than remembered.  And more good news, Rim's prices have remained consumer friendly.

Located 1859 Hillview and open lunch and dinner, you can call 941-330-8071 for a reservation which is necessary, especially in season.


The Tampa Bay Rays, who recently announced they are exploring the possibility of a split season with Montreal, are at it again.  For their series this week with the Baltimore Orioles, you can see any game for $2.00!  These are night games beginning at 7:30, and are sandwiched between games with the Rangers and Yankees over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Excitement at the Trop

As strange as a split city schedule sounds, I am not too old to remember when the Chicago White Sox split their games with Milwaukee.  The latter ended up with their own team, and the Sox a new ballpark.  If Tampa can support hockey, with a better stadium, they Will support baseball.

All this chatter did nothing to increase attendance, as last night's game against the Rangers drew 13,955 to the Trop


Great news for those of us who feast on cheese steak.  The one and only SOUTH PHILLY

CHEESESTEAKS is finally opening its Main St. location this week.  Serving Manatee County since 2002, their 1439 Main St. location was under construction for over a year as it replaces shuttered consignment store Encore & More.  Fries of many types, hamburgers and even salads  are among the additional  items available.   Click here for complete menu. 

 If you're not familiar with Janet Mishner's art work, you should be.  This local artist has been on display in several Sarasota galleries for years.  In a few weeks, Janet will be showing her art along with two  other area artists at Ford Art and Antiques 522 S. Pineapple Avenue, July 26-29.

 You can stop by and say hello to Janet and the others Friday the 26th 6-9pm






It's been a few years between lunching  at STATION 400........and it will be several more before

going back, if ever.  Maybe we caught them on a bad day, but our wait for food order was interminable last week.

All kind of excuses, including "short staff today",  "one of our chefs did not come to work today", "ran out of lettuce"....WHAT?...The food finally was served nearly 45 minutes after placing our order.  And sad to say, the salads and sandwich  were  just OK. One bright note though; we were not charged for our meals.  Nice gesture, but a free meal would not get me back there.... and those who know me, know how I love free meals!!!

Cantor Avi Schwartz

Mark your January 12, 2020 calendar for an event not to be missed.  The Mazur family is presenting an evening of music with Park Avenue Synagogue Cantor Azi Schwartz.  Appearing with a vocal and instrumental ensemble. Schwartz will be performing songs  from  Broadway's runaway hit Hamilton as well as traditional Jewish favorites.  Tickets go on sale September 16 at Sarasota Opera House, the venue for this special evening.

Call 941-955-8121 for additional information.

JIM'S RANT......the headline in Thursday's Herald said it all.....Florida Elevates Its Art Funding......After a year of cutting funding to the bare bones  for many of Sarasota's most popular cultural attractions, somehow Governor Ron DeSantis and the State Legislature agreed to a major increase which helped moves Florida from 48th to 20th State in cultural subsidies ranking.  Nice to see everyone on board with support for what makes us great!!!!......Have a great summer and stay dry from the rains sure to come, and I'll see you in September........JIM......