Wednesday, June 5, 2019

JUNE 9, 2019




TONIGHT 8 pm CBS.......THE 53rd ANNUAL TONY AWARDS......





James Corden Hosts as Only He Can

Always a far better show than the Academy and Grammy Awards, The Tony Awards promises lots of entertainment from host Corden along with presenters Bette Middler, Lin Manuel Rivera and Julie Andrews.

In the Best Musical category are Bettlejuice, Tootsie, The Prom, Ain't Too Proud, and Hadestown.  Performances from those musicals as well as Stephanie Block who plays Cher, and 
Kelli O'Hara from KissMe Kate., promises to make this 2 plus hours worth your time tonight. 



Sarasota Sunset
One of several reasons to live here is our beautiful sunrise and sunset.  And according to this week's U.S. News and World Report, Sarasota ranks No. 20 on the new list of most desirable places to live in U.S.  Beaches, year round warm temperatures and the Arts are just some of the reasons for this ranking.



If you're reading  Jim Knows Sarasota late Saturday or early Sunday, you still have time to drive to St. Armands Circle for their last Craft Festival until fall.  This 18th annual event allows you to take advantage of the many sales at the Circle shops and dine at the several restaurants along the event.  As always, parking is at a premium.....no need  to feed those meters on weekends!  Or leave your car at Van Wezel, hop on a bus, and avoid the parking hassle altogether. 





If you can't make it to the Circle, but are looking for an outdoor event then head over to Nathan Benderson Park where the US Rowing Youth National Championships runs through Sunday afternoon.  Over 1,500 athletes from across the country are competing.  There is a cost of $10 attached to this event, not including parking.



Several of you saw the recent Tampa production of Come From Away, and wrote to give enthusiastic reviews.  We saw the show on Broadway last year, and left wanting to see it again.  We'll all have that chance, as Van Wezel recently announced this show as one of the choices of their Broadway series this winter.  Starting with Beautiful, this promises a season not to be missed.

For a complete schedule of shows go to vanwezel.org or call 41-953-3368 or 800-826-9303.  Their box office on site is open Monday through Saturday and Sunday on show days.





In need of some drama on these hot evenings?  Look no further than Urbanite Theatre, where just opened Niceties is generating rave reviews.  This entry kicks off their new summer  season.  A story of a progressive black student and her white female history professor is topical and very thought provoking.

Taking a clue from our divisive 2016 presidential election, Niceties shows that old well-established and seemingly proper ways of doing things don't work as well as they use to.

Urbanite is located 1487 2nd St.  Call 941-321-1397 for tickets.  Unless extended, which is likely, Niceties runs through June 30.  A second show Scorch follows, with their main series led by The Thanksgiving Play opening November 8. 


We are well into Savor Sarasota, as over 90 area restaurants have created 3-course lunch and dinner menus for $16/$32. We took advantage of dinner at The  Capital Grille last Sunday. Every table occupied at 7, with more people arriving throughout our dinner. And for good reason as Capital Grille's Savor menu is dedicated to steak lovers.

We're Going Back For More Steak

For our first course we chose Wedge with Blue Cheese & Smoked Bacon. Our main course was either an 8oz Fillet Mignon or 140z Bone-In Dry Aged NY Strip. The steaks came as ordered and were so ample in portion, we did not finish. The sides of Sam's Mashed Potatoes and French Beans with Heirloom Tomatoes was more than enough for our party of 4. Dessert was a choice of  flowerless chocolate cake or creme brulee.

You won't get Savor Sarasota specials at SOUTHSIDE DELI;  but what you will get are some of the best salads, soups, and sandwiches served anywhere in Sarasota.  Located on Hillview and Osprey and open breakfast/lunch.

Just one sample.  A turkey/chef salad comes in small and large size.  The large size, reasonably priced at $8.75 is enough for two.  The small size is not easily finished, but you will have a clean plate at end of your meal.

Get there early, as lines form around noon and continue until 2:00.  Great inexpensive choice for quick, casual lunch.



The 16th annual Summer Circus Spectacular arrives at the Historic Asolo Theatre June 11 and runs through August 3. Every seat is a good one in this intimate venue, where shows normally last an hour, and are followed by a meet and greet with cast members for those who stay around for that. During the first week, tickets are $12 for all. After that adults are $16 and $12 for children 12 and under.



Hang on to Your Seats
Performances are scheduled 11 a.m. Tuesday-Friday and 5 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets can be purchased at Ringling box office or 941- 360-7399. For more information go to ringling.org





JIM'S RANT....Somewhere in heaven, Nate Benderson is smiling today; especially after Sarasota Symphony Head Joe McKenna  "abandoned" his search for a new home in Sarasota;  he is now looking elsewhere in the county.  This search has stretched for more than 16 years, or about the same time Nate offered the Symphony land on University and Cattleman along with $, only to be turned down due to long distance from Longboat.  I don't think anyone else is laughing, including Joe McKenna.....SEE YOU NEXT WEEK....JIM




Beautiful Sarasota 





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