SEPTEMBER 15, 2019

SARASOTA ORCHESTRA OPENS SEASON

SO RETURNS IN 2 WEEKS

For its 71st season, Sarasota Orchestra is celebrating the 250th anniversary of Beethoven with an opening concert sure to be a sell-out.  Featuring Beethoven's Symphony number 5, and including Rossini's moving overture along with Beethoven's piano concerto number 3 in the  intimate Sarasota Opera House.  

Tickets are available at 941-953-3434, online at SarasotaOrchestra.org or at box office 709 N. Tamiami Trail.

Two performances September 28 7:30 pm and Sunday 2:30 pm.  Ticket price starts at low $27, but even lower if you buy a season Flex Pass.  Great Escapes returns next month with added Sunday matinee concerts at 2:30 pm.  More next week.



Right after going to press last week, I received an exciting announcement from The Straz/Tampa.  HAMILTON is returning as part of their 2020-21 season of Broadway touring shows.  Their is still time to sign up for the remaining 2019-20 including Aladdin, Mean Girls, and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical.  For more information go to strazcenter.org or call their box office 813-229-7827.

After several months delay, the second location of  SHORE fills the space formally occupied by long shuttered Moore's Stone Crab.  Friend Gloria Biberman writes "..... it is beautiful.  Inside and outside bars and dining.  You can see the water no matter where you eat.  The food is the same as their circle location, but say they will be changing the menu.  They offer valet parking, so need to worry about that.  It is a beautiful facility that should be busy inside and out as the bars are big and beautiful."  Open daily 4-9 PM, 800 Broadway St. Longboat Key.

As we go forward with paid parking in Downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle, several of you are still having trouble with rules, restrictions, free parking and more.  

Along with several other hand-outs, I picked up a helpful  parking guide at Selby Library;  I am sure it is available at several shops in those areas. If you park in those areas, this colorful guide will give all the answers.

Unforgettable Julie Andrews

ASOLO REP announced its 19/20 season with a colorful brochure this week.  As usual the season kicks off with a classic Broadway musical The Sound of Music.  Running November 16- December 28 with low price previews November 13-15, Music features a Broadway and local cast of singers and dancers along with director John Rhodes who previously directed last year's production of Evita.

Subscriptions are available now, with single tickets for Music and the remaining shows on sale September 28 online (asolorep.org) and at the boxofice 5555 N. Tamiami Trail.  Beginning October 1 you can call for tickets at 941-351-8000.

Following Music is Agatha Christie's Murder On The Orient Express.  Most of you have seen the movie; the play is equally as good; if not better!  Season brochures are available at box office.

If you are a lover of Mexican food then book  a table now for The Rosemary's first annual FIESTA MEXICAN,  Thursday September 19 . Reservations  beginning  5:30 at  Rosemary location 411 N. Orange.

 Menu was created by pastry chef Marciala Romero and includes appetizers, two courses,  cocktails, and dessert all for $35 plus tax/tip.  A full menu is available right here.  For reservations call 941-955-7600.

Recent Rowing Event At NBP

Sometime in 2013, friend and neighbor Nate Benderson had a vision for a lake and park close to UTC.  In 2014,  Nathan Benderson Park was born and with it came a rowing facility that has drawn world-wide attention and praise.  Many competitions later the biggest has been awarded to Benderson Park in 2022 when The International Dragon Boat competition comes to Sarasota.   Thousands of rowers from the US and around the world will be here for this event; more than any to date.  A long way off, but worthy of mention as Sarasota becomes more than just a place to call home and vacation.

Sarasota YMCA Lives

On a day where luck is hard to find, Friday September 13 proved to be a lucky one for the Sarasota YMCA!  Instead of closing their doors forever, come Monday they will stay open under new Save Our Y management.  Kudos to all of you who worked so hard to raise the money to keep a Sarasota treasure alive.

JIM'S RANT.....the first reviews are in, and paid parking on Main St and Long Boat Key is  not earning favorable response from merchants and drivers.  Stores and restaurants located in both areas report a loss of business due to the paid parking; their hope is once consumers become adjusted to paying, business will pick up.  As someone who frequents both areas, I am getting use to paying, but would rather have a meter than walk to pay station.  Just one man's opinion....JIM