OCTOBER 27, 2019

GET OUT THE CANDY. POPCORN,PENNIES AND BE PREPARED............

No trick or treat,  but lots of new entertainment options opening this week to take advantage of before the season begins in earnest.

Starting Friday and running for 10 days is the 30th Annual Cine World Film Festival.  Once again presenting the latest in new foreign and independent cinema, the Sarasota Film Society will have screenings at Burns Court and Lakewood Ranch Cinemas.

The Report with a lineup of Adam Driver, Annette Bening and Joe Hamm, in a thriller based on actual events leads the list.  Parasite playing in NY and Washington has been hailed by critics in both markets.  From South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, rated R for language and violence. 

The Two Popes

Jonathan Pryce/Anthony Hopkins

with Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce won't be in theaters until Thanksgiving, but you can see it at Cine World a few weeks in advance of release.  The Song of Names will be out for Christmas.  Starring Clive Owen and Catherine McCormick,  Song is called deeply moving by critics as it unfolds over two continents and a half century.

In addition to the many films screening there are several documentaries showing during the 10 day

Scandalous National Enquirer

Festival including Scandalous: The True Story of the National Enquirer.  For over 60 years, this publication has rattled the foundations of American culture and politics.  If you've ever wondered how the stories were developed you will find out at one of the 3 scheduled screenings.

Tickets can be purchased at Burns Court box office or online at www.filmsociety.org.  If you haven't been to Burns in awhile, they've improved sound and screen.  If temps are warm bring a sweater, as air-conditioning has also been upgraded.

The Manatee Community Concert Band comes marching back into Sarasota/Bradenton as it celebrates 50 years of performances.   Their 2019-2020 schedule kicks off the season with guest conductor J.R. Boatwright presenting "Ode to the Overture".  I am not privy to the program, but I am sure the music will be familiar and uplifting.  If you are a fan of band music, and enjoy an indoor auditorium setting rather than an outdoor stadium, then "Ode to the Overture" is for you. 

Once you go, you will be hooked, and hopefully take advantage of the three programs scheduled over the next several months.

These concerts are FREE and open to the public with general seating.  The program begins at 7pm and is immediately followed by a reception at Neel Performing Arts Center 11 East 60th Avenue W. Bradenton.  Donations are always appreciated and fully tax-deductible.  For more information call 941-363-1237.  More information is available at ManateeConcertBand.org.  Hope to see a big crowd for these performances.

Farmers Market South Lemon

The weather cooperated for this week's Sarasota Farmers Market.  Last week's rain was not a good way to end their use of 1st Street location for displaced merchants from South Lemon as the street and sidewalks were under construction.   But this week marks the return of vendors to familiar South Lemon and State Street near Hyde Park Restaurant and the rapidly rising Mark.

Embarrassed to say, it's been several years between lunch at Fresh Start, but this week thanks to ROMEO friends went back...and was not disappointed.  Located in the rear of 630 S. Orange with plenty of street parking and a shaded patio for outside dining; especially on beautiful fall afternoons.  

So many choices from their breakfast lunch menu. Open daily, including Sunday, 9AM-2PM From lox. bagels and blintzes to salads, frittatas and sandwiches there is an item for any time of the day.  Beverages include standard fare of coffee and soda, with imported beer and sangria as well.

And, if you're so inclined and live within close proximity to  Fresh Start, you can place an order for delivery at doordash.com.  So if you're looking for a unique food option in the Burns Court area, I strongly recommend Fresh Start.  However, one word of caution.; while Start has several tables inside and out, their small kitchen sometimes gets overwhelmed with orders.  If your lunch is a casual one be prepared to wait after ordering; however if you are in a hurry, order as soon as menu and server arrives.

The reviews are in, and this season's Sarasota Orchestra is off to a rousing start.  The Great Escapes series which kicked off with a rousing tribute to Arthur Fiedler sold out its Holley Hall performances.  Now comes Masterworks at Van Wezel, where more seats are available for the Orchestra's November 8 -10 performances.  Guest conductor Gerard Schwarz, currently Conductor Laureate Seattle Symphony, leads the orchestra through Mozart's Piano Concerto No 20 through Dvorak's Symphony No. 6.

Tickets from $35 (not a misprint) at SarasotaOrchestra.org or 941-953-3434.  As the search for a permanent conductor continues each program gives you an opportunity to hear and see from of the finest our country has to offer.





JIM'S RANT......Not so many years ago, this time of year was filled with anticipation, as first Halloween, then Thanksgiving then Hanukkah/Christmas, and finally New Year's Eve were celebrated with family, friends and everyone who was in the holiday spirit.  When did it all change?  When did we start Christmas decorations, shopping, commercials right before Halloween?  Oh for the days of taking one holiday at a time.......JIM....Thanks for reading...see you next week......