DECEMBER 15, 2019

SARASOTA'S NEWEST ATTRACTION IS OPEN TO EXPLORE........

After $30 million dollars and countless delays, The Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College is open and ready for locals and tourists on a daily basis.  Located 1001 S.Tamiami Trail in the completely renovated Sarasota High School building during the hours of 10am-5pm.  Admission is $15 and free to members.  Call 941-309-7662.  Or visit them at www.ringling.edu/museum.


I've told you for months about the Ringling College Library Association TOWN HALL lecture series coming early next year.  Up until 24 hours ago, you could only purchase season tickets. 

 As an early Christmas gift, SINGLE tickets are now available on-line.  You can find them at www.RCLAassociation.com or 941-309-5100.  

Depending on location, tickets are priced at either $65 or $125.  The series begins Monday January 27 with General John Kelly, and includes Annie Leibowitz ,Ambassador Wendy Sherman, Sam Quinones, and Lisa Genova.

 Christmas is two weeks away, and from now until the end of 2019 there are a variety of events  entertainment venues happening in Sarasota; too many to include in one blog, so  here are just a few.  For more information, pick up the Herald Tribune/TICKET wherever you see a newspaper box around town.

Several of you have expressed pure joy in the family musical lighting up the ASOLO stage this month.  The Sound of Music continues through December 28.  There are several matinees during those dates with tickets available at their box-office 5555 N. Tamiami Trail or 941-351-000 or www.asolorep.org.

Nationally recognized Sarasota Ballet is performing Circus Nutcracker December 20-21 at Van Wezel.  The familiar Nutcracker will feature a large cast of dancers, and along with a live orchestra, is the only Nutcracker to see this season.

Sarasota Ballet Circus Nutcracker

Tickets start at $30 and can be yours by calling 941-359-0099, Van Wezel box-office, or www.SarasotaBallet.org.  Good seats remain, but I suggest you purchase now, as this one is sure to sell out in the days leading to December 20.


If you missed last weekend's craft show at Robarts Arena don't fret.   Though the 12th annual Atomic Holiday Bazzar is totally different in scope, it is a unique viewing and shopping experience.  The scene below is what last year's Bazaar looked like.  Get there early......

The Bazzar continues today from 12-5 at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium 801 N. Tamiami Trail.  There is a $5 admission which means the crowds will be large but manageable.

Crowd at last year's Bazaar

  For those of you who wish to by-pass entrance fee, their Bay Front room and street fair are free.  In addition several familiar food trucks from Funky Fusion to Mouthole BBQ will be available to treat your hunger.

If you pick up the aforementioned Ticket, and turn to page 8, you will find a list of featured vendors.  Everything for your children, best friends, home pets and more are listed.  Stop reading, grab your wallet and go before the Bazzar closes late this afternoon.

JIM'S RANT.....This Holiday Season is a good time to step back to count our blessings.  It's unfortunate so many living in Sarasota/Bradenton only have time to move shelter to shelter or food bank to food bank.  You can help those in need of food by donating to All Faiths Food Bank or The Food Bank of Manatee or any organization providing food for those unfortunate not to be able to feed themselves.  Let's make this a Merry Season for all.....JIM......As always thanks for reading....see you next week....