JANUARY 19, 2020

I HAVE A DREAM.......

As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King this weekend...."darkness cannot drive

out darkness; only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." 

One of the world's greatest leaders, who left us too soon.  Take time this week to reflect on the man and his message!

Temple Emanu-El is hosting their annual interfaith celebration of Dr. King's legacy today (Sunday) at 3pm.  This annual event includes music, poetry and a sermon.  At the close of the celebration is a cake and coffee reception.  The address is 151 McIntosh Road.

Sarasota is fortunate to have a world class orchestra performing throughout our winter season.    We recently went to a Great Escapes program which showcased the best of Sarasota Orchestra.

The next Escapes/ Space and Beyond  begins Wednesday and runs through Sunday.  Music from Star Wars, Star Trek, and Apollo 13 will be performed. I understand tickets are available, but limited.  If you miss this one, the series resumes in February and concludes in March.

There's not a bad seat in Holley Hall where Escapes is performed.    For tickets go to Sarasota Orchestra.org or call  941-953-3434.  We are now committed to next season.  Hope to see you there.

 By the time you read this, it will probably be too late this week for an interesting POP-UP

 craft opportunity at Westfield Siesta Key Mall.   However, the same POP-UP repeats the weekends of February 15-16 and March 21-22.  The entrance by Bravo restaurant will take you to Vintiquity Lane where the POP-UP is included with the shops, items ranging from whimsical to mid-century to distressed furniture.

For more information call 841-777-5178 or contact vintiquitylane@gmail.com.


With so much attention paid to Holiday events at UTC, somehow I overlooked an exhibit of photography in neighboring Nathan Benderson Park.   The Fence Exhibit is the largest public photo exhibition in North America, and this year includes a showcase of the best from Gulf Coast Photographers.

Park your car near Dillard's and walk to Regatta Island where you can take a leisurely stroll through the exhibit. Open until sundown through early February.

A few weeks ago I informed you of SOL's NYC Deli menu availability at Hotel Indigo,
where he is head chef.   Many delicatessen favorites i.e., corned beef, chopped liver and matzo ball soup are available along with standard menu.  This is his fifth attempt at establishing a competitor to TooJay's, and though the product passes a taste test, the bread and venue do not.

Sol's "famous" Corned Beef

Sol's Matzah ball soup

Not Sol's fault that the restaurant is in an open lobby which includes check-in desk and tables for computer or gawking. 

 If you can get by the decor, the food is pretty good.  His big problem continues to be a a rye bread that falls apart before you're halfway through the sandwich.

If you don't have room for dessert, or are fatigued from eating lunch in the Indigo lobby, then take a piece of Sol's cheesecake home with you.  Easily, the best part of the meal.

Westcoast Black Theatre is back, and is quite something to see in its newly renovated performance hall  1012 N. Orange.  Caroline, or Change kicks off the 2020 season; a musical which is only fitting, since it's about change and growth.  When scheduled, I doubt West Coast knew this former Tony winner would be revived on Broadway this season, 15 years after its premiere.

Before going, I suggest reading Jay Handelman's review posted to Herald Tribune June 12.  He heaps praise on this production as well as the newly remodeled theatre.  Playing through February 16.  Tickets available at box-office, westcoasttheatre.org  or call 941-366-1605.

Opera House

Sarasota Opera House  is hosting an open house Wednesday January 22, 5:30 to 8pm.  Enjoy a FREE evening featuring performances, talks,  costumes, a backstage tour, and more! Light hors d'oeuvrs and refreshments will be served.  The Opera House is located 61 North Pineapple Ave,







JIM'S RANT......It's disheartening to read almost on a weekly basis the failed attempts to find a permanent home for the above mentioned Sarasota Orchestra.  The reaction of Payne Park tennis players was selfish, as they could have easily shared their venue with the orchestra.  A "threat" by the Orchestra to move to Lakewood Ranch is also disheartening.  The Orchestra belongs somewhere between Sarasota and LWR....JIM....thanks for reading.  See you next week.....