FEBRUARY 23, 2020

11TH ANNUAL JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL TICKETS NOW ON SALE..............

The fun begins March 11 and runs through March 22.   Eighteen films are scheduled for this year's edition; including the film of Broadway sensation Golda's Balcony and closing film Never Again is Now, with stars Evelyn Markus and Rosa Zeegers in attendance.

Eighteen films are scheduled to be shown over the eleven days.  I look forward to seeing Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles, the story of one of Broadway and Hollywood's most successful productions, and Golda's Balcony, the Broadway one-woman show, with Tova Feldbush creating 45 different characters.

For tickets call 888-718-4253, Option 1 or visit jfedsrq.org/jff20.  


One more day left of FINE ARTS FESTIVAL of  MANATEE COUNTY....I know there's a show every weekend, but this one is unique and well worth the trip today (Sunday).   The crafts are juried, and this one takes place in downtown Bradenton at the beautiful River Walk on the Manatee River.  Admission and parking are free; the food isn't, but there is plenty of it!  Open today until 4 pm.

Proceeds of Festival benefit Art Center Manatee's Education programs.

Sarasota Art Museum

Even More Beautiful In Person

While I'm on an art kick, I recommend a visit to Sarasota Art Museum/Ringling College of Art+Design.  Located at 1001 South Tamiami Trail in the former home of Sarasota High School.   Never having been in the high school, nonetheless, the renovation is extrodinary, as are the paintings displayed on the second floor.  If you are going to be here as resident or part-time, a membership is cost-efficient, and gives you far more benefits than one-time pass.

To purchase on-line, go to sarasotaartmuseum.org membership@sarasota art.


For several years, Pacific Rim has been serving from a menu specializing in Japanese Thai Fusion Cuisine.  In addition,  their creative Sushi is as good as most competitors; especially in the evening when their top sushi chefs are preparing those items.

Rim's luncheon menu also features a Bento Box with choice of shrimp, scallop, chicken or vegetable tempura and with three pieces of sushi or California roll.  Along with salad and miso soup.  There is more than enough to share.  Pricing is reasonable, the setting, comfortable, and the service, knowledgeable and quick.

Located 1859 Hillview in the same complex housing Origin and Southside Deli, with one word of caution.  Parking is at a premium, within the complex itself,  but plenty spaces available on Hillview.   While there, take at walk to Morton's Gourmet Market for one of their on-site made desserts. 

Hard to believe

Scene From Movie

anyone reading this blog has not seen Les Miserables, either on Broadway, Tampa, the movie, or television.  If you haven't seen this show of shows, it returns to Van Wezel this week for 7 performances, with a matinee on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets available at Van Wezel box office, 800-826-9303, VANWEZEL.ORG, or 941-263-6799 where seats for ALL performances are available.




The front page of Friday's Baltimore Sun caught my attention.  Those of us who live here from time to time call Sarasota "Paradise."  So does the baseball team that trains here.

Tickets are almost gone for Monday's 1:05 game against Boston, but good seats remain for Wednesday's game against neighbor Tampa.  Call 941-893-6300 or visit on-site box-office to get yours for games through March 23.





JIM'S RANT....Against my better judgement, I called Xfinity with a phone issue.  Of course the operator was in the Phillipines, spoke broken English at best, and even worse, was not up to speed about my problem.  The next operator was even worse.  When I finally was transferred to someone who spoke English well, and understood my problem, I am happy to say it was resolved.  However, my next Xfinity problem will be handled with their University Pkway store.  At least there, I'll be able to find someone who knows more about the company they represent....Jim.....Thanks for reading....see you next week.....