MARCH 8, 2020

WELCOME TO MORE DAYLIGHT.......

Though losing an hour on Sunday, we gain more daylight, and warmer temperatures in the days ahead.  Enjoy what many consider our best season.

Nik vs. Volcano

I was hesitant to watch Nik Wallenda during his latest ABC stunt, walking over an active volcano.  But when I heard Nik's wife Erendira was joining him in an unannounced capacity, I could not resist.  ABC, Wallenda's network for so many of his live performances devoted countless promotional time and a 2 hour live broadcast. 

 Was it worth watching?  Yes, and if you missed the special it is available On-Demand.  However, many of you didn't watch, and of those who did, many were critical of Nik's harness and oxygen mask.  The ratings for Volcano were miniscule!!  Come April Nik is taking his act to Legoland.

The Stars of Unchained Melodies

One of the more popular Florida Studio Cabaret shows, first performed in 2018,  is back for a limited engagement. 

Beginning next week and running through March 29, Unchained Melodies returns with all its nostalgic music from the 50's and 60's.  Who can forget the hits of our youth: Blue Moon, 16 Candles, Working My Way Back, Cathy's Clown, Everybody's Somebody's Fool, and a whole lot more.  Over an hour of memories, and if you arrive early, their snack or dinner menu is available.

The FST box-office is open daily.  Their phone number for tickets is 941-366-9000 or info@floridastudiotheatre.org.

Longtime Boston Pops conductor, Keith Lockhart, returns to Sarasota next week to lead our Sarasota Orchestra in a program of Beethoven & Bartok.  Performances extend over 4 days and will be playing at either Neel or Van Wezel.  All are evening performances with the exception of Sunday's 2:30 Van Wezel start time.


Lockhart will be holding a question and answer session "Classical Conversation" March 12, 10:30 am.  He will also speak at a Selby Gardens dinner March 10.  For more information, tickets call 941-953-3434, Van Wezel box-office, or SarasotaOrchestra.org.

The Sarasota Orchestra is one of our great cultural treasures, and deserves our support as they search for a permanent Sarasota location.  Hopefully they will reconsider the Payne Park offer, as this seems to be the best option for remaining in the city.



Marlene Meyer and friends are back again today (Sunday) with their Women 1 Show at Raine Studio, 728 Gillespie Avenue.  You'll find one of a kind crafted jewelery, unique handbags, crafted napkin rings, fine art and lots more.  Take a sip of wine, cup of coffee, water and a sweet or two as you shop for that special gift.

Sunday March 8 2:00PM-5:00PM.

The Sarasota Spring Art Festival continues today(Sunday) 10-5 at JD Hamel Park at Gulfstream and Main.


Spring officially begins later this month on Thursday the 19th;  but All Faiths Food Bank is already thinking summer.  Please join us Sunday March 29 for their 3 mile Walk to End Summer Hunger!  Beginning 8am at JD Hamel Park, the walk will take you over the Ringling Bridge and back.  Entrance fee is $10 adults, $5 children and includes a t-shirt and lite breakfast.

Register by March 20 at allfaithsfoodbank.org or call 941-379-6333.  Hope to see you on the Bridge.

The Jazz Club's annual Trolley & Pub Crawl is Wednesday.  Get aboard for a night of music and drink.  Trolley and tickets are available Wednesday 5:00-6:30 at the north end of the Van Wezel parking lot, Salute, Amore or sarasotajazzfestival.org.  View a list of participating pubs here.






JIM'S RANT....Traffic congestion, always a problem this time of year, became an even bigger headache this week with new Fruitville Rd. closure and revised traffic pattern on US 41.  Getting off Longboat Key is far easier than travelling north on the Trail after crossing the bridge.  You would think a project of this magnitude would be better suited for a June start.  Poor planning by our Department of Traffic and Transportation....JIM.....Thanks for reading.....see you next week......