SRQ Magazine | Love Local 2019-2020 Culture Primer Presented by Unlimited Comfort Mattress Factory

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE OCTOBER 2019 ARTS AND CULTURE EDITION OF SRQ MAGAZINE.

Theater Performances Museum Exhibits Art Galleries Festivals Visual Arts Dance

2019-2020 Sarasota Bradenton Venice

CULTURE PRIMER

CULTURE PRIMER SPONSORED BY

2019-2020 CULTURE PRIMER

LEFT TO RIGHT: Unbridled Spirits by Mindy Colton from Art Center Manatee.

Paul Taylor Dance Company, Michael Trusnovec, Sarasota Ballet. Photo James Houston. Bandstand, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Photo by Michael Pool.

A Season of Wonder Welcome to SRQ Magazine’s Culture Primer 2019-2020. Unlimited Comfort is honored to be the presenting sponsor for your guide to the upcoming arts + culture season in Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice. Florida’s Gulf Coast is home to a diverse and thriving arts scene, and my family and staff feel fortunate to call this coastal paradise home. Unlimited Comfort Mattress Factory delivers the perfect performance of a high quality product and stellar customer service. Our family-run business is proud to manufacturer custom mattresses right here in Sarasota for local customers and beyond. We invite you to call or visit our showroom on Clark Road in Sarasota, to learn more about the Unlimited Comfort experience and lifetime guarantee to better sleep.

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530 Burns Gallery Open since November 2009, 530 Burns Gallery is a renowned contemporary art gallery beneath the banyan tree in Sarasota’s historic Burns Court. Known for featuring art and jewels by emerging and established artists and jewelry designers, the gallery is committed to showing fine art and curating cross cultural events within the community and beyond. By constantly evolving and displaying new, innovative work, 530 Burns Gallery helps clients find pieces that not only fit into their collection, but will be cherished for years to come.

530burnsgallery.com

10 Year Celebration Nov 8 Gallery owner Nikki Sedacca has been a jewelry designer and retailer in Sarasota for nearly 35 years. 530 Burns Gallery opened its doors in November of 2009 as a natural outgrowth of Sedacca’s commitment to the arts and its variety of mediums. The anniversary show will feature gallery artists and jewelry designers who have contributed to the past decade to create the unique space the gallery is today.

Gallery Artist Group Exhibition: Abstract and Beyond Dec 13 This group exhibition features one of the most diverse ranges of gallery artists as 530 Burns Gallery seeks to create a welcoming environment for collectors and art enthusiasts alike. Featuring Anita Lewis, Katie Cassidy, Susan von Greis and Bettina Sego among others.

Linda Richichi Jan 24. Sarasota-based artist Linda Richichi is best known for her vibrantly colored “plein air” pastel and oil landscape paintings with layers of strong brushstroke texture. The exhibition will present her newest body of work.

Kathe Fraga Feb 13. Best known for her mixed media paintings, Fraga is inspired by the romance of vintage Chinoiserie with layers of pattern, botanicals, color and hidden motifs. This exhibition will show her continued exploration of the theme with highlights love birds, dappled flowers and gold leaf.

ArtCenter Manatee Founded in 1937, ArtCenter Manatee stakes its claim as the nexus of Downtown Bradenton’s visual arts scene. Within the 10,000-square-foot complex, three galleries bring new exhibits monthly, five classrooms provide arts education to more than 3,000 students and the gift shop offers singular and handcrafted items from local artists.

All exhibits are free to the public. artcentermanatee.org

Go Wild Oct 8–Nov 8 An open, all media juried exhibition in the Kellogg, Searle and Reid Hodges Galleries. The word “wild” can be interpreted in so many ways: the wild west, wild at heart, a walk on the wild side, even wildlife. Artists are asked to submit work reflecting their own interpretations of the word wild, and subjects can be abstract or representational.

A Tapestry of Movement Nov 12–Dec 13 A curated solo exhibit of artist James Griffin in the Kellogg Gallery. This collection focuses on the movement of people across the picture plane, captured in the joyful expression of action. Once a precise painter, Griffin’s style has evolved into a brushy, expressive boldness that still manages to be representational.

A Walk in the Woods Dec 17–Jan 10 A curated four-person exhibit with whimsical horse sculptures surrounded by three landscape artists who each interpret the forest in their own style. Featuring Orlando Artist Mindy Colton and her horse sculptures in mixed media, aluminum, ceramic and bronze; Myakka City artist Evelyn McCorristin-Peters, a painter inspired by her environment with touches of whimsy and fun; and Bradenton artist Cheryl Moody, whose loose landscapes are reflective of the wildness of inland Florida.

Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society Annual Aqueous Exhibit Feb 11-Mar 13.

A curated exhibit of talented watercolor artists from the Florida Suncoast. Formed in 1983 to foster the advancement of the art of watercolor painting, this annual exhibit always displays the versatility of watercolors, from photorealism to abstract interpretations of the world.

Snatch It! Mar 28. Paintings, jewelry, pottery, quilts, trips, wine baskets, boat rides and weekend getaways are just some of the prizes ready to grab at this hilarious biennial event.

Sumi-e Society of Sarasota 30th Anniversary Exhibit May 12–Jun 5 A curated exhibit celebrating the 30th anniversary of the local Sumi-e Society chapter. Emphasis is placed on the beauty of each individual stroke of the brush. A great painting is judged on three elements: the calligraphy strokes, the words of the poetry (often with double meanings and subtle puns) and the ability of the painting strokes to capture the spirit (Ch’i) of nature rather than a photographic likeness.

100 Years of Women May 12–Jun 5 As the nation celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, and specifically the signing of the 19th Constitutional Amendment granting the right to vote for all women in the country, celebrate with this all media juried exhibit of work created by women or of women.

Art Center Sarasota Located off Tamiami Trail, Art Center Sarasota has made a name for itself as the community gallery for the city and county.

Between bringing artists from across the state and beyond for solo and collaborative exhibitions, and the Center’s many open and juried competitions seeing submissions from hundreds of local artists across the region, Art Center Sarasota keeps all four of its galleries filled as much as possible, with multiple shows each Cycle, free and open to all visitors. artsarasota.org

Cycle 1 Oct 17 -Nov 30 The premier cycle of the season, Cycle 1 includes four galleries including the work of Horace Imhotep, Susan Martin and the 2019–2020 Art Center instructors. Imhotep, an Atlanta-based artist will solo exhibit with paintings that reflect dark American histories. Susan Martin will also feature a solo exhibit of hyper-realistic botanical paintings.

Beaux Arts Ball Mar 6 The Beaux Arts Ball was about celebrating creativity and actively participating in the expression as part of a movement. Artists are invitied to create outfits that can be worn on the runway using unconventional materials.

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COVER Bright Star, Florida Studio Theatre. OPPOSITE PAGE Art Center Sarasota, A Tasty Morsel by Horace Imhotep. THIS PAGE Artist Series’ Russian Renaissance.

Russian Renaissance: “World Music with a Russian Soul” Mar 7-8. After emerging with the $100,000 Grand Prize at the 2017 M-Prize Competition, the largest prize for chamber music in the world, Russian Renaissance has firmly established itself as one of the most electrifying and exhilarating ensembles of today. Through stunning performances of every genre from tango and folk to classical and jazz, this group is redefining the possibilities of their traditional Russian folk instruments while capturing the attention of audiences worldwide.

Cuarteto Tanguero May 23-24. This world chamber music group, comprised of bandoneon player Ben Bogart, violinist Daniel Stein, pianist Winnie Cheung and bassist Matt McConahay, transcends cultural boundaries with its fresh, innovative spin on classic tango artists and recordings. From golden age pieces to contemporary tango, the quartet strikes an elegant balance between modern and traditional. Their program will include a mix of traditional Argentine tango works with pieces well known to tango aficionados.

Art Ovation Through such expressions of the arts and artists, Art Ovation Hotel furthers its mission to serve the community as an active host, facilitator, patron and partner for the arts. With this and many, new and varied initiatives, an exciting palette of artistic opportunities and experiences are presented for the enrichment of our guests and our community. Art Ovation Hotel’s premiere art exhibitions welcomes three new main exhibits–including The Independent Eye, an exhibition featuring Sarasota Visual Artists Studios (SVAS). The Gallery also features exhibits by Valentina Bilbao (Weston, FL) and Jeffrey Glassover (Naples, FL). artovationhotel.com

Picasso and Prosecco Oct 4.

Let Picasso inspire your next group outing or date night. Sip prosecco and create a masterpiece of your own using Faber Castell watercolor paint pencils. This class features Artist Laurie Maves. $40 per person—includes all art materials and first glass of Prosecco.

No prior experience necessary. Buy your ticket at The Gallery Lounge, or reserve by calling 941-316-0808 x 109.

Meet the Artist Happy Hour Tuesdays Every Tuesday evening from 5–7pm. Meet the guest artist of the week and mingle with an artsy crowd while enjoying happy hour cocktails and half prices bar bites in the Gallery Lounge.

Artist Series Concerts With a mission to present concerts to the community that promote both enjoyment and cultural appreciation, Artist Series Concerts presents primarily classical music programming, with a focus on piano and voice, but its versatile performers regularly expand the repertoire to incorporate Broadway, cabaret, opera and even the sounds of cinema. artistseriesconcerts.org

I Know a Place

Oct 5. Multi-awardwinning singer and Artist Series Concerts favorite Jennifer Sheehan returns to Sarasota with this musical journey through the vast spectrum of music that was the sensational soundtrack of the 60s. Brimming with songs and stories, this concert features music by legends such as Burt Bacharach, the Beatles, Barbra Streisand, Petula Clark, the Supremes, Henry Mancini, Carole King, Harry Belafonte, Judy Garland, Stephen Sondheim, the Shirelles and many more.

Art Uptown Gallery As part of the thriving Sarasota Florida art community since 1980, Art Uptown is the longest-running fine art gallery in the heart of downtown Sarasota, offering a constantly changing, diverse selection of art in a wide variety of mediums. artuptown.com

Gorgeousness - Asian Fusion Through Oct. 25. Elizabeth Trostli showcases her digital paintings, with a public reception on October 4. Playful Geometrics Nov 30-Dec 27. Gillian St. George showcases her abstract paintings, with a public reception on Nov. 1. Just Add Water Nov 30-Dec 27.

Marlane Wurzbach showcases her paintings in the realist style, with a public reception on Dec. 6. 20/20: Vision Dec 28-Jan 31. Laura Reed showcases her abstract paintings, with a public reception on Jan. 3. Connected to Nature Feb 1 - Feb 28. Donna Carrion showcases her artistic creations with custom jewelry on display, with a public reception on Feb. 7. Ancestral Threads Feb 29 - Mar 27. Liz Cole and Melanie Carlstein team up for a joint exhibition of abstract paintings and mixed-media sculptures, with a public reception on Mar. 6. Lyrical Figurative Bronze Sculpture Mar 28 _ Apr 24. James Gabbert ends the season with a demonstration of his sculptural prowess, with a public reception on Apr. 3.

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2019-2020 CULTURE PRIMER its visitors through permanent collections, traveling exhibitions, a state-of-the-art planetarium and numerous community activities and educational outreach programs. Explore fossil evidence of Florida’s oldest animal inhabitants (including marine life) and peruse the Montague Tallant collection of prehistoric and post-contact artifacts. Other permanent exhibits showcase maritime history and the history of Spanish colonization (including full-scale replicas of a 16th century manor house, chapel and Hernando DeSoto’s birthplace). bishopscience.org.

Mosaic Backyard Universe Grand Opening Oct 1. Thanks to an early

THIS PAGE Sound of Music’s Maddie Shea, Asolo Repertory Theatre. Bridge China by Thomas Schaller, Art Center Manatee.

Asolo Repertory Theatre A leading artistic force on the creative coast. Asolo’s theatrical scene is a major contributor to Sarasota’s rich cultural atmosphere and is well known for its diverse spread of yearly productions. With inspiring and engaging performances, the theatre never fails to envelop its audience in a vibrant and entertaining environment. Every season, Asolo Rep revives old classics and brings brand new productions, providing both escapist entertainment and needed social commentary. asolorep.org

The Sound of Music Nov 13–Dec 28.

Overflowing with some of the most iconic songs of all time, The Sound of Music tells the heartwarming story of the Von Trapp family and Maria, a free-spirited nun who transforms their hearts through the joy of music. Helmed

by Josh Rhodes (Evita 2017), this family friendly musical opens just in time for the holidays.

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express Jan 8–Mar 8. Glamorous, romantic and hilarious, this new adaptation of Agatha Christie’s masterpiece by two-time Tony®-nominated playwright and farce master Ken Ludwig takes you on a suspenseful, highly entertaining thrill ride. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, his door locked from the inside. With a train full of suspects and an alibi for each one, it’s the perfect mystery.

The Great Leap Mar 18–Apr 11. San Francisco, spring 1989. Manford Lum is a sparky kid who plays street basketball in Chinatown—vertically challenged, but with undeniable ball skills. He talks his way onto a college team headed to Beijing for an exhibi-

tion game and finds himself in the middle of China’s post-Cultural Revolution. As the story bounces between 1989 and 1971, past relationships collide with present day revelations right up to the final buzzer.

World Premiere: Knoxville Apr 3–25.

This world premiere musical reunites the Tony Award® winning creative team behind Ragtime. Based on James Agee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the story begins on a quiet night in the foothills of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains, where Jay Follett stands with his son Rufus, watching the trains and talking about life. A powerful illumination of the forces that shape who we are, Knoxville is a universal coming-of-age story about family, faith and love—and about the boy who will grow up to write it.

Hood: A Robin Hood Musical Adventure May 7–31. With thrilling sword fights, spirited heroes and dastardly villains, this much-loved tale of Robin Hood gets a hilarious 21st-century twist by five-time Tony-nominated playwright Douglas Carter Beane, with a folk and rock-infused score by Lewis Flinn. Intoxicating, joyful and enchanting, Hood celebrates the hero in everybody’s heart. Asolo Rep is thrilled to present this extraordinary new musical comedy, bound for the world’s stages.

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature The South Florida Museum is now The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. This is the largest natural and cultural history museum on the Gulf Coast and puts the world, both past and present, in context for

leadership gift from The Mosaic Company Foundation, The Bishop has built a remarkable new place for kids to explore, experience and learn. The 30-foot-tall Mighty Oak, Tree House-Platform, fossil Dig Pit, freshwater Pond with live turtles, Cardboard Rocket built to look like a kid-engineered rocket ship made from a refrigerator box, model of the solar system and more combine to encourage children and their families to explore the world around them. The MBU is a portal into the natural sciences and natural history of our planet, “connecting the dots” among all the spheres of the universe.

Giants, Dragons & Unicorns: Mythic Creatures Oct 1 - Jan 5. This family-friendly exhibition examines science and legend to trace the natural and cultural roots of some of the world’s most enduring mythic creatures. Organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York, Giants, Dragons & Unicorns: The World of Mythic Creatures features unique cultural objects to highlight the surprising similarities and differences in the ways people around the world envision and depict mythic creatures. The exhibition includes models and cast fossils of prehistoric animals to investigate how they could have— through misidentification, speculation, fear or imagination—inspired the development of several legendary creatures.

National Fossil Day Oct 19. Learn more about fossils and receive half-price admission to The Bishop to celebrate National Fossil Day. With a special exhibition organized by the American Museum of Natural History called Giants, Dragons & Unicorns: The World of Mythic Creatures, explore models and cast fossils of prehistoric animals to investigate how people around the world could have inspired the development of several legendary creatures.

Myakka River: A Florida Treasure Feb 7–Sept 14 For more than 20 years, photographer Clyde Butcher has explored the Myakka region and spent seasons experiencing its changing and diverse ecosystems. Butcher’s powerful and haunting large-scale black and white photography brings the Myakka River and its surrounding lands to the people.

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Chasen Galleries

Sailor Circus High Flying Holidays 2019 Dec 27-30. America’s longest running

Chasen Galleries Sarasota offers an abundance of the highest quality contemporary fine art, sculpture, and art glass available today. Featuring world-renowned artists, old master prints, and cutting edge glass art techniques, our collection offers something for all tastes and budgets.

youth circus presents amazingly talented student performers in this highly anticipated annual holiday show. Tickets $15-$30 at CircusArts.org or 941.355.9805. The performance takes place in the newly renovated Sailor Circus Arena at 2075 Bahia Vista Street.

chasengalleries.com/sarasota.

Sequences Nov 14–Dec 31 Often influenced by sequences in films—zooms, lap dissolves, repetitive imagery and superimposition of different planes— Armenian-born artist Jean Kazandijan is an avid filmgoer and utilizes his versions of these techniques on canvas to challenge the viewer.

24 x 24 Dec 5–Jan 15 Local artist Jill Krasner presents her original, abstract paintings on 24” x 24” canvases inspired by her life’s journeys.

Connections Jan 16–Feb 19 Intrigued by relaxed and graceful postures, local painter Jade Gates paints individuals interacting with others, reflecting the subtle beauties of body positioning.

Circus Arts Conservatory The Circus Arts Conservatory’s mission is to engage and educate students using unique and innovative learning programs, to measurably improve the quality of life for individuals in care facilities; and to advance the extraordinary legacy and heritage of the circus. circusarts.org

Circus Sarasota 2020 Feb 7–Mar 1.

Don’t miss this international cast of circus artists in thrilling performances that will leave you breathless! Tickets $15-$55 at CircusArts. org or 941.355.9805. The performance takes place under the Ulla Searing Big Top in Nathan Benderson Park behind The Mall at UTC. Cirque des Voix®: Circus of the Voices Performances Mar 20-22. The

find everything from the traditional straight play to a night of impossible-to-predict shenanigans. floridastudiotheatre.org

Bright Star Nov 6 – Jan 3. Florida Premiere. Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption. Set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1940s, literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II who awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past—and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives.

American Son Jan 22 – Mar 22. Set in

CAC teams up with the Key Chorale to present an exhilaratingly unique show that combines live singing & music with professional circus artists. Tickets $20-$30 at CircusArts.org or 941.355.9805. The performance takes place under the Ulla Searing Big Top in Nathan Benderson Park behind The Mall at UTC.

a Miami-Dade police station in the middle of the night, a mother is hunting for answers about her missing teenage son. Soon her husband appears, and the evening spirals out of control. Fresh from its critically-acclaimed Broadway run, this powerful drama tackles family relationships, love, loss, and identity.

Florida Studio Theatre

The Legend of Georgia McBride Apr 1 –

Located in the heart of downtown, Florida Studio Theatre is one of Sarasota’s oldest and funkiest professional theaters, filling its veritable village of theaters—the historic Keating and Gompertz Theaters, the Parisian-style Goldstein, the John C. Court Cabaret stage and the Bowne’s Lab Theatre— with productions both original and classic.

With an ongoing dedication to the improvisational and cabaret arts, audiences can

THIS PAGE La Musica concert. Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis; Bob Dylan, Florida Studio Theatre.

May 29. He’s young, he’s broke, his landlord’s knocking at the door, and he’s just found out his wife is going to have a baby. To make matters even more desperate, Casey is fired from his gig as an Elvis impersonator in a rundown, small-town Florida bar. When the bar owner brings in a B-level drag show to replace his act, Casey finds that he has a whole lot to learn about show business—and himself.

CABARET That’s Amoré! Sept 25 – Feb 2. Dean Martin was “The King of Cool.” His effortless charm and smooth voice made him a star who captured our hearts. From his early days in Martin and Lewis through film, television, and the Rat Pack, this timeless music revue celebrates the great songbook and life of Dean Martin. Featuring such hits as “Everybody Loves Somebody,” “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head,” and “Welcome to my World.”

Outlaws and Angels Nov 20 – Mar 29. A rousing celebration of songs by the rugged outlaws of country music and the angels who loved them. With hits by legendary “outlaws” like Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash and “angels” such as Tammy Wynette and Dolly Parton, Outlaws and Angels tells the American story of lessons learned from hard knocks and lively living. Featuring such songs as “I Walk the Line,” “Desperado,” “The Bargain Store,” and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.”

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THIS PAGE Brandenton Jazz Festival, produced by Realize Bradenton.

Gaze Modern GAZE features a unique blend of revolving exhibitions by local and regional emerging and mid-career artists as well as group exhibitions and collaborative participatory projects. The gallery is dedicated to being a lighthouse in Sarasota and beyond, illuminating the work of emerging and established artists showcasing a variety of styles and mediums. gazemodern.com

Viewpoints: A Group Photo Exhibition Oct 5–Nov 2. What have you captured through your camera’s lens? For this exhibition, we’ll be focusing on some of the strongest photographers in Southwest Florida. Artists include: Selina Roman, Tom Carabasi, Tom Winchester, Noelle McCleaf, Matthew Holler, Barbara Banks, John Revisky, and Karen Arrrango. Witness the world through the lenses of the masters.

Shotliftable Jan 25-Feb 8. Shopliftable is a two-week long invitation micro-exhibition that challenges artists from southwest Florida to create small things with depth. Inspiring and thought provoking, the works represent a full range – from political and social commentary to humor, from personal narrative to enigmatic statements, and from realism to abstraction.

These works of art demonstrate the imaginative spirit and the endless creativity of the artist

Monoprints by Jim Sherraden, Hatch Show Print Mar 7-21. Jim Sherraden is Master Printer and Archivist at Hatch Show Print, one of America’s oldest surviving show poster and design shops. Since 1984 he has overseen its transition from a cultural survivor to a widely recognized graphic design icon and destination for letterpress enthusiasts. He is the co-writer of Hatch Show Print, The History

of A Great American Poster Shop, published by Chronicle Books, now in its sixth printing. He is also the creator of one of-a-kind pieces of art called monoprints, based on the shops archive, which are collected by individuals and institutions worldwide. He is a frequent speaker and conducts letterpress workshops from coast to coast. Sherraden is the recipient of the 2013 Distinguished Artist Award, for the state of Tennessee, and is the American Advertising Federation Nashville 2013 Silver Medalist.

Key Chorale Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, is dedicated to transforming lives through innovative programming, artistic excellence, educational outreach and service to the community.

The spirit of the group is led by Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins. keychorale.org

Winter Dreams Dec 1. This enchanting and wintry collaboration with The Sarasota Ballet’s Studio Company and Trainees will invoke a dream world of glistening snowflakes and Jack Frost. Karl Jenkins, one of the most prolific, popular and performed composers of today, captures the brilliance and joy of the season in Stella Natalis (Star of Origin) where themes of peace, goodwill and compassion alternate with joy and celebration. Crystalline performances by Sarasota Orchestra Concertmaster Daniel Jordan in Vivaldi’s icy Winter, the 100+ voices of Key Chorale and Principal trumpet Anthony Lemoncelli are sure to warm even the chilliest hearts.

American Roots: Grassical Jan 11–12.

The DePue Brothers Band joins the Chamber Singers in a genre-bending program from the hills of Appalachia to progressive bluegrass sounds of today. This 8-member band has

coined and pioneered the term “grassical,” a vivid blend of bluegrass, gypsy, and jazz. Experience a one-of-a-kind program taking our popular bluegrass concert onto a new set of tracks.

Haydn’s Creation with Mary Wilson Feb 15–16. From the Big Bang to the dawn of light, the emergence of plants, great beasts, humankind and even the lowly earthworm, Haydn paints an unforgettable musical picture book using texts from Genesis and Milton’s Paradise Lost. Acclaimed American Soprano Mary Wilson returns to Sarasota, adding her vocal brilliance with baritone Kyle Ferrill and tenor Brad Diamond.

La Musica Specializing in chamber music presentation and production, La Musica has carved a place in its decades-long tenure as a musical meeting of the minds, bringing esteemed performers from Europe and the US together for collaborative performances. Under the direction of Artistic Director Bruno Guiranna and President Sally Faron, La Musica continues to explore this season.

They produce an annual La Musica Chamber Festival every April. lamusicafestival.org.

Sonata a Due Dec 10. The kick-off event of the La Musica season happens at the Field Club with a concert and dinner.

Open Rehearsals Mar 31–Apr 13.

A casual, intimate opportunity to watch the musicians prepare for concerts. Sit back and soak in the sounds. Opera House Concert Series Apr 2–13. Internationally recognized musicians present programs of familiar and seldom-heard chamber music at Sarasota Opera House.

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Manatee Players – Manatee Performing Arts Center Housed in the Manatee Performing Arts Center, the Manatee Players reign as Bradenton’s most prominent theater and performing arts troupe. With Producing Artistic Director Rick Kerby at the helm, The Manatee Players showcases the area’s extensive talent pool through comedies, dramas and musicals, sometimes wrangling it all together for one big community event. manateeperformingartscenter.com.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda, The Musical Jan 16–Feb 2. Matilda is an extraordinary girl with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind. But her talents are constantly belittled by her cruel parents and headmistress. Dreaming of a better life, she stands up against those who oppress her, taking destiny into her own hands.

You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown Apr 2–19. Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Sally, Schroeder and a beagle named Snoopy navigate the joys and pitfalls of childhood, including chaotic baseball games, unrequited valentines and World War I flying beagles.

BROADWAY SERIES

STUDIO SERIES

Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story Oct

Tuesdays With Morrie Oct 10–27.

24–Nov 10. See the true story of Buddy’s meteoric rise to fame. From the moment in 1957 when “That’ll Be the Day” hit the airwaves until his tragic death less than two years later on “The Day the Music Died,” the show features over 20 of Buddy Holly’s Greatest Hits.

The legacy of the young man with glasses continues to live on in Buddy.

It’s A Wonderful Life – A Musical Dec 5–22. Based on the beloved 1946 film, this musical follows George Bailey’s life from his childhood dreams to his midlife disappointments and beyond. Cinematically scored and theatrically staged, this adaptation breathes musical life into a familiar story while retaining the warmth and humor of the original.

This book, describing journalist Mitch Albom’s highly personal experiences with his favorite, now dying, Brandeis University professor, was a 1997 best seller and a 1999 TV movie before becoming a 2001 play. Each version captures all the sensitivity, warmth and compassion of the original autobiographical story.

Goat Song Revel Feb 6–23. A one-person Greek Chorus named Doris shows up at the biblical Job’s house and lets him know that her arrival most likely means that they’re in a Greek drama, but whether it’s a tragedy or comedy isn’t clear. To complicate matters, God and Satan meet at Job’s house for their periodic cribbage game, where Satan announces that he wants to play a new game, one he made up called “Job.”

Doubt: A Parable Mar 19–Apr 5. Set against the backdrop of a 1960s America in the midst of political and social change, a progressive young priest’s conduct comes under question by Sister Aloysius Beauvier, the school principal whose beliefs are deeply rooted in tradition. As the actions and motivations of each are scrutinized and suspicion mounts, the two are drawn into a battle of wills that threatens irrevocable consequences for all involved.

Dancing Lessons Apr 30–May 17. Ever, a young man with Asperger’s syndrome, seeks the instruction of a Broadway dancer to learn enough dancing to survive an awards dinner.

The dancer, Senga, however, is recovering from an injury that may stop her dancing career permanently. As their relationship unfolds, they’re both caught off-guard by the discoveries–both hilarious and heartwarming–that they make about each other and about themselves.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Originally the home of William and Marie Selby, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens today is an urban, bayfront oasis showcasing a living collection of rare and beautiful tropical plants. The Gardens is also a respected world leader in the study and conservation of plants, particularly epiphytes–plants adapted to live in the tree canopy, including orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads and ferns. selby.org

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2019-2020 CULTURE PRIMER Orchid Show 2019: Blossoms of Asia Oct 12–Nov 24. Join The Living Museum for an unforgettable Orchid Show, inspired by the beauty of Asia.

Lights in Bloom Dec 14–Jan 4. It is the most wonderful time of the year at Selby Gardens! Stroll through more than one million colorful lights and enjoy family-fun children’s activities and games.

Salvador Dalí: Gardens of the Mind Feb 9–Jun 30. The Dalí exhibition highlights the artist’s repeated use of botanical imagery alongside a surreal display of tropical plants in Selby Gardens’ Tropical Conservatory and gardens, transforming Selby Gardens into an evocation of Dalí’s vision. The lithographic series FlorDalí, on loan from The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, FL, will be the centerpiece of the Museum of Botany & the Arts, along with artifacts and photos that put the artist’s life, work, and relationship with nature into context. Explore the fourth annual exhibition in the Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series.

The Players Centre for Performing Arts The Players Centre for Performing Arts, Sarasota’s oldest performing arts organization, is celebrating 90 years of putting the community on stage. With the annual Broadway series bringing some of the biggest musicals to town and the intimate and edgy Backstage at The Players series, there’s plenty to experience at the theatre. players.org

Hello, Dolly! Dec 4–22. The classic musical recently revived on Broadway follows the romantic and comic escapades of Dolly Gallagher-Levi, turn-of-the-century matchmaker and “woman who arranges things.” This show is certain to thrill and entertain audiences again and again this holiday season. The show’s memorable songs include “Put On Your Sunday Clothes,” “Before the Parade Passes By,” and “Hello, Dolly!”

Head Over Heels Feb 19–Mar 8 .

THIS PAGE Victoria Hulland & Logan Learned in Dominic Walsh’s I Napoletani, photography by Frank Atura. Syd Solomon (1917-2004) Stratalure, 1980. Acrylic and aerosol enamel on canvas 72 x 74 in.

(182.9 x 188 cm) SOL-00080 © Estate of Syd Solomon. Courtesy Berry Campbell. Both images courtesy of Ringling Museum.

An area premier that just closed on Broadway last year, this laugh-out-loud love story is set to the music of the Go-Go’s, including the hit songs, “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation,” and Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth.” A hilarious, exuberant celebration of love, Head Over Heels follows the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction—only to discover the key to their realm’s survival lies within each of their own hearts.

Rabbit Hole Mar 12–22 . Winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize by David Lindsay-Abaire, Becca and Howie Corbett have everything a family could want, until a life-shattering accident turns their world upside down and leaves the couple drifting perilously apart.

Rabbit Hole charts their bittersweet search for comfort in the darkest of places and for a path that will lead them back into the light of day.

POPS Orchestra With conductor Robyn Bell wielding the baton, the Pops Orchestra gears up for its latest season as Sarasota-Bradenton’s community orchestra, showcasing local musical talent and giving the town’s hidden gems a chance to shine. thepopsorchestra.org

Veterans Concert Nov 10–11.

Hear tribute artists Nick Foresman and Jason Elsenheimer recreate the music of Simon and Garfunkel in classics that include “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Scarborough Fair” and “Sounds of Silence,” plus many more. Join in honoring the nation’s veterans.

This concert is jointly sponsored by the Military Officers Association of Sarasota.

Holiday Concert: A Christmas Carol the Concert Dec 15–16.

Bring in the holidays with Charles Dickens’ beloved A Christmas Carol like never before. Enjoy the timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge through the glorious, memorable and irresistible new songs in this holiday classic.

With music styles from classical to Broadway and blues to gospel, and joined by the State College of Florida’s chorus and special guest artists, the Pops will create an unforgettable concert for the whole family.

Grand Finale Concert: You Pick Mar 29–30 . he Pops season finale is “By Popular Demand.” You, the audience, become the concert producer. Using personal cell phones and a downloaded app, choose the music and even the conductor by majority vote. From categories like “John Williams Film Scores,” think Star Wars, Schindler’s List or Saving Private Ryan, to “Broadway Favorites,” “Pop Classics” and even “Guest Conductor,” everyone is a musical impresario. Even the orchestra gets to choose their favorites in a concert that promises to be fun for everyone.

Realize Bradenton A nonprofit organization dedicated to invigorating Bradenton’s cultural scene, this community-focused organization seeks to create a more active and culturally connected downtown for Bradenton, regularly organizing large-scale events in conjunction with private businesses, public resources and local artists, celebrating the city’s heritage and place within the cultural fabric of the Suncoast. realizebradenton.com

Bradenton Blues Festival Dec 6–Dec 8.

The Blues Weekend kicks off on Friday with a free “Blues Appetizer” Concert then continues on Saturday with an outstanding lineup of talented blues musicians on the main stage. This award-winning annual festival features local craft beer, specialty food vendors and blues after-parties all evening long. The weekend wraps up with a tasty and soulful Bradenton Blues Brunch prepared by award-winning Chef Paul Mattison on Sunday.

Bradenton Farmers’ Market Oct–May. Visit over forty vendors who offer locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants, organic products, prepared foods and the work of local artists and craftspeople. Every third Saturday, Mainly Art hosts dozens of local artists and craftspeople displaying and selling their creations. Art, crafts, live music and food are available from 9am–2pm on Fourth Avenue West where it connects with the weekly Bradenton Farmers’ Market on Main Street.

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2019-2020 CULTURE PRIMER freshly renovated by the water, with tours available. Rich in history, the museum’s roots date back to 1924, and the establishment serves as a legacy of the original owners, John and Mable Ringling. ringling.org

EXHIBITS Sun Xun: Time Spy Through Feb 16.

THIS PAGE Evolving Revolving, Sarasota Contemporary Dance, photo

by Sorcha Augustine.

Time Spy (2016) is a mesmerizing 3D animated film by artist Sun Xun (b.1980).

A Chinese painter and draughtsman, Sun Xun incorporates traditional techniques including ink painting, charcoal drawing and woodblock printing into his films. His masterful use of analog and digital technologies to explore pressing concerns of our time makes him one of the most compelling artists working in new media.

Remaking the World: Abstraction from the Permanent Collection Nov 10 – Aug 1. This exhibition brings together artworks from The Ringling’s permanent collection of modern and contemporary art.

Ai Weiwei Zodiac (2018) LEGO ArtSlam Mar 7. A Celebration of

Artwalk Oct 18. Celebrate the artwork of ex-

Youth & Creativity! Watch as dozens of teams of students and creatives take art out of the classrooms and studios and onto the streets.

Engage in the creative process, experience temporary public art and celebrate the creative youth in Manatee County.

hibiting artists, college faculty and students with an event-filled evening of art, food and music.

Music in the Park Mar 13–Apr 24.

Come support local music while watching the sunset over the Manatee River every Friday!

Realize Bradenton’s free, family-friendly, outdoor concert series is back with live music at downtown Bradenton’s 400-seat Mosaic Amphitheater on the Riverwalk. Audience members are encouraged to bring a picnic basket, blankets or chairs and their furry companions on leashes. Local craft beer and wine.

Galleries of Ringling College of Art and Design The Galleries program of Ringling College of Art and Design includes exhibitions and activities that celebrate the work and production of students, faculty and alumni.

Our six on-campus galleries also host one person, group and thematic exhibitions that include locally, nationally and internationally known individuals. You will always find an exciting new exhibition, artist talk, lecture, or event to attend. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or someone who is curious about new forms of creative expression, we welcome you to expand your perspective. Discover awe-inspiring work and thought-provoking insights from the art world. ringling.edu/galleries

Hugh Davies Oct 18–Dec 6. Painter Hugh Davies was raised in Nigeria and England, educated in Somerset and studied fine art at Brighton College of Art and Chelsea College of Art, London where he received his Master Degree in Fine Art. He has served on the faculty of distinguished institutions around the world and has been exhibited in more than 60 group and solo exhibitions in significant international galleries and museums.

Virginia Hoffman: Vanishing Old Florida Oct 18–Dec 6. Virginia Hoffman, Fine Art Class of 1978, has spent several years traveling the Florida backroads, photographing the unique character of the bucolic geography and clouds as they extend the vistas.

Fascinated with history, she focuses on the disappearing Old Florida vernacular Cracker houses and barns.

Nov 17-Feb 9. Ai Weiwei’s most recent exploration of the Zodiac series with these large (7x7’) panels featuring the twelve animals of the Zodiac in Legos. compelling artists working in new media.

Manuel Alvarez Bravo: Specters and Parables Dec 8 – Mar 1. Bravo emerged as one of the most important artists in Mexico as he created a body of work that synthesized many strains of modernism, from surrealism to straight photography. His legacy is a unique vision and style that has inspired generations of artists.

Syd Solomon: Concealed and Revealed Dec 15 – Apr 26. The exhibition is the first to examine Solomon’s work through the lens of his personal archive. Presented in partnership with the Estate of Syd Solomon, the exhibition will include archival objects, artworks from private collections, and artworks from The Ringling’s permanent collection.

PERFORMANCES Nrityagram Dance Ensemble Oct 11–12.

Ringling Museum Situated along 66 acres on the bay, The Ringling boasts an impressive array of classics and works from the Old Masters, with a Rubens collection of note, as well as regularly hosting traveling exhibitions on the forefront of contemporary art in the United States and abroad. The on-site Circus Conservatory houses the area’s local circus history, in addition to exploring the form’s greater reach. The historic Ca d’Zan mansion stands

Nrityagram was founded as a village devoted to dance and the preservation of the Odissi classical dance tradition. Now one of the premier Indian Classical dance ensembles, this all-female ensemble’s daily life of intensive training and meditation brings to the stage compelling and captivating performances.

Raiz de 4 Nov 6–7. Master flamenco artists Rafael Peral and Marisa Adame, curated by the Casa Patas Flamenco Foundation, will present this new work which honors the art of Flamenco by delving into its more primitive roots, evoking the convergence of culture.

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2019-2020 CULTURE PRIMER Gonzalo Rubalcaba Nov 15–16. Discovered by Dizzy Gillespie in 1985, this Latin Jazz Pianist from Cuba has been selected as one of the great pianists of the 20th century and has won two Grammys and two Latin Grammys.

Enjoy this creative force from the jazz world.

Tijuana Dec 6–7. This Mexico City based theater collective has created a suite of works that explore ideas of democracy in the 21st century with narrative collages from Mexican history. Tijuana is the staged result of a real anthropological theater experiment in which Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol abandoned his life in Mexico City to work on an assembly line in a Tijuana factory on the U.S. border. Passing under a false identity for six months, he earned the legal minimum wage to explore how the current day Mexican working class survives.

Performed in Spanish with English supertitles. ¡Vívelo! Dec 12–14. The 2019 season will conclude with performances of ¡Vívelo! by Son Luna and Jóvenes Zapateadores from Mexico.

This show merges rhythms and dance styles such as folkloric dance, contemporary, Spanish dance and African-inspired movements.

Masterfully displaying dance genres from the region, this production provides strong entry points for audiences seeking a highly energetic folkloric performance experience.

Peony Dreams: On the Other Side of Sleep Jan 17–18. Created and choreographed by Yin Mei, an artist of the Chinese diaspora who has been part of the New York dance scene since the 1990’s, this new dance theater piece for five dancers melds themes from the iconic Chinese literary work The Peony Pavilion and Yin Mei’s own life experience as a teenage government dancer during the Chinese Revolution. Highly visual and referencing a dense collection of letters she wrote to her family over two decades, the work is a dance painting that occupies the space between truth and dreams.

Feos Feb 7–8. Chilean director and puppet artist Aline Kuppenheim’s Feos (Uglies) is her first collaboration with renowned playwright Guillermo Calderon, and is based on Mario Beneditti’s short story, “Noche de los Feos” (Night of the Uglies). It’s an adult work about desire and love by two people with physical deformities, told with deft and spellbinding puppetry that is intimate and addresses loneliness, conformity, self-acceptance and individual courage. The piece’s script is narrated through a pre-recorded soundscape in Spanish with English supertitles.

Moun-Moon Feb 21–22. Miami native Inez Barlatier is a multifaceted artist of Ayisen (Haitian) descent. With her first band Kazoots, Inez and her bandmates evolved from their fathers’ Haitian folkloric ensemble, mixed with next-generation influences. Going solo in 2016 allowed her further exploration, as she em-

braces history and heritage, finding inspiration from African, Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latin cultures while bringing socially relevant poetry into her lyrics. Inez’s incredible vocal delivery organically flows between an ancestral guttural bellow to an airy angelic falsetto, full of energy.

In addition to performances, Inez will conduct drumming workshops and an artist talk.

Companhia Urbana de Dança (Brazil) Mar 26–28. Brazilian dancers’ identities, testimonials and attitudes rise to the stage with an upbeat, Afro-Brazilian accent. The group is firmly positioned in the most contemporary urban dance scene in Brazil and internationally, and choreographer Sonia Destri Lie’s boldly original mix of contemporary Brazilian dance and hip-hop infuses both forms with new rigor. Locating the true heart of hip-hop, Destri strips it of its easy tricks, bringing it back to its original emotional depth, expressive range, and poetic integrity. Pulling from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro where many of her company members grew up, Companhia Urbana de Dança aims to transcend cultural boundaries, while showcasing eclectic skill sets.

This World Made Itself Apr 10–11. A multimedia live performance, this work of shadow puppetry works to combine projected animation and the artist’s own shadow silhouette, as she interacts with the fantastical world of the video, merging film and theater to create a unique kind of spectacle. This World Made Itself is a visually and musically rich journey through the history of the earth, from the universe’s epic beginnings to the complex world of humanity.

Liberate the Earth Apr 22. This is a roving dance work that leads audiences through the tumbling journey of the abandoned, discarded and highly mobile single-use plastic bag. This work was a featured event at the 2017 seasonal opening of Omi Sculpture Park in Hudson, NY and is site-adaptive for sculpture gardens and other landscapes. The performance can be held in conjunction with community engagement events such as plastic bag costume making classes, co-located environmental stewardship activities and movement workshops.

Spektral Quartet Apr 24–25. The twice-Grammy nominated Spektral Quartet actively pursues a vivid conversation between exhilarating works of the traditional repertoire and those written this decade, this year or this week. Since its inception in 2010, Spektral is known for creating seamless connections across centuries, drawing in the listener with charismatic deliveries, interactive concert formats, an up-close atmosphere and bold, inquisitive programming.

Un poyo royo May 8–9. This textless play is a hybrid of dance, sport and sexuality, which uses body language to explore the limits of

this contemporary body movement and gesture. It’s a provocation, an invitation to laugh at yourself and, at the same time, to accept yourself entirely. Un poyo rojo is a mixture of acrobatics and humor. It may be seen as naive, kitsch, cliché or any of the other numerous interpretations that can be thrown at it; however, it still remains a striking show of the array of man’s physical and spiritual possibilities.

Sarasota Ballet Under the guidance of director Iain Webb, the Sarasota Ballet has grown by leaps and bounds, continually adding to a repertoire that includes both iconic and uncommon ballets from renowned choreographers such as Sir Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine, Antony Tudor and more, in addition to commissioning new works from up-andcoming choreographers and established greats. Garnering an international reputation, the Sarasota Ballet regularly compounds its performances with guest performances from traveling companies, bringing ballet from around the world. The Company’s 29th Season will once again feature extraordinary works from some of the great choreographers of the 20th century. sarasotaballet.org

Graziano, Retrospective Oct 25–27.

A tribute to Principal Dancer and Resident Choreographer Ricardo Graziano’s 10th season with The Sarasota Ballet, featuring three of Graziano’s ballets. Shostakovich Suite was Graziano’s first professional commission and is the most traditionally classical of his growing choreographic portfolio. En las Calles de Murcia was inspired by the music of Santiago de Murcia and the Spanish city of Murcia.

And closing Program 1 is Graziano’s critically acclaimed In a State of Weightlessness, having received its world premiere during The Sarasota Ballet’s week-long residency at the renowned Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival.

Symphonic Tales Nov 22–23.

This performance includes three extraordinary and yet vastly different ballets, including George Balanchine’s regal Theme and Variations, the long awaited return of Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s tense psychological drama Las Hermanas and the company premiere of Balanchine’s lively and entertaining Western Symphony. Profoundly musical, structurally complex, yet exquisitely refined, Theme and Variations transports audiences to the height of the Russian Imperial Ballet. Based on Federico García Lorca’s, The House of Bernarda Alba, Las Hermanas is a remarkable dramatic ballet about sensuality under harsh repression as well as the emotional and violent consequences that follow. And Western Symphony is a striking example of Balanchine’s love of American themes, set on an Old West street populated by cowboys and dance hall girls.

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2019-2020 CULTURE PRIMER THIS PAGE End of Year Performance, Sarasota Cuban Ballet School.

prepared performances and for fostering artists at the beginning of their careers— including such luminaries as Yefin Bronfman, Richard Goode, and Richard Stoltzman.

Sarasota Contemporary Dance

John Ringling’s Circus Nutcracker Dec 20–21. This Sarasota holiday tradition will conclude the 2019 season as the only Nutcracker in the Sarasota-Manatee area performed with a full orchestra. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, the ballet beautifully entwines the history of John and Mable Ringling with E. T. A. Hoffman’s classic The Nutcracker. With designs by Peter Docherty, the ballet creates a loving tribute to the Ringling Brothers and the Greatest Show On Earth in a wonderful holiday family performance.

Redefined Movement Jan 31–Feb 3.

Commencing the 2020 Winter-Spring Season, this performance includes Sir Frederick Ashton’s Les Rendezvous, the company premiere of Paul Taylor’s Brandenburgs and a yet to be announced third work. Choreographed in 1933, Les Rendezvous is a seminal work in the Ashton canon and played an important role in demonstrating that British ballet could be just as resplendent and magnificent as its Russian counterpart. And choreographed in 1988 to the renowned Brandenburg Concertos by Johann Sebastian Bach, Brandenburgs is an exquisite example of Paul Taylor’s unique and exemplary choreography.

Paul Taylor Dance Company Feb 28– Mar 1. This year’s visiting company is the Paul Taylor Dance Company. Established in 1954 by the great modern dance choreographer Paul Taylor, the company is one of the world’s most highly respected and sought-after ensembles. Performing the works of Taylor, one of America’s most celebrated artists, they have been hailed as part of the pantheon that created American modern dance.

Beyond Words Apr 24–25 Closing the Season, this performance will feature three company premieres by Jerome Robbins, Sir Frederick Ashton and David Bintley. Robbins’ In the Night comprises a trio of pas de deux and contemplates romantic love in stages evidenced by three couples. Ashton’s Dante Sonata, choreographed during the Second

World War, is a synthesis of wartime symbolism. The final ballet will be a company premiere of a work by David Bintley, one of the great English choreographers of today.

Sarasota Concert Association For 75 years, the Sarasota Concert Association has brought internationally renowned symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles and soloists to our region. It fosters greater appreciation for world-class classical music at an affordable price through two engaging series: The Great Performers Series and the Music Matinee Series. scasarasota.org

Behzod Abduraimov Jan 15. Winner of the London International Piano Competition at the age of 18, Abduraimov has already performed with such leading orchestras as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, exhibiting depth of musicality paired with phenomenal technique.

The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra Jan 29. “Champions of Collaboration,” this Grammy-award winning group was founded in 1972 to create a conductorless orchestra with the intimacy of a chamber ensemble.

The Knights and Gil Shaham Feb 25. Dedicated to transforming the orchestral experience and eliminating barriers between audiences and music, The Knights share the stage with one of the foremost violinists of our time, Gil Shaham.

The Pacifica Quartet and Orion Weiss Mar 12. Acclaimed as “one of the most sought-after soloists of his generation,” Weiss joins forces with the Pacifica Quartet— an ensemble widely praised for its gripping interpretations of string quartet cycles.

Musicians from Marlboro Mar 31.

An offshoot of the Marlboro Festival created

by Rudolf Serkin, the Musicians from Marlboro are acclaimed both for their joyous, thoroughly

Bringing the best in contemporary dance to the region and creating new works right here, Sarasota Contemporary Dance is recognized in the area for its collaborative performances and eclectic choreography, which fuses various dance styles—traditional, modern, Middle Eastern, aerial, Afro-modern and even technologically-infused work. In addition to a variety of community collaborations and performances at local venues, the Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company has also been presented at the Alabama Ballet Center for Dance, John F. Kennedy Center, Merce Cunningham Studio Theatre and the Aily Citygroup Theatre. sarasotacontemporarydance.org

Voices – Rising Choreographers Oct 10–13. Because audiences are eager for works by emerging choreographers, Sarasota Contemporary Dance performances break new ground with work that expands the boundaries of art. Original and adventurous, the pieces presented in Voices annual spectacle are hallmarks of the company’s approach to dance–full of movements of pure physical enjoyment, as well as moments of delight and absolute hilarity.

In Studio Performance Series with Eliza Ladd Nov 1–2. Part comedy, part tragedy, this series comprises works of solo text, sound, movement and character, unearthing our past, our purpose and our pleasure.

Where are we going? What are we finding?

Who do we think we are?

SCD + Reverend Barry & The Funk Dec 5–8 . Quickly becoming a season highlight, this exciting evening-length collaboration will feature new choreography by Artistic Director Leymis Bolanos Wilmott to the live music of local music sensation Reverend Barry & The Funk.

In Studio Performance Series with Adele Jan 17–18. Adele Myers and Dancers will present repertoire recently commissioned and presented by the Miami Light Project and MDC Live Arts. The Miami based all-female ensemble has toured nationally for over a decade and is hailed for their physical virtuosity, audience-friendly interactions and unpredictable sense of humor.

Dance Makers Jan 30–Feb 2.

This performance is the main event of the season, featuring new imaginative dance pieces by nationally acclaimed contemporary choreographers Maria Bauman, Terrance Henderson, Bliss Kohlmyer and Adele Myers.

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2019-2020 CULTURE PRIMER These works are hand-picked by SCD’s Artistic Director to present the strength, power, charm and diversity of the company, as well as advance its mission of presenting a range of contemporary dance for multi-generational and multi-cultural audiences in the community.

Sarasota Cuban Ballet School Founded by Wilmian Hernandez and Ariel Serrano, the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School teaches the curriculum of the Cuban Ballet School of National Ballet of Cuba. Husband-wife team Serrano and Hernandez were influenced by the great master teachers in Cuba—Fernando Alonso, Estele Garcia, Aurora Bosch and Ramona de Saa, among others. In the Cuban tradition, they were selected at a young age to learn the art, and through their diligence, intense training and natural talent emerged to become principal dancers with various companies throughout the world. srqcubanballet.com

Orchid Evening Nov 20. SCBS will return to Selby Gardens to perform a riveting contemporary pieces by the school’s award-winning resident choreographer, Tania Vergara.

The Nutcracker Dec 14-15. SCBS and the Venice Symphony come together for the first time to usher in the holiday season through this classic tale. Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on their adventures in the whimsical Kingdom of Sweets.

Spring Time Triple Bill Mar 29. SCBS will delight audiences with a vibrant retelling of Shakespeare’s “classic” comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream, followed by a powerful contemporary work “Ocean,” specially commission for our dancers and finishing with the final act of the beloved ballet classic Paquita.

End of Year Show May 9. Young performers from all proficiency levels will participate in a lively recital that includes variations, pas de deux and ensemble pieces with choreography by the SCBS staff. The show is meant to be an entertaining experience where dancers share their love for ballet and showcase the progress they have made as artist throughout the school year.

Sarasota Opera Hot off the heels of the 2016 completion of the Verdi Cycle—wherein the company and Maestro Victor DeRenzi received international acclaim for successfully performing every note the Italian composer wrote—Sarasota Opera returns for its latest season staging sumptuous classic opera and reviving rarely produced works from notable composers.

Additionally, the company remains dedicated to youth opera education through its Sarasota Youth Opera program, which is currently the most comprehensive youth program of its kind in the nation. sarasotaopera.org

Rigoletto Nov 1–17. See one of Giuseppe Verdi’s greatest works, the story of a protective father, a lecherous Duke and a native woman who discovers that love isn’t always true.

Brundibar Nov 15–16. A youth opera by Hans Krása that reveals how love conquers evil. Performed dozens of times by the children of Theresienstadt concentration camp during WWII, this tale of friendship, perseverance and teamwork will touch your heart.

La Bohème Feb 8–Mar 21. Almost two centuries ago in Paris’ Latin Quarter, a love affair flourishes, withers and dies in Puccini’s romantic portrayal of bohemian life.

THIS PAGE Romeo & Juliet, performed by Daniel Lebhardt with the Venice Symphony Orchestra.

Romeo & Juliet Feb 15 –Mar 20. In this story — immortalized by the genius of William Shakespeare and overflowing with the melodies of Charles Gounod — young lovers pursue their great passion to the grave.

The Elixir of Love Feb 22–Mar 21.

Nemorino’s love is unwavering, but Adina won’t give him a second glance. All is saved by a love potion — or is it?

La Wally Mar 7–22. In a village in the Alps, Wally chooses love over family.

However, with a cruel bet, the man of her dreams breaks her heart, igniting a chain of events that leads to tragedy.

Sarasota Orchestra An 80-member orchestra performing more than 100 concerts in a given year, the Sarasota Orchestra has made a name for itself in the area as both entertainer and educator, offering concerts and experience to the community through a variety of performances designed to engage and enthuse. A celebrator of the classics as well as contemporary gems, Sarasota Orchestra holds the distinguished title of being the oldest continuing orchestra in the state. sarasotaorchestra.org

Titans of Two Centuries Oct 10. Travel back in time to the early 20th and 19th centuries in this program that features glimpses into the genius of two of music history’s giants.

Serge Prokofiev was said to have decided to write his Sonata for Two Violins in 1932 after having heard what he considered a dreadful duet for two violins by another composer. The lyrical work shows the beauty and variety that two solitary instruments can produce when in the hands of a master composer. Beethoven’s Septet was first performed in 1800 and was one of the composer’s most successful works to that point. The work remained so popular during his lifetime that even years later patrons would occasionally request that the mature Beethoven revert to the “agreeable” musical style of the Septet, prompting what must have been a colorful response from the notorious genius.

Life Affirmed Oct 13. The life affirming nature of music is on display in this program featuring works by Brahms and the Czech composer Pavel Haas. Haas’ Quintet for Winds was composed in 1929, some 15 years before the composer would be murdered in Auschwitz. The work is deeply rooted in Haas’ love of Moravian folk music and Hebrew chant, and is infused with a sense of hope that permeates all his works. Johannes Brahms began work on his Piano Quartet No. 1 the year after the death of his friend Robert Schumann, and the premiere of the piece saw Robert’s widow Clara at the piano. The expansive work was the first of Brahms’ chamber music to achieve wide success.

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2019-2020 CULTURE PRIMER Beethoven’s Ghost Oct 31. Spend Halloween with the bewitching sounds of Schoenberg and Beethoven in this program featuring Arnold Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night) and the “Ghost Trio” by Beethoven. The concert opens with a charming Humoreske for wind quintet by Austrian composer Alexander Zemlinsky. Zemlinsky was teacher, close friend and eventual brother-in-law of Arnold Schoenberg, whose Verklärte Nacht is one of the most important works of early 20th century chamber music. Heard here in its original 1917 version for string sextet, this late romantic work is based on a poem by German poet Richard Dehmel which describes the conversation between a man and woman walking through a dark forest at night. Beethoven’s Piano Trio in D major earned the nickname “Ghost” as the result of its eerie sounding second movement which Beethoven’s student Czerny claimed reminded him of the ghost scene at the opening of Hamlet.

Roman Festivals

Dec 6–8. Travel to landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and celebrate like a citizen of ancient Rome, all without leaving your seat. Respighi’s beloved symphonic poems, Fountains of Rome and Roman Festivals, take the audience on a delightfully colorful tour of the legendary city. Elgar’s In the South connects the dots between a family vacation in Italy and ghosts of history past. Bruch’s touching and fiercely virtuosic Violin Concerto, featuring young violinist Alexi Kenney complements this musical journey led by Grammy Awardwinning conductor JoAnn Falletta.

Bugs Bunny at the Symphony II Jan 3–4.

This performance celebrates the world’s most beloved Looney Tunes and their legendary stars projected on the big screen—Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Pepe Le Pew, Tweety, Sylvester, Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner—while their extraordinary original scores are played live by the orchestra. Conducted by George Daugherty, this new concert (and its predecessors Bugs Bunny on Broadway and Bugs Bunny at the Symphony) have delighted millions of concertgoers around the world, and spotlights acclaimed classics like What’s Opera, Doc?, The Rabbit of Seville and Rhapsody Rabbit.

Space and Beyond Jan 22–26. “Fly Me to the Moon” captures the spirit of the repertoire in this program of celestial-inspired selections.

Enjoy classical works featured in 2001: A Space Odyssey and popular scores from Star Wars, Star Trek and Apollo 11. Other favorites include “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “Moonglow” and excerpts from Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony.

Sounds of Nobility

Feb 21–23. Spend an evening with musical royalty. Sir William Walton’s Symphony No. 1, long viewed as one of the greatest symphonies of the modern age, is an emotionally searing commentary on love lost. Get acquainted with two emerging young

stars, violinist Simone Porter and cellist Joshua Roman, as they shine in one of the most rapturous double concertos ever composed—Brahms’ Concerto for Violin and Cello. Berlioz’s Rob Roy Overture, based on Sir Walter Scott’s novel of the same name, opens this program of high drama and heartfelt emotion led by world-renowned British conductor Bramwell Tovey.

American Impressions Apr 3–5.

Sometimes called the “greatest American symphony,” Aaron Copland’s expansive, tuneful and highly original Symphony No. 3 is the centerpiece of this exploration of American influence led by conductor Teddy Abrams.

25-year-old Canadian violinist Blake Pouliot brings his artistry to the fantastically dramatic shifts and unbridled emotion of Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2, composed shortly after the composer’s return to the Soviet Union following two decades in the West.

Urbanite Theatre Founders Summer Dawn Wallace and Brendan Ragan make a statement each season with sold-out, cutting-edge shows performed in the black box style, shifting effortlessly from heavy drama to heady comedy. Intimate, independent and unexpected. urbanitetheatre.com

Modern Works Festival Oct 8–13.

A playwriting contest, reading festival and celebration of emerging female writers. This second annual collection of staged readings will be comprised of the three highest-rated scripts submitted. At the conclusion of the festival, with the help of attendees, one writer will win a $3000 honorarium for her new work.

The Thanksgiving Play Nov 8–Dec 15.

Is it possible for a troupe of all-white teaching artists to create a culturally sensitive pageant to celebrate Native American Heritage Month?

Subversive, absurd and endearing, The Thanksgiving Play is a blistering satire that hilariously dissects political correctness, just in time for the holidays.

Sender Jan 10–Feb 16. A year after his assumed death, a man shows up in his former Chicago apartment alive, well and ready to fix what went wrong with the people who have been mourning him. In this wry, darkly comedic dissection of the millennial transition to adulthood, a miracle reunion turns calamitous as the past catches up with the present.

The Feast Mar 13–Apr 19. Matt and Anna’s relationship seems to be blooming until the sewers under their apartment begin to speak. Deftly mixing the comedic, mysterious and macabre, The Feast is a delicate study of the psychological condition, and how we hurt and heal the ones we love.

Van Wezel Playfully dubbed “The Purple Cow” by locals, this distinctive Frank Lloyd Wright creation abuts the Sarasota Bayfront, where it serves as Sarasota’s primary connection to the world of national and international touring performance, bringing storied performers and productions to the local stage as a regular stop on the regional, national and international touring circuits. vanwezel.org

Once: The Musical Oct 9. Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Once tells the tale of a Dublin street musician who’s giving up on his dream when a young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights. It’s an unforgettable story about going for your dreams and the power of music to connect us all, featuring an ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage.

Beautiful - The Carole King Musical Dec 13–15. This Tony and Grammy Awardwinning show makes its Sarasota premiere at the Van Wezel. Featuring a stunning array of beloved songs such as “You’ve Got a Friend,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “Natural Woman” and more. Beautiful tells the inspirational story of one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time. Carole King was the voice of a generation, and her music became the soundtrack for a soul-searching America.

Waitress Jan 24–26. A Broadway hit inspired by the beloved film, Waitress tells the story of Jenna, an expert pie maker who dreams of a way out of her small town, with music and lyrics by 7-time Grammy nominee, Sara Bareilles. Don’t miss the Sarasota premiere of this uplifting celebration of friendship, motherhood and the magic of a well-made pie.

Bandstand Feb 4–5 . From the three-time Tony winner and Hamilton choreographer, Andy Blankenbuehler, comes a poignant and inspiring new American musical that explodes with infectious music and high-octane, heart-stopping dancing. A Sarasota premiere, Bandstand is celebration of capability amongst American servicemen returning from World War II. New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players –The Pirates of Penzance Feb 15 . One of the world’s finest chamber orchestras is led by Music Director and virtuoso violinist Joshua Bell, one of the most celebrated violinists of his era.

This ensemble pushes the boundaries of performance to new heights, presenting symphonic repertoire and chamber music on a grand scale at prestigious venues around the globe.

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2019-2020 CULTURE PRIMER favorites on the main stage to the daring and raucous productions populating the theater’s Stage II, Venice Theatre pulls out all the stops for a theater-going population always looking for something new. The annual cabaret festival brings countless productions to the stage for weeks of musical and dramatic entertainment. venicestage.com

THIS PAGE Waitress. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, credit Rene Cervantes

The Bikinis Through Oct 20. The Bikinis are bringing back the sun, fun and all the hits they sang down the Jersey Shore in ‘64. Catch up with four inseparable friends 20 years later as they relive their heyday and beyond with a nonstop celebration of songs, like “Yellow Polka Dot Bikini,” “Heat Wave,” “It’s Raining Men,” “I Will Survive” and more!

Assisted Living the Musical: The Home for the Holidays Nov 29–Dec 22.

Les Misérables Feb 26–Mar 1. Seen by more than 130 million people in 44 countries and in 22 languages around the globe, this Tony Award-winning musical is the most popular musical in the world featuring hit songs such as “I Dreamed a Dream,” “One Day More,” “Do You Hear the People Sing?” and more. With a new production presented by Cameron Mackintosh, its new staging and reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo has left both audiences and critics awestruck.

Itzhak Perlman in Recital Mar 21. One of the world’s greatest violinists returns to the Van Wezel in recital with pianist Rohan de Silva. Winner of four Emmy Awards and 16 Grammy Awards, Perlman’s artistry is treasured by audiences throughout the world!

Come From Away Apr 28–May 3. Don’t miss this breathtaking new Tony-nominated musical which takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them following 9/11. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but the uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all. A Sarasota premiere.

Venice Symphony Since its inception in 1974, the Venice Symphony has grown from a passion project playing three concerts a year in the Venice High School to the town’s premier musical performers, still playing at the Venice High School, but at its state-of-the-art Venice Performing Arts Center. In recent years, as the symphony continues to grow, the introduction of a Pre-Concert Talk Series has brought the community even closer to the people behind the music. thevenicesymphony.org

A Very Merry Holiday Pops Dec 20–21.

Join Music Director Troy Quinn and The Venice Symphony at the Venice Performing Arts Center, for our traditional holiday concert, mixing yuletide classics, music from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, selections from holiday film favorites Home Alone and Polar Express, our traditional holiday sing-along and more. Guest artist: Sarasota’s acclaimed Key Chorale. Tickets start at $27. Group and student discounts. *Save 15% when purchased as part of the Saturday Nights at the Symphony Package.

Cosmic Convergence Jan 10–11. Troy Quinn and The Venice Symphony take you on a cosmic journey at the Venice Performing Arts Center, with music from the Star Trek and Star Wars films and Gustav Holt’s Jupiter from The Planets. The concert concludes with Dvorak’s beloved New World Symphony. Celestial video makes this voyage “out of this world.” Tickets start at $27. Group and student discounts. *Save 15% when purchased as part of the Saturday Nights at the Symphony Package.

Shaken Not Stirred: The Music of James Bond Feb 7-8. Troy Quinn and The Venice Symphony will shake (not stir) things up at the Venice Performing Arts Center, with iconic music from Dr. No to Goldfinger and Skyfall. Oscar-winning composers include John Barry, Marvin Hamlisch, Bill Conti and Adele. Video from the Bond films, photo-ops and more, make this a concert that shouldn’t be For Your Eyes (and ears) Only. *Save 15% when purchased as part of the Saturday Nights at the Symphony Package.

Venice Theatre Charming, wowing and moving audiences since 1950, Venice Theatre stands as, per capita, the largest community theater in the United States. From classics and musical

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The comedy team of Compton and Bennett are off their walkers again in this hysterical sequel to the runaway hit about the nursing home and beyond. Christmas, Hanukkah and retirement will never be the same.

Gulf View Drive Jan 10–26. In 1953, Raleigh and May continue their journey with a cross-country move to Siesta Key, FL. Not long after arriving, their dream house shrinks as relatives descend, further testing the couple’s love as they make difficult decisions in a changing world. The final play in Arlene Hutton’s “Nibroc Trilogy.”

Hamlet Mar 27–Apr 19. Danish prince Hamlet discovers that his uncle Claudius murdered his father and took the throne; Hamlet’s mother has married the usurper. This action-packed interpretation of Shakespeare’s tragedy will have you on the edge of your seat.

To Kill a Mockingbird Apr 17–May 3.

The facade of a seemingly peaceful Alabama town begins to crack when a young black man is accused of a terrible crime. Lawyer Atticus Finch defends him in a trial that rocks the community. As told through the eyes of Atticus’ daughter, this hard-hitting work explores prejudice, compassion and courage.

Chicago Apr 17–May 3. The longest-running American Musical in Broadway history finally comes to Venice! Chicago has everything that makes Broadway musicals great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and the sexiest, most astonishing Bob Fosse-inspired dancing. Chicago has been honored with 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards and a Grammy.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Founded in December 1999, by performer, director and playwright Nate Jacobs, this nonprofit theater is the only professional black theater company on Florida’s west

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2019-2020 CULTURE PRIMER coast. Through musicals—both Broadway and Jacobs’ originals—as well as comedies and thought-provoking dramas from such notable playwrights as August Wilson, Charles Smith and Katori Hall, WBTT explores the African-American experience onstage every year in a five-show season. Since its inception, WBTT has mentored and inspired many African-American youth and young adults through participation in the company’s productions. Many aspiring professional artists who trained with WBTT have gone on to work with regional theaters and national touring companies, on Broadway and on national television, and with major record companies. westcoastblacktheatre.org

Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now! WBTT’s 20th Anniversary Celebration Nov 18.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. This high-energy celebration of two decades of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will feature many of the company’s favorite performers, including original Troupe members. There will be a special appearance

by RCA Records R&B artists Next Town Down, with longtime WBTT favorite Christopher Eisenberg. Tickets at vanwezel.org/boxoffice or 941-953-3368.Sponsors will enjoy a pre-show reception and an after-party with a live band in the Van Wezel Grand Foyer. Sponsorships available; contact Debra Flynt-Garrett at 941366-1505, ext. 106, or dfgarrett@westcoastblacktheatre.org.

A Motown Christmas Dec 4-6, 18-20.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota During the holiday season, back by popular demand but for a limited engagement, WBTT presents A Motown Christmas—created, adapted and directed by WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs. Celebrate the season with this festive holiday revue, the

perfect blend of traditional Christmas carols paired with soulful songs made famous by such Motown celebrities as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Supremes and The Jackson 5. WBTT’s sizzling signature style makes this a memorable yuletide treat that’s fun for the whole family! Tickets at westcoastblacktheatre. org or 941-366-1505.

Ruby Apr 15–May 24. At WBTT’s newly renovated theatre!, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota.

This world premiere musical tells the story of the notorious 1952 murder in Florida of a white doctor by a black woman, bringing national attention and celebrated writer Zora Neale Hurston to town to cover the story for a northern newspaper. This powerful and haunting musical, written by Nate Jacobs – who will also direct – his brother, Michael Jacobs, and additional composer/lyricist Darin Atwater, explores the secrets just beneath the genteel surface of a small Florida town, evoking the themes of today’s #MeToo movement. Tickets at westcoastblacktheatre.org or 941-366-1505.

Annual Festivals Cine-World Film Festival Nov 1–10.

Historically, this festival has been a non-stop marathon of films dedicated to various genres.

The Sarasota Film Society anticipates this year will be no different, resulting in a collection of must-see films to satisfy each individual’s palate. Attending the Toronto Film Festival each year and selecting the best to bring back to Florida, the Cine-World Film Festival serves as one of Sarasota’s two main portals to the greater film world. filmsociety.org

Forks and Corks January 23-27.

The 13th annual, multi-day epicurean event will be held in the spectacular courtyard of

THIS PAGE Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now! WBTT’s 20th Anniversary Celebration.

Photo by Sorcha Augustine.

The Ringling Museum of Art featuring prominent Originals restaurants, premier wine retail shops, and exciting venues across the region.

The Forks & Corks world-class weekend of food and wine offers a feast for your senses through various vintner events and interactive food and wine seminars, culminating in the coveted Grand Tasting where guests enjoy a variety of samplings from the top local restaurants and wineries from around the world.

Forks & Corks is one of the few festivals in the Southeast that offers guests the opportunity to taste and take home their favorite wines at all of the events throughout the weekend. eatlikealocal.com/forksandcorks

Sarasota Chalk Festival Nov 15–18.

The award-winning and world record-breaking Sarasota Chalk Festival returns for another installment of street art spectacles, bringing professionals from around the world and amateurs from around the country together in a celebration of the ephemeral art form and its community potential. With this year’s theme, “Garden of Wonders,” expect a “tribute to the marvels of the natural world and the human imagination.” chalkfestival.org

Sarasota Film Festival March 27 – April 5. Showcasing the latest and greatest of cutting edge and independent film, the Sarasota Film Festival takes over the town for ten days out of the year, bringing filmmakers from around the world and more than a couple stars, such as last year’s Bo Burnham, Virginia Madsen and Jon Heder, to present their latest projects and talk film with the gathered community. With over 200 films showing and signature social events including Opening Night, SFF has grown to be a truly international event in the world of film. sarasotafilmfestival.com.

Sarasota Jazz Festival March 8.-14 The Jazz Club of Sarasota will be celebrating its 40th anniversary year in 2020. Eight-time Grammy-winning jazz ocal group The Manahattan Transfer will be the headliner for this year’s festival performing Saturday night at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. The festival also features performances by The Shelley Berg Trio featuring the Grammy-nominated pianist, arranger and composer Berg, Brazilian guitarist Diego Figueiredo and Cuban pianist Chuchito Valdes. jazzclubsarasota.org

Sarasota Music Half Marathon Feb 2. The Sarasota Music Half Marathon melds marathon running with an outdoor music festival for a rock-and-roll party more than a mile long. With a mission to create a signature event for Sarasota by providing a cool experience for athletes and spectators alike, involving the community and raising money for local nonprofits, the Sarasota Music Half Marathon is going full-steam. sarasotahalf.com SRQ 26 | srq magazine_ OCT19 live local — culture primer special section

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