Diversions 05.09.13

Diversions YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013

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Food

A&E

Tidbites: best bets around town PAGE 5

Nikki Sedacca designs wearable art PAGES 2-3

HOME&GARDEN | home of the month

‘Men Who Cook’ PAGE 15

by Robert Plunket | Contributing Writer

Classic On the

Key

A Siesta Key home showcases the genius of architect Ralph Twitchell — half a century later.

A dramatic, Asian-inspired entrance sets the stage for a calm and contemplative interior.

HOME&GARDEN COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Photo by Rachel S. O’Hara

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THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013

// Arts&Entertainment: On the wire

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Family jewels

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

“It’s so wonderful to know that artists are creating; we are selling their work; and that they can continue their passion because of it — it’s supporting our habits,” Nikki Sedacca says. “I always used to say that about my own jewelry.”

Nikki Sedacca’s family is more precious than the metal she uses to wire-wrap jewelry.

Nikki Sedacca, owner of 530 Burns Gallery, always wears black.

Her clothing choice is a stark contrast to the work that hangs in the gallery: from the brightly colored, glossy blown-glass wall hangings by Sam Stark, who trained under Dale Chihuly; to the unique, bold red-orange, 3-D wire-mesh pieces by Joan Konkel. It’s because the jewelry designer prefers to let her jewelry make the statement.

Sedacca’s little black dress compliments to her slim figure, all too reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” She’s wearing her own designs: a gold-wire and culturedpearl earrings and cuff, what she refers to as the “Nikki Cuff” — her signature style.

Her elegant wire-worked jewelry will be on display in an upcoming “Wearable Art” show Friday, May 10, at her gallery, alongside the work of fellow fineart jewelry and accessory designers Marta Eagle, Chris Bales and Dana Giardina.

She’s only wears her own designs on occasion; she prefers wearing the estate jewelry or jewelry by other artists she collects, such as those featured in the show. But the jewelry-lover is always well accessorized.

“I probably shouldn’t talk about my jewelry-storage situation,” she says with a laugh.

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// Arts&Entertainment "Sea Near Capri" by Sam Stark

Five things that inspire Nikki Sedacca:

"Iris Vase"

by Tommie Rush Glass

"Ringling Bridge II" by Jonathan Ralston

Nikki Sedacca's "Reversible Royal Collar"

Nikki Sedacca's signatu re

"Nikki Cuff"

Montana Taplinger, chimes in.

Both of them giggle. 530 Burns Gallery is a family affair, and it’s apparent they have fun working together.

“We have a great time,” Sedacca says.

Twenty-eight-year-old blonde beauty Taplinger does the marketing and communications for 530 Burns. And she’s the family member who wears her mother’s designs most frequently; her mom even designed her wedding ring. Sedacca considers her daughter the communicator, while she says she does better with the visual side of the business.

In December, they lost the third generation at their business — Marie Woolley, Sedacca’s mother, who worked with Sedacca for more than 20 years. Woolley put pieces together, did bead stringing and helped the clients — many of whom became her friends.

“We haven’t cleaned her desk

out yet,” Sedacca says sadly.

Sedacca grew up attending fashion shows with her fashion model and designer mother and fell into the jewelry design naturally. She worked in the fashion industry until she designed her first paradox necklace that she sold to a girlfriend 20 years ago; Sedacca eventually made a career selling one piece of jewelry at a time.

“I made one, sold it and was able to make two pieces,” she says of her early career.

Now she has wholesale accounts in Great Britain, Puerto Rico, France, Spain, California and Bali. She went from designing when she could afford it; to having a studio on Palm Ave; to exhibiting her designs in traveling shows; exhibiting on cruises; to opening 530 Burns in 2010, which underwent a large addition the following year. The gallery went from being a small gallery featuring fine-art jewelry to, with the expansion, includ-

ing many different mediums and more contemporary artists.

In April, the gallery had its first photography exhibit with an internationally recognized photographer, Tom Suhler.

The family-friendly Burns Court neighborhood is perfect for the family business. But, instead of borrowing a cup of sugar from their neighbors at Owen’s Fish Camp, Sedacca prefers succotash, mussels and Key lime pie.

“There’s a lot of energy happening in Burns Court,” Sedacca says.

Everyone has their own little niche, and Sedacca says the businesses in Burns Court are extremely supportive of each other.

But, her favorite memories are the days she spent working with her mother and daughter.

“It’s a wonderful thing when you’re in business together — and I think we have a love and respect for each other that is unwavering,” Sedacca says.

2. Color — I love unusual color combinations. There is something about the unexpected pairing and pop of color that really catches my attention.

I am always in search of new combinations and often take photos and screenshots along my travels when I see something I like. When I come home to create, these photos inspire me.

3. Beautiful materials — Things like exotic pearls and beautiful stones inspire me. Before I start a piece, I always lay out my materials and am so quickly inspired to get working because

of the individual beauty in the materials, themselves.

4. My travels — The textures, design, craftsmanship and cultural influences of art, jewelry and fashions are so different around the world. My travels to the Far East, South America, India and Europe have influenced my work and I find that upon coming home from one of these trips I take my designs in a new direction with the influences of those things I have seen from afar.

5. People — People and their energy inspire me. Because of this, I always try to surround myself with positive and unique individuals. I am drawn to people who are passionate, hardworking, confident and individual.

My closest family, friends and colleagues are these types of people, and they inspire me on a daily basis.

530 Burns Gallery was a three-generation family affair with her daughter, Montana Taplinger, and mother, Marie Woolley, until Woolley died in December. “We miss her very much,” Nikki Sedacca says. Roxy, right, was a rescue mutt the family got when Taplinger was in middle school. Roxy goes to work every day and knows the command, “go in your office.”

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Herb Ritts Versace Dress, Back View, El Mirage, 1990.

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1. Nature — Nature is my biggest inspiration. I am so inspired by the sea. Being born in Key West and spending my entire life close to the water, I constantly notice that I am drawn to more organic and natural shapes and colors the way they occur in nature.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013

// Arts&Entertainment: COLUMN

HEARD

By Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor | mgnaegy@yourobserver.com individual painting — he can tell you which personality painted each painting, and he knows the stories behind most pieces.

He’s in possession of 76 originals as well as prints, and they can be viewed and purchased at Commodity Exchange, 1918 Bay Road — Ballard is there often. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Call 9541488 for more information.

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

 Riggs takes designs to THE silver screen

“She was a wonderful person and everybody loved her,” Jim Ballard says.

Here he is with some of Shirley Mason’s original art for sale.

Remember the 1976 film, “Sybil,” starring Sally Field? It was the movie based on Shirley Mason, a woman living with dissociative identity disorder (DID) — meaning she lived with 16 alter personalities. She taught art and was also a practicing artist.

The pieces she remembered making herself she signed, “Mason,” but there were other pieces she didn’t remember making that one or more of her alter personalities made. For instance, a woodblock carving with the imprint “M” is believed to have been her male personality Mike, who was a carpenter.

Here’s where this story gets local. Jim Ballard was in the framing business living in Lexington, Ky.,

where Mason lived for many years until her death in 1998. He was at an auction that was selling artwork uncovered in Mason’s basement several years following her death. It was the first art purchase Ballard made.

Since he bought it, he’s lent the collection to museums and national conventions; authors and doctors have studied it; and it has been to both coasts and everywhere in between. After 15 years of picking it up and shipping it out, he has decided to sell it.

“When you get to be as old as I am, you don’t even buy green bananas,” the 83-year-old says of his decision.

“People have been trying to buy it for 15 years!”

Ballard feels like he knows Mason, and he is an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to each

Third-place winner Sydnee Starcher, second-place winner Coy Carter and first-place winner Seline Moon

 High school students compete for most well versed I was invited to judge the April 29 Speaking Volumes Poetry Slam — a spoken-word poetry competition between 18 students from Booker High School, Sarasota Military Academy and Sarasota High School and attended by a couple hundred of their peers at the new Gompertz Theatre, at Florida Studio Theatre.

Spoken word is a cross between poetry and performance art — it’s like reading the lyrics to a song. And it’s an outlet for these students to speak and share their feelings about life.

Topics were deep and heartfelt — a

Bradenton resident Donna Riggs recently designed costumes for Dinesh D’Souza’s “America.”

D’Souza is a conservative political voice who authored the documentary and novel “2016: Obama’s America.” The documentary was a box-office hit, and Riggs says D’Souza hopes “America” will share similar success.

Riggs is not quick to comment on Courtesy the political Actor Erik Conteras, nature of the films, in one of Donna however, Riggs’ costumes, she says with Riggs on set

The Observer launched a web video series in March called “Patron Saints,” in which we recognize area performing-arts venues and the patrons who support them. It’s all in keeping with the idea that Sarasota is an arts city, and these individuals make it possible.

This week’s video showcases Mitchell McKnight, Circus Sarasota board chairman. After seeing a circus performance many years ago, he was inspired Mitchell by the magic to McKnight get involved in a bigger way. But, it’s the programs that keep him donating every year.

One such program, Sailor Circus, teaches kids circus arts and how to accomplish tasks they couldn’t have done before. It gives them confidence and self-esteem, and he thinks that’s worthwhile. You can learn more about this “patron saint” online at yourobserver.com/content/Patron-Saints-378.html.

Stay tuned for future episodes featuring Asolo Repertory Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, PLATO and Venice Theatre.

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few students spoke about modern racism, one about the death of his mother, another about abandonment, and another about a failed suicide attempt. There were some topics everyone could relate to — from young love to broken hearts.

It was clear that poetry has worked like therapy for some of these students, which is what April 11 A&E cover profile Cedric Hameed had intended when he started this competition and educational program.

Comcast aired the competition on local TV and provided cash prizes to the top-three winners.

Each student was given a 1 to 5 in each category of overall performance, creativity and stage presence — totaling a maximum of 15 points. The four judges were given an extremely challenging task — each teen was brave, passionate, intelligent and talented. I had a hard time giving anything below a 15.

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013

// Arts&Entertainment: HIGHLIGHTS

5

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Ringling College seniors talk about their futures Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

The opening exhibit for the Ringling College of Art and Design’s 2013 Senior Thesis Exhibition took place April 27, at Selby Gallery, a division of Ringling College of Art and Design, where all of the photo students’ work is on display through May 2. The evening included a reception for the seniors who are enjoying their final days together.

The Observer got a chance to ask them the million-dollar question — “So, what’s next for you?”

China Vannest, Nicole Geletka, Audra Locicerl and Julia Starkey are seniors who have been friends since freshman year. Vannest’s thesis features a photo shoot of her close friends she met at Ringling College of Art and Design. “It’s about friendship and growing up together as women,” she says.

Senior Leo Costa wants to move to New York and work in a photo rental studio.

Right: Justine Bumpers and mother, Martina. Senior Justine Bumpers is going to grad school at FSU and eventually wants to open up her own gallery and photo studio, but also hopes to teach. Justine Bumpers’ thesis looks into how women are objectified by society. This is called “The Girl who Smokes.”

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THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013

// Arts&Entertainment: Spotlight

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Sarasota Orchestra performs radically different concert Jewish Federation brings Israeli culture to Sarasota via contemporary violinist Miri Ben-Ari, accompanied by Sarasota Orchestra for May 11 ‘Revolutions’ concert.

Howard Tevlowitz says Israel has been portrayed negatively in the news, but that he knows a different side of the country.

“They see wars. They see a lot of intolerance going on in parts of the Middle East,” Tevlowitz, executive director of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee (JFSM), says about what viewers are shown. “The Israel we know has a vibrant arts, performing and cultural community … it’s a country based on positive life, not negativity.”

That is why the nonprofit organization is sponsoring Israeli contemporary violinist Miri Ben-Ari’s May 11 performance, alongside Sarasota Orchestra, called “Revolutions.” Ben-Ari is most well-known for providing the hip-hop violin tracks for famed artists Kanye West, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, and for performing for President Barack Obama.

The concert is part of JFSM’s Israel 65 initiative, which celebrates the 65th birthday of Israel as a country. It’s an opportunity to promote a positive identity for Israel.

Finding her forte

Ben-Ari grew up in a small town in Tel Aviv, Israel, where she says as a little girl she couldn’t have imagined having a career like she has today. Ben-Ari served in the Israel Defense Forc-

es when she turned 18 years old and played for the Israeli Army String Quartet. She was classically trained, but upon the end of her military service, she started playing a lot of jazz. She’s played at venues around the world — in China at the Miss Universe Pageant to Washington, D.C. — and she loves every opportunity she receives to play in Israel. Ben-Ari now lives in New Jersey.

“A lot of Israelis look up to me and are proud of me,” she says.

“I get to represent a different side of Israel — the curly hair, the music, the softer approach, and it’s a great opportunity.”

Ben-Ari will perform four of her songs with the Sarasota Orchestra — it’s the first time she’s played with a full orchestra, and she’s excited.

One song, in particular, called “Never Forget,” was written for her grandparents, who survived the Holocaust.

“People who survived the Holocaust don’t talk about it, and they only shared it with me one time,” she says. Her grandparents shared their stories from the Holocaust with Ben-Ari when she was a young girl working on a family-tree project.

Her songs move through history. One accompanies the audio of Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream”speech; another is more upbeat with Brazilian flair.

Photo courtesy of Noam Galai

“I always liked to think outside the box, but I was so deep in the classical world. It’s hard to break apart from the routine,” says Miri Ben-Ari of her switch to contemporary music.

But she’s never lost her roots.

“I have the Israeli flavor in my personality and my playing,” she says.

Stringing ‘revolutions’ together

Associate Conductor of the Sarasota Orchestra Dirk Meyer is maestro for the Innovations series, of which this “Revolutions” concert is a part. The series’ mission is to present classical music in a new way.

“The idea is to present different compositions and different types of music that have all had some kind of revolutionary impact — they either describe a

revolution or have been revolutionary, themselves,” says Meyer.

A scriptwriter, Steve Schlow, wrote the narration for the concert, and an actor portraying Albert Einstein will lead the audience through revolutionary compositions in history.

In addition to a genre-bending hip-hop classical violinist, there will also be pieces such as Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” which created a riot when it was first performed (the Sarasota Orchestra will perform it almost exactly to the day 100 years later).

There will also be Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 3 (Eroica), First Movement,” which Meyer says,

WE’RE BACK ON THE COURT AND BACK ON THE COURSE.

if you go Innovations: Revolutions When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11 Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Cost: Tickets are $31 to $47 Info: Call 953-4252 “changed the course of classical music.”

“I’m really excited for this one because it’s so different from anything we’ve ever done before,” he says of the concert.

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THURSDAY, May 9, 2013

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// FOOD&COOKING: COLUMN

TIDBITES

by June LeBell | Contributing Columnist | june@junelebell.com  updated menu and FullService Bar at Americano

Café Americano’s general manager, Diego Malatesta, has an operatic name and knows how to hook the music-and-art lovers of Sarasota for a good pre- or post-performance meal.

We happened in there the other night before attending one of La Musica’s concerts and noticed a brand-new menu and a sparkling new bar. The café, which used to serve only wines, has applied for a liquor license and is now serving cocktails and hard liquor to go with its savory Courtesy photos dishes.

Malatesta informed us that the same people all own Café Americano, the rather mysterious Ivory Lounge next door and Sangria, the tapas bar across the street. Interesting, but each serves such distinctly different clientele and food. Even more interesting is that Americano has updated its already excellent menu to include many more inventive pastas, a mouthwatering array of meat and fish dishes and appealing soups and salads that are great as stand-alones or starters.

It’s funny to say an Italian restaurant is “gemutlichkeit,” but that’s exactly what Americano is — a friendly neighborhood hangout that is also a stylish destination for good food and drink.

 Ophelia’s is a Best Bet for Food and View

We recently attended young Maria Wirries’ lovely recital at Siesta Key Chapel. It was a benefit for Haiti and the super-talented 15-year-old singer entertained and sang the socks off us.

That kind of performance calls for a celebration, so we took off down Siesta to Ophelia’s on

Photos by Kim Longstreet

 Indigenous is Ingenious the Bay, got a great table outside, right near the dock, and watched the parade of water craft as we sipped martinis (a Shirley Temple for Maria) and dove into Blue Point oysters with blue crab, cognac and truffle butter, cider-cured bacon and grana padano crumbs that make my mouth water just thinking about them.

Ophelia’s is a classic. I used to go there with my mother in the early 1980s. But, unlike many classics, it’s updated and gotten even better than I remember. From the fresh, crunchy salads to the Pacific Sea Bream, ribeye of beef and breast of duck, it’s one of Sarasota’s finest. Best of all, inside or out, it’s spectacularly beautiful; a restaurant that looks like paradise.

A couple got engaged out on the dock while we were there and when he slipped the ring on her finger and they kissed, we all burst into applause. The bride-to-be cried. The future groom beamed. And they resumed their seats at a romantic table for two by the water. Ahhh …

 TidBitlets

We probably spend more time at two Sarasota breakfast/lunch places than anywhere except home: Station 400 — we frequent the one at 400 North Lemon, although we do occasionally visit the Lakewood Ranch location— and, our home-away-from-home, The

We’d heard about Indigenous but hadn’t managed to get there until recently, when we were out with Dick and Julia Hyman. The old farm-house setting, with a porch we’d all kill for, makes me feel as if I’m in my old Kentucky home that happens to have a gourmet kitchen, alcove rooms that, by candlelight, are more romantic than a French country inn, a couch and settee corner space that’s perfect for an amorous tête-à-tête and food to die for.

The ingredients are, like the name of the restaurant, homegrown and very original. My Uncle’s Burger, although more well done than

Serving Spoon, on Osprey Avenue.

We don’t talk about either one that often because, well, we sort of take them for granted.

Yet, we can be found at both of them for late breakfasts and noontime lunches more than we care to admit. Why? They have the best food, the most comfortable settings and the most amiable staffs.

Station 400 on North Lemon has our favorite salads served

I like, is the nouveaucomfort cuisine that’s making its way around the country. But the best thing on the menu the night we were there was a wild mushroom bisque that was so rich in loamy, earthy flavors with slices of textured mushrooms, it would make a meal in itself.

The menu changes with availability and market quality. The atmosphere remains consistently yummy. Whether seated on the porch or inside, this Towles Court piece of artistic gastronomy is Sarasota’s truly inventive side. at comfy tables in a garden surrounded by bougainvillea and serenaded by Jonathon Schwartz via Sirius Satellite’s top forties from the 1940s. On a sunny, balmy Sarasota afternoon, it’s pure bliss, especially since we’ve gotten to know the charming wait staff and they make us feel like family.

The Serving Spoon has been home for years — first in its old digs on Beneva and Clark, and now on Osprey where the walls are lined with family photos and the menu Craig and Natasha have put together makes us feel as if we’re home, but we don’t have to do the dishes. We love it. We love them. And we feel well fed, in spirit and body.

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// HOME&GARDEN : home of the month

by Robert Plunket | Contributing Writer (continued from page 1)

Classic on the Key

A Siesta Key home showcases the genius of architect Ralph Twitchell — half a century later.

 A dining patio is perfect for alfresco meals.

 An outdoor corridor seperates the two main living areas.

 The George Nelson lighting fixture in the dining area is original to the home.  A mid-century clock adds a period touch.

In a town where architecture counts, one name stands out — Ralph Twitchell. He began his career in 1926 as construction manager for the Cá d’Zan and ended it as the mentor and father figure for the highly influential Sarasota School of Architecture. Along the way, he designed homes in a variety of styles — Mediterranean revival, Florida vernacular — but it was his innovative take on Modernism that earned him a place in the history books.

Twitchell homes are studied by architectural scholars and highly prized by homeowners looking for unique midcentury designs.

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, many have been torn down or remodeled beyond recognition. But, the Rae home, on Siesta Key, remains true to the architect’s vision more than 50 years after it was built. And, after a sensitive renovation by its new owner, it shines more brightly than ever.

It displays all the instantly recognizable elements of the Sarasota style. It’s simple in plan and shape, a perfect blending of house and land. The building materials

were state of the art for the period: plate glass, Ocala block, terrazzo, and cypress, the classic — and most practical — Florida wood.

From the street, the Rae House (named after its original owners) presents a rather conventional façade, yet one with a bit of drama: large gated doors, painted a deep red, identify the entrance and hint at something Asian. Like most Sarasota School homes, it is on the small side. Exactly how small is open to interpretation, because outdoor living areas surround the home and there are two separate structures, with a grandly proportioned breezeway/main hall dividing the two.

The main structure contains a large living room, with 10-foot ceilings and a wall of glass that opens to the pool and lanai. There is also a kitchen, dining area, master bedroom and bath. The master bedroom has a low ceiling and is not as light — the Sarasota School usually does it this way. Public spaces are big, bright and dramatic, while the bedrooms are designed as shady retreats. A walled patio for dining opens off the kitchen.

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013

9

// HOME&GARDEN

KitchenS

BedroomS

 The pool and lanai overlook a Siesta Key canal.

viser who grew up in Sarasota. While house hunting in 2009, she came across the Rae House and fell in love.

True, it was in a state of “benign neglect” and needed a lot of work.

“Many of my friends looked at me as though I’d lost my mind,” she recalls.

However, she went ahead and bought it anyway.

Her first task was to update the kitchen and baths. The kitchen was opened up to the living room and lanai via a breakfast bar, now sheathed in rich golden granite. New cabinets were added, but their honey-hued birch doors have a perfect mid-century look. And over the dining table hangs an iconic George Nelson lamp, original to the house.

The most onerous task was getting rid of the carpet. It had been glued down to the original terrazzo floors and it took a month of hard work to remove.

Much of the cypress paneling had been

BathroomS

BuiLt-inS

wallpapered or painted pink, and this also had to be restored and refinished.

Much more fun was adapting the house for the owner’s two rescue dogs, Homer and Iris. A discrete doggie door was installed in the master bedroom, allowing them access to a fenced-in garden, planted exclusively with fragrant white flowers, such as jasmine and gardenias.

“It was a big project,” the owner says of the renovation. “But there was never a day I regretted my decision.” *** Twitchell’s career has been somewhat overshadowed by that of his protégé, Paul Rudolph, who designed a brilliant set of modernist beach homes and then left Sarasota to become dean of Yale’s school of architecture and gained international acclaim as one of the great American architects. Today, though, Twitchell’s work is being reappraised and appreciated in its own right. His homes have their own special

FLoorinG

qualities. With their cypress paneling and cream-colored Ocala block, the effect is warm and relaxing — almost cozy. They are a far cry from the stark white interiors that the public usually associates with modern architecture.

The Rae House is late Twitchell, designed in 1960 when the architect was 70 years old.

With years of experience behind him and with his ideas clearly worked out and clarified, it is his vision distilled to its essence. Everything works.

Lessons learned from a lifetime of earlier projects have been incorporated and perfected. The result may well be the ultimate Twitchell house and a Sarasota icon in its own right.

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Across the breezeway is the rest of the house — a separate space containing two rooms and a bath. They are smart, chic and simple. The current owner has the areas set up as a guest room and an office.

The feeling in the interior is pure mid-century beach house, albeit with the luxury factor amped up considerably. Everywhere you look are elegant planes and right angles, with clerestory windows in most rooms, and walls of glass that admit sunlight, well-diffused by wide overhangs. Originally designed to function without air-conditioning, the house’s jalousie windows have been replaced with solid glass in the service of energy efficiency. However, when the current owner comes home in the evening, she often opens the glass sliders to enjoy the breeze coming off the bay. *** The current owner is a financial ad-

 The fireplace with a built-in bench provide a focal point for the living room.  A new stool blends in with period furnishings.

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 The renovated kitchen boasts new cabinets and granite counter tops.

YourObserver.com

DIVERSIONS

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, may 9, 2013

13

// Arts&Entertainment: reviews

“Theatre of Dreams” is always one of this critic’s favorite shows of the Sarasota Ballet season. The Sarasota Ballet’s own dancers get to choreograph and produce their own pieces starring their colleagues. It’s an incredible glimpse into each dancer’s unique creativity that stretches beyond their own amazing performing and dancing abilities.

This year’s lineup of choreographers — Ricardo Graziano, Kate Honea, Jamie Carter, Ricki Bertoni and Logan Learned — did not disappoint. Each dancer’s piece was entirely different from the other in theme, type of dance and music, which created a wonderful and varied program that appealed to all tastes of the audience. An added bonus this year was every piece was performed with live music; some pieces had the musicians on stage with the dancers, making it an evening of the utmost delight.

Both the dancer choreographers and the dancers performing their choreography are to be admired. Remember that just two weeks ago the entire company was performing Sir Frederick Ashton’s full-length story ballet, “La Fille mal Gardée.” And, voila! — they’ve turned around five new world premieres. Now we know why they all are so thin. That is called serious work ethic.

Just as the entire show gives a peek into each dancer’s creative process, Learned’s ballet, “Scene de Ballet,” set to Charles Auguste de Beriot’s “Scene de Ballet, Op. 100,” was a glimpse into what a day at work for the Sarasota Ballet might be like. Learned weaved humor through his choreography.

The entire cast was spot on and maybe even a little type-casted as well. The cast included dedicated dancer Rita Duclos who wanted to practice at every turn. Honea depicted the ballet diva perfectly, while Elizabeth Sykes was the naïve newbie, hoping to get the attention of the prince charming, Bertoni.

Photo by Frank Atura

Juan Gil performed in Ricardo Graziano’s “Valsinhas” Graziano’s choreographic skills are obviously being honed here at the Sarasota Ballet with many of his works from neoclassic to dramatic to this year’s contemporary piece. His talent is ever evident. “Valsinhas” included a cast of five men that alternated performances with a cast of five women.

With Jonathan Spivey playing on the piano, the five men performed 24 mini pieces that varied between solos and different diver-

tissements. The movements were geometric, using different isolated movements and seemed to be very much inspired from working with Dominic Walsh.

The audience delighted in every piece and rightly so. It was a magical and fun end to the season. What’s more exciting is the first show to open the 2013-2014 season is next year’s version of “Theatre of Dreams.”

— Anna Dearing

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DANCE

Carter demonstrated for the second year in a row that he is adept at the neo-classical style reminiscent of George Balanchine.

With a large cast of females, “Concordium,” set to George Rochberg’s “String Quartet No. 5,” included a variety of interesting formations. The choreography was full of long legs, lines and numerous developpés.

Ryoko Sadoshima blossomed in her role leading the first movement with Bertoni.

She demonstrated a new-found maturity not only in her dance technique, but that of stage presence as well. The second movement featured Learned and his three blond partners Honea, Sara Scherer and Anais Blake. And it seems as though Carter has found a perfect muse in Christine Peixoto, who performed a perfect pas de deux with David Tlaiye.

Veering from her usual spunky story ballets, Honea choreographed a lovely nonstory piece, “Baroque and Blues,” set to Claude Bolling’s music of the same name.

As the title suggests, the music was a mixture of classical and jazzy themes, which Honea perfectly translated into her choreography. The entire cast, which was comprised of eight women, four men and the leading couple of Duclos and Carter, seemed to delight in their own dancing. There were many broad smiles on stage. Carter did an exceptional job as the lead cavalier and danced with just the right amount of male bravura.

Bertoni is probably the quirkiest one of this choreographer crew. Last year he debuted his choreographic skills with “Too Hip to be Square” — an electronic popcontemporary piece. This year he turned more Broadway with “Ragtop” set to Scott Joplin’s music of the same name. The cast, with seven women dressed in all black with white gloves and brown blunt-cut bob wigs and five men, danced a fabulously entertaining piece that included tricks, humor and inventive choreography.

The evening concluded with Ricardo Graziano’s “Valsinhas,” set to Franz Schubert’s “24 Valses Sentimentales.”

14

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, may 9, 2013

// Arts&Entertainment: reviews Presenting Fine Properties from

THEATER

MARK HUBER

// ‘Second Samuel’

RountRee dRive

The pleasant-and-charming play about acceptance, currently running at Venice Theatre’s Mainstage, is a gentle reminder of what really matters in life. Set in 1949, the tale reflects life in a small Southern town, similar to the mill town in Georgia, where its author, Pamela Parker, was born, and populated by folks who all know and gossip about one another.

Parker began writing plays in the late 1980s; her first three were one acts produced in New York City. “Second Samuel” is her first fulllength play, and in 1992 was named best original play by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Director Murray Chase brings out both the comedy and the pathos of the material, especially enjoyable when it pokes fun at gender. The stage is divided into three settings. Stage left is Omaha, Neb.’s beauty shop, where the women gather. Center stage is a small house designated for “Piano Lessons”; and stage right is occupied by the Bait and Brew, where the men down a few and chew the fat. The design is most effective in Act 2, as the townsfolk’s reactions to a startling and significant event are hilariously contrasted.

Hunter Cross plays B-Flat, the main character and a mentally challenged young man who also serves as narrator. Cross’ performance rings touching and true in both posture and speech, reminiscent of Tom Hanks as “Forrest Gump.” The other well-defined characters, all quite nicely played in ensemble fashion, include Frisky, played by Mike Gilbert; Carroll Hunter as U.S.; Allan Kollar as Mansel;

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Hunter Cross and Carroll Hunter play good friends B-Flat and U.S in “Second Samuel.”

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Douglas Snure as Mr. Mozel; Lori Chase as Omaha; Kim Kollar as Jimmy DeeAnne; Arianna DeCecco as Ruby; Nancy Denton as Marcela; Jim Lovett as Doc; and Neil Kasanofsky as June.

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FILM // ‘Disconnect’

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Hope Davis and Jason Bateman star in “Disconnect.”

In the new film, “Disconnect,” be prepared to re-examine your online activities. Director Henry Alex Rubin doesn’t get preachy about our obsession with the Internet. Instead, he treats it as a fact of life. But he also delves into the dangerous repercussions of seemingly innocuous behavior when being online gets horribly out of control.

Three interlocking stories are told simultaneously, all of which are rapidly approaching devastating outcomes. Rich Boyd (Jason Bateman) and his wife, Lydia (Hope Davis), have a loner son, Ben (Jonah Bobo), who’s targeted by two cyber bullies. Derek Hull (Alexander Skarsgard) and wife, Cindy (Paula Patton), have recently lost their baby and she seeks solace on a bereavement website, while he hunts down the identity theft who’s put them in financial straits.

And TV reporter Nina Durham (Andrea Riseborough) is trying to make a name for herself by exposing an underage sex ring through interviews with an Internet teen porn star (Max Thieriot).

Frank Grillo plays an ex-cop, cyber detective who helps the Hulls with their identity theft and also just happens to be the father of one of the cyber bullies. There’s a lot of intertwining going on in “Disconnect” but it works beautifully. And fear not, one doesn’t have to be technically savvy to get what’s going on in

this gripping, emotionally charged film.

Moreover, “Disconnect” is all about reconnecting. Sons and fathers, husbands and wives, exploiters and victims of exploitation all come full circle to confront their demons and rectify their mistakes. Rubin — directing his first feature film (widely known for his outstanding documentary “Murderball”) — scores high marks for his insightful forage into human suffering. He also manages to extract first-rate performances from all of the actors.

Jason Bateman, the master of deadpan humor (“Horrible Bosses”) is magnificently heartbreaking as a grieving father whose only way to understand his son is via his computer. And Andrea Riseborough’s character’s astounding transformation is both visually and emotionally astounding. There’s absolutely no bad casting in this must-see film.

There’s a shocking scene in which Ben’s sister spits into her best friend’s face.

And it hit me — this was a moment of real, genuine contact. Up to that point everyone communicated technologically. If anything, “Disconnect” demonstrates that the lack of human connections can have tragic consequences. Beware.

— Pam Nadon

Online Read Popcorn Bob's Movie Magic reviews of “Iron Man 3,” “The Big Wedding” and “The Company You Keep.”

Black Tie

INSIDE: Gems of Philanthropy Luncheon PAGE 18

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, May 9, 2013

Brent and Kristan Hamill

d Margaret Barnes Steve Seidensticker an

The pink table

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Nancy Zivitz, Harold Ronson and Nancy Markle

By Rachel S. O’Hara | Black Tie Photographer

Jerry Feinstein recruited the most guests to the 3rd annual “Men Who Cook.”

The 3rd annual “Men Who Cook,” benefiting Asolo Repertory Theatre, took place Sunday, April 28, at the Longboat Key Club Harbourside Dining Room. Beverly Bartner, Molly Schechter and Margaret Wise chaired the foodie event, with Judi Gallagher serving as the culinary director. The Longboat Key Club and Resort served as the main sponsor for the evening, with plenty of help from Food and Beverage Director Bob Weil.

Fun table themes added to the festive event. Jerry Feinstein, who sold the most tables, featured an Argentinean theme; and his guests wore fake mustaches. There were also Moroccan tables, a pink table, a Mardi gras table and a Kentucky Derby

table.

The 23 chefs, five of whom have participated all three years, entered the dining room for the “parade of chefs,” which was led by Victoria Schuster, a bagpiper from Sarasota High School. Following their procession, the chefs manned their designated stations and began serving up a wide range of dishes including Irish country quiche, Argentinean meat and vegetarian empanadas, grillades and grits, 19-ingredient Irish stew, Kentucky bourbon burgoo and brisket of beef. Following dinner Scott Anderson with Gail and Skip Sack was dessert and an old-fashioned cakeand-hat auction.

The fun-filled event even recruited Yara Shoemaker cooks for next year. If you’re interested and Bob in being a “Men Who Cook,” contact the Bartner Asolo Repertory Theatre.

Jon Thaxton, Dru Greene and Dr. David Shoemaker

Linda Stewart, John Bushman and J.J. McCarthy

Chairwomen Judi Gallagher, Beverly Bartner, Molly Schechter and Margaret Wise

BJ Creighton, Kevin Keeney, Monee Arpin and Sandy Elliott

16

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, may 9, 2013

// BLACK TIE: COLUMN

tales

by Black Tie Staff

David Chaifetz, Chris McGee, Edie Chaifetz and Brad Goddard

 Da capo a fine …

Courtesy photo

When PNC Wealth Management came into town a few years ago, one of the first organizations to benefit was the Sarasota Opera. The wealth management group’s patronage continues strong: On April 29, PNC hosted its third annual dinner for the opera board at the Hyatt, celebrating the season and anticipating the next. Among the guests: board President Don Worthington and wife Rachel; Vice President David Chaifetz and wife Edie; Les and Carol Brualdi; Erik and Sandra Lindqvist; Murray and Kay Bring; and Larry and Carol English.

Veena Shrestha, Kim Lakey, Karyn Santi, Lauren Blomster, mommy-to-be Montana Taplinger, Erin Hart, Ali Thompson, Kara Cosse, Lauren O’Donoghue and Ashley Gruters It was the girliest of showers, and perfect for mom-to-be Montana Taplinger. Her daughter, to be named Annabelle Marie (to honor the maternal grandmothers of both Montana and husband Irwin), is due July 10.

Montana was feted by her girlfriends April 28, at the home of hostess Erin Hart. Themed “Pink and Pearls,” the shower included pinkstriped popcorn containers labeled “Ready to Pop,” a candy bar, cake pops as favors and pink everywhere. Each attendee was given a blank birthday card for one year of Annabelle’s life and wrote a happy birthday message for Montana to give her for that year.

“I cannot wait to present her with one card each year and read them alongside her someday,” Taplinger says.

 Tea and poetry

Sandra Hanan, who recently relocated from Siesta Key to the Ritz-Carlton towers,

hosted friends and neighbors April 25.

The occasion was a poetry reading donated by writer Lucia Blinn Photos by Molly Schechter to a Beth Hostess Sandra Hanan with Shalom poet Lucia Blinn and guest Sisterhood Nancy Zivitz auction and purchased by Hanan. Blinn read several of her poems and presented personally inscribed books to delighted guests, including Mickey Fine, Lee Levins, Zita Desenberg, Linda Roenbluth, Iris Rappaport and former Longboat Key resident Nancy Zivitz, visiting from Washington, D.C.

Sound bite of the week … At last week’s Gems of Philanthropy luncheon, philanthropist Betty Schoenbaum said it best: “People who give have a lower rate of depression, a longer life and a better sex life. So be a giver.” Now you see her, now you don’t … Kathy Cole was barely back in her Colorado home, after several months in Thailand, when she popped into town to attend a private memorial service April 23, and stayed just long enough to go to the Asolo Rep’s “Men Who Cook” event April 28. She plans to stay a bit longer on a June visit … Overheard … Gloria Moss at a recent event saying, “I go to everything,” Yes, and in doing so, she supports a great many worthy organizations.

The calendar calls

Sheila Zinder, left, planned the surprise party for her friend Sylvia Pastor’s 70th

 Cooking for the cook

On Longboat Key, where many a condo bought new are sold 10 years later with the instruction books still in the never-turned-onoven, Sylvia Pastor is one-of-a-kind. She loves to cook and does it often. Her dear friends, Sheila and Merrill Zinder, came up with the perfect idea for a surprise party to celebrate her 70th birthday: an interactive dinner during which the guests did the cooking of four glorious courses. The April 23 cook-a-thon, at Michael’s Wine Cellar, was indeed a surprise.

BT is collecting events for the 20132014 Black Tie social calendar — if we don’t know about it, we can’t cover it!

Email the following information to stephanie@yourobserver.com: name of your event; group hosting; group benefiting; time, date and place; ticket price; chairperson; contact name; phone number and email; website and event description.

Black Tie’s “Occasions” column details of some of the most fabulous local weddings and engagement announcements.

Whether you attended the most-talked about event of the year or want to announce your own nuptials, send your engagement and wedding announcements to stephanie@yourobserver.com.

So long, snowbirds!

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 Blooming babies

 Tidbits

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blacktie

A highlight was the first outing for the Pastors’ newest grandbaby (No. 13): Scott and Keely Pastor’s 5-week-old daughter, Violet.

Among the guests: Chuck and Betty Ewing, Charles and Connie Cotros, John and Mary Mitchell, Rita Zaccone, David and Angela Stowe, Roz Fleischer and Bert Raimi, Benjamin and Sandy Krauss, Terri Neis and Evans Tillis. Sylvia is perhaps most famous for her cookies, and guests went home with a small bag labeled “Cookies NOT baked by Lady Sylvia.”

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, may 9, 2013

17

// BLACK TIE: Camera ready

// SPARCC Princess and Pirate Ball //

Benefiting Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center Saturday, May 4, at Sarasota Polo Grounds

Aidan and Adelle Reed

Ryan and Sarah Lodge with their son, R.J.

Kelly and Stephen Fernandez with their daughter, Alyson

Kevin and Chairwoman Denise West with their children, Kayden and Kylie

Aaliyah has her face painted by Lisa Singeisen.

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

Camden and Colt Chalmers “walk the plank”

We celeb rate our

PLYMOUTH HARBOR

A SPECTACULAR VIEW OF RETIREMENT

PATRON Saints

www.PlymouthHarbor.org A Not-for-Profit Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) OIR #88039

700 John Ringling Blvd.

Sarasota, FL 34236

LV5168

941-444-1017

of the

Thanks to YOUR generosity, our community raised nearly $2.8 million to benefit area nonprofits – including numerous arts organizations – during the Giving Partner 36-Hour Giving Challenge. Thank you!

LV5172

Arts

This week’s featured patron is:

Mitchell Mc Knight

Patron Saints is an online video series that spotlights performing-arts venues around town and the patrons who donate to them. Check the series out online at yourobserver.com or scan the QR code!

Monday - Saturday 4:00-11:00 Closed Sunday’s 1213 N. Palm Ave. | www.casanticarestaurant.com In the Theatre District Call for Reservations 941- 366 -1840

112144 LV5173

112144

Board chairman of Circus Sarasota, Mitchell McKnight, first became a patron because of the magic of the circus—he had to be apart of it. The programs and community initiatives have kept him donating annually. He believes Sailor Circus gives children the important qualities of confidence, self-esteem and is a positive outlet for them.

LV5171

Proud supporter of Circus Sarasota

18

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, may 9, 2013

// BLACK TIE: Camera ready

// Gems of Philanthropy Luncheon: Celebrating Women’s Philanthropy//

Observer readers and

Benefiting AFP – Southwest Florida Chapter | Tuesday, April 30, at Michael’s On East

advertisers are a class act.

They have high expectations.

They expect the best.

We strive to deliver the best — in print and online, every day, every week.

Photos by Rachel S. O’Hara

We are proud that the Local Media Association, an organization of 2,200 newspapers in the U.S. and Canada, named two of our papers

Laura Alston and Anne Mosle

Linda de Mello and Roxie Jerde

2 O12 Newspapers of the Year!

Scott Hinckley and Sue Seiter

You deserve the best!

Stan and Halie Fulton

/ObserverGroup 108042

/ObserverGroup

Doris Berkey and Jane Lautner

Charlie Ann Syprett and Victoria Finley

Audrey Coleman and Joan Kemeny Paru

Monica Slater Van Buskirk and Michele Strauss

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, may 9, 2013

// BLACK TIE

by Stephanie Hannum | Diversions Managing Editor

guestfashioneditor

NIGHTTIME

Marilee Roberts loves to dress up, but she especially loves to accessorize.

After returning from trips abroad and being complimented on her jewelry finds, Roberts started importing unique jewelry handcrafted by European artisans — and thus her company, TréborStyle, was created.

 TIMMY WOODS HANDBAG “These handbags are handcrafted wood — the designer signs each piece. He also replants each tree he uses.”

“My style is fashionable and timeless with a trendy edge. I like clean lines, not too fussy, and I love color. I believe accessories make the outfit and create your individual style.”

 BADGLEY MISCHKA DRESS “This dress is so comfortable and easy to accessorize.”

DAYTIME HALE BOB TOP

“My typical day look consists of slacks and a top. I never go anywhere without at least a pair of earrings and a bracelet on. A bold necklace and a great pair of shoes can dress up any outfit and gives you the freedom of creating many different looks and being whomever you wish.”

Photos by Stephanie Hannum

GUCCI SHOES

FERRAGAMO HANDBAG

SKI NN Y

JEA NS

 ‘VENUS’ NECKLACE “Beguiling and magnetic in its interpretation of the cosmic universe. The richness of this necklace is in the luminosity of the stones and the blend of chromatic tones.”

RIC H&

 PHILOSOPHY CLEAR MAKEUP “I’m a shopaholic online, especially with makeup. I like trying new things.”  TORY BURCH SHOES “I never wear flats — I feel my outfit it more complete with heels.”

 ‘JOLIE MOME’ NECKLACE “A stunning collar necklace that is a homage to the regality and refinement of ancient Egypt. The simple lines and soft pastel colors of pink, white and coral make this an easy necklace to wear alone, as a statement piece or under a blouse as an accent piece. It has also been featured in Vogue Italia and is a limited edition.”  ‘OVALE’ NECKLACE “This magnificent bib necklace blends the harmonious design of complex lines with the simplicity of black and white. Is is sensual in its shape, yet elegant.”

Want to be the next guest fashion editor? If you think your wardrobe's worthy, email Diversions Managing Editor Stephanie Hannum at stephanie@yourobserver.com.

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THURSDAY, may 9, 2013

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5239 University Parkway Sarasota | 941-359-0001

Visit us in Tampa, Ft Myers and Brandon.

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includes bottomless salad, entree and dessert LV5608

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15 south ristorante • andrea’s • anna Maria Oyster Bar Landside • Beachhouse restaurant • Bijou Cafe • Blu Que island Grill • Bridge street Bistro • Broken egg (expo Center) • Broken egg (Lakewood ranch) • Broken egg (siesta Key) • Cafe Baci • Cafe Continental • Cafe Gabbiano • Cafe Venice • Caragiulos • Ceviche tapas Bar & restaurant • Ciao! italia • Crow’s Nest • Derek’s Culinary Casual • Drunken Poet Cafe • Duval’s New world Cafe • euphemia haye • Fast n Fresh • Gold rush BBQ • Gulf Drive Cafe & tiki • half shell Oyster house • harry’s Continental Kitchens • Lobster Pot • Lynches Pub & Grub • Madfish Grill • Mar Vista Dockside restaurant & Pub • mi Pueblo • Michael’s On east • Ophelia’s on the Bay • Ortygia • Pattigeorge’s • Pier 22 restaurant • Polo Grill & Bar • Primo! ristorante • riverhouse reef & Grill • rotten ralph’s • salute! restaurant • sandbar seafood & spirits • the savory street • sharky’s on the Pier • siesta Key Oyster Bar • soMa Diner • square 1 south tamiami trail • square 1 University Parkway • Vertoris Pizza house • Village Cafe • the waterfront restaurant