Arts + Entertainment 2.16.23

INSIDE:

<BIG SHOES: Asolo’s new producing artistic director discusses his vision and hopes for the theater. 3

BLACK TIE INSIDE:

ORCHID BALL: Selby Gardens pays tribute to the Gilded Age with stained glass gala 8 >

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

WHAT IS ART?

nity centers, health care practices and many more “common” places, along with a postcard takeaway version.

One of the first spots to exhibit one of the first broadsides, which Butterfield referred to as “Moon” was the Sarasota fitness and community center known, at that time, as Our Y (now CoreSRQ), where Butterfield and Carson continue to be members.

The artwork was Butterfield’s, and Carson curated the poem, “On the Spirit of the Heart as Moon-Disk,” by 12th Century Japanese poet Kojijú.

When talking about art, it’s a huge understatement to say that there’s no singular agreement about its definition or purpose.

But it’s plain to see what art means to 3-year-old Sarasota nonprofit Art in Common Places.

“Our belief that art belongs to everyone is at the heart of Art in Common Places,” explains artist Leslie Butterfield.

This singularly unique organization, run entirely by volunteers, was founded in 2020 by Butterfield, a visual artist, poet Teresa Carson and businesswoman Cynthia Burnell.

“The word ‘common’ refers to the types of places we want to place our broadsides. We are especially interested in places where people who might not otherwise have access to art and poetry live or visit,” she adds.

By broadside, Butterfield is referring to the 18-by-12-inch posters designed and produced from the artistic output of a six-week collaboration between a carefully selected and matched artist and poet. Once they are created by volunteer designer Jeff Haste of Deerbrook Editions, and then printed, broadsides are entered into monthly rotating exhibitions located in libraries, commu-

“The artwork was vibrant, and the poem spoke about the human connection,” says Pamela Peters, CoreSRQ member engagement director. “It was relevant to what was going on in society at the time (the COVID-19 pandemic) and everyone just said, ‘wow.’”

One of the newest broadsides, just beginning to rotate into exhibitions, represents the collaboration between artist Pamela Olin and poet Don McLagan, both of Sarasota.

“I didn’t know I was being considered, but I do know Leslie and Teresa from other art stuff around town,” says Olin, who is a lifelong artist and teacher. “The one thing I requested was a ‘live’ poet. I wanted someone I could have a dialogue with.”

As it turned out, she already knew McLagan. Olin says the two agreed to have weekly meetings via Facetime to collaborate, and during the calls, McLagan was also able to see Olin’s studio and what she was working on.

“A sculpture I was just beginning sparked his imagination,” Olin says.

“The sculpture and poem speak to each other and the viewer about understanding,” says McLagan. The result of this inspiration and collaboration is the broadsheet called

When I meditate I elevate into a stratosphere where my tragedies dissipate, into an aroma of triumph that never disintegrates, I inhale until my soul inflates, exhale love with every breath I take, my heart song resonates, I become weightless in this space, where dreams regenerate, here I have anticipated being emancipated, certain that I am uncertain, I take steps to be still in this place, no longer will I hesitate, my eyes closed, with my third eye wide open, I can see heaven’s gates, falling through my rock bottom to pursue love in the pits of Hell for Heaven’s sake, the flames of life still fight off the shadows of doubt and for that I say Namaste ...

EMILY LEINFUSS CONTRIBUTOR

For Art in Common Places, the answer of ‘what is art?’ lies in collaboration, community and understanding.

“Emma Booker” by artist Clifford McDonald. Displayed with poem, “A Beautiful Place,” (below) by Cedric Hameed.

Courtesy photos

in Common Places founders Cynthia Burnell, Leslie Butterfield and Teresa Carson.

“Moon” by artist Leslie Butterfield. Displaed with poem, “On the Spirit of the Heart as Moon-Disk,” by 12th Century Japanese poet Kojijú.

ART

“Spiral Reflections.” During a recent presentation at Sarasota’s Art Ovation Hotel, McLagan described his side of the collaborative process and why the poem begins with the line, “You speak; I hear,” and ends with the word “understanding.”

McLaglan says he was inspired by the English novelist and poet Lewis Carroll who, in his published letters wrote, “One of the hardest things in the world is to convey a meaning accurately from one mind to another.”

Turns out that’s true even within the closest collaboration. It wasn’t until Olin heard McLaglan’s commentary that she “grokked” that the line, “tap tap the bones of my ears,” was referring to how the stones that lined up to form the spirals in her artwork could be seen as the shape of a cochlea — the sensory organ of hearing.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

They probably weren’t thinking about the Gettysburg Address when Butterfield and Carson first founded Art in Common Places on Zoom in February 2020.

But they most certainly were acting to put the beneficial influence of art into the purview of all — just as Abraham Lincoln was doing for democracy.

“We are especially interested in (placing exhibitions) where people who might not otherwise have access to art and poetry live or visit,” says Butterfield.

Barely a month later, the two founders met a fellow art enthusiast — Burnell — and invited her to join their fledgling venture.

“I remember it like it was yesterday,” says Burnell, whose career had been in cable television development. “I’d joined Arts Advocates when it was making the change from the Fine Art Society of Sarasota. We had a fundraiser that Leslie attended, and I invited her to our next meeting. She showed up with Teresa.”

Meanwhile, Butterfield and Car-

CONVERSATION

You speak; I hear. Your words swirl, pulse pixels of air, and tap ... tap tap the bones of my ears.

I know the words you send, their definition, syllables, their sound. I could repeat, even spell them back to you, so you could say yes ... yes, he listened. But what you say bears the worn emerald of your scars and celebrations, and I attend with the amber of my own. In the translucence between us, we search suspended shapes and shadows for understanding.

son were brainstorming about how to bring art and poetry to more people. Separately, Carson had been emailing a weekly missive on poetry.

“Teresa was choosing poems and offering her insight on them — using them to relate to what was happening in the world at the time,” Burnell says.

“I had a very widespread poetry community in the New York/New Jersey area, but when I moved to Sarasota in 2017, I couldn’t find the poets. To keep my sanity, I started these weekly poem blasts,” says Carson, whose latest poetry book “Metamorphoses, Book XVI” was published June 2022 by Deerbrook Editions.

It wasn’t long before the poet and the artist created their first broadsheet, called “Moon,” and launched Art in Common Places on Zoom. A month later, they approached Burnell, soliciting her input and asking if she would join them.

“It felt like the early days of cable TV when anything might be possible,” she says.

Then came COVID-19. Burnell says ironically, one of the benefits of the pandemic for the group was that it allowed them to focus on Art in Common Places because so many other things were paused. “The rest of your life was pretty much gone,” says Burnell.

The all-volunteer organization

had significant successes within its first eight months. Ken Waters, VP of resident services at Sarasota Housing Authority embraced the concept, along with the director of Libraries and Historical resources at Sarasota County. Then it won a 2021 Fellowship Award from Halo Arts Project.

“We’ve been fortunate to have many volunteers and financial supporters,” says Butterfield, who noted that included the three founders, and Tonya Eubank, who joined the leadership team as community liaison and volunteer coordinator in 2021. There’s also a team of helpers who switch out and mount new exhibitions in 70-plus places in Sarasota.

ART FAR AND WIDE

One of those places where Art in Common Places has exhibits is Sarasota’s Harvest House, which is a multipurposeful nonprofit that provides affordable housing for individuals, families and young adults in transition from homelessness, incarceration and many other related services.

“When (Art in Common Places) reached out to us about placing art in our campuses and programs, we thought it was a great fit,” says Harvest House Development Director Emilie Campos. “Many of our clients don’t have access to art or exhibitions, so to have them right where they live, and where they can take a

postcard sample with them, works out perfectly.”

Campos noted that when it comes down to having food for your children or paying to go to a museum, food will trump art every time, which makes having free access to art even more valuable.

Purely by coincidence, artist Clifford McDonald joined Harvest House as marketing coordinator in February 2022, after he had collaborated on the Art in Common Places broadsheet “Emma Booker” with the poet Cedric Hameed in 2021. That piece became one of the first Art in Common Places’ Harvest House exhibits.

“We hear from our directors and case managers that our clients are surprised, grateful and encouraged by the exhibitions,” says McDonald. “They appreciate it’s there for them, and that it’s not just a one-time thing.”

“I think it’s great that the artwork is paired with poetry — especially in this environment where our clients deal with different kinds of traumas, McDonald says. “They may connect with the message, and it may help them deal with the struggles they are facing.”

Seeing art is inspirational — as Art in Common Places, and McDonald well knows: “We have a lot of people who love making art or writing poetry to express what they’ve been through.”

“Spiral Reflections” by artist Pamela Olin. Displayed with poem (at left) by Don McLagan

“When (Art in Common Places) reached out to us about placing art in our campuses and programs, we thought it was a great fit.”

Emilie Campos, Harvest House development director

Peter Rothstein, the Father of Reinvention

dragged on for months. That allowed for several in-depth interviews and a meeting of the minds.

The board also liked Rothstein’s futurist philosophy —and the feeling was mutual.

“I could see they weren’t stuck in the past,” he says. “They were dreaming about what was to come.”

Initially, the board dug into nittygritty details. How would he implement his ‘living theater’ vision at the Asolo? What would it cost? Finally, they asked him to boil it down. What do you want to do with the Asolo Rep?

Rothstein replied in one sentence:

wrights, composers and lyricists — and support the refining workshop process. Development isn’t cheap.

But Rothstein thinks it’s worth it.

As Rothstein sees it, development is a midwife process. It brings a wave of original plays, musicals and opera into the world. New voices. New stories. Risky experiments. Not the same old same old. The “future of American theater,” in other words.

The Asolo Rep would launch these cutting-edge creations. They’d then move on to national and international stages.

That’s Rothstein’s vision for the Asolo Rep’s future. Or part of it.

He plans other big changes. But he’d implement them gradually. No purges. Rothstein believes in evolution, not revolution. Baby steps, not giant leaps.

The Asolo Rep is currently focused on new voices of the American theater. Rothstein won’t change focus. But he’ll seek out even newer voices —and the stories of now. “I read two or three newspapers every morning,” he says. “By the time I’m done, I’m imagining six or more plays that urgently need to be staged.”

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

After an 18-year run at the Asolo Repertory Theatre, Michael Donald Edwards is stepping off the stage as its producing artistic director. He’s a tough act to follow, but Peter Rothstein is stepping up. So, what does a producing artistic director do, exactly?

For a regional theater company like the Asolo Rep, you name it. Create a big-picture vision. Hire actors, directors and other creative talent. Schedule plays for the season ahead. Commission playwrights to develop new work. Read their script submissions. Become the company’s happy, smiling public face.

Yes. To all of the above. And far more ...

Happily, that’s all in Rothstein’s skillset. As the founder and artistic director of Theater Latté Da in Minneapolis, he’s done it all. During his

25-year tenure, Rothstein was its director of theater, musical theater, opera and new work development.

In his spare time, he was a roving freelance director at theaters nationwide. At the Asolo Rep, Rothstein radically reimagined musicals like “Ragtime” and “Sweeney Todd.” The troupe’s talents had a blast working with him. They liked the way Rothstein thinks. Some Asolo Rep talent must’ve really liked it.

When the company needed Edwards’ successor, its search consultants quickly gave Rothstein a call. The Asolo Rep needs a new producing artistic director. Could they make him a candidate?

Rothstein’s answer was “yes.” Instantly.

Why was the choice so easy?

“The Asolo Rep was right for me,” Rothstein says. “I knew they shared my artistic vision.”

He’d known that since his first long-distance brainstorming session

with Edwards. His two guest director stints at the Asolo Rep confirmed his first impression. Artistic excellence is the heart of Rothstein’s vision. He could see that his Asolo Rep collaborators had the same vision. To them, “artistic excellence” wasn’t just boilerplate. It was a commitment. He’d made the same commitment — but at a higher level of difficulty.

For Rothstein, “artistic excellence” is a moving target. As he sees it, yesterday’s excellence is today’s cliché.

“I’m not interested in dead theater,” he says. “The theater is not a museum. It’s a living, breathing art form — and it can only happen in the now.”

Rothstein lives to make that happen. That’s why he’s the Father of Reinvention. He’s constantly pushing the limits of theatrical art. He strives to grow the audience, nurture new voices, launch new works and tell the stories of today. And put the next big thing on stage before anyone else does.

Rothstein shared this vision with the Asolo Rep’s board of directors. As one of the first candidates, he had plenty of time. The selection process

“I want to make the Asolo Rep a home for the future of the American theater.”

“The board was very drawn to that idea,” he says.

No doubt. Out of scores of candidates, they chose Rothstein as the Asolo’s next producing artistic director — starting July 1.

His first-year plans are modest.

“I’ll spend that time really listening to the community, Rothstein says.

After that, his plans are staggeringly ambitious.

Rothstein aims to turn the Asolo Rep into “a home for the future of American theater.” That’s what he said — and he means it. Making a serious commitment to developing new work is what he’s talking about.

It’s not just big talk. Rothstein’s done this before.

“I’ve focused on artistic development my whole career,” he says. “The Asolo’s had great success launching new works in the past. I’d like to see even greater success in the future.”

Nurturing new creations demands robust investment. The company would need to commission play-

To Rothstein, living theater is all about the here and now. Old isn’t automatically bad. But it isn’t always good, either. But why do we need this story today? For Rothstein, that’s the acid test.

“I’m not a traditionalist,” he says. “I feel that theater should speak to the now. The voices of the past can do that. Directors who find the heart of a “classic” play — who have an urgency to tell the story now — they can transform a classic into living theater.” Nurture original art. Encourage new voices. Reimagine old stories.

Rothstein’s too humble to boast. But that’s exactly what he achieved at Theater Latté Da, and his guest director stints at the Asolo Rep. After the first-year shakedown cruise, what would Rothstein like to see on the Asolo Rep stage? When he puts the future on stage, what will it look like?

“Something utterly new,” Rothstein says. “A piece of theater that no one’s seen or heard before. By definition, I don’t know what that is yet. But I’ll know it when I see it.”

Once he does, the Asolo Rep audience will, too.

Peter Rothstein has a vision for Asolo Rep’s future. He plans to achieve that vision with a laser-like focus on the now.

Courtesy photo

Peter Rothstein will take over as artistic director for Asolo Repertory Theatre on July 1.

“I’m not interested in dead theater. The theater is not a museum. It’s a living, breathing art form — and it can only happen in the now.”

Peter Rothstein, incoming artistic director

Sarasota Opera will perform of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” starting Saturday.

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY STUDIO GRAND OPENING

4-8 p.m. at Creative Liberties, 927 Lime Ave. Free Visit CreativeLiberties.net.

Come celebrate Creative Liberties’ studio grand opening at 927 Lime Ave. It’s the second location for Creative Liberties’ artists studios, gallery and creative academy. DJ Ealain will be playing live music, and Hamlet’s Eatery will be serving up tasty food.

MANDY PATINKIN IN CONCERT:

‘BEING ALIVE’

7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail

$37-$82

Visit VanWezel.org.

In this evening of song, Mandy Patinkin will sing his favorite Broadway and classic American tunes, from Sondheim to Cole Porter. He’ll remind you that before he was an Emmy-winning TV actor, he was a Tony-award winning Broadway star.

‘MARK TWAIN: THEY TOLD ME TO BE BRIEF’

7:30 p.m. at The Players Centre for Performing Arts, Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail

$28

Visit ThePlayers.org.

In 1979, Alan Kitty began performing as Mark Twain. Thirty years later, he launched an off-Broadway showcase, followed by a national

tour of Mark Twain’s Last Stand. For three nights, this show based on the best of the iconic American author will grace The Players’ stage. Runs through Saturday, Feb. 18.

FRIDAY

JAZZ AT TWO — DANNY SINOFF

TRIO

2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road

$15-$20

Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

For this installment of the Jazz Club of Sarasota’s weekly Friday performance, the Danny Sinoff Trio, featuring Scott Smith and Bill E. Peterson, will perform.

ORNY ADAMS

6:30 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.

$31

Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

In addition to his gig as Coach from the “Teen Wolf” TV show, Orny Adams has had one-hour standup specials on Netflix, Comedy Central and Showtime. Come enjoy some laughs with him through Saturday, Feb. 18.

THE PINK FLOYD LASER SPECTACULAR

8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail

$18-$58

Visit VanWezel.org.

Love Pink Floyd? Prepare to have

your mind blown. Surrounded by concert-quality sound, Laser Spectacular will pair your favorite Floyd tunes with cutting-edge visual effects, including highpowered lasers, large-screen video production and special lighting effects.

SATURDAY

TONY SANDS PRESENTS

‘RAT PACK TOGETHER AGAIN’

2 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W.

$31.50

Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. com.

Take in a musical journey featuring the best of the Rat Pack and the greatest hits from the best threesome of crooners to ever grace the stage: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.

THE HIGHWAYMEN SHOW

7 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave.

$35-$60

Visit VenicePerformingArtsCenter. com.

Featuring Gray Sartin as Johnny Cash, Greg Bauman as Kris Kristofferson, Tyson Halford as Willie Nelson and Stefan Superti as Waylon Jennings, this show will cover all their greatest hits in this tribute performance.

‘MADAMA BUTTERFLY’

7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets start at $23 Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

One of Puccini’s most-beloved and most-performed works, “Madama Butterfly” tells the story of a young geisha swept off her feet by an American Naval officer. But, as is the case in tragedies, her heart ends up broken by his broken promise. Runs through March 24.

SUNDAY ‘I WANT TO BE LIKE YOU’

3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2200 26th St. W. Free Visit RingSarasota.org.

Ring Sarasota will show off the versatility of handbells in this concert. Spanning everything from popular tunes to big band to Latin music, audiences are sure to leave this concert with a new appreciation for the small but mighty handbell.

CHAMBER SOIRÉES:

THREE SONATAS

4 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $40-$50 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Music Director of the Sarasota Music Festival and pianist Jeffrey Kahane joins Sarasota Orchestra principal musicians for an exploration of — you guessed it — a program featuring three sonatas. Beethoven’s “Third Cello Sonata,” Brahms’ “First Clarinet Sonata” and Stravinsky’s “Suite Italienne” are sure to delight.

MONDAY

TOMORROW’S VOICES TONIGHT

5:30 p.m. at WBTT Education Center, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $25 Visit KeyChorale.org.

Come support and cheer the musicians of tomorrow with this performance showcasing Key Chorale’s student scholars in recital. The students will sing classical and musical theater selections during this soiree.

VAN CLIBURN MEDALISTS WITH WU HAN IN CONCERT

7:30 p.m. at Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way $60 LaMusicaFestival.org.

Thunder By the Bay kicks off its weekend of festivities Friday, Feb. 17.

OUR PICK

BORN TO BE WILD KICKOFF PARTY

Thunder by the Bay, Sarasota’s annual music and motorcycle festival, kicks off with its Born to be Wild kickoff party featuring rock band Twinkle followed up with Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band “Nuthin’ Fancy” — and, of course, an open bar. Can’t make the party? The festival runs through Sunday.

IF YOU GO

When: 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17

Where: Sarasota Fairgrounds, 300 Ringling Blvd.

Tickets: $100

Info: Call 487-7904 or visit ThunderByTheBay. org.

DON’T MISS

‘DREAMGIRLS’

Through all the sounds of R&B, pop, disco, gospel and more, “Dreamgirls” tells the story of one fictional Motown group’s rise from nobodies to superstars — and, of course, what it really takes to make that voyage in the music industry. Runs through April 9.

La Musica celebrates Rachmaninov this season, for it’s the 150th anniversary of his birth and 80th anniversary of his death. The 2022 Van Cliburn Competition medalists Dmytro Choni and Anna Geniushene will honor his legacy in this program alongside Cliburn juror and La Musica Artistic Director Wu Han.

TUESDAY

‘AN INSPECTOR CALLS’

8 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $35 Visit AsoloRep.org.

Set on the brink of WWII, this suspenseful mystery drama performed by the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training will keep you on the edge of your seat. When a family celebration is cut short by the arrival of a mysterious inspector, the family struggles to recover from his scorching investigation. Runs through March 12.

IF YOU GO

When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22

Where: Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.

Tickets: $50

Info: Visit WestCoastBlackTheatre.org

WEDNESDAY

RITA RUDNER AND ROBERT KLEIN

7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $27-$67 Visit VanWezel.org.

Rita Rudner is a New York Times bestselling author and one of the country’s top comedians, in addition to being a TV personality, screenwriter, playwright and actress. Robert Klein has entertained audiences on Broadway, TV and the big screen for more than 40 years. Now they’ve teamed up to deliver this tour de force of comedy we dare you not to enjoy.

Model Railroad Expo

Ever Onward Season 27

“Quartet for the End of Time”

featuring the Lincoln Trio with Bharat Chandra, clarinet

February 28, 7:30 pm • Historic Asolo Theater

French composer Olivier Messiaen wrote “Quartet for the End of Time” while being held in Stalag VIII-A, a WWII German prisoner-of-war camp. A few of his fellow prisoners were professional musicians, and he wrote this deeply moving and unforgettable masterpiece for them to perform.

MICHELLE CANN, piano

March 7, 7:30 pm • Historic Asolo Theater

Winner of the 2022 Sphinx Medal of Excellence and recipient of the 2022 Andrew Wolf Chamber Music Award, Michelle Cann’s program includes repertoire by Florence Price, whose music she has championed. Michelle Cann appears by arrangement with the Curtis Institute of Music.

Courtesy photos

LET’S CELEBRATE!

Emma and her sister, Maddie, have been going to Tommy Bahama’s since before they could even order a specialty cocktail.

Maddie orders the Grapefruit Basil Martini, $15.50, while Emma typically orders the Blood Orange Margarita, $13.50

Take a shot with these tequilas on National Margarita Day

ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE: TOMMY BAHAMA RESTAURANT 300 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, 941-388-2888, TommyBahama.com

Why It’s Worth a Shot: You’ve heard the saying we live where people vacation, and that is always true at the Tommy Bahama’s restaurant and bar on St. Armands Circle.

Tequila might not always be the answer, but it’s worth a shot — especially on National Margarita Day, which Google tells me is Feb. 22. Nowadays, you see alcohol aficionados ordering espresso martinis with tequila instead of vodka — or is that just me?

The high visibility of celebritycreated tequilas is impossible to miss, (Try Kendall Jenner’s 818 Añejo.), and restaurant cocktail menus that were once drowning in generic gin offerings have remolded themselves to pour agave-based cocktails for your liking.

Good tequila is tasty alone, but when morphing itself into a margarita, it becomes an exciting experience for all drinkers involved — or at least the ones who know their lime-infused-liquid limit.

Here are my tasty three tequila spots that you need to try on National Margarita Day.

As you wait for your reservation, locals are sure to immediately spot the nonresidents eating the worthevery-bite coconut shrimp ($13+). But when you are greeted by the staff decked out in trademarked floral shirts, and you waltz to the bar area with music loud enough for the entire Circle to hear and eventually sip on your own Instagram-worthy cocktail of choice, you too can pretend you’re on holiday, even if it is a Tuesday night at 6 p.m.

No Pour Decision: From the Blood Orange Margarita ($14), made with Sauza, Solerno blood orange liqueur, blood orange and scratch sour, to the Baja Margarita ($13.5) made with Sauza Conmemorativo Añejo, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, scratch sour and lime, to the Raspberry Jalapeno Paloma ($13.50) made with Milagro Silver, raspberry, lime and cane syrup — Tommy has tequila taken care of.

The Perfect Pair: Tequila plays best with others. Snack on shareables like the Coconut-Crusted Crab Cakes ($23) with a chipotle remoulade and island slaw or order

EMMA JOLLY CONTRIBUTOR

Good tequila is tasty alone, but when morphing itself into a margarita, it becomes an exciting experience for all drinkers involved.

the warm goat cheese dip ($14) with a mango salsa to soak up those limeinfused cocktails. Staying for dinner? Go ahead and order my mother’s favorite meal of all time, the Macadamia-nut crusted snapper with almond rice and grilled asparagus ($35).

SARASOTA: CIRCO A TACO & BOURBON JOINT’S MARGARITA

1435 Second St., Sarasota, 941-2530978, CircoSRQ.com

Why It’s Worth a Shot: With the Make Your Own Margarita opportunity, it’s surely a tipsy time at Circo. First, drinkers pick one of the 12 standard tequilas including Casamigos, Don Julio, Patron and more — or you can choose your fate with another brand from their bar.

Second, sign up for a signature flavor from fresh hand-muddled jalapeno or desert pear to classics like strawberry or mango and more. Next, your glass can be rimmed with sugar or pink Himalayan, chili lime, smoked or siracha salt. Lastly, if you’re feeling frisky ask about their floaters. Order your margaritas by the glass OR by the jug! No Pour Decision: And for those who are absolutely refusing tequila, Circo offers bourbon-based margaritas too.

Fun Fact: Circo will also be offering $5 margs ALL DAY on Feb. 22. All I ask is that you don’t drive yourself, and make sure you delete your ex’s phone number to ensure tequila enjoyment for the entirety of this holiday.

The Perfect Pair: Chip, chip hooray! Order the elote corn salsa ($9), goat cheese guacamole ($12) or the queso fun-dido ($10). Let’s taco-bout your main meal if you’re slurping down margaritas all day. My personal favorites, since you asked, are the Edamame Falafel ($5.50) with tzatziki, arugula, (no) tomato, pickled veggies and avocado or the Korean TT ($6) with pork, angry crema, kimchee slaw and pickled peppers. But whatever you do, don’t leave without churros ($7+).

LAKEWOOD RANCH:

TAKOS CANTINA

5770 Ranch Lake Blvd., Bradenton, 941-201-6594, TakosCantina.com

Why It’s Worth a Shot: Marg my words readers, these dangerously delicious drinks are not only some of the tastiest in town, but the price can’t be beat. For $12-$13, you can make mezcal or tequila drinks that pair perfectly with the chips and salsa that keep magically refilling at your table. Plus, this family-owned business serves up some of the best Mexican food I’ve tasted in Florida.

No Pour Decision: Ask for the Tres Marias ($21) and you will be tres happy. This trifecta flight is full-size, full-pour and full-y affordable. Sip on the Blue Berry ($12) made with tequila blanco, agave nectar, blueberries and fresh lime juice, wash down chips with the Watermelon (not featured on their drink menu) and enjoy the Jalapeno Pepino ($12) made with Espolon tequila, jalapeno cucumber liquor, agave and fresh squeeze lime. But if the big three makes you a tad nervous, go with the Smoky Rita ($120) with mezcal, lime, orange crema, agave and charred pineapple.

The Perfect Pair: While the appetizers like the esquite guacamole ($11) made me giddy, save room for an epic entrée because the portions are plentiful. My pick are the enchiladas suizas ($14). These little tortilla bundles come with your choice of ground beef, shredded beef or chicken and are topped with green sauce and Jack cheese. Next time I’m ordering the birria tacos ($14), since the patron behind me continued to mention how delicious they were in between every single bite.

Circo has added tequila flights to their menu.

Courtesy photos

Sample three margaritas at once at Takos Cantina.

BLACK TIE

YOUROBSERVER.COM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens brought countless shades of color to guests and supporters with its Orchid Ball fundraiser on Feb. 11.

The annual event — which typically reflects the current exhibit on display at the gardens — took up a Gilded Age theme that went hand in hand with the “Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature” exhibition highlighting the stained glass creations of Louis Comfort Tiffany.

The event’s tent space interior was full of stained glass designs adorning both the tables and the ceiling decor above.

Guests arrived in a variety of colorful, Gilded Age-inspired outfits to match. The program started with a social hour outside the tent before the hundreds of guests entered and heard from President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki, as well as the event’s co-chairwomen.

After dinner was served, guests took part in a paddle raise, followed by music from the New Royals band. The night concluded with dancing and a silent disco.

— HARRY SAYER

Orchid Ball

Saturday, Feb. 11, at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens | Benefiting Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

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Dominic and Asa Harris

Samantha Jennen and Lynn Hunter

Carolyn and Phil Babas

Guests admired the recently opened Tiffany exhibit at the gardens.

Laura and Toby Thomas

Photos

Harry Sayer

Belle and Greg Stikeleather

Elisabeth Waters and Roxanne Permesly

Robert Rominiecki and President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki

Chairwomen Retta Wagner, Ashley Kozel and Liebe Gamble

Stephen and Marnie Grossman with Guy and Jenna Salani

Harry Leopold and Audrey Robbins

BLACK TIE & TALES HARRY SAYER

Thunder By The Bay Rocks The Runway

It’s deep in the spring season, which means the annual Thunder By The Bay music and motorcycle festival is around the corner.

In non-stop preparation mode for that big event, Lucy Nicandri and Suncoast Charities for Children have been busy with a number of prefestival events, including a tequila tasting and a sporting clay tournament.

The organization switched gears to an elegant place Feb. 10, with its annual Rocks The Runway fashion show at Grove in Lakewood Ranch.

More than 40 models wearing outfits from Adrenaline Harley-Davidson and Darci took to the runway to raise funds for Suncoast Charities for Children’s programs providing financial support for local nonprofits.

The Thunder By The Bay festival kicks off Feb. 17.

Going Met

The Pine View School brought some elegance to its Pinnacle Gala fundraiser with a “Met Gala” theme at the Art Ovation Hotel on Feb. 11.

The annual volunteer-run event showcased a number of student-led segments, including a student runway show, an auction with student artwork, music from the high school jazz band and photos of guests from the school’s photography club.

A Night to Shine

The Church of the Redeemer recently hosted a prom experience for people with special needs during it’s first Night to Shine event in downtown Sarasota on Feb. 10.

The event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow foundation, had more than 200 adult and youth volunteers laying out the red carpet for 64 guests with special needs. Night To Shine is held by various groups across the country each year.

Guests arrived at the church with their parents and caregivers to the cheers of volunteers, where they had their hair done and shoes shined.

The night included dancing, karaoke, ice cream from Rise and Nye’s and words from Sarasota Mayor Kyle Battie and Sarasota Commissioner Erik Arroyo.

Dressed to the Nines

For anyone who has stopped by one of Marie Selby Botanical Garden’s many programs initiatives, they likely have met with Manager of Visitor Engagement Ross Johnston.

Johnston brings energy to just about everything he does — including dressing as an old-timey sailor for Selby’s boat tours — and he knew he’d have to keep that spirit alive at the Orchid Ball on Feb. 11.

This year’s event had a Gilded Age theme, and Johnston went all out with an old-school tuxedo, complete with a top hat and a Tiffany glassinspired bow tie.

Johnston had fun with Walter Gilbert, vice president for diversity and inclusion, in meeting guests and posing for photos.

or call the Sarasota Opera box office at (941) 328-1300.

Harry Sayer

Ross Johnston rocked the throwback look.

Courtesy photo

Co-chairwomen Alex Murphy, Darci Jacob and Wendy Rossiter at Thunder By The Bay’s “Rocks The Runway” fashion show.

Love Our Libraries Author Luncheon

Friday, Feb. 10, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Benefiting the Library Foundation for Sarasota County

The Library Foundation for Sarasota County packed The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota for its annual Love Our Libraries

Author Luncheon on Feb. 10.

The 2023 luncheon brought Erik Larson — author of “The Devil in the White City,” “The Splendid and the Vile” and other books — to meet with supporters and speak during a keynote presentation.

The annual event benefits the foundation’s initiatives, which include providing funds for books and programs for the county library system, as well as advocating for Sarasota County libraries and educating residents in the area about the resources libraries offer and why they require support.

During his presentation, Larson himself spoke about the importance libraries play in researching

his historical narratives.

Guests heard from Library Foundation Executive Director Alisa Mitchell, board President Sarah Karon and presenting sponsor Mark Pritchett, of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, before it was time for Larson to speak.

Renee Di Pilato, director of Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, completed the event with a Q&A with Larson.

— HARRY SAYER

Author Erik Larson and Georgia Court

Mary Ann Pearson, John Arnold, Kim Lindsay and Debbie Dannheisser

and Linda Burke

Bob and Marsha Fottler

Photos by Harry Sayer

Event Chairwoman Ilene Denton, Library Foundation Executive Director Alisa Mitchell, Renee Di Pilato and board President Sarah Karon

Thames with Jennifer and John Compton

RCLA Town Hall Lecture

Monday, Feb. 6, at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall | Benefiting Ringling College Library Association

Michael

The Olympic swimmer headlined the latest in the lecture series with a pair of speaking events on Feb. 6.

Hundreds of guests met at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to hear from the 28-time Olympic medalist, who spoke with fellow Olympic gold medalist swimmer Rowdy Gaines about his career and his own battles with mental health challenges.

— HARRY SAYER

Dana Dalpra with Kathryn and Mark Swintek

Town Hall Chair Brinda Pola with Cheryl Munday

Photos by Harry Sayer

Rowdy Gaines speaks with Michael Phelps.

Live, Laugh, Love Luncheon

Saturday, Feb. 11, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota | Benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota ballroom was again full of life and laughter during the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast luncheon on Feb. 11.

Hundreds filled the Ritz-Carlton for the annual “Live, Laugh, Love” luncheon, which started with mingling and checking out a variety of silent auction items.

Guests then entered the ballroom space for the program, which started with words from Chairwoman Kristina Eastmond. Scooter Maloney served as master of ceremonies and spoke to the crowd and lunch was served. Finally it was time for the day’s entertainment — a fashion show put on by Bigs and Littles, who took to the runway.

— HARRY SAYER

CEO Joy Mahler, Katie Emmons, Chairwoman Kristina Eastmond, Jennifer Simms and Scooter Maloney

Kira and Vic Cipolla

Cathy Langlois, Melba Jimenez and Sheila Gleason

Photos by Harry Sayer

Destiny Korsch and Honestey Wallace

cocktails while browsing the collection, available for purchase.

Alex Marin of Soicher Marin will discuss the images, capturing, as Slim famously stated: “Attractive People, doing Attractive Things, in Attractive Places”