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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

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CANON REBELS

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Dr. Seuss

The beloved children’s author’s subtle depth helps children embrace diversity.

PAGE 8

New music. New masterpieces.

A new group brushes the dust off the concert experience.

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Photos by Nick Friedman

The contemporary music EnsemblenewSRQ, co-founded by George Nickson, above, will perform, calls for unusual instruments, like tin cans, conch shells and pieces from grandfather clocks.

NICK FRIEDMAN A+E MANAGING EDITOR

G

eorge Nickson is on a mission. He’s stopped in an antique shop just north of downtown Sarasota in search of something peculiar.

The shopkeeper emerges from the back room, notices him surveying the merchandise and asks how he can help.

“I’m looking for a grandfather clock,” he says.

The shopkeeper tells him he’s in luck; he has three in stock. The only problem — they don’t work.

“That’s perfect,” says Nickson.

“What do you want for them?”

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‘Laughing Matters’

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Ringling Underground Art, music and drink converge under the stars.

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NEW SOUNDS FROM PAGE 1

Nickson isn’t concerned with keeping the time. He wants the clock’s chimes.

He’s preparing for an upcoming concert with EnsemblenewSRQ, the new contemporary music collective he recently co-founded with fellow musician Samantha Bennett in hopes of introducing modern, edgier music to Sarasota audiences. Nickson’s antiquing trip is a perfect example of what people can expect. One particular piece of music in the concert, in addition to violin and percussion, calls for the chimes of an old grandfather clock.

“As contemporary musicians, we’re often asked to create new sounds,” says Nickson.

He’s back at home now, standing outside his garage, examining the clock to find the steel rods that create its recognizable chime. Part of what makes this style of music so different, or adventurous, as he puts it, is its unique instrumentation.

“The composers will make these bizarre requests for instruments,” he says. “Some of it’s completely wacky, but the end result is beautiful. It’s not every day a musician is asked to rip apart a grandfather clock.”

A MISSING PIECE

Before Nickson and Bennett

Part of what makes the music so adventurous, says Nickson, is its unique instrumentation.

moved to Sarasota, four and two years ago, respectively, they were living in Boston, studying at the New England Conservatory of Music, where they met. While pursuing their degrees, they were immersed in the city’s contemporary music scene.

Bennett, now a violinist in the Florida Orchestra, and Nickson, a percussionist in the Sarasota Orchestra, both have backgrounds in classical music.

Bennett began playing at age 6 and has a bachelor’s in violin performance; Nickson studied percussion and earned his master’s from Juilliard. Although they’re classically trained, they say they’ve always been drawn to contemporary music, and they played in contemporary ensembles in their free time.

Bennett says seeing how well that music thrived and how vibrant the scene was in New England inspired them to bring it to their new home in Sarasota.

“In 50 years, I don’t want to only have played music that’s been played thousands of times. There are countless masterpieces out there.”

– George Nickson, co-founder, EnsemblenewSRQ

George Nickson and Samantha Bennett want to introduce Sarasota to the contemporary music they fell in love with at school in Boston.

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“Contemporary music is such a big part of the cultural identity of a big city,” she says. “Being exposed to, and being a part of that scene was inspiring. Sarasota has all the same components of an artistically rich city, but it’s missing this. We want to make that happen.”

The ensemble will consist of a rotating cast of musicians. Bennett and Nickson are co-founders and artistic directors, and they’ll pull from their network of local musical confidants as needed.

They’re planning two concerts in their inaugural season; the first is a two-part festival March 8 and March 10.

The music they plan to showcase is written by 20th century composers, many of whom wrote their works in the latter half of the century and are still living.

Nickson says he hopes to attract a new, younger audience, as well as expose Sarasota’s existing audience to a new style of music. He plans to make the concerts more interactive, introducing each piece to the audience and putting it into context.

“I think there’s an image problem sometimes,” he says. “People don’t feel like this is cool, or hip.

We want to curate the experience, put it into context and help change that.”

THE MUSIC OF OUR TIME

Photos by Nick Friedman

One challenge with playing music from another time period, says Bennett, is that it’s inherently more difficult for audiences and performers to relate to. It was written in a completely different historical and social context, and as universal as the themes may be, there’s a certain level of disconnect.

“For the violin,” she says,

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

“there’s an incredible repertoire, spanning hundreds of years. But to a certain extent, it can feel like acting, from a performer’s standpoint. Contemporary music is challenging in a different way.

It’s a completely different skill set, both physically and mentally, and the ability for the artist to interpret and improvise is built into the composition.”

As a percussionist, Nickson says it’s the first time his instrument is put at the forefront. A lot of contemporary music is percussion-driven, a big reason he says it’s so relatable and engaging for audiences. There’s a one-to-one translation between the musician and the sounds they’re creating.

“There have been numerous masterpieces written in the last 100 years,” he says. “If nobody plays them, nobody will ever hear them. I think it’s my responsibility as a musician to make sure the art of music gets furthered.

In 50 years, I don’t want to only have played music that’s been played thousands of times. There are countless masterpieces out there.”

Nickson and Bennett are putting the final touches on the upcoming performance in their home rehearsal space, and the unique nature of the music is immediately evident. Tin cans, steel pipes and a six-string electric violin that runs through a loop pedal are just some of the instruments on hand. Tomorrow, Nickson is headed off to the junkyard to salvage six sizes of brake drums.

“You get some weird looks,” he says. “But this is exciting music, and I think people will be surprised how much they enjoy it. It sounds modern — it speaks to the art of our time.”

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IF YOU GO The Inaugural Festival : ‘The Americans’ Part 1

When: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 8 Where: Church of the Palms Tickets: $21.97 Info: Visit ensemblenewsrq.org Program includes: Steve Reich: “Mallet Quartet” (Percussion quartet) David Hertzberg: “Meditation Boréale” (String quartet) Milton Babbitt: “Beaten Paths” (Solo marimba) Nico Muhly: “Seeing is Believing” (Large ensemble with solo electric violin)

The Inaugural Festival : ‘The Americans’ Part 2

When: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 8 Where: First Congregational Church Tickets: $21.97 Info: Visit ensemblenewsrq.org Program includes: John Cage: “Third Construction” Judd Greenstein: “ill” Lou Harrison: “Violin Concerto”

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

STUDIO SPACE: Scott Joseph Moore The local artist recently built 50 life-size Labrador retriever sculptures to honor the ‘superheroes’ of Southeastern Guide Dogs.

NICK FRIEDMAN A+E MANAGING EDITOR

“It starts with a clay sculpture.

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There’s a steel armature with foam clay over it. Then I cover that with paint-on rubber and divide it into sections to make the mold. All the pieces together will make the whole dog.”

small-scale model, then creating a master mold, from which he could create all 50 dogs.

A week before the initial unveiling event, Moore says he’s been honored to tackle the project and use his artistic abilities for a cause he says he respects.

“While I was working on this, I kept thinking to myself, ‘What do these dogs really do?’” says Moore. “What they’re doing is giving people a way to not live in fear. For people who are blind, it has to be a scary experience, but through these dogs, they can see.

They provide people with that safety. It’s truly a good cause.

After all, we all need a hero.”

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cott Joseph Moore has always enjoyed working with his hands. After years of working in skilled labor jobs, like construction, concrete and foundry work, he earned a degree in computer animation from the Ringling College of Art and Design in 2000. But after two years of working in the industry, he realized he missed the handson nature of working directly with materials, so he used his experience to pursue sculpting.

Moore recently teamed up with Southeastern Guide Dogs to use his sculpting skills for a cause he finds especially meaningful. As a part of its Superheroes on Parade public art initiative, the nonprofit organization is installing 50 lifesize Labrador retriever sculptures around Sarasota, each outfitted in a cape, poised to jump into flight.

The dog sculptures will each receive a custom paint job by local artists before being unveiled and displayed permanently at area businesses and iconic locations.

Moore was the man behind the mold. He worked with the nonprofit to perfect the model, starting with a maquette, or

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5

Right: “We went back and forth a lot on the front paw and the tail.

They had to be just right to make the dog look like it was ready to spring into flight.”

Photos by Nick Friedman

“After the sculpture is done, it’s put together in sections, and we work to smooth out all the seams so it looks like all one piece.”

“The rubber encases the whole thing, and there’s a fiberglass reinforcement inside, too. We paint whole thing in, pour in the casting material, called Forton, then pop the mold off.”

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Helen Hunt and Dylan McDermott talk film in Sarasota MARK GORDON AND NICK FRIEDMAN OBSERVER STAFF

I

t’s been a star-studded week in Sarasota. Award-winning actors Helen Hunt and Dylan McDermott both made appearances to talk about their latest endeavors and local ties.

HELEN HUNT

Being a director, Oscar and Emmy-winning actress Helen Hunt has discovered, is about more than technical know-how and acting chops.

For Hunt, whose most recent film, “Ride,” was released last year, directing requires a person who mixes Momma Bear-like worry with over-preparation.

During the making of the film, which stars Hunt and Luke Wilson, about a mother’s bond with her surf-loving son, Hunt said she had a daily morning mantra: “All that matters is no one gets hurt.

It’s a movie.”

Hunt talked about acting, directing, Jack Nicholson, the personal impact of bad reviews and more during a question-andanswer session at the Ringling College of Art and Design Studio Lab, Feb. 23. (Bad or lukewarm

reviews, she said, particularly in the New York Times, still burn.)

Whether it’s a play or a film with an A-list cast, Hunt said success in the business is heavily dependent on outworking others.

“It doesn’t really matter what the size of the screen is,” she says.

“You still prepare the same way.”

Beyond preparation, Hunt said another skill she has picked up in directing is humility. She will find experts in the type of film to use or other technical areas, and regularly solicit advice. She wrote and directed “Ride” and “Then She Found Me,” in 2007.

“If I have a strength,” said Hunt, “it’s I’m willing to ask dumb questions.”

Humility is also key in getting a low- or medium-budget movie made. On “Ride,” for instance, Hunt said her name was able to win some financial support and credibility. But it wasn’t enough to shoot the entire movie. So she bartered for set props and worked with friends and colleagues to get other parts of the movie done.

That’s all part of a post-Netflix Hollywood, where the traditional way of making movies and TV shows has been disrupted.

“I think you can be a filmmaker anywhere,” said Hunt. “You just have to be like a wild, desperate animal.”

Mark Gordon

DYLAN MCDERMOTT

For an issue like sex-trafficking, one of its biggest dangers is that it often hides in plain sight. It lives in the underbelly of a society that, on the surface, can appear normal, and many people are unaware the problem even exists.

For Golden Globe Award-winning actor Dylan McDermott, the issue is one that speaks to him on a personal level. After connecting with Ringling College last year through its film lab series, the actor has returned to Sarasota, this time partnering with the college and Selah Freedom, a local nonprofit formed to combat sex trafficking, to produce a Web series called “Sugar.”

The series will be shot and cast locally (with the possible exception of the lead role) starting this May with the help of Ringling College students, and it will tell the story of a young runaway named Sugar, who falls into the dangerous world so many runaways and victims of abuse face — even in cities as seemingly idyllic as Sarasota.

McDermott made an appearance at Selah Freedom’s gala Feb.

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Dylan McDermott Top: Helen Hunt and Tony Stopperan, with Ringling College

“As an actor, you have only so much power ... As a director and creator, it’s really my vision — how I see the world and this character and her plight.”

– Dylan McDermott

27, to discuss the endeavor.

“I have two young daughters of my own, who I want to have a better life,” he says. “My adoptive mother tried to stop violence against women her whole life, and that influenced me a great deal.”

Semkhor Networks and Ringling College will co-produce the seven-episode series; McDermott will direct the pilot, then work closely with the students to oversee the project as it continues. He says he’s excited for the new opportunities afforded him as a director, but he also hopes the students will eventually take ownership over “Sugar.”

“As an actor, you have only so much power,” he says. “It’s other people’s words; it’s usually the director’s film — you have other visions besides your own. You have input into that vision, but it’s not really yours. As a director and creator, it’s really my vision — how I see the world and this character and her plight. That’s always something I haven’t had much of a chance to do, so I’m excited because I really want to tell this story through my eyes.”

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MARTY FUGATE STAFF WRITER

America celebrated Dr. Seuss’ 113th birthday with a National Education Association-sponsored nationwide day of reading March 2. Our area was part of it.

At schools throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, local students gasped at the fate of the prejudicial Sneetches, cheered the Lorax’ quest to save the planet and contemplated the collateral damage of the Butter Battle. They were learning to read — and also learning what Dr. Seuss (a.k.a.

Ted Geisel) had to say about peace, love and understanding.

That’s the thinking behind the annual Embracing Dr. Seuss’ Differences Day. Brenna Wilhm is the education director for Embracing Our Differences, the organization that started this initiative three years ago. She notes that this year’s Seussian celebration marks the first year they’re partnering with the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, a joint effort supported by The Patterson Foundation, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the United Way of Manatee County. Wilhm adds that, thanks

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to this collaboration, Embracing Dr. Seuss’ Differences Day has expanded to an ambitious, twocounty scale.

“This year’s celebration had over 300 volunteers,” she says.

“They read to over 6,300 prekindergarten to fifth-grade students in 337 classrooms in 38 area elementary schools. Thanks to the generous support of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, we also distributed over 1,500 Dr. Seuss books to individual students in Title 1 schools.”

The goal? Have the students read the books at home. Even better — have their parents read to them.

Beth Duda is the lead consultant for The Patterson Foundation and the director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level

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“Dr. Seuss was into diversity and embracing differences before there was really a name for it. He was ahead of his time.”

– Beth Duda, The Patterson Foundation lead consultant and Suncoast Campaign for GradeLevel Reading director

Reading volunteer Jenny Aldrich

Reading.

“Reading aloud is the single most important activity leading to language development and the strongest predictor of reading success,” she says. According to Duda, this local campaign is part of a nationwide movement working to help all kids read on grade level by the end of third grade.

“It’s aimed at all children — especially those from low-income families,” she adds. “We address the most common issues and obstacles that impact a child’s ability to read.”

Finding fun books to read is a great way to demolish those obstacles. Dr. Seuss’ books fit the bill. According to Wilhm, his lighthearted books contained some heavy truths without ever turning preachy.

“Dr. Seuss was into diversity and embracing differences before there was really a name for it,” she says. “He was ahead of his time when he wrote these books. Even today, he’s still in a class by himself. His rhymes and delightful drawings make his ideas fun.”

Wilhm adds that fun is always

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

a big takeaway from Dr. Seuss’ birthday bash. She shares some responses from previous volunteers as proof.

Amanda Smoot writes, “I had a delightful time with Ms. Umstead’s third-grade class at Gulf Gate School this morning.

The kids were very attentive and we had good discussion about the Lorax. I felt very welcomed, and the teacher was delighted to be able to keep the book.”

Joan Lowery shares that, “The class that I read for at the Gocio School was so receptive and happy. I loved working with them.”

“That’s only scratching the surface,” says Wilhm. “You expect kids to have fun, but it’s amazing how much our volunteers enjoy it.” She adds that a Dr. Seuss reading is never a passive experience.

“His books always jump-start some amazing conversations with the kids,” she says. “Many of these students will be visiting this year’s Embracing Our Differences outdoor art exhibit when it returns to Island Park this spring.

We hope to keep the conversation going.”

IF YOU GO 2016 Embracing Our Differences Exhibit

This international, juried, outdoor exhibit promotes diversity with large-scale artworks and pithy messages.

When: March 30-May 31 Where: Island Park, Sarasota; 404-5710 Info: www.embracingourdifferences.org

A DIVERSE READING LIST Pre-K: “Green Eggs and Ham.” A parable of the joys of trying new things that might seem yucky at first.

Kindergarten: “Hooper Humperdink...? Not Him!” The narrator’s having a party—and plans to leave one kid out.

Eventually, he opts for inclusiveness.

1st Grade: “Horton Hatches an Egg.” Everybody’s favorite elephant faces down danger and derision to hatch somebody else’s egg.

2nd Grade: “Butter Battle Book.” A grandfather tells a young boy the Swiftian saga of the war between the Yooks and Zooks.

3rd Grade: “The Lorax.” Dr. Seuss pleads for the planet.

4th Grade: “Hooray for Diffendoofer Day.” A school is at risk of being closed for underperforming on standardized tests.

But it marches to a different drummer.

5th Grade: “The Sneetches.” This satire of discrimination was inspired by Dr. Seuss’ opposition to anti-Semitism.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

WHEN COMEDY ATTACKS ‘Laughing Matters Vol. 5: Lock the Gates!’ sources current events for a grab bag of humor.

IF YOU GO ‘Laughing Matters V: Lock the Gates!’

When: runs through June 12 Where: Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Cabaret, 1247 First St., Sarasota Info: Call 366-9000 or visit floridastudiotheatre. org

MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Like pearls, comedy is born from irritants. “Laughing Matters V: Lock the Gates!” offers proof. It’s a grab-bag of irritants, both local and global.

These include mind-bending roundabouts, relentless developers and a certain Republican front-runner with bad hair.

No shortage of comic material these days, is there?

The revue’s writers are Rebecca Hopkins, Adam Ratner, Stephan deGhelder, Steve Turrisi, Will Luera and Jim Prosser, who’s also the oneman band behind the piano.

Darren Server is this year’s musical director. The mockery is mostly musical—think Capitol Steps or those old “Mad Magazine” song parodies. Nick Anastasia, Richie McCall, Ali Reed and William Selby comprise the high-energy cast.

Nationally, “a plague on both your houses” seems to be the underlying political philosophy. Trump is a fatuous blowhard, Hillary is a shrill, opportunistic shrew, and Jeb is basically wasting everybody’s time by following in his brother’s footsteps. They slice

Matthew Holler

Nick Anastasia, Richie McCall, Ali Reed and William Selby in “Laughing Matters.”

and dice a bunch of songs from “West Side Story” to unfold the immigrant crisis. “Everybody Ought to Have a Gun,” (to the tune of “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid”) targets the shills of the NRA—an ironic plug that plugs a talking head full of holes. “The New Fat Albert” reduces the new Bill Cosby to Jello. “Puttin’ on the Ritz” hilariously becomes “Putin is a Prick.” (I half expected Peter Boyle to crash on stage in his Frankenstein costume.) The satire scores some palpable hits—though distant targets are safer, after all. Vladimir Putin prob-

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ably won’t show up and start knocking tables over.

Local targets are less safe.

“Roundabout Returns” is a clever send-up of the circular thinking of local traffic planners to the tune of Jacques Brel’s “Carousel.” “We are the Homeless” paints equally unflattering portraits of the indigent and those who want them to disappear. (One wears a sign proclaiming: WILL CODE HTML FOR FOOD.) Traffic and the homeless problem are easy targets. But the satirists stick their necks out on “We Can’t Say No”—to the tune of “I Cain’t Say No” from

“Oklahoma.” This edgy routine names names and places blame for Sarasota’s metastasizing development. (Michael Saunders and Jesse Biter are the named and blamed.) One anonymous gadfly cries out “Lock the gates!” (Stop development, in other words.) The lone voice for sanity is clearly crazy.

Director Richard Hopkins delivers a lightning-fast show.

The songs and skits deliver a few swift karate chops—and quickly move on to the next target. This 21st century comedy swings to the tune of a 20th century soundtrack.

With the exception of bits from The Beatles and Queen, the songs behind the snark have an old-school musical vibe. The creators mine “West Side Story,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Camelot,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Oklahoma” and “Evita” for laughs. Choreographer Thomas Dewayne Barrett appropriately spins the cast around on the minuscule cabaret stage in a sly parody of mid-20th century musical routines—dance numbers that deliberately seem to be trying too hard. The performers are consistently funny—and nicely click as a hard-working ensemble.

It’s a fun evening—though I doubt the irritants behind it are going away any time soon.

Something tells me there’ll be plenty of material for “Laughing Matters VI” when the postapocalyptic time comes.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

THIS WEEK

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

YPG After Hours at Mandeville Beer Garden 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Mandeville Beer Garden, 428 N. Lemon Ave. $10, or free for members Call 954-8688.

First Friday Gulf Gate 6 to 9 p.m. in Gulf Gate Free Call 312-5630.

Sun Circle Arts Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sapphire Shores Park, Sun Circle Free | Call 351-1920.

Shop local and discover new businesses at this monthly event, highlighting offerings from Wild Ginger Apothecary, Wild Ginger Lifestyle, Dig That Gem, Able+Willing Supply Co., Boho Cottage Market, Mr. Beery’s, The Clever Cup, Rico’s Pizzeria and more.

The fourth annual Indian Beach Sapphire Shores Neighborhood Association Sun Circle Art Festival will partner with the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County to help support the North Trail ArtSpace project. The festival will feature more than 60 artists, live music and food and beverages from Carr’s Corner Café, Muse at The Ringling, World Bites Kafe, Buddy Brew Sarasota and Orange Leaf Sarasota. The park’s trees will also be “yarn bombed” for an extra touch of whimsy.

*Ringling Underground 8 p.m. at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road $10 for adults; $5 for children younger than 17 and free for children younger than 5 and museum members Call 359-5700. *SEE NICK’S PICK

Bobby Collins 7 and 9:30 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre Tickets $29 Call 925-3869.

Bobby Collins has hosted VH1’s “Stand Up Spotlight;” toured with Cher, Julio Iglesias, Dolly Parton and Tony Bennett and released six comedy CDs. Catch him at McCurdy’s Friday and Saturday nights.

John Cowan with Darin and Brooke Aldridge 8 p.m. at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court $23 Call 545-5635.

John Cowan has been blending country, bluegrass, gospel, soul, jazz and rock ’n’ roll for 37 years.

Darin and Brooke Aldridge will join the bill with their rich, harmonized acoustic sound.

ONLINE Find more information on these events and more at

YourObserver.com.

OF OFSARASOTA SARASOTA

Art Slam 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Old Main Street, downtown Bradenton Free | Call 621-6471.

Teams of students and creatives take art to the streets for Realize Bradenton’s annual event, which features live art and music.

Chillounge Night 6 to 11 p.m. on S. Palm Ave. $25 online or $35 at the gate Visit chilloungenight.com.

BMW of Sarasota presents this annual downtown block party benefiting UCP of Sarasota. The party features daybeds and outdoor furnishings, food, drink, fashion shows and other performances.

Longboat Key Center for the Arts Fundraiser 6:30 p.m. at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts $75 Call 383-2345.

20th Season Sponsor Ernest Kretzmer, in memory of Alisa Kretzmer

NICK’S PICK RINGLING UNDERGROUND Where else can you get a night of live music and high-quality art in a serene outdoor setting? Ringling Underground’s monthly showcase returns with music by Mothers, an

Help raise money for the Longboat Key Center for the Arts with this party, featuring cocktails and food by Mar Vista and live music

by Rev. Barry and Funktastic Soul featuring the Hellacious Horns.

Movie in the Park 6:30 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle Free Call 358-7275.

Nathan Benderson Park presents its first Moonlight Movie, “The

alt-indie outfit from Athens, Ga., that’s toured with Of Montreal and was listed as a band to watch by “Stereogum;” The Pauses, and indie-pop band from Orlando and Babyl, a soulful rock band from Sarasota, as well as art by Gaelin Craighead and Paige Ramsay.

– NICK FRIEDMAN

Croods.” Bring a lawn chair or blanket; drinks and snacks will be available for cash purchase.

Asolo Rep Annual Gala After Party 10:30 p.m. at Louie’s Modern $40 Call 351-9010, Ext. 4702.

Keep the party going at this latenight event, immediately following Asolo Rep’s 2016 Annual Gala.

Party includes complimentary specialty drink, discounted cash bar, light bites and DJ Joey D.

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Sarasota Young Professionals Group, a division of the Sarasota County Chamber of Commerce, meets monthly for an after-hours networking event. This month, the organization will meet at Mandeville Beer Garden, where guests can enjoy light bites and drinks while meeting fellow young professionals.

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

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DON’T MISS ENSEMBLENEWSRQ INAUGURAL FESTIVAL: ‘THE AMERICANS’ EnsembleNewSRQ, Sarasota’s new contemporary music collective, created to revitalize the modern concert experience, presents a two-concert festival of American composers, March 8 and 10, which includes violinist Samantha Bennett, right, percussionist George Nickson, percussion soloist Michael Truesdell and Boston Symphony Orchestra members Kyle Brightwell and Matthew McKay. The programs highlight the work of Steve Reich, John Cage, Nico Muhly and Lou Harrison.

TUESDAY

SUNDAY

WEDNESDAY

EnsemblenewSRQ Inaugural Festival: ‘The Americans’ 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road $21.97 Visit Ensemblenewsrq.org.

MONDAY The Sarasota Ballet Film Series 4: Sir Frederick Ashton 6 p.m. at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts $15 Call 359-0099.

Capsaicin: A Spice Pop-Up Restaurant 7 p.m. at Baker & Wife, 2157 Siesta Drive $80 Call 960-1765.

‘The Battle of Legnano’ 1:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House $19 to $125 Call 328-1300.

Join Chef Louis Robinson of Spice on his birthday for a five-course menu, designed using a different chili pepper on every dish. This event, named after the chemical that gives peppers their spice, includes ceviche, gazpacho, ravioli, pork belly and panna cotta.

See the final opera in Sarasota Opera’s “Verdi Cycle.” This 1849 opera tells the story of two friends and warriors in love with the same woman.

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Great Performers Series: Russian National Orchestra 7:30 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall $45 to $90 Call 225-6500.

The Sarasota Concert Association’s 71st “Great Performers Series” season continues with the Russian National Orchestra, featuring guest conductor Kirill Karabits and violinist Stefan Jackiw. The program includes Alexander Borodin’s “In the Steppes of Central Asia,” Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2, and the 1945 version of Stravinsky’s “The Firebird.”

Original Music Showcase 10 p.m. at Gator Club, 1490 Main St. Free Call 366-5969.

Moxie Productions presents this monthly original music showcase. This month’s lineup includes Pleasures, a Sarasotabased psychedelic doom band, The Soapbox Soliloquy Live Band Experience, from St. Petersburg and Kristopher James, from Bradenton.

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The Sarasota Ballet will be the first company outside of The Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet to perform Sir Frederick Ashton’s Enigma Variations this April. This film highlights most of the original cast.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Passion, drama and patriotism in ‘The Battle of Legnano’ JUNE LEBELL MUSIC CRITIC

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MAR 11 & 12, 7:30 PM $30, $25 $27, $22.50 for Members Through a union of creative movement and the expansive structure of Japanese Noh theater, Neumann incorporates technology, weather reports, and personal narratives in an examination of our impulse to report on calamity.

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The Battle of Legnano is to Italy what the Battle of Bunker Hill and D-Day are to the United States: an important source of inspiration for victory. Although the original battle took place in 1176 between the Holy Roman Empire, led by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa and the Lombard League, the enormous win for the Lombards at Legnano (outside of Milan), was a turning point in the history of Italy, and the battle was so important to the nation’s unification in 1848, Garibaldi not only referred to the ancient battle, it also became part of the Italian National Anthem.

Something else happened in 1848. Giuseppe Verdi was writing his 14th opera, “La battaglia di Legnano,” and although many of the characters in his opera are fictional, the important reference to the battle, seven centuries earlier, became the impetus for this opera to be a paean to Italian history and unification.

Sarasota Opera was wise to hold this relatively early Verdi opus until this season in its enormous excursion through the Verdi archives, since the work calls for a colossal chorus, and this year, being the one they saved to present “Aida,” with its massive ensemble, made a perfect pairing.

The Sarasota Opera Chorus fills the house with a throbbing, vibrant sound that’s hard to match anywhere else. Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi and Chorus Master Roger L. Bingaman pull titanic waves from their singers, and the result is thrilling.

Although this is not one of Verdi’s greatest works, it deserves more productions than it gets because there are some magnificent vehicles for the singers. It’s also prescient, because you hear the Verdi that’s to come.

While opera is about the music and singing, it’s also about the passion and drama, and “La battaglia di Legnano” has plenty.

The unifying thread of the work is love of country. Long Live Italy (which wasn’t even in existence when the original battle took place) is the thought uppermost in every character’s mind throughout the opera. Next to God, Country. And next to country, honor, vows and love.

What we don’t see that often in early Verdi operas are evolving characters: people who have strong beliefs that are monolithic to start, but are actually capable of forgiveness and understanding. Those emotions are written into the score, and they were also carried out with care and clarity by the stage director of Sarasota Opera’s new production, Martha Collins.

Every person on stage changes from an uncompromising force to one with compassion and understanding. In other words, they’re flesh-and-blood humans to whom we can relate.

In the pit, DeRenzi held his orchestra and both on and offstage musicians into a tight ensemble, spinning sounds that were electrifying and musical.

Of course, the electricity was already in the air, because this was a special night — a night of climax to the company’s Verdi Cycle, and that, in itself, was exhilarating.

Ken Yunker’s lighting was

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

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REVIEWS

10 the K Race Clu Mana is a p b Ra sot art cing a Tr of seri ack es

Photo by Rod Millington

Martin Nusspaumer as Arrigo in Verdi’s “The Battle of Legnano”

suitably smoky and atmospheric, particularly in the interior scenes as they set off Jeffrey Dean’s scenic designs, with a nod to some of the early tapestries and paintings at the Ringling Museum.

Todd Thomas, as Rolando, the leader of the Milanese troops, almost stole the show. His rich, stirring voice combined with fine acting, made him a leader and lover to be trusted, admired and followed. I say “almost,” only because the rest of the leading characters were just about as strong, vocally and dramatically.

Jennifer Black, as Lida, his wife, who loves him and the son he’s given her, but who also loves Arrigo, her former lover whom she thought dead, is a brilliant soprano with a cutting but beautiful voice and the air of a leader’s wife.

Martin Nusspaumer’s Arrigo, the warrior everyone thought had died in battle but who is very much alive and furious that Lida’s married another (even though that other man is his best

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friend and partner in battle), is a strong, vibrant tenor with a demeanor to match.

Young Bok Kim made an important and impressive (as always) appearance as Barbarossa (complete with red beard) and Harold Wilson was the Iago-like villain, Marcovaldo, who blows Lida’s cover and gives her secret love for Arrigo away in a couple of brief but pivotal scenes.

Smaller roles were taken by studio artists with one, Tara Curtis, in the role of Imelda, Lida’s handmaid, standing out for excellent vocalism and acting.

There were moments of pitch discrepancies scattered throughout the opera by almost everyone on stage, except the remarkable chorus. But we’ll mark those up to opening-night jitters. And although it’s difficult to overcome the somewhat bulky plot with action that takes place primarily off stage between the scenes, it’s worth it for the high quality singing and sound coming from stage and pit.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Florida Studio Theatre ’60s Shindig Gala Nearly 200 guests attended Florida Studio Theatre’s ’60s Shindig Gala on Monday, Feb. 22, at Florida Studio Theatre.

Photos by Heather Merriman Saba

Above: Co-Chairs Scott Anderson and Marie Kropp Left: Claudia Cardillo, Cindy Eley and Lisa Land

Right: This “Ring a bell for peace” bike was outside of Florida Theatre Studio for the event.

Above: Sandi Stuart-Murray, Mike Murray and Graci McGillicuddy Right: Susan Palmer

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Emcees Hayley Wielgus Winitz and Lulu Soder

Tatyana Sharoubim-Stewart, Kelly Causey, Co-chair Jennifer Rust, Co-chair Montana Taplinger, Co-chair Ashley Thomas, Megan Buchanan, Lauren Blomster, Kelsey Alholm, Fondren Watts and Sarah Lodge Photos by Cliff Roles

Michael Klauber and Rodrigo Mendez Right: David Phillips and Tracy Negoshian

FOODLOSOPHY

A SARASOTA CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Friday, February 26, at Michael’s On East Benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

O

n Friday, Feb. 26, St. Jude hosted its debut event, Foodlosophy: A Sarasota Culinary Experience, at Michael’s On East. The food-centric event shared how the St. Jude culinary operations team works daily to provide healthy, nutritious options for patients with compromised immune systems, so they can battle life-threatening diseases. Prior to the event, Co-chair Montana Taplinger told Black Tie: “This event will deeply touch your heart and your palate.” And it did just that.

During cocktail hour, the guests walked the “green carpet,” (instead of red, to go with the farm-to-table theme) ate passed appetizers and hand-rolled sushi by chef Veth Senenoi, mingled and bid on silent auction items.

The décor was donated by Sarasota Architectural Salvage and So Staged, using old pieces and vintage décor for a farm-to-table look. Fresh fruits and vegetables, all donated by local farms, decorated long, dark farm tables that were layered with candlelight to bring the whole theme together. Following the social hour, the event emcees introduced the first courses, and the rest of the evening was filled with wonderful food and testimonies of the work of St. Jude.

Sarasota was one of 12 communities chosen for the Foodlosophy series, and, lucky for us, they already have a few chef commitments and will be returning for round two next year. PAGE 2

HEATHER MERRIMAN SABA | BLACK TIE EDITOR

2

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

FOODLOSOPHY FROM PAGE 1

YourObserver.com

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Chef Veth Senenoi, Pacific Rim Chicken satay, chicken crispy spring rolls, begetable gyoza dumplings

FIRST COURSE

Chef Erik Walker, Sandbar Seafood & Spirits HealthyEarth caviar on homemade buckwheat blini’s

SECOND COURSE Foodlosophy: a food-centric event to help educate how St. Jude culinary operations work daily to provide the healthiest, most nutritious options for patients with compromised immune systems, battling the deadliest diseases.

Left: Brian and Pandora Snyder Photos by Cliff Roles

Margaret Wise, Kate O’Connell and Anne Charters

Chef Randal Roulette, Owen’s Fish Camp Crab cake with spring time succotash and cole slaw

THIRD COURSE

Chef Derek Blackburn, Food Lovers Catering Rosemary olive oil poached shrimp with warm spring vegetable salad and bottarga bagna cauda

FOURTH COURSE

Chef Jeffrey Hileman, Locale Market Oak grilled Niman Ranch Heritage pork loin, caramelized root vegetables, carrot jus, smoked sea salt

FIFTH COURSE

Chef Christian Hershman Roasted chicken and crispy chicken crackling, cream farm cheese, hashed sunflower stalk, gold potato dumpling, katuk greens, heirloom tomato oil

DESSERT

Celeste Welch, Valerie Welch and Miki Autry

Chef Christine Nordstrom, Sift Bakehouse Lucy Mae cake, a Sift Bakehouse classic: vanilla buttermilk cake layered with house cream cheese mousse and fresh raspberries

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

MOLLY SCHECHTER AND HEATHER MERRIMAN SABA Courtesy

Tiny, left, and Sassy

BT&T is going to the dogs

University of opportunities Sagi Melamed, vice president of external relations and development at Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, near Nazareth, Israel, was in town this week to present an honorary degree to Sarasota philanthropist Al Goldstein.

The population of YVC, as it is known, represents Israeli society at its most diverse, with students from nearby Israeli agricultural cooperatives, Arab villages, cities and towns, many of whom are the first in their families to go to college. The college has a pre-academic studies program to enable these “first generation” students to improve their high school results and qualify for admission to a BA study program. As part of its commitment to provide higher education opportunity, YVC is seeking to expand its dormitory complex, since student demand for affordable housing exceeds the number of beds available. This is where Goldstein has focused his support over what he estimates to be the last 10 years. To add your support, reach out to Mr. Melamed at sagim@yvc.ac.il.

Tidbits Sip & See … Former Northern Trust exec and Paper Tree owner, Amie Swan, was in town recently to introduce friends and colleagues to her new venture, OTG247. It is a line of bags in an array of sizes, colors and materials, all to organize the inside of your bag. Swan designed every last detail, from the prints (the camo and skull-and-crossbones are particularly nice) to the linings (waterproof in one case).

You’ll soon see them carried by Rebecca Blitz, Carter Donovan, Minta Getzen, Roxie Jerde, Nora Johnson, Lisa Morris, Rochelle Nigri and more. Get yours at OTG247.com ... Hey, Bey ... It’s always fun to see a famously worn gown in person, and while we were at the Blush Bridal for the First Street Bridal Stroll (Fashion Insider, page 12) we came face to face with the gorgeous Inbal Dror that Beyoncé (that’s Queen Bey, to you) wore at the 2016 Grammys. It was as beautiful in person as it was on TV.

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Cliff Roles

Cheryl Loeffler, Kristin Chenoweth and Samantha Brenner

Sarasota is about to have something it has never had before: a weather-proof, waterfront (!) banquet space large enough for a wedding or other event with 250 guests seated for dinner and a dance floor.

It is a major reinvention of the Great Room at Marie Selby Botanical Garden, which will expand to about 5,000 square feet with a dramatically larger terrace, now covered. The new facility was part of the proposal from Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini of Michael’s On East when they won the food service contract for the Garden in 2015. It will have an interior by Anne Folsom Smith and be up and running in October.

Selby Gardens will inaugurate the new space with a “Lunch in the Garden” series starting in October. Weddings are already booked for fall, and the first gala will be Designing Women Boutique’s annual fundraiser, set for Dec. 3.

Last week, it was the story of Tiny, formerly known as Johnson, the 80-pound pitbull rescue who stole the show at the ARC Gala. His photo arrived after press time, but it is too charming not to print. (If you like knowing such things, this column locks up at 5 p.m. on Monday.)

This week, we celebrate the newest addition to the family of Myrna Band, a rescue poodle named, most aptly we are told, Sassy.

Sassy arrived not toilettrained; the Band’s older poodle, Molly, is teaching her the ropes. Both the Bands’ dogs found their happy home via Florida Poodle Rescue, as did Janet and John Hunter’s black royal standard, Oliver. To get yours, contact Constanza.bryant@gmail.com or 778-7238.

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BLACK TIE & TALES

New venue with a view

Yes, that was Kristin Chenoweth on the bridge Sarasota was more than a routine stop on the Florida circuit for Kristin Chenoweth, who played the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Feb. 27. The star is one of the closest friends of Samantha Brenner, daughter of Realtor, community supporter and long-time Longboat Key resident Cheryl Loeffler. They first met when they were young kids attending the same ballet school in Tulsa, Okla. They became close in Los Angeles more than 10 years ago. If you think you saw Chenoweth walking the bridge on Saturday, you probably did. She and Brenner spent much time together and Chenoweth spoke movingly about her friend and Loeffler during the concert.

MEET OUR NEW TEAM MEMBERS

Heather Merriman Saba

Andrea Dasha Reich

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Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner

Molly is a Family Nurse Practitioner and is board certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

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SkinSmart Dermatology now offers FIVE experienced medical dermatological practitioners in ONE location, and we are ready to serve the community with outstanding care at YOUR convenience!

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Miracle Ball – Miracles in the Making Saturday, Feb. 27, at Hyatt Regency Benefiting All Children’s Hospital Guild Sarasota/ Manatee Branch Photos by Kristen Herhold

Right: Chairwoman Amanda Fernandez and Jenni Ross, All Children’s Hospital Sarasota/Manatee Branch president Far right: Tom Waters and Harris Silverman with Dorene and Sam Seider

Left: Joe, Emily and Connie Herbert

Lydia Landa, Cheryl Csenge and Entela Caisse

Terry and Steve Stottlemyer

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Literacy Matters Luncheon Friday, February 26, at Michael’s On East Benefiting Literacy Council of Sarasota

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Ann Hardy, Gus and Janet Pederson

Sarasota County Libraries & Historical Resources Director Sarabeth Kalajian accepts the James E. Duffy Friend of Literacy Award from James Duffy.

Shlomey Kattan, Literacy Council of Sarasota Board President Carol Darling and Master of Ceremonies Jeffery Kin

Photos by Amanda Morales

Literacy Council of Sarasota Executive Director Tom Melville with Bob Parkinson

Barbara Sadtler, Millie Wieber and Jolley Siegwald

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Photos by Kristen Herhold

Executive Director Jennifer Vigne and committee Chairwoman Dotti Sechrist

Evening of Excellence ‘La Dolce Vita’ Gala Friday, Feb. 26, at Hyatt Regency Sarasota Benefiting Education Foundation of Sarasota County

Angela, Carlos and Pablo Gonzalez, with “Push to the Side.”

Josephine Frazil, Sarasota High School’s Best in School winner, with “Flor de Color.”

Miqui Lora and Charles Kovacs

Carol Erickson, Ed and Carole Kaye and Janis Noland

Sid Pocius P R E S E N T S

Incredible Dancing World Class Show

Baaimore Epicurean Adventure

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An Enchanted Luncheon Tuesday, Feb. 23, at Michael’s On East Benefiting Historic Spanish Point

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Above: Sandy Warner, Maureen Jones and Emelia Bruno Right: Ann Fontanetta, Ann Runyon-Peterson and Dana Furst

Photos by Heather Merriman Saba

Kim Dart and Mary Quillen

John Mason and featured speaker Laurence Cotton

Mary Evelyn Guyton and Cornelia Matson

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Saturday, March 12, 2016

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Eight over 80 Sunday, Feb. 28, at Michael’s On East Benefiting The Jewish Housing Council Foundation

Photos by Amanda Sebastiano

Lois Levine and Judith Yaeger

Eight Over 80 honorees. Back row: Murray Bring, Donald Malawsky, Joan Wood and Maurice Richards. Front row: Beverly Koski, Edie Winston, Gloria Moss and Jack Kesler. Not pictured: Naomi and Bruce Wertheimer.

Left: Nancy Harvey, David Wertheimer, Nelle Miller, Rich Bergman and Sarah Wertheimer

Judy Vigder, chairwoman of the event, says cheese with Heidi Brown, CEO of the Kobernick-Anchin-Benderson campus, and Co-Chairwoman Sharyn Nassau.

ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE

Fashion show by

NOW – APR. 9

“This is a gripping night of theatre.”

BY TODD KREIDLER Based on the screenplay

by William Rose DIRECTED BY FRANK GALATI

By ROBERT SCHENKKAN Directed by EMILY SOPHIA KNAPP Based on the original production by BILL RAUCH

– Mary Futgate, The Observer

NOW – APR. 10

Nick Wyman as L.B.J. and Denise Cormier as Lady Bird Johnson. Photo by Cliff Roles.

By EUGENE O’NEILL Directed by GREG LEAMING

3.11.16 Ally Farzetta and A.K. Murtadha. Photo by John Revisky.

“Laugh out loud funny…

Ah, Wonderful!”

– Dennis Maley, Bradenton Times

“Powerful... riotously funny.”

— Washingtonian

Douglas Jones, and Peggy Roeder. Photo by Gary W. Sweetman.

Douglas Jones, and Peggy Roeder. Photo by Gary W. Sweetman.

MAR. 9 – APR. 17

11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. donate.ncf.edu/events 941-487-4800

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Your Black Tie Here is our collection of #blacktieuntied Instagram posts from this past month.

From behind-thescenes photos of event planning (the menu-tasting shots made us drool!), to gown shots and more, it was a month filled with glamorous events, and your Instagram feeds sure do show your followers just how active our Sarasota social season is.

Keep hashtagging #blacktieuntied, so we can see what you’ve been up to on the social scene.

@laurastewartwood So many options at the #asolorepgala food tasting. Find out what we picked on March 5th!

@jrustsrq Great time at the American Cancer Society Gala last night. So proud of my friend and colleague Jennifer Steube and her husband Greg Steube for Co-Chairing such a successful evening!

@christina.sadler Herve all day. #OrchidBall

I N STAG R A M Follow Black Tie on Instagram: @blacktie_untied To see your photos in print, use: #blacktieuntied

Girls inc. 28th AnnuAl celebrAtion luncheon

@sepi823 Sepi and Ryan Ackerman at St. Jude Presents: Foodlosophy

@mariavictoria_t Fun little Sunday with these beauties #forksandcorks2016

KISS OF THE WOLF TRUNK SHOW MARCH 3-5 • 10AM - 6PM

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GIRLS INC.

Friday, April 1, 2016 the ritz-carlton, sarasota

DESIGNER LORI BACHAGALUPI, IS BACK FROM HER WORLD TRAVELS BRINGING A NEW AND EXCITING HANDPAINTED/DYED SILK COLLECTION!

ADDITIONAL CUSTOMER PARKING LOCATED IN BACK

For more information, call 366-6646 x218 or visit our website at www.girlsincsrq.org

10:30 a.m.

Dream harbor boutique shopping 11:30 a.m. luncheon

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Honorary Chairwoman Terri Klauber with Co-Chairs Fran LaCivita and Renee Phinney

6th annual Cooking for Wishes Thursday, Feb. 25, at Michael’s On East Benefiting Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida

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Photos by Jessica Salmond

Phil Mancini and Jamil Pineda call out instructions to the table chefs.

Left: Jennifer Stutler and Tiffany Janczewski cook up the scallops and shrimp appetizer.

Meet representatives from many popular tour and cruise companies Meet representatives from many popular tour and cruise companies who will available to answer of your Learn all about whobewill will be available available to all answer allquestions. of your your questions. questions. who be to answer all of and what’s 2016 and beyond.

Learn all aboutexciting excitingoffers offers for 2012new andfor what’s new for 2013 and beyond.

Learn all about exciting offers for 2012 and what’s new for 2013 and beyond.

Featuring of: Featuringthe thecruises cruises and and tours tours of: Meet representatives from many popular tour and cruise companies who will be available to answer all of your questions.

Learn all about exciting offers for 2012 and what’s new for 2013 and beyond.

Featuring the cruises and tours of:

Left: Rebecca Blitz, Kareliz Rodriguez, Carlos Rodriguez Jr., Lizaida Santiago and Carlos Rodriguez Sr.

the cruises and tours of: Cruises • Insight Princess American Featuring Cruise Line

• Avalon

Meet representatives from many popular tour and cruise companies

who will be available to answer all of your questions.

• Azamara • Oceania • Avalon • Insight all about exciting offers for 2012 and what’s new for 2013 and beyond.

Oceania Cruises Avalon River Cruises • & Beyond - Africa/India • RoyalLearn Caribbean •• Avalon •• Insight Azamara Oceania Meet representatives from many popular tour and cruise companies • Princess • Seabourn Featuring the cruises and tours of: Regent Seven Seas Cruises Azamara Cruises • Carnival • Star who will be available to answer all Clippers of your Cruises questions. & Beyond Africa/India Royal Caribbean • Azamara • Oceania • Celebrity • Trafalgar Caribbean International Line Avalon • Insight Learn all• Cunard aboutCelebrity exciting offersCruise for 2012 and what’s new• for 2013Royal and beyond.

• Oceania • Princess Seabourn Cruises Cunard Cruises• Uniworld • Azamara • Seabourn • & Beyond Africa/India • Royal Caribbean • Crystal • Viking River Cruises Featuring the cruises and tours •of: & Beyond - Africa/India • Royal Caribbean • Globus • VIPCruises Tours Carnival StarTauck Clippers Tours Emerald Waterways River • Princess • Cruises Seabourn •• Princess •• Seabourn • Avalon • Insight Holland America • Windstar • Carnival • Star Clippers Cruises Windstar Cruises Globus Tours • Celebrity • Trafalgar • Azamara • Oceania DATE: Wednesday, November 14 TIME: 2 pm to 4 pm Meet representatives from many popular tour and cruise companies • Carnival • Star Clippers Cruises • Celebrity • &Holland - Africa/India • Royal America Cruises •Beyond Cunard • Uniworld •• Trafalgar LOCATION: VIP World Travel office•Caribbean Cunard Uniworld • Princess • Seabourn who will be available answer all of your questions.

Celebrity • Trafalgar 4971 Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota, FL to 34235 • CrystalCruises • •Cruises Viking River Cruises •• Crystal Viking • Carnival • Star Clippers Thursday, March 10 TIME: 2River - 4pm • Globus • VIP Tours 941-377-0017 Learn• Celebrity all•• Cunard about DATE: exciting offers 2012 and what’s new for 2013 and beyond.

• Uniworld •for Trafalgar Globus • VIP Tours • Holland America • Windstar VIP World Travel office 4971 Ringwood Meadow, •LOCATION: Cunard • Uniworld Crystal River •• Holland America •• Viking Windstar • Crystal • the Viking River Cruises Featuring cruises and tours of:14 Cruises DATE: Wednesday, November TIME: 2 pm to 4 pm Sarasota, FL 34235 941-377-0017 • Globus • VIP Tours • Globus • VIP Tours LOCATION: VIP World Travel office • Holland America • Windstar DATE: Wednesday, November 14 pm to FL 4 pm Meet representatives from many tour and 2cruise companies • Avalon •TIME: Insight 4971popular Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota, 34235 • Holland America • Windstar DATE: •Wednesday, AzamaraNovember 14 TIME: 2 pm to 4 pm • Oceania who will be available to answer all of your questions.

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DATE: Wednesday, November 14 what’s 2for pm to and 4 pm 4971 Meadow, Sarasota, FL 34235 4971 Ringwood Meadow,offers Sarasota, 34235 presents • Princess • Seabourn 941-377-0017 Featuring the World cruises and toursoffice of: LOCATION: VIP Travel • Carnival • Star Clippers Cruises • Avalon Insight 4971 Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota, FL 34235 • Celebrity • •Trafalgar • Azamara Oceania • Cunard • •Uniworld • & Beyond - Africa/India • Royal River Caribbean • Crystal • Viking Cruises • Princess • Seabourn • Globus • VIP Tours • Carnival Star Clippers Cruises • Holland America • •Windstar • Celebrity • Trafalgar DATE:• Wednesday, November 14 TIME: 2 pm to 4 pm Cunard • Uniworld • Crystal • Vikingoffice River Cruises LOCATION: VIP World Travel • Globus • VIP Tours 4971 Ringwood Meadow, Sarasota, FL 34235 • Holland America • WindstarVan Wezel 1601641

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SPECIAL THANKS TO SPONSORS: BEHR PAINT; SIERRA PACIFIC WINDOWS THE OBSERVER; SARASOTA MAGAZINE AND SPOTLIGHT GRAPHICS

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Going for the Gold Kickoff Party Thursday, Feb. 18, at The Met | Benefiting YMCA Foundation of Sarasota

TIE Photos by Heather Merriman Saba

Above: Courtney Smith and Christina Sadler Left: Erin Krcmar and Rachel Gamberg take a selfie wearing Christine A. Moore hats.

Mitchell Epstein, Mike Hagan, Geoffrey and Brenda Michel, Christina A. Moore, Merrill Bonder and Dan Dannheisser

196496

AJC West Coast Florida 2016 National Human Relations Award Dinner

Above: Guests enjoyed Derby-style food, such as mint juleps and pecan-pie bars.

Right: Jackie Dickinson, Flori Roberts and Terry Chandler

HONORING

David & Edie Chaifetz

�orida studio theatre

W E D N E S D AY, M A R C H 3 0 , 2 0 1 6

6:00 PM Cocktails 6:45 PM Dinner

Saturday Night Live For Sarasota Returns!

Ben Mackel, Hunter Brown, Eric Scott Anthony, and John Bronston. Photo by Matthew Holler.

Nick Anastasia, Ali Reed, Richie McCall, William Selby. Photo by Matthew Holler.

“Lively”

- Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Michael’s On East, Sarasota, Florida DINNER CHAIRS

Tom & Karen Bernstein

“Clever”

“Vibrant”

- Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Marilyn Shuman Noel & Toby Siegel KEYNOTE SPEAKER

- Sarasota Herald-Tribune

David Harris AJC Chief Executive Officer, Edward and Sandra Meyer Office of the CEO

“Audiences are rocking out and singing along”

FOR SPONSORSHIP AND T I C K E T I N F O R M AT I O N , C O N TA C T

Head Writer: Rebecca Hopkins Contributing Writers: Jim Prosser, Stephan deGhelder, and Adam Ratner

- Sarasota Herald-Tribune

“Terriic quartet of singing musicians”

AJC Regional Director, Brian Lipton 941.365.4955 or liptonb@ajc.org

“Gets audiences laughing” - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

- Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Richard Hopkins, Producing Artistic Director

presented as part of the SARASOTA FESTIVAL OF NEW PLAYS

Sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.

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FST IMPROV - EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY

AJC Mission: To enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel, and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world.

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FAS HI O N I NS I D ER FIRST STREET BRIDAL STROLL HEATHER MERRIMAN SABA BLACK TIE EDITOR

L

ocal wedding planner Nicole Kaney, of NK Productions, hosted a bridal stroll on First Street Thursday, Feb. 18, collaborating with First Street shops, as well as other local brands for a showcase of all things bridal. In the midst of wedding season, we strolled through and talked to the designers, shop owners and Kaney to get some bridal tips and other marital tidbits.

“The most popular look right now for bridal nails is blushes, peaches and nudes. French manicures are out but techniques such as ombre and cascade are in. For the maids, brides tend to stick to the same color, or having them choose different colors, but in the same color family.”

– Michele Schlossberg, PAINT Nail Bar owner

Blush Bridal owners Nicole Mei and Fondren Watts with Camilyn Leavitt

Photos by Heather Merriman Saba

So Staged brought in event furniture for guests to lounge on during the stroll.

Write-On hosted a Rifle Paper trunk show during the Bridal Stroll.

“We are actually seeing a demand for blush and nude color gowns, opposed to the typical white gown. In addition, illusion necklines are very popular right now — showing more skin, but still being covered.”

“Blush is the most popular, when it comes to brides choosing a bridesmaid dress from her collection.”

– Camilyn Leavitt, Camilyn Beth owner and designer

PARTICIPATING BOUTIQUES Write-On — hosting a Rifle Paper trunk show Blush Bridal — hosting an Inbal Dror trunk show Camilyn Beth — featuring perfect white dresses for bridal showers, postwedding brunch and rehearsal dinners, as well as her new bridesmaid collection PAINT Nail Bar NUOVO So Staged — showcasing glamorous furniture available for weddings PECKY Home Interiors— ​offering bridal registries T. Georgiano’s

– Nicole Mei, Blush Bridal co-owner

THISWEEKEND

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