Arts + Entertainment 11.18.21

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 18, 2021

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For the holidays, we all have some signature dishes that mean more to us than a full tummy. Local chefs share their most treasured recipes for the season.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021

SWEET N’ SAVORY CORNBREAD STUFFING

By Chef Christopher Covelli Sage Restaurant: 1216 First St., Sarasota; 4455660; SageSRQ.com.

Bijou Garden Café: 1287 First St., Sarasota; 3668111; BijouCafe.net.

RECIPES TO BE THANKFUL FOR ABBY WEINGARTEN CONTRIBUTOR

T

hanksgiving isn’t just about the food. It’s about the feelings. The family memories. The gratitude.

For five area chefs, there’s a lot of sentiment amid

the seasoning as they share some of their tried-andtrue holiday recipes for the autumn table — from tarts to turkeys.

“My fondest childhood memories took place in the kitchen with my Italian grandmother. One day, when I was around 12, my grandmother and I were preparing her classic stuffing. I went into the pantry and brought out items to experiment with: pecans, macadamia nuts and dried cranberries. Then I included 2 pounds of sage-flavored breakfast sausages. That’s the recipe I use to this day. It’s packed with protein — hearty, savory and sweet — with a crunchy texture from the nuts and celery.

It reminds me of those precious days in the kitchen with my grandmother.”

RECIPE: Sweet n’ Savory Cornbread Stuffing The full recipe is a bit of a secret, but this is the main idea. Prepare the dish the day before Thanksgiving.

Cut toasted cornbread into cubes (storebought is fine, or prepare your own from scratch the day before). Fold in 2 pounds of ground, sage-flavored sausage with all the veggies, nuts and fruits in a big stainless steel bowl. Add salt and pepper, and pour the mixture into a large aluminum baking pan. Press the stuffing until it is dense, and bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees. The next day, before browning, ladle in a half-quart of chicken broth, return it to the oven, and cook at 400 degrees for 45 minutes or until browned.

PERUVIAN-STYLE TURKEY

By Chef Felix Morales Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse: 19 E. Road, Sarasota; 312-5969; StottlemyersSmokehouse.com.

“I moved to Los Angeles, California, from Nicaragua in 1986, so I had never celebrated Thanksgiving until 1990 (when I was at the Hilton, learning how to cook a turkey and all the traditional sides that accompany it). My first memory of Turkey Day was celebrating that night with the staff after the dinner service. I started working for Stottlemyer’s in late 2018 and became head chef in 2020, and this has been my twist on the traditional roast turkey. I hope it’s something that many other families can enjoy this Thanksgiving.”

RECIPE: Peruvian-Style Turkey Ingredients: 1 cup ground cumin 1 cup soy sauce 1 cup white vinegar 2/3 cup olive oil ¼ cup minced garlic 6 tablespoons smoked paprika ¼ cup black pepper 2 tablespoons oregano 1 tablespoon kosher salt Blend the ingredients into a paste. Pat the turkey dry after rinsing. Loosen the skin from the breast and legs by running a hand underneath. Reserve about ½-¾ cup of the spice paste for later. Rub the rest all over the turkey and underneath the skin. Let the turkey rest for an hour on the counter while the oven preheats. Cut a piece of foil slightly larger than the size of the turkey breast. Use half of the remaining spice paste to rub the interior cavity of the turkey, then tie the legs together and place the turkey in a roasting pan. Roast the turkey for 90 minutes to two hours, then cover the breast with the foil. Continue roasting until the turkey is done (when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 170-175 degrees). While the turkey is roasting, use a pastry brush every 30 minutes to brush the remaining spice paste onto the turkey’s legs, thighs and top. Turkey roasting time is about 15 minutes per pound.

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PUMPKIN CRISP

VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE APPLE TART

By Pastry Chef Ray Lajoie Michael’s On East: 1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota; 366-0007; BestFood.com.

By Chefs Ryan and Aaron Boeve Lila: 1576 Main St., Sarasota; 296-1042; LilaSRQ.com.

“Sometimes, the holidays are all about improvising. So this recipe evolved from me not having the ingredients to make a traditional pumpkin pie. I was all out of evaporated milk, and I had no other dairy to substitute in my pie, so I decided to make the pie anyway with what I had on hand. I was also making apple crisp, and I had oatmeal crumble left over, so I decided to put that on top of the pie. Surprisingly, it worked!

After a few tweaks, this is the final product, and it has turned into a family favorite. It’s also great in the morning with a cup of coffee.”

“This recipe is in honor of our dear friend and ‘uncle,’ Arthur Lopes, who was my (Ryan’s) business partner and like family for over 20 years.

We are carrying on his spirit by making our apple tart for the holidays. The apple tart was one of Arthur’s most popular desserts; you could feel the warmth and love that went into its creation. My son, Aaron, who is now cooking with me at Lila, baked and helped his uncle Arthur in the kitchen from time to time. We have begun a tradition of making one of Arthur’s desserts for the holidays, as we continue to be inspired by his recipes and how he treated others.”

RECIPE: Vegan, Gluten-Free Apple Tart (Yields eight 4-inch tarts) Main ingredients: 5 Granny Smith apples, peeled Apricot glaze Coconut oil

RECIPE: Pumpkin Crisp For the crust: 2 sticks cold butter, cut into small cubes 2 cups flour ½ cup sugar ½ teaspoon salt Place ingredients in a food processor, and pulse until a ball forms. Press mixture into a lightly greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Place in the freezer for an hour, then bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Set aside.

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Press into 4-inch tart pans greased with coconut oil.

For the almond-rum butter: ½ pound vegan butter 1 cup granulated sugar 4 tablespoons ground flaxseed ¾ cup filtered water ¾ cup dark rum 4 tablespoons almond extract 4½ cups almond flour

Combine ingredients in a large mixing bowl by hand to make a crumble. Do not overmix.

For the pumpkin filling: 2 15-ounce cans pumpkin ¾ cup white sugar ¾ cup brown sugar 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ginger ½ teaspoon cloves 4 eggs

Cream vegan butter and sugar in stand mixer.

Add remaining ingredients, and mix for two minutes.

To assemble tart: Add 3-4 tablespoons of almond-rum butter to the center of the tart crust. Slice Granny Smith apples, and layer them on top of the tart. Brush with apricot glaze. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Cook in at 375 degrees for approximately 30 minutes or until browned. Serve warm with vegan ice cream.

copenhagen im ports

Beat eggs and sugar. Add pumpkin and spices, and mix until smooth. Pour mixture over crust, and cover with oatmeal crumble. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes, or until pumpkin filling is firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool, cut into squares, and serve with whipped cream.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021

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SWEET POTATO COBBLER

By Chef Pedro Flores Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar: 5353 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; 925-4444; CreekSeafood.com.

“I grew up in Mexico City cooking family dinners with my mother. I first experienced a traditional Thanksgiving over 30 years ago, and it reminded me so much of my upbringing — gathering in the kitchen and sharing delicious foods.

Every day, I want to inspire our guests, and one of the Thanksgiving favorites here has become our sweet potato cobbler (a twist on the traditional sweet potato casserole or sweet potato pie). The Creek is home, and I am so happy and honored to present my recipes to our wonderful guests, who are like family to me.”

RECIPE: Sweet Potato Cobbler For the filling: 5 pounds sweet potatoes 2 cups brown sugar 4 eggs, beaten ½ pound melted butter 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract 1½ tablespoons ground cinnamon ½ cup flour 1 tablespoon salt Bake sweet potatoes at 325 degrees for about an hour or until soft. Cool slightly, and peel off skins. In a mixing bowl, whisk sweet potatoes until smooth. Add all ingredients for filling, and whisk until blended.

For the crust: 4 cups almond flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ cup coconut oil, melted 6 tablespoons coconut milk 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the oatmeal crumble: 1½ cups flour 1½ cups packed brown sugar 1½ cups old-fashioned oats 2 sticks butter, softened

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For the topping: 1½ cups all-purpose flour 1 cup brown sugar 2 eggs, beaten 4 ounces melted butter 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract ¼ cup whole milk 1 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder Place sweet potato filling in an 8-by-10-inch pan or casserole dish.

For the dough: In a mixing bowl, add flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Mix with hands until combined and smooth dough. (Add a little more flour if the dough is a bit too moist.) Top the sweet potato mixture with the dough (crumble) topping. Bake at 325 degrees for approximately 75 minutes or until topping is brown.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021

ANTHONY RODIA 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $42 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Known as the “king of off-the-boat comedy,” Anthony Rodia has sold out comedy clubs across the country while garnering nearly 37 million views on his YouTube channel. He is known for a variety of skits, storytelling, song parodies and “Road Rage Wednesday.” Runs through Saturday.

BRAHMS & THE BOYS 7:30 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice $31-$56 Visit TheVeniceSymphony.org.

‘AT THE WAKE OF A DEAD DRAG QUEEN’ The time is probably the early 2010s. The place is a cramped nightclub in a small town in Georgia. It’s a coming-of-age story — more accurately, a notcoming-of-age story. Courtney (Anthony Knighton on his driver’s license) is the play’s eponymous drag queen who has contracted AIDS in a rural backwater where life-saving drug cocktails are hard to come by if you’re poor and uninsured.

Courtney’s only 22 years old — and the clock stops at age 23. The down-and-dirty show within a show is a comedy and a party, of course, but a tragedy at heart.

NEIL BERG’S 50 YEARS OF ROCK & ROLL 8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $24-$82 Call 953-3368.

Neil Berg returns to the Van Wezel with a cast of all-stars from Broadway’s best rock musicals to put on a show for the ages — or the past 50 years, at least. Starting with its origins in the 1940s, the show highlights the best of rock ‘n’ roll through its heyday in the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and early ’80s.

At a retirement community, anything can happen — and the Pelican Roost Assisted Living Home is no exception. This vaudeville-esque production is a bit off its rockers, but it will definitely have you laughing. Runs through Dec. 29.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday Where: Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. Tickets: $5-$36 Info: Visit UrbaniteTheatre. com.

THURSDAY ‘THE WANDERERS’ 7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. From $36 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Be transported to the mid-20th century with a musical revue honoring the dynamic groups of the 1950s and ’60s. Featured hits include Danny & the Juniors’ “At the Hop,” Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” and The Beatles’ “With A Little Help From My Friends.” Runs through Jan. 30.

‘ASSISTED LIVING THE MUSICAL: THE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS’ 7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre Pinkerton Stage, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice $15-$34 Call 488-1115.

DON’T MISS FRIDAY

FALL ART SHOW AND SALE 9 a.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.

Free Visit CAALR.com.

Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch’s annual Fall Art Show features work by local artists in a variety of mediums, such as painting, sculpture, ceramics, fiber art, wood turning, acrylics and jewelry.

‘VISIONS OF THE BLACK EXPERIENCE’ 6:30 p.m. at New College’s Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Road Free Visit VisionsOfTheBlackExperience. com.

‘DAY & NIGHT’ The Sarasota Ballet opens its second program of its 2021-22 season with “Day & Night,” a pairing of Sir Peter Wright’s “Summertide” and Twyla Tharp’s “Nine Sinatra Songs.” As the program title foreshadows, “Summertide” presents the celebration of the day in a one-act performance featuring an abstract expression

New College hosts the third annual film series “Visions of the Black Experience.” The event studies and celebrates the Black life experience through films, panel discussions and audience talkbacks. Films include “Invisible History” with a talkback

of Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Then “Nine Sinatra Songs” takes the audience into the evening by bringing the legendary singers’ hits to life through dance.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday Where: Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Tickets: From $35 Info: Visit SarasotaBallet.org.

at 6:30 p.m. Friday, “Mending Walls” at 4 p.m. Saturday and “Watermelon Man” at 6 p.m. Saturday. All programming is free, and most of the 40-plus films featured throughout the event are available online through Nov. 21.

SATURDAY SARASOTA FALL FINE ART FESTIVAL 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive Free Call 487-8061.

Master artisans from across Florida and throughout the U.S. will show and sell their works, which range from jewelry to woodworking to mixed media. Visitors can interact with the artists and purchase oneof-a-kind pieces. Event continues Sunday.

ATLANTIC CITY BOYS 8 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $27-$38 Call 748-5875.

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The Venice Symphony returns for its 48th season with the lineup from its pandemic-canceled 47th season.

The featured piece is Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 in E Minor.

Thomas Hooten, the principal trumpet of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, follows with Joseph Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in E-Flat Major. Closing the evening is “God Only Knows” by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher and Bedřich Smetana’s Overture from “The Bartered Bride.”

A second performance is at 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

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MONDAY

SAMMY FIGUEROA LATIN JAZZ ENSEMBLE 7:30 p.m. at FST’s John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St. $35-$39 Call 260-9951.

The Jazz Club of Sarasota’s Monday Night Jazz Cabaret continues with Sammy Figueroa Latin Jazz Ensemble. Figueroa, one of Latin jazz’s leading percussionists, is known for his versatility of styles and will take listeners on a musical journey. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for dinner and drinks.

When you can’t go to Broadway, you find a way to bring it to you. Inspired by popular musical “Jersey Boys,” the four lead singers of Atlantic City Boys cover artists from the 1960s hits of The Drifters, The Beach Boys, and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

SUNDAY JAZZ ON THE WATER 2 p.m. at LeBarge Tropical Cruise, 2 Marina Plaza $35; 10% discount for Jazz Club members Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Instead of a three-hour tour to Gilligan’s Island, enjoy a two-hour cruise aboard LeBarge on Sarasota Bay hosted by the Jazz Club of Sarasota.

Live jazz from “Just the Two of Us,” Annie Addington and Jamil Ghattas will be filling the waterways with their toe-tapping sounds. Feel free to bring your own snacks, but drinks will need to be purchased at the bar.

Boarding begins at 1:30 p.m., with departure promptly at 2 p.m.

SARASOTA BRASS QUINTET 2:30 p.m. at G.T. Bray Park Amphitheater, 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W., Bradenton Free Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

This is the first of eight of the Sarasota Orchestra’s outdoor series, “On the Road with Sarasota Orchestra:

TUESDAY

‘COME FROM AWAY’ 7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $42-$112 Call 953-3368.

Broadway hit musical “Come From Away” tells the true story what happened when 38 airplanes had to unexpectedly land in a small town in Newfoundland on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, leaving 7,000 airline passengers stranded. Runs through Nov. 28.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021

HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at ArtCenter Manatee, 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton Free Visit ArtCenterManatee.org.

ArtCenter Manatee’s Holiday Extravaganza, in its Searle Gallery, has holiday trees decked out with ornaments, handmade decor, gifts and more. Also featured are “James Griffin: The Road To Home,” a curated exhibit in the Kellogg Gallery, and “Small But Mighty — Off The Wall,” an open, all media juried exhibit in the Reid Hodges Gallery.

The exhibits are featured through Dec. 28. ArtCenter Manatee is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

Parks and Partners.” The open-air performance will showcase the orchestra’s musicians in the beauty of the area’s natural surroundings.

All the performances are free, but registration is required.

‘AMERICA’S MUSIC’ 3 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3131 61st St. $5 Visit SuncoastConcertBand.org.

In need of something relaxing to do on a Sunday afternoon? (No, naps don’t count.) Check out Suncoast Concert Band, a local performance group featuring retired professional musicians and band directors alongside engineers, teachers and performers from various other professions and all walks of life united by their love of concert music.

WILLIAM SOCOLOF, BASS-BARITONE 3 p.m. at Fischer/Weisenborne Residence, 7459 Cabbage Palm Court $54 Call 306-1202.

Artist Series Concerts’ “Soiree Series” welcomes William Socolof, a 2020 winner of the Young Concert Artists International Auditions. Socolof will be accompanied by pianist Gracie Francis. A second performance will be 7 p.m. Monday.

The Joy of Christmas 2021

The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical Book and lyrics by

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Directed and Choreographed by

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021

The evolution of a revolution MARTY FUGATE CONTRIBUTOR

“H

air” brought America’s countercultural revolution to Broadway in the late 1960s.

Sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll? Yes, yes and yes.

The game-changing musical was the brainchild of composer Galt MacDermot and two writers and lyricists, Gerome Ragni and James Rado. Their show was a hit — and hit the top 40 with songs like “Hair,” “Aquarius” and “Let the Sunshine In.” But that was then, and this is now. Is the musical still relevant today? Two passionate talents at Asolo Rep say yes to that as well.

Director and choreographer Josh Rhodes and co-choreographer Ishita Mili have put their hearts into this production. As they see it, the countercultural revolution isn’t a thing of the past. It’s still going on — though it’s evolved.

“Hair” was definitely a musical of its time. How do you make it relevant for our time?

Josh Rhodes: We didn’t have to do anything. We just let “Hair” be “Hair.” It’s actually completely relevant to right now. So many of the issues of the 1960s civil rights movement are still with us — and still demand attention. “Hair” is a musical about radical love and political activism. It’s not about dropping out of society. It’s about making a change. That’s totally relevant to our time.

IF YOU GO ‘HAIR’ When: Nov. 20 through Jan. 1 Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $33-$93 Info: Call 351-8000, or visit AsoloRep.org.

Even so, those values aren’t confined to the East Village or Haight-Ashbury anymore. Based on reviews I’ve read, “Hair” was shocking in its time. “Oh, Lordy!

There’s nudity, they smoke marijuana, and there’s a mixedrace couple and a gay character!”

That’s all mainstream today.

Rhodes: Sure. That’s all acceptable … on stage or HBO. We’re used to seeing it in a performance now.

That doesn’t mean our country is free of those issues. Yes, we’ve opened up our ideas of race and gender identity. Much has changed since the 1960s. But those changes are often superficial — a matter of socially acceptable attitudes and popular culture. That doesn’t necessarily trickle down to the reality of a court of law or a random police encounter. There is still a lot of work to be done. That’s what this show exposes.

OK. But a revolution that succeeds is no longer revolutionary. So many of the changes the musical advocated have taken place.

Ishita Mili: America has made great progress since 1968. But we’re still facing many of the same issues.

There are many areas where we thought we’d made progress and haven’t.

The Vietnam War is over.

Rhodes: Of course, though others followed. And yes, “Hair” is an anti-war piece. But the focus is positive, not negative. It’s not the “American Anti-War Rock Musical.” It’s the “American Tribal Love-Rock Musical.” At its core, it’s putting a magnifying glass to the social revolution that was happening in the East Village. Their values were joyful and life-affirming.

Photo courtesy of Frank Atura

So on a fundamental level, the changes “Hair” advocated for American society haven’t been accepted. The Age of Aquarius hasn’t dawned yet.

Rhodes: No, it hasn’t. The “harmony and understanding” these characters wanted is still a work in progress.

Jonathan Fleites plays Woof in Asolo Rep’s production of “Hair”.

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How are the young actors responding to the musical’s portrayal of 1960s counterculture?

Rhodes: They see many parallels to their own experience. “Hair” really taps into the energy of young people today. I think we’re in the middle of another social revolution right now. Young people are angry but also optimistic. There’s a real cry for change — and that’s exactly what “Hair” is all about.

So the young actors of 2021 identify with their hippy characters from 1968?

Rhodes: Absolutely. But for us, it’s really easy not to label them “hippies” or define them by hippy concepts. These characters were part of a social revolution, which our actors are very much a part of now.

Are the actors having fun with this?

Rhodes: Very much so. But it’s not always a bright, shiny conversation in the rehearsal room. Talking about race in America generates many triggering emotions.

Mili: A musical like this is a powerful experience for the actors — especially after the long pandemic we’ve all experienced. America is going through a social reckoning. We’ve all been a part of it, and our work is a reckoning, too. So, during rehearsals, we took stock of the characters and found ways to diversify their voices, stories and identities.

How did you accomplish that?

Mili: By carefully looking at the script and the musical compositions. Many groups and parties were a part of that time but left out of most performances. We discovered that they’re actually present in the script and the original vision.

We brought that out — and it really makes a difference when you feel represented. I know it does for me!

I’m not actually from the musical theater world. I’m an Indian classical dancer by training. So when Josh asked me to be a co-choreographer on this project, I wasn’t sure I wanted to be a part of it. But when I looked at the script and story, I saw there’s actually quite a bit of my heritage in the lyrics and song

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choices. Indian thought and tradition also had a powerful influence on the hippy movement, though that’s often overlooked. All those aspects really drew me in. I’m personally able to bring a more diverse perspective to this production. My heritage and dance background informs the way I see the world — and my movement choices as well.

Did staging “Hair” change your perception of the musical?

Rhodes: Gosh. I’m still waiting for that answer. I’m making discoveries every day. It’s an interesting project, and it keeps telling us what it wants to be.

It’s a living thing — and not entirely tame.

Rhodes: No, it isn’t. “Hair” doesn’t have a fixed emotional arc like “The Sound of Music.” The story is implied and not necessarily blocked out. So it’s interesting how our actors inevitably change the narrative because of who they are. Everything we’ve done keeps constantly changing and evolving.

In its own way, this musical is like a crazy monster. We don’t know what it’s going to be until it gets here.

I can’t wait to see where it goes.

Rhodes: Neither can I. What do you want theatergoers to take away from this musical?

Mili: I think our biggest hope is for each theatergoer to come with open minds and open eyes — no matter where they come from or what beliefs they hold. These characters might look a little differently or identify a little differently than you.

But open up to their joyful world, and you’ll find out where they’re coming from.

Rhodes: We’ve lived through a passionate year of protests and a very large cry from the younger generation. “Hair” shows you where that’s coming from and why. This musical really opens your eyes — and I think that’s its greatest gift. So I hope it’ll be an eye-opening experience for theatergoers. And that everyone in the audience will truly feel what’s behind the cry for change.

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November 20 & 21, 2021 At Phillippi Estate Park, Sarasota

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David Muniz, Sculpture

COVID safety guidelines in place: Social distancing, all booths spread apart, face coverings recommended and more

Professionally Juried Fine Art & Fine Craft Show At Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota All Art is Original, Personally Handmade & for Sale by the Artist Present at the Show Saturday, November 20 & Sunday, November 21 ~ 10am-5pm Daily

Free Admission; Parking $5 supports Plus! Call for Entries: Youth Art Competition for grades K-8 or ages 5-13. More info www.ArtsAndEducationInc.org

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6th Sarasota Fine Art Show January 15 & 16, 2022 at Phillippi Estate Park, Sarasota

CLAMBAKE: New College serves up New England food. 10 < FAUX PAWS: Humane Society brings dogs to donors. 12

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Co-Chair Charles Huisking, Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg and co-Chair Charlotte Perret Photos by Harry Sayer

Artful Lobster Saturday, Nov. 13, on Manasota Key | Benefiting Hermitage Artist Retreat

D

ozens gathered on Manasota Key to support the artists at Hermitage Artist Retreat during its Artful Lobster benefit Nov. 13.

The outdoor event had many of the art organization’s supporters meeting for a lunch full of lobster and other good food. Artful Lobster helps benefit the artists who complete residencies at the Hermitage Artist Retreat.

Guests mingled before sitting down and hearing from Hermitage leaders.

The audience later enjoyed performances from Hermitage Fellow Dorothy Lawson and Raleigh Mosley II.

Michael and Carole Clark

–HARRY SAYER

Above: Vic Von Klemperer, Megan Lowman and Chris Caswell Right: Patricia Caswell, Marletta Darna and Katie Couchot Below: Brad Goddard and Flora Major Left: Leonard McGill with Judy and Eladio Amores

Tom Heiden plays the steel drums.

Dozens gathered at the outdoor event.

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Meals on Wheels of Sarasota will again collect gift items

Brunch Money

New Hair, Don’t Care

You can’t go to a fundraiser in town without likely running into Donna Koffman, a mainstay in the social scene for some time.

She also has curly hair, but you might not have noticed. Koffman has been straightening it when attending events for years.

But not anymore. Koffman has gone ahead to sport her natural, curly hair for the events this social season, and from the sounds of things, it was a good decision.

“I’m not sure what inspired me to quit fighting my hair and just let it go, but it is so freeing,” Koffman said.

She used to have someone help pin her hair back and had it chemically straightened for the past 15 years.

It’s an easier process now. Koffman simple leaves her hair as is or pins it back with a decorative clip.

for their more than 1,000 clients to be delivered in early

December. Only new items are accepted for those who receive

Harry Sayer

Sister Cities One World Award Gala The Sister Cities Association of Sarasota honored Victor DeRenzi, Sarasota Opera’s artistic director and principal conductor, with the Individual One World Award during its gala Nov. 7 at Michael’s On East.

At the organization’s One World Award Gala, Liz Alpert, the honorary gala chair and a city commissioner, presented DeRenzi with the award for helping “enhance understanding and respect among citizens of the world.”

Richard Russell, the general manager of the Sarasota Opera, was presented with the One World Organization Award by City Manager Marlon Brown.

Donna Koffman and Staci Baer

nourishing meals through our daily meal delivery program.

• Combs & brushes • Deodorant • First Aid Kits • Liquid & bar soap for bathing • Nail files, nail clippers • Shampoo & conditioner

• Small Calendars • Socks • Tissue - boxes or packs • Toothbrush/toothpaste & floss • Writing pads, notecards, postcards & stamps

HOW TO DONATE

Resilient Retreat Farm to Table Feast

Drop off items now through November 26 or mail check to Meals On Wheels of Sarasota 421 N. Lime Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237 Drop off Times: Mon-Fri 9-3 Go Online: www.MealsonWheelsofSarasota.org

By Phone: 941.366.6693 Amazon Smile is also a great way to shop and send!

Supporters of Resilient Retreat braved some chilly weather for some good food during the Farm to Fable Feast fundraiser Nov. 14.

The inaugural event, held at the organization’s conservation land, benefits the group’s services helping survivors of abuse and trauma.

Guests mingled and then sat down for some much-needed dinner.

Chefs for the evening included Christopher Covelli, Darwin Santa Maria, Greg Campbell, Jim Angus and Honorary Chair Tommy Klauber.

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University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee was hoping for a successful event when bringing its Brunch on the Bay fundraiser back to campus Nov. 7.

It probably didn’t expect the final result: The event raised $500,000 by day’s end, which is an even larger amount than what the fundraiser produced when it was held the last time in 2019.

The number factors in money raised from ticket sales, table sponsorships and the paddle auction held during the day’s program.

The event had 600 patrons mingling and trying out food and drinks from 20 food stations and vendors.

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donate & shop donate & shop donate & shop Building Materials | Furniture | Appliances Art Materials | Decorative Accessories | Lamps Building | Furniture | Appliances

Above: Kevin Hughes, New College President Patricia Okker, Dwayne Peterson and Sandra Frank Right: Chairs Karin Gustafson, Jack Schlegel and Priscilla Schlegel Below: Margaret Good, Steve and Leslie Chase, and Alisha and Sean Byrne

Art | Decorative Accessories | Lamps Building Building Materials Materials || Furniture Furniture || Appliances Appliances Art | Decorative Accessories Art | Decorative Accessories || Lamps Lamps

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Ernest Perez prepares lobster for the guests.

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ZIPPING!

Thursday, Nov. 4, at New College Bayfront | Benefiting New College Foundation

Photos by Harry Sayer

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2021

Get the Gift that Keeps on

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42nd Annual Clambake

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ew College of Florida took care of its supporters with its annual seafood celebration event Nov. 4.

The 42nd annual Clambake, put on by New College Foundation, saw the school’s many supporters returning to the event’s bayside location for the evening. Guests picked up drinks and mingled as the sun set before sitting down for the main attraction: a bevy of dishes including lobster and other seafood fare.

Event chairs Karin Gustafson, Priscilla Schlegel and Jack Schlegel led the program before welcoming New College President Patricia Okker. Student K.C. Casey spoke to the audience about his experiences with the school before Veronica Brady ended the program with a paddle raise.

— HARRY SAYER

Liz Bowerfind and Freddie O’Brion

The HERA Odyssey

A mythical, mystical tale of a woman’s eternal love, truth and beauty.

Written and Choreographed by Suzanne Caesar

Join Benefactors & Investors for a Sarasota premier showcase, philanthropic cocktail party and auction.

Sponsored as a 501(c)(3) by Fractured Atlas.

December 9th | Hyatt Regency Sarasota | 5:30-7:30pm Featured Dance Excerpts from ACT I @6:30pm With guest performance by Men Of Vision Ticket includes complimentary drink and hors d’oeuvres

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Photos by Harry Sayer

Above: Chairwoman Janet Boyden and Joan Skelton Left: Brandy Frieling walks around Zorro.

Below: Mary Anne Anderson, Michelle Matson and Kelly Ison

Alyson Lutes, Ava Whaley and Pam Matera bring animals.

Faux Paws on the Catwalk Friday, Nov. 12, at the Humane Society of Sarasota County | Benefiting the Humane Society of Sarasota County

T

he Humane Society of Sarasota County typically wows supporters with its Paws on the Catwalk fundraiser in the spring at the Art Ovation Hotel.

But the pandemic paused that typical schedule, so Humane Society staff found a new approach.

The organization recently held its Faux Paws on the Catwalk event, a looser and more paireddown fundraiser, at its new shelter on Nov. 12.

Humane Society supporters filled the shelter for the afternoon, first by mingling and walking through the space to see the many animals up for adoption and then meeting at the shelter’s new event space for the program to start. Guests were entertained by animal-themed singers including Katy Purry.

The event had a few models that helped fundraise during the program. By the event’s end, the Humane Society had raised more than $37,000 in donations alone.

Autumn Steiner, Executive Director Anna Gonce and Erin Jordan

— HARRY SAYER

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