Arts + Entertainment 11.25.21

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 25, 2021

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Courtesy photo

Fargol Asani paints in Southern Atelier’s studio.

NO SCHOOL LIKE THE

Renaissance-style painter expands classical teaching methods to his studio, Southern Atelier, where the focus is all on people — and recovering a lost style. PAGE 2

OLD SCHOOL

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Harry Sayer

THE OLD-SCHOOL C WAYS

Atelier, a fine-art center focused on teaching classical principles and realism in paintings, drawings and sculptures. Artists at the studio learn the representational craft by way of long-term apprenticeships under Miano’s watchful eye.

It’s an approach that emphasizes a hands-on approach and plenty of time working in the studio that’s very much part of the Renaissance style — something Miano believes has been lost in modern classroom learning. “(The studio) is coming from a place of advocacy, not a place of ‘This is better than that,’” Miano says. “It’s just advocating for something that’s been lost. It’s a niche part of the art world we’re involved in.”

HARRY SAYER STAFF WRITER

Charles Miano leads a group of apprentices in classical realist art.

harles Miano loves the moment when he walks into his art studio each morning.

He’s met with a familiar sight more often than not — a number of diligent apprentices already hard at work at their easels painting realistic depictions of the human form.

Sometimes they make accurate portrayals of masks or skeletal frames. Other times they’re working with live models in the studio.

It’s quiet but focused, and that’s how Miano likes it.

“I get to come into a space where we walk back in time,” Miano says.

Miano is the founder of Southern

Charles Miano spends hours helping apprentices and artists draw and paint representational art.

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Miano comes from an artistic family with a father who makes art and plays music as well. He thought he’d be a musician like his dad but ended up gravitating toward the visual arts.

What kind of art to pursue was a more open question, but Miano eventually found his idols.

He worked at a publishing company in New York, where he was mentored by other artists, particularly those who revered Dutch painter Rembrandt.

It was then he started becoming interested in the atelier — a French term meaning “artist’s workshop” — style of art teaching.

He felt that drawing and painting realistic representations of people had fallen out of vogue with the rise

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

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“Here, you’re drawing from the morning to the evening, and it’s all day every day. I think anybody can learn if they have a strong enough desire to do it.”

— Charles Miano

INFO

Left: Yin Zhu Jiang replicates a Rembrandt.

Below: Maureen Gaudin paints a statuesque foot.

SOUTHERN ATELIER Where: 7226 21st St. E. When: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Friday Website: SouthernAtelier.org Phone: 753-7755

of abstract expressionism and the modernist movement in the 20th century.

This somewhat-lost style, especially compared to what he felt was the art world’s gimmick-driven push to market any new and different approach, promised a depth that was too good to pass up.

“I always had this dream to draw and paint like the old masters,” Miano says. “These mentors taught me ‘You can learn this craft, but there’s very few people who teach it.’ I started to seek out people who knew stuff about this ancient method.”

He found that art schools and colleges might have had classes for this kind of realistic painting but not so much a comprehensive study into the craft, so he looked elsewhere, studying in New York and Philadelphia and eventually moving to Bradenton with family.

He started teaching students how to paint in a number of different locations, including an art center and later a barn, and finally established his own studio in 2007.

Miano says the classical realism style falls in line with his belief that nature itself is the only legitimate

language for art, and in that vein, human beings can be a personification of nature that can get across a variety of messages big and small.

“As human beings, we can feel emotion through the portrayal of another member of our species,” Miano says. “When we see things, it invokes a visceral reaction in us, and that’s been done throughout the ages (with) gesture and emotive feeling. It can be portrayed through colors and themes.”

Miano’s artists and apprentices — who range between 18 and 80 years old — put the work into their craft to get to a place where they can paint.

They typically go through two years of learning to draw before making the transition to painting. It’s constant, tangible work in one style of art, which Miano feels is a better approach than at art schools. “(At art schools) you have so many different subjects that you only draw once or twice a week,” Miano says.

“Here, you’re drawing from the morning to the evening, and it’s all day every day. I think anybody can learn if they have a strong enough desire to do it.”

Having live models pose for draw-

ings and paintings, often for six hours at a time in the studio, gives the final art a more lived-in touch.

Beyond using color and proper spacing, Miano says the live touch can bring a sense of consciousness and passage of time that can be incorporated in the work.

It’s a serious approach that attracts serious people, which isn’t to say Miano wouldn’t mind more people working in his studio.

The pandemic led to several artists dropping out of his teachings, and although the studio has made a pivot to online teachings and workshops to supplement the in-person classes, Miano hopes to have more members soon.

That said, the online offerings have proved popular. He feels that social media has been a critical part of the upswell of interest in the atelier movement and classical realist art, rather than having art schools and media institutions completely dictate the focus of the art world.

“A lot of people think ‘Art is art,’ but there’s also a preservation aspect to it,” Miano says. “We’re really trying to preserve these principles.”

Courtesy photos

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

American tribal love-rock musical.”

The production is well known for its take on hippie counterculture and the sexual revolution of the 1970s, and its music has risen to anthem-level for the times. Tap into your rebellious side, and view the Age of Aquarius through a group of bohemian draft-dodgers living it up in New York City, complete with antiwar rhetoric, drug exploration and a much-talked-about nude scene.

Continues through Jan. 1.

ent “Sheer Grace.” The repertoire includes Ola Gjeilo’s “Dark Night of the Soul” and Eric Whitacre’s “Goodnight Moon” and “Five Hebrew Love Songs.” The evening will close with “Magnificat” by John Rutter.

‘FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES’ 9 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave. From $36 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Florida Studio Theatre’s next cabaret celebrates genre-transforming country musicians, including Garth Brooks, The Chicks and George Strait. Runs through March 20, 2022.

THIS WEEK FRIDAY

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING 11 a.m. at Crowley Museum & Nature Center, 16405 Myakka Road Free Call 322-1000.

JAZZ AT TWO: DICK HAMILTON’S WC SEXTET 2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road $10-$20 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Whether you’re alone for the holiday or just want a free meal surrounded by smiling faces, Crowley is the place to be. You are welcome to bring a dish if you can. Food, music and games are all free to enjoy.

Jazz Club of Sarasota presents the latest installment of its weekly afternoon concert series with this show featuring arrangements and compositions by composer, arranger, orchestra leader and musician Dick Hamilton, who worked for 45 years as a studio musician in Los Angeles.

This Pittsburgh native had plenty of comedic material from birth. Born to a Korean mother and an Irish father, Steve Byrne channeled the dysfunctions of his upbringing in his first TV show, “Sullivan & Son” on TBS. Since then, he’s been making audiences laugh in comedies including “The Dilemma” and “Couples Retreat.”

Runs through Sunday.

DIVINE AF 7 p.m. at The Reserve Retreat, 1322 N. Tamiami Trail $15 Visit TheReserveRetreat.com.

The indie rock band, with songwriters and storytellers spanning four generations, plays a unique blending of funk, soul and blues. Proudly identified as LGBTQ, Divine AF has performed at various festivals in the region, including Sarasota’s Harvey Milk Festival and Pride Festival.

SUNDAY

NEWTOWN FARMERS MARKET This weekend, trade shopping carts and fluorescent lighting for the Newtown Farmers Market. Every Friday and Saturday, vendors sell fresh, Floridagrown produce, among other goods from locally owned small businesses.

IF YOU GO When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday Where: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, 2523 Cocoanut Ave. Cost: Free Info: Visit NewtownFarmersMarketSRQ.org.

STEVE BYRNE 6:30 and 8:50 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $28 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

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IF YOU GO When: 8 p.m. Saturday Where: McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.

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‘THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL’ 7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre’s Jervey Stage, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice $32; college students $20; youth $15 Visit VeniceTheatre.org.

The folks from Armadillo Acres mobile home park (in Florida, duh) are at it again! Their redneck rampage includes cat fights, the ashes of an electrified Florida cracker stuffed in a tiny urn, a stripper on the run, creative cursing, and plenty of belly laughs, wicked tunes and rude puppets. Aside from a few jerks, the trailer park’s residents are all good-hearted. In terms of brainpower, they range from worldly wise to sure-fire winners of The Darwin Award. You’ll laugh with them and at ’em. They’re funny either way. Runs through Sunday.

DON’T MISS

THANKSGIVING DRAG QUEEN BINGO BONANZA LDG Productions presents Sarasota’s beloved queen, Beneva Fruitville, in the naughtiest game of bingo in town.

Enjoy performances by special guests and plenty of surprises.

You’re in for a wild night.

MONDAY

‘COME FROM AWAY’ 2 and 7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $42-$112 Visit VanWezel.org.

Broadway hit musical “Come From Away” tells the true story of 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. Final performances are 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

OUR PICK

‘HAIR’ 8 p.m. at Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $33-$76 Visit AsoloRep.org.

Dig out your tie-dye and peace symbol necklaces, and prepare yourself for Asolo Rep’s production of this iconic production, billed as “The

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THANKSGIVING CONCERT 2 p.m. at Peace Presbyterian Church, 12705 State Road 64 E., Lakewood Ranch $10 Visit LWRWindEnsemble.org.

Lakewood Ranch’s newest concert band opens its 2021-22 season for a Thanksgiving celebration. Music Director Joe Miller, a former high school band director who worked with the Venice Symphony, will conduct the 40-piece ensemble.

Selections include Melvin Ribble’s “Bennet’s Triumphal,” Julius Fucik’s “Florentiner March” and Gustav Holst’s Second Suite in F for Band.

‘SHEER GRACE’ 4 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $20-$55 Visit KeyChorale.org.

Key Chorale has collaborated with the Sarasota Ballet to pres-

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NEW MUSIC SALON: NATALIE HELM 5:30 p.m. at Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Road $10 Visit NewMusicNewCollege.org.

Sarasota Orchestra’s principal cellist transfixes audiences across the country. She founded the initiative Upward Notes to encourage positive social change by bringing music into local communities. At her performance for New Music New College’s

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THURSDAY

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CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE 7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $37-$106 Visit VanWezel.org.

This Broadway spectacular lights up the stage with a variety of fantastical cirque artists, singers and dancers celebrating the season. Holiday storybook characters — including nutcrackers, gingerbread people and reindeer — come to life in this annual production.

TUESDAY DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS: CHRISTMAS TOUR 8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $32-$87 Visit VanWezel.org.

If he has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you know the show’s going to be good. Saxophonist Dave Koz’s been at it for more than 30 years, and nine Grammy nominations later, he’s headlining his 24th annual Christmas Tour. Koz will be joined by Richard Elliot, Rick Braun, Jonathan Butler and Rebecca Jade.

WEDNESDAY ARTS ADVOCATES GALLERY DOCENT TOUR 11 a.m. at Arts Advocates Gallery, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 119 $10; members $5 Visit ArtsAdvocates.org.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

HOLIDAYS

On the first Wednesday of every month, Arts Advocates offers a docent-led tour of its new gallery, which opened in July at The Crossings at Siesta Mall. Docents bring the work alive by providing interesting facts about the artwork and the context of the artist’s life and what was happening at the time, which will make your gallery visit more fulfilling. Currently on exhibit is work by the Sarasota Colony of Artists, who were drawn to the Sarasota area in the 1920s for its natural beauty and John Ringling’s dynamic circus acts.

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‘HOLIDAY LIGHTS’ 5:30 p.m. at Holly Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $42-$65 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

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Guest conductor William Waldrop will make sure there are no Scrooges in the house by the time they leave this Sarasota Orchestra concert.

This “Great Escapes” performance features everything from “White Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland” to “The European Anthem (Ode to Joy)” and “Christmas at the Movies.” Runs through Dec. 5.

CHRISTMAS TOUR 2021

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TUE, NOV 30 • 8PM

‘JOYFUL! JOYFUL!’ 7:30 p.m. at WBTT’s Donelly Theatre, 1012 N. Orange Ave. $50; students and military $20 Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.

SPONSORS: Michael’s on East and Observer Media Group SARASOTA PREMIERE!

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe opens its brand-new holiday production with a mixture of new takes on seasonal favorites, pop music and gospel-infused classics. Songs include “African Drummer Boy,” “Carol of the Bells” and “Hallelujah Chorus.”

Runs through Dec. 30.

New Year’s Eve with the Van Wezel and Mattison’s Elegant Pre-Show Dining

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Salon Series, Natalie Helm will play Bach suites and discuss music’s relationship to one’s well-being.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

HOLIDAYS

Ensemble trumpets upcoming concert

at the Van Wezel

The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble will perform on Thanksgiving weekend.

ABBY WEINGARTEN CONTRIBUTOR

Patriotic and packed with musical veterans, the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble is returning to the stage this month with a refreshed and spirited repertoire.

At 2 p.m. Nov. 28, the ensemble, led by founder and conductor Joe Maciariello Miller, will perform a Thanksgiving concert at Peace Presbyterian Church in Lakewood Ranch.

Selections will include “American Overture for Band” by Joseph Willcox Jenkins, “Bennet’s Triumphal March” by Melvin Ribble, “Molly on the Shore” by Percy Aldridge Grainger, “Florentiner March” by Julius Fucik and selections from George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.”

“I always start our program with the national anthem (folks stand up and sing it), and I end with ‘America the Beautiful,’” Miller says. “We have several veterans in our band — musicians that played with U.S. Army bands, Marine Corps bands, Air Force bands and Navy bands. It’s a really wonderful group.”

Miller founded the ensemble not only to dazzle crowds with popular American music but also to serve the entire Suncoast community with high-quality wind ensemble literature played at a professional level. The players in the ensemble also serve as role models for young musicians, and they often invite local students to perform alongside them. Ensemble participants are not just from the Sarasota-Manatee area either; they trek in from across the state for shows.

“I have two people who venture here from Orlando to play our concerts,” Miller says. “Everyone gets really excited about our performances, and they’re willing to travel for them.”

Assembling the group has been an enjoyable experience for Miller, who says he is continually impressed with the available talent in Lakewood Ranch and beyond.

The ensemble was first born in 2019 after Miller met with 33 musicians during a two-hour reading session in the Manatee High School’s band room in Bradenton. With the help of John Cooley, the group’s personnel manager, and clarinetist Diane Nichols, a schedule was developed, and a lineup was created.

Currently, the ensemble musicians perform in no fewer than 14 other performing groups throughout the concert season. They are undoubtedly busy, but they make the ensemble a top priority.

The ensemble’s premiere concert was in late November 2019 at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church Hall in Lakewood Ranch. From the start, the ensemble’s objective was to perform three concerts during the season, from November through May of every year (but, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted that goal). Things have since shifted, and now the ensemble is thrilled to be back on the regular performance circuit, with safety precautions in place.

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IF YOU GO

What: Thanksgiving concert with the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble When: 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28 Where: Peace Presbyterian Church, 12705 E. State Road 64, Lakewood Ranch Tickets: $10 More information: Visit LWRWindEnsemble.org.

The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble presents its second concert of the year Thanksgiving weekend, on Nov. 28.

Miller, who played with the Venice Symphony for 11 years prior to creating the ensemble. He has been performing since the age of 12, initially as a first-chair solo cornet player in his father’s concert band in Mechanicville, New York. Miller later taught physics and chemistry in high school for years before shifting in 1975 to become a junior high and high school music educator and band director.

In 1994, he founded and directed the Capital Region Wind Ensemble, composed of the finest performing and teaching musicians in the Albany, New York, region. For decades, Miller performed with concert bands, big bands, show bands, symphony orchestras and pit orchestras.

He has high hopes for his latest ensemble but says there is still quite a bit of growing to do.

“I would like to see us have a real public performance venue,” Miller says. “Right now, we’re still borrowing instruments from different bands.”

They are traveling from venue to venue, bringing with them new pieces and performers as they evolve.

For the Thanksgiving concert, for example, a student musician will be making an appearance with the ensemble, Miller says.

“His name is Joshua Worthington, and he is a French horn player and a high school student,” Miller says.

“Vic Mongillo, his teacher, is also playing trumpet in the show.”

Having this multigenerational artistry in the ensemble helps keep the musical magic alive for all ages of crowds.

“I’m happy to give people the experience of seeing such a professional band in their community and to give the opportunity to young folks to participate in it,” Miller says.

“You just never know what you’ll get when you arrive at one of our concerts. There’s always something to learn and enjoy.”

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Civic Achievement Award Dinner Thursday, Nov. 18, at Michael’s On East | Benefiting American Jewish Committee West Coast Florida

I

AJC Regional Director Brian Lipton and honoree Mark Pritchett

t’s been nearly two years since AJC West Coast Florida united its members and supporters at Michael’s On East for its annual Civic Achievement Award Dinner.

The organization did so again Nov. 18 with a dinner honoring Gulf Coast Community Foundation President and CEO Mark Pritchett with a civic achievement award for his years of work developing initiatives to improve the community.

Guests met for a reception hour that involved drinks and mingling before sitting both inside the Michael’s On East ballroom and at outside tables for the program.

AJC West Coast Florida Regional Director Brian Lipton — who recently injured his leg in an accident — persevered with a cast and made his way to the podium to thank AJC members for their unyielding support during the pandemic.

AJC Regional President Anne Virag then introduced keynote speaker Belle Yoeli, AJC’s chief advocacy officer, who developed the organization’s advocacy strategies for various issues.

Guests had a dinner that included salad and misoglazed sea bass while listening to Tom Koski give a tribute to Pritchett.

The event concluded with Pritchett getting up on stage and thanking the audience.

Chris and Diana Bauer

–HARRY SAYER

Ruth and Ahron Haspel Alan Burr and Tracy Wagner

Nancy Gold with Larry and Pat Thompson

AJC Regional President Anne Virag, co-chairs Larry and Debbie Haspel, Gail and Joel Morganroth, speaker Belle Yoeli, co-chairs Edie and David Chaifetz, and AJC Regional Director Brian Lipton

Photos by Harry Sayer

Above: Deacon Pat Macauley, Bridget Spiess and Rev. Russell Wright Right: Samantha and Matt Kahn

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

DOTS, CONNECTED

Rockin’ Lobster

GERALDINE FABRIKANT

Saturday, Nov. 6, at Sharky’s on the Pier | Benefiting Children First

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hildren First’s Rockin’ Lobster event returned to Sharky’s on the Pier on Nov. 6.

The annual seafood event started with guests mingling over cocktails and bidding on silent auction items.

Vice President of Philanthropy Jessica Rogers then welcomed the assembled group and thanked them for their support. A tasty lobster dinner was served, followed by a presentation from Maria and Jorge Somera and final remarks from President and CEO Philip Tavill.

The night ended with s’mores cooked over a bonfire on the beach.

Ringling’s new exhibit puts on a show When Maury Bring was a young lawyer at Arnold Fortas and Porter in Washington, D.C., a colleague invited him to the elegant brownstone of a gallery owner. “I was blown away,” Bring recalled the evening of Nov. 17 at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. “She had paintings from the ceiling to the floor. There were things that caught my eye.”

The owner encouraged Bring to take home several works. He could hardly pay for them, so she suggested the installment plan. “I bought my car that way,” Bring remembered reasoning. He took home a Milton Avery, a Matisse lithograph and two other works.

That was the beginning of an odyssey that culminated Nov. 17 at the opening for museum’s Circle members to celebrate a new exhibition, “As Long as There is Sun: as Long as There is Light: Selections from The Bring Gift and The Ringling Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art,” which will be on display through August 2023. Guests enjoyed cocktails on the loggia; talks by Bring, Ringling Executive Director Steven High and others; and the luxury of seeing the newly installed show.

Over five decades, Bring and his wife, Kay Delaney Bring, collected works starting with artists from the 1950s. For the exhibition, High paired them with American and international works in The Ringling’s own collection that have not been widely seen. “This is something we started doing with another gift from the collector, Keith Monda, that came before COVID,” High said in an interview earlier in the week. “We want to show how the gifts expand and enhance our current collection.

It gives it more relevance and helps us to continue to frame out the extent of our collection.”

The exhibition, which spreads across three galleries, includes some of the most important artists from that era. Among the guests enjoying the exhibition were Marie and Warren Colbert, the incoming board chair. Warren Colbert said the gift was “fabulous” and noted that “it comes as the museum is trying to increase its exposure to the contem-

Geraldine Fabrikant

porary world.”

Gerard Biller, a Circle member, was particularly struck by the subtlety of the Gene Davis work. “It is so understated that it really makes a statement,” he said.

In some cases, there were two works by the same artist. For example, both Monda and the Brings collected Jules Olitski. The two Olitskis are hung side by side.

And outside on the lawn sits a large Beverly Pepper, a gift of the Mondas, while inside is an elegant marble sculpture by the late Pepper that Bring bought in New York. The show’s curator, Olga Wlusek, noted the museum already had owned works by the sculptor in other materials but that this was the first piece of her work in marble.

Speaking to the group assembled on the loggia, Bring recalled that while he lived in Washington and learned about the Washington Color School, he bought works by Ann Truitt, Sam Gilliam and Gene Davis.

After moving to New York, he became friendly with Andre Emmerich, the well-known art dealer from whom he bought his first Beverly Pepper sculpture, among other artists.

The Brings sold much of their collection when they sold their New York apartment and moved full time to Sarasota. The balance was at their home in East Hampton.

While Bring was contemplating what to do with the collection — to sell it at auction, disperse it or give it to the museum — he met High at a party in Sarasota.

“I thought, ‘This is a terrific guy.’”

Bring recalled. “I said, ‘We are selling our house in East Hampton. Would you like to see the collection?’ And Mr. High said, ‘I would love to see it.’”

So the executive director spent a weekend with the Brings in East Hampton, and they soon had a deal for 22 works.

Above: A band plays throughout the evening.

Left: Steve and Redenta Pickzio

— HARRY SAYER “Hephaistos” from The Trojan War series, by Anthony Caro

Photos by Harry Sayer

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Inspiring Hope Dinner Friday, Nov. 12, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota | Benefiting First Step of Sarasota and Brain and Behavior Research Foundation

H

undreds gathered Nov. 12 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota to fund mental health research and addiction recovery at the Sunshine from Darkness nonprofit’s returning Inspiring Hope Dinner.

The event featured guests mingling and bidding on gifts before sitting down for dinner and the night’s program in the ballroom.

Join our holiday drive to raise $100K to feed those in need.

The night had two notable speakers: Steve Ford, son of former President Gerald Ford and Betty Ford, and MLB star Darryl Strawberry. Both spoke to the importance of addiction recovery.

Money raised at the event benefits nonprofit First Step of Sarasota and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.

• Feed one person for a week: $36 • Feed one person for a month: $180 • Feed one person for a year: $2,050

— HARRY SAYER

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Red Hot Gala Saturday, Nov. 13, at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall | Benefiting SunCoast Blood Centers

S Committee members Michael Scire, Giselle Arocho, Monica Horne, Jean Rebel, Amy Tuten, Pam Foster, Joan Leonard and Richard Scire

unCoast Blood Centers supporters dressed up in vibrant reds for a night of philanthropy and fun during the ninth annual Red Hot event Nov. 13.

After a year off for the pandemic, guests returned to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for the fundraiser, which benefits the organization’s blood-collection services in the community.

Guests mingled and played casino games before sitting down for the program. Board President Teresa Koncick and CEO Scott Bush both thanked the audience for their attendance.

— HARRY SAYER

Above: Michael and Abbe Malone, Viveca Altobelli, Ivy Phan and Zack Crutchfield Right: Cindy Morris, Gayle Foster and Lori Eskey

Above: Geraldo Arocho and Sharon Ortiz Right: The night’s theme and decor was a variety of reds.

Photos by Harry Sayer

CEO Scott Bush with Terry Platt

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