Black tie a e 12 29 16

INSIDE: BLACK

TIE

BEST OF BLACK TIE: Relive the year’s showstopping moments. > < JUST MARRIED: Ashley and J.P. tie the knot. 12

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

YOUROBSERVER.COM

SEE THIS

ASIAN ARTS CENTER

A+E YEAR IN

REVIEW Take a look back at some of our favorite moments from 2016.

PAGE 2

Victoria Byrd

This Booker High VPA alum performs a one-woman show at WBTT. PAGE 5

EAT THIS

Café Barbosso Chef Joe DiMaggio Jr. opens a new Italian eatery. PAGE 6

DO THIS

PLAYERS THEATRE

Events Guide

CEVICHELA

Use our online calendar to find the best arts and entertainment events near you.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

A+E YEAR IN

NEW YEAR’S

SALE

for iate ssoc A s Sale See

ils Deta

REVIEW NICK FRIEDMAN A+E MANAGING EDITOR

A

s New Year’s Eve approaches, it’s time for fond reflection on the last 12 months. In Sarasota’s arts and entertainment world, there’s no shortage of occasions on which to look back. We’ve picked a handful of our favorite moments from this year.

Here’s to an equally eventful 2017.

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7211 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota Mon-Sat: 10:00-6:00 Sun: 12:00-5:00 • 941-923-2569 copenhagen-imports.com Closed New Year’s Day

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HOME INTERIORS

File Photos

Artistic Director Jeffery Kin and Managing Director and CEO Michelle Bianchi Pingel.

SECOND ACT As development in Lakewood Ranch continues to boom, one mainstay arts organization made the surprising announcement it too would head east.

After more than 40 years in its downtown location, the rebranded Players Centre for Performing Arts revealed this spring it will sell its property and relocate to the new Waterside at Lakewood Ranch development, with a main stage auditorium, black-box theater and cabaret theater.

“Our mission’s going to stay the same,” says Managing Director and CEO Michelle Bianchi Pingel. “But it’s going to allow for growth. We can’t grow where we’re at, unfortunately.”

File Photos

Actor and director Kevin Smith visited Ringling College this year.

STAR GAZING It seems celebrities are beginning to figure out what residents have known for years: Sarasota is the place to be.

This year, some film-industry veterans even came here to work.

In February, actor Dyan McDermott teamed up with Ringling College for his locally shot and cast web series, “Sugar,” which follows the story of a young runaway to spotlight the issues of human trafficking.

But McDermott wasn’t the only silver-screen star to make a stop in Sarasota. Jon Voight, Helen Hunt, Kevin Smith and Justin Long also paid a visit to the suncoast.

Justin Long and his brother Christian also collaborated with Ringling College students and alumni, as well as Semkhor Productions, to film their satirical web series, “The Real Stephen Blatt,” which takes aim at our social-media-saturated lives.

At a wrap party following the series’ filming, Justin Long said he was impressed with Sarasota and its local talent.

“Even though these are all students or recent graduates, mostly in their 20s, I was impressed with how professional they were,” he says. “I would put them on par with any of the biggest Hollywood movies I’ve done. You learn from them in a lot of ways.”

Dylan McDermott worked locally on his web series, “Sugar.”

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This December

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

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off the talents of artists from all parts of the world. This new center is all about connecting cultures.”

The 25,000-square-foot, $11.5 million facility, comprising 6,800 square feet of gallery space, lecture halls, a print and study room and a seminar room, displays 1,300 pieces from the museum’s permanent collection, and more than 400 pieces on loan.

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Majorie, who relocated from the Big Easy to Sarasota, brings New Orleans flair to the Southside Village restaurant, which features nautical décor and some seriously stylish furniture, but the menu, specializing in classic and modern seafood dishes, is the main attraction.

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Mark Majorie is the executive chef at Veronica Fish and Oyster.

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You can’t miss it. With 2,736 wavy, jade green terra cotta tiles embellishing its exterior, The John and Mable Ringling Museum’s Center for Asian Arts stands in bold contrast to the rest of the museum. And for good reason.

Opened this May, the center marks a geographic and cultural shift for the museum, which is traditionally known for its Baroque and Renaissance art. The new center represents a dedication to a more global vision — and a fulfillment of John Ringling’s original vision to house his vast collection of ancient Asian art.

“The Ringling is not only dedicated to European art,” says Fan Zhang, the center’s curator.

“We’re dedicated to showing

DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK

flagship recipes include PIPA, a Peruvian India pale ale and Boa, an orange wheat ale.

Santa Maria says the experience has helped him rediscover his passions.

“My love and respect of craft beer, as well as my knowledge, has only grown deeper,” he says.

Darwin Santa Maria opened CeviChela this May.

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Baltermants’ Photographs of WWII and Photojournalism from the August Coup LAST CHANCE—CLOSES JAN 8

Through a series of compelling photographs, this exhibition presents photojournalism from two key historic moments of the former Soviet Union: WWII and the August Coup of 1991 that ended the communist regime.

Award-Winning Beers Live music Wine and cocktails Delicious food trucks Cornhole, bocce, putting green Massive projector screens

Above: Dmitri Baltermants (Russian, 1912–1990),

Berlin is Taken, May 1945, printed 2003. Gelatin silver print. Gift of Sally Strauss and Andrew Tomback, 2012. SN11346.40 © Estate of Dmitri Baltermants

DISCOVER MORE

ringling.org

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE: 12/30 - Ari & The Alibis (Rock/Soul/Blues) 1 2/31 (NYE!) - Over The Line (Rock/Reggae) 1/1 - New Years Day (We're Open!)

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HOLIDAY NIGHTS AT CA’ D’ZAN DEC 29, 5:00 – 8:00 PM $15 Adults / $5 Children 6+ Last chance to enjoy Ca’ d’Zan during extended evening hours.

ART MAKING

DEC 29 & 30, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Enjoy a free art project at your own pace—simply drop-in anytime between 11:00 and 2:00!

BAYFRONT GARDENS TOUR

DEC 30, 10:30 AM – NOON $20 / $10 for Members From the soaring banyans to Mable Ringling’s roses, tour the “living collections” of the Bayfront Gardens.

The Ringling will be closed on New Year’s Day.

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WHAT’S ON

362 DAYS A YEAR!

S TAT E A R T M U S E U M O F F L O R I D A

| F L O R I D A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

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It’s been a banner year for Chef Darwin Santa Maria. After closing his downtown restaurant and resigning from his namesake brewery, he announced he was returning to the local food scene.

With a new restaurant and brewery under his belt, Santa Maria is back — in a big way.

This May, the restaurateur opened CeviChela on Siesta Key, a grab-and-go Latin street food eatery with a focus on his signature dish — ceviche — and on-the-island delivery.

Three months later, he announced the launch of his new brewing company, Chela Brewing, which continues his focus on Peruvian-inspired flavors. Two

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

THURSDAY SAILOR CIRCUS 2016 HOLIDAY CELEBRATION 2 and 7 p.m. at the Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St. $20; $15 for children ages 12 and younger and free for children younger than 2 Call 355-9335.

Sailor Circus presents its annual holiday celebration performance.

‘GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER’ 3 and 7 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $35 to $78 Call 953-3368.

The Moscow Ballet presents this classic performance fit for the whole family, featuring large props, a 60-foot Christmas tree and Russian costumes.

HOLIDAY NIGHTS AT CA’ D’ZAN 5 p.m. at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road Free with admission Call 358-3180.

In 1926, John and Mable Ringling completed the Ca’ d’Zan — their Mediterranean-inspired winter home in Sarasota. See the mansion decked out in holiday cheer, including a 10-foot-tall Christmas tree in the grand court.

COMBO VIMANA 7 p.m. at L-Bar, 1917 S. Osprey Ave. Free Call 487-7300.

LDG Productions presents Combo Vimana, a musical blend of Latin jazz, rumba flamenco and bossa nova.

BRETT LEAKE 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $19 Call 925-3869.

FRIDAY

BALLROOM BLITZ 7:30 p.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $5 or $7 at the door Call 748-5875.

ARI AND THE ALIBIS 6 p.m. at Motorworks Brewing, 1014 Ninth St. W., Bradenton Free Call 567-6218.

Independent Jones, a grassroots effort dedicated to establishing a dedicated live music venue in Bradenton, presents this livemusic showcase, featuring Bradenton-based bands Muphin Chuckrs and Saint Sylvia.

Start your New Year’s celebration a little early with the soulful sounds of Ari and the Alibis.

Brett Leake, who makes humorous observations about his daily life with muscular dystrophy, has become one of the industry’s most in-demand motivational speakers. Runs through Dec. 30.

SATURDAY BAYFRONT NEW YEAR’S EVE 4 p.m. at Marina Jack, 2 Marina Plaza No admission Call 955-9488.

Marina Jack and Suncoast Charities for Children host this sixth annual bayfront fireworks display. Grab lunch, make a dinner reservation, complete with live music and a Champagne toast, or just watch the fireworks display to ring in the new year.

NEW BEER’S EVE 6 p.m. at Big Top Brewing Co., 6111 B Porter Way Free Call 371-2939.

UNDER THE COVERS ALL STARS 8 p.m. at the Gator Club, 1490 Main St. $10 Call 366-5969.

Big Top Brewing Co. celebrates the new year with a Champagne toast, drink specials, live DJs, food trucks, special beer releases — and a midnight keg drop.

Local musicians play favorite covers and originals. Performers include Eduardo Correa, Lesa Silvermore, Michael Miller, Zooey Seraphine Warren, Joseph Bonfiglio, Matthew Frost, Sara Nelms, Rick Hardeman, John Whiteleather and host Jamie Z.

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE L-BAR 8 p.m. at Libby’s L-Bar, 1917 S. Osprey Ave. Free Call 487-7300.

The celebration features live entertainment by five-piece swing/jazz band The Jazz

Blasé Café

August Wilson’s

THE

PIANO LESSON

Monthly Events: Pig Roast AUCE Fish Fry AUCE Snow Crab Lobster Boil

Now Accepting Reservations

941.349.9822 | theblasecafe.com

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Dinner & Late Night Dance Party

Jan 11–Feb 18, 2017 “Piano Lesson, The” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. Originally presented at National Playwright’s Conference of The Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center.

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theatre

troUPe

For tickets! 941-366-1505 OR

westcoastblacktheatre.org Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues.

This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture, and the State of Forida.

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

YourObserver.com Phools; glass and bottle specials on Veuve Clicquot Champagne — with prices that drop every hour.

BEACH CLUB NEW YEAR’S 8 p.m. at Beach Club Siesta Key, 5151 Ocean Blvd.

Free Call 349-6311.

All The Answers performs live music from 8 to 11 p.m., and DJ Kensi performs until close.

Complimentary Champagne at the door and five different VIP sections available. At midnight, Beach Club will drop off 1,000 pounds of confetti.

BEACH BASH 8 p.m. at Sharky’s On the Pier, 1600 Harbor Drive S., Venice $10 Call 488-1456.

This New Year’s beach bash features live music, party favors and a fireworks show at midnight.

WILD ROOT AND SOUL PANACEA NEW YEAR’S BASH 9 p.m. at Growlers Pub, 2831 N. Tamiami Trail $5 Call 487-7373.

Growlers Pub invites you to celebrate the festivities with live music by Wild Root and Soul Panacea.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 9 p.m. at Mr. Beerys, 2645 Mall Drive $20 Call 343-2854.

Admission gets your all-youcan-drink select draft pints and Champagne from 9 p.m. to midnight.

NICK’S PICK

TUESDAY

‘MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET’ 8 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $56 to $59 Call 366-9000.

‘A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE’ 7:30 p.m. at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $27 to $29 Call 351-8000.

5

This Asolo play, written by Arthur Miller and directed by Andrei Malaev-Babel, focuses on a New York dockworker who helps smuggle two of his wife’s cousins into the country before the tale explodes into a tragic display of violence and unconscious passions. Runs through Jan. 15.

WEDNESDAY ‘STALKING THE BOGEYMAN’ 7 p.m. at Bowne’s Lab Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. $36 to $39 Call 366-9000.

– NICK FRIEDMAN

DON’T MISS

“Stalking the Bogeyman” follows renowned journalist David Holthouse’s secret pursuit of justice for a crime hidden for 25 years.

This play explores the dangers of vengeance, the power of forgiveness, and the strength of family.

Recommended for adult audiences only. Runs through Jan. 15.

YOUNG ARTIST SHOWCASE: VICTORIA BYRD Victoria Byrd, a Booker High VPA alum, who will study musical theater at the Boston Conservatory, performs her one-woman show.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m, Monday Where: Westcoast Black Theatre, 1646 10th Way Tickets: $25 to $100 Info:Call 366-1505.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

SUNDAY

It was one of the most famous jam sessions in rock ‘n’ roll history. This Tony Award-winning musical takes you behind the scenes of the legendary collaboration between Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins in the iconic Sun Studios in Memphis. The session may have happened by pure chance, but the collaboration is considered a seminal moment in rock history.

IF YOU GO When: 8 and 10:30 p.m., Saturday Where: The Blue Rooster, 1525 Fourth St. Ticket: $15 to $20 Info: Call 388-7539.

BLUESY NEW YEAR’S EVE Spend your New Year’s Eve with high-energy blues guitar virtuoso Selwyn Birchwood.

|

ONLINE Find more information on these events and more at

YourObserver.com.

wE cAN’T wAIT TO INNOVATE IN 2017

The new year brings new opportunities and new challenges for our region. That’s why Gulf Coast— together with our donors—is ready to bring new ideas to transform it. We can’t wait for you to join us.

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941.486.4600 | GulfcoastcF.org

Happiness is Cooking!

Happy Thanksgiving From Our Family to Yours!

manasotaonline.com

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(941) 748 - 4679

1734 South Tamiami Trail Venice, FL 34293

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

BACK TO BASICS NICK FRIEDMAN A+E MANAGING EDITOR

The sign on the door at Café Barbosso sets the tone before customers even enter the building.

“Eat, Laugh Love,” it reads. “Or Else.”

Chef Joe DiMaggio Jr., who opened the restaurant in the former Cosimo’s off Clark Road, says he modeled the restaurant on the peasant-style Italian cooking he grew up on in New York City.

But DiMaggio, a distant cousin of the baseball slugger, says it’s about more than food. As evidenced by the sign and other playful elements of the restaurant’s branding, he hopes to pay tongue-in-cheek tribute to the fast-talking wise-guy-types who helped him get his start as a chef.

The menu features some of his favorite traditional Italian recipes from his grandmothers, as well as his original takes on the cuisine, informed by his world travels.

We sat down with DiMaggio to talk about minimalistic cooking, art and his passion for food.

“WE WANTED to do something unique here, so we have a stage, and every night, two or three artists are painting, and people

CAFÉ BARBOSSO Where: 5501 Palmer Crossing Circle Hours: 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday; 4 to 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday Info: Call 922-7999.

buy them off the wall. Watching art come to life in front of you on an empty canvas is pretty intoxicating.

“OUR FOOD is minimalistic — maybe four ingredients in most dishes. Everything we do is not masked by tons of sauces. It’s like the old Italian concepts.

ON THE MENU

“IT’S INSPIRED by both of my grandmothers’ food. One is from northern Italy, and one is from southern Italy. Growing up, I spent six months a year in New York and the other six in Italy.

With an Italian family, everything is based on food. You’re eating breakfast, talking about what you’re going to have for dinner.

Ultimate eggplant

“BOTH MY grandmothers had this simplistic approach to food.

Peasant food is all about how much flavor you can extract from the least amount of ingredients.

So I’ve taken my grandmother’s meatballs, eggplant and pizza and put them on our menu.

Lobster and shrimp pasta

“THIS KIND of food is comforting to people. It’s recognizable.

There are a lot of transplants here, and they all grew up on some sort of really choice Italian food in their neighborhoods.

“THIS FOOD reminds of me of my youth. The best part of this job, to me, is when people connect with that. Food brings people together.”

Photos by Nick Friedman

When it comes to food, Chef Joe DiMaggio Jr., right, believes less is more.

Egg in purgatory

TM

MASTERWORKS:

BEETHOVEN

& BRAHMS

JANUARY 6, 7, 8 | VAN WEZEL

BEETHOVEN - Overture to Coriolan BEETHOVEN - Piano Concerto No. 3 BRAHMS - Symphony No.1 Music from two classical music giants brought to you by the new rising stars of our time.

Case Scaglione, conductor | Yulianna Avdeeva, piano

“ MAGICAL

“ EXPRESSIVE SPELL. HIS MOTIONS WERE...

AVDEEVA PLAYS BRILLIANTLY WITH EMOTION

TOUCH. AND A HER AUDIENCE IS CAUGHT UNDER HER

”

- LE JOURNAL DU MÉDOC

AND

EXACTING.

”

- THEATER JONES

Tickets from $33

SarasotaOrchestra.org | 941-953-3434 225424

With Café Barbosso, Chef Joe DiMaggio Jr. serves up minimalistic, homestyle Italian meals.

IF YOU GO

The Observer

INSIDE: Just Married: Ashley and J.P. tie the knot. 12

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YOUROBSERVER.COM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

A

B

C

2016: BEST OF

BLACK TIE D

NIKI KOTTMANN BLACK TIE REPORTER

E

F

A: Maria Beck, Liebe Gamble, Deborah Blue, Katherine Scott and Teresa Kay at Pique Nique Sur La Baie.

B: Aerial artists perform during Pique Nique.

C: Shani Walker reacts to the news that she won Most Marvelous Shoe of the Day, judged by designer Adrienne Vittadini at Wine Women & Shoes.

D: Victoria Graham models floral headdresses designed by Liebe Gamble and Roger Capote at Orchid Ball.

E: Noah Baslaw gets excited to eat his lobster at the New College Clambake.

F: Beverly Marsh dances with musician Marlon Boone at Key to the Cure.

A

lot changed in 2016, but one thing that remains the same is that the generous hearts of this community know how to throw a fundraiser like none other.

Although we’ll all remember how showstopping Wendy Feinstein’s fire jumpsuit was at Circus Arts Gala and how breathtaking the decorations are at every Roger Capote-planned Selby Gardens event, the main takeaway is that these events are generating muchneeded revenue for our local philanthropic organizations.

For example, the money raised at Wine Women & Shoes provided 3,700 clients with free parenting education and child and family therapy sessions, and the revenues generated at Key to the Cure support vital women’s cancer care programs through the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System.

Without these events, our community wouldn’t be the vibrant, caring environment it is, so let’s celebrate the people who make it all happen and look back at some of the best moments of the 2016 social season. SEE PAGE 9

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

THE PERLMAN MUSIC PROGRAM/SUNCOAST

TIE

Classic & Classical

BLACK

PMP Sarasota Winter Residency December 24 - January 7 20+ Free & Special events Schedule at PMPSuncoast.org

E-TICKETS: $7.50, $10 – PMPSuncoast.org Dec. 29 11:00 AM Cello Master Class 5:00 PM Chorus Rehearsal 7:00 PM Student Recital

Christine Johnson, Co-Chairs Jamie Becker and Margaret Wise, Honorary Chairwoman Cornelia Matson and Co-Chair Mickey Davis dazzle at Palm Ball.

Dec. 30 5:00 PM Chorus Rehearsal 7:00 PM Super Strings & Orch. Rehearsal $10 Dec. 31 5:00 PM Orchestra Rehearsal 6:30 PM Chorus Rehearsal Jan. 2

4:30 PM Orchestra Rehearsal 7:00 PM Student Recital

Jan. 3

3:30 PM Chorus Rehearsal 4:30 PM Orchestra Rehearsal 7:00 PM Student Recital

Jan. 4

11:00 AM Viola Master Class 5:00 PM Chorus Rehearsal 7:00 PM Orchestra Rehearsal

Jan. 6

11:00 AM Cello Master Class 4:30 PM It’s A Wrap! Party $10 incl. 7PM Chamber Music Recital

Jan. 7

5:00 PM Student Recital Neel PAC, SCF, Bradenton $10

Adam Negroski and Co-Chair Sarah Wertheimer as “Craig and Arianna” from SNL at the Planned Parenthood Safe Sex Bash: “Haunted Hollywood”

Celebration Concert Thursday, January 5 • 5:30 p.m.

File Photos

941-955-4942 • PMPSuncoast.org

Wendy Feinstein’s fashionable jumpsuit was on fire at Circus Arts Gala.

Erin Christy added some handmade tropical flair to her attire at the Asolo Rep Gala, “Cabaret at the Tropicana.”

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Sarasota Opera House Tickets: $40, $60, $80 • 941-328-1300

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

WINNER BEST LOCAL SHOE STORE IN MANATEE FINALIST BEST LOCAL SHOE STORE IN SARASOTA Thank you Manatee & Sarasota!

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

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ay New Years nD9am Brunch: Ope Par ty Last MinuteFrom Platters eli Harry’s D BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER • HAPPY HOUR • DELI • CORNER STORE

Don’t forget 5600 Gulf of Mexico Drive • Longboat Key, FL • 941.383.0777 • harryskitchen.com to visit our Corner Store

Photos by Niki Kottmann

Ryan Blechta, Gordan Hester and his daughter, Callie Hester, and Charlie Christensen

2016 Debutante Ball Saturday, Dec. 17, at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium Benefiting Sarasota Youth Orchestra

Try our NEW Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

5405 University Parkway - Bradenton, FL 34201 | 941.351.1210 | newks.com

Above: Wayne and Sandy Scroggins, emcee and event chairwoman Left: Mark Serbin and his wife, Robin Serbin, president of The Debutante Program of Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Ride begins at Suncoast Charities for Children

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Fresh, Flavorful and Fast!

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

BLACK

2016 DEBUTANTES

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TIE

Miss Sommer Jeanne Altier Miss Allison Elizabeth Barber Miss Caroline Foil Devitt Miss Delainey Christine Dietz Miss Sydney Madison Edwards Miss Whitney DeLaine Falconer Miss Margaret "Maggie" Allison Fee Miss Emma Kate Freeman Miss Callie Mackenzie Hester Miss Anne Marie Stephanie Keen Miss Kathryn Ann Kochevar Miss Rachel Michelle Meringer Miss Hunter Nerys Newby Miss Eliza Mary Quillen Miss Lucy Marie Senseman Miss Reagan Alexandria Seyer Miss Abby Marie Stout Miss Andrea Lee Stultz Miss Olivia Ruth Valek

Thank you Sarasota for

William and Saundra Stout

We want to thank our customers for 23 Consecutive wins!

Your Home Deserves Hunter Douglas & wish them their continued patronage a very Happy & Prosperous New Year!

–

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�orida studio theatre

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Above: Robert Keen and his daughter, Anne Marie Keen Right: Alex Montoya and Kahlee York

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Lies "Touching"

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- The Observer

ER! V O D L HE

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“POWERHOUSE PERFORMERS”

BY COLIN ESCOTT AND FLOYD MUTRUX

TONY AWARD WINNER!

“Trio of talent” - The Observer

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by Rebecca Hopkins and RICHARD HOPKINS WITH Arrangements by Jim Prosser

Jannie Jones, Meredith Jones, Juliana Davis Ditmyer. Photo by Matthew Holler.

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Richard Hopkins, Producing Artistic Director

This project is 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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1241 N. Palm Avenue, Downtown Sarasota

BLACK TIE

|

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2016

NIKI KOTTMAN BLACK TIE REPORTER

Sometimes love is right in front of us — even if we don’t want anyone to know at first.

Ashley Levine and J.P. Clayton met while working at FOX Sports in Fort Lauderdale in April 2012. Young staffers at the station tried to get the two to date, but little did they know that the couple was secretly dating for about a year before any of them found out.

THE PROPOSAL

The two love exploring town on their bikes, so it was only fitting that J.P. used their beloved activity to propose. On Dec. 12, 2015, the couple started the day with brunch at Mattison’s, walked around the downtown farmers market and hung out at Bayfront Park before biking to South Lido Beach. J.P. proposed as the sun set on the beach, and they celebrated with dinner at CasAntica.

THE PLANNING

Ashley grew up spending summers in the Carolinas, where her parents, Ron and Kim Levine, own a summer camp in Asheville, N.C. She always dreamed of getting married at the Biltmore Estate, and a J.P. soon fell in love with it, too.

The two decided to wed in Asheville, halfway between Ashley’s family in New Jersey and J.P.’s in Florida.

Photos by Corey Cagle Photography

J.P. & ASHLEY

THE WEDDING

The ceremony was held at Lioncrest on Biltmore Estate on a beautiful fall evening. J.P. chose his brother, Andrew Clayton, to be his best man, and Ashley chose her sister, Kelley Levine, as her maid of honor. Making the day even more special, J.P.’s grandfather John Conte married the pair.

Ashley was nervous walking down the aisle, but when her veil got caught in the floor, the sympathetic laughter of family and friends helped her relax.

J.P.’s favorite moment was at the end of the day, after everyone had left the reception hall.

“Ashley and I stayed behind and asked the DJ to play one last song for us to dance to together,” he says.

Ashley recalls a special sign their marriage was meant to be.

“Reading our vows after our first look and looking down to see tons of lady bugs had landed on my dress since they are a sign of good luck,” she says.

THE DETAILS Parents: Ron and Kim Levine and Drew and Meryl Clayton Wedding ceremony location: Lioncrest on Biltmore Estate, Asheville, N.C. Honeymoon location: San Francisco, Napa Valley, Yountville and Sonoma, Calif.

First-dance song: “Coming Home” by Leon Bridges Photography: Corey Cagle Photography Floral design: Theme was rustic elegant with a plum and gold color scheme by Flower Gallery of Asheville, with ranunculus, roses, hydrangeas, calla lily, freesia, seeded eucalyptus and stock Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas Cake: Biltmore Catering Flavors were red velvet with cream-cheese filling and white cake with raspberry and buttercream filling Dress: Roz la Kelin, from The Perfect Dress in Sarasota Favors: Truffles from the French Broad Chocolates Something new, borrowed, blue: New — pearl earrings from Ashley’s Dad; borrowed — Ashley’s grandma’s pearl bracelet, Blue — “I Do” stickers on the bottom of her shoes

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JUST MARRIED

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