Diversions 4.3.14

Diversions YourObserver.com

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THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

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ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT | BUDDING BRIDE

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

A wedding bouquet at Beneva Flowers made of trendy lilac, Queen Anne’s lace, white roses and greenery.

Photo by Mallory Gnaegy

TRENDS COMING UP Amidst peak wedding season, go-to area florists share the floral trends to which brides are saying ‘I do.’

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: BUDDING BRIDE

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor (continued from page 1)

TRENDS COMING UP

n the 1970s, the big flower trend was a bouquet of daisies. The ‘80s hosted bouquets with ribbons trailing off the ends. Also popular were long cascading bouquets.

The ‘90s preferred neat and simply shaped mounds.

These days, the trend in wedding flowers has shifted from showy to au natural. Women want rustic and vintage, with big centerpieces and statement flowers. For their bouquets, they favor arrangements that are natural and organic.

Although they are in the peak of the busy wedding season, which typically lasts from March to May in Florida, a few florists took a time out to tell us which trends they are seeing the most.

Beneva Flowers hones in on neutral tones

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

Above: Molly Algoo of Beneva Flowers prepares a wedding centerpiece. Left, from top: lilac at Victoria Blooms; dendrobium orchids at Flowers by Fudgie; and peonies at Beneva Flowers.

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Beneva Flowers and Gifts, 6980 S. Beneva Road, dedicates an entire building with a cooler, design and consultation room to weddings. The florist has a team of eight people responsible for getting the flowers to the eight to 10 weddings it does each weekend during wedding season. Now, as far as getting the groom there — he’s on his own.

When it comes to the flowers,

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Amidst peak wedding season, go-to area florists share the floral trends to which brides are saying ‘I do.’

DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

3

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT Flowers that stay fresh the longest: Roses and mini calla lilies (right), succulents, lilies, hydrangeas and orchids (dendrobium orchids)

Beneva Flowers

Flowers that make the best inexpensive bouquets: Roses, baby’s breath, daisies, mini carnations and hydrangeas

Flowers that make the best-smelling bouquets:

Freesia, stock, lilies (particularly Casablanca and starfighter), peach and pink roses, garden roses, peonies, hyacinths and lilac.

Laura Rosich has more than two decades of experience. And she’s learned that these days brides are set on the way they want things.

“Twenty years ago, a bride would walk in clueless,” Rosich says. “Now, with Pinterest and The Knot, they know everything when they come in and we fine tune it for them.”

And what they want typically doesn’t involve a lot of bright colors. A few years ago orange, hot pink and lime green were in vogue. Now, it’s mostly taupe and champagne.

“Everyone wants peonies,” she says.

However, stem-died blue orchids are big for beach weddings.

And coral-hued petals and bouquets are also the outlier.

Plus, vintage is in. To add those antique touches, Beneva Flowers incorporates vintage books and mercury glass in the setting for the arrangements, and it has wraps bouquets in burlap and twine.

Rosich’s favorite trendy wedding so far this season was a couple who was married at The Oaks. They had a whimsical vintage look. The bride carried a cascading bouquet with fern curls, scabiosa pods and peonies. Two

large bouquets on pedestals on either side of the aisle welcomed guests to the outdoor ceremony.

Lanterns lined the aisle.

“Candles are always in style,” Rosich says.

Flowers by Fudgie centers on centerpieces

Flowers by Fudgie’s business is 60% weddings. The small shop at 6627 Midnight Pass on Siesta Key does 225 weddings a year, and during the spring wedding season nearly 16 weddings a week.

Owner Becki Creighton has been in the industry her whole life.

“I’m glad to see some trends that are no longer here,” she says.

“I must have made a million daisy bouquets in my lifetime.”

She’s glad brides are no longer into oversized bouquets. As expensive as wedding gowns are, she thinks bouquets should complement them. They shouldn’t be the focal point when a bride comes down the aisle. She also favors the color palettes of late.

“Girls that want the purples and bold colors, those tones do an injustice to them,” she says.

One thing she’s noticed is that brides are putting more emphasis

Courtesy of Flowers by Fudgie

A feasting table in a vintage theme by Flowers by Fudige, complete with burlap bows, baby’s breath, lace table runners and mercury glass on table settings and receptions than on personal and ceremony flowers.

One of her favorite weddings so far this season was an intimate, 16-person wedding at The RitzCarlton, Sarasota. Creighton did a $1,200 feasting table centerpiece with an elevated, 5-foot arrangement in coral, salmon and fuchsia tones.

But she says simple weddings with mason jars, mercury glass and wildflower looks are just as pretty as the big and grandiose.

Victoria Blooms prefers just-picked and organic

Victoria Warren of Victoria Blooms, 1818 Main St., says things are moving toward a more unstructured look.

“We’re going away from the very compact, and doing a more natural, free style,” she says. “They are more earthy and organic.”

Recently, she created a bridal

bouquet for a couple who exchanged their vows at The Ringling. It was a last-minute inquiry and they let her design what she wanted. She made an earthy, non-structured bouquet.

“It’s fun when we’re given artistic license,” she says.

For their ceremonies, Warren believes couples are moving away from arches and getting more creative. She made a living wall of succulents, various plants and greenery to act as a backdrop for a ceremony recently. She’s also hung glass bulbs of flowers behind couples for a unique presentation.

A trend she’s glad to see moving on is adorning bouquets with rhinestones and bling, which she thinks are passé. And as much as they are being demanded: “We’re moving away from the mason jar look with baby’s breath — it’s a new season and it’s time for something fresh,” she says.

• succulents • ranunculus • garden roses • fresh herbs • lavender Flowers by Fudg ie • moss • baby’s breath • Queen Anne’s lace • peonies • green hanging amaranthus • Dusty Miller • wax flower Victoria Blooms • brunia • seeded eucalyptus

• candelabras • mason jars • vintage chandeliers • mercury glass • crystals, rhinestones and bling Beneva Flow ers • brooches • manzanita branches • hanging globes • burlap table runners • driftwood

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

CALENDAR A&E EDITOR’S PICKS THURSDAY, APRIL 3

Sailor Circus 65th Anniversary Show: ‘LEGACY’ The Circus Arts Conservatory 7 p.m. at The Sailor Circus Arena Runs through April 5. Tickets $12 to $16. Call 355-9805.

Chamber Ensembles in Concert SCF Music 8 p.m. at Neel Performing Arts Center. Tickets $8, students/employees $4. Call 752-5252.

‘Denial’ Backstage at The Players 8 p.m. at The Players Runs through April 13.

Tickets $15. Call 365-2494.

Music Makes Community The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. 8:15 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Tickets $18 to $72. Call 953-3368.

FRIDAY, APRIL 4

Sarasota Film Festival 2014 Runs through April 13.

Various times at Regal Cinemas Hollywood 20. Call 366-6200.

‘Jazz at Two’ vocalist Judy Alexander The Jazz Club of Sarasota. 2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church Tickets $7 to $12. Call 366-1552.

Drama, video and music on the beach 5:30 p.m. at Hermitage Artist Retreat. Free. Call 475-2098.

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

ART SCENE

Masterworks Series: ‘Beethoven’s Fifth’ Sarasota Orchestra. 8 p.m. at Neel Performing Arts Hall. 8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Saturday. 2:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Sunday Tickets $30 to $84. Call 953-3434.

Sarasota Ballet Program 6: Ashton, Graziano & Tudor 8 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House.

Runs through Saturday.

Tickets $35. Call 359-0099, Ext. 101.

SATURDAY, APRIL 5

‘The Little Mermaid’ School of Russian Ballet. 6 p.m. at Braden River High School. Tickets $11 to $20. Call 962-6664.

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Lenore Raphael with Howard Alden 8 p.m. at Glenridge Performing Arts Center. Tickets $20. Call 552-5325.

SUNDAY, APRIL 6

Spring Music Series 1 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Call 366-5731, Ext. 229.

La Musica International Chamber Music Festival Concert II 2:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House. Tickets $40 to $175. Call 366-8450, Ext. 3.

Unplugged New Play Festival Asolo Repertory Theatre.

7 p.m. at Asolo Rep rehearsal hall.

Call 351-8000.

Monday, Monday (A Tribute to the Mamas and the Papas) 8 p.m. at Venice Theatre Tickets $22. Call 488-1115.

ROLE: Antigone in FSU/Asolo Conservatory’s “Antigone,” which runs from April 8 through April 27.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? Newport Beach, Calif.

GIVE US THE PLOT IN ONE SENTENCE: The family of Oedipus

grapples with the forces of duty, destiny, and the pursuit of happiness, as they live in the aftermath of civil war.

DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTER IN THREE WORDS: Sharp, scrappy and

sign in the 1940s, moved to New York City and spent his his days

honest.

WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT THIS PRODUCTION? Rehearsals for this

production are unlike any of which I’ve been a part. We have been delving into the lives of our characters before the events of “Antigone” take place, actually embodying and acting out these events together …

With this production of “Antigone,” however, we have been able to cultivate a rich foundation for each and every character.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM THE SHOW? “I want every-

thing of life, I do; and I want it now!

I want it total, complete: otherwise I reject it!”

IS THERE ANY LAW YOU FIND UNJUST? Yes, I do. What disturbs

me most is that I — as a white, middle-class, straight, able-bodied, American-born person — benefit from these unjust laws, while others who do not fit my description do not benefit from them.

becoming an abstract expressionist and nights at the Cedar Tavern, drinking and arguing with his contemporaries Jackson Pollack, Franz Kline and Willem de Kooning. Forty-five of his works will be on display for the first time in many years. Opening night gala 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 4. Tickets $25.

WHAT’S THE MOST DIFFICULT PART ABOUT PERFORMING THIS ROLE? It is difficult to say “yes” to

death every day. Playing a tragic character is hard and a little lonely because there is no way to get out of the situation you are in. The end is determined and fixed. That’s why it’s tragic.

It is also difficult (but extremely fun) to play someone as strong-willed and free-spirited as Antigone.

Antigone knows who she is and what she wants, regardless of the fact that society tells her she must be and want other things. Those are qualities I strive to have myself.

WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF OR ACTING WHILE STUDYING THIS PRODUCTION? In playing Antigone, I have learned how fun it is to live on the offense, to seize the things I want for my life, instead of waiting for those things to hopefully materialize. I have been surprised to learn that this kind of living is more my style.

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: BACKSTAGE PASS

5

by Mallory Gnaegy | A&E Editor

Salute two Ringling College students’ shorts Jeffrey Boos

IF YOU GO Shorts 9: SRQ When: 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8; 2 p.m. Friday, April 11 Where: Regal Hollywood 20, 1993 Main St. Cost: Tickets $13 Info: Call 366-6200 or visit sarasotafilmfestival.com.

Photos by Mallory Gnaegy

“The greatest lessons I’ve learned since coming here are that story is key and to know your craft,” Jeffrey Boos says. want to do this read (of) what’s on the page … I had them have a conversation with the dad.

About four of them got really nervous. They kept asking questions, but, with Alexia King, it was jut a conversation. It wasn’t this superficial thing, it was just her being herself. She’s a genius in a little kid’s body. I see her going places.

What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently?

“American Hustle” What film had the most profound effect on you?

“The Sandlot” Name one director and writer you admire?

Steven Spielberg and B.J. Novak

“The greatest lesson I’ve learned since coming here is to learn as much as you can. To never stop. Invest in yourself and that can only make you better,” Andrew Halley says.

Andrew Halley Film: “The Great Zombini” Age: 21 From: Youngstown, Ohio Synopsis: The magician Zombini is performing a magic show when he discovers that a bully from his childhood is in attendance. So, he decides to get some much postponed revenge and makes the son of the bully disappear.

What’s your earliest memory making movies?

I made a slideshow (when I was in) sixth grade, and it was for my grandparents’ 50th anniversary.

That was the first time I had seen them cry, and I was like, “Oh my gosh! This is so amazing. I want to do this to everybody.” So, I started

making them as a hobby at that point.

Why did you want to study film?

I wanted to go into filmmaking because I felt it was the most emotionally powerful medium. It combines music and visuals together, and nothing for me could compare to a cinematic experience.

Was the final product what you had expected?

No. It’s a funny story. When we shot it, it was leaning more toward the bully’s perspective. But, after shooting and seeing the performances in the cutting room, we discovered that Zombini is the most interesting character. So, we thought, “Let’s switch the point of view and make it all about him.”

What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently?

I just saw “12 Years a Slave.”

What film had the most profound effect on you?

“Forrest Gump” Name one director and writer you admire?

Ridley Scott and J.J. Abrams.

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Film: “Woodland Dance” Age: 23 From: Fort Lauderdale Synopsis: It is about a father who is recently divorced. He’s losing connection with his daughter, so he tries all he can to reconnect with her, and that’s through a puppet show.

What’s your earliest memory making movies?

I’ve been filming since I was 8 years old with my cousins. We’d take my aunt’s video camera, back when it was tape, and make short little films to watch — not for anybody but for ourselves.

Why did you want to study film?

I never did good in school because I never really liked it … So, I just daydreamed and created stories. I was always a D student and got yelled at. But, of course, when I came to Ringling and followed my passion, I excelled and it was a life-changer for my whole family.

I’m getting all A’s now. I’m doing well, getting into festivals. I have stuff lined up after college … I’m going to Los Angeles and doing some production assistant work and plan to work at a comedy bar.

My dream is to be an actor/writer.

What was the most difficult part about making this short?

I ended up getting strep throat during my production … And, the hardest was working with a child actress in her first film … I took a psychological approach to it. During my casting I got to know the children as who they are. I didn’t

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Ringling College of Art and Design digital filmmaking seniors Andrew Halley and Jeffrey Boos aren’t similar.

Halley’s editing bay walls are full of hand-drawn story frames, funny pictures and movie memorabilia; Boos’ editing bay walls are bare.

Boos can talk for five minutes straight; Halley is concise and to the point. Boos has a round face and dark hair; Halley’s hair is blonde and wavy and he wears glasses.

But one thing they have in common is that they produced each other’s short films, and both will appear in the Sarasota Film Festival.

Their junior years, they had to pick partners to produce the short films they had written the year prior.

It takes trust knowing that your partner will put the same effort into your film as you will into his.

The producer sets up the location contracts; arranges production design, props and set dressing; does the paperwork and scheduling; and contacts the cast and crew — all to support the writer/ director’s creative vision. It takes a capable person.

In keeping with the men’s personalities, Boos shot his film in one location with minimal casting.

Halley’s took many actors and locations and was the largest junior project ever to be made in Ringling’s history at the time.

Both sat down to tell us a little about the films that will appear in SRQ Shorts in the Sarasota Film Festival.

6

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: HIGHLIGHTS ICONCEPT6 Benefiting Art Center Sarasota Friday, March 28, at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium

From left: Jim Stewart’s “Calendar Girl”; Kelsey Hansen’s “The Sounds of Sarasota” and “The Sounds of Sarasota Too”; Joe Santana, Denise Aberle, Sandy Lewis and Brady Pedler; Leslie Gnaegy and designer Eric Cross

Jennifer Kassicieh, Sophia Dalabakis and Seroj Kassicieh

Photos by Heather Merriman

Zara Barrie modeling Eric Cross’ “Bohemian Chic”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: HIGHLIGHTS TIM ROGERSON SOLO SHOW

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Florida Suncoast

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

Watercolor Society

MUSIC

JURIED EXHIBITION

// Mozart Madness I

April 4-25

Opening Reception Friday, April 4 5:30-7:30pm Kris Parins, Rhythm and Blues

Join us as we witness the luminosity and beauty of water-based media in this exhibition showcasing the work by members of the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society.

On display through Friday, April 25 in the Durante Gallery.

RSVP Required: 941.383.2345 or email lbkca@ringling.edu

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To find submission guidelines, go to www.ringling.edu/lbkca For more information, call 941.383.2345 or email lbkca@ringling.edu

Every once in a while, there’s a concert that’s so satisfying, we leave smiling. That happened a couple of weeks ago when chamber ensembles from the Sarasota Orchestra presented a concert in Holley Hall devoted to Mozart. They called it “Mozart Madness” because two of the three works were composed by Mozart and the third was in written in his memory by the 20th century Brazilian composer, Heitor Villa-Lobos.

What made the concert so satisfying was the playing. The Sarasota String Quartet opened the program with Mozart’s String Quartet No. 16 in E flat. Eventually dedicated

by Mozart to Haydn, this is one of a set of six quartets written in Vienna. It takes the kinds of unexpected twists and turns heard more often in works by Haydn than Mozart, but it also takes us to places only Mozart could dream up. The second movement, for example, has some really unusual dissonances harmonizing a simple melody.

Listening to it, I could only think, “Only Mozart would have done that.”

It’s a unique piece, and a somewhat atypical Sarasota String Quartet, in that all the usual members weren’t in attendance, played it. Violinists Daniel Jordan and Christopher Takeda and violist Elizabeth Beilman — all members of the ensemble — were playing.

But Isabelle Besancon was sitting in for cellist Abraham Feder. The exciting part is that these musicians are so accustomed to working together in the Sarasota Orchestra, there was little problem with them playing chamber music collectively on this occasion.

Mozart’s Piano Quintet, also in E flat, was the second offering and, in the hands of pianist Jonathan Spivey, oboist Adam De Sorgo, clarinetist Bharat Chandra, bassoonist Fernando Traba and hornist Joe Assi, it was pure charm. Each instrument blended as if the four wind players had grown up on the same block. And, with Spivey’s underpinning, the work took on an almost operatic glow. In fact, Mozart must have been looking ahead to “Don Giovanni” because a lot of the instrumental voicing had overtones of vocal music he’d write a few years later.

We often talk about the shaping of phrases and how important musical sculpting is to a performance. Spivey wove Mozart’s ingenious syncopations and one-of-a-kind harmonies into a beautifully rounded foundation for his Sarasota Orchestra colleagues, never

Dirk Meyer

Courtesy

overpowering them but always supporting and fortifying them as they sang their way through this instrumentally operatic ensemble. (We will miss Assi after this season, by the way, because he’s leaving Sarasota to play French horn in the Dallas Symphony.)

Villa-Lobos’ Sinfonietta No. 1, subtitled, “In Memory of Mozart,” is one strange, quirky piece of music. Dirk Meyer led the chamber ensemble, made of musicians from the Sarasota Orchestra, in a somewhat serious reading of this anomalous work. They started with a chorale-like dirge that brightened into rather jaunty music that had as much to do with Mozart as my great-grandfather.

Yes, there was an undercurrent of sections from the Overture to the “Magic Flute,” but that was about the closest thing resembling Mozart’s memory I could find.

The Sinfonietta’s orchestration is also odd.

Villa-Lobos takes the ensemble apart, giving an element to all the brass, for example, and then adding strings and, finally, winds. It’s an eccentric way of coloring an orchestra and, beyond being interested in hearing something I’d not heard before, the 19 minutes it took to be played weren’t entirely worth the trouble.

Still, its very incongruities made for unconventional ideas and, with apologies to Mozart, it was fun. Best of all, the musicians put forth some fine playing, and that’s what made this “Mozart Madness” emotionally and aurally satisfying.

— June LeBell

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THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

9

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

WE GIVE

because this is our children’s hometown.

Ask Terri Vitale why she and her husband, Dr. Chris Sforzo, are committed to local nonprofits and she is quick to reply, “Because this is where we are raising our children.” She is especially passionate about the Community Foundation’s literacy work. Together,

// ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ “The Grand Budapest Hotel” is a beyondclever adult fairytale that exceeds all expectations. Director Wes Anderson, known for creating quirky, colorful characters, pulls out all the stops in this incredibly wonderful gigglefest.

The story plays out in one huge flashback told by Zero Moustafa (F. Murray Abraham) to a young author (Jude Law) over dinner in The Grand Budapest Hotel. It’s 1968, and the hotel has seen better days. Zero, now a millionaire and owner of the property, started out as a mere lobby boy there in 1932. At that time, the hotel was run by the scandalous and charming concierge, Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes at his very best). He took the young Zero (the divine Tony Revolori) under his tutelage, which greatly pleased the boy.

Gustave has a command of the English language that is heavily peppered with obscenities. He also has the gift of seducing rich, elderly clientele, providing both parties involved great pleasure. But Gustave’s life is turned upside down when one of his par-

they believe that their immediate efforts have long-term benefits for the community their children will one day call their own.

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amours, Madame D. (an unrecognizable Tilda Swinton) is found murdered. Considered a suspect, Gustave must abandon his beloved hotel and is forced to embark upon a treacherous journey fraught with greedy, vicious thugs.

Accompanied by his devoted Zero, Gustave encounters the evil son (Adrien Brody), mysterious butler (Mathieu Amalric), a slick, feline-loving executor (Jeff Goldblum), a bulldog-toothed henchman (Willem Dafoe) and a hilariously tatooed prisoner (Harvey Keitel) ... just for starters. (There are cameos galore in the film.)

Anderson takes us on a capricious and captivating journey so visually stunning that it requires a second viewing. His camerawork is dedicated to the precision of movement and yet doesn’t feel at all choreographed. The script is a perfect blending of wry, caustic and silly humor. A cat gets thrown out of a window and splats onto the concrete below. As you wince, you can’t help stifling a laugh.

Anderson possesses the unique ability to take his audience someplace dark and suddenly elevate the experience to a humorous level. He employs it throughout “The Grand Budapest Hotel” so precisely that we become entranced by his methodology. Simply put, you’ll love this movie.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

// HOME&GARDEN: STUDIO SPACES

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor

ARTISTS’ RETREATS A look inside the studios where two of Sarasota’s most artistic residents find peace to do they what they do best: create.

BARBARA BANKS’ HOME AWAY FROM HOME shooting or how she needs to use the space.

“People always come in and say they love the energy here.

You want to have good energy where you work,” says Banks.

Banks’ studio is decorated with contemporary/mid-century modern flair, “Mid-century comfortable,” as she puts it, “The same as my house.”

The plywood chairs in Banks’ office are collectibles from mid-century modern designer Charles Eames and are just as

comfortable as they are stylish.

The modern table was a gift from a friend whose father owned a tractor-trailer company. The table is made from the wheel hub of a semitruck.

“I like open. I like to be in all of it,” says Banks, who after living in many homes, came to realize

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Openness — that is what local photographer Barbara Banks prefers when it comes to where she works, and also, where she lives. The photographer’s studio, located in Sarasota’s Rosemary District, is a spacious loft providing ample space for studio shooting and editing.

Banks describes her studio space as being versatile, modern and functional. Things such as the mid-century modern table against the wall get moved around depending on what she’s

that with walls and floor plans, so much space is not utilized.

Although completely open, the loft has sections for specific areas of work, while still leaving the opportunity for movement and the occasional rearrangement when necessary.

The loft is entirely how it was when Banks purchased it five years ago, adding only rubber tile flooring on top of the original cement floors.

“Sound carries, that’s the only reason I decided to cover the floors,” she says. The only other change she would possibly make to the floors: paint the stairs red.

The walls in the studio are all exposed cinder blocks.

“I never added drywall, I liked how they looked. And they stay cool in the summer,” says Banks, “Everything is the way it is.”

Blinds were added to the windows to minimize reflective light on the computer monitors for editing purposes.

A dilemma many find with open loft spaces is an inability to store and hide what you would otherwise not want to be out in the open. However, this has not been an issue for the photographer.

Banks, who is a stickler for neatness and functionality, stores all of her supplies and equipment in what would have been a laundry room if it had been sold as a home. “People have suggested curtains to hide it,” she says, “but I like the openness.”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

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// HOME&GARDEN

BILL KELLEY’S PEACEFUL PLACE TO PAINT Local artist Bill Kelley lives half of the year in Sarasota and the other half in Florence, Italy, and while he is here in Florida, he needs a peaceful space for painting. When the warehouse studio he had been renting sold, he sought a new place for work when he came across a studio loft downtown.

“I had never seen a loft apartment in the 20 years I had been living in Sarasota,” says Kelley, who bought what is now his art studio in 2006.

The loft, located downtown in the Cityscapes Courthouse Centre building, reminds Kelley of his time living in Boston and in New York.

“It’s a very downtown place.

There’s a whole different feel here,” he says.

Besides the colorful art displayed in Kelley’s studio, the loft is simple. The 20-foot ceiling, soaring windows and exposed air ducts give the studio that downtown warehouse, loft feel. To bring in more light, Kelley added ceiling studio lights, which he can adjust to accommodate the lighting needed for each project.

The entire back wall of the loft is made up of windows, spanning from the floor to the ceiling, allowing a great amount of natural light into the space. The sliding glass doors not only help alleviate the smell of turpentine when open, but Kelley enjoys hearing the sounds of the city while working.

With the work that Kelley does, he needs a lot of open space, not only for stretching canvases,

which can be as large as 7-by-15 feet, but also for perspective.

The second floor allows Kelley to look at his work from multiple angles.

“I can move back or go upstairs. It helps with the perspective of composition,” he says.

The only modification Kelley might make in the future: installing absorbable hardwood floors. The studio currently has carpet, which provides the cushion Kelley needs when painting. “I’ll stand for 10 or 12 hours sometimes, I’ve got to be moving while I work,” he says.

“This is a very inspirational place to paint,” says Kelley.

“The light, the space, the atmosphere, it’s peaceful.”

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THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

// FOOD&COOKING: COLUMN

TIDBITES

by June LeBell Contributing Columnist june@junelebell.com

Tres Ceviches

 Inside Ca sAntica

Courtesy photos

A NEW PERUVIAN RESTAURANT

W

hat is it about Sarasota and Peruvian restaurants? New York, San Francisco and several other cities have a China Town and Little Italy. Many cities — including Sarasota — boast of a restaurant row.

But Sarasota seems to have more Peruvian restaurants than any place except Lima. And they’re good ones.

Inkanto, located at 4141 S. Tamiami Trail, seems to be one of the more recent to pop onto the scene and, although its menu is always changing, depending on the market, it seems to set itself apart from the other excellent Peruvian restaurant choices we have by bringing us truly authentic delicacies we can’t find easily — especially when it comes to fish. Recently it had some special dishes featuring corvina, a firm-fleshed, flaky, mild fish that is found in the Pacific, along Central and South America. On one evening it was serving it pickled, over a bed of quinoa stew: fried with a creamy saf-

fron sauce, or flambéed and diced with red vinegar and soy sauce. See what I mean about different?

The restaurant is known for its ceviche and, from the choices on the menu, we can understand why.

From the samplers that offer you a multiple choice of tastings to the elegant and cool temptations that are “cooked” in aromatic lime juice, Inkanto’s ceviche creations are suited to every palette, ranging nicely in spiciness and piquancy.

The restaurant is appealing, with warm, inviting orange-red walls and lots of dark wood that make you feel as if you’re in a charming clubby atmosphere somewhere in South America. That and the food make it a great place to escape for a fun and relaxing evening of great food, good wines and happy company.

Inkanto is only for dinner, and becoming more and more popular as the word spreads; it’s a good idea to have a reservation.

State Street Eating House Chef Christian Hershman

COOKING FOR A CAUSE

M

any restaurants set aside time to close their doors to the public and open them specifically for groups with a mission. For example, CasAntica, the wonderful Italian restaurant located at 1213 N. Palm Ave., is hosting a dinner for an organization called Selah Freedom, a group that helps young women pull their lives back together after they’ve been abused by predators dealing in human trafficking.

At 6:30 p.m. April 10 there will be a special fundraising dinner at CasAntica that owner Peter Migliacco is putting together to help this worthy organization. The dinner will feature a guest speaker and raffle.

And the food — oh the food. After a mouth-watering phone conversation with Peter, who had me drooling over his descriptions, I’m happy to report that, along with a selection of hot and cold appetizers and

Susan and Peter Migliacco a choice of chicken Florentino or Sole CasAntica, the pasta course will feature a choice of any of the amazing al dente pastas served at the restaurant with either a luxurious tomato sauce or a creamy white sauce.

Tickets are $125. For more information, call 545-

3874.

Two days later, at 6:30 p.m. April 12, Grapes for Humanity Global and Chef Christian Hershman of State Street Eating House will hold a fine wine dinner at the charming State of the Arts Gallery, located at 1525 State St. This is a fascinating group. Arlene Willis, whose brother was killed in the Vietnam War, conceived Grapes for Humanity.

The idea is to raise funds for those injured by landmines, through wine tastings, dinners, auctions and other wine-related functions.

Hershman’s State Street Eating House offers clever combinations of comfort food and Epicurean creations such as braised pork shoulder with veggies, and chicken broth with dumplings and kale.

His inventive menu is perfect for wine pairings you might not dream up on your own. The idea of this special evening is to “Turn a passion for wine into the power to soothe a troubled world.”

Tickets are $200. For more information, visit gfhglobal.org.

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Black Tie

INSIDE: 15th annual Sunshine from Darkness dinner PAGE 17

YourObserver.com

Chairwoman Ariane Dart

Tedd Smoot, Audrey Gentile, Tracy Leichtenberger and Casey Dalbor

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

Murray Krasnoff with Kayla and Jeff Lepoliti

Joel Ellzey, Melissa Howard and Bryan Felker

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Assistant Editor Elena and Dr. Todd Reuter

 Liebe Gamble and Jill Ramsey

Sarasota saw nothing but grey skies and continual rain Saturday, March 29, but the weather cleared up just in time for Forty Carrots Family Center’s Firefly Gala, which worked out well considering the event was held on the grounds of The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club.

“We were checking the radar every 30 minutes to see when it was going to stop,” says Chairwoman Ariane Dart.

The rain didn’t deter more than 535 guests from getting dressed to the nines for the event, either — from stunning dresses to ’80sinspired black tie attire. Guests were as elegant as the event itself.

Decorated with sequins and purple, the tent was sparkling with chandeliers, rope lighting and

gemstone centerpieces — touching on ’80s style, but keeping it tasteful.

Dart kicked off the evening, greeting guests as they arrived to the secluded golf club, where they enjoyed a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by a live auction and dinner.

“This year was more successful than ever,” says Dart. “We got the beat.”

More than $60,000 was raised from the live auction — the final numbers are still being compiled.

Following the show, guests made their way back into the tent where they continued to dance the night away. The energy was high and more importantly, so were the funds raised for Forty Carrots Family Center.

Kristen Williams, Jill Martin and Rich Williams

Debbie and Doug Mrstik, Megan and Brent Bogart and Kelly Engel

 Dr. Bill and Crystal Lahners

Richard Lawrence, Candace Swenson and Dana Opsincs

Janelle Beruff and Inna Snyder

Photos by Heather Merriman

Amy Sussman and Lori Lawson

Amanda Morris, Jamie Becker, Alison O’Donoghue, Ellen Steinwachs, Chrissy Hays and Retta Wagner

14

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THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

// BLACK TIE: COLUMN

BLACKTIE&TALES

by Black Tie Staff

THE COLOR PURPLE

F

or Mary Ann Robinson, philanthropy is merely the satisfaction of “good friends helping other people.”

She said so herself in what was a really big week for her. The city of Sarasota declared March 25 “Mary Ann Robinson Day,” the Community AIDS Network (CAN) clinic building was named in her honor March 26, and she was the honorary chairwoman of iconcept 6 March 28.

She made the remark at the CAN, where Eric Snyder spoke from the heart as both a member of the CAN board and on behalf of his employer, event sponsor BB&T. Co-Chairs Scott George and Margaret Wise had the CAN lobby beautifully designed, decorated and donated by Ron Giarusso, who did it Mary Ann style with all manner of flowers in her favorite color.

Among those there to honor

S TIDBIT

Surprise! … After a real estate class, Denise Mei stopped by daughter-in-law Nicole Mei’s house so they could drive together to a “family dinner.” When Denise showed up early, Nicole had to do her best to stall, because little did birthday girl Denise know, more than 100 people were attending this so-called family dinner. Once they showed up, Denise was surprised to find this dinner was thrown for her 60th birthday. Seen celebrating: Wendy Resnick, Debbie Danheisser, Debbi Benedict, Sally Schule, Veronica Brady, Lainie Van Winkle, Pat Martin, Michelle Butler and Sandy Buchanan. Family also trav-

Photos by Heather Merriman

Ron Carter, Pat Merryman, honoree Mary Ann Robinson, Paul Ferguson and Jim Neal her: Carolyn Michel, Nikki Nilon, Dennis Stover, Phil King, “The Bobs” Trisolini and Nosal, Ron Carter, Jimmy Neal, George Cole, Judy Zuckerberg, Monica Slater, Michele Strauss, Penny Hill, Debbie Gilliland, Stephen Seig, Janet and John Hunter and Marjorie Floyd. See more photos at YourObserver.com. eled from Tennessee, Virginia and New Jersey … Incredible concepts …

The crowd at iconcept was electric; even Tom Shapiro danced in the crowd with co-host Lorenzo Hubbard. Host with the most Hubbard came prepared with five outfit changes, but only had time to get through two … Celeb sightings … John Travolta was spotted in town last weekend as well as “The Bachelor’s” Juan Pablo Galavis, who popped in First Watch, in Lakewood Ranch …

Glamorous graduate … Rochelle Nigri, who has graced many a runway on behalf of many a nonprofit, has departed her position at Saks Fifth Avenue to put her B.A. in economics and international relations from USF

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS FROM FIREFLY GALA

A MAYOR FOR A NIGHT

O

ur lips are not sealed.

Forty Carrots Family Center’s Firefly Gala, held Saturday, March 29, was perfect for partying and people watching …

Ashley Kozel met the band and brought special guest, jewelry designer Temple St. Clair Carr. Belinda Carlisle had tweeted about Ariane Dart and friends on stage with The Temple’s designs on several Go-Go’s occasions … Jennifer Sine had to leave the stage for safety, they won the Saks Fifth Avenue continued to rehearse a cappella in Sarasota shopping spree. Her wintheir RV ... Volunteers Tonya Getzenning bracelet had the one-of-a-kind Gowan, Kim Hickerson and Ashley helix pattern … Vanessa Opstal McLeod handled the band rider for picked the winning box for the Carats the third year in the row. The band’s Fine Jewelry & Watches diamond last-minute request? Pine nuts … Six hoop earrings. Twenty-one chances hundred ponchos were on hand, but were sold, celebrating Forty Carrots luckily not needed … The Ritz-Carlton Family Center’s 21 years serving Sarasota and Manatee counties … De- had an army of staff on hand at the Members Golf Club. It also donated spite the weather, The Go-Go’s were determined to give a great show. They edible flowers flown in from Paris for the signature cocktail, “Greatest Hits.” rehearsed in the rain and when they

to work as the newest member of the Bellwether Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management … A double date with Bloomberg … Carolyn Johnson, president of the board of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, was in Washington, D.C., for Michael Bloomberg’s address to its national convention March 27 and got back to Sarasota in time to be with him again on March 28 in her role as co-chair of the Ringling College Library campaign … Have a little faith … The key auction item for Child Protection Center’s April 9 Blue Ties and Butterflies event has arrived from Austria. Chairwoman Alisa Pettingell commissioned Austrian artist Sabine Wiedenhofer to produce a piece of

Courtesy

Alisa Pettingell and Graci McGillicuddy with "Faith" artwork for the event. To find inspiration, Wiedenhofer traveled to Florida last year where she photographed the exotic Julia Butterfly. She named the artwork “Faith” because the butterfly symbolizes transformation and hope for new beginnings. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 365-1277.

Sarasota may not be sure we want a strong mayor ourselves, but the town turned out big time for “An Evening with Michael Bloomberg,” on March 28. Ringling College Library Association and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation presented the former New York City mayor’s chat with journalist Sharyl Attkisson, who recently resigned from CBS News, with proceeds going to the campaign to build a new library at Ringling.

Attendees approaching the opera house from Main Street could be forgiven for wondering why the All Faiths Food Bank mobile produce market, aka “Sprout,” was parked in front. A sign on the back solved the mystery; Bloomberg Philanthropies helped fund it. And in a nice timing coincidence, Bloomberg’s visit was just four days before sponsor Gulf Coast Community Foundation launches its Campaign Against Summer Hunger, and a number of early supporters of that campaign were in attendance. His friend Terry Lundgren, CEO of Macy’s, who has a house on Casey Key, arranged Bloomberg’s visit.

The Bloomberg presentation afterglow included Elenor and John Maxheim, Herman Frankel, George and Patty Gondelman, Jon Thaxton, Chris and Bridget Gallagher, Alice Berkowitz and Toby and Noel Siegel.

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// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

TM

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mystery tour

Co-Chairs Marie Kropp, Nanci Rand and Susan Morin

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THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

Jean Anouilh’s

WOMEN IN A CHANGING WORLD PANEL DISCUSSION

APRIL 8-27 FSU Center for the Performing Arts

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This modern retelling of the famous Greek tragedy shows the price a young woman must pay to defy an unjust law.

Evening: $29 • Matinees: $28 • Students: $1450

Photos by Heather Merriman

 Mary Pat McNally, Saralyn Dorrill, Sonja Veal-Volino and Meghan Serrano

Observer Longboat. East County. Sarasota. Pelican Press.

ASOLOREP.ORG/CONSERVATORY • 941-351-8000

YourObserver.com

5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

126889

Evening: $29 Matinees: $28 Students: $1450 Pay What You Can: April 8

Benefiting Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County Monday, March 24, at Asolo Repertory Theatre

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Panelists Hayley Wielgus, Tyla Abercrumbie, Amy Robinson, Julie Teer, Louisa Quarto and moderator Nancy Markle

REMODELING, ADDITIONS & CUSTOM HOMES

PERFECTLY CRAFTED HOMES

Ida Zito and Jean Weidner Goldstein

Cliff Menezes and his daughter, Kimberly

No Watering

Seasonal Residents

Silk Orchid Arrangement

Hand Carved Wood Birds

Don’t Rain on This Parade

Ceremonial Procession Carving

One and Only

Rough and Ready

Full Service Design & Construction Extensive Condo Experience Excellent References

Vintage Teak Wheel Lamp

Reclaimed Elm Wood Console

WATTS HUMPHREY Florida Lic. No.CGC1506235

1312 Tamiami Trail N., Sarasota, FL 34236

941-951-9222

Open Mon— Sat 10:00-5:00 Sun 11:00-5:00

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WEST INDIES HOME COLLECTION

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THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

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 Bunny Skirboll, Brandon Staglin and Joan Biller  Erikka and symposium speaker Dr. Kafui Dzirasa

15TH ANNUAL SUNSHINE FROM DARKNESS DINNER Benefiting IMHRO (International Mental Health Research Organization) | Friday, March 21, at The RitzCarlton, Sarasota Photos by Heather Merriman

 Cindy Dyar with Jerry and Karen Callaghan

Leslie Glass, Lee Peterson and Lindsey Glass

!

EEK W L NA

FI

“Off-Broadway hit” - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

George Crowley and Jeffrey Plunkett. Photo by Brian Braun.

STAGE III

CABARET R

E V O D HEL

“Perfect blend” -Venice Gondolier

C.S. LEWIS MEETS FREUD

by Mark St. Germain

“Nuanced and witty” - The Observer

“Beautifully...performed” -Sarasota Herald-Tribune

“Musicianship of the highest order” -Total Theater

Richard Hopkins, Artistic Director

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

366-9000 �oridastudiotheatre.org

1241 N. Palm Avenue, Downtown Sarasota

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Ben Mackel and Sarah Hund. Photo by Brian Braun.

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DIVERSIONS

THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

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ZONDA NELLIS

TRUNK SHOW

LAKEWOOD RANCH COMMUNITY FUND ‘HAVANA NIGHTS’ GALA Benefiting Lakewood Ranch Community Fund Saturday, March 22, at Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club

APRIL 10 -12 10AM - 6PM

 Tommy Hagood, Karl and Christina Hees and Marcelle Hagood

ZONDA, INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN DESIGNER, WILL PERSONALLY SHARE HER HAND-PAINTED TAPESTRIES AND SILKS. HORS D’OEUVRES & WINE WILL BE SERVED

Curt and Katie Ramage with Karen and Dr. William Soscia

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American Original Art Couture

like us on facebook

Jennifer and Greg Steube

364 St. Armands Circle Sarasota (941) 388 - 1974 dreamweavercollection.com

Photos

by Heather Merriman

Doug and Shari Phillipps with Denise and Nick Drizos

Changing the World One Smile at a Time Co-Chairs Brian Kennelly, Julie Smith, Angela Massaro-Fain, Ron Masseo and Diane Brune

941-927-5411 • Cosmetic and Esthetic • General Dentistry • Emergency Dentistry

Jenifer Back DMD

Cosmetic & Esthetic General Dentistry

Jacques L. Esclangon DDS Complete General Dentistry & Emergency Dentistry

This Week In Sarasota For a list of local events or to submit your own, visit ThisWeekInSarasota.com/calendar

137705

3800 Clark Rd., Sarasota

www.sarasotadentist.net

WHAT’S HAPPENING

music•theater nightlife•blogs trivia•food•drink LV7740

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THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2014

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3621 North Point Road $1,299,500 USD Oaks Golf & Country Club Penthouse Condo with dramatic Bay & Gulf Views. Two Car Garage and endless amenities.

David Jarrard and Barbie Nilsen with Debbie and Tom Shapiro

5591 Cannes Circle #403 $419,000 USD Centrally located newer condo on Phillippi Creek minutes to downtown and Siesta Beach. Heated pool & spa, BBQ, fitness center and more.

Photos by Heather Merriman

SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

‘DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES’

PERFORMANCE YOU CAN COUNT ON

A sAfer room for plAy.

Charlotte Hedge, Tom Hedge Sr.,

Applause® honeycomb shades with enhanced child safety.Monica Barth, and Tom Hedge Jr.

Benefiting Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County | Friday, March 21, at Lee Wetherington Boys and Girls Club

941.587.6600

With a variety of cordless operating systems to choose from, www.HedgeTeam.com Applause® shades are the choice for children. Plus, they offer tom.hedgejr@sothebysrealty.com beautiful fabrics and affordable prices, making every room in your home even more enjoyable.

Have a question about new downtown projects—Contact us

 Bill Sadlo with Marilyn and Irving Naiditch

5645 America Drive $1,149,000 USD East of 41’s Best of the Best. Endless upgrades, loggia with fireplace overlooking canal and pool. Newer boat dock and lift.

Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

138019

Co-Chairs David Glorius and Janet Krawtschenk

Jamii and Dane Peterson

412 Casey Key Road $1,199,990 USD Directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Endless bay and gulf views from this 3 story home. Short Sale opportunity.

© 2014 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas.

AG JEANS JBRAND

Beginning to End Interiors 4453 - C Ashton Rd Sarasota FL

DAFTBIRD WON HUNDRED SPLENDID KATIN

A sAfer room for plAy.

Applause honeycomb shades with enhanced child safety.

A sAfer room for plAy. 941-924-4481

M-F: 9:00 - 5:00 Call for an appointment

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With a variety of cordless operating systems to choose from, beginningtoend.hdspd.com ®

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Plus, they offer Plus, they® offer fabrics and affordable prices, beautifulevery fabrics room and affordable room in making in yourprices, homemaking evenevery more enjoyable. ®

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PAPERBACK

© Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas.

Body FX The future is here!

COMUNE V I N C E

Non-invasive liposuction-like results are now available!

Non-surgical alternative to Liposuction

Radiofrequency technology provides precise and optimal heating of the skin for tightening and contraction. Subcutaneous deep heating of the fat and high voltage energy blast causes fat cell destruction for body contouring.

ALL

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© 2014 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas.

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after

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Call for Free Consultation

137701

1960 Stickney Point Rd. Suite 207, Sarasota

SW Corner of Stickney Point and 41

941-552-6616

130514

© 2014 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas.

New Era Medical Ali Shaygan, MD

478 John Ringling Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34236 Tel 941.343.2315 941.706.2653 www.influencestyle.com

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