Diversions 12.11.14

Diversions YourObserver.com

A&E

Watercolor Society captures fluidity of life.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

FOOD

Chefs cook up a good time at James Beard dinner.

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HOME&GARDEN | HOME OF THE MONTH

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by Robert Plunket | Contributing Writer

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: H2 WHOA

by Nick Reichert | A&E Editor

BEAUTIFUL MINDS Local watercolor society creates an artistic splash in latest exhibition.

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Nick Reichert

Kris Parins, local artist and member of the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society, won first prize at the FSWS’s latest juried exhibition.

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o matter where Kris Parins goes, ideas are always swirling all around her. She’s always looking for her next painting: the way the light hits an object, the way colors pop out of a landscape.

With a father who loved to paint watercolor and an uncle who worked in the graphic design field, Parins’ interest, passion and talent for art was all but inevitable.

When she moved in 2003 to Sarasota after a career in advertising and design as a graphic artist, Parins found the perfect outlet for her creativity in the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society, which she joined as soon as she heard about it.

“I was blown away by how organized, welcoming and supportive they are,” says Parins.

“It’s very inclusive, and there is something for everyone.”

The Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society has been championing, presenting and teaching the art and craft of watercolor for more than 30 years. Founded in 1983, FSWS has combined the talents of retired artists up and down the west coast of Florida who share a love of watercolor.

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

“Remembrance” by Diane Schmidt

“Bowled Over” by Jerome Chesley

“Breakfast with Tiffanys” by Kris Parins

We’re all friends who share and learn from each other. — Mary Louise Ringers Converging their talents with at least three juried shows a year, the society’s watercolorists have shown regionally, nationally and abroad. The society’s next juried show will be held Dec. 11 through Jan. 16, at the Art Center Sarasota. The fact that Dean Mitchell, one of the most awarded and accomplished watercolor artists, is the juror of the exhibition speaks to the society’s quality.

Although it serves as a platform for its most awarded talent, the FSWS at its core is a supportive and educational community of artists of every skill level.

“People aren’t closed off about their process,” says Mary Louise Ringers, president of the society.

“We’re all friends who share and learn with each other. There’s a lot of camaraderie in the Suncoast.”

With regular public workshops, classes and juried exhibitions in Englewood, Sarasota, Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, the Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society is an organization fueled by passion and learning.

“When you come down here from another place with no family or friends, you immediately pick up a connection with people who are like-minded and social,” says Jerome Chesley, former art professor and vice president of the FSWS. “When I found the Florida Suncoast, I latched onto it.”

Friendliness and fraternity notwithstanding, what makes the society is the stunning watercolor art its members produce. Diane Schmidt, a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, was raised

in Tucson, Ariz., and worked as an artist for Hallmark Cards while living in Kansas City, Mo. Schmidt’s portfolio is filled with striking and powerful watercolors that blur the lines between abstract and portraiture.

“It’s the first society that I ever joined,” says Schmidt. “It really was a launching pad for me and has made me a better artist.”

Schmidt constructs her abstracts, which burst with intense and exact colors, through a formalized process. Instead of the typical method of spontaneously splashing paint over the canvas like a feverish Rorschach test, Schmidt is methodical in vision and application. There’s always an idea.

For Parins, she trains her eye like an Olympic athlete, always searching for her next piece. Every car ride, trip or errand is po-

tential location casting for her next work. With her camera always by her side, Parins captures moments of people and places that tickle her artistic fancy.

“I’m very inspired by the contrasts of light and dark in what I see during my travels,” says Parins. “I’ll spend a fair amount of my time looking at all these photos and manipulating them on the computer until I have a good subject for a painting.”

Parins’ artistic vision is characteristic of the other watercolorists in the group.

“It’s a way of memorializing something I get excited about,” says Parins, “and it’s nothing monumental but subjects more from everyday life.”

Attraction and attention to the remarkable in everyday life is a major theme for members of the Florida Suncoast Watercolor So-

ciety. Ringers, Chesley, Schmidt and Parins all expressed a delight of instilling in a viewer a lingering eye, to pause and reflect on the beauty that surrounds them.

“I hope people walk away after seeing one of my paintings with a realization that it’s a beautiful world,” says Ringers.

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: ROVING RÉPÉTITEUR

by Nick Reichert | A&E Editor

MOBILE MASTER James Jordan walks down the hall with a light grace. He is a dancer and educator with an erudite and unassuming air.

But make no mistake, this ballet dancer and new ballet master and répétiteur at the Sarasota Ballet has grit.

The Sarasota Ballet hired James Jordan earlier this spring to join its close-knit and respected dancing family and community. Along with seasoned Director Iain Webb, répétiteur and Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri, ballet master Pavel Fomin and resident choreographer Ricardo Graziano, Jordan will be instrumental in Webb’s ongoing mission of continuing Sarasota Ballet’s reputation for creating quality productions of popular and rare classics. Sir Frederick Ashton’s “La Fille mal Gardée,” Dec. 19 and 20, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, is a fulllength and technically challenging piece that Jordan dove into with the company at the beginning of the season.

“It’s been such a thrill to be a part of that Ashton masterpiece,” says Jordan. “It really is such a special work.”

Jordan’s journey into dance has been one of intense study, travel and determination. However, unlike most dancers, there wasn’t a central teacher or role model who encouraged Jordan to study ballet. It all came from within. He stumbled across a

makeshift ballet class that a few of the cheerleaders from his rural high school in Staunton, Va., were taking from a Mormon woman who taught in a church basement on a concrete tile floor.

This early episode in his dance career would come to characterize Jordan’s dance journey: an odyssey of constantly searching for the best place to dance, constantly bettering his technique and uncovering and documenting works on the brink of extinction.

Jordan’s first stop after graduating high school was the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. Though initially enrolled in the school’s theater department, Jordan discovered the Richmond Ballet. He was quickly drafted into the company and offered a scholarship due to his classic, tall body type and the company’s natural shortage of men to lift their ballerinas.

“It was a positive starting experience,” says Jordan, “but along with that there were these 13-year-old wunderkind girls who were dancing circles around me and giggling at this 6-foot-tall man who didn’t know practically anything.”

However, Jordan’s time at VCU only lasted a year, and he transferred to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, N.C. There Jordan would meet the man who would cement his life in the bal-

Nick Reichert

James Jordan, rehearsing with corps de ballet dancer Abbey Kay, is bringing more than 30 years of craft to the Sarasota Ballet. letic arts: Todd Bolender.

A renowned dancer, choreographer and teacher who came of age during the Great Depression, Bolender originated numerous roles in works by George

Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. Bolender recruited the young Jordan and three others in his class for the opportunity to dance for his company at the Kansas City Ballet.

James Jordan brings experience and determination to the Sarasota Ballet.

“It was an opportunity to be a part of a virtually new company where I wouldn’t just be stepping into someone else’s shoes on the back row,” says Jordan. “I was going to be a part of a new idea.”

Over nearly the next 30 years, Jordan amassed countless hours of dancing, teaching and staging ballet for the Kansas City Ballet as a principal dancer, teacher, ballet master and répétiteur. And now, in his first year as a part from the Sarasota Ballet, he’ll continue a new facet of his ballet story: conservator. Jordan will work to revive those pieces from dance masters long gone by collaborating with dancers from the original productions.

As a member and répétiteur of the Antony Tudor Ballet Trust, Jordan has striven to produce, preserve and record the steps and choreography of the British master’s most popular and obscure works while at the Kansas City Ballet. Jordan should find kinsmen in his quest to preserve Tudor’s choreography because Sarasota Ballet is the American home of Ashton’s works, choreography and legacy. Jordan hopes to perform more Tudor pieces and feels his contribution will only expand the ballet’s already impressive repertoire.

“I feel like I’ve gotten on a fastmoving train that’s going uphill,” says Jordan. “It really is a glorious time, and the past is so rich but the future is so limitless.”

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: ART WORLD

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by Nick Reichert | A&E Editor

Jorge Blanco’s work goes GLOBAL After his first showing at Christie’s in New York, Sarasota artist Jorge Blanco reflects on his worldwide reach.

Do you sell most of your pieces via auction or through private exchanges?

I deal directly to the collectors and through galleries and art dealers.

Dominican Republic Caracas, Venezuela Colombia

How has the art world changed between when you started and now?

Indonesia

Punta del Este, Uruguay

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS JORGE How do you begin a new work?

I begin by sketching out ideas.

After this I make small maquettes in paper; sometimes I make slightly larger ones in metal. After this I draft the final drawings to begin the construction process.

Everything is carefully thought out.

Tokyo

Today there are more new forms of expression because there are new technologies and new materials. But, at the same time, there is more trash art and more fake art.

What is the highest price a piece of your art has sold for?

Ninety thousand dollars.

What inspires you?

The joy of living.

BLANCO?

Locations where Blanco’s art is on display “The Rollers 28”

by Jorge Blanco was sold at auction by Christie's in New York for $20,000.

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How many of your pieces have been sold at auction at the premier auction houses such as Christie's or Sotheby's?

This was my first experience.

United States: Petoskey, Mich.

Leawood, Kan. Park City, Utah Reno, Nev. Chula Vista, Calif.

Cleveland Norfolk, Va. Fort Pierce, Fla. Jupiter, Fla. Palm Beach, Fla. Venice, Fla. Longboat Key, Fla. Sarasota, Fla. Pittsburgh New York

Europe: Switzerland Belgium France Spain Germany

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Known for his large, colorful statue installations, Jorge Blanco’s work can be spotted throughout the Sarasota area.

Blanco, a Venezuelan artist, recently had his first showing and auction at Christie’s in New York; the piece sold for $20,000.

Blanco’s work can be found in cities large and small across four continents. A retrospective of his work is currently on display at the O. Ascanio Gallery until Dec. 21 and was featured during Art Basel Miami.

“The most significant aspect of the art festival is the valuable interchange between thousands of expressions and millions of people around the world in four days,” says Blanco. “Another significant element is that my work is seen by thousands of people who appreciate and understand my sculpture. This, for me, is very exciting. I enjoy it very much.”

We talked with Blanco about his journey and the artistic process:

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: SPEAK THE SPEECH

by Nick Reichert | A&E Editor

The Voice Within

John Burr instructs burgeoning actors and performers in the field of voiceover.

John Burr is Sarasota’s resident master, teacher and expert on all things of recorded voice.

Although his career has included everything from working as a professional trombone player to being the assistant conductor of the U.S. Air Force’s Singing Sergeants chorus, Burr found work as a voiceover actor by happenstance.

After years working in traditional music and theater, Burr built a recording studio in the 1980s in Washington, D.C., aimed at symphony and orchestra recording. However, he soon seized the vast market for quality voiceover work after various actors asked for assistance on vocal delivery and recording.

“The largest misconception most people have is that they think voiceover is easy,” says Burr. “It isn’t, and one of the first things my students say when they first start working is, Nick Reichert ‘Man this is hard.’”

John Burr giving student Trine Bølling some vocal delivery notes in his home studio.

In 2003, Burr and his wife moved to Sarasota. Burr slowly itable voiceover talent pools in sional in the studio. His ears, That in-person teaching is esmoved his lucrative production the state. powered by decades of listening sential for what Burr does — he studio from D.C. to Florida. That Burr instructs all of his stu- and musical performance, ana- re-teaches students how to read business included voiceover dents one-on-one in his invit- lyze every syllable, sound and and speak. work by himself and his stu- ing home studio. Though his sentence his students say.

“There’s an aspect of acting, dents for Fortune 500 compa- house is packed with a library’s “I’m one of the few people in English language dynamics and nies such as IBM, Marriott, Xe- worth of books on film and per- the country who does one-on- how they are going to use the rox and Lockheed-Martin. And, formance and features art that one training exclusively in per- language,” says Burr. He articusince 2011, Burr has taught and nods to fanciful animation, son and via Skype for students lates to his students when and developed one of the most prof- Burr is pragmatic and profes- abroad,” says Burr. what words to hit in their deliv-

ery, what to emphasize, where to insert upward and downward inflections, and where to pause.

And he teaches them to avoid the most common beginner’s mistake: talking too fast.

“The whole thing about voiceover that’s so important is to get to the point that when you deliver a script it sounds so real to the listener they’d swear you were talking to them,” he says.

Authenticity is the prime quality when it comes to voiceover performers’ most common jobs such as ads, museum audio tours, digital assistants such as Apple’s Siri, documentaries, audiobooks and, during heated election years, political attack ads. And in a world where male voices were the industry norm, female voiceover performers have increased exponentially in recent years with clients wanting the soothing, and relaxed mood the female voice exudes.

But no matter the gender of the voiceover performer, it all comes back to the connection a live performer creates with his audience.

“You have to have a common sense about human interaction,” says Burr. “I’m not just reading and recording a script.

I’m talking to somebody with purpose and honesty.”

One of the first things my students say when they first start working is, ‘Man this is hard.’

— John Burr

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

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// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: HIGHLIGHTS

SARASOTA CRAFT SHOW

‘FIGURATIVELY SPEAKING’ OPENING RECEPTION

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Photos by Nick Reichert

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Aja Ohman and William Kidd

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

THEATER

warm. Shepherd’s characters are flawed human beings, not plaster saints. The love they share feels real.

— Marty Fugate

MUSIC

// ‘A Christmas Story: The Musical’ Just in time for the holidays, The Players has unwrapped “A Christmas Story: The Musical,” with book by Joseph Robinette and music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. It’s an adaptation of Bob Clark’s 1983 film adaptation of Jean Shepherd’s fictionalized memoirs of his pre World War II Indiana childhood. As holiday classics go, it’s up there with “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

Many Christmas musicals celebrate the sacred story behind it all. This isn’t one of them. As the kids on “South Park” observed, Christmas is about one important thing: presents. In this case, a child’s mad obsession with a BB gun, specifically, an “official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time.”

The kid doing the obsessing is Ralphie, the stand-in for Shepherd. His parents and every adult authority figure in sight tell him, “No. You’ll shoot your eye out.” Eyesight aside, at December’s dawn, Ralphie begins a stealthy campaign of manipulation to achieve his heart’s desire. Along the way, tongues are stuck to frozen flagpoles, bullies are trounced, and his father (aka “The Old Man”) wins a “major award” in the form of a lascivious leg lamp. In case you’re one of the five people in America who hasn’t seen the movie, I won’t tell you if Ralphie gets the rifle or not — but what do you think?

It’s a delightfully unsentimental view of childhood. At one point, Ralphie says the “F-word.” Mom demands to know where he heard it. Ralphie knows that if he says, “Dad,” the Old Man will never buy him that BB gun — so he fingers his innocent friend Flick (Noah Kunkel), instead. Flick gets

// Sarasota Orchestra Masterworks II Concert

Courtesy photos

“A Christmas Story: The Musical” runs through Dec. 21, at The Players Theatre, 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information, call 365-2494 or visit theplayers.org. loudly whipped, off stage. Not cute, eh? No. But an honest depiction of preteen realpolitik.

The busy Berry Ayers directs and choreographs, coordinates the music and puts in an appearance as a stereotypical Chinese waiter. Ayers has the audience eating out of his hand from the get-go. Most were movie fans, preloaded with visions of sugarplums, flag poles and leg lamps dancing in their heads. But the material’s funny even if you’ve never seen the original.

Judah Woomert has a strong stage presence as Ralphie — acting in character, not just hamming it up. He has a clear, distinct voice and you can actually understand what he is saying — always a plus in a child actor. Ryan Modjeski is funny as his food-hating younger brother, Andy. Props

also to Kunkel’s long-suffering, lamppostlicking, scapegoated Flick. Jeffery Kin hits it out of the park with his take on “The Old Man.” Great physical comedy; great take on a long-suffering, old-school dad with a heart of gold who’s wound a little too tight.

Alyssa Goudy’s sprightly spin on Ralphie’s mom reminds me of the matriarch on “That ’70s Show.” Kay Siebold is hilarious as Ralphie’s tight-laced teacher, Miss Shields — especially in a fantasy sequence where she appears in a spangled cocktail dress and belts out a torch song. With his perfect radio voice, Allen Kretschmar is ideal as the adult Ralphie, narrating his dreams of childhood.

There’s an unflinching truth to those dreams. The story has a cynical edge.

Surprisingly, that makes it all the more

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It was a concert of ups and downs that was presented this past weekend by the Sarasota Orchestra led by guest conductor Evans Haile. The real upside of the performances was the orchestra itself, which proved it can play well under almost any circumstance. The down side was Haile who stumbled almost as often as he stood up to the challenges of the all-American program.

Brash, bright, in your face, sensitive, embracing, vulgar, honest, upright and decadent, American music is, by nature, like America, itself. As a people we are full of contradictions, and that’s what composers Ron Nelson and Joan Tower emphasized in their works, which opened the program.

Nelson’s popular “Savannah River Holiday Overture” is sprightly, optimistic and dazzling, filled with lots of brass and percussion, and would work well as the soundtrack for a Superman movie or a 1960s big-city television detective program. Tower’s poly-rhythmic, multi-metered “Sequoia” is a big-tone poem that paints the concentric circles of the rings on the trunk of the giant redwoods with a tonal palette that expands to include 20th century musical languages.

The orchestra played both really well, even though Haile, a left-handed conductor who wields not a baton but a pencil, beat time more than he painted colors with the forces he had at hand. There was little attention paid to dynamics or subtleties beyond those the composers had printed into the scores. Still, Haile did a good

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YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS Tamara Tunie

job holding everything together, and the Sarasota Orchestra was able to do some really outstanding work without much help from the podium.

Aaron Copland’s affecting “Lincoln Portrait” fared better with Haile holding the ensemble in check while the glamorous and beautifully spoken actress, Tamara Tunie, read the patriotic and poignant words of the 16th president of the United States. Even with the extraordinary and imposing memory of the voices of Marian Anderson, Gregory Peck, Henry Fonda, James Earl Jones and Carl Sandburg echoing in my ears, Tunie gave a reading of these texts that was moving, passionate and dignified, lending just the right weight and emphasis to, “That is what he said.

That is what Abraham Lincoln said.” Those words, underscored by Copland’s music and the orchestra’s playing, were inspiring, stirring and memorable.

The Copland was cleverly juxtaposed with Samuel Barber’s poignant and tender “Adagio for Strings.” Written originally as a movement in a string quartet, this piece — often played at funerals — has been arranged (mostly by the composer) for various combinations, from string orchestra

to chorus. For this performance with the lustrous strings of the Sarasota Orchestra, Haile laid down his pencil and conducted beautifully, using both hands to elicit sweeping phrases and warm sounds from the ensemble.

Unfortunately, for the finale of the concert, Gershwin’s beloved “Rhapsody in Blue,” the conductor chose to be soloist as well as conductor, and failed in both roles. Leaving aside the multiple wrong notes he played, it was one of the weirdest performances of this well-known work I’ve ever heard. The Steinway was almost inaudible at times, sounding muffled and underpowered. The pianist’s phrasing was inconsistent and fitful, especially toward the finale when he set one tempo for the orchestra and another for himself. Who would do that? And why?

One other thing must be mentioned. I’m all for conductors speaking to their audiences, but they need to temper their talks with a sense of who and what that audience is. Haile, who addressed us as if we were at a young people’s concert, was longwinded, condescending and embarrassing. Please.

Unless you’re a Leonard Bernstein, let the music speak for itself.

— June LeBell

19 - 20 December 2014

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Sir Frederick Ashton’s

‘ La Fille mal Gardee The Wayward Daughter

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Box Office : (941) 359 - 0099 x 101 | www.SarasotaBallet.org

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DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

// HOME&GARDEN : HOME OF THE MONTH

by Robert Plunket | Contributing Writer (continued from page 1)

the deep blue goodbye John D. MacDonald’s Siesta Key home was the birthplace of the Florida crime novel.

The MacDonald house, center, is one of a dozen homes that line the narrow sandbar called Point Crisp.

McGee was born.

Travis McGee, the knight in slightly tarnished armor, the rescuer of damsels in distress.

Six-foot-four, powerfully built, deeply tanned, usually needing a shave. He and his creator pioneered a new kind of novel, one that changed American literature. The hard-boiled Florida crime novel soon came to dominate the bestseller lists and, not so incidentally, gave impetus to the burgeoning environmental movement. It was a cry to action against the corrupt forces

that would destroy the delicate ecological balance for their own profit.

One look from the windows of MacDonalds’ second-floor study and workroom and it’s easy to see from where this passion came. The setting is spectacular. The room is modest in size but has full water views to both the north and the south.

Birds swoop by, lizards dart here and there — even a few full-size iguanas — and tropical vegetation sways gently in the breeze. The only thing missing

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is the clacking of the typewriter as Travis begins another adventure. *** That John and Dorothy MacDonald could afford such a house is a reflection of both Sarasota real estate prices back in the 1950s and MacDonald’s growing success as a writer. A prolific worker, he was a rising star in the genre of tough-guy fiction, with scores of successful novels under his belt. He wrote as many as four a year. The couple had already assumed a rou-

tine they would follow decades to come. The house on Siesta Key in the winter, then a trek north to the Adirondacks for a summer at the lake.

MacDonald’s book “The House Guests,” published in 1967, gives an evocative look at life on the Key back in those long ago days. Air conditioning hadn’t taken over; windows were left open and their beloved cats — the houseguests of the title — wandered in and out at will. Neighbors were always dropping by, often with injured

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lorida has its share of literary shrines, the places where its greatest authors created their best work. There’s the Hemingway House in Key West, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ farmhouse in Cross Creek and the house in St. Pete where Jack Kerouac drank himself to death. But one of the most important is virtually unknown — the rustic beach house on Siesta Key where John D. MacDonald lived from 1952 to 1970. It was here, in a room above the garage, that the legendary Travis

Courtesy photos

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

11

// HOME&GARDEN To the writing room ...

The home’s original living room also served as Dorothy MacDonald’s painting studio.

A later owner added the caged pool that separates the main house from the guest house. wildlife, for they knew the MacDonalds were a soft touch for any wounded creature. Everybody in town knew everybody else and the social life was informal but active, especially for members of the town’s art colony, the writers and painters who originally gave Sarasota the cachet it still enjoys today.

The MacDonald home was also pretty typical of the way people lived back in those days. It was located on Point Crisp, a sandbar that inexplicably juts out into the bay about a mile or so south of the Stickney Point Bridge. Local lore says the home’s original owner, the man who developed Point Crisp residentially, won it in a poker game. It’s tempting to surmise that this inspired Travis McGee’s acquisition of his famous houseboat, the Busted Flush. It also was won in a poker game.

As they became more prosperous the MacDonalds enlarged

The entrance to the home is across Point Crisp Road from the property’s dock.

the home, which stood on about an acre. They added a guesthouse and extended the living room. Dorothy, an accomplished amateur painter, used the former living area as her studio. But John always claimed the upstairs room — reached by a spiral staircase — as his own sanctuary.

The MacDonalds sold the house in 1970 and moved to a larger home that looked out over Big Pass, designed for them by their good friend, architect Tim Siebert. Over the years, the Point Crisp house went on to have a succession of notable owners.

One of them, Richard Peterson, became famous for an adventure that seems right out a MacDonald book. A TWA pilot, he was flying a 727 from Rome to Athens, Greece, in April 1986, when a terrorist bomb went off. Four passengers were killed and a large hole was blown in the side of the plane, but Capt. Peterson kept his head and landed the plane

safely in Athens. He became the Sully Sullenberger of his day.

Later, Dr. Masood Rehmani, a prominent child psychiatrist who spent 30 years working in Sarasota, treating private patients and developing programs with local hospitals and school boards, bought the Point Crisp home. The doctor’s brother, Qamar, recalls how the home’s gentle tropical atmosphere and many fruit trees — mango and lychee — reminded his brother of his native India. Full circle, in a way — MacDonald’s first published story was entitled “Interlude in India” and dealt with his experiences in New Delhi during World War II. *** Rehmani died recently and the Point Crisp home has come on the market. Even MacDonald would be realistic enough to accept the fact that, for all its history and charm, whoever buys the place will probably tear it down

and replace it with a $10 million mansion — it’s the last beach shack left on Point Crisp, an anomaly next door to its glamorous, almost overpowering neighbors. The price tag certainly reflects the unique location — an eye-popping $3.2 million.

But if his birthplace is disappearing, Travis McGee is getting a second wind. The series is finding a whole new generation of readers thanks to e-books, and 20th Century Fox is planning a film version of “The Deep Blue Good-Bye.” Variety reports that Christian Bale is the leading contender for the role of Travis.

Not bad for a character dreamt up in a room over a garage on Siesta Key more than 50 years ago.

1430 Point Crisp Road is priced at $3.2 million. For more information, call Deborah Beacham (376-2688) or Larry Zeigler (2282612), both of Michael Saunders & Co.

View north

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Photos by Heather Merriman

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

// FOOD&COOKING: HIGHLIGHTS

JAMES BEARD CELEBRITY CHEF TOUR DINNER

THE MENU

Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Darwin’s on 4th

Carrot variations, with ricotta and smoked trout roe Columbia Crest Un-oaked Chardonnay, 2013

Chef Paul Anders

Sweet Basil and Mountain Standard, Vail, Colo.

Photos by Heather Merriman

Celebrity Chefs James Baselici, Steve Phelps, Leigh Growney, Darwin Santa Maria and Paul Anders

Chef Stephen Phelps Indigenous, Sarasota

Open Blue Sea Farms cobia with Thai green curry, frittata, quinoa sesame cracker Elk Cove Vineyards Estate Riesling, 2012

Chef Steve Phelps of Indigenous prepared the second course

Chef Darwin Santa Maria

Darwin’s on 4th and Darwin Brewing Co., Sarasota

Braised short ribs with potato puree laced with aji amarillo Barnett Vineyards Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011

Chef Jim Baselici Louies Modern, Sarasota

Heather Dunhill, Barbara Strainbrook, Crystal Lahners and Amy Sussman

Matt Cornelius with Denise and John Saputo

Chef Paul Anders

Hudson Valley duck breast “à la blood orange,” curry pistachio purée, five-spice duck sausage and blood orange mustard seed caviar Davis Bynum Jane’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, 2012

Chef Leigh Growney The Short Giraffe, Sarasota

Lellys Santa Maria, Eileen Scudder, Jeff Black and Lily Johnson

Kim Fierst and Eileen Scudder

Layered flourless chocolate torte wedge with house cinnamon graham crust, topped with house triple chocolate bourbon ganache spiced marshmallow meringue lightly toasted accented with salted milk caramel sauce Stanley Lambert Choc-a-Bloc

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INSIDE: Suncoast Celebration for Equality Florida PAGE 22

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Christen Benson, Rogan Donelly and Whitney Spencer

Mickey, a basset hound mix available for adoption at the event

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

Sandra Russi-Metz, Michael Metz and Graham and Jill Edwards

Jordan and Stephanie Hallum

22ND ANNUAL

hot dogs and COOL CATS ‘LAUGH YOUR PAWS OFF’ GALA

Benefiting The Humane Society of Sarasota County • Saturday, Dec. 6, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota • Chairs: Molly Crawford and Alli Werner

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Editor

Tutu, a schnauzer mix available for adoption at the event

Phil and Kim Mancini

The Humane Society of Sarasota County hosted its 22nd annual Hot Dogs and Cool Cats “Laugh Your Paws Off” Gala Saturday, Dec. 6, at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Furry friends on the red carpet welcomed guests, who then socialized during the cocktail hour, which featured shot tails (a homemade apple brandy, provided by Co-Chair Alli Werner). Following dinner in the ballroom, guests enjoyed a silent auction and paddle raise hosted by Les McCurdy and Ken Sons and the evening entertainment continued with standup comedy from Sinbad.

Eric and Lois Zorn

Rebecca Kochelek holding Dasher, a great Pyrenees mix and Vickie Grosvenor holding Teddy, a hound mix available for adoption at the event.

BY THE NUMBERS: 300 guests 15 event volunteers 9 committee members $75,000 raised during the

“Raise Your Paw” paddle raise Event raised more than John Dunham and Sandi O’Connell

$225,000 2 puppies auctioned at the event for $1,200 each More than 1,600 abandoned

pets sheltered, cared for and place in homes this year

30,000 pounds of pet food to

350 residents in need of assistance

Photos by Heather Merriman

14,000 volunteer hours logged this year BLACK TIE COVER PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

14

DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

// BLACK TIE: COLUMN

BLACKTIE&TALES

BABY ON BOARD

by Black Tie Staff

J

Photos by Heather Merriman

Nikki Taylor, Meghan Serrano and Jennifer Compton

ennifer Compton and Nikki Taylor hosted a French-inspired baby shower for Meghan Serrano’s baby-girl-to-be Saturday, Dec. 6, at Lolita Tartine. The shower featured a pink Champagne toast and a traditional French marzipan and buttercream cake with fresh berries — with well wishes for the baby written in French on the top of the cake. The room décor was French chic and the takeaway girly gifts were from Lollicake Queen. Spotted at the shower: Adria Jensen, Marjorie Broughton, Jane Thompson, Molly Kasperson and Kathryn Carr.

Cliff Roles

EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL AT THE BALLET

B

alletomanes may be the most enthusiastic of arts lovers. It certainly appeared so at Balanchine-Tuckett-Bruce presented by the Sarasota Ballet Nov. 21 and Nov. 22. The performances featured live music by the Sarasota Ballet Orchestra and, for Tuckett’s Lux Aeterna, the Key Chorale. Joseph Caulkins conducted both. The ballet presented Lux Aeterna in January of this year, but this was its first appearance here with live music ­— and so emotional an experience that Managing Director Mary Anne Servian and board President Hillary Steele were encouraging their friends to bring plenty of tissues.

The Bruce piece was the Sara-

Kelly K. Stevens, PA-C, MPAS

sota premiere of “Sergeant Early’s Dream.” At the post performance reception on opening night, director Iain Webb described asking Christopher Bruce if his relationship with the Houston Ballet was an exclusive one, to which Mr. Bruce replied, “I’m not exclusive with anyone,” leading to collaboration between the Sarasota and Houston companies.

Ballet Master and Repetiteur James Jordan, who joined Sarasota Ballet from Kansas City earlier this year, was at the reception, enthusing about the “great camaraderie among the artists of the Sarasota Ballet and the healthful competition.”

“Iain can really pick ‘em,” he said.

S TIDBIT

Bet you can’t top this … Sarasota is appropriately agog over the Asolo Rep’s exciting new production of “South Pacific,” nobody more so than philanthropist Edie Winston, who owns up to having been taken by her father to the premiere of the original Broadway production in 1949. No arithmetic, please. Winston is a remarkable woman; when somebody cited the 43 patents she holds, she gently corrected them: “It’s 44 now.” This is the same Edie who recently donated $50,000 to the Artists Series Concerts of Sarasota for the Herb and Edith Winston Endowment Fund … The Bar Mitzvah Boys, Take Two … Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini received personalized aprons at the recent AJC dinner and shooter Cliff Roles photographed them. Roles left immediately after but had to

Infiniti Aesthetics

is not only perfect in itself, but the story behind how Kabinoff acquired it is, too — the purse was Janet Kane’s, and after she died, the family gave it to Kabinoff, as an appreciation for their friendship and mutual love for dogs, especially those with flat faces.

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return to collect some gear. Good thing, too, because by then, the AJC honorees had figured out they were mis-robed and put on their correct aprons … Looking better than ever … Two Sarasota businesswomen have walked the runway in Designing Woman Boutique’s Annual Gala and Fashion Show since its inception in 2005: Dr. Anne Chauvet, the veterinary neurosurgeon who owns Rosemary Vet, and Sandra Day, the aesthetician who owns NeoDerm skincare. Hard work seems to agree with them; they were looking better than ever at the event’s 10th anniversary on Dec. 7 … Pug love … Deb Knowles Kabinoff was spotted donning what could be the cutest Judith Leiber bag created at the Dec. 6 Hot Dogs and Cool Cats “Laugh Your Paws Off” Gala. The pug-shaped purse

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At the opening night post-performance reception: Michael Zuckerberg, board member Judy Cahn, Jan Fidelman and Managing Director Mary Ann Servian

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

// BLACK TIE

(continued from page 13)

Dorothy and Susan Lawrence

15

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Guests enjoyed signature “shot tails,” a homemade apple brandy

Photos by Heather Merriman

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

WOMEN’S DAY — AN AFTERNOON WITH CAMRYN MANHEIM

Silhouette® Window Shades Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

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Show us your receipt from holiday shopping and save.

Here’s the holiday break you need: During the month of December, bring in any receipt from your holiday shopping and get $10 off any dining purchase of $25, or $20 off any $50 purchase.

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Suzanne Reiman and Nancy Trotta

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Helen Glaser and Allison Silver Schwartz

Susi Benson-Steenbarger and Bunny Skirboll

Guest speaker Camryn Manheim

DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

17

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

SARASOTA BALLET PRIVATE RECEPTION

&

Benefiting Sarasota Ballet Tuesday, Dec. 3, at private home

on Main

PRESENT:

Photos by Heather Merriman

Sara Sardelli, Iain Webb and Nancy and Bob Plummer

Frank Lyman Days Wednesday, December 17 12:00pm - 8:00pm Reception with wine & hors d’oeuvres 5:00 - 8:00pm

Hosts Katie and Jesse Biter

Thursday, December 18 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Bill and Ellen Cornelius

Ricardo Rhodes, Ellen Overstreet, Logan Learned and Victoria Hulland

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DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

CAUSE 4 FASHION

BY THE BAY Benefiting Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s Thursday, Dec. 4, at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Photos by Heather Merriman

Sandy Cowing and Lee Dougherty Ross

Wendy Hopkins with Jeffery and Jocelyn Stevens

Jennifer Grondahl and Debbie Dannheisser CoChairs Gana Gilkey, Sharyn Weiner and Doreen Sutherland

Pat Pantello, Janet Walter and Brian Lipton

Ingrid Kozak, Alex Rydel, Redenta Picazio and Lynne Fales

DISCOVER WHAT’S ON GREET THE LIGHT cELEbRaTIon DEC 20, 7:00 PM

GREET THE LIGHT

$15 / $10 for Members Escape the pressures of the holidays for an evening.

Celebrate the winter solstice in the Courtyard with fire dancers, specialty drinks, and DJ.

HoLIDaY nIGHTS aT CA’ D’ZAN DEC 11, 5:00 – 8:00 PM, included with Admission Explore Ca’ d’Zan during extended evening hours.

Dressed for the holidays, Ca’ d’Zan features festive decor and holiday trees.

SUMMER INTENSIVE

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JUNE 29 - AUGUST 1

5

Man’s best friend has appeared in art since ancient times. This lecture will look at the dog as an artistic and cultural symbol over the past 500 years.

The Sarasota Ballet School Summer Intensive provides a unique opportunity to be considered for both the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory of Dance and the internationally recognized Sarasota Ballet.

FaMILY WoRKSHoP: In THE SWInG oF THInGS DEC 13, 1:00 & 3:00 PM, $5 per Child Explore the physics of pendulums by looking at flying trapeze artists, followed by activities and painting in this program for children 4–10.

Start planning your future this holiday season and book your audition slot.

Sarasota Audition Date March 1, 2015 | The Sarasota Ballet

Tickets and Information:

Improve Your Craft. Build Relationships.

Closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day

|

education@SarasotaBallet.org

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OPEN DAILY at 10:00 AM

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

19

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

MEN, WHISKEY AND WATCHES Benefiting Child Protection Center Thursday, Dec. 4, at Edson Keith Phillippi Mansion Photos by Heather Merriman

Bobby Bonilla, Chad Williams, Jason Lozeau and T.J. Nutter

Co-Chairs Amanda Lopez and Courtney Edbrooke

Mike and Tina Granthon

Sally Schule and Michele Schlossberg

TM

Katie and Michael Moulton

Wayne Rollins and Richard Lawrence

masterworks c o n c e r t: “ i n l o v e ” Make Date Night Musical This program features three of music’s most celebrated love stories. Strauss’ Death and Transfiguration narrates the final hours of a man as he reminisces about his memories, ideals, and loves. Tchaikovsky’s arresting Romeo and Juliet Overture needs no introduction. Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé shimmers with delicate sensuality. You’ll have the rare treat of hearing the flugelhorn performed by a soloist renowned around the world for his mastery.

January 9 - Neel January 10 & 11 - Van Wezel Anu Tali, Music Director | Sergei Nakariakov, flugelhorn

Tickets from $30 941-953-3434 www.SarasotaOrchestra.org Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

20 14 _ 15 157621

Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy

20

DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

HAUTE FOR THE HOLIDAYS Benefiting Habitat for Humanity Friday, Dec. 5, at The Francis Photos by Heather Meriman

Co-Chairs Michelle Crabtree and Victoria DeRosier

Debbie McLean, Susan McGill and Sylvia Smith

Dolores Berrien and Cheryl Neal

OF SARASOTA SARASOTA

Kristin Elwell and Lindse Miller

Kat and Carolyn Kofler

Debbie Reese and Hilaire Yoder

3 NEW EXHIBITIONS DEcEmBEr 11, 2014 – JaNuary 16, 2015

Live musical performances that Entertain, Engage, and Inspire!

Saturday – December 20 – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday – December 21 – 2:00 & 7:30 p.m.

Ho l i d ay In the Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling Museum of Art

OF SARASOTA

A B ro a d wa y

Joseph Melancon

Dustin Juengel

Elaine Charney

Color gradient

Florida SuncoaSt Watercolor Society Open, TransparenT exhibiT

art center inStructorS

featuring Will & Anthony Nunziata and Gloria Musicae Singers with soloist Amy Connours TICKETS BY PHONE – DAILY 10A-4P – $25-$45

exhibiTiOn

Parallel univerSeS

Open, all Media exhibiTiOn Media Sponsor

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Tickets/details 24/7 at www.artistseriesconcerts.org

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941-360-7399

DIVERSIONS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

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y entar s with this ad m i l p Com ce Lesson Dan

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Give the Gift of Dance

27TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TREES, LIGHTS AND HOLIDAY GIFTS

• Gift Certificates Available • Private Lessons • Group Lessons • Parties

Benefiting The Florida Center for Early Childhood Friday, Dec. 5, at Michael’s On East

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this Holiday Season

Join us on December 18th 6:30-9:30pm

Sheryl Vieira, Rebecca Blitz and Renee Phinney

Dynasty Dance Clubs Annual Holiday Party for dancing, refreshments, holiday cookie contest, and a fabulous holiday themed show.

dynastydanceclubs.com 941-955-8558 2272 Main Street, Sarasota 34237 (Off Lime Avenue)

Happy Hour Monday-Friday 4pm-6pm Happy Hour Specials on Food and Drinks!

Honorary Chairs Thomas and Barbara Brown

Veronica and Jay Brady

Our New Dock is Finished!

A Complimentary Bottle of Wine!

from the Manager’s exclusive selection of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. With this ad & the purchase of two lunch or dinner entrees. (not valid with other coupons or discounts)

Covered Deck!

New Menu Items!

Dock and Dine!

tic Most Roumraannt Resta Kim Hill, Megin Kaufman, Dr. Louise Boothby, Caroline Blair and Leah Stratford

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~AMI Sun

LBO Offer Expires 12.24.14

By Land...760 Broadway St. • Longboat Key

By Sea... Marker 39 • Intracoastal Waterway

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LBO Wine

The 27th Annual

WINTERFEST HOLMES BEACH CITY HALL FIELD

December 13th & 14th, 2014 Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am - 4:30 pm David Jarrara and Barbie Nilsen

JURIED ART EXHIBIT

Dr. Eddy and Angela Regnier

“Young at Art” Children’s Exhibit & Activity Area LIVE MUSIC Saturday: Anna Maria String Band, Gumbo Boogie Band, Drum Bunny Band - Howie Banfield & Scott Blum

FOOD & T-SHIRTS. Image courtesy of Kathy Sparks

FREE ADMISSION & PARKING Visit:

www.islandartleague.org or call

941-778-2099 Edward E. & Lillian H. Bishop Foundation

Kim Wheeler, Susan Brennan, Larry Face and Bev Fisher

Photos by Heather Merriman

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Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

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SUNCOAST CELEBRATION FOR EQUALITY FLORIDA Benefiting Equality Florida Saturday, Nov. 22, on the Palm Avenue Parking Garage rooftop

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Amanda Kayatt, Lorie DeLaHunt, Taylor Scheuer and Niki Baldun

& Roberto Are pleased to invite you to join us for

Eduardo Anaya, Mark Steinwachs, Jarred Wilson, Zara Barrie, Richie and Lynn Barrie and KT Curran

New Year’s Eve!

Special 4 course menu and a glass of Prosecco.....$120/per person Photos by Heather Merriman

First Sitting 5:30 - 8pm Second Sitting 8:30 - Close

Lee Brockman, Loren Farley and Jan Chester

See website for complete menu. Reservations Required.

Co-Chairs Kimberly Bleach and Randell Johnson

Bob Trisolini and Bob Nosal

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1213 N. Palm Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941-366-1840 www.casanticarestaurant.com | casantica2@gmail.com

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Monday – Thursday 5pm -10pm | Friday – Saturday 5pm 11pm | Sunday Closed

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

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COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE

WHITE HAUTE RUNWAY SHOW

Benefiting Designing Daughters Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Libby’s Café and Bar

Benefiting Designing Daughters Thursday, Dec. 4, at Sarasota City Center courtyard

Daniel Volz, Brad Nocek, Brenton Cloud and Jacqueline Abney

Photos by Heather Merriman

Keith and Annamae Nasewicz with Caleb Jones and Liz Murray

Co-Chairs Hayley Wieglus and Amanda Picken

Photos by Heather Merriman

Lacey and Betsy Anderson with Barbara Catlin

Brigid Saah, Chelsea Stickley and Denise West

Jane Thompson, Montana Taplinger and Nikki Taylor

Co-Chairs Ashley Guttridge and Lauren Graham

Karlenn Peluso and Julianna Racines

ONLINE // Watch a video of ‘Cocktails for a Cause’ at YourObserver.com.

Worth Graham and Erin Evanson

Diana Buchanan, Kelsey Alholm and Ashley Gruters

LEARN TO PLAY

POLO Who: Where: Cost:

Men, Women and Kids NO RIDING SKILL NECESSARY Sarasota Polo Club 10 week Course: 1 x week / $1050 2 x week / $2100 Private lessons $110

PERFECT GIFT IDEA

Not many people in the country even have the opportunity to take polo lessons! Sarasota Polo School offers turnkey lessons providing horses, tack, mallet and top instruction by USPA certified instructor Megan Flynn.

25% OFF HOLIDAY SPECIAL!

All courses purchased before 12/31/14!*

All you need to bring is your desire to learn! *Offer subject to change without notice. Must purchase course in full prior to 12/31/14.

Call Megan Flynn 941.720.2912 or email her at megan@sarasotapolo.com to enroll or find out more information. sarasotapolo.com 157489

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014

// BLACK TIE: AIN’T NO PARTY LIKE A CLOSET PARTY

HOTFLASH O

nly in Sarasota would you be attending a party on a Monday morning … for a closet. Close to 65 guests stopped by the Gunther estate on Casey Key Monday, Dec. 8, for Brunch in Jayne’s Boudoir, a brunch party hosted by Linda Dickinson, Kelly Quigley and Saks Fifth Avenue honoring Jayne Gunther’s breathtaking boudoir. It was an appropriately stylish morning, in which guests toured the

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Editor

home while enjoying brunch and Champagne. Models were staged wearing designer fashions from Saks Fifth Avenue and a harpist and violinist played classical music upstairs where guests could sample and purchase the latest Jo Malone fragrances.

JAYNE ON HER BOUDOIR:

The home is listed with Kelly Quigley and Linda Dickinson of Michaels Saunders & Co., priced at $14,985,000.

In a few words, describe what this space is to you…

Just … fabulous.

What did you have in mind when designing the space?

Accessibility and organization.

The London Telegraph featured the boudoir for its “sensational she-cave” and “walk-in closets fit for ‘Sex and the City’s’ Carrie.”

Jo Malone’s Pine and Eucalyptus is the most popular scent this season according to Jo Malone representative Patrick Hicks — the scent also happens to be Jayne Gunther’s favorite.

I like my money right where I can see it … hanging in my closet.

– Carrie Bradshaw

Guests enjoyed Champagne and other brunch beverages at Brunch in Jayne’s Boudoir.

Photos by Heather Merriman

THE DETAILS 1,200 square feet 25 drawers 4 floor-length hanging cabinets 8 cabinets for shoes 8 shirt cabinets 7 cabinets for hats Custom design by Campbell Cabinetry Designs Distressed maple paneled cabinetry

Hosts Kelly Quigley, Sally Schule and Linda Dickinson

Homeowner Bob Gunther and Robert Baron

Knotty cherry wood island countertop

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