Diversions 1.22.15

Diversions YourObserver.com

HOME

Three things: winter getaways PAGE 10

FOOD

Highlights: Grains and Grapes PAGE 12

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

BLACK TIE

RE: The Bash!

PAGE 13

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT | PDA: PUBLIC DISPLAY OF ART

by Nick Reichert | A&E Editor

season of

The board members of the newly branded Sarasota Sculpture Center meet in their new home in the Rosemary District.

Nick Reichert

CHANGE After struggling to survive, Sarasota’s Season of Sculpture reshapes itself with a new name, a new home and a new mission.

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: PDA: PUBLIC DISPLAY OF ART

by Nick Reichert | A&E Editor (continued from page 1)

season of

CHANGE Sarasota’s Season of Sculpture reshapes itself with a new name, a new home and a new mission.

S

“Cockfight” by Hans Van de BovenKamp is on display at the Sarasota Sculpture Center.

I’d like the Sarasota Sculpture Center to play a strong and powerful role of public art in this community.

– Susan McLeod

Dick June 941-724-2353 941-951-1822

ince 1999, the Season of Sculpture has made its mark on Sarasota’s arts scene with unique and striking sculptures on the Sarasota bayfront from artists across the world. Now that arts group, which was once just a biennial presence, has a new home (the Rosemary District), a new name (Sarasota Sculpture Center) and a new mission: to be more impactful in the public art scene.

The Season of Sculpture began about 16 years ago with the goal of bringing sculptures to the bayfront every two years for six-month residencies. With such an extensive break between each season, the all-volunteer, nonprofit group only received limited funding from local and state government grants, which generally go to year-round orga-

2095 Siesta Drive Sarasota, Fl siestainteriorsfl.com

160959

2

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

3

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT nizations. Individual donations made up 85% of the organization’s budget.

“When we put together our last public show, Season VII, we were exhausted and broke,” says Susan McLeod, chairwoman of the Sarasota Sculpture Center.

“We tried to figure out if and how we could keep this going.”

Last summer, after their seventh season closed, McLeod and the 10-member board of directors decided to revamp and restructure the organization to place it at the forefront of public art in Sarasota. The nonprofit added three new board members (Steve Seidensticker, Glenn Weiss and Sam Alfstad) and switched to year-round operations. Alfstad, a career creative director and digital marketer, offered his gallery space on Fifth Street to the organization for free.

In addition, McLeod was elected to the International Sculpture Center’s board of trustees, which allowed the Sarasota Sculpture Center to enjoy increased networking opportunities.

According to McLeod, the restructuring of the organization stimulated an influx of donations from its original Season of Sculpture supporters. McLeod and the board plan to lead a major fundraising drive culminating in their eighth bayfront sculpture show in fall 2016.

“We tried to strengthen our weaknesses before asking for more money,” says McLeod, “and that added financial support improved our board, created a base of operations and staff.”

The added funding and stability of a central location will be

Photos by Nick Reichert

Sarasota Sculpture Center board members, including David Wyant Jr., Susan McLeod, Rita Shewer, Barbara May, Carol Camiener and Dr. John Welch want to increase the organization’s presence.

“Hanna & Shemu'el” by Boaz Vaadia is part of the “Rubber, Metal & Stone” exhibit.

the foundation for the board’s ambitious future programming.

Its bayfront sculpture series will continue as usual, but the Sarasota Sculpture Center also aims to build initiatives, events and exhibits around its core program to increase its art sculpture pedigree.

Bright and spacious, the center’s new home opens up to a

gallery space on the main floor used for exhibits of sculpture and prints that are smaller than the towering pieces in the organization’s main bayside exhibition. Above the gallery lies loft/office space for the staff of Alfstad & Productions, which operates and organizes the shows presented in the space. Beyond the office space is a lounge area that will be turned into the sculpture center’s educational space, where it will host public symposiums and educational presentations from artists and experts on public art.

For its inaugural exhibition, “Rubber, Metal & Stone: Small Works, Sculptures & Drawings,”

the Sculpture Center is bringing in works from artists who have showed in past Season of Sculpture exhibits, including Chakaia Booker of Newark, N.J., Boaz Vaadia of Israel and Hans Van de Bovenkamp from the Netherlands. The show runs from Jan. 24 to Feb. 20.

McLeod says that Sarasota is at a crossroads in regards to its implementation of public art, and that the Sarasota Sculpture Center hopes to play a major role in educating Sarasota residents about public sculptures.

“With this new facility, we have the ability to keep our name out there,” says McLeod. “Ideally, I’d like the Sarasota Sculpture Cen-

ter to play a strong and powerful role of public art in this community. With the present stability and strength, we can make the correct curatorial and artistic statements for the future public art of Sarasota.”

IF YOU GO ‘Rubber, Metal & Stone: Small Works, Sculptures & Drawings’ When: Jan. 24 through Feb. 20 Where: 1419 Fifth St. Info: Call 928-4445

®

Only 117 dermatologists in Florida can say they are!* • Dr. Elizabeth Callahan and Dr. William Adams are rare dermatologic surgeons accredited through the American College of Mohs Surgery • Together they have performed more than 22,000 Mohs Skin Cancer surgeries • Before choosing a skin cancer surgeon with your doctor, ask if they are Fellowship-Trained and accredited through the American College of Mohs Surgery

160961

Over 2 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every year - don’t be a statistic. Call today for a full body skin check! *Verified by the American College of Mohs Surgery, October 2014

2010 -2014

May not be used on Special Orders, orders already In-House or on Sale Items.

3909 Bee Ridge Road • 941 - 922 - 2626 • www.beeridgelighting.com

941.308.7546

5911 N. Honore Ave., Suite 210 Sarasota, Florida 34243

SarasotaDermatologist.com

157125

any purchase of $299 or more.

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: SPOTLIGHT

The Classical Connection After 70 years of importing some of the world’s best classical musicians, the Sarasota Concert Association looks forward to expanding its musical repertoire.

Be the Guest Ringmaster at Circus Sarasota’s Incredible New Show FEARLESS at The Big Top • Meet King of the Highwire Nik Wallenda • Season’s 52 VIP 7-Course Chef’s Tasting Dining Experience with Master Sommelier Selected Wine Pairings for (4) persons • A Lux Limo Ride by Town & Country • 4 Box Seats to FEARLESS Nick Reichert

Joy McIntyre is seeking to continue bringing in more quality programming via the Sarasota Concert Association.

by Nick Reichert | A&E Editor

• (4) Tickets to FEARLESS & Circus Souvenirs • $25 Gift Card & Special Barware from SEASON’S 52

yourobserver.com/contests no purchase necessary to win

CIRCUS SARASOTA presents

Friday February 6 - Sunday February 22

CIRCUSARTS.ORG • 941-355-9805

town and country LIMOUSINE

161102

4

Before the Sarasota Orchestra played its first note in 1949, before the Sarasota Opera sang its first aria in 1973 and before the Sarasota Ballet took its first steps in 1990, there was the Sarasota Concert Association.

Since its inaugural 1938-1939 season, the Sarasota Concert Association (SCA) has been bringing in classical orchestra, opera and dance performances to the culture-hungry denizens of the Sarasota area.

“Though we are in a cultural haven, I think the concert association’s role has not changed,” SCA President Joy McIntyre says. “It’s probably the oldest organization still in business that brings classical musicians and artists to Sarasota. We were the first in bringing the culture from the outside world here.”

The SCA’s history of past performances reads like a who’s who of 20th century classical music. Arthur Fielder & the Boston Pops Orchestra, the Westminster Choir, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic are just a sampling of the orchestras that the organization has brought to Sarasota.

This record of artistic quality continues with the SCA’s 70th season (operations ceased for six years during World War II), with performances from London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Dresden Philharmonic conducted by Michael Sanderling with cellist Johannes Moser, the Takács String Quartet with pianist Joyce Yang, and pianist Murray Perahia.

The association’s artistic selection committee tries to schedule at least two national and international orchestras that are touring at the time, along with an array of quality solo instrumentalists and smaller ensembles.

And to celebrate its 70th year, the SCA will include a rare sixth concert this season starring Sarasota’s resident jazz and American songbook master, Dick Hyman.

According to McIntyre, the five-concert season allows the perfect space to have a balanced season of both large orchestras, smaller ensembles and solo performers.

But this sixth performance will act as a potential opportunity for McIntyre and the concert association board to expand their musical offerings beyond classical music and to hopefully attract new sup-

porters. Currently the association has a 900-member subscriber pool and draws 6,000 to 7,000 attendees per season.

“I hope we can in the future offer a sixth concert of alternative programming that has artists that are equally well-known to classical music fans as well as to younger people,” she said.

Another goal of McIntyre’s is to erase the anxiety classical music neophytes might have in hearing a complicated work by offering educational seminars and sessions about composers and pieces to be performed that season.

“Spreading the value of classical music has been and is a part of my mission in life,” says McIntyre. “There are so many things I want to see happen that I need another life in order to accomplish all the things I want to do.”

The Platinum Anniversary Season Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with conductor and soloist Pinchas Zukerman When: Wednesday, Jan. 14 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center When: 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26 Tickets: $40 to $70 Dick Hyman, 70th Anniversary Celebration When: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 Where: The Historic Asolo Theater Tickets: $45 Dresden Philharmonic with conductor Michael Sanderling and cellist Johannes Moser When: 4 p.m. Sunday, March 1 Tickets: $45 to $75 Takács String Quartet with pianist Joyce Yang When: 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 17 Tickets: $40 to $70 Murray Perahia, piano When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 Tickets: $40 to $70 All performances take place at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall unless otherwise noted.

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: SPOTLIGHT

by Nick Reichert | A&E Editor

Renewed Purpose Jill Sigman, donning a neonyellow reflective vest and gray gardening gloves, surveys the heap of discarded trash that towers at least six feet above her inside a warehouse the size of an airplane hangar. Recognizable brands such as Coca-Cola and Pizza Hut peek through the amalgamation of white paper and black trash bags at the Waste Management Sarasota Transfer Station — Mount Yesterday. Sigman pulls a few pieces of debris out of the pile and examines them but then puts them back — she’s looking for something specific.

Then she spots it. A child-size pink boogie board plastered in Disney princesses lies among the discarded; its Styrofoam insides are exposed due to a large rip in the back. Sigman turns the item over in her hands, wondering aloud about its origin. Who owned it? For what was it used?

“To some degree, objects have interesting histories,” says Sigman. “Sometimes you can only guess at the history, but some of them are interesting. You can imagine some child owned this, used it and touched it.”

Sigman is not an adventurous dumpster diver; she’s a contributing artist to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art’s exhibition “Re:Purposed,” which opens Feb. 13. Featuring other contemporary artists such Nick

5

Cave, Aurora Robson, Mac Premo and El Anatsui, the series focuses on artists who create works composed entirely of castoff materials. Each of Sigman’s works is site-specific. Her upcoming work, “Hut Number 10,” will be an interactive and stable structure constructed completely out of abandoned things collected at the Sarasota County landfill and from Sarasota streets.

“My art focuses on what we throw away, how much we throw away and where it goes,” says Sigman, as she wipes her gloves off after a fresh round of hunting. “I talk to many people when working on each project and ask them what was the last thing they threw away, how long did they have it and did they know where it was going to go?”

Sigman’s work is a roving exploration of each city and neighborhood she scours for building materials. Unlike artists who buy their raw materials in an art supplies store, Sigman’s medium can be found virtually anywhere.

She has created huts in Troy, N.Y., Brooklyn, N.Y., and Oslo.

Each domicile is about the size of a small room.

Although the hut series is a fairly new venture in her artistic life (Sigman is primarily a dancer and choreographer) the progression is a natural one. She allows the movement of the materials to determine their placement in

Artist Jill Sigman gives a second life to Sarasota’s discarded objects.

the structure. There are no blueprints or extensive structural planning, just improvisational architectural choreography.

Though her work initially explored the relationship of people and their possessions, Sigman’s 10th entry in her ongoing hut series has an innate environmental aspect to it.

Each object used to construct the hut, once destined to lie dormant in a landfill, has been given a second life.

“I hope that people will re-see things in their life in a whole new light,” says Sigman. “The huts I build are a little bit fun and a little bit sinister, so I want visitors to have fun but also imagine, dream and confront difficult questions.”

IF YOU GO ‘Re:Purposed’ When: Feb. 13 through May 17 Where: The John and Mable Ringing Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road Tickets: $25 for adults; $23 for seniors 65 and older; $5 for children 6 to 17 and students with ID; free for children 5 or younger Info: Call 359-5700 or visit ringling.org.

Nick Reichert

ONLINE // Watch a video of Jill Sigman’s process at YourObserver.com.

159941

157115

Artist Jill Sigman collects supplies for her next work at the Waste Management Sarasota Transfer Station.

6

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: HIGHLIGHTS

‘LANDSCAPE IN PANORAMA’ BY JAN CHRISTENSEN EXHIBIT OPENING

MADEBY ART GALLERY ART WALK Friday, Jan. 16, at Ringling College of Art and Design

Hosted by the Conservation of the Gulf Coast and the Englewood Art Center Tuesday, Jan. 13, at Bay Preserve at Osprey

Photos by Nick Reichert

Jackie and Greg Goodlund with Joane Mitchell

Andria Piekarz, KC Bitterman and Jan Christensen

Floyd and Fiona Dias

Photos by Nick Reichert

Gilly Francis and Jacobina Trump

Emilie and Michael McGee

Alan and Nancy Milbauer with Barbara Brizdle

Samantha Parkinson and Isabel Norton

Lucy and Kevin Aikman

Mollie and Heather Evans

Hawthorne Village of Sarasota, a Not-for-Profit Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, invites you to attend a FREE community education seminar.

Living Without Shoulder Pain Friday, January 30 • Noon - 1pm

Johnny Gibbs, MD

Enjoy a light lunch and a discussion on shoulder problems such as rotator cuff tears and dislocations, along with various treatment options including non-surgical. Presented by Johnny Gibbs, MD of Sarasota Orthopedic Associates.

Fellowship Trained/Upper and Lower Extremity Physician.

Specializes in Sports Medicine and Arthroplasty.

Please RSVP by Thursday, January 29 to 941.355.6111

5381 Desoto Road, Sarasota, FL 34235 (Just East of Honore on Desoto Road) Marketing@HawthorneVillageofSarasota.com

www.HawthorneVillageofSarasota.com License #SNF130471051 EOE

160547

CALL 941-355-6111 TODAY

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

7

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: HIGHLIGHTS

20TH ANNIVERSARY JEWELS ON THE BAY DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE PREVIEW PARTY Benefiting Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County Sunday, Jan. 18, at 8319 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key Photos by Heather Merriman

2015 Designer Showhouse Chair Terrance Leaser, 2015 Designer Showhouse Captain Marla Oppenheim and Bill Tidmore

Joyce and 2015 Preview Party Chair Jeff Hart

Charlie Astafan, Jeanette Bakowski and Bob Lautermilch

Nora and Andrew Guenther with Christina Reynolds

Beverly and Bob Barthman

Luxury For Less.

2015 LINCOLN MKC

SAVE BIG $

STARTING AS LOW AS

UP TO

ON ALL REMAINING

$3500! 2014 MAZDA 3

UP TO % 48 0 APR MOS.

-OR-

349*MO.

$

UP TO 60 MONTHS -OR-

36 MO. LEASE 10,500 MILES/YEAR $2589 DUE AT SIGNING NO SEC. DEP. REQUIRED

APR

PRE-OWNED CLEARANCE 2013 FORD EDGE Only 15,000 Miles

2011 MAZDA 2

9,950

$

SAVE $1500

-PLUS-

2000

$

*

2010 NISSAN ALTIMA

CONQUEST BONUS CASH OR OWNER LOYALTY.

13,450

$

SAVE $2000

2009 VOLVO C70 Convertible

SAVE $2000

Ed Howard Lincoln

14,850

$

2008 BUICK ENCLAVE SAVE $2000

7110 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Fl 34231 941 - 921 - 4402

12,900

$

UP TO 60 MONTHS -OR36 MO. LEASE $1999 DUE AT SIGNING

UNDER $10,000

2007 TOYOTA CAMRY

8,950

$

2006 HYUNDAI SONATA

5,450

$

2006 CHRYSLER 300M

8,450

$

2005 MAZDA 6

4,950

$

2004 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE

8,450

$

2003 MAZDA PROTEGE

7048 S. Tamiami Trail • Sarasota

941- 924 - 6700

www.edhowardlincoln.net

3,950

$

*All Prices Plus Tax, Tag, $599 Dealer Fee. APR with approved credit. All leases 36 months, 12,000 miles/year. See dealer for details. Ends 1/31/15.

160994

Lincoln MKC With 100A Equipment Group. Not all buyers will qualify for Lincoln AFS Red Carpet Lease. Cash due at signing after $1,000 Owner Loyalty (PGM #33307) which is available to customers who currently own or lease a 1995 or new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle OR $1,000 Competitive Conquest Bonus Cash (PROGRAM #30077) which is available to customers who currently own or lease a 1995 or newer non-Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Motor Company car, SUV, or light duty truck. Vehicle shown may have optional equipment not included in payment. 0% APR financing for 48 months Lincoln MKC and 72 months Lincoln MKZ. Residency restrictions apply. For all offers, take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 1/31/15. *All prices plus tax, tag. $599 dealer fee.

18,990

$

SAVE $2000

UP TO % 72 0 APR MOS.

2015 MAZDA 6

36 MO. LEASE $1999 DUE AT SIGNING

2014 LINCOLN MKZ

#3LER829255

Includes All Incentives

0.9 $189*MO. 2015 MAZDA CX5 0.9% $229*MO. % APR

#5LFUJ19957

16,941*

$

www.MazdaofSarasota.com

8

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

DISCOVER WHAT’S ON WINE WALK to ca’ d’zan MAR 20, 6:00 – 10:00 pM $125 / $110 for Members $185 VIP Stroll The Ringling estate, taste fine wine, and delight in delicious food pairings and entertainment.

Joseph’s coat SKYSPACE At SuNSEt THU – SUN, $5 / Free for Members

Courtesy

“The Matchmaker” runs through April 11, at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Call 351-8000 or visit asolorep.org for more information.

Internationally renowned artist James Turrell, manipulates your perception of the sky as seen through the aperture of the Skyspace.

THEATER

James Turrell, Joseph’s Coat, 2011 © James Turrell. Photo By Giovanni Lunardi

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY FAMILY WoRKSHoPS SATURDAYS, 1:00 & 3:00 pM, $5 per Child

// ‘The Matchmaker’

Explore The Ringling by working on science experiments, art-making, or other projects in this program for children 4–10 and their caregivers.

Tickets and Information:

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

159421

BoLGER PLAYSPACE Fun for all ages awaits on the grounds with a tower and slide, basket swings, and hand-powered fountains, just to name a few.

ringling.org or 941.358.3180

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

OpEN DAILY at 10:00 AM

30 January - 1 February 2015

FSU Center for the Performing Arts

Presents

To some, bourgeoisie is the ultimate insult. Not to Thornton Wilder — based on the evidence of “The Matchmaker.” That play is the basis of “Hello, Dolly!” and the season-opening Asolo Rep production.

It’s a celebration of marriage, money and all things middle class — an unapologetic love letter to the American Dream.

The dream takes place in Yonkers, N.Y., before the dawn of the 20th century. Dolly Levi (Peggy Roeder) is the charmingly manipulative, 50-something matchmaker in question. Her latest assignment: Horace Vandergelder (Steve Hendrickson), a cranky, well to do, middle-aged businessman with heroic sideburns. Dolly has the perfect match for him: herself. She doesn’t inform him of this fact until the final curtain is ready to drop. (She, of course, makes Horace think that it’s his idea.)

The other American dreamers include Cornelius Hackl (Buddy Haardt) and Barnaby (Owen Teague) — the rich man’s overworked clerks who cut out on their job for a night on the town in New York City. (Their checklist includes adventure and a kiss by night’s end.) The lads convince two proper ladies at a hat shop (Olivia Williamson and Allie Henkel) that they’re two rich kids. Vandergelder’s niece (Andrea Adnoff) also tries to make a break for it to marry an aspiring artist (Paul Herbig) against her uncle’s wishes.

They all, of course, wind up at the same swanky restaurant on the Upper East Side.

Along the way, Doug Jones and David Breitbarth provide comic relief as a drunken Irish philosopher and a scowling horse-drawn carriage driver, respectively.

Carolyn Michel does her best to unite any young lovers who stumble into her house, and a parrot (uncredited) squawks “Hello, Dolly!”

If you’re expecting a slow-moving, nos-

talgic parade, you’re probably thinking of the Barbra Streisand movie. Think again.

“The Matchmaker,” at its heart, is classic farce — and like any good farce it moves in the fast lanes. Characters duck under tables and counters, make canned tomatoes explode, wrestle with room dividers and disguise themselves as members of the opposite sex.

It’s funny stuff. Director Peter Amster wrings every drop of laughter he can out of it but doesn’t skimp on the warmth or homespun philosophy. This is a Wilder play, after all.

Every actor gets a chance to shine and share his or her character’s philosophy, sometimes to each other and sometimes directly to the audience. These feel less like soliloquies and more like informal chats between friends.

Money is the No. 1 topic. And it’s hardly the root of all evil.

As Dolly tells us, “The difference between a little money and no money at all is enormous and can shatter the world.

And the difference between a little money and an enormous amount of money is very slight, and that, also, can shatter the world.”

And, as Cornelius informs his fellow clerk, “Listen, everybody thinks when he gets rich he’ll be a different kind of rich person from the rich people he sees around him. Later on he finds out there’s only one kind of rich person. And he’s it.”

And — in the world according to Wilder — being a rich person isn’t bad. The problem isn’t money but what you do with it.

As Dolly’s late husband once said, “Money is like manure; it’s not worth a thing unless it’s spread around encouraging young things to grow.”

If you’ll pardon the expression, the money gets spread around and everyone (young and old alike) grows before the curtain falls. The American Dream is alive and well in Wilder’s play. Judging by the warm applause, it’s alive and well here, too.

Let’s hope we never wake up.

— Marty Fugate

Live musical performances that Entertain, Engage, and Inspire!

OF SARASOTA SARASOTA

January 31 – 7:30 p.m.

February 1 – 7:30 p.m.

In the Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling Museum of Art

OF SARASOTA

Color gradient

The Sarasota Ballet Box Office | 941-359-0099 x 101 |www.Sarasotaballet.org 158379

161109

“WOW!” Vancouver Sun

A D R I A N A N A N TAWA N , v i o l i n A M Y YA N G , p i a n o

Brahms | Ravel | Mozart also featuring Gershwin’s “Porgy & Bess Suite”

TICKETS BY PHONE – DAILY 10A-4P – $25-$45

941-360-7399

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

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

9

// ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS

MUSIC Please Join Us For Our 4th Annual

// The Artist Series Concerts’ Grieg Concert

5463 U

3282 U

1245 U

Neutral Black U

Courtesy

Edvard Grieg Dunbar, whose voice is perfect for this kind of intimate song, created great realms of color within a small canvas, and by explaining what the texts were about (they were sung in Norwegian) he managed to convey their meanings through the beauty and texture of his voice.

Martin, the pianist, stayed on stage for a set of piano pieces that were startlingly as impressionistic as they were romantic.

They included the familiar “Goblin’s Bridal Procession at Vossevangen.” (If I hummed it, you’d know it.)

After the uncertain intermission, a small group of singers from Gloria Musicae took the stage under the direction of Joseph Holt for a remarkable set of choral works scored for unaccompanied women’s voices.

Because of the intricate harmonies landing on unisons among the voices, this is difficult music to sing, but the women of Gloria Musicae were so polished and immaculate in their pitches the music took on a gorgeous shimmer.

They were joined by the men of GM for a glistening performance of Grieg’s “Ave Maris Stella,” followed by some psalms for mixed chorus with baritone soloist Njal Sparbo.

Even with the programmatic confusion, it was an interesting evening, and we’re grateful to the Artist Series Concerts for bringing us music that we probably would never hear under any other circumstances. A little Grieg goes a long way, but, in retrospect, it does open one’s ears to a new language of music-making — and we’re appreciative of that.

— June LeBell

411 U

7560 U

7503 U

Gourmet Buffet, Beer and Wine, entertainment, Silent auction Thursday, February 26, 2015 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m $85.00 per person Reserved Table for 8 at a cost of $800

Location: Mote Marine Aquarium 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 Dress Is Sophisticated Sarasota Casual

Kindly R.S.V.P. By February 12, 2015 (941)388-3010

www.saveourseabirds.org/events/ If you are unable to attend, please consider a tax-deductible donation to Save Our Seabirds Save Our Seabirds would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to The Resort At Longboat Key Club for sponsoring this event.

160505

Edvard Grieg is to Norway what Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland and Samuel Barber are to the United States. But even though the Norwegian composer was prolific enough to keep a festival of his music afloat, most people outside of Norway are familiar with only a handful of his works: The Holberg Suite, “Peer Gynt,” some of his “Lyric Pieces” and, of course, the Grieg Piano Concerto.

In Norway, Grieg is a musical hero, worshipped by musicians from Bergen to Oslo to Trondheim. His musical image and imagination have spread far beyond the borders of his native land, but his countrymen want his music to be better known around the world, and one of the best approaches they’ve found has been by way of an Edvard Grieg Festival in Florida.

The Artist Series Concerts has, with the help of the festival’s director, Sylvia Reynolds Eckes, jumped on this Scandinavian bandwagon and brought a special series to Sarasota with lectures, concerts, visits from Norwegian dignitaries and a musical smorgasbord of Grieg’s music that is so vast, it’s become a Sarasotan’s musical feast.

But the waters of Grieg run not only deep but also murky.

Take the printed program of the first concert Jan. 9. Featuring more than two dozen pieces of music, with print smaller than a Norwegian elf, every musical participant announced the program would not run in the printed order. In fact, there wasn’t one selection that followed the printed page, to the point that most of us were confounded and confused, wondering what it was we were hearing.

Worse, there was no intermission included on the printed page, so, when the houselights came up halfway through the program, murmurs of surprise and wonder ran through the Historic Asolo.

Still, with all the confusion and musical mystification the program caused (why bother printing it if you don’t follow it?), there were some magical moments in the evening, starting with baritone Alan Dunbar and pianist Gregory Martin. They performed two sets of songs with great finesse and beauty. Very Lieder-like in their sound, one couldn’t help thinking of Schubert.

142 U

ONLINE // Read film critic Pam

Nadon’s review of ‘American Sniper’ at YourObserver.com.

La Vit a é Bella

Sarasota Concert Association’s Great Performers Series presents

S P A R C C l e o n t h e R u n w a y 2015

David Finckel

Benjamin Beilman

Yura Lee

Paul Neubauer

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Ani Kavafian

Fashions provided by SPARCC’s Treasure Chest 10 a.m. Boutique Shopping Opens / 11:30 a.m. Luncheon/Fashion Show

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

Folk Inspirations

The Ritz Carlton Sarasota 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive / $125 per person

at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Tickets Call 941-365-0208 ext 110 or online at www.sparcc.net

Monday, January 26 • 8 p.m.

Emcees The Bermuda Mavericks, Les McCurdy and Ken Sons

Tickets: 40-70 • Available online $

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Gloria & Al Webel

Atlas Insurance

Dick Hyman in concert

GOLD SPONSORS

Bert Rodgers School of Real Estate, Inc. Gail Bowden Susan Erhart, Katie Hayes & Anne Swain Luisa Goldman

Wednesday, February 11 • 5 p.m.

The Historic Asolo Theater • $45 941-360-7399

159352

www.scasarasota.org • 941-225-6500

Holcomb & Kreithen Plastic Surgery & MedSpa Lynne Koy Lancaster & Eure Linda Zuffa

Observer Media Group SILVER SPONSORS

Bev Burger Valerie & Roger Button Coral Pleas Universal Properties

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE WITHIN FLORIDA 1-800-435-7352. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.” REGISTRATION NUMBER CH580

160329

SCA 70 Anniversary Celebration! th

3 10

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

// HOME&GARDEN

THINGS

by Robert Plunket | Contributing Writer

WINTER GETAWAYS

Sarasota is the envy of the rest of the country every time January rolls around. With our sunny weather, white sand beaches and endless recreational activities, we offer freezing visitors from up north the perfect winter retreat. They might choose a villa on a golf course or a funky old house in a historic neighborhood. But our specialty is a maintenance-free condo on one of the keys. Hop on a plane, and in a couple of hours you’re in paradise. Here’s a selection of what’s currently on the market as the 2015 season gets off to a sunny start.

1. LONGBOAT LUXURY

2141 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE, UNIT 3

If price is no object, you may want to consider a glamorous apartment on Longboat Key, where you can find the spaciousness of a private home but none of the upkeep hassles. This unit in prestigious En Provence offers 3,800 square feet of living space, with three bedrooms, a formal dining area, a living room plus a family room, an office and a huge wraparound terrace complete with a gas grill. There is also a private garage for two cars. En Provence is known for its lavish gardens and pool area and, with only 21 units, an intimate atmosphere. And bring along Fido; the complex is pet-friendly.

Priced at $3,749,000. For more information, call Cheryl Loeffler of Premier Sotheby’s at 308-6554.

Dining Dining Design Design Event Event

Photos courtesy of Premier Sotheby’s

20% 20% off off Dining Dining Sets Sets Offer ends February 2nd Offer ends February 2nd

Heritance® Hardwood Shutters

Alustra® Silhouette® Window Shadings 161146

Mon - Sat 10 - 5

A local artists’ cooperative with original, affordable art including oils, acrylics, watercolors, mixed-media, photography, jewelry, pottery, and stained glass.

5368 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach 941-778-2346 | www.islandgallerywest.com

Dining Design Event

Piroutte® Window Shadings

Alustra® Luminette® Privacy Sheers

20% off Dining Sets

Dining Design Event

Offer ends February 2nd

Your home deserves Hunter Douglas

20% off Dining Sets Janet and Curt Mattson Owners

161089

Offer ends February 2nd

4801 S. Tamiami Trail, Across from The Landings • (941) 925-7800 • mmwallcoveringsblinds.com 4801 S. Tamiami Trail Across from The Landings (941) 925-7800 mmwallcoveringsblinds.com

CUSTOM PATIO FURNITURE CUSTOM PATIO FURNITURE MANUFACTURED IN SARASOTA, FLORIDA MANUFACTURED IN SARASOTA, FLORIDA

CUSTOM DINING SETS, CHAT GROUPS, CUSTOM DINING SETS, CHAT GROUPS, CHAISES, FIREPITS & UNIQUE TABLE TOPS CHAISES, FIREPITS & UNIQUE TABLE TOPS RESIDENTIAL • HOA • CONTRACT RESIDENTIAL • HOA • CONTRACT

Curt and Janet Mattson Owners

Your home deserves Hunter Douglas

Pirouette® Windo

CUSTOM PRINTED GLASS TOPS CUSTOM PATIO FURNITURE CUSTOM PRINTED GLASSMANUFACTURED TOPS IN SARASOTA, FLORIDA Custom Dining Sets, CUSTOM PATIO FURNITURE Chaises, Firepits DININGChat SETS,Groups, CHAT GROUPS, MANUFACTURED IN SARASOTA,CUSTOM FLORIDA & Unique CHAISES, FIREPITS & UNIQUE TABLETabletops TOPS RESIDENTIAL • HOARESIDENTIAL • CONTRACT• HOA

CONTRACT

157903

CUSTOM 2160 Whitfield Ave. Sarasota, Florida 34243 941-896-4302 CUSTOM PRINTED GLASS TOPS PRINTED 2160 Whitfi eld Ave. Sarasota, Florida 34243 941-896-4302 DESIGN SHOWROOM HOURS MONDAY-SATURDAY 10-5 GLASS TOPS DESIGN SHOWROOM HOURS MONDAY-SATURDAY 10-5

156762

A MANUFACTURER’S DESIGN SHOWROOM A MANUFACTURER’S DESIGN SHOWROOM

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

11

// HOME&GARDEN

2. SIESTA PIZZAZZ

6140 MIDNIGHT PASS ROAD, UNIT 801 Chances are this Siesta Key condo is no place like home. It has a razzle-dazzle atmosphere perfect for a beach home, and the view of worldfamous Siesta Beach is spectacular. At 2,228 square feet it’s larger than most Siesta apartments, and it contains two master suites and an office with a half-bath that could serve as a third bedroom. There’s a

gourmet kitchen with custom Italian cabinetry in a striking cobalt blue. The complex, Horizons West, is located directly on Siesta Beach and has two swimming pools and bay access to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Priced at $1.35 million. For more information, call Julia McClung of Michael Saunders & Co. at 356-6499.

Photos courtesy of Coldwell Banker

3. ALL ABOUT THE VIEW 1145 GULF OF MEXICO DRIVE, UNIT 204 True, Longboat Key is expensive, but you can still find full Gulf views for well less than $1 million. Here’s a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment in Beachplace with incredible views that belie its price of $699,000.

There’s even a balcony from which to enjoy them. The apartment has an informal atmosphere perfect for a part-time home, and the complex

Photos courtesy of Michael Saunders and Co.

rant’’ss Gardens ardens G rant G G

• Half Acre Home sites and up • No CDD Fees • Private Boat Ramp & Fishing Pier • 3 Car Garage • Tile Roofs • From the $400s

Specializing in Fine Specializing Fine Landscaping Landscapingand andMaintenance Maintenance Certified Horticulturists on Staff • Sustainable Landscape Certified Horticulturists Staff • Sustainable LandscapeSolutions Solutions Native & Native & Exotic Exotic Plant PlantIntegration Integration

Player’s Club

Water Club

Inspired Showroom

by your lifestyle

5900 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite K Sarasota, Fl 34231 State Certified General Contractor CG-C060087

159647

CBC #1257342

Sea Place

Creative Kitchen & Baths

by Bob Elmes, Inc.

• Sarasota Bay’s leading home & condo remodeling craftsman since 1997.

• Renovations professionally designed to fit your style and budget.

• Complete turn-key project management & on time, on budget, guaranteed.

Call Bob Elmes today for a free consultation

941-925-3723

www.CreativeKitchenAndBaths.com

160963

www.grantsgardens.com www.grantsgardens.com

160287

941-343-9396 941-343-9396

941.306.5892 bwhomes.com 81694

Call today today for Call for aa free free consultation consultation

is packed with amenities — tennis courts, an enormous heated pool, fitness rooms; even beach chairs and umbrellas are available. There is also the possibility of entering the rental program when you’re not using your unit.

Priced at $699,000. For more information, call Lynne Koy of Coldwell Banker at 387-1803.

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

// FOOD&COOKING: HE SAID BEER, SHE SAID WINE

*No vote on first course

MENU

First Course* Shrimp, squid and scallops tossed with avocado, tomatoes, cilantro, lemon-lime honey vinaigrette in a miniature tortilla shell Pairings: Halter Ranch Rose, Paso Robles, Calif., and Leffe Blonde, Brussels, Belgium Second Course Curried pumpkin soup, cumin-crusted sea scallop, toasted pumpkin seeds and crispy shallots Pairings: Halter Ranch Rose, Paso Robles, Calif., and Big Top Brewing Co. Circus City IPA, Sarasota

Grains&Grapes For years, the Junior League of Sarasota has partnered with Mattison’s for a food and beer tasting event, but this year, it added a twist: both beer and wine tastings were offered to guests. The purpose of the event was to challenge the guests’ palates to determine whether they prefer wine or beer with certain dishes.

More than 50 guests attended the event, coined Grains & Grapes, Friday, Jan. 16, at Mattison’s Forty-One, where they enjoyed a five-course meal paired with wine and craft beer tastings. Proceeds benefit the programs of the Junior League of Sarasota.

Chef Paul Mattison and Chairwoman Valerie Dorr

Pairings provided by: Big Top Brewing Co. Darwin Brewing Co. Gold Coast Eagle Distributing Republic National Distributing Co.

Second course

Third Course Porchetta, marscapone polenta and tomato ragout Pairings: Hahn Pinot Noir, Monterey, Calif., and Darwin Brewing Co. Pirata Pilsner, Bradenton Fourth Course Duck-fat fried chicken, caramelized green beans and cheesy corn cakes Pairings: Morgan Cote Du Crow, Monterey, Calif., and Big Top Brewing Co. Intercoastal Amber, Sarasota

Tom Shapiro with Tony Liga and Joan Campo-Liga

Fifth Course Bad Ass Brownie Pairings: Rosa Regale, Piedmont, Italy and Darwin Brewing Co. Ayawasca, Bradenton

Fourth course

Photos by Heather Merriman

Co-Chairs

Alice Berkowitz & Shari Kaplan Paler Invite you to the

Honoring Sam Shapiro Remembering Sally Shapiro

The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology

Israel’s premier engineering and medical university Co-Sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

February 22, 2015 5:00pm at the Sarasota Yacht Club $200 per person

Featured Speaker

Gil Tamary

Washington Bureau Chief, Israel’s Channel 10 News For more information about tickets and sponsorship opportunities, call Jennifer Singer, Chapter Director, at 378-1500

160827

So what paired better?

The wine or the beer?

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Editor

159977

12

Black Tie

INSIDE: A Winter Soirée PAGE 17

YourObserver.com

Honorary Chair Dottie Baer and Bob Garner

Highlights from RE: The Bash!

Looking to the future The art installation was created by the students in the Fine Arts Department and Motion Design Department at Ringling College, while supervised by two fine arts faculty members. The Bash! décor committee worked with this group to provide a unique, stimulating and joyous art form.

Rebecca McCutcheon with Therese and Malouf Abraham

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

Photos by Heather Merriman

Terri Klauber with Beth and Steve Knopik

RE: The Bash!

Benefiting Sarasota Museum of Art/Ringling College of Art and Design • Sunday, Jan. 18, at Historic Sarasota High School • Co-Chairs: Brad and Mary Beth Goddard • Honorary Co-Chairs: Dottie Baer Garner and Brooke Callanen

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Editor RE: The Bash! was an event celebrating Sarasota’s first art museum devoted to modern and contemporary art, known as the Sarasota Museum of Art. More than 605 guests attended the event, held on the grounds of Historic Sarasota High School, the future site of SMOA.

Fun Fact :

Leaving their mark It was important to Wendy Surkis and The Bash! committee leaders that the SMOA family have the opportunity to leave their mark within the building. Steel pieces provided by Willis Smith will be used in the construction of the new museum.

lunteers The event vo ard hats ow h donning yell re plastic) e (well, they w ling College Ring consisted of bassadors, A t Studen m me Ringling as well as so vancement Ad College and staff.

Office

Co-Chairs Mary Beth and Brad Goddard

“An opportunity to leave their imprint in perpetuity.”

— Wendy Surkis, SMOA President

In addition, each of the tables at the event had a time capsule centerpiece and inside was notepaper. Guests were asked to write a note, doodle or leave a message in the capsules, which will be buried on site during construction. Sometime in the future, SMOA’s executive director will decide when to showcase the notes.

Larry Thompson and Cheryl Loeffler

Gianluigi and Adrienne Vittadini with Penny Hill and Lawrence Wild

This is such an amazing tribute to SMOA. And our marriage of 25 years withstood the test of chairing an event together!

– Co-Chair Brad Goddard

BLACK TIE COVER PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Although the total numbers for the evening are not in, by press time it was looking like the event had grossed at least

$500,000.

14

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

// BLACK TIE: COLUMN

BLACKTIE&TALES

by Black Tie Staff

Cliff Roles

Michael Klauber with Robert and Marilyn Eisenbeis

LOVE OF THE OPERA LEADS TO LOVE

T

he most adoring fans of Sarasota Opera’s Verdi cycle belong to its elite Verdi Society, which now has a full complement of 33 members — one for each of the composer’s operas. Maestro Victor DeRenzi introduced the newest enrollees at the society’s annual dinner sponsored by Fifth Third Bank at Mattson’s 41 Jan. 15. They are Louis and Elizabeth Wery, Ken Hunt, and Forrest Crawford and Sally Foote.

Crawford and Foote are an operatic love story as a couple.

They met 10 years ago at a Sarasota Opera performance of “Pagliacci.” Foote in those days attended the opera with Don and Rachel Worthington (he later became president of the opera board). When their friend Crawford was coming to the opera for the first time, Foote wanted to be sure that he had a good seat, which ended up being at her

Molly Schechter

Forrest Crawford and his wife, Sally Foote, at the Verdi Dinner side. He has been there pretty much ever since; the couple wed eight years ago, both for the first time, and are busy living happily ever after, a way better ending than “Pagliacci.”

AND THE WINNERS ARE … he star of the lively live auction at Sarasota Museum of Art’s RE:The Bash! was one enormous 6-liter bottle of Chateau Petrus, millennium year. Only 18 such bottles of the 2000 vintage have been sold at auction worldwide until now, at an average price of $44,800. The first winner here was the wine’s sole owner, David Potok of Cumberland Advisors, who had the joy of donating it. Then there was the perfect pairing with the auctioneer, wine merchant and oenophile extraordinaire Michael Klauber. The winning bidder was Robert Eisenbeis, who bought

the equivalent of eight bottles of Petrus for $32,000. The biggest winner, of course, is the Sarasota community for the combination of exhibitions and education that the museum will offer when it opens in 2016.

Congratulations to event committee leaders Brad and Mary Beth Goddard; Jean Martin and Doc Werlin; Mary Ann and John Meyer; Sherry and Tom Koski; Kat and Florian Schuetz; and Wendy Surkis and Peppi Elona and to honorary co-chairs Brooke Callanen and Dottie Baer Garner.

TOASTING TRUPIANO

L

ast week’s first opera event was the Bradenton Opera Guild’s Winter Soirée honoring Greg Trupiano Jan. 11, at Bird Key Yacht Club. Trupiano is director of artistic administration of the Sarasota Opera, with which he has been associated in various capacities since 1987.

It is fair to say that the Sarasota Opera would not be what it is without this boy from Brooklyn, and that’s the gist of the many

MICHAEL KANE

TRUNK SHOW JAN 29 - 31 10AM - 6PM

MICHAEL’S CURRENT COLLECTION OF ART TO WEAR GARMENTS FOCUSES ON CASUAL, ELEGANT SHAPES OF HAND - DYED SHIBORI SILKS, INSPIRED BY NATURE AND THE EARTH’S NATURAL SPIRIT.

toasts in his honor throughout the evening. There were performances by Sarasota Opera Artists as well, but the unique moments came in Trupiano’s time on stage.

Ever creative, he challenged guests with three questions, and handed out prizes for the correct answers: “1) In what county was I born? 2) What was the first opera I ever saw? 3) What was the first opera I heard Maestro Defense conduct? Answers below.

Answers: Kings County, “La Boheme,” “Madama Butterfly”

T

Sneak peek open house … It’s your first chance to see what Dr. Fritz and Ping Faulhaber are up to with the Suncoast Science Center. Tour the facility, see the Science Lending Laboratory, learn the opportunities available in the Fab Lab and take part in science-based activities for folks of all ages. The open house is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 24, at 4452 Beneva Road on the campus of SCTI … Record sell-out … Congrats to Make-AWish Central and Northern Florida for already selling out its Feb. 26 Cooking for Wishes event — well, actually overselling and with a wait list of more than 60 …

Backstage at the Circus Arts Conservatory … Debra Sandefur showed up at the Circus Arts Conservatory offices last week saying that she and her son Johnny wanted to underwrite the valet parking for the upcoming CAC Jan. 30 gala. The party honors Debra’s mother, Tana Sandefur, and anyone who knew her knew her fondness for valet parking ... Another chance to watch Wallenda … A trip to accompany Nik Wallenda and crew to his Grand Canyon walk was the big seller at the Circus’s live auction last year and it looks like there will be a similar package for his upcoming walk across Georgia’s Tallulah Gorge this year.

S TIDBIT

“Israel’s relationship with the United Nations— from an Insider”

NATHAN

February 9 7:00 PM Federation Campus 580 McIntosh Rd Sarasota, FL

Nathan has been recognized

by Israeli newspaper Maariv as one of “ten young Jews who will change the world.”

HORS D’OEUVRES & WINE WILL BE SERVED

FREE

RSVP REQUIRED

MILLER

Nathan Miller is a writer, commentator, and the principal of Miller Ink. He has served as a communications strategist and speechwriter for executives at the highest levels of business and government, helping them to navigate complex issues spanning from Middle Eastern diplomacy to alternative energy policy to international real estate.

From 2010-2013, Nathan served as the Director of Speechwriting for Israel’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. As a senior communications adviser and the chief speechwriter for Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor, he was instrumental in crafting some of the most acclaimed and highly scrutinized speeches delivered on the floors of the UN in recent memory. His work has appeared in the pages of the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, LA Times, and many other international publications.

D R E A M COLLECTION

like us on facebook

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

D R E A M

MEDIA PARTNER:

Questions? Contact Len Steinberg 941.552.6301 or lsteinberg@jfedsrq.org

www.jfedsrq.org

160314

160135

American Original Art Couture

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

// BLACK TIE COVER PHOTOS

15

(continued from page 13)

Aimee Cogan, Christine Isaac, Ariane Dart, Bill Isaac, Jill Ramsey and Chris Cogan

Photos by Heather Merriman

Flori Roberts, Jon Mason and Flora Major

160205

Susan Dabney, Susan Hritz and Andrea Hillebrand

160343

Anna Lipa and Jason Webb

Suzette Jones and Lynette Mancuso

16

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

LILLY PULITZER HIGH TEA & CHAMPAGNE FASHION SHOW Benefiting Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County Sunday, Jan. 18, at 8319 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key Photos by Heather Merriman

Bill, Anna and Robyn Sadlo

The Lilly Pulitzer High Tea & Champagne Fashion Show models gather for a group photo after the finale.

Lacey Anderson and Melanie Nielsen

Lea Mei and Kelsey Alholm

Fredy Mayer

Longboat Key Center for the Arts & Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub Present

Chef/Owner

Open Sunday for the Winter Season

OUR 2015 OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES

Come & see why our customers say we are the best kept secret in Sarasota.

Open Tuesday - Sunday 4:30 - 9:30 PM 3809 South Tuttle Ave. Sarasota | www.morelrestaurant.com | 941-927-8716

157921

Co-Chair Kristy Cail, Rachel Bennett, Co-Chair Sarah Massey, Co-Chair Jonna Keller and Hannah Ford

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 The Thomas Carabasi Samba Jazz Quintet

2015 Winter Opera Festival

Open Seating begins 1:30 pm, Concert begins 2:00 pm

FEBRUARY 7–MARCH 28

Thomas will be accompanied by Brazilian guitarist Phill Fest, Patrick Bettison on bass, Robert, Prester on keyboards, and Alvon Griffin on percussion.

A diva's jealousy leads to tragedy in Puccini's most powerful drama

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Art of Blues/ Bill Buchman & Steve Arvey

Open Seating begins 7:00 pm, Concert begins 7:30 pm Bill and guitar virtuoso Steve Arvey have brought together some of the best blues performers in the area, so be prepared to “get down” and get your “mojo moving” for this cool evening event under the stars.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

PUCCINI

“Motown Magic” Review Directed by Scott Blum

Open Seating begins 1:30 pm, Concert begins 2:00 pm Scott will be performing with international singing sensation Evelyn Thomas along with her husband, music director and keyboardist Anthony Simpson, Joel Broom on drums, bassist Irvine Goldberg, and backup singers Ozanda Grey, Pam Koontz, and Verceal Whittiker.

Also in the Winter Opera Festival The Marriage of Figaro The Golden Cockerel Don Carlos paris version

*Sponsor: Richard Perlman, Michael Saunders & Co.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Open seating: $30 advance/$35 door plus tax VIP Seating: $40 advance/$45 door plus tax

Seats start at just $19— see all 4 operas for as little as $69

SERIES PACKAGE DISCOUNTS:

SARASOTAOPERA.ORG (941) 328-1300

Purchase our three concert package for a reduced rate per concert. open Seating: $76.50 plus tax VIP Seating: $102.00 plus tax

IMAGE: Richard Termine Sarasota Opera

SEASON SPONSOR

Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.

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

159311

Real-time English translations above the stage

150932

To purchase tickets please call 941.383.2345 or email lbkca@ringling.edu.

Production Sponsor:

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

17

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

A WINTER SOIRÉE Benefiting Bradenton Opera Guild Sunday, Jan. 11, at Bird Key Yacht Club Photos by Heather Merriman

David Chaifetz and honoree Greg Trupiano

Stacy Ridenour and Leonard Mullins dance to the sounds of the Joe Scarano Trio

Joey Frye and Suellen Schwartz

Richard and Cynthia Russell with Roger Bingaman

Jeanne Auten and Edie Chaifetz

158329

Stephanie Sundine, Mary Zabin and Martha Collins

18

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

// BLACK TIE: CAMERA READY

TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL’S 36TH BIRTHDAY BASH Temple Beth Israel Sunday, Jan. 11, at Temple Beth Israel of Longboat Key Photos by Heather Merriman

Marion Levine and Kathy Brooks Carole Klionsky, Vera Grodzinski and Tina DeLavre

Co-Chairs Sylvia Pastor and Nancy Cohen

Mel and Cheryl Taub with Robin Green and Jay Greenblatt

Florence Katz and Judy Vigder

Marty Katz, Mimi Edlin and Cyvia Snyder

THE RUBY AFFAIR

50 off $ 500

$

Must present coupon at time of measure.

Cannot be combined with other discounts.

OB Exp. 1/31/15

100 off $ 1000

$

Must present coupon at time of measure.

Cannot be combined with other discounts.

Exp. 1/31/15 OB

150 off $ 1500

$

Must present coupon at time of measure.

Cannot be combined with other discounts.

OB Exp. 1/31/15

CALL TODAY 941.360.9200

june simmons jewelry

Free Estimate - Free Professional Measuring - Free Installation Showroom - 2123 University Parkway

157797

ROMANCE OF A THOUSAND BLOOMS

www.blindsanddesignsofflorida.com

january 28, 2015

6pm - 8pm 68 palm ave, sarasota, FL 34236 10% of the proceeds from the jewelry sales will benefit marie selby botanical gardens

Paintings • Sculpture Glass • Jewelry

Surprise your valentine the night of the 2015 orchid ball

530 Burns Lane in Historic Burns Court

10am -10pm Monday - Saturday 2pm -10pm Sunday 941.951.0620 530burnsgallery.com

160203

158267

hosted by kelvin cooper and denver stutler

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

HOTFLASH WHAT’S TRENDING: LILLY’S LATEST

T

he Wildly Chic delivery from the #Resort365 collection has arrived at Lilly Pulitzer, so get ready to indulge in the latest and greatest colors and patterns Lilly has to offer. Black Tie talked to our local Lilly Pulitzer store to get the scoop on the top picks this season.

Here are the top 10 “wildly chic in a Palm Beach state of mind” pieces that are must-haves to add to your wardrobe.

by Heather Merriman | Black Tie Editor

Courtesy photos

4

2 3

Janice shift dress in black, $188

7

Casey shift dress in limeade biggest fan, $198

6

Maisy racerback camisole in 536 lavender lilly, $108 styled with Georgia May palazzo pant, $138

Sybil intarsia sweater in resort white beach please, $118

8 Amalie open cashmere cardigan in solar blue, $248

Clarke v-neck french terry dress in bright navy good reef small, $158

5

Callahan short in multi cattitude, $64

Avalon spaghetti strap lace dress in brewster blue light weight flora lace, $228

1

Camille top in limeade biggest fan, $158

9

10

LOCATIONS Lilly Pulitzer — St. Armands Circle 443A John Ringling Blvd.

388-3091 Lilly Pulitzer — University Town Center 140 University Town Center Drive, Space 244 702-9660

161261

// BLACK TIE: #BUYMELILLY

19

20

DIVERSIONS

YourObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2015

// BLACK TIE: JUST MARRIED

GROOM’S PARENTS:

BRIDE’S PARENTS:

Matt and Lisa Walsh

Gerry and Lisa Amodio

HOW THE COUPLE MET:

Brian Matthew Walsh and Maria Therese Amodio met during their junior year of college in Boston. Brian was moving out of his apartment building while Maria was moving into the building. Maria’s roommate invited Brian to a party at their apartment on the night their residences overlapped. On their first date, Brian took Maria to his favorite restaurant, El Pelon, for burritos.

Brian proposed May 28, 2011 at Maria’s home in Washington, D.C., where she was living while Brian completed his Marine Corps training at The Basic School in Quantico, Va. After the proposal, the couple had dinner at their favorite restaurant, Vermillion, where their families made a surprise visit (Brian had invited them for the weekend).

The couple was married June 7, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in New Britain, Conn. Maria grew up in the house next door to the church, and her parents and grandparents were married there. The reception was held at the Society Room of Hartford in Hartford, Conn. The venue was originally built as a bank in 1893 and still has a large vault used for photo ops. The signature cocktails were The Bride’s Bellini and Walsh’s Whiskey Cocktail.

The highlight of the reception was when Brian, who graduated from the Berklee College of Music, played the drums with the seven-piece R&B band, the Soul Sensations.

HONEYMOON:

The couple spent a week after the wedding at the Carneros Inn in Napa, Calif.

Several Sarasotans were in the wedding party, including Dex and Kate Honea, J.P. Clayton, Emily Walsh and Alex Mahadevan.

THE DETAILS First dance: “You are the best thing” by Ray LaMontagne Photography: Ashley Caroline Photography Favors: Heartshaped Norman Love chocolates Dress: Custom-made at Modern Trousseau, where the bride helped design it.

Photos by Ashley Caroline Photography

Where Sarasota Gets Engaged™ 3979 SOUTH TAMIAMI TRAIL | (941) DIAMOND | DIAMONDVAULTJEWELERS.COM

160960

THE PROPOSAL:

THE WEDDING: