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SRQ DAILY Nov 15, 2019

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"Human beings, architecture or objects in nature can change because of our attitude and perspective."

- Artist Jean Kazandjian, Chasen Galleries
 

[Artist]  Jean Kazandjian's Sequences and the Benefits of Relative Renown
Andrew Fabian

When the stars align for an artist’s career, the invisible forces of tastemaking conspire to elevate that artist’s status to mythical proportions. While the artist might savor the fame and financial fallout in the short term, a quick rise has a way of setting their style in stone as they become enslaved to the expectations of their adoring fans. For painter Jean Kazandjian, who has spent his career dancing on the periphery of stardom in the art world, maintaining a humble level of relative renown has been a part of his ability to evolve and grow. And with his retrospective “Sequences” exhibit at Chasen Galleries, Kazandjian presents works that demonstrate the broad range of an imagination unshackled from the stagnating constraints of celebrity. 

Kazandjian came up in the art scene of 1960s Paris, exhibiting his work frequently alongside that of Salvador Dali, Hans Bellmer and Giorgio de Chirico. Together, they helped form a new movement in art called nouvelle figuration as a response to abstract impressionism. But, eventually, Kazandjian felt the need to distance himself from the highly competitive art scene. “Many artists come to Paris with the notion of conquest,” he says, “and I wanted to get away from that.” So, as many of his peers rose in prominence and disappeared into obscurity, Kazandjian continued to evolve.

His constant evolution is the reason why, at 82 years old, the work in his “Sequences” exhibit still seems so fresh. The collection includes pieces painted between 1991 and 2018 at his LA studio, where Kazandjian feels most of his great works have been created. It includes decidedly modern-looking work that makes use of two layers. The base layer presents the viewer with a primary object on which to fixate, while a semi-transparent screenprint on the outer edge of the frame introduces an alternate plane of visual information. As the viewer walks by the pieces, the nature of the image changes with their perspective, something Kazandjian felt was an important part of his desire to express the ever-changing nature of life in the fourth dimension. “Human beings, architecture or objects in nature can change because of our attitude and perspective,” says Kazandjian.

The motif of change pervades his more traditional, single-layer paintings as well. Many feature repetitions of images with each iteration altered slightly in color or in form, capturing a sense of reality that is in transition. One piece titled “Landscape” features a surreal representation of what looks like a vast prairie, but unlike most landscape paintings, this one is oriented vertically. A segment of the scene appears faded, and its corresponding essence floats in the sky like a ghostly negative, again capturing a sense of fragmented reality. It all amounts to a collection of work that in many ways mirrors Kazandjian’s constant pursuit of imaginative freedom.  

Kazandjian will be in attendance at Chasen Galleries tomorrow from 1-3 pm, the second of two gallery appearances for his “Sequences” exhibition. The meet-and-greet is open to the public and offers an opportunity to gain insight into the “sequences” that have characterized the constant growth of a master artist’s imagination.  

Pictured: Jean Kazandjian’s ‘Bowing Little Girl,’ painted on giclée with a screenprint in front, highlights the layered reality of his work. Photo courtesy of Chasen Galleries

[Teachers]  Sarasota County Schools Teacher of the Year Finalists Announced Today

Three Sarasota County teachers were surprised Thursday, Nov. 14, when they were revealed as finalists for the district’s elementary, middle and high school 2020 Teacher of the Year honors. The 2020 finalists are: Heather Young, Venice Elementary School; Marissa Dobbert, Sarasota Military Academy Prep; Josh Grant, Venice High School.  One of the three finalists will be named the overall Sarasota County 2020 Teacher of the Year at the Education Foundation of Sarasota County’s Ignite Education Awards Celebration on Dec. 11 at The Westin Sarasota.The district Teacher of the Year will represent Sarasota County Schools at the Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Program and will serve as a spokesperson for and representative of the teaching profession at various events throughout 2020.

The annual Teacher Tribute Tour team travels to each finalist’s school. This year’s team included Sarasota County Schools’ (SCS) Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer Laura Kingsley; SCS board members Jane Goodwin, Eric Robinson, and Caroline Zucker; Education Foundation of Sarasota County (EFSC) Board Chair Britt Riner, President Jennifer Vigne, and other EFSC board members; EFSC founder Shirley Ritchey; 2019 Teacher of the Year finalists Tessa Healy, Ashlee Middleton, and Shane Swezey; other representatives of the foundation and school district, sponsors and special guests. The team congratulated finalists as their families, students, principals and fellow teachers joined the surprise tributes.


 

Pictured: Education Foundation of Sarasota County President Jennifer Vigne (left) with Sarasota Military Academy teacher Marissa Dobbert, 2020 Middle School Teacher of the Year

[GoodBite]  A Libberating Thanksgiving
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

With the reopening of the newly-renovated Libby’s Neighborhood Brasserie in Southside Village, and the brand new Libby’s in Lakewood Ranch having recently opened, there are two fantastic reasons to spend family Thanksgiving with said Libby. Dine in on Thursday, November 28 for a special prix-fixe menu—including a selection of starters, a choice of five outstanding main entrees, a dessert and complimentary glass of champagne. Of the starters, jump right into feasting with the option of either a Classic French Onion Soup, Crispy Brussels in lemon tree aioli, a House Salad with farm greens in a house lemon vinaigrette, or the favorited Libby’s Caesar Salad. From there, Libby’s chefs truly outdid themselves by tweaking the traditional with not your mother’s typical Thanksgiving meal. Still salvaging the beloved flavors of fall and nostalgic holiday ingredients, these are five specially-created, hearty dishes for your main course: 

-Herb & Bourbon Basted Turkey Breast, with sage-brioche stuffing, haricot vert with wild mushroom creme, sweet potato-orange mash, cranberry puree and a cheddar drop biscuit

-Thyme Brown Butter Basted 14oz. Ribeye, a pan-seared grass-fed ribeye and includes fingerling potato confit, white asparagus and sun-dried tomato charon

-Rotisserie Half Chicken, with potato and leek saute, shallot vinaigrette and crispy brussels sprouts, jus lie

-Dijon-Lemongrass Pork Chop, topped with a zinfandel reduction, accompanied by Yukon gold mash and heirloom baby carrots

-Roasted Cauliflower Steak, spiced sweet potato mash with vegan Dandies marshmallow, pecan crumble, roasted asparagus and lemon vinaigrette

And for dessert, Libby’s pulled out the big guns. Test your decision making skills with the choice of either Perfect Pumpkin Pie, baked with mascarpone crème and toasted almond crumble; Southern Gentleman's Pecan Pie, topped with salted bourbon caramel and whipped cream; or Mascarpone Cheesecake, made with blueberry compote, blood orange puree and mint. Forget the wishbone, save yourself the pressure of cooking and hosting, and feel liberated at the end of the night with no mess leftover to cleanup. A stress-free, indulgent T-giving is at your disposal. 

Libby’s prix-fixe menu: $80 for adults, $45 for children. Service goes from 12pm – 8pm. Reservations are required. Stop in or call: Libby's Sarasota, 941-487-7300 or Libby's LWR, 941-357-1570.  

Photo of Classic French Onion Soup, provided by Tableseide Restaurant Group

Libby's Neighborhood Brasserie

[Performance]  Sarasota Contemporary Dance Joins Music Collaboration with Reverend Barry & The Funk

SCD will join forces with Reverend Barry & The Funk, an 8-pc funk band featuring a 3-pc horn section, and one of the fastest-rising “buzzworthy” acts in the state of Florida.This collaboration “will not be a Funk dance show, but instead showcase the essence of funk, groove, and boogie through a contemporary dance language,” said Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, SCD Artistic Director. The production will feature her original choreography in collaboration with the SCD dancers. The band’s live, high-energy performance features not only originals, but also true-to-the-original cover versions of funk & soul classics from Earth, Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, Prince, James Brown, Rick James, Aretha Franklin, and more. “It has always been my passion to collaborate with local musicians,” continues Bolaños Wilmott.  “This is the first time that SCD will be partnering with a funk band, and we couldn’t be more thrilled that they are already a Sarasota favorite." 

Performance Schedule: December 5–8, Thursday–Saturday @ 7:30pm, Sunday @ 2:00pm. Jane B. Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trl,, Sarasota. 

Photo courtesy of Sarasota Contemporary Dance

[Arts]  We Craft Box Launches New Subscription Box, We Craft Box Senior

Local subscription box business We Craft Box, expands its family-friendly craft and creativity subscription box to release a new product line that has broad appeal from teens to adults of all ages, including seniors with the mission to deliver fun and creative activities to crafters’ doorsteps every month. The latest subscription box is titled, ‘We Craft Box Senior.’  Each month, subscribers of We Craft Box Senior will receive a uniquely themed craft kit containing three or more crafts with all materials included and easy-to-follow, photo directions, and additional creative activities. The monthly fee starts at $29.99, which includes free shipping in the United States. Further plans include 3, 6, or 12-month subscriptions at discounted rates. The monthly craft subscription box service expanded its product offerings to accommodate the growing number of customers who were purchasing the We Craft Box for their children or grandchildren, but also for themselves, and even their older parents with Alzheimer’s or residing in assisted living facilities. The new We Craft Box Senior subscriptions will start shipping on December 1, just in time for the holidays. The boxes provide a creative experience gift that keeps on giving every month. “We are listening to the needs of our customers," says Betsy Wild, Founder and CEO of We Craft Box.  "There was an overwhelming number of requests to create a box for the special needs community, teens, and adults of all ages who love to craft. I am proud to create these monthly boxes that are helping families connect through creativity.”

For more information or to order, please visit wecraftboxsenior.com or wecraftbox.com

[Tech]  Comcast Seeking Scholarship Applications from Florida High School Seniors

Comcast invites high school seniors across Florida to apply for the Comcast Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program, which recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding community service, exceptional academic performance, and strong leadership skills. The award, funded by the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation, is a one-time, $2,500 scholarship to be used toward undergraduate education-related expenses. Since 2001, Comcast NBCUniversal has awarded more than $33 million in scholarships to approximately 30,000 students to help them pursue higher education. For the 2019-2020 school year, Comcast awarded $236,000 in scholarships to 90 Florida students attending nearly 50 different colleges and universities, including Florida State University, University of Florida and University of South Florida. “We believe in developing the next generation of leaders, and that starts with excelling in the classroom as well as making a positive impact in our communities,” said Derek Cooper, Vice President of External Affairs and Community Impact for Comcast in Florida. “We look forward to seeing the incredible caliber of applicants and another great year of recognizing our Leaders and Achievers scholars across Florida.” High school seniors who meet the eligibility requirements can learn more and apply for the Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship at comcastleadersandachieversscholarship.com. Email leadersandachievers@scholarshipamerica.org or call 1-800-537-4180 with questions. The application deadline is Friday, December 6, 2019 at 5:00 pm.  

[Performance]  Dance and Music Combine in 'Winter Dreams' a Collaboration with Key Chorale and The Sarasota Ballet

The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company and Trainees are back together with Key Chorale, this time with a creative nod to the season in "Winter Dreams.” This performance will appeal to all audiences with one offering at the Sarasota Opera House. An enchanting and wintry collaboration will invoke a dream world of glistening snowflakes and Jack Frost. Karl Jenkins, one of the most prolific, popular and performed composers of today captures the joy and brilliance of the season with Stella Natalis (Star of Origin) where themes of peace, goodwill and compassion alternate with joy and celebration.  "Stella Natalis is such a vibrant and colorful score that truly captures the essence of the season. At times full of mystery and unparalleled beauty, and at other times full of joy and celebration. The combination of dance with this gorgeous music performed by the 100 voices of Key Chorale, soloists and professional orchestra will be a wonderful way to celebrate the season," says Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins. Crystalline performances by Sarasota Orchestra Concertmaster Daniel Jordan, Principal Trumpet Anthony Limoncelli, the 100+ voices of Key Chorale, and vocalist Robyn Rocklein are sure to warm even the chilliest hearts. Ballet choreographer Kate Honea says, “I am so thrilled and thankful to be part of the collaboration between Key Chorale and The Sarasota Ballet for the Winter Dreams show. Choreographing the Studio Company and Trainee students is so rewarding. Plus, what makes it even more special is getting inspiration from Karl Jenkin's Stella Natalis composition and score which is so festive, dynamic and just beautiful music for the holiday season. The opportunity for the dancers to perform with live music and the singers of Key Chorale is an amazing opportunity. We look forward to pleasing the audience with uplifting music and dance for Winter Dreams.”

The performance takes place Sunday, December 1, 4:00 pm at The Sarasota Opera House. Tickets are $20-$55, with a limited number of preferred seats available for $75. For tickets, go to KeyChorale.org or call the office at 941-921-4845.

  

[Holiday Sale]  Van Wezel Announces 2019 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall announced its Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale, giving patrons the opportunity to enjoy great deals with up to 50% off select shows. With an all-new extended schedule, the sale begins onThursday, November 21 at 10 am and ends Monday, December 2 at 11:59 pm. Tickets will be available for purchase at VanWezel.org with the purchase code SAVINGS, or at the Box Office or by calling 941-953-3368. 

For a list of the shows on sale, visit here.



[SOON]  GALLERY: Artists Minding Their Business , October 18 – December 6

How do you go from creative spark to creative business? An interactive multimedia exhibition and event series, Artists Minding Their Business takes us on the evolution from making art to making a living. Ringling’s Business of Art & Design Department and founder of Culture Hustlers, Lucas Spivey (BFA/MBA) have curated the Willis Smith Gallery into a visual showcase of the entrepreneurial journey. Inside interactive installations, visiting founders and creative entrepreneurs swap inspiring stories and provide visitors with practical advice. Opening Reception, Friday, October 18, 6-8pm.

Willis Smith Construction Inc. Gallery in the Larry R. Thompson Academic Center, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Antigone by Sophocles , October 30 – November 17, 7:30pm/8pm

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory begins a new season with the classic Greek drama, Antigone, by Sophocles. Director of the Conservatory and the show, Greg Leaming, will put a modern spin on this ancient tale of right versus wrong. In the aftermath of a bloody war, Thebes celebrates victory while Antigone mourns the loss of both her brothers in battle. When King Creon refuses one of the two brothers all rites of burial, the young girl is left facing an awful choice. One of the great classics of Greek drama that speaks as powerfully today as it did when first performed - when faced with the conflict between law and personal morality, what is the right choice?

Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: The Sound of Music , November 13 – December 28, 7:30pm and 8pm evening performances and 1:30 and 2pm matinees

Like a breath of fresh Alpine air, this beloved musical masterpiece sweeps onto the Asolo Rep stage just in time for the holidays. Maria, a young nun causing trouble at the abbey, is sent off to be governess to Captain Von Trapp’s seven troublesome children. She brings much-needed love and joy to the family – and the widowed captain – and transforms their world and hers through the power of music. But the looming threat of Nazi Germany’s invasion of their native Austria darkens their future. Overflowing with some of the most iconic songs of all time, this heart warming family musical will be helmed by Josh Rhodes, returning on the heels of his spectacular production of Evita in 2017.

FSU Performing Arts Center, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival , November 15 – November 18, 10am-5pm

The Siesta Key Crystal Classic is a visual and cultural arts festival held on Siesta Beach every November. In just 24 sculpting hours, the master sculptors create sand masterpieces, some over ten feet tall, and transform the always beautiful Siesta Beach into an outdoor art gallery. And it’s more than just sand, the festival also features live music daily along with a large village of shopping and food and drink vendors. Other activities include the popular three day “Quick Sand” competition, sand sculpting lessons and an amateur competition. Hours are extended on Saturday & Sunday until 9 pm with colored lights on all the sculptures and live music!

Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Gonzalo Rubalcaba , November 15 – November 16, 7:30pm

Pianist and composer Gonzalo Rubalcaba was already a young phenom with a budding career in his native Cuba when he was discovered by Dizzy Gillespie in 1985. Since, Piano & Keyboard Magazine selected him in 1999 as one of the great pianists of the 20th century, alongside figures such as Glenn Gould, Martha Argerich and Bill Evans; he has won two Grammys and two Latin Grammys, and established himself as a creative force in the jazz world.

Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Women's Sports Museum Launch Party , November 16, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Be a part of HERstory.  The Women’s Sports Museum is the first-of-its-kind in the world devoted solely to women in sports to be built in Sarasota, Florida. The much-anticipated museum will be a living, breathing museum featuring interactive, state-of-the-art exhibits that recognize the women who have given their time, talent, tears and triumphs to defy gender stereotypes and lead all women to heights beyond expectation. Don't miss the Women's Sports Museum Launch Party at the Sarasota Yacht Club

Sarasota Yacht Club

[SOON]  SEMINAR: SWAC Lecture: Richard Skolnik , December 3, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for the next program in its 2019-20 Lecture Series, “Global Health: Why You Really Must Care,” featuring Richard Skolnik, former Director for Health in the South Asia Region of the World Bank and Executive Director of Harvard’s US-supported AIDS treatment program for Botswana, Nigeria, and Tanzania. He will discuss some of the key challenges in global health, the threats they pose for the U.S. and the world, and how they might be addressed. Each SWAC lecture is followed by a members-only reception with the speaker in a historic building on Sarasota Bay. The lecture is free, but reservations are suggested.

Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  FILM: Gazebo Starlight Cinema Series , December 6

Join the Gazebo Starlight Cinema series with this month’s movie: Home Alone. With a screen stretched around the Gazebo pillars and family flicks back-projected from within, what better place than the facing grassy knoll to relax in a beach chair or curl up on a blanket? Bring the whole family to kick off your weekend while enjoying the park! Support local Venice Avenue businesses by bringing snacks, dinner, ice cream (or gelato!) to enjoy during the movie.

Downtown Venice Centennial Park, 200 West Venice Ave.

[SOON]  GALA: Brunch & Bubbles - Celebrating Sarasota County Teachers , December 11, 10:30am-12pm

On Wednesday, December 11, join the Education Foundation for a morning of brunch & bubbles as they honor phenomenal teachers in Sarasota County. The awards ceremony will recognize an Alumni of Distinction and unveil the 2020 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year. The event is from 10:30am to 12pm. Please use complimentary valet service. 

The Westin Sarasota, 100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Art of Performance: Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol: Tijuana , December 6 – December 7, 7:30PM

This Mexico-city based theater ensemble has created a suite of works that explore ideas of democracy in the 21st Century and blends them with narrative collages from Mexican history. The solo work Tijuana is the staged result of a real anthropological theater experiment undertaken by Lagartijas ensemble member Gabino Rodríguez, in which he abandoned his life in Mexico City to work on an assembly line in a Tijuana factory on the U.S. border. Passing under a false identity for six months, he earned the legal minimum wage to explore how the current day Mexican working-class survives.

Historic Asolo Theater , 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  SEMINAR: PINC 2019 , December 12, 8am-8pm

PINC is People, Ideas, Nature, and Creativity. It's a one-day, conference-style experience delivered by a cascade of international speakers from every imaginable discipline, skill, and talent you can think of. Speakers range from Iditarod champions, the founder of Vertical Farming, a famous felt artist and a lawyer whose territory is outer space, all the way to Nobel Prize winners, perfume virtuosos, a Master Acoustician, and the doctor who performed the first-hand transplant. Whether a speaker or a guest, the PINC experience attracts creative thinkers, entrepreneurs, specialists, designers, artists, scientists, and anyone looking to stimulate their mind, heart, and soul. It's an opportunity to participate in an eclectic mix of the fundamental pieces that create the human experience. If you want to be inspired, you want to be at PINC.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Atomic Holiday Bazaar , December 14 – December 15, Noon to 5pm

Atomic Holiday Bazaar, Season 14, returns to the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Atomic launched in 2006 showcasing 50 unconventional crafters who needed an affordable and welcoming venue to sell their unusual handmade wares. By producing an alternative craft show for Sarasota’s hip shoppers, Atomic quickly grew into an annual Sarasota holiday shopping tradition. 

The show proved such a success it expanded to a full weekend in 2007 and in 2008 Atomic grew from the main auditorium to the Bay Front room to accommodate the ever growing number of talented applicants and dedicated shoppers. In 2015, Atomic expanded again opening up its first street fair and jumping on the trend of including a handful of delicious local Sarasota food trucks. This season the show introduces a number of new makers who have had the opportunity to be a part of the show due to a number of Atomic Misfit Makers retiring from the craft making scene.

Atomic features a wide range of items for all: screen printed t-shirts, faux taxidermy, upcycled everything ranging from home decor, clothing, jewelry, (for example, think of “upcycled” as copper pipe that has been refitted into a desk lamp), vintage clothing, kitsch and jewelry, lowbrow to elegant fine art, holiday cards, jams, jellies and the best canned pickle selections ever, one of a kind baby clothing, humorous chatchkes, ornaments, knits, catnip toys, doggie stuff, felted art, plants, plushies (unusual and humorous creatures), pop culture-graphic art posters, dark sentiments, body products, candles, beachy vibe stuff, ethnic Latin textiles, rock n roll edgy clothing, sweet little creations that make you sigh, get the picture? No artsy stone unturned, Atomic has something for all.

Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Perlman Music Program Sarasota Winter Residency and Celebration Concert , December 21 – January 4, 5pm

Each season, The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast hosts The Perlman Music Program (PMP) Sarasota Winter Residency. Founded by Toby Perlman, and with a world-renowned faculty led by her husband, internationally acclaimed violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman, PMP augments its seven-week summer school program in Shelter Island each December with a 17-day winter residency, December 21, 2019 - January 4, 2020, in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The residency provides valuable mentoring and performance opportunities for approximately 35 young international string musicians, ages 12-20+, and offers 20+ free and low-cost musical events on the campus of USF Sarasota-Manatee. Each year, the winter residency culminates with the Celebration Concert, January 4, 2020, with Itzhak Perlman conducting the PMP String Orchestra and Patrick Romano leading the PMP Chorus at the Sarasota Opera House.

USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 34243

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Perlman Music Program Suncoast Super Strings , December 28, 7pm

The Perlman Music Program Suncoast Super Strings is presented as part of a public orchestra rehearsal during the PMP Sarasota Winter Residency. Super Strings promotes the interaction of local young musicians with international students of The Perlman Music Program and world-class faculty. Forty-five string players from across the state of Florida join the PMP String Orchestra on stage, for a special one-time PMP Sarasota Winter Residency event, to perform the 1st Movement of Felix Mendelssohn's String Sinfonia No. 2 in D Major, under the baton of Itzhak Perlman. Tickets $10 at Perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org

USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  GALA: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens New Year's Eve Gala , December 31 – January 1, 8pm-1am

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is proud to present Sarasota’s most sophisticated and diversely entertaining New Years Eve experience; a black-tie event featuring a private journey through tropical holiday light displays, passed hors d’oeuvres, a seated four course dinner, special performances by The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company and Trainees from the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory and dancing at Michael’s on the Bay. The countdown to the New Year culminates with a champagne toast and a perfect view of fireworks overlooking Sarasota Bay.  Celebrate the New Year in style.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: 34th Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights , December 14, 6pm

Don’t miss the 34th Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday, December 14 beginning at 6pm. The best areas for viewing are Marina Jack Restaurant, Bayfront Park, City Island. All boats must pass approx. 1/3 of the marina side Bayfront Park, to be considered for judging. The Bay front Park spectator viewing area has been expanded to include the entire Northern tip of the island near the fountain.

Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School: The Nutcracker , December 14 – December 15, 2pm

Returning for the third year, the Sarasota Cuban Ballet brings its stunning production to the VPAC for three performances. Accompanied by 26 musicians from The Venice Symphony with guest conductor Joeseph Caulkins, and a brand new set, these pre-professional performers will stun you with their elegance and strength in this holiday tradition. Single tickets on sale now at veniceperformingartscenter.com or (941) 218 3779.

Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave building 5, Venice, FL 34285

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Lights In Bloom , December 14 – January 4, 6pm-9pm

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens lights up the holiday season with Lights In Bloom. Over two million lights will illuminate the gardens and walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels. Visitors will have the opportunity to stroll through magical gardens filled with beautifully lit flowers, radiant rainforest butterflies, dragonflies and more. The tropical holiday paradise includes nightly visits from Santa (before Christmas Eve), children’s arts and crafts activities and games and special entertainment. Grilled foods will be available for purchase from the Michael’s on East grill including a cash bar. The Selby House Cafe will also be open with its full menu. In its 16th year, Lights In Bloom has become a tradition for residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season in Sarasota.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  HEALTH: Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group , December 16, 10am-11:30am

Every third Monday of the month, Julie Cook Downing, President of Caregivers Comfort Creations, LLC, facilitates a Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group. This group focuses on the caregiver and offers a retreat from the never-ending mental and physical responsibilities of caregiving. This free, open group provides compassionate support and an opportunity to explore new solutions together to caregiver challenges. The group meets in the classroom outside of the cafeteria.

Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, 5731 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL 34233

[SOON]  GALA: The Hospital Gala , January 11, 6pm-11pm

The Hospital Gala has raised more than $2.2 million to benefit Sarasota Memorial Hospital ER/Trauma Services and Cardiac Services. This year, proceeds will support Cancer Services to help the SMH cancer care team deliver the best life-saving care for you, your loved ones and those in our community.

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236

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