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SRQ DAILY Mar 31, 2023

Friday Weekend Edition

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Friday Weekend Edition

"The film plays out with so much tension. It is like a thriller in the sky."

- Roma Downey, Producer, On a Wing and a Prayer.
 

[Arts & Entertainment]  On a Wing and a Prayer at Sarasota Film Festival
Dylan Campbell, dylan@srqme.com

In 2009, Doug White had the scare of a lifetime. While flying home with his family across the Gulf of Mexico to Louisiana from his brother’s funeral on Marco Island, Florida, the pilot of their chartered King Air flight suddenly suffered a massive heart attack. White, then 56, with only limited experience flying single-engine Cessna 172s, found himself at the helm of a twin-engine King Air, climbing steadily over 10,000 feet in the sky.

White’s incredible true story of courage and perseverance in the face of imminent danger is the subject of Prime Video’s On a Wing and a Prayer, the closing film of the Sarasota Film Festival. The narrative feature, which releases globally on Prime Video on April 7th, is directed by Sean McNamara and stars Dennis Quaid, Heather Graham, and Jesse Metcalfe. In attendance for SFF’s screening this Sunday, April 2nd, will be producer Roma Downey, who is set to receive the Sarasota Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award.

Downey, an Emmy-nominated actress, writer, and producer best known for her role as Monica on the television series Touched by an Angel, is the co-founder and president of Lightworkers Media, the faith and family division of MGM/Amazon and production company responsible for bringing On a Wing and a Prayer to the big screen.

“The film plays out with so much tension. It's like a thriller in the sky,” says Downey. “It's beautifully directed by Sean McNamara, Dennis Quaid gives an extraordinary performance as Doug White, and Jesse Metcalf plays the King Air expert pilot on the ground who finally gets connected to them via audio to help White land the plane. It’s a very satisfying ending after a harrowing journey with this family.” 

Pictured: Dennis Quaid and Heather Graham star in On a Wing and a Prayer, the closing film of the Sarasota Film Festival. Photo courtesy of Prime Video.

To learn more click here.

[Arts & Entertainment]  Key Chorale Announces New Singer Appointments and Staff

As Key Chorale’s 38th season is in full swing, they announce two new additions to their professional core of singers and two new staff members. Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, is a fully auditioned ensemble of more than 100 singers with a paid professional core of 20. Lori Maxwell, Alto Section Leader, is originally from Wisconsin but moved to Florida in 2018 and quickly learned that seeing pictures of the snow is far better than being in the snow. Much of her career has been spent in Musical Theatre working primarily as a Music Director but also enjoying turns as a Director, Actor and even Costumer. Lori’s current jobs include working for a music company writing institutional bids for schools, teaching voice & piano lessons, and as a Disney travel agent. Lori is also a staff singer with the St Boniface Episcopal Church choir. Kristin Lewter, new core singer, came to Sarasota by way of Orlando after having studied classical voice at both Loyola New Orleans and The Hartt School of Music where she received her degree in vocal performance. She has performed roles ranging from Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man to Dido in Dido and Aeneas. Though much of her training is in classical voice, she can often be found performing in musical theater cabarets and is an active member in her church choir and praise group. Lee Holden, Donor Engagement Manager, had an early career in finance, finally, as a VP in a bank trust department in Flint, Michigan. He left that career to teach at General Motors Institute in Flint. He was recruited by Toyota to eventually become a Vice President for the SE Region of Toyota in Boca Raton, Florida. Lee has been very active in non-profits, including hospitals, churches, and Goodwill Industries. Lee joined his wife, Lorraine Murphy, Soprano Section Leader, in Key Chorale, as a member of the board and then first non-singer President. New Community Outreach Specialist, Ellen Schaller, most recently worked for Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s in Sarasota as a care advisor working with those affected by Parkinson’s. Ellen also spent over thirty years as a physical therapist specializing in gerontology and helping others achieve wellness through her positive can-do attitude. 

[Arts & Entertainment]  Sarasota Youth Opera Summer Camp Registration is Open Now Through May 15!

Sarasota Youth Opera invites young people between the ages of 8 and 18 to explore the exciting world of opera through its annual Summer Camp. Led by a team of season professionals, the camp runs on weekdays from June 12 to June 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a one or two-week session available for children aged 8 to 10. The camp takes place at the Sarasota Opera House, located at 61 N. Pineapple Avenue in downtown Sarasota. Tuition fees vary according to age and session with tuition assistance available. The program is designed for all skill levels with no audition required. The registration deadline is May 15, 2023. Many have praised the camp for its hands-on approach to opera education: “This was the 3rd time my granddaughter attended Youth Opera Camp. It is the highlight of her summer! I want to thank you for the skill, education, and fun that you provided!" Another parent was pleased to see their child's newfound love for music, with their student saying, "three weeks flew by!" Parents have also noted their child's excitement each morning, singing the music of the operas they were learning on their way to the Opera House. “Opera Camp is the best! I wish it didn't have to end!” With such positive feedback, it's clear that opera camp is a unique and unforgettable experience that children look forward to all year long! 

For more information click here.

[Arts & Entertainment]  The Lubben Brothers are Back with Key Chorale for American Roots: Crosby Still, & Nash

On April 22nd and 23rd Key Chorale welcomes back The Lubben Brothers, an acoustic folk group made up of triplet brothers Michael, Tom, and Joshua, to re-create and re-imagine the music of the folk-rock genre. Key Chorale Chamber Singers explore the 30-year discography of the folk-rock group Crosby Stills & Nash, and other artists known for their intricate vocal harmonies and timeless melodies. CSN meets choral music! The groups will combine on several of their classics including “Judy Blue Eyes,” “Marrakesh Express,” “Teach Your Children” and “Our House.” They will also perform “Seven Bridges Road” by the Eagles and a folk-inspired arrangement of Neil Young’s “Old Man” by the Wailin’ Jennys. Triplets and high-energy acoustic musicians, The Lubben Brothers specialize in tight vocal harmonies and an eclectic blend of folk instruments involving banjo, mandolin, tin whistle, accordion, hammered dulcimer, and fiddle. Diving into classical music at a young age, their modern songwriting style merges folk roots with complex pop ideas. They will be joined by electric bass, electric guitar and drums.

The performances: Saturday, April 22, 4 PM, Church of the Palms, Sunday, April 23, 5 PM, St. Boniface Episcopal Church, Tickets are $35-$45. For tickets, go to keychorale.org or call the box office at 941-552-8768. 

Pictured: Key Chorale and the Lubben Brothers. Photo courtesy of Key Chorale.

[Arts & Entertainment]  Second Annual Noche Unidos Concert to Feature First-Generation Immigrant as Lead Conductor

UnidosNow is honored to bring back to Sarasota for a one-night-only engagement, the “Rolling Stones” of mariachi music, Mariachi Cobre, fused with the 72-piece The Venice Symphony on April 28th at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. This year’s musicians will be led by acclaimed conductor, Ismael Sandoval, a first-generation Mexican immigrant who moved to the United States at the age of three. Sandoval currently serves as the assistant conductor of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera (CSO).  Giving back to the community by bringing people together through the beauty of music is central to Sandoval’s rhythmically-driven ethos. Throughout his illustrious career, his passion for diversifying beyond the traditional canon and harmonizing with conductors from different walks of life has led him to many opportunities - now including this unique engagement to lead in Sarasota. Performing alongside Sandoval is a magical fusion between a 52-year-old band known as Mariachi Cobre combined with the 72-piece The Venice Symphony. Presented by Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Czaia Law, NocheUnidos guarantees attendees a worldly evening of inspiring, creative, and captivating performances on a stage with over 80 professional musicians, including the globally recognized Mariachi Cobre group combined with the 72-piece The Venice Symphony. All funds raised will benefit UnidosNow to further empower the growing number of Hispanic/Latinx community members in our region through education, integration, and civic engagement to achieve the American dream. The experience begins at 7:30 pm on Friday, April 28 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236). Tickets for Noche Unidos are now available for purchase at www.vanwezel.org/boxoffice/noche-unidos-2023-presented-by-unidosnow/ For more information, visit www.unidosnow.org/nocheunidos-2023 or contact Julia Groom at julia@dreamlarge.org or by calling 941-786-8732. 

Pictured: Acclaimed conductor, Ismael Sandoval, Photo courtesy of UnidosNow.

[Arts & Entertainment]  Choral Artists of Sarasota to Perform Sunday, April 16, at Church of the Redeemer

Choral Artists of Sarasota’s 44th season, entitled “United in Song,” continues with Mozart’s “Requiem,” Sunday, April 16, 7 p.m., at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota. In this concert, passages of life are expressed through the beauty of majestic choral music featured in Bach’s Cantata 104,  “Du Hirte Israel, höre” (“You Shepherd of Israel, hear”), a setting of the “Twenty-Third Psalm,” paired with Mozart’s “Requiem,” a poignant and dramatic contemplation of eternity. Tickets are $35; students $5. A “Meet the Music” session with Holt is Thursday, April 13, 5:30-7 p.m., at Art to Walk On, 16 South Palm Avenue in downtown Sarasota. The event, free to all ticket holders for the concert, includes a wine and hors d'oeuvre reception and a presentation by Holt with vocal soloists highlighting the program.  

To learn more click here.



[SOON]  MUSEUM: Walking Tours at The Ringling's Arboretum Available Now Through May 2023 , November 26 – May 29, 12:00 PM

This walking tour led by volunteer guides will introduce you to interesting botanical specimens on the estate while providing a historic overview of the development of the estate. The Ringling Arboretum has been accredited at Level II through ArbNet and there are over 2350 trees within the arboretum representing native, exotic, historical, and culturally significant trees. Garden Tours are available Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays and take place entirely outdoors. It is 90 minutes in length and covers approximately 1 mile. We encourage visitors to bring bottled water, and wear appropriate footwear, preferably closed-toe, sunblock, and hats. There will be a maximum of 10 participants per tour. Tours are subject to weather conditions. Please check it at the Visitors Pavilion prior to your tour. Tickets will be available 30 days prior to each tour.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 2023 Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature , February 12 – June 26, During garden hours

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ 2023 Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature showcases the creativity and innovation of American artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933). The first exhibition of its type to be presented in a botanical garden, the exhibition highlights the inspiring connection between Tiffany Studios and the natural world through unique horticultural displays in the Tropical Conservatory and the Gardens, accompanied by seminal examples of Tiffany’s work on view in the Museum of Botany and the Arts. To learn more, visit selby.org. Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota.

[SOON]  THEATER: Asolo Repertory Theatre: Chicken & Biscuits , February 15 – April 13, Varied

The hilarious new play CHICKEN & BISCUITS introduces us to the Jenkins family, as they gather to celebrate the life of their beloved and recently deceased father and grandfather, the Revered Bernard Jenkins. When an unexpected guest reveals a secret, they all discover that nothing brings a family together like a big side of drama. This side-splitting new Broadway comedy explores the tenderness of family, the joy of reconciliation, and the nourishing power of love. Written by Broadway newcomer Douglas Lyons and directed by the talented Bianca LaVerne Jones, who was associate director of the 2021 Broadway production, CHICKEN & BISCUITS proves that while family may drive us crazy, we’re lucky to have each other. 

Asolo Repertory Theatre

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Resilience: A Guided Walking Tour Experience by Compass Rose History Experiences , February 25 – April 22, 3:30 p.m.

Compass Rose History Experiences announces the launch of Resilience: A Guided Walking Tour Experience. Guides Mimi Cirbusova and Andrea Knies will navigate attendees on a journey back in time down Main Street as we explore the resilience of the Sarasota community during the Great Depression and World War II. Locals and visitors alike will find inspiration from the stories of the people and places of Sarasota's past. Tours meet at Five Points Park in Downtown Sarasota and cover a distance of less than one mile over the 75-90 minute tour. All tours begin at 3:30 pm. Tickets cost $20.00 and must be purchased in advance. Guests purchasing both tours can receive a $10 discount by selecting the ticket package. Visit CompassRoseHistory.com to purchase your tickets or to learn more about Compass Rose History Experiences.

[SOON]  THEATER: Urbanite Theatre: Backwards Forwards Back , March 24 – April 23, Varied

BACKWARDS FORWARDS BACK by Jacqueline Goldfinger. A World Premiere. March 24 - April 23, 2023. Urbanite Theatre. When a soldier returns from war carrying the ghosts of his tour, he’s faced with a sobering decision: address his alarming PTSD with Virtual Reality therapy, or risk losing access to his family forever. Can this new technology recalibrate the brains and bodies of wounded soldiers? This electric, vivid, one-man drama studies the power of healing and finding strength in vulnerability. For tickets and info contact phone (941) 321-1397, email info@urbanitetheatre.com, website www.urbanitetheatre.com

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 2nd Street Sarasota FL, 34236

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: SPARCC Runway Fashion Show - Timeless Treasures , March 31, 10:00 am - 2:30 pm

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) is hosting its signature, annual fashion show on Friday, March 31, 2023 at The Ritz Carlton, Sarasota. The 2023 event, SPARCC Runway: Timeless Treasures will be filled with nostalgia and fashion-forward styles as we showcase trends that have come full-circle. Guests will enjoy valet parking, a champagne toast, shopping in the event’s premiere, pop-up fashion boutique (featuring great deals on high-end fashion pieces from SPARCC Treasure Chest), a delicious luncheon complete with wine service, and an unforgettable and fantastic runway fashion show. This year guests can also join in on our inaugural Fashion Show After-Party, and avoid the valet rush, with musical entertainment, for purchase beverage options and additional opportunities to shop the boutique. Registration and shopping begin at 10 AM, followed by the seated luncheon and fashion show at noon and the after-party immediately following. All festivities wrap-up by 2:30 PM. This year’s Fashion Show Chairs are: Vickie Smith, Event Chair; Darci Jacob, Fashion Chair; Coral Pleas (Cutting Loose Hair Salons) and Terry McKee (Nuovo Salon Group) as Honorary Chairs. As the owners of Sarasota’s most beloved hair salons the event’s Honorary Chairs are coming together to show their support of SPARCC, take a stand for survivors and help make Timeless Treasures an event to remember! All proceeds from the event support SPARCC’s free and confidential programs and services for
survivors of domestic and sexual violence. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.sparcc.net/events or call 941-365-0208 ext. 110.

[SOON]  FOOD: 2023 Forks and Corks Food and Wine Festival , April 20 – April 24, Various times

The 2023 Forks and Corks Food and Wine Festival will return for its 16th year. The Festival is scheduled for April 20-24, 2023 and offers a world-class weekend of winemaker dinners, interactive wine seminars and wine tastings that culminates with the alfresco Grand Tasting event at The Ringling Museum of Art Courtyard. Guests will savor delicious dishes presented by over 40 members of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals restaurant group and sample from a collection of more than 300 unique wines from across the globe. There will be live musical entertainment and an expansive silent auction of rare and collectible wines and experiences. Due to the unprecedented demand this year, there are three available ticket levels: VIP, early access and general admission. For more information on Forks and Corks and to purchase tickets, visit EatLikeALocal.com. Follow Forks and Corks on Facebook and Instagram.

[SOON]  THEATER: Asolo Repertory Theatre: Man of La Mancha , May 10 – June 11, Varied

Considered by many to be one of the best musicals of all time, MAN OF LA MANCHA is brilliantly reimagined with a contemporary urgency by celebrated director Peter Rothstein, who immerses us in Miguel de Cervantes’s retelling of Don Quixote and his quest. This epic and poignant journey celebrates the perseverance of one man who refuses to relinquish his ideals and who is determined to see life not as it is, but as it ought to be. The winner of five Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, and featuring a soaring score, including “Man of La Mancha (I, Don Quixote)” and one of theatre’s most beloved songs, “The Impossible Dream,” this classic musical celebrates the power of theatre, the bravery of holding strong to our dreams, and the resilience of imagination.

Asolo Repertory Theatre

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SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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