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AnythingArts.com Newsletter

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Welcome to AnythingArtsNewlsetter.com, a bi-monthly (2x a month) electronic arts & enter-tainment newsletter produced by artists, for artists, to promote everything from the funky and avant-garde to high-brow mainstream art and events. Thank you for helping AnythingArts Newlsetter.com to be so successful: tell a friend about us today, they’ll appreciate it. Don't forget to check out our AnythingArts.com site! Sign up now to receive the AnythingArtsNewsletter Featured Place The Longboat Key Center for the Arts
This issue our Featured Artist is not a person, but is, instead, a place: The Longboat Key Center for the Arts. You’ll notice that this isn’t our typical Featured Artist story, by far. We aren’t giving you the history of the LBK Center of the Arts, telling you who is in charge, who does what and how they do it. Instead we are giving you an idea of all that is going on there. You can read more on their website. The Longboat Key Center for the Arts has been merged for over two years with Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota’s own world-class art and design college. The roster of exhibitions, lectures and classes for 2009-2010 will engage, entertain, challenge and delight visitors to the art center. The focus for the months of October through December is an exhibition called “Aging in America: Challenging our Attitudes about Creativity and Aging," a thought-provoking series of exhibitions, events, lectures, performances and programs that provide an exploration of aging and agelessness. The feature exhibition in the Durante Gallery is by Ed Kashi, an international photojournalist who has dedicated his career to documenting the social and political issues that define our times. (Aging in America: the Years Ahead by Ed Kashi was organized by Talking Eyes Media and toured by George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film (Rochester, NY)) . The opening reception for Aging in America is Thursday, October 15 from 5 -7:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. “Ageless Creativity, Cabaret Night”: Wednesday, October 21 from 6:00 – 8:30 pm with Lillette Jenkins-Wisner, blues/jazz singer and pianist. Thursday, October 22, 5:00 – 7:00 pm is The Creative Life with Elizabeth Van Riper. Elizabeth will interview and moderate a panel discussion with composer Dr. Francis Schwartz, poet Justin Spring, artists Nat Krate and Gale Fulton-Ross in the new cultural-media room. The Opening Reception and Recognition Awards for this exhibition is October 30. These dedicated and inspirational artists over the age of 62 will be recognized for their creative contribution to the community and the arts: Poet Justin Spring, Artists Nat Krate, Frank Creaturo, Herbie Rose , Gale Fulton-Ross, Sculptor Dennis Kowal, Photographers Jean Germaine and Dr. Charles Reich, Writer/Playwight Jack Gilhooley, Singer Lillette Jenkins-Wisner, Composer/Musician Dr. Francis Schwartz. Ed Kashi will present a lecture on Wednesday, November 4 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm discussing his career and artwork. For tickets or information call 941-383-2345 or email mhauck@ringling.edu Location of the art center is 6860 Longboat Drive South, Longboat Key, FL



NOW [ selby gallery ] The Ringling College of Art & Design has a couple of very nice galleries and an impressive schedule of exhibits. Through October 31, the work of Robert Andrew Parker and Yoon Cho.

Coming soon [ sill ] The Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning includes the popular “Music Monday” series. Every Monday there is a different topic dealing with music and musical issues from January 4 – March 22, 2010. Why are we putting this in now for something happening so far away? Because you need to buy your tickets soon. Check the site links for details or call 941-365-6404.

Various Dates [ van wezel ] The Van Wezel has a a wide variety of performances scheduled, including Boyz II Men, Jewel, Stephen King, The Ten Tenors and Jackson Browne... all in November. Check the VW site for dates and information.



October 15 [ to the punta ] The Presseller Gallery (Olympia Ave. in Punta Gorda) presents the plein air oils and watercolors of Ron Smith in an exihibtion entitled “The Florida Landscape.” Opening reception on the 15th from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.

October 16 [ midday jazz concert ] The Jazz Club of Sarasota presents “Jazz at Two” with Kitt Moran and the Mike Moran Quartet. The time is 2:00 – 4:00 pm at the Bayfront Community Center at 803 N. Tamiami Trail. Call the Jazz Hotline at 941-316-9207 or call a real person at 941-366-1552.

October 16 & 17 [ don’t lose your head ] Suncoast Youth Theatre presents a different version of the seasonal classic, “Legend of Sleepy Hollow." The Glenridge Performing Arts Center is the venue for this family-friendly production. Tickets are on sale now: adults $10 and children under 12 are $5. Call 941-228-4521 for more info and tix.

October 16 – 18 [ viva venice ] The 2009 Sun Fiesta at, Centennial Park in Venice, is full of music, arts & crafts, the Miss Sun Fiesta pageant , poets, rockets and food & beer. A project of the Women’s Sertoma Club of Venice.

October 16 & 23 [ jazz band ] The Bay Street Jazz Band mixes it up at the Blue Marlin restaurant every Friday from 6:30 - 9:30 pm. The Blue Marlin is located on the NW corner of Beneva and Webber (behind Goodwill). The band is guitarist Lowell Gilbertson (Murray when doing stand-up), Bobbie Doran on sax, Sonny Shake on drums, Billie Smith on bass and sometimes a guy called Skin on the Flugelhorn (Skin may be in the witness protection program for all we know, because his real name is a mystery). Check it out.

October 16 – 30 [ documentary theatre ] The Asolo Rep presents an FSU/Asolo Conservatory production in partnership with the Ringling Museum of Art. As their site says, “Using the words of middle school students, 'Life in the Middle' investigates what it means to be an adolescent in today’s world." This brand new piece of documentary theatre promises to ignite questions and create a multi-generational dialogue exploring the real life experiences of middle school students in our community and beyond. Building on questions of identity, community and character raised in the play, museum educators have constructed a gallery tour from the permanent collection. Free for student groups. For more information contact Leah Page, Education Associate at 941-351-9010 ext. 3306.

October 17 [ plants and art ] The Palma Sola Botanical Park’s annual plant, art, crafts and antique sale is this Saturday from 8:00 – 4:00 pm. There’s lots to see, do and eat and even live music. Call 941-761-2866 for more information. Click here for a map.



October 17 [ kaleidoscope ] The Arts Council of Englewood, volunteers from the Lemon Bay Playhouse, the Englewood Arts Center and the Ringling College of Art & Design invite the public to “Kaleidoscope of the Arts” from 3:00 – 8:00 pm in the 300-400 blocks of West Dearborn Street, Englewood. The live stage show is at 5:00 pm and the event is full of art, dance, music, street performers, magic and food.

October 17 – 18 [ peek-a-boo ] Fuzion Dance Artists take you “Behind the Curtain” at The Players Theatre. Directed by Leymis Bolanos Wilmott and choreography by some of the area’s best. Q & A session with the performers after the production. Call 941-368-2494. Times vary, so check the Box Office or website.

October 18 [ art show ] The Jewish Housing Council Foundation presents The 3rd Annual Art & Craft Show at Kobernick House featuring original and eclectic fine arts created by professional, emerging and Ringling College of Art & Design student artists. All proceeds from this event benefit the Benevolent Assistance Program. For more information please contact Mindi Rohan, Director of Development at 941-377-0781.

October 19 [ food for thought ] Elizabeth Van Riper invites you to join her and guest, Iain Webb (Artistic Director of the Sarasota Ballet) at Michael’s Wine Cellar from 6:00 - 9:30 pm. Food for Thought is an evening of food, wine and artful discussion. Reservations required. Call 941-366-0007 ext. 224.



Opening October 20 [ cool cats ] Florida Studio Theatre presents “That’s Life." As FST describes the show, and we pinched in verbatim: “Three cool cats and one brassy broad perform the memorable sounds of the supper clubs of the 50s and 60s. As the teeny boppers had their bubblegum music, the grown-ups were listening to Sinatra, Dino and Clooney. Songs such as "New York, New York," "You're Nobody 'til Somebody Loves You" and "Only You" pay tribute to the classic era.” Call 941-366-9000 for tickets and information now.

NOW [ didn’t we say now? ] The Golden Apple Dinner Theatre presents “Run for Your Wife” and its sequel “Caught in the Net” in rotating repertory. Written by Britain’s Ray Cooney, these superb examples of British farce have had audiences rolling in the aisles in both London and New York. While both plays will be playing on alternate nights, each play can stand on its own merits. “Run For Your Wife” runs through November 27; you can catch “Caught in the Net” through November 29. For reservations or more information, phone the Golden Apple box office at 941-366-5454.

October 21 – 24 [ up, up and a play ] Under the direction of Scott Keys, actors at Booker Visual & Performing Arts High School present “Flight of the Lawnchair Man.” You’ll enjoy this uplifting new musical with book by Peter Ullian and music & lyrics by Robert Nassif Lindsay which follows down-and-out Wal-Mart employee Jerry Gorman as he decides to pursue his boyhood dream of flying. He is grounded from being a pilot by his dyslexia, and upended from NASA’s space program for a questionable government conspiracy in his family background. Musically direction by Johnny Mnich. For tickets and information, call Booker and ask for Judy Piercy at 941-355-2967.

October 22 & 23 [ piano, poetry and prose oh my! ] Lera Auerbach, 35, is one of the leading contemporary classical composers in the world, a concert piano virtuoso and a writer. What took her so long to do something with her life? Auerbach is an Artist in Residence at the Hermitage Artist’s Retreat and on the 22nd at 5:30 pm she presents “A Portrait in Words and Music” at the Historic Asolo Theatre. Then on the 23rd at 6:00 pm Lera will read some of her poetry on the sandy beach at the Hermitage. If you have read this far, the reward is that both of these programs are free. Call the Asolo at 941-360-7399 to reserve a seat. If you are going to Manasota Key for the beach performance, be sure to take a chair or mat. For more information about this call 941-475-2098.

October 22 - 24 [ blue eyes and cocktails ] “Unsung Sinatra," the songs that Sinatra loved, and songs he performed interpreted by accomplished musicians Phil Picciotti, vocals; Dominic Mancini, bass; Eddie Tobin, keyboards; and Henry Ettman, drums. Where: The Backstage Theatre at The Players. Cost: $20 cocktail table seating and one complimentary beer or glass of wine. $15 general admission. Call 941-365-2494 for tickets.



October 22, 24, 25 [ cello, cello can you hear me now ] Sarasota Orchestra’s first “Masterworks” concert of the season is called “At Exhibition” and “explores the fruitful relationship between music and visual art, featuring a performance of Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition," which was inspired by the art of his close friend Viktor Hartmann. Hartmann’s original paintings, as well as new artwork inspired by Mussorgsky’s fiery music, will be projected on screen. Plus, enjoy Tchaikovsky’s Francesca da Rimini and guest artist Zuill Bailey performing the deeply emotional Cello Concerto by Edward Elgar.” This special SO event is at the Van Wezel. Call 941-953-3434 for information.

October 23 [ ten-hut ] The United States Army Vocal Quartet kicks off Faith Lutheran Church’s music series with a free concert. For more information, call 941-924-4664.

October 23 - 25 [ more jazz ] The Jazz Club Sarasota’s October Jazz Festival is here with three days of music at the Holiday Inn at SRQ (airport). Day and night shows.



October 24 [ artist’s market ] The Artists' Market in the Historic Burns Court District of Sarasota offers a unique experience in a beautiful setting. It’s a place where local and surrounding area artists come to display and sell handmade jewelry, quilts, home decor, parrot toys, greeting cards, photography, angel art, oil paintings, black/white sketches, metal sculpture, tee shirts, sea shell gifts, magnets, jewelry findings and exotic teas. Check it out from 10:00 - 5:00 pm. Need more information? Call 941-927-6845.

October 24 [ singer in concert ] Vocalist Richard Caldwell sings Romance Songs from contemporary Broadway, jazz standards and French classics. The show is at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center at 8:00 pm. Call 941-552-5300 for information.

Opens October 25 [ poe at the crosley ] Master of the macabre Edgar Allan Poe is joined by detective novelist Anna Katharine Green to present terrifying tales and suspenseful stories during the Powel Crosley Theatre's "Poe at the Crosley." Limited engagement - shows are 2:00 pm October 25 and 31; and 7:30 pm October 25, 27, 28 and 29. Tickets cost $18-$22. "Party With Poe" on Halloween night offers a hauntingly good time at the Crosley mansion, beginning at 6:30 pm with hors d'oeuvres and cash bar, followed by a performance of "Poe at the Crosley." The evening concludes with Edgar and Katharine joining you for desserts, coffee and conversation. Admission to this ghoulish affair is $65. Tickets/info: 941-722-3244.

Opening October 28 [ who, what, huh? ] The FSU/Asolo Conservatory presents “The Mystery Plays” by Roberto Aguirre Sacasa in the Cook Theatre. Experience “two modern tales of psychological terror and the unknown. A young filmmaker barely escapes a deadly train accident and discovers how close we all live to the afterlife. And a brother and sister try to assemble the details of a murder fifteen years later. Call 941-351-8000 for tickets and information. Plus... Pay What You Can on Tuesday, October 27 and November 3!



Opening October 28 [ theatre theater ] Lemon Bay Playhouse’s second play of the season is “Cheating Cheaters." The play was written by John Patrick, writer of the Opal series as well as “Teahouse of the August Moon” and “The Hasty Heart." The play involves the adventures of two lovable larcenous sisters who impersonate begging nuns in order to put their niece through art school and is being directed by Matt McCord. 941-475-6456. (The originally scheduled play, “Mary, Mary," has been replaced by “Cheating Cheaters” due to unforeseen circumstances. Tickets that say “Mary, Mary” will be honored for “Cheating Cheaters." There is no need to exchange tickets exchange tickets.)

October 29 – November 8 [ players musical ] Created and written by The Players Artistic Director, Jeffery Kin, “Red Hot Operetta” is a musical trip around the world featuring the songs of many popular operettas like “The Merry Widow,” “HMS Pinafore,” “Mikado” and “Pirates of Penzance.” Tickets are on sale now at 941-365-2494.

October 30 – November 11 [ green music ] Sarasota Opera presents “La traviata” with only six performances. La traviata is the story of a courtesan and how flowing wine, wild parties and a passel of male admirers is killing her. Tickets start at just $19 and even though the opera is in Italian, there is a big screen above the stage translating everything in to English for you. Show times and dates vary, so visit the Opera website. Call 941-366-8450 ext. 1 for tickets and information.

Through October 31 [ purposeful art ] "Battered Woman Syndrome," a larger-than-life-size figurative sculpture created by artist Ed Miracle to raise awareness of domestic violence, is on display at the Manatee County Administrative Office Building (1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton). It is dedicated to all who have died at the hands of a loved one.

Through November 2 [ art in the damnedest places ] Jamie Kirkell is exhibiting his silk floral paintings at Simons Restaurant. Jamie has exhibited his Orchid and Iris paintings at Botanical Gardens throughout the Americas and his commissioned works are in the collections of Carnival Tours, the Chrysler Building in NY and Turnberry Isle Resort, Ventura, FL.

Through November 6 [ homeless ] “I Am Home,” is an art initiative of the Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness, presenting work by local homeless artists. These works are filled with color and emotion, illustrating the souls of these artists living on the streets. Any money made from the art goes to the artists and to art resources for the homeless. The exhibit is at ArtCenter Manatee (209 Ninth Street W., Bradenton). Call 941-746-2862 for more information.

Through November 14 [ exhibit ] Katharine Butler Gallery kicks off the 2009-2010 season full of exhibitions, lectures, and demonstrations with a group show of this season's gallery artists. Reception for the Artists Friday October 16th, 2009 6:00 – 10:00 pm during the Third Friday Towles Court Artwalk.


Barbara Strauss is a powerhouse or, as one of her friends said to me, she’s a force of nature. She’s high energy and, excuse the Palin-esque term, “kinda spunky, ya know.” She looks like a musician with her dark sunglasses, even darker long hair, and I don’t think I have ever seen her in anything but a black t-shirt and black pants (although she swears she alternates with jeans and white t-shirts). She lives and loves her job. Barbara is the Executive Producer of the Sarasota Blues Festival, coming up on October 24. She’s not just the producer though, she is the owner, publicist, marketer, and everything else rolled in to one. That’s not to say that she does it all by herself, no, she has a cadre of dedicated and loyal volunteers that she speaks highly of. In fact, it was a chore to get Barbara to really say anything about herself when we met last week. She did confess a serious sugar addiction, which she feed, while we talked, with some chocolate on chocolate kind of Barnes & Noble pastry. She constantly moved the conversation away from herself and back to the Blues Festival and to the PAL Sailor Circus. I could have dug deeper, but what she was saying was important and that’s what you’re getting here. This year is the 19th Annual Sarasota Blues Festival. Barbara took over the reigns way back in the third year. The Blues Festival is a big event, with big stars and big crowds. One thing that isn’t big is the price of the event. Barbara is quick to point out the Sarasota Blues Festival is for everyone and keeping the price at $20 ($25 the day of) is very important to her. She wants to make sure it’s affordable entertainment for the whole family; you can take your kids with you for free (now, if you are 80 and your kids are 60- don’t push it). But seriously, parents with four kids get in for just the cost of the adults. This year the line-up at the Festival includes “Little Feat”. Starting time is 11:00 am at Ed Smith (baseball) Stadium. All the information is at www.SarasotaBluesFest.com. Now, a little more about Barbara: She’s been around and doing what she loves for a long time. “Back in the day” she was the publicist for Twinkle and a go between with Warner Records. Today, in addition to the Blues Fest, Barbara works with some high profile clients and does a lot of volunteer work for the PAL Sailor Circus. For the last few years Barbara has produced fundraising concerts for the circus featuring acts like STYX and Foreigner. The sell-out performances have raised a good amount of money for the Pal Sailor Circus en route to their fundraising goals to renovate the buildings and continue their great programs with kids throughout the area. Barbara is also a major supporter via contributions made to the circus from the Blues Festival. To wrap up this (repeated and edited) Featured Artist segment, I am going to recap the highlights: Barb is cool. Sarasota Blues Festival is October 24th at Ed Smith Stadium and is the cheapest concert you’ll ever find with multiple, national acts appearing. Kids are free. PAL Sailor Circus needs to raise more money. Oh yeah, Sarasota Blues Festival is fun and cheap (I know I repeated). Rick

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[ voice and speech training ] John Burr offers voiceover and speech training at his new studio in Sarasota. And this year, he's added a new program for kids from 14 to 18, called the Young Talent Program. Whatever your needs, with his many years of experience, John can help you develop into a world-class voiceover talent or public speaker. Check out John's website for the details.

[ casting call ] Local filmmakers at the State College of Florida are shooting an indie film called “Ghosts.” There is a need for a bunch of actors from age 20 to 60 and even a need for an actor nearly 7 feet tall. Shooting takes place in November. Contact Dylan H. Jones at hlodylanj@gmail.com for more information. Click here to read a synopsis and character breakdown.

October 17 [ ballet auditions ] The West Coast Civic Ballet is holding open auditions for the Moscow Ballet's performance of the Great Russian Nutcracker at 3:00 pm at SRQ Dance, Inc., 3303 Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota. The audition is open to children ages 7 - 18 who have dance experience and live in Sarasota or Manatee county. There is an audition fee. Find an audition application form here or call Deborah Vinton at 941-504-6762 for more info.

[ call to artists ] Mote Marine Laboratory is now accepting entry applications for art representing Mote's 55 years of preserving our world's marine environment and advancing marine science for entry in a week-long exhibition in March. Selected artworks will be shown in the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium 55th Anniversary Celebration Juried Art Exhibition. The display will greet guests in Mote Aquarium, which attracts 300,000 visitors each year, including the opening and closing receptions and a silent auction. Catch a glimmering snook on canvas, sketch a darting dolphin, get colorful with corals — explore the sea of possibilities. For more information, submission and entry forms. Please address questions to Exhibition Chairwoman, Deborah Dart.

Starting October 23 [ workshop ] Kathleen Horne is re-introducing her popular workshop, “Art as a Healing Process," as a series of 6 workshops, each with a specific theme. Participants may attend any or all sessions. Friday mornings, 9:00 - 11:30 am on Oct 23, 30, Nov 6, 13, 20, Dec 4. $35 per session ($180 for all 6) includes supplies. Visit the web link for a list of workshop titles and for more information. Call 941-366-9595 or email kathleen@expressiveartsflorida.com

Due November 2 [ bridge run t-shirt design contest ] Sarasota Family YMCA is looking for local artists to design the T-shirt for the New Balance Ringling Bridge Run. The winning T-shirt design, which will be selected by the Bridge Run race committee, will be printed on over 2,000 T-shirts. They are looking for creative and inspiring designs that capture the excitement of this family event. The overall winner of the contest will receive a free six-month family membership at the Sarasota Family YMCA, free entry into the 2010 race, and a $100 gift certificate to New Balance Sarasota. Complete design requirements. Deadline for entries is November 2, 2009.

[ call for artists ] The City of Sarasota is looking for artists to create a sculpture for the Newtown park named after Commissioner Fredd Atkins, and it will pay up to $75,000 for the work. Fredd “Glossie” Atkins Park, at the corner of U.S. 301 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, underwent a $1.1 million renovation in 2006. The city is issuing a national call to artists for a “significant sculpture” to be placed in the park. Three finalists will be selected by the end of October, and they will make presentations to a selection committee no later than December 15. The artist selected to create the sculpture will then have four months to complete and install the artwork. The $75,000 includes delivery, installation and a two-year warranty.

Auditions [ pick me, no me ] Be sure to check the audition pages of local theaters to make sure you don’t miss anything (click the theater name): Florida Studio Theatre • The Players Theatre of Sarasota • Manatee Players • The Golden Apple • Island Players • Asolo Repertory Theatre • Venice Theatre • Lemon Bay Playhouse
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