Thursday, February 18, 2010 [ Visit us online ]
 
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!
Share 
Sign up now to receive the AnythingArtsNewsletter

Featured Artist
Bill Muzzillo
Our Featured Artist this week is our friend, Bill. I first met Bill, and his partner, Jim, back in 2001 when I sold them a condo on Palmer Ranch. They became quick friends of Peg and I and we share a regular Friday “movie night” with them every winter. We alternate who gets to select the movies: one week Bill will select an artsy film and then the next week I’ll pick a good movie.

Bill is a mid-west guy and got a degree in music back when I was still in middle school (I love the jabs, though I will pay for it later). From there he went to NYC and performed as Morrison and Muzzillo; Bill on piano (he is really quite good) and Mary Lynn Morrison singing in a cabaret act. They performed all over NYC at places like The 88’s. (Ok, Peg just told me that saying Bill’s piano playing is “quite good” is a gross understatement, and she suggested the word “brilliant." I don’t use those types of words, but it is true that Bill’s playing is brilliant. Happy?)

When the performing came to an end, Bill headed to Chicago and wound up teaching, as an Associate Professor, at City College of Chicago for a million years (upper-cut); teaching English, film and literature. He is retired now, but still teaches a film-lit class on-line.

In Sarasota, Bill is active with Theatre Odyssey. Summering in Michigan, Bill produced, and was artistic director for, the first 10-minute play festival in Western Michigan, “Eight by Ten.” He also hosted a regular film screening event at The Red Barn in Saugatuck. As an actor, Bill won critical acclaim in the Barn production of “Revival at Possum Kingdom Community Church” (by Linda LaRocque). The play not only took top honors at the 2007 Community Theatre Association of Michigan Play Festival, Bill and the cast also won the coveted “Best Ensemble” award and went on to represent Michigan in the Regional Competition of the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) Fest. The play continues to be an audience favorite at theatres around the country.
Bill is a credentialed film scholar, I am not, and our taste in movies and plays sometimes merge, but mostly we enjoy the banter that comes from differing opinions (mine = right; his = wrong… this is my newsletter, after all). In the end, Bill is a great guy and very talented, in his own right. (He is out of town this week and probably won’t see this, so I can deny saying both the good and jabby things if questioned). –Rick Hughes

Watch a rehearsal.
RSVP/TICKETS/SHOWS/ETC
Do you know?
[ anythingarts.com ]

You are reading the AnythingArts.com newsletter right now, so we know you know about it. But do you know that the AnythingArts.com website contains over 5,700 photos, 270 videos, 122 discussions, 1670 events on the calendar and has 578 Blog posts? The AnythingArts.com website is open to all, but members can post their artwork too. There are over 1,400 members interacting and sharing the arts. The website gets over 25,000 new page views per month with the average visit lasting nearly 4 minutes. Now you know.
February 16 – March 14
[ yesterday, yesterday ]

Venice Theatre presents “Annie." As if you don’t know the story line, here it is from the VT website: “Music by Charles Strouse, Lyrics by Martin Charnin, book by Thomas Meehan, Based on the Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie Annie is a spunky depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, befriends President Roosevelt and finds a new family and home in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy." Call 941-488-1115 for tickets and information.
February 18 – March 1
[ cutting up ]

At Florida Studio Theatre, in the Gompertz Theatre: “Shear Madness” is the hilarious whodunit where the audience gets to solve the crime. A mixture of improvisation and up-to-the-minute spontaneous humor, the play is different every time you see it. Set today, in a hairstyling salon in the city, the landlady Isabel Czerny who lives above the shop is murdered, and every one of the actors has a reason to do her in. The audience gets involved in the action by questioning the actors and attempting to solve the crime. Call 941-366-9000 for tickets and information.
February 18 – March 7
[ coitins ]

The Manatee Players present “Curtains” and describe it thusly: “A delightful return to old-fashioned musical comedy, CURTAINS unfolds backstage at Boston's Colonial Theatre in 1959 at a pre-Broadway tryout of a new musical. When the talent-free leading lady dies on opening night during her curtain call, Lieutenant Frank Cioffi arrives on the scene to conduct an investigation. But the lure of the theatre proves irresistible and after an unexpected romance blooms for the stage-struck detective, he finds himself just as drawn toward making the show a hit, as he is in solving the murder.” Call 941-748-5875.

Sarasota Consultants - John Johnson

February 19
[ free courtyard concert ]

Susan James & The Hooligans perform live this week in Sarasota at the Towles Court Arts District courtyard, during the Third Friday Towles Court Artwalk (6:00 - 10:00 pm). The group’s broad range includes folk, blues, country and a little rock-and-roll and, in addition to their original music, they play Dylan, Raitt, Ronstadt the Eagles and more.
 
February 19 (and Feb. 20 - 28)
[ father & son ]

Family Traditions” is an artist’s reception featuring the artwork of Frank and Sean Colson on Friday from 5:00 - 8:00 pm in the Mansion at Phillippi Estate Park (5500 S. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota). The exhibit continues from February 20 - 28. All donations and raffle proceeds benefit the restoration of the historic Phillippi Farmhouse. Call 941-861-5000.
February 19 - 21
[ hot tip...py toes ]

The Sarasota Ballet honors the late choreographer Andre Prokovsky and highlights the work of their resident choreographer Dominic Walsh in a series of five performances beginning Friday, February 19 at 8:00 pm, Saturday at 2:00 and 8:00 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm and a special 7:00 pm show. Strong sales and sold out houses in January have prompted the Ballet to add the Sunday evening show to accommodate all who wish to attend. The performances will take place at the FSU Performing Arts Center (5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota). Call 941-351-8000.
Sarasota Ballet
February 19 - 28
[ blood-sucking play ]

State College of Florida’s Studio 84 Productions presents “Dracula,” a faithful adaptation of Bram Stokers' 1987 novel, at 8:00 pm, Friday - Saturday, Feb. 19 -20, and Thursday - Saturday, Feb. 25-27, in the David S. & Anne W. Howard Studio Theatre, located in building 11 West at SCF Bradenton (5840 26th St. West). Matinee performances at 2:00 pm, Sunday, Feb. 21 and Feb. 28. Written by American playwright Steven Dietz, the play chronicles Transylvanian Count Dracula’s efforts to exert his will upon London as several residents fight to save themselves from a hideous fate. The play is directed by Kenneth Erickson Jr. Cast members are Jeff Beghtel as Seward; Colin Brady as Harker; Kate Hoffman as Mina; Carl MacMichael as Renfield; Katelyn Studer as Lucy; Grace Vitale as Van Helsing; and Gilbert Ortiz as Dracula. Other cast members include Rachael Bayor, Mary Bellows, Nicole Cunningham, Adam Condor, Emily Jamieson, Janet Raines, Edson Seide and Michael Walton. Call 941-752-5252 for more information.
February 20
[ lots of bands ]

The Cock & Bull (975 Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota) is hosting 35 bands, on two stages, at the Noise Ordinance CD Release Party from noon until 2:00 am There’s over 14 hours of music from folk to punk and everything in between. Lots to eat and drink. Doors open at 11:45 am Rain date Feb. 21.
February 22
[ singing divas ]

Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project is proud to present “DIVAS DO GARLAND – IN CONCERT” at the Players Theatre at 7:30 pm. Proceeds from this event will benefit Michael Boch Health Center of Manatee and Trinity Charities in Sarasota; organizations that provide services to people living with HIV and AIDS. “DIVAS DO GARLAND – IN CONCERT”, is a 90-minute tribute to the sensational music of Judy Garland. The event will feature co-emcees Carolyn Michael and Roberta MacDonald and musical stars Sharon Scott, Ann Morrison, Forrest Richards, Kyle Ennis Turoff, and more. Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased by calling the Players Box Office at 941-365-2494.
OMG… what the heck is this? Who are Royce and Marilyn?
February 22, March 1 & March 8
[ three music lectures ]

The Sarasota Institute for Lifetime Learning continues its Music Monday Series at 10:30 at Sarasota Orchestra’s Holley Hall. On 2/22, “Banging the Drum Softly” with Florida Orchestra timpanist John Bannon; 3/1 “The Leader of the Band” with Metropolitan Opera conductor Joseph Colaneri; 3/8 “It’s More than Ooom-pah-pah” with Jay Hunsberger, principal tubist with Sarasota Orchestra. All three gentlemen will speak about their respective instruments, the history behind it and its importance to the orchestra. 941-365-6404.
February 23 – 28
[ spicy meatballa ]

Abba’s music inspired the Broadway smash “Mamma Mia!” and the hit movie. Live on stage at the Van Wezel. Tickets on sale now at 941-953-3368. (I, Rick, resisted seeing the movie because, well, Abba and a singing Meryl Streep. But, I admit, I liked the movie and enjoyed the light-hearted plot. I am sure it is a lively production.)
February 26
[ swampy blues ]

The Moon Over Myakka Concert Series continues with Ben Prestage at 7:00 pm. The concert is under the stars at Myakka River State Park (9 miles east of I-75 on Clark Road)Ben's music is a mix of FL swamp Blues and Mississippi Blues; something he comes by naturally; his grandfather was a Mississippi share cropper and Ben grew up in the swamps of south central Florida. When is the last time you got away from the concrete, lights and noise and listened to some good ol' acoustic music under the full moon? Yeah, thought so. For more information, call 941 361-6511 or 941 373-7839. 
February 26
[ touch of glass ]

The Selby Gallery, on the campus of the Ringling College of Art & Design, presents a special glass sculpture exhibition. As they say, “This exhibition demonstrates that glass is now being used to create sculpture and installations that utilize the unique appearance of the medium and how it can create mind boggling installations. In Gallery I the three-dimensional forms of Kathleen Mulcahy and Ron Desmett will be on view. The walls of Gallery II will be lined with a Martin Prekop installation.” Call 941-359-7563 for more information.


February 27
[ magic show for kids ]

Little Bookworms,” children’s bookstore and boutique (Main St., Lakewood Ranch), is celebrating it’s 5 year anniversary, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm, with story time, games, drawing lessons and a magic show by Camp Cigma. Call 941-907-3808.

Opening February 27
[ not tom jones ]

Engelbert Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel” comes to life at the Sarasota Opera. Sung in English, the three-act opera is the classic story of two mischievous children, a wicked witch and a twisted plot. Call 941-366-8450.
February 27
[ guitar ]

The duo Gonzales & Koch will perform at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at 7:30 pm. The Argentine press acclaimed Pablo González Jazey´s interpretation of the Concierto de Aranjuez as “a flawless and subtle performance... brilliant interpretation...” Thomas Koch, founding president of GuitarSarasota performed at Weill Recital Hall in New York City, the German Embassy Auditorium in Washington DC, Eglise Saint-Merri in Paris, France and Kulturhaus Mitte in Berlin, Germany. In 2006, he founded GuitarSarasota, which has become one of the most successful non-profit classical guitar organizations in Florida. Call 941-362-2991.
February 28
[ millman & wbtt ]

The annual luncheon of the CUNY Alumni Group is at Michael’s On East from 11-2:00. The guest speaker is Howard Millman, President of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT). Entertainment will be provided by WBTT members Maria Wirries and Diana Harrington. For reservations and info call Sehlly Youngelman at 941-462-1167.
February 28 – March 6
[ jazz festival ]

The 30th Annual Sarasota Jazz Festival starts at Philippi Estate Park (5500 S. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota) from 12-5:00 pm and continues with a different performance at different venues each day through the Festival. There’s no way we could list it all here, so click the link and get the scoop, daddy-o, on the Festival website. Dig it! Jazz hotline number is 941-316-9207.
March 3
[ one woman ]

The artwork of Ellen Kaiden is on exhibit at the Harmony Gallery (insider the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center) March 2-31 and includes an artist’s reception on March 3rd from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. A portion of all sales benefits the Sarasota Orchestra.
March 3
[ jazz-a-van trolley ]

The Jazz Club of Sarasota’s annual Jazz Caravan by Trolley rolls around town from 6-7:00 pm and includes stops at 7 different venues featuring area jazz bands. Call 941-366-1553 for details. (look at the fun Betty Comora and Ron Drischel are having in this photo).
March 3 – 21
[ conservatory play ]

Machinal” is in the FSU/Asolo Converatory’s Cook Theatre. It’s the story of an ordinary woman “foolish enough” to believe that she can have it all. Her inevitable downfall and shattering conclusion keep theatre-goers talking long after the curtain. Call 941-351-8000 for tickets and information.
March 6
[ reVISION ]

The Village of the Arts, Bradenton, is pleased to host for the second year, reVISION, an art sale of works by artists who recycle and repurpose materials in their work. Stroll around the Village Saturday from 11:00 - 4:00 pm to see and buy unique items such as sculptures from garden hoses, jewelry from silverware, ornaments from aluminum cans and even painted bowling balls! Florida Blood Services will on site from 12 to 4 for blood donations, and Manatee County Extension Service will be on hand to explain composting and rain barrels. Some galleries will be featuring recycling artists during the month of March. The Baobab Tree will have the sculptures of Sarasota artist Maia Rubin and St. Petersburg artists the Renaissance Men. Dancing Crane Gallery will have Rita Balcomb and Robert Connollys' clock made from discarded computers. For more information, Christine Turner 941 776-7602.

 

March 6
[ pop goes the art ]

Palmetto Art Center (PAC- 907 5th St. W., Palmetto) will showcase POST POP artworks by world-renowned and talented local artists at an opening night party Saturday, March 6th, from 5:00 - 9:00 pm. One of the many Post Pop artists on display is David McGough. More than 100 of McGough’s photographs have made the cover of The New York Post and also dozens of magazines like LIFE, Vanity Fair and Playboy. McGough, an Anna Maria resident, is a painter and original mixed-medium artist. Others involved in this exciting exhibit include, Carrie Price Wheatley, artist and owner of Innervisions Gallery in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts, Layla Copeland, “casual cartoonist” Hugo Porcaro and photgrapher Bill Martin. There will be music by the Gumbo Boogie Band. The exhibition continues through March 30. Call 941-518-2109
March 6 & 7
[ shave and a haircut ]

The State Champion Sarasota Chorus of the Keys is paying homage to Broadway's Fabulous Ladies in their 61st Annual Show. The 100-man Chorus, under the direction of renowned barbershop coach Don Clause, will send up those feisty femmes in a song-filled spectacular at the brand-new Riverview Performing Arts Center (1 Ram Way, Sarasota). In addition to the main chorus, the comedic quartet Hot Shots, known for their blend of humor and harmony, will be performing fresh off a big win at the International Barbershop Convention. The Sarasota Chorus is also happy to welcome Fortissimo to the annual show, another award-winning quartet who started singing together while in college almost ten years ago. Tickets range from $20 to $40 and can be purchased by calling the Chorus at 941-484-7589.
John Burr Voice Over Lessons
"I have found AnythingArts.com to be the most effective vehicle for my marketing efforts in Sarasota." ~ John Burr (advertise with us)
March 7 – 10
[ jewish film fest ]

The Jewsih Film Festival of Sarasota-Manatee, presented in partnership with the Sarasota Film Festival, will screen “Seven Minutes in Heaven,” “Holy Land Hardball,” “Leap of Faith,” and “Jaffa.” Some are narrative and some are documentaries. Call 941-374-4546 for more information. The festival will be at the Beatrice Friedman Theatre on the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Campus.
March 9, 10, 11
[ watercolor this ]

Art & Frame of Sarasota is sponsoring Karen Vernon’s Watercolor Workshop, “The Flavors of Watercolor.” There is also a free demonstration on March 8 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. The workshop is at St. Paul’s Lutheran (2256 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota) and includes breakfast and lunch each day. Call 941-366-2301 for details.
Back to Top
Village of the Arts Venice Theatre Lazy Fairy Improv @ The Players
FOR MORE THINGS TO SEE AND DO, BE SURE TO VISIT THE
ANYTHINGARTS.COM EVENTS CALENDAR!
Don’t see your information in this issue?

You’d be surprised how many press releases we get and just how l...o...n...g some of them are. Really, a 2,000 word press release with details spread out in different paragraphs is too much to read when reading dozens of them.

So, in order to help you press release submitters, and to help us keep our sanity, AnythingArts.com Newsletter has a suggestion on increasing your chances for inclusion in upcoming issues. All you have to do is to submit your information in a form that we can simply cut-and-paste. That means submitting the information in a single paragraph that contains the who, what, where, when, why and how much. After the story, not in it, include any web addresses the story should be linked to and a .jpg photo. If we can use the story as is, we will. We may edit it to take out ultra-superlatives and such, but we will make sure you get in if you help us in this way.**

If you are submitting press releases... take a minute and look at our layout and what our event stories look like. That’s what we need.

Send all releases for local arts related events to Press@AnythingArts.com and, please, no more than month ahead of the event date. To further increase your visibility, visit www.AnythingArts.com and enter your event on our events calendar too.

** Though we will attempt to include every story submitted, we reserve the right to not include things that are too far a departure from “arts." We also concentrate on events and we don’t simply report the news. Lastly, to keep the issues from looking the same every time, we will not run recurring events in every issue nor will post things too far in advance.
Sarasota Film Festival 2010
Sign up now to receive the AnythingArtsNewsletter

Auditions, Classes & Opportunities

[ 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.
 
February 27
[ voiceover training ]

Christine Alexander highly recommends this workshop. Have you ever wondered if you had what it takes to be a voiceover artist? This special 1-Day Introductory Voiceover Basics Workshop, by professional instructor John Burr, includes an overview of the voiceover industry, the basics of technique, script analysis, one-on-one time for critique and invaluable tips on improving your speaking and presentation skills. No experience is necessary and you get the opportunity to try it in a real sound studio. Feb 27, 2010 at 9am-1:30pm $95 Check out Burr's website for more details.
February 22
[ banyan auditions ]

The Banyan Theater Company is holding auditions for its summer 2010 season on Monday, February 22 from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm and 1:30 - 5:00 pm at the FSU Center for Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Seeking men and women who appear to be between 25 and 60 for the plays "Ghosts," "The Drawer Boy" and "Side Man." Prepare a five-minute (max) audition with two contrasting pieces; bring headshots and resume. For more info, call Jerry Finn at 941-351-1277 or click here.
Auditions February 27
[ deaf, dumb, blind kid... ]

...sure plays a mean pinball. The Players Theatre is mounting The Who’s “Tommy” and they need teen boys and girls. Call 941-365-2494 to reserve a spot. Audtioners are to come prepared with a 1-minute song & dance. Rehearsals begin March 8th and performances are April 22 – May 2.
[ actors needed ]

TWO men between the ages of 15 and 50 for roles as Russians in Fiddler on the Roof at The Players Theatre. These are ensemble roles, so there aren't a lot of lines to memorize. It's a terrific show with a great cast, so the experience should be lots of fun. The play opens March 18 and runs till March 28. E-mail Carole at cxmx2@comcast.net if you're interested.
[ auditions ]

Venice Theatre has the following upcoming auditions: Beast on the Moon (Drama) - Auditions Feb. 28 & March 1 at 7:30 pm - Performances are April 15 - May 2. - Directed by Murray Chase.
Doubt (Drama) - Auditions March 7 & 8 at 7:30 pm - Performances are May 4 – 23. - Directed by Sandy Davisson. Honk (Musical) - Auditions March 21 at 2 pm & March 22 at 7 pm - Performances are May 11 – 23. Married Alive! (Musical) - Auditions March 28 & 29 at 7:30 pm - Performances are May 28 - June 13. - Directed by Michael Newton-Brown.
Due April 1
[ players seeks original plays ]

The Players Theatre is accepting original plays for its 10th annual “The Plays the Thing” play writing competition and festival, open to Gulf Coast residents over the age of 18. A committee of judges will select a minimum of six new plays, never performed for an audience, to be presented the week of July 26 at The Players Theatre. Full-length plays (no musicals) are preferred, although one-act shows will be considered. Interested playwrights should submit a hard copy only of their play to: The Players, 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236. For more info, call 941-365-2494.
Mondays & Tuesdays
[ israeli folk dancing ]

Learn the art of Israeli Folk Dancing on one or both days: Monday’s from 7:00 - 9:30 pm at the Bayfront Community Center (803 N.Tamiami Tr.) and Tuesday’s from 3:30 - 5:00 pm at New College’s Fitness Center (5639 Gen. Twinning Blvd.). Studies show that dancing is good for you, both physically and mentally. Give it a twirl.
Ongoing
[ art classes & workshops ]

Did you know that Art & Frame of Sarasota, 1055 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, offers regular art classes (such as Michael White’s Cartoon Class) and special workshops? It’s true! One upcoming workshop is Celia Buchanan: Mixed Media Done Right on January 22 and 23. Check out their class schedule here.
 
[ 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. Entries must be hand delivered and will only be accepted between 10:00 - 3:00 pm, March 10, 2010. 
 
Feb 5, 12 & 19 and March 12, 2010 Deadlines
[ call to artists ]

Florida’s Art in State Buildings Program has announced several new projects with deadlines in February/March 2010. On the Call to Artists page of the program’s website are links to descriptions of new public art projects. With budgets ranging from $41,000 to $97,000, the art selection committees are searching for a variety of artwork – two and three dimensional, existing and commissioned.
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 TheatreThe Players Theatre of Sarasota Manatee PlayersThe Golden Apple Island Players Asolo Repertory TheatreVenice TheatreLemon Bay Playhouse


Back to Top

 

 

Sign up now to receive the AnythingArtsNewsletter


Back to Top

Information about show times, places and dates is assumed accurate but not guaranteed. Please contact the presenting organization directly, by the link or phone number provided, to confirm information.


You are receiving this email because 1. Christine Alexander and Rick Hughes know you are an artist or an arts patron and/or 2. You signed up for it, or 3. One of your friends has forwarded it to you because they knew you’d love it. To ensure that you continue to receive emails from us every two weeks, please add info@anythingarts.com to your address book today. Also, please send us your news!

 
Copyright © 2005 - 2010              AnythingArts.com - PO Box 1646, Sarasota, FL 34230