Featured Artist
Amy Knapp

Amy Knapp is an artist, columnist and playwright. Last month Sarasota audiences were treated to Amy’s production of “Under Cupid’s Span.” The play was staged at the Backlot and benefited Leadership Sarasota County’s Class of 2006 project, building a Habitat for Humanity house. Many in Sarasota, and around the country, know Amy through her monthly e-column “gg” that chronicles the life of a fictitious Single Sarasotan. (yeah, fictitious, right Amy!) The “gg” stands for good girl and the column is a sort of diary where gg shares her thoughts on men, dating, friends and anything that crosses her mind. There is a line of gg merchandise, designed by Joline Rivera, which includes everything from greeting cards to t-shirts and can be found in shops from Sarasota to San Francisco. Beginning May 5, "The gg Monologues” will bring gg to life via twelve actresses that share gg’s inner most thoughts with audiences. Tickets are available through The Backlot at 363-9300 or online. Be sure to read gg online.
(click here to nominate our next artist)

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opening April 19
[ shakespeare’s pericles ]

Don’t miss the last student performance of the season at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory! It is William Shakespeare’s “Pericles” as adapted and directed by Greg Leaming, Conservatory Director. The play follows the prince at sea in search of love. Along the way he encounters pirates, an evil ruler, terrible storms and, of course, the love interest. If you haven’t experienced the great talent and venue at the FSU/Asolo, you don’t know what you are missing. Make a point of it.

April 20
[ merlot and monet ]

The Ringling School of Art and Design is world-famous for the quality of the art work produced by its students. See for yourself, tonight, April 20, 6:00 - 7:30, as the school’s Selby Gallery and Michael’s Wine Cellar pair up for an art and wine event and the “Best of Ringling Students Exhibition.” Space is limited, and we gave you so much advance notice, so call 359-76-563 for details and reservations.

through April 30
[ outdoor exhibit at island park ]

Coexistence, Inc. presents “Embracing Our Differences” in downtown at the bay front. The exhibit of thirty-nine billboard size images were created by artists from all over the gulf coast of Florida. Each piece is accompanied by fascinating quotes. You will really enjoy walking Island Park, enjoying the weather and these meaningful pieces of art. On the site Helen Keller is quoted as saying, “The highest result of education is tolerance.” We need some of that about know, ya think?

April 21
[ stroll on this ]

Guess we don’t really need to write anything here because the picture says it all, right? The Third Friday of every month is the Towles Court Artist’s Colony Gallery Walk. (say that three times fast) The galleries are open late and there is live music and a peaceful ambiance. Enjoy!

currently on exhibit
[ stout for you ]

Jon C. Stout is exhibiting his watercolors at the Beverly Fleming Gallery, in Towles Court. The exhibit is titled “Just For You.” Be sure to visit during Friday’s Towles Court art walk and tell them anything arts sent you! Jon’s original works are on display and reproductions are available as created by his exclusive Giclee printer, Perpetual Art.

April 22
[ pocket full of posies ]

On Saturday, from 5-9 pm, experience Ringling ‘Round the Rosie in the Rosemary District of downtown Sarasota. An exhibit of Rosemary-inspired poster art created by students from the Ringling School of Art and Design will be exhibited at The Little Salon, on Central Ave. Other artists on display throughout the shops of the Rosemary District include Ian Black, Christine Fitzgibbons, Russell Starr and Jonathon Williams.  Admission is free and parking is ample, so there is no reason not to join the celebration.

April 23
[ me, me, me, me ]

The Key Chorale, Sarasota’s symphonic chorus and the official chorus of the Florida West Coast Symphony, presents the final concert of its Twentieth Anniversary Season on April 23 at 4 pm. at St. Boniface Episcopal Church on Siesta Key (boy, that was a long sentence, but spell-check liked it).  Joining the 100 members of the Key Chorale will be the chorus of the Pine View School.  Call 921-4845 or visit online.

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April 23
[ jazz performance ]

Jazz pianist Dick Hyman, and others, will be on hand at the celebration of the sixteenth anniversary of the Family Heritage House Museum for the “Second Annual Jazz Event to Remember.” The performance is from 5:30 - 7:30 and tickets are available by calling the museum at 752-5319 or MCC’s Neel Performing Arts Center, the venue, at 752-5252.  The Family Heritage House Museum is a gallery and resource center for the study of African-American Achievements.

April 24 - 25
[ does a cat sitter have nine lives? ]

Talk of the Sun Coast, hosted by Cliff Roles, can be heard every weekday from 2:00 -3:00 pm on AM 1220 or through your computer at News Talk 1220 AM. On Monday April 24 Cliff welcomes Jill Kaplan, Executive Director of the Sarasota Season of Sculpture. Listen in and voice your opinion about the much discussed “Unconditional Surrender” at the bay front (that’s the giant nurse surrendering to the even giant-er sailor). On Tuesday, April 25, Blaize Clement, author of the mystery novel “Curiosity Killed the Cat Sitter” will join Cliff. 

April 26 - 30
[ ha,ha… very funny ]

Diane Ford has been called “dangerous and opinionated” (we can think of another word or two) but one thing for sure is that she is funny. Diane will be at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre for seven shows April 26 - 30. You’ve probably caught her on HBO, now go see her in Sarasota. Last we heard she even lived here. For tickets and info call 925-FUNY.

daily
[ thank you for smoking ]

The much-heralded “Thank You For Smoking” is now playing at Burns Court. The satire follows the fictional spokesman for “Big Tobacco” as he defends the rights of smokers and cigarette makers in today’s neo-puritanical culture. This is a must see and will definitely be one to discuss on your ciga, I mean, chewing gum break. Save on the ticket price by becoming a member of the Film Society and keep interesting and different films alive and well in Sarasota.

May 3
[ it’s a mystery ]

Sarasota Fiction Writers invite the public, writers and readers alike, to an evening celebration for the release of Wayne Barcomb’s latest mystery novel, Undercurrent. Barcomb will discuss his work and craft at the Selby Downtown Library at 7 pm. Call Susan Klaus if you need further information. Circle Books will be on hand and a portion of the proceeds from book sales will be donated to the Friends of the Library.

May 5
[ handi-capable ]

Handi-Capable; A Celebration of Artistic Creation is an annual event honoring those who exemplify courage in their own lives and stand as shining examples of human achievement. The 2006 honoree is Rich Brooks, columnist for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. The evening includes fine wining and dining in one of John Cannon Homes’ luxury models. Proceeds from the event will benefit the many great programs of Children’s Haven and Adult Community Services.

May 13
[ plan ahead for efest ]

Again, this is an item that requires advance planning so we are telling you now. Efest is both a celebration and education. Their mission is to spread the word on sustainable living and the importance of personal responsibility for our environment. How do they do it? A big party at the Van Wezel showcasing local businesses and providing lots of entertainment like StichCraft, the likes of which you have probably never seen. There will also be events sponsored by Sarasota News and Book with an outstanding line-up of featured authors.

just released
[ a kippers-to-caviar American romance ]

That description caught my attention, you? “Perpetual Kin” is the newly released novel by Patricia Kaufman. The novel chronicles the struggles and triumphs of three generations of Polish immigrants to the United States. It’s a comedy, tragedy and a look at family dynamics, all rolled into to one, as the Zeller family establishes roots and struggles to balance the traditions of the old world with the challenges of the new. Available via Barnes & Noble here.

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April 24
[ theatre odyssey seeks playwrights and actors ]
Theatre Odyssey is having auditions for their upcoming production of “Embarking: An Evening of Ten-Minute Plays.” The auditions will be held at The Backlot on April 24 at 7:00 pm for performances in May. Actors are to come with a two-minute monologue and also be prepared to read sides selected by Thomas Griffin, the director. Plays are being written by local playwrights and the deadline for submission is tomorrow, April 21. We just found out about this but you writers with a play in your computer should print and send right away! Click here for submission details.

deadline May 1
[ the play’s the thing ]
The deadline for the Players Theatre’s annual “The Play’s The Thing” is May 1. Playwrights may contact Lawrence or Michelle at 365-2494 for details. Full-length plays preferred but one-act plays will be given consideration (isn’t the full length of a one-act play one act?)

May 8
[ audition ]
Equity and non-equity actresses are encouraged to audition for a one-woman play to be produced this fall. The bitter but funny play follows the life of a thirty-something Iraq war vet as she deals with post-traumatic stress disorder and a broken marriage. This is a paid gig and the auditions are on Monday May 8 from 3:00 - 7:00 pm. Call The Backlot at 363-9300 to schedule an audition and to submit a headshot and resume.

deadline May 10
[more plays needed ]
Ok, it looks like a trend in this issue with plays being sought by everybody in town. Well, here’s one more. Sarasota Actors Workshop is soliciting one-act plays for consideration for its upcoming third season. Plays should be no longer than fifteen minutes, on any subject, and have minimal set requirements. Email for details.

second & fourth Thursdays
[ fiction writers forum ]
A Fiction Writers Forum meets the second Thursday of each month at Books-A-Million and the fourth Thursday at Barnes and Noble. Contact Bill Carrigan at 957-3966 for details.

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