wcw FEBRUARY 2025

FEBRUARY 2025

Jessica Hays

President and CEO

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center

Also in this issue:

■ New Life for

the Leonard Reid House

■ Sarasota Opera’s

Season Kicks Off

■ Embracing Our

Differences’ 2025 Exhibit

■ Suncoast Black Arts

Collaborative Exhibits

■ And lots more….

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2 WEST COAST WOMAN FEBRUARY 2025

FEBRUARY 2025

contents

Editor and Publisher

Louise M. Bruderle

Email: westcoastwoman@comcast.net

Contributing Writer

Carol Darling

Contributing Photographer

Evelyn England

Art Director/Graphic Designer

Kimberly Carmell

Assistant to the Publisher

Mimi Gato

West Coast Woman is published

monthly (12 times annually) by

LMB Media, Inc., Louise Bruderle,

President. All contents of this

publication are copyrighted and

may not be reproduced. No part

may be reproduced without the

written permission of the publisher.

Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs

and artwork are welcome, but return

cannot be guaranteed.

HOW TO REACH US:

Email: westcoastwoman@comcast.net

Here are our columns:

n Out & About: includes

fundraisers, concerts, art exhibits,

lectures, dance, poetry, shows

& performances, theatre, film,

seasonal events and more.

n You’re News: job announcements,

appointments and promotions,

board news, business news and

real estate news.

FOLLOW US AT:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/

WCWmedia

dining in

Someone say Chocolate?

Check out recipes for

Valentine’s Day sweets for

your sweetie - or for you.

p27

focus on the arts

Embracing Our Differences Outdoor

art exhibition is back and runs to

April 13 in Bayfront Park, Sarasota.

Experience 50 billboard-sized works

of art and accompanying quotes.

Get a preview at

p19

WCW

36

YEARS

WCW Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 819

Sarasota, FL 34230

email:

westcoastwoman@comcast.net

website:

www.westcoastwoman.com

feature

The Leonard Reid family home is

now the Sarasota African American

Arts, Culture & History Center to

Orange Avenue and Dr. MLK Jr Way.

Visit the Center but now before reading

our feature in this month’s issue.

p28

west coast

WOMAN

departments

4 editor’s letter

7 Out & About - listings for things to do

10 out & about

11 healthier you -

all about craniosacral therapy

15 focus on the arts - Pops Orchestra

16 west coast woman -

Jessica Hays,

President and CEO at SPARCC

18 focus on the arts - The Suncoast

Black Arts Collaborative

19 focus on the arts -

Embracing Our Differences

20 focus on the arts - Sarasota Opera

23 focus on the arts -

ArtCenter Sarasota

25 good news

27 dining in - Chocolate, anyone?

28 feature - The Sarasota African

American Cultural Center

30 you’re news

■ on the cover: Jessica Hays, President and CEO Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center.

■ Image: Louise Bruderle

FEBRUARY 2025 WEST COAST WOMAN 3

just some

thoughts

Louise Bruderle

Editor and Publisher

West Coast Woman

This Month’s profile:

Jessica Hays

President and CEO

Safe Place and Rape

Crisis Center

Jessica Hays

Image: Louise Bruderle

It was like going home in a way when I walked into the

SPARCC office in Sarasota back in December. I was a volunteer

there for many years, first as a hotline volunteer for

both their domestic violence and sexual assault teams, then

later as a board member, and later still volunteering with

them at the Sarasota County jail.

SPARCC started as a small, grassroots organization

providing support to those who have experienced sexual

assault and partner violence. Last year the nonprofit marked its 45th anniversary and

has grown to offer a multitude of client services including counseling, legal assistance,

shelter, support groups, children’s services and a lot more.

Back in the day, those seeking SPARCC’s services were called “victims.” Now, reflecting

changing times and perspectives, “victims” are called “survivors.”

All of SPARCC’s growth and expansion of services to women, men and children came

about through solid leadership as seen in its past CEOs - Jean Gay, Stephanie Woods

and Olivia Thomas. This month, we feature SPARCC’s current President and CEO,

Jessica Hays.

Learn about Jessica’s career and vision for SPARCC and what it’s like to run a dynamic,

all encompassing crisis center.

If you need assistance call them at 941-365-1976 or to learn more, to donate or volunteer,

visit www.sparcc.net/

We’re bursting at the seams with all the events going

on right now. Here are a few we’d like to highlight.

Leonard Reid House

The Leonard Reid home has moved several times, but now it now has a permanent

home on Doctor Martin Luther King Way in the heart of Newtown. The house was

moved in May 2022 from the Rosemary District to a City-owned parcel located at Orange

Avenue and Dr. MLK Jr Way.

In January 2022, the City Commission unanimously approved a lease agreement

with the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition to use the Leonard Reid house

as a cultural arts center to host lectures, programs and exhibits to promote history and

education by bringing diverse individuals together.

The home’s namesake, Leonard Reid, was a revered early Sarasota pioneer who

helped establish Sarasota’s Black community, Overtown, now known as the Rosemary

District. Reid lived much of his life in the house with his wife and two daughters. The

Reid family home is now known as the Sarasota African American Arts, Culture & History

Center.Vickie Oldham is the SAACC President and Chief Executive Officer and has

worked hard to make this exciting new addition to the Sarasota community a reality.

You’re welcome to come by and visit, take a class or attend an event. They also

have some wonderful art on display. And, you can learn about the Reid family. Visit

the Leonard Reid house at 2529 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota and read our feature in this

month’s issue.

Soundbox Ventures Giving Back

On February 25, Soundbox Ventures continues its season of the “Listen Hear” salon

concert series at St. Boniface Episcopal Church.

The salon-style event centers on a classical music program, insights from the artists,

and conversations with the audience. This season, titled “Re-imaginations,” celebrates

classical music masterpieces with the spirit of improvisation and arrangements with

“Improvising Mozart” on February 25.

Curated by violinist Max Tan, this season’s “Listen Hear” concerts will serve as fundraisers

for the restoration of St. Boniface’s campus as a spiritual and cultural center in

the wake of hurricanes Helene and Milton. Performances feature violinists Timothy

Chooi and Max Tan; cellist James Kim; pianists Kwan Yi and David Kaplan; and organist

Jeremy Filsell.

Tickets are available at www.soundboxventures.org. The concert will be held at St.

Boniface Episcopal Church located at 5615 Midnight Pass Road on Siesta Key.

The concert will feature a collaboration with members of the St. Boniface congregation,

with a transformation of the campus into an all-immersive arts installation.

Audiences arrive for a self-guided walking tour of the church grounds. The installation

will feature stories and images of resilience of Siesta Key and surrounding areas, celebrating

the local community’s perseverance through difficult times.

Violinist Max Tan and pianist David Kaplan will present a musical menu of four

Mozart sonatas that feature improvisation both inside and outside of Mozart’s scores.

Audiences can participate in deciding the flow of the musical program.

This concert revolves around reinvention and will include an arts experience on the

St. Boniface campus that spotlights how the community has adapted creatively during

its recovery.

Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative

The Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative presents: Beyond Regional Boundaries. This is

initiative was created to amplify the voices of African descent artists, as well as Black,

Indigenous, and artists of color across the Sarasota-Manatee region. The program

launches with “Interpretations, Perceptions & Realities,” on display through February

25 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.

According to SBAC Executive Director Michéle des Verney Redwine, the effort “seeks

to foster creativity, promote artistic excellence, and bridge communities.” Redwine

highlights the “Art Innovation Zone” program as a key component of the initiative,

featuring 12 exhibitions over 12 months in galleries and nonprofit spaces throughout

the region.

The Art Innovation Zone program includes partnerships with area nonprofits,

including not only Manatee Performing Arts Center, but also the Van Wezel, Sarasota

Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, Venice Theatre, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, WSLR,

and North County Library. These collaborations will feature exhibitions hosted at their

respective venues. “Our aim is to present one exhibition a month throughout 2025,”

says Redwine.

For more on Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative, visit www.suncoastblackartscollaborative.org

or read our article in this issue.

Kudos on 95 Years, Sarasota Players

The Sarasota Players marked a milestone celebration this month as they commemorated

95 years of providing community theatre in Sarasota.

Their 95th Anniversary Soiree, Behind the Curtain: 95 Years of Community Theatre,

took place at The Sarasota Garden Club and Botanical Gardens on February 1.

The Sarasota Players has touched the lives of so many locals, visitors, and students

in the area, and has for decades. In addition to the celebration, they’ll be presenting a

rendering of their future theater at Payne Park. Stay tuned…

Marcy Miller, Artist Series Concerts

of Sarasota’s Executive Director,

Announces Retirement

Marcy Miller, Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota’s executive

director, has announced her retirement effective June

30, 2025. Miller has led the organization since 2019.

Miller has advanced SCA’s mission to support the next

generation of musical talent for the past six years. Miller

stated, “I am excited to embrace the opportunity for more

personal time. My husband and I look forward to traveling

and spending time with our children and grandchildren.

At the same time, I am pleased to share that the board of

directors has invited me to remain involved as a member

of the board, where I will continue to support the work of

Artist Series Concerts as a volunteer.”

During her tenure as executive director, Miller navigated

the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and

successfully pivoted from indoor to outdoor concerts

during that time. Outdoor concerts were so well received

Marcy Miller

that two are now offered annually. She secured a $50,000 grant from the Virginia B.

Toulmin Foundation to bolster the educational outreach program by creating an artist

residency program, which enables Artist Series Concerts to reach more students in the

community. Miller said, “I am proud to share that Artist Series Concerts is in excellent

financial health.”

For more information SCA, visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org. We wish you a happy retirement,

Marcy, and thank you for all the great work you did for Artist Series Concerts.

Louise Bruderle | Editor and Publisher |


We welcome your thoughts and comments on this column and on other columns and features in this issue.

You can reach us at westcoastwoman@comcast.net. We’re on the web at www.WestCoastWoman.com.


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out &about

Special Events

Women’s Interfaith Network

presents World Peace: Can Interfaith

Dialogue Help? on February 8,

3:30 p.m. at the Oakhurst Clubhouse,

4255 Oakhurst Circle East, Sarasota.

The U.S. Congress says “YES!” Since

1984, the government has funded The

United States Institute of Peace to

prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent

conflict around the world, including

those with religious undertones–or

overtones.

On any given day, their experts are

deployed, deploying or returning

from active conflict zones. Melissa

Nozell, their officer for Religion and

Inclusive Societies, will bring her

global experience and insights to

Sarasota. Registration is limited. Free

and open to all. Email: melamarcus777@gmail.com

womensinterfaithnetwork.org

▼

The 27th Annual Thunder By The

Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival

returns to the Sarasota Fairgrounds

from February 14-16. Enjoy legendary

headliners Blue Öyster Cult (Feb.

14, 8 p.m.), Grand Funk Railroad

(Feb. 15, 8 p.m.), and Creed Fisher

(Feb. 16, 3 p.m.)

This festival, benefiting Suncoast

Charities for Children, has raised over

$2.8 million in its 26-year history to

fund programs for individuals with

special needs. After last year’s weather-shortened

event and recent hurricanes,

the community’s support is

more vital than ever.

Alongside the headliners, rock out

with bands like Jack’d Up, Downsyde

Up, and tribute acts Mock of Ages

(Def Leppard) and Jaded (Aerosmith).

There will also be a 14-class bike show,

motocross demos, and Universal

Championship Wrestling.

In “Thunder Alley,” see one-of-akind

bikes from Kory Souza Originals.

And join Sunday’s “Ride So Children

Can Thrive” charity ride, starting at

Adrenaline Harley-Davidson, with a

special stop at The Haven before ending

back at the festival. You can also

bid on exclusive items at our online

auction to February 15.

Pre-festival events include “Taste of

Thunder” whiskey and wine tasting on

February 3 at The Founders Golf Club,

and the “Rockin Your Heartstrings”

Kickoff Party on February 14. For tickets

and details, visit www.Thunder-

ByTheBay.org or call (941) 487-7904.

▼

20th Annual

Dick Vitale Gala

▼

ArtCenter Manatee

has the

American Watercolor

Society 157th

Traveling Exhibition

in the Kellogg Gallery

to Feb. 28

The V Foundation for Cancer

Research and ESPN Hall of Fame

Sportscaster (and Sarasota resident)

Dick Vitale, are offering the 20th

Annual Dick Vitale Gala on May 2 at

the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota.

The Gala honors Dickie V’s All-Courageous

Team and all pediatric cancer

thrivers, recognizes influential figures

in the sports world and raises money

for the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale

Pediatric Cancer Research Fund.

The 19th Gala capped a

record-breaking year of fundraising

toward the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale

Pediatric Cancer Research Fund.

At the event, it was announced that

$24.8 million was raised, bringing the

overall funds raised since the inception

of the Gala to nearly $93 million.

For the 2025 Gala, Vitale will lead

the charge to eclipse $100 million in

amount raised toward pediatric cancer

research.

The 2025 Gala honorees are:

• Dan Hurley, University of Connecticut

Men’s Basketball Head Coach

and two-time NCAA National

Champion

• Michael Strahan, Pro Football Hall

of Famer and Good Morning America

Host

• Grant Hill, Naismith Basketball

Hall of Famer and Co-Owner of the

Atlanta Hawks

• Hannah Storm, ESPN personality

and SportsCenter Anchor (John

Saunders Courage Award)

• Nancy Lieberman, former WNBA

player and coach and current Oklahoma

City Thunder broadcaster

(Dick Vitale Spirit Award)

Longtime host of the Dick Vitale

Gala and ESPN SportsCenter anchor

Kevin Negandhi will be back to

host the event. Learn more about

the 20th Annual Dick Vitale Gala at

www.v.org.

Circus Sarasota

Each year, Circus Sarasota features

top global circus artists performing

in a one-ring traditional

circus setting. With chills, thrills, and

laughs aplenty, this is a show that’s

not to be missed and awe inspiring

for every age. Dates: Friday, Feb 15

to Sunday, March 9 under the Ulla

Searing Big Top at Nathan Benderson

Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle,

Sarasota.

Tickets: circusarts.org or call the

Box Office at 941-355-9805.

▼

ensembleNewSRQ

Coming up: “Truth & Mayhem”

on February 17 is the group’s annual

percussion showcase led by George

Nickson and featuring a world premiere

from composer Paul Mortilla.

The concert also includes Tan Dun’s

“Elegy: Snow in June” for solo cello

and percussion quartet, recent works

by Ellen Reid, Jon Cziner and Nico

Muhly. Held at First Congregational

Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota.

For more information on tickets, visit

www.EnSRQ.org.

▼

Sarasota Concert

Association

SCA’s Great Performers Series

has The Czech National Orchestra

▼

performs on February 13 at Van Wezel

with Steven Mercurio, Music Director,

Maxim Lando, piano. First prize

winner in the NY International Liszt

Competition, Maxim Lando joins the

Czech National Symphony in Liszt’s

Piano Concerto No. 1. The program

also includes Dvořák’s Symphony No.

9, “From the New World.”

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with

baroque violinist Théotime Langlois

de Swarte and Les Arts Florissants is

on March 14 at Riverview Performing

Arts Center. It’s a 300th anniversary

celebration of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

along with other celebrated works by

Vivaldi and Monteverdi, featuring

French ensemble Les Arts Florissants

in their Sarasota debut.

Visit www.SCAsarasota.org or call

941-966-6161.

Music Matinees

Sarasota Concert

Association

The Sarasota Concert Association

continues its Music Matinees.

These free afternoon concerts

showcase regional musicians performing

a variety of musical styles,

from opera to jazz.

Next up: Flutist Karen Large

and Pianist Heidi Louise Williams

will perform on February 19 at 2

p.m. Large and Williams will take

listeners on a journey through flute

history with their program, “Storytellers.”

Featuring composers from

the Baroque era through the present

day, the musicians tell stories using

different musical styles and instruments,

including the traverso, piccolo,

and contrabass flute.

Guitarist Edel Muñoz and Violinist

Sean O’Neill will perform on

March 26 at 2 p.m. Winner of more

than 20 international guitar competitions,

Cuban-American guitarist

Edel Muñoz and O’Neill traverse

three centuries of compelling music

for guitar and violin, featuring

music by Bach, Paganini, Piazzolla,

De Falla, Albéniz, and Villa-Lobos.

Pre-registration is required and

available 30 days before each concert.

Performances take place at First

Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St.,

Sarasota. Visit www.SCAsarasota.

org or call 941-966-6161.

▼

At the Van Wezel

The VW has these shows

(partial list):

• Burton Cummings on February 11

• Chris Botti on February 14

• Paula Poundstone on February 15

• Stayin Alive - One Night of the Bee

Gees on February 25

• The Temptations and The Four

Tops 40th Anniversary on March 3

• Twyla Tharp on March 4

• Gladys Knight on March 5

• Lewis Black: Goodbye Yeller Brick

Road – The Final Tour on March 11

Tickets: www.VanWezel.org

▼

The Pops Orchestra

The Pops Orchestra presents

Islands in the Stream on February

16, 3 p.m., and 7 p.m. at Riverview

Performing Arts Center, Sarasota

and February 17, 7:30 p.m. at SCF

Neel Performing Arts Center, Bradenton

Edwards and Engler have also

appeared at major resort hotels in

Atlantic City in addition to shows in

Australia, Asia, the UK, Ireland, the

USA and Canada. They are widely

regarded among the top tribute artists

in the world, and Edwards has

even appeared on Oprah, CNN and

the Jay Leno Tonight Show.

Tickets: www.ThePopsOrchestra.

org or call 941-926-7677.

▼

Artist Series

Concerts

of Sarasota

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota

has these performances:

Top Shelf Tuesdays has Imani

Winds with Brandon Patrick George,

flute; Toyin Spellman-Diaz, oboe;

Mark Dover, clarinet; Kevin Newton,

French horn; Monica Ellis, bassoon

on February 11, 7:30 pm, at Church

of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road,

Sarasota

2024 Grammy Award winner in

the classical compendium category,

Imani Winds has led both a revolution

and evolution of the wind quintet

through their dynamic playing,

adventurous programming, and

▼

imaginative collaborations.

The Lighter Fare program has KP

Jazz Trio with Konrad Paszkudzki,

piano; Pasquale Grasso, guitar; Dylan

Shamat, bass on February 18, 5:30

pm at Selby Gardens, Sarasota.

Australian jazz pianist Konrad

Paszkudzki established a reputation

as a leading jazzman in his homeland

while still a teenager. His trio focuses

on standards from the Great American

Songbook, staying true to the

original musical and lyrical content.

Lunch and Listen features Karolina

Mikołajczyk, violin and Iwo

Jedynecki, accordion on February 6

at the Sarasota Yacht Club.This duo is

one of the most interesting and original

chamber ensembles performing

today, breaking all stereotypes about

their instruments and defying categorization.

They have given recitals in 30 countries

on four continents, including in

Carnegie Hall, the Star Performing

Arts Centre in Singapore, and the

National Philharmonic in Warsaw.

The duo’s wide-ranging repertoire

includes everything from Bach and

Mozart to Gershwin and Piazzolla.

Sunday Best has Harp Royalty

with Hannah Cope Johnson, Eleanor

Kirk, Phoebe Powell, Katherine Siochi,

harp, on March 2, 4:00 pm. Performance

is followed by reception at

First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak

Street, Sarasota.

This program brings together four

of the country’s most celebrated

harpists, each of whom has Sarasota

roots. From the Metropolitan Opera

to the San Francisco Symphony, and

everywhere in between, these powerhouse

players are true “harp royalty.”

Their diverse program includes

original works for harp ensemble by

living harpist-composer Caroline

Lizotte, arrangements from the classical

canon, and hits from the Great

American Songbook.

Tickets: ArtistSeriesConcerts.org

or call (941) 306-1202.

Sarasota Ballet

The Sarasota Ballet presents the

Mark Morris Dance Group for Program

Five on February 28-March 3.

Founded in 1980 by choreographer

Mark Morris, the group has performed

across the globe garnering

acclaim through Morris’ expressive

choreography and distinctive musicality.

Held at the FSU Center for the

Performing Arts.

Program Six – Romeo and Juliet

(company premiere) runs March

28-29 at the Van Wezel accompanied

by the Sarasota Orchestra. It will

be a premiere of Sir Frederick Ashton’s

full-length Romeo and Juliet,

bringing the grandeur and passion

of Shakespeare’s beloved tragedy to

the Sarasota stage. Choreographed in

1955 to Sergei Prokofiev’s score, the

ballet brought great success for the

Royal Danish Ballet.

Infused with Ashton’s musicality

and penchant for beautiful and

heart-fluttering pas de deux, Romeo

and Juliet evidences Ashton’s

choreographic genius and ability

to portray the nature of humanity

through dance.

Tickets: www.sarasotaballet.org

▼

Choral Music

Key Chorale presents their Masterwork

concert, “Verdi’s Requiem”

on February 15. This work is a darkly

dramatic 90-minute emotional roller

coaster ride. NPR called it “one of the

most sublime and terrifying works in

the repertoire.” Few works in classical

▼

continued on page 8


out and about continued

music offer the excitement of opera,

the thrill of the symphony, the power

of the chorus and sublime virtuosic

solos. Experience an epic performance,

with Maestro Caulkins leading

four world-class opera soloists

and over 150 musicians on stage.

Visit www.keychorale.org

The Venice Chorale Stars &

Stripes: Celebrating Great American

Songs is on February 23, 7 pm.

From beloved patriotic anthems to

iconic tunes from Broadway and

beyond, this concert showcases the

diverse melodies that have shaped

the nation’s cultural landscape. Featuring

the world premiere of the 1st

Annual Choral Composition Competition.

Tickets: www.thevenicechorale.org

.

▼

Via Nova Chorale has Modern

Jazz Mass: For A New Humanity.

This new work by Steven Phillips uses

jazz styles to explore new meanings

of the traditional mass in the modern

world. The multi-movement piece is

interlaced with the words of contemporary

poets and texts from various

spiritual traditions.

Accompanying the Chorale are

top regional and national jazz musicians.

Presented in appreciation for

Second Heart Homes and the work of

its founder, Megan Howell, of bringing

community, help, and dignity to

homeless persons. Held on March 7 at

First Presbyterian Church is located

at 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota.

Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/aceltic

▼

Sarasota Orchestra

Upcoming performances include:

• Great Escapes: Crazy for You –

February 12-16 with Michelle Merrill.

Merrill is the conductor for this

Valentine’s Day concert of romantic

favorites from “Casablanca,” “South

Pacific,” “West Side Story” and “Cinderella.”

• “A Musical Comedy” is on March

12-16. Music meant to make you

smile or prompt a giggle from Leroy

Anderson’s “The Typewriter,” to the

Scherzo for Motorcycle and Orchestra”

and melodies from “The Producers”

and “La Cage aux Folles.”

Conducted by Tamara Dworetz.

• Masterworks: Melting Pot of Music

is on February 21, 22, 23 with

Miguel Harth-Bedoya, conductor;

Steven Banks, saxophone. Performances

include Jimmy Lopez Bellido

– Fiesta!; Billy Childs – Concerto for

Saxophone and Orchestra; R. Strauss

– Suite from Der Rosenkavalier, Op.

59 and Ravel – La Valse

• The Planets is on March 6, 7, 8,

9 with Peter Oundjian, conductor;

Grace Park, violin performing

Vaughan Williams – Overture to

The Wasps; Dvořák – Romance in F

Minor, Op. 11; Ravel – Tzigane and

Holst – The Planets.

• The Pops series at the Van Wezel

offers Crazy for You – February

12-16 with Michelle Merrill, conductor.

Three Divas from Broadway is

on February 28 and March 1 with

Christopher Confessore, conductor;

Alli Mauzey, Dee Roscioli, Scarlett

Strallen, vocals.

• Chamber Soirees concerts coming

up include “Poulenc and Dvořák”

on Feb. 6. Francis Poulenc’s Sextet

for Piano and Winds is paired with

Antonin Dvořák’s String Quintet in G

Major, Op. 77.

• “20th Century Masters” is on

March 20. The chamber season closes

with more contemporary work,

▼

including György

Ligeti’s Six Bagatelles,

Shostakovich’s

String Quartet

No. 7, Ravel’s

Introduction

and Allegro and

Eugene Bozza’s

Sonatine.

For tickets: 941-

953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org

La

Musica

Violin Virtuosity

is on March 9,

at 7 p.m. at Riverview

Performing

Arts Center. Works

include Fauré Violin

Sonata No. 1 In

A Major, Op. 13;

Moszkowski Suite

In G Minor For

Two Violins And

Piano, Op. 71; Grieg Violin Sonata

No. 2 In G Major, Op. 13; Ysaÿe

Sonata In A Minor For Two Violins;

Barlowe Hebraique Elegie For Two

Violins; Sarasate Navarra For Two

Violins And Piano, Op. 33 and Paul

Huang, Violin; Danbi Um, Violin;

Juho Pohjonen, Piano.

Tickets and more information:

www.lamusicafestival.org or call

941-347-9658.

▼

Venice Symphony

Next up is ‘Hollywood in Venice’

on February 21-22. Audiences

may not know the name of Suzanne

Waters, “but she is one of the most

recorded female background singers

of all time, and a dear colleague,”

Quinn said. “She has one of my

favorite voices on the planet.” The

program will include music from “A

Summer Place,” “Ben-Hur,” “Mary

Poppins,” “Thor,” “Top Gun: Maverick”

and “Madagascar.”

Concerts are at the Venice Performing

Arts Center, Venice. For

tickets, call 941-207-8822; or visit

thevenicesymphony.org

▼

Sarasota Opera

The 2025 Winter Opera Festival

will open on February 15 with

a double bill featuring Mascagni’s

Cavalleria rusticana and Leoncavallo’s

Pagliacci. The violent passions

and raw emotions of these two

works changed the direction of Italian

opera forever.

The Barber of Seville by Gioachino

Rossini is one of the most beloved

comedic works in the operatic repertory.

Ten performances: February

22- March 29. The Barber of Seville

was last seen in 2018.

The Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang

Amadeus Mozart is one of

opera’s masterpieces. Seven performances:

March 8, 13, 16, 19, 22(m),

25, 28, 2025. The Marriage of Figaro

was last seen here in 2015.

Stiffelio by Giuseppe Verdi. Written

just before Rigoletto, this long

neglected, emotionally charged work

is now recognized as an important

opera by the great Verdi. Six performances:

March 15-30.

Sarasota Opera offers the unique

opportunity for opera lovers to see all

four operas of the Winter Opera Festival

over just three or four days. Opera

Lovers Weeks are March 19-30.

For example, Opera Lovers’ Series

1 (evenings) March 19 - The Marriage

of Figaro, March 20 - Stiffelio, March

▼

WBTT has “Fences,”

written by American playwright August Wilson.

The play tells the story of a responsible yet otherwise flawed Black

garbage collector in pre-Civil Rights America. Runs to February 23.

21 The Barber of Seville and March 22

- Cavalleria rusticana / Pagliacci

Tickets: SarasotaOpera.org, or

call (941) 328-1300, and at the Sarasota

Opera Box Office 61 N. Pineapple

Avenue, Sarasota.

The Chamber

Orchestra of

Sarasota

The Chamber Orchestra of

Sarasota’s season continues on February

13 with pianist Inna Faliks

performing Shostakovich’s Piano

Concerto in C Minor, and on March

20 with the Florida premiere of

“Anne Frank’s Tree” by American

composer Victoria Bond. Virtuoso

violinist George Maxman will be

featured on the March program,

performing Mendelssohn’s Violin

Concerto in E Minor.

Tickets: www.chamberorchestra

sarasota.org or call 219-928-8665.

▼

At The Ringling

The John and Mable Ringling

Museum of Art has Radical Clay:

Contemporary Women Artists

from Japan through Apr 6, 2025

in the Chao Center for Asian Art.

Radical Clay is an exhibition of 41

ceramic sculptures by 36 contemporary

Japanese artists, all of whom

happen to be women.

• Next up with the Ringling Museum’s

Art of Performance Series is

About Jazz Works from Around

the World. Jazz and tap dance are

American art forms that remain at

the forefront of creative impulse

worldwide. Series Schedule:

Cape Verdean Blues by Kavita Shah

(NYC and Cape Verde) Jazz Vocals

and Cape Verdean Traditional Music

in the Historic Asolo Theater, February

14, 7:30 p.m.

The evening features a set of traditional

Cape Verdean songs fused

with jazz sensibilities performed by

vocalist Kavita Shah and some of

Cape Verde’s most renowned musicians.

Shah is an award-winning

vocalist, composer, researcher, and

educator who makes work in deep

engagement with the jazz tradition,

while also addressing and advancing

its global sensibilities.

Shah incorporates her ethnographic

research on Brazilian, West African,

and Indian musical traditions

into her original repertoire.

▼

• The Two Rivers

Ensemble featuring

Amir ElSaffar-

Jazz Trumpet

/ Persian Fusion

is at the Historic

Asolo Theater,

February 15 and

16. The Two Rivers

Ensemble is a

sextet of jazz and

Middle Eastern

musicians that

has made innovative

strides in

using the maqam

modal system

with the American

jazz idiom.

Deeply rooted

in the musical

forms of Iraq and

nearby regions,

the music still

speaks the language

of swing,

improvisation,

and group interaction,

and the

resultant sound is distinct from

other contemporary cross-cultural

musical fusions.

A purveyor of the centuries-old,

now endangered, Iraqi maqam tradition,

ElSaffar is an expert trumpeter

with a classical background,

conversant not only in the language

of contemporary jazz, but has created

techniques to play microtones

and ornaments idiomatic to Arabic

music that are not typically heard on

the trumpet.

• Alain Pérez (Cuba) Latin Jazz /

Cuban Timba perofroims in the

Historic Asolo Theater on February

21 and 22, 7:30 p.m. Bassist, singer,

songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist,

Alain Pérez is one of Cuba’s most

active and versatile musicians on the

international scene today.

He has performed and recorded

with jazz legends in various musical

vernaculars, forming part of the

original Chucho Valdés Quartet that

recorded on Blue Note Records, as

the bassist of the renowned Paco de

Lucía sextet, for the flamenco singer

Enrique Morente, and was also part

of the new Jerry González quartet.

Tickets: ringling.org. The John

and Mable Ringling Museum of Art,

5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.

At The Hermitage

The Hermitage Artist Retreat’s

series, “Hermitage Sunsets @

Selby Gardens,” continues on February

20. “Hermitage Sunsets @

Selby Gardens” Thursday March

6, 5:30pm. (Hermitage Artist TBA).

Presented in Partnership with Marie

Selby Botanical Gardens.

Registration is required at

HermitageArtistRetreat.org. Marie

Selby Botanical Gardens – Downtown

Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound

Street, Sarasota.

▼

Theatre

Asolo presents Ken Ludwig’s

Lady Molly of Scotland Yard runs

to February 8. A new world premiere

from master of stage comedy

Ken Ludwig, writer of Crazy for

You and Agatha Christie’s Murder

on the Orient Express. You know

Holmes and Watson. You know Nick

and Nora.

Now, meet Molly and Peg: two brilliant

detectives from Scotland Yard.

With bombs dropping over London,

a simple murder investigation

▼

leads Molly and Peg deep into the

British war effort and the top-secret

code-breaking operation at Bletchley

Park. Going undercover as cryptographers,

they uncover a plot that will

strike at the very heart of the United

Kingdom, launching a high-octane,

laugh-out-loud race against time.

Anna in the Tropics By Nilo Cruz

runs next from February 21-March

13. In Ybor City, 1929, cigars are

rolled by hand as factory workers

listen to the charged voices of lectors

reading from newspapers, political

pamphlets, and great works of literature.

When a handsome lector arrives

from Cuba, he brings with him a copy

of Anna Karenina, igniting a powder

keg of passions. As an industrial

revolution looming on the horizon,

Tolstoy, the tropics, and the American

dream prove an intoxicating, volatile

combination.

Asolo Conservatory has John

Proctor is the villain by Kimberly

Belflower running February

4- March 2, in the Cook Theatre. In

this witty and brutally honest play

set in rural Georgia of 2019, a group

of high-school students struggle to

separate reality from illusion, truth

from lie and right from wrong, as

they study Arthur Miller’s The Crucible,

while navigating their own complex

and imperfect world. On that

dizzying journey, full of heartbreak,

betrayal and scandal, they find their

true identities and beliefs, forge

deeper friendships and challenge

social stereotypes.

Tickets: asolorep.org/conservatory.

▼

The Players Hit the Road. They’ll

be offering Shakespeare’s Twelfth

Night on February 5-9 at The Bazaar

on Apricot and Lime (821 Apricot Ave,

Sarasota).

One of the bard’s most beloved

comedies, Viola, separated from her

twin Sebastian, dresses as a boy and

works for the Duke Orsino, whom

she falls in love with. Orsino is in love

with the Countess Olivia, and sends

Viola to court her for him, but Olivia

falls for Viola instead. Sebastian

arrives, causing a flood of mistaken

identity. Info and tickets: www.theplayers.org

▼

Florida Studio Theatre Mainstage

has the regional premiere of

The Heart Sellers by Lloyd Suh.

On Thanksgiving 1973, two young

women, Jane and Luna, run into each

other at the grocery store. In this

comedy they soon discover they have

much in common; both are recent

Asian immigrants, homesick and

lonely with hardworking absentee

husbands, trying to adjust to a new

country. Runs to February 16.

Next up is The Cancellation of

Lauren Fein, a thought-provoking

drama by Miami playwright Christopher

Demos-Brown. Lauren Fein

is at the top of her game. Happily

married with a foster son, she is a

world- renowned scientist and tenured

professor at an elite university.

She’s on the verge of a breakthrough

in her life’s work when she runs afoul

of the university’s “diversity, equity,

and inclusion” policies. Suddenly, her

groundbreaking research, her tenure,

and even her family are all put in

danger. The Cancellation of Lauren

Fein is in FST’s Gompertz Theatre.

The Cabaret Series has 59th Street

Bridge in the Goldstein Cabaret to

March 30. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, a new

sound came into mainstream music

that changed the scene forever. Led by

early folk-rock artists like John Denver,

Simon and Garfunkel, Bob Dylan,

▼

continued on page 10


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and Joan Baez, this musical revue is

a celebration of the music such as,

“Annie’s Song,” “50 Ways to Leave

Your Lover,” and “Both Sides Now.”

The Winter Cabaret Series culminates

with Divas: Time After Time,

which begins playing in FST’s Court

Cabaret on February 12. Celebrate

the women who have captivated the

world with their dynamic personalities

and fierce vocals. Starting in

the 60’s female artists such as Cher,

Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston,

and Celine Dion have been pushing

boundaries and shattering records

with hits such as, “Turn Back Time,”

“I Wanna Dance with Somebody”

and “My Heart Will Go On.”

Tickets: www.floridastudiotheatre.org

Sarasota Jewish Theatre has Jeff

Baron’s “Visiting Mr. Green” to February

9) which is a post-pandemic

rewrite of the play in which elderly

Mr. Green is almost hit by a car driven

by 29-year-old Ross Gardiner.

Gardiner is sentenced to community

service; he must help the lonely

widower once a week for six months.

Directed by Gus Kaikkonen, this 21st

century “odd couple” will take audiences

on a roller coaster of humor,

heartbreak, and healing.

On February 3, “The Catskills

– The Rise and Fall of the Borscht

Belt” will be screened. Winner of

the 2024 Miami Jewish Film Festival,

this documentary is a humorous

and nostalgic tribute to the “Borscht

Belt” from its beginning as a refuge

for working-class Jews, to becoming

a lavish summer playground for the

affluent, to its eventual decline. A discussion

follows the screening.

Tickets: visit ThePlayers.org or

call 941-365-2494. Information:

SarasotaJewishTheatre.org.

▼

Urbanite Theatre has SPACEMAN.

This regional premiere runs to February

16. Astronaut Molly Jennis has

embarked on an interplanetary expedition

following her husband’s tragic,

failed attempt to reach Mars. As the

first to the Red Planet, she faces not

only the dangers of solitude and the

unknown frontier, but also the haunting

reflections of her past decisions.

SPACEMAN is a weightless, full-sensory,

surround-sound exploration of

both the challenges of space travel

and the uncharted future that awaits

Molly at her Martian destination

More info: www.urbanitetheatre.

com. Urbanite is located at 1487 2nd

Street, Sarasota.

▼

Manatee Players have Death of

a Salesman February 27-March 9

in the Kiwanis Theatre. One man

and his family are caught up in the

pressures and delusions of living the

American Dream. Miller’s play is the

story of a traveling salesman whose

illusions of picture-perfect business

and family life cave in on him. A

thrilling work of deep and revealing

beauty that remains one of the

most profound classic dramas of the

American theatre.

The Temps, Tops, Supremes &

Smokey: A Motown Revue runs

February 6-8. The Motown Sound is

now over 60 years old but it remains

current and brings excitement and

unforgettable memories for several

generations of music lovers. The Soul

Sensations return for the fourth year

with many new selections.

Manatee Performing Arts Center,

502 Third Avenue W, Bradenton.

ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com

▼

▼

WBTT has “Fences,” written by

American

playwright

August Wilson.

WBTT’s

Education

Director/

Artistic

Associate

Jim Weaver

will direct.

Wilson had

a massive

impact on

Broadway

with this

play, which

tells the

story of a

responsible

yet

otherwise

flawed Black

garbage

collector

in pre-Civil

Rights

America.

Runs to February

23.

Next up is “Five Guys Named

Moe,” with book by Clarke Peters and

lyrics and music by Louis Jordan and

others and directed by Jim Weaver.

An exuberant tribute to the music

of rhythm and blues pioneer Louis

Jordan, “Five Guys Named Moe” features

incredible dance numbers and

a wonderful musical score.

The hero, Nomax, is broke and his

lovely Lorraine has left him. As he

listens to the radio at 5 a.m., five guys

named Moe appear and encourage

Nomax to turn his life around and

tell Lorraine that he loves her. Runs

from March 5-April 6.

Tickets: www.westcoastblacktheatre

Venice Theatre Don’t Touch That

Dial by Roger BeanIn the Pinkerton

Theatre to February 9. A fast-moving,

nostalgic visit of hit show theme

songs from television’s bygone golden

age, presented as an audience participatory

trivia contest. Test your memory

and win a prize.

Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady

is in the Raymond Center through

March 2. Professor Henry Higgins’s

effort to teach young Cockney

accent-speaking flower seller Eliza

Doolittle how to speak like a proper

lady to upgrade her station in life

develops into an unlikely friendship.

The Lightning Thief, The Percy

Jackson Musical Music and Lyrics by

Rob Rokicki. Based on the 2005 novel

of the same name by Rick Riordan

will be in the Pinkerton Theatre February

28-March 23.

This action-packed pop-rock musical

follows teen demi-god Percy

Jackson’s quest to find Zeus’s missing

lightning bolt and prevent a war

between the Greek gods.

Seating is limited due to the

unavailability of the main stage Jervey

Theatre. Tickets: VeniceTheatre.

org or call 941-488-1115.

The Venice Theatre Concert Series

continues on February 10 with The

Everly Set which takes you back to

1957 when teens Phil and Don Everly

first supercharged the vocal sound

of Rock’n’Roll with sparkling harmonies

that influenced The Beatles,

Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys,

The Hollies, and the Bee Gees.

On February 17, they Capitol Fools

featuring former members of the Capitol

Steps. Up-to-the-minute political

satire, hilarious song parodies, and

foolish reflections that inspire belly

laughter on both sides of the aisle.

On March 9 they have The

▼

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota

has Imani Winds

on February 11, 7:30 pm,

at Church of the Palms, Sarasota

AstroYachts. This Los Angeles-based

party band is a campy yet highly professional

revue that re-creates all of

those smooth Yacht Rock hits in a fun

environment that has everyone singing

and dancing along.

Tickets: VeniceTheatre.org or

call 941-488-1115.

Selby Gardens

▼

Patti Smith: A Book of Days is

on view through August 31, 2025 at

the Historic Spanish Point campus.

The exhibition has a selection of

photographs taken by the poet and

musician that offers an intimate

view of her life on and off the road.

The photographs are taken from

Smith’s recently published, New

York Times bestselling publication,

A Book of Days.

The exhibition at Selby Gardens

will feature large prints of Smith’s

photographs outdoors, bringing them

into dialogue with nature, which has

long been a source of inspiration for

the artist. Her images will take visitors

on a journey through time and

space, charting both the course of a

year and the natural environment of

the Historic Spanish Point campus.

Visit selby.org for tickets

George Harrison: A Gardener’s

Life will be on view February 9

through June 29, 2025, at Selby Gardens’

Downtown Sarasota campus.

The exhibition will explore the deep

and meaningful connection between

Harrison, the lead guitarist of The

Beatles and the pastime of gardening,

which became his greatest passion.

George’s love of gardening was an

integral part of his identity. In an

interview in Rolling Stone magazine

in 1979, the renowned singer-songwriter

described himself as “just a

gardener.” His strong association with

gardening was further illustrated in

his 1980 autobiography, I Me Mine,

dedicated “to gardeners everywhere.”

In 1970, not long after The Beatles

disbanded, the then 27-year-old

George purchased the estate of Friar

Park in Henley-on-Thames, a small

town in the county of Oxfordshire,

England. Built by an eccentric lawyer

named Sir Frank Crisp in 1889, this

once grand Victorian mansion with

spectacular gardens had fallen into

disrepair. With the help of his wife,

Olivia Harrison, George was able to

revitalize the neglected property,

consisting of the mansion, lodges,

and 32 acres of grounds. It was in this

process that George’s love of gardening

began to flower.

Featured throughout the exhibition

will be a selection of George’s

music and lyrics, as well as excerpts

from Came the Lightening, a book of

poems by Olivia Harrison dedicated

to George and reflecting on their time

together. The resulting multi-sensory

experience will highlight George’s

connection to nature and celebrate

his life and legacy through the power

of plants. selby.org

Soundbox Ventures

On February 25, Soundbox

Ventures continues its season of the

“Listen Hear” salon concert series at

St. Boniface Episcopal Church.

The salon-style event centers on

a classical music program, insights

from the artists, and conversations

with the audience. This season, titled

“Re-imaginations,” celebrates classical

music masterpieces with the

spirit of improvisation and arrangements

with “Improvising Mozart” on

February 25.

Curated by violinist Max Tan, this

season’s “Listen Hear” concerts will

serve as fundraisers for the restoration

of St. Boniface’s campus as a spiritual

and cultural center in the wake of

hurricanes Helene and Milton. Performances

feature violinists Timothy

Chooi and Max Tan; cellist James Kim;

pianists Kwan Yi and David Kaplan;

and organist Jeremy Filsell.

Tickets are available at www.

soundboxventures.org. St. Boniface

Episcopal Church is located at 5615

Midnight Pass Road on Siesta Key.

The concert will feature a collaboration

with members of the St. Boniface

congregation, with a transformation

of the campus into an all-immersive

arts installation. Audiences

arrive for a self-guided walking tour

of the church grounds. The installation

will feature stories and images

of resilience of Siesta Key and surrounding

areas, celebrating the local

community’s perseverance through

difficult times.

Violinist Max Tan and pianist

David Kaplan will present a musical

menu of four Mozart sonatas that feature

improvisation both inside and

outside of Mozart’s scores. Audiences

can participate in deciding the flow

of the musical program.

This concert revolves around reinvention

and will include an arts experience

on the St. Boniface campus that

spotlights how the community has

adapted creatively during its recovery.

▼

At The Galleries

Art Center Sarasota’s Cycle 4

March 13-April 19. Opening reception:

March 13, 5-7 p.m.

• Christina Jensen Vicente presents

an immersive installation of handmade

textile and mixed media works. A fiber

artist and designer, Jensen Vincente

explores the collaboration between

nature and human hands in her art.

• “Eternal Landscape” is an exhibition

of sculptures by artist Bobby

Aiosa that reflects on the relationship

society has with the built environment.

The work contrasts the geometric

aesthetics of minimalist sculpture

and architectural movements with

intricately sculpted familial objects,

bones and foliage.

• In “Divine Love,” Gale Fulton Ross

recalls a genre of images of the Virgin

Mary, reinterpreting the visual

rhetoric within an African American

context. In this new body of work,

primarily silk screens, Fulton Ross

re-examines her notions of race and

familial cohesion.

• Juried exhibit: “Epoch of Change:

Footprints of Humanity” invites

artists to explore the interconnected

relationship between humanity and

nature and respond to our shifting

earth and climate. The juror is Lydia

Wassink, assistant professor of instruction

at University of South Florida.

Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami

Trail, Sarasota. Info: www.

artsarasota.org

▼

Next at SPAACES: Grids and

Stripes: The Power of Pattern pairs

the work of two Tampa-based artists

who use pattern as a primary visual

language to explore themes of identity,

power, and liberation. Abstract to

figurative, color to black and white,

grids to stripes, the exhibition provides

a compelling contrast between

the artists’ approaches to pattern, all

at a towering, and immersive scale

that is hard to ignore.

Joshua Haddad uses color, shape,

and repetition to create a series of

patterns inspired by the “Progress

Pride’’ Flag. Incorporating symbols

representing gender equality and

sexuality, these patterns draw upon

the specific color language and iconography

used to speak about inclusivity,

and an expanded representation

of identities within the LGT-

BQIA+ community.

With his background in architecture,

Haddad relies upon the modularity

of the grid as a formal organizational

structure for these patterns,

to allow for infinite iterative possibilities.

Playing with contrasting colors

and sequential reductions in saturation,

these patterns also speak to the

innate importance for visibility and

diversity as we continue to expand

our visual language for “Pride.”

Sam Modder’s digitally-manipulated

ballpoint pen murals follow a

Black woman in a world made up of

only her and her duplicates. The story

unfolds with the help of two distinct

patterns: striped socks and curly

hair. The socks, visually heavy and

grounded, are tied to material gain,

labor, and exploitation. Hair, by contrast,

is light, and gravity-defying, it

is a powerful protagonist pushing the

narrative forward in soft curls and

defiant shapes. This fairytale serves

as an allegory for our contemporary

condition, confronting questions of

power, exploitation, and resistance.

Abstract to figurative, color to black

and white, grids to stripes, the exhibition

provides a compelling contrast

between the artists’ approaches to

▼

continued on page 12


your health

Craniosacral Therapy Can Be Life Changing

CST treats the whole body physically, physiologically, mentally, emotionally and energetically

Clients come to me because they are in physical

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Pain and stress caused by

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Fascia (strong connective tissue) encases all

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Whenever fascia shortens any place in the

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Our body is the history of every major

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Shortened fascia results in pain, loss of mobility

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To keep the brain functioning, the body

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How Craniosacral

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The Craniosacral Therapist creates a safe

place, with gentle holding techniques, that

engages your body’s ability to self correct,

reorganize and heal itself with the release

of some of that tightened fascia during

each session. As the Craniosacral Therapist

engages your body, you will feel fascia releasing.

As the fascia releases, pain begins to

decrease, range of motion and mobility improve,

organs begin functioning better and

with less stress on the brain feels, it returns

the energy it borrowed at the time of each

trauma resulting in an immediate increase in

your energy levels. Rarely does anyone leave

from my first session not feeling better.

Short Leg Syndrome

Eighty-five percent of my clients have one

of their legs pulled up 1/2 to 1 by shortened

fascia. The tension from short leg syndrome

on the sacrum (5 fused vertebrae at bottom

of the spine) is transferred up the dural tube

that encases the spinal cord into the lower

and upper back, the neck, the cranium and

The physical stress in bodies caused by shortened

fascia (connective tissue) shuts down

energy flows to certain organs. Short leg syndrome

by ½ to 1 in (where one leg is pulled up

by shortened fascia) shuts down energy flow to

the spleen (an important part of your immune

system) and the small and large intestine. With

the release of that shortened fascia, energy returns

to these organs.

the brain. Headaches, migraines, TMJ and

neck problems can originate from the fascial

stress in the sacrum.

Releasing this sacral stress increases energy

in the bladder, sex organs, kidneys and

the chakras as well as releasing major stress

in the upper part of the body.

Cause of Shallow Breathing

A great majority of the clients who come to

me for various problems are also shallow

breathers. Fascial stress in the diaphragm

restricts the depth of breathing by restricting

energy flow to the lungs, the pericardium

and the heart. With the release of fascial diaphragm

restriction, the client immediately

starts breathing deeply and energy is restored

to the pericardium and the heart.

Shoulder blades that are cemented to the

body also restricts how much the rib cage can

open and thereby also restricting depth of

breath. Without proper breathing, your cells

do not get enough oxygen. Everyone, especially

people suffering from bronchitis, asthma

and COPD as well as shallow breathing can

benefit when the fascial stress is released.

Specialized Training

to work with Brain

Dysfunctions

Just as the body physically gets stressed from

physical and emotional trauma, the functioning

of the brain is also affected by fascial stress. For

our brains to remain healthy, we need dynamic

production of craniosacral fluid which performs

the important function of bringing nourishment

to all the cells in the brain and spinal

cord as well as cleansing all the metabolic

wastes given off by those same cells.

Once the craniosacral fluid cleanses these

metabolic wastes, efficient drainage of these

metabolic wastes into the lymph system is

absolutely necessary. Research has shown,

that at night, craniosacral fluid cleanses amyloid

plaques from the brain. If the drainage

is inefficient, then the brain is being bathed

in a toxic slurry. How does 15 or 20 years of

your brain being bathed in a toxic slurry

affect you: senile dementia, Parkinson’s,

Alzheimer’s and other brain dysfunctions?

A Craniosacral Therapist, who has received

training in working with the brain, can reverse

that stress on the brain that eventually can

result in those brain dysfunctions. As we all

know, the proper functioning of the body is

dependent on a healthy functioning brain.

Babies and Children can benefit

■ Our little boy Leo, four years of age, had a

difficult birth and at 7 months was put on antibiotics

for an ear infection and as a result developed

c-diff. His development came to a stop.

At 3 years, with the help of an OT, he started

to walk and talk. In spite of the improvements,

he was unable to answer questions and his

communication skills were very poor. Leo

had very poor muscle tone, a lot of stress in

his body and physical activities such walking,

jumping and climbing were difficult for him.

Beginning with the first session with Terry,

he began showing improvement and with each

following session. Everyone from his teachers

to his grandparents noticed an increase in his

■ “I was in awful pain and the

MRI showed 2 pinched nerves

and stenosis. I scheduled surgery.

My daughter suggested Craniosacral therapy.

After only 2 visits the pain was reduced to

advanced craniosacral about 80% and therapy I canceled the surgery. I went

for a 3rd visit and I am about 90% better.”

■ “Simply Amazing! One visit was all it took for

Terry to relieve 85% of my year long, nagging

(sometimes severe) neck/shoulder tightness/

pain!! My breathing improved tremendously.”

physical strength, as well as improvements in

comprehension, speech and communication

skills. For the first time, he started participating

in class lessons and interacting with his

classmates. Terry has made a huge impact on

getting Leo to a place a little boy should be at

age four. We cannot thank Terry enough.

■ Terry’s treatment helped our 6 week old

baby boy from recent hospitalization into

the first series of healthy bowel movements

when seemingly nothing could help. Our son

was able to latch onto the breast and for the

first time completed his feeding. He was much

calmer after working with Terry.

Terrence Grywinski

of Advanced

Craniosacral Therapy,

B.A., B.ED., LMT #MA 6049

Testimonials from Clients

■ “He was able to relieve tension that I have

been carrying around for 15 years or more.

I left his office table with more energy than I

have had in years.”

■ “I began working with him because I was

dealing with anxieties, depression and lots of

emotional pain inside and out. You don’t realized

how much stress can cause damage to

your body, mind and soul. I can say Terry was

a big help.”

SOURCE:

■ Terrence Grywinski of Advanced Craniosacral Therapy,

B.A., B.ED., LMT #MA 6049. Terry has specialized in Craniosacral

Therapy since 1994 when he began his training at the Upledger

Institute. Described by his teachers, clients and colleagues

as a “gifted healer”, Terry’s intuitive sense and healing energy

provides immediate and lasting relief from injury, pain, mobility

issues as well as dysfunctions of the body and the brain. Part

of Terry’s ongoing education, he has completed 4 craniosacral

brain and peripheral nervous system classes which enables him

to work at a cellular

level and with brain

dysfunctions.

Call 941-321-8757

for more information,

Google Advanced

Craniosacral

Therapy.

■ “On a recent vacation to Siesta Key, I re-injured

my back. I found Terry online. I can say

with complete joy that was the best decision

I made in the history of my back pain. I have

sought many modalities and visit a CST regularly

and never have I had such a healing in

my entire body.

After 3 sessions, I made a 16-hour drive

home with no pain or discomfort in my entire

body. Unbelievable. My body has a sense of

moving freely and that is completely new. I’m

advanced craniosacral therapy

so grateful to Terry for his knowledge, for his

sensitivity to my needs and his kind generosity

in healing my body. I will see him when I return

next year.”

■ “I am a snowbird who spends 7 months

in Sarasota. I have had back problems for 25

years. Terry’s techniques have led to a great

deal of release and relief in areas that have

been problematic. I have been seeing him over

the years when my body says ”it’s time”. Usually

after a few sessions, I can tell a huge difference.”

PAID ADVERTORIAL



pattern, all at a towering, and immersive

scale that is hard to ignore.

SPAACES is located at 2051 Princeton

St, Sarasota.

• SPAACES will be putting on an

additional event: Park East Picnic

on February 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

at Shenandoah Park, 715 N East Ave,

Sarasota.

The Park East Picnic is a creative

place making project using food,

music, and art to promote enduring

social change and improve the physical

environment and social cohesion

of the Park East Neighborhood.

The picnic celebrates the full time

residents of Park East, bringing joy,

building relationships, enhancing

community engagement, and growing

feelings of inclusivity.

It creates opportunities for people

of all income levels, ethnicities,

and backgrounds to thrive, offering

support and encouraging pedestrian

activity, creating a safer and more animated

Park East neighborhood. The

Park East Picnic demonstrates a new

way for contemporary art organizations

to engage with their local communities,

working together to create

projects that positively affect them.

The Park East Picnic is spearheaded

by the SPAACES art organization,

in collaboration with the Park East

Neighborhood Association, Limelight

District, Creative Liberties, and

SRQ Strong.

For more on SPAACES, visit www.

spaaces.art

Define Art Gallery has Shades of

Blue: A Journey Through the Spectrum,

a solo exhibition by artist Liz

Cole. This will be a showcase of acrylic

and collage paintings explores the

timeless allure and symbolic depth

of blue.

Throughout history, shades of blue

have been powerful symbols of spirituality,

purity, wealth, tranquility,

and patriotism. Blue’s unique ability

to evoke a kaleidoscope of emotions,

whether contemplative, soothing,

mysterious, or joyful—has captivated

artists and audiences alike. For

Liz Cole, blue has been a constant

inspiration, anchoring her creative

journey and adding a special spirit to

each of her works.

Referencing a sentiment expressed

by artist Joan Miró, who once

described blue as “the color of my

dreams,” Cole’s work embodies this

elegant acknowledgment of blue’s

transformative power. Each piece is a

tribute to this primary force of color,

inviting audiences to see the world

through its prism.

The exhibition runs February 4- 27,

with an opening reception on February

7, from 6-8pm. Guests will have

the opportunity to meet Liz Cole and

gain insight into her artistic process

and inspirations at her featured artist

talk scheduled on February 22 at 4pm.

Location: Define Art Gallery and

Studio 68 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota

▼

At Harmony Gallery: Herrera’s

exhibit, “Good Things Take Time.”

Herrera is an abstract artist based in

Sarasota, FL. Her practice is deeply

rooted in search of self expression and

to connect deeper with herself, life,

and nature. Karina works with large

scale canvases that are self-built and

hand-stretched that allow the space to

use the span of her body to direct her

flow on the canvas. Her work translates

emotions into compositions of

color complimented by intentional

mark-making. She finds whatever

feelings she experiences internally at

the time heavily influence her work,

▼

each piece marking a different sentence,

page, or chapter of her life.

Exhibit Dates: February 4-March 5.

Public reception: February 19, 5-6:30

p.m. Visit sarasotaorchestra.org.

At Ringling College Galleries:

Jack Davis: A Legacy of Laughter,

celebrates the illustrated artwork of

iconic American artist Jack Davis. In

honor of his 100th birthday, this show

is a unique and nostalgic journey

through the whimsical and satirical

world he created. Home to a collection

of over two dozen drawings and

memorabilia that pays homage to

Davis’ unparalleled talent and enduring

influence on the world of comics

and illustration. Held in the Lois

and David Stulberg Gallery. Runs

to March 21.

Born in 1924, Davis began his career

as a freelance artist and quickly

gained recognition for his humorous

and exaggerated drawings. He regularly

contributed to the iconic MAD

Magazine, where his work became

highly influential. He received numerous

accolades for his contributions to

the field of cartooning, including an

induction into the Will Eisner Hall of

Fame. The Stulberg Gallery is located

at 1188 MLK Way Sarasota.

www.ringlingcollege.gallery/

upcoming

▼

ArtCenter Manatee has the

American Watercolor Society 157th

Traveling Exhibition in the Kellogg

Gallery. The American Watercolor

Society began as a group of eleven

painters who gathered in New York

City in 1866 and began to hold exhibitions

of their work. Their annual

exhibitions have continued from that

day. The traveling exhibition features

40 paintings from the original 160+

exhibitors each year and travels to

three to six locations each year. Runs

to February 28. Info: vwww.artcentermanatee.org/

▼

▼

Arts AdvocatesArts Advocates

Gallery, located in the Crossings at

Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami

Trail in Sarasota, hosts monthly

exhibits by member artists. Shows

run from the first Saturday to the

last Saturday of each month.

The Arts Advocates’ collection of

Sarasota Art Colony and Florida

Highwaymen works is on permanent

display in the Arts Advocates

Gallery, which is open every Saturday

from 2-4 p.m. Admission is

free. Free docent-guided tours are

available for gallery visitors who

wish to learn more about the art and

written information is available for

self-guided tours.

To register for events, visit ArtsAdvocates.org.

Island Gallery and Studios’

featured artist for February is Sue

Elliott and her exhibit is “Stay Golden”

which runs February 1-28, with

a First Friday artist reception on

February 7.

The exhibit showcases a variety of

subjects tied together by her use of

gold leafing. Sue’s work highlights

the interplay of light and texture in

fresh and captivating ways.

Bring your friends and mingle

with their artists while taking in the

fine art works and enjoying beverages

and small bites. Local musician,

Chip Ragsdale will be there to provide

live music.

Visit www.islandgalleryandstudios.org

or call 941-778-6648.

They’re located at 456 Old Main

Street in downtown Bradenton.

▼

Perlman Suncoast

Abel Quartet is on February 11

with Njioma Grevious, violin; Rebecca

Benjamin, violin; James Kang,

viola; Macintyre Taback, cello.

Renaissance Quartet performs

March 24, 26 & 27 with Randall

Goosby, violin; Jeremiah Blacklow,

violin; Jameel Martin, viola; Daniel

Hass, cello. Tickets: (941) 955-4942

or visit www.perlmanmusicprogram

suncoast.org/

▼

Sarasota

Art Museum

Molly Hatch: Amalgam runs to

April 26, 2026. Hatch’s newly commissioned

“plate painting,” Amalgam

(2023), was created specifically for

Sarasota Art Museum. Consisting of

more than 450 earthenware plates

hand-painted in white, blue, and gold

luster, the abstract lines and shapes

in Amalgam are drawn from a variety

of historical ceramics from around

the globe. Info: sarasotaartmuseum.

org/visit

▼

Farmers’ Markets

Lakewood Ranch Farmers’ Market

starhas more than 100 curated

vendors and is located at Waterside

Place in Lakewood Ranch. Open

Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. yearround

and offers produce, prepared

foods, and specialty items and gifts.

The Market also works with Community

Harvest SRQ as part of the

▼

Suncoast Gleaning Project. Among

other efforts, volunteers pick up leftover

vegetables from the farmers

weekly and take them to food banks

to make meals for those in need,

thereby helping diminish food waste

while providing nutritious produce to

diverse populations. Other activities

on Market Sundays include yoga at

the adjacent Waterside Park, weekly

live music, Kids’ Corner crafts,

facepainting and balloon twisting,

among others.

For more, visit www.lakewood

ranch.com.

Phillippi Farmhouse Market

is located in Phillippi Estate Park.

This seasonal market is open every

Wednesday through April from 9

a.m. to 1 p.m. Experience fresh produce,

prepared foods, artisanal products

and live music.

Beyond shopping, visitors can

explore the park’s beautiful grounds,

including the historic Edson Keith

Mansion, through a free, docent-led

tour beginning promptly at 10 a.m.

each Wednesday.

Phillippi Estate Park is located at

5500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

▼

Events, Meetings,

Lectures and More

At Sarasota Tiger Bay Club:

• February 6—FloodingWhy it

happened and what did Sarasota

City and County do to rectify the

problem?

Spencer Anderson,Sarasota County’s

Public Works DirectorSteve

Suau, Civil Engineer - Specialty is

watershed management planning-

Hugh Culverhouse, Attorney, Real

Estate investor and Philanthropist

To reserve and pay at the door,

email SarasotaTigerBayClub

@gmail.com or call/text

941.228.9144

Held at Michael’s On East in Sarasota.

Info: www.sarasotatigerbay.com

▼

▼

The Sarasota Ballet

presents the

Mark Morris

Dance Group

on

February 28-

March 3.

The Palm-Aire Women’s Club

(PAWC) Annual Fashion Show

Luncheon and Fundraiser,

“Effortless Elegance,” is scheduled

for February 21 at the Palm-Aire

Country Club in Sarasota. This

event is open to the community

and will feature local celebrities

and members as models.

Summer Smith, the ABC News

anchor will emcee. This fashion

show puts the “fun” in fundraising,

with proceeds benefiting scholarships

for State College of Florida, and

Manatee Technical College. Additionally,

it provides grants to local

qualified charities.

The fashion show will feature

fashions from Darci Jacob’s boutique,

Darci’s on Main Street. Tickets

are $75 and must be purchased in

advance. Tickets : www.zeffy.com/

ticketing/2025. For more information

call 443-974-8520.

The Greater Sarasota Chamber

of Commerce has a New Year’s

Kick-Off Brunch on January 17,

9-11:30 at The Ora, located at 578

McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Register

at: sarasotachamber.com.

This annual event is the perfect

opportunity to network with local

professionals, enjoy breakfast, and

gain insights into Sarasota’s economic

future. The morning will feature a

keynote presentation by Mark Wilson,

President and CEO of the Florida

Chamber of Commerce, who will

deliver an update on Sarasota’s economic

landscape for 2025.

▼

Boxser Diversity has these speaker

events: February 13 - Join in for

a thought-provoking conversation

with author Gilbert King and Judge

Charles Williams as they explore the

intersection of legal history and social

justice. King discusses the gripping

narratives of his Pulitzer Prize-winning

book Devil in the Grove and his

latest work Beneath a Ruthless Sun.

Together, they examine the chilling

legacy of Sheriff Willis McCall, a

central figure to both books, as well

as the life experiences of African

Americans in Florida during the Jim

Crow era. Discover how the history

of race relations, law, politics, and

economics shaped the lives of people

profiled in his books.

Gain insights into the art of nonfiction

writing, as King reveals how his

investigative storytelling transcends

the crimes themselves to reflect on

the broader issues of criminal justice

and the American experience.

Held at Unitarian Universalists of

Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota.

March 6 - In his Pulitzer Prize

winning portrait of the preacher

and activist who shook the world,

Eig gives us an intimate view of the

courageous and often emotionally

troubled human being who demanded

peaceful protest for his movement

but was rarely at peace with himself.

King reveals a minister wrestling with

his own human frailties and dark

moods, a citizen hunted by his own

government, and a man determined

to fight for justice even if it proved to

be a fight to the death. Eig dramatically

re-creates the journey of Dr.

Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who

recast American race relations and

became our only modern-day founding

father—as well as the nation’s

most mourned martyr.

This event is free and open to the

public. Space is limited; reservations

required. Location: Ringling Museum

of Art, Historic Asolo Theater. Tickets:

www.secure.qgiv.com/for/boxserdiversityinitiative/

▼

Attention Arts

Organizations:

Have you sent your season

schedule yet?

We’ve received lots of them

so far, but do we have yours?

If you want coverage in West

Coast Woman, make sure

to send your schedule to:

westcoastwoman@

comcast.net.


happening this month

$3 OFF W/CODE WCW

DAILY TROLLEY TOURS

ENTERTAINING • INFORMATIVE

Senior Friendship Centers

Continues “Joyful Journeys”

Authors Series

Free, monthly series celebrates

the art of storytelling and highlights local authors

Senior Friendship Centers

announces the continuation

of its popular authors

series, “Joyful Journeys.”

This engaging, free program

celebrates the art of storytelling and

highlights local authors. Each month,

a featured author shares their unique

insights, captivating stories, and personal

experiences.

Attendees can enjoy lively discussions,

participate in Q&A sessions, and connect

with fellow literature enthusiasts. The sessions

are on Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m., at

Senior Friendship Centers, 1888 Brother

Geenen Way, Sarasota.

• Upcoming sessions in the

“Joyful Journeys” series include:

• Thursday, February 20, 5-6:30 p.m.:

Marisa Mangani, author of “Mise en

Place: Memoir of a Girl Chef.” Marisa

Mangani’s memoir,

“Mise en Place: Memoir

of a Girl Chef,”

chronicles her journey

from the kitchens

of 1970s Hawaii,

where girls were relegated

to baking and

salads, to becoming

a chef in male-dominated,

high-pressure environments.

Marisa Mangani

From almost cooking for Bruce

Springsteen to managing high-volume

restaurants at three World’s Fairs, Mangani’s

story is one of grit and perseverance.

Born and raised in Hawaii, she

honed her culinary skills in New Orleans,

navigating the machismo of professional

kitchens while battling her own shyness.

Featured in Thrillist’s “Why 8 Top Chefs

Quit the Kitchen,” Mangani’s memoir

explores breaking barriers, confronting

cultural norms, and finding fulfillment in

unexpected places. Mangani is the president

of Mise en Place Design, LLC.

• Thursday, March 20, 5-6:30 p.m.:

Cedric Hameed, author of “Balance.”

Cedric Hameed, an award-winning poet,

humanitarian, and

arts advocate, believes

self-expression

has the power to

transform lives and

communities. Born

in Schenectady, N.Y.,

Hameed turned to

Cedric Hameed

poetry to navigate

life’s challenges, discovering

its potential to inspire personal

and collective change. “Poetry saved my

life, literally,” he shares. “When you can

see the world in metaphors and similes,

you can create. I can see the world we

can all create!”

His debut collection, “Balance,” captures

his journey of self-healing and

growth. Filled with authenticity and empathy,

Cedric’s poems call for personal

revolution, urging readers to embrace

self-love and their inner greatness. “Cedric

weaves words in ways that touch

the soul and inspire us to feel possibilities

and affirmation,” says Debra M. Jacobs,

president and CEO, The Patterson

Foundation.

• Thursday, March 27, 5-6:30 p.m.:

Patricia D’Arcy Laughlin, author

of “Sacrifices for

Kingdoms.” D’Arcy

Laughlin’s “Sacrifices

for Kingdoms”

is the first book in

her “Sacrifices and

Kingdom” series, a

multi-genre romance

Patricia D’Arcy

Laughlin

series crossing continents

and cultures,

places and races,

duties and desires.

“Sacrifices for Kingdoms”

ignites with

a tender romance

that soon deepens

into passion, intrigue,

and danger.

As secrets unravel

and loyalties clash,

Elizabeth, an equality-driven

advocate, and Prince Michael,

a protective European royal, must navigate

love amidst their social convictions

and personal sacrifices.

About the author: Patricia D’Arcy

Laughlin was born in Trinidad of British

and French ancestry. She was educated

there, in the UK, and the U.S. She is a

world traveler and an award-winning

artist, famous for developing her own

medium, named by the media as “unique

stainings on wood.” She lives in Florida

with her husband, and she has three

children, five grandchildren, and two

great-grandchildren.

Joyful Journeys events are free, but

registration is required at www.friendshipcenters.org/category/events/.

For more information

about Joyful Journeys, call 941-

556-3269 or visit friendshipcenters.org.

ABOUT

Senior Friendship

Centers

The mission of Senior Friendship Centers

is to build vibrant communities by

advancing wellness, connection, and enrichment

throughout the journey of aging.

Since 1973 this organization has served

people 50 and older in Sarasota, Charlotte,

DeSoto, and Lee counties with programs

and services including activity centers,

lifelong learning, dining centers and meals

delivered to the homebound, caregiver support,

adult day services, supportive aging

services, and volunteer opportunities. For

more information about Senior Friendship

Centers, call (941) 955-2122 or

www.friendshipcenters.org.

2 ND ANNUAL

ART CRAWL

TROLLEY

February 14 • March 14 • April 11

2nd Fridays 4-8PM

Hop On At The Trolley Cottage, Hop Off At Six Art District Locations!

3 Trolleys Running Every 15 Min.

20+ Galleries & Studios Participating

WHO KILLED THE CIRCUS QUEEN?

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Fun for ALL ages!”

Carol

MOTIVE. MEANS. OPPORTUNITY.

Thursdays & Saturdays 7:30PM

Ticket includes complimentary wine/beer before boarding.

Step right up to solve the murder of Dahlia the Queen of the High Trapeze

on this interactive Murder Mystery Musical Tour where

YOU ARE A PART OF THE SHOW!

Psychic

SUNDAYS 1:00 PM

Energy, Healings & Reading

On The Trolley!

Enjoy orange or pineapple

mimosas while you wait to board.

MEDIA SPONSOR

$5 Of Every Ticket Will Be Donated To The Arts And Cultural Alliance Of Sarasota County.

Guided by psychic Deni Dreazen,

visit Pixie Dust Giftshop, enjoy a Sound Healing

Immersion led by Kaylene McCaw and walk the labyrinth. Along

the way, experience mini tarot and spirit gallery readings.

DiscoverSarasotaTours.com

941-260-9818

1826 4th Street, Sarasota | FREE Parking!


call 941-274-2030

Sarasota Downtown

1751 Mound St, Suite #207,

Sarasota

Lakewood Ranch

8614 St. Rd 70E, Suite 102,

Bradenton

TimeSaverFitness.com

Offering a super-slow high intensity

strength training program twice a week,

20 minutes, amazing results!

Schedule your Complimentary

Introduction Session TODAY!

KEEP YOUR BODY FIT & STRONG

Eunice Okun

“93 Years Young and Feeling My Best”

“Within a few months of starting my two weekly twenty-minute

workouts, I could feel the difference. Each session gave me

a sense of true accomplishment. And, my trainers are always

encouraging, answering my questions and addressing areas of

concern. After three years at Time Saver Fitness, I’ve regained

strength, increased my coordination and am more toned than

I have been in years. And, now, at the age of 93, I’m enjoying a

healthy, active, independent lifestyle!”

— Eunice Okun

4420 South Tamiami Trail,

Sarasota

941.260.8905

www.shellysgiftandchristmasboutique.com

Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm


focus on the arts

Kenny and Dolly Together

Again for The Pops

Orchestra’s “Islands in

the Stream” Feb. 15-17

Added Saturday matinee due to

audience demand

The Pops Orchestra is presenting

the world’s #1 Kenny Rogers and

Dolly Parton tribute show to local

audiences in three concerts

on February 15, 16, and 17.

The Valentine’s weekend concerts feature

Marty Edwards as “Kenny Rogers” and Wendy

Engler as “Dolly Parton” performing all

their beloved hits including “Jolene,” “I Will

Always Love You,” “9 to 5,” “The Gambler,”

“Lady,” “Lucille,” “We’ve Got Tonight,” “Islands

in the Stream,” and many more!

This presentation of Kenny & Dolly Together

Again recreates the magic of Dolly Parton

and Kenny Rogers, as these two seasoned

professionals deliver the incredible songs and

the onstage playfulness of Kenny & Dolly’s

Real Love tour. This tribute act has it all from

the songs, the mannerisms, the vocals, and of

course, the charm, magic and on-stage playfulness

of Kenny & Dolly Together Again.

The original Real Love tour, also known

as Together started in 1983 when Kenny and

Dolly toured together performing a long list

of individual hits plus their exciting duets, including

their #1 duet “Islands in The Stream.”

The show was amazing and a huge success!

Edwards and Engler, having recreated the

show, also appeared performing at major

resort hotels in Atlantic City in addition to

shows in Australia, Asia, the UK, Ireland, the

USA and Canada. They are widely regarded

among the top tribute artists in the world,

and Edwards has even appeared on Oprah,

CNN and the Jay Leno Tonight Show.

About Marty Edwards

Marty Edwards started his musical career in

the early 70s as a lead vocalist and guitarist

for a country band and performed many

popular Kenny Rogers songs of the time, but

never consciously tried to imitate Kenny until

a producer observed his uncanny resemblance

to Kenny Rogers and the similarity in

his vocals.

Not until 1998 when he produced his first

annual benefit concert did Marty try the Kenny

Rogers tribute act. It went over so well he

was asked to repeat the performance at other

venues.

Marty met Kenny Rogers twice since starting

the tribute. Kenny told Marty, “Now don’t

go getting me into any trouble.” A second

meeting was while attending

a Kenny Rogers concert.

Kenny was performing

and stopped his show to introduce Kinda

Kenny, Marty Edwards to the audience to

show how similar Kenny and he looked.

Marty’s tribute to Rogers has raised thousands

of dollars for charities and taken him to

parts of the world he would not have visited

and he had the opportunity to meet Kenny

Rogers while performing in Montana.

Marty has performed in Australia for 7

seasons performing 21 sold-out shows in 6

weeks with each visit.

About Wendy Engler

Wendy is a versatile professional performer

having appeared on stage in several roles

that have featured her vocal talents. Wendy

starred in the title role of the musical “The

Unsinkable Molly Brown” and performed as

a country singer on the Nashville Network in

one of her dozens of TV appearances.

“Portraying a legend such as Dolly is a

tough job,” says Wendy, “Because of the

distinctive style of the multi-award winning

performer.”

Islands in the Stream

Schedule:

• Saturday, February 15, 3 p.m., SCF Neel

Performing Arts Center (5840 26th St. W,

Bradenton)

• Sunday, February 16, 3:00 p.m., Riverview

Performing Arts Center (One Ram

Way, Sarasota)

• Monday, February 17, 7:30 p.m., SCF

Neel Performing Arts Center (5840 26th St.

W, Bradenton)

Tickets can be purchased at https://

ThePopsOrchestra.org or by calling The

Pops Box Office at 941-926-7677.

The Rest of The Pops

Orchestra’s Season

Love It Like a Local

Sunday, March 23, 3:00 p.m., Riverview Performing

Arts Center, Sarasota

Monday, March 24, 7:30 p.m., SCF Neel Performing

Arts Center, Bradenton

In this grand finale show, The Pops Orchestra

will feature performers from our Cultural

Coast, including Joseph Holt on piano, Jon

Godfrey on banjo, singer Frank Paul, dancers

from the Sarasota Bay Dance Club, the concerto

competition winner from the Sarasota

Music Conservatory, and more.

About the Pops Orchestra

Founded in 1975, the 65-piece Pops Orchestra

consists of many local professional musicians,

community music makers, music educators,

and high school and college music students.

Their concert season features musical

genres such as patriotic, Broadway, Hollywood,

jazz, big band, jukebox, Motown, and

holiday selections. In addition, the Pops Orchestra

performs community concerts to honor

veterans, welcome international sporting

events, and feature outstanding local young

musicians through its annual summer camp.

Conductor Robyn Bell began her tenure

as the Pops Orchestra’s conductor

and artistic director in

2011 and is the orchestra’s 5th

conductor.

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Jessica Hays

President and CEO

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center

S

he’s been with the

nonprofit since 2007,

starting as Director of

Community Awareness.

SPARCC marked its 45th

anniversary in 2024 and has

grown to offer a multitude of

services including counseling,

legal assistance, shelter,

support groups, children’s

services and a lot more.


SPARCC (Safe Place and Rape Crisis

Center) in Sarasota started as

a small, grassroots organization

providing support

to those who had experienced

sexual assault

and partner violence. Last

year the nonprofit marked

its 45th anniversary and has grown to

offer a multitude of services including

counseling, legal assistance, shelter,

support groups, children’s services and

a lot more.

Back in the day, those seeking SPARCC’s

services were called “victims.” Now, reflecting

changing times and perspectives,

“victims” are called “survivors.”

All of SPARCC’s growth and expansion of

services to women, men and children came

about through solid leadership as seen in

its past CEOs — Jean Gay, Stephanie Woods

and Olivia Thomas. SPARCC’s current

President and CEO is Jessica Hays who has

been with the nonprofit since 2007 starting

as the agency’s Director of Community

Awareness.

Jessica is a Florida native. Her parents

are from Sarasota (her grandfather was

a principal at Sarasota High School - the

same school Jessica’s daughter now attends).

After graduating from FSU, she

worked in advertising and public relations

and also in photography. While working

with KSC, a marketing and public relations

agency in Sarasota, her job often had her in

contact with nonprofits.

Why go from for-profit to nonprofit? For

one, the nonprofit clients she worked with

at KSC were “interesting and wonderful,”

in addition to being meaningful causes,

she explains. She was also in contact with

Olivia Thomas, who was then SPARCC’s

President and with whom Jessica knew

through Sarasota Junior League.

Her position as Director of Community

Awareness was, as she describes it, “one

of those jobs at a nonprofit where it starts

with one job and then becomes much

bigger.” Soon she was working on their

prevention program, special events, managing

volunteers and more. When Olivia

left SPARCC, Jessica moved up to become

president in 2015.

While working at a crisis center can be

very stressful at times, she’s stayed because,

"It’s always challenging and always

changing, but always rewarding and interesting.”

Both domestic violence (DV) and

sexual assault (SV) are “widespread,” she

notes, but not visible until someone you

know is touched by it.

Clients at SPARCC are of all ages. The

demographics beyond age depends on

resources. In other words, if you have resources

(usually money and a place to live)

you may not need things like shelter, a lawyer

or counseling What has changed, Jessica

has noted, is that SPARCC is seeing more

men. Some have stayed in the shelter and,

“We don’t treat them any differently.”

As their mission states: “SPARCC is a

dedicated organization committed to supporting

survivors of domestic violence and

sexual assault. Our mission provides essential

resources, counseling, and shelter

to those in need.” In 2024, they provided

5,268 nights of shelter to 127 adults, 95 children

and 12 pets as well as 15,804 meals.

Of the many services that SPARCC offers,

the one that has grown most in terms of

size and depth, is their legal services. “It’s a

big part of what we do and it’s making a big

impact,” according to Jessica.

In 2017 they hired their first two attorneys

through statewide funding. Two years

ago, SPARCC began to offer assistance with

civil cases. While they’re “inundated,” she

states, it shows that the need was there and

it has worked out for their survivors.

Their IFP (Injunction for Protection)

Project attorneys, also located at SPARCC,

provide free legal services to help obtain

injunctions for survivors of domestic violence,

sexual violence, dating violence, and

stalking. SPARCC acts only as an intermediary

and refers survivors to Florida Bar

Licensed Attorneys.

The legal system can be very daunting,

not to mention expensive and time-consuming.

Sometimes, she explains, “Just

talking to an attorney can help.”

SPARCC has always had a large volunteer

support system, from those who volunteer

on the hotlines to others who help out with

the SPARCC Treasure Chest store, to others

who create their glamorous events. Support

from the community is strong as seen in

their well-attended fundraising efforts but

also in items donated to the Treasure Chest

on Fruitville Road. Stop by their office

downtown and you’ll often see donations

that are dropped off such as baby formula,

toys, clothing, food and, most recently, holiday

presents for SPARCC’s clients.

In addition to their Sarasota office/

headquarters, SPARCC has offices in

Venice, Arcadia and North Port and all of

their services are free. North Port is where

more services are needed due to that area’s

growth in population.

What does Jessica see on SPARCC’s horizon?

She’d liked to see more work towards

housing stability. As many know, housing is

very expensive in Sarasota and with a federal

grant they’ll be able to offer long-term support,

she says. “We assist with security deposit

and rent assistance.” The move towards

financial support is part of what is called

“economic justice “ - a trend in the DV field

that has been in place for the past 10 years.

Their Housing Stability Program provides

case management, safety planning

and economic empowerment with the

long-term goal of obtaining financial

stability and maintaining safe housing.

According to their website, “Economic

Independence means learning about financial

literacy; employability skills; career

exploration and identification; vocational

training; job search and interviewing;

mentoring; and ongoing support.”

With this program they can gain confidence,

resilience and strength—skills that

are much needed when rebuilding your life

after trauma. More specifically, they also

learn how to goals, establish boundaries,

become assertive, learn problem-solving

and coping skills. The goal is achieving financial

independence and self-sufficiency.

Another goal Jessica sees is building an

endowment. “Government funding can

change,” she explains, and SPARCC is heavily

tied to federal and state funding which

can sometimes come - and go. Regardless,

she states confidently, “we’ll still be here.”

Jessica and her husband Nathan have

two girls, ages 13 and 15. Nathan is in real

estate, but at home he’s “the best girl dad,”

according to Jessica. And those girls also

have a pretty amazing mom.

STORY and IMAGES: Louise Bruderle

From The CDC

Partner violence is common and affects

millions of people in the United States each

year. From CDC's National Intimate Partner

and Sexual Violence Survey, about 41% of

women and 26% of men experienced contact

sexual violence, physical violence, or

stalking by an intimate partner during their

lifetime and reported a related impact.

Over 61 million women and 53 million

men have experienced psychological aggression

by an intimate partner in their

lifetime. Data from U.S. crime reports suggest

that about one in five homicide victims

are killed by an intimate partner. The

reports also found that over half of female

homicide victims are killed by a current or

former male intimate partner.

AAUW Sarasota mission is to advance gender equity for

women and girls through education, advocacy, and research.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

AAUW Sarasota Business Meeting

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 – 2:00 pm

Our speaker for this meeting is Officer

Deana McNeal with the Elderly Fraud

Unit of the Bradenton Police Department.

I’ve heard her speak and was amazed at the

numerous ways we can get scammed.

This is a don’t miss presentation.

Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 2:00p.m.

Location: Women’s Resource Center, 340 S Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, FL 35237

Want to hear about a “good read”

– come to our BOOK REVIEW BREAKFASTS

at the Selby Library Auditorium.

Our speakers will tell you about a book that they

tell their friends to be sure they read.

10:00 am on the 4th Tuesday of January, February & March

• January 28 – Carrie Seidman – “I’m not sick, I don’t need help”

• February 25 – Shirley Brown – “My Family and Other Animals”

• March 25 - Judy Pearson – “Crusade to Heal America:

The Remarkable Life of Mary Lasker”

All Book Review Breakfasts are free and open to the public.

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 – 10:30 – Selby Library Auditorium - FREE

Shirley Brown’s well known in Sarasota as a community leader

having served in number roles including:

• Started Sarasota Newcomers Club

• Served in Florida House 1992-2000

• Sponsored bills to establish Bright Futures Scholarships,

• Allow school districts to raise funds through voter referendums,

• Protect victims of domestic violence and children from sexual assaults.

• Served on Sarasota County School Board 2006-2022

Shirley will be reviewing My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell - Rarely

do you come across a book that captures you with the first sentence like this one

does. Gerald Durrell fills every page with beautiful prose describing his encounters

with the creatures on the Greek island of Corfu. However, what makes this book

even more engaging is the stories he tells of his quirky but loving family. You will fall

in love with each of them.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 – 10:30 – Selby Library Auditorium - FREE

Judy Pearson – her favorite title is “story teller.” With an anthology

and four biographies to her credit, she is currently at work on

a group biography telling the history of the 20th century’s

women’s health revolution. Judy was named one of Chicago’s

Most Inspirational Women, was selected as a finalist for the

Arizona Healthcare Leadership Awards and named a Phoenix

Healthcare Hero the same year.

Judy will be reviewing a book she wrote Crusade to Heal

America: The Remarkable Life of Mary Lasker

Crusade to Heal America: The Remarkable Life of Mary Lasker (the 2023 Florida

Book Award Bronze Medal Winner) is her untold story, confirming the

belief that one person can very much change

the lives of millions.

Interested in joining?

Let us take you out for coffee! Whether you’re new to Sarasota, are

looking to get more involved in advancing equity for women and girls

or just want to chat, we’d love to get to know you better. Email sarasota.

AAUW@gmail.com for a coffee meeting with an AAUW member

For more information visit www.aauwsarasota.org


focus on the arts

The Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative

Presents: Beyond Regional Boundaries

An initiative created to amplify the voices of African descent artists

The Suncoast Black Arts

Collaborative Presents:

Beyond Regional Boundaries,

is a groundbreaking

initiative was created to

amplify the voices of African descent

artists, as well as Black, Indigenous,

and artists of color across

the Sarasota-Manatee region. The

program launches with “Interpretations,

Perceptions & Realities,” on

display to February 25 at the Manatee

Performing Arts Center.

According to SBAC Executive Director

Michéle des Verney Redwine,

the effort “seeks to foster creativity,

promote artistic excellence, and bridge

communities.” Redwine highlights the

“Art Innovation Zone” program as

a key component of the initiative, featuring

12 exhibitions over 12 months in

galleries and nonprofit spaces throughout

the region.

“By providing meaningful public platforms,

nurturing collaborations with

prestigious art and cultural institutions,

and empowering artists to achieve economic

and cultural sustainability, SBAC

is redefining the creative landscape of

the region,” she says. “The Art Innovation

Zone exhibitions will spotlight the

depth and diversity of Black artistry,

offering audiences opportunities to engage

with the culture, stories, and journeys

of these artists.”

The Art Innovation Zone program

includes partnerships with area nonprofits,

including Manatee Performing

Arts Center, Van Wezel Performing

Arts Hall, Sarasota Opera, Sarasota

Orchestra, Venice Theatre, Westcoast

Black Theatre Troupe, WSLR, and North

County Library. These collaborations

will feature exhibitions hosted at their

respective venues. “Our aim is to present

one exhibition a month throughout

2025,” says Redwine.

She explains that the “Beyond Regional

Boundaries” initiative aims

to foster unique collaborations with

major institutions such as the Tampa

Museum of Art, The James Museum,

the Sarasota Art Museum, and other

museums across Florida. “Our goal is to

unite visionary artists and institutions,

support historically under-resourced

artists, and pave new paths toward

sustainable economic models,” says

Redwine. “This initiative will create

opportunities for artists of color to

actively participate in museum culture

and showcase their work.”

The “Art Innovation Zone Exhibitions”

launches with “Interpretations,

Perceptions & Realities,” runs to February

25, at the Manatee Performing

Arts Center. The exhibition features the

creativity of three Gulf Coast artists—

Gwendolyn Aqui-Brooks, Dwight Rose,

and Allen Pettigrew—who explore perception,

emotion, and the vibrancy of

human experience. Through vivid color

palettes and diverse media, these artists

invite viewers to reflect on how personal

realities shape artistic expression.

“Sunday Morning Tea” by

Gwendolyn Aqui-Brooks is

part of the Suncoast Black

Arts Collaborative’s exhibit,

“Interpretations, Perceptions

& Realities,” January 15 to

February 25, at the Manatee


• Gwendolyn Aqui-Brooks brings a

global perspective to her mixed

media paintings, contemporary

quilts, and soft sculpture

dolls. Influenced by her

experiences as an educator

in the U.S. and The Gambia,

her art balances figurative

and abstract elements with a

unique storytelling approach.

As she explains, “There is always

a narrative. The narrative is like solving

a mystery or finding the missing piece

of a puzzle. I hate to think of right or

wrong.”

Gwendolyn

Dwight

“Crocodile Monday” by Dwight Rose

is part of the Suncoast Black Arts

Collaborative’s exhibit, “Interpretations,

Perceptions & Realities,”

January 15 to February 25, at the Manatee


“Embracing Your Blues” by Allen

Pettigrew is part of the Suncoast

Black Arts Collaborative’s

exhibit, “Interpretations,

Perceptions & Realities,” January

15 to February 25, at the Manatee


sion.” Rose is the son of Herbie Rose, an

acclaimed artist, teacher and co-founder of

Bradenton’s Village of the Arts, who died

in 2017.

• Allen Pettigrew focuses

on abstract portraits in

acrylic, exploring the

interplay of light, shadow,

and color to evoke

mood and narrative. A

self-taught painter from

Tampa, Pettigrew sees

each piece as a mirror, reflecting

inner truths and sparking

conversation. As he puts it, “My goal

for each painting is to represent an inner

Allen

• Dwight Rose masterfully layers translucent

watercolor glazes, creating

luminous works that capture

subjects caught between resisting

and embracing change.

Born in Jamaica and raised

in Florida, with time spent

living in the Middle East and

Europe, his cultural journey

deeply informs his art. Rose

describes his work as “a synthesis

of individual feelings, along with the materials

and techniques. My paintings are

an exploration of these collective tools,

which are the basis of my artistic exprestruth

that is recognizable to the viewer,

inviting connection and conversation.”

“We are honored to partner with the

Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative to

present an inspiring Art Innovation

Zone Exhibition in our lobby, showcasing

the exceptional talents of three

distinguished artists,” says Jenene

Amick, CEO of the Manatee Performing

Arts Center. “This exhibition celebrates

the diversity, creativity, and cultural

richness of the Black arts community,

offering a platform to explore stories,

perspectives, and expressions that resonate

deeply with our shared humanity.”

SBAC board member Paul Toliver,

who is coordinating the exhibitions for

the Art Innovation Zones program of

“Beyond Regional Boundaries,” adds,

“Together, these three artists present a

vibrant and thought-provoking collection

that traverses the emotional spectrum,

from intense fury to serene urban

landscapes, offering viewers an invitation

to connect, reflect, and discover.”

Upcoming

Exhibitions

• To February 25—“Interpretations,

Perceptions & Realities”

with artists Gwendolyn

Aqui-Brooks,

Dwight Rose, and

Allen Pettigrew at

the Manatee Performing

Arts Center,

502 3rd Avenue

West, Bradenton

• To February

28—“Evoking

Conversations

of Historical

Events, Current

Issues and Race”

with artist Lily

Evans at WSLR +

Fogartyville, 525

Kumquat Court,

Sarasota

• March 4-30 with

artist Dominic

Avant at Sarasota Opera, 61 North Pineapple

Avenue, Sarasota

• April 2-30—Artists TBA at the Van Wezel

• August 1-30—Artists TBA at Betty J.

Johnson North Sarasota Library, 2801

Newtown Blvd., Sarasota

• October 1-30—Artists TBA at Sarasota

Orchestra, 709 North Tamiami Trail,

Sarasota

• November: Date TBA. Artists TBA at

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N.

Orange Ave., Sarasota

About the

Suncoast Black Arts

Collaborative

Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative

was established in 2018 to promote

greater exposure of Black artists

and their work through advocacy,

education, and collaboration. Visit www.

suncoastblackartscollaborative.org.


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focus on the arts

Sarasota Opera Announces

Casting for Winter Opera Festival

Season opens on February 15

Victor DeRenzi,

artistic director

and principal

conductor, and

Richard Russell,

general director, have announced

casting for Sarasota

Opera’s 2025 Winter Opera

Festival. The season opens

Feb. 15, and will feature Pietro

Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana

and Ruggero Leoncavallo’s

Pagliacci, Gioachino Rossini’s

The Barber of Seville,

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s

The Marriage of Figaro, and

Giuseppe Verdi’s Stiffelio.

The casts of internationally recognized

artists include some company

favorites, along with singers

making their company debuts.

Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana

and Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci,

two verismo operas of love and

betrayal and often referred to as

Cav/Pag, will feature four Sarasota

Opera veterans.

Lisa Chavez, who last performed

the title role in Massenet’s

Thérèse,

and Fidalma

in Cimarosa’s

Il

matrimonio

segreto, will

return as

Santuzza in

Cavalleria

rusticana.

Chavez

This is her

ninth principal role with the company.

She has also sung with Opera

Tampa and Knoxille Opera,

among others.

Tenor Rafael Dávila, celebrating

his 21st season with Sarasota Opera,

will sing the roles of Turiddu

in Cavalleria rusticana as well as

Canio in Pagliacci. Dávila recently

completed his sixth season with

the Metropolitan Opera where he

performed the roles of Ismaele in

Verdi’s Nabucco and Don José in

the company’s new production of

Carmen.

Baritone

Jean Carlos

Rodríguez

will sing

the roles

of Alfio in

Cavalleria

rusticana

and Tonio in

Pagiacci. He

Rodríguez sang Enrico

in last season’s production of Lucia

di Lammermoor and will sing

in The Music of Giuseppe Verdi

this November. He also performed

Germont in La traviata and the

title role in Gianni Schicchi with

Opera Tampa. Soprano Ashley

Milanese will sing the role of Nedda

in Pagliacci. Last season she

made her Sarasota Opera debut in

the title role in Donizetti’s Lucia

di Lammermoor and joined Opera

in the Heights as Mimì in Puccini’s

La bohème.

Cav/Pag will be conducted by

Sarasota Opera artistic director

and principal conductor Victor

DeRenzi, directed by Martha Collins,

with set design by David P.

Gordon. Costumes and lighting

for all this season’s productions

are by resident costume designer

Howard Tsvi Kaplan and resident

lighting designer Ken Yunker. Cav/

Pag will be sung in Italian, with

English supertitles for 10 performances

through March 29.

Rossini’s The Barber of Seville,

one of the most beloved comedic

works in

the operatic

repertory,

will open

Saturday,

Feb. 22.

Mezzo-soprano

Lisa Maria

Rogali will

Rogali

make her

Sarasota debut as Rosina. She has

sung Hansel in Opera Birmingham’s

Hansel and Gretel and will

sing the title role in Carmen with

Virginia Opera this fall. Baritone

Filippo Fontana will return to

Sarasota Opera to reprise the role

of Figaro and has sung the role of

Lescaut here in Puccini’s Manon

Lescaut. Tenor Minghao Liu will

make his Sarasota debut as Count

Almaviva, who is determined to

win the heart of the beautiful Rosina.

Liu has sung Almaviva with

Gulfshore Opera and Don Ottavio

in Opera Tampa’s production of

Don Giovanni.

Bass-baritone Stefano de Peppo

will sing the role of Doctor Bartolo.

He has a long history with

Sarasota Opera and last sang the

role of Leporello in the company’s

2023 production of Don Giovanni.

Internationally acclaimed, de Peppo

has sung throughout United

States, Europe, United Kingdom,

and Australia.

Bass

Young Bok

Kim, marking

his 21st

year with

Sarasota

Opera, will

sing the role

de Peppo

of Basilio.

In Sarasota, he has sung the title

role in Verdi’s Attila, Sparafucile

in Verdi’s Rigoletto, and Raimondo

in Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor,

among others. A native

of Korea, he has also sung Don

Alfonso in Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte

with the National Opera of Korea

and the Seoul Metropolitan Opera.

The Barber of Seville will be

conducted by Marcello Cormio,

directed by Marco Nisticò, with

set design by Jeffrey W. Dean.

It will be sung in Italian, with

English supertitles for 10 performances

through March 29.

Continuing the story of The

Barber of Seville, Mozart’s The

Marriage of Figaro opens Saturday,

March 8. Baritone Jake Stamatis

will sing the role of Count

Almaviva. Formerly a Sarasota opera

studio artist, he has also been

a fellow at the Music Academy of

the West and an artist in residence

with Tri-Cities Opera and Opera

Memphis.

Soprano Michelle Johnson will

return to sing the role of Countess

Almaviva.

She has

sung the

title role in

the company’s

2016

production

of Verdi’s

Aida. Johnson

has

Johnson performed

the title role in Puccini’s Tosca

with Opera on the James, Mimì in

Puccini’s La bohème with Nashville

Opera, and Bess in Gerhwin’s

Porgy and Bess with Des Moines

Metro Opera.

Soprano Virginia Mims will sing

the role of Susanna. She has sung

the role of Zemfira in Rachmaninoff’s

Aleko and Cleopatra in Händel’s

Giulio Cesare with IU Opera

Theater, and Susanna in Mozart’s

Le Nozze di Figaro at Brevard

Music Center. Bass-baritone Mattia

Venni will make his Sarasota

debut as

Figaro.

He most

recently

performed

as Suplice

in the Parnassus

Society’s

February

2024

Venni

production

of Donizetti’s La Fille du Regiment.

He has been awarded both

the first-place and special prize

Giuseppe Taddei Awards at the

International Lyric Competition in

Genova, Italy.

Mezzo-soprano Tessa Fackelmann

will make her Sarasota

Opera debut as the Cherubino.

Fackelmann was heard at Santa

Fe Opera in Gregory Spears and

Tracy K. Smith’s The Righteous

and as in Dvořvak’s Rusalka.

Bass Brian Kontes will return

to Sarasota to sing Bartolo. Previously,

he sang the role of Sarastro

in Sarasota’s 2019 production of

Mozart’s Die Zauberflote. He recently

sang the role of Don Basilio

in Rossini’s The Barber of Seville

at Pittsburgh Opera and covered

the role of the Bonze in Puccini’s

Madama Butterfly at the Metropolitan

Opera.

The Marriage of Figaro will be

conducted by Louis Lohraseb and

directed by Tom Diamond, with

set design by J. Mchael Wingfield.

It will be sung in Italian, with English

supertitles for seven performances

through March 28.

Last seen in Sarasota in 2005,

Verdi’s opera about infidelity

and forgiveness, Stiffelio, opens

March 15. “Written by Verdi at

the same time as Rigoletto and Il

trovatore, Stiffelio was only rediscovered

in 1968 after more

than 110 years of neglect due to

religious censorship.” Maestro

DeRenzi said. “We are presenting

it this season for the second time

in our company’s history. It can be

placed alongside Verdi’s great operas

not only chronologically, but

musically in many ways as well

as how Verdi presents the lives of

the characters.”

Tenor Victor Starsky will sing

the title role. He will perform in

the company’s fall concert The

Music of Giuseppe Verdi and made

his Sarasota debut last season as

Don José in Bizet’s Carmen. He

has sung the roles of the Duke

of Mantua

in Verdi’s

Rigoletto

with Opera

Modesto,

Radamès in

Verdi’s Aïda,

and Nemorino

in Donizetti’s

L’elisir

Starsky

d’amore

with Charlottesville Opera.

Soprano Aviva Fortunata will be

back in Sarasota to sing the role

of Lina. She made her Sarasota

debut in 2023 as Elvira in Verdi’s

Ernani and sang the title role in

Verdi’s Luisa Miller here in 2024.

She has sung Donna Anna in Pacific

Opera Victoria’s production

of Mozart’s Don Giovanni and the

title role in Bellini’s Norma with

Dallas Opera.

Baritone Ricardo José Rivera

will return to Sarasota, singing

the role of

Count Stankar.

He performed

the

role of Miller

in Verdi’s

Luisa Miler

in 2024

and Don

Carlo in the

Rivera

company’s

2023 production of Verdi’s Ernani.

He was recently heard in Teatro

Nuovo’s production of Carolina

Uccelli’s Anna di Resburgo and

Figaro in The Barber of Sevilla at

Opera San Jose. Bass Youg Bok

Kim will sing the role of Jorg. He

also is performing in Rossini’s The

Barber of Seville.

Stiffelio will be conducted by

Sarasota Opera artistic director

and principal conductor Victor

DeRenzi and directed by Stephanie

Sundine, with set design by Steven

C. Kemp. It will be sung in Italian,

with English supertitles for six

performances through March 30.

Ticket

Information

For information and tickets,

visit SarasotaOpera.org,

call (941) 328-1300, or

visit the Box Office at

61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota.


Season 29 | Talent Unveiled

Join us for a diverse range of concerts

featuring emerging and accomplished

classical, chamber, jazz, and pop artists.

2025 WINTER OPERA FESTIVAL

CAVALLERIA

THE BARBER

RUSTICANA

OF SEVILLE

Pietro Mascagni

Gioachino Rossini

AND

Feb. 22 – March 29, 2025

PAGLIACCI

Ruggero Leoncavallo

Feb. 15 – March 29, 2025

VICTOR DeRENZI, Artistic Director

RICHARD RUSSELL, General Director

Duo Karolina & Iwo

February 6, 11:00 am performance followed by lunch

Sarasota Yacht Club

Duo Karolina & Iwo is one of the most interesting and original chamber

ensembles performing today, breaking stereotypes about their instruments

and defying categorization. First prize winners at multiple international

competitions, their program includes everything from Chopin and Vivaldi

to Kostrzewa and Piazzolla.

THE MARRIAGE

OF FIGARO

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

March 8 – 28, 2025

STIFFELIO

Giuseppe Verdi

March 15 – 30, 2025

Imani Winds

February 11, 7:30 pm • First Congregational Church

2024 Grammy Award winner in the classical compendium category,

Imani Winds has led both a revolution and evolution of the wind quintet

through their dynamic playing and adventurous programming. They

will perform Blanchet’s A Haitian Tale, Schifrin’s La Nouvelle Orleans,

Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, and more.

ArtistSeriesConcerts.org | (941) 306-1202

All performances in the original language with translations above the stage.

(941) 328-1300 • SARASOTAOPERA.ORG

Sarasota Opera House • 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota

This project is supported in part by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County; The Exchange; Gulf Coast Community Foundation;

National Endowment for the Arts; the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues; and the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.



focus on the arts

Art Center Sarasota

Has Four New Exhibits

In “Jon or Juan,” Jon Green playfully explores

his identity as a second-generation

Mexican American, blending Latin American

craft traditions with themes of pre- and

post-colonization.

Frederico Torres’ “Dreamscape” features a new body of

photographic work that invites the viewer to immerse themselves

in the artist’s exploration of foreign places, tranquil

meditation and connection to the environment. There

will be an Artist Talk on Thursday, February 13, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

In “The Early Years,” Madie Gotshall presents a series

of collage-style paintings that explore the formation

of identity in a changing world, where meaning is found

in the mundane moments of life. The Artist Talk is on

Thursday, February 20, 5:30-6:30 p.m

Art Center Sarasota’s 2024-

2025 exhibition season

continues with four exhibits

running to March 1.

Each year, Art Center

Sarasota celebrates its members with an

exclusive exhibition, the Annual Juried

Members Show, juried to showcase no

more than 100 selected pieces. This year,

the top three winners will participate in a

group Artist Talk and Art Center Sarasota’s

board chair, Mary Davis Wallace, will present

a “Director’s Choice Award” for her

favorite artwork.

The juror is Rangsook Yoon, senior

curator at Sarasota Art Museum. A native

of South Korea, Yoon holds a PhD in art

history from NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts

and has over 10 years of curatorial and directorial

experience in Florida, along with

numerous scholarly publications and over

30 curated exhibitions.

The Juror’s Critique with Rangsook is on

Tuesday, February 11, 4 p.m. and the group

artist talk with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners

is Thursday, February 6, 5:30 -6:30

p.m. All works on display are available for

purchase.

In “Jon or Juan,” Jon Green uses humor

and playful sculptural work to explore his

identity as a second-generation Mexican

American, questioning expectations of

Latino communities. His work honors the

craft traditions of the Americas, emphasizing

ornamentation and objects as expressions

of cultural fusion.

“I explore the fragile boundaries of

my blurred identity within the diverse

multi-ethnic background of the Americas,”

says Green, whose work combines Latin

American craft traditions with personal

symbolism. Drawing on pre- and post-colonial

themes, his vibrant pieces, inspired

by Mestizo prints, merge cultural histories

and challenge traditional views of Mexican

American heritage.

In “Dreamscapes,” Frederico Torres

presents a new series of photographs that

invite viewers into his exploration of foreign

places, tranquil meditations, and a

deep connection with the environment. “I

explore the sensations of the subconscious

and dreams, creating art that transcends

the ordinary,” says Torres, whose work

captures the essence of nature through

personal experiences and inner journeys.

Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, Torres

discovered his passion for photography

while studying advertising and marketing.

He travels the world to capture the diverse

sensations and colors that nature offers.

In the “The Early Years,” Madie Gotshall

presents a series of paintings that explore

the formation of identity in a changing

world, finding meaning in life’s mundane

moments through a collage-like style. Her

work centers on liminality and its impact

on various aspects of life.

“My paintings are specific to my personal

life events, offering a language that the

audience can relate to, but with meanings

that aren’t immediately obvious,” says

Gotshall, whose work emphasizes swirling,

energetic lines that alter space and composition.

Gotshall holds a BFA in textiles and

material studies from Kutztown University

and is currently pursuing her MFA at the

University of South Florida in Tampa.

Jon Green:

“Jon or Juan”

The artist playfully explores his identity as

a second-generation Mexican American,

blending Latin American craft traditions

with themes of pre- and post-colonization to

humorously challenge expectations of Latino

communities.

Frederico Torres:

“Dreamscape”

Artist Talk on Thursday, February 13,

5:30-6:30 p.m.

This new body of photographic work invites

viewers to immerse themselves in the artist’s

exploration of foreign places, tranquil meditation

and connection to the environment.

Madie Gotshall:

“The Early Years”

Artist Talk: Thursday, February 20,

5:30-6:30pm

A series of collage-style paintings that explore

the formation of identity in a changing

world, where meaning is found in the mundane

moments of life.

Annual Juried

Members Show

Group talk with winning artists is

Thursday, February 6, 5:30 p.m.

Juror’s Critique with Rangsook Yoon:

Tuesday, February 11, 4 p.m.

Each year, Art Center Sarasota celebrates its

members with an exclusive exhibition, juried

to showcase no more than 100 selected

pieces. This year, the top three winners will

participate in a group Artist Talk.

About

Art Center

Sarsota

Founded in 1926, Art Center

Sarasota serves as the first and

oldest visual arts organization in

Sarasota. Art Center Sarasota is

admission-free and open to the

public; our mission is to bring together

creatives and the broader

public to increase understanding

of our human condition, support

wellbeing, and build community

connection through the universal

language of art.

707 N. Tamiami Trail,

Sarasota, FL 34236

Phone: 941-365-2032

www.artsarasota.org

Gallery

Hours

Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday: Noon-5 p.m.


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good news department

Safe Children Coalition receives major gifts

for Youth Shelter Campaign

(From l-r) SCC’s Director of Residential Programs Charles Harris; Bank of America Sarasota/Manatee

President, Erik Vatter; SCC Vice President Jacqueline House; and Jamie Kahns and Kimberly Bleach

of Bank of America

Three recent major gifts have bolstered

Safe Children Coalition’s Youth Shelter

Campaign, a fundraising effort that is supporting

the construction of a new Youth

Shelter for homeless and other vulnerable

children in Florida’s Judicial Circuit 12

(Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties).

Support has been provided by: the

Leonard & Judith Schwartzbaum Foundation,

$250,000; Siemer Family Foundation,

$100,000; and Bank of America, $25,000.

Currently, the Youth Shelter Campaign

has raised nearly 80% of its Phase I goal

of $9 million; Safe Children Coalition (SCC)

recently launched the public phase of the

campaign. The new Youth Shelter will enable

the organization to serve and protect

more at-risk youths in the coming years.

According to SCC President and CEO

Brena Slater, “We are immensely grateful

to the foundations, businesses and

individuals who believe in our vision for

a new Youth Shelter and have entrusted

us to carry out this important project.”

Since 1991, SCC has provided the only

CINS/FINS (Children in Need of Services/Families

in Need of Services) Youth

Shelter in Sarasota and DeSoto counties

for our community’s children; the shelter

serves teens from Manatee County,

too. The program provides basic needs:

safe shelter, food, clothing, and trans

portation to and from school and other

essential appointments. Case managers

and therapists provide onsite sessions

including individual, group, and family

counseling.

The consequences of youth homelessness

include mental health problems,

substance abuse, victimization, and

short- and long-term barriers to education

and employment. SCC’s goal is to

prevent the entry of teens into child welfare

or the department of juvenile justice

system, and to protect at-risk youths

from human trafficking or involvement in

other harmful activities.

Many of the teens served enter the

Youth Shelter because of a mental health

crisis and/or a parent’s inability to cope

with a youth who is out of control. Additionally,

when a child experiences a disruption

in foster care placement, foster

children are placed in the shelter until

more appropriate living arrangements

can be found. For the past four years,

the SCC Youth Shelter has been first or

second in facility utilization out of the 16

shelters in the Florida network, exceeding

contracted bed days.

SCC’s new Youth Shelter will be located

on Sawyer Road in north Sarasota. The

groundbreaking for the new facility is expected

to be held in the spring of 2025.

For more information, visit sccyouthshelter.org.

Tidewell Foundation Adds New Hospital Beds

Tidewell Foundation received a grant of

$25,000 from the William G. and Marie

Selby Foundation for the purchase of

new hospital beds at Tidewell Hospice’s

Arcadia Hospice House.

The grant will help purchase new beds

for the hospice house. Hospice houses

provide inpatient care for those requiring

acute symptom management and care

needs that cannot be managed in another

setting. Care is provided 24/7, 365 days

a year.

Tidewell Hospice, a member of Empath

Health, is the lone not-for-profit hospice

provider in DeSoto County. It provides

end-of-life care for all patients and families

regardless of insurance coverage or

ability to pay.

According to Delesa Morris, MS, CFRE,

Tidewell Foundation President, “This

grant will help us provide increased patient

safety, such as fall prevention and

pressure injury prevention. Ultimately,

the new beds will lead to enhanced patient

comfort and care.”

Tidewell Hospice provides compassionate

end-of-life care to patients and

families in Charlotte, DeSoto, Sarasota

and Manatee counties. To learn more, visit

TidewellFoundation.org.

Manatee Community Foundation Awards

Manatee Community Foundation (MCF)

has awarded over $65 million to the community

since its founding in 1998.

As the only community foundation in

Manatee serving all of Manatee County

and beyond, MCF along with its Board of

Directors, committed donor family, corporate

ambassadors, and nonprofit partners

worked to achieve these results in 2024:

• 830+ grants supporting nonprofit organizations

locally and beyond

• 45 grants aiding nonprofit organizations

with storm-related relief and recovery

• 95 lives impacted through meaningful

academic scholarships

• Strategic partnerships with The Knight

Foundation, Bishop Parker Foundation,

Southern Smoke Foundation, Mosaic,

Manasota Realtor’s Association, and

Season of Sharing Manatee County

to support individuals facing critical

needs post hurricanes Debby, Helene,

and Milton

• $65+ million of financial impact in MCF’s

history

According to Veronica Thames, MCF’s

CEO, who joined the organization in late

2023, ”Together, we are shaping a brighter

future for Manatee County by addressing

its most pressing and emerging needs, enacting

lasting change, and amplifying our

collective impact.”

Of the $65 million in grants made since

its founding, $31 million supported human

services needs, over $15 million advanced

education, $11 million enhanced arts and

culture, and $7 million funded animal welfare

and environmental causes. These

investments, made possible by MCF’s

donors and board stewardship, have supported

projects and initiatives contributing

to the prosperity and resilience of the

community.

“In the wake of three significant disasters

and amidst extraordinary growth, our

region faces challenges—and opportunities—like

never before. Now, more than

ever, Manatee needs the strength of its

community foundation and the power of

partnerships to navigate these times,”

said Bob “Buzz” Turner, MCF Board Chair.

For information about the Manatee

Community Foundation, visit www.manateecf.org

or contact 941-555-1234.

Goodwill Manasota, Gail Baird Foundation

Brightened holidays for Vets

On December 23, the collaboration between

Goodwill Manasota and the Gail

Baird Foundation made a significant impact

on 10 area families just days before

Christmas. Thanks to a purposeful overflow

of 2024 Thanksgiving turkey giveaway

funds from the Gail Baird Foundation,

these veterans received significant,

much-needed holiday gifts.

There was just over $30,000 earmarked

for this effort, which helped area veterans

and their families with: AC repairs,

groceries (through gift cards ranging in

value from $500 to $1,000), dental work,

an electric bike, and a new stove, window

and children’s bike for a family in need.

Additionally – with significant logistical

and financial support from SRQ Vets – one

veteran received a much-needed vehicle

to replace an old, unsafe car.

Members of the Goodwill Manasota Veterans

Services team were not only instrumental

in selecting candidates for the

effort, they also crisscrossed the community

to purchase gift cards, find and get

quotes from service providers, and negotiate

prices to maximize the impact of the

foundation’s contribution.

During the December 23 gift presentation,

most of the recipients were in attendance

as well as representatives from the Gail

Baird Foundation, Goodwill Manasota and

its Veterans Services program team, SRQ

Vets, and Sarasota Ford.

For the past two years, the Gail Baird

Foundation has supported Goodwill

Manasota’s “Turkeys for Troops” giveaway,

which provides turkeys, sides and

special gifts for area veterans in advance

of Thanksgiving. This year, the foundation

provided a total of $50,000 to not only

support the turkey giveaway but also to

provide meaningful gifts for a smaller

group of beneficiaries at Christmas.

For more about the Gail Baird Foundation,

visit gailbairdfoundation.com. To learn

more about Goodwill Manasota’s Veterans

Services program, visit experiencegoodwill.org/veteransservices.


focus on the arts

Embracing Our Differences

Outdoor Art Exhibitions and Top Winners

Runs to April 13 in Bayfront Park, Sarasota

For 21 years, Embracing

Our Differences

has delighted

viewers with

its annual outdoor

display of 50 billboard-sized

works of art and accompanying

quotes. This high-profile art

exhibition draws on the passion

and perception of artists,

students, and writers, to create

powerful visual works and

written statements of inclusion,

kindness and respect.

The scale and impact of this

open-air art show has continued

to grow, attracting more than 4.8

million visitors since its inception.

Embracing Our Differences’ 2025

exhibitions run to April 13, 2025, in

Bayfront Park, Sarasota; and March

1-March 31, 2025, in Poynter Park,

St. Petersburg.

Sarah Wertheimer, President &

CEO of Embracing Our Differences, says

that that this year’s response to the call for

artwork and inspirational quotations was

strong with 10,000 entries from 122 countries

and 46 states.

Students from 511 schools around the

world submitted artwork or quotations

to the juried exhibit. Awards for artwork

are given for “Best-in-Show Adult,” “Bestin-Show

Student,” and “People’s Choice”

categories, with the last chosen by visitors

to the exhibit.

Adult art winners each receive $2,000;

students receive $2,000, which they split

with their school’s art program. Awards

are also given for inspirational quotations.

Adult quote winners each receive $2,000;

students receive $2,000, which they split

with their school’s Language Arts programs.

To see all the works in the 2025

exhibit, visit the online gallery at www.

embracingourdifferences.org.

Through Your Story by Amanda Marie

Nevertheless by Junho Chung

School

field

trips

The Best-in-Show

Adult Artwork Award

was presented to Amanda Marie of Manchester,

Connecticut, for “Through Your Story,” a piece

depicting a shelf of thoughtfully curated books that

symbolize the transformative power of literature to

foster understanding, amplify voices, and inspire

personal and collective growth through shared narratives.

The artist says that she finds herself “drawn

to the idea of enrichment, particularly through the

lens of literature. Books hold a profound power,

empowering both writers and readers alike. By

immersing ourselves in the narratives of others, we

open ourselves to learning and personal growth.”

She adds that, when “we impose limitations or censorship

on authors, we inadvertently stifle the voices

of those individuals. My aim is to invite others to

explore these connections and embark on their own

journey of enrichment through the written word.”

The Best-in-Show

Student Artwork

Award went to Junho Chung, an

11th grader at Brooks School in Seoul,

Republic of Korea, for “Nevertheless.”

In it, a ballerina and a child gracefully

navigate the ruins of a war-torn landscape,

embodying resilience, hope, and the

enduring spirit of art amidst destruction.

Chung says that the ballerina symbolizes

hope. “Dancing amidst the backdrop of

rubble and destruction, her courage and

passion remind us of the existence of

hope. It is our responsibility to instill hope

in those who demonstrate such courage.

We must act to preserve her hope.”

The Best-in-Show

Adult Quotation

Award is: “Choosing to speak

when others are silent is an act of

bravery this world needs,” submitted by

Kim Howard from Bloomington, Indiana.

The Best-in-Show

Student Quotation

Award is: “We can choose to build

bridges or spend a lifetime lost on our

own islands,” submitted by Aashna Parsa,

a 7th grade student from San Jose, CA.

While EOD is best known for its annual

art exhibitions, its educational initiatives

continue all year long. These include

professional development opportunities

for educators, reading days, unity days,

and other learning programs and events.

“These ongoing arts education programs

represent the most important aspect of our

efforts,” says Wertheimer. “We’re reaching

and impacting the lives of thousands of

students and teachers, both locally and

around the world.” She adds these programs

have made an impact on more than

55,357 students and 2,048 educators during

the 2023-2024 school year alone.

For more information about these exhibits

or Embracing Our Differences, call 941-

404-5710 or visit www.embracingourdifferences.org.

About

Embracing Our

Differences

Embracing Our Differences is a nonprofit

organization that uses the transformational

power of art and education

to celebrate and promote the diversity of

the human family. It accomplishes this

through an annual, large-scale outdoor

juried art exhibition and a comprehensive

series of educational initiatives, programs

and resources designed for teachers and

students. Visit www.embracingourdifferences.org.


dining in

Someone say Chocolate?

Valentine’s Day sweets for your sweetie - or you

You’ve likely seen pavlova — a

mound of meringue piled with

whipped cream — topped with

fresh fruit. This version has a

new spin with refreshing chocolate-peppermint

whipped cream

plus lots of peppermint bark. If

you’ve been too intimidated to

make meringue, give this one a try.

This method is nearly foolproof.

YIELD: one large (7” to 8”) pavlova

Ingredients:

Chocolate Peppermint Pavlova

MERINGUE:

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/8 teaspoon table salt

1/2 cup egg whites, from 3 to 4 large

eggs*

2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

ASSEMBLY:

2/3 cup roughly chopped peppermint

bark, divided*

*See “tip” below.

Instructions:

To make the meringue: Preheat oven to 350°F with a rack in the center. Line a baking

sheet with parchment.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk the granulated

sugar, cream of tartar, and salt until evenly combined. Add the egg whites and beat

on low speed until the mixture looks creamy and the sugar granules have dissolved,

8-10 minutes.

Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, 6-8

minutes. Sift in the confectioners’ sugar, add the vanilla, and beat, starting on low

speed and increasing to medium-high, for 20-30

seconds, stopping to scrape the bowl. At this

point, all of the confectioners’ sugar should be incorporated

into a stiff, glossy, voluminous mixture.

Mound the meringue on the baking sheet. Using

a rubber spatula or the back of a large spoon,

spread the meringue into a 7” to 8” round or

oval, working from the center outward while

slightly hollowing out the center. Aim to have a

concave center surrounded by a 1” border that’s

about 2” tall.

Reduce the oven temperature to 225°F and

bake the meringue, without opening the oven

door, for 1 hour. With the door still closed, turn

off the oven, and leave the meringue inside,

undisturbed, for at least 2 hours and preferably

overnight.

To assemble the pavlova: About 1 hour before

serving, set aside about one-quarter of the

peppermint bark. Melt the remaining bark in

the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring

between each, until smooth. Pour it into the

center of the meringue and use the back of a

large spoon to spread it evenly over the bottom

and up the sides. Set the meringue aside until

the chocolate is set, 30-60 minutes, depending

on your room temperature.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a clean

whisk attachment, beat the cream, confectioners’

sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and peppermint oil

to soft peaks. Taste and adjust the peppermint

flavor as desired.

Spoon the whipped cream into the center of the

pavlova, covering the chocolate. Top with the

reserved peppermint bark. Serve immediately.

Tip: The meringue can be baked up to 1 month

in advance and frozen. After it has cooled completely

(step 6), tightly wrap it, still on the baking

sheet, in plastic and transfer to the freezer. To

defrost, unwrap and let come to room temperature,

about 45 minutes.

No peppermint bark? Replace it with 1/2 cup bittersweet

chocolate and 1/4 cup white chocolate.

Add crushed peppermint candies for garnish.

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

powder, Dutch-process or natural

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or King

Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract

3 to 4 drops peppermint oil or 1/16

teaspoon peppermint extract, plus

more to taste

Ingredients:

CAKE:

1 cup semisweet chocolate

chips or bittersweet

chocolate chips

8 tablespoons unsalted butter,

at room temperature

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon table salt

1 to 2 teaspoons espresso

powder, optional

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract,

optional

3 large eggs

1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa

GLAZE:

1 cup semisweet chocolate

chips or bittersweet

chocolate chips

1/2 cup heavy cream

When you’re craving something

spoonable, chocolatey,

and comforting, you

need homemade chocolate

pudding. The good news

is you’re only 20 minutes

away from silky smooth

pudding perfection. Just

a few pantry staples and

some time at the stove,

and you’ll have the best

(and easiest) chocolate

pudding you’ve ever had.

YIELD: about 3 cups

Easy Chocolate Pudding

Ingredients:

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa,

Dutch-process or natural

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 2/3 cups water

14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions:

Place the cocoa, cornstarch and water in a heavy-bottomed sauce pan over medium

heat. Stir everything together; don’t worry about a few small lumps.

Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks. Since the mixture is barely

warm, there’s no need to worry about the yolks cooking.

Cook the chocolate pudding for 4-5 minutes, or until it’s thick and creamy. Remove

it from the heat and immediately stir in the butter, vanilla and espresso powder. The

chocolate pudding will become very smooth and glossy.

Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the chocolate pudding to prevent

a skin from forming, and chill for several hours. Portion into individual ramekins,

coupes, or wine glasses for serving. Garnish with homemade whipped cream and

chocolate shavings, if desired.

Store leftover chocolate pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to

several days.

Flourless Chocolate Cake

This flourless cake, featuring both chocolate and

cocoa, is rich, rich, rich! A thick icing of chocolate

ganache glaze takes it over the top. This cake can

make a great addition to your Seder since it contains

neither flour nor leavening; and of course, it’s also

ideal for those looking to avoid gluten.

YIELD: one 8” cake

3 large egg yolks

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1/2 teaspoon espresso powder,

optional

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a metal

8” round cake pan; cut a piece of parchment to fit,

grease it, and lay it in the bottom of the pan. See

“tips,” below.

To make the cake: Put the chocolate and butter in

a microwave-safe bowl, and heat until the butter is

melted and the chips are soft. Stir until the chips melt,

reheating briefly if necessary. You can also do this

over a burner set at very low heat. Transfer the melted

chocolate/butter to a mixing bowl.

Stir in the sugar, salt, espresso powder, and vanilla. Espresso enhances chocolate’s

flavor much as vanilla does; using 1 teaspoon will simply enhance the flavor, while 2

teaspoons will lend a hint of mocha to the cake.

Add the eggs, beating briefly until smooth. Add the cocoa powder, and mix just to

combine. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake the cake for 25 minutes; the top will have formed a thin crust, and it should register

at least 200°F on an instant-read thermometer inserted into its center. Remove it

from the oven, and cool it in the pan for 5 minutes.

Loosen the edges of the pan with a table knife or nylon spreader, and turn it out onto

a serving plate. The top will now be on the bottom; that’s fine. Also, the edges will

crumble a bit, which is also fine. Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing.

To make the glaze: Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the cream until it’s

not quite at a simmer, but showing fine bubbles around the edge. Pour the cream

over the chocolate, stir very briefly to combine, and let rest for 5 minutes. Stir again

— at first slowly, then more vigorously — until the chocolate is completely melted

and the glaze is smooth. If any bits of chocolate remain, reheat briefly in the microwave

or over a burner, then stir until smooth.

Spoon the glaze over the cake, spreading it to drip over the sides a bit. Allow the

glaze to set for several hours before serving the cake.

Tip: For cleanest slicing, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry. Repeat

dipping knife in hot water and wiping dry for each slice.

SOURCE: King Arthur www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes


in our community

The Sarasota African American

Cultural Center

Preserving, celebrating and sharing the cultural, artistic,

and historical heritage of African Americans

The historic

Leonard

Reid

home

has moved several

times, but now

it has a permanent

home in the

heart of Newtown.

The home’s

namesake, Leonard

Reid, was an

early Sarasota

pioneer who

helped establish

Sarasota’s Black

community,

Overtown, now

known as the

Rosemary District.

Reid lived

much of his life

in the house with

his wife and two

daughters.

The historic Leonard Reid house

is now known as

The 1400 square foot home was moved in

May 2022 from the Rosemary District to a

city-owned parcel located at Orange Avenue

and Dr. MLK Jr. Way. That’s after the City of

Sarasota turned over the Leonard Reid house

to the Sarasota African American Cultural

Coalition (SAACC), and a lease between the

two entities began.

It was a cozy family home built in 1926 that

has beautiful “bones” with its pine floors,

paneled doors and ‘20s era architectural trim

that’s perfect for a reinterpretation as a cultural

center and meeting place. Now known

as the Sarasota African American Cultural

Center, they offer art exhibits, classes, lectures

and more.

The Reid home isn’t a museum per se, but it’s

comforting to know this hard-working family

with its deep roots and major part in Sarasota

history, has had their home preserved and

now anchors this new community center.

the Sarasota African American Cultural Center

Part gallery, part

cultural center, part

meeting place, it also

has a retail area that

sells candles, essential

oils and artwork

to help promote

Black creators as well

as help to fund the

Center. And, just two

people run the center.

“It’s a challenge, but

we’re doing it,” says

Vickie Oldham who

knows a lot about

doing it and getting

things done. She's

assisted by Mydahlia

Glover, the administrator

and event manager

of the Sarasota

African American

Cultural Center.

As President and CEO of SAACC,

Vickie spearheaded the project that

brought the Reid home to Newtown,

from start to present. She has extensive

knowledge of the Black history

in Sarasota bolstered in part because

she grew up there. Years back, Vickie

had moved away for career reasons,

working most recently at FAMU in

their marketing department. When

that ended she had to decide where

to live next and considered Georgia

or Florida.

Vickie came back to Sarasota to

give it some thought. Since she has

roots and many connections here,

it wasn’t long before several leaders

in the Newton community, such as

Jetson Grimes and Jackie Woods

(past board member of the Manasota

Branch of ASALH), reached out.

Turns out the city of Sarasota wanted

someone to document the history of

Newtown. It was a perfect fit for Vickie.

“I love history [she also did the Angola

Project, an outreach campaign

that researched and documented

maroon settlement in east Bradenton

from 1812 to 1821] and I

pulled something together.”

continued >>

The historic Leonard Reid house,

a 1400 square foot home,

was moved in May 2022


in our community continued

Vickie Oldham,

SAACC’s President

and

Chief Executive Officer

Inside,

the Center offers

exhibit space

as well as

a place to meet

Her involvement also came from a

sense of personal connection. “This is

my neighborhood. I was born on Orange

Avenue in front of Booker High

School.” The city wanted a research

report so Dr. Rosalie Howard a humanities

scholar and anthropologist

was hired. Dr. Howard’s hiring was

important “for credibility…we needed

a scholar and she led us though the

process and what the city wanted,”

according to Vickie.

A research report which Vickie

helped to vet was created and given

to the city. Next came the placing

of historical markers in Newtown at

a “place where history happened.”

The website came next and trolley

and self-guided tours were offered.

Marker #1, for example, is about

Overtown’s early settlement which

became Sarasota’s first African American

community in 1885.

On the trolley, Newtown pioneers

share personal histories on the

guided, interactive tour (www.newtownalive.org/book-trolley-tour/).

While many shared often positive

stories of growing up in Sarasota,

Vickie notes that many stories were

sometimes “really tough, hard to

hear” like Blacks being denied access

to Sarasota’s beaches.

According to the SAACC website, “In

2018 Vickie Oldham asked a distinguished

group of community leaders

to join her in forming the Sarasota

African American Cultural Coalition

(SAACC) to preserve, celebrate and

share the cultural, artistic and historical

heritage of African Americans in

Sarasota and beyond.” Vickie serves

as SAACC’s President and Chief Executive

Officer.

Fast forward to 2021, the city entered

into a cost sharing agreement to

move the Leonard Reid house to

Newtown. In January 2022, the City

Commission unanimously approved

a lease agreement with the Sarasota

African American Cultural Coalition

to use the Leonard Reid house as a

cultural arts center to host lectures,

programs and exhibits to promote

history and education by bringing

diverse individuals together.

The Reid House, now the Sarasota African

American Cultural Center, while

still in its infancy, will be transformed

into a new arts, culture and history

center that will host exhibits about

Black life and history. It will have performance

space for Black artists and

offer public programs and classes in

drawing, painting, photography, writing,

health and wellness, leadership

and entrepreneurship.

Opportunities to mentor Newtown

students will be offered and, during

these polarized times, the center will

provide a safe space for discussions

about race, identity, class, social justice,

history and culture.

The Sarasota African American Art Center and History Museum,

is located at 2529 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota.

STORY: Louise Bruderle

About the Reid Family

The Leonard Reid house is named for the highly

respected early pioneer who helped establish

Sarasota’s first Black community, Overtown, now

known as the Rosemary District.

The single-story frame vernacular style house completed

in 1926 is locally historically designated and listed on the

National Register of Historic Places.

In 1902, Sarasota is incorporated. Colonel John Hamilton

Gillespie is elected as the first mayor. Leonard Reid

worked for Col. Gillespie and assisted in designing

Sarasota’s first golf course and became its first

greenskeeper.

His wife, Eddye Coleman, worked for Col. Gillespie as a

maid and cook. She met Leonard Reid and the couple

married in 1901. The couple had 4 children Ray Field,

James, Ethel and Viola. Reid’s daughters Ethel and Viola

earned college degrees and used their skills to educate

generations of Newtown children. Viola Reid and Mrs.

Ethel Hayes operated the Helen R. Payne Nursery, a

pioneer preschool program for African-American children.

www.thesaacc.com/

To learn more about the Reid family, visit

www.newtownalive.org/leonard-eddye-reid/


you’re news

Accolades

■ Tracie Troxler joins AG Lafley, David

Kotok, and Dr. Karen Holbrook

as 2025 CAC

Climate

Champion

nominees

for the

prestigious

Beacon

Award taking

place February

12.

This year’s

Tracie Troxler event will

also commemorate the 5th birthday of

the Climate Adaptation Center (CAC),

reflecting on five years of work and

progress in building climate adaptation

and resilience.

Tracie is the founder and executive

director of Sunshine Community

Compost, a Sarasota-based nonprofit

dedicated to educating and inspiring

individuals across all walks of life to

embrace composting.

Tracie believes that composting

is a simple yet transformative daily

practice that fosters a reciprocal relationship

with nature and strengthens

both local and global communities.

Her efforts have laid the foundation

for a growing culture of composting in

Sarasota, empowering residents and

businesses to make impactful environmental

changes.

A Manatee County native, Tracie

brings a wealth of experience from

her diverse professional background,

which includes community-based pediatric

and mental health services, accessible

community solar installation

projects, closed-loop mini-farming,

and community gardening initiatives.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from the

University of Colorado and a master’s

degree in Occupational Therapy from

Nova Southeastern University.

Tracie’s Accomplishments:

• Current member of the National

Community Composter Coalition

• Recipient of the 2024 Unity Award

• Member of the UF/IFAS Waste

Agent’s Advisory Council

• Member of the Science and Environment

Council

• Founder of Sarasota’s first composting

nonprofit, fostering partnerships

with the City of Sarasota,

local residents, businesses, and

nonprofits to deliver composting

education and services

• Former Organizing Committee

Member for the Compost Research

and Education Foundation’s International

Compost Awareness Week

Initiative.

Known as the “Academy Awards

of Climate Adaptation,” this event

includes a celebratory luncheon with

co-host Elizabeth Moore.

Appointments

■ The Lakewood Ranch Business

Alliance has hired Carolyn Rauhala

as the Membership Engagement

Coordinator. Rauhala will work alongside

our Membership Development

Manager to serve members.

She has over a decade of experience

in member engagement, B2B

initiatives, and community-driven

programs. Having been born in

Florida, and growing up in a military

family, Rauhala is happy to be back

in Florida to raise her family.

According to LWRBA President

& CEO Brittany Lamont, “Carolyn

brings years of experience in servicing

members and her fresh take

will bring exciting opportunities to

enhance our organization.”

The Lakewood Ranch Business

Alliance (LWRBA) is a business organization

committed to supporting their

members through access to business

connections, resources and advocacy.

The LWRBA’s 750+ member businesses

reflect a wide variety of small

and large businesses across all industries

in and around Lakewood Ranch.

More info at www.lwrba.org

■ The Manatee County Board of

County Commissioners (BOCC)

has confirmed Stephanie Garrison

as the County’s new Director of

Government Relations. This position

is responsible for the coordination of

community, intergovernmental and

legislative issues of interest to Manatee

County. The position also includes

managing economic development

and business relations functions, as

well as oversight of communications,

information management, and the

Manatee County 3-1-1 service.

Garrison has most recently served as

a Senior Legislative Aide to Senator Joe

Gruters, where she has worked in policy

development and stakeholder relations.

She also owns Playtri Sarasota, a bike

and triathlon store.

Before that, she spent 14 years at

Apple in multiple senior leadership

roles, including leading global HR and

retail initiatives, managing change for

a workforce of 200,000, and developing

internal mobility programs.

For more information about

Manatee County Government,

visit mymanatee.org.

Board News

■ All Faiths Food Bank has named a

new board chair and four new members

to its volunteer leadership team.

The 2025 board of directors will help

support and guide the organization’s

mission to end hunger.

The officers are Patricia Courtois,

chair; Dr.

LaShawn

Frost, vice

chair; Rich

Cautero,

treasurer; and

Mitch Olan,

secretary.

New members

are Dr.

All Faiths Food Bank’s

new board chair,

Patricia Courtois

Rose Báez,

Susan Holik,

Lisa Krouse

and Bill Seider.

They join continuing directors

Ron Jadin, Lisa Keverian-Press and

David Nichols, and board emeritus

Keith Monda. Last month, Dennis

Doughty, Ben Hanan, Bart Lowther,

Terri Vitale and Elton White completed

their terms.

Courtois – who has been involved

with All Faiths for more than 20 years,

including spearheading the creation

of an award-winning marketing campaign

in 2004 – has led brand communications,

community relations and

corporate philanthropy for some of

New All Faiths Food Bank board members (from l-r) Dr. Rose Báez, Susan Holik, Lisa Krouse

and Bill Seider

Provided photos/AFFB

America’s largest consumer brands in

her roles with Sara Lee Corporation

and Tropicana, as well as during her

ownership of Clarke Advertising and

C-Suite Communications.

She is currently on the boards of

HCA Doctors Hospital of Sarasota and

Florida Studio Theatre, and is past

chair of Senior Friendship Centers.

Courtois has also served on the American

Association of Advertising Agencies

Florida Board of Governors and on its

Women CEO Forum, as well as on the

boards of the Economic Development

Corporation (EDC) of Sarasota County,

Community Foundation of Sarasota

County, Sarasota County Tourism and

Economic Development Board, and as

past chair of the Leadership Council of

the United Way Women’s Initiative.

Dr. Báez is the lead physician for

Conviva Health in Venice. Previous

positions include chief medical and

compliance officer for Elite Health

Medical Group, and internal medicine

physician for Gulf Coast Medical

Group. Prior to her career in healthcare,

she pursued ballet, combining

her passions for dance and helping

people to found a nonprofit focused

on making ballet accessible to underserved

youth. She also sat on the board

for another ballet nonprofit dedicated

to nurturing Hispanic talent.

Holik, who has decades of legal experience,

served as general counsel for

Great Elms Solutions and as vice president

and chief privacy officer for Fannie

Mae. In the ‘90s, she was chief counsel

of the National Labor Relations Board.

From 2014-2016, she served as chair of

the Progressive Women of Southwest

Florida, and was a member of the committee

supporting Johns Hopkins All

Children’s Hospital. Holik is an active

supporter of Planned Parenthood and a

member of Impact 100 SRQ.

Most recently, Krouse was CEO of

the EDC of Sarasota County. Prior to

that, she worked at FCCI Insurance

Group, holding numerous roles,

including chief administrative officer.

Following her retirement, she transitioned

to an independent board member

in 2020. Krouse broke barriers in

2015 by becoming one of only a handful

of women to be appointed chair of

the Greater Sarasota Chamber

of Commerce since its founding

more than 100 years ago. In 2016,

she was the first woman named

to the FCCI Board of Directors.

She has also sat on the boards

for Gulf Coast Community Foundation,

Habitat for Humanity,

CareerSource Suncoast and

Sarasota Teen Court, and USF

Sarasota-Manatee. Last year,

Krouse served as chair for AFFB’s

Campaign Against Summer

Hunger, which raises funds to

provide meals for local children

when school is out.

Prior to his retirement this past

summer, Seider was an attorney for

Williams Parker Attorneys at Law, a firm

he joined in 1980 after serving as a law

clerk to Florida Supreme Court Justice

Ben F. Overton. He was a board-certified

specialist in real estate and condominium

and planned development law.

Seider’s community involvements

include the Community Foundation of

Sarasota County, Resurrection House,

Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and

Senior Friendship Centers. He has

been a major donor to AFFB for more

than 25 years, and regularly volunteers

at its mobile food distributions.

To learn more about AFFB, visit

allfaithsfoodbank.org or call 941-

379-6333.

■ The Suncoast Jewish Alliance

(SJA) hosted its Annual Membership

Meeting in January 8 to reflect on a

year of accomplishments, recognize

SJA leaders, volunteers, and elect board

members for the upcoming term.

Elected to the New Board are:

Norman Olshansky: President, Julie

Friedman: Vice President, Wendy

Wicks: Secretary, Lisa Barzel: Treasurer.

Other members of the board include:

Uzi Baram, Karen Kade, David

Kaufman, and Robin Taub Williams

The new board includes long-standing

community advocates as well as

communal leaders poised to create innovative

ideas, partnerships, alliances

and programs for the Suncoast.

The Suncoast Jewish Alliance is a

nonprofit organization that serves the

West Coast of Florida. It’s educational

activities and advocacy in the community

are based upon Jewish Values

and Ethics.

Information about SJA can be found

at suncoastjewishalliance.org.

Business News

■ As local music school Music

Compound celebrates its ninth year

of operation, the company is on track

to live up to its word of the year for

2025: “GROW.” Music Compound has

welcomed six new team members,

including administrative professionals

and instructors, and promoted

one team member,

all in an effort to enhance

its programs.

Music Compound

is coming off a highly

successful 2024, with

record attendance at its

concerts, impactful community

collaborations,

and the launch of innovative

programs such as its

Album Ensemble, which

combines instructors

and students to perform some of the

music’s most renowned albums. Most

notably, the company consolidated

its Sarasota and Manatee County

operations into a state-of-the-art,

10,000-square-foot new facility at 775

Bell Road in Sarasota.

New staff members include:

Mariana Lyons, administrative coordinator,

and Addyson Brown and

Julia Stroud, music lounge assistants.

Harper Weyant has been promoted

to client coordinator, to ensure clients

receive exceptional care and support.

New instructors are Gavin McCoy

(drums), Alex Perez (multi-instrumentalist),

and Donna Zanger (piano

and Musical Theatre program support

and accompaniment).

Over the past nine years, Music

Compound has welcomed nearly

185 team members into the family,

including 35 who got their very first

jobs through the company’s Apprentice

Program; donated more than

$100,000 to the community through

various fundraising endeavors; been

recognized by the Sarasota Chamber

for “Products and Services Business

of the Year” (2019); and connected

thousands of aspiring or hobbyist

musicians of all ages through a shared

passion for music and collaboration.

The Music Compound provides an

environment to inspire, collaborate

and educate children and adults in

pursuit of their love of music. Private

and group lessons are available on a

wide variety of instruments as well

as programs such as Kidz Rock (ages

4-7), Junior Rockers (ages 8-11), ukulele

and guitar groups (ages 8-12), the

Musical Theatre Program (ages 7-14),

Songwriting Series (ages 15+), Adult

Jam Sessions, the Gulf Coast New

Horizons Music program for adults

ages 50+, and more.

Visit musiccompound.com for more

information.

Send your news to


and we’ll publish it in our You’re

News column and on our WCW

Facebook page. Send a brief writeup

and images are welcome but must

be hi-res (files must be at least 150k)

(From l-r) Music Compound President and owner Jenny Townsend with new hires Alex

Perez, Gavin McCoy, Donna Zanger, Mariana Lyons, Julia Strode, and Harper Weyant

Provided photo/Music Compound


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wcw FEBRUARY 2025

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