wcw MARCH 2025

MARCH 2025

Carrie

Seidman

Founder,

FACEing Mental Illness

Veteran Journalist

and Columnist

Also in this issue:

■ Arts: Madeby Gallery at

Ringling College

■ The Phillippi Crest Club

■ Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club

■ Health: Getting Quality Sleep

■ And lots more….

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2 WEST COAST WOMAN MARCH 2025

MARCH 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

feature -

Phillippi Crest Club

The Phillippi Crest Community

Clubhouse was constructed in 1923

as a focal point for social activities in

the then newly formed Maine Colony.

Now it’s a venue for concerts,

art shows and lectures.

Check it out and plan to visit.

p15

focus on the arts -

Choral Artists

Considering Matthew Shepard is

a haunting modern-day cantata

that premiered in 2016 and has

been performed by hundreds of

choirs across the world including

Sarasota’s Choral Artists where it

will be performed on April 5.

p11

WCW

37

YEARS

WCW Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 819

Sarasota, FL 34230

email:

westcoastwoman@comcast.net

website:

www.westcoastwoman.com

west coast

WOMAN

departments

feature - Sarasota

Lawn Bowling Club

Remember driving down US41 near

the Municipal Auditorium and seeing

men and women playing lawn bowling

on those manicured grass courts?

Sarasota Lawn Bowling is back at

their new location near the Bobby

Jones Golf Course.

p18

4 editor’s letter

7 Out & About - listings for things to do

11 focus on the arts - Choral Artists

13 focus on the arts -

Chamber Orchestra

15 feature - Phillippi Crest Club

16 west coast woman -

Carrie Seidman, Founder,


18 feature - Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club

20 focus on the arts - Madeby Gallery

Bad Ass Coffee

22 dining out -

23 healthier you -

all about Craniosacral Therapy

24 healthier you -

why you need to get more sleep

27 dining in -

What to do with all that citrus

28 you’re news

30 good news

■ on the cover: Carrie Seidman, mental health activist, veteran journalist and former HT columnist.

■ Image: Louise Bruderle

MARCH 2025 WEST COAST WOMAN 3

just some

thoughts

Louise Bruderle

Editor and Publisher

West Coast Woman

This Month’s profile:

Carrie Seidman

This month I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Carrie

Seidman, former columnist for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

You’re now saying, “Oh yes, I remember her and I was wondering

where she was.” I imagine a lot of people wonder that because as a

columnist, Carrie really connected with her readers.

In her columns, she was both informative and conversational,

taking on local politics at times; other times sharing her life’s

struggles. That’s not to say everyone loved her columns, but she

responded to everyone who emailed or called her, even some

confrontational and occasionally mean people who felt they

could say anything to a columnist in the guise of “having their

Carrie Seidman

Image: Louise Bruderle own opinion.” Many, while still disagreeing with her, respected

her for replying.

In this issue you’ll find out how post-columnist life is treating Carrie and where her

energies are being directed these days. I know I enjoyed her columns and admired her

gutsiness in taking on certain people and issues as well as her reflections on her own life

for all to see/read.

You should know more about…

I had a busy week in February being outdoors and covering some great stories for features

this month. Both of these nonprofits are very interesting and very under-supported.

One stop was to the Sarasota Lawn Bowling Association. Remember

them? You couldn’t miss seeing them playing lawn bowling at

their club on US 41. It was a visual respite from the traffic, high rises

and overbuilt nature of downtown Sarasota and a nod the past in

the best of ways.

Where did they go? Well, they lost their space when the city of

Sarasota wanted the land back for other purposes. Then there was

Covid and a couple of hurricanes. But these women are making it

happen as you’ll read in this issue. It’s a relaxing, almost contemplative,

Zen-like sport that manages to be both social and competitive. Find out where

and what they’re doing and consider joining.

Another trip was to Phillippi Crest Club in south Sarasota. A Maine Colony in Sarasota?

Well, that’s their origin story. A group of people from Maine came to Sarasota and

built a community in the 1920s. They all lived in a close

knit neighborhood and built a clubhouse where they would

share events together - potluck, holiday and more.

Fast way forward and the Mainers are gone, but the people

who now inhabitant this little enclave have maintained

the Clubhouse building and offer concerts, art shows and

other events to the community at large.

It’s a peaceful and charming oasis and you really need

to attend a concert and get the feel of the place. And forget

expensive tickets and long lines to park. But you do have to bring your own chair.

Like the lawn bowling women, they could use your support as well. Attend a concert,

but consider volunteering and helping with upkeep of the building and grounds or helping

at events.

Not to be Missed April 5 Choral Artists

Choral Artists presents Considering Matthew Shepard on April 5. The haunting modern-day

cantata is moving and ultimately uplifting. The tragic,

disturbing and sad story of Mathew Shepard is well-known. The

young gay man from Wyoming was brutally beaten and left to

die on a fence. Moved by Matthew’s story, conductor Craig Hella

Johnson composed an evocative and compassionate musical

response that leaves audiences hopeful and joyous.

His Considering Matthew Shepard premiered in 2016 and has

now been performed by hundreds of choirs across the world

including Sarasota where the work will be performed by Choral

Artists on April 5.

This Month: Sleep

March 9-15 is Sleep Awareness week, but hopefully the topic is not a snoozer. It’s actually

a serious health issue. Sleep Awareness Week begins at the start of daylight saving time

when most Americans lose an hour of sleep. Some 45% of Americans say that poor or

insufficient sleep affected their daily activities at least once in the past seven days.

Sleep loss is a big public safety hazard every day on the road. Drowsiness has the

ability to slow reaction time as much as driving drunk. The National Highway Traffic

Safety Administration estimates that fatigue is a cause of 100,000 auto crashes and 1,550

crash-related deaths a year in the U.S.

Studies show that sleep loss and poor-quality sleep also play a critical role in thinking

and learning. Lack of sleep impairs attention, alertness, concentration, reasoning, problem-solving,

and makes it more difficult to learn.

Lastly, sleep deprivation has a serious negative effect on your chances of cardiovascular

health, putting you at risk for a number of life-threatening conditions.

Women have unique sleep challenges and our feature this month explores those issues.

Join Impact100 SRQ and Help Others

Women are invited to join Impact100 SRQ’s mission as each new member strengthens

their ability to fund even more transformative initiatives and increasing the number of

grants awarded. The Membership Drive for the 2025 Giving Year is open until March 26.

Learn how to become a member: www.Impact100SRQ.org/membership. To learn about

Impact100, visit impact100srq.org.

Girl’s Inc.’s Celebration

Luncheon

Girls Inc. has its 35th annual Celebration Luncheon on

April 3. Since it’s Women’s History month, we salute

and wholeheartedly support this event.

Held at The Ora, they’ll have Dream Harbor Boutique

Shopping at 10:30 followed by the luncheon at

11:30. Event Chairs: Jennifer Horiuchi, Caryn Patterson,

Melissa Perrin, and Sofia Zavala. She Knows

Where She’s Going Honoree – Stacey Corley. She

Knows Where She’s Going Honoree – Tammy Karp.

Visionary Award – Bart and Joan Levenson. Tickets:

www,girlsincsrq.org/

Walk to End Summer Hunger

On March 30, local food bank/

hunger relief organization All

Faiths Food Bank, will present

the Walk to End Summer Hunger,

the kick-off event for the

annual Campaign Against Summer

Hunger. The Campaign

supports efforts to provide food

for area children throughout

the summer months, when

students lose access to free and

reduced-cost meals.

The walk site at Nathan Benderson

Park opens at 7:30 a.m.

March 30. Participants can choose between a one-mile “fun walk” or a 5K walk. Register

by March 21 at affb.org/walk

For information, email events@allfaithsfoodbank.org or call 941-549-8132.

Manatee Heritage Days

This year marks the 46th year for Manatee Heritage Days, the time when Manatee

County’s historical organizations and sites come together to celebrate our community’s

heritage by providing opportunities for our area’s residents and visitors to experience the

past. Reenactments, lectures, classes, walking tours, open houses and family programming

will highlight the celebration’s events.

Heritage Days activities have been as varied as exhibits and parades. Events take place

this year both virtually, as well as throughout Manatee County communities. Through

these events, participants can experience the pioneer lifestyle and learn how Manatee

County has grown and developed.

A schedule of events is available at www.manateeclerk.com/departments/historical-resources/manatee-heritage-days-event/.

Louise Bruderle | Editor and Publisher |

westcoastwoman@comcast.net

Last year, 500

community

members

participated in

All Faiths Food

Bank’s Walk to

End Summer

Hunger.

Photo by Nancy Guth

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.


Senior Friendship Centers BeWell Series

This insightful series of presentations will reveal encouraging, good-news facts about aging-with-intention.

It includes fundamental lifestyle tips based on the latest medical research.

There is something everyone can do to keep as mentally and physically fit as possible to improve one’s wellness.

March 5 | 4:30-5:30 pm

An Innovative Approach into Dementia

The thought that goes through my brain when I think about dementia is, why do

so many people suffer from dementia today? When we think back to 50 years ago

and compare the statistics to now, the incidence of dementia has dramatically

increased. This brings me back to my original question, and that is WHY?

During this presentation, we will review some of the possible causes of cognitive

decline and examine some " out-of-the-box” considerations and innovative options.

Outcomes:

1. What are some reasons for the increased incidence of cognitive decline?

2. What testing must be done to evaluate cognitive decline?

3. What are some “out of the box” treatments that are on the horizon?

Derrick DeSilva, MD

The Caregiving Place at Senior Friendship Centers

1820 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota 34236

Questions? gnugent@friendshipcenters.org

or call (941) 556-3216

THESE DOCTORS ARE AMONG

THE BEST

ONE OF THE BEST

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION

PHYSICIANS

PHYSICIANS

IN IN AMERICA

2025

(Sarasota, Florida) Dr. David Cifra, DC who is

board certified in the specialty of Non-Surgical

Spinal Decompression has been peer-nominated

and recognized again in 2025 by the International

Medical Advisory Board on Spinal Decompression.

This advanced certification is provided

in conjunction with Disc Centers of

America, which sets the gold standard

in training and research, on the

latest, most effective options for the

alleviation & treatment of

spinal disc disorders, which

often cause low back

pain, neck pain, sciatica,

numbness, tingling, pins

and needle sensations

and more.

Dr. Cifra is committed to helping

his patients AVOID narcotics, epidural

injections, and unnecessary surgeries.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

provides safe, gentle, and effective

relief for upwards of 90% of patients that

qualify for care.

Neck or

low back pain?

Avoid surgery and

get your life back!

DR. CIFRA IS LOCATED AT: MIDTOWN MEDICAL PARK

1215 S. EAST AVE. SUITE 210, SARASOTA FL 34239

SarasotaDiscCenter.com

CALL (941) 358-2224 OR (315) 345-7390 TODAY

TO SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

Complimentary registration required

via the website special calendar

or using this QR link.

FLORIDA

Season 29 | Talent Unveiled

ArtistSeriesConcerts.org

Dr. David Cifra, D.C.

2415 (941) University 306-1202 Parkway

Sarasota, Fl 34243

Horns of Plenty 315-345-7390

Hugo Bliss and Scott Sanders, horns

Tessa Lark, violin

April 8, 7:30 pm

First Congregational Church

WASHINGTON

with Joseph Holt, piano; Michael Turkell and

Chungyon Hong, violin; Stephanie Block, viola;

and Natalie Helm, cello

Dr. Steven Thain, D.C.

14700 NE 8th St. # 115

Bellevue, WA 98007

425-644-8386

March 13, 11:00 am (includes lunch)

Sarasota Yacht Club

A cornucopia of music for the most magnificent

horn, including Beethoven’s mighty sextet for

two horns and string quartet.

The Ernie Kretzmer Memorial Concert

NEW MEXICO

Catalyst Quartet

Dr. Brian Hesser, D.C.

March 30, 4:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church 3850 E. Lohman Ave.

This Grammy Award-winning Las Catalyst Cruces, Quartet NM 88001

has toured widely throughout the United States

575-521-0793

and abroad, including sold-out performances

in the world’s most prestigious venues.

Their program includes music by Gershwin,

Piazzolla, and Ravel.

VIRGINIA

Dr. Chris Lauria, D.C.

4915 Brambleton Ave.

Roanoke, VA 24018

540-725-9501

OHIO

Nominated in 2020 for a Grammy Award in the

best classical instrument solo category, Tessa

Lark is also a fiddler in the tradition of her native

Kentucky. This program is comprised of original

works inspired by her combination of classical

training and Appalachian upbringing – a style

she lovingly calls “Stradgrass.” Join us for a

pre-concert reception at Michael’s Wine Cellar

(separate ticket required). ILLINOIS

Dr. Carey Girgis, D.C.

383 West Main Street

Westerville, OH 43081

614-890-3500

Dr. Richard Lohr, D.C.

3090 N. Main Street

Decatur, IL 62526

217-706-5551


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.

PROGRAM SPONSOR

Part of Ashton

Worldwide Festival

2024 - 2028

MARCH 28 - 29, 2025

VAN WEZEL

ACCOMPANIED BY

THE SARASOTA ORCHESTRA

941.359.0099 | SarasotaBallet.org

Ricki Bertoni and Luke Schaufuss in SIr Frederick Ashton’s Romeo and Juliet | Photo by Frank Atura


out &about

Sarasota

Film Festival

The Sarasota Film Festival (SFF)

returns April 4-13, with hundreds of

films from around the world at various

venues throughout Sarasota, parties,

celebrity guests, as well as panels

and Q&As, free educational screenings,

and more.

For their 27th season, they’ll be

offering traditional passes, starting

from the completely ticketless Cinephile

Passes to their Director, Producer,

Associate And Independent

Film Supporter passes, which offer

deep discounts and free tickets.

More information at www.sarasota

filmfestival.com/

▼

Special Events

Kids and kids at heart can enjoy

fun art and nature activities on

Saturday mornings at Marie Selby

Botanical Gardens. “Family Saturdays”

are scheduled for March 29,

April 26, and May 31. Activities run

10 a.m. to noon and participation is

included in admission to the Gardens.

Several activity stations with different

art projects will be set up in the

Ann Goldstein Children’s Rainforest

Garden during each monthly event.

Elementary school age children will

have the opportunity to create their

own nature-inspired art with a variety

of materials.

Tickets: selby.org.

▼

Temple Sinai is hosting a Challah

Baking event on March 13 at 7 p.m.

This evening is perfect for ages 13 and

up, where you will learn how to make

your own challah bread loaf which

you can take home and bake for Friday

Shabbat dinner.

Cost is $40 for Temple Sinai

non-members. Enjoy light nosh, play

some fun trivia, and enjoy Israeli

music while your dough rises. Student

Rabbi Bethany Leinweber will guide

us through the blessings, prayers, and

the significance of the challah.

Temple Sinai is located at 4631 S.

Lockwood Ridge Road, enter off Proctor.

Register on templesinai-sarasota.

org. More info call 941-924-1802.

▼

Embracing Our Differences

has “Embracing Our Community:

A Celebration of Kindness” on

March 30, noon-3 p.m. at Sarasota’s

Bayfront Park.

This afternoon of connection, creativity,

and compassion features three

live performances by musician, singer

and songwriter Shelby Sol, kid-friendly

fun, food and beverages, and

booths featuring area arts groups.

Local arts and education organizations,

including ALSO Youth,

CreArte Latino, EOD Coexistence

Clubs, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens,

Sarasota Art Museum, Suncoast

Campaign for Grade-Level

Reading, The Ringling, The Jewish

Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, and

Van Wezel will have booths featuring

interactive, kid-friendly activities.

The Big Blue Grilled Cheese Company,

Empanada Girl and One Two Tea!

trucks will be stationed at the event.

EOD will also recognize Best-in-

Show winners and many of the artists

and quoters who had their works

selected for display. For more information,

visit EmbracingOurDifferences.org.

Embracing Our Differences’ 2025

large-scale, outdoor exhibitions run

through April 13 in Bayfront Park,

Sarasota; and March 1-31 in Poynter

Park, St. Petersburg.

▼

The Sarasota Ballet

presents

Romeo and Juliet

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,

Tickets:

www.sarasotaballet.org

Fun Raisers

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 recordbreaking

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.

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.

▼

The Education Foundation

of Sarasota County is holding its

5K/10K run across the Ringling

Bridge. The event, officially named

the Education Foundation Ringling

Bridge Run, will take place on April

27, in a show of community support

for students and teachers in Sarasota

County.

The race attracted 1,250 runners in

its inaugural year, who were cheered

▼

on with local bands along the route

from Booker High School, Riverview

High School, and Woodland Middle

School. This year it is expected to

draw over 2,000 participants.

This year, the Education Foundation

has added an option for inspired

registrants to raise money in honor of

its mission. All proceeds will benefit

the Education Foundation programs

and resources for students and teachers

in Sarasota County.

Hosted at The Bay, the 10K will

begin at 7 am and the 5K will begin

at 7:30 am. There is also a free onemile

Family Fun Run that starts at 8

am. The run has been sanctioned by

the Manasota Race Club. Information

and registration can be found

at edfoundationsrq.org/ringlingbridge-10k.

Manatee Community Foundation

(MCF) has its annual Spirit of

Manatee Awards Celebration on

March 13 at the new Palmetto Marriott

Resort. Departing from the traditional

awards format, it will celebrate

the unsung heroes who stepped up to

meet the challenges of the past year.

The event will also feature a keynote

address by Keith Macpherson, a

renowned best-selling author, musician,

and coach, whose insights will

celebrate the strength and generosity

that have defined Manatee County’s

journey through adversity.

For tickets and information, visit

www.manateecf.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. Runs 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

Next up: Critical Moments on

March 17, 7:30 p.m. George Perle’s

sparkling musical wit and humor

are on display in his sextet, “Critical

▼

Moments,” paired alongside string

and wind works from Carolyn Chen,

and Kenji Bunch.

A commissioned work by rising

star, Kitty Xiao, anchors this program

while Samantha Bennett solos in

Marcos Balter’s “Violin Concerto” to

close this program of musical masterpieces,

large and small.

Held at First Congregational

Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota.

For tickets, visit www.EnSRQ.org.

Sarasota Concert

Association

▼

SCA’s Great Performers Series

has Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with

baroque violinist Théotime Langlois

de Swarte and Les Arts Florissants

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 renowned

French ensemble Les Arts Florissants

in their Sarasota debut.

National Symphony Orchestra is

on March 24 at the Van Wezel with

Gianandrea Noseda, Music Director

and Hilary Hahn, violin. Direct from

Washington, D.C., Music Director

Gianandrea Noseda and the National

Symphony Orchestra perform Beethoven’s

powerful Symphony No.

5. World-renowned violinist Hilary

Hahn joins the Orchestra in Erich

Korngold’s beautifully romantic and

virtuosic Violin Concerto.

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: 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):

• Twyla Tharp on March 4

• Gladys Knight on March 5

• Lewis Black: Goodbye Yeller Brick

Road – The Final Tour on March 11

• Matteo Boccelli on March 12

• ZZ Top on March 13

• Get the Led Out - A Celebration of

“The Mighty Zep” on March 15

• Moulin Rouge! The Musical

on March 18-23

• The Simon and Garfunkel Story

on April 1

Tickets: www.VanWezel.org

▼

The Pops Orchestra

The Pops Orchestra has “Love It

Like a Local” on March 23, 3 p.m.,

Riverview Performing Arts Center,

Sarasota and Sunday, March 23,

7:00 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 right here on 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,

performers from the Circus

Arts Conservatory, and more.

Tickets: www.ThePopsOrchestra.

org or call 941-926-7677.

▼

Artist Series

Concerts

of Sarasota

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota

has these performances:

Lunch and Listen has Harp Royalty

with Hannah Cope Johnson, Eleanor

Kirk, Phoebe Powell, Katherine

Siochi, harp, on March 2, 4 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.

Lunch and Listen Horns of Plenty

with Hugo Bliss and Scott Sanders,

horns, with Joseph Holt, piano on

March 13. Performance followed by

lunchSarasota Yacht Club,

Calling all lovers of the expressive

French horn. Sarasota Orchestra’s

co-principal horn Hugo Bliss is joined

by a fellow superstar, Milwaukee

Symphony’s hornist Scott Sanders

whose career also began in Sarasota.

Together with Joseph Holt on piano,

they offer a cornucopia of remarkable

music for this most magnificent

instrument. The program includes

Beethoven’s mighty sextet for two

continued on page 8

▼


out and about continued

horns and string quartet.

Top Shelf Tuesdays has violinist

Tessa Lark on April 8 at First Congregational

United Church of Christ,

Sarasota. Nominated in 2020 for a

Grammy in the best classical instrumental

solo category, she is also a

highly acclaimed fiddler in the tradition

of her native Kentucky. This

program is comprised of original

works inspired by her combination

of classical training and Appalachian

upbringing – a style she lovingly

calls “Stradgrass.”

Tickets: ArtistSeriesConcerts.org

or call (941) 306-1202.

Sarasota Ballet

The Sarasota Ballet presents the

Mark Morris Dance Group for Program

Five to 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

Choral Artists has Considering

Matthew Shepard on April 5, 4 pm.

This haunting modern-day cantata

tells the story of Matthew Shepard,

young gay man from Wyoming

who was brutally beaten and left

to die on a fence. The story is both

gut-wrenching and heart-warming

at the same time, offering hope for a

better world where love and acceptance

are the norm.

Join them on March 27 at 6 pm

for Meet the Music, to connect with

the music and reflect on the story

prior to the Choral Artists’ upcoming

encore performance. Dr. Joseph

Holt, along with some of the singers

from the Choral Artists, will present

pieces from the show. Refreshments

will be served.

Tickets: www.choralartistssarasota.org/

▼

Key Chorale presents March

21 and 22 marks the 14th year of

“Cirque des Voix”, Circus of the Voices

presented with the Circus Arts

Conservatory. Take a Sci-Fi Voyage

for Sarasota’s most unique collaboration.

Witness a fusion of the musical

and circus arts, featuring music from

your favorite Science Fiction movies

– all under the Big Top at Nathen

Benderson Park. The 100+ voices of

Key Chorale, and the Cirque Orchestra,

combine with an all-star cast of

circus artists set to take you to another

universe.

On April 15, celebrate the power of

choral music through a performance

of more than 200 voices combined

for the annual intergenerational

choral festival in partnership with

the Sarasota County Schools. Enjoy

▼

performances by

choirs from Venice,

North Port,

and Pine View

High School

choirs performing

separately

and as part of an

amazing festival

choir alongside

Key Chorale.

Visit www.

keychorale.org

The Venice

Chorale Black &

Blue: A Journey

Along the Danube

is on April

27, 7 pm. Experience

a concert

narrating the

Blue Danube’s

voyage to the

Black Sea, where you’ll be transported

along the river’s banks through

enchanting classical masterpieces.

Featuring The Venice Symphony

Ensemble. 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/

a-celtic

▼

Sarasota Orchestra

Upcoming performances

include:

• “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:

• 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.

One of the most influential works

on and off the concert stage, Holst’s

The Planets is captivating from

start to finish. Violinist Grace Park

brings her talents to Dvořák’s lilting

Romance and Ravel’s entrancing

Tzigane. Vaughan Williams’ Overture

to The Wasps opens this program

• Chamber Soirees concerts “20th

Century Masters” is on March 20.

Four 20th-century masterpieces

close out the chamber season. Ligeti’s

music has been utilized in film

scores by Stanley Kubrick and Martin

Scorsese. Shostakovich dedicated his

brief string quartet to his wife, Nina,

who had died unexpectedy. Bozza’s

brass quintet is a virtuosic showpiece.

The program concludes with

Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro, a

glorious work showcasing the harp.

• “Grand Treasures” is on April 4-6

at the Van Wezel. Earl Lee makes his

▼

Family Saturdays

are on Saturday mornings

at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Dates: March 29, April 26, and May 31

Sarasota Orchestra debut to close

the season with pianist Jon Kimura

Parker performing Beethoven’s

Piano Concerto No. 3. The concert

also includes Brahms’ Symphony

No. 4, and the local debut of Peter

Boyer’s “Horizons,” which was commissioned

by the Sarasota Orchestra,

Tucson Symphony and Brevard

Symphony to honor retiring artistic

administrator Pat Joslyn, who worked

with all three organizations.

For tickets: 941-953-3434; sarasota

orchestra.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.

▼

Perlman Suncoast

Renaissance Quartet performs

March 24, 26 and 27 with Randall

Goosby, violin; Jeremiah Blacklow,

violin; Jameel Martin, viola; Daniel

Hass, cello.

Aeolus Quartet is on April 13

and 15 with Nicholas Tavani, violin;

Rachel Shapiro, violin; Caitlin Lynch,

viola; Jia Kim, cello. With Peter

Dugan, piano.

Tickets: (941) 955-4942. www.perl

manmusicprogramsuncoast.org/

▼

Venice Symphony

‘Crazy for Gershwin’ March

14-15. Pianist Conrad Tao joins the

symphony for a tribute to George

Gershwin in a program that includes

“Rhapsody in Blue,” “An American in

Paris” and “Girl Crazy.”

‘The Rat Pack is Back’ March 22

This special event, not part of the

regular subscription series, is a new

addition to the lineup featuring the

Venice Symphony Jazz Orchestra and

singer Michael Andrew (bandleader

of the Rainbow Room in New York)

celebrating the hits of Frank Sinatra,

Dean Martin and more. Pete Baranbregge

leads the ensemble.

Concerts are at the Venice Performing

Arts Center, Venice. For tickets,

call 941-207-8822; or visit thevenice

symphony.org

▼

Sarasota

Opera

The 2025

Winter Opera

Festival is

underway.

The Barber

of Seville by

Gioachino Rossini

is one of the

most beloved

comedic works

in the operatic

repertory. It

runs through

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

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

On March 20, The Chamber

Orchestra of Sarasota presents Anne

Frank’s Tree with George Maxman,

violin, Victoria Bond: Anne Frank’s

Tree (Florida premiere), Mendelssohn:

Violin Concerto in E Minor

and Korngold: Much Ado About

Nothing Suite

All oncerts performed at First Presbyterian

Church, 2050 Oak Street,

Sarasota. Tickets: www.chamberorchestrasarasota.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.

• Art of Performance offers The

Baby Laurence Legacy Project by

Brinae Ali and the Baltimore Jazz

Collective Tap Dance and Jazz at the

Historic Asolo Theater, March 14-17.

The Baby Laurence Legacy Project

is an evening-length performance

that investigates and celebrates the

artistic genius of Donald “Baby Laurence”

Jackson, a Baltimore-bred

game- changer, and his impact on tap

dance and jazz music. This production

aims to redefine the relationship

between technology, tap dancing,

▼

and jazz music to build a platform for

sharing Laurence’s largely forgotten

story with audiences.

The Baby Laurence Legacy Project

will reveal to audiences how Laurence

embodied the bebop aesthetic,

which channeled a defiance of the

white gaze and a self-referencing

Black consciousness as in the music

of Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk,

Max Roach, and Charlie Parker.

• Lívia Mattos Trio (Brazil) Jazz,

Brazilian Popular Music, and Circus

will be at the Historic Asolo Theater

April 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. Bahiabased

accordion player, songwriter,

vocalist, filmmaker, and visual artist,

Lívia Mattos has been developing

her singular skills as a player and

unconventional front woman since

she started her artistic adventures as

a circus performer.

Her concerts blend Brazilian Popular

Music, burlesque jazz, and circus

sensibilities. She has collaborated

with artists like Rosa Passos, Badi

Assad, and Chico César, as well as

the Symphonic Orchestra of Bahia

and released her debut album as a

songwriter, Vinha da Ida, in 2017,

receiving acclaim for its surprising

arrangements, inventive lyrics,

unusual fusion of Brazilian roots, jazz

and global rhythms, and its overall

fresh originality.

• Losing My Religion by Rennie Harris

Puremovement Hip-hop Dance at

the Historic Asolo Theater is on April

4 and 5, at 7:30 p.m.

Losing My Religion is a new creation

by Rennie Harris. Her theater

company Rennie Harris Puremovement

(RHPM) will perform the

abstract retrospective work inspired

by Harris’s life journey, the human

experience, and his thoughts on the

world’s collective dilemmas—from

war to social, economic, and political

injustices, humanity is forever caught

in a perpetual loop of turmoil, grief,

and despair.

Harris challenges both what has

come to be expected of street dance

and hip-hop culture and degenerative

social norms/beliefs with his

reconstructionist philosophy and

approach to artmaking. As a part of

the company work, Harris will incorporate

a reimagining of his renowned

solo, Endangered Species. The solo’s

inclusion completes a story of systemic

racism and revolt and a shift away

from what was, to what is, and what

can be. Losing My Religion examines

the historical use of hip-hop and

street dance as languages of protest,

resilience, and power, while the choreography

and forms invite audiences

to imagine the ways in which they can

use their bodies as resistance.

Tickets: ringling.org. The John and

Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401

Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota.

Theatre

Asolo presents Anna in the

Tropics By Nilo Cruz to 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.

Dancing at Lughnasa runs March

21-April 19. Music and memory draw

you back to the 1930s in this lyrical,

▼

continued on page 10


VICTOR DeRENZI, Artistic Director

RICHARD RUSSELL, General Director

GIRLS INC. 35TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION LUNCHEON

2025 WINTER OPERA FESTIVAL

CAVALLERIA

THE BARBER

RUSTICANA

OF SEVILLE

Pietro Mascagni

Gioachino Rossini

AND

Through March 29, 2025

PAGLIACCI

Ruggero Leoncavallo

Through March 29, 2025

THE MARRIAGE

OF FIGARO

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

March 8 – 28, 2025

STIFFELIO

Giuseppe Verdi

March 15 – 30, 2025

SHE KNOWS

WHERE SHE’S

GOING

Stacey Corley

Tammy Karp

SHE KNOWS

WHERE SHE’S

GROWING

Luna Rojas Cruz

Growing

the

Girl

STRONGER,

SMARTER,

BOLDER

STRONG, SMART,

AND BOLD

LEADERSHIP AWARD

Sloan Cox

VISIONARY

AWARD

Bart & Joan

Levenson

Thursday, April 3, 2025

The Ora | 578 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota

10:30am–1:00pm

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

ALL OPERAS SELLING FAST. DON’T MISS THIS SEASON!

(941) 328-1300 • SARASOTAOPERA.ORG

Sarasota Opera House • 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota

EVENT CO-CHAIRS

Jennifer Horiuchi

Caryn Patterson

Melissa Perrin

Sofia Zavala

For more information

366-6646 x207

JulieA@GirlsIncSRQ.org

www.girlsincsrq.org

Now

Showing!

NOW!

TO

Sunday

MAR

9

UNDER THE BIG TOP

AT NATHAN BENDERSON PARK

CIRCUSARTS.ORG | 941.355.9805

TICKETS

ON SALE NOW!



effervescent portrait of five fierce sisters

holding onto each other through

the joys and sorrows of life in rural

Ireland. Their missionary uncle has

sparked a town scandal, their means

of employment are looking doubtful,

and their country is caught between

ancient traditions and Catholic

expectations. Still, no problem is so

great that it can’t be faced with hard

work, family loyalty, and once a year:

dancing at the annual harvest festival

of Lughnasa. Brian Friel’s Tony and

Olivier-award winning memory play

is a modern classic that the New York

Times declares “does exactly what

theater was born to do.” Tickets: asolorep.org.

Asolo Conservatory has The Winter’s

tale by William Shakespeare

running April 1-27 and presented

on the Elizabethan Stage in the Cook

Theatre. No other play offers us so

direct a pathway into the beauty,

torment and delight at the deepest

core of Shakespeare’s soul. A king

mad with jealousy, a faithful wife

and friend, an adoring daughter, an

angry witch, a couple of homespun

clowns and a very hungry bear combine

to offer us a story of redemption,

a love-letter to country life and an

indictment of repressive authority

gone mad. “It is a heretic that makes

the fire, not she which burns in it.”

Tickets: asolorep.org/conservatory

▼

The Players have Fun Home

March 6-16. Adapted from Alison

Bechdel’s groundbreaking graphic

novel, Fun Home is an honest, wholly

original musical about seeing your

parents through grown-up eyes.

The Tony Award-winning musical

traces the coming-of-age of lesbian

author Alison Bechdel, from her

youth, to her years at Oberlin College,

and finally to the present, where Alison,

now grown, is struggling to write

her own graphic autobiography.

As Alison reflects on her past, she

struggles to make sense of it, particularly

her relationship with her father,

Bruce, a closeted gay man and the

owner of the family business — the

Bechdel Funeral Home (“fun” home,

as it’s known to young Alison and her

brothers).

As she watches her father’s

self-loathing consume him, Alison

recognizes her own experience of discovering,

and ultimately embracing,

her identity. As Fun Home progresses,

Alison is drawn deeper and deeper

into her memories, finally entering

into them, desperate (but unable) to

reverse her father’s self-destruction.

An unforgettable and groundbreaking

musical, Fun Home explores the

haunting pull of memory and the

power it has to alternately destroy or

shape, our identity.

Info and tickets: www.theplayers.org

▼

Florida Studio Theatre’s Mainstage

has The Cancellation of Lauren

Fein, a 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. In FST’s Gompertz Theatre.

Runs to March 15.

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, 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 runs

in FST’s Court Cabaret to June 22.

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

Larry Gelbart’s “Better Late” March

13-21 and directed by Carolyn

Michel. It’s a riff on a December-December-December

romance that

bristles with biting humor. Nora

(Nellie O’Brien) and Lee (Don Walker)

have been married for 20 years

when Nora asks if they can take in

her ex-husband, Julian (Lee Gundersheimer),

for a few weeks while he is

recovering from a recent stroke.

Tension builds between the two

men as Julian’s orchestrated relapses

prolong his stay from weeks to

months and family and relationship

dynamics are tested.

Presented at The Players Centre Studio

1130 at the Crossings at Siesta Key

mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

Tickets: visit ThePlayers.org or call

941-365-2494. Information: Sarasota

JewishTheatre.org.

▼

Urbanite Theatre has No One is

Forgotten. This is Florida premiere

and runs March 21 to April 27. U.S.

citizens Lali and Beng are being held

prisoner in a small, dirty cement

cell. Where have they been taken?

How much time has passed? Are they

alive? Has their story been broadcast

to the world? How did they get here?

What will happen to them?

Inspired by true accounts of the

plight of captured and detained journalists

and aid workers, No One is

Forgotten is a story about intimacy,

surrender, and the will to live for

someone else.

More info: www.urbanitetheatre.

com. Urbanite is located at 1487 2nd

Street, Sarasota.

▼

Manatee Players have Death

of a Salesman to 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 Sound of Music runs March

6-16. One of the most beloved musicals

of all time! In Austria, 1938, an

exuberant young governess brings

music and joy back to a broken family,

only to face danger and intrigue as

the Nazis gain power. Using patience,

kindness, and The Sound of Music,

she ultimately wins the hearts of both

the children and their father, but the

family must soon make the unthinkable

choice and flee their homeland.

Manatee Performing Arts Center,

502 Third Avenue W, Bradenton.

ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com

WBTT has “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.org

▼

Venice Theatre has The Lightning

Thief, based on the 2005 novel

of the same name by Rick Riordan.

It will be in the Pinkerton Theatre

through 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 Silver Foxes present “Life Upon

the Wicked Stage” in the Raymond

Center March 11-16. The “youngest”

cast in town will once again regale

you with song, dance, and ribald

humor in their new variety show.

Being “mature” never looked and

sounded so good.

An Evening with Norm Lewis, a

co-production with Venice Institute

for Performing Arts is at the Venice

Performing Arts Center, March 16.

▼

The Players have Fun Home on March 6-16.

It’s adapted from Alison Bechdel’s

groundbreaking graphic novel.

He’ll sing Broadway favorites and

timeless classics in a special production

brought to you by The Venice

Institute for Performing Arts in partnership

with The Venice Theatre.

The Venice Theatre Concert Series

continues on March 9 they have The

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 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 through June

29 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. www.selby.org/

At The Galleries

Art Center Sarasota’s Cycle 4

March 13-April 19. Opening reception:

March 13, 5-7 p.m.

Artists include:

• 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: issonance

(=) The New, Way Classical Guitar

Performance by Edwin Culver on

March 7. Doors open at 6; performance

starts at 6:30 pm. Tickets:

www.edwinculver.com/tickets.

This final stop on Edwin Culver’s

Spring 2025 Tour includes the most

extensive program of original work

by the composer to date. These works

grapple with conflicting themes of war

and salvation, disambiguation and

loss, the ephemeral and the eternal.

Dissonance is employed as the “new

harmony” in one work, the chaotic

“noise” of busy streets in Yichang

City, China provide the backdrop for

another, and 100-year old letters and

recordings from WWI link together the

largest scale work on this program.

Included will be the premiere of

a new work that seeks to connect us

with the “sound” of eternity itself.

Ultimately, Dissonance (=) The New,

Way attempts a bleeding edge exposition

on the question, “What’s the

point when there’s human suffering

in this world?”.

SPAACES is located at 2051

Princeton St, Sarasota. For more on

SPAACES, visit www.spaaces.art

▼

continued on page 12


focus on the arts

Choral Artists Presents

Considering Matthew Shepard on April 5

The haunting modern-day cantata is moving and ultimately uplifting

Choral Artists’ Artist Director, Dr. Joseph Holt,

and the Choral Artists of Sarasota

The tragic, disturbing and

sad story of Mathew

Shepard is well-known.

The young gay man from

Wyoming was brutally beaten

and left to die on a fence.

Moved by Matthew’s story, conductor Craig

Hella Johnson composed an evocative and

compassionate musical response that leaves

audiences hopeful and joyous

His Considering Matthew Shepard premiered

in 2016 and has now been performed

by hundreds of choirs across the world

including Sarasota where the work will be

performed by Choral Artists on April 5.

Asked about the work based on that horrible

moment in 1998, Choral Artist Executive

Director Danielle La Senna notes the story

behind the music, even after all these years,

“Is even more relevant now.” Discussing

the piece, she feels “It’s really a show about

extreme bullying.” While it does speak to the

violence directed at the LGBTQ+ community,

she also feels it also addresses “anyone

suffering bullying, making it even more poignant.”

To her, the work illustrates, “We still

have work to do.”

Danielle came on board as the Executive

Director of Choral Artists last year. An accomplished

vocalist and arts administrator,

she has more than 20 years in the arts and

education fields. And, she performed with

Choral Artists last year when Considering

Matthew Shepherd was first presented here

and will do so again this year.

A graduate of Indiana University’s Jacobs

School of Music, Danielle began her career

performing jazz, musical theater, and classical

music in New York City. She’s been a

member of the Choral Artists since 2021 in

the alto section.

This year, the performance will be held at

a new venue, First Congregational United

Church of Christ, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota.

The new location will be more accessible

to a broader variety of people of all ages.

As for the performance itself, Danielle

says the response last year was “So positive.

Donors came forth - individuals and foundations”

and as a result the show is back again

this year.

How does a young man’s murder translate

to music? To Danielle the concert is “very

moving. People expected it to be sad, but

left uplifted and inspired.” As a vocalists

she adds, “It’s also powerful to sing. I got

choked up.”

In addition to the music there are some

recitations as well as a narrator. Wearing two

hats, Danielle will forego warming up with

the chorus so she can be out front making

sure things go smoothly before heading inside

to join her fellow singers onstage. She

also adds enthusiastically, she loves working

with Choral Artists’ Artist Director Joseph

Holt who will lead the Chorus.

According to the Conspirare website, “Considering

Matthew Shepard is a three-part

fusion oratorio that incorporates a variety of

musical styles woven into a unified whole.”

An oratorio is a musical composition

with dramatic or narrative text for choir,

soloists and orchestra or other ensemble.

For the Sarasota version, in addition to the

32-member chorus, there will be eight musicians

and Embracing Our Differences will

also be involved.

The music starts with Bach’s Prelude in C,

but also includes Blues, gospel and popular

music. “It’s like a celebration of life. People

don’t leave depressed. People are surprised

[after the performance] that it was uplifting.”

Details about

the Concert and

Choral Artists

Considering Matthew Shepard – Encore

Performance is on Saturday, April 5 at 4 p.m.

at First Congregational United Church of

Christ, 1031 S. Euclid Avenue, Sarasota.

Tickets: www.choralartistssarasota.org

Info: 941-387-6046

Choral Artists of Sarasota is comprised

of 32 classically trained, auditioned singers

performing music from a broad spectrum

of the choral literature. Complementing the

ensemble are 8 apprentice singers – students

ranging in age from 18 to 22; nurturing and

encouraging their early training is a part of

the educational mission of Choral Artists of

Sarasota.

Under the direction of Dr. Joseph Holt

since 2008, the ensemble has undertaken new

cultural initiatives and partnerships to become

a voice for the community in Sarasota.

About

Matthew Shepard

On October 7, 1998, Matthew Shepard, a

21-year-old student at the University of

Wyoming, was brutally attacked and tied

to a fence in a field outside of Laramie,

Wyoming and left to die. On October 12, he

succumbed to his wounds in a hospital in

Fort Collins, Colorado.

In the aftermath of Matt’s death, his

parents, Judy and Dennis Shepard, started

the Matthew Shepard Foundation to honor

his life and aspirations. Inspired by the

tragedy they endured, the initial purpose of

the Foundation was to teach parents with

children who may be questioning their

sexuality to love and accept them for who

they are, and to not throw them away.

Since their formation, the Foundation

has helped pioneer the country’s first

federal hate crimes legislation with the

passing of the Matthew Shepard and

James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention

Act in 2009; provided hate crimes training

to 1,060 law enforcement officers and 76

prosecutors since May 2017; created dialogue

about hate and acceptance within

communities around the world; and built

a robust collection of resources to support

the Laramie Project and other legacy

works inspired by Matt’s story. www.matthewshepard.org

About

the Oratorio:

“Matt Shepard and his story have led me

on an inspiring, challenging and deeply

meaningful journey that I continue to this

day. In composing Considering Matthew

Shepard I wanted to create, within a musical

framework, a space for reflection,

consideration and unity around his life and

legacy,” says Craig Hella Johnson

It was first performed by Austin-based

choir Conspirare in 2016. Of all those performances,

one of the most meaningful to

date happened Oct. 26, 2018, when Conspirare

performed selections from the piece

at the National Cathedral in Washington

D.C., as Shepard’s remains were finally

laid to rest. “It was an extraordinary day,”

Johnson said, “a deeply moving day, and

also joyful as well.”

Conspirare’s 2-CD recording of Considering

Matthew Shepard debuted at #4

on Billboard’s Traditional Classical Chart

in 2016. Audiences describe this work as

“brilliant,” “powerful,” “innovative,” “dazzling,”

and “gripping.” The Washington

Post: “’Considering Matthew Shepard’

demonstrates music’s capacity to encompass,

transform and transcend tragedy.

Powerfully cathartic, it leads us from

horror and grief to a higher understanding

of the human condition, enabling us to

endure.”

For additional information on the oratorio,

visit www.Conspirare.

STORY: Louise Bruderle



Define Art Gallery has Jen Kroeger’s

Solo Exhibition - Portals: Soul

Portraits. Opening night: March 7,

6-8 p.m. Artist Talk: March 21, 5:30

p.m. Exhibition on view: March 7-29.

“Every canvas is a portal,” explains

Deena King, Curator. “Through Jen’s

artwork, she takes you on a journey—

not just within the art but far

beyond it—into the depths of memory,

emotion, and creativity.”

The exhibition weaves Kroeger’s

past, present, and future in stunningly

colorful abstract scenes that

blend deeply personal experiences

with universal moments of joy and

introspection.

From her childhood memories as

a Catholic schoolgirl—reflected in

hints of graffiti, love notes, primary

colors, and stained-glass-like textures—to

the present-day beauty of

Florida’s sunsets and horizons, Kroeger’s

work is a vibrant and adventurous

tumble through time.

At the Artist Talk Kroeger will share

insights into her artistic process and

the themes that inspire her. Limited

seating: RSVP required; call 941-

500-2393. Define Art Gallery and

Studio 68 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota.

▼

At Harmony Gallery: Karina

Herrera’s exhibit, “Good Things

Take Time.” Herrera is an abstract

artist based in Sarasota. 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.

Runs to March 5.

Next is Sarasota African American

Cultural Coalition Artist Spotlight.

Exhibit Dates: March 10-April 9

Public reception: March 27, 5-6:30

The Sarasota African American

Cultural Coalition (SAACC) mission

is to preserve, celebrate, and share

the cultural, artistic, and historical

heritage of African Americans in

Sarasota and beyond. SAACC’s goal is

to share the rich history and culture

of African Americans in Sarasota and

create opportunities for enlightenment,

learning, and entrepreneurship.

To that end, SAACC in collaboration

with the Sarasota Orchestra

showcases the work of three young

Tampa Bay artists whose colorful palettes

and brushstrokes convey positivity,

resilience, and tenacity.

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

Florida Suncoast Watercolor

Society Annual Aqueous Exhibition

in the Kellogg & Reid Hodges

Galleries, March 4-28.

The Florida Suncoast Watercolor

Society was founded in 1983 with 17

Charter members and 24 Associate

members. The original purpose to

foster the advancement of and promote

excellence in the art of watermedia

painting remains their focus

today. As of August 2023, 90 of their

170 members attained Signature

status and 27 are Master Signature

members. The organization’s inaugural

exhibition was held at ACM and

has continued to exhibit annually.

Opening Reception: March 6, 5-7 pm.

Info: www.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 March is Artist Darryl

Goldman with “Florida Living” running

March 1-31. First Friday artist

reception is on March 7, 5-7pm

When Darryl was a child in grammar

school his teachers often encouraged

him by putting his drawings on

the bulletin board in the hallway. A

fellow second-grader invited him to a

lesson with an elderly art teacher and

that was the beginning of a life-long

devotion to the visual arts. However,

a 25-year career as a US Army chaplain

serving American soldiers in the

US and abroad allowed little time for

painting. Today, he is fully retired and

enjoying the life of a full-time artist.

Visit www.islandgalleryandstudios.org

or call 941-778-6648.

They’re located at 456 Old Main Street

in downtown Bradenton.

▼

At The Hermitage

The Ringling Museum of Art will

host the first public showings of the

original commissions resulting from

the 2023 Hermitage Greenfield Prize

(HGP). Los Angeles-based visual

▼

“Grand Treasures”

is on April 4-6

at the

Van Wezel.

Earl Lee

makes his

Sarasota Orchestra

debut

artist Sandy Rodriguez’s exhibition

Currents of Resistance will be presented

in the Keith D. Monda Gallery

for Contemporary Art and represents

the latest in a series of exhibitions

featuring Hermitage Greenfield

Prize-winning visual artists at The

Ringling, beginning with Sanford

Biggers’ 2012 exhibition Codex.

Rodriguez, a first-generation

Chicana who grew up along the

US-Mexico border, is an artist who

engages with the colonial histories

of the Americas, Indigenous

knowledge systems, memory, and

issues surrounding migration, both

past and present, all grounded in

the specificity of land. She uses

hand-processed pigments derived

from earth, plants, and insects,

sourced from specimens collected

during her fieldwork and residency

at the Hermitage for her watercolors.

Her Hermitage Greenfield Prize

commission, Currents of Resistance,

is a further exploration of a series of

exhibitions for which she has been

celebrated, mapping the ongoing

cycles of violence on communities

of color by blending historical

and recent events; this will be her

first map of the Southeast United

States. Rodriguez’s exhibition, curated

by Christopher Jones, the Stanton

& Nancy Kaplan Curator of Photography

& Media, will be on view from

April 5 through August 10.

• Rennie Harris, the first HGP recipient

in the field of dance and choreography,

will share the first public

presentations of his original work

Losing My Religion at the Historic

Asolo Theater on April 4-5, with his

dance company Rennie Harris Puremovement.

The premieres of these original

Hermitage commissions will coincide

with the Hermitage Greenfield

Prize Weekend, culminating in the

Hermitage Greenfield Prize Dinner

on April 6.

Harris’ HGP commission introduces

audiences to a new dance piece

titled Losing My Religion, a personal

reflection on his own journey that

weaves in thoughts on the world’s

collective dilemmas. Harris is known

for challenging what has come to be

expected of street dance and hip-hop

culture and the degenerative social

norms and beliefs that ground the

struggles of our time.

As part of the work, he has incorporated

a reimagining of his renowned

solo piece Endangered Species, an

autobiographical work recounting

his experience of being chased and

shot down in Kingston, Jamaica

while touring as a U.S. ambassador

for President Reagan’s ‘American

Embassy Tour.’

The solo’s

inclusion

in the work

completes

a story of

systemic

racism

and revolt,

shifting

away from

what was to

what is and

what can

be. Harris’

Hermitage

Greenfield

Prize

premiere

presentation

will

take place

on April 4

and 5 at the

Historic Asolo Theater. www.hermitageartistretreat.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.

▼

• Larry Fink / Martha Posner: Flesh

and Bone runs to April 13. This exhibition

explores the creative dialogue

between photographer Larry Fink

(1941-2023) and sculptor Martha

Posner (born 1956), who were romantic

partners for more than 30 years.

Radically different artists, their work

nonetheless shares common themes

of desire, vulnerability, and brutality.

Both also explore myth throughout

their art: Posner explicitly, through

her re-imagining of female subjects

from various legends and mythic traditions;

Fink implicitly, through his

shrewd eye for human impulse, folly,

and bravado, qualities he found in

almost every scenario no matter how

base or exalted.

• Joe Fig: Contemplating Vermeer

runs to April 13. Fig chairs Ringling

College of Arts and Design’s fine

arts and visual studies programs.

Fig is known for his Contemplating

series—small, intimate paintings of

people looking at artwork in museums

and galleries.

Contemplating Vermeer records

Fig’s encounter with the blockbuster

Johannes Vermeer exhibition at the

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam in 2023.

Focusing not only on the gallery

space and over a dozen of Vermeer’s

canvases but also on the visitors looking

at the art, Fig invites viewers to

contemplate art and the experience it

allows us to share.

• Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to

Cutting-Edge Kicks runs to May 4.

This exhibition explores the intersection

between design innovation

and technological advancements in

footwear. Featuring over 70 pieces,

including the self-lacing Nike Mag

of Back to the Future fame, virtual

reality boots, shoes made from sustainable

mushroom leather, Industrial

Revolution era shoemaking tools,

and more, Future Now explores innovative

design with footwear that steps

into the future.

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

The Palm-Aire Women’s Club

(PAWC) meets on March 13. Speaker:

Rhonda Calahan, the CEO/Founder

of Queens of Domestic Violence

Awareness Inc. Calahan authored the

best-selling book, 30 Days of Domestic

Violence. Her memoir takes readers

on a journey through the world

of an abusive relationship. Rhonda

Calahan shares her personal account

of enduring and ultimately escaping

domestic violence, offering a powerful

testament to the resilience of the

human spirit.”

The luncheon costs $33 for members

and $35 for non-members. Reserve

your ticket online at the Palm-Aire

Women’s Club website or by contacting

Debi Frock at 443-974-8520. Payment

must be received by March 6.

▼

Bookstore1

Events and book clubs are in person

in the loft at Bookstore1 at The

Mark, 117 South Pineapple Ave.

Registration for all events can be

found here: www.sarasotabooks.

com/events, or call 941-365-7900.

Book Launch Celebration for “Six

Weeks in Reno” — Book signing with

Lucy H. Hedrick on March 10, from

5-6 p.m. In this powerful historical

fiction novel about heartbreak, hope,

and the allure of the unknown, a

woman at a “divorce ranch” in 1930s

Reno strives to live on her own terms.

Join us as we hear from the author and

then buy the book and get it signed.

Lucy Hedrick lives in Sarasota

where she devotes herself to writing

Women’s Fiction. She is a National

League of American PEN Women,

Sisters in Crime-Gulf Coast branch,

and Sarasota Fiction Writers member.

Lucy is also the author of five

books in the how-to genre. This is a

ticketed event

▼


focus on the arts

Three Women Contribute

Their Talents to Chamber

Orchestra Concert

The creative talents of three

women will enrich the March

20 concert of the Chamber Orchestra

of Sarasota, according

to music director and conductor

Robert Vodnoy, who began planning this

season more than a year ago. “This March

20 concert was the big project I wanted to

accomplish this season,” Vodnoy said. “I read

about Victoria Bond’s new work “Anne Frank’s

Tree” and thought immediately that I wanted

to present the Florida premiere of this moving

piece for chamber orchestra and narrator.” He

contacted Victoria Bond immediately.

Vodnoy and Bond have known each other

professionally for many years. On March 20,

the Chamber Orchestra will present “Anne

Frank’s Tree.” The concert, the finale of the

Chamber Orchestra’s eighth season, will be

presented at First Presbyterian Church, 2050

Oak Street in Sarasota.

Victoria Bond leads a

multifaceted career as

composer, conductor,

lecturer, and artistic

director of Cutting-Edge

Concerts. Her compositions

have been praised

by The New York Times

as “powerful, stylistically

varied and technically demanding.”

Bond has

Victoria Bond

composed eight operas, six ballets, two piano

concertos and orchestral, chamber, choral and

keyboard compositions.

Bond’s opera, Clara, based on the life of

composer and pianist Clara Schumann, premiered

at the Berlin Philharmonic Easter

Festival in Baden-Baden, Germany in 2019.

“Anne Frank’s Tree,” commissioned by The Indianapolis

Chamber Orchestra, is one of more

than a dozen works Bond has composed for

narrator and orchestra. She is the first woman

awarded a doctorate in orchestral conducting

from the Juilliard School. Her teachers include

Roger Sessions, Leonard Slatkin, and Herbert

Blomstedt. Bond is the recipient of the Victor

Herbert Award and the American Academy of

Arts and Letters’ Walter Hinrichsen Award.

“The Diary of Anne Frank has been an important

book to me since I read it as a teenager,”

Bond said. “I was struck by the important

role the tree that grew outside Anne’s window

played in her emotional life: it represented

nature, beauty, freedom, hope, and life. When

I learned that a sapling from the very same

tree had been planted in the garden of the

Indianapolis Children’s Museum, I resolved to

write a piece of music about Anne Frank and

this tree. My composition is a meditation on

Anne’s passion for nature. It was her only contact

with the outside world and she cherished

it like a friend and wrote about it in her diary.

I have composed a portrait of the tree in different

seasons and at different ages in its long

life. Before the tree died, saplings were taken

and planted all over the world, giving both the

tree, and Anne’s love for it, eternal life.”

Bond will attend the March 20 performance

and will join Vodnoy for a

lecture discussion of her

life and work on March

19 on the Sarasota Music

Archive lecture series

at 10:30am at the Selby

Branch. The narrator

for the Chamber Orchestra’s

performance will be

Alexa Scharf

Booker High School senior

Alexa Scharf, who was

selected from a field of

eight auditionees to portray Anne Frank.

“I auditioned for “Anne Frank’s Tree” because

it felt like a great chance to dive into

a complex character and challenge myself,”

Alexa says. “The whole experience has been

really rewarding—it’s pushed me both as an

actor and as a person, helping me grow in

ways I didn’t expect,” Alexa said.

Alexa’s major interests at Booker High

School are theater, dance and mathematics.

She has appeared in several productions at

Booker HS as well as at Rise Above theater,

and plans to study Biomedical Engineering

at the University of Miami. Alexa was born

in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and moved to

Sarasota when she was seven. She had her Bat

Mitzvah at Temple Sinai. During her preparation

of her bat mitzvah is when she became

acutely aware of Anne Frank and her diary.

The director for this concert is Sarasota

theater director and actress

Tamara Solum. Of Tamara’s

work so far, Tamara says:

“What Alexa brought to

the room in her audition

showed not only an honest

and convincing reading

of the script, but also

that she could portray the

multiple levels of emotions

in response to the orches-

Tamara Solum

tral arrangement. In addition, Alexa showed

maturity in that she had done her research

regarding the character and the musical piece.

I was impressed by her depth of knowledge

and vulnerability as she reflected upon the role

and her personal connection to Anne Frank.”

“This has been such a wonderful and unique

opportunity to direct an actress who will

personify an historic character, with chamber

music being what drives her physical and

emotional conflicts. Most people know Anne

Frank, but they probably don’t know the story

about the chestnut tree that she could see

from the annex window. The symbolism of

the tree and what it represents to Anne is the

through-line. Victoria selected pieces of dialogue

from Anne Frank’s diary to be part of the

beautifully orchestrated piece, and we’re using

those to ground the story in time. “

“It has been a delight to work with Alexa.

She has really tapped into Anne’s innocence

and hope as well as her emotional uncertainty

and turmoil that is found both in the writings

and the music. I have staged it so Alexa will

be portraying Anne in costume with dramatic

physicality, stage action, and blocking. I hope

the audience will find it moving and it will enhance

their concert experience.”

The March 20 concert is titled “Anne Frank’s

Tree” based on the title of Bond’s composition.

The program also includes music by two composers

whose music was banned in 1938 by

the Nazi regime. Opening the concert will be

Erich Korngold’s suite from “Much Ado About

Nothing,” which Korngold wrote when he was

only 20 years old. Concluding the concert will

be Mendelssohn’s beloved Violin Concerto in

E Minor featuring violin virtuoso George Maxman.

“The entire program is a celebration of

life and the power of music,” said Vodnoy.

Tickets are $42/adult and $5 for students.

More information about the concert is available

at www.chamberorchestrasarasota.org/

or by calling 219-928-8665.

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feature

The Phillippi Crest Club, Sarasota

One-of-a-kind setting for music, art and community

Istumbled

upon the

Phillippi

Crest

Club and

its Clubhouse

when I

attended Sarasota

Alliance

for Historic

Preservation’s

annual “Six

to Save” announcement

held there

back in 2023.

Since then

I’ve learned

about their

events and the

unique esprit

de corps of its

members to

keep it going.

I love older spaces

though I am often in the

minority with the buildit-now-and-get-rid-of-theold

Florida mindset. So I

wanted to visit again and

learn more. Driving there,

one minute you’re heading

south past Riverview High

School, and a few turns

later you’re in a neighborhood

of older homes

- some drop dead charming

and fully restored; others

looking sadly neglected.

Make another turn, and the

road gets narrower and you

start to wonder what you’ll

find (and where you are).

But stay with it and at

the end of a sandy patch you’ll find

the Clubhouse in the heart of the

Phillippi Crest Club community.

Stepping into the clubhouse you

can feel and smell the oldness of

time in the mature hardwoods that

make up the building’s floor and

frame.

Its full name is the Phillippi

Crest Community Clubhouse. The

word “community” means it’s anything

but elitist, or exclusive. And

the word “clubhouse” is nothing

like pricey membership clubs for

golf. And “Phillippi” is included

because the creek is a stone’s

throw away.

Instead, this building has a

unique heritage. The Sarasota

Alliance website offers a brief

history and description. “The

Phillippi Crest Community Clubhouse

was constructed in 1923 as

a focal point for social activities

in the then newly formed Maine

Colony. Now a National Historic

District, the Maine Colony is a 24-

acre residential neighborhood in

south central Sarasota bounded by

Phillippi Creek. The Community

A recent concert celebrating the raising of the

new roof with Passerine. John Jones Photography

Center, a frame vernacular building

clad in drop siding, features

a corbelled brick chimney and a

wide front porch. Inside are a large

gathering space and a kitchen. The

clubhouse was built just east of

the Creek to take full advantage of

its recreational potential, and has

been the site of numerous suppers,

dances, and parties for the seasonal

and permanent residents who

with their shared Mainer heritage.”

While The Maine Colony moniker

is still used, there are no

descendants of those original

settlers, but they do hear from

families from other states who

have roots in this Sarasota Maine

colony. In its current iteration,

it’s often been a music venue. In

February, they had a dynamic

and eclectic weekend that started

with former Motown singer and

Marvelette Brenda Watty followed

the next night by Passerine, a popular

local group of musicians who

play modern folk and progressive

bluegrass.

Back in February 2024 they had

John Salaway perform. Originally

from Sarasota, he is successful

Nashville recording artist. And in

December 2023, they had an exhibit

called “Postcards from Utopia”

that included over 90 cards from

countries such as China, Kazakhstan,

Turkey and Europe, as well as

all over the US including Sarasota.

For concerts, they can accommodate

100 outside and everyone

is welcome. Tickets are usually a

very reasonable $20. Concerts are

outside unless the weather turns

inclement. Either way, bring your

own chair. Their season runs October

to June.

On March 2, they held their

annual Maine Colony Community

complete with food, entertainment,

speakers, vendors and

hands-on experiences for adults

and children at the Clubhouse. In

keeping with their desire to open

and share their space, there was

no cost to attend and the event

was open to all. The goal was to

Hard working board

members include:

(l-r) Ted Ritter, Anja

Palombo, Jim Ferguson

and Diane Keal

raise awareness of its historical

significance as one of Sarasota’s

earliest seasonal communities.

The Club is not an HOA, but

they are a nonprofit which board

member Anja Palombo set up a

few years ago. The area around the

clubhouse is a neighborhood of

older homes some from the ‘20s,

some newer. The board, members

and friends —all volunteers— do

all the work and that means selling

the tickets, setting up for each

concert, maintaining and repairing

the building, writing grants,

fundraising and posting on social

media. With no advertising and

little fanfare, their subscriber list

has grown to 500 and they recently

were able to replace their roof.

What makes this space so

unique is that you kind of slip off

the beaten path and go back in

time. I hope it stays that way, but I

also hope the community at-large

steps up and supports them by

attending concerts, making a donation

or helping with upkeep of

the building and the grounds.

On their website, they ask for

donations, “to support independent

artists with a venue for young

and upcoming performers, or support

a concert, exhibition,” adding

that their goal is “to bring Sarasota

together.”

How to

Get Involved

• Become a subscriber — sign

up at www.phillippicrestclub.

com/

• Make a donation

• Volunteer — carpenters are

needed to work on a variety of

tasks repairing and maintaining

the clubhouse’s building and

grounds. A variety of skilled and

unskilled work is available and

any amount of time would be appreciated.

Volunteers are eligible

to sign off on volunteer hours

required for high schoolers, Boy

Scouts or community service.

As the clubhouse gets busier,

they will need help managing

their events. They are also

open to suggestions for use of

the clubhouse: entertainment,

social, educational and recreational.

Attend a concert and

bring your friends for a night

out under the stars

The Phillippi Crest Club is

located at 2421 Burlington Lane,

Sarasota.

Story and two images :

Louise Bruderle


Carrie

Seidman

Founder,


Veteran Journalist

and Columnist

H

er columns in

the Sarasota

Herald-Tribune

were beloved

because they were

personal, almost like a

conversation. She took

on issues like mental

health, funding for the

arts and, on occasion,

certain politicians,

and her columns were

a voice of reason for

many. Now she’s back

working at FACEing

Mental Illness, the

nonprofit she created

in 2016.


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ENTERTAINING • INFORMATIVE

Her columns in the Sarasota

Herald-Tribune were beloved

because they were

personal, almost like a

conversation, as good writing

should be. She took on

issues like mental health,

funding for the arts and, on occasion, certain

politicians, and her columns were a

voice of reason for many.

Readers wanted to know what she was

going to write about next and what her insights

would be. Carrie was relatable even

though only known through her columns,

the last being published December 2024.

Now those same readers may be wondering

where she is and what’s she’s been up to.

Firstly, she’s still in Sarasota, but not in

her hurricane-damaged condo on Lido Key.

Instead, she’s staying with her son while

her home is being repaired and while deciding

what to do next with her property—

something she voiced in her column.

When we met, Carrie said she’d been

having lunch with some of her loyal readers

who reached out. Perhaps her next career

should be in diplomacy since Carrie would

respond to every email and every call she

received - even the hostile ones.

Quoting her column, “…I held true to one

commitment I’d made: To respond to any

email, text or phone message I received,

regardless of its tenor. As newspapers were

busy eliminating positions and people and

outsourcing processes, I wanted to be accessible

and responsive to my readers.”

As for now, “It feels bittersweet,” she

explains of not having her column to write

and its ending which was “…unanticipated.

It was lovely not to have a deadline, but I

miss my readers.”

Post H-T, Carrie has been back working

on FACEing Mental Illness, something she

created and launched in 2016 as a result of

a Carter Center fellowship.

As she puts it, FACEing has been “in

hibernation” for awhile, but will awaken

to offer creAtypical, a multi-disciplinary

live performance that will involve original

poetry/spoken word, music, dance/choreography

and visual art created by six artists

with neurodivergences, ranging from dyslexia

to schizoaffective disorder. The event

is underwritten by the Johnson-Singer Arts

Education Foundation.

There will be two performances at the

Sarasota Contemporary Dance in-studio,

black box theatre on April 26. Performances

will be followed by a “talk-back” with the artists

who will discuss the collaboration, their

individual creative processes and how their

art serves as therapy for their mental wellbeing.

It’s free to attend and details are below.

Carrie will be working alongside Leymis

Bolaños Wilmott, the executive director of

Sarasota Contemporary Dance. The two

met through Carrie’s earlier work at the HT

as a dance critic. Through FACEing Mental

illness, Carrie also has a blog and podcast

with substack.

A recurring theme to Carrie’s columns

and now afterwards, is to “continue to dismantle

the perception that someone with

a mental health condition is in any way

limited or impaired.” When Carrie arrived

in Sarasota, her son had a mental health

crisis and she found it difficult to get help

for him. “I didn’t intend to write about myself,”

but the HT suggested it so she did.

That was 2015—not that long ago—yet

she found it difficult to get anyone to go

on the record let alone have their picture

included in any reporting. The series she

wrote, “The S Word: the Stigma of Schizophrenia,”

was a series of stories about

people with schizophrenia and their family

members.

In it, she wrote about her son, Keaton,

and his struggles with mental health. The

series received the National Media Award

from Mental Health America. She now calls

her work on mental health, “the most meaningful

work of my career.” And it shows in

the quality and quantity of that work.

In 2017, she authored a book, FACEing

Mental Illness: The Art of Acceptance with

photos by local photographer Wayne Eastep.

Her film documentary ‘FACEing Mental

Illness’ premiered in Sarasota in 2018 at the

Sarasota Film Festival.

You may not know Carrie has had a long

career writing beyond the HT (which is

why she moved here). She’s also been a staff

writer for the New York Times, Los Angeles

Herald-Examiner, Albuquerque Journal

and Albuquerque Tribune. Carrie graduated

from the Columbia Journalism School

and studied at Barnard College.

Long before she became a journalist, she

wanted, since age 4, to be a ballet dancer.

In high school she thought about going to

New York to try out, “but my parents said

no - go to college.”

She had her son and opened a ballet

studio. Though she wanted to be a dancer,

journalism was, by contrast, “Something I

fell into.” She started writing a column for a

newspaper in Albuquerque called a “A place

at the table” that wasn’t a traditional foodie

column or cooking how-to. It was more like

essays on food and included things like

picking berries — and it caught on.

Once settled in Sarasota, Carrie, remembering

that Thanksgiving “was a big deal”

in her family, decided to open her home

on Thanksgiving to people from the newsroom

such as “young reporters with family

far away,” she explains.

It morphed into an open house format

with as many as 140 people (not all at one

time; not all HT employees) in her 1400

square foot condo. “It was great,” she says

smiling.

Carrie has also shared with readers her

housing crisis, which she elaborated on in

her December 5, 2024 column. “Then came

the summer just passed and back-to-back

hurricanes, both of which flooded my unit,

destroying much of what was inside and

nearly everything outside,” she wrote.

Carrie called it “a financial tsunami

worse than any flood” that included rising

maintenance fees, special assessments to

cover not only the uninsured storm damage,

but new state condominium laws that

are pushing costs higher.

As with so many of her columns, many

readers could relate to her experience dealing

with the toxic mix of hurricane damage

combined with rising costs. The response

to that column she adds, “was huge.”

For now, Carrie is staying with her son

and she reports that he is doing well—

working at DOGS Inc. in Palmetto (which

serves those who are visually impaired)

and playing in a Jazz duo.

Though it’s been great to meet with

readers, she admits, “I feel sad about it too.

It was a great privilege to bring attention

to things people need to know about.” She

hasn’t found a way to replace that and adds,

“Things are still unfolding.”

So, now that you know what’s she’s doing,

give her a call or email. She’ll most

probably reply.

STORY: Louise Bruderle

Ways to Connect with Carrie Seidman

• Send an email to: carrie.seidman@

gmail.com

• Find her on Substack faceingmi.substack.com,

• Her upcoming event, creAtypical, will

have two performances, at 3 p.m. and

7 p.m., in the Sarasota Contemporary

Dance in-studio, black box theatre on

April 26

• Performances will be followed by a “talkback”

with the artists, who will discuss

this collaboration, their individual creative

processes and how their art serves

as therapy for their mental wellbeing.

Audience members are encouraged to

participate in this informal exchange.

Email, Carrie at carrie.seidman@gmail.

com or 505-238-0392 to reserve your

spot; all performances are free of charge.

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feature

Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club

A New Location and seeking players, fans and supporters

Remember driving

down US41 near the

Sarasota Municipal

Auditorium and seeing

men and women

playing that smooth and

easy game of lawn bowling

on those manicured grass

courts?

The original Sarasota Lawn

Bowling Club (SLBC) opened

in 1927, but closed in 2022

due to Sarasota’s Bayfront

project and they lost their

long-time home. So where

did they go?

Well, they managed to resurface

at a new location, much

more tucked away on property

near the Bobby Jones Golf

Course after an anonymous

donor came through with a

donation.

The reimagined Sarasota Lawn

Bowling Club opened in its new

location on December 6. There

were no amenities and they

had to start with and convert a

weedy patch of sand. But this

is a determined group despite

setbacks like losing their original

location, going dormant for

two years and then COVID.

In 2024, construction costs, hurricane

delays and other obstacles

pushed the club’s opening

from March to December. The

all-volunteer club then had to

add water, electric and parking.

Next up are restrooms and a

clubhouse to help with providing

shade.

Good news is that they now have

lighting which will allow play of

Tuesday and Thursday evenings from

6- 8pm.Their number one goal now is

“building membership” according to

Sally Mills, Co-President of SLBC and

an avid bowler.

To support that goal, they offer learnto-bowl

classes on Saturdays from 9-11

where you can try the sport for free.

And no, you don’t have to wear all

white to play.

And there’s the game itself, it’s a

bit like bocce, the traditional Italian

game, but requires more strategy. At

times it resembles curling in that it

involves careful placement to score,

but also to block. Cost-wise it’s much

cheaper than golf.

Since it takes awhile to master the

game, they’re offering a series of

four lessons for $80 that includes a

one-month membership. The cost of

the classes can then be applied to a

membership that is $295 and allows

you to come anytime to play. The first

lesson typically has lots of information

so newbies typically want to come

back to play and by the fourth lesson,

“They’re hooked,” Sally notes.

Ilona Verba,

Rusty Hein and

Sally Mills (Ilona

and Sally are

co-presidents)

Don’t like to bend over?

Rusty is using a tool for

scooping up the ball

As for gear, it’s minimal and when

you’re learning, they provide the

equipment and the coaching is “top

notch,” according to Sally. People are

discovering the sport. “We get lots of

‘walk-ins’ - people riding their bikes

stop in,” Sally notes.

There are currently about 55 club

members and, Ilona Vrba, also a

co-president notes, “We had 28 students

in a recent class. Of that it was

an even split male/female. Half of the

students were couples; half people on

their own.”

Get good at the sport and you can

travel to tournaments and, as a by

product, make new friends. The social

spect of the sport is another thing

that makes it so appealing.

It’s also ideal for people who want an

outside sport and want to get some

exercise that’s not too strenuous. It

keeps your body moving and is great

for any age, any disability. They recently

had someone play who was in a

wheelchair play.

It’s also low impact and it’s important

to note there’s no shouting and

it’s not ruthless. In fact, you applaud

when your opponent makes a good

shot, according to Rusty Hein, an

Rusty Hein, a veteran, competitive bowler

show how to set the ball in motion

Lawn Bowling bowls. The bowls

are shaped, so that they follow a

curved path when being rolled

experienced bowler. Rusty has played

all over the U.S. and found people “all

warm and welcoming.” She is also a

SE Division “at large” rep.

As you may have noticed, unique to

this club is that they have two female

presidents. Iona joined 5 years ago

and adds she “didn’t find it cliquish.”

This in spite of the fact that the sport

was once played by nobility in places

like England and France.

And then there’s the game. Lawn

bowling, is a sport in which players

try to roll their ball (called a “bowl”)

closest to a smaller ball (known as a

“jack”). The bowls are shaped (biased),

so that they follow a curved path

when being rolled. The game is played

either in teams or one against one.

The game was first played in the 13th

century and is played on grass, although

other surfaces are sometimes

used. Matches are held either until

one player gets to a score, or when a

number of ends are played.

And, if you’re seeking another easygoing

sport, they offer croquet, playing

two croquet sessions each week,

Sunday afternoons, and Thursday

mornings.

About Lawn Bowling

Lawn bowling is played on a 120-foot

green grass square as smooth as a

golf green. Matches typically last 1 1/2

to 2 1/2 hours.

The object is to roll the

bowl closest to a small

white ball called a jack.

It’s a gentle sport that

requires no running or

lifting. Just gentle rolls

of the ball. But it does

involve strategy and a

big benefit is the social

aspect.

The aim of the game

is simple. Get your

bowls as close as possible

to a small white

ball called the ‘jack’.

A jitney is a casual

game of bowls where

whoever shows up

15 minutes ahead

of playing time will

be put on the roster.

They are non-competitive

and the teams

are random, providing

an excellent way

to get to know and

socialize with fellow

members, enjoy the

game and improve

your skills.

About

Sarasota Lawn

Bowling Club (SLBC)

The Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club

951 Circus Blvd., Sarasota (@Fruitville

and Beneva)

More information about the club, the

sport and the program can be found

www.sarasotalawnbowlingclub.com.

Sarasota Lawn Bowling Club is a

member of Bowls USA – South Eastern

Division. All full members are also

members of Bowls USA and Bowls

USA S.E. Division, and therefore, World

Bowls.

President: Sally Mills, Laurie Holder

and Ilona Vrba (co-presidents)

Coming Up

• Come by for an “open jitney” most

weekdays, at 10 a.m. (Be sure to

check their schedule). New bowlers

welcome. Arrive 30 minutes prior to

start for setup and team draw.

• On Saturdays, they have a Drop In

Coaching Session, 9-11 am that is

free for first time bowlers.

• Croquet Mini-Clinics are on Thursdays,

March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 9:30-10

a.m.

This clinic will focus on shot making

and basic rules. Saturdays

Lessons are a great idea - the game

has lots of rules not just rolling a ball.

It also involves a lot of skill and finesse.

A good coach will help you get up to

speed faster.

STORY and IMAGES: Louise Bruderle


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focus on the arts

Madeby Gallery

at Ringling College of Art and Design

On the Ringling

College

of Art and

Deign’s campus

there’s a special gallery

with great art, jewelry, ceramics,

sculpture and more

where you can purchase.

It’s called Madeby Gallery

for a reason: all the art has

been created by current

students as well as alums of

the school.

I recognized more than a

few local artists such as Colleen

Cassidy, Tim Jaeger, Barb

McSweeney and Vicki Rollo.

But just looking at all the pieces

there, I have found more

artists I want to know more

about.

The prices are all very reasonable

and the art top notch.

As for the current students

exhibiting, some have never

sold art before according to

Lisa Seaboyer, the Madeby

Gallery manager. The College

gives the students exposure

The Fashion

of Diana by

Ringling

student

Katie Sladic

which one

First Place

in the

student

show

this way, but also helps them with things

like printing their art on campus at no

cost. There’s also a generous split of 60/40

with 60% going to the artists. For students,

“It’s great for their resumes. Plus they can

make money and learn business skills,”

Lisa notes.

The Gallery has been in business 15

years with Lisa involved from the start, the

last 10 as manager. Lisa also went to art

school and during her varied career she

Lisa

Seaboyer,

Gallery

Manager

Island of

Curacao

by Naomi

Van

Putten

Madeby Gallery is located

on the campus of the

Ringling College of Art

and Design

worked with artist Colleen Cassidy (a

Ringling alumna) in her gallery.

It’s an eclectic selection original art,

digital art prints, and fine crafts, some

artists place their artwork on t-shirts,

bags and more. To visit Madeby you

can take the gallery tour Ringling

College offers or, simply walk in and

browse and shop.

If you haven’t been on the campus,

don’t dismay about parking. “There’s

more parking than you think,” according

to Lisa. Madeby Gallery is in the

Glen Fine Arts Building next to the

Basch Visual Arts Center and the Visitors’

Parking at North Tamiami Trail.

Students can also work in the store

and also gain business experience in

the process. This day there are two

students, Katie Sladic (who won First

Place in the student show) and Naomi

Van Putten. Lisa is the one who trains

them and, as you can imagine, she has

to work with new students all the time.

Madeby gallery is great for holiday shop-

ping or any time you want to buy unique

gifts. Then there’s the added bonus of

knowing that you’re supporting artists.

Going on now is the Spring Student Show

which runs to April 11.The show gives the

students the opportunity to experience the

procedures needed to submit their artwork,

the jury process, preparing their artwork to

be gallery ready. In addition to exhibiting

their artwork in a the gallery, they also attend

the Gallery Opening Night.

The College is one of only a few colleges

in the country that offer venues solely dedicated

to the showcasing and sale of student

and alumni work. In addition to fine

art, original paintings and jewelry, there

are also textiles, books, handmade sketch

books, journals, glass, ceramics, furniture,

posters, prints, cards, and more.

Madeby Gallery is located on the campus

of the Ringling College of Art and

Design, in the Glen Fine Arts Building next

to the Basch Visual Arts Center and the

Visitors’ Parking at North Tamiami Trail.


2700 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

Hours: Monday through Friday:

9:30 am - 4:30 pm;

Saturday and Sunday closed

941-822-0442

www.madebygallery.com

—————————————————


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In this Grand Finale show, The Pops Orchestra features amazing performers

from our Cultural Coast, including Joseph Holt on piano, Jon Godfrey on banjo,

singers Frank Paul, Johanna Davis, and Justin Greer, electric violinist and cellist

Matt Dendy and Matrick Thorpe, and winners of the Sarasota Music Conservatory.

Sunday, March 23, 2025

3:00 p.m – Riverview PAC

Monday, March 24, 2025

7:30 pm - SCF Neel PAC

Get your tickets today!

www.thePopsOrchestra.org

941-926-POPS (7677)

MORE THAN A CIRCUS

THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY EMBODIES:

PERFORMANCE

TRAINING

OUTREACH

LEGACY

The CAC offers year-round

professional performances

featuring international circus

stars. Our seasonal Sailor Circus

Academy shows are a Sarasota

tradition—fun for the whole family!

Try out our programs for

team bonding, fitness, or just

curiosity—You can even try

the flying trapeze! Sign up for

as many classes as you like or

bring your whole corporate

team for a one-of-a-kind team

bonding experience.

In addition to our arts-integrated

classroom programs, we offer

recreational classes for children

and adults, summer camps, and

events with community partners.

The CAC makes it easy to find

circus fun in the Sarasota area.

The CAC, founded by

Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs,

preserves Sarasota’s rich and

vibrant Circus Arts legacy

through everything we do,

including supporting annual

events like the Circus Ring

of Fame induction.

FOLLOW YOUR CIRCUS DREAM and try a recreational class! Let your

child join the circus for a week of camp or have an unforgettable circus

team-bonding experience with your colleagues. Be dazzled and delighted

by a circus show!

Learn more about how you can Join the Circus at circusarts.org


dining out

Bad Ass Coffee in Lakewood Ranch

Cheeky name; great coffee sourced from Kona, Hawaii

Remember the movie

The Graduate? “I have

one word of advice:

plastics.” That was the

advice given to the

young Dustin Hoffman’s character.

In college someone should have

said to me, “Coffee, Louise, coffee.”

It’s true, build a coffee shop and

they will come.

A new iteration of the coffee shop in

our area is Bad Ass Coffee in Lakewood

Ranch. I visited when it had been open

only three weeks and the place already

had a steady flow of bean devotees.

What’s the deal? As with any good

coffee shop, it’s all about the beans, the

roast, the concept. What’s so special

about Bad Ass Coffee? The difference

is that this is Hawaiian coffee - beans

sourced from the Kona region of the

Big Island, Kauai and Maui.

That sloped, 30-mile-long strip of land is

located on volcanic soil. The slopes receive

the ideal amount of rainfall, sunshine, and

consistent temperatures that allow the

coffee crop to thrive. The minerals in the

rich volcanic soil also help give Kona coffee

its distinct taste. Getting a bit wonky here,

but I like to know about the beans like wine

lovers like to know about the grapes.

Kona coffee - the only type offered at Bad

Ass Coffee - is particularly smooth. It’s not

oily, bitter or super strong though, no pun

intended, when brewed properly it has a

kick. The best Kona coffee tasting notes are

usually chocolatey and rich, balanced, and

smooth

The name Bad Ass makes you think it may

have hot sauce in it. Instead, it pays tribute to

Hawaiian coffee history – donkeys could often

be heard bellowing as they carried loads

of coffee beans down the steep mountains

of the Big Island. The people of Kona named

these hard-working donkeys the “Bad Ass

Ones” because of their reliably strong, but

stubborn nature in carrying their cargo.

The emphasis at Bad Ass Coffee is on the

coffee, but they do offer pastries and sandwiches.

And yes, you can get all the permutations

that the other guys offer, but it will

come with a milder, smoother flavor.

I had a latte and it was strong and foamy

as it should be, but not bitter. Borrowing on

the Hawaii surfing theme, they have drinks

like Caramel Wave Latte that has caramel and

vanilla. In fact, they have 14 types of lattes.

They also offer cold brews as well as classics

like Americano, cafe au lait, espresso and

cappuccino. They’re known for their signature

coffee ice cubes used in cold brews. Not

a coffee drinker or else have kids with you?

They have tea, lemonade and smoothies.

Not a lot of food options, but they do offer

sandwiches like the Aloha Sandwich which

comes with ham, egg, Swiss cheese, pineapple,

and BBQ sauce served on, you guessed

it, King’s Hawaiian sweet bread. Go native

with The Bad Ass sandwich that has, wait for

it, Spam, egg, Swiss cheese, pineapple and

BBQ sauce also served on King’s Hawaiian

sweet bread.

Those looking to take the taste of Hawaii

home can purchase packages of Hawaiian

blends and single-origin coffee beans

including 100% Kona, single serve pods

and flavored coffee, along with a variety of

branded merchandise.

The Bad Ass space is bright with lots of

windows, a high ceiling and seating options

for working or sitting and relaxing. There

was a smattering of business people too,

sipping and working at their laptops.

Working hard behind the counter is Dan

Slavin, a former bond trader now coffee impresario.

As manager and part owner, Dan

works long hours getting Bad Ass going. The

hours are long, but he’s a real people person

and frequently uses the word community.

For example, he welcomes nearby LECOM

medical students who like to hang out and

use the wifi and notes, “and we don’t turn

it off after a while” which apparently some

other coffee shops do.

His Bad Ass Coffee also offers limited

free space for meetings from 6-8 p.m. You

request a table in the shop, they hold it for

you and you have your meeting. A women’s

financial group was having a meetup there

recently. Ask for the details and sign up.

Dan and his business partner Michael

Miller, own and operate this Bad Ass Coffee

which is the first of three they plan to open

in the Sarasota/Bradenton area.

Where is Bad Ass Coffee located? Well,

GPS gets a little confused when you enter

the address. If you are on University Parkway,

pass I-75 and look for a new shopping

center on the right. It’s the same center that

has Owen’s Fish Camp and Tommy Bahama

Marlin Bar. BTW the nearby Owen’s Fish

Camp uses his coffee to make their

coffee martini.

Bad Ass Coffee

To get there, GPS Bad Ass Coffee,

6588 University Pkwy., Sarasota

(not just the street address)

Visit www.badasscoffee.com/

sarasota or call (941) 217-6001.

Hours: 6-7 pm Monday-Friday; Saturday

6-6; Sunday 6-5

Born on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1989,

Bad Ass Coffee was founded with the goal of

offering premium Hawaiian coffee. Its coffee

beans are sourced from the Kona region of

the Big Island, Kauai and Maui.

The company has locations throughout

Florida including Clearwater Beach, Lutz,

Miramar Beach, Naples, Pensacola and Santa

Rosa Beach. Plus they’re in 13 other states

including…Hawaii.


Hawaiian Coffee

The coffee plant was brought to the Kona

district in 1828 by Samuel Reverend Ruggles

from Brazilian cuttings. English merchant

Henry Nicholas Greenwell moved to the

area and established Kona coffee as a

recognized brand later in the 19th century.

Five generations later, Greenwell Farms is

still growing coffee, as the oldest coffee farm

on the Hawaiian Islands whom we’ve been

proud to call our partner for over 30 years.

Kona Coffee is distinguished from coffees

worldwide by the tremendous extra care

taken throughout each and every step of the

growing & hand-picked harvesting process

that produce a one-of-a-kind coffee experience.as

Grown on the mountain slopes of

Hualalai and Mauna Loa volcanoes, coffee

from the Kona Region of Hawaii develops its

signature taste from tropical sun-drenched

mornings and misty afternoons. The

end result is a coffee that is delicate

yet flavorful, medium-bodied, slightly

acidic and has a deliciously rich

aroma. These excellent qualities have

made Kona coffee one of the most

highly valued and beloved coffees

throughout the world.

— SOURCE: Bad Ass website


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

pain such as neck, back, pain and TMJ as well as

for chronic headaches and migraines.

Pain and stress caused by

shortened Fascia

Fascia (strong connective tissue) encases all

our muscles, organs, brain and spinal cord.

Whenever fascia shortens any place in the

body, the entire network of fascia creates an

increased tension affecting the functioning

of our physical body as well as our organs,

our brain and spinal cord.

Our body is the history of every major

trauma we have experienced physically and

emotionally beginning with birth issues, falls,

head trauma, car accidents, childhood abuse

issues, death, divorce and other emotional

issues. Our body tries to minimize each trauma

by shortening fascia to isolate the energy

coming into the body from that trauma.

Shortened fascia results in pain, loss of mobility

and range of motion, organs becoming

less efficient and with parts of the brain and

spinal cord becoming stressed.

To keep the brain functioning, the body

transfers some of your functional work play

energy (7:00 AM-10:00 PM) to the brain resulting

in less energy to make it through each

day. As we age, the accumulation of all the

tightened fascia, from every major trauma

in life, begins to restrict every aspect of our

body’s functions resulting in pain, loss of mobility,

mis-functioning organs, loss of energy,

as well as our brain losing some its sharpness.

How Craniosacral

Therapy Works

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


healthier you

Healthy Sleep Tips

For Women of All Ages

And ways to sleep well with a partner

If you’re a woman, practicing

healthy sleep habits may be

especially important for you.

Generally, women need more

sleep than men do. Women also

often have more trouble getting

the sleep they need.

Women are about 40% more likely

to experience insomnia compared

to men. Even women who don’t

have insomnia may struggle to fall

or stay asleep and may feel more

tired throughout the day. Practicing

healthy sleep habits can help women

get the sleep they need to be healthy

and stay alert during the day.

Create a Calm and Quiet

Sleep Environment

Studies have found that women are

more sensitive to noise during sleep.

If you find yourself waking up during

the night, consider that sounds may

be a culprit. Wearing earplugs can

block out potentially disruptive noise.

Keeping a white noise machine in

the bedroom may also help, as its

sound can be soothing and muffle

noises that may arise at night.

Find Your Perfect

Sleeping Temperature

While cool nighttime temperatures

help most people sleep, they may be

particularly useful for women in times

of hormonal shifts, including the

week before and during menstruation,

pregnancy, and menopause.

Women are more likely to experience

hot flashes during sleep, called night

sweats, during menopause or perimenopause,

which are the years leading

up to menopause. Night sweats

can disrupt sleep, but keeping bedroom

temperatures cool may help.

Keeping the bedroom cool may help

you sleep better. Wearing lightweight

pajamas can also contribute to staying

cool and comfortable during sleep.

Take Extra Care During

Hormonal Shifts

Hormonal shifts can trigger sleep

issues for women for many reasons

beyond changes in body temperature.

Being extra careful to practice

healthy sleep habits during these

times may help. Going to sleep and

waking up at the same time every

day, trying relaxation techniques

like meditation and deep breathing,

wearing an eye mask to sleep, and

avoiding late afternoon naps can

promote improved sleep.

Hot flashes only account for about

27% of nighttime awakenings in

women entering menopause. Also,

over 65% of pregnant people struggle

with sleep at some point during

pregnancy for reasons other than hot

flashes, such as nausea, pain, acid reflux,

and a need to urinate. Hormonal

changes may also lead to sleep disruptions

the week before menstruation

in people with premenstrual

syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual

dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can promote sleep

in people of all genders. Research on

women in particular has found that

those who are more sedentary tend

to experience more insomnia, and

those who are more active tend to

sleep better. High-intensity aerobic

exercise may improve women’s sleep

more than low-intensity exercise.

Although exercise often helps with

sleep, it’s best not to exercise in the

late afternoon or evening. Also, those

in menopause may want to pay close

attention to how their body reacts

to exercise. Some experts think that

some menopausal women who have

hot flashes might not have their

symptoms relieved by exercise, since

it can increase body temperature.

Avoid Consuming Sleep

Disruptors

Many people might not realize that

substances they consume regularly

could interfere with their sleep.

Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can

all negatively impact sleep. Avoiding

these substances in the hours before

bedtime may promote better sleep,

including in women experiencing the

hot flashes of menopause.

Consider Your Partner’s

Sleep Behaviors

Sometimes women experience

disrupted sleep due to their bed

partner’s snoring or other sleep behaviors.

Men are more likely to have

obstructive sleep apnea than women.

Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea

include sounds like snoring, gasping,

and choking, which may wake up a

bed partner or prevent them from

getting sleep.

For these reasons, women may find

their sleep is disturbed if the partner

has undiagnosed sleep apnea. When

one sleep partner has sleep apnea,

their symptoms may disrupt the

other’s sleep and cause them to feel

tired during the day. A bed partner’s

noises may especially disturb a woman

sleeping, since women are more

sensitive to sounds during sleep. Diagnosing

and treating a bed partner

with obstructive sleep apnea may

improve a woman’s sleep in this case.

Adjust Caregiving Roles

to Protect Sleep Time

Years of research demonstrate that

women are more likely than men to

have their sleep negatively impacted

because they are caring for others,

whether children or ill household

members. Often, these caregiving

roles create a disproportionate division

of household labor and cognitive

and emotional stress that can

interfere with sleep or shorten sleep

opportunities.

Shifting some of the caregiving

responsibility to male partners so the

work and emotional load is more equitable

could ostensibly help protect

women’s sleep time. Setting boundaries

around women’s sleep to avoid

disruptions may be especially important,

because women generally need

more sleep than men do, take longer

to fall asleep, and wake up more

times during the night, especially in

reaction to noise.

Still Can’t Sleep?

Talk With a Medical

Professional

If you’re practicing healthy sleep habits,

but still struggle to sleep soundly,

consider seeing a doctor. Women

face a greater risk of disorders linked

to sleep troubles, including depression,

anxiety, fibromyalgia, and restless

legs syndrome. Treating these

disorders may in turn improve sleep.

Women with obstructive sleep apnea

may present symptoms differently

from men and, as a result, their doctors

may be less likely to screen them

for the disorder.

Although women aren’t as likely as

men to experience obstructive sleep

apnea throughout much of life, their

risk for the disorder becomes equal in

menopause. If you’re in menopause

and struggling to sleep despite practicing

healthy sleep habits, you might

want to consider asking your doctor

about obstructive sleep apnea or

other possible sleep disorders.

How Is Sleep Different

For Men and Women?

Everybody sleeps—and everyone

depends on sleep to support health,

healing, memory, and the ability to

continued on next page >>


sleep tips continued

function well throughout the day. But

sleep is complex, and there are many

factors that affect how people sleep

and how well they sleep, including

sex and gender. Sex is determined by

biological and physical differences

that distinguish males and females.

Gender, on the other hand, refers to a

person’s identity as a woman or man

and how they express that identity.

Do Women Need More

Sleep Than Men?

The amount of sleep a person needs

to wake up feeling refreshed varies

from person to person. Experts recommend

that adults get at least seven

hours of sleep per night, though

some individuals may need less, and

others may need significantly more.

A person’s age and stage in life, their

mental and physical health, and their

day-to-day responsibilities all affect

how much sleep they need. It is less

clear whether a person’s sex directly

influences the amount of sleep

they need, but research shows that

females tend to sleep slightly more

than males at every life stage, about

11 minutes on average.

Why Is Sleep Different

Between Men and

Women?

While there don’t appear to be significant

differences in the amount

of sleep women and men need,

research has found that sex and gender

have notable influences on sleep

processes, sleep difficulties, and sleep

behaviors. Some of these differences

are biological in nature, while others

result from roles, expectations, and

social norms associated with gender.

Sleep Cycles

Studies have shown that biological sex

influences sleep architecture—that is,

the way a person cycles through the

four stages of sleep. The first three

stages progress from light sleep to

deep sleep. Dreaming typically occurs

during the fourth stage, known as rapid

eye movement (REM) sleep.

Healthy sleep involves cycling

through all sleep stages several times

a night, but research shows that

males and females experience these

cycles differently.

Sleep latency: Males are generally

able to fall asleep more quickly than

females.

Sleep stages 1 and 2: Males spend

more time in the first two stages of

sleep than females.

Deep sleep: Females tend to get

more deep sleep and to have longer

stretches of deep sleep than males.

As males age, they spend even less

time in deep sleep.

REM sleep: The duration of REM

sleep tends to be longer in males.

However, older females may get

more REM sleep than older males

Circadian Rhythms

Circadian rhythms are natural patterns

that occur in the body over the

course of a 24-hour period. These

rhythms, which govern the sleepwake

cycle, vary between males and

females.

• Timing: Generally, females experience

the urge to sleep earlier than

males.

• Melatonin: Females tend to experience

more robust influxes of the

sleep hormone melatonin than

males.

• Chronotype: Males are more likely

to be “night owls” with a preference

for staying up late than females.

Research indicates that sex-based

differences in circadian rhythms

make females more sensitive to the

effects of staying awake for a long

time.

So shift work—or lifestyles that prevent

a regular sleep schedule—may

be particularly risky for women.

Hormones

Hormones are message-carrying

chemicals that help cells and tissues

carry out important functions in the

body. Male and female sex hormones,

which are produced naturally by

reproductive organs and are also

used in hormone therapies, influence

sleep in a variety of ways.

For females, the hormone shifts that

occur during menstruation, pregnancy,

breastfeeding, and the menopausal

transition can cause or contribute

to sleep difficulties. During

these times, women may experience

uncomfortable physical symptoms,

such as cramps or night sweats, that

disrupt sleep. They are also more

likely to develop certain sleep disorders—including

insomnia, restless

legs syndrome, and obstructive sleep

apnea—at these stages in life.

In men, poor sleep and sleep disorders

can lead to low levels of the sex

hormone testosterone, which in turn

can affect mood, sex drive, and body

composition.

Men and trans men who use testosterone

therapy to increase their

testosterone levels may also experience

certain sleep effects. Research

indicates that testosterone therapy

might trigger or aggravate sleep

apnea, and trans men undergoing

hormone therapy may experience

changes in sleep architecture, such

as getting more deep sleep and REM

sleep.

Health Issues

Health and mental health issues

can compromise sleep. While some

conditions affect males and females

equally, others are more prevalent in

one sex than the other.

• Obesity: Individuals who are overweight

or obese have an increased

risk of developing several medical

conditions known to interfere with

sleep, including obstructive sleep

apnea. Males are more likely to be

overweight or obese than females,

although females often experience

weight gain following menopause.

• Chronic Pain: Pain can make it

much harder to get a good night’s

sleep. Overall, females are more

likely than males to experience

chronic pain, and many of chronic

pain conditions disproportionately

affect women, including migraines,

fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis,

and bladder and pelvic pain.

• Depression and Anxiety: Depression

and anxiety can make it harder

to sleep, and sleep difficulties can

contribute to or intensify them.

Females are about twice as likely

as males to experience depression,

and about a quarter of women experience

depression at some point

in their lives.

Sleep Disorders

Some sleep disorders are more

prevalent in one sex than another.

Additionally, symptoms for some

sleep disorders vary according to

sex—which may lead to misdiagnosis

or underdiagnosis.

• Insomnia: Insomnia is a common

sleep disorder marked by difficulty

falling asleep and staying asleep.

While it affects up to two thirds of

adults, it is especially common in

females. Hormonal changes can

contribute to insomnia in women,

but so can stress and difficult life

circumstances, like divorce, widowhood,

or job loss.

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):

People with OSA experience repeated

pauses in breathing during

sleep due to the collapse of soft

tissues in their airways. Research

indicates that OSA is more prevalent

in males, but females are

underrepresented in studies and

underdiagnosed.

• While snoring is the dominant

OSA symptom in males, females

are more likely to report daytime

fatigue, headaches, and mood

effects.

• Restless legs syndrome (RLS):

Females are twice as likely as males

to develop RLS, a disorder that

causes uncomfortable sensations

in the legs and an irresistible urge

to move them when lying down.

Get The Best Sleep for You

Getting enough high-quality sleep is

important for your health and wellbeing.

Sleep deprivation can affect

your performance at work or school,

increase your risk of accidents, take

a toll on your relationships, and even

increase your risk of developing diabetes

and heart disease.

That’s why it’s important to establish

healthy sleep hygiene practices,

including:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep

schedule by going to bed and getting

up at the same time every day

• Adopting a bedtime routine with

soothing activities like stretching,

taking a bath, or reading

• Making sure your sleep environment

is cool, dark, and quiet.

• Avoiding screen time in the hour

before bedtime

• Avoiding alcohol, nicotine, and

caffeine in the evening

Advice for Couples

For many, co-sleeping generates feelings

of comfort, relaxation, and security.

However, sleeping with a partner

can compromise sleep quality.

There are several steps couples can

take to ensure both partners get

good sleep.

Honor your chronotype. Going to

bed when you’re ready to sleep is

more important than going to bed at

the same time, especially if you are a

night owl.

Limit disruptions from snoring.

Using earplugs or a white noise

machine may help you sleep through

your partner’s snoring.

Prioritize your relationship. There’s

a strong association between sleep

quality and relationship quality.

Communicate and compromise.

Talk to your partner about your sleep

needs, and work together to come up

with solutions that work for you both.



APRIL 2024 WEST COAST WOMAN 25

focus on the arts

‘Portrait Ukraine:

Capturing Faces of Resistance

Amid The Chaos of War’

Photography Exhibition set to run

to April 19 at the Lexow Gallery in Sarasota

The Lexow

Gallery is

set to host

the Portrait

U k r a i n e

Photography Exhibition

from March 15 to April

19, 2024. This profound

exhibition presents a compelling

collection of photographs

meticulously curated

from three journeys to

Ukraine undertaken by distinguished

photojournalist

Allan Mestel. The Portrait

Ukraine Exhibition captures

the faces of resistance

amid the chaos of war.

Within weeks of Russia’s full-scale

invasion of Ukraine in February 2022,

Allan Mestel embarked on a mission

to document the harrowing realities

faced by Ukrainians. Witnessing the

devastation firsthand, Mestel’s photographic

journey spans three visits

to the war-torn region, first focusing

on the Ukraine/Poland border, documenting

the massive refugee crisis.

A subsequent trip details the devastating

aftermath of Russia’s military

attacks and missile strikes, revealing

the profound human toll on the people

of Ukraine. His most recent journey

in September 2023 covered cities

and small towns throughout Ukraine,

immersing himself in the environments

of those significantly impacted

by the war and taking intimate portraits

reflecting the authentic human

experience amid war.

The Portrait Ukraine Exhibireminder

of the dire conditions and

ongoing challenges the Ukrainian

people face, serving as a call to the

world for more support.

As viewers of the exhibition embark

on their visual journey, they

should understand that Mestel’s work

is ongoing. He is not merely presenting

a snapshot in time but an evolving

chronicle. Mestel is planning a

fourth journey to Ukraine in the first

half of 2024, ensuring that the world

remains informed and connected to

the ongoing struggles and triumphs

of the Ukrainian people.

Spotlight Ukraine, a volunteer

initiative dedicated to supporting

Ukraine and the Ukrainian people,

stands alongside Mestel in his commitment

to documenting the truth

and sharing the personal stories

of those impacted by the war. As

a part of this ongoing effort, Spotlight

Ukraine supports the ‘Portrait

tion will showcase over thirty photographs

from all three journeys,

offering viewers a visual narrative

that reveals the anguish, courage,

and resilience of individuals facing

heart-wrenching losses endured by

countless Ukrainians. The exhibition

serves as a visual testament to the

enduring spirit and courage of the

Ukrainian people.

The essence of the Portrait

Ukraine Exhibition lies in distilling

the complexities of war into individual

visual stories. Through these evocative

portraits, Mestel aims to forge

a profound connection between the

viewer and the brutal reality of the

war, inviting reflection on the shared

humanity that transcends borders.

Despite global support for Ukraine

in the first year of the war, aid and

public support have declined during

this second year. The Portrait

Ukraine Exhibition serves as a stark

EXHIBITION INFORMATION:

through April 19, 2024 • Lexow Gallery

3975 Fruitville Rd Sarasota, FL

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

Gallery Hours:

Tuesday - Friday, 10 AM to 2 PM • Sunday 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Or by appointment, call 941-371-4974

LIMITED-EDITION PRINTS

Limited-edition prints of select images from the Portrait

Ukraine collection will be available for purchase from Allan

Mestel. Profits will be used to fund his next journey to Ukraine

to continue the Portrait Ukraine project. Information will be

provided at the event.

Ukraine’ project by actively sharing

stories and photographs from Allan

Mestel’s journeys, aiming to generate

awareness with a broader audience.

Those unable to attend the exhibition

and attendees interested in reading

about the backstory of the ‘Portrait

Ukraine’ project, Mestel’s journeys,

and personal stories about the portraits

are encouraged to visit www.

spotlightukraine.com.

More information on the upcoming

exhibition is available online

at: www.portraitukraine.info.

West Coast WOMAN

LOVES THE ARTS!

12 WEST COAST WOMAN APRIL 2024

focus on the arts

Sarasota Art Museum

Engages the Senses with Celestial

Spring Exhibition

‘The Truth of the Night Sky’ is a collaboration between

multimedia artist Anne Patterson and composer Patrick Harlin

Imagine an intergalactic

voyage. Waves

of vibrant color and obscure

darkness surround

you. Music and ambient

sound envelop you. Sarasota

Art Museum of Ringling

College of Art and Design

will take visitors on a journey

through space and time with

The Truth of the Night Sky:

Anne Patterson and Patrick

Harlin, on view April 21-

Sept. 29.

Organized in collaboration

with the Hermitage Artist

Retreat, the immersive installation

conveys possibility,

wonderment and unity with

Harlin’s orchestral composition

and Patterson’s paintings,

sculpture, and signature

ribbon installations.

Patterson, a multimedia artist,

is a synesthete who visualizes

color and shape when she

hears music, especially classical

music. Harlin, a composer,

combines classical, jazz, and

electronic traditions to produce

music that displays his

respect for the great outdoors.

When the two met and began

collaborating in 2014 while in

residence at the Hermitage

Artist Retreat on Manasota

Key, Florida, they discovered

their shared affinity for drawing inspiration

from nature. Their collaboration in The

Truth of the Night Sky at Sarasota Art Museum

expands upon the iconic photograph

of Earth taken from Apollo 8 in 1968.

Harlin’s Earthrise serves as the processional,

the sound that sets the mood and

guides visitors through the exhibition.

In 2021, Harlin applied to be among eight

artists who would join SpaceX’s inaugural

tourist flight around the moon. He imagined

the trip would prompt him to compose a

new soundtrack for space travel. When he

wasn’t chosen, he turned his attention instead

to the Apollo 8 photograph. With the

revered image from space in mind, he composed

Earthrise, which he coincidentally

completed on Earth Day in 2022.

“There is a sense of awe in looking at the

night sky, the vastness of the universe, and

the improbability of reaching the moon, let

alone our closest stars,” said Harlin. “To

date, 24 humans have taken the 240,000-

mile trip and experienced the excitement

of skyward travel accompanied by the violence

of exiting Earth’s atmosphere and

gravitational pull. I hope visitors to Sara-

Anne Patterson. Celestial Orbs, 2024. Steel piano

wire, resin and gold leaf, dimensions variable.

Composer Patrick Harlin recording in the Amazon Rainforest.

Courtesy of the artist. Photo: Audrey Kelley

Artist Anne Patterson in her studio. Courtesy of the artist.

Photo: Kat Choe

to the floor. Projected onto the ribbons

will be abstract black-and-white video images

moving in sync with the cadence and

rhythm of Harlin’s music.

“Patrick Harlin and I will challenge perceptions

and transform the space with celestial

sculptural forms, vivid hues, dazzling

light, and a mesmerizing, inviting musical

score to create an air of transcendence and

uplift,” said Patterson. “The viewer will witness

the wonderment of the universe and nature

that surrounds us and be reminded that

only when it is dark can we see the stars.”

The exhibition will offer a tactile sensory

experience with a galactic space that instills

a sense of hope and resilience—qualities

from nature that both Patterson and Harlin

find as sources of their creative inspiration.

Patterson, a New York-based artist, holds

a graduate degree in theater design from the

Slade School of Art in London and a bachelor’s

degree in architecture from Yale University.

Her work has been widely exhibited

and collected in museums and cultural

institutions including exhibitions at The

Ringling Museum in Sarasota and Trapholt

Museum in Denmark. Patterson’s theatrical

and symphonic partnerships have included

Lincoln Center and The Kennedy Center.

Harlin holds a doctorate in music composition

from the University of Michigan and

currently resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

His works have been performed by the St.

Louis Symphony and the Rochester and

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestras, among

others. He was the inaugural recipient of

the Hermitage Prize in Composition at the

Aspen Music Festival.

sota Art Museum might vicariously experience

the feeling that astronauts who have

taken the trip beyond the moon have.”

The Truth of the Night Sky will offer

immersive encounters with both artists’

works. The exhibition will open with ambient

sounds, such as those of a trumpet

or string instrument. These excerpts from

Harlin’s 20-minute orchestral composition

will be paired with Patterson’s drawings

and sculptural pieces that conjure celestial

bodies, stars, and birds in flight.

Featured are several series by Patterson,

including Stars Spinning Through Spring

(2018-19), The Truth of the Night Sky (2018-

19), and We Are All Stardust (2019-23). A

majestic tree assembled from driftwood

will be suspended from the ceiling, anchoring

the dimly lit gallery and providing

a grounding image of nature in contrast to

the world of outer space.

Harlin’s full composition will then play

as visitors enter the adjacent gallery and

walk through a kaleidoscope of colorful

satin ribbons cascading from the ceiling

Exhibit Details:

SARASOTA ART MUSEUM

is located at

1001 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

On view April 21-September 29.


focus on the arts

Choral Artists of Sarasota Presents

“Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight”

and Joseph Haydn’s “Lord Nelson Mass” on March 10

Choral Artists of Sarasota’s

45th season continues with

“Abraham Lincoln Walks at

Midnight,” based on a poem

by Vachel Lindsay and composed

by Florence Price, the first African

American woman to have her music performed

by a major symphony orchestra.

The program also features Joseph Haydn’s

“Lord Nelson Mass” (also known as “Mass

in a Time of Anxiety”), which is recognized

as one of his greatest compositions.

Featured soloists for both works are singers

in Choral Artists: Lily Wohl, soprano;

Krista Laskowski, mezzo-soprano; Stephanie

Jabre, alto; Zachery Stockman, tenor;

and Jesse Martin, bass.

“We paired these two works as a reflection

of our own time,” says Joseph Holt, artistic

director and conductor. “Both were composed

during times of anxiety and unease.

Haydn’s ‘Mass’ was composed towards the

end of the 18th century when Napoleon

was ransacking the continent. The work is

composed in the turbulent key of d minor

and it is arguably Haydn’s greatest composition.

The Florence Price work is the

musical setting of a poem written at the

outset of World War I by Vachel Lindsay.

Abraham Lincoln emerges from his grave

and wanders the streets of Springfield, Illinois

– very concerned about the state of

affairs in the world of 1914.”

Holt further explains that “both works offer

dramatic passages of anxiety and upheaval

yet contain moments of consolation

and ultimate peace. We live in a time

of anxiousness and concern about the

future and yet yearn for a sense of peace

and calm – very much the tenor of these

compositions from a different era.”

Composer Florence Price, the first African

American female composer to gain national

status in the 20th century, was also

the first Black woman to have her work

premiered by a U.S. orchestra—the Chicago

Symphony Orchestra. When Price

died in 1953, the bulk of her music was excluded

from study and performance due

to a lack of widespread publication, and a

bias towards white, European traditionalism.

In 2009, a substantial amount of her

compositions was discovered in a trunk at

Price’s abandoned composing retreat in

St. Anne, Illinois, which has given rise to

a renewed interest in and appreciation of

her work. Her legacy continues to unfold.

More Information:

The concert is Sunday, March 10, at 7

p.m., at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee

Ridge Road, Sarasota. For more information

and to purchase tickets, visit www.

ChoralArtistsSarasota.org or call 941-

387-4900.

Coming up at

Choral Artists of Sarasota:

• Considering Matthew Shepard: Featuring

Craig Hella Johnson’s “Considering

Matthew Shepard,” a modern-day “Passion”

(modeled after the great “Passions”

of J.S. Bach) that tells the story of Matthew

Shepard, a gay American student at

the University of Wyoming who was beaten,

tortured, and left to die near Laramie

on the night of October 6, 1998. In partnership

with Embracing Our Differences,

Project Pride, ALSO Youth, and the First

Congregational Church UCC, this beautiful

musical story transcends tragedy.

Sunday, April 14, 7 p.m., at Church of the

Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota.

• Memorial Day Concert: United We

Stand: The Choral Artists teams with

the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble to

perform a moving tribute to those in the

armed forces who have made the ultimate

sacrifice. This concert is also the kick-off

for the group’s tour to France to participate

in the 80th anniversary of D-Day in

Normandy. Sunday, May 26, 4 p.m., at

Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple

Avenue, Sarasota.

• D-Day Commemoration Journey:

June 3-11. Choral Artists of Sarasota has

been invited by Historic Programs, which

partners with the Department of Defense,

Office of Commemorations, to be the principal

choral ensemble for the 80th D-Day

anniversary commemorations in France in

June. In addition to participating in commemoration

ceremonies at the cemeteries

in Normandy and Brittany, the group will

perform a concert in the town square at

Sainte-Mère-Église in Normandy and also

at L’église de la Madeleine in Paris. Choral

Artists is inviting the public to join them on

this journey. For more information, contact

info@ChoralArtististsSarasota.org.

Florence Price

Choral Artists of Sarasota

Joseph Holt

PAID ADVERTORIAL

About the Choral Artists of Sarasota

The Choral Artists of Sarasota, entering

its 45th season, features 32 professional

singers and eight apprentice singers.

The group celebrates the rich, artistic expressiveness

of choral music through innovative

repertoire, inspired performances

and stimulating educational outreach.

Under the artistic direction of Dr. Joseph

Holt, Choral Artists of Sarasota performs

a repertoire spanning four centuries, and

includes symphonic choral works, intimate

madrigals, folk songs, close-harmony

jazz, and Broadway show music.

The ensemble also specializes in premiere

performances of lesser-known choral

works—particularly music by living American

composers. Choral Artists of Sarasota

has performed premieres by René Clausen,

Dick Hyman, Robert Levin, Gwyneth

Walker and James Grant. As part of the

organization’s educational outreach, eight

young singers from area schools, colleges

and universities, ages 16 to 22, are invited

to join the group each year.


Cartwright, who also oversees

the museum’s European collection,

adds, “Shinique chose the

works on view in response to

The Ringling’s magnificent gallery

spaces. The synergy between her

work and our collections is palpable,

and the museum is full of unexpected

moments of beauty and

emotion.”

Well known for her monumental

sculptures created from an

array of materials, including luxurious

textiles, personal clothing,

dyed fabrics, ribbon, and wood,

and for her abstract paintings of

calligraphy and collage, Smith’s

work in this exhibition speaks to

various facets of the European

artistic tradition, such as classical

drapery and religious iconography,

while foregrounding notions of

Black femininity and the history of

the circus.

“My hope for this show is to

create a bridge between differing

depictions of people and the art

histories that inform my hand while

celebrating the beauty

found in our belongings

and honoring the

resilience and magnanimity

of Black women,”

says Smith.

Moving through the

Museum of Art galleries,

which display

European art from

the fifteenth century

through the late nineteenth,

visitors will

find several examples

of Smith’s large-scale

fabric sculptures in

conversation with European art, for

example with Italian Baroque paintings

in Gallery 8 and with Gilded

Age interiors from the Astor Mansion

in New York City in Galleries 19

and 20.

Smith’s works in the exhibition

emphasize femininity, as seen

through the eyes of a woman artist.

In works such as Inflamed by

Golden Hues of Love and Mitumba

Deity II, Smith explores her

reverence for the curves and resilience

of Black women, conveyed

through shapely forms bejeweled

and draped in gold. Notions of divinity,

light, death, renewal, and

rebirth pervade sculptural works

like Grace Stands Beside and Stargazer,

the latter inspired by the

imagined path of an enslaved woman

following the stars and counting

the days to her freedom.

The exhibition moves from the

mythic and monumental to the

personal and familial with ease.

Inspired by her admiration for the

beauty that her grandmother and

mother created in times of “making

do” and building magic from

everything they had on hand, the

installation in Gallery 6 will display

a collection of photographs

of the women in Smith’s family

dressed to the nines, along with

some of her own personal treasures,

to form a venerated visual

poem. On view through January 5,

2025. More info at ringling.org

About the Artist

Born in Baltimore, MD, and currently

residing in Los Angeles,

Smith holds BFA and MFA degrees

from the Maryland Institute College

of Art and an MA in Education from

Tufts University. She has received

awards and prizes from Joan Mitchell,

the Tiffany Foundation, Anonymous

Was a Woman, and the American

Academy of Arts and Letters

among others.

Her work has gained attention

through her participation in biennials

and group exhibitions and has

been exhibited and collected by

institutions such as the Baltimore

Museum of Art, Brooklyn Museum

of Art, California African American

Museum, Denver Art Museum,

Deutsche Guggenheim, Los Angeles

County Museum of Art; Minneapolis

Institute of Art, MOMA

PS1, Museum of Fine Arts Boston,

Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal,

National Museum of Women

in the Arts, and the Whitney Museum

of American Art.

focus on the arts

Shinique Smith:

Parade Exhibit at the Ringling

Features Contemporary Sculpture in Conversation with the European Art Collection

V

isitors to The John and Mable Ringling Museum

of Art have the opportunity to experience

the work of contemporary artist Shinique

Smith (b. 1971) in conversation with the

museum’s collection of European art.

Shinique Smith: Parade is on view in the Museum

of Art through January 5, 2025. Unfolding across six galleries,

the exhibition creates a series of unique stories

that together form an abstract narrative of the “parade”

as a metaphor for life.

“We are so thrilled that Shinique Smith has chosen

to present her work to Sarasota audiences within our

European galleries, where it will provoke conversation

and inspire new ways of seeing and understanding both

historic and contemporary art,” says the exhibition’s curator,

Sarah Cartwright, Chief Curator and Ulla R. Searing

Curator of Collections at The Ringling.

This is the first exhibition of

Shinique Smith’s work at The

Ringling Museum and the first time

she has presented her work in direct

dialogue with a museum collection

of historic European art. The

placement of the work reveals the

universality of human experience

explored by artists throughout time.

On View through Jan. 5, 2025

Another scene from the European galleries

Visitors will find several examples of Smith’s

large-scale fabric sculptures

in conversation with European art

Shinique Smith

standing in front of her sculpture

Mitumba Deity II (2018-2023)

on display in the Astor Salon (Gallery 19)

A sculpture called “Stargazer”

12 WEST COAST WOMAN FEBRUARY 2024

focus on the arts

Each year, the Circus Arts

Conservatory’s professional

arm, Circus Sarasota, offers

a showcase of top global circus

artists performing in a one-ring

traditional circus

circus setting. Featuring new

and innovative acts, Circus Sarasota’s 2024

production will offer high-flying action,

heart-stopping thrills, laugh-out-loud comedic

antics, and acts that defy both expectations

and the boundaries of physical

limitations.

“While this may be Circus Sarasota’s 26th

year, we work very hard to make sure that

no two productions are ever alike,” said CAC

Founder/President & CEO Pedro Reis. “Our

goal is to recruit the perfect balance of talent

and variety to ensure patrons of all ages will

be thrilled, inspired and entertained each

and every year. We are confident this year’s

show will take things to an entirely new level

for our guests, whether they are a circus regular

or brand new to the circus arts!”

THE LINEUP FOR

Circus Sarasota 2024 INCLUDES:

? Joseph Bauer Jr. (Ringmaster): The

multi-talented Bauer – a Sarasota native –

returns to Circus Sarasota to provide his elegance

and prodigious skills as Ringmaster.

Bauer, a star of Bauer’s Circus Maximus and

a 15th generation member of one of Switzerland’s

oldest circus families, has performed

from a very young age, thrilling audiences

with acts such as the motorcycle on the incline

wire, skywalks on the highwire, the

death-defying 90-foot swaypole, and the 50-

foot whirling Wheel of Destiny. His circus

career has taken him all around the world

as well as to numerous illustrious circus

venues, TV appearances, and competitions.

? The Bello Sisters (Acrobatic Hand

Balancing): Loren, Celine and Joline Bello

are an Italian-German acrobatic trio of sisters

who come from a circus family. Their father

performed with Cirque du Soleil for 12

years and their mother was the first woman

to walk on a highwire on stilts. Since developing

their act, the sisters have become one

the most-requested halftime show performers

within sports leagues like the NBA and

NCAA Basketball. In 2020, the Bello Sisters

competed on both “America’s Got Talent”

- where they made it into the Top 10 - and

“Italy’s Got Talent” and then, in 2023, they returned

for another shot at the championship

on “America’s Got Talent: All-Stars.”

? Caleb Carinci (Horseback Riding):

Caleb made his performance debut at the age

of 6 as an acrobat for the Pennsylvania Renaissance

Festival. Hailing from performing parents,

his enthusiasm for the performing arts

is only rivaled by his love for horses. Caleb

and his horses have toured through Europe,

Canada and Peru. He was featured in The Big

Apple Circus and had a role in the filming of

“The Greatest Showman.” He’ll make his official

Circus Sarasota debut this year.

? Duo Minasov (Quick Change Artistry):

Married couple Elena and Victor Minasov

are the fastest in their profession, which

combines stunning costume changes with

dance and illusion. Victor is a sixth-generation

performer from a Russian circus family,

starting out as a clown with his brothers

and then presenting an animal/illusion act

with his father. Elena was a champion acrobatic

gymnast in Russia. Together, the two

have presented a bear and wolf training act,

then transitioned to a quick change/magical

transformation act, through which they’ve

wowed audiences worldwide.

? Elan España (Diabolo Juggling):

Elan is the youngest of the eighth generation

of the performing España family. Elan

began juggling the diabolo (a two-headed

top caught with a string stretched between

two sticks or batons) at the age of 6 and,

since then, has traveled around the world

presenting his fun, energetic and skillful

routine, juggling up to four diabolos at one

time. He has performed in Australia, Italy,

toured the U.S. – including a performance

at the Hollywood Bowl – and more. Now

19, he has also mastered the Cyr Wheel. In

2022, during the Ring of Fame Induction in

Sarasota, Elan was awarded the “Generation

Next Award,” honoring young artists

on the stairway to stardom.

? Noe España & Marcos Ponce Lopez

(Double Wheel of Destiny): Noe España

is a fifth-generation circus artist with worldwide

circus experience. He is always pushing

the envelope with creative interpretations of

the Flying Trapeze, Wheel of Destiny, Globe

of Death, and Motorcycle High Wire, among

others. He has performed with Ringling

Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s U.S. and Japan

tours; at The Sydney Opera House; in Madison

Square Garden; with Le Grand Cirque

in Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and on numerous TV

shows. Marcos Ponce Lopez took an interest

in break dancing at the age of 10 and began

competing at the age of 13, winning titles including

“Champions of Spain.” He traveled in

“Cirque Musica” to the U.S. and Canada. He

has now mastered the Wheel of Destiny and

also performs on the Chinese Pole.

? Noemi España (Contortion & Hand

Balancing): Noemi, an eighth-generation

circus performer, debuted her hula hoop

act in Spain at the age of 14, later performing

in Circo Price in Madrid, Spain. She has

since performed in Australia, Italy, Panama,

and other locations. She landed a symphony

theatre tour with Cirque Musica across

the U.S. and Canada, including a monumental

performance at the famous Hollywood

Bowl. Her unique ability to shoot a bow

and arrow with her feet keeps audiences

amazed and in suspense.

? Flying Tabares (Flying Trapeze):

For nearly three decades, The Flying Tabares

have reigned supreme among trapeze

royalty. Renowned for their unparalleled elegance

and artistry, this new generation of

precision flyers includes: eighth-generation

circus performer, Mariella Arata Quiroga,

who is following in the footsteps of her famous

parents, Katya Arata-Quiroga and Nelson

Quiroga; Isabel Patrowicz, one of the

few women in the world to consistently execute

the legendary triple somersault; and

experienced catcher Thomas Payne-Tobin.

Direct from their Silver Medal win at the

prestigious International Circus Festival of

Italy, this elite group of aerialists is excited

to make their Circus Sarasota debut.

? Jimmy Folco (Clown): Luigi Rodolfo

Folco comes from one of the largest dynasties

in the circus, with seven and 11 generations

of a family dedicated to the circus business

for over 300 years. He has more than

30 years of experience in the world of entertainment,

finding his passion at the tender

age of 6. Jimmy has toured with all the major

circuses around the globe, receiving a variety

of special recognitions and numerous

awards. His work has been influenced by his

great admiration for the artistry of Buster

Keaton and his trademark physical comedy.

He performed previously with Circus Sarasota

in 2008 and returned to perform in Circus

Sarasota’s “Ovation” in 2018.

? Anton Monastyrsky (Hula Hoop

Artistry): Moscow-born Monastyrsky is a

fourth-generation circus artist who began

perfecting his craft at the age of 10. His first

professional performance was in Germany

at the age of 15 and, over the years, he has

earned the nickname “Lord of the Ring.” His

unique discipline – featuring difficult tricks

and stylish choreography – has enabled him

to perform in many of the top circuses in

the world, from Cirque du Soleil to Circus

Krone, as well as television shows, variety

and theater shows, and festivals. He has

won awards at festivals including the Circus

Festival of Monte Carlo and European

Youth Circus Wiesbaden.

“At the Circus Arts Conservatory, we are

proud to honor the legacy of the circus arts

365 days a year,” said Circus Arts Conservatory

executive vice president/COO Jennifer

Mitchell. “We have seen the demand

for world-class circus performances in our

community grow and look forward to welcoming

residents and visitors alike for our

2024 Circus Sarasota show!”

Circus Sarasota runs Friday, February

16 - Sunday, March 10; showtimes are

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 2

and 7 p.m.; Fridays at 7 p.m.; and Sundays

at 1 and 5 p.m. Performances take place at

the Ulla Searing Big Top at Nathan Benderson

Park (5851 Nathan Benderson Circle,

Sarasota. Tickets are $30-$80; there

is a 20% discount on the opening week’s

shows, thanks to support from WWSB ABC

7. Parking can be secured on-site for $10.

Visit circusarts.org or call the Box Office

at 941-355-9805.

PAID ADVERTORIAL

presents

star-spangled lineup for 2024 show

Circus Arts Conservatory gathers an international cast of world-class circus artists

for 26th year of professional, one-ring circus extravaganza

Noemi Espana’s contortion/hand

balancing act features a special trick

with the bow and arrow

Young artist Elan Espana is a

skilled diabolo juggler

The Bello Sisters will showcase

exceptional strength and balance

during their act

Marcos Ponce Lopez will perform

on the Chinese Pole and Double

Wheel of Destiny

Equestrian artist Caleb Carinci

will be making his Circus Sarasota debut

20 WEST COAST WOMAN DECEMBER 2023

The Perlman Music Program Suncoast’s

2023-2024 Season

Celebrating 20 Years of the PMP Winter Residency

This year marks a milestone for

The Perlman Music Program

Suncoast (Perlman Suncoast).

It’s the 20th anniversary of one of

its largest events: The Perlman

Music Program (PMP) Winter Residency.

Led by acclaimed violinist and conductor

Itzhak Perlman and his wife, Toby Perlman,

this two-week event energizes local audiences

while providing unparalleled musical

training for gifted students ages 12-20+ from

all over the world, who play the violin, viola,

cello and bass.

Lisa Berger, executive director of Perlman

Suncoast says that they are “honored

to support the PMP Winter Residency for

the past two decades. Last year, after a

two-year hiatus, audiences were thrilled to

watch the transformative interplay once

again between young, gifted musicians and

world-renowned faculty, including Itzhak

Perlman.”

Berger explains that, in addition to the

PMP Winter Residency, Perlman Suncoast

also presents PMP alumni concerts and recitals

throughout the year—and this year

is no exception. “Some of the outstanding

events we’ve planned include a concert celebrating

the legacy of Juilliard Quartet violist,

Roger Tapping; the Carr-Petrova duo’s

“HERS” celebration of women composers

throughout history; and the return of the beloved

Ariel Quartet.”

As PMP participants complete their graduate

studies and become professional musicians,

Perlman Suncoast supports their

future endeavors by inviting them back for

concerts and recitals, as well as school and

community outreach programs. “With this

opportunity, they gain performance experience

and delight new audiences as their

careers advance,” says Berger. She adds

that PMP alumni are “trained in community

outreach, providing educational information

and insights into classical string music.

In addition, Q&A sessions at each performance

allow audiences to ask questions

of the musicians, broadening their engagement

and enjoyment.”

PMP Winter Residency

Each December, musically gifted students

from the Perlman Music Program (PMP)

Summer Music School, Israel Residency and

Chamber Music Workshop reunite on the

USF Sarasota-Manatee campus for lessons,

studio classes, works-in-progress (WIP) recitals,

chorus and orchestra rehearsals. Participants

come from all over the world and

include 28 gifted students, ages 12 to 20+,

alumni fellows who mentor the students,

and an exceptional faculty led by acclaimed

violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman.

Starting on December 29, the public can

attend free master classes and works-inprogress

(WIP) recitals. Special evenings are

scheduled for guests to watch PMP orchestra

rehearsals under the baton of Itzhak Perlman.

Audiences will also be able to watch

Patrick Romano, choirmaster, rehearse with

the PMP choir. This season’s Winter Residency

runs December 29-January 5 in a heated

tent on the campus of USF Sarasota-Manatee.

On January 6, PMP Winter Residency

students and faculty present the “Celebration

Concert,” featuring the PMP String Orchestra

under the baton of Itzhak Perlman,

and the PMP Chorus, led by Patrick Romano,

at the Sarasota Opera House. The “20th

Anniversary Celebration Gala” follows the

concert at Michael’s on East.

PMP Alumni Concerts

Perlman Suncoast’s season includes special

performances and recitals by PMP alumni

including the Punchline Quartet on February

12. Berger says she is especially honored to

present “Remembering Roger: Celebrating

the Legacy of Roger Tapping,” on January 20.

A beloved member of the Juilliard quartet and

faculty member of The Perlman Music Program

for many years, Tapping inspired generations

of musicians for his wit and charm,

biting humor, and consummate artistry.

Violist Molly Carr and pianist Anna Petrova

will present “HERS” on March 3. As the

Carr-Petrova Duo, they will perform pieces

from their new album, which celebrates

female composers from the 1100’s to the

present day. “HERS vibrantly celebrates the

vision, strength, resilience, and incredible

accomplishments of eight fearless women –

from the 12th-century’s Hildegard Von Bingen

to today’s Beyoncé,” says Berger.

The Ariel Quartet returns to Sarasota on

April 4 in partnership with The Jewish Federation

of Sarasota-Manatee. This exhilarating

quartet has garnered critical praise worldwide

for more than 20 years—and is a favorite

among regional audiences. The concert will

be at the Ora on the Federation’s new campus.

2023-2024 Season at a Glance

g 20th Annual PMP Winter Residency -

December 29-January 8

PMP Suncoast hosts the PMP Winter Residency

for young musical prodigies ages

12-20+ who play the violin, viola, cello and

bass. The program provides valuable mentoring

and performance opportunities for

young, promising musicians from all over

the world. This is a life-changing experience

that shapes the lives of these young musicians.

PMP’s world-class faculty, led by acclaimed

violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman,

oversee a curriculum of solo, chamber

music, and orchestral repertoire at the

highest level. Events include orchestra and

chorus rehearsals, works-in-progress (WIP)

recitals, and master classes.

g Tent Rehearsals, Master Classes

and Recitals: December 29-January 5 on

the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus. Non-reserved

seats are free to the public for master

classes and WIPs. Reserved seats for all

tent events are free to supporters. The Winter

Residency’s daily schedule is available at

www.PMPSuncoast.org.

g Celebration Concert: January 6, 5

p.m., at the Sarasota Opera House. Get tickets

by calling Sarasota Opera House’s box

office at 941-328-1300 or at www.sarasotaopera.org.

g 20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner:

January 6, following the Celebration

Concert at Michael’s on East, 1212 S East

Ave., Sarasota. The evening includes dinner

and entertainment with PMP students, faculty

and the Perlmans.

g NEW! PMP Student Chamber Quartet

Recitals: January 8, 5 p.m., at First

Presbyterian Church of Sarasota, 2050 Oak

St, Sarasota. The PMP students, under the

direction of violist Caitlin Lynch, are paired

together in quartets that blend their individual

styles. Seven quartets that were formed

during the residencies will perform at this

event, showcasing the students’ talents.

PMP Alumni Recital

g Punchline Quartet on February 12, 7 p.m.

Sarasota Art Museum, Thomas McGuire

Hall, Sarasota.

Combining musical mastery with a touch of

wit, the Punchline Quartet delivers engaging

performances that crescendo to a captivating

musical punchline.

Formed in 2022 by violinists Kate Arndt,

Ria Honda, violist Sarah Sung, and cellist

Elena Ariza, the quartet members have individually

been a part of the PMP community

as far back as 2010 and have found their way

together in the fall of 2022 with the shared

passion for chamber music and community

engagement. Comprising four women, they

felt it most suitable to champion Caroline

Shaw’s music, alongside the classic Beethoven

and Dvorak.

PMP Alumni

Special Performances

g Remembering Roger: Celebrating the

Legacy of Roger Tapping is on January 20

Pre-performance salon talk at 6 p.m., with

concert to follow.

Unitarian Universalist Church, Sarasota.

Roger Tapping, former violist of the Juilliard

Quartet, passed away in January 2022.

This concert was conceived by Michelle

Ross and Max Tan

as an opportunity

for PMP alumni

from different

generations to pay

tribute to a mentor

whose legacy lives

through them. A beloved

faculty member

of The Perlman

Music Program for

many years, Tapping

inspired generations of musicians for

his wit and charm, biting humor, and consummate

artistry.

Michelle Ross’ String Quartet, titled “For

Roger,” will receive its Sarasota premiere at

this concert. Her work is built on themes of

a Haydn string quartet, a favorite of Roger’s

and incidentally, the last quartet that Michelle

played with him. With David Kaplan, piano;

Michelle Ross, violin; Max Tan, violin; William

Frampton, viola; and Lev Mamuya, cello.

g “HERS”

The Carr-Petrova Duo: Molly Carr, viola;

Anna Petrova, piano on March 3

Artist talk at 6 p.m.; followed by a concert

at 7:15 p.m.

The Harvest, 3650 17th Street, Sarasota.


will present a concert performing pieces

from their album that celebrates female

composers from the 1100’s to the present

day. In a pre-performance talk, they will

speak about the composers and their importance

in music history. “HERS” celebrates

the vision, strength, resilience, and incredible

accomplishments of eight fearless women

– from the 12th-century’s Hildegard Von

Bingen to today’s Beyoncé.

g The Ariel Quartet

In partnership with The Jewish Federation of

Sarasota-Manatee on April 4, 7 p.m. concert

The Ora, 578 McIntosh Road, Sarasota

This quartet has garnered critical praise

worldwide for more than 20 years. They

formed when they were just teenagers

studying at the Jerusalem Academy Middle

School of Music and Dance in Israel. Celebrating

their 25th anniversary in 2023, the

quartet serves as the Faculty Quartet-in-Residence

at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory

of Music (CCM), where

they direct the chamber music program

and present a concert series in addition to

touring in the United States and abroad.

With Gershon Gerchikov, violin; Alexandra

(Sasha) Kazovsky, violin; Jan Grüning, viola;

Amit Even–Tov, cello.

For tickets, visit www.PMPSuncoast.org.

For more information,

visit PerlmanSuncoast.org.

Led by acclaimed violinist and conductor

Itzhak Perlman and his wife, Toby Perlman,

The Perlman Music Program Winter Residency

providing musical training for gifted students

from all over the world.

Remembering Roger:

Celebrating the Legacy

of Roger Tapping is on

January 20

Carr Petrova Duo:


The Ariel Quartet

24 WEST COAST WOMAN DECEMBER 2023

Art Center Sarasota’s

2023-2024 Exhibition Season

Diverse offerings include both solo exhibits and group shows

Art Center Sarasota’s

2023-2024 exhibition

season is underway and

features an array of “captivating

solo artists and

thought-provoking juried shows that shed

light on our unique cultural climate,” says

Christina Baril, ACS’s exhibition director.

“At the heart of this season is a celebration

of diversity, not only in the personal histories

of our artists, but also in their materials,

techniques, and concepts.”

According to Baril, the season explores a

spectrum of artistic prowess by solo artists

whose distinct voices capture an array of

visual expressions. “Inspired by topics from

Brutalism to feminism, these solo artists are

sure to inspire creativity and lively debate.”

She adds that, in addition, to the solo

shows, the unique open call shows, juried

by professionals in the arts community, “are

carefully curated to spark intrigue and contemplation.

We invite artists from all walks

of life to submit their artwork, resulting in

an eclectic fusion of styles, concepts, and

cultures.” Art Center Sarasota will also offer

Artist Talks, lectures, and special events.

“The opening of a new season is a highlight

for our artistic community as well as the

many visitors who travel to Sarasota to enjoy

and engage with the multitude of arts and cultural

programs offered,” says Kinsey Robb,

ACS’s executive director. “We live in a world

where we see, read, and hear about events

that impact us all the time—these are things

that cannot be captured by words alone.”

Art Center Sarasota’s 2023-2024

Season at a Glance

Cycle 2: through January 13, 2024

Opening Reception: Thursday,

December 7, 6-8 p.m.

• Aimee Jones: Aimee Jones’ paintings use

Florida’s landscape of desire and lust to portray

the body, interwoven with the American

idea of paradise. She

plays with the dichotomy

of the female form as a

political landscape and

the power of a woman’s

bodily agency.

• Ethan Fielder: Ethan

Fielder will exhibit a body

of sculptural ceramics,

which examines personal

and collective

growth inspired by formative moments of

transformation that he experienced through

his turbulent countrywide travels in 2020.

• Tom Casmer: In his

upcoming exhibition,

“ges•talt,” Tom Casmer

brings to life the

infrastructure that lies

beneath the skin, the fabric of the world

around him. Drawing inspiration from the

organic and inorganic alike, Casmer’s sources

include the human figure, nature, and machine-made

elements. His work recognizes

the mechanism of organic and addresses the

connection between the mechanical form

and the human system.

• Juried Show: “Still Life.” Artists are invited

to present their formal and conceptual

notions of modern day stil life. Stil life work

often holds suggestive and symbolic imagery

that informs the viewer on the artist’s

message, biography, or cultural climate. The

juror is Mara Torres, owner and curator of

MARA Art Studio + Gallery in Sarasota.

Cycle 3: January 25 - March 2, 2024


January 25, 6-8 p.m.

• Brian V. Jones: Brian Jones’ upcoming

exhibition is a visual conversation with light

and color, traditions and growth, fear and

joy, technology, and romance. An ongoing

project of over three years, these photographs

serve as a visual narrative representing

the artist’s relationship with the complexities

of the city of Sarasota.

• Carole Lyles Shaw: Carole Lyles Shaw

exhibits a series of textile collages, or art

quilts, that represent the essence of an individual

and their personal and historical

context. These “Spirit Portraits” celebrate

Black women musicians who played significant

roles in the history of music, from

opera to country to rock and roll.

• Christopher Skura: Emphasizing improvisation

and freehand drawing for phenomenological

effect, Christopher Skura captures

the speed of living in Lower Manhattan.

His new body of work took root during

the 2020 pandemic.

• Juried Show: “Annual Members Juried

Show.” Juror: Paul Toliver is a passionate

advocate in promoting all forms of

art and is particularly motivated to uplift

artists of the African Diaspora.

Cycle 4: March 14 - April 20, 2024


March 14, 6-8 p.m.

• Natasha Dikareva: Natasha Dikareva reflects

on the current state of her homeland,

Ukraine in her upcoming exhibition featuring

a variety of narrative, figurative ceramic

sculptures.

• Angela Pilgrim: Drawing on a skillful

fusion of printmaking, painting, and mixed

media, Angela Pilgrim imbues each work

with a sense of depth and dimensionality,

presenting each subject as an essential living,

breathing entity. Her upcoming exhibition

celebrates the complex inner worlds

of Black women and invites viewers to contemplate

the spiritual dimensions of our existence,

exploring themes of identity, faith,

and resilience.

• Michael Kinsey: Michael Kinsey’s exhibition,

“Listening to Black Voices,” showcases

stunning black and white portraits, highlighting

the richness and diversity of Sarasota’s

Black community.

• Juried Show: “Great Artists Steal.”

“Great Artists Steal” encourages artists to

create works inspired by their favorite artists

and artworks from contemporary art

and art history. This inspiration may come

from the technique, content, or style of the

artist(s) or artwork(s) in reference, and

uniquely recontextualizing these elements.

Juror is Alecia Harper, professor, State

College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.

Cycle 5: April 30 - May 11, 2024

• North County Sarasota Public

Schools, Spring Art Show: Organized by

school coordinators Angela Hartvigsen and

Debra Markley, the Spring Art Show is one

of the art center’s most cherished exhibition

traditions. The North County Sarasota

Schools Spring Art Show highlights over

1500 pieces of artwork from the county’s

youngest artists in grades K-12, representing

the best of their creations from the past

school year.

Cycle 6: May 23 - July 27, 2024

Opening Reception: Thursday, July 27,

6-8 p.m.

• Annual Juried Regional Show: “Beyond

Comfort.” The Annual Juried Regional

Show is Art Center Sarasota’s largest

juried show of the year and encompasses

all four gallery spaces. The show is open

to all artists in the southeast region of the

United States. The juror for this season’s

show is Virginia Shearer, executive director,

Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of

Art and Design. This year’s show, “Beyond

Comfort,” invites artists to express their

perception of beauty and/or the grotesque

in contemporary art and society. This show

allows artists to define and explore aesthetics

while joining the long debated concept

of beauty and its function in art.

Cycle 7: August 15 - September 28, 2024

Opening Reception: Thursday, September

28, 6-8 p.m.

• Precious Darling will present an exhibition

that explores the complexity of femininities

and its relation to objectification

through photography and sculpture.

• Boys & Girls Club: Art Center Sarasota

and Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County

(BGCMC) have teamed up to present a special

exhibition of artwork created by BGC-

MC members. ACS youth instructors will

guide these young artists in the creation

of works inspired by the Annual Juried Regional

Show on view during the summer of

2024. Showcasing a variety of styles, media,

and expression, these unique pieces will

reflect the artistic voices of our youngest

generation.

• Tanner Simon will present an installation

of his large-scale paintings that explore the

intersection of humor, seriousness, and the

absurd. This installation invites viewers to

engage with the dynamic relationships and

visual conversations that emerge between

imagery and paintings in space.

• Juried Show: “Flora & Fauna” invites

artists to celebrate characters of the natural

world, real and imagined, living and

extinct, peaceful and poisonous. The juror

is David Berry, vice president for visitor

engagement and chief museum curator at

Selby Gardens.

Art Center Sarasota,

707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Visit www.artsarasota.org.

Aimee Jones, Situationship

Ethan Fielder, In Bloom

Tom Casmer, Solstice

DECEMBER 2023 WEST COAST WOMAN 23

Westcoast Black Theatre

Troupe is gearing

up for the holidays,

ready to celebrate the

season with its holiday

production and Christmas card to the

community, “Joyful! Joyful!” Theater

fans of all ages and religious backgrounds

are invited to celebrate the season with

high-spirited, uplifting songs as only

WBTT’s singers, dancers and musicians

can perform them. The show runs from

November 29-December 30, 2023.

The original musical revue – created,

adapted and directed by WBTT Founder/

Artistic Director Nate Jacobs and performed

for the first time in 2021 – features

a blend of new takes on traditional holiday

tunes, gospel-infused classics and pop

songs. The show will include “Joy to the

World,” an O’Jays-inspired take on “Carol

of the Bells,” a gospel-infused rendition

of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus,” “African

Drummer Boy” and many more.

Performing in “Joyful! Joyful!” are a number

of WBTT regulars, including Ariel Blue,

Michael Mendez, Delores McKenzie, Nate

Summers, Raleigh Mosely II, Jazzmin Carson,

Stephanie Zandra, Maicy Powell and

Samuel “Sammy” Waite as well as artists

new to WBTT’s stage. Students from the

Stage of Discovery summer musical theatre

intensive program will also be featured.

“As the holidays approach, there is so

much for our organization to be thankful

for, and we’re honored to share our joy

with families and the wider community,”

said WBTT Founder and Artistic Director

Nate Jacobs. “We’ve made some changes

in the show since its premiere in 2021 and

welcome previous and new patrons to join

us for this year’s production. In fact, we

invite everyone to attend and help us unwrap

the present of joyful, seasonal music

with WBTT!”

Choreographer is Donald Frison. Music

director is Matthew McKinnon, who also

plays main keys. The rest of the band is

Charlotte Corporan, auxiliary keys; Marvin

Hendon, bass; Brad Foutch, guitar; and

Caleb Miller, drums.

Kevin White is production manager,

Jennifer Woodford is stage manager, Ka-

Cie Ley is assistant stage manager, Patrick

Russini is sound designer, Michael Pasquini

is lighting designer, Austin Jacobs is projection

designer, Darci Collins is costume

designer, Donna and Mark Buckalter are

scenic designers, and Annette Breazeale is

properties designer.

Tickets are $50/adults, $20/students and

active military (prices include all applicable

ticket fees). Showtimes are 7:30 p.m.

Tuesdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on

Saturdays and Sundays; there will be no

performances on December 24, 26 or 27.

For more information or to purchase tickets,

visit westcoastblacktheatre.org or call

the Box Office at 941-366-1505.

ABOUT Westcoast Black

Theatre Troupe

The mission of Westcoast Black Theatre

Troupe (WBTT) is to produce professional

theatre that promotes and celebrates

African American history and experience,

engages a broad base of patrons and audiences,

supports the development of a dynamic

group of aspiring artists, and builds

self-esteem in youth of color.

Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org

for more information.

Artists featured in

‘Joyful! Joyful!’

include (clockwise

from left) Ariel Blue,

Nate Summers,

Michael Mendez,

Raleigh Mosely II,

Amber Myers and

Stephanie Zandra.

Photo by Sorcha Augustine

WBTT presents this

season’s holiday show,

‘Joyful! Joyful!’

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s

‘Christmas card to the community’

features traditional holiday tunes, gospelinfused

classics and pop songs

14 WEST COAST WOMAN APRIL 2024

Hina Khuong-Huu, Violin Channel

“Rising Star” and first prize winner of

the 2023 Elmar Oliveira International

Violin Competition, performs around

the globe. She has collaborated with

artists such as Grammy Award-winner

Jennifer Koh and shared a stage with

Maxim Vengerov at Carnegie Hall and

Buckingham Palace.

Khuong-Huu and Steinway Artist Rohan

De Silva, whose collaborations with

Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman,

Midori, Joshua Bell and others have

been acclaimed worldwide, will present

a soirée concert at 4:00 pm on April

1 in the music room of the Fischer/

Weisenborne residence in Sarasota.

The duo will perform compositions by

Saint-Saëns, Frank, Wagner, and Ravel.

Single ticket: $60.

Australian classical guitarist Rupert

Boyd and his wife, American cellist

Laura Metcalf have toured the world

as Boyd Meets Girl, sharing their eclectic

mix of music from Schubert to Radiohead

and Beyoncé. The duo arranges

much of their repertoire themselves,

drawing inspiration from artists across

all genres, and they speak from the stage

to create an engaging, conversational

concert experience. This luncheon concert

on April 4 at Sarasota Yacht Club

features, in part, their own arrangements

of works by Lennon/McCartney,

Debussy, Bach, Shaw, and Price. Single

ticket: $68 (includes lunch).

Founded in 2008 by the husband-andwife

team of internationally renowned

pianists Catherine Lan and Tao Lin,

Duo Beaux Arts takes the power of the

piano and doubles it. Known for their

adrenalized performances, this dynamic

duo has performed to critical acclaim

across the U.S., Europe, and China.

This recital features works for piano

“four hands” and two pianos, including

Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos in

D major, K448; Schubert’s Fantasie in f

minor for piano four hands, Op 940; and

pieces by Vivaldi, Debussy, and Strauss.

The pair perform at the Studio for Performing

Arts Recital Hall at State College

of Florida on April 16 at 7:30 pm.

Single ticket: $40.

The April concerts conclude at the

Fischer/Weisenborne residence with

Shannon Lee, violin and Ying Li, piano

on April 28 and April 29 at 4:00 p.m. The

first place winners of Artist Series Concerts’

2017 and 2018 international violin

and piano competitions join forces for

this spectacular soirée program.

Lee made her solo debut with the Dallas

Symphony at age 12. Since then, she has

been a prize winner in the Sendai Competition

in Japan, the Queen Elisabeth

Competition in Belgium, and the Shanghai

Isaac Stern Competition.

Li won first place of Young Concert

Artists 2021 Susan Wadsworth International

Auditions, and recently made

her Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center

recital debuts. Single ticket: $60.

For tickets and more information, visit

ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or call

(941) 306-1202.

focus on the arts

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota’s

April Lineup

All concerts this month will feature duos

▲ Violin

Channel

“Rising

Star” Hina

Khuong-Huu

and Steinway

Artist Rohan

De Silva ▶

Artist Series

Concerts’

international

competition

winners

▲ Shannon Lee,

violin, and

Ying Li, piano ▶

Married pianists Catherine Lan

and Tan Lin of Duo Beaux Arts ▶

▼ Australian

classical guitarist

Rupert Boyd and

his wife, American

cellist Laura

Metcalf ▶

photo credit: Todd Rosenberg

photo credit: Shervin Lainez

photo credit: John Beebe

14 WEST COAST WOMAN JANUARY 2024

focus on the arts

Sarasota Concert Association

Invites You To Hear

What the World is Raving About

Celebrating its

79th Season with

world-renowned orchestras,

chamber

ensembles and phenomenal

soloists, the Sarasota

Concert Association brings a

stunning array of internationally-acclaimed

artists to Sarasota this season,

featuring three fabulous orchestras,

three top pianists, one amazing

cellist, and a Grammy Award-winning

chamber ensemble.

Praised as “Bulgaria’s most illustrious

musical institution” by Gramophone

Magazine, the acclaimed Sofia

Philharmonic makes its Sarasota

debut to open the Sarasota Concert

Association’s 2024 Great

Performers Series on January

15 at the Van Wezel

Performing Arts Hall.

The Sofia Philharmonic

is the national orchestra

of Bulgaria and has long

established itself as one

of the leading cultural institutions,

representative

of the overall contemporary

musical culture of

the country. Since 2017,

Nayden Todorov has

been the general director

of the Sofia Philharmonic

and will lead the orchestra

in an all-Beethoven

program featuring the

Egmont Overture, Symphony

No. 7, and Piano

Concerto No. 5, Emperor,

featuring the extraordinary

16-year-old Bulgarian

pianist Ivaylo Vassilev.

Celebrated for their “panache”

by The New York

Times and hailed in the

Cincinnati Enquirer for

“bringing a new attitude

to classical music, one

that is fresh, bracing and intelligent,” the

Grammy Award-winning Harlem Quartet

has dazzled audiences from Carnegie Hall

to the White House, and is now coming to

Sarasota at the Riverview Performing Arts

Center on January 24. Join us for this onenight-only

concert as the Harlem Quartet

performs Beethoven’s String Quartet Opus

18, No. 5, Fanny Mendelssohn’s String Quartet

in E-flat Major, Guido López-Gavilán’s

Cuarteto en Guaguanco, and Caroline

Shaw’s Entr’acte.

World-renowned cellist Alisa Weilerstein,

described as “a new generation’s cello superstar,”

joins the Detroit Symphony in

Elgar’s Cello Concerto on February 19, at

the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The

fourth-oldest orchestra in the country, the

acclaimed Detroit Symphony Orchestra is

known for trailblazing performances, collaborations

with the world’s foremost musical

artists, and a deep connection to its city.

The Orchestra is led by Music Director Jader

Bignamini, who conducts the orchestra

in Pulitzer Prize-winning composer

Michael Abels’ Emerge as well as

Rimsky-Korsakov’s orchestral showpiece,

Scheherazade.

Celebrated as one of Europe’s finest

orchestras, the Rotterdam Philharmonic

comes to Sarasota on March

3, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts

Hall. The Orchestra is led by Lahav

Shani, the youngest Chief Conductor

in the orchestra’s 100-year history

and an esteemed maestro with numerous

accolades. Described by The

Times of London as “the most astounding

pianist of our age,” Daniil

Trifonov, who has performed as a

soloist with just about any world-renowned

orchestra you can think of,

joins the orchestra for

Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto

No. 2. The program

also includes Arvo Pärt’s

Swansong and excerpts

from Prokofiev’s Romeo

and Juliet.

Concluding our season,

and back in Sarasota by

popular demand, pianist

Bruce Liu performs a recital

featuring works by

Rameau, Ravel, Chopin

and Liszt on March 29 at

the Riverview Performing

Arts Center. Bruce

Liu was brought to the

world’s attention in 2021,

when he won the First

Prize at the 18th Chopin

International Piano Competition

in Warsaw. Since

then, he has been engaged to perform

in concert halls from Milan to Seoul.

He draws on various sources of inspiration

for his art: European refinement,

Chinese long tradition, North American

dynamism and openness.

5-concert Great Performers

Series tickets are still

available at a savings of up to

30%. Choose 3 concerts and

single tickets are also available.

Visit www.SCAsarasota.org or

call 941-966-6161 to get tickets

or more information.

Sofia Philharmonic

Harlem Quartet

Alisa Weilerstein

Daniil Trifonov

Bruce Liu

S R SOT CONCERT SSOCI TION

28 WEST COAST WOMAN FEBRUARY 2024

focus on the arts

ArtCenter Manatee will

host the pre-eminent

156th Traveling Exhibition

of the American

Watercolor Society International

Exhibition. Chosen from

a field of 160 water media masterpieces

selected into the International Exhibition

(from over 1,000 entries), the traveling

show features the work of 40 artists.

This year’s show is sure to inspire

artists and art lovers.

As one of only three venues in the country

and the only in Florida to host this

show, ArtCenter Manatee will display

the diverse water media work in the Kellogg

Gallery from January 30 through

March 8, 2024. The exhibit will also

feature a slide show of the entries not

included in the traveling exhibit for a

more immersive art experience. Admission

is $5, which assists in bringing such

a prestigious exhibition to the ArtCenter

and Bradenton. The opening reception

is on Thursday, February 1 from 5-7pm.

While inclusion in this exhibition is itself

an honor, participants also compete

for the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals

of Honor as well as other awards, with

27 artists sharing more than $40,000 in

prize money.

Accompanying the exhibit will be the

annual aqueous show of the Florida

Suncoast Watercolor Society (FSWS) in

the Reid Hodges and Searle Galleries.

FSWS was formed in 1983 to foster

the advancement of and promote excellence

in the art of watercolor painting.

They seek to inform and educate

through exhibitions, lectures and painting

demonstrations as to the best work

currently being done in watercolor.

Join them for the opening reception

on Thursday, February 1, 5pm to 7pm.

Meet the artists, discover the amazing

talent of these local as well as international

water media artists, and enjoy the

wonderful atmosphere in our galleries.

Hors d’oeuvres and beverages available.

A B O U T

the American Watercolor

Society

The American Watercolor Society

(AWS) is one of the oldest and most

prestigious art societies in the world.

Election to the Society as a Signature

Member is one of the most sought-after

honors in the painting world. AWS

Membership comprises many of the

greatest names in painting throughout

the Society’s history and includes (to

name drop a few) the American impressionist

Childe Hassam, regionalists Edward

Hopper and Charles Burchfield,

plus virtually every member of the important

“California School” of watercolorists,

and everyone in between, up to

and including the late Andrew Wyeth.

156th International Traveling Exhibition of the

American Watercolor Society

On display through March 8 at ArtCenter Manatee

A B O U T

ArtCenter Manatee

Located in downtown Bradenton, Art-

Center Manatee is the premier center

for art, art education and unique gifts

in Manatee County. The Center features

three galleries, five classrooms,

an artisan gift shop and an art library

featuring over 3,000 art volumes.

Day, evening and weekend art classes

for adults and children are offered

year-round in painting, drawing, pastels,

pottery, jewelry design, photography

and more.

The artisan boutique features unique,

affordable gifts by local and national

artists. Exhibitions in the galleries

change monthly and showcase local,

regional and national artists. Meet the

exhibiting artists at the monthly evening

opening receptions that are always

free and open to the public.

For more information,

visit www.artcentermanatee.org

or call 941-746-2862.

They’re located at 209 9th St W,

Bradenton.

Hours: M/F/S 9:00-5:00,

T/W/Th 9:00-6:00

(Top Left:) John Salminen, High Street Umbrellas; (Top Right:) Ken Call, Solitaire; (Bottom

Right:) Wu Jianzhon, Blank Leaving

Advertise with us next season.

Advertise with us next season.

Let us create a custom advertising package just for you.

Let us create a custom advertising package just for you.

Call

Call 941-928-2056

941-928-2056 or email us at

or email us at westcoastowman@comcast.net

westcoastowman@comcast.net

Here are some of the features we ran this past season.

dining in

Citrus fruits are at their best during

the winter months when they grow in

profusion in Florida’s sub-tropical and

temperate climate. If you’re looking

for ways to use up all that fruit in

your yard, here are some great recipes.

Instructions:

Zest 1 teaspoon grapefruit zest and 2

teaspoons orange zest and reserve.

This one-pot risotto features ancient

grains, peas, and zesty lemon. Sorghum

packs plenty of fiber and protein.

Shrimp adds extra protein, but can be

substituted with veggies for a vegetarian

version.

Why to do with all that citrus…

Citrus Salad with Red Onion and Mint

Using a sharp knife, cut the tops and

bottoms off the grapefruit and oranges

to reveal the colored flesh. Place one of

the cut side down on a work surface.

Using a small sharp knife, cut off the

peel and white pith from top to bottom.

Turn the fruit to the opposite cut side and remove any white pith. Cut the grapefruit,

orange and blood oranges into 1/4-inch slices, removing the seeds. Place the citrus on

a serving platter alternating the colors. Sprinkle the onions onto the top. Set aside.

In a bowl, whisk together the grapefruit and orange zest. Add olive oil, orange juice,

white balsamic vinegar and honey. Season with salt and pepper.

Drizzle vinaigrette onto the citrus. Top with kumquats and sprinkle mint onto the top.

Garnish with lime wedges and mint sprigs and serve.

Serves 6

Ingredients:

1 pink grapefruit

1 yellow grapefruit

2 navel oranges

2 blood oranges

1/2 small red onion, cut into thin rings

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons orange juice

1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar

2 teaspoons honey

Lemony Shrimp Sorghum Risotto

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 lb. shrimp, fresh or frozen (thawed)

1 cup whole grain sorghum (optional,

rinsed and soaked overnight)

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

4-5 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

1 cup frozen peas (no-salt added)

1 lemon juice

Instructions:

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large pan over

medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until

opaque, about 3 minutes. Remove from

heat and chop roughly on a cutting board.

Set aside.

Heat remaining tablespoon oil in the pan

over medium heat and add the onion and

garlic. Stir and cook until translucent, about

2-3 minutes.

Add toasted sorghum back to pan with

onion and garlic and stir around for 1-2

minutes. Add 1 cup broth and stir gently,

allowing sorghum to absorb the liquid.

Once first cup of broth is absorbed, add 3

more cups vegetable broth, cover with lid,

and reduce heat to low.

Cook for 50-60 minutes, stirring periodically,

or until broth is almost completely absorbed

and the sorghum is tender

Add peas, shrimp, pepper and lemon juice,

stir, and cook for 4-5 minutes

Remove from heat. Add basil, cheese and

lemon zest and stir. Garnish with freshly

chopped basil on top.

Kosher salt and freshly ground black

pepper

8 kumquats, thinly sliced and seeds

removed

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

Lime wedges as a garnish Mint sprigs

as a garnish

1 teaspoon grapefruit zest and 2

teaspoons orange zest, reserved.

1 tsp. ground black pepper

1 cup loosely packed basil leaves,

chopped

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp. lemon zest

Makes 2 servings

Citrus Avocado Quinoa Salad

This colorful quinoa salad is full of vibrant

flavors with the addition of zesty

lemons and fresh cilantro. It is also

rich in cancer-fighting foods including

fiber-rich avocados, quinoa, chickpeas

and fresh vegetables. The dish is plantbased,

but hearty and filling enough to

be a satisfying meal for everyone.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup cucumber, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half

2 small cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup red onion, chopped

1 bunch cilantro

2 cups spinach, thinly sliced

1 15.5 oz can no salt added garbanzo

beans (drained and rinsed)

1 cup cooked and cooled quinoa

2 medium avocados, diced

FOR THE DRESSING

Juice of 2 lemons

Light, fruity, flavorful mocktails are so simple—

and good. This recipe is a great alternative to

both sugary and

alcoholic drinks.

Instructions:

Place all salad ingredients in a bowl.

Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a separate bowl.

Drizzle dressing over salad mixture and gently toss ingredients together until dressing

is incorporated throughout.

With just five healthy ingredients, you

can create a smooth, rich, fruit-packed

smoothie. Citrus fruits are packed with

disease-protective antioxidant compounds,

and bananas offer a pure sweet,

creamy flavor to replace added sugars.

Ingredients:

1 large, ripe banana, peeled and

quartered

1/2 cup orange juice (from 2 fresh

medium oranges, or use prepared)

1 medium orange, zest and fruit

1/2 cup vanilla yogurt (dairy or plant

based)

Orange Cream Shake

Instructions:

Place bananas and orange juice in the container of a blender.

Use a fine grater or zester to create zest from 1 medium orange and add to blender.

Peel orange, divide into sections and add to blender.

Add yogurt, vanilla extract and ice cubes to blender and process for a few seconds

until creamy and smooth.

Pour into 2 large glasses and serve immediately.

Smoky Jalapeño Hibiscus Cooler

GARNISH: (optional)

Orange, lime slices

Jalapeño slices

Hibiscus flowers

Ingredients:

SPICE GLASS RIM: (optional)

1/2 lime

1 tsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. smoked paprika

COOLER:

1/2 cup orange juice,

unsweetened

1 small lime, juiced

1/4-1/2 small jalapeño,

sliced (depending on

heat preference)

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

1 12-ounce can hibiscus

flavored sparkling water,

unsweetened

1 large or 6 small ice cubes

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. honey

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Makes 4 servings.

1 tsp. vanilla extract

5 ice cubes

Makes 2 servings

Instructions:

Create a spice glass rim with two

12-ounce glasses by running lime

halfway along edge of each glass. Mix

sugar, cinnamon and paprika together

in small saucer. Press each glass into

spice mixture to coat rims. Allow to

dry before adding liquid to glasses.

Place orange juice, lime juice, jalapeño

and smoked paprika in blender. Process

1-2 minutes until well blended.

Place ice cubes in each glass. Divide

blended juice mixture between each

glass.

Top each glass with half of hibiscus

flavored sparkling water.

Garnish with orange, lime and jalapeño

slices and hibiscus flowers.

Makes 2 servings (11/4 cups ea.).


you’re news

Accolades

■ Jennifer Hemmerdinger has

earned her accreditation in public

relations. In receiving the Accreditation

in Public Relations (APR) designation,

Hemmerdinger joins more

than 5,000 professionals nationwide,

representing

an

elite group

of public

relations

professionals.

Hemmerdinger

serves as

the Ernst

Jennifer Hemmerdinger

& Young

LLP (EY

US) Public Relations Leader for the

Government & Public Sector and EY

Private. She develops and executes

external communications strategies

and campaigns to support business

priorities and elevate the EY US

brand nationally.

She promotes EY through proprietary

research, media relations,

thought leadership development,

conferences, awards, round tables,

and social media. Previously she led

PR for Americas Tax, Consulting, and

supported Talent.

She joined EY in 2016 after nearly

a decade-long career as a print and

online business journalist in New

Hampshire and Washington, D.C.

During her time as a journalist, she

covered Capitol Hill, the IRS, municipal

bonds, the federal budget, the

debt ceiling, and state and local tax

policy among other topics.

For more information about the

accreditation process through the

Florida Public Relations Association,

visit www.cwcfpra.com/accreditation.

Listen to the latest episode of

CWC-FPRA’s hit podcast, Just Following

Up…Again, for first-hand insights

into the accreditation journey.

All episodes of Just Following Up…

Again can be found on the CWC-

FPRA website, PodBean, Spotify, and

other major podcasting platforms.

■ The School District of Manatee

County has announced the winners

of the 2025 Excellence in Education

Awards.

Manatee County’s Educator of

The Year: Stacy Freeman, Third-

Grade Teacher, McNeal Elementary.

Stacy

has been

shaping

young

minds in

Manatee

County

schools

since

2004. Each

year, she

Stacy Freeman

prioritizes

building

strong relationships with students,

families, and colleagues to foster

confidence, and success.

Inspired by her own fourth-grade

teacher, Stacy strives to instill confidence,

kindness, and gratitude in

all her students. She lives by these

goals daily, ensuring her class feels

unique, capable, and loved.

The numerous email greetings

from former students now in middle

and high school are a testament to

the positive impact she has made.

Beyond her classroom, Stacy mentors

colleagues and new teachers,

while continuously enhancing her

own knowledge through professional

development. She is a passionate

advocate for literacy, introducing

innovative activities to foster a love

of reading among her students.

Support Employee of The Year

is Suzanne Theiss, Senior School

Secretary, Southeast High. Suzanne

is often referred to as “the heartbeat”

of Southeast High School.

She’s a firm believer that the role

of a school secretary goes beyond

traditional administrative duties.

From welcoming guests on campus

to planning celebratory events,

Suzanne is admired for her wealth

of knowledge, organizational skills,

and positive attitude.

She works to ensure all students

know they are supported and receive

opportunities beyond their circumstances

to succeed. When a student

facing a challenge expressed concerns

about not having a computer

to complete classwork, Suzanne

helped ensure resources were provided.

Upon the student’s graduation,

they thanked her personally. In

the words of a colleague, “She keeps

our school going.”

Both winners receive a $5,000

cash prize, provided by Suncoast

Credit Union; four tickets to a 2025

spring training game at LECOM

Park, courtesy of the Pittsburgh

Pirates and Bradenton Marauders;

and exclusive use of a guest suite

at LECOM Park for 15 friends and

family during a Bradenton Marauders

game.

Stacy will now advance to the

Florida Department of Education

Teacher of the Year Program, while

Suzanne will advance to the Florida

School-Related Employee of the

Year Program.

The remaining six finalists

received a custom engraved plaque

and $1,000 cash award from the

Manatee Education Foundation.

For information about students,

employees and schools, visit the

district’s Good News home at: www.

manateeschools.net/goodnews

Appointments

■ Sarasota Opera has expanded its

marketing staff. Director of Marketing

Lael A. Mohib joined Sarasota

Opera in August 2024. She is a

communications and international

development specialist with nearly

two decades of experience working

internationally in the communications

and non-profit sectors.

Mohib has served as a strategic

communications consultant for the

World Bank and the former government

of Afghanistan. In London, she

created educational and media development

programs for

BBC Media

Action. She

has been

public

relations

advisor at

the Afghan

Embassy in

Washington,

Lael A. Mohib

DC.

Most recently

Mohib was executive director

of the Enabled Children Initiative,

a nonprofit she co-founded in

2013, which supports children with

disabilities.

She has a bachelor’s degree in

communications with a minor in

Music Theory from Mary Baldwin

College and a master’s degree in international

relations and journalism

from Boston University.

“Our goal as a department is to

enrich the experience of opera for

our loyal audiences as well as to

expand this experience to others in

the community who may be new to

town or new to opera,” Mohib said.A

Bradenton native, Mohib recently

moved back to the area after living

abroad for 15 years.

• Digital Marketing & Communications

Manager Hallie Geyh has

been with

the company

since November

2024

and brings

more than

ten years of

experience

in digital

content

creation and

Hallie Geyh

strategy.

Previously,

she was digital communications

manager at the Indiana University

Jacobs School of Music, where

she led digital projects to develop

new audiences, and launched the

school’s newsletter, connecting students,

alumni, faculty and staff.

Geyh’s expertise spans multimedia

production, social media, and

email marketing, with a creative

approach to problem-solving that

drives impactful results. She works in

a hybrid capacity from Puerto Rico.

Olivia Baylou

• Mohib and Geyh join Marketing

Coordinator Olivia Baylou, who has

been with

Sarasota

Opera since

March

2023. Her

experience

includes

the management

of

multi-channel

campaigns,

including

social media, influencer marketing,

email marketing and project management.

Bayou is expert at collaborating

with creative teams to develop

impactful marketing strategies that

drive audience engagement and

retention. She is fluent in Japanese,

Korean, and Mandarin Chinese,

which brings a global perspective to

her work.

This is Sarasota Opera’s 66th

Season. The company was launched

in 1960 in the historic 320-seat Asolo

Theater on the grounds of Sarasota’s

Ringling Museum of Art. In 1984 the

company moved into the former A.B.

Edwards Theater — now the Sarasota

Opera House.

Since then, the company has

gained an international reputation

as one of the leading regional opera

companies in the U.S. through

initiatives such as the Masterworks

Revival Series and the Verdi Cycle.

Since 1983, the company has been

under the artistic leadership of

Victor DeRenzi and administrative

leadership of General Director Richard

Russell since 2012. For more info,

visit SarasotaOpera.org.

Goodwill Manasota

Chair of the Board,

Betsy Benac

Goodwill Manasota

new director Jon Kaupla

Board News

■ Goodwill Manasota has announced

its 2025-2026 Board of

Directors. Former Manatee County

Commissioner and longtime planner

Betsy Benac is now in her second

year as Chair and new director Jon

Kaupla has joined the volunteer

leadership body.

The 2025-2026 directors are:

Xtavia Bailey, Steve Boone (Past

Chair), Rich Cautero, returning

director Debbie Douglas, Kaupla,

Eric Kaplan, James McClure, Rob

Morris, Laurie O’Loughlin, Laura

Ritchey, and Allen Weinstein.

Kaupla, who has served as the

President/Executive Director for the

University

of Wisconsin-Madison

Center for

Professional

& Executive

Development

since

2017, has

extensive

in organizations

ranging from

nonprofits to

Fortune 500

companies.

In his

current role,

he leads all

aspects of

the notfor-profit,

including

strategic

planning,

product/

program development

and delivery, marketing, business

development, and sales.

Previous positions included Chief

Human Resources Officer for Corelogic,

a global property information,

analytics and data-enabled services

provider; Senior Vice President –

Human Capital Business Partner for

Robert W. Baird & Company, an employee-owned,

international wealth

management, capital markets,

private equity and asset management

firm with offices in the U.S.,

Europe and Asia; and Senior Manager

– Learning and Development for

Kohl’s Corporation where, among

other duties, he was responsible for

creating Kohl’s University, offering

world-class training for corporate

leaders and changing the company

culture to a learning organization.

In the coming year, some of the

top priorities to be addressed with

the board’s input will include continuing

support for the nearly 64% of

its team members who face barriers

to employment or have documented

disabilities, which may make it

challenging for them to maintain

employment in other environments.

The organization will continue to

bolster its internal and external mission

programs, which are designed

to provide the support to ensure that

those who want to work can develop

the skills to do so.

It will also focus on strengthening

its execution of the thrift store

operations in the Palm Beaches and

Treasure Coast territory, which it

took over in 2024. In its first year,

thrift store revenues exceeded

$43,000,000.

According to Donn Githens, President

and CEO of Goodwill Manasota,

“This year, the Board’s primary

focus is to invest in organizational

strengthening to ensure we continue

to provide essential services to those

in need within our community.

Our commitment to this mission

is unwavering: we are dedicated to

creating a supportive environment

for all our team members as well as

community members who wish to

better the life and career prospects

for themselves and their families.”

In 2024, Goodwill Manasota

served over 7,000 individuals, placed

more than 1,560 individuals in jobs,

assisted 463 veterans, provided more

than $30,000 in gift cards and vouchers

following the 2024 hurricanes,

collected nearly 235,000 pounds of

food for local food banks, provided

over 118,000 hours of education and

training, and diverted more than

98M pounds from area landfills.

For more about Goodwill, visit

experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-

355-2721.

Send your news

to

westcoastwoman@

comcast.net

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)


TRY A THERAPY

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Immediate Relief Beginning

with the First Session:

AAUW Sarasota mission is to advance gender equity for

women and girls through education, advocacy, and research.

Chronic Pain: Sciatic, Back, Neck and TMJ

Migraines, Foggy Brain and

Lack of Concentration

Sight and Eye Problems

Asthma, Bronchitis, COPD, Shallow Breathing

Digestive and Constipation Issues

Leaky gut and Autoimmune problems

Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia and Depression

Concussions, Brain and Spinal Cord Health

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Google “Advanced Craniosacral Therapy Sarasota” for more info

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

• 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, March 25, 2025 – 10:30am

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.

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 – 2:00pm

Women’s Resource Center,

340 S. Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237

Dianne Weed is the Founder and Executive

Director of The Twig Cares, Inc., a locally

based nonprofit that serves children in

foster care. “The foster care system in

our nation is in crisis, and these children

in our communities are being tragically

affected.” Learn what we can do to make a

difference in their lives.

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


good news department

Impact100 SRQ Announces Grant Recipients

for 2024 Giving Year

At their annual celebration and awards

ceremony, Impact100 SRQ announced

the eight nonprofit grant recipients for its

2024 Giving Year. These $109,500 grants

will fund initiatives that address critical

needs, improve lives, and strengthen

the community in Sarasota and Manatee

Counties.

Impact100 SRQ’s 876 voting members for

the 2024 Giving Year heard presentations

from ten nonprofit grant

finalists, each proposing

initiatives that aligned

with their organization’s

mission of creating lasting

community impact. Members

then cast their votes,

selecting eight of the ten

Finalists to receive grant

funding. The Grant Recipients

were then revealed

live at the event.

“This year’s Annual Celebration

highlights the incredible

power of women

coming together to create

meaningful change,” said

Pam Kandziora, President

of Impact100 SRQ. “Every

single member plays a vital role in helping

us fund innovative initiatives that make a

lasting difference in our community.”

The eight Grant Recipients for the 2024 Giving

Year, categorized by Focus Area, are:

Arts, Culture & History Focus Area:

The Circus Arts Conservatory This initiative

will enroll and educate more students

in an innovative circus-centric

learning program in its existing Magnet

School Program with the funding of two

additional coaches, class materials, and

training attire.

Education Focus Area:

Children's Home Society of Florida This initiative

will provide nutrition and other educational

classes, and access to meat, dairy

and fresh produce for area families by expanding

Food Pantry and Parent Resource

Center services to Manatee and Daughtry

Elementary Schools in Manatee County.

The Florida Center for Early Childhood This

initiative will enhance its early education

program by creating a new welcoming

and authentic learning environment that

inspires curiosity and collaboration with

the purchase of classroom furniture for

its preschool.

Environment, Recreation & Animal Welfare

Focus Area:

SunCoast Blood Centers This initiative

will reduce noise and air pollution and

ensure a quiet, reliable, environmentally

sustainable, and cost-effective blood collection

system by converting two bloodmobiles

from gas-powered generators to

solar and battery-powered generators.

Family Focus Area:

Centerstone This initiative will allow clinical

staff to more deeply address children

who have experienced trauma by transforming

a portion of the Sarasota outpatient

clinic into a sensory room in their

new Children's Wing.

Foundation for Dreams, Inc. This initiative

will enhance experiences for

children with special needs and

chronic illness who attend the

Dream Oaks year-round residential

and day camps and facilitate

coordination of programs by significantly

updating their administration

building.

Health & Wellness Focus Area:

NAMI Sarasota and Manatee

Counties, Inc. This initiative will

increase access to and therefore,

participation in NAMI's "You

Are Not Alone" (YANA) wellness

drop-in centers, reducing depression,

improving physical

health outcomes, and helping individuals

take an active role in their care, with the

purchase of a 15-passenger van and hiring

of a part-time driver.

Valerie's House This initiative will expand

its peer-to-peer grief support services to

additional Sarasota County schools, helping

students process their grief in a free

and accessible manner, with the hiring of a

new full-time group program coordinator.

To learn more about each Grant Recipient

and their initiatives, visit impact100srq.org.

Women are invited to join Impact100 SRQ

mission as each new member strengthens

their ability to fund even more transformative

initiatives and increasing the number

of grants awarded. The Membership

Drive for the 2025 Giving Year is open until

March 26, 2025. Learn how to become a

member: www.Impact100SRQ.org/membership.

Sunshine From Darkness Raises over $ 300,000

Sunshine From Darkness President Jeffrey Peterson (left) and Executive Director Marlene Hauck (right)

with Inspiring Hope Dinner co-chairs Cindy Foster, Amara Oliva, Amie Austin, and Sydney and Madison

Koffman. Keynote speaker and special performer, Broadway artist Chester Gregory (below)

Photos by Harry Sayer

Sunshine From Darkness (SFD),

a nonprofit organization dedicated

to the funding of local

mental health services and

programs and mental health

research, held its annual fundraising

event, which had 350 in

attendance, in January at the

Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.

The fundraising effort

brought in over $300,000 for

mental health initiatives, including

SFD’s Youth Resiliency

Programs. The keynote speaker

was educator and Broadway

performer Chester Gregory,

who talked about his nearly-overnight

success in theater

and beyond, his opportunity to dance

with Michael Jackson, and the joy he experienced

at his career success.

However, it all came crashing down

when he lost his father. He struggled

with depression and imposter syndrome;

his life changed only when he was able

to move past the stigma and get the help

he needed. He started a social media

channel focused on mental health and

now he is not only a Tony Award-winner

but also a powerful mental health and

wellness advocate.

Supporter Elisabeth Waters was presented

with the 2025 Lee and Bob Peterson

Legacy Award in honor of her

contributions; the award was presented

by Sunshine From Darkness President

Jeffrey Peterson and Waters’ friend, Roxanne

Permesly.

Guests also witnessed powerful testimonials

by community members and

participants from SFD-supported programs,

participated in a lively “Spark the

Change” paddle raise emceed by Gabriel

Butu, and enjoyed singing by former

“American Idol” contestant Alana during

dinner as well as a performance by Gregory

and, later, dancing to the live music

of Quintessence.

"In this room, we have the power to

make a difference. We can help create a

world where mental health is no longer a

taboo topic but a fundamental aspect of

well-being," said event co-chair Dr. Amie

Austin during her remarks. “We can help

provide young people with the tools, resources

and support they need to thrive

– not just survive. The need for change

is urgent. We must take bold steps – together

– to ensure that mental health is

treated with the same priority as physical

health.”

In the coming year – armed with the

proceeds from the Inspiring Hope Dinner

– SFD will: expand its Youth Resiliency

Program, which focuses on empowering

youth through emotional literacy; bolster

its Blue Door Community Connections

Initiative, which bridges the gap

between research, providers and those

in need; collaborate with USF Sarasota-Manatee

to create a Resilience Collective

there; present its free Mental

Health Summit on May 3; and continue

to enhance and promote mental health

wellness in the community.

Co-chairs of the Inspiring Hope Dinner

were Amie Austin, Ph.D. and her daughter

Amara Oliva, Sydney and Madison Koffman,

and Kelvin and Cindy Foster.

Visit sunshinefromdarkness.org or

call 941-504-6717 for more information.


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