Arts + Entertainment 1.19.23

INSIDE:

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

A CLASH OF SWORDS & WORDS

Talk about a marriage made in theatrical heaven. Peter Amster gets a kick out of finding a fresh directorial take on the classics. Playwright Ken Ludwig knows exactly how he feels.

In his adaptations, Ludwig lovingly takes well-told tales apart and puts them back together in inventive ways. When the Asolo Repertory Theatre staged Ludwig’s adaptation of “Murder on the Orient Express,” Amster seemed like the ideal director. He was. The talents are joining forces again on Ludwig’s adapta-

tion of “The Three Musketeers.” What to expect? After scores of stage and screen adaptations, the plot is fairly familiar.

In the 1600s, the Musketeers of the Guard were an elite fighting unit protecting the household of the King of France. D’Artagnan, a young, impressionable country lad, wants to join up and fight evil.

Three of the most formidable Musketeers — namely Athos, Porthos and Aramis — take him under their wing. D’Artagnan winds up fighting evil — in the form of the Machiavellian machinations of Cardinal Richelieu and Milady. It’s more than D’Artagnan bargained for. (And if you think evil wins, you didn’t keep up with your high school reading assignments.)

Ludwig’s adaptation honors the core narrative — in his fast-paced, brainy style, of course. There are witty philosophical clashes worthy of George Bernard Shaw. But it’s not just an intellectual exercise. There’s swashbuckling too, bien sûr. His script is a razor-sharp clash of words and swords.

To do justice to both, we spoke to both the director and Fight Director Geoffrey Kent. Our first question was pointed …

Even with a witty makeover, why put a tale from 1844 on stage?

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“First, because I love it,” Amster says. “For me, ‘The Three Musketeers’ works on so many different levels. It’s an adventure story. It’s a coming-of-age story. More than that, it’s a Bildungsromane — a genre dealing with education for adult life that started in the 19th century. It’s clearly a struggle of good against evil, both personally, and in the realm of politics. It’s a story of friendship, of course — and a celebration of solidarity. ‘All for one and one for all!’ is its most famous line — and that’s what it’s all about.”

As Amster sees it, Dumas’ 19th century novel is packed with good stuff. Ludwig’s 21st century adaptation keeps it all intact. But he adds contemporary elements — and takes it to another level. The director’s favorite upgrade?

He’s happy to see that Ludwig’s “Musketeers” isn’t a boy’s club anymore.

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“Ludwig brings in Sabine — D’Artagnan’s sister,” Amster says.

“She’s someone with real agency. Without giving away the ending, let’s just say she’s just as much a hero as her brother.”

Sabine tests her mettle in conflict — that’s a basic rule of characterization. In “The Three Musketeers,” she tests it with metal swords. Words can never hurt you — but swords can. How does Kent keep the actors safe?

According to Kent, for staged combat to put the audience on the edge of their seats, it has to look dangerously spontaneous. To avoid any real danger, the fight director rehearses that illusion of spontaneity to the Nth degree. Bottom line?

The swordfights are fake. That’s why they’re safe.

“It’s like a good production of ‘Peter Pan,’” he says. “You know there are wires — but you don’t want to see the wires. Our swordfights should look like reckless abandon. But they’re carefully choreographed — with lots of duplicative safeties the audience can’t see.”

What are “duplicative safeties?”

Kent defines them as redundant systems of protection in fight choreography. In his approach, it’s a very long list.

In a play like this, he makes sure the

USF CROSLEY DINNER SERIES

Hosted by: USF School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Powel Crosley Estate

February 21 from 6 - 9 p.m. at the Powel Crosley Estate 8374 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243

Sponsoring Caterer: Simply Gourmet by Metz

SPONSORS RECEIVE:

• Logo in a Bradenton Herald ad promoting the dinner series

• Brand awareness for your business at the dinner event

Enjoy an elegant night out at the Powel Crosley Estate to support student scholarships and programs in USF’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the Sarasota-Manatee campus.

Students in the USF Hospitality and Tourism Management program will shadow and assist Simply Gourmet with preparation, serving and other event responsibilities. This allows students the opportunity to partner with a real business to receive a hands-on learning experience in fine dining, event coordination and hospitality management.

• 2 Tickets to one dinner event (a value of $150)

Sponsor one dinner for $500.

Individual tickets are available for $75.

Visit usf.to/taste to purchase sponsorships and tickets.

Visit usf.to/taste or contact Fran Bryant at francesb@usf.edu or 941-359-4311 for more information.

Experience a new menu curated by the sponsoring restaurant or caterer on February 21 and April 4 396407-1

IF

Pianist Awadagin Pratt

actors have the highest level of training and physical skill — and brings in a few ringers, too. “In a musical, you cast actors who can sing and dance,” he says. “For ‘The Three Musketeers,’ we cast very skilled fighters.”

Kent adds that relentless rehearsal is basic to all staged swordplay. In this production, the swords aren’t actually sharp — and actors wear protective gear. Distance is also important. Swords may clash, but they never touch the actors. What looks like physical contact is an illusion of forced perspective.

According to Kent, theatrical swordplay also reveals character. The way someone fights shows you who they are.

“My job is to create fight choreography the actors can really own,” says Kent. “When we started the process, I asked each actor for a one-word definition of their character’s fighting style,” says Kent. “One said, “effortless.” Another said, “unexpected.” I used these insights to move away from generic swordplay. Not every one fights the same. And not every fight should look the same. One might seem bouncy and fun; another is comic relief; another might seem exhausted. Compared to other shows, ‘The Three Musketeers’ has a lot of action. There are only seven swordfights in the whole production — and they naturally separate into different styles.”

Amster points out that sword fighting is integral, both to Dumas’ original novel and Ludwig’s adaptation. “Ludwig’s version is a comedy — but it’s not just comedy. You care about the characters, and they’re fighting for a cause that matters. There are real stakes — and real danger.”

The director adds that this applies to the real world as well, which is why Dumas’ tale of friendship, courage and solidarity isn’t a thing of the past.

“‘The Three Musketeers’ is a story about working together to achieve

something honorable, noble, and for the benefit of all,” Amster says. “It’s about achieving something as a group that you could never accomplish individually. In our current dystopian climate, the lesson of “All for one and one for all” still applies. It may feel like we’re shouting that message into a wind of hatred, distrust and divisiveness. But we’ve got to keep shouting.”

Performing

Center

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Riccardo Muti, Music Director

THIS WEEK

LYNNE KOPLITZ

7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd. Runs through Jan. 21. $25

Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Clites, talk about his experience. Then try your hand at creating a Lego masterpiece of your own with a team and compete against other teams for the Bishop Brick Builder Champion crown. Light bites included and drinks available for purchase.

Comedian Lynne Koplitz takes the McCurdy stage to perform her unabashed brand of comedy. Koplitz has been a regular on several comedy TV shows, is co-host of the radio show “Star Talk” with astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson and even has her own Netflix special, “Hormonal Beast.”

‘NEXT TO NORMAL’

7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton

Runs through Jan. 29 $30-$38

Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. com.

This play explores the all-too-real theme that sometimes, families are not what they look like from the outside. This drama tackles the tough topic of mental illness through the lens of a suburban nuclear family of four struggling to deal with the mother’s illness, but does so with endearing characters and an ample dose of heart.

AMERICA 7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $37-$102

Visit VanWezel.org.

OUR PICK

POPS:

The Sarasota Orchestra performs the best hits of Elton John and Billy Joel in three performances guaranteed to make you resist the urge to sing along. Accompanying the orchestra on vocals is Michael Cavanaugh, who was selected by Joel himself to star in his Broadway musical, “Movin’ Out.”

IF YOU GO

When: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20-21

Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $40-$90 Info: Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Rock out to the classics of the iconic American band that’s, well, America. It all started when the four band members met in high school in the late 1960s and came together to find a signature sound and a top hit, “A Horse With No Name.” Enjoy the greatest hits of their timeless sound.

‘SILENT SKY’ 8 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Runs through March 5. $33+ Visit AsoloRep.org.

Based on the fascinating true story of Henrietta Leavitt, one of the few women astronomers working at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, “Silent Sky” reveals how she broke through the stereotypes and norms of the time to make

discoveries that changed her field forever. This drama, performed by Asolo Repertory Theatre, weaves together the story of her life with a new look at the cosmos.

FRIDAY

JAZZ AT TWO — PAUL GAVIN AND FRIENDS

2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road $15-$20 Call 260-9951.

Drummer Paul Gavin will play jazz tunes with his quartet, featuring Brandon Robertson on bass, John O’Leary on piano and James Suggs on trumpet. Come enjoy a variety of jazz in a casual setting.

‘BARELY MANILOW’

7 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice $35-$60 Visit VenicePerformingArtsCenter. com.

It may not be the Copacabana, but this Barry Manilow tribute show is every bit as entertaining. If you love Manilow, you’ll love watching Jonathan Elgart’s spot-on portrayal of the real deal, including how much his voice emulates the classic singer.

SATURDAY

LAKEWOOD RANCH FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lakewood Main Street Free Call 487-8061.

Stroll through Lakewood Ranch Main Street, which will be filled with artistic works from vendors across the state. Browse, buy or just enjoy perusing. Continues on Sunday.

THE WORLD FAMOUS GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA

3 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice $36-$90 Call 218-3779.

The Venice Institute for Performing Arts welcomes a group that needs no introduction or explanation: The Glenn Miller Orchestra. Founded in 1956, it is still the most popular and sought-after band in the world for both concert and swing dance engagements.

MINIATURE MASTERPIECES

4 p.m. at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road $35-$45 Visit KeyChorale.org.

Sure, audiences love grand symphonies, masses and requiems … but what about the little guys? In this concert, Key Chorale gives a nod

to choral miniature masterpieces — each is 8 minutes or less. Embark on a journey of these pint-size pieces that pack a big punch.

SUNDAY

CHAMBER SOIRÉES: SCOTTISH SONGS

4 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $40-$50 Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Mezzo-soprano Susan Platts has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center and at Covent Garden, and now she is accompanying the Sarasota Orchestra for an afternoon of Brahms, Schubert and Beethoven.

MONDAY

MONDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT THE CABARET

7:30 p.m. at John C. Court Cabaret at FST, 1265 First St. $34-$39 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Start your week off right with the Jazz Club of Sarasota’s Monday night jazz, featuring Kevin Aland, Jon McLaughlin and Glenn Steenson with Hot Club SRQ.

TUESDAY

DISNEY’S ‘ALADDIN’

7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Runs through Jan. 29 $47-$122 Visit VanWezel.org.

Come see a whole new world through the story of Aladdin and

MISS EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES

GRAND OPENING

For the next few months, Bayfront Park will be transformed into an outdoor display of billboard-sized works of art. During this grand opening event, enjoy performances by Jah Movement and West Coast Black Theatre Troupe, as well as food trucks and interactive activities for

his tale of finding a genie in a lamp who will grant his wishes. But, as is always the case, some things are just too good to be true. This colorful — and comedic — musical will be a hit with the whole family.

WEDNESDAY

CLANCY NEWMAN, CELLO, AND DAVID ALLEN WEHR, PIANO 10:30 a.m. at Selby Library, Geldbart Auditorium, 1331 First St. Free Call 861-1168.

The Sarasota Music Archive welcomes cellist Clancy Newman and pianist David Allen Wehr to perform. Clancy is also a composer, producer and writer, and Wehr is

the kids. So treat yourself to a bite to eat and take in some art that will touch your heart and make you think.

IF YOU GO

When: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22 Where: Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Drive Cost: Free Info: Visit EmbracingOurDifferences.org

the dean of the School of Music at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

‘NETWORK’ 8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. Runs through March 19 $25 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Anchorman Howard Beale’s ratings are dropping, and he faces his last broadcast after being let go. But rather than go quietly, he loses it on air, causing his popularity to soar. This regional premiere dives into what happens when we get caught up in the illusion of TV … as well as what’s the real truth behind it.

All That Jazz

Ed Linehan, the president of the Jazz Club of Sarasota, tells a story about when he took his east coast of Florida-based parents to a Jazz at Two performance at Unitarian Universalist Church several years ago.

“They told me they loved the show because the music was what they listened and danced to when they first met,” he said. “My mother was so effusive, talking about how wonderful it was, over and over, which was not like her. I finally asked her what was going on. She said, ‘Eddie, anything that gets you into a church is OK by me.’”

Certainly, with its lofted ceilings, natural acoustics, Sarasota School of Architecture design and Syd Solomon’s stained glass windows, the sanctuary of the Unitarian church is a sublime setting to enjoy the music — especially for those to whom, as the poet Ted Jones once wrote, “Jazz is my religion.”

That said, don’t expect this afternoon jazz series to offer modal jazz or Coltrane changes.

“Our performers tend to be traditional and straight ahead — more Benny Goodman than Mingus or Miles Davis,” says Linehan.  Jazz at Two was founded in 2001 to showcase top jazz performers from the Southwest Florida region from Tampa Bay to about Naples, says Linehan.

Typically, Jazz at Two performances run weekly from October to the beginning of May of the following year, although Linehan admits that the 2022-23 season did get off to a less frequent start.

“This season, we decided to start off slower with shows every two weeks,” he says. Early on, “we felt the ‘snowbirds’ weren’t here yet, and we were still just coming out of the pandemic, so audiences were smaller.”

Now, with more than half its run still to come, Jazz at Two is back to a weekly groove starting Jan. 20 with Tampa-based drummer, teacher, composer and arranger Paul Gavin, followed by the versatile jazz vocalist and Sarasota resident Synia Carroll on Jan. 27.

A highlight and “perhaps the most well-known performer” of the series comes next, says Linehan. That’s the saxophonist, falutist and clarinetist Pete BarenBregge and his Jazz Sextet on Feb. 3. BarenBregge is the former music director for the renowned jazz ensemble, the USAF Airmen of Note.

Three veteran performers kick off the following three weeks. American jazz pianist Roy Gerson performs Feb. 10. The Fort Myers-based bandleader, performer, pianist, singer, and former bass player for Harry Connick Jr., Danny Sinoff brings his trio to the series on Feb. 17, and the versatile jazz vocalist Scotty Wright (and friend) performs on Feb. 24. Skip Conkling’s Dixie Mix performs March 3, playing standards

IF YOU GO

Jazz at Two: Paul Gavin Jazz Quartet. 2-4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20. Unitarian Universalist Church, 3975 Fruitville Road. $20; members $15. Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

and classics in a Dixieland and New Orleans style. “Skip’s band plays high energy party music,” said Linehan.

On March 10, vocalist Fred Johnson and the Michael Ross Trio perform music from the American Songbook along with classic jazz tunes, original compositions and jazz standards. He is followed by Chicago-based husband and wife performers Anne and Mark Burnell (quartet) playing swinging jazz tunes on March 24.

For “big band jazz with a punch,” check out the Sarasota Jazz Project on March 31. It’s a 17-piece ensemble of some of the finest musicians on Florida’s West Coast. The multitalented (he’s the department head of photography and design at Ringling College of Art and Design and a drummer and percussionist) Tom Carabasi and his band play Latin/ Samba jazz music on April 14.

The Tampa-based James Suggs first picked up a trumpet when he was 9 years old. By 15, he was playing professionally. Linehan describes Suggs as an extraordinarily talented young jazz trumpeter. “Every once and awhile you find yourself in the room with a musician you’d never heard before, and you are taken away, thinking ‘This kid is for real,’” he says. Hear it for yourself on April 21.

Tickets for Jazz at Two are only available at the door on the day of the show. The cost is $15 for Jazz Club members (There are approximately 900.) and $20 for nonmembers.

One dollar of every Jazz at Two ticket sold goes to support the Jazz Club of Sarasota’s merit scholarships — available to Southwest Florida high school seniors or current college students.

“This past year, we raised $30,000 and distributed most of that to nine young musicians,” says Linehan. “At the end of the day, the Jazz Club of Sarasota is all about the music and supporting musicians — whether retired, working, young, or emerging.”

Family reunions tend to go badly in movies and on TV. Lydia R. Diamond’s “Stick Fly” is no exception. The LaVays are the family in question. They’re a family of affluent African Americans who can afford a vacation home in Martha’s Vineyard. That’s where the secrets are gradually unpacked over a long weekend.

Dr. Joe LaVay (Rueben Wakefield) is the family patriarch. Joe is a man of few words. He doesn’t ask, he tells. Or judges. He’s a cold-eyed realist. In the good doctor’s mind, material success equals success. That’s the way it is — and sentimentality or selfexpression be damned. Joe’s retired from practice as a neurosurgeon, but his words can cut like a scalpel.

The oldest son, Flip (Ibukun Omotowa) is Joe’s favorite. He followed in his father’s footsteps and is now a thriving plastic surgeon. Like his father, Flip’s also a sweet-talking womanizer. Speaking of which, Joe is introducing a mystery girlfriend over the weekend. He made a point of arriving first — and divulges zero details about her. His secrecy creates suspicion. What’s he hiding? It turns out, it’s the fact that she’s white.

Kimber (Danielle Vivcharenko) is a social worker whose ideas and ideals are in the right place. She avoids the obvious micro aggressions. Usually. Her love for Flip seems genuine.

Kent (aka “Spoon” — played by Rickey Watson Jr.) and his girlfriend, Taylor (Rebecca Rose Mims) have both arrived … at least physically. Kent has not arrived in terms of his career. He’s a budding novelist. That’s not empty words. He has a galley proof from a real publisher. But his father is not impressed. To Dad, writing is not a real profession. His summary judgment? “You’re a very talented fiction writer for whom I paid to get a law degree, a business degree and a master’s in sociology.”

Taylor’s an entomologist — and something’s bugging her. Taylor has a short fuse — and practically bites Kimber’s head off. You discover that her father was a prominent African American historian. But his actions fall short of his idealistic image. He walked out on Taylor and her mother (a college professor) when he found a second wife. Taylor’s mother scrimped, saved and raised her on her own. Taylor’s famous family name opens a few doors, but she’s also financially struggled.

Cheryl (Trezure Coles) is the daughter of the family maid. Her mother is sick, so she’s filling in. She’s briskly efficient but doesn’t seem too happy. Taylor tries to make nice, but she’s getting on her last nerve. What’s eating her? Well, that’s another revelation — and one that I won’t spoil.

What’s Joe got to hide? Why is his wife missing in action?

I won’t spoil those either.

But I can tell you this …

Director Marcus Denard Johnson has a light naturalistic touch. Under his direction, the characters feel like people, not chess pieces on a board. The actors are good, too. They’re all at ease inside their characters’ skins.

Jeffrey Weber’s set is homey, but it’s not home. Lived in? Nope. It’s more like a vacation rental. April Andrew Carswell’s clever costumes are subliminal characterization. Nobody’s dressing down here. Each character is trying to make a good impression. The class distinctions are subtle, but Carswell weaves them in. Chris McVicker’s lighting and Alex Pinchin’s sound design add to the “Twilight Zone” sense of detachment from normal reality.

Despite all that creative talent, Diamond’s ambitious, Chekhovian play doesn’t always take flight. Her dialogue’s good and her scenes are well constructed. So what’s the problem with the play?

I think there’s too much in it.

“Stick Fly” is packed with high-stakes issues. These include classism, racism, colorism, sexism, sexual morality, specific family history, the power dynamics within that family and the responsibilities of a Black intellectual in an imperfect pluralistic society. Offloading that heavy freight means shoehorning in plenty of speeches. Diamond disguises the Important Questions with the Styrofoam packing peanuts of ordinary chat. But the light talk is invariably pulled into some heavy issue. That gravitational pull drags everything down.

The heavy issues aren’t the problem. The play’s delivery system is.

“Stick Fly” reminds me of “The Lying Lives of Adults” — a streaming adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s novel. It’s also freighted with heavy issues and dark family revelations. But it’s a six-part mini-series, not a two-act play. Bottom line?

This is well worth seeing as a play. But it’d work better as a miniseries.

Inspiring Hope Dinner

Sunshine From Darkness brought some Broadway razzle-dazzle to the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota during the Inspiring Hope Dinner on Jan. 13.

Hundreds of guests dressed their finest for the annual affair benefiting mental health services provided by Harvest House and Teen Court of Sarasota.

Guests filled the ballroom when the social hour was done to hear from Chairwoman Amie Austin.

Fitting with the theme, actress and singer Jennifer Holiday served as the night’s speaker and addressed the importance of mental health.

Supporters Bob and Joan Geyer were later given the Lee and Bob

Friday, Jan. 13, at RitzCarlton, Sarasota | Benefiting Sunshine From Darkness

Peterson Legacy Award before it was time for the night’s case for giving moment.

The program continued with a performance from Holliday along with Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe founder Nate Jacobs.

Guests closed the night out with music and dancing.

— HARRY SAYER

Broadway Design

Sunshine From Darkness’ Inspiring Hope Dinner typically brings the glitz and glamor to the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota each year. The annual event is crucial in providing funding for mental health services, such as those provided at Teen Court of Sarasota and Harvest House, and supporters meet the need in kind.

The event always brings in a celebrity profile to serve as guest speaker – the 2021 outing had Steve Ford and Darryl Strawberry — and this year brought actress and singer Jennifer Holliday to the big show.

That might have been enough in prior years, but Sunshine From Darkness staff decided to go the extra mile with aesthetics for this year’s fundraiser.

The night’s decor and atmosphere had a much jazzier, lively Broadway appearance, complete with vibrant red colors, dazzling lights and multicolored feather table decor. It was a big swing for a theme, and the team pulled it off.

“When we decided on Jennifer Holliday, the theme felt like an automatic (pick),” Executive Director Marlene Hauck said.

Each table had darker tones with

small lamps and vases containing feathers that would give the evening an “Old Hollywood” feel. The latter design choice, Hauck said, was chosen by event Co-Chairs Sarah Karp and Taylor Karp Teymuri.

“We wanted something that felt like the Carlyle Club,” Hauck said.

“We wanted a theme of a night club, some kind of supper club.”

Hauck’s idea was that Holliday would talk about her mental health struggles and end the evening with a lively performance. It’s good to end with a celebration.

It’s not the first time the organization has gone out of its way to do a themed decor. An early 2010s

Inspiring Hope dinner brought Olympic figure skater Dorothea Hamill to Sarasota, and Hauck thought it would be a cool move to bring an ice skating rink to the Ritz-Carlton.

Some ideas, though, end up being better in theory than in practice.

“The freight truck (with the ice rink) couldn’t fit into the Ritz,” Hauck said.

They ended up just having snow falling at the entrances, which also got the idea across. Here’s to seeing what Sunshine From Darkness thinks up next.

Samantha Kingsley and Lissa Murphy at the 2022 Embracing Our Differences Luncheon

nual luncheon in the spring.

For the nonprofit’s 20th anniversary, Wertheimer and staff are going bigger. In addition to the annual luncheon — held this year at Michael’s On East on Feb. 17 — the nonprofit is putting on a daytime grand opening celebration Jan. 22 at Bayfront Park.

The festivities start at noon and will include live music, spoken word performances and words from the mayor. It was a new endeavor for some staff, but many had prior experience in event planning.

“We started planning a year-anda-half ago,” Wertheimer said. “We probably would have earlier if COVID didn’t get in the way.”

Embracing Our Differences also plans to continue its art display at new areas into the spring, with the collection being hosted in North Port in March and then at the State College of Florida in April.

“We’re really excited to bring the arts to more people and expose more people to these positive messages of kindness and respect,” Wertheimer. “We think those messages are more vital today than when we began 20 years ago.”

TV Chef for Junior League

The Junior League of Sarasota County has always pulled out the stops for its annual Legacy Luncheon fundraiser, an involved affair that’s brought in more than $1 million for its various programs developing the potential of young women.

The nonprofit is going the extra mile and bringing a TV star to its upcoming 20th anniversary Legacy Luncheon at Michael’s On East on Feb. 2.

20th Anniversary Slate

Georgia Pellegrini, a former investment banker turned chef and television personality will be joining the festivities as the event’s guest speaker. Pellegrini is also the host of the PBS show “Modern Pioneering” teaching viewers about the importance of self-sufficiency.

Performing January 28, 2023 at 2pm - Michelle Ross

Listen Hear

Sarasota Art Museum presents a classical music program features world-class artists performing in an intimate casual setting.

Join our diverse roster of musicians this season on Saturdays at 2 pm in Thomas McGuire Hall.

Curated by concert violinist Max Tan, each salon-style event includes a short, classical music program, insights from the artists, and conversation.

1001 South Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236 941.309.4300

SarasotaArtMuseum.org

Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Bill and Elaine Crouse’s residence | Benefiting Sarasota Art Museum

The Sarasota Art Museum took its closest supporters on an extensive art tour during its Ambassadors Salon event on Jan. 11.

The art highlight event, held at longtime supporters Bill and Elaine Crouse’s residence on Siesta Key, had SAM supporters arrive by trolley for an evening of art appreciation.

Guests met and mingled while admiring the extensive collection of art deco posters and vintage designs owned by Bill Crouse.

What’s more is the event had two special art guides for the evening. Angelina Lippert, the chief curator and director of content of Poster House, joined Nicholas Lowry, the principal auctioneer and president of Swann Auction Galleries, to lead the guests through a detailed discussion of much of the artwork hanging throughout the Crouse’s home. The next Ambassadors Salon event is planned for this March.