Good News Friday: Biz(941) Supports - Dec. 5, 2014
Bradenton Blues Festival
Dec. 6
Enjoy a lineup of top blues artists at this all-day festival, including Marcia Ball, Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers, Little Ed & The Blues Imperials, Billy Branch & The Sons of Blues, Samantha Fish – Blues in the Schools, EG Kight, Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones with Dennis Gruenling, and Dave Muskett. Food, drink and an array of vendors complement the live music for an awesome experience. Proceeds support Realize Bradenton’s youth, art and music programs. For tickets and more information, go to bradentonbluesfestival.org.
South Pacific
Nov. 11 - Dec. 28
From the hauntingly beautiful first three notes of “Bali Ha’i” to the exquisite “Some Enchanted Evening,” this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic contains some of the most glorious music ever written. The winner of 10 Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, South Pacific tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples — US Navy nurse Nellie Forbush and expatriate French plantation owner Emile de Becque, and Navy Airman Joe Cable and young local girl Liat — and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and their own prejudices. Helmed by the same director as Show Boat, we’re ecstatic to bring you the grandeur and intimacy of South Pacific in a fresh new production featuring all-new orchestrations arranged especially for Asolo Rep. Go to asolorep.org for show times and to purchase tickets.
Salvation Army's 2014 Red Kettle Campaign
Nov. 28 - Dec. 24
Got two hours? You can make a difference. The Salvation Army is seeking volunteer Bell Ringers for the 2014 Red Kettle Campaign beginning Friday, Nov. 28, through Wednesday, Dec. 24. Individuals, families, churches, civic or business groups are welcome to participate at numerous Sarasota locations. Make it a fun experience with the help of a trumpet player, or ask the Salvation Army about hosting a pony to keep you company! Volunteers can sign up for one or more two-hour shifts, Monday through Saturday,11:00am-7:00pm. To sign up, call Sharna Rozin at (941) 364-8845, x 222.
Donations from the Red Kettle Campaign are used by The Salvation Army for year-round programs, including substance abuse rehabilitation, emergency financial assistance, daily feeding programs, emergency shelter, holiday services, transitional housing programs, and summer youth camps. For more information about the Salvation Army’s programs in Sarasota, go to salvationarmyflorida.org/sarasota.
Black Nativity
Dec. 3-21
A joyous holiday gift to the community, this is a celebration of the Nativity story with gospel, blues, spiritual and Christmas music, paired with the poetry of Langston Hughes and the creativity of WBTT. Children and adults of all races and backgrounds will be enthralled by this high-energy, theatrical wonderment. Get tickets at wbttsrq.org.
Serengeti Nights – Passport to Elegance
Dec. 7
Designing Women’s annual gala and style show takes a walk on the wild side this year, with a high energy fashion show and entertainment with an African flair. Cocktails and a fabulous dinner add to the fun. Reserve your table at designingwomenboutique.org.
Inside the Studio
Dec. 8
Including demonstrations by dancers of The Sarasota Ballet, Inside the Studio Series brings patrons into the studios for behind-the-curtain experiences into the upcoming program. Tickets and information available at sarasotaballet.org/events/lecture1.
Sir Frederick Ashton’s La Fille mal Gardee – The Wayward Daughter
Presented by Sarasota Ballet
Dec. 19 -20
Ashton’s La Fille mal Gardée is an entirely new version of a ground-breaking story ballet, premiered in Bordeaux a fortnight before the 1789 French Revolution. This French narrative comedy of manners is an audience favorite and a celebrated classic of ballet repertory. Go to sarasotaballet.org for tickets and show times.
A Christmas Carol
Dec. 21
A true Sarasota favorite! The Nebraska Theatre Caravan annually tours an original adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol across the nation. From Alaska to Virginia, this Victorian rendition of the beloved tale, complete with traditional Christmas carols and a spinning bed, has delighted thousands of audience members. Purchase tickets at vanwezel.org.
Lino Tagliapietra
Jan. 6 – March 15
Lino Tagliapietra is widely recognized as one of the world's premier artists working in glass. This exhibit will include more than 30 works on loan from the artist, Schantz Galleries in Stockbridge, MA, and the Richard and Barbara Basch Collection. For more information, go to ringling.edu.
Knock Me A Kiss
Jan. 7 – Feb. 8
Knock Me a Kiss is a fascinating but fictional account of the 1928 marriage of W.E.B. DuBois' daughter to one of Harlem's most talented poets. The marriage marked the height of the Harlem Renaissance and was viewed as the perfect union of African-American talent and beauty, but the union of man and woman failed. This powerful play exposes the tragically flawed error in judgment by one of the greatest intellects of the 20th century. Visit wbttsrq.org for tickets.
Discover the Joy of Giving
Jan. 12 – Feb. 16
University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, in partnership with the Lifelong Learning Academy and the Leopold Institute for Philanthropic Studies, presents a series of five inspiring conversations with local and national philanthropy experts, moderated by Kelley Lavin, publisher of Sarasota Magazine. Donation of $100 per person includes all five sessions, each followed by a fully-catered cocktail reception at the Powel Crosley Estate, and Tracy Gary’s book, Inspired Philanthropy. Registrants will vote to distribute $25,000 in grants from the Leopold Institute for Philanthropic Studies. Call (941) 359-4296, or register at thelifelonglearningacademy.com/philanthropy-series.