Happy early Thanksgiving! By now, you've probably planned your menu for tomorrow's Turkey Day fest. But have you figured out what you're going to do for the weekend?
For those early bird shoppers, when the clocks turn mid-night for Black Friday, one place to be is Ellenton's Prime Outlets for the Midnight Madness Pajama Jam. The first 500 shoppers to stop by Guest Services wearing their pjs will get a gift bag filled with a pair of brand new pajamas and other treats. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the extra discounts many of the stores are offering. The event lasts until 8 a.m. Friday. For more information, go to www.primeoutlets.com.
And while you're out shopping, don't forget those less fortunate this holiday season, especially the children. If you can, pick up a toy and donate it to the Manatee Players toy drive. The theater troupe is collecting toys and gifts for the area's abused and neglected children and teens to benefit Manatee Children's Services. New, unwrapped toys can be delivered to the theater at 102 Old Main St. in downtown Bradenton.
If you rather stay at home and watch football, but want to keep the kids busy for a little while, download snowflakes from www.sarasotaballet.org for its Snowflake Coloring Contest. Those with the most artistic snowflake in each of the four age groups (ages 3-5; 6-8; 9-12 and 13-adults) will each win four tickets to the Sarasota Ballet's holiday program of the snow-filled "Les Patineurs" and "The Two Pigeons." To find out more, check out the ballet's Web site.
Lastly, if you're not a shopper, football fan or coloring fanatic but are looking for something entertaining to do for the holiday weekend, check out tomorrow's Weekend section for lots of movies, theater, music and performing arts ideas.
- January Holmes
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Thanksgiving isn't just about turkey
With Turkey day just around the corner, you could imagine my surprise when I read a report from the NPD Group on eating trends that only 30 percent of American households are planning to make a turkey this year.
Thirty percent.
I wondered if there was an epidemic going on, like a turkey shortage or something. Or that people were deciding to turn to ham this year or worse, Spam. But then I read on: Eighty-two percent plan on eating turkey, though, they weren't planning on making it themselves. Apparently, the reason that turkey making is so low is that most people are going to eat Thanksgiving dinner at someone else's home. NPD reports that two households will be the guest of another this Thursday. Though I'm not going to be "home" for Turkey Day, I'm still spending it with family. Last year, I was the guest of friends, and we had plenty of turkey to go around.
Harry Balzer, who writes the annual "Eating Patterns in America" and is vice president of NPD, said the numbers goes to show that people don't necessarily turn to food for comfort during this hectic and anxiety-filled season, they turn to other people instead.
I agree. They turn to other people with food. Eating is more fun that way.
NPD also tallied the top food items that will be devoured at tables across the country, the No. 1 pick - no surprise - was turkey. The rest:
2. Potatoes
3. Vegetables
4. Pie
5. Stuffing (I'm surprised this isn't higher on the list. Stuffing would have been #2 for me, mac and cheese #3 and a cake for #4, but that's just me.)
6. Fruit
7. Rolls
8. Salads
9. Bread
10. Sandwiches
Balzer stated in his report that with someone else preparing a Thanksgiving meal for you, "you've got to be thankful. But remember that just because you didn't prepare the meal, doesn't mean you get away with not cleaning up."
But I get away with it when it's my aunt's house.
- January Holmes
Thirty percent.
I wondered if there was an epidemic going on, like a turkey shortage or something. Or that people were deciding to turn to ham this year or worse, Spam. But then I read on: Eighty-two percent plan on eating turkey, though, they weren't planning on making it themselves. Apparently, the reason that turkey making is so low is that most people are going to eat Thanksgiving dinner at someone else's home. NPD reports that two households will be the guest of another this Thursday. Though I'm not going to be "home" for Turkey Day, I'm still spending it with family. Last year, I was the guest of friends, and we had plenty of turkey to go around.
Harry Balzer, who writes the annual "Eating Patterns in America" and is vice president of NPD, said the numbers goes to show that people don't necessarily turn to food for comfort during this hectic and anxiety-filled season, they turn to other people instead.
I agree. They turn to other people with food. Eating is more fun that way.
NPD also tallied the top food items that will be devoured at tables across the country, the No. 1 pick - no surprise - was turkey. The rest:
2. Potatoes
3. Vegetables
4. Pie
5. Stuffing (I'm surprised this isn't higher on the list. Stuffing would have been #2 for me, mac and cheese #3 and a cake for #4, but that's just me.)
6. Fruit
7. Rolls
8. Salads
9. Bread
10. Sandwiches
Balzer stated in his report that with someone else preparing a Thanksgiving meal for you, "you've got to be thankful. But remember that just because you didn't prepare the meal, doesn't mean you get away with not cleaning up."
But I get away with it when it's my aunt's house.
- January Holmes
Monday, November 24, 2008
Bello is Circus Sarasota's newest star
Missed last week's daredevil stunt reavealing the newest member of next season's Circus Sarasota? The stunt, held in Five Points Park in Sarasota, involved the quick ascent up a 92ft sway pole that amazed the crowd, according to Jennifer Mitchell, marketing coordinator of Circus Sarasota. It featured none other than the engertic Bello Nock. Nock, an international clown superstar, has been called "America's Best Clown" by Time magazine.
Circus Sarasota members are very excited to have Bello be a part of their 2009 circus shows, which begin Jan. 30 and continues through Feb. 22 near Ed Smith Stadium at 1500 Stringfield Ave., Sarasota. You'll hear more about Bello through our coverage on the event next year.
In the meantime, tickets are sale now at http://www.circussarasota.org/ or by calling 355-9805. Those who purchase tickets in advance save $5 per ticket.- January Holmes
Friday, November 21, 2008
Free theater events this weekend
This weekend, the FSU/Asolo Conservatory will offer a heaping helping of theater for its popular Late Night series. All shows are free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis.
The events are as follows:
Saturday, November 22, 2008 @ 11PM
Presented in the Allen Studio on the second floor of the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.
Drunk Enough to Say I Love You by Caryl Churchill
Directed by Anne Towns
A groundbreaking new play by one of theater's preeminent voices, Caryl Churchill, Drunk Enough to Say I Love You? is a dark political comedy that puts a new spin on the term special relationship by using a male affair as a metaphor for the tortured submissiveness of Britain to America on foreign policy.
Sunday, Nov 23, 2008 at 8pm
Presented outside the FSU Center for the Performing Arts to the right of the main entrance, by the east wheelchair ramp and under the trees.
TRASH ANTHEM by Dan Dietz
Directed by Candace O'Neil Cihocki
Featuring: Jason Peck (Boots) and Bethany Weise (Woman)
What if the man you loved had another kind of man inside? In the deep woods south, a woman buries her lover after a shotgun blast tears him to pieces. Now all that's left are his boots…and her desire. Is it strong enough to summon up the dead to wrestle with the living? And if so, what will she do once she's got him back? It’s the story of a tangled-up kind of love.
Sunday, Nov 23, 2008 (after the 8pm performance of Trash Anthem)
To be presented in the Jane B. Cook Theatre within the FSU Center.
Feeding the Moon fish by Barbara Wiechmann
Directed by Candace O'Neil Cihocki
Featuring: Elisabeth Ahrens (Moon fish), Heather Kelly (Moon fish), Randolph Paulsen (Martin), and Michelle Trachtenberg (Eden).
The bonds of love we form during our early years shape how we perceive the world and define for us what it is to love. But what happens if your only role models are so blinded by love or the loss of it that you can only bear tragic witness? With equally dreary pasts, Martin and Eden are searching for a basic human connection they can’t find within themselves. Within their current realities, real or self created; they find complete acceptance and the ability to coexist while providing exactly what the other was missing…unconditional love.
Monday November 24, 2008 @ 4 PM
Presented on the grounds of the Ringling Museum, in the Millennium Tree Trail.
THE ZOO STORY by Edward Albee
Directed by Joel Waag
Featuring: Brent Bateman (Peter) and Kevin O'Callaghan (Jerry)
Albee’s first play, celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, is as relevant today as it was in 1958. It’s the story of a chance meeting between two men, Peter and Jerry, on a Sunday afternoon in Central Park. Peter, a disenfranchised member of the middle class, is sitting on a park bench reading when he is approached by Jerry, a man distinctly outside of Peter's world. Over the course of the next forty-five minutes the two men attempt to forge a connection in a world that shuns honesty and communion. Intended for adult audiences due to language and adult subject matter. Run time is 60 minutes.
The events are as follows:
Saturday, November 22, 2008 @ 11PM
Presented in the Allen Studio on the second floor of the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.
Drunk Enough to Say I Love You by Caryl Churchill
Directed by Anne Towns
A groundbreaking new play by one of theater's preeminent voices, Caryl Churchill, Drunk Enough to Say I Love You? is a dark political comedy that puts a new spin on the term special relationship by using a male affair as a metaphor for the tortured submissiveness of Britain to America on foreign policy.
Sunday, Nov 23, 2008 at 8pm
Presented outside the FSU Center for the Performing Arts to the right of the main entrance, by the east wheelchair ramp and under the trees.
TRASH ANTHEM by Dan Dietz
Directed by Candace O'Neil Cihocki
Featuring: Jason Peck (Boots) and Bethany Weise (Woman)
What if the man you loved had another kind of man inside? In the deep woods south, a woman buries her lover after a shotgun blast tears him to pieces. Now all that's left are his boots…and her desire. Is it strong enough to summon up the dead to wrestle with the living? And if so, what will she do once she's got him back? It’s the story of a tangled-up kind of love.
Sunday, Nov 23, 2008 (after the 8pm performance of Trash Anthem)
To be presented in the Jane B. Cook Theatre within the FSU Center.
Feeding the Moon fish by Barbara Wiechmann
Directed by Candace O'Neil Cihocki
Featuring: Elisabeth Ahrens (Moon fish), Heather Kelly (Moon fish), Randolph Paulsen (Martin), and Michelle Trachtenberg (Eden).
The bonds of love we form during our early years shape how we perceive the world and define for us what it is to love. But what happens if your only role models are so blinded by love or the loss of it that you can only bear tragic witness? With equally dreary pasts, Martin and Eden are searching for a basic human connection they can’t find within themselves. Within their current realities, real or self created; they find complete acceptance and the ability to coexist while providing exactly what the other was missing…unconditional love.
Monday November 24, 2008 @ 4 PM
Presented on the grounds of the Ringling Museum, in the Millennium Tree Trail.
THE ZOO STORY by Edward Albee
Directed by Joel Waag
Featuring: Brent Bateman (Peter) and Kevin O'Callaghan (Jerry)
Albee’s first play, celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, is as relevant today as it was in 1958. It’s the story of a chance meeting between two men, Peter and Jerry, on a Sunday afternoon in Central Park. Peter, a disenfranchised member of the middle class, is sitting on a park bench reading when he is approached by Jerry, a man distinctly outside of Peter's world. Over the course of the next forty-five minutes the two men attempt to forge a connection in a world that shuns honesty and communion. Intended for adult audiences due to language and adult subject matter. Run time is 60 minutes.
"Unfinished Spaces" Sunday
If you missed last week's "Unfinished Spaces" Chamber Music Concert, don't fret. There's three more Sunday evening concerts planned for the series, which will be in the new Manatee Players Performing Arts Center that's under construction.
It's amazing how rich and pleasant the acoustics are in the building. I had a chance to sit in on a rehearsal and I couldn't believe my ears.
This Sunday's (Nov. 23) intimate concert at 6 p.m. will feature Cheryl Losey on the harp, Dorothy Wu on flute, Keith Carrick on the marimba and JT Posadas on the Viola. Six musical works will be presented. There also will be an intermission.
Tickets are $30 to the event, but if you purchase rush tickets an hour before the show you can get them for $11 each based on availability. If you're a student, you can get in free.
Tidbits on the quartet
Losey: She's noted as one of the nation's top young award-winning harpists.
Wu: Co-producer of "Unfinished Spaces," Wu will be quite busy this season performing in New York, Milan, Berlin, Lucerne, Madrid, Sarasota and Kauai. She also will be on a fall tour with the Verbier Festival Orchestra.
Carrick: He's in his second season with the Sarasota Orchestra as a principal percussionist.
Posadas: Performs with the Sarasota Orchestra and will spend this season performing with the Naples Philharmonic.
Since the building is literally unfinished, attendees are encouraged to bring cushions to sit on the mezzanine tiers.
- January Holmes
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Film Festival headed towards "Reel Changes"
The Sarasota Film Festival had its first big event of the season last night at Sarasota Michael's on East giving a taste of what to expect from next year's festival, which is slated for March 27-April 5.
The 11th annual festival should prove interesting as we see how organizers will run the popular event without Jody Kielbasa, who served as executive director of the festival for the last 10 years, and in a budget crunch that has cut their annual festival spending in half.
So it's fitting that next year's theme for the 10-day event is "Reel Changes." Expect to see many of the same parties, events and star-studded celebrities, but there will be several new things in the mix too. One such thing is the establishment of the Florida Film Consortium, a special year-round program geared towards aspiring film makers that will give them access to film professionals in a national and international scope. This has been a long-time goal of the festival that has finally come to fruition. University of Tampa professor and film producer Tom Garrett has been named the festival's new director of educational programs and special initiatives. Garrett will be working closely with the new program.
The Sarasota Film Festival is now accepting film submissions for next year as well. Tom Hall, director of programming, hinted in a press release that the 2009 event will feature another multi-faceted schedule of films. He's already received numerous submissions. Look for new programming changes too, he said.
- January Holmes
The 11th annual festival should prove interesting as we see how organizers will run the popular event without Jody Kielbasa, who served as executive director of the festival for the last 10 years, and in a budget crunch that has cut their annual festival spending in half.
So it's fitting that next year's theme for the 10-day event is "Reel Changes." Expect to see many of the same parties, events and star-studded celebrities, but there will be several new things in the mix too. One such thing is the establishment of the Florida Film Consortium, a special year-round program geared towards aspiring film makers that will give them access to film professionals in a national and international scope. This has been a long-time goal of the festival that has finally come to fruition. University of Tampa professor and film producer Tom Garrett has been named the festival's new director of educational programs and special initiatives. Garrett will be working closely with the new program.
The Sarasota Film Festival is now accepting film submissions for next year as well. Tom Hall, director of programming, hinted in a press release that the 2009 event will feature another multi-faceted schedule of films. He's already received numerous submissions. Look for new programming changes too, he said.
- January Holmes
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
'Blue Leaves' at Players Theatre
Sarasota's Players Theatre is gearing up for a short run of "The House of Blue Leaves," which opens 8 p.m. tomorrow (Nov. 20) and continues through Sunday.
The Tony Award-winning play is a dark comedy with nuns, a Vietnam-bound GI, a political bombing and zookeeper and his schizophrenic wife. It is set in 1965 when Pope Paul VI made an appearance in New York City. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 students.
The Players is offering a special two-for-one deal on tickets, which makes for an affordable night out. For more information, call 365-2494 or visit www.theplayers.org.
- January Holmes
The Tony Award-winning play is a dark comedy with nuns, a Vietnam-bound GI, a political bombing and zookeeper and his schizophrenic wife. It is set in 1965 when Pope Paul VI made an appearance in New York City. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 students.
The Players is offering a special two-for-one deal on tickets, which makes for an affordable night out. For more information, call 365-2494 or visit www.theplayers.org.
- January Holmes
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