On Exhibit

By Mark Ormond

BATTY NIGHT

RinglingMuseum as a place to see bats in flight this month, and, no, they are not hanging from the rafters of the Asolo Theater. They’re embedded in an 18th-century fresco by a follower of the famous Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, painter to the European royals. This painted fresco, removed from its original placement as part of the ceiling of a house near Venice, Italy, depicts Dawn Chasing Away Night, with Night represented by the bats in the lower right of the composition.

Imagine awakening in a huge feather bed in your palazzo and looking up to see the bare-breasted Aurora being swept aloft by her coterie of four winged putti, all struggling to keep her swaddled in the drapery fluttering about her. Aurora balances herself assuredly, and we note her dark tresses, decorated with the same colorful flowers we see on the ground and in a basket behind her head. The artist must have balanced himself precariously above the floor in executing this scene. The surface of the fresco is matte in finish, having soaked in the brilliant colors applied when the plaster on the ceiling was wet. That this artist had a great sense of humor is obvious in this witty pictorial composition of one of the many stories of how the gods took an interest in our world.

Dawn Chasing Away Night can be seen in Gallery 15 of the

RinglingMuseum.

In Town

THE SAVAGE TRUTH

When Terry Savage talks about money, women listen.

Q. Were you always good with money?

A. I was always fascinated by money and the power it gives you. I became a stockbroker at 21, the first woman in my firm, and the first woman on the Chicago Board Options Exchange when I was seven months pregnant. You know how they talk about having a seat on the exchange? I was the only person who really did—a stool in the corner, so I didn’t get mowed down by the crowd on the floor.

Q. Did anyone encourage you in this field?

I had a professor who taught that all of history was dictated by economic incentives. I became intrigued by that. But no, I can’t say there was someone in my family who especially encouraged me.

But along the way I discovered that my real gift is in communicating to people about money, investments and financial planning—to explain personal finance in a way that’s not intimidating and also inspiring to women. Any woman who’s ever been told, “Don’t worry about it, dear, the investments are taken care of” should have a nagging concern about who’s really being taken care of. It’s not just the longtime housewife who faces that. I had a very bright friend, an attorney, whose husband died suddenly in his 50s. And she said to me, “Terry, you won’t believe this, but with our estate plan I have to show the bank a monthly budget and ask for any money above that.”

Q. What questions should every woman should ask?

A. Regarding estate plans: If your spouse dies, how much freedom do you have to change your investments and your investment advisors? Regarding life insurance, does your spouse own the policy—in other words, can he change the beneficiary, say, if you’re getting a divorce? And last, how can you tell your investment advisor is worth what you’re paying in fees and commission?

Q. How can you?

A. Ah, you have to come to the seminar for that.

Q. What’s the most common mistake women make?

A. Being too trusting or being intimidated. I tell them, “Remember it’s your money, and no on cares about it more than you do.”

Q. Are women getting savvier financially?

A. No question about it. There’s no difference between a man and a woman when it comes to being able to manage money. But women have focused more on security and understand less about acceptable risk. Women of all ages are beginning to understand, though, that it’s not just about the money but the ability money gives you to make a difference in your life, your family’s life, and the life of the community.

Q. Any other issues you expect to deal with here?

A. When I talk on TV or radio, I’m talking to older women who are among the fastest-growing group of the poor. But even in Sarasota, you can’t assume that everyone has the wealth to write off $100,000 a year in ongoing healthcare expenses. I’ll talk about long-term healthcare insurance—a really big issue. And I hope women have lots of questions.—Kay Kipling

MARIA MULDAUR

Maria Muldaur has been making music since long before her 1974 superhit Midnight at the Oasis. In fact, her musical explorations, especially into American roots music, go back to her days growing up in Greenwich Village in the late ’50s and early ’60s. She also has Sarasota connections, having visited fellow musician Eric von Schmidt here on Siesta Key years ago and formed a mutual admiration society with current resident, recording legend Jerry Wexler. Muldaur will pour on her blues vocals at this year’s Sarasota Blues Festival, Oct. 28 at Ed Smith Stadium (for ticket info, go to www.sarasotabluesfest.com).

Q. Your new album, Heart of Mine, features love songs written by Bob Dylan. When songs are well known, how do you make them your own?

A. I don’t write music and I don’t really play an instrument regularly. I’m an interpreter of American roots music, and that’s kind of like being an actress. It doesn’t work with just any song; it has to resonate with me. For example, years ago my producer for Midnight at the Oasis wanted me to sing this song called You’re No Good. And I said, “You’re crazy. Why would you keep repeating that in a song?” Well, P.S., Linda Ronstadt took a wheelbarrow to the bank with it. But she must have had a particular scoundrel in mind.

I gather a group of musicians familiar with the idiom I’m working in, and we group grope our way to an arrangement. When I’m surrounded by the right guys, we just let each song tell us where to go. Since I haven’t written the songs, I’m not attached to them in any one way; I have a certain freedom.

Q.  Who are some of the musicians who inspired you?

A. Dylan was inspirational to me in 1964 and he’s inspirational to me now. He has a new album coming out, too, and I can’t wait to hear it. He just continues to grow as an artist. Bonnie Raitt…I just got off the phone with her. We’ve been friends for 34 years; I call her my soul sister. She not only does incredible musical work, but she uses her talent and good fortune to further important causes. And Van Morrison—I always find him transcendent.

Plus, all my life I’ve moved by early blues singers like Memphis Minnie, Ma Rainey, Sippie Wallace. These are people I’ve drawn from since I was 17.

Q. Are your audiences people who’ve followed you for decades, or a mix of old and new fans?

A. There’s a base core of, let’s face it, baby boomers. But their kids come, too. In the ’90s I made three kids’ albums, and now those kids are 18 and they’re fans. And what gratifies me is that sometimes I find I’ve turned them on to our musical heritage, which is so much more than what the corporate world force feeds us. There’s this rich treasure trove coming out of the melting pot of America—there’s Celtic, African-American, Hispanic influences and more. American music is a gumbo.

In today’s radio and media music scene, the blues may not be above the radar. But there are more blues festivals, records and bands than ever before, not only here but in Europe. This wasn’t music created to last 15 minutes to sell T-shirts. It sprang out of a very real experience of the human heart and soul.

Q. What keeps you on the road?

A. It’s like B.B. King said, “They pay me to travel. I sing for free.” Sure, the travel is kind of a hardship, but the reward is we get to play music we love for people who enjoy it. The blues was self-therapy before there was Dr. Phil or Oprah; it’s a natural, organic way to process what’s going on. It’s music of the people, by the people and for the people, and it’s not going to perish from this earth.—Kay Kipling

ART

Manatee Community College Fine Art Gallery. Open Book, works by artist-writer Kim Northrop, continues through Oct. 10 on the Bradenton campus. 752-5225.

Selby Gallery. The Ringling School gallery continues the first half of its annual faculty show (featuring work by illustration, graphic design, photography and liberal arts teachers) through Oct. 14. Opening Oct. 20 (reception at 5 p.m.) will be Part II of the show, highlighting the talents of fine arts, computer animation, interior design and CORE program instructors. Also on view Oct. 20 through Nov. 3 at a location TBA: the annual Ringling School Staff Exhibition. Through Nov. 4. 359-7563.

Art Center Sarasota. The Florida Watercolor Society Annual Exhibition continues on view through Oct. 14. 365-2032.

Gallery of Colleen Cassidy. An exhibition of painted furniture continues here through Nov. 30. 924-1200.

Salvador Dali Museum. Dali through the Decades, a chronological exhibition from the museum’s permanent collection, remains on view throughout January. Also on view: Dali’s Zodiac. (727) 823-3767.

South Florida Museum. Seven, an exhibit highlighting the work of seven Florida artists, continues through Jan. 14 in the East Gallery. Artists include Jean Blackburn, Nancy Goodheart Matthews, Olivia Marie Braida-Chuisano, E. Dwight Conley, Ed Lawlor, Eleanor Blair and John Penrod. Opening Oct. 9 to run through Jan. 7: In All Her Glory, Women Contemporary Artists Paint Florida, with a reception at 5 p.m. Oct. 20. 746-4131.

Art Uptown. Eye on You, digital photography by Barrington R. DeMers, is on view here Oct. 1–13, with a reception at 6 p.m. Oct. 5. 955-5409.

Longboat Key Center for the Arts. The Women Contemporary Artists exhibit opens Oct. 5 to run through Oct. 27 (reception at 5 p.m. Oct. 13). Also on view this month, in the Glen Gallery, Picture This, works by Ed Parker and Mitch Yadven, through Oct. 31; and in the Members Gallery, A Celebration of Art, Music & Culture from the Gulf Coast Columbia Alliance, Oct. 10 through Nov. 9. 383-2345.

Galleria Silecchia. New works by Japanese glass artist Hiroshi Yamano, along with sculpted glass and metal by Nick Mount, Duncan McClellan and Richard Hunt, are part of an exhibition opening Oct. 6. 365-7414.

Palm Avenue Gallery Walk. This month’s stroll along Palm, complete with open art galleries, live music and refreshments, takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 6. 955-1315.

Venice Art Center. The Members Fall Exhibition runs Oct. 6–28, with a reception on Oct. 6. Also on view: a solo show, Views from the Road Less Traveled, paintings by Karen Hitt. 485-7136.

Museum of Fine Arts. From the Fire: Contemporary Korean Ceramics is on view Oct. 7 through Dec. 31 at this St. Petersburg museum. Also to be glimpsed: Harold Edgerton: Photographs at the Speed of Light, through Nov. 5, and Rembrandt and His Time, an installation of works on paper by the Dutch artist, through Nov. 12. (727) 896-2667.

St. Armands Arts Festival. More than 175 artists and craftsmen display their original work, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 14 and 15 on the circle. 388-1554.

Ringling Museum of Art. Master Drawings from the Collection of the Yale University Art Gallery are on view Oct. 21 through Jan. 7. Also continuing on view: Encore! The Art of the Asolo Theatre, through Jan. 7. 359-5700.

CHILDREN

Seussical, the Musical. Reunite with Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz and the Whos of Whoville in this Dr. Seuss celebration, onstage through Oct. 15 in a Venice Little Theatre Theatre for Young People production. 488-1115.

Saturday Mornings for Kids: The Snow Dragon. A tale about a young billy goat on the hunt for berries for a dragon, in order to add to his own goodies. Onstage at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 7 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Monster Mash. A Halloween event for kids at Selby Gardens, running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 28. 366-5731.

COMEDY

McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre. Leading off this month’s clutch of comedians is Nick Di Paolo, Oct. 6–8; he’s followed by Michael Mack, Oct. 11–15; Dale Jones and Valarie Storm, Oct. 18–22; and the annual Bunch O’Comics event hosted by Tim Wilkins with Carmen Ciricillo, featuring some of their personally chosen comedy friends, Oct. 25–29. 925-3869.

DANCE

Sarasota Ballet of Florida. Artistic director Robert de Warren’s final season commences with performances of Othello, Oct. 20 and 21 and 28 and 29 at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. 351-8000 or (800) 361-8388.

MISCELLANEOUS

Taste of St. Armands. The second annual event on St. Armands Circle, benefiting Take Stock in Children, offers lots of food, music by the Mike Markaverich Trio and more. From 5 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 7. 388-1554.

Oktoberfest Suncoast. Taking place Oct. 6–8 and 13–15 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, this event offers a live band, German music and food, crafts, kids stuff, dachsund races and more. Proceeds support the Great Outdoors Conservancy. 708-3456.

**UPDATED** The Florida Ballet Arts Foundation presents its Great Skate Event on Friday, Oct. 13 at Stardust Skate Center, with proceeds benefiting the Florida Ballet Arts Academy. Tickets are $7 for roller-skates and $10 for inline skates. 355-3422 or www.floridaballet.net

2006 Sarasota International Design Summit. Taking place Oct. 9–11 at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, and the Van Wezel is this first-ever summit exploring design’s transformational impact on people, places and products. Panels, workshops and presentations by a host of designers, writers and businesspeople are planned for the Ringling School of Art and Design-sponsored event. For more info visit www.sarasotadesignsummit.com.

Taste of Sarasota. The Sarasota chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association brings us this event once more, Oct. 26 downtown, where area eateries present samples of their cuisine. 320-3775.

Fern Show and Sale. Satisfy your fever for ferns at Selby Gardens, Oct. 28 and 29. 366-5731.

MUSIC

Florida West Coast Symphony Great Escapes. Traditions offers hits of the American musical theater, from Cohan to Gershwin to Berlin, Oct. 4–7 at Holley Hall. 953-3434.

Boogie on the Bayou. Live Cajun music and Cajun food, too, at 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at Selby Gardens. 366-5731.

Florida West Coast Symphony Symphonic Pops. Radio Days features Five by Design in behind-the-scenes look at a live radio broadcast from the 1940s, complete with Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and I’ll Be Seeing You. At 8 p.m. Oct. 12 at Van Wezel. 953-3434.

Cocktails at Cà d’Zan. The Third Thursday event on the Ringling grounds offers music by Lester Freeman and “D” Band, along with refreshments, from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 19. 359-5700.

Friday Fest on the Bay. Allon Sams & Friends are the featured performers for this month’s bash along the Van Wezel bayfront, from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 20. 953-3368.

Florida West Coast Symphony Salon Evening. Sand and Stars, a concert from the Florida String Quartet & Friends, includes Barber’s Dover Beach. At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at Holley Hall. 953-3434.

New Artists Piano Quartet. A Bohemian Rhapsody performance includes works by Dvorak and Brahms, at 4 p.m. Oct. 22 at Holley Hall. 953-3434.

Artist Series of Sarasota. Korean-born pianist Soojin Ahn performs Oct. 22 and 24 at a private home, TBA. For complete details call 388-1188; for tickets call 360-7399.

Smooth Jazz on St. Armands: Fourth Friday with Style. Extended store hours, food and drink and smooth jazz, from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 27 at St. Armands Circle Park. 388-1554.

Florida West Coast Symphony: First Night Out. Artistic director Leif Bjaland leads the orchestra in symphonic selections from Grieg, Bach, Mussorgsky, Saint-Saëns and Berlioz, at 8 p.m. Oct. 27 at Van Wezel. 953-3434.

Sarasota Blues Festival. The 16^th annual fest is set for Oct. 28 at Ed Smith Stadium, and boasts a lineup including Gregg Allman and Friends, Magic Slim and the Teardrops, Maria Muldaur, Devon Allman’s Honeytribe, The All Stars and Jamie Eubanks. Gates open at 11 a.m. Tickets available through Ticketmaster and at Rossiter’s Harley Davidson and the Five O’Clock Club. Go to www.sarasotabluesfest.com for more details.

SPORTS

Boys & Girls Club Classic. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 6 at The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club for this tourney to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Manatee counties. 366-3911 ext. 121.

Swinging with Friends Venice Golf Tournament. To benefit Senior Friendship Centers; set for Oct. 14 at Million Valley Golf & Country Club. 955-2122.

Greater Sarasota Junior Golf Association Legends Golf Tournament. This event takes place Oct. 20 and 21 at Laurel Oak Country Club; $150 for dinner, dance and golf. 366-0445.

International Game Fish Association Snook Research Roundup Catch and Release Tournament. A pairing of scientists and sportsmen, as all snook caught will be scanned for tags implanted earlier. Open to anglers of all ages, with fishing from Annia Maria to the Venice Inlet Oct. 20 and 21, and an awards ceremony after. (407) 302-5550 or 388-4558.

TALKS

An Evening with Eugenia Zuckerman. Flutist and arts champion Zuckerman opens a new lecture series in the Historic Asolo Theater at the Ringling Museum, at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11. A champagne reception follows. 360-7399.

smARTalk Luncheon. Time, topic and location for this Sarasota County Arts Council event were still TBA at press time, but the date is Oct. 25 and tickets are $30 for members, $35 for guests. 365-5818. 

THEATER

Fame. Some of Sarasota’s younger musical talent gets a chance to shine in this production of the musical about students at a New York performing arts school. Through Oct. 8 at the Players of Sarasota. 365-2494.

The Full Monty. They’re taking it all off in the name of self-esteem over at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre, in this Broadway musical based on the hit film. Through Nov. 12. 366-5454.

The Producers. The Mel Brooks musical smash plays its last two shows at the Van Wezel at 2 and 8 p.m. Oct. 1. 953-3368.

Fire on the Mountain. This musical by Randal Myler and Dan Wheetman tells true stories of the lives of coal miners—the bitter and the sweet. Onstage at Florida Studio Theatre Oct. 1 through Dec. 1. 366-9000.

The Light in the Piazza. The Broadway winner about a childlike young woman traveling in Italy with her mother who finds hope for love arrives at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Oct. 3–8. (800) 955-1045.

Fools. What would you do if you found yourself in a town filled with imbeciles? Hmmm…think about it. This Neil  Simon comedy about a young teacher who ends up in just that position runs Oct. 3–22 at Venice Little Theatre. 488-1115.

Children of Eden. Composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz uses the Book of Genesis as a starting point for this musical dealing with family, onstage in a Sarasota Visual and Performing Arts Center production at Booker High Oct. 4, 5, 6 and 7. 355-2967.

SAW III…blurring the line. The Sarasota Actors Workshop presents its third season of plays, original one-acts by local writers, the weekends of Oct. 6–15 in a new location, the Backlot. For ticket info call 922-5896 or go to www.sarasotatheater.com.

Sweeney Todd. The Demon Barber of Fleet Street returns in this juicy Stephen Sondheim musical, onstage Oct. 12–19 at the Manatee Players Riverfront Theatre. 748-5875.

Quartet. Ronald Harwood’s play about retired opera stars struggling to re-create their magic for a special celebration turns up at the Island Players Oct. 12–22. 778-5755.

The Day I Opened My Eyes. A Planned Parenthood SOURCE Theatre offering, Oct. 20–22 at the Backlot. 365-3913 ext. 101.

Annie. That optimistic little orphan is back to save us all from the Depression, Oct. 24, 25 and 26 at Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Over the Rainbow. The music of Harold Arlen—responsible for such standards as Stormy Weather, I’ve Got the World on a String and, of course, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, takes to the Goldestein Cabaret of Florida Studio Theatre, Oct. 24 through Jan. 6. 366-9000.

Red Hot & Cole. The wit and style of Cole Porter get their due in this musical revue, onstage Oct. 26–Nov. 5 at the Players of Sarasota. 365-2494.

Aunt Rudelle: The Wedding. The latest adventures of actor-writer Nate Jacobs’ feminine incarnation, onstage at the Backlot Thursdays through Sundays, Oct. 26 through Nov. 5. 363-9300.