January Events
On Exhibit
Path of No Resistance
Cindy Perkins paints with passion. Her four-by-four-foot Path draws you deep down the trail through the woods. Although the paint layer is as thick and lush as the landscape, we can navigate it easily. We can project ourselves onto the fictional space she has imagined because Perkins has mastered the formal issues that determine the structure of a great composition. Her keen sense of color and her sensuous strokes of paint help connect our senses with the stimulus of nature.
Perkins, who graduated from Ringling School of Art and Design, has an affinity for the outdoors. (Path was inspired by a familiar place in the woods of North Carolina.) She recently returned from Italy, where the landscape moved her so profoundly that she painted it from sunrise to sunset. Her portraits of pets and urban vistas are as compelling as this brilliant bower. She understands the effect of light on solid forms as well as the places where ambient light mixes with reflected light. We see that here in the way her brushstrokes of blue paint define the light of the sky we might see through the trees. Her marks are bold; however, the effect is soft and subtle. This is no mean feat, and Perkins seems to have achieved it effortlessly.—Mark Ormond
Cindy Perkins’ work can be seen at her studio by appointment and at Euduz Salon on Brother Geenen Way off U.S. 301 downtown.
ART
Longboat Key Center for the Arts. Raw Paint, photographs by Mario Jamora, continues through Jan. 3 in the Glen Gallery, while Give the Gift of Art and All That Glitters continue through Jan. 7 in the Members’ Gallery. Opening Jan. 5 to run through Jan. 28: the Town of Longboat Key Sponsored Exhibit and Two Artists from New York, featuring work by Sharon Tell Wood and Consuelo Holzer. Also this month: Jazz in the Gallery, at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9, and Creationism versus Evolution, paintings and drawings by Fernando Madridejos, opening Jan. 30. 383-2345.
Galleria Silecchia. On view through Jan. 4: The Art of Illumination, new hand-painted chandeliers by Ulla Darni. Opening Jan. 5 to run through Feb. 1: New Works for a New Season, by all gallery artists. 365-7414.
Ringling Museum of Art. Continuing on view here through Jan. 7: Encore! The Art of the Historic Asolo Theater and Master Drawings from the Collection of the Yale University Art Gallery. 359-5700.
Tampa Museum of Art. Two exhibitions, Theo Wujcik: Global Warming and Luis Montoya and Leslie Ortiz: Revisions of Nature, end their runs Jan. 7, to be replaced by Frederic Church, Winslow Homer and Thomas Moran: Tourism and the American Landscape, on view Jan. 6 through April 1. (813) 274-8130.
South Florida Museum. Seven, new works by seven area artists, continues here through Jan. 14. 746-4131.
Venice Art Center. A portrait and figure exhibition opens Jan. 5 and runs through Jan. 22. Also this month: The Embroiderers’ Guild of America’s show, Through the Needle’s Eye, Jan. 26 through Feb. 19. 485-7136.
Salvador Dali Museum. Extended through Jan. 28 is the exhibition Dali by the Decades, a chronological exhibition of oil paintings, drawings, watercolors and objects from the museum’s permanent collection. Also on view: Dali and the Zodiac. (727) 823-3767.
Selby Gallery. Solos: 20th Anniversary Exhibition Part I presents works from some of the top artists of Selby’s past 20 seasons, Jan. 5–31. Opening reception at 5 p.m. Jan. 5. 359-7563.
Palm Avenue Gallery Walk. Stroll the avenue and browse the art from 6 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 5. 955-1315.
Sonnet Gallery. Abstract This, Figure That, presenting post-impressionist figurative work by Adrian Serrano and new abstract pieces by Monica Mary, opens with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 5 and runs through Jan. 31 in the gallery’s new Towles Court location. 955-6443.
Dabbert Gallery. Enchanted Realism: Landscapes, featuring works by painter David Bottini, opens with a reception at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 5 and runs through Jan. 31. 955-1315.
Art Uptown Gallery. A retrospective of the late Elizabeth Geisler’s basketry is on view Jan. 6–20. 955-5409.
State of the Arts Gallery. In Bloom, an exhibition of modern, sophisticated botanica, opens Jan. 7. 955-2787.
Art Center Sarasota. A Save Our Sarasota juried members exhibition runs in the Main Gallery Jan. 9 through Feb. 3, accompanied by a curated exhibition titled Diversity in the Front Gallery for the same dates. 365-2032.
Arts Day. The annual celebration of our area’s visual and performing arts, presented by the Arts Council. It gets underway at 10 a.m. Jan. 14 from the bayfront to Lemon Avenue and from First Street to Ringling Boulevard, continuing through 5 p.m. with a mix of indoor and outdoor stages, lots of interactive and youth activities and, of course, a food pavilion. 365-5118.
Museum of Fine Arts. Natura Morta: Still-Life Painting and the Medici Collections features 43 works from museums of Florence, many never before seen in this country, Jan. 19 through March 18. Also on view at this St. Petersburg museum through Feb. 25: Treasures Brought to Light: Decorative Arts from the Collection and Witness to the Moment: Images by Photojournalists, through Feb. 18. (727) 896-2667.
St. Armands Winter Art Festival. More than 175 craftsmen display their original work, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 27 and 28 on the circle. 388-1554.
CHILDREN
Circus Sarasota. Clown around at this Saturday morning show, at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 20 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. 953-3368.
DANCE
State Ballet Theatre of Russia. In its North American debut, this company of 54 dancers performs Cinderella, accompanied by live orchestra. At 8 p.m. Jan. 3 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.
Los Rumberos. Hot salsa dance at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the South Florida Museum. 746-4131.
Paul Taylor Dance Company. The company’s Arden Court, Banquet of Vultures and Esplanade are on the program when its members guest at 8 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.
Sarasota Ballet of Florida. The company presents Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco and Robert de Warren’s Firebird Jan. 26–28 at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. 351-8000.
FILM
Monday Night Movies at the Ringling. An old tradition of moviegoing on the Asolo/Ringling grounds is revived with this ongoing series of documentaries and art films in the Historic Asolo Theater at 8 p.m. every Monday from Jan. 22 through March 26. 360-7399.
MISCELLANEOUS
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. Meet tigers, bears and other animals in interactive demonstrations with trainers at this wildlife haven, each Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. (gates open at 12:30 p.m.). Call 371-6377 for reservations and directions.
*UPDATED* Big 10 Reunion. Alumni from the 11 Big Ten universities will gather at Michael's on East on Sunday, January 20 at 11:30 a.m. for a fun-filled reunion. For more information, call Mike Brown, 358-6453. Sarasota
Willy Bietak’s Broadway on Ice. Dorothy Hamill and Davis Gaines (Phantom of the Opera) lead the cast of this ice spectacular at 8 p.m. Jan. 13 and 2 and 8 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.
Circus Ring of Fame. New members will be inducted into the ring, with music and more from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Jan. 21 at St. Armands Circle Park. 388-1554.
ASID Showhouse. Some of the area’s top interior designers put their talents to work for the 12th annual showhouse, open for viewing Jan. 21 through Feb. 18 at 2829 S. Osprey Ave. Tickets are $20 at the door. There’s also an opening night party Jan. 20; tickets for that are $95. 926-7794.
Plantation Community Foundation’s Home Tour and Art Show. On view from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 26 and 27 at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice; lunch available. 497-7873.
MUSIC
Salute to Vienna. A New Year’s tradition of sorts at the Van Wezel, as 2007 is welcomed in to the strains of waltzes and operettas (dancers, too) at 8 p.m. Jan. 1. 953-3368.
Perlman Music Program Celebration Concert. The Perlman program winds up its winter residency here with this concert, featuring 35 top students conducted by Maestro Itzhak himself. At 7 p.m. Jan. 2 at Van Wezel, followed by a dinner in the Grand Foyer. 953-3368.
Florida West Coast Symphony Masterworks. Cellist Julie Albers joins the orchestra for a look at the American Landscape, Jan. 5, 6 and 7. Works include Barber’s Overture to the School for Scandal and Copland’s Appalachian Spring. Then trumpeter Stephen Burns and guest conductor Lodovic Morlot offer Burnished Brass, Jan. 26, 27 and 28, highlighting Stravinksy’s Jeu de cartes and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4. 953-3434.
Venice Symphony. The symphony this month offers Music Outside the Box at 4 p.m. Jan. 7 at Jacaranda Trace and pops concerts at 8 p.m. Jan. 18 and 19, and at 4 and 8 p.m. Jan. 20, all at the Church of the Nazarene. 488-1010.
Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Hotter than ever after that Jersey Boys boost on Broadway, Frankie and his team perform hits from decades past at 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.
Florida West Coast Symphony Great Escapes. Conductor Dirk Meyer leads the orchestra in Solid Gold, a salute to the golden oldies, Jan. 10–13 at Holley Hall. 953-3434.
Artist Series of Sarasota. Soprano Jessica Rivera performs Jan. 14 and 16, followed by pianist Jerome Rose Jan. 28 and 30, both at the Historic Asolo Theater. 388-1188 or 360-7399.
Munchtime Musicale. The Lynne Arriale Trio performs at noon Jan. 17 at David Cohen Hall at the Symphony Center; admission is free. 925-7811.
Salon Soirees. Florida West Coast Symphony ensemble musicians spark a French Fantasy, with works by Debussy and Poulenc on the program, Jan. 17 at Holley Hall. 953-3434.
Cocktails at the Cà d’Zan. Enjoy music, refreshments and the setting from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 18. 359-5700.
Michael Feinstein/Robert Klein. The ever popular Feinstein returns to the Van Wezel Hall at 8 p.m. Jan. 18; comedian Klein rounds out the evening. 953-3368.
Johnny Mathis. Speaking of ever popular…Mathis has been a pop music fixture for so long it’s hard to imagine a season without him. He’ll perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.
Jason Vieaux. Guitarist Vieaux, the youngest first prize winner in the history of the Guitar Foundation of America International Competition back in 1992, guests as part of the GuitarSarasota season at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. 362-2991.
Gotta Dance! A Symphonic Night at the Movies from the Florida West Coast Symphony Jan. 20 at the Van Wezel. Concert at 8 p.m. with optional pre-concert dinner fund raiser. 953-3434.
Peter Appleyard Quintet. The quintet is joined by vocalist Carol McCartney in a Jazz Club of Sarasota co-presentation at 2 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.
Bradenton Opera Guild Stars of Tomorrow. The Sarasota Opera’s apprentice artists are the stars from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 21 in the Leatherman Performing Arts Center of Bayshore High. 720-3840.
Joshua Bell/Jeremy Denk. Violin virtuoso Bell, accompanied by pianist Denk, performs at 8 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.
The Diamonds. The group known for the rock hit Little Darlin’ performs Jan. 21 and 22 at Venice Little Theatre. 488-1115.
International Sejong Soloists. A Sarasota Concert Association offering at 8 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Van Wezel. To see if any tickets are available for this subscription series, call 955-0040.
Smooth Jazz on St. Armands: Fourth Friday with Style. Jose Ruiz is the jazz artist this month, playing from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 26 at St. Armands Circle Park. 388-1554.
Madama Butterfly. The Sarasota Opera commences its 48th season with performances of Puccini’s classic, running Jan. 27 through March 4. Victor DeRenzi conducts; Stephanie Sundine directs. For information on the opening night gala, turn to the “Limelight” section. 366-8450.
Hungarian Symphony Orchestra. Music director Andras Ligeti leads the orchestra in works by Rossini, Tchaikovsky and Liszt (Piano Concerto No. 2 in A Major, performed by Paavali Jumppanen). At 8 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.
Neil Sedaka. More than 45 years after Sedaka first burst onto the music scene, he continues to entertain with hits from Breaking Up Is Hard to Do to Laughter in the Rain and more. At 8 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.
TALKS
Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL). The 2006-2007 season begins this month with a plethora of talks on different subjects. There’s Music Mondays (Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29); Contemporary Issues on Tuesdays (Jan. 9, 16, 23 and 30); International Issues I on Wednesdays (Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31); International Issues II on Thursdays (Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25); and Arts and Humanities on Fridays (Jan. 5, 12, 19 and 26). At the Players Theatre, except for Music Mondays (Holley Hall) and Arts and Humanities (Bayfront Community Center). There are also Venice lectures; call 365-6404 or go to www.sillsarasota.org for a complete schedule.
Books & Coffee. The Friends of the Selby Public Library present a review of Jared Diamond’s Collapse, by Dr. Lee Daniel Snyder, at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 9 at the library. 365-5228.
Education Center Lecture Series. The Longboat Key center presents four talks this month: Evolution, Intelligent Design—and the Flying Spaghetti Monster by Hervey Peeples, Jan. 9; Caravaggio, Rome and the Baroque by Warren Roberts, Jan. 16; Charlie Parker, Cherokee and Koko: The Evolution of a Jazz Classic by James S. Patrick, Jan. 23; and Theodore Roosevelt—Man for the American Century, Jan. 30. All at 3 p.m. 383-8811.
Ringling School Library Association Town Hall Series. Longtime news broadcaster Sam Donaldson replaces previously announced Quincy Jones as the first speaker in this season’s series, at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Van Wezel. (Jones will appear in April instead.) Next up, former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani, at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Jan. 23, also at the Van Wezel. 925-1343.
Palm Literary Society. Longtime Metropolitan Opera general manager Joseph Volpe gives us an inside look at The Toughest Show on Earth: My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera to begin the society’s season. At 11:30 a.m. Jan. 30 at Michael’s On East; tickets are $75 and include luncheon and a copy of the book. 329-2604.
THEATER
The Plexiglass Slipper. The new, musical version of the Cinderella story, running through Jan. 4 at the Asolo Repertory Theatre. 351-8000.
Over the Rainbow. This musical tribute to composer Harold Arlen ends its run at Florida Studio Theatre’s Goldstein Cabaret Jan. 6. 366-9000.
Golda’s Balcony. Kate Alexander portrays former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir in this one-woman show, continuing through Feb. 3 on Florida Studio Theatre’s mainstage. 366-9000.
Amadeus. Peter Shaffer’s comedy-drama invention focuses on genius Mozart, envious Salieri and the world of 18th-century Vienna, continuing through March 7 at Asolo Rep. 351-8000.
Men of Tortuga. Jason Wells’ new play about a mysterious conspiracy involving business and weapons continues through March 8 at Asolo Rep. 351-8000.
This Is Our Youth. Kenneth Lonergan’s play focuses on three affluent teens dealing with drugs, parents and their own troubled relationships in the 1980s, onstage Jan. 3–21 in an FSU/Asolo Conservatory production at the Cook Theatre. 351-8000.
Bingo. A musical comedy look at some fanatics of the game, running Jan. 3 through Feb. 25 at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre. 366-5454.
Nobody Don’t Like Yogi. Asolo vet David S. Howard stars at baseball’s one-and-only Yogi Berra in this one-man show, onstage Jan. 5–27 at the Historic Asolo Theater in an Asolo Rep production. 351-8000.
Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida. An award-winning pop take on Verdi’s story of a lovers’ triangle in the ancient world, onstage at 8 p.m. Jan. 8 and 2 and 8 p.m. Jan. 9 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.
The British Invasion. Lots of musical memories in this look back to a time when we all wanted Beatles haircuts, Jan. 9 through March 24 at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret. 366-9000.
Miss Saigon. If you’ve been waiting to see how the Players of Sarasota will handle that helicopter scene, now’s your chance to find out. The show runs Jan. 11–21. 365-2494.
Thoroughly Modern Millie. A romp through the 1920s featuring music, mayhem and white slavers, onstage Jan. 11–28 at the Manatee Players Riverfront Theatre. 748-5875.
One on One. Actor-playwright Robert Mansell portrays a number of personalities in this one-man show, running at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre on Mondays from Jan. 15 through March 26 (no show Feb. 5). 366-5454.
Bedroom Farce. Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy centers on a disastrous dinner party and the couples whose lives meet up there, Jan. 16–Feb. 4 at Venice Little Theatre. 488-1115.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The rock musical about long-suffering Joseph, onstage at 2 and 8 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.
Smell of the Kill. This comedy by Michelle Lowe looks at three wives and their less than perfect marriages Jan. 18 through Feb. 4 at the Island Players. 778-5755.
Into the Woods. Stephen Sondheim’s sometimes dark look at fairy tales and their aftermath, onstage Jan. 18–Feb. 11 at Venice Little Theatre’s Stage II. 488-1115.
Expecting Isabel. A new play by Lisa Loomer about the baby chase for one couple desperately trying to conceive, onstage Jan. 19 through April 25 at Asolo Rep. 351-8000.
Spamalot. The Monty Python musical about King Arthur’s quest for the holy grail arrives in Southwest Florida at last, running Jan. 23 through Feb. 4 at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. (800) 955-1045.
The Lieutenant of Inishmore. This bloody, outrageously funny Michael McDonagh piece about some splinter IRA members and their disputes runs Jan. 24 through Feb. 16 in a Florida Studio Theatre Stage III production at the Gompertz Theatre. Not for the faint of heart. 366-9000.
I Can’t Stop Loving You. A hit in London’s West End, this show pays tribute to the late, great Ray Charles with many of his signature songs at 8 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.
Drum! A mix of music, dance, rhythm and spectacle mined from the four founding cultures of Nova Scotia. At 8 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.