Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Blog.
Peter Gatti is seeing his life come full circle. Whereas some people spend their lives working on auto-pilot, not feeling any passion for their careers, he is rocking the socks off of fans everywhere who are catching on to the Decades Rewind craze. And as if traveling the country with 25 bandmates and crew, hitting convention centers near and far wasn’t enough, he has found a way to give back in a very special and personal way.
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Blog.
Giving Hunger The Blues is 20 years old! Starting out at the 5 O’Clock Club in 1996 to moving out onto Hillview Street over the years. Headliners such as AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, Rick Derringer and Allman Brother guitarist Dan Toler among others have all played GHTB. One of the highlight’s of the festival is Fogt’s Music All-Stars, a potpourri of the area’s top notch musicians who kicked off this year’s fest!
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Music.
A recent trip to The Cultural Center of Charlotte County to see Decades Rewind proved to be one of the most magical evenings on record. Sure, I had a sweet 11-year-old with me who happens to love music from the ‘60’s, ‘70’s, and ‘80’s, but that was just the icing on the cake. The show captivated and delighted attendees as was evidenced by their smiling faces, dancing feet, occasional nostalgic tears, and kindred rockers whose arms often swayed in unison.
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Music.
What is “your” song? You know the one where, as you’re switching through the radio dial trying to find something you like, you come across one of your favorite tunes. Instantly, you’re transported back to your senior year in high school where that particular song serenaded you through summer, marking the moments like time bombs and you had no idea of their importance. Or maybe it’s the time you spent witnessing the Beatles revolution and even you blurred the lines between fan and groupie status, and “Hey Jude” will always make you cry.
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Blog.
The helpers are those who quietly do the legwork to bring about great rewards, usually to assist someone or some entity for which they ask nothing in return. Generally, they aren’t the loudest people in the room and will keep busy at parties doing what they do best, which is helping. Such is the case with Gail Grimm Gerdes, a prominent photographer in and around Sarasota who is in many ways a living example of how to achieve balance and harmony without forsaking excellence in your everyday life.
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Events.
With temperatures rising and a fabulous holiday in your rear view mirror, it’s time to think of ways to beat the heat. The intensity of the summer sun can send even the most heartened Florida native inside to cool off, but there’s no need to become a couch ornament this summer. First things first: Set aside some time to shine the mirrors, check the oil, and top off the gas, because you’re going to want to ride in comfort as you explore some of the architectural wonders found in the area, all from behind the wheel of your vehicle.
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Blog.
As we head into the 4th of July weekend, thoughts of barbeques, beach gatherings, and lightning-fast boats are on the minds of locals who are also celebrating the cherished freedoms that being an American affords. Raising a toast to “Old Glory” is a must as we watch with patriotic pride as her stars and stripes gently sway in the wind, reminding us that this flag is a symbol of hope to so many. Our founding fathers fought so that we may enjoy the liberties that our country provides. In an age where the threat of terrorism, oppressed people and political divisiveness seem to be the norm, let’s give thanks and feel pride for the land of the free and the home of the brave and look to a bright and hopeful future.
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Blog.
I just heard this amazing story by Benjamin Holmes on NPR’s Snap Judgement. To escape gang violence and a false, trumped up charge, he actually faked his own death and lived on the run for ten years, using his brother’s name until his wife unsuccessfully shot him for money. In the hospital he used his own name for the first time in a decade. Tired of running, he turned himself in to the FBI with a New York Times reporter and is now free and happy while his story helped the Feds in their efforts to clean up his city. His quote, “Her shooting me is actually what freed me”, struck a chord with me and I had to ask the question of you dear reader; What terrible event or even multiple events have shifted your perspective and have actually been a gift? One that comes to mind for me was my DUI.
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Events.
February is a magical time in Florida! There’s something gratifying about going out shorts, t-shirts, and flip flops to do what we need to on the weekends, when our northern friends are having to don protective winter gear just to check the mail.
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Businesses.
Sarasota has been receiving a lot of noteworthy praise, and ranking high on a number of topics from hospitals to residents’ satisfaction. Earlier this year, the Bradenton-Sarasota-North Port metropolitan area received the No.1 Well-Being Index score among the most populous communities in the U.S., according to the Gallup-Heathways Well-Being Index. Criteria measured residents’ easy access […]
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Blog.
The 69th Annual Tony Awards are coming on June 7th to honor the great work done on Broadway. I am a frequent NYC visitor and can’t wait to see a show. This year I was lucky enough to experience seeing Bradley Cooper as “The Elephant Man”, Alan Alda and Candice Bergen read “Love Letters” and […]