Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in SRQ Scoop.
Savannah Brady & Her All Star Band
Laurie and I had the pleasure of attending the 3rd Annual “Food and Wine on Pine,” on Anna Maria Island on Saturday. It was the first time we ever attended this great event. Fabulous food, lot’s of street vendors, awesome beverages and great music. It was an all day event. The main reason for going is that I heard that Savannah Brady and the Jimi Gee “All Stars” were going to be playing.
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Dining.
Patrick’s 1481
1481 Main Street, Sarasota, FL, 941-955-1481
One of my FAVORITE things to do is have lunch in downtown Sarasota!
I had taken a stroll down Sarasota’s Main Street on a Monday evening a while back and noticed that Patrick’s 1481 was BUSTLING!! Taking this as a good sign, (busy on a MONDAY) I set my sights on Patrick’s 1481. I feel compelled to tell you, that I had HUGE expectations! I had been an avid FAN of the original Patrick’s, (located where Florribean now stands) so I wondered if the NEW Patrick’s would live up to its previous glory!
IMMEDIATELY upon entering Patrick’s, my lunch companion and I were greeted and promptly escorted to our preferred location. Having just settled in comfortably and
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Businesses.
In a time when stores are closing down, and store-keepers are moving out of their strip malls by the tens, it’s nice that Cortez Plaza seems to have new businesses sprouting up, and some that have weathered the recession. One such store (it’s in between Pet Smart and Burlington Coat Factory) is Computer Renaissance, at 4405 14th St. West. I went in to see Mike De Giovanni, the manager and main-stay at the store, and decided to find out more.
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Businesses.
The International Barter Exchange and Ron Unger…Two Names You Should Remember!
A Laurie Story!
I was thrilled to be able to get Ron Unger to spend a few minutes with me explaining the realm and concept of his business, IBE, the International Barter Exchange. At one time there were 16 different barter companies in the area, but now there are just a few. I asked Ron why, and he proceeded to tell me the scope and the possibilities that barter makes accessible to businesses, their customers, their families and how they fuel the economy.
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Businesses.
As boaters love their boats, as do pilots love their planes, and drivers love their cars. When they need work done on their prized possessions, whether it be re-upholstering, redesigning or just fixing a small area, those in the know take their crafts to AeroNaut Upholstery Solutions. AeroNaut has a proven track record in the local upholstery business, and word-of-mouth has spread that great reputation all through Manatee and Sarasota Counties and into other areas of Florida.
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Music.
While hanging at the Jam each week at the Flying Dog Café, Sande Caplin and I did a number of interviews with various musicians and interesting characters that were regulars at the Dog. One of my distinct favorites was my interview with Rebecca Bird, a.k.a The Songbird. So as we were setting up the camera and the lights, I began to get to know Rebecca and I was taken with her soft personality, her Marilyn Monroe-type sex appeal and with her love of her Dad, whom she spoke about so passionately. When people like Rebecca are up onstage you don’t really wonder about their backgrounds because you’re so caught up in the performance, but she did let go of some intimate details of her life.
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Businesses.
IBE- International Barter Exchange
by Sande Caplin
If you’re a business on Florida’s “Suncoast,” you need to know more about “IBE.” Barter saves cash, increases profits, and decreases the cost of doing business. There are over 800 businesses in our area that use barter and the International Barter Exchange.
What are the goals of every business? Increase your sales by driving more customers to your business. Another important factor is to decrease the costs involved in doing business. By doing both, your business will be much more profitable.
What is the easiest way to increase revenue and decrease costs? Start bartering through the International Barter Exchange, the goods and services you currently have. By bartering, you can buy the goods and services you need WITHOUT SPENDING CASH. That’s right, without spending cash.
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Charities.
Ladies Sing the Blues at Primo Ristorante!
Magical, exhilarating, humbling…..these are just a few of the words that come to my mind after attending “Ladies Sing the Blues” last night at Primo Ristorante. The singers and performers were a “who’s who” of lady blues singers in our area. Karen Greenley, Lani “C,” Savannah Brady (14 & the newest lady!), Meredith Garofalo, Gwen Fogt, Christine Berstling, Rebecca Bird, Karyn Denham, Lauren Mitchell, Carolyn Davis, Melanie Massell, Kara Nally, Syl Vee, Sudie Brattli, K Sue, Professor Michael Hensley & Musical Director, Steve Arvey put on a show that won’t be forgotten!
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Music.
I had a chance to sit down and have dinner with Savannah Brady and her mom and dad, Jodie and Tom. They are kind and gracious people, and you’ll never meet nicer, down-to-earth folks.
I first heard Savannah sing, play the violin and guitar, a couple of months ago at the Flying Dog Cafe. I immediately knew that this very talented 14 year old young lady was “going places!” She was absolutely awesome. She came to a couple of “open jams” at the Dog and received a standing ovation. That is when I got the idea to have Savannah join “Ladies Sing the Blues.”
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Music.
Stephanie Price…She’s Been Singing Since Her High Chair Days
by Laurie Mirkin
Stephanie Price………She was one of these kids that is just born to sing, and that’s what she did. Born on the day that “Elvis” died, she said jokingly, “our souls crossed paths and I got some of his musical soul.” She remembers her solo in her third grade talent show. She probably remembers every event she ever sang at because at the root of her being she loved to make a joyful noise. And we’re the lucky ones because we get to see the beautiful face, the six foot girl with heels, and the most amazing voice that emanates from her heart, starts at her toes and works its way out of her mouth. The first time I heard her sing I was blown away.
Actually, she was singing with sTonefish at the Flying Dog Café. The band was playing an old Traffic song that I had always loved and hadn’t heard in decades. I was love struck. In fact, I don’t think I ever heard Stephanie sing a song I didn’t love. Steph’s been with sTonefish for 4 years now.
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Blog.
updated 8/23/2013
I wasn’t at all prepared to meet Tia Castle and experience her as being humble, beautiful, intelligent and sensitive to the unfortunate people around the world who are homeless, but most of all, the horror of women and children being utilized for human trafficking. I was so taken by her sincerity. She is a physically beautiful and intelligent woman with so much good experience and I know Sarasota should keep their eyes on this rising star because Tia is going places.
Tia’s home town is Sarasota, so coming here to be the Associate Director of Marketing of the Sarasota Film Festival is both meaningful and a challenge. It’s not an acting or singing role, but read on and you’ll see how multi-faceted Tia is. Her Mother is here in Sarasota, and it was so tender to hear Tia say, “I love my mother so much, she’s my best friend.” While growing up in Sarasota, Tia attended Sarasota Visual and Performing Arts High School, and also graduated Cum Laude from American University in Washington D.C. with a BA in Communications.