Written by Vicky Sullivan on . Posted in Music.
Five-time Grammy winner Michael McDonald brought his Season of Peace Holiday & Hits tour to the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater this Thanksgiving weekend. The first of only two stops in Florida, the tour is early in its season. One of the most talented artists of our time, McDonald started his career in the early 70’s with Steely Dan and became a voice of the Doobie Brothers until 1982.
Written by Vicky Sullivan on . Posted in Music.
When I was a kid growing up in Michigan City, Indiana, it was a big thing that the Jackson family was from Gary, a mere 30 miles away. Michael and I were the same age. If you are a baby boomer, you probably grew up along with the Jackson 5, later The Jacksons, solo Michael Jackson and his baby sister Janet. Young Janet was an actress first, I remember watching her as Penny on “Good Times”. She also had roles on “Fame” and “Different Strokes”. In 1986, when MTV was at its prime, Janet’s breakout album “Control” had five hit singles in heavy rotation with a grown up Janet dancing across our TV screens. Next came “Rhythm Nation” and between Janet and Michael they dominated music television and radio stations around the world. They were and are today that iconic musical family dynasty and when she walked out on the stage on Tuesday night in Tampa, there was no doubt that she is still Queen.
Written by Vicky Sullivan on . Posted in Music.
The rain kept coming and the doors opened late for the last show of the Adventures of Kesha & Macklemore tour! That didn’t stop the over 12,000 that came to see one of the most interesting musical tours of the summer! A great combo, Kesha and Macklemore complimented each other very well. Both clearly cut from the same musical cloth, they both bring individuality and unique styles. That was the theme of the night with a widely varied audience from parents and teens to the LGBTQ community. Macklemore reminded everyone that it didn’t matter about your politics, race, sexual orientation, or citizenship – it was about everybody coming together in love and music.
Written by Vicky Sullivan on . Posted in Music.
On a humid Wednesday night, Dave Matthews brought his gang of musicians to Tampa to a very grateful audience of fans. Tampa has always been a stop for Matthews since his first gig here in 1994 at The Ritz in Ybor City. A lot has change for Matthews since the 90’s. His albums have made Billboard’s Top 100 on every outing, usually landing at the #1 spot. This writer last saw DMB in 1998 at a venue called “The Ice Palace”, in downtown Tampa, today known as “Amalie Arena”. One thing that was clearly the same as 20 years ago was the musicianship of Dave and his band. That 98’ show was one of the best shows musically I have ever seen before or since.
Written by Laura Bell Adams on . Posted in Dining.
When is the last time you have been to McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre? If you are looking for something different to do, then try it. McCurdy’s is located downtown at 1923 Ringling Blvd in Sarasota.
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Great Reading.
The production of Tennessee Williams’ one-act drama garners six awards…….This past weekend, eight representative from Venice Theatre attended the Florida Theatre Conference’s Community Theatre Festival in Winter Haven, FL.
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Great Reading.
Located in the heart of Sarasota is a theatre that, in season, sells out at a 94% rate. Most nights, it is a line-at-the-door procession of people coming to see what will be a captivating lineup of stellar shows under one roof. It could easily be assumed that possibly Hollywood 20, with its economical pricing of $6 a seat every day, might be the busiest venue in town, or, perhaps the upscale CineBistro, where comfort and pricey eats and drinks add to the experience of an already exciting blockbuster movie.
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in SRQ Scoop.
It was a sold-out show on Wednesday night in Clearwater for Grammy winning musician Rick Springfield. Music, movies, soaps, Springfield has been in showbiz for over 50 years! At 67, he is rockin’ and movin’ like a 40 something! He and his band put on a high-energy show with great lighting and graphics! Springfield and his band had just spent two days off at Universal Studios “riding like 20 rides and feeling a little sore” but he said, “It was a great time”!
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Events.
On the main stage in Sarasota’s rich arts and culture scene is Florida Studio Theatre. Graced with a beautiful location on Palm Avenue, this venue has become well respected for its widely anticipated and highly acclaimed productions. Theater buffs of all ages are entertained and educated in this historic and inspiring setting. Florida Studio Theatre […]
Written by Ray Collins on . Posted in Great Reading.
Audrey Landers became a household name in the 1980s for her role as co-star of the hit show Dallas. She often appeared in other productions with her sister, Judy, and they were managed by their late mother, Ruth. Audrey, now in her late 60s, also had a hugely successful singing career overseas. She and her […]
Written by Sande Caplin on . Posted in Music.
Sarasota has quietly become one of Florida’s best places to enjoy live music. From downtown nightclubs and beach bars to breweries and waterfront restaurants, talented local and touring musicians perform throughout the area nearly every night of the week. Here is a guide to 25 popular venues where you can regularly hear live music in […]