Music and nature mingle at Music in the Gardens

By Ian Swaby
| 9:15 p.m. June 4, 2023

Mary Jo Zaksas, Joe Zaksas, Christy May, Glenn Carraher, Cate Stanczyk, and Joe Stanczyk.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Although community members gathered in the city on Sunday evening, the event took place amid tropical plants and a small waterfall.

It was the summer session of Music in the Gardens by Sarasota Garden Club.

“It’s gorgeous, it’s wonderful,” said visitor Mary Strain. “It’s a little piece of paradise, out amidst the high-rises.”

The evening featuring live music by The JAM along with Champagne, wine and hors d’oeuvres provided by the club.

Club President Kelly Goodwin said the summer version of the event, which is also held in September, offers a chance to get the local community out to the venue.

Although the event has been held annually in the past, this was the second occasion since the COVID-19 pandemic, said Goodwin. Vice President CJ Danna said the turnout was higher than expected.

Guests had the chance to explore the Sarasota Garden Club venue, an area over an acre in size maintained entirely by garden club volunteers.

“It’s gorgeous; it’s wonderful,” said visitor Heather George, calling the location one of her favorite spots. “The band was fantastic, with songs from every era.”

President Kelly Goodwin pours a drink for Sarah Munford.

Mark Greenberg, Lei Stanhoe, and Bill Hint of The JAM perform for the guests.

Mary Strain and Jo Brown relax in the garden.

Vice President CJ Danna and Historian Olivia Haynes stand beside the building's three plaques, which indicate a national certifiation as a wildlife habitat and historical designations at the city and national level.

Drummer Derek Johnson plays at the event.

Lori Sikora and Heather George grab a few bites to eat.

Karen Fleming and Pat Rowe are assisted by Anne Stegall.

Guests gather at the tables at Sarasota Garden Club.

Vice President CJ Danna and President Kelly Goodwin

Lei Stanhoe of The JAM offers a free-roaming performance in front of Vice President CJ Danna and President Kelly Goodwin.

Judith Linwood and Karl Fraedrich peruse the garden.

Numerous food offerings were provided at the event.

Christina Angus and Wendy Majo explore the plants.

Guests also took time to explore the gardens within the venue.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.