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Arts + Entertainment

"We're just taking it a day at a time on the road," says Julie Hocker, pictured here helping her son, Sheffield, slip in to costume backstage at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
    By
  • Heidi Kurpiela
  • February 16, 2011
Tea party

Seven-year-old Sheffield Hocker has spent the past four months on the road playing Chip in the touring production of "Beauty and the Beast."

  • Arts + Culture
"The chorus' main goal is to entertain the audience," Chris Owens says. "My goal is to make sure people get that goose bump-y feeling on their arms."
    By
  • Heidi Kurpiela
  • February 16, 2011
Chorus line

Eight months into his new gig as director of Chorus of the Keys, Chris Owens says that even when he's conducting, he's singing in his head.

  • Arts + Culture
Artists Lois Mills, Betsy Meyer, Kathie Hayes, Marge Schemanski and Karen Johnson
    By
  • Heidi Kurpiela
  • February 16, 2011
Crafty ladies spill tricks of the trade

Five female artists from last week's 'Fabulous Arts Boutique' at Art Center Sarasota explain why they love working with their hands.

  • Arts + Culture
Guest Food Editor Megan Greenberg
    By
  • Molly Schechter
  • February 16, 2011
Guest Food Editor: Megan Greenberg

Megan Greenberg, who offers personal chef services under the name "Megan Cooks for You," prepares flounder en papillote.

  • Arts + Culture
Tommy Lee Jones and Ben Affleck in "The Company Men."
    By
  • Pam Nadon
  • February 16, 2011
Film Review: 'The Company Men'

In the new film, "The Company Men," Ben Affleck proves that he can be as brilliant in front of the camera as he is behind it.

  • Arts + Culture
Christina Pier and Lee Poulis in Sarasota Opera's "Don Giovanni."
    By
  • June LeBell
  • February 16, 2011
Music Review - Sarasota Opera: 'Don Giovanni'

The Sarasota Opera's Saturday evening production of "Don Giovanni" was an evening of truly satisfying music-making and theater.

  • Arts + Culture
"He has embraced music in this community with great gusto," says board vice chair Anne Folsom Smith of maestro Leif Bjaland.
    By
  • Heidi Kurpiela
  • February 14, 2011
Orchestra director announces departure

After 14 years with the Sarasota Orchestra, maestro Leif Bjaland announced today that next season will be his last.

  • Arts + Culture
Beverly Bartner and Co-Chair Helen Sosso
    By
  • Molly Schechter
  • February 9, 2011
Black Tie & Tales

Where do great fundraiser ideas come from?; Tidbits; and Black Tie Affair.

  • Arts + Culture
Gale and Murphy
    By
  • Heidi Kurpiela
  • February 9, 2011
Scene & Heard

Rosemary boutique comes out of 'The Closet'; Arts Council forms a new 'Alliance'

  • Arts + Culture
April Soroko
    By
  • Heidi Kurpiela
  • February 9, 2011
April Soroko on the set of "Race" (VIDEO)

Set designer April Soroko discusses her latest project at Florida Studio Theatre - creating the law office for the set of David Mamet's "Race."

  • Arts + Culture
"I'm completely devoted to it," Caiti Ward says of Irish dancing. "I'd never give it up for any other dance."
    By
  • Heidi Kurpiela
  • February 9, 2011
Irish spring

The effervescent Caiti Ward has spent most of her life in Irish dance dresses, curly wigs and tights. The lead bad-girl of 'Rhythm in the Night' proves she's anything but unruly.

  • Arts + Culture
"I like variety," April Soroko says. "I get bored really easily if I stick to a steady diet of one genre." Soroko also designed the set and costumes for FST's "The 39 Steps" and "Beehive, The '60s Musical."
    By
  • Heidi Kurpiela
  • February 9, 2011
Scenic drive

The multi-tasking April Soroko explains how she pulled double duty for FST's gritty legal drama, 'Race.'

  • Arts + Culture
"People don't often get the chance to hear a classical baritone sax," William Barbanera says of his favorite worn-in woodwind.
    By
  • Heidi Kurpiela
  • February 9, 2011
Concert band sets the stage for romance

The Sarasota Concert Band celebrates Valentine's Day the only way it knows how: by providing mood music for lovers.

  • Arts + Culture
Blanch: Orange peel ready to blanch
    By
  • Molly Schechter
  • February 9, 2011
Handy, dandy citrus candy

Food editor Molly Schechter shares her family recipe for candied citrus peel.

  • Arts + Culture
Octavio Martin performs in "The Rake's Progress."
    By
  • Anna Dearing
  • February 9, 2011
Dance Review: 'Les Rendezvous,' 'The Rake's Progress' and 'The Grand Tour'

The Sarasota Ballet's most recent performance was 'A Right Royal Affair.'

  • Arts + Culture
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