http://ecovogue365.com/, my new website is up thanks to my obsessive sewingness and Jerah and Krimo, of Vanilla & Caramel Design, who have been working long and hard to work out all the bugs. I hope people read the content on the site to educate themselves on how a little choice of a garment can make a difference for the planet’s, people’s and community’s health and welfare. Handcrafted rules!!!!!!!  Every week I will be sewing  a new garment for my BoBo Collection.  Check out this weeks at  http://ecovogue365.com/bobo.html. 

THURSDAY, FEB 4

FLORIDA STATE FAIR opens today thru Feb 15 at the Florida State Fair Grounds, 4800 US 301 N in Tampa. www.floridastatefair.com

LIPPIZZAN STALLIONS winter training sessions and shows every Thursday and Saturday at 10 am thru the end of April at 32755 Singletary Road, Myakka City. www.hlipizzans.com  free to public but donations accepted

LONGJEVITY CAFE Come hear Kitt Moran and a Jazz Trio of talented musicians.  She has sung with some of the great singers including Vic Damone and Tony Bennett. She sings every Thursday at 7:30 pm. no cover

YAPPY HOUR AT THE RANCH is a fund raiser for Nate’s Place Pet Adoption Facility at the Woof Gang Bakery, 8314 Market St., Lakewood Ranch. Wine Tasting and Appetizers. $5. Looking for a companion animal take a peek at this center which adopts out shelter animals

FRIDAY, FEB 5

MUSIC ON MAIN at Lakewood Ranch Main Street from 6-9 pm. Mitch Clark Band plays along with beer, wine and food. Leashed pets welcome. www.mainstreetlakewoodranch.com.

ALLYN GALLUP CONTEMPORARY ART, February Artists Salon Series called “Urban Tropical” presents  Photography By Thomas Carabasi/Collages By Gustavo Ramos Rivera from Feb 3rd-Feb 27th. They both use collages in different mediums.  Opening Reception from 6-9 pm. 1419 5th St. in the Rosemary District.   The Gallery is open 10 PM-5 PM  Tuesday through Saturday.

FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK DOWNTOWN  from 6-9pm. Owner Kevin Greeland invites you to a wine and cheese reception at the Parkland Boutique & Gallery, 506 Pineapple Ave, offering fine art, contemporary crafts and unique gifts. Currently showing new sculpture by talented artists David “Scarbie” Mitchell and Barbara L. Harrison. New paintings by Pamela Ross and new mixed media work by B. Miller.  New jewelry by designers and artists Ruth Mazin and Susan Bilenker. Take a stroll downtown check it out.

SATURDAY, FEB 6

16TH ANNUAL SIESTA CRAFT FAIR Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm along Ocean Blvd and Beach Road on the key.

BURNS SQUARE CHILI COOK OFF in the courtyard of Galileo Ristorante from 12-3 pm $5 admission includes one raffle ticket, live DJ and chili. www.burnssquare.com

12TH ANNUAL PHILLIPPI ESTATE PARK ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Artists and Crafters from 12 states. free admission.

MELANIE MASSELL AND HOT ITEM play every Saturday at the Ritz Carlton Hotel from 9:30 to 1 am at the Ca d’ Zan Lounge located in the hotel.

SUNDAY, FEB 7

SUPER BOWL PARTIES:

Lido Key Tiki Bar with a live band, food and drink specials at 1234 Benjamin Franklin Drive beginning at 4 pm.  Mattison’s City Grill downtown begins at 6 pm with food and drink specials with big screen TVs

Village Pizzeria is having one last Super Bowl party as they are closing.1812 South Osprey Avenue. Siesta Key Lei will be loosing a place to play on Wednesday nights but gaining so many friends. 

FUTURE EVENTS

SARASOTA PETS CHOICE AWARD CEREMONY on February 18, at 7:30pm at Animals by Nature, 1215 Mango St. Everyone is welcome to attend, reservations are recommended. To reserve your admission ticket, call Animals by Nature at 941-953-2983.

LONGBOAT KEY EDUCATION CENTER presents a 2 hour play class featuring Nia instructors, Michele and Alicia at 1 pm on Feb 13. $40 members, $45 non members. 941-383-8811 or 941-312-5215 The class includes the following: A short introduction to the Focus, A tastes sensation with Food, A Nia routine called Sexi, Words written in the learning, Short discussion of new Ideas.

RITZ CARLTON HOTEL on March 8 presents The Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Luncheon to benefit the F.A.I.T.H. (Families in Transitional Housing) program – a comprehensive program where homeless families can rebuild their lives from 11:30 to 1 pm. For more info go to www.wqmagonline.com

WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT

www.nancymillerphotography.com Contemporary Photography~ Nancy Miller is a photographer who has lived in Sarasota for over 14 years. She has an eye for composition and beauty.

www.wherewillwegotonight.com  is an easy to navigate site that lets you know in a click what is happening that night musically by venue or by band

http://vanillaandcaramel.com/ Jerah and Krimo’s new one stop shop web design site for the small business.

 

ILLUMINATING QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Hebrews 11:1

It has been a year now since I posted my first rave on my weblog “by russet” and before that I was sending out my rave via my own party list that I have been accumulating since Feb 04 when I gave my first party. I want to take this opportunity to thank all my friends, party list and subscribers to the weblog for their support who have followed me all these years. It has been an awesome experience living here and meeting some of the most amazing people on the planet. I hope you will continue to follow my new website where my rave will reside along with all the zany, trippy ideas we have come up  with to entertain and educate as well as offer handcrafted clothing and organic T shirts with a marketing twist that as far as I know has not been done on the web.

Now my two partners, Jerah and Krimo, and a few other talented artists have collaborated with me on the new website which will launch on Feb 1 and everyone will be sent an email on that Monday to check it out.   Clothes made in a little room in my home in Sarasota now will be available worldwide courtesy of the net (the world is truly flat). And my vision is to include different parts of the community as a backdrop on my photo shoots each month so we can showcase the energy, uniqueness, and talent of this place.

THURSDAY, JAN 28

Glass Onion plays at the Irish Rover in Gulf Gate at 7 pm. Non smoking club.

FRIDAY, JAN 29

Burns Court Cinema “Silhouette of Sounds” a special night of music and film at 10 pm. Three area bands, Villanova Junction, Sons of Hippies, and Strangers Family Band will perform live music to scenes in the movie Clockwork Orange. $6 cover. Come explore how film relates to music up close and personal. 955-3456 or www.filmsociety.org

Pastry Arts Cafe, Jon B. performs favorites of James Taylor, Van Morrison and Paul Simon. 1512 Main. No cover. 955-7545

Sarasota Native North American Indian Festival at the Sarasota Fairgrounds Friday thru Sunday. Focus will be on American Indian life featuring paintings, pottery, jewelry, arts and crafts, traditional Seminole and Navajo food and music by Little Big Mountain and Jim Sawgrass. $6 cover-ages 6-12 $3

Cork Upstairs Lounge 6-7:30PM “Cork’s A Time to Taste” $15 Wine Tasting , “Old versus New: You Be the Judge!” Your monthly opportunity to taste eight wines hand-picked by Cork’s wine specialist for their quality at an affordable price!  Attendees enjoy 20% OFF in the retail section and restaurant post-tasting, with only $5 CORKAGE on featured wines. They have a great band, Sampa, on the weekends that is very cooool.

Forks and Corks Food and Wine Festival 2010 from Friday, Jan 29 to Monday, Feb 1. for details go to www.freshoriginals.com/forksandcorks

New York, New York presents Roy Orbison and Elvis live from 9-11 pm

SATURDAY, JAN 30

Woody’s River Roo in Ellenton, Rocky Bluff – 5717 18th Street East features Melanie Massell and Hot Item from 2-6pm. This is a very cool little local spot on the water that is mostly outdoors and always has great music on weekends. www.woodysriverroo.com It is located across from the Ellenton Mall on the inlet. You can see it from the bridge as you are traveling north

Women As Visionary Awards Event 8am – 5pm; Elaine Silver is an honoree, along with 12 other outrageous women. She would love you all to attend this awesome event. She will also be  performing some of her heart and soul music. $99 includes fabulous workshops, all materials, breakfast and a gourmet lunch www.womenTCB.com 727/254-0342 Lore@LoreRaymond.com.

Selby Gardens is opening its doors to the public at no charge from 10 am to 5 pm

Third annual High School Jazz Festival showcasing 10 area high school bands from 9am to 5pm at the Sarasota High School Auditorium. Some the best young jazz musicians will perform. Professional  jazz musicians will provide comments and suggestions. $5 www.jazzclubsarasota.com

7th Annual St. Armands Winter Art Festival Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5:30 pm.

Winter Music Fest from noon to 6 pm Lake Osprey Plaza, Lake Osprey Drive, Lakewood Ranch. free. www.lakeospreyplaza.com

Sarasota Open Ballroom Dance Competition Sat and Sun at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. $30-150. www.sarasotaopen.us.com

Watoto Childrens Choir from Uganda sings at Church of the Rock, 8200 Bee Ridge Rd at 7 pm. admission free. www.HeartsAfire.us

SUNDAY, JAN 31

History Day in the Park at Phillippi Estate Park from 10 am to 4 pm. $5 per car load. bring lawn chairs.

Forks and Corks Food and Wine Festival Grand Tasting. Details at www.freshoriginals.com/forksandcorks

WEDNESDAY, FEB 3

Allyn Gallup Gallery presents Thomas Carabasi’s “Urban/Tropical” and runs from February 3 – 27th at the Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art, 1419-B 5th Street from 6-9 PM. It will feature detailed landscapes from Bali and collaged urban street scenes from Europe and the United States.  www.thomascarabasi.com or the gallery at (941) 366-2093 www.allyngallup.com.  Thomas Carabasi’s photography has won him grants from the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts and The Australian Council of the Arts and his work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally including shows in Australia, Germany and Italy. His work has been published in Popular Photography, ZOOM magazine, Mirabella, View Camera, The London Independent and Nerve Magazine. His work was also featured in the book entitled “The New Nude” published by Nerve in 2001. In 1994 he was a featured artist in the Florida Artists show at the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. Carabasi has work in the collections of the Ringling Museum of Art, The Center for Creative Photography in Tucson, Arizona, The Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Museo Ken Damy in Brescia, Italy. Carabasi has also published a monograph of his work entitled “Traces”, photographs and poetry 1979-1989. He is currently the department head of photography and digital imaging at the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida.

Village Pizzeria & Pub, join Siesta Key Lei, Crazy Russ and Friends for the Wednesday Night Jam from 8:30pm until 12:00am, 1812 South Osprey Avenue

FUTURE EVENTS

Friday, February 5th Thomas Carabasi’s opening reception is at Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art, 1419-B 5th Street from 6-9 PM. It will feature detailed landscapes from Bali and collaged urban street scenes from Europe and the United States.  www.thomascarabasi.com or the gallery at (941) 366-2093 www.allyngallup.com. see above for more info.

Thursday, Feb 4 Dancing Under the Stars Big Band Swing at the Ringling Museum of Art Courtyard with the Jerry White Band. $10 lawn $15 reserved. 358-3180 for reservations.

Thursday, Feb 4 Yappy Hour at the Ranch is a fund raiser for Nate’s Place Pet Adoption Facility at the Woof Gang Bakery, 8314 Market St., Lakewood Ranch. Wine Tasting and Appetizers. $5. Looking for a companion animal take a peek at this center which adopts out shelter animals

Friday, Feb 12 Vienna Boys Choir performs at the St. Thomas More Chelsea Center 7 pm at 2506 Gulf Gate Dr. 266-3942 Tickets are $60 or $100.

Monday, Mar 8 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel presents The Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Luncheon to benefit the F.A.I.T.H. (Families in Transitional Housing) program – a comprehensive program where homeless families can rebuild their lives from 11:30 to 1 pm. For more info go to www.wqmagonline.com  (correction from Feb 8 date as noted on the last rave)

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WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT

www.wherewillwegotonight.com is an easy to navigate site that lets you know in a click what is happening that night musically by venue or by band.

www.robertbakst.com Robert Bakst site if you are looking for a therapist.

www.wqmag.com check out WQ magazine online, become a member and set up your own page.  Way cool.

www.sarasotamusicandbars.com Terry “Tbone” Rhodes site to find out the music and events around town. This is one busy guy in the music scene here.

www.ediblesarasota.com the newest magazine for sustainable food. Very nice format.

www.clothesline.bigcartel.com has the coolest t shirts with local artists doing the designing and printing

www.denisebetterchoices.com for customer service training, which is the first line of defense

www.cardzooey.com a business card directory

 

ESTABLISHMENT REVIEW

Went to the just opened “green” Holiday Inn behind the airport on Tuesday to hear WSLR DJ’s spin and have a drink and bite to eat. Good crowd showed up. Perette opened the event spinning international tunes then Norman took over. I must say I was liking the decor. It has an art deco feel with some great choices in furniture and colors. The outside patio with a fire pit and lots of seating is eco friendly as well. The bar is good size with a snappy bartender. We even met the chef. If they had a DJ on the weekends it might be able to draw a nice crowd as it has the feel of a hotel in Miami without the pool on the patio and the flowy drapes. The only two drawbacks I see is the location and the fact that it will probably draw more business travelers than tourists. It is worth checking out to see how fantastic green can be.

ILLUMINATING QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

Men want the same thing from their underwear that they want from women:  a little bit of support, and a little bit of freedom.  ~Jerry Seinfeld

THURSDAY, JAN 21

Cocktails at the Ca d’ Zan 6-9 pm Yesterdayze is playing. $5 cover

New York New York every Thursday “Sexy in the City” ladies night at 4 pm in the Hillview area

Cerviche’s presents Los Listos playing at 5:30 pm downtown

Libby’s has a “Girls Night Out” on Thursdays at 8 pm in the Hillview area

FRIDAY, JAN 22

Sarasota Vineyard, 1528 Main St., presents guitarist Gary Ryley who performs blues and rock 8 pm. no cover

SATURDAY, JAN 23

Animals by Nature, Mango and 12th St. presents “Breakfestivus for the Pets & Us”: Enjoy a Buddha Belly donut, coffee or juice with us to raise funds and promote T.A.N.K.S. Rescue. They are dedicated to finding loving homes for senior and obese cats. 10 am to noon. “Pet Healings” with Martha Gilbert and Friends: Bring your pet or a picture for a healing.  Love donations accepted from 11 am to noon. “Tricks and Toones” with Suzette Wood. The class is full for participants and their dogs. 1 pm to 5 pm. We are still taking a few more reservations to “audit” the class. Call: 941-953-2983  They have hay for sale $12.50 a bale.

Guitar Sarasota with Gabriel Bianco, classical guitarist 7:30 pm. St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2256 Bahia Vista. Tickets $15/20. www.guitarsarasota.org

“Cocktails by the Book” fundraiser for the Selby Library includes cocktails, live music and an auction from 6:30-11 pm. $125 per person. www.selbylibraryfriend.com

Sarasota Masters Art Festival from 10 am to 5 pm downtown on South Palm Avenue featuring 80 local and national artists. Proceeds will benefit the Forty Carrots Family Center’s childhood and parent programs.

Big Mama’s Juke Joint Speakeasy is a fundraiser hosted by the Hub, 1421 Sixth St., 8 pm. for the Florida Winefest and Auction featuring a Prohibition era theme with a concert, private casino, and open bar. Tickets are $125 or $750 a table. Catered by Libby’s Cafe and Bar. 952-1109 or www.tinyurl.com/ydgxzrr

Melanie Massell and Hot Item play every Saturday from 9:30 to 1 am at the Ca d’ Zan Lounge located in the Ritz Carlton. She is a multi talented singer who can do everything from jazz to blues to rock and everything in between. This is her high energy dance band.

SUNDAY, JAN 24

2010 Boys and Girls Showhouse. Tour the homes and meet the designers. M-Sat 11am to 4 pm and Sunday 1-4 pm. For info call 926-7794 or www.designershowhousesarasota.com

Sailor Circus and Windjammers International Concert and Circus Arts Performance 1 pm PAL Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St. Free  www.sailorcircus.org

MONDAY, JAN 25

5 0’Clock Club jam every Monday at 9:30 pm.

TUESDAY, JAN 26

WSLR brings music to the Holiday Inn Sarasota-Bradenton Airport located at 8009 15th East (the old 301) next to the convention center.  This will be a WSLR happy hour social at the Sports Page Grill. There will be half priced drinks and appetizers. This is an Eco friendly hotel and the outside is set up much like the upstairs of Esca’s with a really cool fire pit!  The event is from 5-8 pm. So please join our friend and spin doctor, Perette Cannady, who will be spinning from 5-6:30 pm, for an evening of lush rhythms, cool grooves and great nibbles

Tea @ Lonjevi-Tea Cafe Every Tuesday Morning beginning this Tuesday, January 26, 2010, from 10:30-11:30 a.m., please join Genevieve Tomlinson, DOM, AP, who will be holding Tea Classes and Tastings at The Lounge at Lonjevity Cafe every Tuesday. Here you will learn about fine organic tisanes and how to properly infuse various types of teas. The new owner of Lonjevity Cafe is Barbara Wheatley and she will be creating a NEW Tea Menu for her patrons, consisting of loose-leaf, organic fair-trade teas from Asia.

WEDNESDAY, JAN 27

Village Pizzeria & Pub, join Siesta Key Lei, Crazy Russ and Friends for the Wednesday Night Jam from 8:30pm until 12:00am, 1812 South Osprey Avenue.

FUTURE EVENTS

Friday, January 29 CORK Upstairs Lounge 6-7:30PM “Cork’s A Time to Taste” $15 Wine Tasting , “Old versus New: You Be the Judge!” Your monthly opportunity to taste eight wines hand-picked by Cork’s wine specialist for their quality at an affordable price!  Attendees enjoy 20% OFF in the retail section and restaurant post-tasting, with only $5 CORKAGE on featured wines

Saturday, Jan 30 at Selby Gardens is opening its doors to the public at no charge from 10 am to 5 pm

Saturday, Jan 30 Women As Visionary Awards Event  8am – 5pm; Elaine Silver is an honoree, along with 12 other outrageous women. She would love you all to attend this awesome event. She will also be  performing some of her heart and soul music. $99 includes fabulous workshops, all materials, breakfast and a gourmet lunch; www.womenTCB.com; www.loreraymond.com  727/254-0342  or Lore@LoreRaymond.com.

Woody’s River Roo in Ellenton, Rocky Bluff – 5717 18th Street East features Melanie Massell and Hot Item from 2-6pm. This is a very cool little local spot on the water that is mostly outdoors and always has great music on weekends. www.woodysriverroo.com

Monday, Feb 8 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel presents The Schoenbaum Humanitarian Award Luncheon to benefit the F.A.I.T.H. (Families in Transitional Housing) program – a comprehensive program where homeless families can rebuild their lives from 11:30 to 1 pm. For more info go to www.wqmagonline.com

 

  BUSINESS BUZZ

The New Holiday Inn a LEED certified hotel which is a certification providing independent, third-party verification that a building project meets the highest green building and performance measures. 8009 15th St. East, Sarasota, FL 34243,   941-358-3800  941-358-3800 . They are a supporter of WSLR radio station.

WSLR 96.5 is an innovative, listener-supported, non-profit, non-commercial FM radio station dedicated to serving the Sarasota community. WSLR features locally produced programming and presents cultural, artistic, and political perspectives currently underrepresented in the media. Our goal is to inform and empower listeners to play an active role in WSLR and in their community. WSLR’s programming promotes equality, peace, sustainability, democracy, and social and economic justice.

Lonjevity Cafe, 1737 South Tamiami Trail–Directly across the Sarasota Memorial Hospital  (941) 366-3139  (941) 366-3139 is a great place to spend an evening. They have created their own little niche on one side of the restaurant with cushy furniture and music and the food is healthy and delicious.  We had our birthdays there recently and everyone danced until well after midnight.     

 

ILLUMINATING QUOTE OF THE WEEK