Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 2009/2010 Season Brochure (24 Megs, .pdf)
Sarasota Opera Summer Newsletter, Libretto, Summer 2009, Issue 124

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Exclusive Interviews found nowhere else...

Henry Rollins
Rollins Band, Henry Rollins Show, Black Flag, State of Alert & Actor, Activist
Music, Video & Pictures

Maestro Nurhan Arman - Music Director & Conductor Sinfonia Toronto with pictures, videos, & music.

Eroica Trio - Erika Nickrenz, Susie Park, Sara Sant’Ambrogio Grammy® Nominated International Chamber Musicians Music, Video, and Pictures

Jana Mashonee - Grammy® Nominated Singer/Songwriter With 4 NAMMY Nominations on Her Latest Release "New Moon Born" with Music and Pictures

Michele Slater - Grammy® Award Winning Associate Producer of "In Harmony" has worked with Streisand, KISS, Billy Joel, Paul Simon; SNL Music Talent Coordinator

Dale Jones - NBC Last Comic Standing, Seen on Comedy Network Canada, Fox Network & the Big Screen, "Out of Time" with videos and pictures.
Carina K - Singer, Songwriter & Model Classically Trained in Opera & Broadway crosses over to Pop/Rock with pictures, video, & music
Louis Johnson, comedian featured on HBO, Showtime, Comedy Central, B.E.T., A&E, Showtime Comic of the Month & tours with the USO with pictures and video.
Tommy Chuck - Program, Music and Interactive Media Director of WFLZ-HD 1 & 2 | 93.3 FLZ a Clear Channel radio station.
Catherine Provenza - Actress, voiceover talent and music composer with pictures & music
Kay Curtis - Artist inspired by world travel & wildlife in natural settings
Helen Todd - Award winning Soprano, Founder & Artistic Director of Sugar Creek Symphony & Song Festival with pictures & music.
Blythe Gaissert -Internationally Critically Acclaimed Mezzo Soprano
Pippa Cossette - Instructor & Fused Glass Artist of Two Lasses Glass Classes
Tim O'Brien VP Communications of Ripley Entertainment, "Ripley's Believe it or Not" Author of Ripley's Books and Editor of National Syndicated Ripley's Cartoons
Shannon Grissom, TV Host, Producer, Artist, Painter, Author, Composer
Olivia Marie Braida-Chiusano, OM Art Designs Botanical Art & Workshop
Certified Botanical Artist, Author & Educator
Kevin McNulty, Cast member of the Sarasota Medieval Fair

Don411.com Welcomes: Wen Li & Mandy for Book Reviewers
Kay Curtis, Olivia Marie Braida-Chiusano: Gallery of Art

Sarasota Orchestra Musician Biography (Fun to read!)

Looking for Current & Past Season's Brochures, Programs, & Newsletters? Click Here

The entire Season of the following venues have been posted on Don411.com as of 7-5-09:

Artist Series of Sarasota - Banyan Theatre Company - Sarasota Concert Association - Sarasota Orchestra - Sarasota Opera - Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall - McCurdy's Comedy Theatre - Sarasota Ballet - La Musica International Chamber Music - Ringling International Arts Festival - Sarasota Pops Orchestra

Blogs from the organizations that bring you world class entertainment:
- Sarasota Orchestra
- Sarasota Opera
- Ringling International Arts Festival

141 Shows (6-1-09 thru 6-1-10) Shows Scheduled on my list.
"I am 99% certain I can make 100% attendance!" - don


Friendly Disclaimer: Please double check show times, events and information at the original source. This information was taken by email and websites. I will do my best to update information if venues do the same. Enjoy the show! - don

Sarasota Orchestra Contact: Barbara Simon (941) 487-2740 BSimon@SarasotaOrchestra.org
Sunday, November 15, 2009 = Season Opener Brunch – Michael’s on East, 11:30 AM - $85.00 per person
· (4) SO Ensembles will be performing (String, Wind, Brass, Piano Quartet); Cheryl Losey, Harpist, will perform during the Welcome/sign-in portion of the brunch; they will perform, individually, (15) minutes apart.
·There will be (4) – (5) buffet tables to avoid bunching up
·This Brunch will enable us to reach out to a broader patron base and encourage newer people to come out for a more casual, musical experience that encompasses the warmth and friendliness that we are synonymous with.

My name is Donald. I go to so many events and meet so many people, the topic of conversation always begins with: "What event did you last attend, and how did you like it?" Performing arts patrons have a passion to share their experiences and opinions, and to trade information before the performance or during intermission is difficult. Also, I needed a quick way to look over events I attend in one simple format. Links in bookmarks were too slow. Hence, Don411.com was created. I am able to go to any computer and confirm events.

I noticed that since there isn't a centralized source of arts information that isn't complicated to navigate, I would create my own. It has taken me over 2 seasons to compile this information. Listed on the navigation row are all the arts organizations whose performances I have attended. My calendar includes the events I plan on attending. I usually plan my schedule as soon as events are posted. Although I work in a totally unrelated profession in the daytime and can be quite critical, I can say from the perspective of a dedicated patron that I have not been disappointed because all these performances are at such a high level.

I encourage people to try various entertainment experiences to see if they like them, but I am not trying to promote one organization at the expense of another. I know for certain that people like what they like and you can't make someone like Ballet or Opera if they truly do not like it. My quick comment to folks: if your significant other doesn't like these shows please do not bring them, go alone or with friends. I can see the discomfort on their faces and 2 hours seems like 2 days to them. I can assure you, they will appreciate it if you don't force them to attend. Note to ladies: he may even complete the "Honey-Do" list while you are at these events! (Sorry guys... no way around it.) A bit of advice, if you do go alone you can make instant acquaintances by just saying "Hi" to people. You will find for the most part you are in the company of friendly people. You are not considered less for being on your own at these events, and you will actually be admired for going alone and looking comfortable.

Also, for shows that are not listed, it does not mean they are not entertaining, it just means that I haven't had time to see them. You can find shows not listed in a website called Sarasota Herald Tribune, AnythingArts.com or the Sarasota Arts Council. In Sarasota, there is something for everyone.

Why did I do this web page? Good question, seriously. I am really thankful for the existence of the internet due to the fact that information can be found within seconds. I have learned a great deal from good websites. For those people that are so willing to share their knowledge, wisdom, opinions on the web site, you have inspired me to do the same. I am sincerely hoping those who visit take some information from Don411.com that they would not have found anywhere else.

This information on Don411.com will be expanded, but remain easy to navigate. If you have suggestions, comments or websites of interest, please click here.

Try to check every week. That is only 52 times per year...

A happy patron and donor to the performing arts,

Donald