In case you needed any further confirmation that the holiday is almost in our lap, this weekend's picks will surely cement the fact.
The Nutcracker

Jean Germain- Jazz from Row 6
Robin says that lately she's been immersing herself in books and photography. She's been missing her days of living in Greenwhich Village and stopping in The Blue Note for an evening of Jazz and a cold drink in hand. So, imagine her excitement to see that Photographer,
Jean Germain is presenting her book,
Jazz from Row 6. Winner of
International Book Awards for Photography - People. Stop by
Sarasota1Bookstore for this event which is at 6pm, Friday December 16. More info at
www.sarasota1bookstore.com .
Bruce Merkle Cabaret
Local boy made good
Bruce Merkle returns to his hometown for a one-night only performance promising a zestful, zany evening of Broadway and jazz tunes. This Booker VPA grad has since set up home in Los Angeles and been all over the television screens in
How I Met Your Mother,
Rules of Engagement, Nickelodeon’s
Victorious,
Love Bites and
The Tonight Show. He'll be joined by some other familiar talents:
Melody Goodell,
Kali Westphalen and the ever-lovely
Heather Kopp (currently appearing in
Asolo Rep's My Fair Lady!) There has been rumor that one American Idol star (and Bruce's former Booker classmate)
Syesha Mercado MAY be joining him. The show is at
Glenridge Performing Arts Centre on Monday, Dec. 19th at 7pm. For ticket info, call (941)-5325 or
gpactix.com.
Towles Court Art Walk
Even as I write this, I can't believe that it's been a month since we last told you to take a stroll through the Artist Colony just two blocks South of Main Street. It only happens on the
Third Friday of the month, so do yourself a favor and take in an after-work drink and appetizer at
Indigenous or
eat here (or any of our wonderful downtown restaurants) before heading over to
Towles Court Artist Colony. You can find some great locally-made art pieces to finish off your holiday buying. And you'll be supporting local artists! (We love multi-tasking!) The galleries are open from 6-10pm this Friday night, and even if you aren't in the mood to shop, the atmosphere makes for a perfect holiday stroll!
Special Events at Asolo Rep
Asolo Repertory Theatre is continuing its
Out @ Asolo Rep series from last season, beginning with this Friday's performance of
My Fair Lady. The program is designed as a community and social night for GLBT and friendly members of the community to enjoy a night of theater together. The evening begins with a pre-show reception at 7:15, with the performance at 8pm. It's followed by a post-show reception, joined by many of the cast members. There are a series of nights designated throughout the season, so this is just the first! For more info, visit the website
here or join the Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/outasolorep
My Fair Holiday Cabaret
'Tis the season for cabaret, I suppose. If you've seen
My Fair Lady, you know what a talented bunch of performers Asolo Rep has brought in for the classic musical. This Sunday night, you can enjoy an opportunity to see the singers perform a showcase of their own in
My Fair Holiday Cabaret. From holiday tunes to jazz, pop, and Broadway favorites, this promises to be a great night to enjoy some of the best talent from around the country. (I've heard rumors that one performer is pretty swift on the ukulele.) The cabaret is
Sunday evening at 7pm. Tickets start at $20. Visit
here to purchase tickets.
Lots of choices, friends. Let us know if we missed anything!