The Sarasota Payne Park skating facility is now operated by Sk8skool. In 2010, they took over operation of the skate park from the city of Sarasota. Sk8skool operates it as a not-for-profit organization. Sofia Maldonado is a New York muralist and a skater. Recently she designed a mural and worked with students from Sarasota School of Arts and Sciences, Booker High School and Southeast High School to execute the design in the Payne Skate Park bowl. This new mural is a vibrant addition to a park that already has skater inspired art. Extended hours and lower rates draw local skaters. And if you’re vacationing in Sarasota, add the skateboarding at the park to your list of things to do.
Author Archives: Sarasota Local
Siesta Key Dig the Beach Volleyball
Siesta Key beach hosts the adults and juniors volleyball tournament on May 21-22. See them compete for cash prizes on the white sand of Siesta beach. Watch hard bodies hit the sand to the sound of house/dance music…a unique experience. Details at Dig the Beach.
Sarasota Towles Court Artwalk
The third Friday of each month, Towles Court artists open their studios to the public. From 6-10 pm, you can enjoy free music and refreshments while you stroll through this historic community of old Florida bungalows. Named one of the top ten artist’s colonies in the country by Coastal Living, Towles Court also includes galleries and open air restaurants. The artwalk is very popular with tourists during season, and locals know that off season allows for a less crowded visit. New residents arrive regularly, so if you haven’t been to the artwalk in a while, mark your calendar for the third Friday next month!
Sarasota downtown – The Cadillac Grainer Street Band
On any afternoon in downtown Sarasota, you may have a chance to hear a street musician or a band. On Main Street, we encountered The Cadillac Grainer Street Band with a small crowd who already knew their music. Although their lead singer was not there, they played an original song with a bluesy bluegrass flavor as the crowd on the street grew.
The band recently opened at the Blue Owl in Sarasota for local favorite, Igor.
Sarasota Downtown Friday Night
Live Downtown, It’s Friday Night! The 1st Friday night each month, you should be downtown Sarasota for live music, dancing, gallery shows and shopping. This is a free event that attracts locals and visitors to browse our wonderful art galleries to the accompaniment of a wide range of entertainment. On this Friday, you could hear an incredible local string duo Bard and Mustache – Erin Murphy (the Equines) and Greg Bortnichak (Sparta Philharmonic). Just down the street, you could see the Sarasota Ballet’s students at Studio 20. In the mood for something Latin? The exciting Duente duo of Joe Matsagos and Dean Johanesen offered flamenco while Wilsons DanceSport dancers entertained the crowd. And, just for fun, Ollie and the Garbage Men, local teenagers who play instruments made from garbage and recycled materials. I’d say there was something for everyone!
Sarasota Hispanic Latino Festival
The Sarasota Hispanic Latino Festival featured Charityn and Yovany and many other well known musicians. Sponsored by The Academy of Latin Arts and Science, the event offered food, music, dancing and family friendly activities for children. Mostly a family crowd, the biggest excitement was when Charityn, who has been called the Latin Oprah, appeared onstage. She took the time to meet and take photos with her fans individually and seemed to sincerely enjoy this.
Sarasota TV Pilot Worker’s Comp
While shooting their TV pilot in downtown Sarasota, Castille Landon and Harrison Sanborn gave us this exclusive interview about the story behind Worker’s Comp. These 19 year old co-creators have enlisted the likes of Morgan Fairchild and Robert Carridine to star in the project. Castille also stars in the show which Harrison is directing. This independent television pilot is a produced of VADAR Corp. and Sanborn Studios – both local companies.
Siesta Fiesta 2011 in Siesta Key Village Sarasota
Siesta Fiesta is a 2 day event with lots of things to do and see – art, crafts, food, drinks and music. Saturday and Sunday, the main village street is shut down and filled with brightly colored paintings, sculpture, hand made clothing and jewelry. It’s a shoppers dream. Or you can just sit back with a cold drink and your choice of fiesta food and watch the people go by. This festival draws mainlanders and vacationers to the key in big numbers, so you’ll see island residents walking or riding their bikes to avoid the traffic. Held each year in April or May, check the date and come on out and enjoy Siesta Fiesta!
Godspeed by The Human Condition at Noise Ordinance 2
Human Condition played at Noise Ordinance 2 and claimed the stage with their own clean sounding acoustic rock. Chosen for the movie Beautiful Noise, Godspeed is a haunting song that you’ll want to hear again and again. This video is a tribute to the song.
Lead singer, song writer Dean Johanesen can be seen at many local venues. Keep up with his schedule here.
Florida Mountain Boys play at Noise Ordinance 2 in Sarasota
The Florida Mountain boys play bluegrass – lots of pickin’ and strummin’ with great harmony thrown in. The Noise Ordinance festival showcases all kinds of local bands from rock to folk. They played a variety of music straight from a bluegrass festival. Find more about them on their website.