Scene & Heard

+ Volunteers make Sarasota Opera sing
There are more than 300 volunteers who help make Sarasota Opera’s season possible. They do everything from hand out programs, help the Youth Opera function, hang and press costumes and even drive performers around Sarasota.

On April 4, Executive Director Richard Russell commended 10 volunteers on the stage at Sarasota Opera House at Volunteer Appreciation Day: Addie Silverman, Margaret Romanes, Gabe Moretti, Louise Mazius, Ann Chevillot, Fuad and Sandy Nuwaysir, Larry and Clarissa Kramer, and Nanette Almeter. They were given a certificate, lapel pin and embossed leather notebook, and Almeter, who received the Volunteer of the Year award, was given dinner at Café Amici and tickets to a show of her choice.

+ Three generations open art Gallery
Gallerie 17 is a family establishment that opened the weekend of April 6, at 2430 17th St. Brian Weissinger, owner of Cabinet Solutions, had been a carpenter for 35 years when he decided to create his first sculpture from wood and granite — it proved a profitable success. When the upholstery business next door to his own closed, he and his wife, Michele, opted to buy it and turn it into Gallerie 17.

They enlisted the help of their daughter, Marissa Lyons, to run the gallery, which features photography, ceramics, bronze, ink, graphite, oil, acrylic, mixed media and watercolor. Their 14-year-old granddaughter, Mikayla Lyons, is the first student artist on display, and Marissa Lyons’ 8-month-old daughter, Melodee Lyons-Bean, has been deemed the gallery watchdog. The 17 in the name comes from the 17 artists who show at the gallery. And, according to more than 300 attendees on opening weekend, they’ve had a great response from the community. But you can see for yourself — Gallerie 17 is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Each week, The Observer releases a new episode in its video series, “Patron Saints.” It spotlights supporters of one of the many area performing-arts groups.

+ Patron Saints
Warren J. and Margot Coville are known for their generosity throughout Sarasota. But it all started 13 years ago when they started contributing to FSU/Asolo Conservatory as board members and student sponsors. They currently sponsor two students in the graduate acting program. There are just 12 students who are admitted to the program annually, and they receive full tuition and a monthly stipend, which is all donated by sponsors. But it doesn’t just stop at the dollar. Learn about the Covilles’ patronage and hear from Director of FSU/Asolo Conservatory Greg Leaming about how it helps at http://www.yourobserver.com/content/Patron-Saints-378.html.

Stay tuned to Scene and Heard next week to find out which venue and patron will be spotlighted.

Hot Ticket
‘It Aint Nothing But The Blues’: This musical revue depicting the evolution of the blues opened April 10 and runs through May 12, at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s Theater, 1646 10th Way. Tickets are $29.50. Call 366-1505.

‘The Magic of Music and ILLUSION’: Sarasota Concert Band plays its final show in the season before the Memorial Day concert. This one features area illusionists Dave Downer and Dave Parker performing illusions, and some are even in sync with the music, just as the name implies. See the professional concert band at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at First United Methodist Church, 104 S. Pineapple Ave.