A&E Picks and Highlights

From: Libbys Café + Bar, 1917 Osprey Ave.

Ingredients: Diver scallops from Walt’s Fish Market or local farmer’s markets; locally sourced heirloom beets and cauliflower, saffron, and balsamic glaze, $26.

Why it’s special: The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. Representative of the culinary approach of Executive Chef Kyle Harrington, it combines unique flavors and textures with simple ingredients featuring locally sourced items in a well presented, great tasting and interesting textured dish.

Drink Pairing: Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs, Napa, California ($14/glass or $60/bottle)

Role: Playing Irene Paige in “Bubbling Brown Sugar” at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe running April 11 through May 11.

Where are you from? I was born and raised in Sarasota.

What’s your earliest memory falling in love with performing? For acting, I recall telling funny, made up stories (some people call them lies) to friends and being able to grab their attention and make them laugh, cry or have whatever emotion I was expecting.

For music — although it was a part of my life in the church from an early age — came much later … it wasn’t until after college in my first Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe production of “Hot Mikado” that I discovered my voice, my unique sound.

Describe the musical’s plot: It’s a journey back to the Harlem Renaissance through the eyes of a trio that used to perform together. They teach a couple, Jim and Ella, about the history of the great city and some of the sights and sounds that grew out of that place.

Describe your character in three words: Brash, loving, diva

What does it feel like to sing this music? It’s a heady experience. You want to get it right, but also put your spin on it. All the music is very jazzy — it’s not something I’m accustomed to. But it’s fun to learn.

What’s your favorite song from the revue? A song called “I’ve Got it Bad” — and I don’t even sing it! The lyrics resonate with me. It talks about being in love with someone and you know it’s not the best thing for you, but what can you do? You don’t choose it, it just happens.

If you could spend a day with any Harlem Renaissance musician, who would it be and why? Duke Ellington. He and a few others were pivotal in starting the Harlem Renaissance movement. Add I love the piano. I’d definitely want to sit with him and talk about music, life and growing up in the era he did. I’d love to sing and jam with him, too.

Why should people come see this performance? Whether you’re familiar with the new sounds of the ’20s or you just need an escape, come see the show, and create new ones. You’ll get a chance to clap, sway and jump up and down if you feel like it.
 

A&E Editor’s Picks

Thursday, April 10
Meet the Composer, Vijay Iyer
Hermitage Artist Retreat and La Musica International Chamber Music Festival
Noon at Sanier Auditorium
Free. Call 475-2098.

Ringling Courtyard Swing
5 p.m. at The Ringling
Tickets $10. 359-5700.

‘Greater Tuna’
Manatee Players
7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center
Runs through April 27.
Tickets $27 to $37. Call 748-5875.

Faculty Recital, Marc Mannino, Jazz Guitar
SCF Music. 8 p.m. at Neel Performing Arts Center
Tickets $8 students, $4 employees. Call 752-5252.

‘Parallel Lives’
8 p.m. at Venice Theatre
Runs through April 27.
Tickets $10 to $28. Call 488-1115.

Vijay Iyer 2012 Greenfield Prize Commission Premier
Hermitage Artist Retreat, Greenfield Foundation, La Musica International Chamber Music Festival
8 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House
Tickets $40. Call 475-2098.

Friday, April 11
Creative Conversations about music with Vijay Iyer and Bob Seymour
Hermitage Artist Retreat and FSU Asolo Conservatory
1 p.m. at Asolo Repertory Theatre
Free with reservations. Call 475-2098.

Creative Conversations about music with Vijay Iyer and guests
Hermitage Artist Retreat and FSU Asolo Conservatory. 2:30 p.m. at Asolo Repertory Theatre.
Free. Call 475-2098.

Pops Series: ‘The Beatles in America’
Sarasota Orchestra
8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Runs through Saturday.
Tickets $32 to $69. Call 953-3434.

SCF Studio 84 Productions: ‘The Grove’
8 p.m. at David S. & Anne V. Howard Studio Theatre
Runs through Sunday.
Tickets $12 students, $10 employees. Call 752-5252.

Greg Gutfield author signing
7 p.m. at Bookstore1Sarasota
Call 365-7900.

Saturday, April 12
Nilo Cruz, My Life, My Work
Hermitage Artist Retreat and FSU/Asolo Conservatory
1 p.m. at Asolo Repertory Theatre
Free with reservations. Call 475-2098.

Theater Panel with Olympia Dukakis, Nilo Cruz and others
Hermitage Artist Retreat and FSU Asolo Conservatory
2:30 p.m. at Asolo Repertory Theatre
Free with reservations.
Call 475-2098.

Greenfield Prize Dinner honoring Nilo Cruz with Olympia Dukakis
Hermitage Artist Retreat
6:30 p.m. at Michael’s On East
Tickets $195 to $300. Call 475-2098.

Alexander Schimpf
Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota
7:30 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater
Tickets $25 to $45. Call 360-7399.

Sunday, April 13
Ann Sweeten
2 p.m. at Glenridge Performing Arts Center. Tickets $20. Call 552-5325.

‘And for Our Next Number: Take 5 Around the World’
Sarasota Pops Orchestra
3 p.m. at Neel Performing Arts Center
Tickets $20 to $25. Call 926-7677.

Unplugged New Play Festival
Asolo Repertory Theatre
7 p.m. at Asolo Rep rehearsal hall
Call 351-8000.