Ariel Aparicio-Jerro gets into the groove at Fogartyville

With a commitment to eclectic arts programming and social justice, WSLR/Fogartyville founders Arlene Sweeting and David Beaton put their imprint on the radio station and music venue they established in Sarasota's Rosemary District in 2013.

In April, the couple announced they were stepping down from managing WSLR/Fogartyville and moving to Michigan, although they plan to become snowbirds.

 A month earlier, Ariel Aparicio-Jerro had joined the cultural nonprofit's team. Today, the Cuban-American musician and producer and former restaurateur is the director of Fogartyville.

Like managers at other arts organizations in town, Aparicio-Jerro was the recipient of unwelcome news in July as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in arts funding from the legislature-approved 2024-25 budget.

Along with the arts exhibitions Embracing Our Differences and the Chalk Festival, WSLR/Fogartyville was denied funding by the Sarasota County Commission. 

Aparicio-Jerro recently sat down with the Observer to talk about his new job and what's ahead for Forgartyville. This is an edited version of the conversation. 

What's your background?

I grew up in Miami and went to college at NYU (New York University). I studied music and audio engineering. I started making music and releasing cassettes. I did festivals and toured around the country.

Then I met my partner, who is now my husband, and we decided to give a try to the restaurant business. We opened a restaurant called Joya, in Brooklyn's Cobble Hill neighborhood, about 25 years ago.

It was super successful and we opened three over the years. A couple of years ago, we made the decision to say good-bye and to sell the restaurants. We were living in Westport, Connecticut, at that point. 

How did you get to Sarasota?

I grew up in Florida. We visited Clearwater but then a friend told us about Sarasota. My husband flew down with our son. We decided it was a beautiful place. We bought a house close to downtown across from Payne Park in July 2022. 

Did you move here to work at Fogartyville?

No. Fogartyville wasn't on our radar. Later I saw a job opening on Indeed.com. It was right for me because I have extensive front-of-the-house experience and I'm also a musician.

What is your role there?

My title is director. I’m involved in all of it. I’m there for community meetings, performances. I make sure it’s staffed properly. David (Beaton) and I are booking together. Eventually I’ll be doing that 100%.

Are you going to do anything differently than your predecessors?

I plan to honor the tradition that David and Arlene created. We present an amazing array of talent and variety. David and Arlene have brought in singer/songwriters, Americana roots bands, world music performers and jazz musicians. I'd like to bring in more indie rock flavor, but keep the feel of Fogartyville. 

We are a listening room with about 100 seats. There are another 50 seats outside. We can open the garage doors when the weather is good. But we're not an auditorium so the acoustics don't always work for a heavy band. 

Will you continue with art openings, film screenings, tastings and the like?

Absolutely.

What's the situation with food?

We have a guest food truck for the evening, usually for the live shows. Sometimes it's tacos. Other times it's empanadas or Greek food.

What role does WSLR/Fogartyville play in the community?

We play several roles. WSLR is fantastic radio station, really focused on local issues. In addition to being a listening room, Fogartyville is a community event space. We support other community organizations.

Can you talk about the recent funding cuts?

Statewide, we were cut by $36,000. We were cut $27,000 by the county commission.

Why do you think your funding was cut?

I can’t speak for them, but we stand behind the entertainment we provide to the community. We showed evidence that we are a ticketed organization. We gave them everything they asked for.

How are you going to offset the funding cuts?

We have to step up our fundraising and increase our revenues. Last year, we had 66 live music events. We're going to need more. We're also boosting outreach in our community of listeners and patrons. 

We'll be having our fall membership drive from Oct. 9-15 and holding our open house for the community on Oct. 5. We're encouraging people to become members. Our theme this year is "Many Voices, One Community." 

Is there anything you'd like to add?

I'm thrilled to be part of this community. It's perfect for me and my family. We've found our home here. Sarasota is like a warm bubblebath.