Fiesta! Fridays
From the loss of marquee rowing events to attendance limitations driven by social distancing, Nathan Benderson Park has experienced its share of hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the pandemic also resulted in a discovery.
Benderson Park is a natural venue for arts and culture events, according to Tomás Herrera-Mishler, president and CEO of Suncoast Aquatic and Nature Center Associates, which operates the park.
The park began hosting more arts and culture events in 2020. Herrera-Mishler said that trend will only accelerate in 2021 and beyond.
Herrera-Mishler didn’t hide his passion for the arts. He said Sarasota’s arts and culture scene is one of the main reasons he moved to the area.
Bridge Music Series: Ariella and The Barker Project, Feb. 11. Virtual gates open at 7 p.m.; performances start at 7:30 p.m. live-streamed from Fogartyville. Tickets $10 for Sarasota Jazz Club and Fogartyville/WSLR members; $15 for nonmembers; $25 for those who host watch parties; eventbrite.com/e/the-bridge-series-tickets-137363364521
Live (virtual) music is returning to Sarasota’s Fogartyville.
The Bridge Series, co-sponsored by WSLR/Fogartyville and the Jazz Club of Sarasota, kicks off with a virtual, live-stream-only concert on Feb. 11.
Tampa Bay area artist Ariella and The Barker Project, led by Sarasota-based bassist Johnnie Barker, will headline the first in the four-concert jazz series.
Friends and music promoters Louise Coogan and Peter Anderson collaborated on the series to bring opportunities for local and national talent to perform. After a monthslong shutdown, Fogartyville will showcase its renovated concert venue. The stage has been moved to the north wall opposit