10-20-20 Interview
Betsy Gertz is a multi-talented woman. A gifted photographer, sculptor and potter, she has also worked as a chef, an EMT and a nurse. Betsy excels at whatever she decides to try. Currently she is living on a large plot of land which she calls her “piece of peace,” where she cares for dogs, cats, horses, ponies, burros, sand cranes and deer. Somehow in addition to the work it takes to minister to the needs of these creatures, she finds time to ride her horse, create art and assemble and publish a book of her photographs called “Encounters.” Listen to this extraordinary woman describe her struggle with and survival from a deadly disease, and come down to The Starlite Room 1001 Cocoanut Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236, on Sunday Nov 5th from 4:00-6:00 to help Betsy launch her book.

4-20-20 Interview

4-15-20 Interview

1-27-20 Interview

2-10-20 Interview

1-20-20 Interview

6-10-19 Interview

7-22-19 Interview

7-15-19 Interview

1-1-19 Interview

6-3-19 Interview

6-3-19 Part 3 of my interview with Ballet Master Robert de Warren begins with a description of the frightening climax to his tour with Iran’s National Folklore Organization to celebrate America’s Bicentennial and his departure from Iran as that country descended into chaos. It goes on to describe his seven year tenure with La Scala in Milan which Rudolph Nureyev chose him to lead: a star studded period during which Robert choreographed and designed ballets for the world’s most prestigious dancers and for which Princess Margaret was the Ballet’s patron. It concludes with a description of the ironic way Robert began his 13 years leading the Sarasota Ballet Company.

3-27-19 Interview

5-27-19 In the 2nd part of my interview Robert de Warren talks about his studies with The Royal Ballet School, his early work with the Royal Opera Company, his first choreography with the Royal Ballet Choreographic workshop, his time with the Stuttgart, Frankfurt and Berlin Companies where he was finally able to dance principle roles. He talks about his first meeting with Rudolph Nureyev who would become his dear friend and sponsor, the injury to the sesamoid bones in his feet which threatened to end his career and his life, and how, at the Shahs’ request, he took over the National Ballet of Iran, later becoming Founder of Iran’s National Folklore Organization, where he documented and recorded previously unseen tribal ceremonies. It ends with his description of the both glorious and disastrous tour of America that he made with the troupe and his painful discovery of what would soon happen in Iran.

5-20-19 Interview
Dancer, Choreographer, Ballet Master, Scenic and Costume Designer, Producer, Director, educator, author and Artistic Director of the most prestigious Ballet Companies in the world Robert de Warren, is one of the legendary, illustrious, celebrated and influential members of the international ballet community. In Part 1 of my interview this erudite, entertaining, gifted man describes his early life; his birth in Uruguay, his childhood in Montevideo, meeting his beloved Jacqueline, his career in banking and the serendipitous way he discovered, at age 16, that he was meant to be a ballet dancer.

5-13-19 Interview

5-13-19 Sharon Leslie Ohrenstein is a renaissance woman. Her extraordinary voice was first discovered in Kindergarten when she was chosen to sing the solo in the Christmas play and has delighted countess audiences since. She is a fine actor appearing in vastly dissimilar roles with authenticity. As a director she has helped actors find nuances which enabled them to be better than they were. And, as a teacher, she has enhanced the experience of the eager students at Roads Scholar for 16 years. Although writing came late in her life, along with her composer husband David, she wrote the book and lyrics to two musicals and two operas; producing, directing, and staring in many (she even made the costume). Listen to this amazing woman talk about her life journey and her current adventure; the creation of Patra a brand new Opera based on Cleopatra’s last days, which was chosen as a workshop production at the prestigious Seagle Music Colony in Schroon lake NY. And click here to donate to its gofundme page to be a part of this adventure. https://www.gofundme.com/patraopera

4-28-19 Interview

4/29/19 On May 6 2019 “The New York Theatre Barn is honoring co-founder and board member Sheilah Rae with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her exceptional contributions to musical theatre as a writer, composer, lyricist and performer for over 50-years, and her outstanding service and vision for New York Theatre Barn for more than a decade”. Sheilah found her life path very young. During the performance of “South Pacific” 5 year old Sheilah told her mother that she was “going to do that.” Her parents arranged for her to study dance with the renowned Edna McRae. Since Ms McRae also required that her students know music, 6 year old Sheilah began piano lessons. She was soon studying dance, piano, music theory and violin at the Chicago Conservatory of Music. She got her first role on Broadway in “Fiddler on the Roof” right out of college and never stopped adding to her arsenal of talents and accomplishments. Listen to this multi-talented, effervescent woman talk about a career in which she has done everything. And hear a song from one of her musicals (“I Married Wyatt Earp,” now called The Belle of Tombstone) lyrics by Sheilah and music by Michele Brourman.

4-22-19 Interview

4/22/19 Kelly Dumar A poet, playwright, and engaging workshop leader, Kelly generates enlivening writing experiences for new and experienced writers. Her Aim for Astonishing photo-inspired process elicits profound personal awakenings, deepens connection with others, and fosters beautifully crafted writing in poetry and prose. Author of three poetry collections, Kelly is also author of Before You Forget— The Wisdom of Writing Diaries for Your Children. Kelly inspires readers of #NewThisDay – her daily photo-inspired blog – with her mindful reflections on a writing life. Each post

4-22-19 Interview

The Lynne Show Pod cast can be heard and downloaded at
https://thelynneshow.com/?p=3978&preview=true and
thelynneshow.com
4/15/19 Judith Leeds is an artist. She has always been an artist. But because she was so smart, in a special track in elementary school and easily got into Bronx High School of Science, her father insisted that she study science. She graduated in the top 10% of her class in her class and enrolled as a Biology major/Math minor in College. But her Art would not be denied. Listen to the story of her Aha during a biology dissection class. Promising that if she failed as an artist she would return to the study of science, Judith changed her major and transferred to Boston University’s School of Fine Art where she graduated Cum Laude and began the life she was always meant to live, a life as an artist. Listen to this remarkable woman’s inspiring story. And check out her portfolio at Judithleeds.com..

4-8-19 Interview

The Lynne Show Pod cast can be heard and downloaded at
https://thelynneshow.com/2017/06/interview-with-singer-educator-annie-addington/ & thelynneshow.com
4/8/19 Singer, songwriter, educator, therapist, and woman of the world Annie Addington has done it all. Listen to this unusual woman describe her eclectic life journey; one which took her to many countries, taught her many languages, and involved her with many fascinating people before bringing her to Sarasota. Listen to 2 cuts from her forthcoming CD Wild is the Wind, accompanied by Eddie Tobin and recorded and mixed at Spirit Ranch Studio by Bud Synder – the title song Wild is the Wind and the jazz classic Ruby my Dear And help her complete finish the project by contributing to Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/annieaddington/annie-addington-cd-in-a-midnight-wind-jazz-brazili?ref=project_build

3-18-19 Interview

4/1/19 On Sunday April 14th at 2:00 at Bookstore1 (12 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236) Lynne Bernfield will discuss concepts in her book When You Can You Will which explain what stops people from changing. She says “When you can’t do what you want to do there is always a good reason.” Come discover the reason you haven’t been able to do what you want to do. Listen to the introduction to the When You Can You Will audiobook and call Bookstore1 at 941-365-7900 for reservations.

3-4-19 Interview

At 9 years old James Suggs made two casual choices which dictated the rest of his life; he chose band over chorus and the trumpet because his friend was playing the trumpet. At 10 he was ushered backstage to meet Wynton Marsalis who gave this 10 year old trumpet player a 20 minute lesson and that sealed the deal. Before settling in St Pete he had a very long and prestigious trail of credits including touring and recording with the Glenn Miller Orchestra and later performing with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. He spent 8 years playing and touring in Buenos Aires, Argentina He has shared the stage with Kenny Burrell, Robin Eubanks, Dick Hyman, Sean Jones, Chuck Mangione, Maria Schneider, and Frankie Avalon to name a few. In 2015, James was awarded the Best of the Bay’s Critic’s choice for “Best Jazz Transplant.” Listen to this talented, self deprecating man talk about his commitment to the instrument and the music he loves, hear cuts from his first solo album “You’re Gonna Hear From Me,” and come see/hear him play at this years Sarasota Jazz Festival.