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NEWS RELEASE
City Hall
1565 First Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
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For Immediate Release: July 18, 2008
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FRIDAY FEST HUGE
SUCCESS;
PUBLIC INVITED TO ATTEND
Sarasota, FL: Friday Fest, the popular free live music
festival hosted by the City of Sarasota at the Van Wezel
Performing Arts Hall, is doing its part to bring more
people to the Van Wezel. Last month’s Friday Fest,
the first of four such events scheduled this summer,
was heavily attended by an enthusiastic crowd.
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Friday Fest’s
new success is attributed to two factors. First, the music
selection at Friday Fest has expanded and now offers something
for everyone. Rather than just jazz concerts, this year’s
line up for Friday Fest includes oldies rock, Latin reggae,
blues and country music. The second reason is that the Van
Wezel is now benefiting from the expertise of an events coordinator.
Barbara Strauss, well known for coordinating such popular
local events as Blues Fest, volunteered her services and
mapped out a new site plan for vendors. “The vendors
were moved around and are now in a better position,” said
Mary Bensel, Executive Director of the Van Wezel. “People
attending Friday Fest can easily find the beer and food vendors,
and buy what they want.” |
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The public is encouraged to attend the
remaining Friday Fests held 5pm – 9pm on the Bayfront
at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Admission is free.
Coolers are not permitted. “It’s a fabulous,
fun festival,” said Bensel. “And, it doesn’t
cost you a penny to attend. It’s just great!” Bring
a portable chair or blanket to sit on and join the fun.
The remaining schedule for Friday Fest includes:
• July 18: Latin/Caribbean Reggae
• August 15: Blues
• September: 19: Country
The presenting sponsor for Friday Fest is The Wilde Automotive
Family. The talent sponsor is Hyatt Residence Club Siesta
Key, Sarasota Arts Council, Comcast, Bright House Networks,
Budweiser, ABC7, Bradenton Herald, The Van Wezel Foundation,
InterMedia Productions, Caragiulos, Sweet Tomatoes and
Water Boy.
For more information on Friday Fest contact the Van Wezel
Box Office: 941-953-3368.
For more information, please contact:
Jan
Thornburg, Public Information Officer (941) 954-2613
jan.thornburg@sarasotagov.com
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