'Hamilton’ actor Jonathan Kirkland to headline PAInT programs at USF Sarasota-Manatee

Special to the Herald-Tribune
·4 min read
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'Hamilton’ actor Jonathan Kirkland to speak at USF Sarasota-Manatee

Actor and singer Jonathan Kirkland, who portrayed George Washington in the musical “Hamilton,” will visit the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee on May 15-16 for two programs organized by the Florida Center for Partnerships in Arts-Integrated Teaching, or PAInT.

Actor and singer Jonathan Kirkland, who portrayed George Washington in the musical “Hamilton,” will speak at USF Sarasota-Manatee on May 15 and 16.
Actor and singer Jonathan Kirkland, who portrayed George Washington in the musical “Hamilton,” will speak at USF Sarasota-Manatee on May 15 and 16.

Kirkland played a key supporting role from 2016-18 in the Chicago Company’s production of “Hamilton,” which casts people of color in historically white roles and draws from hip-hop and contemporary musical styles to tell the story of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

On May 15 from 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., “An Actor’s Conversation with PAInT” will feature Kirkland, the son of an opera singer and a basketball coach, discussing his stage, TV and movie career with PAInT director Denise Davis-Cotton. Kirkland also will pose for selfies and share acting and vocal tips. Lunch will be provided. Visit bit.ly/41tyVsG to register for the presentation at Selby Auditorium, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

On May 16 from noon-1 p.m., Kirkland will be part of a virtual presentation, “Reimaging Chicago’s ‘Hamilton." Register at bit.ly/3AjklYU. Visit sarasotamanatee.usf.edu/academics/center-for-paint for more about PAInT.

Community Foundation grant supports initiative in Manatee

The Children’s Home Society of Florida recently received a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to expand the Community Partnership Schools model at Manatee Elementary School.

Funding will support students and families, including increased access to before and afterschool tutoring, enrichment programs, and medical services. “We are directly removing barriers to education – allowing students to focus completely on learning,” said Renita Houston of the Children’s Home Society of Florida.

The initiative at Manatee Elementary is a collaboration between Children’s Home Society of Florida, Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County, MCR Health, Manatee County Schools, and USF. To learn more, visit chsfl.org.

'Girls Night Out' fundraiser for Mothers Helping Mothers

The sixth annual “Girls Night Out” fundraiser to benefit Mothers Helping Mothers is set for May 18 from 5-8 p.m. at Shapes Fitness for Women, 5451 Fruitville Road, in Sarasota.

Mothers Helping Mothers provides basic necessities for families in Sarasota, Manatee, and surrounding counties. “We hope to double last year’s donation of over $8,000," said Gail McBain of Shapes Fitness for Women.

Mothers Helping Mothers serves over 4,000 families annually, representing roughly 11,000 children in need. For more information and to register, visit shapesfitnesssarasota.com/product/gno-attendee-registration.

Humane Society of Sarasota County hosting Be Kind to Animals Awards

The Humane Society of Sarasota County is still accepting nominations through May 15 for its Be Kind to Animals Awards.

Categories include honors for youth age 6-17, teachers in Sarasota County, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals. Nominees will be honored at a reception at the Humane Society of Sarasota County, 2331 15th St., in Sarasota on May 24.

New awards include the Humane Education Award, HSSC Founder’s Award, Humane in Action Award and the HSSC Pet Advocate Award. For information and to make an nomination, visit hssc.org/nominate.

Around and about ...

Clyde Butcher, the nationally celebrated large-format camera photographer known for Florida wilderness and landscape photography, is joining a meet-and-greet on May 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Venice Gallery & Studio, 237 Warfield Ave, in Venice. The event includes a behind-the-scenes glimpse in Butcher's darkroom and limited edition photographs. Info: Clydebutcher.com; 941-486-0811.

· The Anna Maria Island Privateers is hosting Food Trucks, Pirates & Tunes on May 13 from noon to 6 p.m. at Holmes Beach City Field, 6001 Marina Drive. The fundraiser will feature more than 15 food trucks and music by Southern Cross, Steve Paradis, The 301 Travelers, Cabana Dog, and the Bradentucky Death Rays. Info: amiprivateers.org.

· Second Chance Last Opportunity is hosting its 28th anniversary party, “Git It In Your Soul,” on May 27 from 6-9 p.m. at Sarasota Bayfront Community Center, 655 N. Tamiami Trail, with refreshments and music by DJ Al. Celebrate with SCLO staff and volunteers, meet board members and learn more about the nonprofit's mission. Tickets $50. Info/reservations: secondchancelastopportunity.org/events; 941-360-8660.

· Boy Scout Troop 776 (Port Charlotte) is holding a golf tournament fundraiser on June 10 at Rotonda Hills Golf Course, 100 Rotonda Circle. The four-person scramble with a shotgun start will include lunch, awards and raffle prizes. Entry fee is $65. Info/registration: Kristie Coleman at Kris.Machel@gmail.com or 941-270-3026.

Submissions by Lynn Hatcher, Marc Masferrer, Andrea McNally, Lisabeth Begin, Jaime Limoges, Venice Gallery, Jennifer Mais, Lucy H. Hedrick, Dana Hanson.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: 'Hamilton’ actor Jonathan Kirkland to speak at USF Sarasota-Manatee