Some people love to dance. Others just love the music; the energy, the rhythm, the feeling that comes with great dance tunes. Either way, this concert has something for you.

The night kicks off with the bold Spanish flair of “España Cañí,” one of the most iconic paso dobles ever written. The band keeps that Spanish heat going with “Spanish Fever,” packed with drum set solos, and “Libertango,” spotlighting soprano saxophone soloist Vince Loose. The flute section steps into the limelight during “Fiesta for Flutes,” and you’ll hear a fresh arrangement of Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana” which is always a crowd-pleaser.

Switching gears, the band dives into the classical side of dance with “Cake Walk,” a lively, syncopated piece with roots on pre-Civil War plantations. Originally called the “prize walk,” dancers competed for a lavishly decorated cake. This number practically begs your feet to move.

Waltz lovers don’t miss George Bizet’s graceful “Menuet,” featuring flute soloist Mary Duer.

Broadway fans get their due with two showstoppers: “Mambo” from West Side Story and “Shall We Dance” from The King and I.

Before the music starts and during intermission, resident artist Wayne Ramirez will display his artwork, including a painting of a dancing couple featured on the concert program.

Mark your calendar for February 23. This is a concert you won’t want to miss. Tickets go on sale February 9 at 10:00 AM. Buy them online at www.VeniceConcertBand.com or in person at the Venice Performing Arts Center box office from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You can also pick up tickets the night of the show for $17 cash at the box office. Even if the official box office sells out, people often have extra tickets available at the door.

The post Venice Concert Band Presents “Dance with Me” at Venice Performing Arts Center, Feb 23, 7 p.m. appeared first on Englewood Review.

On February 3, someone reported to school officials that a student had a weapon. Administrators moved quickly, working with law enforcement to locate and remove the firearm. Principal Zoltan Kerestely told families that everyone on campus was safe and said there was never an ongoing threat.

The next day, Kerestely sent another message, calling it “a serious safety incident.” He said the situation happened because some staff didn’t follow the established safety protocols, allowing the weapon onto school grounds. An investigation later confirmed that members of the school support team failed to do their jobs correctly. “This should not have happened and is unacceptable,” Kerestely said.

Authorities also arrested the student’s mother, Amber Dawn Strong, 45. According to a probable cause affidavit, she told a deputy the firearm was hers and that she’d left it inside a laptop bag in her daughter’s room. The sheriff’s office said Strong was arrested on February 3 for violating pretrial release conditions in a domestic violence case. She hadn’t turned over her firearm as required. Police seized the weapon.

Kerestely said the school has fixed the security lapse and is taking all necessary disciplinary actions. District security advisers are now on campus, and staff will undergo mandatory safety training as the school reviews and strengthens its supervision procedures.

Venice High’s principal emphasized that Sarasota County Schools enforces a zero-tolerance policy for weapons. He thanked the students who spoke up and the staff who responded when they saw something was wrong.

The 15-year-old faces a charge of possessing a firearm on school property.

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Houston, who helped lead Venice High to multiple deep playoff runs before heading to Wake Forest University, has long been regarded as one of the top defensive infielders in the country. Known for his lightning-quick reflexes and leadership on and off the field, the 21-year-old cemented his first-round status after a breakout junior season at Wake Forest, where he hit .354 with 15 home runs and 19 stolen bases.

A hometown favorite and two-time All-State selection in high school, Houston’s rise has been closely followed by the Venice baseball community, which has produced a number of collegiate and professional players in recent years.

The Twins cited Houston’s advanced glove, arm strength and mental maturity as key factors in their selection. “We believe Marek has all the tools to stay at shortstop long-term,” said Twins scouting director Sean Johnson. “His background and work ethic are a big part of that.”

Houston is expected to begin his professional career just a few hours north in Fort Myers with the Twins’ Low-A affiliate, keeping the Florida native close to home—at least for now.

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