Stardust Ballroom Opens in Harmony House Restaurant, Venice, Florida

Big Band Sounds From New Stardust Ballroom, Venice Florida


In 1958 Mickey Ashley's dance band played for my 14th birthday party. We cleared out the garage on Bayou Road in Greenville, Mississippi and danced to the tunes of Stardust, Tenderly and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. I was mortified that my father and his friends would be invading my space since my generation was clearly into this new kid from Tupelo by the name of Elvis. Remember the days when you wanted your parents to disappear?

Now a hundred years later I'd give anything to have that night back and listen to the music performed by Mickey (my Daddy), Uncle Barbee on piano, Big Boola Woods and Raymond Schultz. I was so excited when I read today's Herald Tribune article about Harmony House Restaurant in Venice opening a dancing ballroom.

Stardust was my father's favorite song and brings back so many memories. Daddy gave up his first love "music" in 1945 for stability and a regular job, playing gigs on the side returning to Greenville. He had to leave Greenville, as a youngster when the 1927 Mississippi River floor, forced families from their homes. His first professional job playing his sax was in a tent show at $20 a week traveling the southern circuit.

Several years later, with one suitcase and $3 in his hand, Daddy hitchhiked 755 miles from Wheeling, WV to New York City. He held a job as dishwasher during the depression and played with a rinky-tink band in a Brooklyn burlesque house. Two months later, without a job (the band folded), he walked down Broadway and saw a fine looking gentleman on a corner. It was the day's famous trupet player and bandleader, Clyde McCoy. Daddy chased Mr. McCoy to a pool room and invited himself into a game of pool that landed Daddy a job with Mr. McCoy playing his sax, recording records including the renowned Sugar Blues. He lived his dream. Few musicians did in those times.

One of Daddy's students of music in the Mississippi Delta plays Stardust for me when I visit the area. It will be wonderful to experience the Stardust Ballroom regularly to hear the music of a bygone era. Kudos to Harmony House Restaurant and the residents who came up with the idea. I hope to meet you in Venice and dance to big band music and the "wa wa" sounds of Clyde McCoy.

Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for Sarasota Real Estate with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota County real estate market. Email Annette with your questions or to ask for a buying or listing appointment.

Sarasota Real Estate News - GreyHawk Landing

Lennar Offers Incentives on Final Phase at GreyHawk Landing

If you are considering a move to Bradenton, FL, Lennar's latest incentives include the Oakmont Homesite #3090, 2361 sq.ft. This great room plan offers 3 bedroom, two bath, den, breakfast noon, plus a pool and 3 car garage for $469,900. Beautiful preserve on back of lot with estimated completion in November.

The Sawgrass Model Homesite #3089, over 2900 sq.ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, living room, den, family room, and a master suite with sitting area. There is also a pool and 3 car garage with a price of $539,900. 3% cost to close incentives are offered on both.

Builders are still offering many incentives in Florida. According to the latest MLS statistics, it's a historic buyer's market and a great time to buy Sarasota!

Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for selling your Sarasota home or condo with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. Email Annette with your questions or to ask for a buying or listing appointment.

The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort

Special Offering by Colony on Longboat Key

Are you a tennis buff? The Colony is offering special fares. Relax on beautiful Longboat Key and take part in the many activities and special events provided by this tennis resort.

Special Events

Jazz on the Beach
October 13 5:30pm-9:30pm

18th Annual Stonecrab, Seafood & Wine Festival
October 15-28

Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for Longboat Key real estate with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. Email Annette with your questions or to ask for a buying or listing appointment.

Lido Key Condos for Sale

Orchid Beach Club

One of Sarasota's newest condo developments, Orchid Beach Club, has 10 units available at its beachfront complex. One condo listed as sale pending and 6 units have sold in the last six months.

Active Orchid Beach Club condos listed in the Sarasota MLS today range from a 3242 sq.ft unit featuring full bay views and partial Gulf views priced at $1,750,000 to a 3242 sq.ft direct Gulf unit, which is a furnished model priced at $2,999,500.

Amenities:

Directly on Lido Key Beach
Guarded Gate Entry
Club House
Billiards
Fitness Center
Resort Pool
Sauna
Spa
Underground Parking

An 8th floor condo sold in April for $2,750,000 featuring direct Gulf Views and expansive terraces.

Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for properties in Sarasota with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. To view Lido Key condos above, call Annette at 941-504-3922 .

Sarasota FL Luxury Real Estate

Golden Gate Point has experienced a major transformation. In the last five years, the Sarasota skyline has changed considerably with massive high-rises priced over $3 million towering across from the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, all providing luxurious amenities to homeowners.

In the last six months, 7 sales were provided by the Sarasota MLS stats. A one bedroom unit sold for $500,000 at Harbor House while a luxury unit at Labellasara sold for $2,250,000 in July. Current Golden Gate Point listings are priced from $599,000 for a one bedroom, 1 bath, 670 sq.ft. unit at Pier 550 to a spacious, over 3900 sq.ft., unit offering 4 bedroom suites, a game room with fireplace, a web bar and a boat slip at the Grand Rivera, including sensational water views. With spectacular views of Sarasota's new Ringling Bridge, Sarasota Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, city lights and gorgeous sunsets, Golden Bay condos are within a quick drive to Sarasota's cultural attractions, dining and shopping.


Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for properties in Sarasota with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. Email Annette with your questions or to ask for a buying or listing appointment.