Arts Garage

Between 1960–1962, more than 14,000 Cuban children were sent alone to the U.S. by parents desperate to protect them from Castro’s regime. Manuel Prestamo was one of them. In this deeply moving one-man show, Dr. Prestamo recounts his riveting journey: From the fear and uncertainty of arriving in a new country alone at age nine. To finding belonging in Sarasota, FL.To ultimately becoming an American Cultural Ambassador for the U.S. State Department and earning his Ph.D. from NYU.His story is poignant, at times even comical, and ultimately inspiring—a powerful reminder of resilience, hope and the immigrant experience. With today’s global events, his voice could not be more timely. Available after the performance for Q&A. PERFORMER BIO: Sent to the United States on January 6, 1961 by his parents at the age of 9, Manuel had the good fortune to at least get brought out to the United States by his aunt. Nevertheless, in the intervening years before his mother, sister, and grandmother were able to get out and come to the United States his father had passed away. His early years here were difficult ones as his aunt’s brother was very opposed to encouraging Manuel’s interest in the arts and Manuel was forced to go out to a barn to practice and study violin. He progressed quickly and went to the university at the age of 16 on a full scholarship. By the time he was 21 he had earned a Ph.D. from NYU and become a college professor. He earned his living as a symphony orchestra conductor and became recognized for his work with youth orchestras. But, his love of acting as a child never left him and he sought out acting opportunities and played roles such as that of the King in Once Upon a Mattress, while serving as Dean of Arts and Humanities at Oklahoma Community College. When immigrant children were being separated from their parents during the Trump years, Manuel felt compelled to tell “his” story in support of those children. With the current exodus and the separation of families in Ukraine, this recurring immigrant theme is as poignant and relevant today is it was in 1961. In addition, Manuel’s estrangement from his parents was also a direct result of Russia’s influence on Cuba during the 1960’s. The show, The Story of a Peter Pan Kid, had its premiere in October of 2019 in a sold out showcase in Orlando which got a standing ovation and the show was immediately booked the next morning. With an expansive record of accomplishments, including winning the Mary Beth Treen Award from South Arts, and 2 Fulbright Scholar Appointments, Manuel’s services and expertise as a performing artist, administrator and educator have been utilized by organizations for some 40 years in the United States, Austria, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Israel, Chile, Columbia, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Argentina, Israel, and the Far East.

Call for comedians! Join us for Comedy Open Mic Night on the 1st Tuesday of the month. IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Restricted performance: 18 and older only. 21+ to drink with valid US ID or Passport required at the door.Open Mic Guidelines Patrons -Tickets purchased online: $20 -Tickets purchased through the Box Office: $25 Performers: $10 All tickets include two complimentary drinks -A QR code will be provided upon arrival to facilitate online ticket purchases.- Performer registration begins at 7 PM and must be in-person. Sign up to perform upon arrival (must sign up by 9 PM).-Signing up at 7:00 PM adds your name to the performer pool but does not guarantee stage time. Rather than a first-come, first-served approach, the host determines the order based on multiple factors to ensure a well-balanced show. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.-Performers are encouraged to sign up from their personal device or phone using a QR code provided that evening. -We feature up to 24 performers per night. -Only original material is permitted for performance.-Each performer has a maximum of 3-5 minutes on stage. -Be mindful of the stoplight cue. If you go over your time, your mic will be cut off and the   host will take the stage. -The host reserves the right to stop any performance that uses hate speech. -Audience members may be asked to leave the event if the host or house manager deem   it necessary. -Equipment on stage is not to be moved. The host will adjust the microphone as needed.

Raw Southern blues meets New Orleans funk in a high-energy, soul-drenched celebration of roots musicPERFORMER BIO:Max HightowerIt all started when a 12-year-old Max Hightower wore out a cassette of Muddy “Mississippi” Waters Live. The sounds of Muddy and James Cotton lit a fire that’s burned ever since. Too broke for a guitar, his grandmother handed him a harmonica—and Max found his voice. From early bar gigs under Carolina legend Mickey Fowler to late nights at Pearl’s Cotton Club in Houston, Max sharpened his craft on harmonica, guitar, piano, and vocals. Years later, fate brought him face-to-face with former Muddy Waters bassist Mac Arnold, and together they formed Plate Full O’ Blues, serving up hot Chicago and Southern soul across the U.S. and Europe. Now, with his solo album Nothin’ But the TRUTH (MoMojo Records), recorded at BigTone Studio in New Orleans, Max delivers a raw, funky mix of NOLA groove and Carolina grit.Rob Davis Born and raised in New Orleans, Rob Davis began playing piano at the age of five and picked up the drums by eleven. A true multi-instrumentalist, he also plays accordion, bass, guitar, and sings. Rob is a fixture on the New Orleans music scene, currently performing with Mem Shannon and the Membership, Dr. Sick and the Late Greats, Captain Buckles, and his own band, Brokedown Streetcar, among others. He spent ten years with Vince Vance and the Valiants and several years with Benny Grunch and the Bunch, building a reputation as a versatile and soulful player. Deeply inspired by ’50s and ’60s New Orleans R&B, Rob’s influences include Professor Longhair, Fats Domino, Billy Joel, and Dr. John — and his love for funk, blues, gospel, Cajun, and Zydeco shines through in every performance. A proud graduate of Tulane University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music, Rob brings both heart and mastery to every stage he plays.James BeaumontJames Beaumont is a British Saxophonist who has lived in New Orleans for 10 years. He's known for his tenor playing, but is equally proficient on soprano and Baritone sax, and plays piano. James has played extensively in the US and Asia, and has arranged, recorded and performed with bands such as Sally Baby's Silver Dollars, The Subdudes, The Quickening and many more. James is highly in demand as a sideman because of his versatility, and his sound which is deeply rooted in blues and soul. He also works as a front man, leading groups singing and playing around the crescent city.BAND MEMBERS:Max Hightower - Vocals, Guitar & Harmonica Brandon Phelps - Drums James Beaumont - Baritone and soprano Sax Rob Davis - Piano & Organ Troy House - Guitar Steadman "Fleetwood" Williams Sr. - Bass