THE RINGLING UNDERGROUND RETURNS WITH NEW SEASON OF EVENTS
Sarasota, FL – August 29, 2013 – The Ringling Underground night series of music and art events opens the 2013/2014 cultural season for younger audiences with three new block-party experiences. Held on the first Thursdays in September, October, and November, from 8:00 to 11:00 PM, The Ringling Underground is a series of unique events hosting young artists, musicians, and creative professionals in nighttime open-air events in the Museum of Art’s signature Courtyard. Attendees can listen to compelling regional musical acts, view the work of up-and-coming local artists in the Courtyard, and view special exhibitions in the Museum of Art’s Searing Wing. Joseph’s Coat, the Skyspace created by one of the world’s leading contemporary artists, James Turrell, will also be accessible.
“This is another exciting season for an important program that connects our diverse visitors with the Art of Our Time,” said Steven High, Executive Director of The Ringling, “The Ringling Underground uses music and visual art to engage a younger audience who represent the next generation of Museum members and patrons.”
The Ringling Underground is always free for college students with a valid College ID. It is an extension of the Art After 5 after hours program held on Thursdays after 5:00 PM. After hours discounted admission is $10 for adults; $5 for children 6-17, children 5 and under are free; Museum Members are free. The Ringling Underground is a rain or shine event. Food and refreshments are available for purchase.
The Thursday, September 5th Underground welcomes back college students to the area with a “College Night” theme and three of Florida’s rising bands including local act Good Graeff and Orlando’s Alias Punch. St. Augustine-based Levek (www.levekband.com) headlines with a 10:00 PM performance. Levek is a multifaceted project bearing the surname of front man, songwriter and musical jack-of-all-trades, David Levesque and his signature Mickey Mouse tribal sound. Levek released their debut full-length album, Look A Little Closer, in September 2012. The Ringling Underground attendees will have access to the American Moderns, 1910-1960: From O’Keeffe to Rockwell special exhibition.
On Thursday, October 3rd, The Ringling Underground drives a ‘Tank-Top Pop’ dance night performance by Boston-based headliner Bearstronaut (bearstronaut.bandcamp.com) from 10:00 to 11:00 PM. Whether on stage or on record, Boston electronic pop quartet Bearstronaut have made a name in their hometown, from the nightclubs to the basements, for sparking instant dance parties. Their warm, tropical synth-pop sound has been pushing the evolution of the Boston music scene with their energetic, engaging live performances and uber-polished, glossy home recordings. Also performing that evening are RaeF (raef.me) and The Other Ryan Willis (www.facebook.com/theotherryanwillis). The special exhibition open for the October event is Witness to War: WWII Photographs from the Collections of Veterans.
For the Thursday, November 7th Underground attendees will be exposed to the demented blend of americana, punk, dance, and the avant-garde that is Megan Jean and the KFB (meganjean.net) from 10:00 to 11:00 PM. Calling the road home on a “never-ending tour” this transient duo unites scenes, fans, bands, clubs and musical styles. Megan Jean and the KFB was featured on PBS in 2012 performing as part of the music documentary series Music Voyager. In July 2012 they won the “Under The Radar Competition” at FloydFest, which earned them a mainstage spot at 2013 FloydFest alongside The Lumineers and Trampled By Turtles. In March of 2013, the duo released their 2nd full-length album, The Devil Herself. Performing prior are Jun Bustamante (www.junonline.us) and Dean Johanesen (www.deanjohanesen.com). The special exhibition open this evening is Icons of Style: Fashion Makers, Models, and Images.
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About The Ringling
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is the State Art Museum of Florida. Affiliated with Florida State University, it is one of the largest university arts complexes in the nation. It features the Ringling’s winter residence, Ca’ d’Zan, as well as a Museum of Art, a Circus Museum, the Historic Asolo Theater, all situated on a beautiful sixty-six acre estate on the shores of Sarasota Bay. The Museum of Art is world-renowned for its collection of Old Master paintings, which includes works by artists such as Paolo Veronese and Diego Velasquez. It has become synonymous with the Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens, whose Triumph of the Eucharist series is displayed in two of the most awe-inspiring galleries to be found anywhere in America. In 2011, the Ringling opened Joseph’s Coat, a Skyspace created by artist James Turrell. This extraordinary installation is the cornerstone of a program known as Art of Our Time, which showcases the talents of today’s leading visual and performance artists. The Circus Museum documents the rich history of the American circus. It houses a wealth of circus artifacts, as well as the world’s largest miniature circus. The Historic Asolo Theater is an active performance space, presenting the best in theater, music, dance, and film. The Ringling features an extensive variety of native and exotic trees, as well as the oldest rose garden in Florida, founded by Mable Ringling. The Ringling Education Center is home to The Ringling Library, which houses more than 88,000 volumes from the 16th-21st centuries, relating to all aspects of the Museum’s collections.

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