By John Morton
Folks, let’s blame Bobby Schneck for this one.
There have been many occasions when our local guitar hero graced the stage at the Sniki Tiki and couldn’t help but notice that I was front and center, singling along to his rock n’ roll classics without missing a beat.
‘“Buy some shades or cheap sunglasses!” I’d holler with perfect timing, striking assorted lead-singer poses, and leaving the other ZZ Top disciples in the dust.
And, my perfectly placed Wayfarers never moved a millimeter.
Eventually, you’d think that Bobby would feel no choice but to hand me a microphone and escort me on stage. Right?
Nope. So now, to ascend those magic stairs, I’ve had to resort to this: the hosting of a podcast.
It’s called Siesta Sand LIVE!.
Even the giant crab in the stage’s background is enjoying a good laugh. Better than being crabby, I reckon.
Chuckles aside, the Siesta Sand is delighted to join forces with Captain Curt’s Village to bring our community, our region, our nation, and the world a video talk show-style glimpse of Siesta Key. The appetite for anything and everything about our island is insatiable, and it spans the globe.
Siesta Sand Live will mostly feature an in-person interview format, further giving personality to a place that’s already loaded with it. Our stories and reports will come alive on our stage.
The weekly show takes place at 9 a.m. each Thursday at the Sniki Tik, 1200 Old Stickney Point Rd. Most everyone knows about Captain Curt’s, it being the complex near the south bridge with the giant American flag. It has always had that certain something that makes it the ideal place to gather. It’s a true landmark.
“We’re excited about it. It should be fun for everyone and a great chance to learn about what’s going on all around the Key,” said Brad Stewart, who co-owns the business with his brother Brett. “We’re looking forward to it.”
Show segments will focus on news, business, the community, and more. Like this newspaper, the show will be informative and accurate while fair and balanced. Civility will be the only house rule. Otherwise, we expect participants to feel free to be themselves and provide not only insights but opinions. This is a community-based broadcast that belongs to all.
For example, Schneck will be helping host some of our music–themed segments. We’d love resident involvement in all manner, so don’t be shy.
Beyond watching in person, viewing platforms will include a dedicated YouTube channel, our siestasand.us website, our Siesta Sand Live Facebook page (please like and follow), and other outlets once we are established.
Actually, the show officially kicks off with a thorough state-of-the-island interview with county commissioner Mark Smith at 9 a.m. Oct. 2 – he had a government meeting conflict with our Oct. 3 start date. Both shows, like all shows, will be open to the public for attendance and the Captain Curt’s coffee shop will be brewing plenty of joe and offering other treats for those who show up. Come on out!
The next day, guest segments will include a visit from representatives of the new Siesta Poke restaurant in the Village. Prepare yourself your free samples of something that’s not only tasty but good for you.
And then we’ll reconnect with the one and only Anna James, the creator of Anna’s Deli. She became an author at age 90 and has another book in the works that gives a nod to our island life. Her stories of the Village’s yesteryear are priceless.
Meanwhile, local Realtor Judie Berger will share a real estate report and her incredible market knowledge. Then, we’ll get a glimpse of a new Captain Curt’s creation known as “Crab TV” – an interactive big-screen gameday presentation that Ohio State football fans will love.
I’m a Badger, and co-host Natalie Gutwein is a Hoosier, so we are more than accustomed to the Buckeyes getting the spotlight.
Speaking of your hosts, many of you will recall my days as the newspaper’s managing editor. I became semi-retired a few months back and, of course, soon thereafter wanted a new endeavor that was in my wheelhouse. And this is perfect.
That worldwide hunger for Siesta news I earlier spoke of … well, the biggest glutton is me! Holding court with friends and visitors on local topics is something I’ve done my whole life. It feeds my soul.
But what kind of new world awaits me? As far as journalism goes, is this podcast stuff the dark side, the bright side, The Far Side?
I’d say the latter fits best. Yes, we hope to have some bizarre, comic strip-like moments. My philosophy is that we can have fun being serious about what we’re doing. Regis, step aside.
Then there’s Natalie Gutwein, the show’s other host. She has been a real estate columnist with our newspaper for more than a year and is also on the board of directors with the Siesta Key Association, the island’s preeminent civic group serving as the ultimate steward and watchdog.
She knows so many people while also being in the know on local issues. Regarding her camera presence … no, she’s not a 60-year-old silver fox like me (once told I had the perfect face for writing) but she’ll have to do. Cue the laugh track.
“I’m very excited about both the podcast and my role in it,” Gutwein said. “Siesta Key is a very special place to so many, and I’m incredibly grateful and flattered that I’ve been chosen as the person to co-host.
“There are so many stories to tell here on the island. So many interesting people and so many topics to discuss. This is our opportunity to record Siesta Key’s history and to help shape the future. I look forward to working with John, with the great sponsors that are fully supporting this endeavor, and with the Siesta Key community overall.”
OK, so that’s the scoop. Let’s make this work, so I don’t have to think about some other wild idea that helps pass my time. For example, would a reality TV show be next?
I know some hip and crazy kids down in Miami who are just itching to return to Siesta Key. You’ve been warned.
(John Morton is co-host of Siesta Sand Live)
