As I look at l)erformers at tbe Pulple, I think of tile many people through the years who

urged me to write a book about my experiences at tile Hall. Ahhough.nlany of them

are no longer here, I am grateffl to them and others for the encouragement and

support they gave tile Hall in its beginning years. I also thank those patrons who continue to

make the Van Wezel the place to be in Sarasota.

As tile managing director from the first year, 1970, I was in the delightful and often-chal-

lenging position of booking, accommodating and hosting hundreds of national and interna-

tional celebrities. The seventeen years that my wife, Fran, and I worked with these well-known

personalities were filled with special anecdotes and memories. This book is a celebration of

those years, the great Hall and the wonderful performers who have appeared here in Sarasota.

Many of you will remember those performances and can perhaps recall some of the moments

in this book. But other vignettes come from behind the curtains. They are the private moments

that I know you will enjoy reading. They, too, are a part of the ttall s history.

I want to express my appreciation to all tile performers who appeared on the Van Wezel

stage. Before I came to tile Hall, many were personalities that I had only read about in periodi-

cals, heard in concert halls, seen on television or were cast in roles on the silver screen. After

I began my Van Wezel responsibilities, they became acquaintances and, in some cases, good

friends. This added to my enjoyment of walking into the building each and every morning and

evening.

The Van Wezel, now an established part of the cultural life of Southwest Florida, continues

to provide top performers and programs to audiences of all ages. I hope you enjoy some

previously unpublished highlights and photographs from its beginnings.