[jtdraig]

Was perusing Graciegirl's discussion about finding the Villages and was reminded that we have friends in Sarasota and Venice who come up to visit once in a while and both have said "WELL, the Villages is very nice but there really is no culture here"...which puts me into a not so nice mood. I think we have a LOT of culture here and it's growing.

[getdul981]

Sounds to me like they are the type of people that have their nose out of joint.

[billethkid]

to change....if they wanted to do so.
And oh yes, something significant is missing from the info...lack of culture as measured by what?

btk

[swrinfla]

I've met an individual here in TV who seems to have been brought up in and subsequently lived for years in Manhattan and is now very regretful that there is "nothing" here to keep her entertained!

I have tried to persuade her that, while TV is not and can probably never be Manhattan, she ought to adjust.

Sadly, it does not seem to be working!

SWR

[redwitch]

Okay, I'm doing some serious ducking as I type this, but I agree -- the "culture" in TV is a joke at best. You can't have everything but TV comes darn close. I love the ballet -- it is a true passion of mine. I enjoy hearing a world class orchestra or performer. There's nothing like a Broadway play -- whether on Broadway or a good road show.

I haven't found a good ballet company in Central Florida and that does make me sad. Our symphony orchestra is not world class, but it is enjoyable on am amateur level. I will be kind and not comment on the shows/plays/musicals at Savannah Center. I have seen a couple of decent plays in Tampa, but nothing I would want to write home about.

So, given the standard criteria for "culture," TV is sorely lacking. If culture is a No. 1 priority, TV is not the place for you. If having many activities, seeing many different types of performances (although the majority will be at the amateur level at best), living with some of the most wonderful people in the world, then TV is for you.

If I am in dire need of serious culture, I'll dig out a CD and play some Yo-Yo Ma or Itzhak Perlman. I'll play a DVD of the Bolshoi on the big-screen TV in my living room. Heck, I'll even save my money and plan a trip to see a play or two or take in a ballet or .. There are alternatives.

The lack of culture here is not a major issue in the scheme of TV. I put it up there with missing some of my acquaintances (friends are another story) in California. When I miss my ballet, I'll find a way to watch some on TV. It ain't live, but I'm not going to cry about it.

[K9-Lovers]

I keep reading about a planned performing arts center. If that comes to fruition, perhaps it will be a venue for some cultural activities. Here's hoping. . . .

[gary42651]

''Culture'' means alot more than just having a world class orchestra, or a good ballet company, when I was in France, a lady said that americans had ''no culture'' I told her
that if was true than it was her fault and the fault of all the people of europe, our country is a melting pot of many cultures, and that is what made our country great, and if it wasn`t for the ''un cultured'' americans, she would be speaking german today instead of french.
I see the Villages as a small melting pot of people from all over the country and a few other countries,and I never met so many great people in one small area anywhere in the world, its like having the largest family in the world. I feel like we have our own " culture" and its pretty damn good.

[jblum8156]

Maybe cost is not a factor for your "cultured" friend, but the cost of a live show in Manhattan (or San Francisco or any of the other big city culture centers) is out of sight for me. Even the cost of a movie ticket in NY is twice what it is here.

[dillywho]

Reading all of this and having been to NY only once in my life on my way to Germany to join my husband as a newlywed Army bride, I guess the only way you could refer to my culture is "Genuine Red Neck". I grew up on the likes of Hank Williams, Hank Snow, Chet Atkins, Bob Wills and then Buddy Holly, Bill Haley, Dione Warwick, Motown, etc. and still love it all. Do I like the other stuff....I might...dunno. But I'm very happy with my station in life and most grateful for the privilege to live in this place. One of the best parts......having some of it all.

I remember the first time I ever came here (2002) and there was an outdoor symphony concert at Hacienda. Needless to say, it was not my kind of music, but was beautiful and beautifully performed. Many of us were parked in golf carts across the lake totally enjoying the performance. My daughter-in-law, who loves symphony, ballet, etc. (she once studied to be a ballerina until an unrelated injury nixed that) was totally amazed. She remarked that she had just paid big bucks the week before for the same thing that was here for free. Her observation...."What a place!"

In short, I guess a lot of life is really what you make of it. No one is forced to live here and here is not everyone's "cup of tea". That's ok...just don't put down anyone who feels that it is theirs, please.

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by jtdraig

Was perusing Graciegirl's discussion about finding the Villages and was reminded that we have friends in Sarasota and Venice who come up to visit once in a while and both have said "WELL, the Villages is very nice but there really is no culture here"...which puts me into a not so nice mood. I think we have a LOT of culture here and it's growing.

Jtdraig, don't take offense with your Sarasota friends. I think it's a fair comment. Someone who frequents first-rate museums, gallaries and/or performing arts (symphony, ballet, opera, theatre, etc.) probably is not going to find TV right for them. They probably are not going to find any small town right for them. That's ok.

Many people enjoy having those venues available but only occasionally attend them. This group might miss these venues, but enjoy on a more routine basis the people, particular sense of community and many splendid amenities that TV does offer. (I'd put myself in this group.)

Other people don't care for the artsy scene at all.

TV isn't right for everyone. That doesn't offend me.

[frankmac]

We've lived in many places, from Alaska to New Jersey, Idaho to Virginia, and now Florida -- and traveled widely in Europe and Asia -- and I think I see what the "culture critic" means about The Villages. My impression is the Villages culture is a mosaic made up of many facets depending on your needs and interests. We love classical music and there's very little of that here and no longer on 70.9. We listen to our own CDs and can't stand any local station. BUT check TV and with all the cable channels it's no monument to culture. The Villages mosaic is in its great diversity of people, its numerous clubs and activities, and wide variety of restaurants which combine to provide fellow and family feeling -- if you are open to it.

[pooh]

The same, no culture, was said about the town I came from in southern CA. Honestly, that can be said for many locales, but there might be areas nearby where one can partake of "culture." Around here, one can drive to Orlando, Sarasota, other cities, for events that might not be available here in The Villages. Unless one lives in a large city, with theaters, museums, art exhibits, most people have to drive to areas where they can find that sort of "entertainment."

Some people really enjoy living in the city, with the hustle and bustle, the theater, the sophistication, the crowds. Personally, I've been to the cities, seen the art exhibits, been to the theater, dined in fine restaurants, and for me, a little more peace and quiet makes me comfortable. Some just enjoy a more casual lifestyle and this is a good place to live that kind of life. Doesn't mean the residents don't enjoy "culture" just means they've decided that what The Villages has to offer is more appealing to them. This community isn't for all, but all who live here seem to feel it is for them.

[graciegirl]

If you aren't all a bunch of cultured people, I'll eat my hat. Your responses are wonderful to read. I agree completely with each and every one of you and I feel so lucky to own a home where you do.

[kentucky blue]

Originally Posted by pooh

Some people really enjoy living in the city, with the hustle and bustle, the theater, the sophistication, the crowds. Personally, I've been to the cities, seen the art exhibits, been to the theater, dined in fine restaurants, and for me, a little more peace and quiet makes me comfortable. Some just enjoy a more casual lifestyle and this is a good place to live that kind of life. Doesn't mean the residents don't enjoy "culture" just means they've decided that what The Villages has to offer is more appealing to them. This community isn't for all, but all who live here seem to feel it is for them.

Could not have said it any better, sooooooooooo i won't. But i would love a radio station in TV that would play some of my all time favorite songs.Like, I'm just a bug on the windshield of life, or My wife ran away with my best friend, and i sure do miss him.Also , How can i miss you if you won't go away. My final 2 favorites are, I'll marry you tomorrow, but let's honeymoon tonite and Beauty is only a light switch away.Just a little levity to end the day, goodnite all

[EdV]

There’s plenty of culture here. I just pulled some out of the back of my refrigerator drawer.