5 Things You Need to Know Today: September 22

1.It is opening night for the Production of the popular family musical The Sound of Music by Rodgers and Hammerstein. The musical plays through October 9.  Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $11 for students. Tickets may be reserved by calling 748-5875 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and one hour before curtain on performance days. They are also  available on the Manatee Players’ website: www.manateeplayers.com. All performances are at 102 Old Main Street.

2. will host an opening reception for the “Florida Watercolor Society 40th Annual Exhibition” Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Florida Watercolor Society's 40th Annual Exhibition features 100 paintings juried by internationally known artist John Salminen. The exhibit showcases work by renowned artists from all over Florida including ArtCenter members and instructors. For a full list of exhibitions, events, classes and workshops visit www.artcentermanatee.org or call 941-746-2862.

3. Banana Bob's Tiki Hut is hosting a golf tournament on Sunday at to raise funds for Manasota Operation Troop Support. The registration fee is $40 per golfer. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The entry fee includes golf, lunch and 4 drink tickets.

4. Manatee County is searching for a Planning Commission member. The citizens advisory committee makes recommendations on land use issues. The seven-member board is appointed by County Commissioners and each member receives a $60 stipend per meeting. The four-year term begins Oct. 14. Applicants must be registered to vote in the county. Commissioners meet on the second Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. in the . Those with experience or training in planning, engineering, environmental science or the development industry may be given additional consideration. Planning Commission members may not hold an elected office, be employed by the Board or be a member of another land development-related advisory board serving unincorporated Manatee County, except as specifically provided for. Applications are due Sept. 30 and may be found online. For more information, call Bobbi Roy, 748-4501 ext. 6878, or email bobbi.roy@mymanatee.org.

5. is hosting a “Drink, Dine, and be Divine” Girls Night Out tonight from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Activities and services, include spa treatments such as wraps, micro-dermabrasion or massages from Blue Door Salon, Metro Massage and Skin Care, Montee Posey, and Salon Uptown-Downtown. Admission is free. Guests may bring their gold, in any condition, and GoldPros will exchange it for cash. GoldPros will also donate 10% of transactions that evening to Meals on Wheels PLUS. Gourmet small plates prepared by Executive Chef Joe Stoddard will be available. The dishes are priced at $3, $5, or $7, and include a variety of creative and appetizers, entrees, side dishes, and desserts. Sylvia Adeyams will offer a complimentary wine tasting. Beverages, cocktails and wine by the glass will also be available for purchase.