Week's best bets: Monday, Feb. 9

By Nick Friedman
| 4:41 p.m. February 9, 2015

Arts + Entertainment
Things To Do

MONDAY, FEB. 9

+ Hopslam-a-jamma — takes place at 8 p.m. at Shamrock Pub. Free

Celebrate the release of Hopslam Ale, the sought-after limited release by Bell's Beer tonight at Shamrock Pub.

Polpo's Pizza and DJ Andy Viohl help kick off the Hopslam season. So if you're in the mood for artisanal wood-fired pizza, cold beer and music, head to Shamrock.

TUESDAY, FEB. 10

+ Harry Connick Jr. — takes place at 8 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. $84 to $105.

This pianist, vocalist, composer, band leader, actor and philanthropist has earned three Grammy awards, two Emmy Awards and two Tony nominations and has spearheaded efforts to help rebuild his hometown of New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11

+ Violet — takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Players Theatre of Sarasota. $20. Show runs through Feb. 22

This award-winning musical is set in the racially charged South in the 1960′s. Based on the short story “The Ugliest Pilgrim,” Violet is about a disfigured girl who embarks on a journey to be healed. It's the winner of the Drama Critics Award, Lucille Lortel Award as Best Musical, and is currently being revived on Broadway.

THURSDAY, FEB. 12

+ Culture Collective — takes place at 5:45 p.m. at Circus Sarasota Big Top at the Mall at UTC. Free for members; regular circus rates for nonmembers. $5 parking.

Sarasota Culture Collective will host an hour-long social mixer in the front tent VIP area, featuring circus fare, photo opportunities with circus talent and a brief presentation about The Circus Arts Conservatory and the show. Show begins at 7 p.m. Stick around for a post-show meet-and-greet with the cast, including Nik Wallenda.

FRIDAY, FEB. 13

+ Wild Cider Night — takes place at 7 p.m. at Cock & Bull Pub. Free.

Celebrate the official Florida release of Rocky Mountain Cider Company's "Wild Cider."

On tap will be: Pumpkin, berry, spiced apple, pineapple, piña colada and traditional apple. All ciders are gluten free, Plus, keep the glass from Wild Cider.

SATURDAY, FEB. 14

+ Black Diamond Burlesque's Valentine's Lounge — takes place at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. at the Starlite Room, 1001 Cocoanut Ave. $60, or $70 for VIP.

Spice up your Valentine's Day with Black Diamond Burlesque's "Valentine's Lounge," a retro themed full production in Sarasota's mid-century modern venue. Now in their fifth year of offering undraped loveliness, Sarasota's premier burlesque troupe features classic and elegant performances, including Vaudeville, variety and strip tease.

SUNDAY, FEB. 15

+ Flights and Bites — takes place at 6:30 p.m. at Darwin Brewing Company, Bradenton. $40.

Join Geraldson Community Farm and Darwin Brewing Company at the Darwin Brewing Company Taproom for a six-course farm-to-table dinner hosted by Chef Darwin Santa Maria and Brewmaster Jorge Rosabal.

Santa Maria will create six small dishes using veggies from Geraldson Community Farm to be paired with Darwin beers. Santa Maria and Rosabal will introduce courses and discuss pairings, flavor profiles and culinary inspirations.