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The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for March 21-27


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  • | 10:00 a.m. March 19, 2024
Sarasota Opera's production of "Deceit Outwitted,” Hadyn's lesser-known comedic opera, runs through March 23.
Sarasota Opera's production of "Deceit Outwitted,” Hadyn's lesser-known comedic opera, runs through March 23.
Image courtesy of Rod Millington
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Thursday, March 21

Classics for Wind and Brass 
5:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$42 and up
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Sarasota Orchestra plays Nielsen’s Wind Quintet and Ewald’s Brass Quintet No. 3 in an intimate program that showcases musicians in a small-ensemble format.


Grace Kelly-Wycliffe Gordon
6 p.m. at Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$48-$120
Visit SarasotaJazzFestival.com.

Jazz Club of Sarasota presents musical prodigy Grace Kelly on the same bill as superstar trombonist Wycliffe Gordon.The concert is part of the Sarasota Jazz Festival, which runs through Saturday. 


John Wynn
7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
$26
Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

A former college professor, John Wynn won the World Series of Comedy and was named Miami New Times’ Best Comedian. You can see him on Hulu and hear him on Raw Dog Comedy on Sirius XM radio. Runs through Sunday. 


George Maxman: Mozart + Haydn
7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota
$5-$39
Visit ChamberOrchestraSarasota.org.

Virtuoso violinist George Maxman joins the Chamber Music Orchestra of Sarasota, led by Robert Vodnoy, in a concert of Mozart and Hadyn. Maxman studied at the Moscow Conservatory of Music before migrating to the U.S. 

‘Deceit Outwitted’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
$32-$155
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

Ready for an opera with a happy ending? In “Deceit Outwitted,” making its Sarasota Opera premiere, the peasant Filippo (David Walton) prays his daughter Sandrina (Yulan Piao) will marry the wealthy farmer Nencio (William Davenport) rather than her true love, who is poor. All is resolved through comic twists that include disguises in Hadyn’s lesser-known comedic opera. Runs through Saturday. 


Friday, March 22

Sights and Sounds
6 p.m. at 1560 Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit LakewoodRanch.com.

The monthly Sights and Sounds series event features Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. The performers will be singing hits from the 1970s and 1980s from last summer's National Black Theatre Festival performance. Limited seating is available. No outside food or drinks are permitted.


Moon Over Myakka Fundraising Concert
7-9:30 p.m. at South Pavilion Lawn, Myakka River State Park, 13208 State Road 72, Sarasota
$25; members $20
Visit FriendsOfMyakkaRiver.org.

The one-man band Ben Prestage performs under the moon in Myakka River State Park. Big Blue Grilled Cheese Company, the gourmet grilled cheese food truck, will supply food, with vegan and vegetarian options available.


‘Westminster’
7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St., Sarasota
$5-$31
Visit UrbaniteTheatre.org.

Directed by Urbanite Artistic Director Summer Wallace, “Westminster” tells the story of a woman who receives a rescue dog as a surprise present from an old friend. Runs through April 28.


‘The Spitfire Grill’
7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre’s Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice
$15-$37
Visit VeniceTheatre.org.

Based on the film by David Lee Zlotoff, “The Spitfire Grill” is described as a folk musical in the tradition of Rodgers and Hammerstein. Brad Wages is director and Michelle Kasanofsky is music director. Runs through April 21.


Jim Lauderdale
8 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota
$15-$30
Visit WSLR.org.

Nashville-based Jim Lauderdale’s songwriting, guitar playing and vocal skills have been praised by everyone from George Strait to Elvis Costello. Lauderdale will play music from his 35th album, “Game Changer."


Kristin Chenoweth
Courtesy image

Kristin Chenoweth
8:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$75-$145
Visit VanWezel.org.

Actor and singer Kristin Chenoweth, who has a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame, performs at the Van Wezel as part of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s Transformation Gala. 


Saturday, March 23

Walk MS
8:30 a.m. from the Nathan Benderson Park pavilion, 700 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota
Free
Visit NathanBendersonPark.org.

Advocate for additional MS research, funding and other steps toward a cure with National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s fundraising walk. The program starts at 8:15 a.m., and the walk kicks off at 8:30 a.m. A 1-mile route and a 3-mile route are available. Participants who raise at least $100 will receive a T-shirt.


Spring Art Show and Sale
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.
Free
Visit CAALR.com.

The Creative Arts Association of Lakewood Ranch is hosting its annual Spring Art Show and Sale. Local artists feature their work, which includes pottery, stained glass, fabric arts, paintings, woodwork and jewelry. 


Myakka City's Riley Smith, who is 5, runs as fast as he can to collect eggs April 1, 2023, at EGGstravaganza.
Photo by Liz Ramos

EGGstravaganza
10:30 a.m. at Waterside Park, 7301 Island Cove Terrace, Lakewood Ranch
$20; residents $10
Visit LakewoodRanch.com.

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities hosts EGGstravaganza in which thousands of eggs are placed for the egg hunt. The egg hunt begins for children 5 and under at 10:30 a.m.; for children with disabilities at 10:30 a.m.; and for children ages 6 and up at 10:45 a.m. Children with disabilities will have their own exclusive hunt area. Kids will have a chance to hang out with the Easter bunny from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. There also will be face painting, food and drink vendors, games, bounce houses, building with Lego bricks and more.


Aqua Egg Hunt at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex
1-2 p.m. at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere St., Sarasota
$5; adult chaperones free
Visit SarasotaFL.gov.

Meet the Easter Bunny and hunt for eggs at Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex. Ages 3 years and younger (accompanied by adult) at 1 p.m.; 4 to 5 years old (accompanied by adult) at 1:20 p.m., 6 to 8 years old (shallow) at 1:40 p.m. and 8 to 12 years old (deep) at 2 p.m. All children must arrive by 1:40 p.m. to complete a swim test if participating in the deep-water hunt.


‘Lucia di Lammermoor’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
$32-$155
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

It's closing night for Sarasota Opera's production of Donizetti’s masterpiece “Lucia di Lammermoor.” Last seen at the opera in 2012, “Lucia” stars soprano Ashley Milanese, making her company debut in the title role. Christopher Oglesby plays Lucia’s star-crossed lover Edgardo and Jean Carlos Rodriguez is Enrico, Lucia’s brother.


FST Improv Presents ‘Life’s A Beach’
8:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St., Sarasota
$15
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

It’s last call for “Life’s a Beach.” Whether you’re a snowbird or a native, you’ll get a kick out of FST Improv’s show poking fun at the rituals of life in Sarasota.


Purim Masquerade Party
8:45 p.m. at the Chabad House, 5712 Lorraine Road, Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit ChabadOfBradenton.com.

Celebrate Purim with Chabad of Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch at a masquerade party. Enjoy Megillah readings, drinks, music and a masquerade. 


Sarasota Jazz Festival Late Night Jam 
9:45 p.m. at Cohen Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$20
Visit SarasotaJazzFestival.com.

The Sarasota Jazz Festival wraps with a late-night jam where community members are invited to join in the fun. 


Sunday, March 24

Courtesy image

Family Concert: 'Peter and the Wolf'
1 p.m. in English and 4 p.m. in Spanish at Holley Hall, 709 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
From $5
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Want to introduce your family to live classical music without breaking the bank? Sarasota Orchestra presents Prokofiev’s symphonic fairy tale,”Peter and the Wolf," which can be enjoyed by children of all ages. The 60-minute concert will be led by Alexander Jiménez and narrated by Victor Fernandez. 


‘Luisa Miller’
1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
$32-$155
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

It's the final day for Sarasota Opera's production of one of Verdi’s lesser performed operas. The tale of forbidden love that leads to tragedy is filled with unforgettable arias and passionate ensembles.


Asolo Rep's production of Lynn Nottage's "Intimate Apparel" runs through April 18.
Image courtesy of Kayla Emy

‘Intimate Apparel’
2 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$29-$75
Visit AsoloRep.org.

Written by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and Hermitage Fellow Lynn Nottage, “Intimate Apparel” tells the story of an early 20th-century Black seamstress who entertains a marriage proposal from a foreigner while she is drawn to a Jewish shop owner who’s bound to another. Runs through April 18. 


Monday, March 25

Music Monday with Bill Evans
7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
$44
Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

The latest in McCurdy’s Music Monday series curated by Barry Weisblatt's White Leaf Events features legendary saxophone player Bill Evans backed by McCurdy’s house band, The Ramblin’ Rockers, featuring RJ Howson, Mike Kach, Garrett Dawson and Barry Oakley Jr.


Monday Night Jazz with Whitney James and Friends
7:30 p.m. at FST's John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota
$34-$39
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Got a case of the blues now that the Sarasota Jazz Festival has wrapped? Head over to the Court Cabaret for Monday Night Jazz with Whitney James and Friends. James is known for unparalleled ability to make a song her own with a distinct sense of timing and pacing. 


‘You Are Free’
7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church,1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota
$25
Visit ENSRQ.org.

Led by George Nickson and Samantha Bennett, ensembleNewSRQ is a contemporary classical music ensemble. Raven Chacon’s Pulitzer Prize-Winning “Voiceless Mass” is the centerpiece of this program, which includes a world Premiere from Kyle Rivera written for the ensemble’s artists as well as works by Ania Vu, Shawn Okpebholo and Sarah Kirkland Snider.


Tuesday, March 26

The wait is over! The hit hip-hop musical "Hamilton" makes its Sarasota debut at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall from March 26 through April 7.
Image courtesy of Joan Marcus

‘Hamilton’
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$59-$209
Visit VanWezel.org.

The sensation that is “Hamilton” continues as the Tony Award-winning musical comes to Sarasota for the first time for a three-week run at the Van Wezel. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip-hop bodice-ripper follows the romantic adventures of the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton. As the score says, you’ll “wanna be in the room where it happens.” A limited number of tickets will be available for $10 each via the official “Hamilton” app. The first lottery closes at noon, Thursday, March 21, for March 26-31 tickets. Subsequent digital lotteries will begin each Friday and close the following Thursday for the upcoming week’s performances. Runs through April 7.


Wednesday, March 27 

Arts Advocates of Sarasota presents a lecture on Mary Ann Carroll, known as the First Lady of the Florida Highwaymen artists, on Wednesday, March 27.
Courtesy image

‘First Lady of the Highwaymen’
2 p.m. at Arts Advocates Gallery, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$20
Visit ArtsAdvocates.org.

Wanda Renee Mills will deliver a history lecture about the legacy of her mother, artist Mary Ann Carroll, the only female member of the Florida Highwaymen, a group of Black landscape artists who were active from the mid-1950s into the 1980s.


Concert by Sarasota Bay Chamber Orchestra
7 p.m. at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$30
Visit SarasotaBayChamberOrchestra.org.

Directed by Patricia Glunt, Sarasota Bay Chamber Orchestra presents flutist Jane Hoffman, a special guest, in a program that includes Telemann’s Suite in A Minor for Flute and Strings. A reception will follow. 

 

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