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This Week in Sarasota: Thursday, Oct. 11

A look at our favorite events happening this week.


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  • | 10:20 p.m. October 3, 2018
  • Arts + Entertainment
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THURSDAY

Cycle 1 Opening Reception

5 p.m. at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail

Free

Call 365-2032.

Art Center Sarasota is kicking off its season with a new exhibit featuring Miami-based installation artist Brookhart Jonquil’s glass art and sculptures, Brooklyn-based Natalie Lerner’s etchings and drawings and Belgian artist An Onghena’s contemporary printmaking. “New Modern,” a multisubject, open exhibition juried by Caui Lofgren is also on display. Opening reception is for Brookhart Jonquil and “New Modern.”

 

David Hagberg Chat and Signing

6 p.m. at BookStore1Sarasota, 12 S. Palm Ave.

Free

Call 365-7900.

More and more thrillers seem to be popping up on must-read lists lately, and this author’s new book could be next. Meet New York Times bestselling author David Hagberg and learn about the process of writing “Face Off,” a new story about a man who helps stop a terrorist attack at the Eiffel Tower. He soon realizes the attack was part of a larger plan — one that aims to force out the U.S. president by pitting him against Russia.

 

‘The Children’s Hour’

7 p.m. at Booker High School VPA Theater, 3201 N. Orange Ave.

$15; $7 for students

Call 355-2967, Ext. 65211.

Lillian Hellman’s tragic and extremely relevant play centers on a rebel who runs away from her boarding school and accuses two teachers of having an affair. Runs through Saturday.

 

Jodi White

7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.

$18 to $21

Call 925-3869.

When a woman is able to make fun of herself for having three ex husbands, you know you’re in for a night of hilarious self-deprecating humor. Now on husband four, White doesn’t hold back, and her boldness easily crosses over from her personal life and into her line of work. Enjoy an evening of laughs from a comic who’s been featured in several comedy festivals, in Today’s Woman Magazine and on  “NickMom Night Out.” Runs through Oct. 14.

 

‘Global Initiative’

7:30 p.m. at Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton

$15; $5 for students and staff

Call 752-5351.

If you need one last getaway before season begins, SCF Bradenton Symphony Orchestra’s got you covered. Come take a trip with this student and community group and guest piano soloist Aza Torshkoeva as they travel from Finland to Poland and back home with works such as Sibelius’ “Finlandia,” Addinsell’s “Warsaw Concerto” and Dvorak’s classic “New World Symphony.” A pre-concert reception with dessert and champagne, conductor talk and guest artist meet and greet will occur in The Gallery at SCF at 6:30 p.m.

 

FRIDAY

The Orchid Show: ‘Endless Forms’

10 a.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave.

$20; $10 for ages 4-17; and free for members

Call 366-5731.

Did you know the orchid family, aka Orchidaceae, is one of the largest families of flowering plants on the planet? We didn’t, but hopefully you didn’t either and that was actually a fun fact. The team at Selby Gardens are big Orchidaceae fans — their collection of scientifically documented orchids is one of the most extensive in the world — so through Nov. 25, guests can experience an exhibit celebrating the beauty and diversity of orchids.

 

Artwalk Ringling College Galleries

4 p.m. at Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail

Free

Call 359-7563.

Ringling College of Art and Design is jumping on the art walk trend with this new event, which will feature food trucks and wine and cheese receptions in each of the seven campus galleries. This week, enjoy shows such as “Agitype” by Sheryl Oring, the Eighth Annual Student Exhibition, the Alumni Garage Exhibition and much more.

 

Fridays @ Five: Word and Image

5 p.m. at Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood

Free

Call 475-2098.

This season, Hermitage Artist Retreat is starting a new outreach initiative. Fridays @ 5 is a series of artist talks and readings, live performances and more. This month, visitors will hear from New Orleans-based artist Regina Scully, who will discuss the micro-universes she creates in her paintings. Her work can be experienced in person at the accompanying exhibit, “Small Paintings and Works on Paper,” through December. Italian screenwriter Roberto Bentivegna will also read from his witty, challenging screenplays.

 

Season Preview Exhibit Opening Reception

6 p.m. at 530 Burns Gallery, 530 Burns Lane

Free

Call 951-0620.

530 Burns Gallery is kicking off its 2018-2019 with a show dedicated to its newest visual artists. Experience the work of sculptor Peter Bradley Cohen and sports artist Heather Blanton along with several returning gallery artists for an exhibit that will explore several themes, including abstraction versus realism and masculinity and femininity. Runs through Nov. 5.

 

Jim Lauderdale

8 p.m. at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court

$20 in advance; $25 at the door

Call 1-800-838-3006.

Jim Lauderdale has released nearly 30 albums since his music career began in 1991, so it’s fair to say he knows his way around a stage. This multi-Grammy award winning country, bluegrass and Americana artist will perform several of his original works, and Grant Peeples will open the show.

 

SATURDAY

Don't Miss: Oktoberfest

October isn’t even halfway over, so don’t put away your dirndl or lederhosen yet. Head to JDub’s for an afternoon that will run into the evening if you throw back enough steins. Enjoy live music from Audio Orchid from 6-9 p.m. and lawn games and beer specials throughout.

If You Go

When: 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: JDub’s Brewing Co. & Tap Room, 1215 Mango Ave.

Tickets: Free admission

Info: Call 955-2739.

 

ArtCenter Manatee Chef’s Challenge

6 p.m. at ArtCenter Manatee, 209 Ninth St. W., Bradenton

Tickets $100

Call 746-2862.

Foodies rejoice, because this is a fundraiser you’ll want to pull out the bib to attend. Support ArtCenter Manatee while chowing down on delicious dishes by Chef Rich Knowles, enRich, Melange, Sugar Cubed, Harry’s Continental Kitchen and CopaMocha. Not enticing enough? There will also be wine, live music and live art created by Helen Solomon, Joanna Karpay, Norman Neidert, Ellen Bieschke and Liana Martin.

 

‘Suds: The Rocking ’60s Musical Soap Opera’

7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice

$15-$30

Call 488-1115.

Slide (on slippery, soap-covered floors) back into the 1960s with this fun-soaked musical. Cindy is a lonely laundromat attendant who finds herself sans boyfriend on her birthday. Desperate, all of a sudden her spirits are lifted by two guardian angels who appear to save her from despair. They sing a plethora of ’60s hits as they attempt to make her feel better — and search for a man. Runs through Oct. 21.

 

SUNDAY

The Ellington Hour

5 p.m. at Pine Shores Presbyterian Church, 6135 Beechwood Ave.

Free; Call 922-1597.

Both “Sophisticated Lady(s)” and gentlemen are invited to this Duke Ellington-themed concert. Enjoy an evening of favorites by the jazz composer, which will be performed by a jazz sextet consisting of trumpet, trombone, reeds, piano, bass and drums.

 

‘Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games’

7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail

From $38

Call 953-3368.

This contemporary restaging of the classic Irish dance-focused musical was yet again choreographed and directed by Irish-American dancer Michael Flatley. The modern take on “Lord of the Dance” uses new additions such as special effects, dancing robots and world-champion acrobats that give the classic tale a fresh twist.

 

MONDAY

Taste of UTC

11 a.m. at The Mall at University Town Center

$15 to $49

Call 552-7000.

For the month of October, several restaurants at The Mall at University Town Center will offer special fixed-price menus and a series of special events. A three-course lunch will cost $15 and there are two three-course dinner deals, one priced at $29 and another for $49.

 

TUESDAY

Social and Singers
9:45 a.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
Free
Call 921-4154.

Learn more about the Sarasota Opera Guild and hear vocalists from the Youth Opera Singers perform at this morning social. Coffee and pastries will be served, so there’s your motivation to get out of bed.

 

Wigs & Wit

8 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.

$20

Call 925-3869.

Sissy walk into McCurdy’s and prepare to yell “YAS” at the top of your lungs, because it’s time to celebrate Sarasota Pride Week 2018 with a face off between many of the area’s top entertainers. Comic Jeff Klein and Sarasota’s go-to drag show host, Miss Beneva Fruitville, will emcee this LDG Productions show. Come watch the area’s funniest comics and most glamorous drag queens battle it out using music, comedy and several surprises.

 

WEDNESDAY

Nik’s Pick: ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’

Prepare to be spooked at this Players Centre for Performing Arts special performance. This family-friendly (outdoor) show centers on Ichabod Crane, a somewhat goofy schoolmaster who just moved to town and is on the prowl for a well-off wife. He’s out of luck, however, because not only is the woman he wants taken, the local graveyard is haunted by — what else? — a headless horseman. Runs through Oct. 20.

If You Go

When: 6 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Sarasota Polo Field, 8201 Polo Club Lane

Tickets: $25; $12 for children under 15

Info: Call 365-2494.

 

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