This Week in Sarasota: Thursday, Feb. 1

Thursday

BalletBoyz

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

$21 to $56

Call 953-3368.

Led by former Royal Ballet dancers Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, this group of 10 explosive young dancers is bringing its innovative display of modern dance to the Van Wezel for the first time.

Ringling Underground

8 p.m. at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road

$15; Members and students with ID free

Call 358-3180.

The February edition of this monthly art event that combines live music and experiential art features performances by Sarasota’s own ZEN Seraphine Collective, Youth Antics of Parrish and headliner The Tremends of Miami.

Friday

Artists on Main Street Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

4 p.m. at Artists on Main Street, 1467 Main St.

Free

Call 260-8569.

Sarasota’s newest art and gift gallery is opening on Main, and fans of local Florida artists will rejoice. Stop by on opening day to browse work by creative minds specializing in everything from watercolor paints to bronze or metal sculptures. The best part? There will be wine, appetizers and local artists on hand for a chat.

Wild About Art Opening Night

4 p.m. at Sarasota Audubon Society, 999 Center Road

Free

Call 364-9212.

This inaugural arts show presented by the Sarasota Audubon Society is about to take flight. Enjoy bird-inspired art by approximately 25 SAS members, sip light refreshments and cast your ballot for the People’s Choice Award. The display of works in oils, pastels, acrylics, color pencil drawings, mixed media and watercolors will be featured at the SAS Nature Center during the month of February.

Music on Main: Lisa Ridings

6 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Main Street, 8100 Lakewood Main St.

Free

Call 907-9243.

Head to Lakewood Ranch Main Street for this monthly musical block party. Sip beer, grab a snack and enjoy the rock, blues, Latin, Motown and soul-inspired sounds of Lisa Ridings. The DJ will keep everyone jamming throughout the evening, which benefits the Police Athletic League.

Masterworks 4: ‘Impressions’

Sarasota Orchestra

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

From $33

Call 953-3434.

Parisian composers Ravel and Debussy will transport listeners to a period of impressionistic beauty. Ravel’s “Pavane pour une infante défunte​” will allure guests, and Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and its arresting middle movement will keep them enchanted. Finally, Debussy’s “La mer” will describe the ocean like a tone poem. Runs through Feb. 4.

Saturday

Ovation

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Main Street, 8100 Lakewood Main St.

Free admission and parking

Call 907-6000.

Enjoy some of the area’s best live entertainment at the biggest Lakewood Ranch arts event of the year. Ovation hosts 15 performing arts groups from around Sarasota and Manatee counties, including everything from ballroom dance to youth opera in an attempt to engage locals with the community arts, dining and shopping scene in Lakewood Ranch.

‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’

11 a.m. at Florida Studio Theatre, Bowne’s Lab Theatre, 1265 First St.

$10

Call 366-9000.

The scene opens on a winter wonderland — and the catch is that it’s never Christmas. The White Witch has cast a terrible spell, and on their journey through Narnia, Peter and Lucy find their way with the help of friends such as Mr. Tumnus the faun and Aslan the Great Lion. Runs through March 31.

SaraSolo 2018 Festival

Various performances start between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Crocker Memorial Church,
1260 12th St.

$15

Call 479-8084.

Artistic Director Ann Morrison and Associate Artistic Director Blake Walton of Gotta Van Productions, members of the United Solo Academy in New York, started this local version of the United Solo Festival to showcase artists and allow them to hone their craft. Runs through Feb. 4.

2018 Student 10-Minute Playwriting Festival

7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail

$10; students with ID $5

Call 799-7224.

Theatre Odyssey hosts this annual student festival in which eight 10-minute plays are selected for full production. Every script is judged by three theatre professionals, giving the young playwrights (who represent four local schools) a chance to compete for cash scholarships.

Sunday

Stars of Tomorrow Concert

1:30 p.m. at Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton

$15

Call 538-7262.

Bradenton Opera Guild presents this annual concert showcasing apprentice artists singing opera arias with Maestro Roger Bingaman.

RUNA

4 p.m. at Fogartyville Community Media & Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct.

$15; $20 day of

Call 545-5635.

Known as one of Irish music’s “super groups,” RUNA is making its grand return to Fogartyville this week. The five-piece Irish folk band crosses into the musical territory of several other genres such as Americana and roots music, and it aims to showcase the emotive melodies and elated tunes of Ireland and Scotland.

Monday

The Sounds of Harry James and the Andrews Sisters

3 and 8 p.m. at Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice

$42

Call 488-1115.

Experience one of Venice Theatre’s most popular concerts for a special one-day engagement. The theater’s own Kim Kollar is joined by Cathy Baudrit, Michele Pruyn and trumpet virtuoso David Pruyn in a passionate tribute to the female voices of America’s “Greatest Generation.”

Nik's Pick: WBTT Voices: A Conversation with Melba Moore

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe was honored Jan. 24 by the Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs with an award for its efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. One of the mediums the company uses to do this is its free lecture program, WBTT Voices, which examines the key players who have shaped the African-American experience in the U.S. This lecture features singer and actress Melba Moore.

If You Go

When: 7 p.m. Monday

Where: Westcoast Black Theatre, 1646 10th Way

Tickets: Free, but reservations required

Info: Call 366-1505.

Wednesday

John DiCrosta

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

$17 to $21

Call 925-3869.

John DiCrosta is known for dozens of character voices for big-name projects such as “The Transformers” films, Nickelodeon shows and several video games. Runs through Feb. 11. 

Don’t Miss: ‘Rhinoceros’

Asolo Repertory Theatre presents this classic absurdist theater piece about an average Joe with a regular job. Berenger drinks too much, flirts with his coworker Daisy and minds his own business ... until a rhinoceros charges through his town one day. Then another. And soon, all the residents have turned into rhinos. As one of the only humans left, Berenger must decide to join the herd or not. Runs through April 14.

If You Go

When: 8 p.m. Wednesday

Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail

Tickets: $27 to $88

Info: Call 351-8000.