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This Week in Sarasota: Thursday, March 31

A look at our favorite events taking place this week


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  • | 6:00 a.m. March 30, 2016
  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
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THURSDAY, MARCH 31

Sailor Circus: 'The Greatest Little Show on Earth'

7 p.m. at the Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St. 

$15-$20 

Call 355-9805. 

More than 100 young circus artists will flip, fly and perform amazing feats for eight performances, running through April 9th. 

 

April Fools' Fete 

6 to 9 p.m. at Michael's On East, 1212 S. East Ave. 

$100

Call 366-1505.

One of WBTT’s founding members, who went on to perform on Broadway, Teresa Stanley, returns for the theater troupe's spring fundraising event, featuring a dinner, open bar and live band. 

 

Under the Covers III

6 to 9 p.m. at the LBar, 1917 S. Osprey Ave. 

Free 

Call 487-7300. 

Join Jamie Z, Sam Robertson, Michael Miller and Mara Chanin for sets combining original tunes, as well as their favorite cover songs. Presented by LDG Productions, the evening features a relaxed speakeasy setting, full menu, craft cocktails and local brews.

 

North Coast Improv

9 p.m. at the Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. 

$15

Call 366-9000. 

Catch North Coast Improv Troupe, named one of the “Top Ten Best Comedy Shows” by Time Out New York. The show’s improvised scenes are inspired by a single audience suggestion, then escalate into full-blown hip-hop songs — beatboxer and all. 

 

An Evening with Sophia Loren

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

$80-$115

Call 953-3368.

The Sarasota Film Festival kicks off the year by honoring Academy Award winning actress Sophia Loren with its 2016 Legend Award. 

 

FRIDAY, APRIL 1

Wine Walk to Ca'd'Zan

6 to 10 p.m. at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road

$120 for members; $135 for nonmembers 

Call 359-5700.

Sip on wine as you walk to the historic John and Mable Ringling Ca'd'Zan mansion at this fourth annual self-guided walk. Once at the mansion, enjoy bayfront food pairings and live music and entertainment inspired by the four seasons. The iconic structure requires continual upkeep, and this event is the primary fundraiser for its preservation fund.

 

The Whiskey Obsession Grand Tasting and Master Classes

7:30 p.m. at Michael's on East, 1212 S. East Ave. 

$101 to $205, or $48 for companion tickets 

Call 366-1505.

Imbibe at one of the largest whiskey events in the country, by industry participation. The grand tasting features 52 vendors and 250 whiskies from Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, France and the United States.

 

Sarasota Orchestra Masterworks 7: 'Legends'

8 p.m. at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail

$42-$69

Call 953-3434. 

Anu Tali and the Sarasota Orchestra close the season with a musical trip to Scandinavia, featuring works by Sibelius, Halvorsen and Chopin.

 

Strangeways

1 to 8 p.m. at WSLR 96.5 Community Radio, 525 Kumquat Court

$10

Call 894-6469. 

Eight-piece band, Strangeways, blends reggae and ska in its live performances. Catch them this weekend at WSLR Radio.

 

SFF Opening Night Party 

5:30 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail 

$80 for members; $100 for nonmembers 

Call 953-3368.

Kick off the festivities of the Sarasota Film Festival with the glamorous opening night party. The red-carpet event begins with opening-night film, "Other People" and is followed by the party, featuring hors d’oeuvres catered by Mattison’s Bayside, beer, wine and a festival signature cocktail.

 

'Light it Up Blue'

6 to 9 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Main St., 8100 Lakewood Main St. 

Free

Call 355-7637. 

Easter Seals Southwest Florida honors Autism Awareness month at the regular Lakewood Ranch Music on Main, asking stores and attendees to paint the town blue with decorations and attire to help raise money and awareness for the organization.


 

First Friday Gulf Gate

6 to 9 p.m. at Gulf Gate

Free

Call 312-5630. 

Support Gulf Gate businesses at this monthly first Friday event, highlighting all that the business district has to offer, including food, drink, music, boutiques and more.

 

Hymn For Her 

1 to 7 p.m. at Cafe in the Park, 2010 Adams Lane

Free

Call 361-3032. 

Hymn For Her brings its unique brand of psychedelic folk rock to Payne Park. The duo features kick drum, cigar-box guitar, harmonica and a host of foot-tapping songs.

 

April Fool's Day Comedy Show 

9 p.m. at Growler's Pub, 2831 N. Tamiami Trail 

Free 

Call 487-7373. 

Act a fool at Growler's Pub's April Fool's Day comedy show, which will showcase the humor of Angel Salvador, Michael Given, Haley Lorraine, Brad Fentmore, Jake Vanderee, Blake Macintyre, Natasha Samreny and Ken Fowler.

 

SATURDAY, APRIL 2

Big Top Two-Year Anniversary Party

12 to 11 p.m. at the Big Top Brewing Company, 6111 Porter Way, Unit B 

Free

Call 371-2939. 

Celebrate two years of local brews with Big Top Brewing Co. Blake Wallenda returns this year to walk the high wire; Brittany Wilcox will perform aerial stunt; Billy Lyon and Michael Wiess will perform live music and guests can chow down on food from local food trucks.

 

Creative Conversation: 'My Life and Work'

2:15 to 3:15 p.m. at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road

Free

Call 359-5700.

Hear from Coco Fusco, who won the 2016 Greenfield Prize in visual art. Learn more about the artist and her life before a special evening presentation.

 

Barrel Aged Beer Night

8 p.m. at Mr. Beery's, 2645 Mall Drive 

Free

Call 343-2854. 

Beer, like many of life's finer things, only gets better with age. Mr. Beery's partners with Tampa-based Coppertail Brewing Co. to present an evening spotlighting barrel-aged beers, as well as live music from Ship of Fools. Beer include a whiskey barrel aged Free Dive IPA, a bourbon barrel aged Night Swim Porter and a Congac barrel aged Captain Jack's Stout.
 

 

SUNDAY, APRIL 3

Garden Music Series

11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Selby Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave.

Free for members; $10 for member guests; $19 for adults; $6 for kids

Call 366-5731.

The Miami Jazz Project mixes mainstream jazz, blues and original compositions. The ensemble plays in the Selby Gardens' music series, which continues through May 8.

 

Dinner Bell Supper Club: By the Sea

3 to 6 p.m. at the Geraldson Community Farm, 1401 99th St. NW 

$50

Call 792-0985. 

This monthly supper, limited to 20 guests and hosted in the Geraldson barn, promotes local produce, dairy, meats and fruits. This month, Chef Gerard Jesse from the Seafood Shack will be serve local fish and promote The Homestead Hydroponic Farm.

 

In Conversation with Rosie Perez

6:30 p.m. at the Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. 

$30

Call 366-9000. 

Hear from accomplished actor Rosie Perez, as a part of the Sarasota Film Festival.

 

'Barnum's Bird'

7 p.m. at the Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W, Building 11

$25, or $30 at the door; $5 for students with ID

Call 387-6046. 

If you trace back the history of the modern pop icon, all signs point toward circus magnate P.T. Barnum. This performance, written by Libby Larsen and performed by Gloria Musicae tells the story of Barnum's business relationship with European opera singer Jenny Lind. Second showing April 5, at the Venice Performing Arts Center. 

 

MONDAY, APRIL 4

Tapas and Taps

7 to 9 p.m. at the Darwin Brewing Company, 803 17th Ave. W

$25

Call 747-1970. 

Each first Monday of the month, join the Darwin's team for three tapas courses, each paired with a different Darwin Brewing Co. beer. Receive unlimited pours of that night's selected taps for the duration of the event. This month features The Cottage and Chef Evan Gastman.

 

TUESDAY, APRIL 5

Chris Botti

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

$45-$60

Call 953-3368.

Trumpeter Chris Botti performs favorites, such as “When I Fall In Love” and “Flamenco Sketches.” 

 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

'Alabama Story'

8 p.m. at the Court Cabaret, Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.

$36-$42

Call 366-9000.

Inspired by true events, "Alabama Story" puts political foes, childhood friends and a feisty author at opposite ends of clashing perceptions in this regional premiere. Runs through May 28.

 

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