This Week in Sarasota: Thursday, May 24

THURSDAY, MAY 24

Sarasota Visual Artists Studios Group Exhibit

8 a.m. at Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, 1226 N. Tamiami Trail, Suite 300

Free

Call 365-5118.

Sarasota Visual Artists Studios is a monthly open studio series created by a collaboration of Sarasota artists who invite the community to visit their studios and watch them in action. Open houses are over for the season, but the eight visual artists have a dynamic group exhibit open to the public until May 25.

Alumni Show ‘From the Depths of the Ocean’

10:30 a.m. at madeby gallery, 2700 N Tamiami Trail

Free

Call 822-0442.

The ocean is a complex, powerful force, providing everything from love and happiness to tranquility. ”From the Depths of the Ocean" is a colorful collection of art inspired by aquatic scenes that features photography by Danielle Garone and oil paintings by Kaitlyn Priestley. Show runs through May 26.

Nik’s Pick: Laine Nixon: ‘Unfixed’ Opening Reception

In Laine Nixon’s Sarasota debut, this artist will showcase works made using paper, painting and mixed media that explore the mutable nature of art. Come sip wine, munch on light bites and chat with Nixon about her artistic method, which includes altering, covering up and/or exposing various painting techniques on the same surface — hence the exhibit name, “Unfixed.” Exhibit runs through June 29.

When: Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Alfstad& Contemporary, 1419 Fifth St.

Tickets: Free

Info: Call 366-6400.

Art After 5

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

$15; Members free

Call 359-5700.

Explore The Ringling’s art exhibition galleries and the Circus Museum at a discounted rate. Tickets required. Current exhibitions include ‘Hank Willis Thomas: Branded/Unbranded,’ ‘A Kaleidoscope of Color: The Costume Designs of Miles White’ and more.

Don't Miss: Comedy Open Mic

Think you have what it takes to make a room of brew enthusiasts laugh? More power to you — that confidence will earn you half-off beers for the evening. Whether you’re an aspiring comic or just need a good chuckle, check out this new open mic series. Sign-ups start at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Now taking place every fourth Friday.

When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday

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

Tickets: Free

Info: Call 955-2739.

FRIDAY, MAY 25

‘America the Beautiful’ Opening Reception

10 a.m. at Clyde Butcher Photography, 55 S. Blvd. of the Presidents

Free

Call 702-8818.

Renowned photographer Clyde Butcher’s “America the Beautiful: The Monumental Landscape” is a magical exploration of the natural lands preserved by federal and state governments to be enjoyed by the public. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or have never been to a gallery, stop by to appreciate the beauty of U.S. through these powerful black and white images. Runs through May 26.

Carols Mencia

6:30 and 8:50 p.m. at at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.

$34

Call 925-3869.

From hilarious man-on-the-street interviews to hysterical commercial parodies, Carlos Mencia can do it all, and his popularity is a true testament to his talent. His big break came in 2005 with his Comedy Central show "Mind of Mencia," which averaged about 1.5 million total viewers, and now, he’s touring the U.S. connecting with audiences   over many of his favorite topics: politics, race and social class. Runs through Sunday.

National Theatre Live: ‘Young Marx’

6:30 p.m. at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road

$20; Members $18

Call 360-7399.

This new new comedy by Richard Bean and Clive Coleman opens on 1850 Europe. The continent's most feared terrorist is hiding in Dean Street, Soho, and he has a terrible case of writer’s block. Will a job on the railway — his last hope — help Karl Heinrich Marx piece his crumbling life back together? Broadcast live from The Bridge Theatre in London.

Studio Year-End Showcase

7 p.m. at The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 N. Tamiami Trail

$15

Call 365-2494.

Join students of the recently opened Players Studio as they celebrate the end of their season of classes with a performance of songs, scenes and dances. Support young artists with a ticket to this showcase of hardworking youth performers.

SATURDAY, MAY 26

Art Central - Open Studios

11 a.m. at Art Central, 1330 Central Ave.

Free

Message @ArtCentralSarasota on Facebook.

Get an insider look at the studios of artists Kathy Wright, Wayne Eastep and Lucy Barber with this behind-the-scenes tour. Each professional artist’s working studio in the Central-Cocoanut Historic District will be open for guests to browse available works, meet the artists and exchange creative ideas.

SCBS End of Year Performance

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

$25; $15 for Age 12 & under

Call 365-8400.

Chassé over to Booker High to see dancers of all levels — from elementary school to pre-professionals — at this Sarasota Cuban Ballet School student showcase. Enjoy a dynamic performance featuring a vast array of classical and contemporary repertoire, as well as original staff choreography.

SUNDAY, MAY 27

14th Annual Memorial Day Concert

4 p.m. at St. James Methodist Church, 2059 N. Honore Ave.

$20; Students free

Call 928-0296.

The Jacobites, The First Brass Five, Sharon Scott and The Riverview High School Highland Dancers are joining forces for this patriotic afternoon in honor of Memorial Day. Remember those who have lost their lives serving the U.S. with a versatile performance of song and dance.

Another Night in Cuba

7 p.m. at The Gator Club. 1490 Main St.

$10

Step into a hot, steamy Cuban night for this LDG Productions event. Santiago de Cuba native guitarist Renesito Avich and his band will perform songs from his recently released CD, “A Solo,” will fill the night with the magic of a Cuban dance hall., appearing here with his fellow musicians, has garnered a dedicated following and "Another Night in Cuba" celebrates every aspect of that. Age 21 and up. Doors open at 7 p.m., live music begins at 8 p.m. Email [email protected] for more info.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30

‘Always… Patsy Cline’

8 p.m. at Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.

From $29

Call 366-9000.

Many Americans know the story of beloved country singer Patsy Cline — but have you ever heard the story of her rise to stardom told through the perspective of her biggest fan? See through the eyes of Louise Seger as you enjoy classics such as "Walking After Midnight," "I Fall to Pieces," "Crazy” and more. Runs through June 16.