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The best things to do around Sarasota for Jan. 5-11

The year kicks off with movie magic on stage, comedy and plenty of art.


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  • | 11:30 a.m. January 3, 2023
  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
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Thursday

Perlman Music Program's Celebration Concert
5 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House
$40-$80
Visit PerlmanMusicProgramSuncoast.org.

They’ve learned, they’ve rehearsed and now it’s time for the Perlman Music Program students to shine. Enjoy this performance, conducted by Maestro Itzhak Perlman himself, that features the program’s string orchestra as well as its chorus.

 

‘Legally Blonde: The Musical’
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
$42-$92
Visit VanWezel.org.

Based on the movie, follow Elle Woods as she follows her somewhat misguided dream of becoming a lawyer. But once she sets out on her path, nothing will stand in her way as she tackles all of it with her characteristic zeal and style, of course.

 

Friday

Jazz at Two: Trace Zacur Quartet
2 p.m. at Universal Unitranian Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road
$15-$20
Call 260-9951.

The Jazz Club of Sarasota welcomes saxophonist Trace Zacur and his band. Zacur, who first performed in the Jazz at Two series last year, is back to share his explosive sound and high energy performance.

 

Shabbat Dinner with CEO April Glasco
5:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
$45; members $35
Call 383-3428.

Dr. April Glasco empowers individuals from all walks of life to gain a sense of self-worth, self-esteem and confidence through teaching, counseling, interpersonal workshops and seminars.


Music on Main
6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit LakewoodRanch.com.

The monthly concert and block party returns with Lisa and The Island Hoppers playing pop, rock, country and dance music from the 1950s through today's hits. The event includes street vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, and rides and activities for children. Proceeds from the event benefit Beyond the Spectrum. 


Fresh Fridays: Back To The '80s
7-10 p.m. at on State Street in downtown Sarasota
Free
Visit DID-Sarasota.com

Downtown Improvement District invites the community to come out and go back in time. Expect party favors, giveaways, food and beverages offerings.


'Night at the Museum'
7:30 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice
$33-$61
Visit VenicePerformingArtsCenter.com.

Enjoy your favorite music played by the Venice Symphony from movies that take you to the museum, including “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Night at the Museum,” “The Da Vinci Code” and more. Continues with performances at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday.


A Guided Tour: Mahler and Sibelius
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$26-$69
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Experience a new concert format as the Sarasota Orchestra explores the context, history and personal connections to the music of Mahler and Sibelius, all in about an hour. Aimed at new concertgoers and longtime aficionados, this program will explore what makes these composers’ masterworks so special.


‘Birds of North America’
7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St.
$25-$39
Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

This play by Anna Ouyang Moench might start as a father-daughter duo of birders exploring the wild world around them to catch glimpses of elusive birds. But just as the seasons, climate and global politics change, so too have the relationships in this endearing family portrait. Runs through Feb. 12.

 

Saturday

Rainforest Masks of Costa Rica
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St.
Free with admission
Visit Selby.org.

After a stroll through the gardens, take in this exhibit of colorful masks from the jungle. Created by the indigenous Boruca tribe of Costa Rica, these hand-carved and painted balsa wood masks feature the stunning surroundings of the tropical rainforest. Runs through Jan. 22.


FST Improv Presents: ‘To Die For’
7:30 p.m. at FST's Bowne's Lab Theatre, 1265 First St.
$15
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Come check out FST Improv’s popular comedic murder mystery with a new villain every time. With its quirky set of characters and plenty of plot twists, engage in the fun of a developing story line and see if you can figure out whodunit.

 

Sunday

Sarasota Winter Fine Art Festival
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive
Free
Visit ParagonFestivals.com.

Don’t miss the last day of this weekend’s chance to peruse artists’ work from all over the state. Whether you’re seeking something special for your home décor or just browsing the delights of creativity, enjoy this festival set up in the streets of downtown.


'Squabbles'
2 p.m. at the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
$25; members $20
Call 383-8222.

A smart, insightful, funny play about family squabbles presented by the Arts Alliance Play Readers.

 

Monday

Dover Quartet
10:30 a.m. at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road
$10
Call 365-6404.

The Dover Quartet —  reviewed as “string quartet nirvana” — performs as part of the Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning’s Music Mondays program, which pairs great musicians with conversation about their unique stories, journeys and creative process. The Dover Quartet will play again as part of the Artist Concert Series at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Historic Asolo Theater.

 

Tuesday


Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$37-$87
Visit VanWezel.org.

Come celebrate the 25th anniversary of a show that features a Grammy Award-winning score with a completely reimagined performance that still includes all the high energy kicks and stomps you know and love. Fun for all ages, don’t miss this celebration of Irish dance. Runs through Thursday, Jan. 12.

 

Wednesday

Stacey and Richard Ridenour, pianists
10:30 a.m. at Selby Library, Geldbart Auditorium, 1331 First St.
Free
Visit SarasotaMusicArchive.org.

Pianists Stacey and Richard Ridenour will perform as part of the Sarasota Music Archive’s performance and lecture series. Enjoy the sounds of these two accomplished musicians in a relaxed setting.


Artist Conversation: Kathleen Supové
5 p.m. at Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Road
Free
Visit NewMusicNewCollege.org.

Meet pianist Kathleen Supove and learn more about her work in developing and performing new music that aims to break down walls between performer and audience. She will discuss her solo concert, “Next Door,” which she will perform 8 p.m. Jan. 14 as part of New Music New College program.


Great Escapes: ‘A Little Night Music’
5:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail
$45-108
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

If your idea of a good time is attending a concert that both expands your horizons and features music you might even recognize, then the Sarasota Orchestra has the program for you. This program is an eclectic mix of music that journeys through the sounds of Sondheim and Motown to more classical pieces from opera and more. Runs through Jan. 15.


Ranch Nite Wednesday
6-9 p.m. at Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit WatersidePlace.com.

Live music, food trucks, a market with rotating vendors, a mobile bar and a recreational cornhole league highlight this crowd favorite event. Pets are welcome, but no coolers or outside food or beverage are allowed.


Performances at the Point: Choral Artists of Sarasota
6:30 p.m. at Historic Spanish Point , 401 N. Tamiami Trail
$35; nonmembers $35
Visit Selby.org.

In this one-hour version of its concert, “Say a Little Prayer,” Choral Artists of Sarasota will perform spiritual songs from a variety of faiths around the world. Enjoy this meditative program in the serene setting of Historic Spanish Point.

 

‘Proof’
7:30 p.m. at Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail
$30
Visit ThePlayers.org.

“Proof” tells the story of a troubled young woman who has spent years caring for her father, an unstable but famous mathematician. When he dies the night before her 25th birthday, she’s forced to face her emotions — and her estranged sister. As events converge, she attempts to discover whether she will inherit her father’s genius or his madness. Runs through Jan. 22


Ken Ludwig's ‘The Three Musketeers’
8 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
From $33
Visit AsoloRep.org.

Adventure. Bravery. Sword fights. And, above all, loyalty. Yep, that’s what you can expect with this adaptation of the popular novel by Alexandre Dumas. Explore all the laughs that come with enduring friendship and remember: “All for one, and one for all!” Runs through March 26.

 

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