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The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for June 29 to July 5


A white musicologist and a Black woman form an unlikely friendship in the middle of a struggle to record slave music for posterity in Florida Studio Theatre’s performance of "Black Pearl Sings!"
A white musicologist and a Black woman form an unlikely friendship in the middle of a struggle to record slave music for posterity in Florida Studio Theatre’s performance of "Black Pearl Sings!"
Courtesy photo
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Thursday, June 29

'That Must be the Entrance to Heaven'
7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St.
$39
Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.

In this world premiere by Franky D. Gonzalez, four Latino boxers all chase a world title to achieve their personal versions of heaven. But are the sacrifices required to win the championship belt worth risking one’s life for? Runs through July 9.


‘Black Pearl Sings!’
8 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Keating Theatre, 1265 First St.
From $25
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

“Black Pearl Sings” tells the story of an unlikely friendship forged during the Depression between Susannah, a Library of Congress musicologist who wants to record undocumented slave-era music, and a Black prisoner, Pearl, who has the knowledge and memories that Susannah needs for her project. Runs through July 30.


Jordan Ahnquist, Gina Milo, Lisa McMillan and Louis Rivera star in Florida Studio Theatre's "Shear Madness," a murder mystery set in a local beauty salon.
Courtesy photo

‘Shear Madness’
8 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
$25
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

There’s been a murder in a local hair salon, and it’s up to Sarasota audiences to outwit the suspects and catch the killer in this interactive comedy whodunit. Runs through July 16.


Friday, June 30

Disney’s ‘Frozen’ Kids Show
7 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton
$11.50-$20
Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com.

Beat the heat with this stage adaptation of the popular Disney film "Frozen" features favorite songs from the film such as "Love is an Open Door, "Do You Want to Build a Snowman" and "Let It Go." This For Kids By Kids

 Production also includes new songs from the Broadway production.


'Finding Nemo Jr.'
7 p.m. at The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail
$17
Visit ThePlayers.org

This stage adaptation of the popular Pixar film "Finding Nemo" features new music by Kristen Andersen. What's more, it's only 60 minutes long, so it's perfect for kids who get fidgety during long shows. Runs through July 2.


Saturday, July 1

Connie Schindewolf walks the beach on Longboat Key during summers to make sure no early turtle nests go unmarked.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer

Public Turtle Walks
6:45 a.m. at 4795 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
Free
Visit LBKTurtleWatch.org.

Join the Longboat Key Turtle Watch every Saturday in July. Participants will learn about turtle tracks and how volunteers scout the beaches for signs of turtle nesting. The walk will also provide information about keeping beaches safe for sea turtles. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring water and sunscreen. No unattended children. In the event of severe weather, the walk may be canceled.


Food Truck Festival
2-7 p.m. in the parking lot of The Mall at University Town Center, 140 University Town Drive
$5
Visit MallAtUTC.com.

Celebrate Independence Day at the Suncoast’s largest food truck festival. More than 75 food trucks will be on site, along with a family zone. Admission is $5. Continues noon to 6 p.m. Sunday and 3-9 p.m. Monday. Monday night will end in fireworks.


FST Improv Presents Freedom!
7:30 p.m. at FST's Bowne's Lab, 1265 First St.
$15
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Feeling patriotic but looking for a laugh? FST Improv promises "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Laughter" in this one-night-only performance that reveals the secret history of the American Revolution.


Monday, July 3

Fireworks rain down over the lake at Nathan Benderson Park.
Photo by Ian Swaby

Fireworks on the Lake
5 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle
Free
Visit NathanBendersonPark.org.

This year's NBP Fireworks on the Lake event will feature live music by Kettle of Fish, a kids entertainment zone, various food trucks and an optional 5K run. The fireworks show will begin approximately 9 p.m. Regatta Island parking is $30 and South Island parking is $20 for cars and $50 for RVs. VIP viewing experience tickets are $75 per person.

Tuesday, July 4

Freedom Fest
9 a.m. at Truist Bank, 510 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
Free
Call 383-2466.

Kick off your Fourth of July celebration with Longboat Key's 20th annual Freedom Fest. A butterfly release will begin the parade at 9 a.m. starting at Truist Bank on Bay Isles Road and ending at the town hall. Festivities continue in Bicentennial Park with many games, crafts, waffles and the famous Hot Diggity Dog contest.


‘American Fanfare’
4:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$5-$50
Visit ChoralArtistsSarasota.org.

Choral Artists of Sarasota is joined again by Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble for its annual Fourth of July concert celebration. Performances will include "Washington Women" by David Chase and Judith Clurman, "The Essence of America" by Condoleezza Rice, "I Am Ever Hopeful"/"I Want a President" by Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Michelle Obama, and "Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor" by Irving Berlin.


Wednesday July 5

Steve White
7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.
$25
Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

Steve White got his first break from hometown buddy Eddie Murphy when he was cast in “Coming to America.” White has also been a mainstay of Spike Lee films, with roles in “Do the Right Thing,” “Clockers” and “Malcolm X," to name a few. Runs through July 9.

 

author

Monica Roman Gagnier

Monica Roman Gagnier is the arts and entertainment editor of the Observer. Previously, she covered A&E in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for the Albuquerque Journal and film for industry trade publications Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.

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