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The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Feb. 1-7


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  • | 10:00 a.m. January 30, 2024
Vocalist, pianist and songwriter Susan Werner plays Fogartyville on Saturday, Feb. 3.
Vocalist, pianist and songwriter Susan Werner plays Fogartyville on Saturday, Feb. 3.
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Thursday, Feb. 1

Chelsea Guo, piano and soprano
11 a.m. at Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
$68
Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.

Chelsea Guo is the wiinner of the 2022 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions and was included in Classic FM’s “Rising Stars: 30 Brilliant Musicians We’re Celebrating in 2022.” She will perform with Joseph Holt on piano. Lunch will be served.


‘The Lehman Trilogy’
7 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota
$39-$59
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Stefano Massini's three-act play follows the Lehman family’s rise and fall during 163 years in America. The Tony Award winner, adapted by Ben Power, is making its Sunshine State premiere at Florida Studio Theatre in a production running three hours and 20 minutes with two intermissions. Runs through March 24. 


Dale Jones
7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
$28
Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

A veteran of the famed Chicago improv group Second City, Dale Jones has made a name for himself with viral TikTok videos and performances on “Last Comic Standing” and “Stand Up Live Nashville.” He is known for his rapid delivery and physical antics. Runs through Sunday.


'Revolutionary Music'
7:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
From $47
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

You say you want a revolution? Head over to Holley Hall and listen to the Sarasota Orchestra perform some rousing music you might consider as a soundtrack for your uprising. Conductor Lawrence Loh leads the orchestra in selections from Verdi, The Beatles and the film music of John Williams ("Jaws," "E.T.). Runs through Sunday.


"A Soldier's Play" runs Jan. 18 through Feb. 18 at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.
Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

‘A Soldier’s Play’
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota $20-$50
Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.

The year is 1944; the place is Louisiana, deep in the segregated South. A Black sergeant is shot to death. Capt. Richard Davenport arrives to find out who did it and why. Runs through Feb. 18.


‘Oklahoma!’
7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton
$30-$50
Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com.

The first musical written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, “Oklahoma!” is a perennial favorite and has gained the love of new audiences through a recent Broadway revival. The show follows farm girl Laurey as she is wooed by affable cowboy Curly and menacing farmhand Jud. Runs through Sunday.


David Breitbarth, Ryan Schmidt and Mark Benninghofen in a courtroom scene from Asolo Rep's "Inherit the Wind."
Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

‘Inherit The Wind’
8 p.m. at Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
From $35
Visit AsoloRep.org.

Asolo Rep Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein brings the classic American drama “Inherit the Wind” to the stage. Based on the famous1925 Scopes "monkey" trial, “Inherit” also inspired an Oscar-winning film of the same name about a teacher who was convicted for teaching evolution to a high school science class. Runs through Feb. 24. 


Friday, Feb. 2

Paul Gormley
Courtesy image

Jazz @ 2 with Paul Gormley and Friends
2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
$15-$20
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Jazz Club of Sarasota presents Paul Gormley, originally from California, along with Judi Glover on piano, Dave Hardman on drums and Eric Zabala on vibes. The quartet will perform jazz standards and selections from the Great American Songbook.


Hermitage Sunsets @ Nathan Benderson Park: Musical Moods
5 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota
$5
Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org

Join Hermitage Fellows Amir ElSaffar, a jazz trumpeter and multi-instrumentalist, and musician Chris Ryan Williams as they explore their mutual love for experimentation and the power of music to build community. 


Fresh Fridays: Heart & Soul on State
7-10 p.m. on State Street, Sarasota
Free
Visit DowntownSarasotaDID.com/FreshFridays.

Fresh Fridays celebrates Valentine's Day. The 12-member group, the Motowners, will perform tributes to The Temptations, Four Tops, and Diana Ross. Bites and beverages will be on offer from hospitality partners including Mattison’s, Brick’s Smoked Meats, Azul Steak & Sushi Lounge, BESO, State Street Eating House + Cocktails and more. Guests will receive a free valentine or signature giveaway while supplies last, and photo ops will be available.


Saturday, Feb. 3

Main Street Market brings dozens of local vendors and small businesses to Lakewood Main Street.
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Main Street Market
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Free
Visit MainStreetMarketLWR.com.

More than 70 vendors will be out with food, beverages, retail and more at the boutique market, hosted by Main Street Market LWR.


Sarasota Eggfest
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at MarineMax Sarasota, 1601 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Island
$25; with open bar $40; children 12 and under free
Visit PinecraftBarbecue.com.

Pinecraft Barbecue is hosting Eggfest again. Around 25 teams will be cooking and sharing free samples of their favorite foods. There will be plenty of dishes to explore and visitors can sample amazing barbecue fresh off the Big Green Eggs. There will also be a raffle of a large Big Green Egg. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the event, or get one entry free with an open bar admission ticket.


In-Studio Series: Junior Domingos
3 and 7 p.m. at Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300, Sarasota
$22
Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance.org.

Inspired by visual artists Leandro Erlich and Marcela Cantuária, Junior Domingos has created “Reverie,” which explores the relationship between illusion and reality. The sound accompanying the dance performance has been composed by Domingos. 


The Blues Brothers Soul Band
7 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave. Building 5, Venice
$25-$70
Visit VenicePerformingArtsCenter.com.

Grab your porkpie hat and sunglasses and get ready for an evening of hits ranging from soul to blues to Stax/Volt R&B. 


Drew Henderson, Classical Guitarist
7:30 p.m. at Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota
$37-$41
Visit GuitarSarasota.org.

A native of Canada, Drew Henderson performs a mix of Spanish music, baroque masterpieces and selections from the Romantic period. 


Susan Werner
8 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota
$27-$30
Visit WSLR.org.

Known for her original concept albums such as “The Birds of Florida” (2022), Chicago native Susan Werner uses her vocal, guitar and piano skills to move easily between genres such as folk, jazz and gospel. 


FST Improv Presents ‘Life’s A Beach’
8:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St., Sarasota
$15
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Whether you’re a snowbird or a Suncoast longtimer, you’ll get a kick out of FST Improv’s show poking fun at the rituals of life in Sarasota. Leave your surfboards and fishing rods at home, but dress the part of Florida Man (or Woman) to liven up the evening. Runs Saturdays through March 23. 


Sunday, Feb. 4

Joe Martinez conducts the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble on March 24, 2023.
Photo by Jay Heater

Wind Ensemble Concert
2 p.m. at Peace Presbyterian Church, 12705 S.R. 64 E., Lakewood Ranch
$10
Visit LWRWindEnsemble.org.

The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble performs Big Band favorites along with "Satiric Dances" by Norman Dello Joio, and "Slavonic Rhapsody" by Carl Friedemann.


'Neil Diamond: Hitman'
3 p.m. at The Education Center at Temple Beth Israel, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
$55; members $45
Visit TBIEducationCenter.org.

Jay O’Brien, cantor; Susan Benjamin, musical biographer; and Robert Hanson, symphony conductor, composer, and musical director, are back for another show. “Neil Diamond: Hitman!” promises to deliver the same impact. Audience members will get new insights into the life and work of Neil Diamond while enjoying his music. A Champagne reception will follow. 


David Finckel and Wu Han will perform with Philip Setzer in "Schubert Trios."
Courtesy image

Schubert Trios
5 p.m. at Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota
$63
Visit LaMusicaFestival.org.

La Musica Chamber Music presents two piano trios written by Schubert. They will be performed by pianist and La Musica Artistic Director Wu Han, who will be joined by Emerson String Quartet alums Philip Setzer and David Finckel.


Wednesday, Feb. 7

Concert: Gayle Martin, Piano - Early Music
10:30 a.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota
Free
Visit SarasotaMusicArchive.org.

Sarasota Music Archive presents Gayle Martin, a native of Texas who studied with Rosina Lhevinne at New York’s Juilliard School. Martin has the distinction of being the sole American laureate of the Sixth International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow.


Sip and Savor Sessions: The Wines of Spain 
4 p.m. at the Café L'Europe, 423 St. Armands Circle
$39
Visit CafeLEurope.net.

Join Café L' Europe to experience the Sip & Savor Sessions, where the art of wine meets the joy of discovery. Each session offers a voyage through six featured wines, chosen to enrich your palate. To elevate your tasting experience, enjoy a selection of light bites, expertly prepared for the perfect wine pairing. Wine experts Kevin Conway, general manager and wine director, and Courtney Cooper from Winebow Fine Wines + Spirits will offer insights.


‘The Flip Side’
7 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota
$37-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

With songs like “The Ballad of Sigmund Freud” and “Killed by a Coconut,” the latest cabaret creation of the prodigious team of Richard and Rebecca Hopkins tips its musical hat to comic songwriters. The show features arrangements by Jim Prosser. Runs through June 16.


The Vienna Boys Choir
7:30 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave. Building 5, Venice
$39-$126
Visit VenicePerformingArtsCenter.com.

The Vienna Boys Choir has been entertaining audiences around the world for six centuries with a repertoire that includes everything from medieval to contemporary. This is one of four touring choirs that together perform over 300 concerts a year.


‘Born with Teeth’
8 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 7777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$29-$75
Visit AsoloRep.org.

Is there such a thing as too much Shakespeare in one town? Methinks not. After you’ve seen “Judith,” Urbanite’s riff on the Bard’s imagined sister, you’ll be ready for “Born With Teeth." Like “Judith,” Asolo Rep's tale of Shakespeare's rivalry with playwright Christopher Marlowe offers an alternative to the conventional wisdom. Runs through March 29.

 

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