- March 26, 2025
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The Dark Side of the White House
3 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
$90; members $80
Visit TBIEducationCenter.org.
Hear stories of “sex, scandal, intrigue and deceit” in the history of the country’s highest office in the first of a four-part Thursday lecture series.
Circus Sarasota 2025
7 p.m. under the Big Top in Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle
$28-$80
Visit CircusArts.org.
Circus Sarasota returns to the Big Top in Nathan Benderson Park with a lineup of all new acts presided over by Ringmaster Joseph Bauer. Among the circus artists featured are tight wire artist Brando Anastasini, a 2024 Generation Next honoree in the Circus Ring of Fame, aerialist Eve Diamond, the Pellegrini Brothers hand balancers, juggler Noel Aguilar and the Flying Caballeros trapeze artists. Runs through March 9.
Masterworks: ‘The Planets’
7:30 p.m. at SCF Neel Auditorium, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton
$52-$84
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Guest conductor Peter Oundjian leads the Sarasota Orchestra in Holst’s “The Planets,” a composition that tries to convey the astrological energies associated with seven celestial bodies. Also on the program are Dvorak’s “Romance” and Ravel’s “Tzigane,” which both feature violinist Grace Park. The concert kicks off with Vaughan Williams’ overture to “The Wasps.” The Masterworks concert moves to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall from March 7-9.
‘Death of a Salesman’
7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W, Bradenton
$29
Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com.
What’s old is new again as Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” explores the fallout from chasing the American Dream. The classic drama about traveling salesman Willy Loman and his family is as relevant today as when it premiered in 1949. Runs through March 9.
‘Five Guys Named Moe’
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.
$22-$52
Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.
Written by Clarke Peters, "Five Guys" tells the story of Nomax, who is down on his luck because his girlfriend has left and he's broke. Suddenly, five guys step out of a 1930s-style radio to give him encouragement. Last presented by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in 2011, this musical tribute to R&B pioneer Louis Jordan promises to delight audiences not only with Jordan's music, but with lively dance numbers. Runs through April 6.
‘Fun Home’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 1130
$34
Visit ThePlayers.org.
The Sarasota Players presents the Tony Award-winning musical “Fun Home,” based on Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel with music by Janine Tesori. The coming-of-age tale gets its title from a shortened version of the Bechdel Funeral Home, the family business that is the setting for the tale. Runs through March 16.
‘The Cancellation of Lauren Fein’
8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
$25-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Written by Miami lawyer Christopher Demos-Brown, "The Cancellation of Lauren Fein" tells the story of a "woke" professor (Rachel Moulton) forced to defend herself against charges of racism and sexual molestation. Leave your assumptions at the theater door. Runs through March 15.
‘Divas: Time After Time’
8 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$37-$39
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
New to Sarasota? We’ve got two words for you: Jannie Jones. When Jones is performing at Florida Studio Theatre, run — don’t walk — to the Court Cabaret. She is one-third of the trio performing in FST’s new cabaret show, “Divas: Time After Time.” The other talented singers are Aja Goes and Dakota Mackey-McGee. First-timers to FST’s cabaret shows leave the show amazed that there is such talent here in our laid-back beach town. Runs through June 22.
Moderns that Matter: The Bay Architecture Tour
10 a.m. at Blue Pagoda, The Bay, 655 N. Tamiami Trail
Free
Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
Tour the Cultural District in The Bay park and its historically and architecturally significant buildings, four of which are included on the National Register of Historic Places: the Municipal Auditorium (1937), the Chidsey Library Building (1941), the Blue Pagoda Welcome Center (1956), and the Sarasota Garden Club (1960). A guide from Architecture Sarasota leads this walking tour, which also covers recent structures and future buildings.
Jazz @ Two: Michael Ross ‘4’
2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road
$15-$20
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
Sarasota bassist Michael Ross and his bandmates promise to play “straight ahead” jazz along with contemporary and original compositions from Ross’ acclaimed new CD, “Giraffe." A native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Ross spent his early years being mentored by bassists Cecil McBee, Dee Moses and Jim Miller.
Music on Main
6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit MyLWR.com.
The block party and concert series returns with MonkeyFinger providing classic rock, pop, and some hair-band metal. The March event will benefit Lakewood Ranch Community Activities. Come enjoy the music, food vendors, beer and wine trucks, sponsor booths, and games and activities for the kids (provided by Grace Community Church).
Downtown Social on State Street
7-10 p.m. at State Street, Sarasota
Free
Visit DowntownSarasotaDID.com.
Fresh Fridays returns to offer light bites, live music and more.
Le Marché Parisian-Inspired Marketplace
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Selby Five Points Park, 100 Central Blvd.
Free
Visit DestinationDowntownSarasota.com.
This vibrant marketplace helps support the local arts scene in Sarasota.
Festival of the Arts
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit ParagonFestivals.com.
The Lakewood Ranch Festival of the Arts showcases the enchanting world of creativity. Experience the handmade works of artisans from across America. Diverse art forms will be presented in paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, glasswork, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media creations, woodworking and more.
Community Open House
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
Free
Visit LongboatKey.org.
Join the Town of Longboat Key for a free community gathering with live music, food trucks, local businesses and more. Representatives from town departments, nonprofits, houses of worship and other local groups will share information about their activities. All Angels by the Sea plans to host a booth for pet blessings as well.
SCD In-Studio Series: Ariel Blue
3 and 7 p.m. at Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Blvd. of the Arts, Suite 300
$20
Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance.org.
If you’re a patron of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, you’re familiar with the dynamic performer Ariel Blue, who recently finished a run in August Wilson’s “Fences." This program showcases her formidable talents, which have lit up stages at WBTT, the now-defunct Golden Apple Dinner Theatre and Florida Studio Theatre during the last 14 years.
‘The Marriage of Figaro’
7 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$34-$157
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
Which is the better opera about Figaro — Rossini’s mirthful “The Barber of Seville” or Mozart’s masterpiece,“The Marriage of Figaro”? Decide for yourself during the Sarasota Opera’s 2025 Winter Festival, which features both. In “Barber,” Figaro helps his master, Count Almaviva, win the hand of Rosina through disguise and trickery. In “Marriage,” the Count begins to covet Figaro’s betrothed. But when he tries to bed her ahead of Figaro, he makes a surprising discovery. Runs through March 28.
Going to the Dogs
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bird Key Yacht Club, 301 Bird Key Drive, Sarasota
Free
Visit BirdKeyYC.com.
Bird Key Women’s Association is “going to the dogs” with its community dog parade. Everyone is invited to join a festive day that includes dog contests, playful rescue puppies, a deejay, raffle baskets, the Maine Line Food Truck, a cash bar and more. Entry into the parade is $25, with cash votes determining the winners. Proceeds go to Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue. Contact Carolyn Christian at [email protected] to volunteer.
‘The Barber of Seville’
1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$32-$155
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” is one of two operas in the Sarasota Opera’s 2025 Winter Festival that follow the adventures of Figaro, the clever servant of Count Almaviva. “Barber” is considered the prequel to Mozart’s masterpiece, “The Marriage of Figaro,” even though it was written later. Runs through March 29.
'Men of Soul!'
7:30 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
$55; members $45
Visit TBIEducationCenter.org.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe presents the “Men of Soul,” focusing on the late 1960s with songs by Sam Cooke, James Brown and Otis Redding.
Tomorrow’s Voices Tonight
5:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theater Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.
$30
Visit KeyChorale.org.
Led by Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins, Sarasota’s Key Chorale presents its annual Student Scholar Soirée as part of its Ruby Anniversary season. The show takes place at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, one of the many cultural organizations which the symphonic chorus collaborates with.
Jonas Friddle
8 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court
$25
Visit WSLR.org.
Chicago singer/songwriter and old-time banjo player Jonas Friddle comes to Sarasota with a repertoire that reflects time spent time in pubs and square dance halls. Friddle's songs have been honored with the John Lennon Award and a first-place award in the Great American Song contest. He will be accompanied by Anna Jacobson, who plays fiddle, French horn and trumpet.
The Silver Foxes
2 and 7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre’s Raymond Center, 140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice
$24-$29
Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
Now in their 33rd year, the Silver Foxes bring their "Life Upon the Wicked Stage" show to Venice Theatre. The reputation of this young-at-heart troupe of retirees has spread far and wide throughout the Cultural Coast. Each spring they return to the Venice Theatre with a full-scale production for mature audiences led by director Brad Wages. Runs through March 16.
Lewis Black: Goodbye Yeller Brick Road - The Final Tour
8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$45-$90
Visit VanWezel.org.
Not even a hurricane could keep Grammy-winning comedian Lewis Black away from Sarasota. After his Dec. 6 show was canceled while the Van Wezel was closed for repairs, the “Goodbye Yeller Brick Road” show was rescheduled. A fixture on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” Black has released eight acclaimed comedy albums exploring life's absurdities and published three best-selling books.
Matteo Bocelli
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$52-$85
Visit VanWezel.org.
Since beginning his career in classical crossover music with a 2018 duet with his father, Matteo Bocelli has laid to rest any nepo-baby aspersions. Since then, Matteo has performed at iconic locations like the Sydney Opera House and the Country Music Hall of Fame and demonstrated his vocal and songwriting talent with his 2023 debut album. His solo tour promises to raise his profile in the music world. Look out, Daddy!
