- July 8, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
'Vice & Virtue' Opening Reception
5 p.m. at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail
Free
Visit ArtSarasota.org.
Art Center Sarasota opens its annual juried regional show, “Vice & Virtue,” which spans four galleries. Juried by Jessica Todd, the exhibition invites artists from across the Southeast to explore the dualities of the human condition. A critique with Todd takes place 4 p.m. on May 28. Exhibit runs through Aug. 2.
Historic Preservation 101, Part 2
6 p.m. at Architecture Sarasota, 265 S. Orange Ave.
$15
Visit ArchitectureSarasota.org.
Architecture Sarasota President Morris (“Marty”) Hylton III is teaching this series on Historic Preservation, and he knows a little something about the subject matter. Before joining Architecture Sarasota in 2023, Hylton spent time at the World Monuments Fund, the University of Florida, where he was director of the Historic Preservation Program, and the National Park Service. Continues May 29.
'Jesus Christ Superstar'
7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
$35-$95.
Visit AsoloRep.org.
This is it — the one we've been waiting for all season! Broadway director Josh Rhodes ("Spamalot") returns to Sarasota to direct and choreograph Asolo Rep's production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," the granddaddy of rock musicals. The show promises to be Biblical in more ways than one. Look for Sarasota's own Ann Morrison, Mary in the original Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim's "Merrily We Roll Along," as King Herod. Runs through June 28.
‘The Grown-Ups'
7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre’s Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W, Venice
$23
Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
A production of Venice Theatre’s Youth Production Company, “The Grown-Ups” is a dark comedy by Skylar Fox and Simon Henriques that follows a group of camp counselors trying to mold the leaders of the next generation while the future looks increasingly uncertain. Runs through May 25.
‘Syncopated Avenue’
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.
$22-$52
Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.
With “Syncopated Avenue,” Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is producing its first tap dance revue. Direct from Broadway, James T. Lane stars as Duke, whose 25-year-old dance studio is threatened by gentrification. Romance blooms between Percy (Lamont Brown), a newly arrived choreographer, and Duke’s granddaughter (Kaylee Olson) as they work together to produce a rollicking anniversary show for the studio that tells the history of tap. Audience members leave the show walking on air and doing a little dance of their own. (We kid you not!) Runs through May 25.
‘Jersey Boys’
8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
$49-$69
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
There are countless imitations, but there is only one “Jersey Boys.” Winner of both the Tony (Broadway) and Olivier (London’s West End) awards, the musical tells the true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, from their humble beginnings in the Garden State to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This isn’t a musical revue; it’s a full-fledged musical directed by Ben Liebert. Runs through May 25.
‘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.
Patti Smith: A Book of Days
10 a.m. at Selby Gardens Historic Spanish Point, 401 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey
Included with $20 admission
Visit Selby.org.
Selby Gardens collaborates with poet and musician Patti Smith, its artist-in-residence, on an outdoor exhibition of large prints taken from her newly published bestseller, “A Book of Days.” By displaying her photographs outdoors, Selby brings them into conversation with nature. Runs through Aug. 31.
Personal to Political: Celebrating the African American Artists of Paulson Fontaine Press
10 a.m. at the Sarasota Art Museum campus of Ringling College,1001 S. Tamiami Trail
Included with $20 admission
Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
Drawing from the Paulson Fontaine Press collection, the exhibition includes renowned figures like Martin Puryear, self-taught artists like Lonnie Holley and artists of the Gee’s Bend Quilt Collective in Alabama. Runs through Aug. 10.
10th Annual Memorial Hike
8 a.m. at 199 Bayfront Drive
$40 donation; children under 12 free
Visit SRQVets.org.
This annual hike honors the fallen heroes and raises funds to support SRQ Vets and their volunteer-run efforts to help local veterans and their families. The hike will start at J.D. Hamel Park, and head over the John Ringling Causeway and back, concluding with activities including a cookout, live music and inflatables. Admission comes with one event t-shirt, one lunch ticket and one beverage ticket (non-alcoholic for those under 21.)
Memorial Day Freedom Crawl
Noon at Peculiar Pub, 8141 Lakewood Main St., No. 103, Lakewood Ranch
$20 donation requested
Visit EventBrite.com.
Join the Memorial Day Freedom Crawl to support SRQ Vets. To secure a spot, register at Eventbrite and call up Memorial Day Freedom Crawl. Those who participate are asked to bring a $20 donation for the check-in. The event includes cocktails, food, a 50-50 raffle and music. Other pubs and restaurants participating are Percoco's Pizza, Twisted Pit BBQ and Remy's on main.
'United We Stand'
4 p.m. at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road
$5-$40
Visit ChoralArtistsSarasota.org.
Choral Artists of Sarasota and the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble join forces to honor the service men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom. The concert of patriotic music will be led by Joseph Holt, conductor of Choral Artists, and Joe Martine, conductor of the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble. It will feature soprano Adelaide Boedecker as a soloist and Kate Alexander as a narrator.
Comedy Roulette
8:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St.
$15-$18
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Looking to have fun on a Saturday night in Sarasota without breaking the bank? Look no further than Florida Studio Theatre Improv Troupe. A team of four experienced improvisers delivers a mix of short form, long form and musical improv in a mashup of styles and techniques. Weekends through May 30.
‘George Harrison: A Gardener's Life’
10 a.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens,1534 Mound St.
$28
Visit Selby.org.
"George Harrison: A Gardener's Life" is the ninth installment of the annual Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series. Walking around the 15-acre sanctuary where gardens and botanical displays have been erected to mirror those in Harrison's estate Friar Park, you can't help feeling the late Beatle would approve of this living tribute. Runs through June 29.
‘Alice In Wonderland The Musical’
2:30 p.m. at Tree Fort Productions, The Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail
$25
Visit TreeFortProductionsProjects.com.
Under the direction of Katherine Michelle Tanner, Tree Fort Productions’ Youth Acting Company brings to the stage Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic about a girl who falls down a rabbit hole and meets all kinds of strange and wonderful characters, including the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter and the March Hare.
Rauschenberg: A Centennial Celebration
10 a.m. at The John and Mable Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road
Free with $25 admission; Mondays free
Visit Ringling.org.
The Ringling joins other museums around the world in celebrating the centenary of maverick artist Robert Rauschenberg, who burst onto the art scene in the mid-20th century with collages he called “combines.” The first American to win the grand prize at the Venice Biennale, Rauschenberg set the stage for the Pop Art movement. The exhibition includes works from The Ringling's collection, including pieces Rauschenberg created during his time on Florida’s Gulf Coast, where he moved in 1968 and remained until his death 40 years later. Runs through Aug. 3.
Memorial Day Parade
10 a.m. to noon at Main Street and Osprey Avenue
Free
Visit SarasotaFL.gov.
Honor those who gave their lives in service to the United States during the annual Memorial Day Parade. The event features marching bands, veterans’ groups, ROTC units, scouts, first responders and community organizations. The parade concludes near J.D. Hamel Park, where it is followed by a ceremony.
Monday Night Jazz at the Cabaret: Paul Gavin and Friends
7:30 p.m. at FST’s John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$39-$44
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
Monday can be the best night of the week, thanks to this weekly series by Jazz Club of Sarasota at Florida Studio Theatre's Court Cabaret. This week features Paul Gavin and Friends, led by the Tampa-based drummer, teacher, composer and arranger. Doors open at 6:30 for food and beverage service.
'How Sweet It Is’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave..
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Florida Studio Theatre’s Summer Cabaret series kicks off with a Motown tribute called “How Sweet It is.” Led by vocalist and songwriter Luke McMaster, an energetic trio demonstrates the enduring appeal of hits like “Tracks of My Tears,” “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” Runs through Aug. 3.
