- December 13, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
How Low Can You Go?
11 a.m. at Palm Aire Country Club, 5601 Country Club Way
$75
Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.
Music fans will get the joke in the title of this Artist Series concert when they see the instruments showcased in the program of music by Bach, Mozart and Piazzolla. It features Eleni Katz on bassoon and Nina Bernat on double bass.
Jazz Thursday at SAM
5:30 p.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
$25; free for members
Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
Enjoy jazz al fresco with a concert on the Michael and Marcy Klein Plaza at the Sarasota Art Museum. The bimonthly jazz series, which features extended hours in the shop, bistro and galleries, is sponsored by Jazz Club of Sarasota. This concert features the 17-member Sarasota Jazz Project, a group dedicated to playing and preserving Big Band jazz.
Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock N’ Roll
7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$41 and up
Visit VanWezel.org.
Bob Seger sang, “Rock and roll never forgets” and the dedicated followers of Neil Berg’s musical tribute shows don’t either. They’ll be back this year in droves for this year’s incarnation, “50 Years of Rock N’ Roll.” The musical journey begins with the roots of the genre in the 1940s, continues through the doowop days of the ’50s, the British invasion of the 1960s and that peaceful easy feeling of the 1970s. The trip ends shortly after “Video Killed the Radio Show” in the 1980s.
‘Come From Away’
7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
$35 and up
Visit AsoloRep.org.
Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s musical is based on a true story. When the U.S. shut down its airspace after the 9/11 attacks, thousands of inbound travelers wound up stranded in the small town of Gander, Canada. Newfoundland locals dubbed the travelers “Come From Aways” — and welcomed them with open arms. With its driving Celtic-rock rhythms and heart-wreching humor, this ensemble production by Asolo Repertory Theatre reminds us how trying times can bring out the best in people. Directed by Peter Rothstein. Runs through Dec. 28.
‘Monsters of the American Cinema’
7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre,1487 Second St.
$5-$44
Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com.
In Christian St. Croix’ haunting play, Remy (Jon Gentry), gay Black widower bonds with his late husband’s straight, white teenage son Pup (Tyler Geva) over scary monster flicks until ghastly cinematic creatures seemingly escape the silver screen. Or are they monsters from within? Runs through Dec. 7.
‘Così fan tutte’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$32 and up
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
Sarasota Opera revives fall opera with Mozart’s “Così fan tutte.” The humorous tale follows two soldiers who test the fidelity of the sisters to whom they are engaged, only to learn the brides-to-be have a few tricks up their sleeves. Sarasota Opera is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Opera House and “Così fan tutte” kicks off what promises to be a festive season. Runs through Nov. 15.
Razuma String Quartet
7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St.
$30-$40
Visit PerlmanMusicProgramSuncoast.org.
The Perlman Music Program Suncoast presents Razuma String Quartet featuring Sophia Werner and Emma Servadio on violin, Janice Leung on viola and Nathan Francisco on cello. The name of the group comes from the piece that first brought them together, Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 59 No. 2, which was dedicated to Count Andrey Razumovsky. The group was formed in 2025 at The Perlman Music Program Chamber Music Workshop. Their program features Hadyn, Reena Esmail and Beethoven.
Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, Siesta Key
$20 adults, $18 senior or military, $12 children 5-17
Visit SiestaKeyCrystalClassic.com.
Professional sand sculptors from around the world face off while creating frequently larger-than-life sculptures in this popular annual event. The experience also includes an amateur competition, quick sculpting competitions with the featured artists, live music and demos and lessons. Continues 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Architecture Sarasota MOD Weekend
5-8 p.m. "Cocktails Under the Umbrella" Opening Party. 1300 Westway Drive, Lido Shores
$470-$590 for weekend passes
Visit ArchitectureSarasota.org
Architecture Sarasota uses MOD Weekend 2025 to showcase Moderns That Matter, its registry of 100 signature places that was compiled with community input. The weekend includes parties, tours including Sarasota School of Architecture landmarks that have never been open to the public before, symposiums and other events celebrating Sarasota stye.
'How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical'
7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$50 and up
Visit VanWezel.org.
The holiday decorations went up early this year around town after a mercifully hurricane-free storm season so it’s no surprise that the Grinch is arriving early too, to try and put the kibosh on Christmas. Everyone knows the story of the curmudgeonly green monster who tries to deprive the citizens of Whoville of a festive yuletide. You’ve read the Dr. Suess book, seen the TV special moderated by Boris Karloff, but you’ve never seen the Grinch like this before. Runs through Nov. 16.
‘Encore’
7 p.m. at Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way
$35 and up
Visit AzaraBallet.org.
This is it! Finally, Azara Ballet is performing in Sarasota proper. The startup company dedicated to dancer and audience wellbeing is opening its third season at Riverview Performing Arts Hall with “Encore.” The program features two works by company co-founder Martin Flowers — “Kodumaa” and “Lost & Found” — alongside several other pieces exploring identity, connection and transformation. Continues Nov. 15.
‘The Amish Project’
7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W, Venice
$18-$38
Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
Written by Jessica Dickey, “The Amish Project” explores the forgiveness expressed by the Amish community after an outsider opened fire in 2006 on a schoolhouse in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, shooting 10 girls, five of whom died. There are seven fictional characters in the play, which are sometimes played by one actress. This Venice Theatre production is an ensemble project. Runs through Dec. 7.
The Orchid Show 2025: Rebecca Louise Law
10 a.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St.
$30; $28 online
Visit Selby.org.
This year’s Orchid Show explores the theme of survival and features an immersive art installation of preserved flowers by British contemporary artist Rebecca Louise Law in The Richard and Ellen Sandor Museum of Botany & the Arts. Law’s installation is juxtaposed with a vibrant display of live orchids and other plants in the living museum’s Display Conservatory. The end result is the blurring of lines between art and nature in a surprising manner.
Christmas Bazaar
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
Free
Visit StMaryLBK.org.
Ring in the holiday season with a market featuring handmade ornaments, trees, wreaths and other holiday decorations, along with baked goods. The bazaar will also be open following the Sunday service.
Arlington Park Community Paint Day and Kids' Wellness Fair
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Arlington Park and Aquatic Complex, 2650 Waldemere St.
Free
Visit SarasotaFL.gov.
Open to all ages. Children under 13 must be supervised by an adult. Kids are invited to help paint the new mural at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex. Local artist Alissa Silvers guides the project and brings the design, Rhapsody in Bloom, which is inspired by Sarasota’s coast and intended to turn the lifeguard headquarters into a colorful landmark. (Acrylic paint may stain clothes.) Afterwards, enjoy painting, inflatables, games, and wellness activities for children and families. Registration required.
Sarasota Fall Fine Art Festival
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive
Free
Visit SarasotaFL.gov.
Stroll through this park across the street from Sarasota's Bayfront while browsing the work of artists from local to national. The wide range of mediums includes painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media art, woodworking and others. Continues Sunday.
‘Out of Bounds’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St.
$15-$18
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Florida Studio Theatre Improv presents "Out of Bounds," a smackdown between two teams of experienced improvisers who face off with games, skits and songs to win the audience's admiration. Runs Saturdays through Nov. 22.
Strauss and Higdon
4 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail
$48 and up
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Sarasota Orchestra musicians perform in this chamber music concert featuring the works of Richard Strauss and Jennifer Higdon, one of America’s most frequently performed composers. Higdon’s 2022 “Book of Brass” celebrates the flexibility of brass instruments and spans a multitude of moods over its four chapters. Written when he was just 20, Strauss’ Piano Quartet is an ode of sorts to his hero Brahms and heralds the arrival of an energetic young composer.
Jay Nash with opener Matthew Frost
7 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court
$25
Visit WSLR.org.
In search of Americana, roots and folk music that spans genres? No matter who’s on stage at Fogartyville, that’s a pretty good description of their repertoire. Jay Nash is no exception. During a career that the artist himself describes as “under the radar,” Nash has traveled the globe entertaining audiences with a gravelly voice, songs that pull at your heart strings and masterful guitar playing.
'Ancestral Edge’
10 a.m. at The John and Mable Ringling Art Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Road
Free with $30 admission; Mondays free
Visit Ringling.org.
Aficionados of Native American art often have to travel to places such as Washington, D.C., Phoenix and Santa Fe to see contemporary work. The Ringling has recently been bringing more visibility to contemporary Native American art, first with its 2023 show, "Reclaiming Home" showcasing members of Florida tribes, and now with "Ancestral Edge" featuring nine female artists from across the U.S. Their bold multimedia works occupy the Keith D. Monda Gallery for Contemporary Art through April 2026.
Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage
1:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$15
Visit ArtsAdvocates.org.
In this Arts Advocates tour, a docent leads a tour of the paintings and sculptures. Participants then step onto the stage where a Van Wezel guide shares stories and anecdotes. Proceeds from the tour benefit the education/outreach programs of Arts Advocates and the Van Wezel.
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
5 p.m. at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church, 40 N. Adams Drive
Free
Visit LongboatKeyChamber.com.
Join the Interfaith Ministerium of St. Armands and Longboat Keys for the 45th annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Worship Service. Featuring music from an all-faiths choir led by Michael Bodnyk and a Thanksgiving sermon from Rabbi Jessica Spitalnic Mates. Free onsite parking available. Non-perishable food donations will go to Harvest House.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$56 and up
Visit VanWezel.org.
By Dec. 1, many people are sick of hearing Christmas music in stores. That’s why it’s a good thing Mannheim Steamroller Christmas is arriving before Thanksgiving this year. A holiday tradition for more than 40 years, Chip Davis leads an ensemble featuring 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments. Multimedia effects deliver a Yuletide ambience in what promises to be “an immersive yet intimate” setting.
Langston Hughes’ ‘Black Nativity’
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.
$54 adults, $24 students 25 and under and active military
Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's Nativity story blends gospel, blues, spiritual and Christmas music with the poetry of Langston Hughes and the creativity of Nate Jacobs’ theater company dedicated to African-American stories. Runs through Dec. 21
‘Three Pianos’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Opening this week in FST’s winter cabaret series is “Three Pianos,” an ode to superstars of the keyboard such as Ray Charles, Elton John and Alicia Keys. These mavericks didn’t tinkle the ivories; they tore up the rulebook. Runs through April 19.
‘Art Deco: The Golden Age of Illustration’
10 a.m. at the Sarasota Art Museum campus of Ringling College, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
Free for museum members; $20
Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
The Sarasota Art Museum celebrates the 100th anniversary of the exposition that kicked off the Art Deco movement. More than 100 eye-catching posters from the Crouse Collection as well as industrial furniture, home furnishings and other objects loaned by the Wilsonian-Florida International University are on display. Through March 29, 2026.
Robert Vodnoy: Copland and Ravel
10:30 a.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First St.
Free with registration
Visit SarasotaMusicArchive.org.
Sarasota Music Archive presents a lecture by Robert Vodnoy, Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota music director, honoring Copland on the 125th anniversary of his birth and Ravel on his 150th. Birthday cake will be served at this free event, but advance registration is a must.
