- December 13, 2025
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Astral Mixtape
5:30 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St.
$50
Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.
If you’ve never heard of Astral Mixtape, listen up. Its four members — Misha Vayman and Michael Siess on violin, Juan-Salvador Carrasco on cello and Nathan Ben-Yehuga on keyboard — have developed their own personal musical language using classical instruments and electronics. In this performance presented by Artist Series Concerts, they will play original works that incorporate music by Rimsky-Korsakov, Vaughan-Williams, Astor Piazzolla and others. A cash bar by Michael’s On East will be open.
Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens
6 p.m. at Historic Spanish Point, 401 N. Tamiami Trail
Free with registration
Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
Hermitage Artist Retreat presents “An Evening of Scenes & Songs,” featuring Hermitage-Roundabout Fellow Migdalia Cruz and Hermitage Fellow Lauren Marcus. Cruz has produced 60 works over 40 years that mine the territory of love and grief. Known for her roles in “Be More Chill”on Broadway and “The Jonathan Larson Project” Off -Broadway, Cruz moves easily between the roles of actor, writer and singer-songwriter.
‘Lucky Stiff’
7 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
$39-$59
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Based on the humorous murder mystery, “The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo,” Florida Studio Theatre’s “Lucky Stiff” tells the story of an English shoe salesman whose $6 million inheritance depends on passing off a recently embalmed body as his live uncle, who was murdered while on vacation in Monte Carlo. What could go wrong? Directed by Ben Liebert. Runs through Dec. 28.
‘Emma’
7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
$15-$30
Visit AsoloRep.org/Conservatory.org.
See FSU/Asolo Conservatory students perform Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel about a clever but self-satisfied young woman in early 19th-century England who fancies herself a skilled matchmaker. “Emma” is directed by Ariel Bock. Runs through Nov. 23.
‘Feeling Good’
7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
A musical revue created by Rebecca Hopkins and Richard Hopkins, “Feeling Good” pays tribute to contemporary crooners like Michael Bublé and Bette Midler. A dynamic trio — Haley K. Clay, Andrew Leggieri and Russell Mernagh — makes its Florida Studio Theatre debut with such swingin’ hits as “Come Fly With Me,” “It Had to Be You” and “Me and Mrs. Jones.” Runs through Feb. 8.
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 offers a Nativity story that 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. This is not just another Christmas show. Runs through Dec. 21.
‘Three Pianos’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Under Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins, Florida Studio Theatre has grown into downtown music and theater campus with something for everyone. 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, Freddie Mercury and Alicia Keys. These mavericks didn’t tinkle the ivories; they tore up the rulebook. Runs through April 19.
Jazz at Two with Michael Ross Quartet
2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road
$15-$20
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
Jazz Club of Sarasota presents Sarasota bassist Michael Ross and his bandmates. They’ll play “straight ahead” jazz along with contemporary and original compositions by Ross. A native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Ross spent his early years being mentored by bassists Cecil McBee, Dee Moses and Jim Miller.
Wonderland Circus: ‘Believe’
7 p.m. at LECOM Big Top at UTC, 195 University Town Center Drive
$35-$125
Visit WonderlandCircus.com.
Just in time for the holidays, death-defying aerialist Nik Wallenda returns to University Town Center with his Wonderland Circus, featuring a new tent with plush seats, cupholders and lots of room between rows. Joining Wallenda will be his faithful sidekicks — daredevil clown Johnny Rockett and master of ceremonies Ty McFarlan — as well as new family-friendly circus acts and immersive video to help deliver the message: “Believe!” Runs through Jan. 4.
'Written Motion'
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$35-$125
Visit SarasotaBallet.org.
The second program of Sarasota Ballet’s season features three ballets. The first is “Valses nobles et sentimentales,” choreographed in 1947 by Sir Frederick Ashton to Ravel’s 1911 suite of waltzes. “Valses nobles” sat on the shelf for 25 years until it was dusted off by Sarasota Ballet. Under Iain Webb and Margaret Barbieri, the Ballet has championed the works of “Sir Fred,” but it also supports new and modern works. For proof, look no further than the other two dances on the bill: “The Letter V” by Mark Morris and an unnamed world premiere by choreographer Ashley Page, former artistic director of the Scottish Ballet. “Written Motion” features live music by the Sarasota Orchestra. Runs through Nov. 22.
Jordan Tice with Josh Plummer
8 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court
$25
Visit WSLR.org.
Jordan Tice’s followers run the gamut from guitar fanatics to casual fans of Americana music. All are drawn to his masterful blend of genres, which he’s developed by playing the roles of guitar ace, sideman, songwriter and scholar of roots music for most of his life. Opening for Tice will be Tampa’s Josh Plummer, known for his latest EP, “Wrong Side of Sunrise,” released in 2023.
Pilates at the Park
9 a.m. at St. Armands Circle Park, 1 St. Armands Circle
Free
Visit StArmandsCircleAssoc.com.
Start your Saturday with movement, sunshine and good vibes. Join a fun and energizing Pilates session right in the heart of the park. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this outdoor workout is for everyone. Bring a yoga mat or towel and water bottle.
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. Runs through Dec. 7.
Sarasota Medieval Fair
10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 29847 S.R. 70, Myakka City
From $30
Visit SarasotaMedievalFair.com.
The 21st annual Sarasota Medieval Fair returns with jousting, music and medieval merriment, running every Saturday and Sunday in November. Visitors step into history with jousting tournaments, artisan markets, live performances and family-friendly activities. Among the events are human combat chess, washing well wenches, the New Riders of the Golden Age jousting and the Knightwings Birds of Prey.
Brick Universe Lego Fan Expo
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd.
$15.31; family packs $55.90
Visit BrickUniverseUSA.com.
This Lego fan expo allows you to meet celebrated Lego artists from around the country, build your own creations and shop rare Lego finds. General admission times are 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., or 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cornucopia of Jazz
3:30 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave. Building 5, Venice
$55-$65
Visit TheVeniceSymphony.org.
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, why not feast on a cornucopia of jazz with The Venice Symphony? This concert will be led by Pete BarrenBregge and features guest vocalists Jeremy Gaynor and Michelle Amato performing what is billed as a “musical harvest of harmony, groove and gratitude.”
Light Up Longboat
5-7 p.m. at the Karon Family Pavilion, 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
Free
Visit LongboatKeyChamber.com.
Take in a spectacular tree lighting ceremony and special appearances by Santa Claus at Longboat Key's big holiday bash. Includes contests for the best holiday spirit attire contest for kids and adults, and for the best decorated vendor table. The Rotary Club of Longboat Key will also be collecting unwrapped gifts for children for HOPE Family Services in Bradenton. Food trucks and shopping from local vendors are available.
RAIN: A Beatles Christmas Tribute
7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 7777 N. Tamiami Trail
$46 and up
Visit VanWezel.org.
Cross Yuletide carols with Sergeant Pepper and you might come up with something like “RAIN — A Beatles Christmas Tribute.” Go dashing through the snow (figuratively since this is Florida) with John, Paul, George and Ringo in your sleigh. Bring along a few friends for the ride, add eggnog in a thermos and you’ve got the recipe for a memorable holiday celebration.
‘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.
Remembering JFK
3 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3131 61st St.
$5
Visit SuncoastConcertBand.org.
The day before this Suncoast Concert Band appearance marks the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. In the aftermath, his 34 months in the White House came to be known as “Camelot” when his grieving widow, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, told Life magazine that it was JFK’s favorite musical. "Don't ever let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment that was known as Camelot.” The seasoned musicians led by conductor Robert Stoll haven’t forgotten. Call 941-907-4123 to reserve your ticket in advance and please be sure to dial the right number.
Fry Street Quartet
4 p.m.at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St.
$50
Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.
Artist Series Concerts presents Fry Street Quartet, winner of the grand prize at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. Currently in residence at Utah State University, the group consists of Robert Waters and Rebecca McFaul on violin, Bradley Ottesen on viola and Anne Francis Bayless on cello. The program features, Debussy, Beethoven and “Source Code,” by Jessie Montgomery. Tickets include light refreshments and a meet-and-greet reception with the artists following the performance.
Monday Night Jazz with Mauricio Rodriguez
7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$34-$39
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
“What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play,” Liza Minnelli famously sang in “Cabaret.” She knew what she was talking about and so does Jazz Club of Sarasota, which teams up with Florida Studio Theatre to present Monday Night Jazz at the Cabaret. This week’s show features Mauricio Rodriguez and the MJR Latin Project. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for food and drink service.
Phillippi Farmhouse Market
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S. Tamiami Trail
Free
Visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.
Shop local fresh produce, including USDA-certified organic produce, food trucks, prepared foods, and artisans with crafts, while enjoying live music, at Sarasota's mid-week farmer's market. Leashed pets are welcome.
