- April 28, 2026
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Saxophone Splendor
11 a.m. at Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd.
$75
Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.
Artist Series Concerts pairs emerging artist Valentin Kovalev on saxophone with Joseph Holt on piano. A native of Siberia, Kovalev developed his unique classical style by studying in Russia, France and the U.S. He played Carnegie Hall during the 2023-24 season. Holt served as artistic director of Choral Artists of Sarasota for 15 years and is a conductor, pianist, educator and arranger. The program includes music by Bach, Rachmaninoff, Bizet and Piazzolla. Lunch will follow the performance and a cash bar will be available.
‘Assassins’
7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail
$35, $15 students
Visit ThePlayers.org.
Audiences initially couldn’t warm up to Stephen Sondheim’s 1991 musical about presidential assassins and wannabes ranging from John Wilkes Booth to John Hinckley Jr. It wasn’t until 2005, when “Assassins” was staged on Broadway, that theatergoers flocked to learn about the dark side of the American Dream, and Tony voters honored the musical. Directed by Scott Keys, The Sarasota Players community theater tackles this ambitious tale in their theater-in-the-round space. If you’ve ever wanted to learn who Leon Czolgosz was, here’s your chance. Runs through May 10.
‘Lies, Spells & Old Wives’ Tales’
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.
$50
Visit WestcoastBlackTheatreTroupe.org.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs is teaming up with his brother, retired attorney Michael Jacobs, again for “Lies, Spells & Old Wives’ Tales.” The musical comedy plays off the sayings, stories and beliefs passed down from one generation to the next. Stay for the finale in this marathon production. Runs through May 17.
‘Birthday Candles’
8 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
$46
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
“Birthday Candles” stars Sarasota favorite Rachel Moulton as Ernestine Ashworth, whose 17th birthday celebration does a time warp and moves ahead to her 18th, 41st, 70th and 107th birthdays, as she bakes a real cake on stage. This Southeastern premiere is directed by Kate Alexander. Runs through May 17.
Student Ten-Minute Playwriting Festival
2 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W, Bradenton
$30
Visit TheatreOdyssey.org.
When Shakespeare said, “The play’s the thing,” could he have ever imagined that the Ten-Minute Play would be the thing? Probably not, but it is indeed a thing. In this student edition of its popular Ten-Minute Playwriting Festival, Theatre Odyssey gives the next generation of playwrights a chance to develop their muscles. One of these eight young playwrights will be awarded the $1,000 Verna Safran Prize. Runs through May 3.
Music on Main
6-9 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit LakewoodRanch.com.
Fleming Co. will be the featured band for the monthly, free concert series. The band plays "coastal, indie pop." The event will benefit SRQ Vets. Enjoy the block party that features food vendors, beer and wine trucks, sponsor booths, and games and activities for the kids (presented by Grace Community Church).
America
7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
$56-$141
Visit VanWezel.org.
When three U.S. Air Force “brats” living in Britain in the 1970s decided to form a rock band, they named it for their homeland. Together, Dewey Bunnell, Dan Peek and Gerry Beckley hit the top of the U.S. and American charts over and over with such songs such as “Sister Goldenhair,” “Horse With No Name,” “I Need You” and “Daisy Jane.” Whether “Muskrat Love” was a low or a high point is still being debated. Peek is retired and Beckley is dead, but Bunnell is still on the road with this touring band, which bring the hits to life with a new crop of musicians.
Foundations of Royalty
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$35 and up
Visit SarasotaBallet.org.
This wide-ranging program marks the culmination of the Sarasota Ballet’s 2025-26 season. It includes three ballets staged by Margaret Barbieri, assistant director of Sarasota Ballet. The first is the dramatic chess-inspired “Checkmate,” choreographed by Dame Ninette de Valois, who chose Barbieri to dance the Black Queen role during her days at Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet. Also on the program are Sir Frederick Ashton’s “Birthday Offering” and Sir Peter Wright’s “Summertide.” Runs through May 2.
'The Pirate Ship and the Sea Monster & Other Winning Plays’
10 a.m. and 12 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.
$12
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Don’t let the kids spend weekends glued to digital devices. Bring them out to Florida Studio Theatre for family-oriented fare. A 50-minute program of short plays written by grade-schoolers from around the world features professional actors bringing heroes of all kinds to life.
Youth & Teen Fishing Seminar
10 a.m. or noon at Summerfield Park, 6402 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit LakewoodRanch.com.
Children can learn the basics of fishing with the help of the Lakewood Ranch Angler’s Club in preparation for the Youth Fishing Tournament in October.
Sarasota Ski-A-Rees
2 p.m. at the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Stadium, 1602 Ken Thompson Parkway
Free
Visit SkiARees.com.
Catch the last Sarasota Ski-A-Rees' high-flying water ski performance of the season. Entry is free, though donations are appreciated.
One Light, Many Voices
4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 104 S. Pineapple Ave.
$45
Visit KeyChorale.org.
Led by Jamal Sarikoki, a choir of more than 150 voices will ascend the altar as Key Chorale and the choirs of First United Methodist Church and Church of the Redeemer join forces for a program celebrating the power of the human spirit with sacred word and song.
Monday Night Jazz at the Cabaret: Hot Club SRQ
7:30 p.m. at FST’s John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$40
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
Known for their style of Gypsy Jazz inspired by Djano Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, the string ensemble Hot Club SRQ is made up of Keven Aland on violin and vocals, John McLaughlin on guitar and Glenn Stevenson on bass. They can change their tune quite quickly, easily transitioning from an exuberant swing to a hypnotic ballad. Doors open for beverage and dinner service at 6:30 p.m.
Great Escapes 6: ‘Starry Night’
5:30 p.m. at Holley Hall. 709 N. Tamiami Trail
$48 and up
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Love classical music but don’t feel like getting dressed up for a formal concert? Then Sarasota Orchestra’s Great Escapes series is just the ticket for you. Held in Holley Hall, these concerts start at 5:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays so you can dine after the show. They run between 60-75 minutes and usually have no intermission. “Starry Night” features guest conductor Christopher Confessore, who will wield the baton as the orchestra plays selections such as “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “Stardust” and Joseph Straus’ “Music of the Spheres” in what is sure to be a celestial evening.
