- March 3, 2026
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Circus Sarasota: Epic
1 p.m. at The Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle
$40-$100
Visit CircusArts.org.
The Circus Arts Conservatory, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of circus arts and to educating the next generation of performers, presents its annual spectacle under the big top in Nathan Benderson Park. Ringmaster Joseph Dominic Bauer Jr. presides over a circus of performers that collectively hold 18 world records. Among them are “America’s Got Talent” veterans Sirca Marea-Le Cadre, comic Chris Allison and The Olate Family Dogs featuring rescue pups. Runs through March 8.
'Nathan-ism' Film Screening
4 p.m. at The Education Center, 567 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
Free
Call 941-383-8222.
Enjoy a special movie screening, art exhibition and reception centered on the works of Nathan Hilu. "Nathan-ism" is a documentary delving into the artistic vision of Hilu, who served as a guard during the Nuremberg Trials following World War II. Registration is required. Doors open at 3:45 p.m.
Art Reception
5 p.m. at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail
Free
Visit ArtSarasota.org.
Come to the latest art opening at Art Center Sarasota, which is marking its 100 anniversary. The new exhibition cycle has four shows: Herion Park: UnBroken, Rooted in Community, Kendra Frorup: At Home Anywhere, and the juried show: Art of the Spectacle, which explores the intersection of fashion, circus and stagecraft. Runs through April 18.
Hot Club of SRQ
5:30 p.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
$25
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
Sarasota Jazz Club presents Jazz Thursday on the Marcy and Michael Klein Plaza at Sarasota Art Museum. This month’s performer is Hot Club of SRQ, which plays gypsy jazz influenced by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. The evening features extended hours in the galleries, gift shop and bistro.
‘Flute Through the Ages’
7 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St.
$5 with registration
Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat teams with Marie Selby Gardens for the fifth annual concert in the Ruby E. Crosby Alumni Music Series. This year’s concert features Juilliard-trained flutist and Hermitage alum Emi Ferguson.
‘The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife’
7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail
$40
Visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.com.
Directed by Gus Kaikkonen, Charles Busch’s play follows a matron on New York’s Upper West Side whose lethargic life is shaken up by the reappearance of a childhood friend. Runs through March 15.
Great Escapes 5: Dance the Night Away
7:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail
$48 and up
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Sarasota Orchestra's “Dance the Night Away” takes you on a trip around the world, moving from the nightclubs of Buenos Aires to the pubs of Ireland to the Bohemian countryside. Whatever your dance music of choice is, you’ll find it here. Runs through March 8.
‘How I Got Over: A Gospel Revue’
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.
$54
Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.
This season, WBTT is reviving its gospel revue, "How I Got Over," which it premiered in 2017 at the National (now International) Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to critical and popular acclaim. Gospel standards such as "Amazing Grace," "When The Saints Go Marching In" and "Oh Happy Day" are delivered in the energetic fashion that WBTT is known for, accompanied by a live band. Runs through March 29.
‘The Blue-Sky Boys’
8 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre's Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
$39-$59
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
In 1962, President Kennedy said, “We choose to go to the moon.” Like an improv troupe with wicked math skills, NASA’s engineers and scientists cooked up the “blue-sky” method with wild brainstorming sessions. Ask anything, think about anything. Directed by Richard Hopkins with Kate Alexander as associate director. Through March 15.
Jazz at Two: Ruffus 4tet
2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalists SRQ, 3975 Fruitville Road
$15-$20
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
Roll into the weekend with Sarasota Jazz Club’s Jazz at Two featuring Ruffus 4tet, led by Rafael “Ruffus” Silva on sax, flute and piano. Joining him for this program of jazz standards, bossa nova and selections from the Great American Songbook are Mark DeRose on drums, Gary Shutes on trombone and Nick Spagnuolo on electric bass.
‘Althea and Angela’
7:30 p.m. at Tree Fort Productions, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail
$40
Visit TreeFortProductionsProjects.com.
Directed by Tree Fort Productions founder Katherine Michelle Tanner, Todd Olson’s play tells the real-life story of Angela Buxton and Althea Gibson, who teamed up to win the 1955 French Open and Wimbledon and changed women’s professional tennis forever. Runs through March 15.
‘Wildflowers’
7:30 p.m. at Dingbat Theatre Project, 7288 S. Tamiami Trail
$35 afterward
Visit DingbatTheatre.org.
Performed in Dingbat Theatre Project’s new “Bakyard,” “Wildflowers” is a raucous celebration of female country music singers from June Carter Cash to Shania Twain. Expect the unexpected at Luke Manual’s Dingbat, which is like fringe theater in a black box, and now a backyard. Runs through March 21.
‘One Hit Wonders’
9 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre’s John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$37-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Is it better to have had just one song top the charts than to have none at all? You’ll have time to think about that question as you listen to such hit songs as Don McLean’s “American Pie,” a runaway hit that eclipsed other success in the troubadour’s career, and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” from Bobby McFerrin. Created by Richard and Rebecca Hopkins, “One Hit Wonders” is directed by FST Associate Producer Catherine Randazzo with arrangements by Jim Prosser. Runs through June 21.
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.
The town of Longboat Key Community Open House is a free, family-friendly event and a day of connection, bringing neighbors together for an afternoon of discovery and fun. Residents are invited to meet representatives from town departments, local businesses, nonprofits and community groups that help support and shape life on Longboat Key, all in one welcoming, outdoor setting.
Festival of the Arts
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit ParagonFestivals.com.
Shop an outdoor gallery of handmade fine arts and crafts including paintings, glasswork, woodworking and more.
Feelin’ Groovy
2 p.m. at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road
$17.50-$35
Visit ChorusoftheKeys.org.
The a capella Chorus of the Keys presents its 77th annual show, “Feelin’ Groovy,” with special guests and the 2024 International Quartet champions, Three & A Half Men.
Sights + Sounds: The Sarasota Ballet Studio Co.
4 p.m. at Waterside Park, 1560 Lakefront Drive
Free
Visit LakewoodRanch.com.
The March event of the new Sights and Sounds cultural series features The Sarasota Ballet Studio Co., which blends traditional ballet and contemporary dance. Seating is limited.
‘Il trovatore’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $35-$200
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
Under Maestro Victor DeRenzi, Sarasota Opera made its name by becoming the only opera company in the world to perform all the operas of Verdi. The Opera concluded the Verdi Cycle in 2016, but since then it has performed a Verdi opera in its winter festival. This year’s selection is “Il trovatore,” which follows the noblewoman Leonora, who is in love with the troubadour Manrico, and who does not return the affections of Count di Luna. Runs through March 29.
Jason Vieaux, Classical Guitar
7:30 p.m. at Riverview Performing Arts Center
$45-$54
Visit GuitarSarasota.org.
Guitar Sarasota presents Grammy winner Jason Vieaux, a classical guitarist who is in demand for his extensive repertoire and who has performed with such orchestras as Cleveland, Toronto, St. Louis and Houston. He recorded with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, where he worked with Giancarlo Guerrero, now music director of the Sarasota Orchestra.
Suncoast Concert Band
3 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St.
$5
Visit SuncoastConcertBand.org.
Now in its 93rd year, Suncoast Concert Band has evolved from its trailer park roots to a concert band of seasoned musicians led by conductor Robert Stoll. This week’s theme is “March into Spring.” Call 941-907-4123 to reserve your ticket in advance and please be sure to dial the right number.
Stayin Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees
7 p.m. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$36-$71
Visit VanWezel.org.
This quintessential tribute band delivers all the hits of the Brothers Gibb throughout their many eras, from “I Started a Joke” to “Nights on Broadway” to the hits from the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack such as “You Should Be Dancing.” Helping to bring back the memories are video clips, photos and eye-catching imagery projected on a big screen.
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 educates participants about the paintings and sculptures in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. 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.
Monday Night Jazz: Danny Sinoff
7:30 p.m. at FST’s John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$50
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
A sought-after jazz vocalist and pianist from Southwest Florida, Danny Sinoff has spent more than two decades performing the Great American Songbook in clubs, concert halls and restaurants in Florida, New York City and elsewhere. This appearance is part of the Jazz Club of Sarasota’s lineup during the Sarasota Jazz Festival, which runs through March 14.
Jazz Trolley Pub Crawl
5:30 p.m. at 12 downtown Sarasota locations
$32.25
Visit SarasotaJazzFestival.com.
Tickets are going fast for the Jazz Trolley Pub Crawl, a signature event of the Sarasota Jazz Festival that features jazz at 12 downtown Sarasota locations and trolley transportation between all of them. Park your car at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and jump on board the trolley for a jazz sampler.
Get the Led Out
7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami
$51-$86
Visit VanWezel.org.
It may have been a long time since you rocked and rolled, but it’s not too late to relive the glory days of Led Zeppelin with this tribute show. Find your own stairway to heaven as Get the Led Out, a six-piece band from Philly plays favorites from Zeppelin’s catalog.
‘La bohème’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera, 61 N. Pineapple St.
$43.26-$185.40
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
Composed by Puccini in the 1890s, ‘“La bohème” follows the seamstress Mimi and her struggling artist friends in 1830s Paris. One of the world’s most beloved operas, “La bohème’" served as the inspiration for Jonathan Larson’s Broadway musical “Rent” and the movie “Moulin Rouge.” More than a century after its debut, the opera continues to win new fans with its heartrending tale of love, poverty and loss. Runs through March 28.
![Brian Taylor, who works as executive vice president for Perform[cb], has been working from CoworkLWR since 2021 in order to have a separation between work and home life. He enjoys the opportunities to network with fellow remote workers at the new location.](https://media.yourobserver.com/img/photos/2026/02/27/IMG_1642_r452x360.jpeg?0dd7e9171d3bd5845bc057d4569a0a31ba6981d7)