The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for May 14-20

Thursday, May 14

Meditative Sound Bath
2 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 6200 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
Free
Call 941-383-6493.

Take in a deeply relaxing sound bath experience with the soothing vibrations of crystal and Tibetan bowls, gongs, chimes and more. Settle into a zero-gravity chair with a cozy blanket and eye pillow while unwinding and letting go. Led by reiki master teacher and sound healing practitioner Amy Steinhauser. 

Jazz Thursdays at SAM: Barbara King
5:30 p.m. at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
$25
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Join Barbara King for a program entitled “The Spirit of Jazz” on the Marcy and Michael Klein Plaza at Sarasota Art Museum. In addition to being entertained by King, who has performed around the world and was the co-owner of and musical director of the Sound Bite Restaurant in New York City, you can enjoy extended hours in the galleries, Bistro and shop. 

‘Birthday Candles’
7 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, all with the same cake. This Southeastern premiere is directed by Kate Alexander. Runs through May 17.

Photo by Adrian Van Stee

‘Marie and Rosetta’
7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
$65-$71
Visit AsoloRep.org.

Students of popular music know that Sister Rosetta Tharpe earned the nickname “the godmother of rock ‘n’ roll” for transforming gospel music with her fierce guitar playing. She also influenced the music of Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash and Jimi Hendrix. Asolo Repertory Theatre’s latest production captures the first rehearsal between Tharpe (Maiesha McQueen) and one of her acolytes, Marie Knight (Alexis J. Roston), as they prepare for a world tour. Directed by E. Faye Butler. Runs through May 31. 

‘Tuck Everlasting’
7:30 p.m. at Rise Above Performing Arts, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail
$25-$35
Visit RiseAboveArts.com.

When young Winnie Foster’s life becomes entangled with the mysterious Tuck family, who have discovered the secret to eternal life, she’s faced with an existential decision: to live forever or to make every minute count in a truncated life. Rise Above is a community theater focused on making the performing arts accessible to any child at no cost to their families. Runs through May 17. 

‘Fiddler On The Roof’
7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
$37-$99
Visit AsoloRep.org. 

At Asolo Repertory Theatre, Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein breathes new life into “Fiddler on the Roof,” the feelgood musical set in a Russian village circa 1900 by bringing the music onstage and casting actor/musicians. Famous from both stage and screen, “Fiddler” follows the milkman Tevye’s efforts to find husbands for his daughters as he balances the traditions of the past and the opportunities of the present. Runs through May 24. 

Saturday, May 16

Nature Journaling at Heron's Nest Nature Park
9 a.m. at Heron's Nest Nature Park, 6399 Tupelo Trail, Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit BigWatersLandTrust.org/events.

Big Waters Land Trust, through a Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation grant, is offering the Nature Journaling event at Heron's Nest Nature Park. Learn to observe and record the natural world through drawing and writing. Big Trust requests that those who will attend register online. The program is suitable for all ages, but all participants 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent. The guided, hands-on program offers a way to connect with nature while sharpening observation skills. All materials are provided, though you are welcome to bring your own journal and additional materials. Bug spray, sun protection and closed-toe shoes are recommended. No restrooms are on site for the two-hour program.

SCD & WBTT
2 and 7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W. Bradenton
$25 and up
Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance.org.

To celebrate the culmination of Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s 20th anniversary season, SCD founder and artistic director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs have created a song and dance program that brings together the spirit of gospel music with the accessibility of Motown hits. In addition to modern dance, don’t be surprised if this new show includes some tap numbers. Continues May 16. 

Photo by Greg Stead

Discoveries 3: Unfinished Business 
7:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$25 and up
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

If you haven’t caught Sarasota Orchestra’s new music director, Giancarlo Guerrero, conducting yet, you’ve got one more chance this season. Less elaborate than the Masterworks concerts that Guerrero has mainly conducted since his arrival at the beginning of the 2025-26 season, this Discoveries program gives Guerrero the chance to wrap up some “Unfinished Business” before heading off to the Grant Park Music Festival in Chicago. On the bill of his last concert this season are works by Schubert, Perry and Haydn that left audiences asking for more.

‘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. 

Monday, May 18

Courtesy photo

Monday Night Jazz at the Cabaret: La Lucha
7:30 p.m. at FST’s John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$40
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

While many other cultural groups in town pack up their tents for the season by the end of May, Jazz Club of Sarasota keeps the music playing throughout the “off season.” Their latest Monday Night Jazz at the Cabaret program features the genre-crossing trio La Lucha. Made up of three best friends from different parts of the globe — Alejandro Arenas (Colombia), John O’Leary (Mexico) and Mark Feinman (U.S.) — La Lucha takes you to musical places you’ve never been before. 

Wednesday, May 20

Pop Up in the Park: World Bee Day
5-7 p.m. at Urfer Family Park, 4000 Honore Ave.
Free
Visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.

Learn about Florida's native bees with bee-themed crafts, a bee house-making station, an iNaturalist BioBlitz and a Sarasota County environmental specialist sharing fun facts. Crafts are available while supplies last. The event takes place outside the C.B. Wilson House by the playground. 

Ride of Silence
6:45 p.m. at Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd.
Free
Visit SMBC.US.

Join this procession to honor those who have been injured or killed in cycling accidents and raise awareness of cyclists present on public roads. All cyclists are welcome to ride with this slow procession of 10-12 miles per hour looping 7 miles through downtown Sarasota. No talking or music, and hand signals only, are allowed. Helmets and front lights are required and a full police escort is provided. 

Ranch Nite Wednesdays
6-9 p.m. at 1560 Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place
Free
Visit LakewoodRanch.com.

Join the crowd at Waterside Place enjoying the food trucks and live music or playing in the cornhole league during Ranch Nite Wednesdays. Weekly programming is offered each week in Gateway Park. No outside food or beverage are allowed.