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Arts + Culture

Meditate on the power of mushrooms with "You Look Like a Fun Guy," an outdoor dance and theater extravaganza on Nov. 13-14 at The Ringling's SunHAT Eco Performance Fest.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 13, 2024
The Ringling hosts a free, funky eco fest

Celebrate the environment with music, dance and theater — and pay what you wish.

  • Arts + Culture
The Sarasota Opera is the only opera company in the world to have performed all of Verdi's operas, including "Rigoletto."
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 12, 2024
Sarasota Opera renews its vows to Verdi with concert program

The Sarasota Opera revives its fall concerts showcasing the prolific Italian composer.

  • Arts + Culture
The musical "Waitress," with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, runs through Jan. 5 at FST's Gompertz Theatre.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • November 11, 2024
Florida Studio Theatre dishes out 'Waitress: The Musical'

Director/Choreographer Ben Liebert shares his recipe for FST's regional premiere.

  • Arts + Culture
Jess T. Dugan's “Elcid (green room)” and “Self-portrait (blue room)” are now showing at The Ringling.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • November 8, 2024
6 sensational don't-miss shows this arts season

The arts scene is packed with captivating performances and cultural experiences in the coming months. Here are a few of our favorites.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota Rising founder Jeffery Kin poses on a parking lot downtown with the post-Milton skyline of Sarasota in the background.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 6, 2024
Rise and shine at Sarasota's first Living Arts Festival

Three years in the making, the festival arrives in time to heal a battered community.

  • Arts + Culture
Victor Lundy designed the Blue Pagoda, located at 655 N. Tamiami Trail.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 5, 2024
Sarasota architect Victor Lundy dies at age 101

A leading member of the Sarasota School of Architecture, Lundy died Nov. 4.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota Orchestra members Bobby Nunes, Stephanie Bloch and Hugo Bliss pose with Joseph McKenna, president and CEO of the orchestra.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 5, 2024
Sarasota Orchestra composes a climate-proof future

The Sarasota Orchestra moves ahead on its new music center as it welcomes a new maestro.

  • Arts + Culture
Barry Weisblatt has lived on Siesta Key for five years.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • November 5, 2024
Whiteleaf Private Concert Club founder is ready to rock

Regrets? Barry Weisblatt has had a few. Like not getting a photo with Paul McCartney when he had a chance. But the Siesta Key resident, with live music as the backdrop, has mostly lived a charmed life.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Sarasota Opera Director of Education Martha Collins leads a rehearsal of "The Hobbit" on Saturday, Oct. 26.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • October 30, 2024
Sarasota Youth Opera provides a home for the next generation of singers

All 74 members of the company will be on stage for "The Hobbit" from Nov. 9-10.

  • Arts + Culture
Trezure B.Coles and Suzanne Grodner star in Urbanite Theatre's "Jennifer, Who is Leaving," which runs through Dec. 1.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • October 29, 2024
Once upon a time in a donut shop

Urbanite Theatre's "Jennifer, Who is Leaving" makes America's invisible women visible.

  • Arts + Culture
Venice photographer Clyde Butcher is flanked by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden after receiving the National Medal of Arts on Oct. 21.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 28, 2024
Photographer Clyde Butcher wins National Medal of Arts

The honor is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the federal government.

  • Arts + Culture
Kinsey Robb at Art Center Sarasota
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 23, 2024
Art Center Sarasota executive director departs for national nonprofit

After helping revitalize Art Center Sarasota as executive director, Kinsey Robb now brings her experience to Art Dealers Association of America.

  • Arts + Culture
Jessica Lang rehearses with Sarasota Ballet's Macarena Gimenez and Maximiliano Iglesias for the world premiere of "A Time of Beauty."
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • October 23, 2024
Sarasota Ballet calls on angels

Choreographer Jessica Lang found celestial inspiration for her world premiere, "A Time of Beauty."

  • Arts + Culture
Mary Bensel has been executive director of the Van Wezel for nearly 17 years.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • October 14, 2024
Mary Bensel keeps the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on an even keel

The executive director of the Van Wezel knows how to go with the flow.

  • Arts + Culture
Some boats were tossed by Hurricane Milton onto the grounds of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 11, 2024
Selby Gardens cancels 'Lights at Spooky Point' at Spanish Point

The downtown campus is reopening in phases.

  • Arts + Culture
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District 5 representative Ron Cutsinger will be the 2026 chairman of the Sarasota County Commission.
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Sarasota County commissioners pick chair, vice chair
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