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Arts + Culture

Riley Aparicio-Jerro and David Stein star in "Seussical," which runs at the Sarasota Players through Sept. 22.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 3, 2024
The Sarasota Players bring the world of Dr. Seuss to life

"Seussical the Musical," running Sept. 12-22, brings together kids and adults to portray multiple creations of Dr. Seuss.

  • Arts + Culture
Jill Schroeder and Alan Kitty rehearse for Kitty's play "Original Sin," which makes its world premiere from Sept. 6-15 at Tree Fort Productions.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • September 2, 2024
A Mark Twain enthusiast tackles an age-old story

Alan Kitty brings his play "Original Sin" to Tree Fort Productions.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota philanthropist Ernie Kretzmer, a generous supporter of the city's artistic institutions, died Aug. 24 at age 99.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 30, 2024
Remembering a scientist who nurtured Sarasota's arts

Ernie Kretzmer died on Aug. 24, four months short of his 100th birthday.

  • Arts + Culture
Deykyi Ronge and Alex Pelletier starred as two longtime friends in Brenda Withers'"Westminster," which was the winner of the fourth Modern Works Festival and was produced during Urbanite Theatre's 2023-24 season.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 26, 2024
Urbanite's Modern Works Festival 'is like Christmas every day'

The five-day playwriting festival sparks joy for artistic director Summer Dawn Wallace.

  • Arts + Culture
Artifacts in the exhibit include a cardigan created for Riverview High School teacher Sarah Hufford.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 26, 2024
Art exhibit celebrates impact of teachers' relationships with students

The exhibit "Above and Beyond: Teachers, Society's Heroes" at Sarasota Art Museum showcases student-made memorabilia from Sarasota County teachers.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Theater critic Marty Fugate attended Asolo Conservatory's 2024 production of "Romeo and Juliet" twice — once without hearing aids and the second time with them.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • August 23, 2024
A theater critic tackles his hearing loss

For Observer contributor Marty Fugate, becoming hearing-impaired theatened his livelihood.

  • Arts + Culture
The Sarasota Orchestra presents "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" in October.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • August 23, 2024
Season is almost here. Save the date for these arts performances and exhibits.

The 2024-2025 arts season is packed with inspiring and captivating performances and exhibits. Here are seven sensational not-to-miss experiences.

  • Arts + Culture
Grammy Award winner Giancarlo Guerrero will conduct his first Masterworks as music director designate of the Sarasota Orchestra from Nov. 7-9 at the Sarasota Opera House.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 22, 2024
Sarasota Orchestra names Giancarlo Guerrero as its seventh music director

The Nashville Symphony music director succeeds Bramwell Tovey, who died in 2022.

  • Arts + Culture
Ariel Aparicio-Jerro has taken over the reins of WSLR/Fogartyville from founders Arlene Sweeting and David Beaton.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 21, 2024
Ariel Aparicio-Jerro gets into the groove at Fogartyville

The musician and arts administrator talks about his new job managing the music venue.

  • Arts + Culture
Asolo Repertory Theatre is based in FSU Center for the Performing Arts adjacent to The Ringling Museum.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 19, 2024
Asolo Repertory Theatre receives $1 million donation

The estate of Mary Jo Reston is the theater company's benefactor.

  • Arts + Culture
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 16, 2024
Sarasota Art Museum names new deputy director

Michael Windham joins the museum as deputy director of museum services and business operations.

  • Arts + Culture
Michael Flood, Saxon Palmer and Julia Brothers starred in Sean Daniels' "The White Chip," earlier this year at Florida Studio Theatre's Bowne's Lab.
  • By Emily Leinfuss
  • August 14, 2024
FST shines the spotlight on addiction with The Recovery Project

Director Sean Daniels uses storytelling to diminish the stigma of addiction and support artists in recovery.

  • Arts + Culture
502 Gallery Operations Manager Christina Antoniou and co-owner Cassia Kite pose in front of some of the small pieces featured in the "Shopliftable" show.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 13, 2024
Sarasota's new 502 Gallery is thinking small

The new 400-square-foot art gallery in the historic Burns Court district showcases small, affordable works.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota's iconic "Mermaid Fountain" has been included in the Smithsonian Institution's collection of public artworks.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 12, 2024
Smithsonian adds Sarasota's 'Mermaid Fountain' to its public art collection

The iconic downtown fountain will be honored by the city of Sarasota at a Sept. 13 ceremony.

  • Arts + Culture
The Sarasota Players names new development director
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 12, 2024
The Sarasota Players names new development director

Amy Gorman brings experience from finance, education and nonprofit organizations to her new role.

  • Arts + Culture
« 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 »
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District 5 representative Ron Cutsinger will be the 2026 chairman of the Sarasota County Commission.
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