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Arts + Culture

The Sarasota Ballet will perform George Balanchine's "Stars and Stripes" in its "Life and Liberty" program March 27-28.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 25, 2026
Sarasota Ballet stages star-spangled extravaganza for America's 250th birthday

"Stars and Stripes" is choreographer George Balanchine's love letter to his adopted homeland.

  • Arts + Culture
When he's not painting, artist Tom Stephens makes fishing rods.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • March 23, 2026
Sarasota artist lives the life aquatic

Sarasota artist and fishing rod craftsman Tom Stephens plugs into the currents of life.

  • Arts + Culture
Zachary Keller and Helen Krushinski star in "Water for Elephants," which comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Feb. 12-14, 2027.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 19, 2026
'Water for Elephants,' 'Six' and 'Hell's Kitchen' lead Van Wezel's 2026-27 lineup

Ten Broadway shows are making their way to Sarasota's Purple Palace.

  • Arts + Culture
Artist Alissa Silvers created the poster to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Art Center Sarasota.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 18, 2026
Arts Center Sarasota turns 100 and brings back its Beaux Arts Ball to celebrate

The gallery and education center has served as a magnet for artists of all ages and abilities for a century.

  • Arts + Culture
Former Boston Symphony Orchestra Ann Hobson Pilot plays the harp during Sarasota Contemporary Dance Company's tango-inspired program, "SCD + Piazzolla."
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 17, 2026
Put these two Sarasota dance companies on your radar

Sarasota Contemporary Dance is celebrating its 20th season while Azara Ballet is finishing its third.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota Jazz Festival Music Director Terell Stafford performs.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 11, 2026
Sarasota Jazz Club wants a building of its own

As the curtain goes up on the 2026 Sarasota Jazz Festival, the jazz club is planning for a permanent venue for all its events.

  • Arts + Culture
The cast of Urbanite Theatre's "The Apiary" includes (clockwise from left), Christina Mei Chen, Terri Weagant, Dekyi Ronge and Ariel Blue.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • March 11, 2026
Urbanite Theatre's 'The Apiary' asks the question, 'To bee or not to bee'

Director Summer Dawn Wallace talks about staging a dark, futuristic comedy without getting stung.

  • Arts + Culture
Francesca Ferrari stars in Florida Studio Theatre's "An Evening With Janis Joplin," directed by Ben Liebert.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • March 10, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre takes another piece of Janis Joplin's heart

Director Ben Liebert talks about his efforts to transcend the jukebox musical mold in "A Night with Janis Joplin."

  • Arts + Culture
Asolo Repertory Theatre Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 10, 2026
Asolo Rep to premiere a circus musical in its 2026-27 season

"The Day the Circus Came to Town" will be one of five mainstage shows in "The Greatest Season on Earth."

  • Arts + Culture
The cast of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's "How I Got Over" raise their hands in praise.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 9, 2026
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe sings a hymn of gratitude

Nate Jacobs' theater company educates and inspires with "How I Got Over: A Gospel Revue."

  • Arts + Culture
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • March 4, 2026
One-hit wonders get a second life at Florida Studio Theatre

FST's cabaret show celebrates the most famous musicians you've never heard of.

  • Arts + Culture
Scott Osborne is president of Through Women's Eyes, which is presenting the 27th annual Reel Equals Film Festival.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 3, 2026
Motherhood gets a starring role at the 2026 Reel Equals Film Festival

The fest was previously known as Through Women's Eyes.

  • Arts + Culture
Hermitage Artist Retreat names theater award winner
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 2, 2026
Hermitage Artist Retreat names theater award winner

The Hermitage Major Theater Award includes a $35,000 cash prize, a residency and a workshop.

  • Arts + Culture
Florian Blummel shows off his artistic bicycle moves that you should not try at home in your driveway.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • February 25, 2026
Circus Sarasota is still the one

This year's edition features stars with awards, TV appearances and Guinness World Records.

  • Arts + Culture
Carla Noack, Ashley Raymond, Sally Wingert and Zach Harris star in Asolo Repertory Theatre's production of "The Unfriend."
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 23, 2026
A British comedy of manners pops up at Asolo Repertory Theatre

Peter Rothstein shares his take on directing Asolo Rep's production of Steven Moffat's "The Unfriend."

  • Arts + Culture
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 »
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Latest News

1
Among Overland Partners designs at Selby Gardens is the new welcome center.
  • June 13, 2026
Architect wins industry award for Selby Gardens design work
2
Peculiar Pub takes the place of Twisted Pit BBQ on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch.
  • June 12, 2026
Peculiar Pub crawls across Main Street in Lakewood Ranch
3
Carlos Pagán, a fixture of the Sarasota jazz scene, passed away June 7 at age 78.
  • June 12, 2026
Sarasota jazz crusader and filmmaker Carlos Pagán dies at age 78
4
Congressman Greg Steube speaks at the ribbon cutting for the completion of the renourishment project at Lido Beach.
  • June 12, 2026
Steube named an MVP in Congressional ballgame
5
Sarasota Crew's Gabrielle DeLeo heads to the finish of the Women's Youth 1x Thursday at the USRowing Youth National Championships at Nathan Benderson Park. She qualified for Friday's semifinal by placing eighth in 7:54.36.
  • June 11, 2026
USRowing National Championships opens in Sarasota

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