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Arts + Culture

JoAnna Ford performed in Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's "Motown Christmas." Courtesy photo
    By
  • Niki Kottmann
  • March 13, 2019
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe alum lands role in 'The Lion King'

'The Lion King' is bringing prior Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe performer JoAnna Ford back to the city that kickstarted her career, Sarasota.

  • Arts + Culture
Kitty Xiao, 29, is an Australian composer, pianist and collaborative artist based in Rochester, N.Y., as she completes a Master of Music — Composition at the Eastman School of Music. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Niki Kottmann
  • March 10, 2019
EarShot pairs four young emerging composers with Sarasota Orchestra

Emerging composers in the EarShot program work with Sarasota Orchestra to develop their latest work.

  • Arts + Culture
Summer Hill plays Steve and Erin Beute plays the lead role of Adi in “Mind the Gap,” a film co-produced by Ralph Clement and Ilana Marks. Courtesy image
    By
  • Niki Kottmann
  • March 10, 2019
Dream comes true for local filmmaker with 'Mind the Gap' Sarasota premiere

The idea for filmmaker Ilana Marks' film came to her in her sleep.

  • Arts + Culture
Clyde Butcher wades deep into the waters of Myakka River State Park to get his photos. Photo by Niki Butcher
    By
  • Niki Kottmann
  • March 6, 2019
Clyde Butcher's 'Myakka River, a Florida Treasure' captures real Florida beauty

Butcher's latest photography exhibit aims to display why local land deserves to be saved.

  • Arts + Culture
Kathe Fraga's "Springtime in Paris" — Art by Kathe Fraga
    By
  • Niki Kottmann
  • March 6, 2019
530 Burns' Kathe Fraga and Linda Richichi show natural progression

These two 530 Burns Gallery artists are proving that women have a place in the art world.

  • Arts + Culture
Christopher Nazarian is a bass vocalist and classical pianist. Photo by Kayleigh Omang
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • March 6, 2019
Sarasota Opera's unsung heroes rarely see the spotlight, but they're ready for it

What does it take to be an understudy at Sarasota Opera? Just everything you’ve got. Christopher Nazarian wouldn’t have it any other way.

  • Arts + Culture
File photo
    By
  • Niki Kottmann
  • March 5, 2019
Van Wezel announces 50th anniversary season subscriptions

From ‘Book of Mormon’ to Academy of St Martin in the Fields with Joshua Bell, there’s something for all tastes next season.

  • Arts + Culture
    By
  • Kayleigh Omang
  • March 3, 2019
The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota reveals long-lost surprise

The 50th Anniversary Party was hosted March 3 at Hyatt Regency Sarasota.

  • Arts + Culture
    By
  • Niki Kottmann
  • March 1, 2019
Key Chorale's 'Elijah' to showcase masterwork of epic proportions

Key Chorale will be accompanied by four professional soloists, a youth soloist and 35 members of the Sarasota Orchestra for 'Elijah.'

  • Arts + Culture
Photo courtesy Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
    By
  • Niki Kottmann
  • February 27, 2019
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens displays Paul Gauguin's tropical treasures

The artist's perspective of French Polynesia comes to life through his art and Selby's plant displays in 'Gauguin: Voyage to Paradise.'

  • Arts + Culture
Ricardo Rhodes and Victoria Hulland perform George Balanchine’s “Stars and Stripes” as the characters of El Capitan and Liberty Bell, respectively. Photo by Frank Atura
  • By Niki Kottmann
  • February 27, 2019
'Poetry and Liberty' shows Sarasota Ballet as emblem of the brave and true

With returning répétiteur and principals, Sarasota Ballet looks forward to ‘Stars and Stripes.’

  • Arts + Culture
Blues/soul/funk group Betty Fox Band performs March 9, and Linehan says there is a huge local blues audience, so it could be a gateway to jazz. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Niki Kottmann
  • February 27, 2019
Jazz Club of Sarasota swings into something new with 2019 festival

Organizers hope additions to Sarasota Jazz Festival will attract younger crowds.

  • Arts + Culture
Jai Shanae plays Lil, Raleigh Mosely II plays Zooty Singleton and Lonnetta Gaines plays Lil’s mother Decie in "Lil & Louis." Photo by Niki Kottmann
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 27, 2019
'Lil & Louis' tells the story of the other Armstrong — Louis' second wife, Lil

The new play shines a light on the jazz legacy of Lil Hardin Armstrong and her rocky relationship with Louis Armstrong.

  • Arts + Culture
The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota President Vern Weitz assumed her position in 2017. Photo by Niki Kottmann
    By
  • Niki Kottmann
  • February 27, 2019
After 50 years, The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota makes big changes

The organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary by looking backward and forward.

  • Arts + Culture
Valerie Inertie is a Cyr wheel artist, aerialist and circus choreographer who’s done social circus projects in Burkina Faso, Brazil and Haiti. Courtesy photo
    By
  • Niki Kottmann
  • February 20, 2019
Circus Sarasota 2019 performers talk blood, sweat and red noses

Three Circus Sarasota performers share what it takes to prepare for the big show.

  • Arts + Culture
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