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Arts + Entertainment

Lily Kren and Gil Brady star in "Don't Dress for Dinner," which runs through Sept. 7 at Florida Studio Theatre.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 19, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Aug. 21-27

Don't miss these arts and entertainment events around Sarasota and Manatee counties this week.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
The Klassika Ensemble is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. on Aug. 19 at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church as part of the free Midsummer Concert Series. Members include Chris Romeo, Stephanie McCranie, Jolanda Nel and Derek Roura.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 16, 2025
Catch free summer concert nights on St. Armands Key

The four-part, free concert series aims to promote activity on St. Armands Circle while offering enlightening tunes for the public.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Arthur Bosage is the new artistic administrator of the Sarasota Opera.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 15, 2025
Sarasota Opera names new artistic administrator

Arthur Bosarge, who recently served as chorus master and director of the Apprentice Artists Program, has been named artistic administrator of the company.

  • Arts + Culture
Carole J. Bufford stars in the summer cabaret "Too Darn Hot." Her band includes Angela Steiner on piano and Isaac Mingus on bass.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 13, 2025
The heat is on at Florida Studio Theatre's summer cabaret 'Too Darn Hot'

Carole J. Bufford's sizzling ode to summer contains some familiar favorites and some unexpected discoveries.

  • Arts + Culture
"A Band Called Honalee: A Tribute to Peter, Paul and Mary... and friends" plays at Florida Studio Theatre's Goldstein Cabaret from Aug. 19 through Oct. 26.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 12, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Aug. 14-20

Don't miss these arts and entertainment events around Sarasota and Manatee counties this week.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Amy Blair, the manager at the Old Salty Dog on City Island, said visitors often enjoy seeing dolphins, sharks, seabirds and other wildlife from the waterfront seating.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 12, 2025
Old Salty Dog celebrates post-recovery recognition

Not long after reopening from a five-month closure caused by hurricane damage, the longstanding Sarasota bar is celebrating a new national commendation.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Ventura’s Italian Kitchen's menu ranges from a Margherita Pizza to Chicken Piccata.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 12, 2025
Longboat Italian eatery to open second Manatee County location

The owner says Ventura’s Italian Kitchen "promises a warm, welcoming atmosphere."

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Peppercorns Steak and Seafood opens on State Road 70
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 9, 2025
Peppercorns Steak and Seafood opens on State Road 70

Owner Justin Boudreau is eager to perfect the menu at the Bradenton restaurant.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Linn Torres, All Angels by the Sea administrative assistant and art sale coordinator, holds up a decorative glass piece, one of the many art items for sale at this summer's New to You art sale at the church.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 9, 2025
All Angels by the Sea Episcopal kicks off summer art sale

The Longboat Key church is holding a smaller-scale version of its spring New to You art sale through September, featuring jewelry, decor and more.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Cheryl Medow's 2014 photo "White Ibis with Fish" overlooks Sarasota Bay in "The High Life" exhibition at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 6, 2025
An eye-catching exhibition of bird photography lands at Selby Gardens

"The High Life" captures our feathered friends in nature, museums and studios.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota Ballet School names new principal
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 5, 2025
Sarasota Ballet School names new principal

Alberto Blanco succeeds Jennifer Welch Cudnik, who has moved to Kansas City Ballet School.

  • Arts + Culture
Ethan Jack Haberfield and Alice M. Gatling star in "Dorothy's Dictionary," which runs through Aug. 10 at Florida Studio Theatre.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 5, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Aug. 7-13

Don't miss these arts and entertainment events around Sarasota and Manatee counties this week.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Loretta Pettway Bennett, Sarasota Art Museum Associate Curator Lacie Barbour and Louisiana Bendolph
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 4, 2025
Gee's Bend quilters learned to 'make something out of nothing'

Loretta Pettway Bennett and Louisiana Bendolph share their stories at Sarasota Art Museum.

  • Arts + Culture
The cast of "Cabaret" gets ready for their close-up at the Kit Kat Club, the setting of the musical set in Weimar-era Berlin.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • July 30, 2025
The Sarasota Players stages a thrilling, chilling 'Cabaret'

Sarasota Players brings Kander and Ebb's sexy, ominous musical to a round stage.

  • Arts + Culture
The duo Zeman Quick Change delights audiences at the Summer Circus Spectacular, which runs through Aug. 9 at The Ringling.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 29, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for July 31-Aug. 6

The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for July 31-Aug. 6

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
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Latest in Arts + Entertainment

1
CEO Mike Bisaha says the new equipment will at least triple Big Top Brewing Co.'s beer production.
  • December 3, 2025
Big Top to open expanded brew house at Sarasota's Fruitville Commons
2
Anne Vose and Jackie Donnelly peruse the works of artist Marie Therese Lacroix, center.
  • December 3, 2025
Check out these artists at Lawn Party by the Bay
3
Lijana Wallenda perches on a chair balanced on a shoulder bar carried by her brother Nik Wallenda and Paul Matthew Lopez in the "Wonderland: Believe" circus, which runs through Jan. 4 in a big top near the UTC Mall.
  • December 3, 2025
At the Wonderland circus, it's a Wallenda-ful life
4
The Shaelyn Band, which opens the Lakewood Ranch Blues Fest Dec. 6 at Waterside Place, is led by singer Shaelyn Mulberry.
  • December 2, 2025
This musical soul search leads to Lakewood Ranch
5
Sarasota Opera Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi and General Director Richard Russell.
  • December 2, 2025
Sarasota Opera artistic director will step down after 44 years

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