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Arts + Entertainment

"Chrysler," a 1930 lithograph by Roger de Valerio, is on display at Sarasota Art Museum's exhibition, "Art Deco: The Golden Age of Illustration," which runs from Aug. 31 to March 29, 2026.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 27, 2025
Sarasota Art Museum stages an Art Deco extravaganza

The museum pays tribute to a dynamic era of design with posters from the Crouse Collection.

  • Arts + Culture
"Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical" plays the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Nov. 14-16.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 26, 2025
Van Wezel is already getting ready for Christmas

Executive Director Mary Bensel is doubling down on the holidays after last year's hurricane disruption.

  • Arts + Culture
The tunes of jazz pianist and composer Fats Waller are performed by the cast of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's "Big Sexy."
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 26, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Aug. 28-Sept. 3

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Jeffrey Kahane spent 20 seasons as music director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra before being appointed music director of the Sarasota Music Festival in August 2016.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 25, 2025
Sarasota Music Festival music director steps down

The 2026 festival will be scaled back to two weeks as the Sarasota Orchestra looks for Jeffrey Kahane's successor.

  • Arts + Culture
  • By Observer Advertising Content Staff
  • August 25, 2025
Your Weekly Taste: 1 Hot Cookie and Ice Cream

We definitely agree with their motto, "Cookies big enough to share but taste so good you won't."

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Spotlight Partners
Sponsored Content
Artist Series Concerts' executive director goes back to the future
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 24, 2025
Artist Series Concerts' executive director goes back to the future

Keren Shani-Lifrak returns to the arts after a stint in real estate.

  • Arts + Culture
Rigoberto Torres holds the bust of Bélen Lopez. There is still more work to be done, including opening the eyes on the sculpture and painting the surface.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 21, 2025
See how a renowned sculptor creates plaster casts of community members

Sculptor Rigoberto Torres is bringing his community lifecasting to The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art for its upcoming exhibition "Nuestro Vaivén (Our Sway)."

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Season is heating up. Here's what you can look forward to on the arts scene.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • August 21, 2025
Season is heating up. Here's what you can look forward to on the arts scene.

From bold exhibitions to boundary-pushing performances, the months ahead promise something for every kind of art-lover.

  • Arts + Culture
Leon S. Pitts II and Ariel Blue star in Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's "Big Sexy: The Fats Waller Revue," which runs from Aug. 22 through Sept. 7.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 20, 2025
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe pays tribute to Fats Waller with 'Big Sexy'

The musical revue showcases the talents of Leon S. Pitts II and Ariel Blue.

  • Arts + Culture
Rita Lewis, owner of Linger Lodge, has worked nearly every role in the house. Today, she's the heart and soul of the operation.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • August 20, 2025
Linger Lodge serves up a heaping portion of Old Florida

Rita Lewis shares the magic behind one of Florida's most storied and beloved riverfront restaurants.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Lily Kren and Gil Brady star in Florida Studio Theatre's "Don't Dress for Dinner," which runs through Sept. 7.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • August 19, 2025
Florida Studio Theatre's 'Don't Dress for Dinner' serves up a frenetic farce

When the play's lying lovers start to lose, they double down with more prevarication.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
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
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Latest in Arts + Entertainment

1
Everything from fun fashion to deals on furniture can be found at the upcoming Trash to Treasure rummage sale.
  • February 7, 2026
Trash to Treasure sale making its return
2
Three comedians including Bradenton's Tim Boyd will perform at the “Hearts of Hope: A Valentine’s Comedy Night” fundraiser to benefit Harbor 58, Foster the Family, and Bring on the Ministry on Feb. 13.
  • February 6, 2026
Nonprofits to host Valentine's comedy fundraiser in Lakewood Ranch
3
Work by Janet Echelman in “Radical Softness” at Sarasota Art Museum through April 26.
  • February 6, 2026
New creations, global voices, celebrations light up our cultural horizon
4
Chefs Justin Kurtz and Ismael Flores showcase some of Mar Vista’s signature dishes.
  • February 6, 2026
Innovative chef at Mar Vista honors tradition — and keeps reinventing it
5
Lido Island Grill's lobster roll, filled with chilled Maine lobster and served with tortilla chips and lemon.
  • February 5, 2026
Meet the island kitchens setting the standard for a seriously good lobster roll

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