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Arts + Entertainment

The Elton John tribute concert, "The Rocket Man Show," starring Rus Anderson comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Wednesday, April 16.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 8, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for April 10-16

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Sylvia Abdelsalam, vice president of the Lakewood Ranch Garden Club and Garden Fest Committee Chair with Penny Kress, a Garden Fest committee member.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 8, 2025
Lakewood Ranch Library to host Garden Fest

The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club's Garden Fest will have 50 vendors, educational speakers and crafts for kids.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Children wait to dive for eggs during a previous Aqua Egg Hunt at Arlington Park pool.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 8, 2025
Aqua Egg Hunt set for April 12

The annual event will be held at Arlington Park & Aquatic Complex.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Scott Keys plays the Narrator in Sarasota Players' production of Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods."
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • April 7, 2025
The Sarasota Players takes audiences 'Into the Woods'

This spellbinding musical by Sondheim and Lapine asks what happens after "happily ever after."

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota Music Festival alum Earl Lee was the guest conductor for Sarasota Orchestra's Masterworks: Grand Treasures concert.
    By
  • Gayle Williams
  • April 6, 2025
Sarasota Orchestra parades artistry in Masterworks concert

The Grand Treasures program was conducted by Sarasota Music Festival alum Earl Lee.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
This year's La Musica Festival in Sarasota will include performances by top row (left to right) Wu Han, piano; Dmitri Atapine, cello; Aaron Boyd, violin; Chad Hoopes, violin; and bottom row (L-R) Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, viola; Orion Weiss, piano; Kristin Lee, violin; and David Finckel, cello.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • April 2, 2025
La Musica Chamber Festival gets a lift from new leadership

The Sarasota chamber music festival nearly ended after its co-founder died of COVID.

  • Arts + Culture
Tyler Michaels King and Derdriu Ring star in "Dancing at Lughnasa," which runs through April 19 at Asolo Repertory Theatre.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • April 2, 2025
Asolo Rep's 'Dancing at Lughnasa' looks back at a magical summer

The Mundy sisters don't know it, but their lives are about to be upended.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
The hit musical "Les Misérables" comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on April 8-11.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • April 1, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for April 3-9

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Director Peter Amster is directing "Good Night, Oscar" at Asolo Repertory Theatre.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • April 1, 2025
Director Peter Amster celebrates a troubled genius in Asolo Rep's 'Good Night, Oscar'

Pianist and raconteur Oscar Levant bared his mental health struggles on national TV.

  • Arts + Culture
Anne and Frank Folsom Smith in 2013.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 31, 2025
Sarasota architect Frank Folsom Smith dies at age 93

The Virginia transplant designed Plymouth Harbor and helped shape downtown.

  • Arts + Culture
You can consult a Ouija board at The Ringling's new exhibit, "Conjuring the Spirit World," which runs through July 13.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 31, 2025
On the trail of things that go bump in the night at The Ringling

"Conjuring the Spirit World" explores efforts to contact denizens of unseen realms.

  • Arts + Culture
Casey Wortmann and Dekyi Rongé star in "No One is Forgotten" at Urbanite Theatre.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • March 28, 2025
Defying cruel captivity with loving solidarity

Urbanite Theatre's "No One is Forgotten" puts the audience into a pressure-cooker environment.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
“Bag Work” by Tanaka Yu Fukuromono, “Red Vessel” by Ogawa Machiko, and “Untitled (Crushed Asahi Beer Box)” by Mishima Kimiyo are part of the “Radical Clay” exhibit at The Ringling through May 11.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • March 28, 2025
Add these 5 sizzling arts events to your spring calendar

Theater, art and a walk in a musician’s garden highlight our top arts picks.

  • Arts + Culture
Chef Damian Manfré is known for his expertise in curating innovative menus and creating unforgettable dining experiences.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • March 28, 2025
With 6 restaurants to helm, St. Regis chef shares his favorites

Culinary mastermind Damian Manfré keeps one eye on the traditions of the past and another eye on the innovations of the future.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Michael Deshield sings on the balcony.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 27, 2025
Balcony opera performances share the music form with the public

Apprentice artists have joined the lineup in the Sarasota Opera's weekly performance for the public, held each Saturday on the balcony.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
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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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