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Arts + Entertainment

Former Kennedy Center President Deborah Rutter talks with Brian Hersh, CEO of the Arts and Cultural Alliance, at an Arts Summit held May 21 at the Sarasota Opera House.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 22, 2025
Summit highlights challenges and opportunities for Sarasota arts scene

Potential loss of government funding is offset by upbeat demographics and philanthropy.

  • Arts + Culture
Potbelly specializes in sandwiches. It also sells salads, soups, shakes and cookies.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 22, 2025
Potbelly opens first Sarasota location

The Sarasota Potbelly will be the 14th for the brand in Florida.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Artist Stephen Harlan offers a glimpse into his creative process this weekend at Wyland Gallery Sarasota on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • May 22, 2025
Self-taught digital artist shakes up high-end art world

Florida-based artist Stephen Harlan met with fans this weekend at Wyland Gallery Sarasota on St. Armands Circle.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Urbanite Theatre's "From 145th to 98th Street" follows a Black family who changes neighborhoods in New York City.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 21, 2025
Urbanite's 'From 145th to 98th Street' follows a family's search for a better life

Nia Akilah Robinson's world premiere challenges stereotypes with sharp storytelling and lyrical language.

  • Arts + Culture
Arts Advocates honors Andy Sandberg with Luminaire Award
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 21, 2025
Arts Advocates honors Andy Sandberg with Luminaire Award

The prize celebrates outstanding contributions to Sarasota arts.

  • Arts + Culture
Heather Saunders and the cast of "Jesus Christ Superstar," which runs through June 28 at Asolo Repertory Theatre.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 20, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for May 22-28

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Joshua Stayton is artistic director of Azara Ballet.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 20, 2025
Azara Ballet adds artistic director position

Joshua Stayton joins the company for its third season.

  • Arts + Culture
  • By Observer Advertising Content Staff
  • May 19, 2025
Your Weekly Taste: Lakewood Ranch Deli

You can order their signature breakfast sandwiches, like the Saus, Egg n Cheese or Ham, Egg n Cheese, all day long.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Spotlight Partners
Sponsored Content
Mary Magdalene (Sarah Kay) mediates a showdown between Judas (Heath Saunders) and Jesus (Jesse Nager) in Asolo Rep's "Jesus Christ Superstar."
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 19, 2025
Asolo Rep stages a stirring 'come to Jesus' moment

Josh Rhodes' "Jesus Christ Superstar" delivers a fast, punchy rendition of the greatest story ever told.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Co-owners Zach Zeller and Chef Evan Percoco design their latest restaurant to feel like a backyard.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 19, 2025
Twisted Pit BBQ opens on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

The Twisted Pit is Zach Zeller and Chef Evan Percoco's third establishment to open on Main Street.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Nate Jacobs and members of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will host the third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival on June 22.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 19, 2025
WBTT to host third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival

The festival takes place June 22 at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's campus.

  • Arts + Culture
These summer camps inspire future artists, performers and cultural connoisseurs
    By
  • Su Byron
  • May 16, 2025
These summer camps inspire future artists, performers and cultural connoisseurs

Wondering what to do with the kids this summer? Arts camps abound for a variety of interests.

  • Arts + Culture
Tsunami's Sashimia appetizer mixes sashimi, crunch and color for a dish that's as fun to admire as it is to devour. The tuna tartare is artful and flavorful — wrapped in avocado, crowned with a quail egg and an edible flower and served in a savory ponzu sauce.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 16, 2025
Tsunami Sushi continues to evolve with menu items aimed to please everyone

Jeffrey Karasawa and Jason Klamson share their recipe for excellence at Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill's Lakewood Ranch location.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Benny Sato Ambush is the artistic director of the Venice Theatre.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • May 15, 2025
Benny Sato Ambush steps down as artistic director of Venice Theatre

Ambush helped the community theater rebound from COVID and Hurricane Ian.

  • Arts + Culture
Flower Child is known for its customizable bowls, wraps, salads and overall healthy menu.
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • May 15, 2025
New restaurant seeks local following with fresh-first take on casual dining

An Arizona restaurant concept popular with yogis, foodies and lots of health-conscious people in between choose the Lakewood Ranch area to make its Florida debut.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
« 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 »
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Latest in Arts + Entertainment

1
Pastitsio ($25) made with Greek macaroni with ground beef, fresh herbs topped with a creamy béchamel sauce.
  • May 11, 2026
Make it a Mediterranean (meal) May
2
Il Panificio is now open at 1995 Main St. in Sarasota.
  • May 9, 2026
Il Panificio opens new downtown Sarasota restaurant
3
Saucy! is expanding on the Gulf Coast, with a Lakewood Ranch and Trinity location opening May 4 and 5, respectively.
  • May 7, 2026
Saucy new chicken spot opens in Lakewood Ranch
4
Rod Brogan and Rachel Moulton star in Florida Studio Theatre's "Birthday Candles."
  • May 6, 2026
Florida Studio Theatre actor is a woman for all seasons
5
Several characters in Sarasota Players' "Assassins" think they deserve credit for saving the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
  • May 5, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for May 7-13

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