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Arts + Entertainment

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
Cheryl Taub has been drawing since she was old enough to hold a crayon.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • March 27, 2025
These Key artists take inspiration from their surroundings

Local creators share how their home bases on Sarasota's barrier islands give them an artistic boost.

  • Arts + Culture
In the festival closing night film "Lovers," two women return to their hometown for a funeral and meet up with some local characters at a dive bar.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 26, 2025
27th Sarasota Film Festival offers fresh flicks, communal screenings

"Marcella" will open the 2025 Sarasota Film Festival on April 4.

  • Arts + Culture
Bottles of wine line a shelf in Sugar Champagne Bar.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 26, 2025
Sugar Champagne Bar prepares for Friday opening

The luxury reservation-only bar, with a minimum tab of $150, will hold its grand opening Friday, March 28 in downtown Sarasota.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
A performance takes place at a Reggae Block Party in 2024.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 25, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for March 27-April 2

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Azara Ballet uses dance to address screen addiction in its second season
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 25, 2025
Azara Ballet uses dance to address screen addiction in its second season

Choreographed by company co-founder Martin Flowers, "7 Hours" uses cellphones as props.

  • Arts + Culture
Jazz vocalist Synia Carroll died on March 14 after a short illness.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 24, 2025
Connecticut schoolteacher Synia Carroll found her voice in Sarasota

Jazz vocalist Synia Carroll, who died March 14 at age 67, helped build musical bridges in the Tampa Bay area.

  • Arts + Culture
'Lost in Yonkers' is a family affair
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • March 23, 2025
'Lost in Yonkers' is a family affair

Sarasota Jewish Theatre's production of the classic Neil Simon play finds laughter and tears.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Magician Star Newman will perform at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, April 1.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 23, 2025
Star Newman is all about the abracadabra

Card tricks, movie lore and mentalism are in the Sarasota magician's bag of tricks.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota Film Festival Rising Star Award winner Austin Abrams, SFF President and CEO Mark Famiglio and "The Listener" director and producer Steve Buscemi at the 2024 Sarasota Film Festival.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 22, 2025
Sarasota Film Festival poster sparks a Facebook firestorm

Humorous mentions of the 51st state and the Gulf of America fall flat with festival fans.

  • Arts + Culture
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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
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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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