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Arts + Entertainment

Itzhak Perlman conducts the PMP Winter Residency Celebration Concert in January 2024.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • December 24, 2024
It's music as usual for the Perlman Music Program's winter residency

Storm damage in the area didn't hinder the program's 21st season.

  • Arts + Culture
The pineapple hangs above the crowd on New Year's Eve.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 24, 2024
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Dec. 26-Jan. 1

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will reopen with "Menopause The Musical 2 - Cruising Through the Change" on Jan. 4.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • December 22, 2024
Sarasota actress is making the most out of 'Menopause The Musical'

A veteran of community theater stages in Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice, Melanie Souza became a professional actress in mid-life.

  • Arts + Culture
Mayor Kyle Battie speaks alongside Mural Organizer Walter Gilbert.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • December 21, 2024
Martin Luther King Jr. Day event at Temple Beth Israel

Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Walter Gilbert will be speaking at Temple Beth Israel for Martin Luther King Day.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The Waffle Stop owner Dolly Hollinger, seen here in December 2020.
    By
  • Mark Gordon, Louis Llovio
  • December 20, 2024
The Waffle Stop, Sarasota 'Elvis Ate Here' restaurant, to close by end of 2024

A Sarasota institution, The Waffle Stop, is closing after 74 years.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Sarasota Chamber to host Leadership Educational Conference
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 20, 2024
Sarasota Chamber to host Leadership Educational Conference

The half-day Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Leadership Sarasota Educational Conference is designed to cultivate skills and strategies for leadership in the workplace.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Superstar aerialist Nik Wallenda greets the crowd at Wonderland Circus: Illuminate, which runs through Jan. 5 at the Big Top near UTC Mall.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • December 18, 2024
Wallenda's Wonderland comes back stronger in its second year

Sarasota circus superstar Nik Wallenda wows hometown audiences under the Big Top at University Town Center.

  • Arts + Culture
Lights in Bloom features over two million lights.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 17, 2024
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Dec. 19-25

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Angela Ligon, who ran art and event spaces in downtown Sarasota for more than eight years, now has a gallery within Clive Daniel in Fruitville Commons.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • December 17, 2024
A downtown gallerist finds a home in Fruitville Road furniture store

Upscale home furnishings retailer Clive Daniel gives Angela Ligon a place to sell art.

  • Arts + Culture
A laser light show will cap New Year's Eve festivities at Waterside Place.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • December 17, 2024
Biggest Lakewood Ranch holiday events ready to kick off

Everything you need to know about the upcoming Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year's celebrations this season in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Michelle Heera Kim and Rona Figueroa star in "The Heart Sellers," which runs through Feb. 16 at FST's Keating Theatre.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • December 16, 2024
FST's 'The Heart Sellers' gives voice to the voiceless

Kate Alexander directs a heartwarming tale of love, friendship and the American immigrant experience.

  • Arts + Culture
Peter Rothstein's a capella musical, "All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914" plays at The Ringling's Historic Asolo Theater through Dec. 22.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • December 12, 2024
Asolo Rep's 'All Is Calm' re-creates a quiet Christmas miracle

Peter Rothstein's moving a capella musical tells a true story with recovered words and timeless songs.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
The house from "A Christmas Story" in Cleveland.
    By
  • Emma Burke
  • December 11, 2024
A foodie guide to 'A Christmas Story' in Sarasota

There are so many culinary revelations in the classic holiday film that I explored right them here in our neighborhood.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is presenting "A Motown Christmas" through Jan. 5, 2025.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • December 11, 2024
WBTT celebrates 25 years of making joyful noise

Nate Jacobs built a theater dedicated to telling African American stories and nurturing talented young people — with a little help from friends.

  • Arts + Culture
Prominent national restaurateur Cameron Mitchell is opening Ocean Prime at The Quay on Dec 21.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • December 11, 2024
Ocean Prime is ready to open at The Quay

The $10 million, two-story restaurant featuring waterfront views will debut on Dec. 21.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
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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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