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Arts + Entertainment

Ken Ludwig takes a creative journey with Asolo Repertory Theatre
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • January 15, 2025
Ken Ludwig takes a creative journey with Asolo Repertory Theatre

Ludwig talks about developing his Asolo Rep world premiere, "Lady Molly of Scotland Yard," in Sarasota.

  • Arts + Culture
Lo’ Key Island Grille opened Jan. 6, 2025.
    By
  • Carter Weinhofer
  • January 15, 2025
Lo' Key Island Grille now open on Longboat Key

The island's newest restaurant, Lo' Key Island Grille, is now open for business.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Nolan Middle School student Danni Hammond poses with her cow ahead of the Manatee County Fair.
    By
  • Vinnie Portell
  • January 15, 2025
Don't miss these events at the Manatee County Fair

Key information as the Manatee County Fair begins its 2025 run in Palmetto.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will hold a celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Sarasota Opera House.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 14, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Jan. 16-22

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Cynthia Sayer plays the Glenridge Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Jan. 19.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • January 13, 2025
Cynthia Sayer brings her hot banjo show to Sarasota

A recent winner of the Steve Martin Banjo Prize, Cynthia Sayer got her start by performing in a nursing home.

  • Arts + Culture
Terri Weagant starts in "Spaceman," which runs through Feb. 16 at Urbanite Theatre.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • January 13, 2025
A funny thing happened on the way to Mars

A solo mission is a pressure cooker of inner and outer danger in Urbanite Theatre's "Spaceman."

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Pulpo, patatas bravas, picanha and piquillos rellenos are on the menu at Beso.
    By
  • Emma Burke
  • January 11, 2025
These Sarasota tapas are the talk of the town

Grab a glass of sangria and prepare for a parade of tapas that’ll keep the good vibes — and your plate — overflowing.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Toasted Yolk Cafe is at 6562 University Pkwy., Suite 150.
    By
  • Elizabeth King, Jay Heater
  • January 10, 2025
Toasted Yolk Cafe opens in Lakewood Ranch

The breakfast and lunch cafe opened its doors in the Center Point development on University Parkway.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
A flamingo by Peggy Roberts
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 9, 2025
Artist of palm frond creations to hold exhibition at Art Ovation Hotel

Peggy Roberts started creating animals from palm fronds in her retirement, as a showcase of upcycling.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The iconic Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota's "Purple Palace," kicked off its delayed season with "Menopause the Musical 2," on Jan. 4.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • January 8, 2025
Van Wezel reopens after hard work by employees and contractors

After being postponed for more than two months, Sarasota's "Purple Palace" kicks off a sparkling season.

  • Arts + Culture
Ute Vela competes in the Observer Challenge held Feb. 3-5, 2023. She and her husband, Enrique, have won the tournament four times.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 8, 2025
Observer Challenge hopes different format will attract more players

The beloved Longboat Key tennis tournament is back for its 25th year with a new format and surprise criteria for its grand prize.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Manatee County is gearing up for the RUN Manatee 5K Series in 2025. Three races will be held across the county at different locations from April through November.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 8, 2025
Manatee County gears up for new 5K series

The races will take place at Tom Bennett Park, Coquina Beach and Rye Preserve from April through November.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Windjammers Unlimited, more formally known as the Circus Music Historical Society, will perform with the Sailor Circus on Jan. 11 after their weeklong convention in Sarasota.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 7, 2025
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Jan. 9-15

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Terri Weagant starts in "Spaceman," which runs through Feb. 16 at Urbanite Theatre.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • January 6, 2025
Urbanite's 'Spaceman' is out of this world

Summer Dawn Wallace directs a human story in a science-fiction universe.

  • Arts + Culture
Rickey Tedesco, Tron Montgomery, William Ashburn and Yinoelle Colon starred in "The Florida Highwaymen" by Don Salvo in 2024 Ten-Minute Play Festival.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • January 5, 2025
Theatre Odyssey celebrates 20 years of its Ten Minute Play Festival

After a modest start, the festival has become a mainstay of the Sarasota arts season.

  • Arts + Culture
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Latest in Arts + Entertainment

1
Gary Love of Gary Love Photography shows an art festival-goer how the various places the light hits the shell-covered beach give the up-close image depth. He was one of several new artists featured at the Feb. 21-22 art festival on Longboat Key.
  • March 26, 2026
Art show upcoming this weekend
2
The Sarasota Ballet will perform George Balanchine's "Stars and Stripes" in its "Life and Liberty" program March 27-28.
  • March 25, 2026
Sarasota Ballet stages star-spangled extravaganza for America's 250th birthday
3
Co-owner Chris Carter works with a barista behind the counter of the second location of Sips, which opened at 3172 Gulf of Mexico Drive this month.
  • March 25, 2026
Second Sips debuts on Longboat Key
4
Speaks Clam Bar, pictured after its 2018 opening, closed on St. Armands Key earlier this month.
  • March 24, 2026
Speaks Clam Bar shutters St. Armands location
5
"A Beautiful Noise," a musical that tells the story of Neil Diamond's life through therapy sessions, comes to the Van Wezel from March 31 to April 4.
  • March 24, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for March 26-April 2

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