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Arts + Entertainment

Sarasota Youth Opera will perform "The Hobbit" from Nov. 9-10 at Sarasota Opera House featuring a cast of 74 performers.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 5, 2024
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Nov. 7-13

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Sarasota Orchestra members Bobby Nunes, Stephanie Bloch and Hugo Bliss pose with Joseph McKenna, president and CEO of the orchestra.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 5, 2024
Sarasota Orchestra composes a climate-proof future

The Sarasota Orchestra moves ahead on its new music center as it welcomes a new maestro.

  • Arts + Culture
Independent Jones' Antonio Hernandez, Paul Benjamin of Benjamin Productions and Independent Jones' Morgan Bettes Angell stand at the bridge leading into Waterside Park. The bridge will serve as the entrance into the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival Dec. 7.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • November 5, 2024
Final preparations in order for inaugural Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival

Producer Paul Benjamin says the Lakewood Ranch location should be a great place for the event to prosper.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Barry Weisblatt has lived on Siesta Key for five years.
    By
  • Eric Snider
  • November 5, 2024
Whiteleaf Private Concert Club founder is ready to rock

Regrets? Barry Weisblatt has had a few. Like not getting a photo with Paul McCartney when he had a chance. But the Siesta Key resident, with live music as the backdrop, has mostly lived a charmed life.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Outdoor seating at The Cottage, Siesta Key. The restaurant is back in operation after being heavily damaged by Hurricane Milton.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 4, 2024
Two Siesta Key restaurants reopen after Milton

The Cottage and The Hub Baja Grill welcomed customers back on Saturday, Nov. 2.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Grab your coffee from Mojo, steps from Siesta Key Beach.
    By
  • Emma Burke
  • November 2, 2024
These Sarasota and Siesta Key coffee shops define cool beans

Whether you're stressed, blessed or just coffee-obsessed, here's where to find a good cup of joe.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Urbanite Theatre Artistic Director Summer Dawn Wallace returns to the stage in "Jennifer, Who Is Leaving."
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • October 31, 2024
It's the witching hour in Urbanite Theatre's 'Jennifer, Who is Leaving'

Three women find shelter from the storm during the night shift at a donut shop.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Sarasota Opera Director of Education Martha Collins leads a rehearsal of "The Hobbit" on Saturday, Oct. 26.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • October 30, 2024
Sarasota Youth Opera provides a home for the next generation of singers

All 74 members of the company will be on stage for "The Hobbit" from Nov. 9-10.

  • Arts + Culture
Midge Pescatello browses among the hand-decorated trees at St. Mary, Star of the Sea's 2020 Christmas Bazaar.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • October 30, 2024
Christmas Bazaar returns Nov. 9 to Longboat Key

The annual Christmas Bazaar will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mary Star of the Sea for all Christmas shopping needs.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
1000 NORTH will be located in the BLVD Sarasota building at the corner of Boulevard of the Arts and North Tamiami Trail.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 29, 2024
Exclusive restaurant, club coming to Sarasota

1000 NORTH, with a long list of celebrity partners, will bring its second private dining club concept to the BLVD Sarasota building.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Trezure B.Coles and Suzanne Grodner star in Urbanite Theatre's "Jennifer, Who is Leaving," which runs through Dec. 1.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • October 29, 2024
Once upon a time in a donut shop

Urbanite Theatre's "Jennifer, Who is Leaving" makes America's invisible women visible.

  • Arts + Culture
The musical "Waitress," with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, runs through Jan. 5 at FST's Gompertz Theatre.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 29, 2024
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Oct. 31-Nov. 6

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
CEO Maribeth Phillips says Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee serves 96 agencies in the county. This year's Empty Bowls will be critical to support increased demand due to hurricanes.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • October 29, 2024
Empty Bowls in Lakewood Ranch will support hurricane relief

Meals on Wheels Plus' CEO Maribeth Phillips says hurricanes have increased the need.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Many bars and restaurants on Anna Maria Island were damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The Drift Inn sits empty on Oct. 27 as repairs are being done. A benefit concert will raise funds for service workers.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 28, 2024
Lynyrd Skynyrd rocks Manatee County to help service industry employees

Proceeds from the Nov. 15 concert will support service industry employees who have been displaced by the hurricanes.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Venice photographer Clyde Butcher is flanked by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden after receiving the National Medal of Arts on Oct. 21.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 28, 2024
Photographer Clyde Butcher wins National Medal of Arts

The honor is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the federal government.

  • Arts + Culture
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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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