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Arts + Entertainment

Harold Newton's 1960 painting, "Clouds over the Coast," is part of the "The Florida Highwaymen: Interstate Connections," which runs through Sept. 15 at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 3, 2024
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Sept. 5-11

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Riley Aparicio-Jerro and David Stein star in "Seussical," which runs at the Sarasota Players through Sept. 22.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 3, 2024
The Sarasota Players bring the world of Dr. Seuss to life

"Seussical the Musical," running Sept. 12-22, brings together kids and adults to portray multiple creations of Dr. Seuss.

  • Arts + Culture
Jill Schroeder and Alan Kitty rehearse for Kitty's play "Original Sin," which makes its world premiere from Sept. 6-15 at Tree Fort Productions.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • September 2, 2024
A Mark Twain enthusiast tackles an age-old story

Alan Kitty brings his play "Original Sin" to Tree Fort Productions.

  • Arts + Culture
Sarasota philanthropist Ernie Kretzmer, a generous supporter of the city's artistic institutions, died Aug. 24 at age 99.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 30, 2024
Remembering a scientist who nurtured Sarasota's arts

Ernie Kretzmer died on Aug. 24, four months short of his 100th birthday.

  • Arts + Culture
"The Mousetrap" runs through Sept. 15 at Venice Theatre's Pinkerton Theatre in Venice.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 27, 2024
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Aug. 29 to Sept. 4

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Deykyi Ronge and Alex Pelletier starred as two longtime friends in Brenda Withers'"Westminster," which was the winner of the fourth Modern Works Festival and was produced during Urbanite Theatre's 2023-24 season.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 26, 2024
Urbanite's Modern Works Festival 'is like Christmas every day'

The five-day playwriting festival sparks joy for artistic director Summer Dawn Wallace.

  • Arts + Culture
Artifacts in the exhibit include a cardigan created for Riverview High School teacher Sarah Hufford.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 26, 2024
Art exhibit celebrates impact of teachers' relationships with students

The exhibit "Above and Beyond: Teachers, Society's Heroes" at Sarasota Art Museum showcases student-made memorabilia from Sarasota County teachers.

  • Sarasota
  • Schools
Theater critic Marty Fugate attended Asolo Conservatory's 2024 production of "Romeo and Juliet" twice — once without hearing aids and the second time with them.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • August 23, 2024
A theater critic tackles his hearing loss

For Observer contributor Marty Fugate, becoming hearing-impaired theatened his livelihood.

  • Arts + Culture
The Sarasota Orchestra presents "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" in October.
    By
  • Su Byron
  • August 23, 2024
Season is almost here. Save the date for these arts performances and exhibits.

The 2024-2025 arts season is packed with inspiring and captivating performances and exhibits. Here are seven sensational not-to-miss experiences.

  • Arts + Culture
Mike Herley brings extensive restaurant management experience and a zeal for experimentation to Wheat + Water Italian Kitchen.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • August 23, 2024
Italian American cuisine offers the best of both culinary worlds in Wheat + Water

Wheat and water may be all it takes to make pasta, but the making of Mike and Kim Herley's welcoming restaurant took a lot more.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
OPEN FACED SMOKED SALMON BAGEL ($18): Asiago bagel, house made Boursin, arugula, smoked salmon, herbed tomato, pickled onion, fried capers (shown in the photo above).
  • By Siesta Key Oyster Bar
  • August 22, 2024
Sunday Funday! New SKOB Brunch Is Egg-cellent

Siesta Key Oyster Bar Chef Devon’s rolls out a brand new brunch menu every Sunday 9am to 11:30am.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Spotlight Partners
Sponsored Content
Grammy Award winner Giancarlo Guerrero will conduct his first Masterworks as music director designate of the Sarasota Orchestra from Nov. 7-9 at the Sarasota Opera House.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 22, 2024
Sarasota Orchestra names Giancarlo Guerrero as its seventh music director

The Nashville Symphony music director succeeds Bramwell Tovey, who died in 2022.

  • Arts + Culture
Ariel Aparicio-Jerro has taken over the reins of WSLR/Fogartyville from founders Arlene Sweeting and David Beaton.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • August 21, 2024
Ariel Aparicio-Jerro gets into the groove at Fogartyville

The musician and arts administrator talks about his new job managing the music venue.

  • Arts + Culture
The Bermuda Mavericks (Les McCurdy and Ken Sons) play McCurdy's Comedy Theatre May 8-10.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 20, 2024
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Aug. 22-28

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Asolo Repertory Theatre is based in FSU Center for the Performing Arts adjacent to The Ringling Museum.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 19, 2024
Asolo Repertory Theatre receives $1 million donation

The estate of Mary Jo Reston is the theater company's benefactor.

  • 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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