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Arts + Entertainment

One half of Judy Pfaff's SAM exhibition "Picking Up the Pieces" is a retrospective of sorts, incorporating elements from her life as an artist.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • January 10, 2024
Kaleidoscopic exhibit evokes Hurricane Ian and a life of upheaval

"Picking Up the Pieces," a retrospective show at Sarasota Art Museum for multimedia artist Judy Pfaff, captures resilience in its exploration of beauty amid destruction.

  • Arts + Culture
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in words and song on Jan. 14 at the Sarasota Opera House.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 9, 2024
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Jan. 11-17

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
"The Last Colony" by Patrick Van Eyck was the runner-up play in the 2022 Student Ten-Minute Playwriting Festival.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • January 9, 2024
Ten-Minute Play Festival tackles big stories in tight narratives

Eight plays written by Florida dramatists will compete in Theatre Odyssey's 19th annual festival Jan. 11-14.

  • 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 9, 2024
Observer Challenge to bring weekend of island camaraderie

Longboat Key Tennis Center will host the annual tournament that's all about teamwork Jan. 19-21.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
The mezzanine is designed to be used as an event space.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • January 9, 2024
Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi to open Lakewood Ranch restaurant Jan. 20

After years of delays, the Japanese restaurant is opening the State Road 70 location on Jan. 20.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Art by Pamela Olin
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 9, 2024
Father-daughter duo's art exhibition opens at Plymouth Harbor

Pamela and Richard Olin showcase 3D artwork on the theme of family.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Observer critic’s picks for Sarasota live theater in 2024
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • January 8, 2024
Observer critic’s picks for Sarasota live theater in 2024

From gut-wrenching drama to reimaginings of Shakespeare, there's something for everybody on Sarasota stages in 2024.

  • Arts + Culture
Michelangelo Pizzeria & Cucina opened in Lakewood Ranch in 2004.
    By
  • Emma Burke Jolly
  • January 7, 2024
6 historic restaurants to visit in Sarasota, Longboat and Lakewood Ranch

Start the new year off right with a visit to one of the legendary dining spots in our area.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Gil Brady, Jean Tafler and Kraig Swartz star in "Pictures From Home," playing through Feb. 18 at FST's Keating Theatre.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • January 4, 2024
'Pictures From Home' reveals backstory of a best-selling photo memoir

Sharr White's gripping drama at Florida Studio Theatre explores the fallout of a salesman's pursuit of the American dream.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Gary Hagen
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 3, 2024
Cheesecake mogul to open new dessert cafe on Longboat Key

Gary Hagen brings his big Hollywood cheesecake shop to Whitney Plaza to provide a hub for good eats and good times.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
8 must-see Sarasota arts events in 2024
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • January 3, 2024
8 must-see Sarasota arts events in 2024

The arts are alive and well in Sarasota’s vibrant cultural scene, and 2024 has the potential to be a record-breaking year.

  • Arts + Culture
Simply Tina, a full live band, performs Jan. 6 at Venice Performing Arts Center.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 2, 2024
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Jan. 4-10

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
The bar at Ventura's Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar at its November 2022 opening.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • January 2, 2024
Restaurateur celebrates one-year anniversary of Ventura's on Longboat Key

Debra Murphy accomplishes her lifelong dream of opening a restaurant — Ventura’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar — that serves as an outlet for her interests.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
  • By Kelly's Roast Beef
  • January 1, 2024
Bite into Perfect for Yourself at Kelly's

Home of the Original 3-Way Roast Beef Sandwich.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Spotlight Partners
Sponsored Content
Save these dates in 2024 for Longboat Key events
    By
  • James Peter
  • January 1, 2024
Save these dates in 2024 for Longboat Key events

You won't want to miss any of these happenings on the Key.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
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Latest in Arts + Entertainment

1
CEO Mike Bisaha says the new equipment will at least triple Big Top Brewing Co.'s beer production.
  • December 3, 2025
Big Top to open expanded brew house at Sarasota's Fruitville Commons
2
Anne Vose and Jackie Donnelly peruse the works of artist Marie Therese Lacroix, center.
  • December 3, 2025
Check out these artists at Lawn Party by the Bay
3
Lijana Wallenda perches on a chair balanced on a shoulder bar carried by her brother Nik Wallenda and Paul Matthew Lopez in the "Wonderland: Believe" circus, which runs through Jan. 4 in a big top near the UTC Mall.
  • December 3, 2025
At the Wonderland circus, it's a Wallenda-ful life
4
The Shaelyn Band, which opens the Lakewood Ranch Blues Fest Dec. 6 at Waterside Place, is led by singer Shaelyn Mulberry.
  • December 2, 2025
This musical soul search leads to Lakewood Ranch
5
Sarasota Opera Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi and General Director Richard Russell.
  • December 2, 2025
Sarasota Opera artistic director will step down after 44 years

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