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Arts + Entertainment

“Soul Crooners: Solid Gold Edition” runs through Nov. 17 at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • September 4, 2024
Sarasota arts groups take their shows on the road

Sarasota Ballet, Choral Artists, the Circus Arts Conservatory and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe strutted their stuff out of town in the off season.

  • Arts + Culture
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
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Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's Sheldon Rhoden stands in front of an image of the American flag as he sings Marvin Gaye's rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner."
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Lena Cambis is the co-founder of the Sarasota Music Conservatory.
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