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Arts + Entertainment

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in words and song 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
  • 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
Livy Scanlon stars in "Judith."
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • January 1, 2024
Shakespeare's sister hits the Urbanite Theatre stage in ‘Judith’

Playwright Katie Bender brings the sister of William Shakespeare to the forefront in the one-person play “Judith," which is making its world premiere at Urbanite Theatre.

  • Arts + Culture
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Latest in Arts + Entertainment

1
Puerto Rican singer and rapper Bad Bunny poses with Sarasota Orchestra maestro Giancarlo Guerrero and Guerrero's wife, Shirley, before Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8 in Santa Clara, California.
  • February 9, 2026
Sarasota Orchestra maestro performs at Super Bowl LX Halftime Show
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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

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