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Arts + Entertainment

Susan Benjamin, The Education Center's biographical historian who is praised for her engaging presentations about the lives of some of the industry's most famous musicians, turns her attention to Billy Joel, Gene Kelly and Bob Fosse this season.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • February 3, 2026
Education Center dives into the stories and music of Billy Joel

Biographical historian Susan Benjamin teams up with singer Jay O'Brien to celebrate the life and times of the Piano Man at their latest presentation with The Education Center.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Charisse Pearlina Weston is the winner of the 2026 Hermitage Greenfield Prize.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 3, 2026
Hermitage Artist Retreat awards 2026 Greenfield Prize to visual artist

The visual arts award, given to Charisse Pearlina Weston, includes a $35,000 cash award and a residency at the Englewood arts incubator.

  • Arts + Culture
  • By Observer Advertising Content Staff
  • February 2, 2026
Welcome to Mr. & Mrs. Crab

Mr. & Mrs. Crab’s hand-held seafood integrates American country taste with traditional Szechuan spices to create a unique flavor.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Spotlight Partners
Sponsored Content
Cinthia Peña is the new managing director of CreArte Latino.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 2, 2026
CreArte Latino names new full-time managing director

The new role for Cinthia Peña is made possible by a Barancik Foundation grant.

  • Arts + Culture
The cast of Asolo Rep's "The Mirror Crack'd," which runs at FSU Center for the Performing Arts through March 14.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 1, 2026
'The Mirror Crack'd' turns the Asolo Rep stage into a post-modern mirror maze

Miss Marple's on the case of a murder in English countryside, with a little help from her constable nephew.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
The one, the only, the Brownie Ice Cream Stack at Michael's on East.
    By
  • Emma Burke
  • February 1, 2026
When Cupid calls, these Sarasota eateries have chocolatey answers

Get sweet at breakfast, lunch and dinner during Celebration of Chocolate Month (aka February).

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Mary Baker, board president of the Longboat Library, says guests can plan a fun book date for Valentine's Day to shop the annual sale.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 30, 2026
Plan a book date for Valentine's Day on Longboat Key

Longboat Library is bringing back its annual book sale on Feb. 14, which organizers say is the perfect time for couples to make a book date.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Observer Advertising Content Staff
  • January 28, 2026
Experience The Magic Of St. Armands Circle

Learn more about St. Armands Circle, from upcoming events and seasonal celebrations to special happenings.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Spotlight Partners
Sponsored Content
Ben Stahl's "Thunder on the Beach" is on display at Ringling College of Art and Design through April 11.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • January 28, 2026
Two exhibits trace the origins of the Sarasota Artist Colony

After World War II, veterans flocked to Sarasota and formed a tight-knit community of creators.

  • Arts + Culture
The Sarasota Ballet will perform Ricardo Graziano's "Valsinhas" from Jan. 30-Feb. 2 at FSU Center for the Performing Arts.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • January 28, 2026
Sarasota Ballet revives 'Valsinhas' for its fourth program

Portuguese for "Little Waltzes," the piece was choreographed by Brazil-born principal dancer Ricardo Graziano.

  • Arts + Culture
Lisa McClowry stars in the Cher tribute show, "The Beat Goes On," which comes to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Feb. 1.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 27, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Jan. 29-Feb. 4

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Asolo Repertory Theatre's production of "The Mirror Crack'd" runs through March 14 at FSU Center for the Performing Arts.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • January 27, 2026
Asolo Repertory Theatre veteran returns to helm Agatha Christie classic

Former Producing Artistic Director Michael Donald Edwards directs Rachel Wagstaff's take on "The Mirror Crack'd."

  • Arts + Culture
This year's New to You art sale promises some unique, larger finds for art enthusiasts, according to Linn Torres, All Angels by the Sea administrative assistant and art sale coordinator. Torres showcases a Grecian-style, three-dimensional piece of art.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • January 27, 2026
Big surprises await at New to You art sale

The popular Longboat Key art sale begins Feb. 2 at All Angels by the Sea and benefits Turning Points of Bradenton.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
  • By Observer Advertising Content Staff
  • January 26, 2026
One Hit Wonders

Step into the spotlight with One Hit Wonders, a toe-tapping celebration of those unforgettable songs that became part of our lives.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Spotlight Partners
Sponsored Content
Ben Turoff helps bring big-name acts to the performing arts center at the Glenridge On Palmer Ranch retirement community.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • January 26, 2026
A son of the theater helps a venue come into its own

Ben Turoff has put the Glenridge Performing Arts Center on the map.

  • Arts + Culture
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Latest in Arts + Entertainment

1
Gary Love of Gary Love Photography shows an art festival-goer how the various places the light hits the shell-covered beach give the up-close image depth. He was one of several new artists featured at the Feb. 21-22 art festival on Longboat Key.
  • March 26, 2026
Art show upcoming this weekend
2
The Sarasota Ballet will perform George Balanchine's "Stars and Stripes" in its "Life and Liberty" program March 27-28.
  • March 25, 2026
Sarasota Ballet stages star-spangled extravaganza for America's 250th birthday
3
Co-owner Chris Carter works with a barista behind the counter of the second location of Sips, which opened at 3172 Gulf of Mexico Drive this month.
  • March 25, 2026
Second Sips debuts on Longboat Key
4
Speaks Clam Bar, pictured after its 2018 opening, closed on St. Armands Key earlier this month.
  • March 24, 2026
Speaks Clam Bar shutters St. Armands location
5
"A Beautiful Noise," a musical that tells the story of Neil Diamond's life through therapy sessions, comes to the Van Wezel from March 31 to April 4.
  • March 24, 2026
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for March 26-April 2

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