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Arts + Entertainment

Derek Blankenship is executive director of the Venice Institute for the Performing Arts. Kristofer Geddie is executive director of the Venice Theatre.
  • By Emily Leinfuss
  • September 13, 2023
New Venice arts leaders earn unexpected promotions

Neither Kristopher Geddie nor Derek Blankenship knew the top job was waiting in the wings.

  • Arts + Culture
Jade Griffin's "It's Time for the Show" and her other works will be on display at Fogartyville through Oct. 15.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 12, 2023
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Sept. 14-20

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
"Hamilton" is one of seven Van Wezel premieres during the 2023-24 season.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • September 11, 2023
Van Wezel prepares for a season of hot tickets

Demand for "Hamilton" at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is expected to surpass 2019's "The Lion King."

  • Arts + Culture
Brian Hersh is the president and CEO of the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • September 7, 2023
Meet Sarasota's new arts czar

Brian Hersh holds the power of the purse for local cultural organizations.

  • Arts + Culture
The Suncoast Concert Band got its start in January 1933 as the Sarasota Trailer Park Band.
  • By Robert Stoll
  • September 6, 2023
Suncoast Concert Band celebrates its 90th birthday

Formed in a trailer park during the Great Depression, the Sarasota-based band is still going strong.

  • Arts + Culture
Eric Pugh has joined Asolo Repertory Theatre as its director of marketing and communications and Sarah Johnson is its new director of development.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 5, 2023
Asolo Repertory Theatre expands management team

Sarah Johnson and Eric Pugh fill development and marketing posts.

  • Arts + Culture
"Divas Three" will ends its run at FST's Court Cabaret on Sept. 17.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 5, 2023
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Sept. 7-13

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Carrie Leitzman is selling Truman's Tap & Grill to spend more time with her family.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 4, 2023
Truman's generous goodbye to Lakewood Ranch

After serving the Lakewood Ranch area for 11 years, Truman's Tap & Grill is closed as of Sept. 1.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
To the bagel that gives the tri-state area a run of its money.
    By
  • Emma Burke Jolly
  • September 3, 2023
The best bagels in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch

Foodies know the difference between boiled and baked lumps of dough.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Jamie Billingsley, the emergency manager at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, demonstrates how to use a tourniquet with Stephen Arnold, the patient experience manager.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 2, 2023
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center to host Stop the Bleed

Stop the Bleed will teach people the actions necessary to help if someone is injured or bleeding.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
After sharing the artistic director role for 10 years, Summer Dawn Wallace is running the show on her own at Urbanite Theatre.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • August 31, 2023
Artistic director showcases Urbanite’s commitment to new play development

Urbanite Theatre's newly solo artistic director, Summer Dawn Wallace, talks about her singular vision for Sarasota's "black box" theater.

  • Arts + Culture
Olivia "Liv" Scanlon stars as Shakespeare's sister in "Judith" at Urbanite Theatre from Jan. 5 to Feb. 18, 2024.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • August 31, 2023
Urbanite Theatre enters unknown territory with 10th season

The "black box" theater pushes the envelope in its 10th season.

  • Arts + Culture
The 75th Annual Labor Day Regatta will be held Sep. 2 and 3.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 31, 2023
Labor Day Regatta celebrates its 75th year under sail

The Sarasota Sailing Squadron event is the oldest of its type in the region, according to organizers.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Cafe L'Europe staff in the Late '70s.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 30, 2023
Cafe L'Europe builds on tradition for 50th anniversary

The St. Armands Circle restaurant has served the area for 50 years and trained many local restaurateurs.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
The 75th Annual Labor Day Regatta will be held Saturday, Sept. 2, at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 29, 2023
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Aug. 31 to Sept. 6

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

  • 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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