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Arts + Entertainment

Lakewood Ranch's Scott Kessler and his wife, Cherri Kessler, continue to raise money for the American Cancer Society three years after Cherri's cancer diagnosis.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 20, 2023
Lakewood Ranch resident prepares for Men Wear Pink

Scott Kessler continues to raise funds for American Cancer Society three years after his wife's cancer diagnosis.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
"Up On the Roof," the musical revenue showcasing the iconic hits produced in Manhattan's Brill Building, opens Sept. 27 at FST's Court Cabaret.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 19, 2023
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for Sept. 21-27

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Retired Booker High School educator Scott Keys has more time to pursue community theater and other venues since his 2021 retirement.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • September 19, 2023
Sarasota arts educator Scott Keys starts his second act

Keys is directing "Ruthless" at The Sarasota Players and "Parade" at Manatee Players.

  • Arts + Culture
Architect’s rendering of the entrance into the Center. Gallery pivot walls shown on the right.
  • By ArtCenter Manatee
  • September 18, 2023
ArtCenter Manatee: Transforming Lives & Building Community

ArtCenter Manatee has been transforming lives in Manatee County and surrounding areas for over 85 years.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Spotlight Partners
Sponsored Content
Casey and Deena King pose outside their Define Art Gallery, which is moving to 68 S. Palm Ave.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • September 17, 2023
Define Gallery gives Art Uptown artists a lifeline

Deena and Casey King's new space is near the recently shuttered Art Uptown Gallery.

  • Arts + Culture
Clyde Butcher's iconic black-and-white photos of Florida landscapes are on display in his Venice Gallery and Studio.
  • By Emily Leinfuss
  • September 13, 2023
Venice arts scene is worth the trip

Long overshadowed by cultural capital Sarasota 18 miles north, the city of Venice is making a name for itself with an abundance of cultural attractions.

  • Arts + Culture
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
  • 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
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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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