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Arts + Entertainment | Trending

"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 Jolly
  • 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
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
New York trumpet player and Sarasota Jazz Festival Music Director Terell Stafford performs March 17, 2023, at the Sarasota Jazz Festival.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 30, 2023
Don't miss these Sarasota events in 2024

Sarasota offers events to suit many interests in 2024.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
Itzhak Perlman conducts students in the Perlman Music Program's winter residency in Sarasota/Bradenton.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • December 30, 2023
Perlman Music Program celebrates its 20th anniversary

The music organization's winter residency will wrap with a celebration concert led by conductor Itzhak Perlman.

  • Arts + Culture
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Wild pigs look for food near Lakewood Ranch Town Hall.
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LaRon Foye, a senior safety/wide receiver, points to his right ring finger following his game-sealing interception against Jacksonville Bolles.
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Lynnette Beecher and Gunilla Imshaug, members of the Lakewood Ranch Digital Photography Club, check out a photo of a baby alligator that was taken moments before.
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Justin Gomlak helps bring big city glamour to the Sarasota stage in "A Very Broadway Christmas," which plays Monday, Dec. 22, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
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The Van Wezel wants you to have 'A Very Broadway Christmas'

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