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Arts + Entertainment | Trending

L. James is The Soldier in “Backwards Forwards Back.”
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • April 3, 2023
A soldier gets a second chance in 'Backwards Forwards Back'

Virtual reality technology helps a veteran win his private war against PTSD in Urbanite Theatre's latest play.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
The new Kilwins location on Siesta Key is now open.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • April 2, 2023
New Kilwins opens in Siesta Key Village

Siesta Key native Lance Cassagnol returns to his childhood roots with the new dessert shop in Davidson Plaza.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 2, 2023
Longboat Key residents to walk to cure ALS

Bob and Teresa Simmons will lead the Simmons Sole Mates at the Walk to Defeat ALS at Payne Park.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Jay Russell, Willa Carpenter and Erin O'Connor star in Asolo Rep's production of "Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help."
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • March 30, 2023
Asolo Rep play keeps the faith

Asolo Repertory Theatre tackles the taboo in a 1970s period comedy “Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help."

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Yard House General Manager Richard Sauceda shows off his restaurant's huge beer cooler. Yard House opens April 2 at UTC.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 30, 2023
Yard House brings 110 beer taps, diverse food menu to Sarasota

The new restaurant at University Town Center will open its doors on Sunday, April 2.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Urbanite Theatre Co-Artistic Director Brendan Ragan is leaving Sarasota.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • March 29, 2023
Brendan Ragan takes final bow at Urbanite Theatre

The co-artistic director is heading to the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, in the Chicago metro area.

  • Arts + Culture
Jay Leno was awarded the Sarasota Film Festival Career Achievement Award by SFF President and Chairman of the Board Mark Famiglio.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 29, 2023
Jay Leno receives career award from Sarasota film fest

The comedian was presented with the Sarasota Film Festival Career Achievement Award after his performance at the Van Wezel.

  • Arts + Culture
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • March 29, 2023
Sarasota Orchestra musician heeds the call of the harp

Music has been a lifelong companion to Sarasota Orchestra's Hannah Cope Johnson.

  • Arts + Culture
Luke Schaufuss and Macarena Giminez play James and The Sylph in the Sarasota Ballet's "La Sylphide."
  • By Sara Rachon
  • March 29, 2023
Sarasota Ballet's 'La Sylphide' has company on its toes

Luke Schaufuss and Giminez Macarena delight audiences in the classic Danish ballet.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Reviews
Appalachian Road Show performs April 2 at Fogartyville.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • March 28, 2023
The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for March 30 to April 5

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

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Things To Do
L. James stars as a character named The Soldier in Urbanite Theatre's "Backwards Forwards Back."
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • March 27, 2023
Urbanite one-man play explores the battle of the mind

In "Backwards, Forwards Back" a veteran with PTSD fights to recover his mental health. His struggle is also ours, according to the artists behind the scenes.

  • Arts + Culture
My own version of church: Deluxe Bloody Mary Sunday at Linger Lodge. Prices vary depending on featured items.
    By
  • Emma Burke Jolly
  • March 26, 2023
A guide to eating your fill of tomatoes in Sarasota

April is Fresh Florida Tomato Month, so if you insist on this veggie with slimy seeds, here are my top tomato dishes in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Jeanne Guertin-Potoff has her first solo exhibit at Art Center Sarasota.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 24, 2023
Longboat Key resident shows at Art Center Sarasota

Jeanne Guertin-Potoff's "Adjust Your Focus" exhibition is on display through April 29.

  • Longboat Key
  • Neighbors
Grace Howl's "No Fear No Rules" sign.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • March 22, 2023
Grace Howl: The accidental artist

A car crash forced Howl off the corporate treadmill into a dazzling world of abstract images

  • Arts + Culture
Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble Conductor Joseph Miller conducts the band during The Star Spangled Banner.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 22, 2023
Artsy sounds welcome in Waterside of Lakewood Ranch

Schroeder-Manatee Ranch's new Sights and Sounds series provides a cultural boost.

  • East County
  • Opinion
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All games in the 2027 Sarasota College Softball Classic will be played on the championship field (lower left) at the new 17th Street Park Regional Sports Complex.
  • December 18, 2025
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