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Black Tie

Author Colson Whitehead, New York Times bestselling author and luncheon speaker
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 11, 2024
Library Foundation celebrates Sarasota's public libraries with author Colson Whitehead

The best-selling author delighted the more than 600 luncheon attendees with his special brand of humor.

  • Black Tie
Lydia Landa and Masterworks 5 co- host, Kay Aidlin
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 9, 2024
Norwegian guest conductor Rune Bergmann wows Masterworks 5 dinner crowd

The Sarasota Orchestra's pre-concert dinner previewed the "Smoke and Fire" concert starting Feb. 9.

  • Black Tie
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast President Christine Johnson, Honorary Chair Cornelia Matson, and Director of Marketing and Events Sam Valentin
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 5, 2024
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast celebrates 20 years in paradise

The Party in Paradise fundraiser welcomed more than 350 guests to the land trust's headquarters.

  • Black Tie
Gala Committee members Isabelle Eidet, Aline Blanchard, Katherine Benoit and Tamara Jacobs
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • February 4, 2024
Guests show their secretive sides at Opera Gala’s masked ball

The Sarasota Opera’s annual gala transported attendees to a Venetian carnival for the evening.

  • Black Tie
Gala chairs Julie A. Harris and Lauren Walsh with COO Jennifer Mitchell, center
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • February 4, 2024
Circus Gala gives guests the royal treatment

The Circus Arts Conservatory's Royal Gala theme wowed attendees with a night of performances, dinner and dancing.

  • Black Tie
Dawn Sakes, executive director, Dr. Brook Bello, founder of More Too Life, and Rayman Bechard, board member
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 29, 2024
More Too Life’s Masquerade Ball takes the mask off sex trafficking

The event worked to expose the issue in the community and raise funds to help those affected by it.

  • Black Tie
Alyssa Martin, Jenny Townsend and Kara Nally
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 29, 2024
Attendees toast to successful Forks & Corks

After moving back to January, the event showed why it’s one of the most sought-after tickets of the season.

  • Black Tie
Board President Jeff Birnbach, Treasurer Areaka Jewell, Directors Libby Soderberg, Andrea Capek, Director and Secretary Sean Murphy and Director Pete Abbott.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • January 29, 2024
Sarasota Police Foundation holds annual SRQ Blue & White Gala

The foundation recognized several individuals on the force with awards during the evening.

  • Black Tie
Anne Folsom Smith, Mary Hoffman and Angela Vinnistka
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 27, 2024
Guest conductor enlightens orchestra patrons at Masterworks 4 Dinner

Giancarlo Guerrero provided commentary on the Sarasota Orchestra's upcoming Masterworks concert "Titans."

  • Black Tie
Audrey Stewart and Debbie Rosenberg
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 18, 2024
Sarasota Art Museum luncheon gives attendees a fresh perspective

In its second Fresh Perspective Lunch, SAM welcomed the curator of Tandem Press and artist Judy Pfaff.

  • Black Tie
Tutti Del Monte and speaker Krystel Beall
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 16, 2024
Resilient Repartee speaker turns trauma into triumph

Krystel Beall shared her story with overcoming trauma at the luncheon, hosted by Resilient Retreat.

  • Black Tie
Tom Arnold with Co-Chairs Taylor Karp Teymuri and Sarah Karp-Renkliyuz, Executive Director Marlene Hauck, Amie Austin and President/ CEO Jeffrey Peterson
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 14, 2024
Sunshine From Darkness lights up night with stories of inspiration

The annual Inspiring Hope Gala did just that with keynote speaker Tom Arnold and Legacy Award winner Bunny Skirboll.

  • Black Tie
Perlman Music Program Founder Toby Perlman and Director Itzhak Perlman say they are pleased with the concert that culminated after a winter residency for musicians aged 12-20+.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • January 8, 2024
Perlman Music Program celebrates 20 years with a concert and dinner

The annual program, founded by Toby Perlman and directed by famed violinist Itzhak Perlman, continues its legacy.

  • Black Tie
Jay Camaro performs hit songs while engaging with the crowd, including Concertmaster Marcus Ratzenboeck.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • January 8, 2024
Venice Symphony transports guests to Italy with 50th anniversary gala

The Venetian Nights Gala thanked patrons for all their support since the symphony's founding in 1974.

  • Black Tie
Debutante twins Sofie and Chloe Niebuhr take a quick dance break for a photo with Debutantes Christine Tagle and Andrea Pellizzari.
    By
  • Janet Combs
  • January 8, 2024
2023 debutantes make their entrance with grace, charm and poise

The 42nd annual Debutante Ball unveiled the year's class while benefiting youth programs of the Sarasota Orchestra.

  • Black Tie
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