This Week in Sarasota: Thursday, Dec. 8

A look at our favorite events taking place this week.


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  • | 6:00 a.m. December 7, 2016
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THURSDAY, DEC. 8

Southgate Village Holiday Sip and Stroll

5 p.m. at Southgate Village, Siesta Drive

Free

Call 296-1500.

The Southgate Village Shops, located across the street from Westfield Southgate Mall, present this inaugural event, featuring drinks, light bites, music, art, entertainment and holiday shopping. 
 

Illumination

6 p.m. at Selby Gardens, 900 S. Palm Ave.

$95 to $300

Call 366-5731.

Marie Selby Gardens Associates presents this holiday event, which begins with the annual lighting of the bromeliad tree, followed by music by John Patti, plus cocktails, appetizers and dessert at Michael’s On the Bay at Selby Gardens and a luxury silent auction and drawing.

 

Drive-In Movie Night: 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation'

7 p.m. at JDub's Brewing Co., 1215 Mango Ave.

Free

Call 955-2739.

What better way to get in the holiday spirit than with the Griswolds? Bring a lawn chair and a blanket and set up in the JDub's beer garden for a drive-in style movie on a 12-foot screen. Local food trucks will be on-site, and beer is available in the taproom.

 

'Vintage Vaudeville: Legends and Legacies'

7 p.m. at Booker High VPA, 3201 N. Orange Ave.

$15

Call 355-2967.

Booker VPA presents a high-energy revue of vaudeville classics, plus original songs. Direction and musical staging by Scott Keys; musical direction and arrangement by Johnnie Mnich and choreography by Cynthia Ashford. Runs through Dec. 10.

 

Great Escapes II: ' Sleigh Ride'

7 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail

$38

Call 953-3434.

Get in the holiday spirit with the Sarasota Orchestra, who will present an evening of holiday classics. Runs through Dec. 10.

 

FRIDAY, DEC. 9

'Splendor of Sarasota' Gallery Reception

5:30 p.m. at 530 Burns Gallery, 530 Burns Lane

Free

Call 951-0620.

This group exhibition features work by Linda Richichi, Katie Cassidy, Bettina Sego and Bill Mills, and jewelry designers Nikki Sedacca, Chris Bales and Dale Sprintz, each inspired by Sarasota’s iconic scenery.

 

Boardinker Closing Reception

6 p.m. at Solid, 530 S. Orange Ave.

Free

Call 724-6667.

Artist Boardinker hosts the closing reception for his exhibit, which features both original ink drawings and prints. Profits from sales will benefit local nonprofits.
 

 

SATURDAY, DEC. 10

'Deck the Halls'

11 a.m. at Bowne's Lab Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.

$10; $20 for a four-show children's theater subscription

Call 366-9000.

This new interactive children's show, which features carols, sketches and family fun, celebrates the holidays Sarasota style. Created by Patrick A. Jackson and Caroline Kaiser. Runs Dec. 10, 17 and 24.

 

Atomic Holiday Bazaar

Noon at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail

$5; Free for children 12 and younger

Visit atomicholidaybazaar.com.

Sarasota's indie craft show returns to the Municipal Auditorium. Shop local art, crafts, wares, food and drink for the holidays. Continues Sunday.

 

'Guys and Dolls' Family Day

1 p.m. at Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail

$79 to $99 for four family tickets; $20 for additional youth tickets

Call 351-8000.

This special matinee performance offers families an affordable way to see this musical. Before the show, take part in a sing-along, model a costume, or try your luck in a game of chance.   

 

Showfolks Circus

2 and 7:30 p.m. at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd.

$10 to $39

Call 359-2542.

The 49th annual Showfolks Circus features elephants, clowns, acrobats, jugglers, aerialists and more.

 

Bad Santa Beer Festival

5 p.m. at Big Top Brewing Co., 6111 B. Porter Way

$30

Call 371-2939.

Naughty or nice, all are invited to this Christmas-themed beer festival. Tickets include food from Busted Chef and craft beer sampling from breweries including Big Top, Calusa Brewing Co., Chela Brewing Co., Coppertail Brewing Co., Darwin Brewing Co., Fat Point Brewing, Lagunitas Brewing Co., Motorworks Brewing, Oskar Blues Brewery, 3 Daughters Brewing and more.

 

Ugly Sweater Crawl

5 p.m. at Old School Bar and Grill, 1991 Main St.

$15 to $20

Call 363-7744.

Don't let that ugly sweater collect dust in the closet; knock off the moth balls and put it to good use at this bar crawl, featuring downtown Sarasota watering holes. Ticket includes a koozie, drink specials and music.

 

Grant Peeples

8 p.m. at WSLR 96.5 Community Radio, 525 Kumquat Court

$10 to $12

Call 894-6469.


Socio-political musician Grant Peeples will play a tribute to Guy Clark. Food by Angry Mike's food truck.

 

SUNDAY, DEC. 11

'Too Hot to Handel'

4 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave.

$20 to $60; $15 for students

Call 328-1300.

Chances are you're familiar with Handel's Messiah. The Christmas classic is a quintessential piece of holiday music. More than likely, you've never heard it like this. "Too Hot to Handel" reimagines the music through a gospel and jazz lens, which is sure to spice up your holiday season. This one-performance show by Gloria Musicae features a collaboration with singers from the Westcoast Black Theater Troupe.

 

'The Nutcracker'

4 p.m. at the Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice

$27 to $40; $17 for children

Call 962-6664.

The School of Russian Ballet presents its rendition of this holiday classic ballet. 

 

Drag Queen Bingo: Holiday Edition

8 p.m. at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.

$20

Call 925-3869.

Add a little twist to your holiday festivities with Beneva Fruitville's infamous bingo night. This month's event features the same raucous performances, prizes and Bingo — with a holiday theme.

 

MONDAY, DEC. 12

Holiday Revue

7 p.m. at The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 N. Tamiami Trail

$12

Call 365-2494.

The Players Studio students present this annual holiday revue, featuring festive favorites.
 

The Beach Boys

7:30 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail

$56 to $81

Call 953-3368.

Celebrate 50 years of good vibrations with the Beach Boys, who will return to the Van Wezel for a collection of hits and Christmas favorites. 
 

Jimmy Moore: Classical Guitar and Folk Music Arrangements

7:30 p.m. at Crocker Memorial Church, 1260 12th St.

$30 to $35

Call 362-2291.

GuitarSarasota presents multi-award-winning guitarist Jimmy Moore, who has performed at many international guitar and music festivals. 

 

Jolly Pops, Featuring the Qol Quartet

7:30 p.m. at the Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton

$5 to $25

Call 926-7677.

Four operatic voices, soprano Johanna Fincher, mezzo-soprano Robyn Rocklein, tenor Adam Bielamowicz and baritone Christopher Holloway bring their virtuosity to the stage for an evening of holiday music and artistry.

 

The Wave That Was

9 p.m. at The Starlite Room, 1001 Cocoanut Ave.

Free

Call 702-5613.

This live-music event features 16 musicians providing live acoustic performances, hand crafted cocktails and a celebration of the holidays and upcoming new year.

 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14

Holiday Champagne Tasting

6 p.m. at Michael's Wine Cellar, 1283 S. Tamiami Trail

$75

Call 955-2675.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to sample more than 20 Champagnes and sparkling wines from around the world. Pop the cork on the holiday season and stock up on Champagne for your New Year's celebration. Reservations required.

 

Quint and His Orca and Shepherds

10 p.m. at Gator Club, 1490 Main St.

Free

Call 366-5969.

Moxie Productions presents this local music showcase featuring Quint and His Orca, a one-man rock ’n’ roll sea shanty act and Shepherds, a groove-oriented group that fuses soul, funk, jazz and hip-hop with electronic elements.

 

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