A+E: Looking ahead

There’s nothing like the start of a new calendar year to really ramp things up in the ambition department. Come on, 2015 was like, so seven days ago. This is 2016, and things are going to be different. Those running shoes weren’t being “neglected” — they were just aging in their box. Like a fine wine. And financial responsibility? Let’s just say that 401k account had better be ready for some serious contributions.

But in the unlikely event you somehow don’t stick with your resolutions, rest assured that you’ll at least be entertained. We’ve put together a handful of the most exciting arts and entertainment happenings to look forward to in 2016. And this list will be around long after you bail on that whole low-carb thing.  

Florida Craft Beer Summit

March 14 to 16, at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota

$225, or $275 after March 1

Visit floridacraftbeersummit.com

2015 was a huge year for craft beer in Sarasota. Not only did JDub's Brewing Co. and Big Top Brewing Co. each celebrate their one-year anniversaries, but downtown Sarasota also saw the addition of a new World of Beer, and bars and restaurants across the county put an added focus on providing local and regional craft brews. Now Jeremy Joerger, owner and founder of JDub's Brewing Co., will host a three-day beer summit, which will include dozens of panels and classes led by local and national industry leaders to teach up-and-coming brewers and professionals alike. The event is the first of its kind in Florida and will round things out with a welcome session, pool party and local brewery tours, all aimed at boosting the local industry.

"Josephine"

April 27 to May 29, at the Asolo Repertory Theatre

$13.50 to $73

Call 351-8000, or visit asolorep.org.

The best things come to those who wait. That sentiment is certainly true for this year’s Asolo Reperotry Theatre season and the world-premiere production of the bio-musical, “Josephine.” Arriving at the tail end of Asolo Rep’s current season, which is focusing on the issues of race and identity in America, “Josephine” will dive equally deep into the racial reservoirs through the life story of legendary singer, actress and entertainer Josephine Baker (1906-1975), the original triple-threat. Baker became an international sex symbol, performing throughout America and Europe during the 1920s and ’30s. Baker will be brought to life by Deborah Cox, and the production is bound for Broadway soon after the Asolo Rep run.

Sarasota Museum of Art 

Early 2016

Visit ringling.edu/smoa

Early 2016

Visit ringling.edu/smoa

Drivers on South Tamiami Trail are no strangers to this long-anticipated addition to the Sarasota arts community. With every new development, in plain view on morning and afternoon commutes, the excitement continues to build. This year, the Sarasota Museum of Art is projected to open its doors to the public.
The museum, which is a division of the Ringling College of Art and Design, will feature 60,000 square feet of exhibition space, a 110-seat auditorium, a sculpture court, indoor and outdoor cafés and classrooms and studios for educational programs and will be a haven for contemporary-art lovers to view an ever-revolving series of exhibitions.

"Aida"

Jan. 30 to March 19, at the Sarasota Opera

$19 to $125

Call 366-8450, or visit sarasotaopera.org.

It’s the beginning of the end with Sarasota Opera’s production of Giuseppe Verdi’s titanic Egyptian drama, “Aida.” Along with “The Battle of Legnano” (Feb. 27 to March 18), “Aida” is the last production in the opera’s nearly 30-year quest to perform every major and minor piece written by the composer, as part of its Verdi Cycle.

Starring Sarasota Opera returning favorites, such as Michelle Johnson (Aida), Marco Nisticò (Amonasro), Jonathan Burton (Radamès), Young Bok Kim (Ramfis) and Jeffrey Beruan (The King of Egypt) and newcomers like Leann Sandel-Pantaleo (Amneris), “Aida” will set a new record as the opera’s largest production ever.

"Ashton & Balanchine"

April 8 and 9, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

$35 to $105

Call 359-0099, or visit sarasotaballet.org.

The Sarasota Ballet will set off explosive ballet fireworks during the sixth program of its 25th season. “Ashton & Balanchine” features works by two giants of the ballet world. First is the Sarasota Ballet’s patron saint of dance, Sir Frederick Ashton, and the knight’s “Enigma Variations.” The 1968 ballet features music from Edward Elgar’s “Enigma Variations,” and the Sarasota Ballet will be the first company to add the piece to its repertoire.

Closing the program is perhaps the most patriotic ballet placed onstage. Choreographed by George Balanchine in 1958, the ballet is Balanchine’s love letter to his adoptive home country. The ballet is divided into five movements, all set to the music of America’s march king: John Philip Sousa.

Calusa Brewing Company

February

Visit calusabrewing.com

The brainchild of Geordie Rauch, Vic Falck and Jason Thompson, Calusa Brewing Co. is the latest addition to Sarasota’s booming craft beer industry. After sitting down with the three last year to discuss their role as the new face in town, Rauch, Falck and Thompson say they’re eager to honor local history and find their niche in the scene while helping increase local enthusiasm for quality brews. And after tasting some of their initial test batches, we can vouch — they’ll have no problem finding enthusiasts. Expect an opening for the 8,500-square-foot facility and taproom with a penchant for hoppy West Coast beers and barrel-aged sours and stouts sometime this February.

"Masterworks 5: Maestro"

Feb. 19 to 21, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

$30 to $89

Call 953-3434, or visit sarasotaorchestra.org.

The Sarasota Orchestra welcomes two guests for its fifth Masterworks series. Veteran conductor Neeme Järvi leads the orchestra through a program of musical heavy-hitters, including Johannes Brahms’ “Tragic Overture in D Minor,” Wilhelm Stenhammar’s “Piano Concerto No. 1” and Richard Strauss’ iconic and cinematic “Also sprach Zarathustra.”

Joining Järvi and the orchestra is accomplished Swedish pianist Per Tengstrand, who was the youngest person ever to be decorated by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden with the country’s Royal Medal Litteris et Artibus for outstanding service to the arts.

Ringling Center For Asian Art

Spring 2016

Visit ringling.org

The Ringling continues its focus on Asian art and culture. This year, the anticipated Center for Asian Art in the Dr. Helga Wall-Apelt Gallery of Asian Art is expected to open its doors to the public. Last year, the Selby Foundation donated $250,000 toward the completion of the gallery space, in addition to Dr. Helga Wall-Apelt’s pledge of $30 million and 1,700 pieces of Asian art from her estate. Expect an opening in March or April.

Renée Fleming

Jan. 27, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

$55 to $165

Call 366-5578, or visit vanwezel.org.

In perhaps the biggest musical moment in Sarasota in recent memory, Renée Fleming will join the Sarasota Orchestra for her premiere performance at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. 

The face of operatic and classical singing, Fleming has received numerous honors, including the National Medal of Arts, four Grammy Awards and was the first classical artist to sing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl in 2014.

A joint production between the Sarasota Orchestra and the Van Wezel Foundation, Fleming’s performance will help raise funds at the orchestra’s annual gala dinner with a personal meet-and-greet after the concert.