This Week in Sarasota: Thursday, July 20

THURSDAY, JULY 20

‘Just for Laughs’ 

9:45 a.m. at Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.

$10

Call 366-9000.

Florida Studio Theatre’s Children’s Theatre presents an improv and music experience that’s completely made up on the spot, based on audience suggestions and participation. The cast will perform scenes and create impromptu songs that are appropriate for all ages. There’s even a chance to interact onstage with the performers.

‘Timeline’

7 p.m. at New College of Florida Black Box Theater, 5845 General Dougher Place

$25; $15 for students

Call 345-5755.

In its latest performance, Sarasota Contemporary Dance presents dancer Stephanie Bastos, who will share an intimate tale with audience members in this one-woman-show, "Timeline." Choreographed by SCD Artistic Director and Bastos' friend Leymis Bolaños Wilmott, the performance offers a raw, emotional insight into Bastos' life experiences.

FRIDAY, JULY 21

Friday Fest: Kettle of Fish

5 to 9 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail

Free

Call 953-3368.

Van Wezel hosts its monthly summertime concert series, Friday Fest, featuring live music by Kettle of Fish, a local band that blends rock, blues, reggae and New Orleans soul.

Nate Bargatze

7 and 9:30 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.

$23 

Call 925-3869.

Nate Bargatze has appeared on "Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," "Conan" and on his own Comedy Central special. 
Catch his act in Sarasota through Sunday.

SATURDAY, JULY 22

Craft Beer Mile

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

$20 

Call 955-2739.

Putting a craft-beer spin on the concept of a beer mile, JDub's Brewing Co. hosts this run, featuring its Poolside Kolsch beer. To compete, drink a beer, run a quarter mile and repeat until you've completed a mile. Bonus points if you keep it all down. Admission includes four 12-oz. Poolsides 12oz cans and one draft after running the mile. Prizes available.
 

FST Improv

7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre Bowne’s Lab Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.

$15

Call 366-9000.

Laugh your way into the weekend with this regular improv event. 

The Punknecks

9 p.m. at 210 Tavern, 5045 Fruitville Road, Suite 169

Free

Call 371-0500.

Blending punk rock and country, this unlikely mashup group, formed in Hollywood, Jason Price and Polly Punkneck play songs about their travels on the road.

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SUNDAY, JULY 23

HD at the Opera House presents ‘Showboat’

1:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. 

$20  

Call 328-1300.

A true classic of American musical theater, this tale of life on the Mississippi from the 1880s to the 1920s is both a poignant love story and a powerful reminder of the bitter legacy of racism. Hear classic songs as "Ol’ Man River," "Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man," "Make Believe" and "You Are Love.”

MONDAY, JULY 24

Happy Hour Blues

6 p.m. at Tavern on Main, 1507 Main St.

Free

Call 953-6777.

Blues guitarist extraordinaire Al Fuller brings live music back to Tavern on Main. 

TUESDAY, JULY 25

Conversation: ‘The Age of Bronze: Past and Present’

10:30 a.m. at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road

$5; free for members

Call 358-3180.

The Ringling's latest exhibition features rare works of bronze from ancient China. Learn about their historical, spiritual and political significance. 

Blue Eyed Bettys

7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre Court Cabaret, 1241 N. Palm Ave.

$39

Call 366-9000.

Folk trio The Blue Eyed Bettys got its start in a Florida Studio Theatre cabaret production. Their friendship quickly turned into a band, performing traditional Americana-inspired storytelling tunes. With lush vocal harmonies and a lovable, theatrical stage presence, the Bettys are not to be missed. Runs through Aug. 20.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26

‘The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey’

8 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.

$39

Call 366-9000.

A 14 year-old Leonard Pelkey disappears, and a small-town detective unravels the mystery, portraying more than a dozen characters along the way as the town’s residents realize the missing child’s impact after his disappearance. Runs through Aug. 6.