The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for July 20-26

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


  • By
  • | 10:00 a.m. July 18, 2023
John Pirman: "Diving into Nature" opens at Selby Gardens' downtown campus on July 22.
John Pirman: "Diving into Nature" opens at Selby Gardens' downtown campus on July 22.
Courtesy photo
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Thursday, July 20

Tips on Gardening
9:30 a.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.
Free
Call 907-9063.

The Lakewood Ranch Garden Club hosts landscape architectural designer John Gidding, the former host of HGTV's Curb Appeal, who has written a new book, "At Home With Nature." Gidding will be offering landscaping tips at the event and signing copies of his book.


Summer Circus Spectacular
2 p.m. at Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road
$15-$20
Visit CircusArts.org.

Circus fans of all ages can experience the best of the circus arts at affordable prices thanks to the partnership of The Circus Arts Academy and The Ringling. Master of Ceremonies Heidi Herriott, a third-generation American circus artist, presides over performances by hand balancers, clowns, jugglers and aerial rope artists, to name just a few genres. Runs through Aug. 12.


The Surfer Boys brings good vibrations to Sarasota with the hits of the Beach Boys at FST's Goldstein Cabaret through Aug. 13.
Courtesy photo

The Surfer Boys
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret,1265 First St.
$18
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

From the group that brought you The Jersey Tenors comes a rousing tribute to the band that took America on a “Surfin’ Safari." Four Broadway veterans bring The Beach Boys’ biggest hits to life including classics like “California Girls,” “Good Vibrations,” “Barbara Ann”  and many more. Runs through Aug. 13.


Felicia Michaels
7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Boulevard
$25
Visit McCurdysComedy.com

A multitalented artist, Felicia Michaels was nominated twice for Funniest Female at the American Comedy Awards before winning the title. In addition to writing and producing her own material, Michaels has helped comedians such as John Fugelsang, Joey Diaz, Aida Rodriguez and Mitch Hedberg. Runs through July 22.


Friday July 21

One Night Rodeo plays at the Van Wezel's free Friday Fest concert on Friday, July 21.
Courtesy photo

Friday Fest: One Night Rodeo
5-9 p.m. on the lawn of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
Free
Visit VanWezel.org.

Founded in Bradenton, One Night Rodeo features Cory Hildreth on lead vocals, keys, guitar and mandolin, and Duane Allison on bass guitar and vocals. The country rock band has a 13-year track record and has opened for Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and Montgomery Gentry.  


In the Round
7 p.m. at Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300
$20
Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance.org.

In The Round offers selected choreographers from across the country the chance to receive audience feedback at the Sarasota Contemporary Dance Co. This month’s featured choreographer is Camryn Nease.


‘Lateral Moves'
7:30 p.m. at The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 200
$17
Visit ThePlayers.org.

Written by Cece Dwyer and directed by Candace Artim, “Lateral Moves” is the winner of The Players Centre’s 2021 New Play Festival. It follows a family weekend on Martha’s Vineyard as a couple engaged to be married discover how their unattached parents have the upper hand.


'Seussical Kids'
7 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton
$11.50-$20
Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com.

Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and other characters from Dr. Seuss books come to life in this For Kids By Kids Production of the musical by Tony Award-winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. 


Saturday, July 22

All-Abilities Yoga
10 a.m. at Bob Gardner Community Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd., Lakewood Ranch
$10; residents free
Visit MyLWR.com.

Lakewood Ranch Community Activities offers all-inclusive yoga for all ages and abilities.


"John Pirman: Diving into Nature," a retrospective of the Sarasota-based designer and illustrator, opens at Selby Gardens on July 22.

John Pirman: 'Diving Into Nature'
10 a.m. at Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St.
Free with admission
Visit Selby.org.

The retrospective of the Sarasota-based designer and illustrator John Pirman will present his works both inside Selby Gardens' Museum of Botany & the Arts and outside throughout the bayfront gardens. The show will include Pirman's signature Sarasota views as well as his earlier work from three decades as a freelance illustrator in New York. Runs through Sept. 17.


Sarasota Cuban Ballet presents "Coppélia," the story of a mysterious doctor and his lifelike doll at the Sarasota Opera House on July 22.
Courtesy photo

‘Coppélia’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$50-$65
Visit SRQCubanBallet.org.

The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School presents the charming tale of a mysterious doctor, Dr. Coppelius. The doctor's mechanical doll, Coppélia, is so lifelike that she turns the head of Franz, who is engaged to marry Swanilda, the village’s most beautiful girl. 


Sunday July 23

‘Beatleology: Spirituality and the Beatles’
10:30 a.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road
Free
Visit ElaineSilver.com.

‘Rev. Fairie’ Elaine Silver examines how the Fab Four went from being Liverpool mop tops to students of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It’s a safe bet that George had something to do with it, though John had a spiritual side as well.


Monday, July 24

Monday Matinee
1 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
$15; members free
Visit TheParadiseCenter.org.

Enjoy fresh popcorn at the Paradise Center's showing of "The Fabelmans." The film was directed by Steven Spielberg and is loosely based off his adolescence and first years as a filmmaker.


Wednesday July 26

Paradise Center Field Trip 
11:30 a.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
$20
Visit TheParadiseCenter.org.

Travel with The Paradise Center to Cafe L'Europe and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for some community bonding and exploration of the areas outside Longboat Key. Individuals will pay for their own lunch. The Paradise Center plans to carpool and is looking for volunteers to drive. 


World Passport to Jazz
6 p.m. at Selby Library,1331 First St.
Free
Visit SarasotaMusicArchive.org.

Kevin Celebi and Harmonic Sanity Septet headline Jazz Happy Hour at Selby Library with a musical tour that includes the Deep South, New York City, New Orleans, Brazil and more.

 

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