The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for May 18-24

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


  • By
  • | 10:00 a.m. May 16, 2023
Lorna Bieber's "Natural World" opens at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art on May 20 and runs through Oct. 15.
Lorna Bieber's "Natural World" opens at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art on May 20 and runs through Oct. 15.
Courtesy photo
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Thursday, May 18

Meet the Artists: Opening Reception
5-7 p.m. at Creative Liberties at Gaze Gallery, 340 Central Ave.
Free
Visit CreativeLiberties.net

Join Creative Liberties for an opening reception to welcome artists David Munoz and Emily Baar as the May and June artists-in-residence at Gaze Gallery.


Friday May 19

Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens: ‘‘Cello on Point’
6:30 p.m. at Historic Spanish Point, 401 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey
$5
Visit VisitHermitageArtistRetreat.org.

Hermitage alumna and cellist Karen Patterson plays favorites as well as original work as the Hermitage returns to Historic Spanish Point. From classical to jazz to spirituals, Patterson’s performance will celebrate cultural diversity and the resilience of community. 


‘The Drowsy Chaperone’
7 p.m. at The Players Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, #200
$15
Visit ThePlayers.org.

The Players Kids Next Gen presents “The Drowsy Chaperone,” about a Broadway fanatic who is visited by characters of the Great White Way as he listens to a recording of a fictional 1920s musical comedy. Continues Saturday.


‘Keep a Song In Your Heart’
7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre’s Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice
$22
Visit VeniceTheatre.org.

Pinky’s Players gives adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a chance to experience the thrill of performing on stage.The theme of this year's program is “Memories of the Lawrence Welk Show.” Continues Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.


Saturday, May 20

Lorna Bieber's "Ordinary Day" will be on display at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art from May 20 through Oct. 15.
Courtesy photo

Opening of Lorna Bieber: 'Natural World'
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bayshore Road
Free with $25 museum admission
Visit Ringling.org.

This solo exhibition includes new pieces by Lorna Bieber making their debut in the Keith D. and Linda L. Monda Gallery. Bieber’s art, which appropriates, recycles and manipulates imagery, developed while she was working as a photo editor for major magazines. There is a lecture by the artist at 11 a.m. Through Oct. 15.


Westward Road on Tour

6 p.m. at Beneva Christian Church, 4835 Beneva Road.
Free.
Visit BenevaChristian.com.
Experience the music of the family trio group Westward Road, who offer a blend of gospel and modern worship music. 


Sunday May 21

VeganFest Sarasota will be held May 21 at Nathan Benderson Park.
Courtesy photo

VeganFest Sarasota
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle
Free; $5 donations encouraged
Visit VeganFestSarasota.com.

VeganFest Sarasota is a celebration of vegan foods, with vendors offering tasty dishes to purchase. Whether you currently eat vegan or are curious about plant-based food, the festival will have something for you. The event will have a kids fun zone with face painting, hula hooping and other activities.


'Cooking with Friends' book signing
1 p.m. at at Daiquiri Deck, 325 John Ringling Blvd., St. Armands Circle
Free
Visit DaiquiriDeck.com.

The new cookbook from EHS Recruiting Company, a Sarasota-based staffing firm focused on the restaurant/hospitality industry, will be on sale ($40), with proceeds going toward a nonprofit, EHS Relief, that provides financial assistance to chefs and those in the culinary arts. The following local chefs will be available for signings: Greg Campbell, Pier 22 in Bradenton and The Grove; Stephen Phelps, Indigenous; Jamil Pineda, Michael’s on East; Jeremy Thayer, Daiquiri Deck. National chefs featured in the book will be present for signings as well, including: Chrissy Benoit, Culinary consultant; Ron Duprat, Bravo TV’s “Top Chef," Food Network’s “Iron Chef America,” “Bar Rescue” and “Beat Bobby Flay;” Phillip Valdez, executive chef, Universal Studios Hollywood, "Wizarding World of Harry Potter," "3 Broomsticks."


Jazz on the Water
2:30 p.m. at Marina Jack II at Marina Plaza
$30-$35
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

Cruise to the beat of Art Siegel and Panama Drive during this two-hour musical excursion sponsored by the Jazz Club of Sarasota. Refreshments and snacks are available for purchase. 


Choral Evensong
5:15 p.m. at Church of the Redeemer Sarasota, 222 S. Palm Ave.
Free
Visit RedeemerSarasota.org.

Don’t miss the last Evensong of the season. The Church of the Redeemer presents this choral series on the third Sunday of the month from September through May under the direction of Organist-Choirmaster Sam Nelson.


Sarasota Cuban Ballet School’s End of Year Show
7:30 p.m. at Riverview High School, 1 Ram Way
$37
Visit SRQCubanBallet.org.

All levels of SCBS dancers, including the Gulfcoast Studio Company, will be featured in classical and contemporary works.


Monday, May 22

La Lucha 
Courtesy photo

Jazz at the Cabaret: La Lucha Trio
7:30 p.m. at Florida Studio Theatre's John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$34-$39
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

La Lucha has taken their skill to Europe and back. The trio — which consists of bassist Alejandro Arenas, pianist John O'Leary and drummer Mark Feinman — has performed at international festivals in Spain and Italy, and they'll bring their chemistry and skill to the John C. Court Cabaret for one night. The theater opens at 6:30 p.m. for dinner and bar service.


WBTT’s second Young Artist Program showcase of the season, "Titanium," stars Raleigh Mosely.
Courtesy photo

'Titanium: A Soul Experience'
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.
$23-$98
Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.

WBTT’s second Young Artist Program showcase of the season is a musical journey chronicling Raleigh Mosely II's pursuit to cultivate his inner “titan” and to inspire others to listen and do the same with moving soul, R&B and gospel music.


Tuesday, May 23

Open Mic Night at Stottlemyer's Smokehouse & Outdoor Music Venue
6 p.m. at Stottlemyer's Smokehouse, 19 East Road
Free
Visit StottlemyersSmokehouse.com.

Every Tuesday, bring your voice or instrument of choice, sign up when you arrive and jam out! Or just come by and grab a beer and snacks, and listen to the jams. Enjoy slow-cooked meats, pizza, tacos, signature cocktails, family to-go meals, catering and more.

 

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