The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for April 25 to May 1


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  • | 10:00 a.m. April 23, 2024
Sheldon Rhoden stars in Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's "Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul," which runs through May 26.
Sheldon Rhoden stars in Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's "Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul," which runs through May 26.
Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine
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Thursday, April 25

Hanneke Cassel
7 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota
$12-$24
Visit WSLR.org.

Boston-based fiddler Hanneke Cassel and her band play a program reflecting influences from the Isle of Skye and Cape Breton as well as Americana sensibilities.


‘Westminster’
7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St., Sarasota
$5-$31
Visit UrbaniteTheatre.org.

Directed by Urbanite Artistic Director Summer Wallace, “Westminster” tells the story of a woman who receives a rescue dog as a surprise present from an old friend. The gift triggers unexpected consequences. Runs through Sunday.


Sarasota Orchestra Concertmaster Daniel Jordan celebrates his 25th anniversary with the orchestra during "Fantastic Voyage" April 26-27 at Holley Hall.
Courtesy image

'Fantastic Voyage'
7:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
From $47
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

Christopher Confessore conducts the Sarasota Orchestra in a musical journey featuring Strauss’ “Blue Danube” and works by Puccini and Elgar. Concertmaster Daniel Jordan marks 25 years with the orchestra with a performance of Johan Svendsen’s “Romance for Violin and Orchestra.” Runs through Saturday.


‘Sunset Serenade’
7:30 p.m. at SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton
$15
Visit SCF.edu/Neel.

Join SCF Symphonic Band, Jazz Big Band, Concert Choir and other groups as they say farewell to another year of making music with talented students and dedicated audiences. 


‘Kiss Me Kate’
7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton
$30-$42
Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com.

Winner of the first Tony Award for Best Musical, “Kiss Me Kate” tells the story of an estranged showbiz couple playing Petruchio and Kate in Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.” Runs through May 11.


Friday, April 26

Ink Masters Tattoo Expo 
1-10 p.m. at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$25
Visit WorldTattooEvents.com.

Hosted by Ink Masters Tattoo Show, this expo features live tattooing all weekend by over 100 award-winning tattoo artists from around the country. Also find custom jewelry, temporary tattoos and food. Runs through Sunday.


Jazz @ Two: James Suggs Quartet
2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
$20
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

A native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, James Suggs is now one of the most popular jazz musicians in the Bay area and has performed tribute shows to Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong and Harry James.


Sights + Sounds at Waterside Place
6 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit LakewoodRanch.com.

The youth choir of Rise Above Arts will perform songs from such popular musicals as “Mary Poppins,” “Hairspray” and “Something Rotten.” There is limited seating available so please feel free to bring a lawn chair. No outside food or drinks permitted.


Sarasota Ballet performs Sir Frederick Ashton's "Sinfonietta" in its last program of the season, "Inspiration," from April 26-27.
Image courtesy of Frank Atura

‘Inspirations’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
$35-$125
Visit SarasotaBallet.org.

For its closing show of the 2023-24 season, Sarasota Ballet performs Tony Award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s “The American,” set to Dvorak’s string quartet and evoking the endless horizon of the Great Plains. It is followed by the company’s premiere of Jessica Lang’s “Lyric Pieces” and Sir Frederick Ashton’s challenging abstract work, “Sinfonietta.” a ballet in three parts. Continues Saturday.


Sheldon Rhoden is starring in Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's "Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul," for the fourth time.
Image courtesy of Sorcha Augustine

‘Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul’
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota
$20-$50
Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.

Sheldon Rhoden reprises the title role in “Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul,” written, adapted and directed by WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs. Gaye was a trailblazer in Black music with musical partner Tammi Terrell at Motown before touching a nation with haunting solo ballads like “What’s Going On?” that still resonate today. Runs through May 26.


The Price Is Right Live
8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$47-67
Visit VanWezel.org.

Come on down to the Van Wezel to see and play the interactive stage version of TV’s most long-running game show. Eligible audience members will have the chance to walk away with an appliance, a vacation and possibly a new set of wheels.


‘Troubadour’ 
8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota
$39-$56
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Featuring music by Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, “Troubadour’ tells the story of a country music legend’s son in the 1950s who is trying to carry on his father’s legacy. When he joins forces with unlikely allies, the world of country music is changed forever. Runs through May 19.


Saturday, April 27

Taco & Tequila Bar Crawl
1-6 p.m. in downtown Sarasota
$20; VIP $30
Visit BarCrawlUSA.com.

Bar Crawl USA hosts its fourth annual Taco & Tequila Bar Crawl in downtown Sarasota. Enjoy tacos, margaritas, tequila shots at the ultimate fiesta. Participating bars include Raffurty’s Bar and Grill, The Office Bar SRQ, Evie's Tavern, Molly's Pub and Circo.


Johnny Mathis performs at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Saturday, April 27.
Courtesy image

Johnny Mathis: The Voice of Romance Tour
8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$90-$120
Visit VanWezel.org.

Known for hits such as “Misty” and “Chances Are,” Johnny Mathis has recorded 80 albums, including seven Christmas LPs, and is still touring, pursuing solo projects and collaborating with other artists.


Sunday, April 28

Dozens of cars were on display May 1, 2022, at the Devereaux-Kaiser Car Show.
Photo by Harry Sayer

Devereaux-Kaiser Car Show
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sarasota County Fairgrounds, 300 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
$5; kids 10 and under free
Visit DKCarShow.com.

Hosted by the Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund, this show features classic and antique cars, trucks and motorcycles as well as customs, hot rods, military and service vehicles.


Monday, April 29

Shannon Lee, violin, and Ying Li, piano
4 p.m. at Fischer/Weisenborne Residence, 7459 Cabbage Palm Court, Sarasota
$60
Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.

Artist Series Concerts presents Shannon Lee on violin and Ying Li on piano. Both are first-place winners of international competitions. 


Wednesday, May 1

‘The Immigrant’ 
7:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$28-$36
Visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org.

Directed by Gus Kaikkonen, Mark Harelik’s “The Immigrant” tells the story of a Russian-Jewish newcomer Haskell Harelik (Michael Raver) to Texas in the early 20th century who makes his way in a devout Christian community. The play also features Vickie Daignault as Ima Perry, Chris Caswell as Milton Perry and Noah Friedman as Leah Harelik. Runs through May 12.

 

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