- January 29, 2025
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Raise Your Voice
11 a.m. at Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd.
$70
Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.
Artist Series Concerts presents Joseph Parrish, an award-winning vocalist known for his performances in both opera and popular music. He is joined by pianist Jesse Martins from the Sarasota Opera in a program featuring the music of William Grant Still, Donizetti and Rachmaninoff.
‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’
7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
$35-$98
Visit AsoloRep.org.
Not just another jukebox musical, Asolo Repertory Theatre's production of "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical" tells the story of King's life, from her early days churning out songs for other artists with then-husband Gerry Goffin to her rise as the voice of her generation. Runs through Jan. 5, 2025.
‘A Christmas Carol’
7:30 p.m. at the Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave. W, Venice
$15-$26
Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
Now in its 75th season, Venice Theatre continues its holiday tradition of presenting its musical production of “A Christmas Carol.” Veterans of past shows return, including Brad Wages as Scrooge, and are joined by new cast members. God bless us, everyone! Runs through Dec. 22.
‘Waitress’
8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St.
$39-$59
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
For fans of Sara Bareilles, Florida Studio Theatre’s production of “Waitress” needs no introduction. The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter wrote the music and lyrics for this hit Broadway musical. Spoiler alert: Pie is always the answer! Runs through Jan. 12, 2025.
‘The Heart Sellers’
8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.
$25-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Take a time trip back to Thanksgiving 1973 when a chance meeting between two recent Asian immigrants develops into an unexpected friendship. Runs through Feb. 16, 2025.
Hermitage Cross Arts Collaborative
5 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$5 with registration
Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
With all the arts organizations in Sarasota, the opportunities for cross-pollination are endless. The Hermitage Artist Retreat makes the most of it with a program blending opera and theater featuring Sarasota Opera's Anthony Barrese and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's Raleigh Mosely II.
'Merry and Bright'
5:30 p.m. Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail
$46-$63
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Want to see your show before dinner? Sarasota Orchestra’s Great Escapes series at Holley Hall is just the ticket for you, with shows at 5:30 on Friday. Get into the spirit of the season as one of Sarasota’s most beloved cultural institutions plays “A Klezmer Nutcracker,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Skater’s Waltz” and “Joy to the World.” Runs through Sunday.
The Jingle 5K
6:30 p.m. at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch
$45 for the 5K; $20 for the Santa Kids Dashes
Visit MyLWR.com.
The Publix Jingle 5K Run/Walk returns to Main Street at Lakewood Ranch to benefit the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Foundation and the Big Bill Foundation. Join the crowd for this festive, family favorite holiday event. The 5K will be run in ambient street and portable lights with snow machines and holiday music along the way. A huge post race party will include food, beverages and activities. Santa Kids Dashes begin at 6:15 p.m., the street party begins at 6:30 p.m., and the 5K begins at 7 p.m.
‘Recipe for the Holiday’
7:30 p.m. at Tree Fort Productions, Crossings at Siesta Key Mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail
$40
Visit TreeFortProductions.com.
Don't miss Tree Fort Productions founder Katherine Michelle Tanner's Yuletide show, “Recipe for the Holiday,” which follows a radio show shrink dispensing much needed advice during a very stressful time of year. Runs through Sunday.
Sandy Claws Beach Run
8:20 a.m. at Siesta Beach Park, 948 Beach Road
Adult 5K $40; 18 and under 5K $30; 1-mile fun run and walk $25
Visit RunSignUp.com.
This annual staple of the area's running events, which brings runners to the sands of Siesta Key Beach and features festive attire, is now in its 48th year.
Porsches in the Park
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Armands Circle, 1 St. Armands Circle
Free
Call 388-1554.
Some of the most spectacular Porsche automobiles from all over Florida will be on display for the Annual Porsches in the Park event at St. Armands Circle Park.
‘Deck the Halls’
10 a.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre
$12
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Celebrate the holidays in Florida style with palm trees decorated with twinkling lights, sand snowmen and Santa on a surfboard. The family-friendly show returns this year with new sketches and songs. Runs weekends through Dec. 24.
Winter Wonderland
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St.
Free
Visit EventBrite.com.
Engage in holiday fun including arts and crafts, cookie decorating, a toy giveaway, and a visit from Santa. Pizza will be provided. Reservations required.
Sarasota Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
3-10 p.m. at Rafferty's, 1888 Main St.
$19.99
Visit EventBrite.com.
Wear an ugly sweater to this bar crawl covering over five bars. You will receive a bag of swag, an official lanyard, drink deals and DJ entertainment, with an after-party and a holiday-themed giveaway.
Holidays at The Bay Community Celebration
4-7:30 p.m. at Common Ground, 1055 Blvd. of the Arts
Free
Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
Celebrate the season at The Bay with free family photos with Santa, a holiday craft project by Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation teaching artists, dancing and a “Sounds of The Season” story read by Mr. Stevey, a showing of "Toy Story 4" and more.
Longboat Key Community Concert
4:30 p.m. at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
Free
Visit LongboatKeyChamber.com.
Celebrate the end of hurricane season and the completion of debris removal from Longboat Key with a free December concert at the Karon Family Pavilion. Longboater musician Tim Michael McCaig will open as people come in and browse the several food trucks and complimentary beer and seltzers donated by the Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. Local band SoulRCoaster will take the stage at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.
Christmas Glow Run 5K
6 p.m. at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota
$55
Visti RunEliteEvents.com.
The Sarasota Christmas Glow Run 5K is a family-friendly event that features Christmas decorations at the start and finish line and music will kick start your Christmas season. Participants run or walk the lakeside themed course and complimentary glow products are included with registration. Parking is $10 per car.
Holiday Boat Parade of Lights
7 p.m at Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Drive and Marina Jack, 2 Marina Plaza
Free
Visit SuncoastCharitiesforChildren.org.
Elaborately decorated boats parade through Sarasota Bay in this annual event presented by Suncoast Charities for Children and Marina Jack. Reservations are required for Marina Jack.
Mean Mary
8 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court
$24
Visit WSLR.org.
Looking for a break from sugarcoated holiday entertainment? Head to Fogartyville for Mean Mary and her brother Frank James. Together they'll play favorites like "Iron Horse" and "Blazing," new hits like "Tarzan" from the new "Woman Creature" album and yes, even a couple of festive tunes. There's no escaping Christmas music.
Taste of The Bay
Noon to 3 p.m. at The Oval Parking Lot, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts
Free
Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
This outdoor festival showcases dishes from locally owned and operated restaurants and is held in partnership with the Sarasota-Manatee Originals. Attendees will have the chance to sample fare from exciting new restaurants in the area.
Melodies for the Season
3 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3131 61st St.
$5
Visit SuncoastConcertBand.org.
Celebrating its 92nd season, Suncoast Concert Band presents a program of holiday favorites played by its veteran musicians. Call 941-907-4123 to check on ticket availability and please be sure to dial the right number.
Ring Sarasota
3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2200 26th St. W, Bradenton
$20
Visit RingSarasota.org.
Even if you normally don't get excited about the prospect of a handbell concert, remember 'tis the season to ring them bells. Usher in "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" with Ring Sarasota, which bills itself as "Sarasota's premier handbell ensemble," with a holiday concert you won't soon forget.
A Wicked Fun Holiday
3 p.m. Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way
$35-$65
Visit ThePopsOrchestra.org.
Can’t get enough “Wicked” this holiday season after seeing the blockbuster movie that opened Thanksgiving weekend? This perfectly timed concert by The Pops Orchestra features Tiffany Haas, who played Glinda in the national touring production of "Wicked" and the understudy to Kristin Chenoweth on Broadway. Conducted by artistic director Robyn Bell, The Pops moves to Bradenton on Monday for a 7:30 p.m. performance at SCF Neel Performing Arts Center.
Hard Heart Burlesque
8 p.m. at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd.
$37
Visit McCurdysComedyTheatre.com.
Home for the holidays? Then come in from the Florida cold (it has been chilly) and warm up with Hard Heart Burlesque's annual yuletide show. Producers Karma Kandlewick and Miss Marina Elaine will take the stage along with emcee Swanky Valli and some of the most talented performers from around Florida. With live vocals, strip tease, comedy and sultry songs, Hard Heart Burlesque will warm your heart, despite their name.
Market on Longboat Key
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Town Center Green, 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
Free
Visit Facebook.com.
Join the fun every first and third Monday, December through April. Try the many food trucks while you do your holiday shopping. You will find artists, apparel, sandals, fresh flowers, plants and more. Follow The Market on Longboat Key or Markets by Nancy on Facebook and Instagram to see who will be there and what they will be bringing. You can also pre-order pies, cakes and breads to be ready and waiting upon your arrival.
Monday Night Jazz at the Cabaret: Greg Caputo Quintet
7:30 p.m. at John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 First St.
$34-$39
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
In the theater world, Mondays are traditionally a “dark” night. Not so in Sarasota’s jazz community, where Jazz Club of Sarasota hosts Monday Night Jazz at the Cabaret in partnership with Florida Studio Theatre. This week's show features Greg Caputo Quintet, which plays Gypsy jazz. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for food and beverage service.
Art at Noon Gallery Talk
Noon at Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail
Free with admission
Visit SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
Whether you’re a local, a snowbird or a tourist, take time during this busy holiday season for a tour of the contemporary Sarasota Art Museum, a unit of Ringling College of Art & Design. This gallery talk is just the excuse to see “Joe Fig: Contemplating Vermeer” and other exhibitions inside and the Embracing Our Differences retrospective of billboard-sized art outside, which runs through Wednesday. The food at the museum’s Bistro is surprisingly good and reasonably priced.
John Patti’s Calyp-Soul Christmas
7 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton
$36.50
Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com.
After a hiatus, John Patti’s back with a Sarasota tradition: his “Calyp-Soul Christmas.” If you know, you know. But if you don’t, we’ll tell you that Patti has performed with Clint Black, Olivia Newton John, The Four Tops and Les Paul. His steel pan interpretations of holiday favorites will be accompanied by singer/songwriter Carrie Welling.
