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

Thursday, July 18

Pat Godwin
7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota
$26
Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

A veteran of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” “The Howard Stern Show” and “The Bob & Tom Show,” Pat Godwin effortlessly combines music and humor. Runs through July 21. 

‘The Music of Laurel Canyon’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Court Cabaret,1265 First St., Sarasota
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

If you know, you know. But not everyone knows about Laurel Canyon, the neighborhood above West Hollywood's Sunset Strip that became home to folk musicians such as Joni Mitchell, Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young and The Mamas and the Papas. Runs through Aug. 25. 

‘Dear Jack, Dear Louise’
8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota
$29-$46
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Acclaimed playwright Ken Ludwig tells the story of his parents’ courtship during World War II. The play follows U.S. Army Capt. Jack Ludwig, a military doctor stationed in Oregon, who begins a life-changing pen-pal relationship with Louise Rabiner, an aspiring actress living in the Big Apple. Runs through Aug. 11.

Friday, July 19

Photo by Lesley Dwyer

Sights and Sounds
7 p.m. at 1560 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit LakewoodRanch.com.

The monthly Sights and Sounds series continues with the Suncoast Swing Band, which will perform music from the 1940s to contemporary music by musicians such as Earth Wind and Fire and Bruno Mars. The band consists of 19 musicians and vocalists, bringing a full complement of saxophones, trombones, trumpets, rhythm section and percussion. Their lengagement with the audience will encourage you to sing along, tap your toes, or get up and dance. There is limited seating available, so feel free to bring a lawn chair. No outside food or drinks are permitted.

Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid Jr.’ Show
7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton
$20
Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com.

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales, “Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.” looks at the sacrifices we are willing to make in order to be loved and accepted. What makes these Disney Jr. shows perfect for children? The adaptations of beloved musicals are just one hour long.

Classic Movies at the Opera House: ‘American Graffiti’
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
$12
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

This classic movie of California cruising in the 1950s recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. Directed by George Lucas (“Star Wars”), “American Graffiti” helped propel the careers of stars like Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Cindy Williams, Mackenzie Phillips and Harrison Ford. It also provided the inspiration for the long-running 1970s TV show, “Happy Days.” 

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The Funky Bonz
8 p.m. at Joyland, 8341 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota
Ages 18-20 $26.13; 21 and up $10.45
Visit JoylandSarasota.com.

The band will play soulful melodies from artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Bruno Mars and Dua Lipa in a performance that promises to be a musical tour of the decades.

Saturday, July 20

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Repticon
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Bradenton Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto
$10-$15; $6 for ages 5-12; free for ages 4 and under
Visit Repticon.com.

See live reptiles up close at live animal encounters and seminars on the hour every day. The reptile and exotic animal expo continues 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Back-to-School Bash
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ellenton Premium Outlets, 5461 Factory Shops Blvd., Ellenton
Free
Visit FloridaPenguinProductions.com.

Florida Penguin Productions hosts a business expo with family services on tutoring, education and after-school programs. 

Photo by Ian Swaby

Mystic Faire
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$7 for one day; $10 for both days
Visit MysticFaires.com.

Free for ages 12 and under. Now in its 13th year, this event brings together lecturers, psychics, healers and vendors with unique items. Continues 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 

SCD In-Studio: Jessica Obiedzinski
7 p.m. at Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300, Sarasota
$22
Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance.org.

After a spinal injury left her exploring modes of healing beyond traditional medicine, Jessica Obiedzinski spent two weeks tapping into her subconscious at the Hermitage Artist Retreat. In this “sneak peek” performance, she reveals her discoveries. 

Sunday July 21

HD at the Opera House: 'II Puritani’
1:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
$12-$20
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.

In 2007, soprano Anna Netrebko wowed New York audiences in the role of the fragile Puritan maiden Elvira. Filled with exciting arias and ensembles, this bel canto treasure also stars Eric Cutler as Elvira’s love Arthur, Franco Vassallo as her suitor Riccardo and John Relyea as her Uncle Giorgio. 

Monday, July 22

Newish Jewish Plays: 'Dancing on Glass'
7 p.m. The Players Centre, Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$12; $30 for three-play series
Visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org.

If it’s summer in Sarasota, it’s time for play readings. The Sarasota Jewish Theatre enters the derby with Newish Jewish Plays, a three-play series on three consecutive Mondays. The second selection is Carole Braverman’s “Original Tenants,” about a daughter whose memories are stirred when she visits her sick mother in Brooklyn. 

Wednesday, July 24

Lecture by Dr. Ashby
1:30 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
Free
Visit TheParadiseCenter.org.

Dr. Coueurlida Ashby will be leading a free interactive discussion on how to calculate your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Bring your most recent cholesterol and blood pressure readings. This will also be available via Zoom. 

Jazz Happy Hour
6 p.m. Geldbart Auditorium, Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota
Free
Visit JazzHappyHour.org.

Sarasota Music Archive presents the Jazz All Star with the program, "The Art of Jazz and Improvisation” featuring Jamie Tremps on vocals. 

Zachary Bartholomew Quintet
7 p.m. at Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota
$14-$28
Visit WSLR.org.

Award-winning pianist, composer and educator Zachary Bartholomew returns to Fogartyville accompanied by Marty Quinn on bass, Rodolfo Zuniga on drums and David Fernandez on saxophone. Bartholomew will also be joined by Emmy-nominated jazz trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III.