The best things to do in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat for July 25-31


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  • | 10:00 a.m. July 23, 2024
The political comedy "The Outsider" runs through Aug. 18 at FST's Gompertz Theatre.
The political comedy "The Outsider" runs through Aug. 18 at FST's Gompertz Theatre.
Courtesy image
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Thursday, July 25

Christmas in July at The Bazaar 
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota
Free
Visit BazaarOnApricotAndLime.com.

The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime offers its annual Christmas in July sale. Continues Friday and Saturday. Live music by SRQ Hot Club of Sarasota will be offered Saturday, during late hours, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. 


Summer Circus Spectacular
11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at The Ringling's Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota
$20 adults; $15 kids
Visit Ringling.org.

Presided over by Ringmaster Jared Walker, the Summer Circus Spectacular includes contortionist Uranbileg Angarag, acrobatic hand balancers The Bello Sisters, hair hang artist Camille Langlois, slack wire performer Antino Pansa and clown Renaldo, a veteran of the Big Apple Circus. Runs through Aug. 17.


Opening reception for 'Small Works: Big Impact'
5 p.m. at Creative Liberties, 901B Apricot Ave. and 927 N. Lime Ave., Sarasota
Free
Visit CreativeLiberties.net.

View and purchase the work of more than 40 local artists — encompassing more than 225 pieces of art — at two Creative Liberties two locations. Enjoy bites and beverages.


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

On its website, McCurdy's Comedy Theatre says that comedian Helen Keaney should have a warning sign at her shows that reads “Sit in the front row at your own peril.” Keaney has carved out an edgy, sexy niche for herself with comedy shows on cruise lines and by hosting TV shows for Comedy Central, Discovery Health and others. Her stand-up credits include A&E’s “An Evening at the Improv,” Lifetime’s “Girl’s Night Out" and Comedy Central’s “Make Me Laugh.”Runs through July 28.


Jennifer Welch Cudnik is the principal of the Sarasota Ballet School, which will perform its summer intensive showcase, "InMotion," from July 25-27.
Image courtesy of Mikenna Bowers

Sarasota Ballet School: ‘In Motion’
7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$35-$40
Visit SarasotaBallet.org.

This performance showcases the students who participated in the Sarasota Ballet School’s Summer Intensive. The program features new choreography from Sarasota Ballet principal dancer Maximiliano Iglesias, an excerpt from "Swan Lake, Act II,” staged by principal dancers Jennifer Hackbarth and Jessica Assef, and “Waltz of the Hours” from "Coppelia," staged by Sarasota Ballet School Principal Jennifer Welch Cudnik. Runs through July 27.


‘Rhinestone Cowgirls’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Created by Nancy Allen Productions, this musical tribute to some of the first ladies of country features such classics as Patsy Cline’s “Crazy,” Tammy Wynette’s “Stand by Your Man” and Carrie Underwood’s “Last Name.” Runs through Aug. 4. 


‘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. 


‘The Outsider’
8 p.m. at FST’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First., Sarasota
$29-$46
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

After the last few weeks in politics, we could all use some laughs. Florida Studio Theatre comes to the rescue with a political comedy about the world’s least likely candidate for governor who just might be exactly what the voters want. Let’s hear it for democracy! Runs through Aug. 18.


Ken Ludwig's wartime romance "Dear Jack, Dear Louise" plays through Aug. 11 at FST's Keating Theatre.
Courtesy image

‘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 26

Music at the Plaza
6-9 p.m. at Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive, Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit WatersidePlace.com.

Singer/musician Frankie Lombardi, who plays eclectic acoustic rock/pop, will entertain those who stroll through Waterside Place on Friday as part of the weekly free music series. On Saturday, Ektor Key will perform on saxophone, keys and vocals.


‘We Are Still Tornadoes’
7:30 p.m. at Tree Fort Productions, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$30
Visit TreeFortProductionsProjects.com.

Katherine Michelle Tanner’s Tree Free Productions throws its hat into the summer theater ring with “We Are Still Tornadoes,” Lou Harry’s coming-of-age story set in the 1980s. Runs through July 28.


Saturday, July 27

Connie Schindewolf and Caleb Jameson volunteer with Longboat Key Turtle Watch.
Photo by Carter Weinhofer

Public Turtle Walks
6:45 a.m. at 4795 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
Free
Visit LBKTurtleWatch.com.

Learn about protecting sea turtles. Participants will learn about turtle tracks and how volunteers scout the beaches for signs of turtle nesting. The walk will also provide information about keeping beaches safe for sea turtles. Arrive by 6:45 a.m. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring water and sunscreen. No unattended children. In the event of severe weather, the walk may be canceled.


‘The End of the World’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St., Sarasota
$15-$18
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Did the recent Sarasota Improv Festival open your eyes to the delights of spontaneous comedy? You’re in luck. FST’s in-house improv troupe will perform an improvised disaster movie based on a title supplied by the audience. Who needs “Twisters” anyway?


Cabaret on the Boulevard: Deco
8 p.m. The Original Wolfie’s Rascal House, 1420 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota
$50-$60
Visit CabaretOnTheBoulevard.com.

Grae Productions is teaming up with The Original Wolfie’s in the Rosemary District to launch a monthly cabaret series. This Deco-themed program features an ensemble cast including Animalia, Marshall Chandler, Brian Craft, Luna DeLust, Nadia Nirvana, Kathryn Parks and Alex Zickafoose. 


Sunday, July 28

Farmers Market
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lakefront Drive in Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch
Free
Visit MyLWR.com.

The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch will run year-round every Sunday. Vendors will be offering seafood, eggs, meats, dairy products, pastas, bakery goods, jams and pickles among other items. Other features are children’s activities and live music. 


‘Rock of Ages’ Youth Edition
6:30 p.m. at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130, Sarasota
$15
Visit ThePlayers.org.

A showcase for The Sarasota Players’ summer camp students, this rock musical follows a city boy from South Detroit, and Sherrie, a small-town girl, who have both come to LA’s famous Sunset Strip in 1987 seeking fame and fortune.


Monday, July 29

Newish Jewish Plays: 'Dancing on Glass'
7 p.m. The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Studio 1130, Sarasota
$12
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 third selection is “We Are the Levinsons” by Wendy Kout, directed by Carole Kleinberg. The play follows an adult daughter who moves in with her newly widowed dad and tries to take over his life. 


Wednesday, July 31

Amy Steinhauser taps and circles each singing bowl with her mallet to provide a mix of different frequencies.
Photo by Petra Rivera

Sound Bath
2 p.m. at The Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
$40; members $25
Visit TheParadiseCenter.org.

Amy Steinhauser will lead a fully immersive experience using singing bowls, a gong, chimes and more. Suitable for all ages, her sound baths will relax you with healing frequencies that balance your body and mind. Advance registration is required since space is limited. 

 

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