- March 29, 2025
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Taste and Tunes of the Key
6-8:30 p.m. at Longboat Key Club Harbourside Ballroom, 3000 Harbourside Drive, Longboat Key
$90-$100
Visit LBKGardenClub.org.
The Longboat Key Garden Club presents an evening of spectacular music and dining, featuring a dozen local restaurants.
Circus Sarasota 2025
7 p.m. under the Big Top in Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle
$28-$80
Visit CircusArts.org.
Circus Sarasota returns to the Big Top in Nathan Benderson Park with a lineup of all new acts presided over by Ringmaster Joseph Bauer. Among the circus artists featured are tight wire artist Brando Anastasini, a 2024 Generation Next honoree in the Circus Ring of Fame, aerialist Eve Diamond, the Pellegrini Brothers hand balancers, juggler Noel Aguilar and the Flying Caballeros trapeze artists. Runs through March 9.
'Anna in the Tropics'
7:30 p.m. at Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
$29-$95
Visit AsoloRep.org.
Powerful emotions are stirred up when a dashing lector arrives from Cuba to read literature to the immigrants working in an Ybor City cigar factory. The literary accompaniment is a Cuban tradition but some of the managers in the New World fear the words of "Anna Karenina" could be revolutionary. They are — but in unexpected ways. Through March 18.
‘John Proctor is the Villain’
7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for Performing Arts, 5555 N.Tamiami Trail
$40
Visit AsoloRep.org/Conservatory.
FSU/Asolo Conservatory presents newcomer Kimberly Belflower’s play about Georgia high schoolers who try to tell the difference between fact and fiction as they study Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible." Runs through March 2.
‘The Chinese Lady’
7:30 p.m. at The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road
$40
Visit AsoloRep.org/Conservatory.
Sarasota has some wonderful stages and some of them are in unexpected spaces. FSU/Asolo Conservatory presents “The Chinese Lady” in the Wagon Room of The Ringling Museum of Art. Written by Lloyd Suh, “The Chinese Lady” follows the first Chinese woman to immigrate to America. Runs through March 2.
‘Off the Charts’ (Encore)
8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave.
$18-$42
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
If you missed Florida Studio Theatre's cabaret show, “Off the Charts,” you’ve got another chance. The show, which takes the audience on a tour of 20th-century pop music with arrangements by Jim Prosser, has moved to the Keating Theatre for an encore performance. Runs through March 15.
Royal Rummage Sale
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church, 4280 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key
$5
Visit StMaryLBK.org.
The church is holding its annual Royal Rummage Sale at the Father Edward Pick Hall. Continues 9 a.m. to noon on March 1 for free admission
Jazz @ Two: The Foot Note Jazz Sextet
2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road
$15-$20
Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.
Vince DiMartino was supposed to play with Stiletto Brass during their Sarasota concert in October, but the show was canceled. Catch the legendary trumpeter in this Jazz Club of Sarasota program that also features Pete BarenBregge, Greg Nielsen, Robert Nissim, Paul Gormley and David Pruyn, playing together as the Foot Note Jazz Sextet.
‘The Lightning Thief’
7:30 p.m. at Venice Theatre’s Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice
$18-$40
Visit VeniceTheatre.org.
With a pulsating rock score, this musical about a teen of mixed heritage (half god/half human) has become a favorite among community theater companies. Join Percy Jackson on his quest to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent war on Mount Olympus. Runs through March 23.
‘3 Divas From Broadway’
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$41-$99
Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Led by guest conductor Evan Roider, Sarasota Orchestra performs with three leading ladies from Broadway — Alli Mauzey, Scarlett Strallen and Dee Roscioli — playing hits from the Great White Way, including songs from “Wicked,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Funny Girl” and others. Continues through March 1.
‘These Shining Lives’
7:30 p.m. at The Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail
$40
Visit TreeFortProductions.com.
Tree Fort Productions presents Melanie Marnich’s “These Shining Lives,” the true story of Catherine Donohue, a worker at the Radium Dial Company in Ottawa, Illinois, in the 1920s. Donohue took her case against the watch company, whose employees were being poisoned by radium, all the way to the Supreme Court. Runs through March 16.
Mark Morris Dance Group
7:30 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
$35-$115
Visit SarasotaBallet.org.
Sarasota Ballet presents Mark Morris Dance Group, whose eponymous dance company Yo-Yo Ma calls the “preeminent modern dance organization of our time.” One of the reasons why the Brooklyn-based dance group is considered so outstanding is that it tours with its own musicians, the Music Ensemble. Runs through March 3.
Sarasota Festival of the Arts
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive
Free
Visit ParagonFestivals.com.
Over 70 artisans will present creations including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, glass and much more. Attendees will have the chance to engage with artists and learn about their work.
Bay Fest
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Bay, 1055 Blvd. of the Arts
Free
Visit TheBaySarasota.org.
Discover the underwater world in this family-friendly event by Sarasota County and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. View showcases of local marine life, learn from experts about conservation efforts, explore the coast on a kayak tour and more. This event is part of Good to be Green Months at The Bay.
Savor the Sounds
5:30-8 p.m. at the Town Center Green Karon Family Pavilion, 600 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key
$25
Call 941-383-2466.
The Big Z Band performs in the first of a three-part concert series organized by the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., and a TBA opening band will perform soon after.
'Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci'
7:30 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave.
$39-$162
Visit SarasotaOpera.org.
The Sarasota Opera's 2025 Winter Festival features the double bill of "Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci," an adulterous duo staged together so often that they are known as "Cav" and "Pag," for short. "Cav" takes place on an Easter Morning in a small village in Italy while "Pag" is a play within a play and is the mother of all sad clown stories. Runs through March 29.
‘Life’s a Beach’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab Theatre,1265 First St.
$15-$18
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Florida Studio Theatre’s Improv Troupe performances are a surefire way to have a fun Saturday night without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a snowbird or are just mystified by Sarasota’s roundabouts, arrive with a good sense of humor. This indefatigable troupe uses audience suggestions to poke fun at the denizens and byways of our paradise with sketches, music and games. Runs weekends through March 22.
‘Death of a Salesman’
7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W, Bradenton
$29
Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com.
What’s old is new again as Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” explores the fallout from chasing the American Dream. This classic drama about traveling salesman Willy Loman and his family is as relevant today as when it premiered in 1949. Runs through March 9.
'Harp Royalty'
4 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St.
$43-$63
Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.
This program by Artist Series Concerts brings together four of the country's most celebrated harpists — Hannah Cope Johnson, Eleanor Kirk, Phoebe Powell and Katherine Siochi — each of whom began their career in Sarasota.
Neil Berg’s 115 Years of Broadway
7 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$47-$68
Visit VanWezel.org.
It's baack! "Neil Berg's 115 Years of Broadway" brings together the great shows from the history of the Great White Way performed by its brightest stars. There's a reason why audiences keep coming back for more.
The Temptations and The Four Tops 40th Anniversary
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$65-$105
Visit VanWezel.org.
For fans of Motown, the Detroit label founded by Berry Gordy in 1959, the music never gets old. We're not sure where the 40 comes from in this program's title (perhaps it's the anniversary of the touring show), because both these groups have been at it for more than 60 years. The Temps and the Four Tops perform their greatest hits, complete with the wardrobe and syncopated dance steps that are their hallmark.
Twyla Tharp Dance: Diamond Jubilee
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$50-$100
Visit VanWezel.org.
The program for the iconic choreographer Twyla Tharp's 60th anniversary tour features “Diabelli,” set to Beethoven’s masterpiece Diabelli Variations, and a new dance titled “Slacktide," performed to a reimagining of Philip Glass’s iconic "Aguas da Amazonia," arranged by Third Coast Percussion. The tour demonstrates Tharp's continued creativity and offers proof why she is one of our living dance treasures.
Classic Car Show
5-8 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Free
Visit CollectorCarsTV.com.
Come to Lakewood Ranch Main Street for a car show celebrating the “classics.” All are welcome to participate for just $10 per vehicle, and there are no restrictions on year, make or model.
‘Bad Books’
7:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St.
$25-$46
Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Directed by Kate Alexander, "Bad Books” offers a nuanced take on America’s 21st-century culture wars. Both sides claim to be fighting for “the children.” The play considers the unspoken, ulterior motives behind the fight. Runs through March 28.
‘Five Guys Named Moe’
7:30 p.m. at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave.
$22-$52
Visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org.
Written by Clarke Peters, "Five Guys Named Moe" tells the story of Nomax, who is down on his luck because his girlfriend has left and he's broke. Suddenly, the titular characters step out of a 1930s-style radio to give him encouragement. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe last presented the musical tribute to R&B pioneer Louis Jordan in 2011. Runs through April 6.
Gladys Knight
7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail
$85-$130
Visit VanWezel.org.
Neither one of us wants to be the first to say goodbye — that’s why it’s a good thing that R&B superstar Gladys Knight is back on tour. During her long career, Knight has recorded such hits as "Best Thing that Ever Happened to Me," "Midnight Train to Georgia" and "Neither One of Us,” and has won seven Grammy awards.
