Art

Glorious glass, colorful clay and ceramic objects, designer clothing, jewelry, metal works, leather goods, wooden furniture and more are for viewing (and for sale) at the American Craft Council Show, held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 2 at Robarts Arena. More than 225 craft artists will be featured in this show, the largest indoor juried craft show in the state. An opening night gala, Nov. 29, benefits the Ringling Museum. For general info, call 365-0559; for gala information, 359-5713.

Books

In addition to meeting world-famous authors, the Sarasota Reading Festival offers you the chance to have your own books and manuscripts appraised by experts in the field, at the SARASOTA Magazine tent. Jay Dobkin, past president of the Florida Bibliophile Society, David Potter of Lighthouse Books, David Brown of Old Tampa Book Company and Gary Hurst of Parker Books will be on hand to examine up to three items from each guest seeking an opinion, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 10 downtown. And this year we'll share our tent with our new publishing partner, the Florida Humanities Council's Forum magazine.

Comedy

Get your laughs this month with the Sarasota Comedy Festival, with events set from Nov. 2-10. Included: a Funnybones Luncheon, at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 5 at the Chelsea Center; Laugh-A-Lot Comedy Dinners, Nov. 6 and 7 at various locales; the Cartoon Classic Golf Tournament, Nov. 9 at the Legacy Golf Course; and, of course, an appearance by Carrot Top Nov. 3 at the Van Wezel. It's all to benefit United Way and the Child Protection Center; call 366-2686 for more details.

Film

The 12th annual Cine-World Film Festival breaks out of Burns Court Cinema for a couple of screenings this year, with a major film presented at the Sarasota Opera House on Nov. 2 and another film projected on the Lemon Avenue Mall, Nov. 3. Director Dick Morris promises some 50 films in all, with a very strong French presence-a dozen movies will come from that country, as will a contingent of actors, directors and producers. Plenty of student films on view, too. Running through Nov. 11; call 364-8662.

Kids

Whether you grew up reading the "Little Bear" books or are watching your kids and grandkids grow up with the Nickelodeon TV series, you should enjoy "Maurice Sendak's Little Bear and the Enchanted Forest," at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 10 at the Van Wezel. Follow the adorable ursine and his friends Emily, Cat, Owl and Duck into the woods in this Tanglewood Family Entertainment show, which also packs in singing, dancing and audience participation. For tickets call 953-3368 or stop by the box office.

Music

They're jamming over at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, for this year's 11th annual Sound Advice Sarasota BluesFest. Delbert McClinton, Hubert Sumlin, Liz Mandville Greeson, the All-Stars and Walter Smith's Chicago Nights will be competing to see who gets festival organizer Barbara Strauss cited for a noise violation this year. Gates open at 11 a.m. Nov. 10 and the music starts at noon and keeps playing all day. Luckily, refreshments are available. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster locations, The Gator Club, Rossiter's Harley Davidson and the fairgrounds.

Events

Kay Kipling's guide to cultural and special events for November.

Art

Selby Gallery. Showing through Nov. 3: the annual Ringling faculty exhibition. Opening Nov. 9: "Oyvind Fahlström: The Complete Graphics and Multiples," the artist's works influenced by Dadaism, John Cage, comic books and board games. Through Dec. 14 in Gallery I; in Gallery II for the same dates, "Imaging the World: Illustrations by Anita Kunz and C.F. Payne." Information: 359-7563.

Galleria Silecchia. Continuing through Dec. 31: works by sculptor Glenna Goodacre and glass artist Flo Perkins. Opening with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 2: an exhibition of glass vessels by Joseph Rossano and Duncan McClellan, on view through Dec. 31. Also, opening Nov. 19: a show of oils on canvas by Russian painter Yuri Gorbachev, through Jan. 31. Information: 365-7414.

Corbino Galleries. On view through Dec. 31: changing exhibitions of new work by gallery artists. Information: 387-0822.

Ringling Museum of Art. "One Nation: Patriots and Pirates Portrayed by N.C. Wyeth and James Wyeth," continues on view through Jan. 6. Information: 359-5700.

Museum of Fine Arts. "Americanos: Latino Life in the United States" continues on view through Jan. 6 at this St. Petersburg museum. Information: (727) 896-2667.

Tampa Museum of Art. "Highlights of Iberian Culture: The Shelby White and Leon Levy Collection" continues on view through January. Information: (813) 274-8130.

Apple & Carpenter Galleries. Showing all this month: "A Century of Art Treasure, American and European Paintings (1850-1950)." Information: 951-2314.

Ziegenfuss Gallery of Fine Art. On view Nov. 1-30: new paintings by Viktorija Bulava, Dan Gregory and Hodges Soileau. Information: 365-3266.

Santa Fe Trails Gallery. An authentic Navajo jewelry trunk show featuring the latest designs in gold and silver occupies the gallery this month. Information: 954-1972.

Palm Avenue First Friday Walk. The Comedy Festival predominates in this month's "Cartoon Walk," set for 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 2 along the avenue. Information: 951-2314.

Sonnet Gallery. An exhibition titled "Forms," featuring the work of R. Giordano and Larry Forgard, goes on view beginning with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 2 and continues throughout the month. Information: 955-6443.

ArtCenter Sarasota. "An American Legacy Show," in conjunction with the Fine Arts Society's Sarasota School of Architecture tour, is set for Nov. 3-24. Information: 365-2032.

Venice Art Center. On view Nov. 6-Jan. 2: a show of sculpture, pottery and fiber art. Also, "Small Wonders" open show, running Nov. 13-Dec. 13. A reception is set for Nov. 16. Information: 485-7136.

Dali Museum. "In Spite of Everything: Spring" features paintings by Surrealist Jacqueline Lamba, Nov. 8-Feb. 24 at this St. Pete museum. Information: (727) 823-3767.

Longboat Key Center for the Arts. The Shannon Exhibit and the Salvador Deli Food Masterpiece Show fill the center's galleries Nov. 10-Dec. 2 (reception 4 to 8 p.m. Nov. 10). Also this month: the 13th annual Art on the Avenue Fine Arts Festival, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Avenue of the Flowers Shopping Center. Information: 383-2345.

Towles Court Gallery Walk. View working studios and artist-run galleries, from 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 16. Plus, the arts colony holds its annual "Lights On" Holiday Gallery Walk on Nov. 24. Information: 362-0960.

Plum Door Gallery. Opening Nov. 24 to run through Jan.13: a show of hand-painted etchings and angels by Beatty and Fehling. Information: 362-0960.

American Craft Council Show. From Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at Robarts Arena. Information: 365-0559.

Children

Florida West Coast Symphony Free Family Concert. "Miraculous Mozart," an amazing kid himself, is the focus of these free concerts, at 2 and 4 p.m. Nov. 3 at Holley Hall. Advance passes required; call 953-4252.

Maurice Sendak's Little Bear and the Enchanted Forest. A Saturday Morning kids' show, at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 10 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Comedy

Carrot Top. The comedian returns to Sarasota in a Comedy Festival appearance, set for 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Gallagher. Love those pulverized watermelons? The comic famed for his Sledge-O-Matic performs at Ruth Eckerd Hall, at 8 p.m. Nov. 9. Information: (727) 791-7400.

Dance

Sarasota Ballet of Florida. "Don Quixote" returns to tilt at more windmills, in performances at 8 p.m. Nov. 16 and 2 and 8 p.m. Nov. 17 and 18 at the Van Wezel. Information: 351-8000.

Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company. The company of 45 performs its versions of traditional Filipino dances, at 8 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

St. Petersburg State Ice Ballet. "Sleeping Beauty" on skates in this production from the acclaimed ice ballet company. Onstage at 8 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Film

Burns Court Cinema. International first-run films shown daily downtown. This month's Cine-World Festival runs Nov. 2-11. Information: 955-FILM.

Miscellaneous

Florida International Museum. On view through Nov. 9: the "Norman Rockwell Collection," 78 prints from the famous illustrator. Also on view, through the month: "U-2 the Spy Plane," a collection of artifacts associated with the downing of pilot Francis Gary Powers' plane in 1960. Information: (727) 822-3693.

An American Legacy: The Sarasota School of Architecture Tour & Symposia. Guided walking, boat and bus tours, social events and specially themed lecture tours are all part of this event celebrating the Sarasota School, Nov. 1-5. For more info, call 388-1400.

Paul Rudolph: The Florida Houses. Speaking of the Sarasota School.this exhibit, concentrating on the Sarasota work of architect Rudolph, is on view Nov. 1-Dec. 14 at the Sarasota County Historical Resources. There are plans for the exhibit, which accompanies a book on Rudolph by Joseph King and Christopher Domin, to travel to architectural schools around the country. Information: 316-1115.

Sarasota Reading Festival. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 10, downtown at Selby Public Library, the Opera House, the Golden Apple and Five Points Park. Authors include David McCullough, Haynes Johnson, Rick Bragg, Josephine Humphreys, Paul Robeson Jr. and many others, including children's book authors Valerie Tripp and Dean Morrissey. There's lots more, including storytelling, magic shows, puppetry and a free book for every kid under 18. For complete information call 360-8505 or log on to www.newscoast.com/readingfest.

Selby Gardens' Annual Plant Fair. Lots of horticultural gems to pick from, from Nov. 10, 11 and 12 at the gardens. Information: 366-5731.

A Taste of Sarasota. Sample some great goodies, enjoy live entertainment, and benefit All Faiths Food Bank with this annual event, slated for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 11 at Phillippi Estate Park and Mansion. Kids' games, arts and crafts and more are featured, too. Information: 925-8841 or 379-NEED.

Heritage Holidays at Spanish Point. The Osprey historic site's annual living history performances begin this month; call 966-5214 for specific dates and times.

Junior League Holiday Tour of Homes. Four waterfront homes, bedecked for the holidays, are featured on this annual tour, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 2. There'll also be a "Tinsel and Treasures" gift mart at the Phillippi Mansion. Tickets are $15; call 953-5600.

Entre Nous Holiday Tour of Homes. The 24th annual tour features five of Bradenton's elegant older homes, restored and decorated for the season. The homes are those of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Dungan, Mr. and Mrs. O.M. Griffith, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Law, Mr. and Mrs. Greg Porges and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Vorpahl. A champagne reception is set for 8 p.m. Dec. 1 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Shepherd; the tour itself runs Dec. 1 and 2. For information call 792-8099.

Music

Charlie Daniels Band/Montomery/Gentry. Country music from that fiddling' Daniels and friends, Nov. 1 at the Manatee Civic Center. Sponsored by Stargazer Concerts Inc.; call 722-3244.

Sarasota Opera Fall Concert Series. "An Evening in Paris," 8 p.m. Nov. 3, presents music from cabaret to opera that has a connection to the City of Light; while "A Night in Italy," 8 p.m. Nov. 17, presents an eclectic mix of music from the country that invented opera. Information: 366-8450.

Key Chorale. The ensemble presents an American music concert, featuring works by Aaron Copland, Randall Thompson, Gwyneth Walker and others, at 4 p.m. Nov. 4 at St. Boniface Church. Information: 921-4845.

Judy Collins' Wildflower Festival. Songstress Collins is joined by fellow folk/pop music icons Richie Havens, Janis Ian and Roger McGuinn in concert, at 8 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Russian State Symphony Orchestra. Composers Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and Prokofiev-Russians all-are on the program when this orchestra performs at 8 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Van Wezel under the baton of Valery Polyansky. With guest pianists Fazil Say and Valentina Lisitsa. Information: 953-3368.

Florida West Coast Symphony Masterworks. Leif Bjaland leads the orchestra in works by Strauss, Adams and Strauss again, at 8 p.m. Nov. 9 at Neel Auditorium and 8 p.m. Nov. 10 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Van Wezel. Guest pianist is Jeremie Michael. Information: 953-3434.

Jazz Club of Sarasota Members' Concert. The Mark Harmon Quartet offers "Something Old, Something New" in this concert, at 8 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Van Wezel. Information: 366-1552.

Sarasota Folk Club Old Time Song Circle. A time to gather to sing and play traditional and '60s folk songs, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at the home of Jean and Bill Hewitt. Information: 377-9256.

Concert Lite/Enchanted Evening. Ari Pelto conducts Florida West Coast Symphony musicians in performances of "Folk Music from the Old Country," including Bartok's "Rumanian Dances," at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 16 and 8 p.m. Nov. 17 at Holley Hall. Information: 953-3434.

Florida String Quartet. In concert with Beethoven's String Quartet Op. 50, No. 2 and other works by the great Ludwig van, at 4 p.m. Nov. 18 at Holley Hall. Information: 953-3434.

Venice Symphony. Local musician/banker Eric Watters does his usual fall performances to benefit the symphony, at 8 p.m. Nov. 18, 19, 25 and 26 and 2 p.m. Nov. 24, at Venice Little Theatre. Information: 488-1010.

Three Dog Night/America/The Rascals. Ready for some rock 'n' roll memories? These '60s/'70s groups unite for another Stargazer Inc. event, this one Nov. 24 at the Manatee Civic Center. Call 722-3244 for ticket info.

Sarasota Folk Club Concert. Irish singer Brendan Nolan headlines the Sailing Squadron concert, at 8:30 p.m. Nov. 26. Open mike at 7:15 p.m. Information: 377-9256.

Anne Murray's Christmas Comes to Sarasota. Murray turns on the holiday season with her favorite Christmas tunes, at 8 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Colors of Christmas. Michael McDonald, Peabo Bryson, Sheena Easton and Oleta Adams are the stars in this year's version of this holiday concert, set for 8 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Van Wezel. Information; 953-3368.

Coffee Concert. Florida West Coast Symphony musicians perform at 10 a.m. Nov. 28 at Holley Hall; the coffee is served at 9:30 a.m. Information: 953-3434.

Kenny Loggins. That footloose singer-songwriter trips into Ruth Eckerd Hall for a concert, at 8 p.m. Nov. 29. Information: (727) 791-7400.

New Artists Piano Quartet. "Piccadilly Circus" is the theme for the Dec. 2 concert, featuring works by Frank Bridge, Gordon Jacob and Herbert Howells. At 4 p.m. at Holley Hall. Information: 953-3434.

Talks

Friends of Selby Library Books and Coffee. David McCullough's biography "John Adams" is the book under discussion, at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 13 in the John J. Geldbart Auditorium of the library. Information: 383-7248.

SmARTtalk. "The Reel Story," a discussion of the movies and movie industry in Sarasota, is the topic for this month's Arts Council-sponsored event, set for 11:45 a.m. Nov. 13 at Michael's On East. Information: 365-5118.

Art and Wine. A discussion of art accompanied by sipping and snacking, at 6 p.m. Nov. 15 at Selby Gallery. Information: 359-7563.

Theater

A Comedy of Errors. Shakespeare's classic, often "borrowed" from, about twin brothers and mistaken identities, onstage through Nov. 4 at the Manatee Players Riverfront Theatre. Information: 748-5875.

Always, Patsy Cline. This affectionate tribute to legendary country star Cline winds up its run on the Sarasota Golden Apple stage Nov. 11. Information: 366-5454.

Lend Me a Tenor. Ken Ludwig's farce about a world-famous tenor who can't quite make it for his big opening night ends its run on the Lemon Bay Playhouse stage Nov. 18. Information: 475-6756.

Butterflies Are Free. The comedy-drama about a relationship between a young blind man and a free spirit continues through Nov. 24 at the Venice Golden Apple. Information: 484-7711.

Smoke on the Mountain. Get out the banjos, fiddles and yes, even the saw for this country-flavored musical, onstage at Florida Studio Theatre through Dec. 8. Information: 366-9000.

Cabaret. Players artistic director Burton Wolfe helms this production of the Kander-Ebb musical, onstage at the Players of Sarasota Nov. 1-11. Information: 365-2494.

A Flea in Her Ear. This Feydeau farce about (what else?) infidelity opens the Asolo Theatre Company season, Nov. 2, to run through Feb. 23. Information: 351-8000.

Da. Hugh Leonard's play about a man coming to terms with his feelings for his late father, onstage Nov. 9-Feb. 24 at the Asolo. Information: 351-8000.

The Fantasticks. The second local production of this Tom Jones-Harvey Schmidt classic this season, this one onstage Nov. 9-Dec. 16 at Theatre Works. Information: 952-9170.

The Immigrant. Mark Harelik's play, telling the story of a Jewish newcomer to Texas, was a hit a few seasons back at the Asolo; now it's presented by American Stage in St. Pete, Nov. 9-Dec. 2. Information: (727) 823-PLAY.

Crazy for You. The popular Gershwin musical, updated, about love, cowboys and a really big show in a small Western town, onstage Nov. 13-Jan. 13 at the Golden Apple. Information: 366-5454.

La Cage aux Folles. Georges, Albin and the St. Tropez nightclub scene liven up the stage of Venice Little Theatre Nov. 13-Dec. 2. Information: 488-1115.

The Rhythm of Life: The Songs and Music of Dorothy Fields. A salute to the lyricist/songsmith behind such musicals as "Annie Get Your Gun" and "Sweet Charity," opening Nov. 13 at Florida Studio Theatre's cabaret stage and running through Jan. 12. Information: 366-9000.

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Ann-Margret stars as Miss Mona in this touring production of the Broadway hit about that ranch in Texas where "there's nothin' dirty goin' on." Wink, wink. Onstage, with "WKRP in Cincinnati" star Gary Sandy and costumes by Bob Mackie, at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater Nov. 13-17. Information: (727) 791-7400.

Born Yesterday. Garson Kanin's perennial about Billie Dawn, Harry Brock, and Washington politics, onstage Nov. 16-March 30 at the Asolo. Information: 351-8000.

The Years. A play by Cindy Lou Johnson, about a young woman who's mugged on the day of her wedding but keeps it a secret a for years, with intriguing results. Nov. 21-Dec. 9 on the Asolo Conservatory's stage. Information: 351-8000.

Cats. T.S. Eliot's felines meet Andrew Lloyd Webber's melodies in this long, long-running Broadway musical, onstage at 8 p.m. Nov. 23, 2 and 8 p.m. Nov. 24 and 2 and 8 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Van Wezel. Now and forever-meow. Information: 953-3368.

A Christmas Carol. The Asolo brings back last year's adaptation of this family classic, Nov. 24-Dec. 23. Information: 351-8000.

Here Lies Jeremy Troy. Young Jeremy's boastful lies about his lifestyle catch up with him when his boss comes for a surprise weekend visit. I hate it when that happens! Onstage Nov. 27-Dec. 31 at the Venice Golden Apple. Information: 484-7711.

Kismet. The "Baubles, Bangles and Beads" musical that will make you feel like "A Stranger in Paradise." Onstage Nov. 29-Dec. 16 at the Players. Information: 365-2494.

Stop Kiss. A drama about two young women discovering who they really are and how they feel about each other, onstage at Venice Little Theatre's Stage II Nov. 29-Dec. 9. Information: 488-1115.

Smoke and Mirrors. What is real and what is movie magic in this comedy-murder-mystery, wherein some filmmakers are slyly plotting to do each other in? Find out Nov. 30-Dec. 9 at the Island Players. Information: 778-5755.

Shylock. Actor-writer Gareth Armstrong's one-man show focuses, not only on Shakespeare's Venetian moneylender, but on his friend Tubal, to give a unique perspective on the Jew in both the Bard's work and in society. Onstage at 8 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Asolo/FSU Center, in a co-production with the Van Wezel. Information: 351-8000.