On Exhibit

Scary Night

Francisco de Goya y Lucientes was one of the most important artists of the 18th century. His Los Caprichos series of 80 etchings, completed in 1799, was a not-so-subtle indictment of the Spanish government, the Catholic Church and society. This plate, titled The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters, was originally planned as the frontispiece of the edition. But Goya decided that although the figure of the sleeping artist bathed in the light of reason appeared innocent, some might see the bats, owl and large cat—18th-century symbols of disorder, folly and superstition—as his condemnation of the culture around him. Goya was one of the few artists to have the imagination and courage to picture the demons that everyone feared and talked about. He was also fiercely nationalistic, believing that Spain needed to rid itself of irrational thoughts and imaginary fears. His royal patron suggested he pull these prints off the market soon after he released them, to save him from an investigation by the Inquisition. Los Caprichos is now recognized as one of the greatest achievements in Spanish art. The Goya exhibition, organized by Landau Exhibitions in California, will be on view at the Ringling Museum through Jan. 6, 2008.—Mark Ormond

Art

Selby Gallery. The gallery continues the Ringling College of Art and Design’s faculty exhibition, Part I, through Oct. 13; Part II commences Oct. 19 to run through Nov. 7, with an opening reception at 5 p.m. Oct. 19. 359-7563.

Art Center Sarasota. Continuing here through Oct. 27: Seeing god, a juried show; ceramics by master potter Ki Woon Huh, and a member exhibition featuring the bronzes of Mark Anderson and the large-format Polaroids of Jayanti Seiler. 365-2032.

Art School, Gift and Framing Gallery of Colleen Cassidy-Berns. Eyes of the Beholder, featuring acrylic abstracts on canvas and hand-painted furniture, continues on view here through Oct. 31. 924-1200.

Ringling Museum of Art. Thomas Chimes and the Art of Painting, featuring the artist’s large-scale mural along with five pen and ink sketches, runs through Nov. 4. Cuba Avante-Garde: Contemporary Art from the Farber Collection opens Oct. 6 to run through Dec. 31 in the museum’s Ulla R. and Arthur F. Searing Wing; among the artists featured are Jose Bedia, Luis Cruz Azaceta, Elsa Mora and Tania Bruguera. Also on view, through Jan. 4, is Francisco Goya: Los Caprichos, a series of etchings by the great Goya dealing with themes from the Spanish Inquisition to witchcraft. 359-5700.

Tampa Museum of Art. Continuing on view through Dec. 16 are two exhibitions: Latino Voices from the Permanent Collection and Frida Kahlo: Images of an Icon, which features approximately 60 photographic portraits of the Mexican artist. (813) 274-8130.

Salvador Dali Museum. Continuing through January 2008 are two exhibitions: Dali in Focus and Traces (of the Avant-Garde) showcasing the video projections of Mabel Palacin. (727) 823-3767.

Sonnet Gallery Fine Arts. Oils on canvas by Adrian Serrano will be on view here for the whole month of October. 928-6490.

Greene Contemporary. New paintings by Brian Haverlock (Godseeker: A Return to Origins) and David Piurek (Sigmoid Society) will be on display starting with a reception at 6 p.m. Oct. 5 at the South Pineapple gallery; continuing through Oct. 27. 365-9406.

Longboat Key Center for the Arts. The Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society presents a show here Oct. 5-26 (reception at 3 p.m. Oct. 5) in the Durante Gallery. Also on view, through Oct. 23, are photos of local wildlife and scenery by Dean Lucko; and through Nov. 23, a members exhibit and gift gallery is available. Opening Oct. 26 in the Glen Gallery is Images in Color, Light and Movement, A Suncoast Glass Guild exhibition running through Nov. 26 (reception at 5 p.m. Nov. 2). 383-2345.

Venice Art Center. A plein air show featuring works by members runs here Oct. 5-20; also on view, Oct. 25 through Nov. 20, is an exhibition of Women Contemporary Artists. 487-7132.

Museum of Fine Arts. Opening at the St. Petersburg museum Oct. 6, to run through Feb. 24, is Sacred India, Sacred Tibet, religious art from both cultures dating from the 11th to 19th centuries. Also on view starting this month: Poetry of the Commonplace: A Selection of Latin American Photographs, opening Oct. 16 and continuing through Jan. 6. Among the photographers featured: Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Graciela Iturbide and Manuel Carillo. (727) 896-2667.

St. Armands Art Festival. More than 175 craftsmen display their original pottery, oils, ceramics and more, Oct. 13 and 14 on St. Armands Circle. 388-1554.

Children

Charlotte’s Web The Musical. Not for kids only, since plenty of parents and grandparents will have fond memories of this classic E.B. White tale of a spider, a pig and their unusual friendship. Onstage Oct. 4-21 at Venice Little Theatre. 488-1115.

Comedy

McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre. On tap this month: the vocal sound effects of comedian Michael Winslow, Oct. 4-7; comic Andy Campbell, Oct. 10-14; and “The Village Idiot,” Joby Saad, entertaining Oct. 17-21. 925-FUNY (3869).

Dance

Fuzion Dance Artists. Choreographer Leymis Bolanos Wilmott offers new creations for this ensemble inspired by the art of the Cuban avant-garde. At 11 a.m. Oct. 9 in the Historic Asolo Theater. 360-7399.

West Coast Civic Ballet. The ballet company presents a “Scary Saturday Night Out,” Oct. 27 at the Manatee Civic Center, with dinner and a performance. 951-0220.

Film

Historic Asolo Theater. This month, films on tap at the theater include several related to Cuba (Strawberry and Chocolate, Oct. 8; Things I Left in Havana, Oct. 9;Vertical Love, Oct. 11; and Virgin Rose, Oct. 12, all at 7 p.m.), and, on a different note, Marx Brothers movies A Day at the Races, Oct. 22, and Animal Crackers, Oct. 29. 360-7399.

Miscellaneous

Taste of St. Armands. More than 18 restaurants will participate in this third annual event, which benefits Take Stock in Children. The Mike Markaverich Trio performs, and dancing may be afoot as well. For tickets ($35), call 388-1554.

Music

Jazz at Two. The Jazz Club of Sarasota presents four jazz jams this month, at 2 p.m. Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26, all at the Bayfront Community Center on North Tamiami Trail. 366-1552.

Florida West Coast Symphony First Night Out. On the program for this special FWCS concert: Verdi’s Triumphal March from Aida, Vivaldi’s Autumn from The Four Seasons and Rossini’s Overture to William Tell. At 8 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Van Wezel. 953-3434.

Florida West Coast Symphony Great Escapes. The symphony’s series of light classic and popular music kicks off with An American Musical Salute, with performances Oct. 10-13 at Holley Hall On the program: Strike Up the Band, An American in Paris, and Stars and Stripes Forever. Later this month: “Once Upon a Time,” featuring Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumble Bee and more, Oct. 31-Nov. 3, also at Holley Hall. 953-3434.

Boleros Perdidos: Love Songs Lost. Havana-born composer and violinist Alfredo Triff and vocalist Robert Poveda explore sensual Cuban music, at 8 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Historic Asolo Theater. 360-7399.

Cocktails at the Cà d’Zan. Live entertainment on the mansion’s terrace by Big Z Band, from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 18. 359-5700.

FridayFest on the Bay. Allon Sams & Friends perform Oct. 19 along the Van Wezel’s bayfront. 953-3368.

Sarasota Folk Festival. The fifth annual folk fest at Crowley Museum & Nature Center, hosted by the Sarasota Folk Club, includes performers Al Fuller, James Hawkins and Cold Harbor, Ishmael Katz, Bill Schustik, Mindy Simmons, Doug Spears, Card Wade and Something Special, and the Wire Beaters. Food vendors, too. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 20; 322-1000.

Florida West Coast Symphony Pops: Hip Harp Hop. Andrew Lane conducts and Deborah Henson-Conant stars on electric and acoustic harp in this offering, at 8 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Van Wezel. 953-3434.

Gloria Musicae: Haydn Out on Siesta Key. Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass, with orchestra and soloists, is presented by the choral ensemble, Oct. 21 at St. Boniface Church. For tickets, contact the Historic Asolo Theater box office, 360-7399.

Red Death and Red-emption: A Musical Ode to Poe and Beyond. Musical commentator June LeBell and her guests explore a wide variety of works ranging from Masque of the Red Death to classical “soul music.” At 11 a.m. Oct. 23 at the Historic Asolo Theater. 360-7399.

Florida West Coast Symphony Cliburn Concerts. For the first time, renowned Cliburn piano competition medalists come together to perform with the symphony, in three concerts this month. The first, at 8 p.m. Oct. 25, features Davide Cabassi, Chu-Fang Huang and Alexander Kobrin playing Beethoven (at the Van Wezel); the second offers all of the series musicians performing selections of their choice, at 8 p.m. Oct. 26 (in Holley Hall); and the third, at 8 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Van Wezel, presents Roberto Piano, Joyce Yang and Christopher Taylor joining the orchestra and Key Chorale for more Beethoven concerti. 953-3434.

The Village People. It’s time to dress up for Halloween with the Indian, the biker, the cop, etc., and their special guests, The Trammps, at 8 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Sports

Life of Riley Foundation Golf Tournament. The first of several charity golf tournaments this month, this one taking place Oct. 1 at Laurel Oak Country Club. 923-3093.

Community Youth Development Golf Tournament. Swing your clubs for CYD at this tourney, Oct. 4 at The Meadows Country Club. 922-5126.

Boys & Girls Club Classic. And more golf for those who can’t get enough, this one set for Oct. 5 at the Ritz-Carlton Members Club; $500 per player. 366-3911.

Ringling College of Art and Design Annual Golf Tournament. This tourney is planned for Oct. 11 at Sara Bay Country Club. 351-5100.

Southeastern Guide Dogs Silver on the Green. Another chance to play through for a good cause, in a golf tourney at Tara Golf and Country Club, Oct. 13. 729-5665.

United Way of South Sarasota County. United Way’s golf tournament takes place Oct. 13 at Pelican Point Golf and Country Club. 408-0595.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. A 5K walk along the Sarasota Polo Club in Lakewood Ranch, Oct. 13, to benefit the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer research, education and support programs locally. 365-2858 ext. 50.

Cardinal Mooney High Fall Golf Tournament. Take your clubs to Waterlefe Golf and Country Club for this Oct. 27 charity event. 371-4917.

Manasota BUDS Buddy Walk. A one-mile advocacy walk to promote awareness and acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome, Oct. 27 at Bradenton’s Hunsader Farms. Actress and advocate Andrea Friedman will be the special guest. For more info go to www.manasotabuds.com.

Junior Achievement Golf Tournament. And, finally, one more opportunity to shout “Fore!”, Oct. 29 at the Ritz-Carlton Members Club. 380-6778.

Talks

The Power of Women. This New College series continues with the spotlight on Women in Medicine and Science at 4 p.m. Oct. 9 on campus; for specific details and reservations call 487-4674.

Theater

Fame Forever. A follow-up to the hit musical Fame, to bring us up to date on what those talented kids are doing 30 years later. Ends its run Oct. 7 at the Players Theatre. 365-2494.

Laughter on the 23rd Floor. A glimpse into the world of the comedy writers for the legendary Your Show of Shows program, offered by none other than sometime Sid Caesar writer Neil Simon. Continuing through Nov. 18 at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre. 366-5454.

A Streetcar Named Desire. Tennessee Williams’ New Orleans-set tale of Stanley, Stella and Blanche DuBois and her descent into madness, onstage Oct. 2-21 at Venice Little Theatre. 488-1115.

Noises Off. This farce by Michael Frayn shows the chaos, both personal and professional, that ensues when a theater company presents, well, a farce. Onstage Oct. 4-21 at the Manatee Players. 748-5875.

The House of Bernardo Alba. Backlot Arts presents the last play of Federico Garcia Lorca, a dark look at a tension-filled house with seven women struggling to break free from their repressions. Onstage Oct. 4-6 at the Historic Asolo Theater. 360-7399.

Twelve Angry Men. Richard Thomas starts in the new national tour of this courtroom drama, Oct. 9-14 at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. (800) 955-1045.

Altar Boyz. The hit musical spoof about a singing, dancing guy group with a religious approach fills Florida Studio Theatre’s mainstage Oct. 10 through Nov. 23. 366-9000.

Second Time Around. The Island Players commence their 59th season with this piece by Derek Benfield that unites two long-ago lovers in a chance meeting both sad and funny. Onstage Oct. 11-21. 778-5755.

A Tale of Two Cities. Dickens’ classic of the French Revolution receives a world premiere musical treatment at the hands of composer-librettist Jill Santoriello, directed by the Asolo Repertory Theatre’s Michael Donald Edwards prior to an expected Broadway run. The sweeping story is onstage Oct. 13 through Nov. 18 at the Asolo; for tickets, 351-8000.

Harry Who? The Lullaby of Broadway. FST’s Goldstein Cabaret revives the songs of Harry Warren (42nd Street, We’re in the Money) in this revue, opening Oct. 23 and running through Jan.5. 366-9000.

Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical. The Frank Wildhorn/Leslie Bricusse hit examining the two sides of Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous character, onstage Oct. 25 through Nov. 4 at the Players Theatre. 365-2494.

Misery. Stephen King’s highly enjoyable thriller about a novelist injured in a car accident who’s “rescued” by his biggest fan takes to the Cook Theatre stage in an Asolo Rep production starring David Breitbarth and Devora Millman, Oct. 30 through Dec. 9. 351-8000.

Murder by Poe. ‘Tis the season for scary stories, as witness the FSU/Asolo Conservatory production of this Jeffrey Hatcher compilation of seven of scare master Edgar Allan Poe’s most famous stories. Get ready for chills. Running Oct. 31 through Nov. 18 in the Historic Asolo Theater. 351-8000.