Books

Sarasota again shows its affection for books and authors with the Sarasota Reading Festival, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 2 downtown. There'll be the usual food tents, book appraisals and storybook characters roaming Five Points, along with panel discussions, book signings and children's activities. Among the authors scheduled at press time: crime queen and king Edna Buchanan and Michael Connelly, the Washington Post's Leonard Downie, Sarasota's own Leslie Glass and Michael Connelly, journalists Bruce Feiler and Bob Greene, and Peter Matthiessen, who will speak about his Everglades trilogy. For complete info call 957-5109.

Film

Pack as many movies as you can in during the Cine-World Film Festival at Burns Court Cinema, Nov. 8-17. There are more than 50 being screened, with selections from the Toronto, New York and Cannes fests and a special focus on films from France. Call 364-8662, 955-FILM, or look to the Web site at www.filmsociety.org.

Music

Get the blues again this year at the 12th annual Sarasota Bluefest, set for Nov. 2 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Little Milton, Eric Sardinas, The All-Stars and the Gibbs Bros. were among the acts announced at press time, but that's just for starters. Gates open at 11 a.m. and music starts at noon; bring your blankets or lawn chair. And pace yourself: There's an after party at Classic Wax Blues Bar. Advance tickets available at Ticketmaster locations, the fairgrounds, Classic Wax and Rossiter's Harley Davidson.

Art

More than 50 photographers, including Ansel Adams, Heinz Lechner, Susan Meisel, Dread Scott and Harvey Stein, are highlighted in Where We Live: Photography and Place, which opens with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at Selby Gallery and continues through Dec. 13. Call 359-7563 for more information.

Art

Selby Gallery. The Ringling School faculty exhibition, Part II, ends here Nov. 2. Then Where We Live: Photography and Place runs Nov. 8-Dec. 13. Information: 359-7563.

Art Center Sarasota. The Broth Open Photography show ends Nov. 9. It's followed by the Members' Holiday Sales and Winter Members' shows, Nov. 15-Dec. 28. Information: 365-2032.

Venice Art Center. The Autumn Members' Show and an exhibition of mixed media works by Judy Lyons Schneider continue through Nov. 13, followed by the Florida Artists Group and a Member's Sculpture and Pottery Show, Nov. 18-Dec. 4 (reception Nov. 22). Information: 485-7136.

Women's Resource Center. People, Places and Plants, acrylic paintings by Marti Grinberg, on view through Nov. 25. 366-1700.

Museum of Asian Art. Fantastic Animals, featuring art objects from China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia and Thailand, ends Nov. 29 at the Washington Boulevard museum space. Information: 952-0666.

Galleria Silecchia. Continuing through Nov. 30: an exhibition of Impressionist landscapes of the Amalfi coast by William Berra. Also: Glenna Goodacre sculptures and blown glass by Flo Perkins and Nick Mount. Information: 365-7414.

Ringling Museum of Art. Rodin: A Magnificent Obsession, featuring sculptures by the master from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, continues on view through Jan. 5. Information: 359-5700.

Tampa Museum of Art. Continuing through Jan. 5: Photography's Multiple Roles, a panorama of 20th-century photography. Information: (813) 274-8130.

Museum of Fine Arts. The St. Petersburg museum continues its exhibition Red Grooms: The Complete Graphic Works through Jan. 5. Information: (727) 896-2667.

L'Attitude Gallery. Two shows this month at the gallery's new Sarasota location, 1219 First St: Emerging from Down Under, featuring Glassborow and other Australian artists (Nov. 1-27) and Glass Invitational, presenting more than 30 glass artists, Nov. 29-Jan. 2 (reception 1-4 p.m. Nov. 29). Information: 373-0767.

Sonnet Gallery. Paintings by Donald Rednor focusing on People are on view Nov. 1-Dec. 1. Information: 955-6443.

Palm Avenue Gallery. Oils on canvas by Italian-American Louis Giusti are on view Nov. 1-30. Information: 953-5757.

Apple & Carpenter Galleries. Art Treasures of the 19th and 20th Century, Nov. 1-29. Information: 951-2314.

Paradise Gallery. Tapestries by Bonny Hawley are on view Nov. 1-16, followed by Abstract Forms by Rez Raven, Nov. 17-30. Information: 366-7155.

Missing Link Gallery. Sculpture from West Africa and photography by Jerry Uelsmann, Patty Prince, Mario Algaze and Maggie Taylor. Also art from Africa, Oceania and the Americas. 366-6600.

Palm Avenue First Friday Walk. A stroll down the avenue, with live entertainment and more, from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 1. Information: 951-2314.

Mira Mar Gallery/Allyn Gallup Art. Works by Dee Hood and Luis Delgado are on view this month. Information: 366-2093.

Santa Fe Trails. On view this month are works by Santa Fe artist David DeVary. Information: 954-1972.

Salvador Dali Museum. Showing through Jan. 19: Dali Objects/Dali Fetishes, including The Lobster Telephone, The Aphrodisiac Dinner Jacket and The Venus with Drawers. Information: (727) 823-3767.

Longboat Key Center for the Arts. Northern Trust sponsors an exhibition featuring works by past winners at the Center, with an opening reception 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 9. Through Nov. 27. Information: 383-2345.

Chasen Reed. Twenty-five of artist-author Diana Kan's acclaimed watercolors and Chinese paintings will be on view here Nov. 15-Dec. 31, with an opening from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 22. Information: 953-4400.

Towles Court Gallery Walks. The artists' colony Third Friday Walk is set for 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 15, with the annual "Lights on Gallery Walk" Nov. 23. Information: 955-0050 or 362-0960.

Sarasota Season of Sculpture. Jorge Blanco, Duncan and John Chamberlain, David E. Davis, Dennis Kowal and William Tarr are among the sculptors featured in this bayfront exhibition, Nov. 17-May 31. Information: 331-2008.

Children

Florida West Coast Chamber Orchestra Family Concert. Music for the entire family at 4 p.m. Nov. 2 at Holley Hall, but especially recommended for ages six to 12. Free, but advance passes required, so stop by the Florida West Coast box office well ahead of time. Information: 953-3434.

Comedy

Capitol Steps. Yep, just in time for Election Night the D.C.-based satirical troupe arrives at the Van Wezel, at 8 p.m. Nov. 5. So cast your vote and then get your laughs. Information: 953-3368.

McCurdy's Comedy Theater. The laughs here are coming from Bobby Collins (Nov. 1-3), Sean Morey (Nov. 8-9), Jim O'Brian (Nov. 13-17), comics TBA (Nov. 20-24 and Nov. 27-Dec. 1), and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, Nov. 30 (the latter at the Opera House). Information: 925-3869.

Dance

Urban Tap. A mix of tap, capoeira, hip-hip and more from this eclectic company, led by artist director Tamango. At 8 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Sarasota Ballet of Florida. Carmen and Paquita are the offerings this month, at 8 p.m. Nov. 15, and 2 and 8 p.m. Nov. 16 and 17 at the Van Wezel. Information: 351-8000.

Film

Cine-World Film Festival. Nov. 8-17 at Burns Court Cinema. Information: 955-FILM.

Miscellaneous

Classic Mercedes Car Show. At St. Armands Circle Park, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 2. Information: 388-1554.

Selby Gardens Fall Plant Fair. Stock up now for your house and garden, Nov. 9, 10 and 11 at the gardens. Information: 366-5731.

Jewish Book Fair. Five authors will discuss hotly debated issues in contemporary Jewish culture, Nov. 10-21 at the Flanzer Jewish Community Center. Included: Rich Cohen, Rabbi Lawrence L. Raphael, Eugene Pogany, Larry Tye and Norma Rosen. For more information call 378-5568, ext. 215.

Cirque Eloize. The Montreal-based, animal-free circus/theater company presents its latest, Nomade, at 8 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Sarasota Rose Society Show and Sale. Run for the roses, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 23 and 24 at Selby Gardens. Information: 366-5731.

Heritage Holidays at Historic Spanish Point. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons from Nov. 29-Dec. 15, a troupe of actors presents living history vignettes in Mary's Chapel, the citrus packing house and Mrs. Palmer's sunken garden at the historic site I Osprey. Information: 966-5214.

Music

Up Close, Informal, on Stage. The Sarasota Opera continues its newest concert series with soprano Christina Bouras, at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Opera House. A reception follows; for more info call 366-8450, ext. 1.

Charlie Daniels Band. That redneck fiddlin' man turns up at the Van Wezel, at 8 p.m. Nov. 3. Information: 953-3368.

Florida String Quartet. Heart Strings offers works by Haydn, Ramsier (a world premiere titled Zoo of Dreams II) and Brahms, at 4 p.m. Nov. 3 at Holley Hall. Information: 953-3434.

Sarasota Opera. A Night in Italy is the theme for this concert featuring singers with piano accompaniment, at 8 p.m. Nov. 7 and 9 at the Opera House. Information: 366-8450, ext. 1.

Florida West Coast Symphony Masterworks. Vocal ensemble Key Chorale joins the symphony for the season opening performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, at 8 p.m. Nov. 8 (Neel Auditorium) and 8 p.m. Nov. 9, 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Nov. 10 (all at Van Wezel). Information: 953-3434.

Peter, Paul and Mary. Forty-two years together and still going strong, the folk trio performs works old and new at 8 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Jazz Club of Sarasota Members' Concert. Johnny Frigo and Joe Vito headline, at 8 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Sarasota Opera House. Information: 366-1552.

Gloria Musicae. Jazz musician extraordinaire Dick Hyman and his trio meet the choral ensemble in The Best of All Possible Worlds, featuring both Hyman's original works and pieces by other composers. At 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Opera House; call 366-8450.

Hall and Oates. John and Daryl together again, at 8 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

The Verdi Concert: Most Requested. Another Sarasota Opera offering. Victor DeRenzi conducts soloists and the Florida West Coast Symphony in a concert that features music from Aida, Rigoletto and other Verdi masterpieces. At 8 p.m. Nov. 15 and 16 at the Opera House. Information: 366-8450, ext. 1.

Esteban. The classical/flamenco guitarist (and new Sarasota resident) opens the Ringling Museum's new concert series, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 in the courtyard. Information: 358-3180.

Coffee Concert. The Florida Wind Quintet and the Florida West Coast Chamber Players offer works by Kellaway and Ponchielli, at 10 .m. Nov. 20 at Holley Hall. Refreshments at 9:30 a.m. Information: 953-3434.

Florida West Coast Symphony Casual Classics/Concert Lite/Enchanted Evening. Cut a rug with Weber's Invitation to the Dance, hits from A Chorus Line and Benny Goodman's classic Big Band hits, among other music, for a Let's Dance evening at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 22 and 8 p.m. Nov. 23 at Holley Hall. Information: 953-3434.

Neil Sedaka. The perennial popster returns to the Van Wezel, at 8 p.m. Nov. 21. Information: 953-3368.

Vladimir Feltsman. Pianist Feltsman graces the Ruth Eckerd stage in Clearwater, at 8 p.m. Nov. 21. Information: (727) 791-7400.

Kenny Rogers. He's gambling on a night at Ruth Eckerd Hall, at 8 p.m. Nov. 22. Information: (727) 791-7400.

Smooth Jazz on St. Armands. Celebrate St. Armands Fourth Friday event with live entertainment, wine and food tastings and more, 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 22. Information: 388-1554.

Stanislavsky Opera: La Boheme. Puccini's classic about suffering seamstress Mimi, at 8 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Sarasota Folk Club. Charley Groth & Group headline the Sarasota Sailing Squadron at 8:30 p.m. Nov. 25; open mike at 7:15. Information: 377-9256.

Florida String Quartet/New Artists Piano Quartet. The quartets team up (doesn't that make it an octet?) for an all-French program, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26 at Holley Hall. Information: 953-3434.

Sports

Gettel Mitsubishi Charity Golf Classic. It's set for Nov. 12 at Laurel Oak Country Club, to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Information: 952-5836.

Talks

Selby Library Books & Coffee. The History of the Siege of Lisbon by Nobel winner Jose Saramago will be discussed, 10:30 a.m. Nov. 12 at the library. Information: 365-5228.

Tuesdays in the Tropics Fedder Science Lecture. Dinotopia creator James Gurney appears at 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at Selby Gardens; call 366-5731.

Art and Wine Series. This season's series mingling the visual arts and the art of the grape commences at 6 p.m. Nov. 14 at Selby Gallery. Information: 359-7563.

SmARTtalk. This month's Sarasota County Arts Council luncheon/discussion centers on wearable/fiber art, and a number of artists in the form will sell from their collections before and after lunch. Nov. 26 at Michael's On East; call 365-5118.

Theater

Suds. The Florida premiere of this '60s-era nostalgia fest of comedy, song and dance ends its run Nov. 10 on the Golden Apple stage. Information: 366-5454.

My Fair Lady. The ever-popular Lerner-Loewe musical, onstage through Nov. 10 at the Players of Sarasota. Information: 365-2494.

Peter Pan. You can visit Neverland through Nov. 10 at the Manatee Players Riverfront Theatre. Information: 748-5875.

Opal's Husband. The latest installment in the Opal comedy series, through Nov. 17 at the Lemon Bay Playhouse. Information: 475-6756.

The Man with the Plastic Sandwich. This Roger Karshner comedy with the intriguing name continues through Nov. 23 at the Venice Golden Apple. Information: 484-7711.

Olympus on My Mind. A musical romp spoofing the Greek myth of Amphitryon. (Don't worry if you don't remember that one; it's about Jupiter, middle age and seduction.) Onstage this month at Florida Studio Theatre. Information: 366-9000.

Over the River and Through the Woods. Joe DiPietro's hit about a young Italian man and his grandparents is presented Nov. 1-24 at American Stage in St. Petersburg. Information: (727) 823-PLAY.

Inherit the Wind. Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee's somewhat fictionalized account of the Scopes "monkey" trial of the 1920s, onstage Nov. 1-Feb. 22 at the Asolo. Information: 351-8000.

My One and Only Gershwin. Music from George and Ira, including Swanee, I Got Rhythm and Someone to Watch Over Me in this revue on Florida Studio Theatre's cabaret stage, opening Nov. 5. Information: 366-9000.

The Waverly Gallery. A drama with laughs about the effects on one family when Alzheimer's strikes. Nov. 7-20 at Venice Little Theatre's Stage II. Information: 488-1115.

The Sunshine Boys. That cantankerous old comedy team Lewis and Clark is at it again in this Neil Simon hit, opening the Theatre Works season Nov. 8-Dec. 15. Information: 952-9170.

Brighton Beach Memoirs. It's a Neil Simon month, all right, with this autobiographical addition to the Asolo season, onstage Nov. 8--Feb. 23. Information: 351-8000.

Stage II Cabarets. A new offering from Venice Little Theatre, with two cabaret shows this month. The first is an evening with Jackie LaBarro and friends (Nov. 10-11); the second is TBA, set for Nov. 17 and 18. Information: 488-1115.

Mame. She knocks the blues right out of the horn and all that.onstage at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre, Nov. 12-Jan. 12. Information: 366-5454.

Rumors. A New York dinner party goes terribly wrong, to good comic effect, in this piece by-you guessed it-Neil Simon, onstage at the Island Players Nov. 14-24. Information: 778-5755.

You Never Can Tell. The Asolo goes Shavian with this comedy examining love, courtship, social rank and the changing roles of women as only George Bernard would do, Nov. 15-April 5. Information: 351-8000.

Will Rogers Follies. The musical about the comedian who never met a man he didn't like, Nov. 19-Dec. 8 at Venice Little Theatre. Information: 488-1115.

An Evening with Burt Reynolds. Movie star and onetime Florida footballer Reynolds reflects on his career, at 8 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

The Amorous Ambassador. Hijinks in London with the American ambassador and his family.and his very proper British butler. Onstage Nov. 26-Dec. 31 at the Venice Golden Apple. Information: 484-7711.

Riverdance. The Irish dancing phenomenon, onstage at 8 p.m. Nov. 26 and 27 and 2 and 8 p.m. Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1, at the Van Wezel. Information; 953-3368.

The Blue Room. This David Hare work, adapted from Schnitzler's La Ronde, caused quite a stir when Nicole Kidman bared all in the London production. It's presented Nov. 27-Dec. 15 by the FSU/Asolo Conservatory in the Jane B. Cook Theatre at the Asolo. Information: 351-8000.

A Christmas Carol. A more family-oriented entertainment on the mainstage at the Asolo, Nov. 30-Dec. 28. It's Dickens with special effects, music and a few additions to the cast of characters. Information: 351-8000.