Art

Art Center Sarasota. Sumi-e, ink paintings from the Sarasota Chapter of Sumi-e Society of America, and an invitational show of Artists of Sarasota continue through Feb. 7, with a Beauty in Stone sculpture exhibition also on view Feb. 2-7. Coming up Feb. 13 to run through March 14: the Winter Members' Show. Information: 365-2032.

Selby Gallery. Safe Sex: The History of the Great American Pin-Up, continues through Feb. 11. Opening with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 20 (to run through March 27): Ronald Bladen: From Expressionism to Minimalism, tracing the career of the late Canadian artist. Information: 359-7563.

Tampa Museum of Art. Selections from the Neuberger Berman Corporate Collection are on view through April 11. Included: works by Andreas Gursky, Vik Muniz and Mary Heilman, among others. Information: (813) 274-8130.

Ringling Museum of Art. Renaissance to Rococo: Masterpieces from the Collection of the Wadsworth Atheneum of Art continues through April 25 in the West Galleries. Highlights: works by Zurbaran, Caravaggio, Goya and Ruisdael. Information: 359-5700.

Museum of Fine Arts. Chihuly Across Florida: Masterworks in Glass presents glass sculptures created specifically for the St. Petersburg museum, through May 30. Information: (727) 896-2667.

Salvador Dali Museum. Continuing on view through Sept. 19: Dali Centennial: The American Collection, a retrospective of the St. Petersburg museum's permanent collection. Information: (727) 823-3767.

Missing Link Gallery. On view this month: silver prints of Cuba, Mexico and South America from Cuban-born photographer Mario Algaze. Also on display: ritual and traditional sculptures. Information: 366-6600.

Galleria Silecchia. On view this month at the Palm Avenue venue, an Art Glass Invitational featuring works by Hiroshi Yamano, Flo Perkins, Nick Mount, Duncan McClellan, Debra May, Barry Sautner and other artists. Also, figurative bronze by Glenna Goodacre and hand-painted glass chandeliers by Ulla Darni. Information: 365-7414.

Mira Mar Gallery. New paintings by Michael Kessler fill the Palm Avenue space this month. Information: 366-2093.

Venice Art Center. Through the Needle's Eye, a National Embroidery Guild exhibition, and the Venetian Society of Basket Weavers show are on view Feb. 2-29. Information: 485-7136.

Museum of Asian Art. Between Heaven and Earth: A Reflection of Family Life in China, puts the concept of Chinese family life in the American idiom, exploring religion and philosophy, imperial hierarchy and traditional lifestyles and culture. Through Sept. 24. Clarence Shangraw, curator emeritus of the San Francisco Museum of Asian Art, will also present a lecture at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at Selby Library. Information: 952-0666.

Sonnet Gallery. Empty Space features paintings and sculptures by Ivan Rojas, Feb. 6-March 3. Information: 955-6443.

Palm Avenue First Friday Walk. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the artsy avenue, 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 6. Information: 373-9660

Longboat Key Center for the Arts. Quintessential Contemporary, an exhibition of contemporary art from private Longboat collections, opens with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 6 and continues through Feb. 29. A slide lecture accompanies the show at 4 p.m. Feb. 13. Also this month: Recent Paintings and Drawings by Fernando Madridejos, through Feb. 26; a Jeanne Norman Chase exhibition opening Feb. 28; and jazz concerts at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3. Information: 383-2345.

Plum Door Art Studios and Gallery. Enjoy A Month in Bali with the paintings and monotypes of Patricia Gawle, who spent time on the island recently. Opening reception from 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Towles Court space; runs through March 16. Information: 362-0960.

Towles Court Third Friday Gallery Walk. From 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 20 in the artists' colony. Information: 362-0690.

Serendipity Gallery. The North Trail gallery features a preview of artwork that will be available at an upcoming Planned Parenthood auction, Feb. 27-March 5. Information: 906-8434.

Comedy

Don Rickles and Tony Danza. Look for the laughs, and, of course, the insults, at 8 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Dance

Sarasota Ballet of Florida. The company presents its Carmen, at 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 1; and its Madame Butterfly, at 8 p.m. Feb. 27, 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 28, 29 and March 1, both at FSU Center for the Performing Arts. Information: 351-8000.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Always a favorite at the Van Wezel, the Ailey troupe returns at 8 p.m. Feb. 13. Information: 953-3368.

Miscellaneous

Venice Area Orchid Society Show. This year's show, an Aztec Adventure, continues through Feb. 1 at the Venice Community Center. Information: 488-4845 or 923-7706.

South Florida Museum. Lewis & Clark Botanical Discoveries: Illustrations by Charlotte Straub Thomas, continues through March 7 in the South Gallery of the Bradenton museum. Information: 746-4131.

Sarasota Italian Cultural Events. It's Italy in Sarasota all this month, with offerings including An Evening in Tuscany, Feb. 10 at Waterside Room 216 at the Quay, a tour of the Design O'Fresco showroom Feb. 13, a cooking demonstration at Divino Restaurant Feb. 22, a screening of Martin Scorsese's My Voyage to Italy, Feb. 27, and several lectures related to the Italian heritage. For complete info, head to www.sicedautore.com.

Sarasota News & Books Book Signings. Look for Ad Hudler (Feb. 6), Susan Elizabeth Phillips (Feb. 21), Nancy Schlossberg (Feb. 25) and SARASOTA Magazine contributor Tim Dorsey (Feb. 28) at the downtown bookstore. Information: 365-6332.

Sarasota-Bradenton Antiques Classic. Sarasota's largest antiques show, with approximately 200 booths, takes place Feb. 13, 14 and 15 at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Convention Center on West University Parkway. Information: (352) 527-6666.

Children First Celebration. This year's celebration kicks off with a Night of Comedy Feb. 19 at McCurdy's and continues with a golf tournament Feb. 20 at Pelican Pointe Country Club (and mini golf at Smuggler's Cove), wrapping up with a kids' comedy show Feb. 21 at McCurdy's and a celebration dinner that evening at Chelsea Center. For complete info, call 953-3877.

Pug Parade. The seventh annual event for those little darlings and their doting owners, set for Feb. 21 at Adventure Park in Lakewood Ranch. To benefit the Humane Society of Sarasota County; for more info call 366-8225, ext. 316.

Parade of Homes. You can tour 148 models in seven different developments in this year's parade, sponsored by the Manatee and Sarasota County homebuilder's Associations. Dates are Feb. 21-March 7; for more info go to www.ParadeofHomesInfo.com.

Florida West Coast Symphony Association Designer Showcase. Seagrove, a new private seaside retreat on Siesta Key, is the setting for this year's showcase featuring the latest in interior design trends from area experts. Open to the public Feb. 28 through March 21; call 953-4252 for more details.

Music

Artist Series of Sarasota. Pianist Kristian Bezuidenhout plays Mozart and Haydn at 8 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center. Also this month: soprano Mara Bonde presents songs by Rodgers and Hart, Weill and Handel, at 8 p.m. Feb. 22. Information: 388-1188.

Mancini at the Movies. Composer/conductor Henry Mancini receives tribute from daughter-and vocalist-Monica, at 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 2 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Casual Classics/Concert Lites/Enchanted Evenings. Sophisticated Ladies is the theme for the first of this month's Florida West Coast Symphony concerts, set for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 6, and 8 p.m. Feb. 7 at Holley Hall. Expect works from Laura, Carmen and Damn Yankees, among others. Then get into a wintery mood with White Nights, a Russian festival featuring Dark Eyes, Volga Boatmen and Somewhere My Love from Dr. Zhivago. At 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 27, and 8 p.m. Feb. 28 at Holley Hall; also at 3 p.m. Feb. 29 at the Lemon Bay Performing Arts Center. Information: 953-3434.

Dave Brubeck Quartet. Jazz man Brubeck is joined by bassist Michael Moore, versatile musician Bobby Militello and drummer Randy Jones, at 8 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Tosca. The Puccini classic opens the Sarasota Opera season with a gala performance at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7, followed by performances Feb. 10, 15, 18, 26, 29 and in March. Information: 366-8450.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Daniele Gatti wields the baton when the Royal Phil performs works by Prokofiev, Mozart and Tchaikovsky, at 8 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Sarasota Pops. Pops and Pipes II, welcoming horn player and piper Gary Reinstrom and the Jacobites Pipe and Drum Band, takes place at 3 p.m. Feb. 8 at Neel Performing Arts Center. Information: 795-POPS.

Florida Brass Quintet. Ewazen's Colchester Fantasy and Walker's Raise the Roof! are highlights of this ensemble concert, at 10 a.m. Feb. 11 at Holley Hall. Information: 953-3434.

The Ten Tenors. Australia's super singing group ranges from Queen to Verdi to Simon and Garfunkel in their appearance at 8 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Valentine Pops. It's An Affair to Remember when maestro Andrew Lane conducts Florida West Coast Symphony musicians in some romantic selections, at 8 p.m. Feb. 13 at Neel Performing Arts Hall and 3 p.m. Feb. 14 at the North Port Performing Arts Center. Information: 953-3434.

Jazz Club of Sarasota. On tap this month: Jazz Jams at 2 p.m. Feb. 14 and 28 at the Bayfront Community Center; and a Member Concert spotlighting the Tommy Gryce Trio with vocalist Pat Tandy, at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at St. Thomas More Church. Information: 366-1552.

The Magic Flute. Mozart's delightful masterpiece is staged by the Sarasota Opera Feb. 14, 17, 19, 22 and 27, with more performances coming in March. Information: 366-8450.

Valentine's Bouquet. A special event at the Players Theatre for the romantic holiday, presenting Broadway love songs and opera arias. At 8 p.m. Feb. 14. Information: 365-2494.

Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme. The longtime duo promises this is "One More for the Road, Our Last Tour," so you'd better try to hear them now. At 8 p.m. Feb. 14 and 15 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Gloria Musicae. More Love and More Chocolate reprises the Valentine's theme for this choral ensemble, with poetry and drama tidbits from Tessie Hogan and V. Craig Heidenreich, romantic music, and, of course, chocolate and champagne. At 4 p.m. Feb. 15 at Holley Hall, Symphony Center. Information: 954-4223.

Venice Symphony. The symphony examines Music Outside the Box at 4 p.m. Feb. 15 at Aston Gardens in Venice; it also offers classical concerts at 8 p.m. Feb. 27 and at 4 and 8 p.m. Feb. 28 at Church of the Nazarene. Information: 488-1010.

The Sauce Boss. Florida musician Bill Wharton serves up blues and gumbo at 2 and 7 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Players Theatre, in a Van Wezel Hall offering. Information: 953-3368.

The One and Only Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Lots of Big Band sounds, at 2 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

The Italian-American Music Festival. Parla Italiano with Al Martino, Anna Maria Alberghetti and Dick Contino and the Italian-American Festival Orchestra. At 8 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Florida West Coast Symphony Masterworks Concerts. Conductor George Cleve and clarinetist Mark Brandenberg join the musicians for concerts that include Debussy's Prelude to an Afternoon of a Faun and Schubert's Symphony No. 9 ("The Great"). At 8 p.m. Feb. 20 at Neel Performing Arts Center in Bradenton; 8 p.m. Feb. 21 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3434.

Engelbert Humperdinck. Get into that romantic mood with Engelbert, at 8 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Concertino International Chamber Ensemble. This new ensemble presents Romantic Fever, offering music by Mendelssohn, Weber and more, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Church of the Nazarene in Venice. Information: 955-6229.

Epiphany Cathedral Concert Series. Tony Melendez, a young musician with no arms who's performed several times before the Pope, joins with vocalist Annie Karto in concert at 3 p.m. Feb. 22 at the cathedral. Information: 484-3505.

Sarasota Folk Club. This month's concerts include an event Feb. 23 at the Sailing Squadron (Joe and Tree Brunelle), and house concerts Feb. 26 (Brenda Nolan) and 28 (Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly). For locations and other info, call 377-9256.

National Symphony Orchestra. Leonard Slatkin conducts the orchestra, at 8 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Van Wezel, with Dvorak's Carnival Overture among the program highlights. Information: 953-3368.

National Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra performs again in this Sarasota Concert Association subscription concert, at 8 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Van Wezel. To see if any tickets are available, call 955-0040.

Michael McDonald. Laid-back baritone McDonald performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Smooth Jazz on St. Armands. Fred Johnson and Theo Valentine are the featured performers this month, from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 27 along St. Armands Circle. Information: 388-1554.

Werther. Massenet's operatic interpretation of Goethe's classic work about a young man desperately in love with a married woman. Onstage at the Sarasota Opera House starting Feb. 28, with added performances in March. Information: 366-8450.

Florida Voices. Songs of America presents a sampling of choral music from such composers as Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein, along with some traditional folk songs and spirituals. At 4 p.m. Feb. 29 at the Symphony Center. Information: 907-8257.

Sports

Sarasota Ski-A-Rees. Free water skiing shows, at 2 p.m. each Sunday Feb. 8 through April 25 on City Island behind Mote Aquarium. Information: 388-1666.

Talks

Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL). The lecture series offers a full month of talks on diverse subjects; call 365-6404 for more info.

The Education Center. The Longboat venue's lecture series continues with SARASOTA Magazine contributor Janis Frawley-Holler, Feb. 3; scientist-educator Dr. Leon Mandell, Feb. 10; dance expert Dina Shachar-Labes, Feb. 17; and Jean Joseph Renoux Feb. 24. All are at 3 p.m. Information: 383-8811.

SmARTtalk. The Importance and Impact of Dance are the subjects of this month's Sarasota County Arts Council luncheon-event, set for 11:45 a.m. Feb. 4 at Michael's On East. Speakers include Andrew Smart and Anna Christine of the World Dance Arts Foundation. Dance demonstrations are also planned. For more info, call 365-5118.

Lettuce & Lectures. Sarasota mystery writer Leslie Glass talks about her character, April Woo, and Cover Art at noon Feb. 4 at Selby Library. Information: 365-5228.

Books & Coffee. Classical scholar Dr. Mary Nickles presents Greek Myths Alive! at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 10 at Selby Library. Information: 365-5228.

Ringling School Library Association Town Hall Today. Battling political pundits-and married pair-Mary Matalin and James Carville tackle the issues and each other, at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 18 at the Van Wezel. Information: 925-1343.

Palm Literary Society. Author Susan Vreeland (The Girl in Hyacinth Blue, The Passion of Artemisia) comes to town to talk about her latest novel, The Forest Lover, a fictional portrait of pioneering artist Emily Carr. At 11:30 a.m. Feb. 20 at Michael's On East; luncheon included. Information: 957-3660.

Theater

Assassins. The Sondheim musical continues through Feb. 8 at Venice Little Theatre's Stage II. Information: 488-1115.

The Crucible. Arthur Miller's ever-timely testament about suspicion's spread is onstage through Feb. 21 at the Asolo. Information: 351-8000.

The Road to Ruin. Eberle Thomas' adaptation of a 200-year-old comedy about a father, a son, and a wealthy widow breezes along through Feb. 22 at the Asolo. Information: 351-8000.

Noel Coward at the Café de Paris. One-man show artiste Will Stutts becomes the urbane Coward, through Feb. 22 in the Asolo's Cook Theatre. Information: 351-8000.

Spinning into Butter. Rebecca Gilman's comic expose of race relations on a college campus continues through Feb. 22 at American Stage in St. Petersburg. Information: (727) 823-PLAY.

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. The brassy musical about a bordello doomed to extinction continues through Feb. 25 at the Players Theatre. Information: 365-2494.

Sophie Tucker: Last of the Red Hot Mamas. Singer-actress Kathy Halenda returns to FST, at its First Street Gompertz Theatre, throughout the month. Information: 366-9000.

On the Road. Travelin' songs and more in this musical revue, onstage through March 20 at Florida Studio Theatre's Goldstein Cabaret. Information: 366-9000.

Singin' in the Rain. Get happily soaked at the Golden Apple's production of this musical about the advent of talking films, continuing through March 7. Information: 366-5454.

The Millionairess. George Bernard Shaw's late comedy centers on a wealthy woman looking for something-or someone-new to want, through April 3 at the Asolo. Information: 351-8000.

Red Skelton: A Tribute. The red-headed clown is resurrected through the talents of Tom Mullica, Feb. 2-6 at Venice Little Theatre. Information: 488-1115.

Ain't Misbehavin'. The Fats Waller musical, presented by the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe, Feb. 2, 9 and 23 at the Manatee Players Riverfront Theatre. Information: 748-5875.

Grandma Sylvia's Funeral. You're part of the family at the funeral for Sylvia Schildiner Grossman in this interactive comedy, staged by the Full Moon Theatre to benefit Kobernick House-Anchin Pavilion. Performances are Feb. 5-8, 11-15, and 18-22 at the Waterside Room at the Quay. Information: 552-1595.

The Mousetrap. Agatha Christie's classic whodunit takes to the Players Theatre stage in a Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce production. At 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7. Information: 365-2494.

The Bully Pulpit. Actor-writer Michael O. Smith tackles the vivid persona of Teddy Roosevelt in this world premiere one-man show, on Florida Studio Theatre's mainstage Feb. 10-April 10. Information: 366-9000.

Say Goodnight, Gracie. Frank Gorshin brings the story of George Burns and Gracie Allen to life, at 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

The Sound of Music. Captain von Trapp, his seven adorable children, and governess Maria meet again, at 8 p.m. Feb. 16 and at 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Guys and Dolls. Welcome back to Runyonland, courtesy of Frank Loesser's music and those great characters like Harry the Horse, Miss Adelaide and Nathan Detroit. Onstage Feb. 17-March 14 at Venice Little Theatre. Information: 488-1115.

The Women. Claire Booth Luce's 1930s hit about society matrons with problems, onstage at the Manatee Players Riverfront Theatre Feb. 19-March 7. Information: 748-5875.

South Pacific. Once more, the Players Theatre discovers that There Is Nothing Like a Dame, Feb. 26-March 7. Information: 365-2494.

The Angels of Lemnos. A funny-sad play by Jim Henry that ties together a missing baby, a young homeless man and the concept of "angels on earth." Feb. 26-March 14 at Venice Little Theatre's Stage II. Information: 488-1115.

A Few Good Men Dancin'. Twenty-five male dancers from Broadway to Cirque du Soleil demonstrate their athletic and artistic skills, at 3 and 8 p.m. Feb. 29 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.