11.5 cols

Feb. events

Art

Art Center Sarasota. Through Feb. 5, a Circus Show continues in the front and main galleries. Through Feb. 7: a mixed media and photography show featuring the works of Melody Oxarart and Judy Kramer is in the Members Gallery. Opening Feb. 15 to run through March 12: a joint show with Venice Art Center offers Abstract Artworks in the main gallery. In the front, a show by Ringling School students. Information: 365-2032.

Katharine Butler Gallery. Continuing through Feb. 12 is a show featuring photographs by David Thalmann and Justin Freed. Information: 955-4546.

Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art. On view through Feb. 15 is a show of figurative paintings influenced by technology by Sandy Winters. Opening Feb. 4 to run through March 4: a show of biomorphic paintings by Tanja Softic. Information: 366-2093.

Selby Gallery. On view through Feb. 18: Constructing Realities, Part III, featuring work by installation artists Virginia Beth Shields, Dread Scott, Ray Azcuy and David Estis. In Gallery II, Sandy Winters creates a walk-in environment. Information: 359-7563.

Museum of Asian Art. Continuing through Feb. 25: The Pei Architectural Legacy, an exhibition of designs by Chien Chung, Li Chung Pei and I.M. Pei. Also: the Stan and Nancy Kaplan Collection of Scholars' Rocks. Information: 954-7117.

Tampa Museum of Art. An African-American quilt show continues through April 3. Information: (813) 274-8130.

Ringling Museum of Art. Ansel Adams: Celebration of Genius continues through April 10, featuring 150 works in all by the late great photographer. Information: 359-5700.

Museum of Fine Arts. Monet's London: Artists' Reflections on the Thames, 1859-1914, continues through April 24, displaying more than 100 works including many by Claude Monet. Information: (727) 896-2667.

Longboat Key Center for the Arts. Opening Feb. 1 to run through Feb. 27: paintings and sculpture by Elizabeth Van Riper and Myrna Ryke-Lambertson, with a reception at 5 p.m. Feb. 4. Also this month: FLAG (Florida Arts Group) exhibition Feb. 4-22; a jazz concert at 7 p.m. Feb. 8; Off the Walls: Paintings & Collectables, a fund raiser taking place Feb. 28; and Friendly Divergence, featuring the works of Cheryl Jorgenson and Sue Allen, opening Feb. 28. Information: 383-2345.

Palm Avenue Gallery. Sketches by Sol Schwartz related to live music performances are on view all month. Information: 953-5757.

Galleria Silecchia. New Realism painters, running Feb. 4-March 3, features works by Gary David Hoffman, Craig Srebnik, Patricia B. Wright, Patrick Kitson and William Whitaker, ranging from seascapes to still lifes to figures. Information: 365-7414.

Sonnet Gallery. Divertimento features paintings and sculptures by Ivan Rojas, Feb. 4-March 3. Information: 955-6443.

Salvador Dali Museum. Opening this month on a date TBA: Dali Revealed: Land, Myth, Perception and God, to continue through October. Also on view starting in mid-February: Traces, featuring a site-specific video installation by Jordi Colomer. Information: (727) 823-3767.

Katharine Butler Gallery. A show of oil paintings by Bernard Oulié opens Feb. 15, with a reception at 6 p.m. Feb. 16. Through March 12. Information: 955-4546.

Towles Court Third Friday Gallery Walk. From 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 18. Information: 365-8683.

Children

The Rainbow Fish. A musical adaptation of the children's story about a beautiful fish reluctant to share his scales, onstage at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 19 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Comedy

McCurdy's Comedy Theatre. Providing the laughter this month: Jimmie "JJ" Walker, Feb. 4-6; ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, Feb. 11-13; John DiCrosta, Feb. 16-20; and Brett Leake, Feb. 23-27. Information: 925-FUNY.

Martin Short. The star of television, Broadway and movies turns up at the Van Wezel, at 8 p.m. Feb. 12. Information: 953-3368.

Bill Cosby. The ever-popular Cosby returns to the Van Wezel, at 3 and 7 p.m. Feb. 13. Information: 953-3368.

Joan Rivers & Louie Anderson. Serving up humor at 8 p.m. Feb. 20 at Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Dance

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. New works from the well-established modern dance company, performed at 8 p.m. Feb. 15 at Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Sarasota Ballet of Florida. Shakespeare, Mendelssohn and the dancers combine to present A Midsummer Night's Dream, Feb. 11-14 at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. Information: 552-1032.

Momix. Moses Pendleton's Opus Cactus, a celebration of the Sonoran Desert, is performed to music ranging from Bach to Dead Can Dance, at 8 p.m. Feb. 15 at Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Miscellaneous

Embracing Our Differences. An outgrowth of last year's Coexistence exhibition, this outdoor exhibit at Island Park features selected works from local artists translated into large banners, which continue on display through Feb. 28. Sponsored by the Florida Holocaust Museum and its Sarasota Manatee Arch Family Education Center. Information: 378-8837.

Circus Sarasota. Performances are Feb. 4-27 under the Big Top at Ringling and Tuttle. Information: 355-9805.

Symphony Designer Showcase. Open Feb. 4-27 at Meridian at The Oaks Preserve, Meridian, two residences decorated by top designers. Information: 953-4252.

David Copperfield. The magician presents "An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion," at 3, 6 and 9 p.m. Feb. 5, 1 and 4 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Israel SuperFest. The Community Relations Council of the Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Federation and the Flanzer Jewish Community Center present this event Feb. 5-7 at the center. Highlights include the Shop Israel in Sarasota marketplace, Israeli food, a "virtual" tour of Israel and a musical performance by a group from Tel Mond, Israel. Information: 371-4546.

Sarasota-Bradenton Antiques Show. The largest antiques show in the area, running Feb. 11, 12 and 13 at the Sarasota/Bradenton International Convention Center on West University Parkway. Admission is $5.

Junior League of Sarasota Barely Blemished Sale. Purchase some gently used house wares, toys, clothing and more at this annual sale, 4:30-8 p.m. Feb. 11 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. A preview party is set for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10 as well. Information: 953-5600.

Cocktails at Cà d'Zan. Music and refreshments from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 17 on the grounds of the Ringling estate. Information: 359-5733.

Children First Celebration. Several events are scheduled to benefit Children First, including an evening with comedian Brett Leake, Feb. 24; a golf tournament Feb. 26; a celebration dinner Feb. 26 at the Chelsea Center; a kid's comedy show Feb. 27; and a miniature golf tournament, also Feb. 27. For complete information call 953-3877.

Pug Parade. The annual pugfest to benefit the Humane Society of Sarasota, taking place Feb. 26 at Greenbrook Adventure Park in Lakewood Ranch. You can picnic in the park with your pup starting at 11 a.m.; judging is at 12:15 p.m. and for pugs only, but all dogs are welcome. There'll also be vendors, games and food. For more info call 366-8225, ext. 316.

Parade of Homes. See the latest in home designs and amenities at the Home Builders Association of Sarasota parade, Feb. 26-March 13. For complete details, call 379-3306.

Music

Don Giovanni. The master seducer continues to get his comeuppance in the Mozart masterpiece, Feb. 1, 6, 9, 17, 20 and 25 at the Sarasota Opera House. Information: 366-8450.

The Fab Four. Revisit your love for Beatles music with this tribute performance, at 8 p.m. Feb. 1 at Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Bernadette Peters. Broadway superstar Peters returns to the Van Wezel, at 8 p.m. Feb. 2. Information: 953-3368.

Florida West Coast Symphony: Great Escapes. Try listening to some tall tales, including moments from Brigadoon, Camille and Miss Saigon, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3, 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Feb. 4, and 8 p.m. Feb. 5, all at Holley Hall. There'll also be a performance at 3 p.m. Feb. 6 at Lemon Bay High. Also this month: Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree, a trip down Memory Lane with Big Band music and more, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at Holley Hall, 11 a.m. Feb. 25 at Holley, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 25 and 8 p.m. Feb. 26, all at Holley Hall; 3 p.m. Feb. 27 at Lemon Bay. Information: 953-3434.

The Sounds of Harry James and the Andrews Sisters. Big Band memories, at 4 and 8 p.m. Feb. 5 at Venice Little Theatre. Information: 488-1115.

Sarasota Pops Orchestra. A concert featuring soloists from the Pops at 3 p.m. Feb. 5 at North Port High. The orchestra also performs with Jacobites Pipers and Dancers at 3 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Van Wezel. Information: 795-7677.

Cavalleria rusticana/Pagliacci. Adultery, jealousy and vengeance are the common themes of these two short works, presented as a double bill Feb. 5, 8, 10, 13, 18, 23 and 27 at the Sarasota Opera House. Information: 366-8450.

Paulette Pepper. Pepper scats, sings and entertains with music from the early '30s to the late '40s in this Jazz Club concert, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at Holley Hall. Information: 366-1552.

Les Brown's Band of Renown. Take A Sentimental Journey with the band, at 2 p.m. Feb. 7 at Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Mardi Gras Madness. Musician Betty Comora and her band perform Dixieland tunes, at 8 p.m. Feb. 7 at the Players. Information: 365-2494.

Itzhak Perlman. In concert at 8 p.m. Feb. 7 at Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Valentine Pops/Southern Serenades. Andrew Lane conducts Florida West Coast Symphony in music about love, 8:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Neel Performing Arts Center; 3 p.m. Feb. 12 at North Port's Performing Arts Center. Information: 953-3434.

Sarasota Concert Band. The band offers former Miss Florida Lisa Donovan performing favorites for Valentine's Day, at 3 p.m. Feb. 13 at Phillippi Estate Park. Information: 364-BAND (2263).

Gloria Musicae. Let Your Voice be Heard offers folk music from around the world in settings by master composers, and also welcomes Irish harpist Olivia Swaan and the West Coast Children's Chorus. At 4 p.m. Feb. 13 at Holley Hall. Information: 351-8000 or 954-4223.

Venice Symphony's Music Outside the Box. Trio Voila performs at 4 p.m. Feb. 13 at Jacaranda Trace. Information: 488-1010.

Sarasota Opera Artists Concerts. An array of opera, operetta and Broadway excerpts from this season's performers, at 8 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Opera House. Information: 366-8450.

Artists Series of Sarasota. In the series this month: pianist Barbara Nissman, performing works by Brahms, Schumann, Liszt and Chopin, Feb. 13; and soprano Christine Antenbring with pianist Mikhail Hallak offering Sibelius, Strauss and Weill, Feb. 27. Both concerts are at 7:30 p.m. at Holley Hall. Information: 388-1188.

Octavian and Cleopatra. A Broadway-style opera about these two ancient rulers, onstage Feb. 14 at the Players for two shows. Information: 365-2494.

New World Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra, with violinist Jennifer Koh, comes to town courtesy of the Sarasota Concert Association, at 8 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Van Wezel. To see if any tickets are available, call 955-0040. For those who can't get in to this performance, the symphony also performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Van Wezel. For that concert, call 953-3368.

Florida West Coast Symphony Masterworks. Drama and Dance presents works by Saint Saëns and Berlioz, along with Ravel's Bolero, at 8 p.m. Feb. 18 at Neel Performing Arts Center, 8 p.m. Feb. 19 and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at Van Wezel. Guest violinist is Ilya Gringolts. Information: 953-3434.

Stiffelio. The Sarasota Opera continues to explore some lesser-known Verdi with this piece about a minister who discovers his wife's infidelity. Onstage Feb. 19, 22, 24 and 27 at the Sarasota Opera House. Information: 366-8450.

Teatro Lirico d'Europa: Carmen. Bizet's fiery Carmen, in a new production featuring a real flamenco dance ensemble. Onstage at 8 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Sara Eggelfield: Sara in Song. The vocalist performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 21 at Venice Little Theatre. Information: 488-1115.

Smooth Jazz on St. Armands. This month at 6 p.m. Feb. 25 on the shopping circle. Information: 388-1554.

Venice Symphony. Presenting classical concerts at 8 p.m. Feb. 25 and 4 and 8 p.m. Feb. 26 at Church of the Nazarene. Information: 488-1010.

Exsultate! Venice's chorale presents Westward the Wagons! Songs of the American Frontier, Feb. 25 and 27 at Grace Methodist Church in Venice. Information: 484-8491.

Lakmé. Delibes' tale of forbidden love in 19th-century India bows Feb. 26 at the Sarasota Opera House. Information: 366-8450.

Red, Hot and Blue. Las Vegas-y sounds, at 8 p.m. Feb. 27 and 28, with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. Feb. 28 also. At Venice Little Theatre. Information: 488-1115.

Jonathan Biss. Pianist Biss is welcomed by the Sarasota Concert Association, at 8 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Van Wezel. For ticket info call 955-0040.

Sports

Sarasota Ski-A-Rees. Free water skiing shows each Sunday at 2 p.m. (except for Easter), Feb. 6-April 24 at the City Island location. Information: 388-1666.

Plantation Community Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic. Retired professional athletes join local amateurs in this event, which benefits the foundation's programs in the community, Feb. 16 and 17 at the Plantation Golf and Country Club. Information: 497-4826.

Scrub Jay 5K Run/One-Mile Fun Run. At Oscar Scherer State Park, which benefits from proceeds, with registration starting at 7 a.m. Feb. 19. Information: 483-5956.

Talks

Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning. SILL offers music appreciation talks at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28 (Broadway Meets Movies, American Opera, American Jazz and American Instrumental Music, respectively); arts and humanities at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22 (Before European Hegemony, Crusades and Crusade Memories East and West, The U.S. Meets the Muslim World and Art and Architecture in Contrasting Cultures, respectively); contemporary public issues, 10:30 a.m. Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 (Tax Reform, Future of Conservatism, Remaking American Intelligence to Defeat Terror and China's Democratic Future, in that order); and international challenges, 10:30 a.m. Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24 (From the End of the Cold War to the War on Terrorism, Diplomacy in the Age of Terror, Making of the Modern Middle East and Coercive Diplomacy: The Game Plan of Our Time, in that order), all at the Players Theatre except for the music series, which is at Holley Hall. SILL also presents programs in Venice; for a complete schedule call 365-6404 or go to www.sillsarasota.org.

Education Center Lecture Series. This month: Thomas O. Hecht discusses Anti-Semitism and Anti-Zionism, Feb. 1; Jean Joseph Renoux delves into the world of artist Sonia Delaunay, Feb. 8; Susan McManus visits Florida's Ever-Changing Political Landscape, Feb. 15; and Nancy and Philip Kottler present The Fine Art of Contemporary Glass Sculpture, Feb. 22. All talks at 3 p.m. at the Education Center on Longboat Key. Information: 383-8811.

Museum of Asian Art Lecture Series. Dr. Phillip Hu will speak on Shanghai Architecture: Past and Present, Feb. 3 at Selby Library. Information: 954-7117.

Palm Literary Society. Robert MacNeil, co-author of the new book Do You Speak American? is this month's guest, Feb. 7 at Michael's On East. For tickets call Amie Shay, 329-2685.

Books & Coffee. Dr. Mary Nickles examines Macbeth, at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 8 at Selby Library. Information: 365-5228.

SmARTtalk. Watching the creative process at work is the topic of this month's Sarasota County Arts Council event, which ties together a piano piece, a dance, a poem, a painting, and lunch. Starts at 11 a.m. Feb. 15 at Michael's On East; call 365-5118 for tickets.

Ringling School Library Association Town Hall Today Series. Speaking this month: HRH Prince Edward, Feb. 14 at Sarasota High, Feb. 15 at Van Wezel. Information: 925-1343.

Ringling School Library Association Art Lecture. RSAD faculty member Roxie Thomas discusses Installation as Art, Feb. 21 at Selby Gallery. Information: 925-1343.

Theater

Metamorphoses. This stylish retelling of the transformation myths of Ovid ends Feb. 5 at Florida Studio Theatre. Information: 366-9000.

Over the Tavern. Tom Dudzick's comedy-drama about a Catholic family in crisis, onstage through Feb. 6 at the Island Players. Information: 778-5755.

Anton in Show Business. What happens when a theater tries to stage Chekhov's Three Sisters.through Feb. 13 at Venice Little Theatre's Stage II. Information: 488-1115.

The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? Edward Albee's prize winner about a couple facing an unusual challenge to their happy marriage continues to run throughout February at Florida Studio Theatre's Stage III (Gompertz Theatre). Information: 366-9000.

Sherlock Holmes and the West End Horror. Another killer is stalking London, and Holmes and Watson must come to the rescue. Onstage through March 3 at the Asolo. Information: 351-8000.

Wonderful Town. Two sisters hit New York's Greenwich Village hungry for success in this Leonard Bernstein musical, running through March 6 at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre. Information: 366-5454.

The Rise and Fall of Western Civilization According to Tom Lehrer. A musical comedy revue highlighting the lyrics of Lehrer, through March 19 at Florida Studio Theatre's Goldstein Cabaret. Information: 366-9000.

Broadway Bound. The closer to Neil Simon's trilogy about the Jerome family, which is both funny and poignant. Continuing through March 31 at the Asolo. Information: 351-8000.

The Smell of the Kill. Michele Lowe's dark comedy about three unhappy wives who just may be getting rid of their husbands, onstage through May 5 at the Asolo. Information: 351-8000.

The Front Page. The Hecht-MacArthur classic about the good old days of Chicago journalism, onstage through May 3 at the Asolo. Information: 351-8000.

Hairspray. The Tony Award winner about love, laughter and big hair, onstage Feb. 1-13 at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. Information: (800) 955-1045.

Red: A Performance Tribute to Red Skelton with Tom Mullica. Mullica returns to town with this affectionate one-man show channeling the late great Red. At 8 p.m. Feb. 2, 3 and 4 at Venice Little Theatre. Information: 488-1115.

I Left My Heart: A Salute to Tony Bennett. Lots of romantic standards à la Mr. B, onstage Feb. 4-13 at American Stage in St. Pete. Information: (727) 823-PLAY.

Dracula. A joint production between the Players of Sarasota and the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce, as the count once more seeks new victims. Onstage Feb. 4 and 5 at the Players; call 365-2494.

The Last Schwartz. A comedy by Deborah Zoe Laufer about a dysfunctional family gathered in the Catskills for a memorial service. Onstage Feb. 8-April 9 at Florida Studio Theatre. Information: 366-9000.

Riverdance. The Irish dance sensation returns to the Van Wezel, at 8 p.m. Feb. 8, 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 9. Information: 953-3368.

Steve Solomon's My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish and I'm in Therapy. The title pretty much gives away what this comedy is all about. At 8 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Sophisticated Ladies. Swing along with the sounds of Duke Ellington, Feb. 10-27 at the Manatee Players Riverfront Theatre. A collaboration with the West Coast Black Theater Troupe. Information: 748-5875.

Antonio Fava in The Life, Death and Resurrection of Pulchinella. Commedia dell'arte is explored Feb. 11, 12 and 13 at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory's Cook Theatre. Information: 351-8000.

Fiddler on the Roof. Tevye, Golde and their girls are back in this perennial hit, Feb. 15-March 13 at Venice Little Theatre. Information: 488-1115.

Holes. An adaptation of Louis Sachar's popular children's book, onstage Feb. 18, 19 and 20 at the Cook Theatre. Information: 351-8000.

Cookin'. Korean martial arts, comedy and drumming combine for an unusual evening as four chefs race against the clock to prepare a wedding feast. At 8 p.m. Feb. 22 at Van Wezel. Information: 953-3368.

Show Boat. This Jerome Kern-Oscar Hammerstein classic taken from Edna Ferber's novel is still rolling down the river, Feb. 24-March 6 at the Players of Sarasota. Information: 365-2494.

In the Lap of the Gods. A new play by sometime Venice Little Theatre actor Ronald Krine Myroup, premiering Feb. 24-March 13 at VLT's Stage II. Information: 488-1115.