Arts & Entertainment

Rock Out

Where to Hear Live Local Music in Sarasota and Bradenton

After buzzy energy of the early 2000s and 2010s, the pandemic and changing economics took a toll on the local music scene. But there is still one out there—and it's been struggling to recover and find itself again. 

01/24/2024 By Stephanie Churn Lubow

Review

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Presents a Hard-Hitting A Soldier's Play

This story of racism in the 1940s, in more than one form, allows for some strong performances by its cast.

01/23/2024 By Kay Kipling

Review

Asolo Rep's Inherit the Wind Is, Unfortunately, as Timely as Ever

The Lawrence-Lee courtroom drama takes on the recurring subject of intellectual freedom.

01/22/2024 By Kay Kipling

Preview

Artist Christopher Skura Returns to Sarasota With 'Social Studies' Exhibit at Art Center Sarasota

Skura lived in Sarasota from 1982 to 1995, where he studied with professional artists, including as a studio assistant for sculptor John Chamberlain.

01/18/2024 By John Thomason

No Holds Barred

Liz Cheney Issues Dire Warning About Donald Trump and the 2024 Presidential Election

Cheney kicked off this year's Town Hall lecture series by calling Trump's actions on Jan. 6, 2021, not just a "dereliction of duty," but an act of "depravity."

01/16/2024 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Q & A

Tom Arnold Will Share His Mental Health and Addiction Journey in Sarasota Tomorrow

The comedian, actor, producer and writer is the keynote speaker at Sunshine From Darkness' Inspiring Hope Dinner. Ahead of his talk, we caught up with Arnold for a wide-ranging interview about addiction and recovery.

01/11/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Song and Dance Man

Sarasota’s Peppi Borza Was a One-of-a-Kind Transatlantic Star

A circus performer who made his name performing with his sister Nita, Borza became a star of stage and screen and was a longtime friend of singer Dusty Springfield.

01/11/2024 By Clayton Trutor

A New Day

Selby Gardens Opens the Doors to a Transformed Downtown Campus

A multimillion-dollar completion of Phase One welcomes visitors to a revamped experience starting Thursday.

01/10/2024 By Kay Kipling

You've Got Mail

An Upcoming Exhibit Showcases Visions of Utopia From Near and Far

Postcards From Utopia is a traveling exhibition kicking off at Phillippi Crest Clubhouse in Sarasota's Historic Maine Colony District and featuring submissions from Kazakstan to Canada and beyond.

01/09/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Florida Art

New Art Exhibit Showcases Jim Crow-Era Paintings by The Florida Highwaymen

A new exhibit of historically significant artwork at City Hall in downtown Sarasota kicks off today. It's open to the public and free.

01/08/2024 By Kim Doleatto

Review

Urbanite Theatre Imagines Shakespeare's Sister with Judith

The world premiere play asks us to consider the what-ifs of gender, love and ambition, past and present.

01/08/2024 By Kay Kipling

The Big Pictures

Embracing Our Differences' 2024 Exhibit Opens Jan. 21

A free grand opening event at downtown Sarasota’s Bayfront Park will include music, food trucks and local arts organizations.

01/08/2024 By Staff

You Oughta Know

Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill Is Now a Tony Award-Winning Musical, and It’s Coming to Sarasota

We recently caught up with actor Benjamin Eakeley learn more about it.

01/03/2024 By John Thomason

Planner

Things to Do in Sarasota in January and February

Your arts and entertainment calendar.

01/03/2024

One Book

Author David Grann Discusses Killers of the Flower Moon

The best-selling nonfiction murder mystery about mass killings in the Osage Nation in the 1920s recently became a smash-hit movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Martin Scorsese. It was Sarasota County’s 2019 One Book selection.

01/02/2024 By Ilene Denton

Unity Awards

Michele Redwine Shines a Spotlight on Black Artistry

“We will not allow what’s happening in Tallahassee to take away who we are—and I believe the arts play a strong part in making that happen.” 

01/01/2024 Photography by Megan McDonald

Year in Review

If You Missed Any of These 10 Incredible Stories From 2023, You Should Fix That ASAP

In a year full of terrific Sarasota Magazine stories, these 10 stood out.

12/26/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Golden Confidence

A Boudoir Photoshoot Empowers a Local Woman Working on Her Bucket List

Louise Jacquet proves that at 82 years old, it's never too late to embrace your sexuality.

12/18/2023 By Andrea González

Review

FST's Pictures From Home Is a Family Portrait Mixing Laughter and Tears

Based on Larry Sultan's photo memoir, the play will elicit memories and emotions from our own family lives.

12/18/2023 By Kay Kipling

Visionaries

Meet Five New Leaders Hoping to Take Our Arts Scene to New Heights

It's a new era for these organizations.

12/06/2023 By Kay Kipling