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SRQ DAILY Jun 19, 2026

Friday Weekend Edition

Friday Weekend Edition

"For us, watching theater styles from around the world has informed how we might do things differently in our productions."

- Laurie Colton, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Venice Theatre.
 

[Arts & Entertainment]  The Global Reach of Community Theater
Dylan Campbell, dylan@srqme.com

This week, the Venice Theatre, the largest per capita community theater in the United States, is hosting a truly special festival. From June 15-20, the Venice Theatre has been home to the American Association of Community Theatre (aact) WORLDFEST, a one of a kind celebration of international community theater. 2026’s WORLDFEST is the fifth iteration of the festival that Venice Theatre has hosted since 2010, and brings together theater troupes representing 11 different countries and cultures from Ghana and Israel to Poland, Slovakia and the Indian Diaspora.

The festival includes performances from each troupe—with each show performed twice throughout the week—along with opening and closing ceremonies, talkbacks, post-show discussions and workshops.

“A number of the different theater troupes present workshops,” says Laurie Colton, director of marketing and public relations at Venice Theatre. “The Italian theatre troupe are experts in commedia dell’arte and teach a workshop called The Actor Behind The Mask. We have a workshop from Musical Theatre International which is one of the licensing companies for musicals around the world. If somebody wants to produce the next big musical and they’re not sure how to get the license, this gentleman teaches everybody the ins and outs of how to get a show on your stage.”

Community theater, at its core, is about bringing people together. Acct WORLDFEST is just a more expanded version of that, an event from which bonds are formed and knowledge is shared. “It’s amazing bringing together people from all of these different cultures. It is a big learning experience,” says Colton. “For us, watching theater styles from around the world has informed how we might do things differently in our productions.”

One particularly poignant show is Common Air, starring Russian-born Olga Sanachina and Ukraine native Iryna Kirichenko. “A large troupe from Ukraine had participated in the festival before over Zoom, but have been trying so hard to get here in person and still haven’t been able to,” says Colton. “Having two representatives from these countries in the midst of everything that is going on is really meaningful.”

aact WORLDFEST, June 15-20, Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W, Venice. 

dNO Company from Slovakia presents

To learn more click here

[Arts & Entertainment]  Artist Yvette Mayorga to Unveil Goddesses of the Great Hall at the MFA June 20

The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg (MFA) welcomes multidisciplinary artist Yvette Mayorga this Saturday for the opening of her immersive installation, Goddesses of the Great Hall. The exhibition builds on the massive public success of her outdoor sculpture, Magic Grasshopper, which has captivated visitors outside the museum since March 2026. Activating the MFA’s historic 1965 entrance hall, the exhibition serves as the inaugural showcase for The Great Hall Project, a bold curatorial endeavor within the framework of the museum's broader Art Unbound initiative that reimagines traditional spaces through contemporary interventions.  

To learn more, visit

[Arts & Entertainment]  Jazz Club of Sarasota Recognized in DownBeat's 2026 Great Jazz Venues Guide

The Jazz Club of Sarasota has been recognized in DownBeat Magazine's 2026 Great Jazz Venues Guide, earning a place alongside acclaimed jazz clubs, concert halls and presenting organizations from around the world. Published annually by one of the most respected publications in jazz, the Great Jazz Venues Guide highlights outstanding organizations that help preserve, promote and present jazz for audiences worldwide. The Jazz Club of Sarasota was one of only three organizations included in the Florida section of the 2026 guide.  

Pictured: Acclaimed Brazilian guitarist Diego Figueiredo performs during the Sarasota Jazz Festival, produced annually by the Jazz Club of Sarasota. The festival is among the many programs contributing to the organization's growing schedule.

[Arts & Entertainment]  Summer Circus Spectacular Delivers Laughs

The 2026 Summer Circus Spectacular brings laughter to the Historic Asolo Theater! Davis Vassallo, third-generation clown, bounding rope artist, and genius of comedy has entertained audiences across Europe and beyond. Beginning with the Billy Smart Circusin England, touring Norway, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and America, he delights audiences every time! The show runs now through Saturday, August 8. Showtimes are Tuesday through Friday at 11:00am & 2:00pm and Saturday at 2:00pm & 5:00pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 12 and younger. For just an additional $5, gain entry to the renowned Circus Museum on The Ringling campus. 

To learn more, visit

[Arts & Entertainment]  Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota Announces New Season

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota (ASC) is pleased to announce the 24 concerts scheduled for the 2026-2027 season. The 31st season – sponsored by Jan and Bill Farber, and Paul and Sharon Steinwachs – runs from October 11, 2026 through May 17, 2027. Discounted tickets are available through August 31. For more information and tickets, visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or call (941) 306-1202. 

To learn more, visit

[Arts & Entertainment]  Live Virtual Cardmaking Classes

Pink and Main, an international papercrafting, stamping and cardmaking business for creative crafters everywhere, announces its class schedule for the summer and fall. For more information on Pink and Main and to stay up to date on future classes and offerings, visit pinkandmain.com or send an email to info@pinkandmain.com.

  



[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Architecture Tour , October 15 – June 24

Join Discover Sarasota Tours on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for a fascinating 90-minute guided mainland tour exploring Sarasota’s rich architectural heritage. This tour highlights some of the area's most distinctive styles, including Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern design associated with the Sarasota School of Architecture, and the elegant Mediterranean Revival style. Participants will discover notable buildings, historic homes, and unique structures that have helped shape Sarasota’s identity over the years. Along the way, learn about the architects, design influences, and history behind these iconic landmarks while gaining a deeper appreciation for the city’s architectural character.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Public Art Tour , October 13 – June 22

Join Jerome Chesley on Mondays at 1 p.m. for an engaging tour showcasing Sarasota’s vibrant public art scene. Over the course of the tour, guests will explore more than 60 pieces of public art located throughout downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle. From striking sculptures and colorful murals to unique installations, each work tells a story about the community, its culture, and its history. Along the way, participants will learn about the artists behind the pieces, the inspiration for their creations, and the role public art plays in shaping Sarasota’s identity. This tour offers a fun and informative way to experience the city through its impressive collection of outdoor artwork.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Circus Secrets of Sarasota , October 11 – June 20

Step right into Sarasota’s colorful circus history on Saturdays at 1 p.m. with this entertaining and informative tour led by circus historian Bob Collins. Discover the fascinating legacy of the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus and learn how Sarasota became known as the Circus Capital of the World. Along the way, guests will hear captivating stories about legendary performers, historic circus landmarks, and the lasting impact the circus had on the community. From behind-the-scenes secrets to little-known facts, this tour offers a unique look at the people, places, and traditions that helped shape Sarasota’s rich circus heritage.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Amish Experience: Bridges To Understanding , October 9 – June 25

Thursdays, 10am. Discover with our expert guide, Kendra Cross, why Sarasota is the only place in the world that the Amish and Mennonite communities come to vacation en masse. In Pinecraft, enjoy the tour stops at Alma Sue’s Quilt Shop, The Carlisle Inn and Der Dutchman Amish Kitchen Cooking Restaurant for shopping and a pie shooter sample of their delicious pie!

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Weekly Sunset Artist Programs , September 1 – August 1

Award-winning Hermitage Fellows offer a unique glimpse into their creative process, sharing original works in process with our Gulf Coast audiences. These free hour-long programs take the shape of musical performances, playreadings, concerts, visual art demonstrations, panel discussions, master classes, exhibitions, open studios,and more. The presentations are often works in process, giving Hermitage audiences a look into the creative process before these works go on to leading theaters, concert halls, and museums around the world.

Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6660 Manasota Key Rd, Englewood, FL 34223

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Art Immersion with Lina Rincon , August 6 – September 3

Art immersion class for children ages 6-18. Small classes with fine arts materials. Visit linarinconart.com for more information and to register.

Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Creative Academy, 927 N Lime Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Lynn Goldsmith and Patti Smith: Flowers and Friendship , June 20 – September 13

The summer 2026 exhibition at Selby Gardens will celebrate the creative collaboration between two legendary figures and longtime friends, photographer Lynn Goldsmith and singer-songwriter Patti Smith, who is Selby Gardens’ artist in residence. The exhibition will feature Goldsmith’s photographs of Smith, past and present, in the Museum of Botany & the Arts. The images will offer an intimate portrait of an iconic artist over the course of her remarkable career.

Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Jillian Mayer: Slumpies , May 4 – August 19

Mayer explores the impact of technology on the human body through this interactive sculpture series. Slumpies invites viewers to sit and slump on these sculptures, much like furniture, and find a place of comfort while using their technological devices.

Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Seventeenth-Century Dutch Paintings from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston , April 24 – November 1

This long-term installation in Gallery 10 of the Museum of Art showcases five outstanding examples of 17th-century Dutch painting on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Featuring a dramatic seascape, an expansive landscape, and captivating portraits set in detailed interiors, this exhibition offers a window into the vibrant artistic production of the Netherlands as the small nation rose to global prominence in the 17th century. The five exceptional paintings from the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, complement The Ringling's holdings of Dutch art and provide additional perspective on the artistry, historical significance, and continuing appeal of Dutch painting from this period.

Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Annual July Fourth All American Cookout , July 4, 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Enjoy an evening packed with family-friendly fun, including games and activities on the Great Lawn, the mesmerizing Spheres Bubble Show by Blaise Rhynds, and a spectacular fireworks finale lighting up Sarasota Bay. Come hungry and ready to celebrate! Feast on smoky barbecue favorites, cool off with refreshing frozen treats, and indulge in festive summer sweets available for purchase throughout the evening from a variety of local vendors. This event is rain or shine. General Admission and all-inclusive tickets available. General admission guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and bug spray for maximum comfort. All-Inclusive tickets (no member price) include on-site parking, a delicious buffet dinner by Michael’s On East, an open bar inside our air-conditioned Event Center, and prime viewing of the fireworks! Visit selby.org for tickets.

Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota

[SOON]  HEALTH: Sunset Pilates , June 29, 6 PM - 7 PM

Unwind at the end of the day with Sunset Pilates, a free outdoor fitness experience hosted by PULSEHAUS. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful evening in the park, this mat Pilates class focuses on building strength, flexibility, balance, and overall wellness. Designed for all fitness levels and abilities, the session offers a welcoming environment where participants can move at their own pace while enjoying the benefits of exercising outdoors. Bring a mat, invite a friend, and enjoy an hour dedicated to movement, mindfulness, and community connection.

Bob Gardner Park, 2710 White Eagle Blvd, Bradenton

[SOON]  FOOD: Cooking Up Health The Mediterranean Way , June 27 – August 31, 6 PM - 7 PM

Curious about the Mediterranean Way of Eating? Join us for Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean Way, an engaging, educational series that will transform your approach to food! Discover seven simple steps to healthier meals, learn easy recipes, and pick up practical tips that fit right into your everyday life. Registration includes a recipe book. 6-Week Program, Mondays: 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24, and 8/31 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. This class will be virtual and will have a cost of $10 per person. Zoom link for the class will be emailed to participants before the start of class.

Virtual, Virtual

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Hurricane Expo and Meal Distribution – Sarasota , June 26, 1o AM - 3PM

Senior Friendship Centers will host a Shelf-Stable Meal Distribution and Hurricane Expo on Friday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its Sarasota Campus, 1888 Brother Geenen Way. The event will feature local organizations and emergency preparedness experts offering guidance on storm safety, health, recovery planning, and community resources. Attendees can also receive shelf-stable meals and preparedness supplies while they last. The free event is designed to help older adults and caregivers prepare for hurricane season with confidence.

Sarasota Campus, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: An Evening with Vince Gill , June 26, 7:30 PM

Known for his exceptional songwriting, world-class guitar playing, and warm, soaring tenor, Gill has built an extraordinary career defined by musical excellence and heartfelt storytelling. He achieved his breakthrough success in 1990 with “When I Call Your Name,” earning both the Country Music Association’s Single and Song of the Year Awards, along with a GRAMMY® Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male. Tickets start at $85 and can be purchased at VanWezel.org, by calling 941-263-6799 or by visiting the Veteran Air Box Office at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.">

Known for his exceptional songwriting, world-class guitar playing, and warm, soaring tenor, Gill has built an extraordinary career defined by musical excellence and heartfelt storytelling. He achieved his breakthrough success in 1990 with “When I Call Your Name,” earning both the Country Music Association’s Single and Song of the Year Awards, along with a GRAMMY® Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male. Tickets start at $85 and can be purchased at VanWezel.org, by calling 941-263-6799 or by visiting the Veteran Air Box Office at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall , 777 N Tamiami Trl. Sarasota

[SOON]  FOOD: Bar Bites Bradenton Trolley Tour , June 25, 4 PM - 6 :30 PM

Discover Sarasota Tours offers first Bradenton Trolley Tour running twice this summer called Bar Bites Trolley. This fun three-hour happy-hour themed tour is perfect for beating the summer heat and features stops at two restaurants: enRich Bistro and Oak & Stone for savory appetizers, summer-soaked cocktails, and beautiful water views. Along the route, singer Michelle Pruyn and owner Tammy Hauser will entertain guests with sing-along songs, trivia, and Bradenton history. Drinks can be purchased separately and are not part of the ticket price of $89.99. This savory Bradenton tour runs on Thursdays from 4-6:30PM on June 25 and July 23. 

[SOON]  GALLERY: Artist Talk with Anja Palombo , June 25, 5 PM

Doors open at 5 pm for drinks & mingling, artist talk starts at 5:30 pm

Art Center Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is a daily e-newsletter produced by SRQ MEDIA. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. The views expressed by individuals are their own, and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. SRQ DAILY includes content excerpted from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY.  For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Robinson Valverde at 941-365-7702 x703 or via email

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