The Longboat Key Education Center, 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive

For 35 years, area visitors and residents have cultivated their passion for learning at the Longboat Key Education Center. The Center offers a rich range of programs, including lecture series, performing arts series, film festivals, book clubs, concerts, theatrical performances, and more. It’s open from mid-October to mid-April and features fall, winter and spring terms. “We tap the extraordinary expertise of the residents who live in the area,” says Susan Goldfarb, the center’s executive director. “We’re surrounded by world-class talent and many choose to share their knowledge to enrich the lives of our students.” In celebration of its 35th anniversary, the Center is presenting two special performances. “Romance on  the Riviera,” on Friday, February 12, showcases soprano Joy Leitner and tenor Robert Lischetti performing some of the world’s most romantic music by Puccini, Faure, Debussy, Verdi, and other great composers. The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) will present a custom performance written and directed by WBTT founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs on Friday, March 12. Tickets per event range from $20 for members and $30 for non-members. These programs will be offered both via Zoom and in-person with limited attendance and strict adherence to pandemic protocol. Register online.

The Longboat Key Education Center, 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive

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