Pictured: Las Vegas-based Barrie Cunningham is one of the world’s top Neil Diamond tribute artists. Photo courtesy of Venice Theatre.

Venice Theatre's popular Concert Series is back for 2024 and 2025! The theatre will continue to present concerts at the Venice Performing Arts Center located at Venice High School at 1 Indian Ave., and the Venice Community Center at 326 Nokomis Ave. Several audience favorites return this season including political humorists Capitol Fools, Dwight Icenhower's tribute to Elvis, Alter Eagles, and Let's Hang On. First, on Nov. 11 at Venice Performing Arts Center, Venice Theatre celebrates its Diamond Anniversary Season with a stellar Neil Diamond tribute show, "Hot August Nights" starring Barrie Cunningham. The Las Vegas-based performer sings an array of Diamond's greatest hits from the '60s to the present: "Cherry Cherry," "Sweet Caroline," "Red Red Wine," "Song Sung Blue," the patriotic "Coming to America" and many more. The headliner of the season is Broadway star Norm Lewis, back by popular demand on March 16, 2025 following a well-received appearance in 2023. Patrons called his performance, "Outstanding!" Saying, "I hung on every word & note! He is truly talented, charismatic & a consummate showman!" and "The best performance Venice Theatre has ever had. It would be wonderful if Norm Lewis could come to Venice Theatre again." Venice Theatre listened, and this time is partnering with the Venice Institute for Performing Arts to bring Mr. Lewis back to Venice. New acts this year include Uptown, an NYC-based R & B group, The Astro Yachts performing all the smoothest Yacht Rock hits, and Simply Clapton, to name a few. Sixteen concerts in all are on the schedule between November and May. All tickets are available at VeniceTheatre.org or by calling the box office at 941-488-1115. 

Pictured: Las Vegas-based Barrie Cunningham is one of the world’s top Neil Diamond tribute artists. Photo courtesy of Venice Theatre.