SRQ DAILY Jan 31, 2025
Friday Weekend Edition

"This is such a monumental work, full of drama and excitement."


There is something wonderfully intimate about Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s theater. Maybe it’s the entrance that deposits the audience nearly onstage as they walk in, delivering them right into the world of the play. Maybe it’s the absence of built separation between stage and seating granting some sort of immediacy to the art. Whatever the cause, it’s a felt experience perfect for WBTT’s production of August Wilson’s Fences, where this closeness effectively transforms the audience into a gaggle of nosy neighbors, all watching the Maxson family drama unfold in front of them, seeing things they probably shouldn’t see, eavesdropping on their most vulnerable moments.
It's a riveting watch, and a raw portrait that asks no forgiveness.
Set in 1950s Pittsburgh, the narrative plays out entirely in the Maxson family backyard, where we first meet Troy, patriarch and protagonist, as he returns home from a day riding the garbage truck. It’s a job that supports a wife and child well enough but, as we soon learn, is a poor substitute for the baseball career he knows he could have had, if not for being a black man in a white man’s America. This wound, or at least what it represents, will drive much of the character’s conflict with those around him. But on a Friday evening with bottle in hand and good friend Bono at his side, we see the other side of the man—good-humored and full of life, a bawdy troubadour who treats the world as his stage and laughs louder than the rest.
In this lead role, Patric Robinson finds plenty to sink his teeth into. Troy Maxson is arguably one of the most complex characters you’ll find on any stage. He embodies contradiction and to navigate his moral character is to wander an Escherian labyrinth where every end is another beginning. But Wilson wants you to wander and, in doing so, investigate the dividing lines between understanding and condoning, between explaining and justifying, and the place where forgiveness ends and family begins. The performance is a balancing act on a high-wire, and Robinson fills the theater with Troy’s presence like something larger-than-life while he’s up there. There’s the occasional wobble, moments when I wished to see more of the character’s gravitas shine through his brashness, but these are quibbles over a fine performance.
Coming and going through a creatively imagined set that affords the audience a certain amount of X-ray vision into the home itself, the cast impresses at nearly every turn. Donovan Whitney plays Jazz cat Lyons with the perfect blend of swagger and vulnerability, Brian L. Boyd brings a quiet sadness to Bono, and Zion Thompson shoulders his demanding role with aplomb. But it’s Ariel Blue who becomes the bruised and beating heart of the play with a performance so real you can hear the audiences’ own hearts breaking.
Directed by Jim Weaver and currently onstage at WBTT, Fences runs through February 23.
Pictured: Patric Robinson, Brian L. Boyd, Ariel Blue and Donovan Whitney onstage in WBTT's production of Fences. Photo by Sorcha Augustine.

In a world where a 20-year drought has led to water shortages of apocalyptic proportions, where private toilets are outlawed and all public restrooms operate under the control of greedy megacorporations, the oppressed masses can’t even pee their pants without paying the price until two young lovers ignite a revolution against the Powers that Pee Be…
Welcome to Urinetown, the darkly satirical Tony Award-winning meta-musical that has everything from star-crossed lovers and filthy urinals to scathing indictments of corporate greed and a surprising amount of violence. Imagine equal parts Scorsese and Shakespeare thrown into a blender and served up by John Waters. Plus lots of singing.
It’s the latest show from one of Sarasota’s most subversive stages, the Dingbat Theatre Project, and it opens tonight with s’mores and champagne.
“With every show this season, we want to take controversial topics and look at them in new ways,” says Luke Manual, Dingbat’s founder and producing artist director, as well as Urinetown’s Little Sally. They point to the theater’s first show of the season, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, as an example.“We set that at a drag queen story hour that was cancelled by anti-drag protesters,” they say, letting a small but heavily pregnant pause say the rest.
In Urinetown’s high-energy, not-quite-nihilistic, punk-rock-and-showtunes takedown of unfettered capitalism, Manual feels a similar Dingbat connection. “It sort of matches our vibe,” they say. And in keeping with that vibe—and the show’s environmentalist themes—all of the sets were built with repurposed materials.Costumes, likewise, were designed by recycling and re-using.
This will be only the second show in Dingbat Theatre’s new space in south Sarasota—their first—which opened this season. And between Joseph at drag queen story hour and Urinetown, the new roost aims to build a reputation with audiences looking for shows that make a splash.
“I certainly hope they have a good time,” Manual says, “while also thinking a little bit about how our habits are affecting our planet.”
Directed by Amanda Heisey, Urinetown opens tonight at 7:30pm at Dingbat Theatre Project, 7288 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
Pictured: The cast of 'Urinetown' at Dingbat Theatre Project. Photo by Amanda Iglesias.

Love is in the air for the February edition of Fresh Fridays! On Friday, February 7, the Sarasota Downtown Improvement District (DID) invites the community to experience Heart & Soul on Palm—an electrifying evening of music, food, and fun on picturesque Palm Avenue. As always, Fresh Fridays is free and open to all ages. Be sure to also come early to claim your free giveaway and take home a memento of this special event. Supplies are limited, so arriving early is the best way to secure your exclusive gift and start the night off right! Accessible and convenient parking will be available at Palm Avenue and State Street parking garages. Guests can stay up to date by following Fresh Fridays on their social media channels or by visiting their website at FreshFridaysSarasota.com.

Soundbox Ventures presents “Improvising Mozart” with violinist Max Tan and pianist David Kaplan, the second performance of its 2024-2025 “Listen Hear” salon concert series, on February 25, 7 p.m., at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key. Tickets are $20-$75 and are available at SoundBoxVentures.org. For more information, visit SoundBoxVentures.org.

On Saturday, February 15th, Key Chorale along, with a full orchestra, will present Verdi’s Requiem, a darkly dramatic 90-minute emotional roller coaster ride. NPR called it “one of the most sublime and terrifying works in the repertoire.” Few works in classical music offer the excitement of opera, the thrill of the symphony, the power of the chorus and glorious virtuosic solos. Experience a truly epic performance, with Maestro Caulkins leading four world-class opera soloists and over 150 musicians on stage. “This is such a monumental work, full of drama and excitement,” said Maestro Caulkins. “Key Chorale last performed this work under the direction of Dr. Daniel Moe as his last concert as Artistic Director. So, it has a special historical importance to Key Chorale and was an obvious choice for our 40th Anniversary season. It is a tour de force for the choir and a stunningly powerful masterwork to share with our community.”
Saturday, February 15, 4pm, Church of the Palms, Sarasota, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, Tickets are $45. For tickets, go to keychorale.org or call the box office at 941-552-8768. Students 18 and under are free and college students are $10.

Art Center Sarasota’s 2024-2025 exhibition season continues with four exhibits, January 30-March 1. In “Jon or Juan,” Jon Green playfully explores his identity as a second-generation Mexican American, blending Latin American craft traditions with themes of pre- and post-colonization. This year, the top three winners will participate in a group Artist Talk and Art Center Sarasota’s board chair, Mary Davis Wallace, will present a “Director’s Choice Award” for her favorite artwork. The juror is Rangsook Yoon, senior curator at Sarasota Art Museum. (The Juror’s Critique with Rangsook is Tuesday, February 11, 4 p.m. and the group artist talk with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners is Thursday, February 6, 5:30 -6:30 p.m.) The opening reception for all four exhibits is Thursday, January 30, 5-7 p.m. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For information, visit ArtSarasota.org or call 941-365-2032.

The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg (MFA), proudly presents Kimono: The Triumph of Japanese Dress, an extraordinary exploration of Japanese fashion and culture. On view from March 8 through June 8, 2025, this remarkable exhibition features over 150 exquisite objects, including kimono dating from the late Edo period (1603–1867) through the Shōwa era (1926–1989). These garments, most on public display for the first time, offer an unparalleled glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage and the meticulous artistry behind traditional kimono design.

We are excited to offer you the newest guided tour at The Ringling! Tours begin February 1, but you can book your tickets now! Discover the remarkable life and legacy of circus impresario and art collectors John and Mable Ringling. This is a journey from John’s first year running a circus to the lasting cultural impact he and his wife Mable left behind in Sarasota, Florida. Beginning in the Historic Circus Galleries and ending in the Museum of Art, this tour is 60-75 minutes long. It takes place indoors and outdoors, and is subject to weather conditions.Please note: participants must walk and stand throughout the entire tour. This tour ticket includes entry into the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, and Bayfront Gardens.

Victor DeRenzi, Sarasota Opera’s artistic director and Richard Russell, general director, have announced the addition of six new members to the organization’s Board of Trustees — David Bialosky, Joseph Mallof, Sue Neumann, Alastair Hunter-Henderson, Tamara Jacobs, and Thomas Garden.
Kick-off Black History Month with a Sunday Funday Hosted by Artistic Director Leymis Bolanos Wilmott. After the classes, stay for a mini performance and a celebration meal.
February 2nd, 2:00pm - 5:00pm. Teaching Artists: Sun Love Peace, Monessa Sally, Sarah Affaii. Class Rate: $45 Early Bird per series, $60 Same Day per series.
Join The Market on Dearborn every Friday evening from October 2024 - May 2025 from 3pm-7pm on Historic Dearborn Street in Englewood, Florida as we launch an evening market to expand opportunities for local entrepreneurs and provide an additional family-friendly event for local residents and guests of Englewood
The Market on Dearborn, 232 W Dearborn St., Englewood, FL, United States, Florida 34223
Come taste your way around our Kitchen (the Pineapple Kitchen) in Lakewood Ranch, Florida on Saturday, February 1, 2025. Our free annual Open House will be held 10:30AM to 2:30PM. Fun for the whole family. There will be raffles drawn hourly.
Pineapple Kitchen, 4914 Lena Road, Unit 104 Bradenton, Florida 34211
Key Chorale Chamber Singers and Church of the Redeemer present a 2-day festival celebrating music of the Baroque – and Beer! Three amazing concerts featuring a star-studded cast of performers, chamber orchestra, and an opening night Biergarten Experience with German food, beers from Calusa Brewing, and dancing to Bill Milner’s Oompah Band.
Gillespie Hall at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Designed for children ages birth to seven, Storybook Street is set to dazzle once again as it delivers a unique blend of imagination, creativity and scientific discovery, all in one unforgettable experience. Collaborating with two dozen organizations to bring books to life with preschool pomp and circumstance, the event will feature art, dance, drama, music, movement and more! PBooks are distributed at each vendor booth, tangible keepsakes of the magic they just witnessed.
Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th Street Sarasota, FL 34237
Celebrate the women who have captivated the world with their dynamic personalities and fierce vocals. Starting in the 1960’s, female artists such as Cher, Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion have been pushing boundaries and shattering records with hits such as, “Turn Back Time,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “My Heart Will Go On.”
John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 1st St, Sarasota, FL 34236
The 2nd Annual Art Crawl Trolley tour runs January 10, February 14, March 14, and April 11, 2025. During Art Crawl Trolley, visit more than 20 galleries and studios located in these Sarasota arts districts: Main Street, North Palm, South Palm, Burns Court, Towles Court, and the Limelight District.
The Trolley Cottage, 1826 4th Street, Sarasota
Join us on the Bolger Campiello for live music and dancing. Food and beverage will be available for purchase on the bayfront. One chair per person will be available. No outside food, drink, coolers, chairs or pets are permitted. Members please note: $20 tickets are limited to one for Individual Memberships and two for all other Membership levels.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Experience some of the best food and flavors of the region with more than 100, and still growing, curated vendors. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has fast become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts. Aside from all the goodies you can shop at the Farmers Market, find your flow in a free yoga class or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops. 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch.
The Sarasota Farmers Market Vendors Incorporated (“SFMV”) has been established as a not for-profit organization under laws of the State of Florida, continuing the 40+ year tradition of enhancing and improving the quality of life in Sarasota. Our charitable mission is to create a social opportunity for residents and visitors to gather and interact, to bring foot traffic to downtown Sarasota sustaining the economic viability of the entire downtown area, and to provide a venue for other not-for-profit organizations benefiting Sarasota.
Sarasota Farmer's Market, N Lemon Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
The American Watercolor Society began as a group of eleven painters who gathered in New York City in 1866 and began to hold exhibitions of their work. Their annual exhibitions have continued from that day. The annual juried exhibition of the AWS is open to all artists worldwide. The traveling exhibition features 40 paintings from the original 160+ exhibitors each year and travels to three to six locations each year.
ArtCenter Manatee, https://artcentermanatee.org/2023-2024-exhibit-season/
Launching a program centering on heroism and joy, Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture depicts the inner turmoil of a Roman warrior. Shostakovich battled his own internal demons in his emotionally charged Symphony No. 5. Trailblazing violinist Anne Akiko Meyers makes her Sarasota Orchestra debut in Arturo Márquez’s Fandango for violin and orchestra, imbued with playful dance rhythms and intoxicating melodies from Márquez's beloved Mexico.
Ven Wezel
Enjoy a dramatic reading with Theatre of the Mind as they present: John Patrick’s The Curious SavageGreedy grown step children, bound and determined to get the money away from recent philanthropic widow Ethel Savage, confine her to "The Cloisters," a mental asylum for recovering patients. There she meets some unlikely gentle friends who help her outwit her relatives.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
Visit Fresh Harvest, the newly launched weekly farmers market in Downtown Wellen. Fresh Harvest offers a selection of local goods from nearly 40 local vendors. Fresh Harvest takes place every Sunday in Downtown Wellen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse different vendor booths and stock up on a variety of goods. Vendors will offer a wide variety of locally grown and produced food, including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages. A limited selection of craft vendors also participate in the farmers market. For a listing of participating vendors and more information on Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, visit wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market. Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.
The Wellen Park Night Market returns the second Thursday of each month from 6-9pm offering an evening of shopping, live music and dining under the twinkling lights of Downtown Wellen. The Night Market features independent artists and makers specializing in art, jewelry, boutique fashion, home decor, bottle art, wood designs and specialty food items set up along Wellen Park Boulevard with 50 rotating vendors. Food items included rum cakes, desserts, lemonade, barbecue and vegan fare.
Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Pk Blvd
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's 25th anniversary season, titled "25 Years of Black Heritage," continues through May 25. The remaining shows in the season are "Fences" (through February 23), "Five Guys Named Moe" (March 5-April 6), and WBTT's first-ever, world-premiere tap dancing musical revue, "Syncopated Avenue." Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org to learn more about WBTT and to purchase tickets. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Shopliftable pt. 2 builds on the success of our inaugural exhibition, showcasing impactful small artworks.This second installment features pieces small enough to steal by 50 of Sarasota's favorite artists. Join us in celebrating creativity through compact, compelling art.
502 Gallery, 502 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota
Toss some fun into your Thursday! Join us at Waterside Place for a fun morning of Casual Cornhole! Whether you’re a cornhole pro or a newbie, don’t miss this chance to show off your tossing skills and have a blast with friends! Grab a partner or go solo, we’ve got enough beanbags and boards to keep everyone entertained!
Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch, 7500 Island Cove Terrace Lakewood Ranch , FL 34240
Welcome to the Bradenton Public Market, a place where the community meets each week to enjoy fresh produce, local art, music, and free family activities on Old Main Street.
Old Main Street Downtown Bradenton, Old Main ST. Bradenton, 34205
Discover a vibrant community gathering at the Phillippi Farmhouse Market, nestled within the scenic Phillippi Estate Park. This seasonal market, open every Wednesday from October through April from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., invites you to experience the best of fresh produce, prepared foods, artisanal products and live music. Beyond shopping, visitors can explore the park’s beautiful grounds, including the historic Edson Keith Mansion, through a free, docent-led tour beginning promptly at 10 a.m. each Wednesday.
Phillippi Estate Park, 5500 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34231
Architecture Sarasota announces its 2025 program: “Downtown Sarasota: Beyond Our Borders.” Building on the momentum of last year’s discussions, which played a pivotal role in the City of Sarasota’s decision to move forward with a new downtown master plan, this year’s series will continue to explore fresh perspectives on Sarasota’s future. The lineup includes Gil Penalosa (February 11), Brent Toderain (February 25), and Paul Kalbfleish (March 11). Each speaker, celebrated for their expertise and engaging style, will share insights tailored to Sarasota, informed by their time spent in the city before their presentations.
Church of the Redeemer, 222 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
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