SRQ DAILY May 16, 2025
Friday Weekend Edition
"At 65 years of age I have realized that I am no longer in the spring and summer of my career."
On Saturday, May 24, Dr. Joseph Holt will take the stage at the Church of Palms with the Choral Artists of Sarasota and the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble for United We Stand: A Memorial Day Concert. This is far from the first time that Holt, the artistic director of the Choral Artists for the past 16 years, has led the group in a patriotic concert—the Choral Artists have a long-standing tradition of July 4th concerts—but it will be his last. On May 9, Dr. Holt announced that he will retire as artistic director in June, a position he has held since 2011.
“Artists live in a different mindset and there’s a certain thought that we never really stop what we’re doing. Essentially it’s the concept that we didn’t choose this, it chose us,” says Dr. Holt, who will be continuing on in his work with the Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning and the Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota. “While every career arc of an artist is different, there’s a pattern of when you start out you’re in spring, where you get more active, then you’re in summer and things are happening and ultimately make the turn into autumn. At 65 years of age I’ve recognized that I’m no longer in the spring and summer and it’s time to make the change to allow for a newer generation of creative energy to lead this organization into its next chapter.”
Although the Choral Artists, initially known as Gloria Musicae, have been in Sarasota since 1979, Dr. Holt’s leadership reinvigorated the organization, making it one of the region’s leading vocal ensembles. Under Dr. Holt, the Choral Artists have reformed their artistic identity, performing milestone concerts such as the 80th commemoration of D-Day in Normandy, France in 2024, 2024’s Considering Matthew Shepard and the Florida premiere of The Children’s March in 2023.
In United We Stand, the Choral Artists and Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble will honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country while incorporating other patriotic elements often found in the July 4th concert. Pieces include John Kander’s A Letter from Sullivan Ballou, which include excerpts from a Union soldier's letter to his wife, John Williams’ A Hymn to the Fallen, Where Valor Proudly Sleeps, the Sarasota premiere of Gwyneth Walker’s composition of The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere and excerpts from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
United We Stand: A Memorial Day Concert, May 24 at 4:00pm, Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, 34239
Provided photo.
Fox Lea Farm, Southwest Florida’s premier family-owned horse show facility and one of the largest sports tourism economic drivers for Sarasota County, announces that last two events in our spring Sunsets and Show Jumping Series. With support from Visit Sarasota County, this annual spring Hunter/Jumper series will feature Sunsets and Show Jumping Saturday nights during the series, where spectators can watch world-class talent as they compete for a piece of the $24,999 purse. The final two Sunsets and Show Jumping $24,999 Grand Prix events will take place Saturday, May 17th, and Saturday, May 24th, 2025. Gates open at 4pm, and the $24,999 Grand Prix starts at 5pm. Food, beverages, fun for everyone! Free Parking, Admission $10 per person with proceeds benefitting our partner charities each week. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, go to our website at www.FoxLeaFarm.net or contact 941-320-2018.
Join our conversation with Artistic Director Benny Sato Ambush, Executive Director Kristofer Geddie, and Restoration Supervisor/Interim Artistic Director Murray Chase. Agenda: Artistic Leadership Transition, Benny's Future Plans, The 2025-2026 76th Season, Renovation Updates, Venice Theatre's Road Ahead, Q & A. Benny looks forward to seeing you!
Tuesday, May 20, 4pm, Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., In the Raymond Center.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat (Sarasota County, Florida) announced today that the annual Hermitage Artful Lobster benefit will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 11:30am to 2pm on Manasota Key. Now in its 17 year, this signature outdoor event raises valuable funds for the Hermitage’s renowned artist residency program. The Artful Lobster is the only Hermitage benefit to take place on the grounds of the historic Gulf front campus – outdoors beneath a large tent – located at 6660 Manasota Key Road in Englewood. Michael’s On East offers a delicious lobster feast, with performances from award-winning Hermitage Fellows. Past artists who have shared their talents at this popular event include internationally renowned flutist Claire Chase, Tony Award nominee Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, acclaimed string quartet ETHEL, celebrated musical theater composer Adam Gwon, Grammy Award-nominated music director and composer Rona Siddiqui, acclaimed violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain, and more.
This summer, The Pops Orchestra is hosting its 8th annual "Camping With the Pops" program. We are pleased to tag team this event with the Manatee Performing Arts Center's summer program by shifting our camp to a "Pit Orchestra" experience. Our summer campers will provide the live music for their summer campers' production of Mary Poppins Jr. It will be a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious experience! So, if you know of any middle or high school instrumentalists who would like to take part in this FREE summer camp, send them our way! The link to register is below. Wait... did I hear you say you'd like to see this production? Mark your calendar for Friday, July 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Manatee Performing Arts Center! Tickets will be available soon.
The Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) will host a special event, featuring young musicians from Upward Notes—an organization bringing classical music into community spaces. The kids will play calming classical pieces, creating a peaceful environment, proven to reduce stress and anxiety in the shelter animals. The goal is to help build the confidence of these young performers with a judgment-free audience, create a calm environment for the shelter animals, and offer a unique experience for potential adopters.
Friday, May 16, 2025 | 5pm-7pm, Humane Society of Sarasota County, 2331 15th Street, Sarasota.
Exciting news! Longtime Sarasota Orchestra and local arts supporters Jack and Priscilla Schlegel have made a transformative $10 million gift to advance Sarasota Orchestra’s future Music Center at 5701 Fruitville Road. Jack and Priscilla moved to Sarasota in 1998 and have been active in the arts community ever since, using philanthropy to invest in the region’s cultural vitality. Their generosity propels the Orchestra closer to realizing its vision for its Music Center, which will include the Florida Gulf Coast’s first concert hall purpose-built for acoustic music.
Provided photo.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is thrilled to welcome Il Divo to Sarasota on February 24, 2026 at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 16 at 10am. For more than 20 years, Il Divo has embodied the power of music, brotherhood, and artistic evolution. Since their debut in 2004, the iconic quartet, formed today with —Urs Bühler (tenor, Switzerland), Sébastien Izambard (tenor, France), David Miller (tenor, USA), and Steven LaBrie (baritone, USA)—have redefined classical crossover, captivating audiences worldwide with their breathtaking vocals and electrifying performances. With over 30 million albums sold, 50 #1 hits, and 160 Gold and Platinum certifications across 35 countries, their impact is undeniable. They have graced the world's grandest stages, from the Summer Olympics and FIFA World Cup to the Diamond Jubilee at Windsor and the Commander-in-Chief’s Ball.
Step into the charming world of A Year with Frog and Toad, a Tony-nominated musical that brings Arnold Lobel’s beloved characters to life through delightful songs and heartwarming storytelling. This enchanting production follows two best friends, Frog and Toad, as they navigate the four seasons, learning lessons of friendship, perseverance, and joy along the way.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) is a remarkably talented young Viennese composer who unwittingly finds a fierce rival in the disciplined and determined Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). Resenting Mozart for both his hedonistic lifestyle and his undeniable talent, the highly religious Salieri is gradually consumed by his jealousy and becomes obsessed with Mozart's downfall, leading to a devious scheme that has dire consequences for both men.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236
The 34th National Juried Exhibition showcases the best representational paintings produced across North America. With nearly 200 juried artists and many invited Master Signature artists, it serves as a showcase for both up-and-coming talent and some of the most celebrated artists working today. The exhibition does not focus on a single style or theme but instead celebrates the diversity and art produced within the representational oil painting tradition. The exhibition & opening is in conjunction with the OPA National Convention, which features numerous lectures, painting demonstrations, and social events geared to artists and collectors.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
The Venice Symphony proudly announces the return of its annual Patriotic Pops Concert, taking place on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at CoolToday Park in the Wellen Park community of south Sarasota County. This year's event, Salute to the Greatest Generation: A WWII Tribute, commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and will feature beloved WWII-era music, a tribute to U.S. Armed Forces veterans, and a dazzling fireworks display to conclude the evening. The Community Foundation of Sarasota County returns as the presenting sponsor for this beloved tradition. Now in its sixth year, the Patriotic Pops Concert has become a signature event, celebrating patriotism, music, and community spirit as the unofficial start to Memorial Day weekend.
The Venice Symphony , CoolToday Park, Wellen Park, Sarasota County
This 2nd Annual Art & Health Fair event will be one you don't want to miss! There will be something for everyone! Not only will you get a chance to learn about MCR Health and The Ringling Museum, you'll also have an opportunity to learn more about your local community partners. What's more is there will be FREE admission as to The Ringling, LIVE music, great food, entertainment for the kids and beautiful surroundings!
The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
WBTT produces its first tap dance revue in this original, historical musical journey through the captivating and entertaining world of tap dance. The show takes us to an avenue where all things flourish with rhythm, style, and class. This innovative musical uses dance as a universal language and features an exciting repertoire of unique arrangements on popular jazz tunes by iconic composers such Duke Ellington's "Don't Mean A Thing', Eubie Blake's "I'm Just Full Of Jazz" and Irving Berlin's "Cheek To Cheek!" The show also offers new songs arranged and created by Nate Jacobs, Lamont Brown and Louis Danowsky.
The Donelly Theatre, 1012 N. Orange Ave Sarasota, FL 34236
Conjuring the Spirit World: Art, Magic, and Mediums explores the essential role art and objects played for mediums and magicians “communicating” with the dead during the 19th- and 20th-century Spiritualism movement in the U.S. and Europe—a time when people actively debated and wondered, "Can spirits return?" See paintings, posters, photographs, stage apparatuses, costumes, film, publications and other objects that will transport visitors to the age of Harry Houdini, Margery the Medium, Howard Thurston, and the Fox Sisters, among others. Whether you’re a believer, skeptic or somewhere in between, gain a new perspective on the timeless draw of mediums and magicians, séances and magic shows.
The Ringling - Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
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
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
Selby Gardens presents an exciting exhibition that explores the deep and meaningful connection between musician George Harrison – best known as the lead guitarist of the legendary rock band The Beatles – and the pastime of gardening, which became his greatest passion. The resulting multi-sensory experience highlights George’s connection to nature and celebrates his life and legacy through the power of plants!
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound Street 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.
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
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
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