There is a special place at the bottom of Sarasota County, on Manasota Key in Englewood. It is a place where the world’s leading creatives and artists have flocked to, like song birds migrating south for the winter, a safe haven to work on their ideas that later will be presented to the world. Last fall, the Hermitage Artist Retreat, like many other special places on the Gulf Coast, was thrown into disarray by the devastating impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

“Manasota Key really took a tremendous beating,” says Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg. “We got hit with Helene, which I believe was the worst storm in Manasota Key history and 12 days later, we got hit with Milton which was even worse.” The storm wrecked havoc on the campus, with over eight feet of sand causing damage to buildings and the landscape. While the historic Hermitage House reopened in January, the organization has been unable to host its iconic public programs on the beach—until now.

On June 26, the Hermitage will present Key Change: A Return to the Beach, a public program featuring award-winning musical theater writers and Hermitage Fellows Mark Sonnenblick and the Lazour Brothers. Sonnenblick recently collaborated with Elton John on the West End production of The Devil Wears Prada and has written songs for films such as Spirited and Theater Camp. Daniel and Patrick Lazour also operate at the forefront of musical theater, having recently received numerous nominations in this year’s New York theater season for their musical We Live in Cairo.

“Mark and the Lazours are both alums of the Hermitage who we discovered were working collaboratively on a project. Now they’re returning as a team to work on a new musical that they’re developing together,” says Sandberg. “Artists grow very attached to the Hermitage, because it’s a great place of productivity for them—we were looking for the right event to kick off the return to the beach and thought what better than three guys who have such an affinity for this place?”

While what will be presented in the program is not set in stone, the artists are sure to present material that offers insight into their creative process. “Each of them, in their prior programs, debuted material that no one has heard for the first time,” says Sandberg.

Key Change: A Return to the Beach, June 26, 6:30-7:30pm, Hermitage Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Rd., Englewood, 34223 

Hermitage Beach program and campus. Provided photo.

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Don’t miss On Stage 2025 by the Sarasota Cuban Ballet on July 19 at 6:00 pm at the Sarasota Opera House. Royal Ballet guest artists Francisco Serrano and Leticia Dias join Summer Intensive dancers from around the world in classical and contemporary works. Our audiences agree: “This showcase never fails to delight!” “Incredible, first rate” “I was stunned by the talent” 

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The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (The Ringling) is pleased to announce its 2025–26 Art of Performance Season. With seven headline acts from around the world and a wide variety of approaches to the art of performance, Curator of Performance Elizabeth Doud continues to bring completely new acts to the stage, some of which American audiences couldn’t see anywhere else in the country.  More information can be found at ringling.org.   

Senior Friendship Centers announces the continuation of its popular authors series, “Joyful Journeys.” This engaging, free program celebrates the art of storytelling and highlights local authors. Each month, a featured author shares their unique insights, captivating stories, and personal experiences. Attendees can enjoy lively discussions, participate in Q&A sessions, and connect with fellow literature enthusiasts. The sessions are on Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m., at Senior Friendship Centers, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota. Generous support from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County makes the Joyful Journeys series possible. Joyful Journeys events are free, but registration is required at https://friendshipcenters.org/category/events/. For more information about Joyful Journeys, call 941-556-3269 or visit friendshipcenters.org. 

Terra Firma engages us to channel our memories, our connection to the land, our city, our home. Bringing an indigenous voice, Betty Osceola shares the perspectives, teachings, and traditions of the Miccosukee people. The performance is a land acknowledgement that invites the audience to redefine their relationship with their land and their geographical ancestors. Terra Firma welcomes the public to share a message for future generations via written notes that will be placed in a capsule and offered to the land. Choreographed by Sandra Portal-Andreu featuring Stephanie Bastos, a mixed-abilities dancer. 

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Last Day to Nominate! Nominate an outstanding physicians for SRQ Magazine’s Top Doctors 2025 by June 13. Help us celebrate the medical professionals making a difference across Sarasota, Manatee, and surrounding communities. Your peer nominations shape this trusted, specialty-spanning list. Click HERE to nominate!