Via Nova Chorale is not a new arts organization in Sarasota. The group, initially founded in 2008 by Dr. Robert Parrish under the name Musica Sacra, rebranded in 2024 as the Via Nova Chorale. Under the guidance of Artistic Director Steven Phillips, Via Nova—which translates to “new way”—the group, originally devoted to performing sacred masterworks, expanded its repertoire to include music from an array of cultures. This season, Via Nova is undergoing another change, this time in its merging with the Choral Artists of Sarasota. Via Nova’s 16th season, which will include four concerts, is aptly titled: “Finding a New Way Together.”

“It’s an exciting time for us because we’re getting bigger post-merger,” says Phillips of Via Nova, which has grown from around 38 singers to 50 since merging with the Choral Artists. “Really, it signals a new growth phase for us and part of that is carrying on the Choral Artists’ legacy. They saw some of what they value happening in Via Nova Chorale, in that it involves creative programming and a high touch in the community of trying to be relevant, excellent and approachable.”

Phillips says that the Choral Artists, which merged with Via Nova following the retirement of longtime leader Dr. Joseph Holt this spring, also responded to Via Nova’s mission. “Our real mission is that Via Nova inspires new ways for us to live together as humans using the power of music,” says Phillips. Via Nova’s 2025-26 season kicks off with Future Present Past, a program that draws from a wide array of musical influences from Baroque composer G.F. Handel to Bob Dylan. “It’s about time and how we relate to it as humans. It gives us a chance to honor Choral Artists and their history and in a sense, it’s asking us to be fully present, to make the best use of our time so we can shape a glorious future,” says Phillips.

The last performance of the season is an original composition by Phillips, Jazz Mass for a New Humanity. The piece, which debuted last season, uses the language of the Roman Mass in a jazz style and incorporates sacred writing and poetry from other traditions to create a musical dialogue. “The deeper question is what are all of these traditions pointing towards? What are they pointing towards for humanity?” says Phillips. “Whether you are religious or not, you can look at the deeper messages that call us together as one human race.” 

Via Nova Chorale in performance with full choir and ensemble. Provided photo.

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The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is pleased to offer residents of Sarasota and Manatee Counties half-off Museum Admission every Saturday and Sunday during the month of September. Residents can purchase their discounted tickets in-person only and a valid ID is required.   

Don’t miss one of Florida’s most anticipated festivals — a weekend filled with music, motors, and making a difference! The 28th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motors Festival returns to the Sarasota Fairgrounds February 13–15, 2026. This iconic festival, organized and benefitting Suncoast Charities for Children, promises a weekend packed with fun and entertainment. Featured headline acts include: Night Ranger — Rock legends known for hits like “Sister Christian” and “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me”, 38 Special — On their 50th Anniversary Tour, celebrating a brand-new album release!, Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery — Bringing high-energy country hits to the stage. For tickets and more information, visit: THUNDERBYTHEBAY.ORG 

The Glenridge Performing Arts Center (GPAC) launches its 2025–2026 season with “From Cuba with Love,” a powerful, humorous, and deeply moving theatrical performance by Dr. Manuel Prestamo. In this one-man show, Prestamo recounts his remarkable journey as one of the “Peter Pan” children—more than 14,000 Cuban youth sent alone to the United States in the early 1960s. The performance is Saturday, September 27, at 2 p.m., at the Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota. Tickets and more information are available at www.gpactix.com or by calling 941-552-5325. 

Later this month, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is thrilled to present its first Young Artist Program showcase of the season, featuring young artist Astrid Victoria (McIntyre). Astrid will present "Make Yourself At Home," featuring her own original music as well as some of her favorite jazz, funk, and neo-soul tunes.Performances take place on September 28 and 29 at WBTT at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are now on sale. 

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Tickets to our popular Halloween-inspired light show are now open to everyone!  Don't miss the chance to see our Historic Spanish Point campus transformed into “Spooky Point" where you can follow an eerily lit path and encounter fantastic creations and bootanically-themed decorations along the way. Equal parts campy, creepy, and cute, this walk-through show is fun for all ages. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. 

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The Wellen Park Wine Festival returns for its second year on Friday, Nov. 14, and Saturday, Nov. 15, showcasing nearly 40 vintners from distinguished winemakers alongside the culinary talents of Downtown Wellen restaurants. Presented by John Cannon Homes, the two-day festival features a collection of ticketed experiences, beginning with a five-course Silver Oak wine dinner Friday evening and continuing Saturday with an introductory wine class for those new to wine tasting, along with the promenade Grand Tasting along Wellen Park Boulevard. “Last year’s inaugural Wellen Park Wine Festival was an incredible success, delivering a truly unique cultural experience for both residents and visitors alike,” said Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park. “The festival offers guests the chance to explore a wide selection of exceptional wines, both from favorite labels and exciting new discoveries, as well as sample some of Wellen Park’s best culinary offerings.”  

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Mold, colds, flu…Fall is the season of change! With the change in season, fall allergies kick into gear, and concern for colds and other viruses increases. To help your family stay healthy, be proactive to bolster immune health, control inflammatory allergy response, and fight congestion with help from Chamberlin’s Natural Foods. Be ready to fight fall allergies with a  quercetin formula that support the body and balances allergy symptoms. And be immune ready with formulas to fight infections and colds. Key herbs and nutrients include elderberry, oregano, vitamin C, and zinc.  Stop by Chamberlin’s in Center Point Plaza and visit with our helpful staff to find the right products to help you stay well this fall. For more tips on fall wellness. 

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Recently, Gecko’s Hospitality Group (GHG) presented a check for $11,070 to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in front of the Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA), which is set to open soon at Nathan Benderson Park. This generous donation is part of a long-standing partnership between GHG and Mote, through which proceeds from GHG’s signature philanthropic cocktail, the Shark Lady, directly support Mote’s world-class marine science research. Since the specialty drink’s launch in 2018, GHG has donated approximately $76,000 to Mote through this initiative. The Shark Lady cocktail is named in honor of Mote’s Founding Director, Dr. Eugenie “Genie” Clark. Known worldwide as “The Shark Lady,” Mote is deeply grateful for GHG’s continued support and shared commitment to advancing marine science and ocean conservation.