SRQ DAILY Jan 9, 2026
Friday Weekend Edition
"I found out that we were all out of work for a long time, and that being outside was the best medicine for me."
This weekend, Renee Fleming will come to Sarasota. The soprano, actress and arts advocate is a five-time Grammy winner, a National Medal of the Arts recipient and one of the most celebrated artists of her generation—on January 9, Fleming will present her acclaimed concert program, Voice of Nature: the Anthropocene at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The concert, based upon Fleming’s 2023 Grammy-winning album of the same name with Yannick Nezet-Seguin, began as a project Fleming started during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I was supposed to record with Nezet-Seguin, and I found out that we were all out of work for a long time and that being outside was the best medicine for me,” says Fleming. “I had just moved to Virginia in January of 2020 and I discovered this incredible, lush area that was a special joy for me. I thought it was interesting that the music that I sang throughout my career, particularly in recital, stems from the late 19th to early 20th centuries and the poetry the composers set looks at almost every human experience from the lens of nature.”
With new commissions from Nico Muhly, Caroline Shaw and Kevin Puts, Voice of Nature juxtaposes Romantic-era works with contemporary pieces. The concert experience—which includes works not exclusively from the album—is backed by a National Geographic-produced film reflecting the beauty of the natural world.
Fleming’s weekend in Sarasota, however, does not end with Friday’s concert. On January 10, the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, in collaboration with University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, will present Music and Mind: A Conversation on the Healing Power of the Arts, a paneled discussion on the connections between music, brain health and cognitive development. The panelists include Fleming—editor of the 2024 book Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness—Dr. Jim Schumacher, neurosurgeon, magician and research associate at Harvard Medical School; Dr. Jennifer Bugos, professor of Education at USF and Dr. Kevin Spencer, an award-winning performing artist and researcher.
“These conversations are fascinating to me, because every single one of them is different,” says Fleming. “In Sarasota, we’ll have a magician, a neurosurgeon and musician and a National Institutes of Health-funded lab at USF presenting their work. Each of these presenters will have completely different thoughts on how the arts are essential to us in terms of well being and overall health.”
Renee Fleming will be performing at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on January 9 and hosting a paneled discussion at USF Sarasota-Manatee on January 10. 
Provided photo.
On January 25, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present its second Young Artist Program showcase of the season. Sarasota native - and longtime WBTT artist - Marta Myada will present her original showcase, "Taking Stage: Songs of My Journey." Blending soulful vocals, violin performance, humor, and honest reflection, this performance celebrates resilience, faith, and the beauty of finding one’s voice. Tickets are now on sale.
Sarasota Jewish Theatre (SJT) presents “Remember This: The Lesson of Jan Karski,” by Clark Young and Derek Goldman, from February 4 to February 15, and the Be A Theatre Maven program for this play on February 6. On February 9 at 7:30 p.m., SJT presents The Whole Megillah: The Story of The Yiddish Theatre with Charles Troy, an acclaimed musical theatre historian. All plays and programs are held at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. To purchase tickets, visit ThePlayers.org or call 941-365-2494. For more information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org.
Creative Liberties presents “Reflected Currents,” a two-month collaborative residency and exhibition by artists Sandra Wix and Gary LaParl, on view January through February 2026 at Creative Liberties at ARCOS, 340 Central Ave., Sarasota. The exhibition includes individual works, process studies, and newly created collaborative pieces that will be developed during the artists’ residency. An opening reception is Wednesday, January 21, 5-7 p.m. An open house and new work review is Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
EnsembleNEWSRQ (enSRQ) will celebrate its 10th anniversary season with a landmark performance of Steve Reich’s “Music for 18 Musicians” at the Sarasota Opera House on April 24, 2026. The event honors not only the ensemble’s first decade of adventurous artistry but also the 50th anniversary of Reich’s groundbreaking work and the 90th birthday year of the legendary composer himself. For more information on ticket packages and student pricing, visit www.EnSRQ.org.
Direct from Copenhagen, the internationally acclaimed Danish String Quartet makes its Sarasota debut on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverview Performing Arts Center. In their signature style, the Quartet will present Beethoven’s masterful String Quartet in B-flat major, Op. 130, paired with the monumental Grosse Fuge, Op. 133, and complemented by their own sophisticated arrangements of traditional Nordic folk music—creating a program that reflects the ensemble’s distinctive artistic range. Single tickets start at $35 and are available online at SCAsarasota.org or by calling the SCA Box Office at (941) 966-6161, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Erinys Quartet was founded in 2018 at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. With roots in Estonia, Lithuania, Greece, the U.S., and Finland, it is named for the Erinyes (a.k.a. the Furies) from the Greek tragedy Oresteia by Aeschylus. Bronze medalists at the 2024 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, Erinys Quartet has been the Maltzahn String Quartet in Residence at the Curtis Institute for the past two years. Their program includes music by Schubert, Bartok, and Brahms. Tickets are $50 (general seating) and $70 (VIP seating).
Newly added Hermitage February programs will feature Tony Award-nominated Broadway star Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer; 2025 winner of the Aspen Music Festival’s Hermitage Prize in Composition Harriet Steinke;world-renowned flutist Claire Chase; celebrated author Kirstin Valdez Quade; comedian, musician, and writer Morgan Bassichis; and Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright Doug Wright. Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org to learn more.
Arts Advocates is pleased to announce its schedule of February events, kicking off with “Eugene White, Painter of Vintage Florida,” a special free presentation on February 6. Other events include a Talkback Tuesday with trailblazing artist Dasha Reich on February 10; a luncheon featuring guest speaker Ed Linehan of Jazz Club of Sarasota on February 19; a behind-the-scenes tour of the Van Wezel; and an exhibit by Arts Advocates member artist Lynn Coppinger. Unless otherwise indicated, registration is required at ArtsAdvocates.org.
Following months of productive discussions with the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, the grandchildren of Lewis Van Wezel, Dr. Anthony (Tony) Van Wezel Stone and Katherine Van Wezel Stone, Esq., have announced their support of the Sarasota Performing Arts Center project. The project is part of a public-private partnership between the City of Sarasota and the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation (formerly known as the Van Wezel Foundation). For more information about the Sarasota Performing Arts Center project and upcoming events, visit PerformingArtsFoundation.org.
The Olivier Award-nominated — THE CHOIR OF MAN — returns to the U.S. for a highly-anticipated national tour including a return to Sarasota. The worldwide smash and runaway hit of numerous international music festivals will be at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for one night only on Wednesday, February 11. Tickets to THE CHOIR OF MAN are on sale now. Set in the world’s best pub, this uplifting production serves up 90 minutes of non-stop entertainment featuring a cast of extraordinary singers, dancers, musicians, and a charming poet. Enjoy everything from the anthems of Queen and Guns N’ Roses to the soulful sounds of Luther Vandross and Adele to the chart-toppers of Sia, Paul Simon, Avicii, Katy Perry, and more. This show has something for everyone, including a real working bar on stage. Come ready to drink in the excitement and raise a glass with THE CHOIR OF MAN. Cheers! Future updates on shows and productions can be found on the Van Wezel’s website and through social media on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. For more information, please visit www.choirofman.com. THE CHOIR OF MAN is locally sponsored by Lexus of Sarasota.
10 speakers will be invited to present 10 images of their work, interest, or inspiration. Slides advance automatically every 30 seconds with brief introductions between the speakers. The informal and fast paced event is intended to showcase and introduce a diverse group of leaders and creative minds from our community. The event is organized by architect Michael Halflants and painter Tim Jaeger.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
This promises to be a memorable evening of music that speaks to the heart, the mind and maybe even your feet! Doors open 6:30 pm for dinner and beverage service.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First Street at Cocoanut Ave, Sarasota
Renowned for his evocative renderings of light, mist, and glowing colour, visionary artist Yoshida Hiroshi (Japanese, 1876–1950) gathered his subject matter from his travels across the Americas, Europe, north Africa, and Asia. Back in his studio, he translated his sketches into the medium of polychrome woodblock printing—an artform perfected over 200 years of Japanese history.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
The summer 2026 exhibition at Selby Gardens will celebrate the creative collaboration between two legendary figures and longtime friends, photographer Lynn Goldsmith and singer-songwriter Patti Smith, who is Selby Gardens’ artist in residence. The exhibition will feature Goldsmith’s photographs of Smith, past and present, in the Museum of Botany & the Arts. The images will offer an intimate portrait of an iconic artist over the course of her remarkable career.
Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Juana Romani (1867–1924) was one of the most fascinating and successful painters in late-nineteenth-century Paris. Born in Italy, Juana—whose given name was Giovanna Carlesimo—moved to Paris with her mother and stepfather at the age of ten. She took up painting, studying under the well-known painters Jean-Jacques Henner (1829–1905) and Ferdinand Roybet (1840–1920). Romani quickly earned both critical praise and significant fame for her deftly painted, richly colorful depictions of strong, sensual women adorned in lavish textiles.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Mayer explores the impact of technology on the human body through this interactive sculpture series. Slumpies invites viewers to sit and slump on these sculptures, much like furniture, and find a place of comfort while using their technological devices.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
This long-term installation in Gallery 10 of the Museum of Art showcases five outstanding examples of 17th-century Dutch painting on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Featuring a dramatic seascape, an expansive landscape, and captivating portraits set in detailed interiors, this exhibition offers a window into the vibrant artistic production of the Netherlands as the small nation rose to global prominence in the 17th century. The five exceptional paintings from the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, complement The Ringling's holdings of Dutch art and provide additional perspective on the artistry, historical significance, and continuing appeal of Dutch painting from this period.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
Sundays, 1pm. Join psychic and tarot reader, Deni Dreazen on a metaphysical exploration trolley tour of Sarasota. Visit Pixie Dust gift shop, experience a sound bath at the Crocker Memorial Church with sound healer, Kaylene McCaw, and then walk the labyrinth.
Wednesdays, 10:30am. Explore Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern (the Sarasota School of Architecture) and Mediterranean Revival Architecture buildings, homes and structures of Sarasota on this 90-minute mainland tour.
Mondays, 1pm. Join Jerome Chesley as you explore more than 60 pieces of public art located in downtown and St. Armands.
Saturdays, 1pm. This tour led by circus historian Bob Collins explores the fascinating legacy of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus.
Make your Saturday mornings even more fun! Check out the Backyard Science program for elementary-aged learners at The Bishop’s incredible indoor Mosaic Backyard Universe. This wildly popular learning program offers a wide range of activities, observations, and crafts that are sure to spark curiosity and ignite learning.
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th Street West Bradenton FL 34205
Thursdays, 10am. Discover with our expert guide, Kendra Cross, why Sarasota is the only place in the world that the Amish and Mennonite communities come to vacation en masse. In Pinecraft, enjoy the tour stops at Alma Sue’s Quilt Shop, The Carlisle Inn and Der Dutchman Amish Kitchen Cooking Restaurant for shopping and a pie shooter sample of their delicious pie!
This exhibition highlights contemporary Native design, craftwork, and art that employ the formal and aesthetic elements of abstraction as meaningful motifs and coded tools of Indigenous expression to communicate tribal cultures and histories, ancestral knowledge, and the lived experiences of the artists and their communities. Explored in a variety of media, including basket weaving, beadwork, collage, clay, textiles, photography, metalwork, and printmaking rooted in ancestral technologies, their work shares similar stylistic and social concerns, such as vibrant color, hard-edged geometries, curvilinear patterns, and bold mark-making, all infused with personal stories and those of their kin.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
This exhibition highlights contemporary Native design, craftwork, and art that employ the formal and aesthetic elements of abstraction as meaningful motifs and coded tools of Indigenous expression to communicate tribal cultures and histories, ancestral knowledge, and the lived experiences of the artists and their communities.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Join us for a weekly guided tour of the night sky in our state-of-the-art planetarium. As Earth moves around the sun, different objects come into view. We'll not only discuss what you can see this season, we'll fly you there!
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton
Award-winning Hermitage Fellows offer a unique glimpse into their creative process, sharing original works in process with our Gulf Coast audiences. These free hour-long programs take the shape of musical performances, playreadings, concerts, visual art demonstrations, panel discussions, master classes, exhibitions, open studios,and more. The presentations are often works in process, giving Hermitage audiences a look into the creative process before these works go on to leading theaters, concert halls, and museums around the world.
Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6660 Manasota Key Rd, Englewood, FL 34223
Showcasing 100 rare posters along with sculptures, cocktail shakers, and furniture pieces, this exciting exhibition celebrates the centennial anniversary of Art Deco and the artistic significance it brought to the early 20th-century.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Selina Román blends photography, abstraction, and self-portraiture to explore themes of beauty and the politics of size. Roman’s photographs transform the gallery into a space of quiet resistance, subverting traditional ideas of feminine beauty.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
The Sarasota Art Museum partners with the Jazz Club of Sarasota to present live jazz on the second Thursday of every month on the Marcy and Michael Klein Plaza. Enjoy a beverage or food in the Bistro and extended hours in the galleries and shops! Concert begins 5:30 pm.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Think while you drink! Gather your friends, co-workers or family and join us for a fun-filled evening. Prizes and specials each night. Monday – Wednesday at 7:30pm. Gecko’s on Clark – Monday ; Gecko’s on SR64 & Stickney Point – Tuesday ; Gecko’s on Hillview – Wednesday.
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits delicious Sunday Brunch is from 11am-3pm. Guests are invited to indulge in a delightful brunch experience on the beautiful covered patio or casual dining room with nautical touches. The brunch menu features a variety of mouth-watering dishes created by Chef Cesareo Cardenas, including his decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast, savory Steak & Eggs, succulent Lobster Benedict, the flavorful Tripletail Brunch Burger and Crab & Shrimp Omelet. Guests will receive a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa with the purchase of any entrée. Prices range from $13 to $26. Reservations can be made through Open Table or by calling 941-529-0555.
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits, 4870 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Experience an intimate look at award-winning and internationally recognized artist Janet Echelman’s artistic evolution, from early explorations in drawing, painting, and textiles to the monumental netted sculptures that have redefined public spaces around the world.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Stelliferous is your monthly guide to the night skies and the latest news from the world of astronomy. You can enjoy our upgraded Planetarium system and feel like an astronaut as you experience our 50-foot dome!
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton
SRQ DAILY is a daily e-newsletter produced by SRQ MEDIA. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. The views expressed by individuals are their own, and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. SRQ DAILY includes content excerpted from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Robinson Valverde at 941-365-7702 x703 or via email |
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe
