SRQ DAILY Jan 16, 2026
Friday Weekend Edition
"Because there is so much content out there to stream, however, we are self curating or binge watching, as people like to call it."
On January 12, acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns kicked off Ringling College of Art and Design’s Town Hall Speaker Series with a lecture at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Burns, one of the most lauded voices in documentary filmmaking, is known best for his works related to American history, including The Civil War, Baseball and Prohibition. His most recent television miniseries, The American Revolution, debuted on PBS in November 2025. Below is an excerpt from the full Q&A interview that will appear in the March 2026 issue of SRQ Magazine.
SRQ: In today's age of digital media, where screens are a constant presence in our lives, have you noticed a shift in who your audience is and how they consume your work?
Burns: We’ve held on and retained, I'm very happy to say, that sort of PBS audience, which is growing older, but we’ve also been able to add younger parents because of our children’s content. I buried the lead, however. The great news is that for the first time in the history of PBS, one of my programs, The American Revolution, broke into Nielsen’s top 10 streaming list. We know that people aren’t reading books anymore. Nobody is reading books, we are constantly distracted by the thing in our pocket. Because there is so much content out there to stream, however, we are self-curating or binge watching, as people like to call it.
When Civil War, Baseball, Jazz and the National Parks came out, everybody was always lamenting, “nobody’s going to watch this.” And of course, those programs had huge audiences. They didn’t say that when The Roosevelts came out in 2014, because by that time, everybody was already binge watching, which is self-curating. My kids will spend the weekend watching 20 episodes of something, which is way longer than any film I’ve ever made. There’s some bad news, which is the erosion of attention and the ability to not read books—which are the greatest mechanical invention—but then there is also the proliferation of all these digital possibilities that make it possible for people who you wouldn’t necessarily think to be in our traditional audience to watch, digest and respond to our work. 
Ken Burns speaks at Ringling College's Town Hall. Photo by Robert Pope.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall reminds audiences that Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes will return to Sarasota next month, performing Thursday, February 12 at 7 p.m. Known worldwide for their infectious blend of flamenco, pop, and world music, the Grammy Award–winning group continues to captivate audiences across generations. Tickets are on sale now. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the Veteran Air Box Office.
Impact100SRQ is a women-led, all-volunteer organization committed to collective giving and thoughtful philanthropy in our local community. At least 100 women each give a $1,000 tax deductible donation, and together they collectively award grants in increments of at least $100,000 to nonprofits serving Sarasota and Manatee Counties in five focus areas: Arts, Culture & History; Education; Environment, Recreation & Animal Welfare; Family; and Health & Wellness. Every member has a voice and a vote in the grantmaking process, helping determine which nonprofit initiatives receive funding and support. Our Mission: To Empower Women to Collectively Fund Transformational Grants to Nonprofits in Sarasota & Manatee Counties. When women come together with purpose, generosity is amplified and impact is multiplied. Please join us for the 2026 Giving Year—membership is open through March 26, 2026.
Impact100 SRQ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat today announced new programs in February of 2026. Newly announced events include Tony Award nominee Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer and the most recent winner of the Hermitage Prize in Composition at the Aspen Music Festival, Harriet Steinke,, sharing a sneak peek into their works-in-process at Nathan Benderson Park on Thursday, February 5; a return to the Hermitage Great Lawn with world-renowned flutist Claire Chase and celebrated author Kirstin Valdez Quade for an unforgettable evening of flute music and literature on Friday, February 13; and the latest installment of Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens with comedian, musician, and writer Morgan Bassichis and Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Doug Wright sharing work and speaking about the unique art of solo performance in theater on Thursday, February 19 at Historic Spanish Point. For more information, visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
Audiences are invited to an unforgettable afternoon of timeless classics and smooth melodies featuring internationally acclaimed vocalist Andrea Ross.
Ross is known as a vocalist and Broadway performer, praised by “The Boston Globe” as “a phenom” and by “Variety” for her “lovely, clear soprano.” Her career was launched under the mentorship of Andrew Lloyd Webber, who produced her UK chart-topping album “Moon River.”
Saturday, Jan. 24, 3:30pm, Ticket Prices: $60-$65, The Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Building 5, Venice. Tickets are available now online at www.thevenicesymphony.org, by phone at 941-207-8822, or at the box office, 700 U.S. Highway 41 Bypass North, Suite 4, Venice.
Join archaeologist and art historian Dr. Joanna S. Smith as she discusses Ancient Art from Cyprus and the Mediterranean newly reinstalled in Gallery 12 of the Museum of Art. In this illustrated talk, Smith unveils many of the faces of the sculptures on view in the context of both the ancient world and modern collecting practices.
Jan 21, 11am, Museum of Art, Chao Lecture Hall, $10 | $5 Members.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat (Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director and CEO) announced today that the organization has received an unprecedented gift of land and property from the Morrison and Steans family. Located less than half a mile from the Hermitage’s existing home on Manasota Key, this property will more than double the Hermitage’s capacity for its celebrated artist residency program. The total appraised value of the gift is approximately $12,000,000, making this one of the largest land gifts of its kind to a nonprofit arts organization. The Gulf-to-Bay property spans 6.5 acres of land and is comprised of five main structures. These buildings will provide additional accommodations for the nonprofit’s renowned artist-in-residence program. Generative artists, writers, and performers are invited by nomination to enjoy multi-week residencies on Manasota Key, where they receive the gift of time and space in an inspirational setting to develop new works of theater, music, visual art, literature, dance, and more.
The Glenridge Performing Arts Center (GPAC) invites audiences to enjoy a dynamic month of comedy, magic, and musical nostalgia this February. Two standout performances headline the month: the fast-paced, laugh-filled “Chipper Experience: Where Comedy & Magic Collide! (Sunday, February 15, 2 p.m.) and the beloved Barry Manilow tribute “DAYBREAK (Friday, February 6 and Saturday, February 7, 7:30 p.m.), featuring the hits that defined a generation.
Billy Joel: Just the Way He Is celebrates the life and music of the songwriter/performer who created the soundtrack that defines a generation. Susan Benjamin, musical biographer, provides unusual stories about and insights into Joel’s life. Cantor Jay O’ Brien, both a full-time cantor in the Chicago area and a rock and roll performer, brings Joel’s music to life. Maestro Robert Hanson, former music director and conductor of of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in the Chicago area, rounds out the performing team with piano accompaniment This one-time, family-friendly performance takes place through the Education Center at Temple Beth Israel in Longboat Key, Sunday, February 15, from 3 to 4:30pm. Following the program, a complimentary champagne reception will take place so that audience members can meet the presenters. Through this program, audience members will not only listen to Billy Joel’s music; they will understand it.
Tickets are available NOW and can be purchased online – ww.tbieducationcenter.org, by email – Admin@tbieducationcenter.org or call 941-383-8222.
Senior Friendship Centers announces the continuation of its popular “Joyful Journeys” authors series this winter, made possible, in part, through a generous sponsorship, from AARP. Amy Matovina, AARP’s associate state director for Tampa Bay, awarded the sponsorship in support of the organization’s signature literary program, which brings diverse voices — from debut memoirists to award-winning novelists — to the community. The series is also supported by Phyllis Lovrien.
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (The Ringling), Florida's official state art museum, is celebrating 25 years under the stewardship of Florida State University, a partnership that has led to major restoration and expansion, record public engagement, and a fivefold economic return for Floridians. For more information: www.ringling.org
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is pleased to welcome back David Foster and Katharine McPhee to Sarasota for a special performance on Thursday, February 19 at 7 p.m. The celebrated husband-and-wife duo will take the stage for an intimate evening that showcases their extraordinary musical talents and shared love of performance. Tickets are on sale; limited availability remains. Tickets start at $56 and can be purchased at VanWezel.org, by calling 941-263-6799 or by visiting the Veteran Air Box Office at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. Grab and go dining options are available through Mattison’s at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Select shows may have dinner service available. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the Veteran Air Box Office.
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
In a virtuoso performance, SJT favorite Michael Raver portrays the Polish World War II hero and Holocaust witness Jan Karski, who risked his life to carry his report of the Warsaw ghetto from war-torn Poland to the Allied Nations and the Oval Office, only to be met with inaction and disbelief.
The Sarasota Players, 3501 S Tamiami Trl Suite 1130, Sarasota, FL 34239
He is one of the most influential entertainers in history. Now, Michael Jackson’s unparalleled artistry comes to Sarasota in MJ, the multiple Tony Award-winning musical about the creation of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Created by Tony Award-winning Director and Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the iconic moves and music to explore his creative process.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Violinist Blake Pouliot has performed with orchestras throughout North and South America and Europe. His decade-long collaborator is pianist Henry Kramer. Together, they present a program devoted to the influence of art song on instrumental music, including selections by Schumann and Chausson, Pouliot’s own arrangement of Dvořák’s Zigeunerlieder, and music from the opera Carmen.
Fischer/Weisenborne Residence, 7459 Cabbage Palm Court, Sarasota FL 34241
This thrilling program celebrates history’s greatest musicals, including The Lion King, Hamilton, Jersey Boys, The Phantom of the Opera, and the biggest blockbuster of them all: Wicked. A trio of phenomenal vocalists offer breathtaking performances with Evan Roider on the podium, conductor of more than 1,000 performances of Wicked.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join us for the Sarasota Opera's highly celebrated Annual Gala, themed "Winter in Paris." Be immersed in the splendor of the City of Lights while enjoying an evening of mingling, fine cuisine, and dancing. Proceeds from the event and paddle raise will support our Youth Opera & Education programs. We invite you to be part of this elegant experience inspired by the Sarasota Opera's 67th Winter Opera Festival and its opening performance of La bohème. Guests are encouraged to dress in chic, boutique Parisian black-tie (optional) attire.
The Ora Ballroom, 578 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
SPAACES is pleased to host a group exhibition featuring the Ringling College of Art and Design fine art graduating Class of 2026. This showcase highlights the culmination of each artist’s academic and creative journey, presenting a range of works that reflect their technical skill, conceptual growth, and individual voice.
SPAACES, 2051 Princeton St, Sarasota, FL 34237
Sarasota Orchestra lights up listeners of all ages in this 60-minute concert of familiar favorites. The program's centerpiece is Peter and the Wolf, Sergey Prokofiev's "symphonic fairy tale for children." General admission tickets are $5 for this close-up encounter with Sarasota Orchestra, with a Spanish version of the performance at 4:00 pm.
Ven con tu familia a una tarde de diversión sinfónica, a cargo de Sarasota Orchestra. Dirigida por Alexander Jiménez, Profesor de Dirección Musical y Director de Actividades Orquestales en la Florida State University, la orquesta deleitará a los oyentes de todas las edades en este concierto de 60 minutos que presenta Pedro y el Lobo, el “cuento de hadas sinfónico para los niños” compuesto por Prokofiev. ¡ Llega temprano o quédate después del concierto para disfrutar de divertidas actividades educativas !
Holley Hall, 709 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Johann S. Bach’s most towering achievement, the great Mass in B Minor, a work of sublime vocal and orchestral mastery. Written across two decades, and completed in Bach’s final years, the Mass in B Minor is the glorious summation of an extraordinary musical life demonstrating his skill, ingenuity, and symbolism into a work full of dramatic impact. Conducted by Joseph Caulkins.
Church of the Redeemer, 222 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon filled with timeless classics and smooth melodies, featuring the internationally acclaimed vocalist Andrea Ross, hailed by the Boston Globe as “a phenom, whose presence and voice are extraordinary.”
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave Building 5, Venice, FL 34285
A lively afternoon of song and dance with 100 percent of the proceeds going to help rebuild Venice Theatre. Singers from The Sarasota Players and Venice Theatre, along with the Showtime Dancers and Silver Foxes Dancers, will delight and entertain. Get your tickets early as this show will sell out!
Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. Venice
The critically-acclaimed Kavita Shah Quintet explores Kavita’s original music and her arrangements of jazz standards and music from around the world. Incorporating themes of diaspora into her work, Kavita uses her background in ethnomusicology, linguistic fluency (she speaks 9 languages), and in-depth knowledge of various cultural traditions to place seemingly eclectic and diverse music elements in dialogue with one another.
Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Tradition Reimagined brings together a diverse group of Illustration Department faculty whose practices are rooted in traditional painting techniques while actively challenging and expanding their boundaries. This group exhibition celebrates the enduring power of representational art while highlighting each artist’s unique approach to storytelling, process and visual interpretation.
Galleries of Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
Enjoy Handel’s iconic Hallelujah Chorus, The Trumpet Shall Sound, and the monumental finale Worthy is the Lamb sung expertly by our Chamber Singers and a cast of world-class soloists. Hear the Rest of the Story. While Part 1, the Christmas Portion of Handel’s immortal Messiah, has become a holiday tradition, rarely can one experience the breathtaking music in Parts 2 and 3.
Church of the Redeemer, 222 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Once Upon a Mattress flips the classic fairy tale upside down in this hilarious, high-energy musical that’s bursting with charm, cleverness, and contagious fun for all ages. With toe-tapping tunes, outrageous characters, and non-stop laughs, this is a royal romp that will have you grinning from start to finish.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Canadian trumpeter William Leathers is the principal trumpet of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and the Santa Fe Opera. Joined by Joseph Holt on piano, Leathers’ program includes trumpet music by film composer John Williams. A multi-talented artist, the program also features Chopin’s Ballade #1.
Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota FL 34236
Art Center Sarasota's Annual Juried Members Show fills all four galleries in celebration of our Centennial Season. This inclusive, unthemed exhibition showcases the diverse talents of our member artists across a wide range of styles and mediums, from bold abstractions to detailed realism. With guaranteed inclusion for all who submit, the show reflects our commitment to accessibility, creativity, and the vibrant spirit that has defined our community for 100 years.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
When President Kennedy vowed to put a man on the moon, the task landed in the hands of a band of maverick engineers – once the misfits of American science. With no rulebook, they embraced “blue-skying,” drawing inspiration from Buck Rogers, Greek myths, Louis Leakey, and even Snoopy and the Red Baron.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
A Hollywood film star and her entourage descend upon a quaint English village to film an epic period drama. But when the glamorous opening reception ends in a chilling murder, everyone becomes a suspect. Leaving Agatha Christie's beloved sleuth, Miss Marple, to untangle a web of ambition, deceit, and stage fright. One of the Queen of Mystery's most celebrated novels finally makes it to the stage in this new adaptation by Rachel Wagstaff.
Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
World Premiere, Choreography by Gemma Bond. Lilac Garden, Choreography by Antony Tudor, Music by Ernest Chausson. Valsinhas, Choreography by Ricardo Graziano, Music by Franz Schubert.
FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243
An interactive exhibition exploring mental health, storytelling, and imagination through LEGO.
Galleries of Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
An exhibition showcasing the recent work of Sarasota-based artist and Ringling College alumnus Tom Stephens (Class of 1996). Known for his expressive use of color, gestural brushwork, and emotionally charged compositions, Stephens’ paintings explore the tension between abstraction and representation. His dynamic surfaces reveal a deep engagement with process and intuition, resulting in works that resonate with both personal introspection and universal human experience.
Galleries of Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
This historical group exhibition revisits the creative legacy of the Sarasota Artist Colony—a vibrant and visionary community of artists who helped shape the region’s post-war cultural identity and laid the groundwork for Sarasota’s emergence as a thriving arts destination. Drawn to the Gulf Coast for its climate, light and Ringling School of Art, these painters, printmakers, and educators established studios, taught classes, and exhibited widely, fostering a collaborative spirit that flourished between 1945 and 1965. Origins is a visual tribute to this remarkable era—highlighting the innovation, camaraderie, and enduring influence of the colony’s members.
Galleries of Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
Beethoven’s Sonata in E-flat major for Violin and Piano, Op. 12, No. 3. String Trio in D major, Op. 9, No. 2. Piano Trio in B-flat major, Op. 97, “The Archduke.”
Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota, FL 34231
Recognized as the U.K.’s most in-demand orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic, led by Music Director Vasily Petrenko, performs Sibelius’ poignant and dramatic Symphony No. 2. British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor has an acclaimed international career and performs regularly with the great orchestras of Europe and the U.S.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Shimmer, strike, and sing—enSRQ’s January program explores sound in its most elemental and tactile forms. Nina C. Young’s “Sun Propeller” spins solo violin lines through a prism of live electronics. Claude Vivier’s “Learning” fuses four violins, percussion, and tape into a mysterious sonic ritual. Shawn Allison’s world premiere, inspired by the surreal poetry of Russell Edson and written for enSRQ’s artistic directors, pairs violin and percussion in a vivid cross-disciplinary dialogue. Closing the night, Chris Cerrone’s “Goldbeater’s Skin”—for percussion quartet and mezzo-soprano Thea Lobo—alternates luminous melodic development with glittering rhythmic outbursts.
First Congressional Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota
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