SRQ DAILY Apr 3, 2026
Friday Weekend Edition
"I have always wanted to write something like this."
Next month, Sarasota’s Via Nova Chorale will close out its season with Jazz Mass for a New Humanity, an original 11-movement work by artistic director Steven Phillips. Jazz Mass, which premiered in 2025, will be performed by Via Nova alongside an ensemble of jazz musicians and guest vocalist, Maicy Powell.
“I have always wanted to write something like this," says Phillips. “I have jazz training and experience along with classical training and experience, and I love the jazz language, how it all comes together.”
An original composition from Phillips, Jazz Mass for a New Humanity uses the language of the Roman Mass in a jazz style and incorporates sacred writing and poetry from other traditions to create a musical dialog. “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.”
Phillips constructed the work, which consists of 11 movements, to use segments of poetry that would speak to what he believes are the themes of mass: wonder, transcendence and growth. One such poem is Wendell Berry’s Peace of the Wild Things. “One of my favorite movements is a slower ballad based on that poem, it talks about allowing nature to speak to us and give us hope. It truly is forward looking—our potential as human beings is so vast and yet I find our race still quibbling and quarreling and going to war over bits of land and how much territory the other has and who gets the better deal in the trade,” says Phillips. “The Jazz Mass is my way of speaking to these issues and calling humans to come together around the beautiful and wonderful things that we have to celebrate.”
May 1, 7p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota. 
Members of Via Nova Chorale gather in performance, bringing voices together for Jazz Mass for a New Humanity, a work that blends sacred tradition with contemporary expression.
Back and better than ever, don’t miss the iconic Derby and Dressage Dinner Party at TerraNova Equestrian Center. Experience the elegance of Olympic dressage followed by a lively Kentucky Derby viewing celebration. Enjoy pavilion seating for live international dressage competition, then settle in for one of the best Derby viewing experiences around. Savor a Bluegrass-inspired dinner menu, an open beer and wine bar, spirits for purchase, and complimentary mint julep cocktails and mocktails.Dress to impress—Derby hats, bold ties, and classic style encouraged—for an unforgettable evening in the heart of horse country.
Pricing:
Single: $125
Table of 2: $250
Table of 4: $500
Table of 6: $750
Fast Facts:
Pavilion opens at 4 PM
Derby post time between 6–7 PM ET
Menu includes gluten-free and vegan options
Spring comes alive with Sarasota Orchestra this April, featuring powerful symphonic masterworks, cinematic pops favorites, and a festive outdoor concert experience. From Mahler’s soaring Fifth Symphony to the iconic themes of James Bond and the laid-back sounds of Parrots & Palms, it’s a month packed with unforgettable live performances. For more information, visit www.sarasotaorchestra.org.
Sarasota Opera will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the historic Sarasota Opera House, described by Musical America as “one of the finest venues for opera in America”, with a weekend of centennial programs on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12, including a special concert, a gala dinner, and free film screening. Tickets and information for all events are available at www.sarasotaopera.org/centennial.
From April 8-May 17, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will close its 2025-2026 theatre season with the world-premiere musical comedy, "Lies, Spells & Old Wives' Tales." The show, co-created by WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs and his brother, Michael Jacobs, will take audiences on a fanciful journey featuring storytelling and fun (original) music. The concept for the show – an exploration of the sayings, values, tales and traditions that pass through generations orally, by way of the matriarchs, inspired by Jacbobs' own mother and grandmother – came to Nate a few years ago; he decided to bring the idea to life for this, WBTT's "Soul Of A People" season. Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org for more information.
The Venice Symphony is delighted to unveil its concert line up for the upcoming season, "See Where Music Takes You." As part of the 2026-27 Season, Music Director Troy Quinn will take the audience on a musical journey they won't soon forget featuring the talents of our 75 Symphony musicians, dynamic themes, and internationally recognized guest artists such as pianist Janice Carissa, vocalist Andrea Lykke best known for her role in The Bodyguard musical and Disney's animated blockbuster Wish, and many more! Subscription packages are available now. For more information, visit thevenicesymphony.org or contact The Venice Symphony box office at 941-207-8822, or at the box office, 700 U.S. Highway 41 Bypass North, Suite 4, Venice.
502 Gallery is pleased to present Regan Dunnick: Tin and the Reappropriated Couch Painting, an exhibition featuring works by Regan Dunnick, internationally recognized illustrator, exhibiting artist, and distinguished faculty member at Ringling College of Art and Design.
Saturday, April 4, 5-8pm, 502 Gallery, Sarasota.
Step right up for a spectacular production as Sailor Circus Academy proudly presents Night at the Movies 2, a captivating, family-friendly production running Thursday, April 16 through Saturday, April 19 for five performances only. This high-energy show features 150 talented students ages 7–18 performing daring feats both on the ground and in the air. This extraordinary blend of circus arts and the music of the movies creates a riveting 90-minute performance, As the nation’s longest-running youth circus, Sailor Circus continues its legacy of excellence with a production that combines artistry, athleticism, thrills and storytelling. Special highlights include performances by the Academy’s senior students, with six graduating high school seniors featured in this milestone production. Tickets are on sale now at CircusArts.org or by calling 941-355-9805.
Is it a traditional mass? Yes—and not at all. On Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m., Via Nova Chorale presents “Jazz Mass for a New Humanity,” a sweeping, 11-movement work by artistic director Steven Phillips that reimagines one of music’s oldest forms as something urgent, expansive and deeply human. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ViaNovaChorale.org or call 941-263-2086.
The Perlman Music Program Suncoast (PMP Suncoast) presents the acclaimed Zota Quartet in two unique performances this May, offering audiences both a traditional chamber music concert and an innovative collaboration with visual artists. The first performance, a Chamber Music Concert, is Saturday, May 2, 7 p.m., at the Campus Center at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. The program features Haydn’s Quartet in B-flat Major, “Sunrise,” and Ravel’s String Quartet in F Major, followed by a Q&A with the artists. Tickets are $40 for general admission and $50 for reserved seating (front rows) and are available at PMPSuncoast.org/Zota.
Join us on Tuesday, April 7th at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Doors open at 5:00 pm, and presentations begin promptly at 6:00pm. This fast-paced series celebrates the diverse leaders and creative minds of Sarasota. 10 speakers are invited to share 10 images of their work, interests, or inspirations. With slides advancing automatically every 30 seconds, each presentation is concise, dynamic, and engaging. Admission: $20 online / $10 for AIA Members and Ringling College Staff. Free for students.
Brightmore brings Mattamy Homes’ vibrant 55+ lifestyle to the heart of Wellen Park in Venice, Florida. Enjoy a connected, active way of living just minutes from beaches, golf, dining and Downtown Wellen. With stylish homes and resort-style amenities underway—including pickleball courts, pools and a clubhouse—this is where every day feels like a getaway. You’re invited to the Inaugural Brightmore Pickleball Invitational at Wellen Park—where competition meets community and bragging rights are very real. Join us Saturday, April 11 from 8 AM – 4 PM and Sunday, April 12 from 12 – 4 PM for a weekend of spirited play and social fun. The Bright Bar will be open all weekend with food and drinks, plus a pop-up shop featuring event merch and local vendors. Snacks and drinks will also be available courtside. Open to all Wellen Park residents.
Here’s what to know: Saturday: Competitive tournament for registered players; Sunday: Pickleball Fun Day with open play, beginner clinics, and a more relaxed, social format. Who can attend: Open to all Wellen Park residents. All players must register in advance. Both days will include music, food and drink, vendors and more!
Guests can enjoy an elegant Easter brunch in The Ritz-Carlton Grand Ballroom with live entertainment. Mimosas, Bellinis, and Bloody Marys are available for purchase. Reservations are required and can be made at link below. Prices are $175++ per adult; $65++ per child (12 and under).
The Ritz-Carlton Grand Ballroom, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Guests can enjoy a special holiday spread featuring breakfast classics while taking in marina views and greeting the Easter Bunny. An enhanced à la carte menu will be available to continue the holiday festivities until 11pm. Reservations are required and can be made at link below. Prices are $40++ per adult; $17++ per child (12 and under) | $28++ bottomless mimosas, Bloody Marys, or Kir Royales. Sunday, April 5, 7am to 12pm.
Jack Dusty , 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
If you are oyster curious or just craving the fresh coastal seafood & hand-crafted cocktails from your new Rosemary District favorite, join us at Lefty's for our daily Happy Hours Monday - Friday from 4 pm - 6 pm and our Late Night Happy Hours every night from 9:00-Close. With seafood offerings from the Steamer and Buck-A-Shucks on oysters plus our extensive wine, specialty and seasonal cocktails and draft beers, Lefty's has your recipe to get happier and explore our menus. Join us every day for Lunch, Happy Hours or Dinner and for our downtown neighbors and Hospitality industry colleagues, we'll have live music and keep the light on for you on the weekends!
Lefty's Oyster and Seafood Bar, 428 N Lemon Ave, 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
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
Art immersion class for children ages 6-18. Small classes with fine arts materials. Visit linarinconart.com for more information and to register.
Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Creative Academy, 927 N Lime Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237
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
Hatch’s newly commissioned “plate painting,” Amalgam (2023), was created specifically for Sarasota Art Museum. Consisting of more than 450 earthenware plates hand-painted in white, blue, and gold luster, the abstract lines and shapes in Amalgam are drawn from a variety of historical ceramics from around the globe.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Vivaldi Concerto in D major for Flute, Strings and Continuo, RV 428, “Il gardellino”; Saint-Saëns Tarantella for Flute, Clarinet and Piano; Golijov Mariel for Cello and Marimba; WORLD PREMIERE Saint-Saëns Carnival of the Animals for Two Pianos and Chamber Ensemble. Michael Stephen Brown’s A Carnival of Endangered Wonders: A Zoological Fantasy for Two Pianos, Flute, Clarinet, Percussion, and Strings.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Closing the season is Lies, Spells and Old Wives’ Tales. This new, original musical comedy, adapted and created by Nate Jacobs and his writing partner (and brother), Michael Jacobs, celebrates the spirit, identity, and cultural essence of a people. The show spotlights and celebrates the sayings, beliefs, values, fables, stories, and traditions that are passed down from generation to generation and become the fiber and foundation that establishes the conventions and traditions of a people. The show features original, unique and fun music. It guarantees to be an experience filled with reminiscent and festive joy.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
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.
SJT is repeating a play that was presented over Zoom in our first season in the midst of the pandemic. We believe that this play is so timely and important that it should be presented to a wider audience. When a white supremacist brutally attacks an immigrant and is assigned a Jewish public defender, both men’s lives are changed forever.
The Sarasota Players, 3501 S Tamiami Trl Suite 1130, Sarasota, FL 34239
The monthly Saturday Night Sketch Club offers chill, creative vibes with costumed models or themed still lifes, and refreshments. Come solo or bring a friend. No experience needed.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
The Elvis Presley Experience is more than a concert—it’s a time-traveling journey through the iconic music, style, and charisma that made Elvis a global sensation.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Enjoy music, theater, literature, dance, and more as part of the Hermitage Sunsets at Selby Gardens series. Each hour-long program features selections of work as well as candid and engaging conversations with the world-class artists who come to the Hermitage to create art in an inspirational environment.
Selby Gardens
Thursdays and Saturdays, 7:30pm. Step right up to solve the murder of Dahlia the Queen of the High Wire on this interactive murder mystery who-dunnit.
Wednesdays, 10am. Go back in time to the 1920’s in Sarasota to hear from three leading ladies (Bertha Palmer, Marie Selby and Mable Ringling) as portrayed by Kathryn Chesley, who shaped Sarasota into a cultural icon.
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
This new speaker series, Art, Actually, explores how art intersects with identity, community, and change through conversations with artists, curators, and cultural leaders.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
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.
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