SRQ DAILY Apr 17, 2026
Friday Weekend Edition
"This is a relatively poor community filled with extraordinary life and characters that would make their own music."
The 2026 Giving Challenge raised more than $16.7 million, with 50,000-plus donors making almost 88,000 gifts to a record 751 nonprofits. This year's challenge was the 10th hosted by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and the results bring the cumulative impact of the initiative to almost $110 million since 2012. The Community Foundation’s longtime partner, The Patterson Foundation, once again provided an inspirational 1:1 match for all unique donations between $25 and $100, per donor, per nonprofit, with no limit on the number of unique individual matches a nonprofit could receive. Overall, The Patterson Foundation provided $6.5 million in matching dollars during this year’s challenge, bringing its total support for the Giving Challenge to more than $43 million since 2012. 
One of Broadway’s most legendary musicals is finally making its way onto Asolo Repertory Theatre’s main stage. Fiddler on the Roof, the winner of nine Tony Awards, is in production at Asolo Rep through May 31. Based on Sholem Aleichem’s stories, with the book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, Fiddler on the Roof centers on Tevye, a Jewish milkman living in poverty-stricken Czarist Russia. As outside influences impede on the lives of his family, Tevye struggles to come to grips with the actions of his three daughters, who wish to marry for love instead of financial gain.
Although set in 1905, Fiddler on the Roof thematically remains as relevant as it ever was. A tale of emigration, cultural dissonance and ideological conflict, Tevye’s internal battle as a father is one that is felt throughout families around the world. “It is obviously a singular look at this sect of Jewish culture at this time in history, but so many of the ideas are universal about parents to children, and that tension between between honoring the past and embracing the future,” says Peter Rothstein, producing artistic director of Asolo Rep. “That’s the central conflict for Tevye—do you break with tradition and allow your children to chart their own course? Or in doing so, do you disparage the past and not honor your ancestors?”
Rothstein, who is also directing the production, tailored the musical in a manner that he believed authentically fit the story. In lieu of an orchestra, Rothstein cast actor/musicians—including Yurii and Andrii Padkovskyi, two Ukrainian immigrants—to create all of the music on stage. “This is a relatively poor community filled with extraordinary life and characters that would make their own music,” says Rothstein. “The entire cast will play music, except for Tevye, our narrator, who has a singular relationship with the audience. He is able to break the fourth wall and communicate directly with the audience, unlike any of the other characters.”
Fiddler on the Roof, April 11 to May 31, Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
Jeremy Radin (Tevye) and Lauren Molina (Golde) in Asolo Rep's production of Fiddler on the Roof. Provided photo.
Cooking for the Arts returns for the 4th year with “Havana Nights” to benefit Southside School Foundation for the Arts (SSFA). The Southside community and greater Sarasota area will soon gather for an unforgettable evening of food, music and philanthropy as Cooking for the Arts returns in 2026 with a vibrant “Havana Nights” theme, benefiting arts education at Southside Elementary School. Hosted at Michael's On East, this signature event offers a one-of-a-kind interactive culinary experience. Rather than simply being served dinner, guests work together at their tables to prepare courses for one another, guided by professional chefs leading the experience from the stage. The result is an engaging, high-energy evening that blends teamwork, creativity, and community connection. A limited number of VIP tables and tickets remain available. Reach out to molly@biter.com or montanamross@gmail.com to learn more.
The annual Hermitage Greenfield Prize Dinner on Sunday, April 12 honored visual artist Charisse Pearlina Weston. This was the central event of a three-day celebration, hosted by the Hermitage Artist Retreat (Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director and CEO) in partnership with the Greenfield Foundation. The gala evening was presented at Michael’s on East and featured inspiring performances from Tony Award-nominated Broadway star Will Swenson (Hair, A Beautiful Noise), accompanied by pianist Joseph Holt; original songs performed by Hermitage Fellow and 2024 Hermitage Greenfield Prize-finalist Britton Smith, accompanied by AJ Jagannath; and an unexpected performance of hit song “Golden,” written by Academy Award-winning Hermitage Fellow Mark Sonnenblick and sung by Maicy Powell. The annual gala raised over $400,000 in support of the Hermitage’s mission, in addition to the Greenfield Foundation’s annual gift of $175,000. Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg served as master of ceremonies, with Co-Chairs Ellen & Richard Sandor, who announced an additional commitment of $250,000 to underwrite the “Sandor Residency at the Hermitage.”
Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design (SAM) is pleased to present “Beautiful Ideas: The Prints of Sol LeWitt,” on view from May 17 through October 25, 2026. This exhibition explores the extensive printmaking career of Sol LeWitt (1928–2007), a leader of the American Minimalism and Conceptual art movements who famously declared that “the idea becomes a machine that makes the art.” More at SarasotaArtMuseum.org.
WUSF Public Media is proud to announce that long-time radio broadcaster Joe Goetz will join the WUSF and WSMR family full time as an announcer/host on WSMR 89.1 and 103.9 classical music radio. Goetz is a nationally recognized broadcaster who has been in the radio industry for more than 20 years. He began as a student at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, hosting on classical station KCME while pursuing his degree in music. He went on to work at Vermont Public, WFIU in Bloomington, Indiana, and most recently was Music Director for YourClassical Minnesota Public Radio. While in Minnesota, Goetz was lead programmer from 2020 to 2025 for “Classical 24,” a live radio service delivered in real time via satellite to radio stations across the country. For more information, visit www.wusf.org.
We are back this Saturday at 6 pm. Watch beautiful horses jump big jumps! Join us this Saturday for the first Sunsets and Show Jumping Grand Prix of our spring season! Gates open at 5 PM, first Horse on course at 6 PM. Free parking, admission $10, admission proceeds benefit our partner charities. Food, beverages, fun for everyone! Made In Italy is also selling their stone-fired pizzas! VIP tables available. https://bit.ly/VIPRESERVATION
Now in its third year of operation, the Gulf Islands Ferry has added a third vessel, the Manatee Belle, to meet the growing demand for multi-modal transportation between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. The new vessel adds 91 seats to the existing fleet and its increased size and enclosed, climate-controlled cabin design will improve dependability, delivering a comfortable and safe passenger experience. This debut further affirms Manatee County’s commitment to its residents and visitors with reliable, scenic and convenient alternate travel options. The addition of the Manatee Belle will help maintain consistent scheduling, enhance service reliability due to weather concerns and reduce the need for personal vehicles while travelling between the mainland and the seven miles of coastline on Anna Maria Island. For more information and the full schedule, visit www.gulfislandsferry.com or the Bradenton Area Tourism Bureau website.
“Reflections” is a unique art exhibition and auction centered on mirrors as both functional objects and expressive art pieces. Through painted, redesigned, and reimagined mirrors, participating artists explore the concept of reflection—examining themes of identity, perception, space, and self-awareness. This collaboration between AIA Florida Gulf Coast and SARTQ Artist Collective highlights the dialogue between architectural form and artistic expression. The event aims to showcase innovative designs that blend utility with creativity, encouraging audiences to reconsider everyday objects through an artistic lens. Proceeds from the auction will support community arts initiatives and architectural education programs.
Architecture Sarasota, 265 S Orange Ave, Sarasota
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
Celebrate the vibrant sounds of the nation with our last concert of the season. This concert features John Williams’ The Cowboys Overture, Leonard Bernstein’s Times Square: 1944, and Copland’s iconic Appalachian Spring along with much more. Our guest vocalist for this concert is Andrea Ross.
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave Building 5, Venice, FL 34285
Annual juried show and graduating seniors’ capstone exhibitions in all media and disciplines.
Galleries of Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
Arts Advocates recently acquired two paintings by Sarasota Art Colony artist Beth Arthur: “Flowing Oil” and “Bryce Canyon.” On May 2, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the Arts Advocates Gallery located in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, Arts Advocates presents A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Beth Arthur. Arthur, now 100 years old, was painting during the highpoint years of the Sarasota Art Colony (1950s and 1960s) and continued working into the 2020s. She was a student of Hilton Leech and Syd Solomon, among others. In her decades-long career, Arthur had more than 30 one-woman shows and exhibited internationally in Italy, Switzerland, and Haiti. Arthur and her daughter Robin Draper will be in attendance for this free event. Registration is requested but not required.
Arts Advocates Gallery, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail
The Images of Dance showcase features dancers from The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company and the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Eleven-year-old Winnie Foster yearns for a life of adventure beyond her white picket fence, but not until she becomes unexpectedly entwined with the Tuck Family does she get more than she could have imagined. When Winnie learns of the magic behind the Tuck’s unending youth, she must fight to protect their secret from those who would do anything for a chance at eternal life.
Rise Above Performing Arts Centre, 3501 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34239
This Cinco de Mayo, Rufa will set the scene with coastal inspired décor, irresistible taco specials, and a specialty Patron cocktail menu designed to keep the fiesta going all night long. It’s the ultimate mix of laid back luxury and high‑spirited celebration, perfect for margaritas, mingling, and making memories.
Reservations can be made via OpenTable.
Rufa at The Ritz-Carlton, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota
Catch the first glimpse of the newest performances being made in the Sarasota-Manatee area. Now in its third year, the HAT’s MicroWIP (Micro Works-in-Progress) presentations provide local creatives with a platform to advance new work. This evening features ten-minute max excerpts of freshly made performances and represents the museum's commitment to supporting local artists. By presenting works-in-progress, we offer a semiformal way for artists to experiment with new ideas.
Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
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
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
2nd Fridays Creative Happy Hour brings the party to the gallery and transforms ArtCenter Sarasota into a vibrant hub of creativity, conversation, and connection. These lively monthly gatherings feature rotating themes, interactive art activities, live music, dance, film, and collaborations with local artists and arts organizations. It's a fresh take on the classic art salon, welcoming all ages to mix, mingle, make, and experience art in motion.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
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
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