SRQ DAILY Jun 1, 2026
Monday Business Edition
"We have a lot of experience when it comes to production and music."
Encore Live represents a long-time dream for owners Kristen Lee, David Lay and Mark Bazan.
After decades of experience in events and the music industry, Lee and Lay wanted to create a space that was centered around music first—where people felt connected and entertained.
“We put it all together and we opened this,” Lee explains, referring to how the idea for a live music and dance venue came from putting together the owners’ different skill sets. In addition to Encore Live, both Lee and Lay own an event company, a production company and they perform as the lead singer and drummer of the party band 22N. “We have a lot of experience when it comes to production and music,” Lee says.
The owners explain that making Encore Live successful has been about building a loyal audience. “If you have a new place like ours, it’s very difficult because you don’t have a group of people that come,” Lay says, “The big thing is to promote your built-in crowd.”
To do this, Encore Live has always carefully chosen its bands. Lay explains that they look for certain characteristics in their performers. “I look for what kind of following they have, what age range, and what they do in other places,” he says. Encore Live’s demographic tends to sit above age 40, so they make sure to book artists that will engage their audience.
They have also tried to bring in big names as well. Since opening, Encore Live has had quite a few celebrities walk through the doors, drawing hundreds of people. “We’ve had Joe Perry from Aerosmith, Dan Donegan from Disturbed, Ed Roland from Collective Soul—these are huge, A-list celebrities,” Lay emphasizes.
However, Lee explains that what is most important to the Encore Live team is what people take away from the venue. “They won’t remember exactly what they did here, but they’ll remember how they feel,” she says.
8341 N Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, 941-373-7976, encoresrq.com
Pictured: Encore Live brings people together to enjoy live music. Photo courtesy of Encore Live.
Lee Wetherington Homes, a top rated, privately owned custom luxury home builder in Sarasota, recently announced it has been selected to offer homes within Westlake at Wellen Park, an exclusive, high-end neighborhood coming to Venice, Florida. Once complete, Westlake at Wellen Park will feature 156 homes and be located just south of US 41 on Preto Boulevard. Developed with a focus on lakefront living, a 30-acre lake within the neighborhood will offer residents waterfront views, along with pedestrian and walking trails that will be interconnected. A community amenity center, complete with a resort-style pool, fitness area, pickleball courts and more, will also be included. The neighborhood is located within walking and biking distance to Downtown Wellen Park, a center-point for community gatherings and go-to destination for things to do in Venice, including food and drink options, shops, entertainment and more.
Written by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Sean Daniels, there’s much ado about something in this whip-smart, laugh-out-loud new romantic comedy. Lady Disdain is a fast-paced, razor-sharp riff on the deliciously dramatic world of Fantasy Romance novels (yes, those ones—you know them, you love them). Beatrice and Ben, rival audiobook narrators with voices made for swooning and tempers made for sparring, are locked in a battle of wits, words, and wildly inconvenient attraction. Whether you find yourself on team Ben or team Beatrice, there’s nothing like snuggling up with a good play. Asolo Rep proudly presents this rolling world premiere from one of America’s funniest and most celebrated playwrights. Lauren Gunderson says “Shakespeare always reminds me to raise the stakes in my plays—bigger risks, bolder actions, grander scenarios, characters at the edge.” Runs June 6 - 27.
BayCare Health System has reached a new multi-year agreement with United Healthcare, ensuring continued in-network access to BayCare’s physicians, facilities and services. Patients will continue to receive the high-quality care they know and expect from BayCare without interruption and are encouraged to keep all scheduled appointments and procedures.BayCare remains committed to the health and well-being of the communities it serves and is honored to care for patients across West Central Florida. To schedule appointments and access care, please call 1-800-BayCare (1-800-229-2273) or visit BayCare.org. For any billing or insurance questions for BayCare, please call 813-443-8070. For more information: KeepBayCare.org
Attorneys Tyler J. Brown and James D. O’Donnell have graduated from Leadership Sarasota, an achievement that highlights their dedication to professional development and continued investment in the Sarasota community. A program of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Sarasota empowers professionals to refine their leadership skills and dig deeper into the issues facing the region. Participants with a shared enthusiasm for professional development and community welfare come together to grow their connections, learn directly from community leaders, and complete a service project together, leaving a positive impact on the Sarasota area directly upon graduation. Visit shumaker.com to learn more.
Five Florida sisters with a family history of pancreatic cancer were among the first to enroll in a Sarasota Memorial study evaluating LINFU (Low-Intensity Non-Focused Ultrasound), a novel screening technology designed to detect pancreatic abnormalities that later could become cancer. Their family history and participation highlights both the personal impact of pancreatic cancer and the hope that earlier detection tools like this may benefit other at-risk families in the future.
John Cannon Homes is pleased to announce Brendan Carroll has joined the company as Vendor Coordinator, supporting Project & Vendor Coordination within its residential construction operations team. In this role, Carroll will help facilitate a smooth transition from pre-construction into the building phase for John Cannon Homes’ luxury custom residences throughout Southwest Florida. His responsibilities include coordinating with vendors and internal teams, supporting project timelines, maintaining documentation, and helping ensure efficient communication across all phases of construction. Learn more at johncannonhomes.com
Michael Saunders & Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Rosile as chief information officer. A graduate of Venice Middle and High Schools, Rosile earned a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from the University of South Florida. Technology became a defining part of the Warren, Pa., native’s life from the time he was 12. Throughout his 30-year career in the technology industry, Rosile worked with both small teams and global organizations to design and lead infrastructure, application, and enterprise solutions to help businesses scale and innovate. Always striving to deliver superior client service support, market knowledge, and communication tools to its more than 650 agents in 19 offices from Sanibel to Tampa, Michael Saunders & Company is committed to simplifying and enhancing everyday operations through technology solutions and innovation.
Join Discover Sarasota Tours on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for a fascinating 90-minute guided mainland tour exploring Sarasota’s rich architectural heritage. This tour highlights some of the area's most distinctive styles, including Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern design associated with the Sarasota School of Architecture, and the elegant Mediterranean Revival style. Participants will discover notable buildings, historic homes, and unique structures that have helped shape Sarasota’s identity over the years. Along the way, learn about the architects, design influences, and history behind these iconic landmarks while gaining a deeper appreciation for the city’s architectural character.
Join Jerome Chesley on Mondays at 1 p.m. for an engaging tour showcasing Sarasota’s vibrant public art scene. Over the course of the tour, guests will explore more than 60 pieces of public art located throughout downtown Sarasota and St. Armands Circle. From striking sculptures and colorful murals to unique installations, each work tells a story about the community, its culture, and its history. Along the way, participants will learn about the artists behind the pieces, the inspiration for their creations, and the role public art plays in shaping Sarasota’s identity. This tour offers a fun and informative way to experience the city through its impressive collection of outdoor artwork.
Step right into Sarasota’s colorful circus history on Saturdays at 1 p.m. with this entertaining and informative tour led by circus historian Bob Collins. Discover the fascinating legacy of the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus and learn how Sarasota became known as the Circus Capital of the World. Along the way, guests will hear captivating stories about legendary performers, historic circus landmarks, and the lasting impact the circus had on the community. From behind-the-scenes secrets to little-known facts, this tour offers a unique look at the people, places, and traditions that helped shape Sarasota’s rich circus heritage.
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.
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
There's much ado about something in this whip-smart, laugh-out-loud new romantic comedy from Lauren Gunderson. Lady Disdain is a fast-paced, razor-sharp riff on the deliciously dramatic world of Fantasy Romance novels (yes, those ones-you know them, you love them). Beatrice and Benedict, rival audiobook narrators with voices made for swooning and tempers made for sparring, are locked in a battle of wits, words, and wildly inconvenient attraction. Asolo Rep proudly presents this world premiere from one of America's most celebrated and funny playwrights.
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Discover the stories of 10 women who made major contributions to science, business, and the arts, and who were later denied credit for their accomplishments, including Rosalind Franklin, whose work was critical to the understanding of DNA, and Hedy Lamarr, the actress who was also an unheralded inventor.
Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
This course looks at the history of jazz music, its evolution, who practiced the art, and the audience that appreciated it from its inception to the present day. Students will listen to the music and artists who led to its mainstream adoption.
Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Danielle Mohr is an acoustic guitarist, vocalist, and soul-pop singer/songwriter who has made a notable name for herself in the music scene. Come and hear clever and thoughtful lyrics dance playfully over her eclectic guitar melodies. Natural talent flows freely through Danielle as she artfully engages her audience to feel the music while enjoying her songs. She puts her mark on all music she plays, be they originals or covers. Visit selby.org for tickets.
Historic Spanish Point Campus, 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey
The sharp-witted, glamorous, incomparable Eartha Kitt commands the spotlight. But backstage in her dressing room, in the quiet between songs, she peels back the glitz to reveal Eartha Mae: a girl from the South Carolina cotton fields, orphaned by her mother until an audience adopted her. Told through both story and song, Urbanite Theatre’s first-ever musical production unearths the complex truth behind the icon.
Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota, FL 34236
The exhibition at Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus celebrates childhood and the imagination of youth through the words and images of A Child’s Garden of Verses, the beloved book of poetry for children by the celebrated Scottish writer, Robert Louis Stevenson. The exhibition features photographs of pages from a vintage edition of the book, combining Stevenson’s poetry with illustrations by the notable American artist, Alexander Dobkin. Accompanying the photographs are simple interactives that draw their inspiration from Stevenson’s poems and enhance the visitor experience. Audio recordings enable visitors to hear the poems read by Selby Gardens’ Artist-in-Residence, Patti Smith. Visit selby.org for tickets.
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey
ArtCenter Sarasota continues its Centennial Season with Medium Mutiny, a juried exhibition selected by Ed Swan Jr. that celebrates boundary-pushing works challenging tradition through bold experimentation in form, material, and concept. Solo exhibitions include Living by the Water by Cat Tesla, whose serene, abstract paintings reflect a journey of healing and transformation inspired by Florida's landscapes. A new body of work by Anja Palombo, blending her deep love of nature and art history into expressive visual narratives. In Architect as Artist, co-curated by Morris Hylton III, Sarasota-based architects including Carl Abbott, Jerry Sparkman, and Javi Suárez present multidisciplinary works that blur the line between design and fine art.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Geckos Grill and Pub is excited to announce our much-anticipated Annual Iron Chef Competition, a thrilling event that brings together culinary creativity and team spirit! This years competition will run for a total of seven weeks, beginning on May 11th and culminating in a championship finale from June 22 to June 28. Competitors must create a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 dishes, featuring items from all cooking stations: fry, grill, saute,and pantry. Exciting Prizes Await! Our top three finalists at each location will earn fantastic cash awards. During finals week, the ultimate victors will each receive a cash bonus, an embroidered chef coat commemorating their Iron Chef winning year, and the honor of displaying the Iron Chef trophy at their location for an entire year.
Gecko's Grill and Pub
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