The 2020s have solidified itself as the era of the music biopic. To date, Michael, the Michael Jackson biopic, has grossed $991.5 million globally at the box office. Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 Elvis launched Austin Butler into the mainstream, garnering an Academy Award nomination for the actor and the 2024 Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown received a slew of Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations. At Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT), a different kind of biopic is taking place with the company’s summer show, Marvin: A Marvin Gaye Revue.

Created, adapted and directed by WBTT founder and creative director Nate Jacobs, Marvin stars Sheldon Rhoden as Gaye in a revue that includes all of the Prince of Soul’s hits from How Sweet It Is to Heard It Through the Grapevine. Rhoden is no stranger to portraying Gaye—the Sarasota native has played Gaye four times in WBTT productions dating back to 2011, drawing countless comparisons for how similar he sounds to the iconic singer.

“When people see you playing Gaye, they’re not looking for you to sing the perfect note,” says Rhoden. “It’s the fact that for someone who grew up in that era sees me, they can say, ‘Wow, Marvin would do it like that or sing it like that.’”

What resonates most with Rhoden in portraying Gaye is the cultural significance of the role. More than just a pop star, Gaye became a key figurehead in the Civil Rights Movement through his music. “Marvin is a part of the artists who shaped an era. As an artist he used his platform to push for equality for all, which is special to me,” says Rhoden. “The music he wrote during that time period is still relevant today.”

Some of Rhoden’s favorite numbers in the revue happen to be the most challenging. Songs such as Ain’t No Mountain High Enough are difficult because of the vocal range they require. What grounds Rhoden throughout the show, however, is the knowledge that every song Gaye wrote came from the heart, authentically reflecting that era. “Everything came from a personal experience that he was going through. It has an impact on me singing on stage, which is then felt by the audience, and it helps them to emotionally travel to where I’m headed,” says Rhoden.

Marvin: A Marvin Gaye Revue, July 15-24, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave, Sarasota 

In 2018, WBTT presented the third iteration of 'Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul,' starring Sheldon Rhoden Photo by Vutti Photography

To learn more click here

The track ‘Waking Up Dead’ - A heartfelt new duet by Americana troubadour Jim Stanard featuring the iconic Crystal Gayle - is out now, and focuses on a couple "contemplating the finality of their latest argument”. The song, written by Stanard, appears on the digital release of his third album, 'Magical', which was released May 22nd. A new music video for the track has earned over 140,000 views in only five days of release! The beautiful new video was created by Niko Bagratuni through a hybrid of generative-AI and traditional animation. It interprets the moving lyrics of "Waking Up Dead", in which a couple contemplates the finality of their most recent argument. 

Provided photo.

To learn more click here

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) was recently thrilled to receive a grant of $40,000 from The Shubert Foundation. This funding is designated toward WBTT’s 2026-2027 theatre season. This is the seventh year WBTT has received a grant from The Shubert Foundation, which is the largest funder of unrestricted grants to U.S.-based not-for-profit dance companies and theaters. The foundation's grants are intended to support the artistic process by providing general operating support to organizations with a history of fiscal responsibility and an established track record. "We are so fortunate to enjoy this generous support from a distinguished funder like The Shubert Foundation – unrestricted grants are essential in supporting the significant costs of producing a high-quality theatre season,” said WBTT Executive Director Julie Leach. 

A recent grant from The Shubert Foundation will support WBTT’s 27th anniversary theatre season which will – for the first time – feature a work by Shakespeare: ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Photo by Sorcha Augustine.

To learn more click here

Sarasota Jewish Theatre (SJT) is pleased to announce the plays chosen for its summer 2026 Newish Jewish Play Reading Series. The series includes “A Punchline” by Michael Schwartz on August 17, “Un Hombre: A Golem Story” by Stephen Kaplan on August 24, and “Dry Summer” by Robert Axelrod on August 31. The 7:30 p.m. play readings are presented at The Sarasota Players in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets are $18 per reading or $45 for the three-play series. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org. 

At its most recent meeting, the Venice Symphony Board of Trustees re-elected Roger Effron as chair and welcomed new members Linda Cantrell, Bob Hite and Samuel Stempler. For more information, visit thevenicesymphony.org or call (941) 207-8822.

Visit Sarasota County has been recognized by Smart Meetings, a leading voice in the event planning industry, as a 2026 Smart Stars Award winner in two categories: Best Waterfront CVB/DMO and Best Beach CVB/DMO. This comes just months after the tourism bureau received the Platinum Choice Award Winner by Smart Meetings in December 2025. The annual Smart Stars Awards celebrate the hospitality industry's top-performing destinations, venues, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, and suppliers in 41 total categories. As selected by the Smart Meetings community of meeting professionals, winners are determined through nominations, voting, and firsthand experiences shared by planners across the meetings and events industry. "The dual recognition reflects Sarasota County's unique position as a destination that combines world-class meeting facilities with coastal experiences,” said Erin Duggan, President and CEO of Visit Sarasota County. 

Embassy Suites. Photo courtesy of Visit Sarasota County.

To learn more click here

SRQ MEDIA’s Love Local Arts Initiative celebrates the art and culture organizations in our region throughout the year by cultivating a connection between our readers and local arts organizations. New this year, SRQ Magazine will debut a biweekly online Love Local Arts e-newsletter to support the arts and culture season in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Join us by reserving a space today! 

Space Closing August 14, 2026

Click for details.