Sarasota Music Festival
Each June, the Sarasota Music Festival brings together 60 of the world’s most talented young musicians and more than 40 acclaimed guest artists for three weeks of inspiring chamber music. The festival runs from Sunday, June 1 to Saturday, June 22. Founded in 1965, this nationally recognized festival offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience master classes, faculty-coached rehearsals, and electrifying performances by tomorrow’s classical stars. From Artist Showcase concerts on Thursdays to Festival Friday chamber works and full orchestral programs on Saturdays, music lovers can immerse themselves in symphonic artistry all month long. Festival Passes grant special access to behind-the-scenes moments. For tickets and details, visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Sun & Sand Exhibit
Step into the spirit of Florida with Sun and Sand, a vibrant group exhibit featuring Creative Liberties artists. This collection celebrates the state’s radiant light, coastal textures, and sultry warmth through a range of expressive works that reflect the allure of life by the shore. The exhibition runs through July 1 at the Gaze Gallery at Arcos, 340 Central Avenue, Sarasota. The Opening Reception with Artists is on Wednesday, June 12. Hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm. Free and open to the public. Stop by and soak in the sunshine—indoors. Pictured: “A Florida Man (at Sunset)” by Bradenton-based artist Gary LaParl will be featured in Creative Liberties’ “Sun and Sand” exhibit at the Gaze Gallery at ARCOS, June 4 through July 1.
Embracing Our Differences: Accepting Submissions for 2026
Artists, students, and writers are invited to share their vision of kindness, respect, and the human experience for the 2026 Embracing Our Differences outdoor exhibitions in Sarasota and St. Petersburg. This internationally juried show will feature 50 billboard-sized works of art, each paired with an inspiring quotation. Submissions are free and open to all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. The deadline to submit is July 1. Selected works will be displayed in the 2026 exhibitions, which have inspired millions with their powerful visual and verbal messages. To learn more or submit your work, visit EmbracingOurDifferences.org. Pictured are students gathered to reflect on large-scale works of art and powerful messages of inclusion and respect at the 2025 Embracing Our Differences’ exhibition in Sarasota’s Bayfront Park.
Key Change: A Return to the Beach
The Hermitage Artist Retreat marks a powerful milestone in its recovery with “Key Change: A Return to the Beach!”—its first public program on Hermitage Beach since the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The celebration takes place Thursday, June 26 at 6:30pm and features award-winning Hermitage Fellows Mark Sonnenblick and the Lazour Brothers, who return to share original songs in a triumphant evening of music, resilience, and creative renewal. Sonnenblick, fresh from a West End collaboration with Elton John on The Devil Wears Prada, and the Lazour Brothers, whose musical, “We Live in Cairo”, continues to garner acclaim, will reunite for this beachside performance. The program invites the community back to the Manasota Key shore for the first time in months following significant storm damage and ongoing campus restoration efforts. For more information on this free event and continued recovery efforts, visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Now through June 28, witness one of theater’s most electrifying rock operas reimagined in a bold new production of Jesus Christ Superstar at Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Set beneath the scorching Judean sun, this tale of love, betrayal, and redemption unfolds as a defiant apostle challenges his Messiah, and a Messiah questions his God—altering the course of history forever. With unforgettable music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, the show features iconic songs like “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Heaven on Their Minds.” Directed by Josh Rhodes, known for his acclaimed stagings of Cabaret, Evita, and The Sound of Music, this fiery revival runs 1 hour and 45 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Showtimes are Tuesdays through Sundays, with evening performances at 7:30pm and matinees at 1:30pm. For tickets, call 941•351•8000 or visit asolorep.org.
George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life
Now in its final month, George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life is on view through June 29 at the Downtown Sarasota campus, 1534 Mound Street. This immersive exhibition explores the deep connection between legendary Beatles guitarist George Harrison and the art of gardening—his greatest passion outside of music. Experience a multi-sensory journey that pairs rare objects and ephemera in the Museum of Botany & the Arts with stunning horticultural displays in the Tropical Conservatory and throughout the grounds. The exhibition celebrates Harrison’s life and legacy through his reverence for nature and the transformative power of plants. Tickets are $38 for adults. For more information, call 941•366•5731 or visit Selby.org.
Artist of the Month
Sea Grape Gallery’s Artist of the Month for June is Beth Williams, whose intricate pine needle creations merge age-old basketry techniques with a contemporary artistic eye. Inspired by the natural beauty of Southwest Florida and the cultural traditions of the Seminole and Calusa tribes, Williams collects her materials locally and transforms them into one-of-a-kind works that celebrate Florida’s flora, fauna, and history. Her work is on display throughout June at Sea Grape Gallery, 113 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, alongside a full collection of local artists. To learn more, visit seagrapegallery.com or call 941•575•1718.
Vice & Virtue
Art Center Sarasota’s annual juried regional show, Vice & Virtue, is now open. Juried by curator and artist Jessica Todd, this bold exhibition invites artists from across the Southeast to explore the dualities of the human experience. The show spans all four galleries and runs through August 2. Art Center Sarasota is located at 707 N. Tamiami Trail. For more info, visit ArtSarasota.org or call 941•365•2032.
Photography Exhibition
Acclaimed Sarasota photographer Michael Kinsey brings a bold new exhibition to the Leonard Reid House, 2529 North Orange Avenue, with a powerful series of portraits celebrating the lives and legacies of longtime African American residents and Black retirees living along Florida’s Suncoast. On view through July, this compelling installation revisits a limited selection from Kinsey’s original collection of 50 portraits, which debuted in January 2024 to critical acclaim. The exhibition honors the strength and resilience of Black engineers, educators, activists, artists, and others who helped shape Sarasota’s cultural and civic life. The Reid House gallery is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. Artist talks and special events featuring Kinsey and his portrait subjects will be announced on SAACC’s social media. To learn more or schedule a tour, contact Mydahlia Glover at 813• 419•0454 or email mgloverSAACC@outlook.com.
In the Round
Experience the creative process in action at “In the Round”, Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s summer in-studio performance series held both in person and virtually at the Sarasota Contemporary Dance Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300, Sarasota. This series showcases works-in-progress by rising choreographers from SCD and select talents from across the country, developed in collaboration with the Summer Intensive participants. Each performance invites audience feedback using a format inspired by the Liz Lerman Critical Response Process, led by SCD Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott. Performance dates are Friday, June 20 & Friday, July 25 from 7 to 8pm. General admission is $20. Attend in person or join online. For tickets and more information, visit sarasotacontemporarydance.org/in-studio or call 941•260•8485.
John Salaway at Troll Music
Experience an unforgettable evening of Americana, soul, and roots rock as John Salaway, a Billboard-charting Nashville songwriter, producer, and recording artist, performs on Friday, June 20 from 7:30 to 9:30pm at Troll Music, 2635 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. Recently in consideration for a Grammy Award for Best American Roots song, Salaway has shared the stage with music legends like Peter Frampton, Denny Laine, The SteelDrivers, and The Wailers. His latest album Salvation features powerhouse collaborators from Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, and Cage the Elephant. This intimate acoustic show will showcase Salaway’s looping techniques and feature a special guest appearance by violinist Sara Stovall. Don’t miss this rare performance in a unique local venue. Tickets available now at trollmusic.ticketleap.com/john-salaway-620.
Comedy Lottery: You Pick, They Perform
Comedy Lottery, an improv show at Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First Street, Sarasota, has shows on Saturdays June 21 & 28 at 7:30pm. Twelve audience members draw the night’s lineup, and the cast brings it to life—no script, no safety net, just quick wit and unpredictable fun. Comedy Lottery is FST Improv’s hilarious game of chance, where sketches, songs, and scenes are created on the fly, based entirely on your selections. Anything goes in this high-energy, 90-minute show (with a 15-minute intermission). Tickets range from $15 to $18. To learn more or purchase tickets visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org or call 941•366•9000.
WBTT Juneteenth Arts Festival
Celebrate freedom, culture, and creativity at the third annual Juneteenth Arts Festival hosted by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe on Sunday, June 22 from 11am to 7pm at the WBTT campus, 1012 North Orange Avenue, Sarasota. This free, family-friendly event honors the Juneteenth holiday with a full day of live performances featuring WBTT professional artists and emerging talents from the Stage of Discovery youth program. The festival also includes art displays by local artists, short films by Ringling College students and area filmmakers, and a free jazz concert by nationally recognized saxophonist Dee Lucas. For the full schedule and details, visit WestCoastBlackTheatre.org.
“Coastal Vibes” Exhibit
Experience the beauty, mystery, and serenity of the sea at “Coastal Vibes,” an immersive new exhibit at The Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda. This juried show runs from now to July 1 and features stunning 2D and 3D artworks that evoke the rhythms of coastal life and the wonder of the natural world. From abstract interpretations to detailed seascapes, each piece offers a fresh take on the sights and sensations of being near the water. For more information, call 941•639•8810 or email info@visualartcenter.org.
“Reimagine” Exhibit
Prepare to be surprised, delighted, and inspired at “Reimagine,” a thought-provoking new exhibit at The Visual Arts Center, 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda. This creative showcase runs from now to July 1 and invites viewers to see the familiar in new ways through a mix of innovative 2D and 3D works. Whether playful, profound, or unexpected, each piece challenges conventional ideas and encourages fresh perspectives. For more information, call 941•639•8810 or email info@visualartcenter.org.
Dames At Sea
From now to Sunday, June 29, “Dames At Sea” will be playing at Gompertz Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota. Ruby’s dreams of stardom take center stage in Dames At Sea, a charming, tap-filled musical tribute to 1930s Broadway. When Ruby lands her first role in a struggling New York show with help from Dick, a songwriting sailor, it looks like her big break—until the theatre is suddenly demolished. With showbiz spirit and classic tunes like “Good Times Are Here to Stay” and “Broadway Baby,” this romantic comedy sparkles with heart, humor, and plenty of rhythm. Running time is 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission. Tickets range from $39 to $56. To learn more or purchase tickets, contact the box office at 941•366•9000 or visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Friday Night Concert Series
Head to downtown Venice for an evening of live music featuring Jane Bond at the Friday Night Concert Series on Friday, June 27 from 7 to 9pm at the Centennial Park Gazebo, 200 W. Venice Avenue. This is a free community concert, hosted by Venice MainStreet and sponsored by Neal Communities. Bring your own chairs or blankets. The next concert is on July 11. Please note: no alcohol is permitted in Centennial Park. For more info, visit VeniceMainStreet.com.
Summer Circus Spectacular
Step right up for summer thrills and family fun as The Circus Arts Conservatory and The Ringling team up to present the Summer Circus Spectacular at the Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. This family-friendly show features world-class circus artists performing jaw-dropping feats, awe-inspiring acrobatics, and delightful comedy to entertain audiences of all ages. Regular performances run now through August 9: Tuesday through Friday at 11am & 2pm and Saturdays at 2pm & 5pm. Tickets are $20 Adults, $15 Children (12 & under). Add admission to the Circus Museum for just $5 with your show ticket and explore the Historic Circus Galleries and Tibbals Learning Center. To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit Ringling.org or call 941•360•7399.
Divas at Florida Studio Theatre
Now through June 22, Florida Studio Theatre’s Court Cabaret celebrates the powerhouse women of music in “Divas”, an original musical revue by Rebecca Hopkins, Richard Hopkins, and Ben Liebert with musical arrangements by Jim Prosser. From Cher and Barbra Streisand to Whitney Houston and Celine Dion, “Divas” pays tribute to decades of dynamic voices and unforgettable hits like “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” “Turn Back Time,” and “My Heart Will Go On.” Performances run through June 22 at the John C. Court Cabaret, located at Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota. For tickets or more information, visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org or call 941•366•9000.
From 145th to 98th Street
Running now through June 29, “From 145th to 98th Street” is a gripping new drama at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd Street, Sarasota. When Jackie and Cedric relocate their family from Harlem to 98th Street in pursuit of brighter futures, their dreams are tested by adversity. A wrongful accusation against their son Jamal and their daughter Fatima’s shaken college aspirations threaten to divide the family—unless they can come together to face the storm. Showtimes are Wednesdays at 7:30pm; Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm; Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $44 standard, $30 under 40, and $5 student. For tickets and more info, visit UrbaniteTheatre.com or call 941•321•1397.
“How Sweet It Is”
Get ready to groove as “How Sweet It Is” hits the stage at Florida Studio Theatre’s Goldstein Cabaret, 1241 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota, running now through August 3. This soulful musical revue pays tribute to the unforgettable sound of Motown, with fresh takes on classics like Tracks of My Tears, You Can’t Hurry Love, and Stop in the Name of Love. The show not only celebrates the hits but also reveals the rich stories and unexpected connections between Motown legends and artists like The Beatles, James Taylor, Eric Clapton, and Smokey Robinson. For tickets or more information, call the FST box office at 941•366•9000 or visit floridastudiotheatre.org.
Eclectic Expressions
Discover the vibrant creativity of local talent at Eclectic Expressions, a rotating summer exhibit featuring juried members of the Island Gallery and Studios in Bradenton. This dynamic collection will be on display June through August at the Arts Advocates Gallery, located inside The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The exhibit features a monthly rotation of original works in various media, sizes, and subjects—offering fresh inspiration with each visit. Enter the mall next to Connors Steak & Seafood and turn left to find the gallery. Founded more than 33 years ago on Anna Maria Island, Island Gallery and Studios is now home to over 20 artist-members and is currently located at 456 12th Street West (Old Main Street) in downtown Bradenton. The gallery is open on Saturdays from 2 to 4pm. For more information, visit islandgalleryandstudios.org or artsadvocates.org.
Sarasota Improv Festival Returns
Get ready for a whirlwind weekend of unscripted hilarity as the Sarasota Improv Festival returns to Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota, on July 18 and 19. Recognized as the premier improv festival in the Southeastern U.S., this high-energy event features 29 performances, 17 troupes, 60+ performers, and 17 interactive workshops—delivering nonstop laughter and bold creativity. From musical improv to lightning-fast games and edgy, off-the-cuff sketches, every performance is a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the scene, this festival is your ticket to spontaneous comedy in the heart of downtown Sarasota. One-day passes are $52. To purchase tickets or learn more, call the box office at 941•366•9000 or visit floridastudiotheatre.org.
Venice Theatre 2025–2026 Season Subscriptions
Plan ahead and save your seats with Venice Theatre’s, 140 Tampa Avenue West, subscription packages. Whether you’re drawn to timeless musicals, powerful dramas, or boundary-pushing plays, there’s a series designed just for you. Raymond Center 5 Subscription: Enjoy five mainstage favorites—Nunsense, The Sound of Music, The Rainmaker, Annie, and Emma from September 12 to May 10 for $175; Venice Pride Subscription celebrates community with Nunsense, The Rocky Horror Show, The Sound of Music, The Cake, and Annie from October 1 to April 1 for $175; Stage 2 Subscription is for those who love thought-provoking theatre and include The Amish Project, The Cake, and How I Learned to Drive from November 14 to April 4 for $110. Visit VeniceTheatre.org or call 941•488•1115 to reserve your seats today.
Artists Invited to Look Inward for Upcoming Juried “Self Portrait” Exhibition
A new juried art exhibition titled Self Portrait is inviting artists to turn their focus inward and create works that explore identity, inner narratives, and the artist’s place in time. Submissions are now open online through Sunday, July 20, with the show scheduled to run from August 21 through September 27 at a location to be announced. Self Portrait asks artists to be both subject and storyteller, revealing personal themes such as cultural identity, ambition, vulnerability, and the role of the artist in society. Whether the portrait is introspective, whimsical, or boldly assertive, it acts as a portal into the human experience. The exhibition will be juried by Odeta Xheka, a nationally recognized Albanian-American artist based in Tampa, Florida. Xheka is the founder of OXH Gallery, a contemporary art space known for its cross-generational and multimedia exhibitions. Her own work, featured in international art journals and competitions, frequently challenges traditional boundaries and emphasizes the expressive power of visual art. Artists whose work is accepted will be notified via email no later than Friday, July 25. Accepted pieces must be delivered in person between August 5 and 6 or shipped to arrive during the same window. Award winners will be announced by August 20. Pick-up dates for artwork are scheduled for September 29 and 30. For more information and submission guidelines visit ArtSarasota.org or call 941•365•2032.
Call for Artists: Sarasota Public Art Program Announces 10th and Osprey Mural Project
The City of Sarasota is seeking artists for a new large-scale mural at the corner of 10th Street and Osprey Avenue, as part of the Florida Legacy Arts Mural Series. Located on a residential building adjacent to Gillespie Park, the mural will celebrate Florida Flora and Fauna, with special attention to native bird species. Artists are invited to submit designs that reflect the region’s natural beauty and thoughtfully incorporate the wall’s unique window layout and architectural features. This public art opportunity is open to local, regional, and national artists, with preference given to those on the City’s 2024–2026 Public Art Roster (though listing is not required to apply). The selected artist will receive a commission of up to $45,000 to complete the work, and finalists will be awarded stipends to develop proposals. The final design will be selected by the City’s Public Art Committee with input from the surrounding community. Applications are open now through July 6 via CallForEntry.org. To learn more visit SarasotaArts.org.
These listings are as accurate as possible. Please call the listed numbers for confirmation and further information. If you have an art event or happening you would like to have considered for “Art Chat,” please send information and/or photo to The Englewood REVIEW, 370 W Dearborn St, Suite B, Englewood, FL 34223, or email: info@englewoodreview.com. Visit our website at www.englewoodreview.com and check out our interactive calendar where you are invited to add your event.
