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Verio’s Requiem
On Saturday, February 15th, at 4pm, Key Chorale, along with a full orchestra, will present Verdi’s Requiem, a darkly dramatic 90-minute emotional roller coaster ride. Few works in classical music offer the excitement of opera, the thrill of the symphony, the power of the chorus and glorious virtuosic solos. Experience a truly epic performance with Maestro Caulkins leading four world-class opera soloists and over 150 musicians on stage. This event is at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, and tickets are $45. Visit KeyChorale.org or call the box office at 941•552•8768 for tickets. Students 18 and under are free and college student are $10. Pictured are the musicians playing Verdi’s Requiem.
Loranger Gallery Exhibition at Englewood Art Center
The exhibition in the Loranger Gallery is Scenes of the Sunshine State: Florida Landscape. The art center invited artists to submit their 2-D and 3-D artwork that captures Florida’s diverse landscapes and illustrates the beauty and spirit of the Sunshine State. Over 70 stunning pieces were submitted by various artists. This was a juried and judged show and prizes were awarded for first, second, and third place. Visit this exhibit at the Englewood Art Center, 350 S. McCall Road, from now to Friday, February 21. Hours are Tuesday & Thursday, 9am to 9pm and Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday from 9am to 4pm. To learn more visit EACRinglingCollege.org or call 941•474•5548.
Beyond Regional Boundaries Exhibition
Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative’s “Beyond Regional Boundaries” initiative continues its powerful exploration of Black artistry with “Evoking Conversations of Historical Events, Current Issues and Race,” a thought-provoking exhibition by photographer Lily Evans, now through February 28, at WSLR + Fogartyville, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. To learn more call 941•894•6469.
Sea Grape Gallery
Sea Grape Gallery will be showcasing the artwork of guest artist Carol Young, potter, during the month of February. Carol has worked with metals, watercolors and glass fusing, but she always seemed to come back to clay, saying it’s her therapy. After teaching secondary art for thirty years and living in Alaska for 42, she headed for Florida. Carol’s unique pottery will be on display at Sea Grape Gallery and can be viewed on Sea Grape’s website at www.seagrapegallery.com. Sea Grape Gallery is located at 113 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda. To learn more about Sea Grape Gallery’s Guest Artist Program call 941•575-•1718.
Friday Night Concerts
The Friday Night Concert Series at Centennial Park gazebo in Venice is held on the second and fourth Friday evening of the month from 7 to 9pm. “Swinging Bridge” will be performing on Friday, February 14 and Patchouli & Terra Guitarra will perform Friday, February 28. These concerts are free. Concert attendees should bring their own seating to Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Avenue, Venice. No alcohol permitted. To view upcoming concerts, go to VisitVenicefl.org.
Circus Sarasota
Circus Sarasota is back with an all-new show under an all-new big top and runs from Saturday, February 15 through Sunday, March 9 at the Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. This production will offer high-flying antics, heart-stopping thrills and laugh-out-loud comedic antics that you won’t want to miss. Afternoon and evening shows are available almost every day. To purchase tickets, visit CircusArts.org or stop by the box office at Nathan Benderson Park.
Johnny Rawls in Concert
Enjoy a free concert on Saturday, February 15, 7 to 9pm, at the gazebo in Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Avenue, Venice, with singer, songwriter, and soul blues musician, Johnny Rawls. This event is free and open to the public so bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the show. No alcohol permitted in Centennial Park. To learn more visit VisitVeniceFL.org.
Weekend of Art at Wellen Park
Downtown Wellen Park will be the place to experience the arts on Valentines Weekend! This event is on Saturday, February 15 & Sunday, February 16 from 10am to 5pm in downtown Wellen Park, 19725 Wellen Park Blvd., North Port. The Weekend of Art includes an outdoor art gallery featuring original, handmade works spanning the mediums of painting, sculpture, glass work, ceramics, photography and woodworking, as well as performing arts from local performing arts organizations in partnership with The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County. For more information and performance schedule visit WellenPark.com/weekend-of-art.
Chamber Series at Wellen Park
The Venice Symphony will be presenting a free concert on Saturday, February 15 at 2:30pm at Solis Hall in Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd. Bring a chair and listen to the delightful sounds of the Venice Symphony Chamber Strings. For more information visit wellenpark.com.
Paul Anka
The Paul Anka Songbook Show is a unique One-Of-A-Kind tribute to one of the most popular songwriters, singers and actors that continue to perform today. Lou Villano will be singing hits like; Diana, Lonely Boy, Tonight My Love Tonight, Times of Your Life, Destiny, Put Your Head on my Shoulder, My Way and more. Join Lou on Sunday, February 16 from 2-4pm at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda. Tickets range from $30-$60 and can be purchased at CharlottePlayers.org or at 941•255•1022.
Irish Superstar Ronan Tynan
Don’t miss the one night only appearance in Englewood of international Irish superstar Dr. Ronan Tynan on Monday, February 17, 7pm at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 770 Kilbourne Avenue. Dr. Tynan is known for his versatile range of repertoire, including operatic, oratorio, concert and popular music genres. He has sung with Luciano Pavarotti, Ugo Benelli, Ken Neath, and performed for U.S. presidents. Doors open at 6pm. There will be a Meet & Greet with Dr. Tynan. Refreshments available for purchase. Ticket price is $44.99+tax. For more information and ticket purchase, call 239•405•8566.
Capitol Fools
The stairway to heavenly political satire originally laid by the Capitol Steps continues upward with Capitol Fools – the new musical parody group created by the performers and co-writer from the Capitol Steps. Capitol Fools hold up a mirror to our political culture, providing hilarious song parodies and foolish reflections that continue to inspire belly laughter. This event will be hosted at the Venice Performing Art Center, 1 Indian Avenue, on Monday, February 17 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $66. For more information visit VeniceTheatre.org or call 941•488•1115.
The KP Jazz Trio
Australian jazz pianist Konrad Paszkudzki established a reputation as a leading jazzman in his homeland while still a teenager. He toured extensively with jazz trumpeter James Morrison and performed over 1,000 performances with the John Pizzarelli Quartet. The KP Jazz Trio – Paszkudzki (piano), Pasquale Grasso (guitar), and Dylan Shamat (bass) – focuses on standards from the Great American Songbook, staying true to the original musical and lyrical content with an emphasis on melodic elegance and swinging verve. Their concert is Tuesday, February 18, 5:30pm at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota. Tickets are $43. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or call 941•306•1202.
Chameleon: A One-Man Show
Actor, singer, writer, and dancer Peter Suarez performs his one-man show that features five distinct characters, including an old stage hand, a scarf-twirling dandy, an Irish troubadour, a flamenco dancer, and a patriotic country singer. Englewood Charlotte Library, 3450 North Access Road, hosts this one-man show on Thursday, February 20 from 6 to 7:30pm. This performance is free and open to the public but registration is required at CharlotteCountyFL.libcal.com.
Arts Advocates Luncheon
On Thursday, February 20 from 11:30am to 1pm join Arts Advocates for their monthly luncheon program at Arts Advocates Gallery, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Greg Rumpf, assistant principal at Booker High School, where he oversees their visual and performing arts program, will speak about preparing the next generation of artists. Cost is $30 for Arts Advocates members and $35 for non-members and lunch is included. For more information or to register visit ArtsAdvocates.org.
Gallery Talk: The Highwayman
Come learn about the Florida Highwaymen with Highwaymen specialist, Roger Lightle, on Friday, February 21 or Saturday, February 22, at 1:30pm, at the Englewood Art Center, 350 S. McCall Rd. This event is free and open to the public. For more information visit EACRinglingCollege.org or call 941•474•5548.
Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel
Explore the art and stage at the Van Wezel, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, on Monday, February 24 from 1:30 to 3pm. A docent leads a tour of the painting and sculptures including those by Robert Chase, William Hartman, Eugene White, Ben Stahl, Thornton Utz, Frank Colson, and others. Then step onto the stage where a Van Wezel guide shares stories and anecdotes about the colorful world of show business. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Van Wezel box office or by calling 941•263•6799. Proceeds benefit the education/outreach programs of Arts Advocates and the Van Wezel.
Getting From Idea to Garment
Join Artistic Director Benny Sato Ambush and Costume Shop Manager and Costume Designer, Ross Boehringer, as they discuss the steps of creating a costume, including designing, draping, and pattern-making in the building of original costumes. This program is at the Raymond Center (Venice Theatre), 140 Tampa Avenue West, Venice, from 4 to 5:15pm on Tuesday, February 25. This event is free and open to the public. To learn more visit VeniceTheatre.org or call 941•488•1115.
The Lightning Thief
Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Avenue West, presents this action-packed pop-rock musical that follows teen demi-god Percy Jackson’s quest to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a war between the Greek gods. The show runs from Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 23, with 7:30pm showings from Tuesday through Saturday and 2pm matinees on Sundays. Tickets are $37 for adults, $22 for college/educator, and $15 for youth. Purchase tickets at VeniceTheatre.org or call 941•488•1115.
James Taylor Tribute
The Charlotte Players will present Steamroller: A Tribute to James Taylor, on Monday, February 24, at 7:30pm, at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda. Led by the incredible Sam Hyman, Steamroller delivers a pitch-perfect tribute to Taylor’s beloved catalog of music. Tickets are available for $56 or $62 for preferred seating. For tickets and additional information, visit CharlottePlayers.org or contact the box office at 941•255•1022.
Lauren Fein Canceled
Florida Studio Theatre presents “The Cancellation of Lauren Fein” from now until March 9 at Florida Studio Theatre’s Gompertz Theatre, 1265 1st Street, Sarasota. Lauren Fein is at the top of her game. Happily married with a foster son, she is a world-renowned scientist and tenured professor at an elite university. She’s on the verge of a breakthrough in her life’s work when she runs afoul of the university’s “diversity, equity, and inclusion” policies. Suddenly, her groundbreaking research, her tenure, and even her family are all put in danger. Tickets range from $25-$46 and can be purchased at FloridaStudioTheatre.org. For more information call 941•366•9000.
Donna Summer Tribute
Bring your friends, dust off your dancing shoes and listen to timeless hits “Last Dance”, “Hot Stuff”, “Bad Girls” and more! Donna Summer: The Ultimate Tribute will be at Venice Performing Arts Center on Saturday, March 1 at 7pm. Tickets range from $29 to $79 and can be purchased at VenicePerformingArtsCenter.com or by contacting the box office at 941•218•3779, open Monday through Friday from 10am to 2pm.
My Fair Lady
Lerner & Loewe’s “My Fair Lady” will be presented at Venice Theatre through Sunday, March 2. The winner of six Tony Awards, it’s the tale of Professor Henry Higgins’ effort to teach young Cockney accent-speaking flower seller Eliza Doolittle how to speak like a proper lady to upgrade her station in life and the resulting friendship. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30pm and 2pm on Sunday. Ticket price is $37 plus $3 fee at venicetheatre.org or call 941•488•1115. The theatre is located at 140 Tampa Avenue West, Venice.
Art Talk: Late Bloomers
On Tuesday, March 4 from 4 to 6pm, in the Arts Advocates Gallery, located in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, Judy Levine presents the art talk “Late Bloomers: Contemporary Women Artists Who Achieved Fame in Their Senior Years.” When we consider late bloomers, we immediately think of Grandma Moses who achieved artistic greatness in her 80s. Levine will showcase influential women artists still working into their 80s, 90s, and 100s, and discuss what keeps them creating and the impediments that stalled their artistic recognition. Free for Arts Advocates members, $5 for non-members. To learn more visit ArtsAdvocates.org.
The Silver Foxes
The Silver Foxes will perform a variety show at Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Avenue West, from Tuesday, March 11 to Saturday, March 15 at 7:30pm and Sunday, March 16 at 2pm. Tickets are $29 and $25 for students & educators. The “youngest” cast in town will once again regale you with song, dance, and ribald humor in their new variety show, “Life Upon the Wicked Stage.” Being “mature” never looked and sounded so good! To learn more visit VeniceTheatre.org or call 941•488•1115.
Colors of our World Gallery Exhibition
The Schmidt Century Gallery, 100 W. Venice Avenue, will display their “Colors of the World” exhibit from now until April 30. This exhibit houses paintings by five local women artists: Rita Schwab, Kim Demko, Pam Verhoff, Susan Jelliff, and Gloria Urban. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm, Saturdays from 9am to 5pm. During Venice Art Walks on Thursdays, February 27, March 27, & April 24, the gallery has extended hours from 5 to 7pm.

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