June 28 – July 15
[ laramie ]

Directed by Whitney Morton, The Laramie Project is a unique play by Moises Kaufman. It is written from interviews with actual townspeople of Laramie, WY after the horrific beating death of gay college student Mathew Shepard in 1998. All 65 townspeople are portrayed by only 10 actors. There will be a talk-back with the actors and director after each performance. Tickets are available via SRQ Box Office. The performance is at The Backlot.

Opening June 28
[ banyan theater ]

The Banyan Theater Company will open its 2007 season with Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll House (also know as A Doll’s House). The production will be at the Cook Theatre at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. Call 941-358-5330 for tickets and information.

June 28
[ reception ]

The public is invited to a festive reception from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Art Center Sarasota. Art Center Sarasota presents the Easter Seals of Southwest Florida’s Art Initiative Program. This exhibition was developed to provide artistic expression and independence for adults with disabilities. Art Instructor Karen Davenport has guided and directed the artists with their skills while Occupational Therapist Larry Henry assists them with adaptive tools to create art. The exhibit runs through August 9.

Experience an evening of Polynesian cuisine, libations, and live entertainment at Whole Foods Market’s Summer Sunset Luau, Friday from 6:00 – 9:00 pm, in the Whole Foods courtyard, 1451 First St. in Sarasota. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased at the customer service counter in Whole Foods Market. For more information about this event, contact Nikki Heil at 941-955-8500. Ten dollars of each ticket directly supports the Van Wezel’s education programs, including School Time Performances, Partners in Education, and the Community Engagement Program.

June 29 & 30
[ magical theater ]

Kaleidoscope 2007 presents “Unwritten” each night at 7:00 pm at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. This is a truly touching and entertaining production by Kaleidoscope, a musical theatre workshop for adults and teens with developmental disabilities. When is the last time you took some time and saw something different and touching? Just do it. Tickets are $15 at 941-351-1800.

June 30 & July 6
[ witchy ]

On June 30 don’t miss  as Witchy Woman and Psychic Boy, aka Connie & Martin Jordan, combine as a meta physical comedienne and a psychic/medium; which means Psychic Boy sees dead people while Witchy Woman makes fun of them. Live at the East Village Cabaret. Then on Friday July 6 enjoy the musically versatile Betty Comora and "Dual-Sax" Ron Drischel as they perform on multiple musical instruments.

July 1
[ musicae ]

You’re a grand ole flag, you’re a high flying flag… Enjoy an evening of all-American music performed by Sarasota’s professional chamber vocal ensemble, Gloria Musicae, 4:00 pm at the Historic Asolo Theatre. Tickets available at 941-360-7399. “Musical fireworks by great American composers from Irving Berlin to George Gershwin.

Opening July 3
[ exhibit ]

“Thinking within the Box” at the Peter Paul Gallery, an exhibit of Richard Hora.  “Hora’s assemblage art uses primarily “found objects” not originally intended as art materials such as pre-formed natural or manufactured fragments of metal, wood, glass and paper. His themes typically make social and political statements expressed through symbolism. The elements and techniques of painting, drawing and sculpture are added.”

July 4
[ polly wanna firecracker ]

Live Zydeco music will highlight the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ popular Tropical Fourth of July Celebration, Wednesday evening, July 4th, on the Gardens’ beautiful bayfront grounds. Festivities start at 6:00 pm. Children’s games will take place on the south lawn along with face painting. Prizes for the best patriotic attire.

July 4
[ pops ]

The American Brass will perform Wednesday, July 4th at 5:30 pm in a Veteran's Tribute to be held at Island Park in Sarasota.  The Tribute will take place prior to the annual fireworks display and will honor representatives from every branch of the Armed Forces.  Veterans and military groups will be on hand and 7 color guards will participate.  

Opening July 6
[ selby gallery ]

On the campus of the Ringling College of Art, the Selby Gallery is exhibiting: Gallery I  features Architect John Howey, recognized for his indigenous approach to architecture influenced in part by the Sarasota School of Architecture. Gallery II showcases the much anticipated plans for Sarasota’s new  Museum of Art (SMOA) and Visual Arts Education Center (VAEC) at the old Sarasota High School designed by the ADP Group.

July 6
[ artist reception ]

The Dancing Crane Gallery, located in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts, is hosting a special reception for artist Barbara Schicitano from 6:00 - 9:30 pm. Barbara is president of Women Contemporary Artists of Southwest Florida.

July 6 & 7
[ liza dear ]

The Players are presenting The Liza & Judy Show for two performances only, reserved seating, so buy now. Straight from Vegas, Liza impersonator Suzanne Goulet and Judy Garland impersonator Julie Shepard light up the hall. “There’s hardly a moment off stage before she (Liza) and Judy return in another stunning costume to recreate another captivating number.” Order tickets here.

July 6 & 7
[ village people ]

There are many literary events taking place this month at the Village Voice and Eclectic Emporium in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts. This weekend, during the Arts Walk, author Kate Grayson will be on hand from 6:00 - 9:00 pm Friday with her book “Baby Boomers Guide to Growing Old Gracefully.” Then on Saturday from 11:00 - 1:00 pm it’s Susan Haley’s book “Rainy Day People,” and from 1:00 - 3:00 pm Russ Heitz with “Crosshairs.” Also during the day on Saturday kids can get a free removable tattoo and homemade ice cream and brownies are available for purchase. Go ahead, make a weekend of it!

July 9 – 14
[ play festival ]

Six winning plays from The Players Theatre “The Plays the Thing” play reading contest will be presented on six consecutive nights, from Monday, July 9, through Saturday, July 14, beginning at 7:30 pm Monday, July 9, 2007 - "Exiles" by Jack Gilhooley; Tuesday, July 10, 2007- “Flying Object” John Bohane; Wednesday, July 11, 2007 – "Suffers Fools Gladly" by Mark Kenneally; Thursday, July 12, 2007 - "Blood Sunday" by Walton Beachum (Rated – R; Contains adult language and subject matter); Friday, July 13, 2006 – “Casting Shadows" by Bernie Yanelli; Saturday, July 14, 2006 - "If the Devil Could Fall in Love" by Jenny Beres. The general admission is $7 per play. Play packages are also available at $15 for 3 different plays and $24 for 6 different plays.  For tickets and information call 941-365-2494.

July 14
[ yes we have a bandana ]

Live oldies concert featuring Bandana at the Venice Little Theatre MainStage. Bandana features Tony "Butch" Gerace formerly of the world famous MGM recording group Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs.

[ goooo Sheila ]

Sarasotan Sheila Sons sells stationery. The rhyme doesn’t tell the whole story though. Sheila is an artist and the creator and illustrator of the popular Spindlyville line of greeting cards, note cards, gift cards, notepads and displays. The whimsical land of tiny people and its tiny residents bring a smile to those fortunate enough to receive one of the cards.

[ on air ]

Area artist and arts activist, Elizabeth Van Riper will be hosting a new radio program on Sarasota’s only community radio station, WSLR, 96.5 FM.  The “The Creative Life” will be aired live on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month beginning June 26th. The show will run from 9:00 - 10:00 am.  Her first guest will be artist, art activist, and community leader Eleanor Merritttt. 

July 1
[ audition ]