Featured Artist:
The Sarasota Chorus of the Keys

(photo credit: Daniel Perales)

The Sarasota Chorus of the Keys is the oldest continuous arts group in Sarasota with a more than 60-year history and over 160 active members. Members of the Barbershop Harmony Society, the Sarasota chapter was formed in 1949 by John Whelan, a visiting businessman with a desire to advance and preserve the truly American style of music that is the barbershop quartet. The Chorus carries out this mission today by striving for musical excellence and performing frequently for the broadest possible spectrum of Southwest Florida audiences.

After winning the Florida State Championship in 2004 and 2009, they are one of the top choruses in the state. They are also committed to contributing to the cultural development of the community through responsible public service and providing charitable support to benefit music educators and young people participating in those programs.

The Chorus of the Keys returns for their 61st annual show at 2:30 and 7 p.m. on Sat., Feb. 26 at the Riverview Performing Arts Center (1 Ram Way, Sarasota). Tickets are available by mail or by calling 484-7589 from $15-$35. The Chorus will be performing “Classic Harmonies You Love to Hear” from Broadway, The Beatles, Sinatra and more.

The Chorus of the Keys is excited for their first show with new Music Director Chris Owens. “Since becoming our Director last summer he has brought a refreshing, exciting enthusiasm to our singing fraternity,” explains Jim Stoup, president of the Chorus. “Under his tutelage we are achieving our primary goal of becoming a great choral organization and continuing to bring exciting a cappella music to the greater Sarasota area.”

The Chorus is also inviting the Ditchfield Family Singers and their barbershop quartet My Three Sons to perform with them at the annual show. “We’re absolutely delighted that they’ve joined us again,” says Marketing Director Bob Amer. Family patriarch Stephen Ditchfield directed the Chorus during their award-winning turn at the 2007 district championship.

With the Ditchfields and the Chorus’ a cappella harmonies the Annual Show will be full of endearing classics that transcend the decades. Tickets are available now!

Sarasota Chorus of the Keys “Classic Harmonies You Love to Hear” Annual Show, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Sat., Feb. 26, Riverview High School Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, 484-7589 or chorusofthekeys.org, $15-$35.

Now
[ so, sumi ]

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens hosts the annual Sarasota Sumi-e Society Exhibition, on display, daily, through March 28, at the Historic Selby House. Oriental Brush Painting is an intellectual, spiritual, as well as an artistic pursuit. The Sarasota Chapter of the Sumi-e Society of America is a non-profit organization serving as a cultural bridge between Eastern and Western Art. Learn more or call 366-5731.

On-Line Now
[ cracker, honky, whitey ]

Can we openly talk about race and racial issues in today’s society? Florida Studio Theatre asks that question of 3 national and 4 local community members and invites the public to weight in, on-line. Check it out.

February 17 – 27
[ you know what I heard? ]

Neil Simon’s “Rumors” is coming to The Players Theatre. It’s about four couples who go to the townhouse of the NYC deputy mayor only to find that he has shot himself, a flesh-wound, and his wife is missing. His lawyers try a cover up as more guests arrive and it all gets kerfluncticated. Tickets on sale now because it OPENS TONIGHT. Call 941-365-2494.

February 18
[ art walk ]

Towles Court, Sarasota’s arts colony, beckons you for its monthly Art Walk, beginning at 6:00 p.m.. Stroll the paths under giant oaks and palms, drink wine, hear music, See art. Run Dick Run! See Jane smile.

February 18
[ mandala artist reception ]

Expressive Arts Florida presents a Community Mandala Exhibit from 5 -7:00 p.m. Don’t miss the opportunity to check out Expressive Arts Florida’s new gallery and then experience Towles Court Art Walk until 10:00 p.m. Call 941-366-9595.

February 18 – 27
[ studio 84 ]

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) Studio 84 Productions will present “Terror by Gaslight.” The play is set in 19th century Philadelphia and the main character Dr. Cyrus Norton trains a group of young surgeons while concealing his involvement with unsavory grave robbers as a persistent police detective comes closer to learning the truth. Call 941-752-5252. Times and Dates: 8 p.m., Friday - Saturday, Feb. 18-19, Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 24-26, in the David S. & Anne V. Howard Studio Theatre at SCF Bradenton, 5840 26th St. West, building 11 West. Matinee performances are scheduled at 2 p.m., Sunday, February 20 and February 27.

February 22
[ everybody must get sconed ]

Simply Gourmet Caterers is taking afternoon tea to a whole new level. In February, the Sarasota-based catering firm will feature a traditional royal English tea service on Tuesday afternoons, February 15 and 22, at 2:00 p.m., at the Powel Crosley Estate, 8374 North Tamiami Trail, in Sarasota. The price of admission is $30 and includes a tour of the estate and its grounds. To reserve, call 941-929-0066. (photo courtesy of Rod Millington)

February 22 - 26
[ catch a seat ]

The Glenridge Performing Arts Center present “Catch Me if You Can." This is not like the movie of the same name, no, this is a mystery comedy about an advertising man who takes his bride to his boss’ mountain cabin only to have her disappear and be replaced by a pretty younger woman claiming to be his wife, her story backed up by a priest. Murder, mayhem and laughs. Call 941-552-5325.

February 22 – March 13
[ hey lady ]

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training presents The Lady from the Sea by Henrik Ibsen, February 22 through March 13, at the Cook Theatre in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

In this classic psychological drama, a young woman must choose between her relationship with her husband and a mysterious stranger. Tickets are on sale now, and don’t forget about “Pay What You Can Tuesday on Feb. 22; you name the price. Call 941-351-8000.

February 24
[ art publicity boot camp ]

Su Byron presents an “Art Publicity Boot Camp” at Art Center Sarasota from 5 – 8:00 p.m. What it’s about: “If you’re an artist, writer or performer, hiring a public relations firm isn’t always in your budget. But if you don’t get your name out there, how do you showcase your work? Created specifically for writers, musicians, actors, directors, painters and artists of all persuasions, this workshop is a crash course in the mechanics of creating your message and delivering it to the media.” Call 941-365-2032 and see the poster in this issue for more info.

February 26
[ elvis the pelvis ]

The Lake Osprey Cabraet presents Chris Olson’s “Memories of Elvis” show at 7:30 p.m. Ten bucks, cash bar, limited seating. Thank you, thank you very much. Pass the ketchup. Call 941-907-9252.

February 26
[ voice and speech training ]

One-day Voiceover Workshop on the art, craft and business of doing voiceover work. Registration is required. Call 941-378-0021 for details. John Burr offers voiceover and speech training at his new studio in Sarasota. Whatever your needs, with his many years of experience, John can help you develop into a world-class voiceover talent or public speaker. Check out John's website for the details. 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Call to Artists:

North Port Art Center

Myakka State Park

Be sure to check the audition pages of local theaters to make sure you don't miss anything (click the theater name): Florida Studio Theatre • The Players Theatre of Sarasota • Manatee Players • The Golden Apple • Island Players • Asolo Repertory Theatre • Venice Theatre • Lemon Bay Playhouse