Arts + Entertainment 1.5.23

6 THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2023

After a few years of, er, shall we say … recovery? We are happy to say that the coming year is packed with don’t-miss performances from our area arts organizations and traveling acts as well. From Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld making stops at the Van Wezel to the popular “Madama Butterfly” playing at the Sarasota Opera to the plethora of fun shows at Florida Studio Theatre, there are so many things going on, we can’t possibly mention them all. So we’ll mention a few — six, to be exact — to whet your appetite for the upcoming arts season. Get out your calendar and get ready to buy those tickets. There’s a lot to enjoy in 2023.

6 things

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1. ‘Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature’

When: Feb. 12 – June 25

Where: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St. Tickets: $21 Info: Selby.org

It has become an annual event to look forward to: The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series, which marries works of art with the beautiful flora of the gardens. This year’s exhibit will be “Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature,” showcasing the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany, acclaimed American artist and designer (and the first design director at — you guessed it — Tiffany & Co.).

Known for his stained glass and lamps as well as his blown glass, jewelry and metalwork, Tiffany’s pieces will be the inspiration for horticultural displays throughout the gardens, including inside the Tropical Conservatory. The creativity and playfulness of these exhibits is always fun, surprising and not to be missed.

2. Dance Theatre of Harlem

When: Feb. 24-27

Where: FSU Center for Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $40-$105 Info: SarasotaBallet.org

Most years, the Sarasota Ballet season includes a special treat for its audiences by bringing a notable dance company to the community. This season it is bringing the worldrenowned Dance Theatre of Harlem to Sarasota.

The 18-member, multi-ethnic company performs everything from traditional classics to innovative contemporary works, all in the belief that the arts are for everyone.

3. Pilobolus – Big Five-Oh!

When: 7 p.m. March 7 Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $22-$82 Info: VanWezel.org

Some things are just fun and different and cool. Pilobolus is one of those things. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the traveling dance company continues to stretch the boundaries of movement, dance

IVERDANCE, as you’ve never seen it before! A powerful and stirring reinvention of this beloved favorite, celebrated the world over for its Grammy® Award-winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Bill Whelan has rerecorded his mesmerizing soundtrack while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely reimagined the groundbreaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, stage and costume designs. Fall in love with the magic of RIVERDANCE all over again.

and storytelling. Its creations are so clever you’ll find yourself forgetting at times that they’re humans and not some foreign lifeform.

Pilobolus bills itself as a “rebellious” dance company, and you’ll see that spirit at work on stage as it tests the limits of the human body to explore the beauty and power of connected bodies.

4. Reclaiming Home: Contemporary Seminole Art

When: March 18 – Sept. 4

Where: The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road

Tickets: $25

Info: Ringling.org

This group exhibition marks the first time The Ringling has presented Native American art with connections to Florida. It also is The Ringling’s first collaboration with Florida’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum of Seminole culture and history.

In the exhibit, artists from the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes will be featured, as well as works from mixed-heritage artists from Florida.

5. ‘Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help’

When: March 15-April 22

Where: FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $29+ Info: AsoloRep.org

In a simpler time, 1973, this story all starts with a simple ask: a mom

asking her daughter to tell her sister about the birds and the bees. Little did she know how far things could go awry when this conversation happens within earshot of the parish priest.

As a group of women work to protect their reputation, Asolo Repertory Theatre’s comedic production weaves in tales of first loves, the pains of Catholic guilt and the power of family.

6. Dancing in the Street: Music of Motown

When: 8 p.m. May 5-6

Where: Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St.

Tickets: $15-$50 Info: SarasotaOrchestra.org

The Sarasota Orchestra’s schedule is packed with something for everyone — from its pops concert featuring the music of Billy Joel and Elton John to its Masterworks highlighting the work of Copland and Stravinsky.

There are so many offerings it’s hard to narrow them down. There’s even a performance of “Peter and the Wolf” that is sure to surprise and delight parents and youngsters alike.

But we still can’t help it: There’s no better way to celebrate the end of a successful musical season like the Outdoor Pops concert. This year’s concert will focus on the finest music of Motown, sure to be a crowd pleaser with music from Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, The Temptations and more. Not enough? It ends with a spectacular fireworks show over Ed Smith Stadium. Now that’s how you go out with a bang.

Asolo Rep’s production of “Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help” runs March 15-April 22.

2023 Great Performers Series

é Serebrier, Conductor March 12 | 7:30 pm | Van Wezel Buffalo Philharmonic | JoAnn Falletta, Music Director March 27 | 7:30 pm | Van Wezel

THIS WEEK

becoming a lawyer. But once she sets out on her path, nothing will stand in her way as she tackles all of it with her characteristic zeal and style, of course.

FRIDAY

JAZZ AT TWO - TRACE ZACUR QUARTET

2 p.m. at Universal Unitranian Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road $15-$20 Call 260-9951.

The Jazz Club of Sarasota welcomes saxophonist Trace Zacur and his band. Zacur, who first performed in the Jazz at Two series last year, is back to share his explosive sound and high energy performance.

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

THURSDAY

PERLMAN MUSIC PROGRAM’S

CELEBRATION CONCERT

5 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $40-$80

Visit PerlmanMusicProgramSuncoast.org

They’ve learned, they’ve rehearsed and now it’s time for the Perlman Music Program students to shine. Enjoy this performance, conducted by Maestro Itzhak Perlman himself, that features the program’s string orchestra as well as its chorus.

‘LEGALLY BLONDE - THE MUSICAL’

7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $42-$92

Visit VanWezel.org.

Follow Elle Woods as she follows her somewhat misguided dream of

7:30 p.m. at Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Venice $33-$61

Visit VenicePerformingArtsCenter. com

Enjoy your favorite music played by the Venice Symphony from movies that take you to the museum, including “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Night at the Museum,” “The Da Vinci Code” and more. Continues with performances at 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

‘BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA’ BY ANNA OUYANG MOENCH

7:30 p.m. at Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St. $25-$39

Visit UrbaniteTheatre.com

This play may start as a fatherdaughter duo exploring the wild world around them to catch glimpses of elusive birds. But just

as the seasons, climate and global politics change, so too have the relationships in this endearing family portrait. Runs through Feb. 12.

SATURDAY

FST IMPROV PRESENTS: ‘TO DIE FOR’

7:30 p.m. at FST’s Bowne’s Lab Theatre, 1265 First St. $15

Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

Come check out FST Improv’s popular comedic murder mystery with a new villain every time. With its quirky set of characters and plenty of plot twists, engage in the fun of a developing story line and see if you can figure out whodunit.

SUNDAY

SARASOTA WINTER FINE ART FESTIVAL

10 a.m.. to 5 p.m. at J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive Free

Visit ParagonFestivals.com.

Don’t miss the last day of this weekend’s chance to peruse artists’ work from all over the state. Whether you’re seeking something

special for your home décor or just browsing the delights of creativity, enjoy this festival set up in the streets of downtown.

MONDAY

DOVER QUARTET

10:30 a.m. at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road $10 Call 365-6404.

The Dover Quartet — reviewed as “string quartet nirvana” — performs as part of the Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning’s Music Mondays program, which pairs musicians with conversation about their unique stories, journeys and creative processes. The Dover Quartet will play again as part of the Artist Concert Series at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Historic Asolo Theater.

TUESDAY

RIVERDANCE 25TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW

7:30 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $37-$87

Visit VanWezel.org.

DON’T MISS

A GUIDED TOUR: MAHLER AND SIBELIUS

Experience a new concert format as the Sarasota Orchestra explores the context, history and personal connections to the music of Mahler and Sibelius, all in about an hour. Aimed at new concertgoers and longtime aficionados, this program will explore what makes these composers’ masterworks so special.

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6 Where: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $26-$69 Info: Visit SarasotaOrchestra. org.

Come celebrate the 25th anniversary of a show that features a Grammy Award-winning score with a completely reimagined performance that still includes all the high energy kicks and stomps you know and love. Fun for all ages, don’t miss this celebration of Irish dance. Runs through Thursday, Jan. 12.

WEDNESDAY

STACEY AND RICHARD

RIDENOUR, PIANISTS

10:30 a.m. at Selby Library, Geldbart Auditorium, 1331 First St.

Free Visit SarasotaMusicArchive.org.

Pianists Stacey and Richard Ridenour will perform as part of the Sarasota Music Archive’s performance and lecture series. Enjoy the sounds of these two accomplished musicians in a relaxed setting.

ARTIST CONVERSATION —

KATHLEEN SUPOVÉ

5 p.m. at Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Road Free Visit NewMusicNewCollege.org.

Meet pianist Kathleen Supové and learn more about her work in developing and performing new music that aims to break down walls between performer and audience. She will discuss her solo concert, “Next Door,” which she will perform 8 p.m. Jan. 14 as part of New Music New College program.

GREAT ESCAPES: ‘A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC’

5:30 p.m. at Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail $45-$108

Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.

If your idea of a good time is attending a concert that both expands your horizons and features music you might even recognize, then the Sarasota Orchestra has the program for you. This concert is an eclectic mix of music that journeys through the sounds of Sondheim and Motown to more classical pieces from opera and more. Runs through Jan. 15.

PERFORMANCES AT THE POINT: CHORAL ARTISTS OF SARASOTA MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS

6:30 p.m. at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Historic Spanish Point Campus, 401 N. Tamiami Trail Members $30/Non-Members $35 Visit Selby.org.

In this one-hour version of its concert, “Say a Little Prayer,” Choral Artists of Sarasota will perform spiritual songs from a variety of faiths around the world. Enjoy this meditative program in the serene setting of Historic Spanish Point.

‘PROOF’

The Players Centre 7:30 p.m. at Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail $30

Visit ThePlayers.org

“Proof” tells the story of a troubled young woman who has spent years caring for her father, an unstable but famous mathematician. When he dies the night before her 25th birthday, she’s forced to face her emotions — and her estranged sister. As events converge, she attempts to discover whether she will inherit her father’s genius or his madness. Runs through Jan. 22

KEN LUDWIG’S ‘THE THREE MUSKETEERS’

8 p.m. at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $33+

Visit AsoloRep.org.

Adventure. Bravery. Sword fights. And, above all, loyalty. Yep, that’s what you can expect with this adaptation of the popular novel by Alexandre Dumas. Explore all the laughs that come with enduring friendship and remember: “All for one, and one for all!” Runs through March 26.

IF YOU GO

When: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 7-22 Where: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St. Tickets: Free with admission Info: Visit Selby.org.

Ever Onward Season 27

Grammy Award nominees for Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance

DOVER QUARTET

January 10, 7:30 pm

Historic Asolo Theater

Named one of the greatest string quartets of the last 100 years by BBC Music Magazine, Dover Quartet has quickly become one of the most in-demand chamber ensembles in the world. This performance includes works by Beethoven and Mendelssohn.

DANIELLE TALAMANTES, soprano

KERRY WILKERSON, bass-baritone

January 18 • 5:30 pm performance followed by dinner

Plantation Golf & Country Club

Metropolitan Opera soprano Danielle Talamantes and her husband Kerry Wilkerson offer a program devoted to classics from the Great American Songbook and musical theater, bringing their special chemistry and

voices to the iconic tunes you know and love. 389194-1

2023 Black Tie Events to Watch W

e’ve been moving at a steady clip from month to month with countless events each week, and now that the holiday break is at a close, we’re ready to get back out there and keep it going.

The back half of this season promises to have a busy stretch of fundraisers, social functions and all sorts of happenings that should keep our town’s fashionistas and socialites busy.

We’ve enjoyed documenting the many happenings as they’ve come so far this year, but it’s a good time to look ahead and prepare for the many events on the horizon.

Here’s just a handful of upcoming events that you want to keep on your radar. There’s plenty of others beyond this list we could have included, so keep reading our section for future coverage.

Circus Arts Gala 2023

Benefiting: Circus Arts Conservatory

When: 6 p.m. Jan. 27

Where: Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park

Chairs: Julie Harris and Lauren Walsh

Tickets: $350 Call: 355-9335

The Circus Arts Conservatory always treats its closest supporters with dazzling performances and displays of physical prowess from the many talented circus performers that both visit and call Sarasota home.

This year will be notable in that it’s the circus organization’s gala’s 25th anniversary, so be sure to expect a dazzling display of circus talent when guests fill into the Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park on Jan. 27.

The Orchid Ball

Benefiting:

When: 6 p.m. Feb. 11

Where:

Chairs: Liebe

Ashley Kozel and Retta Wagner Tickets: $600 Call: 366-5731

Things come and go, but the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens always makes sure to put on a visually stunning fundraiser each and every year.

This year’s offering takes on a “Gilded Age” theme that celebrates the 2023 “Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature” exhibit.

The Gilded Age is always a popular event theme for its glitz and glamor, and time will tell what Selby has planned for its upcoming event.

Avant-Garde

Benefiting: Ringling College of Art and Design When: 6 p.m. March 18 Where: Ringling College of Art and Design Chairs: Dona Scott, Rosa Stanfield, and Jackie Tilton Tickets: $350 Call: 351-5100

If it’s an Avant-Garde party, you just know people are going to be looking wild.

Inspiration Gala

Benefiting:

When: 5:30 p.m. March 10

The Ringling College of Art and Design-led event always boasts a crazy assortment of costumes and looks based on a colorful theme each year, and this coming fundraiser is bringing the funk with a 1970s showcase.

Chairs: Susans

Kathy Martella Tickets: $1,000 Call: 366-5578

The Van Wezel foundation promises to take guests on a Highway to the Danger Zone with its Inspiration Gala this year.

The annual fundraiser always features a well-known musical guest, but this year focuses on the aerial stylings of Grammywinning musician Kenny Loggins himself.

Not bad timing, given how popular “Top Gun: Maverick” has been with theater goers this year.

Cocktails start at 5:30 p.m. with the night’s performance kicking off at 8.

The “Rocks The ’70s” gala on March 18 is going to up the boogie with plenty of wild outfits, afros, and intense colors that any ’70s event would need.

Fairytale Ball

Benefiting: Children First When: 6 p.m. April 1

Where: Michael’s On East Chairs: Lisa and John Giglio, Teresa and Trevor Harvey, and Janna & Josh Kim Tickets: $300 Call: 953-3877

Children First spends each fall season with events that bring an excited crowd to Sharky’s On The Pier in Venice.

The spring, though, is when the nonprofit brings the events home with its annual Fairytale Ball. The annual nonprofit at Michael’s On East really plays up the elegant decor and colorful costumes that usually serve as a standout in a busy social season.

Last year’s had an “Into The Woods” theme that brought all sorts of wolves, witches and Little Red Riding Hoods into the event space, but this year looks to outdo it.

Guests can expect a “Through The Looking Glass” aesthetic that pays tribute to Alice in Wonderland and all the wild creatures that make up the fantasy world. You might just go mad, but it’s worth checking out.

Paws on the Red Carpet

Benefiting: Humane Society of Sarasota

County When: 11:30 a.m. April 14

Where: Art Ovation Hotel

Chairs: Tammy Karp and Donna Koffman

Tickets: $200 Call: 955-4131

Every nonprofit is looking for a way to impress and entertain its audience at its events.

The Humane Society of Sarasota County has an easy advantage in this category — it’s able to bring dogs, puppies and kittens to the annual Paws on the Catwalk fundraiser at Art Ovation Hotel each year.

This year is bringing a “Red Carpet” theme that will bring the Hollywood glitz and glamor to the nonprofit’s many supporters.

The Gala Royal

Benefiting: The Sarasota Ballet

When: 5 p.m. April 30

Where: Sarasota Opera House followed by Circus Arts Conservatory Honoree: Joseph Volpe Tickets: Pearl Patron $1,000 Call: 359-0099

The Sarasota Ballet puts an emphasis on elegance, from its performances to its social functions each and every year.

This year’s Gala Royal will bring close supporters to the Sarasota Opera House for an opening performance before dinner and dancing at the Circus Arts Conservatory. The event will celebrate Executive Director Joseph Volpe for his time with the group.