Arts & Entertainment

The Venice Symphony is proud to present the fifth annual Patriotic Pops and Fireworks Concert – American Heroes on Saturday, May 25, 7:30pm, at CoolToday Park, 18800 S. West Villages Pkwy., Venice. Besides a salute to the Armed Forces, the “Liberty Voices”, a world famous eight-part cappella group will perform Americana, folk and patriotic songs with the Venice Symphony. Tickets are $23 to $58 and may be purchased online at thevenicesymphony.org or by calling 941•413•5004.

LBP Adult Classes
Lemon Bay Playhouse is offering two adult classes starting in May. “Scene Study for Auditions and Performances” will meet Saturdays, 10am to noon, May 4 through June 29. The scene study class is for all levels of acting experience and will delve into how to approach audition scenes and how to explore a role once you are cast. The cost is $180 for the nine-week course. “Find the Funny” will look into the funny written word and how to bring it to stage. Gina Scarda will show how to find the funny in scripts and monologues and introduce how to use life to start a stand-up comedy routine. The class meets for three Saturdays from 10am to noon, on May 25, June 1 and June 8. Cost is $60. Register online at lemonbayplayouse.com. For more information, call 941•475•6756.

Free Chamber Music Concert
Enjoy a free chamber music concert by the Venice Symphony Woodwind Quintet on Sunday, May 5 at 3:30pm on the Great Lawn at Wellen Park, 12275 Mercado Drive, Venice. Bring your chair and enjoy the delightful sounds of the Venice Symphony. This concert is compliments of the Capstan Financial Consulting Group. For more information, call 941•207•8822.

Spoken Word Poetry
Elsie Quirk Library invites you to attend a free program, “Spoken Word Poetry” with Chris Hodgkins, on Tuesday, May 7, 10:30 to 11:30am. Chris Hodgkins, a former teacher and an Englewood resident, shares poetry that is alive and dramatic and that marks the passages of one’s life. Chris believes poetry should offer the gifts of fun, pleasure, pain, imagination, beauty, insight and a deeper understanding about life. The library is located at 100 W. Dearborn Street and can be reached at 941•861•1110.

Twelve Angry Men: A Musical
Seek out the truth through the haze of confusion in the breathtaking and powerful “Twelve Angry Men: A New Musical” on stage Wednesday, May 8 through Sunday, June 9, at the Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Propelled by a jazz-infused score, this drama is the searing story of a lone juror who demands that the legal system live up to its ideals. There are evening performances Tuesdays through Saturdays and matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $35-$80 and may be purchased online at asolorep.org or call 941•351•8000.

Charlotte Players Star Search
Help Charlotte Players discover the next local star when area contestants will compete in a vocal contest to win the grand prize of their own show at the Langdon Playhouse this fall. The competition will be Friday, May 10, 7:30pm, at the Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. Audience members will receive a vote ticket with their admission ticket; additional vote tickets will be available for purchase the night of the show. Admission ticket is $20 adult and $10 student (plus fee). Purchase tickets online at charlotteplayers.org or call 941•255•1022.

Friday Night Concert
The Friday Night Concert at Centennial Park in Venice on Friday, May 10th features Latitude 26. The free concert is from 7 to 9pm and attendees must bring their own seating to Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Avenue, Venice. No alcohol permitted. The performer for the Friday, May 24th concert will be Ryan Judy Music. For more information, go to visitvenicefl.org.

 

 

“Waves: Movements That Shape Us”
Floridians are familiar with the sand and sun, but that familiar environment can be transformed by the creativity of artists like Rebecca Crenshaw and Bess Wohl. These Hermitage Fellows will present “Waves: Movements That Shape Us” on Friday, May 12, 6:30pm, on the Hermitage Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Road. Rebecca Crenshaw is a violinist whose practice is shaped by the sound waves she creates with bands like “Arcade Fire” and “Mumford & Sons”, as well as her community-oriented yoga practice. Bess Wohl is a Tony Award-nominated playwright with both Broadway & Off-Broadway plays. Bring your own seating. Registration is $5 at hermitageartistretreat.org. Pictured here (l-r): is Bess Wohl and Rebecca Crenshaw.

Seniors Get New Lease on Life
Charlotte Players present “Morning After Grace” at the Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. The comedy runs Thursday, May 16 through Sunday, May 26, with evening curtain time at 7:30pm on Wednesday through Saturday and 2pm on Sunday. Hilarious and heart-warming, this unconventional new comedy tackles love, loss and coming to terms with growing old. After a funeral meeting the day before, Angus and Abigail find themselves sharing a bed the next morning. Join them as they journey toward a new lease on life in a Florida retirement community. Ticket prices are $27 adult and $14 student (plus fee) and may be purchased online at charlotteplayers.org or call 941•255•1022.

Upcoming Hermitage Beach Event
Groundbreaking creators and Hermitage Fellows Diana Al-Hadid and Raven Chacon will join forces on the Hermitage Beach, alongside artist and curator Candice Hopkins. These three brilliant artists will share their creative practices and perspectives about the contemporary cultural landscape on Thursday, May 23, 6:30 to 7:30pm, on the Hermitage Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Road. Diana Al-Hadid is an acclaimed visual artist whose work is currently on display at the Sarasota Art Museum. Raven Chacon is a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, performer and installation artist from the Navajo Nation. Candice Hopkins, from the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, is a curator whose exhibitions have traveled around the world. Registration is $5 at hermitageartistretreat.org. Pictured left to right, Diana Al-Hadid, Candice Hopkins,  and Raven Chacon.

Van Wezel Friday Fest
Friday Fest, the free outdoor summertime concert series at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, returns with an exciting lineup of bands who will bring you to your feet. The concerts are held monthly from 5 to 9pm on the lawn overlooking Sarasota Bay at 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. On Friday, May 24, “Hot Tonic Orchestra” provides high energy music, mixing swing, Latin jazz and popular music to create a unique show. “Kettle of Fish” takes the stage on Friday, June 21, playing festival music that features blues, soul and funk with the energy of rock ‘n roll. There are no shows in July & August. Friday, September 20 is “Kluv & the United Funk Foundation”, the most sought-after dance, soul and R & B band in Florida. Closing out the series on Friday, October 4th is “Big Night Out”, a variety dance that performs Latin, R & B and island dance music. Bring your own seating. Food & drink vendors onsite. No outside food/drink permitted. For additional information, visit vanwezel.org.

Playwright and theater maker Deepa Purohit  honored
Playwright and theater maker Deepa Purohit was honored at the 16th Annual Hermitage Greenfield Prize Celebration weekend which raised more than $300,000 in support of the Hermitage’s mission. The evening included live performances and appearances from Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Rachel Bay Jones, Broadway Randy Redd, singer & composer Kavita Shah and a world premiere concert by 2022 Greenfield Prize winner Angélica Negrón. To learn more about the Hermitage Artist Retreat, visit hermitageartistretreat.org. Pictured here at the dinner are (l-r): Deepa Purohit; Andy Sandburg, Hermitage CEO; and Angélica Negrón.

H20 Music Festival
Grab your boat, float, raft, tube, kayak or whatever will keep you afloat and head out to the Boca Grande Sandbar for the H20 Music Festival on Saturday, May 25, 10am to 3pm. The sandbar off Dog Island and next to the Boca Grande bridge causeway will be rocking with live music. Headliners are Trey Lewis and local favorite, “American Made”, with musical interludes by DJ Dank Williams. A huge jumbotron on its own barge will be showing live footage throughout the day. Bring some cash for the 50/50 raffle. The concert is free. For more information, call 305•761•8860.

Choral Artists of Sarasota concludes their 45th season with “United We Stand”, a Memorial Day concert commemorating the legacy of the brave women and men of the US Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The concert will be Sunday, May 26, 4pm, at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota. The performance features a tribute to the 80th commemoration of the Normandy Invasion. The Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble will perform with the Choral Artists. Tickets are $30-$60 adult and $5 student. Tickets may be purchased online at choralartistssarasota.org or call 941•387•4900.

Myakka River Blues Festival
Get your tickets now for the Myakka River Blues Festival on Monday, May 27, 11am to 5pm, at Snook Haven, 5000 E. Venice Avenue, Venice. Rain or shone. This year’s lineup features “Acoustic Blues”, “Delta Swamp Rats”, “Backtrack Blues Band” and the “Bridget Kelly Band”. Tickets are $35 or $50 for ticket & T-shirt. Tickets are limited to 400 people. For more information, music schedule and tickets, go to Eventbrite.com/e/Myakka-river-blues-festival or Facebook page Memorial Day Myakka River Blues Festival. Event is held rain or shine.

Venice Theatre Summer Classes
Venice Theatre (140 Tampa Avenue West, Venice) is starting new adult theatre classes soon. Some of the classes are listed here. Adult Dance with Vanessa Russo is a seven-week course beginning Thursday, May 30 at 4:30pm. Tuition $130. Adult Improv-Level One with Spencer Cross runs for eight weeks beginning Saturday, June 1 at 9:30am. Tuition $180. Complete History of Musical Theatre Abridged with Kristofer Geddie runs for seven weeks beginning Monday, June 3, 6:30pm. Tuition $175. Playing Action! The DNA of Acting with Benny Sato Ambush is a three-week course starting Monday, June 3 at 6:30pm. Tuition $180. The Keys to Scene Study for Adults with Scott Keys starts Tuesday, June 11, 6:30pm, and runs for seven weeks. Tuition $210. Beginning Acting for Adults with Preston Boyd begins Wednesday, July 17 at 1:30pm for six weeks. Tuition $180. To learn more, go to venicetheatre.org.

Summer Sizzlers by VIPA
Venice Institute for Performing Arts announces that tickets for their summer shows are now on sale. “The Brassroots Band” will be on stage Saturday, June 22 at 7pm. Experience the soul-stirring power of funk and rhythm & blues with this 12-piece musical force where electrifying vocals meet the unmatched harmony of brass. Tickets are $24 to $49. “Natural Woman – A Tribute to Carol King” is an all-women’s tribute board reviving Carole King’s timeless tunes. Catch them on Saturday, July 6 at 7pm. Tickets $24-$54. Both performances will be at the Venice Performing Arts Center, One Indian Avenue, Venice. Purchase tickets online at veniceperformingartscenter.com or call 941•218•3779.

Call for Artists
The Artist Colony in Englewood, Florida is embarking on a new venture. Beginning in June, The Artist Colony is offering an Indoor Gallery for artists who prefer an inside venue to be held one day a month at the Englewood Elks, 401 N. Indiana Avenue. The gallery will be open the second Wednesday of each month for the public to browse, buy and engage with the artists who choose to work on their creations during the event. Artists can select the dates they want to participate to display their artwork for sale. Tables & chairs will be provided with covered tables for artists who want to teach. Artists will also display their work in the dining rooms. Musicians who wish to set up and provide music during the event are welcome, too. Learn more by visiting The Artist Colony in Englewood Florida Facebook page or email Sydney at [email protected].

A Taste of Art
Enjoy a meal at Chaz 51 Steakhouse in Venice and interact with artists who will be doing demonstrations from 5 to 8:30pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. This program is offered by Creative Liberties Artists Studios and Gallery in Sarasota. Chaz 51 is located at 549 US 41 Bypass, Venice. Learn more at creativeliberties.net.

Million Dollar Donation To Venice Theatre
Venice Theatre received a one-million-dollar donation on Wednesday, April 24th. Donna and Jim Boldt signed a gift agreement that will propel the theatre’s recovery from Hurricane Ian into the next phrase. The Technical Arts Center will be renamed for the Boldts. Donna Boldt is a third-generation Venetian and is excited to add the Boldt name to a building that helps bring the arts to people from age five to 95. Venice Theatre is located at 140 Tampa Avenue West in Venice and suffered considerable damage from Hurricane Ian. Learn more about the theatre at venicetheatre.org. In this photo, Donna and Jim Boldt are seated centered with Venice Theatre Executive Director Kristofer Geddie seated far right. Theatre staff and volunteers surround them.