Jan. 2 Perlman Music Program Celebration Dinner. Following the concert led by Itzhak Perlman, the Van Wezel Foundation presents this dinner at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Ticket prices vary; call 366-5578.

Jan. 5 “Born to be Wild” Kickoff Party. Rev up your engines for this year’s Thunder by the Bay Motorcycle Festival, to benefit The Florida Center for Child and Family Development. The kickoff starts at 8 p.m. at Michael’s on East and is followed by Saturday’s bike fest and Sunday’s motorcycle poker run; for complete details call 371-8820 ext. 1800.

Jan. 8 NARSAD Gala. The 10th annual “Sunshine from Darkness” gala to benefit mental health research will be held at the Van Wezel. Dinner and a performance of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida are included; tickets $275. 308-MIND (6463).

Jan. 12 Arts Night. The party to warm up for the Sarasota County Arts Council’s Art Day, taking place this year at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune’s home on Main Street. Starts at 7:30 p.m.; tickets $75. 365-5118.

Jan. 13 The Art of Circus. Circus Sarasota celebrates its first decade with this gala, starting at 6:30 p.m. under the tent near Ed Smith Stadium. Tickets $150 to $250; 355-9335.

Jan. 17 National Council of Jewish Women 25th Anniversary “Women in Power” Luncheon. This event begins at 11:30 a.m. at Michael’s On East and honors Sandy Loevner, Helen McBean and Nancy Roucher—powerful women all. Tickets $40; 926-7799.

Jan. 19 Animal Rescue Coalition Dog’s Night Out. A doggie fashion show, pet portraits and a doggie boutique are among the highlights of this animal lover’s event, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Saks Fifth Avenue. Adoptable dogs also available. Tickets $75; 957-1955 ext. 7.

Art Center Sarasota 80^th Anniversary. Sarasota’s oldest arts organization celebrates this milestone with a cocktail party and dance from 6 to 8 p.m. at the center on North Tamiami Trail. Tickets $100; 365-2032.

Jan. 20 Florida West Coast Symphony “Gotta Dance” Gala. Along with cocktails, dinner and a performance by the symphony saluting the Golden Age of Hollywood, you can also experience a dessert reception and performances by Dancing with the Stars sensation Tony Dovolani and his partner, Elena Grinenko, all at the Van Wezel starting at 5:15 p.m. Tickets $250; call 487-2743.

PAL Evening at the Moulin Rouge Gala. A black-tie fund raiser for the PAL Sailor Circus, held at the circus arena on Bahia Vista starting at 6:30 p.m. Call 316-8108 or 361-6350 for ticket info.

Jan. 22 RSADLA Town Hall Platinum Appreciation Dinner. Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani is the special guest at this dinner for Town Hall platinum-level subscribers at 6:30 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. 925-1343.

Jan. 24 Longboat Key Center for the Arts Bingo Party. Cocktail hour at 6 p.m.; “Dinner Italiano” and bingo at 7 p.m. Tickets $125 each; call 383-2345.

Jan. 25 American Jewish Committee Human Relations Award Dinner. Philanthropist Betty Schoenbaum is the honoree at this event, set for Michael’s On East; call 365-4955 for more details.

Jan. 26 Rock the House for the Lighthouse. Enjoy an evening of dinner, cocktails and a performance of I Can’t Stop Loving You (featuring the music of Ray Charles) to benefit Lighthouse of Manasota at the Van Wezel, with tickets for the evening $175. 359-1404.

Jan. 27 Manatee Community College Foundation Golden Anniversary Gala. The Ritz-Carlton’s grand ballroom is the setting for this celebration of 50 years of academic excellence; for information on tickets, call 752-5390 or 408-1418.

Sarasota Opera Opening Night Gala. Enjoy a black-tie dinner before Madama Butterfly; dessert, champagne and dancing after. It all starts at 5 p.m.; tickets to the gala (not including performance) are $175. 366-8450 ext. 402.

Jan. 31 Ringling Museum of Art Searing Galleries Opening Gala. Major donor Ulla Searing will be honored at this celebration for the museum’s new wing; for ticket information, call 359-5700 ext. 5702.