Art

Ringling Museum of Art. Gothic Art in the Gilded Age: Medieval Treasures in the Gavet, Vanderbilt and Ringling Collections, comes to an end April 4. Continuing through April 25: In Search of Norman Rockwell’s America, pairing images by that American master with those of photojournalist Kevin Rivoli. And opening April 24, to run through July 18, is Splendid Treasures of the Turkomen Tribes from Central Asia, including jewelry and apparel from the 19th and early 20th centuries. 359-5700.

Museum of Fine Arts. The Baroque World of Fernando Botero ends at this St. Petersburg museum April 4. On view through May 30: A Test of Faith: William Blake’s Illustrations for the Book of Job, and The Art of American Life: Winslow Homer’s Graphics. (727) 896-2667.

Venice Art Center. A Landscape and Seascape show continues here through April 15. It’s followed by the annual South Sarasota Schools Spring Art Show, with hundreds of works created by students on display, April 17-29. 485-7136.

Tampa Museum of Art. A Celebration of Henri Matisse: Master of Line and Light, continues through April 18 in the museum’s brand-new home, in the MacKechnie Family Gallery. Also continuing on view: Taking Shape: Works from the Bank of America Collection (through Aug. 1); The Hidden City: Selections from the Martin Z. Margulies Foundation (through Dec. 5); Life Captured: Garry Winogrand’s Women Are Beautiful (through July 18); and From Life to Death in the Ancient World (through January 2011). (813) 274-8130.

Longboat Key Center for the Arts. Continuing on view here through April 22: Florence Putterman: A Survey of Works 1949-2009. Opening April 30 to run through May 27: a juried photo exhibition entitled Your Point of View. 383-2345.

Art Center Sarasota. Wish You Were Here: Visual Souvenirs of Florida continues through April 24. 365-2032.

Local Coffee +Tea. Critters and Comforts, paintings by Gary Gorman, continues at the Siesta Key venue through April 30. 360-8244.

State of the Arts Gallery. The “locally owned and certified organic” art exhibit, featuring pieces by artists who have lived and worked here for a number of years, continues through May 1. 955-2787.

Galleria Silecchia. Opening at the Palm Avenue space April 2: a show of works by glass artist and bronze sculptor William Morris, mixed-media painter Cary Henrie and totem sculptor Richard Hunt. Continues through May 6. 365-7414.

Dabbert Gallery. The Florida Seven, opening April 2, features seven Florida painters, including Robert Baxter, Sarah Costello, Beatrice del Perugia, James Griffin, William Jerdon, Barbara Krupp and Craig Rubadoux. Continues through May 3. 955-1315.

M Gallery of Fine Art. Visions and Voyages presents the work of Scott Burdick and Sue Lyon at the Palm Avenue gallery, opening April 2. 954-8774.

Selby Gallery. The Best of Ringling Annual Juried Student Exhibition displays works created by talented Ringling students, April 9-26, both at Selby and the other galleries on campus. You can also see the Ringling College Senior Thesis Exhibitions, April 30 through May 7. Info: 359-7563.

Island Gallery West. Acrylic artist Marlane Wurzbach and jeweler Phil Karp exhibit their work here this month; a reception at 5:30 p.m. April 9. 778-6648.

Artists Guild Gallery. Karen deLeon Stuart displays works in oil, pastel and pottery starting with a reception at 5:30 p.m. April 9 at the Anna Maria Island space. 778-6694.

Benefits

Bag Ladies and Baubles Luncheon. An April 1 fund raiser for Florida Studio Theatre; call 366-9000 for more details.

Pique-nique sur la Baie. Ladies, time to bring out your best hats for this annual spring luncheon, taking place at 11 a.m. April 7 at the Charles Ringling mansion to benefit the New College Library Association. For tickets ($125), call 487-4600.

Meet the Musicians. La Musica Inter-national Chamber Music Festival supporters Piero and Rachele Rivolta open their home to the fest’s musicians and their fans, at 6:30 p.m. April 8. For more information and tickets call 371-6798.

An Affair to Remember. The biggest event of the yearlong celebration of Sarasota pioneer Bertha Palmer is this once-in-a-century gala taking place at the site of her former home, Historic Spanish Point, at 6:30 p.m. April 10. Tickets $250; 966-5214 ext. 295.

Doctors for Charity Ball. A Catholic Charities event to support HIV/AIDS Ministries. Expect dinner, music and dancing to a 16-piece ’50s band (period dress optional), starting at 6:30 p.m. April 10 at Michael’s On East. Tickets $125; 379-9111 ext. 300.

When Angels Purr. This fund raiser for the Humane Society of Sarasota County offers a presentation by veterinarian Dr. Sherry Zenor on “The Secret Life of Cats,” a kitty trivia challenge, silent auctions, adoptable cats and brunch. It all starts at noon April 11 at Michael’s On East; for tickets call 955-4131 ext. 121.

Sarasota Opera Guild Spring Fling. This “fling,” an April 14 luncheon at Michael’s On East, honors longtime opera guild members and supporters Ed and Jane Riggin. Tickets $40; call 366-8450.

Greenfield Prize Celebration. Visual artist Sanford Biggers will receive the second Greenfield Prize (awarded through a collaboration with the Hermitage Artist Retreat) at a banquet set for 6 p.m. April 15 at Michael’s On East. For tickets, call 475-2098.

Fabulous Foxes and Hot Mamas Luncheon. Lunch and a fashion show for mamas, daughters, sisters and friends, to benefit UCP. This event has been moved up to April 17 from its originally scheduled date of May 1; for complete details call 957-3599.

Party on the Pass. A fund raiser for Mote Marine, taking place at 6 p.m. April 17 at the aquarium. Call 388-4441 ext. 509 for more info.

Cattle Barons Ball. It’s A Black-Tie Round-up to benefit the American Cancer Society, at 6:30 p.m. April 17 at Michael’s On East. 328-3754 or 328-3760 for ticket info.

Community Video Archives Luncheon. Honorees Leif Bjaland, Eva Slane and Dr. Larry Thompson receive their just due at this annual event starting at 11 a.m. April 20 at Michael’s On East; tickets $75. There’s also a 20th anniversary art auction. 365-7052.

Women of Compassion Helping Women in Need. The seventh annual luncheon and silent auction helps support counseling sessions for women and children in need, through Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast; this year’s event is set for 11 a.m. April 22 at Michael’s On East and tickets are $100. Call 377-2757.

Florida Winefest and Auction. This year it’s “Winefest with a Twist,” April 22-25, although there will still be winemaker dinners, April 22 and 23 at a variety of locales, along with food and wine seminars, April 23 and 24. But the big auction is now Party with a Purpose, April 23, offering a multi-course dinner at the Ritz-Carlton and limited auction items available for bid. There’s a Taste of Winefest April 25 at Phillippi Estate Park, too. For complete details, call 952-1109 or go to floridawinefest.org.

SPARCC Prince and Princess Ball. A fund raiser for Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, set for 5 to 9 p.m. April 24 at the Girls Scouts Conference Center. Call 365-0208 ext. 106 for more details.

Making An Impact Fashion Show. The American Business Women’s Association’s Sunrise Chapter hosts this evening of fun, food and fashions at 6 p.m. April 24 at Michael’s On East. Included are fashions by Caché, a silent auction and more to raise money for scholarships. Tickets $60; call 360-9070.

Key Chorale 25th Anniversary Gala. The celebration of this choral ensemble’s silver anniversary starts around 6:30 p.m. April 25 at the Sarasota Opera House, shortly after its Composure concert. Tickets $125; call 366-8450 ext. 1.

Starry Night Dinner. The Asolo Rep fund raiser series winds up its season at 6:30 p.m. April 30 at the Longboat Key Club and Resort, tied to the theater’s production of Backwards in High Heels. $200; call 351-9010 ext. 4712.

Children

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales. The Griffin Theatre entertains kids and their parents with this show featuring some familiar fairytale figures, at 10:30 a.m. April 10 at Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Dance

Sarasota Ballet. The ballet company ends its season this month with not one but two triple bills. The first includes Renato Paroni’s Rococo Variations, John Cranko’s Pineapple Poll, and red-hot choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s There Where She Loved, April 2 and 3 at the Sarasota Opera House; the second offers Balanchine’s Donizetti Variations, Matthew Bourne’s Infernal Galop, and a world premiere piece conceived by the company’s dancers, April 23-25 at the FSU Center. 351-8000.

Film

Sarasota Film Festival. Most details of film, stars and events were still under wraps when we went to press, but we do know that the 12th annual fest takes place April 9-18, with screenings of hot new movies at the Hollywood 20. And, of course, there are social events, too, scheduled to include an opening night party, April 9 at Van Wezel; a reception with the area chapter of UNIFEM, April 10; Hollywood Nights, April 11 at Whole Foods Market (a youthFEST celebration); Tropicale Cinema Celebration, April 14; Night of a Thousand Stars, April 16 at Michael’s On East; and a filmmakers’

tribute and awards ceremony April 17, at the Sarasota Opera House (after party at Ceviche). Go to sarasotafilmfestival.com or call 364-9514.

Miscellaneous

Sharks Tooth Festival. The 18th annual event highlighting those sharp teeth takes place April 9-11 at the Venice Airport Festival grounds; for complete info take a bite into sharkstoothfest.com.

Gulf Coast Rhythm & Ribfest. The Manatee County Fairgrounds are the site for this fourth annual event, which welcomes award-winning rib teams and entertainment from local, regional and national musicians. April 9-11; for ticket info visit gulfcoastribfest.com.

DAFF (Dance, Art, Food Festival). A new event taking place April 10 from 2 to 10 p.m. on the grounds of the Van Wezel, including individual and group dance performances, work by local artists in a variety of media, and more. 922-3520.

Earth Day Festival. Celebrate our planet with this annual fest, set for April 18 at Oscar Scherer State Park. Games, live music, guided hikes and more are planned. 483-5956.

PAL Sailor Circus. The spring break production showcasing the circus talents of local students continues under the big blue tent on Bahia Vista on April 1, 2 and 3; for tickets call 361-6350.

Music

Courtyard Concert. The DeLeon Orchestra performs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. April 1 in the Ringling Museum courtyard. For ticket info, call 358-3180.

One Night of Queen. Gary Mullen and the Works channel the supergroup with songs including Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga and, of course, We Are the Champions, at 8 p.m. April 1 at Van Wezel. 953-3368.

In the Mood. It’s back to the 1940s with the In the Mood Singers and Dancers and the String of Pearls Orchestra, at 8 p.m. April 2 at Van Wezel. For more information call 953-3368.

Lonestar. Country crossover musicians Lonestar make their bow at the Van Wezel, at 8 p.m. April 3. 953-3368.

Gloria Musicae. The choral ensemble brings us a local premiere with Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle, 7:30 p.m. April 5 at the Sarasota Opera House. 925-3183 or 360-7399.

Revolution. The Beatles tribute show turns up at Venice Theatre for one show only, on April 5. 488-1115.

The Beach Boys. It’s Endless Summer whenever the quintessential California group appears; catch the wave at 8 p.m. April 6 at Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Sarasota Orchestra Great Escapes. Alluring women are celebrated in this month’s pops concerts, from Debussy’s Girl with the Flaxen Hair to Cy Coleman’s Sweet Charity, April 7-10 at Holley Hall. 953-3434.

La Musica International Chamber Music Festival. The festival returns for its 24th year with a roster of international performers and a theme of “Resolution”; among the works being performed are Beethoven’s Piano Trio in E flat major, Brahms’ String Quintet in G major, Saint-Saëns’ Quartet in B flat major, and compositions by Tchaikovsky, Harbison, Mozart, Weill, Schumann, Franck and Tower as well. Concerts are April 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21 at the Sarasota Opera House; there are also preconcert lectures, public rehearsals and more. Head to lamusicafestival.org or call 346-2601.

Sarasota Pops. “Broadway to Hollywood” is the theme for this month’s concert, at 3 p.m. April 11 at Church of the Palms. 926-7677.

Barbra and Frank: The Concert That Never Was. Babs and Old Blue Eyes—make that tribute artists Sharon Owens and Sebastian Anzaldo—share the stage as the real-life Streisand and Sinatra never did, with a concert at 7 p.m. April 11 at Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Sejoon Park. Pianist Park will perform selections from Rachmaninoff and Liszt, among others, in Artist Series of Sarasota concerts April 11 and 13, at private residences. For info, 360-7399.

Celtic Crossroads. Take a trip to Ireland without the airfare expense with this show offering traditional Irish music, bluegrass, jazz, dance and more, at 8 p.m. April 14 at Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Cocktails at the Ca d’Zan. Sit back and listen to the Dr. Dave Band, from 6 to 9 p.m. April 15 on the grounds of the Ringling mansion. 359-5700.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. The contemporary swing band pays tribute to the legendary Cab Calloway with this show, at 8 p.m. April 15 at Van Wezel. For information call 953-3368.

Sarasota Orchestra Pixel Pops. Charlie Chaplin’s great romantic film City Lights is projected on the big screen while the orchestra plays the film’s soundtrack (also composed by Chaplin) live, at 8 p.m. April 16 at Van Wezel. 953-3434.

Jacobites: Tartan Spring. Performers on bagpipes, fiddle, guitar and more entertain Scottish style at 1 p.m. April 18 at Faith Lutheran Church. 350-0271.

Sedaka Is Back Neil, that is, with a raft of his hits including Calendar Girl, Laughter in the Rain and Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, at 8 p.m. April 19 at Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Venice Symphony. The orchestra closes its season with a spring pops concert that bears a Hollywood theme, April 23 and 24 at Church of the Nazarene. 488-1010.

Guitar Sarasota. The guitar group presents a Showcase Concert with artists from Southwest Florida, at 7:30 p.m. April 24 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. 362-2991.

Sarasota Orchestra Journeys to Genius. Beethoven: The Angry Revolutionary returns for an encore performance that examines the composer’s life and his Fifth Symphony, at 8 p.m. April 24 at the Sarasota Opera House. 953-3434.

New Music New College. Cellist Victoria Bass will perform the Florida premiere of Luciano Berio’s Sequenza XIV when she makes her debut in this New College series, at 8 p.m. April 24 at the college’s Sainer Pavilion. 487-4888.

Key Chorale Gala Anniversary Concert. The chorale notes its 25th season with Composure, including two works by Daniel Moe, Three Days by the Sea by Gwyneth Walker, and commissioned pieces by Dale Warland (a world premiere titled Invocations for the Earth) and Eric Whitacre, at 4 p.m. April 25 at the Sarasota Opera House. 921-4845.

Faith Sherman. Soprano Sherman offers music from Rossini and Handel when she performs April 25 and 27, in private homes, in Artist Series of Sarasota concerts. 360-7399.

Sports

Baseball Spring Training. The last game of the Baltimore Orioles exhibition season being played April 3 at Ed Smith Stadium against the New York Mets; for tickets call (888) 329-3365.

Children’s Guardian Fund Golf Tourn-ament. This tourney is scheduled for April 12 at Laurel Oak Country Club; call 861-4875 for more info.

Celtic Couples Challenge Golf Tourn-ament. The finals of this new event, a mixed international tournament, will take place at Lakewood Ranch April 30. For more details, e-mail [email protected].

Talks

Books & Coffee. The Selby Public Library series ends its season with Dr. John P. Mellon reviewing Wallace Stegner’s Crossing to Safety, at 10:30 a.m. April 13 at the library. 861-1140.

Forum Truth. New York Times Supreme Court reporter Linda Greenhouse is the speaker in this series April 14 at Holley Hall; she’s followed April 27 by economic journalist Roger Lowenstein. Both at 7:30 p.m.; for ticket info visit forumtruth.org.

Theater

The Perfume Shop. This winning piece about a romance in 1930s Budapest has its final performance April 1 at the Asolo Rep. 351-8000.

Ruined. Lynn Nottage’s Pulitzer winner about women surviving civil war and more in the Congo continues through April 3 on Florida Studio Theatre’s mainstage. 366-9000.

L’il Abner. Get down home with the Yokum clan in this musical visit to Al Capp’s Dogpatch, through April 4 at the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre. 366-5454.

The Magnificent Mills Brothers. Take a trip up a Lazy River with the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s look at this vocal quartet, whose hits included Glow Worm and Sleepy Head. The show’s run at Art Center Sarasota ends April 4. 366-1505.

Catch Me If You Can. A comedy who-dunit by Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert, ending April 4 at the Island Players. 778-5755.

Hearts. A World War II vet plays cards with his buddies—and unwillingly remembers the dark days of the war—in this Willy Holtzman play, continuing through April 11 at the Asolo Rep. 351-8000.

Rent. Jonathan Larsen’s East Village take on La bohème, continuing through April 11 at Venice Theatre’s Stage II. 488-1115.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The ever popular story of young Joseph and his envious brothers is told once more in this Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice hit, continuing through April 11 at the Manatee Players Riverfront Theatre. 748-5875.

Managing Maxine. Actress Sharon Spelman returns to the Asolo Rep stage in this comedy focused on an older

couple falling in love. Based on a true story; runs through April 18. 351-8000.

Dearly Departed. A comedy by David Bottrell and Jesse Jones milks entertainment from a just-hanging-on Southern family that may be pushed over the edge due to the patriarch’s funeral. Onstage through April 18 at Venice Theatre. 488-1115.

Night Train to Memphis. Get your fill of those Memphis sounds, from Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash, in this new show running through June 5 on FST’s cabaret stage. 366-9000.

102 Years of Broadway. Producer Neil

Berg returns to Sarasota with five Broadway stars summoning up memories from Cats, Beauty and the Beast, Sweeney Todd and other Great White Way hits, at 8 p.m. April 7 at Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Theatre Odyssey 10-Minute Play Festival. Here’s the deal: You can see 10 10-minute plays for $10…sound good? Performances are April 8, 9 and 10 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. 744-6858 or theatreodyssey.org.

Unplugged: Theatre in the Raw. The Asolo Rep’s new play fest culminates with a staged reading of Greenfield Prize-winning Craig Lucas’ latest, Love & Irony, April 2 and 3. There’s also a closing reception April 3. 351-8000.

The Andrews Brothers. See what happens when the famous Andrews Sisters can’t make it to a USO gig—and three male soldiers take their places onstage. Opens April 7 to run through May 30 at the Golden Apple. 366-5454.

Shotgun. A world premiere play by John Biguenet, set in post-Katrina New Orleans in a little “shotgun” apartment, where families clash and racial tensions rise. Playing April 7 through May 29 on FST’s mainstage. 366-9000.

The Game of Love and Chance. The FSU/Asolo Conservatory’s MFA students tackle Pierre Marivaux’s romp about two young people trying to outwit their parents’ marital plans for them, April 14 through May 2 at the Historic Asolo Theater. 351-8000.

Beast on the Moon. Playwright Richard Kalinoski revisits the often forgotten horror of the Armenian genocide through the story of one married couple scarred by it, April 15 through May 2 in a Stage II presentation at Venice Theatre. 488-1115.

Xanadu. Whether you remember the original Olivia Newton-John movie of the same title or not, you might enjoy this stage musical version of the tale about a beautiful Greek muse, a struggling artist and a roller disco. Performances April 20 and 21 at Van Wezel. 953-3368.

Jar the Floor. Cheryl West’s play brings together four women representing different generations of the same African-American family to celebrate the matriarch’s 90th birthday, for both comic and poignant interaction. April 21-May 9 in a WBTT production at Art Center Sarasota. 366-1505.

Side Show. Booker High’s Visual and Performing Arts Center presents this musical about the lives of conjoined twins—and longtime performers—Daisy and Violet Hilton, April 21-24. 355-2967.

The Who’s Tommy. See me, feel me, touch me, heal me…the tale of a young pinball wizard as told in the Who’s famous rock opera, taking the stage at the Players Theatre, April 22 through May 2. 365-2494.