Your Top 5 Things to Do: Sept. 8-14
Sept. 11
Brian Wilson at the Van Wezel
Hard to believe 50 years have passed since the then-revolutionary album Pet Sounds sprang from the creative genius Brian Wilson. (Paul McCartney called “God Only Knows” the greatest song ever written.) Wilson brings his 50th anniversary world tour to the Van Wezel Sunday night to perform Pet Sounds in its entirety—for the final time, he says. With special guests Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin. You can read our recent interview with the legendary co-founder of The Beach Boys here. vanwezel.org
Sept. 11
Ski-A-Rees
The Ski-A-Rees, a Sarasota tradition for 59 years (!), opens its fall season of free waterski shows Sunday afternoon at the lagoon behind Mote Marine Laboratory. What will those talented young skiers bring us this season? skiarees.com
Sept. 10
A Taste of Downtown Food & Wine Fest
The Sarasota Opera’s third annual food and wine festival showcases 20 top downtown Sarasota restaurants as well as fine wine and craft beers, all stationed throughout the historic Opera House. Ticket sales benefit the Sarasota Youth Opera program, whose members will give a short performance. sarasotaopera.org
Sept. 11
Louisiana Gumbo Dance Party at Fogartyville
Yes, we know that Mardi Gras is months away. But that doesn’t stop Fogartyville from throwing a zydeco dance party, with Kid Red and the Ponchartrain All-Stars and the Gumbo Boogie Band supplying the foot-stomping live music. Let the good times roll! fogartyville.org
Sept. 10
South Gate 60th Anniversary Party
That great midcentury community, South Gate, is throwing a party to celebrate its 60th anniversary Saturday night, at the wonderful Victor Lundy-designed South Gate Community Center on Phillippi Creek. South Gate restaurants are providing the refreshments, and dance tunes from the ’50s through today are promised. Silent auction, too; visit bidpal.net/southgate60 for all the details.
