Your Top 6 Things to Do: May 26-June 1
May 30
Myakka River Blues Festival
No better place than Snook Haven, smack-dab on the shores of the Myakka River in Venice, for the fifth annual Myakka River Blues Festival. The line-up of musicians includes Randy Stephens, Mike Davis/No Money Down, Duffy Bishop Band, Gator Nate, Packrat’s Smokehouse band with Packrat Thompson, and shown here, Bing Futch. The blues play all day long, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with proceeds benefiting the Loveland Center. myakkablues.com
May 28
Venice Brew Bash
Live music, food and plenty of craft and imported beer—more than 60 varieties, in fact—are on tap from 3 to 7 p.m. at this block party at Centennial Park in downtown Venice. Proceeds benefit E.A.R.S. Animal Rescue. venicebrewbash.com
May 28
Comedy Lottery
FST Improv is at it again, this time with a show the audience helps make up on the spot. Twelve lucky audience members will randomly select 12 games out of the FST Improv bucket of 50. Those 12 games will comprise the scenes, sketches and songs for the evening. Surprises are promised around every turn. Tickets are just $15. floridastudiotheatre.org
May 31
John Ringling’s 150th birthday party at The Ringling
The Ringling Museum of Art is throwing a 150th birthday party for John Ringling Tuesday evening in the museum courtyard, with 1920s-inspired music, dance, champagne and cake, of course. Even the famed circus and art impresario’s own 1922 Rolls-Royce will be there. $40, with proceeds benefiting the fund to preserve the Ca d’Zan, John and Mable’s Italianate mansion. ringling.org
May 28-29
Artist Series Concerts 20th Anniversary Musical Retrospective
Some of the audience favorites who’ve made the Artist Series Concerts such a success for two decades—the Anderson & Roe Piano Duo; violinist Alexander Markov, with pianist Heike Doerr; soprano Monica Pasquini; and baritone David McFerrin—return to the Historic Asolo Theater for a “Musical Retrospective.” The program includes works by Paganini, Gershwin, Schubert, Cole Porter and more. artistseriesconcerts.org
May 30
Memorial Day Kayak Paddle
The American Littoral Society sponsors a guided kayak trip on Little Sarasota Bay to Palmer Point Beach Monday. All kayak equipment is provided, along with a short training session. Take a swim or walk on the beach before paddling back to the mainland—a quiet way to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day. $25. Reservations required; call John Sarkozy at (941) 966-7308.
