What to Do in Sarasota: March 11-17
Get ready for laughs with McCurdy's Outdoor Comedy Nights.
Editor’s note: In-person events are subject to change. Please check before venturing out.
McCurdy's Outdoor Comedy Night
March 12 and 13
Been missing the sound of live laughter? This comedy weekend sponsored outdoors at the Bazaar on Apricot & Lime by McCurdy's Comedy Theatre may be just what you need. Al Romas and Gino "The Garbage Guy" Williams deliver the comedy Friday, hosted by Les McCurdy; Rahn Hortman is the headliner (again accompanied by Williams) Saturday, hosted by Ken Sons. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the show begins at 6:30 p.m. Food available for purchase; masks required. Tickets here.
Sarasota Orchestra: All in the Family
March 11-14
That’s the family Bach, J.S., W.F. and C.P.E.—who’s your favorite? Three works by the related composers are on the program for this concert, live at Holley Hall (check to see if tickets remain) and streaming, the latter March 18-23. Head to sarasotaorchestra.org for all the details.
Lakewood Ranch Fine Art Festival
March 13 and 14
Those outdoors arts festival around the region are back with a vengeance; this one takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, and admission is free to browse works in metal, fiber, glass, ceramics and more. Hosted by Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, with Covid-19 safety procedures in force. Check it out here.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall: Ireland with Michael
March 14
Getting a bit antsy to travel again? Since you probably can’t get to Ireland right now ,let Ireland come to you with this Celtic show from the National Opera House in Wexford, featuring the Irish Concert Orchestra, two choirs, singers, musicians and Irish singer Michael Londra. It streams at 7 p.m. and meet-and-greet options are available, too. Go to vanwezel.org.
Sarasota Concert Association: Musically Speaking
March 11
The next up in the SCA’s three-part concert virtual series stars Sarasota’s very own violinist Samantha Bennett and percussionist George Nickson, co-directors of ensembleNEWSRQ, who will present a wide-ranging program showcasing their versatile approach to contemporary music. Free, but registration required at scasarasota.org/musicallyspeaking.
ensembleNEWSRQ: Nightfall
March 15
While we’re on the subject...this ensemble also presents its own free (donations appreciated), virtual concert at 8 p.m. Monday, this one featuring the Florida premiere of British composer Dave Maric’s Nascent Forms, along with works by Gerard Grisey and David T. Little. Find out more at ensrq.org.
Bridge Jazz Series
March 11
If you’re in the mood for music of a slightly different kind, tune in to the Berimbeau and Hot Club of SRQ concert at Fogartyville in Sarasota, presented in collaboration with WSLR and the Jazz Club of Sarasota. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 7:30 performance. For the latest, go to wslr.org.
Hamlet’s Eatery Jazz Brunch
March 14
You can also opt for jazz with this brunch taking place in the courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime (821 Apricot Ave.), featuring Jamie Younkin. Younkin is known both for her vocal and trumpet skills; the event is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (941) 445-1938 or go to hamletseatery.com for more info.
Longboat Key Education Center: Westcoast Black Theatre Show
March 12
In honor of the center’s 35th anniversary, WBTT presents a custom performance written and directed by founder and artistic director Nate Jacobs. Offered both via Zoom and in-person, with limited attendance. Register at lbkeducationcenter.org or call (941) 383-8811.
The Ringling: Saito Kiyoshi: Graphic Awakening
March 14 through Aug. 15
Works by this 20th-century Japanese print master Kiyoshi, especially those from the 1940s and 1950s, go on view starting this weekend. Recent donations by local collectors Charles and Robyn Citrin, along with other collectors, are highlights of this first comprehensive show of Kiyoshi’s work in the United States. To learn more, go to ringling.org.
