Things to Do
What to Do in Sarasota April 29-May 5
The Sarasota Film Festival opens, Sailor Circus kids put on a show, two new dance events and more.
Academy Award-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher is a Centerpiece Film at this year's Sarasota Film Festival, which starts Friday.
Editor’s note: In-person events are subject to change. Please check before venturing out.
Sarasota Film Festival
April 30-May 9
The pandemic may mean a dearth of film stars in attendance at the 23rd annual fest, but there are still plenty of new movies on tap, some virtually, some in-person at the CineBistro Siesta Key. Among them: opening night film Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It; the horror film Centigrade, and a screening of the popular Oscar-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher. For a full line-up and other info, visit sarasotafilmfestival.com.
Sailor Circus Academy: A Night at the Movies
April 29-May 2
Speaking of movies...the Circus Arts Conservatory’s hard-working Sailor Circus kids pay tribute to moments and music from some classic films, watchable live in person at the Sailor Circus Arena or virtually at home. Performance times are 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday. Go to circusarts.org for ticket info.
Sarasota Contemporary Dance: Tribute to Muriel G. Mayers
April 29-May 2
SCD winds up its season with performances honoring founding board member Mayers and featuring some of her favorites from artistic director-choreographer Leymis Bolanos-Wilmott’s work over the years. They will be broadcast from SCD’s home studio, and you can take part in person or via streaming. Check it out at sarasotacontemporarydance.org.
The Sarasota Ballet: Voices of Her
April 28-May 1
The dance company returns to the FSU Center for the Performing Arts/Asolo Rep’s outdoor Terrace Stage, for performances of ballets choreographed by women, including dancers of The Sarasota Ballet and the Sarasota Ballet Studio Company. Tickets are just $20 and must be purchased in advance; go to sarasotaballet.org.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
April 30; May 2
The hall presents two streaming events over the net few days. The first, at 8 p.m. Friday, is a 50th anniversary look at Who’s Next, the landmark album by the rock group, featuring the band Wonderous Stories and guest artists from Broadway. The second, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, is titled Titanique: The Maiden Voyage Concert and is described as a “musical love letter” to both Titanic and songstress Celine Dion. For tickets, head to vanwezel.org.
Sarasota Orchestra: Latin Grooves
In-person April 29-May 2; streaming May 6-11
It’s all about the hot and spicy sounds of Latin music in this concert featuring tangos, bossa novas and the Habanera. Close your eyes and drift south to the compositions of Jobim, Gardel, Piazzolla, Bizet and more. Very limited seating in Holley Hall; can also be enjoyed at home. Go to sarasotaorchestra.org for more details.
Strings con Brio
May 2
Nathan Benderson Park is the setting for this Sunday in the Park concert, starting at 2 p.m. Duo guitarists Joseph Shields and Zachary Johnson are on the bill, as is music from Vivaldi, Mozart, Mancini, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Check to see if space remains at nathanbendersonpark.org.
Hermitage Artist Retreat: Conveying Meaning
April 30
Visual and interdisciplinary artist Michelle Lopez, poetry translator Kristen Miller and writer Kathleen Driskell share what they do in another Hermitage Beach event, at 6 p.m. You can enjoy in-person or online; either way, register at hermitageartistretreat.org.
New College: The O'Shea Formula
May 6
Last but certainly not least, departing New College president Donal O'Shea will be honored with a virtual event from 6 to 7 p.m. as the college celebrates his mathematical achievements and his dedication to the school. Look for more details at ncf.edu/osheaformula, or call the New College Foundation at (941) 487-4800.
