John Fogerty

Feb. 21  

The Creedence Clearwater Revival co-founder who rocked our world with hits like “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising” and “Fortunate Son” makes his Sarasota debut when he headlines the Van Wezel Foundation’s newly renamed Inspiration Gala. You can spring for the whole gala evening, with cocktails and dinner starting at 5:30 and concert at 8:30 p.m., or just buy concert tickets. Everybody now: “Rollin’, rollin’…” 

MLB Spring Training Starts

Feb. 22

This is it for baseball fans—the start of MLB spring training, with Saturday afternoon match-ups between the Atlanta Braves-Baltimore Orioles at the Braves’ cool new CoolToday Park in North Port and between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Minnesota Twins at Bradenton’s LECOM Park. Both games are at 1:05 p.m. We can smell the popcorn now! 

Sarasota Orchestra Masterworks: Sounds of Nobility

Feb. 21-23

Two up-and-coming musicians who are quickly gaining international followings will headline the next Sarasota Orchestra Masterworks concerts with a performance of Brahms’ Concerto for Violin and Cello. Avery Fisher Career Grant winner violinist Simone Porter made her international debut with London’s Royal Philharmonic at age 13, while cellist Joshua Roman was named a TED Senior Fellow in 2015. Grammy Award-winning conductor and composer Bramwell Tovey conducts.

Garden Music concerts at Selby Gardens

Feb. 23

Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist Laila Biali headlines this monthly outdoor concert series at beautiful Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. While you’re there, check out the Gardens’ mind-blowing new Salvador Dali: Gardens of the Mind exhibit. 

Sarasota Opera presents The Elixir of Love

Feb. 22

Can a magic love potion lead to happily ever after? That’s the premise behind Gaetano Donizetti’s effervescent romantic opera. Six additional performances at the Sarasota Opera House through March 21. 

"Carmina Burana in Motion"

Feb. 22-23

Choral Artists of Sarasota brings another dimension to Carl Orff’s choral masterwork, with the addition of Sarasota Contemporary Dance, the Venice Symphony percussion section, Sarasota Young Voices and three soloists—bringing the total number of voices for this epic work to 72. Two performances at the lovely Venice Performing Arts Center. 

Diego Figueiredo

Feb. 23

This brilliant young Brazilian guitarist, winner of the Montreux Jazz Competition, brings his blend of jazz, bossa nova and classical music to the Glenridge.