Show Stopper

Singer-Songwriter Seal Headlines at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

The British-born star is the Van Wezel Foundation Gala performer Feb. 16. He spoke to us about songwriting, the city and love.

02/11/2019 By Giulia Heyward

Tie a Ribbon On It

Tony Orlando Heads to Sarasota for First Live Performance at the Van Wezel

The Grammy nominee will perform on Jan. 28 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

01/15/2019 By Giulia Heyward

The Next Stage

Big Moves are Coming for Three Performing Arts Groups

Lots of change is on the horizon for the Van Wezel, Sarasota Orchestra and the Players.

10/29/2018 By Ilene Denton

REview

Diana Krall's Van Wezel Concert Delivers a Helping of Romance

The singer-pianist and her band offered often quiet but memorable classics and more.

02/07/2018 By Kay Kipling

Applause

Van Wezel Named No. 1 Performing Arts Hall

The hall was named the best in its category by Venues Today magazine.

06/02/2017 By Megan McDonald

Review

Kinky Boots Reminds Us to Stand Tall

The Harvey Fierstein-Cyndi Lauper musical entertains and cheers in a touring production at Van Wezel.

04/27/2017 By Kay Kipling Photography by Matthew Murphy

Review

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Makes More Musical Memories in Van Wezel Debut

The band circled through many of their hits from five decades of performing and recording.

03/28/2017 By Kay Kipling

All That Jazz

Sarasota Native Evelyn Christina Tonn Returns This Weekend in National Tour of Chicago

Tonn will perform in this weekend's productions of "Chicago" at the Van Wezel.

03/23/2017 By Megan McDonald

Review

"Spend the Night with Billy Crystal"

The comedian-actor-writer appears with Bonnie Hunt on his latest tour, offering film clips and stories as well as jokes.

01/27/2017 By Kay Kipling Photography by Alexander Tamargo

The Final Curtain

Is It Time to Tear Down the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall?

Ilene Denton on her love for the Van Wezel—and why she feels its time for a new performing arts hall.

10/27/2016 By Ilene Denton

Preview

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Announces More Of Its Upcoming Season

The line-up includes several Sarasota premieres and a gala evening with Steve Martin and Martin Short.

08/30/2016 By Kay Kipling

Comic Stands

Talking To: Comedian Paula Poundstone

The comedian talks Trump, Robin Williams and falling into a vat of chocolate. She'll perform at the Van Wezel this Sunday.

04/11/2016 Edited by Hannah Wallace

Star Watch

Screen Star Sophia Loren Pays Sarasota a Visit

The actress talked about her career and accepted the Legend Award from the Sarasota Film Festival.

04/01/2016 By Kay Kipling

Preview

Van Wezel Announces Broadway, Dance and Classical Season

Included in the 2016-17 line-up: Broadway hit Kinky Boots.

03/31/2016 By Kay Kipling

The Weekend Starts Now

The Top 5 Things to Do This Week: March 24-30

The stars of Broadway’s Jekyll & Hyde visit the Van Wezel, the 4th Annual Whiskey Obsession Festival begins, paddling the Myakka River and more.

03/24/2016 By Sarasota Magazine Staff

Funny Guy

Comedian Brian Regan to Perform at Van Wezel Next Month

Brian Regan on how he writes a joke, his thoughts on Florida and the best heckle he's ever gotten.

03/11/2016 By Megan McDonald

Article

Top Sarasota Events Picks: December 2015

Our top picks for December.

12/01/2015 By Kay Kipling

Article

Van Wezel Ticket Sale Begins Black Friday at 10 a.m.

Van Wezel's annual Black Friday ticket sale kicks off November 27 at 10 a.m.

11/24/2015 By Ilene Denton

Article

Behind the Scenes of the Van Wezel With Technical Director Steve Brown

Technical director Steve Brown lifts the curtain of the Van Wezel, where he oversees 140 or so performances each season.

11/03/2015 By Megan McDonald

Article

Behind the Scenes with Van Wezel Executive Director Mary Bensel

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall executive director Mary Bensel shares some of her most unforgettable behind-the-scenes memories.

11/02/2015 By Megan McDonald