• Fellow of the American Dental Implant Association
• Fellow of International Congress of Oral Implantologists
• Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics
• Member of American Academy of Implant Dentistry
• Post Doctoral Instructor of Full Mouth Reconstruction
Jill Morris, DMD
• Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (only 550 accredited dentists worldwide)
• Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics
• Post Doctoral Instructor of Full Mouth Reconstruction
• Member International Academy of Oral Biological Dentistry and Medicine
• Practicing dentistry for 33 years
Cameron Johnson, DMD
• Member of North American Association of Facial Orthotropics
• Member of the American Orthodontic Society
• Member of the International Association of Orthodontics
• Member of American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
• International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology
Sydney Johnson, DMD
• Member of International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology
• Member of International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine
• Member of Academy of Holistic Dental Association
• RG Recognized Dental Laboratory Technician
Author, Speaker, Motivator, Life Transition Guru, and SBC Resident Nancy K. Schlossberg:
Named to Who’s Who In America 2023, Dr. Nancy Schlossberg’s extensive work through books, lectures, and workshops reflects her dedication to helping people navigate the many ups and downs of everyday life successfully.
When it came time for Nancy and her family to decide on the best place for her to retire, they chose Sarasota Bay Club.
To experience Sarasota Bay Club for yourself, schedule a personal sales appointment and private tour of our unique campus on the bay.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Joy Walker
of hope for cancer patients and their families. Today, as our population grows, so does the need for cancer care. The new outpatient Milman-Kover Cancer Pavilion will expand critical patient programs and services. Many are fully supported through philanthropy.
You can play a vital role in ensuring that families continue to find the hope and healing they deserve.
Learn how you can make an impact, call 941.917.1286 or visit smhf.org
Siesta Key | A4667495 | $1,950,000 Linda Stowe | 941-228-5685
Sarasota | A4666977 | $995,000 Kelly Quigley | 941-356-9954
Siesta
sARAsotA oRcHestRA SoundS of the future
By Reno Gomez
feeling good
florida Studio theatre’S SeaSon celebrateS our common humanity
By Scott Ferguson
‘tis tHe seAson! 2025-2026 gala calendar
dRess code: elevAted
fabulouS faShion from foxy l ady
Asolo Rep stAges come fRom AwAy By Scott Ferguson
tHe pops oRcHestRA stRikes A golden cHoRd celebrating 50 yearS of muSic, magic, and community By Hunter Hageman gulf coAst community foundAtion empowering community & culture By Tom Reese
from the • pu B lis H e R
If you know me, you know that attending fundraisers, whether they are inspirational luncheons or dinners, or fabulous evening galas, is my favorite thing to do as publisher of Sarasota Scene .
I love learning more about what so many of our important local non-profit organizations are doing to lift people, improve lives, and promote change. Whether it is aiding the most vulnerable, inspiring and challenging our minds, or providing us with joyous entertainment, for me there is nothing like being a part of it.
Just by reading Sarasota Scene , you will see that many pages in the magazine are devoted to the who, what, when, where and why of a special event along with photos and stories of the many generous locals who support these causes.
I was told that back in 1957, Ward “Bud” Patton, who founded Sarasota Scene , started the publication on the premise that if you take lots of pictures of people doing good things, people will enjoy it and respond well to what you do. I am proud to not only continue that wonderful tradition, but to enhance our event coverage with both print and digital promotion.
If you love putting on your finery as much as I do, you’ll want to peruse our ‘Tis the Season gala calendar in this issue. Please go through them all, learn about the cause, and buy your tickets early. Speaking from experience, while every gala is well done and special, I do have some favorites, but I’m not telling! Also, if you’re new to town, please be sure to say hello if you see me at an event. I would love to meet you and learn about your journey to Sarasota.
And ladies, for that special night on the town, Foxy Lady has been Sarasota’s “go to” boutique for fabulous fashion for many years. I hope you enjoy some of the evening fashion we showcase in this issue which may be just what you are looking for to shine at a special gala.
As for the gents, buy yourself a fun new bowtie or two or three and maybe even a sharp new tux. It’s important we look good as well! I will be readying my 14 tuxedos, which include a few classic black Armani’s plus several fun evening jackets for themed events such as jungle, circus and holiday prints. If there is a theme, it’s even more fun!
One of our area’s most important supporters of our arts and culture scene is Gulf Coast Community Foundation. While it has many important grant programs and initiatives, it is its Empowering Arts Grant Program that helps boost our arts and culture scene and helps organizations bring quality and entertaining work for our enjoyment. The Program awarded nearly $800,000 to organizations this year.
H JOHN KNOWLES, PUBLISHER john@scenesarasota.com
Exquisitely designed and reaching into the skyline, offering magnificent views of downtown Sarasota and its beautiful bayfront sunsets, One Park is luxury living reimagined. With artfully inspired residences, unmatched resort-style amenities, and nestled on a 53-acre park where the lush green acres of nature unfold before your eyes, One Park has arrived.
Leading The Way in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Our exceptional team of Professors of Physical Therapy and Board-Certified Clinical Specialists are committed to delivering the highest standard of holistic care through cutting-edge innovation and evidence-based interventions to help your body heal itself.
Custom One-On-One Care
Orthopedic and Sports Injuries • Scoliosis-Specific Physical Therapy • Neurological & Concussion Disorders • Vestibular Issues • Balance Training and Fall Prevention • Joint Replacement Therapy
• Neck & Back Pain Relief • and more
Specialized Services
• Customized Therapeutic Exercises
• Class IV Deep Tissue Hot Laser Therapy
• Shockwave Therapy with Extracorporeal Ultrasound Waves (ESWT)
• Spinal Decompression Therapy
• Blood Flow Restriction Therapy with FDA-approved Delfi
• Dry Needling to alleviate tension and promote muscle recovery.
• Lymph Drainage Physical Therapy
We have more info on the Empowering Arts Grant Program and about Gulf Coast Community Foundation in this issue.
Our philanthropy articles feature passionate people who support two important organizations—Sarasota Opera and The Florida Center. Our world-class opera company entertains with traditional operas and inspires a love of opera for all of us to enjoy. Donors Janet and Lew Solomon have supported Sarasota Opera for years and in this issue, they share their passion for doing. Two brothers, Steven and Michael Schwartz, who believe that strong communities begin with nurturing the young, are passionate supporters of The Florida Center, an organization that provides children the foundation and opportunity to succeed.
Fifty years ago, The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota began as a small group of musicians. Today, this 65-piece powerhouse showcasing local talent and led by the fabulous Dr. Robyn Bell, celebrates a milestone with a season filled with collaborations and tributes. Read all about this entertaining organization and its current season in this issue.
The season opener for Asolo Rep is Come From Away , an inspiring story about the airline passengers stranded in Newfoundland during the September 11 tragedy, and the welcoming people who helped them. I can’t wait to see this one. Scene contributing writer Scott Ferguson tells us everything you need to know about this hit Broadway musical.
Scott Ferguson also interviews FST leaders Richard and Rebecca Hopkins who are excited to share with Scene readers their exciting new season. It is a season which they say will work its magic to unite us in various ways. It sounds like an exciting lineup from our jewel of a theater complex in Downtown Sarasota.
As the very talented musicians of Sarasota Orchestra get ready to start their new season, they will do so under the direction of the amazing Giancarlo Guerrero, who assumes his full-time role as SO Music Director. Please read “Sounds of the Future” to learn more about Guerrero and SOs future.
It’s season. Be sure to get in the swing, enjoy good times, and support important causes. You’ll make new friends along the way, and you’ll become part of the SCENE!
H JOHN KNOWLES, PUBLISHER john@scenesarasota.com
Major Reacher 1834 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.1119 | Fax: 941.954.5067 | scenesarasota.com Vol. 68 No. 11
Publisher/Executive Editor
H John Knowles
Managing Editor/Strategic Partnerships
Julie A. Milton
Executive Creative Director
Darcy Kelly–Laviolette
Communications Specialist Gina Liga
Distribution Mike Straffin
Accounting Sally A. Bailey
Client Success
Lloyd Comeau
Advertising Inquiries
Paul McNamara
Call/Text 917.751.6506 | paul@scenesarasota.com
Contributing Graphic Designer
Laura Guzman
Contributing Writers
Scott Ferguson
Reno Gomez
Hunter Hageman
Julie Milton
Tom Reese
Kaileia Suvannamaccha
Contributing & Social Photographer
Nancy Guth
Contributing Photographers
Curtis Anderson, Jr.
Janet Combs
Jordan Kelly-Laviolette
Harry Sayer
Lori Sax
Official Scene Greeter & Security
THE LIST
November Events Calendar
1
Bash at The Bishop: A Celestial Affair
It’s the grand return of The Bash at The Bishop. Highlights of the evening include cocktails, dinner and dancing.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature | bishopscience.org/bash/
Suncoast Food & Wine Festival
Sample culinary treats from dozens of local restaurants and tasting hundreds of wines from around the world at this annual event organized by the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch.
Premier Sports Campus | suncoastfoodandwinefest.com
Tidewell Foundation Lakeside Legacy Walk
Families and friends come together to honor the memory of loved ones while raising essential funds to support patient care and services. Create or join a team and invite others to walk alongside you.
Nathan Benderson Park | tidewellfoundation.org/walk/
SCENE Sponsored
November 1
SMHF Rock the Roof
Help close out Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s Centennial Celebration and support Women and Children’s Services at SMH. Live music, food and loads of fun.
SMH West Parking Garage Rooftop | smhf.org/event/rock-the-roof/
Children First Rockin’ Lobster
Enjoy the easy, breezy atmosphere at Children Firsts’ Rockin’ Lobster Beach Party as the sun sets over the Venice Fishing Pier. Kick back, relax, and indulge in your favorite libations in the seaside cocktail lounge. Sharky’s on the Pier, Venice | childrenfirst.net/event/rockin-lobster/
1-2
37th Annual Venice Art Fest
Held in Historic Downtown Venice on west Venice Avenue and features the works of over 150 artists.
Historic Downtown Venice | artfestival.com
Spirit Fest: Metaphysical and Crystal Expo
Florida’s largest body, mind and spirit event featuring over 90 vendors, practitioners and healers.
Robarts Arena | spiritfestusa.com/sarasota
1-30 (weekends)
21st Annual Sarasota Medieval Fair
Step back in time & watch full-contact jousting, human combat chess matches and lots of other shows on 14 different stages. Also enjoy rides, games, music and shopping.
The Woods of Mallaranny | sarasotamedievalfair.com/
2, 9, 16, 23
The Farmer’s Market at Waterside Place
Zildjian Catering will host a special cooking demonstration featuring farmfresh market produce. Guests can taste seasonal flavors, pick up tips and recipes, and learn new ways to incorporate local ingredients.
Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch | lakewoodranch.com/life-on-the-ranch/themarket/
4
National Philanthropy Day Celebration
Hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the celebration will honor individuals, businesses and foundations for their philanthropic contributions to the community. With keynote speaker Laura Fredricks. Michael’s On East | afpglobal.org
SCENE Sponsored
November 6
46th Annual New College Clambake
Enjoy a New England-style clambake dinner with fresh seafood, live music and entertainment set against the beautiful backdrop of Sarasota Bay.
NCF Campus | ncfclambake.org
November 7
SPARCC Black Tie Gala
Enjoy thoughtfully curated auction packages, cocktail reception, a three-course dinner and live musical entertainment.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Sarasota Campus | sparcc.net/events/
Sarasota Opera Moonlight & Melodies: Under the Stars with Mozart
Enjoy an evening under the stars, where the timeless music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart will set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
Sarasota Opera House Courtyard | sarasotaopera.org
6
Child Protection Center Night of Hope and Healing
Join CPC in bringing hope and healing to the fight against child abuse in our community. This event will feature a wide selection of tastings from local restaurants, live and silent auctions, music and more.
Venice Community Center | cpcsarasota.org
Sisterhood For Good 6th Annual Designer Bag Bingo
Bring your girlfriends out for a night of fabulous fun. Tickets include three bingo cards, beer and wine, a buffet dinner, and runway show featuring fashions from Darci Boutique.
The Grove Ballroom | bidpal.net/SFGdesignerBingo2025
7
Music on Lakewood Ranch Main Street
A free concert series and block party. The street is lined with food vendors, beer trucks, and sponsor booths, as well as rides and activities for the kids.
Main Street, Lakewood Ranch | lakewoodranch.com/ event/music-main
8
Manatee Literacy Council Flavors of Literacy
An annual cultural and culinary celebration designed to raise funds and awareness for the Manatee Literacy Council. Diverse foods, live music, and dancing all in support of literacy for adult learners in Manatee County.
Manatee River Garden Club | manatee-literacy.org/ flavors-of-literacy-november-2025/
La Marché Parisian Inspired Marketplace
This Parisian-inspired marketplace features a curated selection of unique gifts, artisanal goods, and festive treats.
Five Points Park | destinationdowntownsarasota.com
8-9
19th Annual Hungarian Festival
A vibrant celebration of culture, history, and tradition featuring authentic cuisine, live music, and traditional folk dancing.
Robarts Arena | sarasotamagyarfesztival.com/
St. Armands Fall Art Festival and Sidewalk Sale
More than 175 craftsmen display their original works for sale, plus the sidewalk sale offers great deals and bargains, just in time for the holiday season.
St. Armands Circle | artfestival.com
9
Tribute to Heroes
Block Party and Parade
A heartfelt community tradition honoring local veterans, active-duty military, and hometown heroes. Featuring patriotic entertainment, festive floats, delicious food and drinks, fun activities for kids, and more.
Lakewood Ranch Main Street | lakewoodranch.com/event/tribute-toheroes-block-party-parade/
Venice
Symphony
Jukebox Brunch
Guests will enjoy a buffet brunch while musicians from the Venice Symphony Big Band sets the mood with live performances in support of Venice Symphony’s mission to transform lives through music. Plantation Country Club | thevenicesymphony.org
SARASOTA’S MOST SOPHISTICATED BLACK TIE NEW YEAR’S EVE EXPERIENCE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31 7 P.M. TO 1 A.M. TICKETS ON SALE AT SELBY.ORG
SCENE
Sponsored
November 8
Big Waters Land Trust Party in Paradise
Be part of an unforgettable evening at Bay Preserve as Party in Paradise makes its muchanticipated return. Connect with fellow conservation-minded friends while supporting the protection of our land and waterways.
Bay Preserve | bigwaterslandtrust.org/ event/party-in-paradise/
Women in Philanthropy of Sarasota Grande Soirée
This event honors local women who have made significant philanthropic contributions to our community.
During the event, longtime supporter and current board chair Doris Johnson will be recognized as WBTT’s Heart & Soul Philanthropy honoree.
The Ora | westcoastblacktheatre.org
November 16
Sarasota Orchestra Brunch
Enjoy a delightful brunch to celebrate the Sarasota Youth Orchestra and support the future of music education in Sarasota. Michael’s On East | sarasotaorchestra. org/donate/special-events/brunch
9
All Faiths Food Bank Bowls of Hope
Enjoy soups, breads, desserts and more served by dozens of restaurants and caterers. On your way out, select a hand-made bowl donated by a local potter, artist or student.
Ed Smith Stadium | allfaithsfoodbank.org
12
All Star Children’s Foundation Twinkle Ball
Celebrate the 5th year anniversary of All Star Children’s Foundation at The Ora with a night of connection, inspiration and hope.
The Ora | allstarchildren.org
13
Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation Soirée
This elegant evening with cocktail hour and silent auction, a seated dinner, and live and paddle auctions, in support of local nonprofits. Plus the 2025 Lakewood Ranch Humanitarian of the Year will be awarded.
Lakewood Ranch Golf & Country Club | lakewoodranch.com/event/lakewoodranch-community-foundation-soiree/
14
Forty Carrots’ Wine, Women & Shoes Signature Luncheon
Sip, shop and savor while supporting Forty Carrots Family Center. Featuring a marketplace, fashion show, sit-down lunch and more.
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota | winewomenandshoes.com
14
Empty Bowls 2025
14-17
Siesta Key Crystal Classic
Join Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee for the 25th Annual Empty Bowls. Enjoy soup and bread provided by local restaurants and take home a handcrafted bowl as a reminder of the many still facing hunger. Main Street, Lakewood Ranch | lakewoodranch.com/event/emptybowls-2024/
Sights and Sounds Lakewood Ranch:
Asolo Rep on Tour Shakespeare 45 This Shakespearean revue will showcase a selection of scenes, sonnets, and soliloquies, all interwoven with insights into Shakespeare’s life, plays, and legacy. Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch | lakewoodranch.com/event/sights-soundsat-waterside-place-asolo-rep-on-tourshakespeare-45/
The Crystal Classic is a celebration of art, community, and the natural beauty of our coastline. Enjoy live music, local food and drink, shopping, sand sculpting demonstrations and more.
Siesta Key Public Beach | siestakeycrystalclassic.com
15
Lighthouse Vision Loss Center
Brilliance Ball
Celebrate the organization’s 40th anniversary. Guest speakers share their experiences with Lighthouse and navigating life without vision.
Featuring over 70 local vendors, including talented makers, artisans, and retailers from the community. Main Street, Lakewood Ranch | lakewoodranch.com/event/lwr-mainstreet-market/
15-16
Sarasota Fine Art Festival
Browse one-of-a-kind and limited-edition artwork in several different mediums by participating artists.
Phillippi Estate Park | hotworks. org
16
Resilient Retreat Farm-to-Table Dinner
Indulge in a curated Mediterranean-themed menu crafted by some of the area’s top restaurants in support of Resilient Retreat’s work with survivors of trauma, first responders and helping professionals.
Resilient Retreat | resilientretreat.org
SCENE Sponsored
November
22
BGCSDC Champions for Children Gala
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Desoto Counties honors the legacy of the late Charles and Margery Barancik and celebrates their impact on the Clubs and its young members at this signature fundraising event.
The Ora | bgcsdc.org/event/2025cfc
23
33rd
Annual Ponies Under the Palms Mustang and Ford enthusiasts from throughout the region will be competing for awards.
Main Street, Lakewood Ranch | lakewoodranch.com/event/ponies-under-the-palms/
For full list of local events, please visit our online calendar at
Hassle-Free Holidays
Enjoy an effortless Thanksgiving meal and leave the kitchen work to Morton’s. Our chefs provide a delicious array of party platters, side dishes and desserts. Order a fully cooked fresh turkey or a combo meal to serve a party of any size. Don’t forget our fine wines and beautiful floral centerpieces too. Wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving!
Receive a FREE $10 gift card for every $100 worth of gift cards purchased. Offer good Dec. 1st - 31st.
SCENE Sponsored
Dec.
5
The Florida Center for Early Childhood Wonder Gala
Enjoy flavorful fare, soulful music, dancing, and dynamic auctions, all set to a backdrop of extraordinary stories that illuminate the resilience of the children and families.
The Ora | thefloridacenter.org/schedule/wonder-gala-2025/
Dec.
31 Selby Gardens’
New Year’s Eve Gala
Ring in the new year at Selby with private access to Lights In Bloom®, hors ‘d oeuvres, four-course dinner, a performance by The Margaret Barbieri Conservatory and dancing to DJ Karim. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus | selby.org/dsc/dsc-special-events/new-years-eve/
Dec. 3
Sarasota Opera Guild Poinsettia Luncheon
Silent auction items, gift baskets galore, a scrumptious lunch, a spectacular music program, and lots of surprises at the 41st annual fundraiser event.
Michael’s On East | sarasotaopera.org/ sarasota-opera-guild
Dec. 4 & 11
Ringling Museum
Holiday Splendor
Local schools will provide musical entertainment on the Bolger Campiello. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. All venues will be open for self-touring, including the Museum of Art, Ca’ d’Zan, and the Circus Museum. Admission to this event is free with one unwrapped toy per person.
Ringling Museum of Art | ringling.org
Dec. 8
SPARCC Holiday Luncheon
Get in the spirit of the season and help spread good cheer!
Enjoy lunch, festive auction items and happy holiday tunes, while helping the survivors and children SPARCC serves.
Michael’s On East | www.sparcc.net
Dec. 13
Sarasota Art Museum Art Bash
Be transported to glamorous Paris in 1925, the birthplace of Art Deco at Style Moderne. Enjoy cocktails, canapés and entertainment at the Sarasota Art Museum.
Sarasota Art Museum | sarasotaartmuseum.org/artbash/
“Exceptional
Remy Washington, a Black man and widower, has inherited both a drive-in movie theater and the responsibility of raising Pup, his late husband’s straight, white teenage son. The two forge a strong bond around a shared love of classic American monster movies, but when Remy discovers that Pup has been tormenting a gay classmate, their relationship begins to fracture, and the real horrors surface.
Beneath the flickering glow of the drivein screen, MONSTERS OF THE AMERICAN CINEMA becomes a haunting, funny, and unexpectedly tender tale of fatherhood and loss that the Los Angeles Times hails as “exhilarating.”
LAKEWOOD RANCH BLUES FESTIVAL
The second annual Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival returns to Waterside Park at Lakewood Ranch on Saturday, Dec. 6.
The all-day event will feature an outstanding lineup of seven nationally touring blues performers, including numerous Blues Music Award nominees and winners. Gates open at 9:00 a.m.; the festival will feature students from the Music Compound taking the main stage at 9:00 a.m., the first festival act will kick off the day’s performances at 10 a.m., and the last band will take the stage at 6:30 p.m.
In addition to the superb musical lineup, local food vendors will offer a variety of fares, and artisans will showcase unique goods and festival merchandise. Attendees can also enjoy the lively dining and shopping experience of Waterside Place, as festival re-entry is allowed all day.
Waterside Park at Waterside Place is an open-air venue, surrounded by beautiful Kingfisher Lake. Guests may bring towels, blankets, or chairs, including chairs with attached canopies or umbrellas.
Tickets for the all-ages-welcome festival are $75 in advance, $95 at the door, and ages 12 and under are admitted for free. A limited number of front-of-stage seating tickets are available for $150. There is ample, free, convenient parking on-site, as well as an off-site parking lot available with trolley service from Out-Of-Door Academy (5950 Deer Dr., Sarasota, FL 34240) from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
This year, the festival is partnering with The Food Bank of Manatee (mealsonwheelsplus.org); non-perishable items will be collected for the organization, and a portion of the festival’s proceeds will be donated directly to the organization.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about the Lakewood Ranch Blues Festival, including ticket sales, lineup information, and sponsorship opportunities, visit lakewoodranchbluesfest. com; sign up to receive updates and announcements for the festival, including exclusive food and drink releases.
PARTY PICS
Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival
Over 300 guests attended the Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival, sponsored by U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, enjoying tastings from 16 local restaurants and wine from 99 Bottles. Additional beverages were provided by Gold Coast Eagle Distributors, Nautical Gin, Beauty Booze, Campfire Coffee Liqueur, and WellHouse. Proceeds benefit Sarasota Youth Opera & Education.
Kathy Hickrod, Jane Rainsford, Max Van Vessen & Melissa Cummings
Peter & Melody Kretzmer
Linda Garden & Richard Russell
Cosette Kosiba, Kiana Wing, Ina Goldberg, Jake Stamatis, Diane & Tom Nagle
Carol Erickson, Sue Phillips & Meredith Shay
B. Aline Blanchard, Arthur Siciliano, Darlene Erhart & Kevin Edwards
Ruth Danielle, Jeremie Guglielmi, Brenda Tamm & Lael Mohib
A Century of Care, A Future of Hope
In 1925, the people of Sarasota County came together to open a new hospital — their only hospital. With just 32 beds, it was named simply Sarasota Hospital.
One hundred years later, we have grown into something extraordinary: a healthcare system with two full-service hospitals, a Level II Trauma Center, a renowned cancer institute, comprehensive rehabilitation services, a dedicated behavioral health pavilion, and a vast network of outpatient and physician services. Today, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System stands as an award-winning symbol of excellence, recognized nationwide and respected worldwide.
While our name and reach have expanded, our mission remains steadfast. The promise endures: to safeguard our community’s health, to be there for our neighbors in times of need, and to carry forward the trust that has defined us for a century.
Because at our core, we are still a community hospital. And some things will never change.
Brothers in Business, Partners in Purpose
Steve and Michael Schwartz Champion The Florida Center
BY KAILEIA SUVANNAMACCHA
When Steve and Michael Schwartz first discovered The Florida Center for Early Childhood, they were heart-struck by how closely the organization’s mission mirrored their own family values and people-first business philosophy.
“Our grandparents came from humble beginnings,” Steve shares. “Our grandmother was a single mom—a waitress raising three children in subsidized housing in New York. We grew up understanding the importance of hard work and the essential need for community. The Florida Center spoke directly to those values.”
As second-generation leaders of Quality Enclosures, one of the nation’s largest, family-owned and operated shower door manufacturers, Steve and Michael are committed to crafting a legacy of care and community.
That commitment is exemplified in their ongoing partnership with The Florida Center for Early Childhood, the Sarasota-based nonprofit that has been nurturing local children and families through early education and developmental services for over 40 years.
The Schwartz brothers’ involvement with The Florida Center began just four years ago when Steve was invited by his friend, Florida Center board member, Jeff Wooden, to
attend one of the galas. “It was beautiful,” Steve recalls. “A great group of people, and a worthy cause.”
“Watching how genuinely they help families move forward, dealing with trauma, health challenges, and so many different obstacles, was incredibly meaningful,” says Michael, who also attended the event. “You could feel the impact in the room.”
A Shared Philosophy Rooted in Family History
Quality Enclosures was founded in 1963 by Steve and Michael Schwartz’s father and uncle—two brothers, best friends, and first-generation entrepreneurs.
Under Steve and Michael’s leadership, the family business takes pride in its craftsmanship and its peoplecentered culture.
“Everything we do is about taking care of our people. We don’t just think about the employee who clocks in and out each day. We think about the family they support and how we can help them thrive. Our approach is community-oriented,” Michael says.
Both brothers believe that strong communities begin with nurturing people at their foundation—something
“If you can change a child’s life, their trajectory goes on the right course.”
—Steve Schwartz
they commend The Florida Center for doing every day through its programs, from the Starfish Academy preschool to the Healthy Families home-visiting program, or even the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders clinic.
“At the end of the day, our future is our children,” Steve says. “If you can change a child’s life, their trajectory goes on the right course. Giving them a foundation and opportunity to succeed, and not be forgotten, is critical.”
Where Vision Meets Legacy
For the Schwartz brothers, both their business and philanthropy are guided by the same philosophy: invest in people early.
“If we don’t help them now, it’ll be too late. You can’t just talk about it, you have to do it,” Steve emphasizes.
“The Florida Center helps children and families when it matters most,” Michael adds. “That’s why we’re proud to support them.”
That proactive spirit carries into their company’s “hire to retire” approach, investing in their employees’ long-term success, the same kind of sustained support The Florida Center provides families. “We’re creating a strong, skilled workforce, but also better partners in the community,” Michael says.
Over the years, their relationship with The Florida Center has evolved from that of donors to trusted partners. They now lend not only financial support but also business insight and strategic feedback. “They’ve leaned on me a few times to talk through ideas for how to be more impactful,” Steve notes. “The more people understand what they do, the more they’ll want to be part of it.”
One story that continues to move him came from a conversation with an event chair for The Florida Center. “She told me about a donor who passed away. The organization planted a tree in her memory, and now her husband and daughter visit that spot to remember her,” Steve recalls. “That kind of sincerity, it’s not for show. It’s real. That’s what makes this organization special.”
Quiet Heroes in Partnership
While business and philanthropy keep them busy, Steve and Michael are first and foremost devoted family men. “Family is everything,” Steve says.
“My brother is my best friend. We work together, play together, and support each other. Time is the one commodity you can’t get back, so we make memories every chance we get.”
A lifelong martial artist, Steve also channels his passion for mentorship through teaching. “I’ve taught kids how to be better human beings, how to shake hands, look someone in the eye, and understand that they matter,” he says. “Those small lessons create ripple effects.”
That same belief that every action, no matter how small, can make a difference guides the brothers’ ongoing support for The Florida Center and the Sarasota community at large.
“We’ve always preferred to stay humble and keep our heads down,” Steve admits. “But for them, I’ll gladly stand on a pedestal. They’re helping our future. When you contribute to The Florida Center, it’s not just a donation; it’s a partnership. They’re much bigger than people realize. One life makes a big difference, and they’ve touched thousands.”
Michael agrees. “They’re the quiet heroes of Sarasota,” he says. “And we’re proud to help them continue their mission.”
Stand with leaders like Steve and Michael to help more children thrive by reserving your seat for The Florida Center’s annual Wonder Gala, taking place on December 5, 2025.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
on The Florida Center and ways to get involved, visit thefloridacenter.org or call 941-371-8820.
SMILE
Everyone should have access to full life care. We fund a variety of programs that brighten the lives of patients and their families in the care of Tidewell Hospice and Empath Health programs and services. The Tidewell Foundation is committed to supporting compassionate full life care for everyone in our community who needs it. Together, we can create a future where compassionate care is within reach for all.
Let’s brighten lives together. To find out more about our impact areas, go to: TidewellFoundation.org
Leadership & GIVING
Janet & Lewis Solomon + Sarasota Opera
By Tom Reese • Photo by Nancy Guth
There’s nothing quite like the tradition of opera. This exciting combination of vocal and orchestral music, drama, visual arts and dance has inspired people since the early 17th century. The tradition lives on at Sarasota Opera, where world class performers produce impassioned performances true to the vision of the composer, to entertain, enrich, educate, and inspire a life-long love of opera in our diverse and growing community.
Janet and Lew Solomon have shared their passion for the opera since they first met in New York after exchanging business cards at a Cornell University event. A few months later, they were married, and these two opera lovers haven’t looked back.
Janet’s first exposure to opera was on school days when her stepfather woke her up with WQXR, and on Saturdays they turned up the volume on the Milton Cross Metropolitan Opera broadcasts. Lew’s mother was a professional classical pianist, so from the early
days of his childhood, he was introduced into the world of classical music. Janet and Lew were gifted a subscription to the Metropolitan Opera after getting married, and they’ve been attending performances together ever since.
Back in the early 2000s, Janet and Lew were introduced to Sarasota Opera by friends while they were enjoying winter seasons at their timeshare near the beach. They would attend performances regularly while they were in town until they moved to the area full time in 2015. Janet immediately got to work volunteering for Sarasota Opera and using her background in finance to help whenever she could.
A couple of years later, Janet was recruited to serve on the Board of Trustees for Sarasota Opera, which exists to plan and strategize for the future of the organization. She currently serves on the finance, investments, audit, development, and community engagement committees.
“Under Maestro DeRenzi, the Sarasota Opera, for a smaller town, has an amazing reach to the rest of the world and we actually get international tourists coming from all over to attend performances,” said Janet. “To maintain that level of celebrity in the industry, it takes money. Lew and I want that to continue, so that’s why we’ve been so supportive.”
Leadership donors for Sarasota Opera, such as Janet and Lew, make significant investments in helping Sarasota Opera. To be considered leadership donors, one must give over $6,000 annually in donations. Giving in the Co-Producer category and/or giving through a combination of special funds, leadership donors receive increased access to rehearsals, opportunities to mingle with sponsor artists, and invitations to special donor appreciation events.
“Our leadership donors are the most generous and supportive people among the different donor tiers.
Overall, individual giving is the highest percentage of expected contributed revenue each year for us. People like Janet and Lew are key to our fundraising efforts. Artistically, such support allows us to maintain the level of excellence for the opera productions we are known for as a world-renowned opera company,” said Melissa Voigt, Director of Development for Sarasota Opera.
“Ticket sales do not come close to covering the cost of each opera production,” said Lew. “The opera, much like other performing arts organizations, is dependent upon gifts and donations. We want to see this organization exist and thrive for generations to come.”
Donations from people like Janet and Lew are also vital for the organization to produce its youth opera and various educational programs. Sarasota Youth Opera is a national model for opera education, and the only program in the United States that presents an annual fully staged Youth Opera production with professional
“This city is known for its arts and cultural scene, and we want to help keep it going for many more years and beyond our lifetime.”
—JANET SOLOMON
orchestra, sets, and costumes, where young singers are given a chance to shine on the mainstage.
Sarasota Opera Resident Artists will also travel the region and go to schools to introduce students to the thrilling world of opera. Through a performance of opera excerpts and Q&A session, students learn about the basics of opera, theater, careers in the arts, music terms and more. Other educational initiatives include summer camps, apprentice programs, community programs, and more.
During what is Sarasota Opera’s 67th season, Sarasota Opera will also be celebrating 100 years of the historic Sarasota Opera House. The history of its building and the visionary leader behind it is a story to be told. Between March 2007 and February 2008, Sarasota Opera undertook the first comprehensive renovation of the original 1926 structure. Upon the completion of the $20 million project, Musical America magazine described the Sarasota Opera House as “one of the finest venues for opera in the United States.”
According to Janet, “This opera house is one of the greatest assets this organization has, besides its performers, because of its unique architecture and intimate setting, especially compared to other similar buildings in Florida. It’s in the heart of downtown Sarasota and has some of the best acoustics we’ve ever heard.”
Sarasota Opera will honor the centennial anniversary of the Opera House in April 2026 with a two-day event celebrating this historic milestone. On Friday, April 10, 2026, there will be exhibits and guided tours to learn the stories and legacy of this iconic Sarasota landmark. Day two (April 11, 2026) will start with a concert at the Opera House followed by cocktails and dinner at Michael’s on the Bay at Selby Gardens. For more information on the two-day event, to purchase tickets, or to become a sponsor, visit sarasotaopera. org/100-years.
The upcoming fall and winter opera season includes: Così fan tutte (Through November 15, 2025), Brundibár (November 8 & 9, 2025), La bohème (February 14 - March 28, 2026), The Merry Widow (February 21March 27, 2026), Il trovatore, (March 7 - 29, 2026), and Susannah , (March 14 - 28, 2026). Seats are available online (sarasotaopera.org), via phone, or in person at the box office.
“We support Sarasota Opera because we believe it is a necessary part of Sarasota’s cultural scene. It is much more accessible in terms of ticket pricing and availability than any other city in the country with operas of this quality. This city is known for its arts and cultural scene, and we want to help keep it going for many more years and beyond our lifetime.” said Janet.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about supporting Sarasota Opera, its legacy gift options, and the many ways to get involved, please visit sarasotaopera.org/support or call 941-366-8450, extension 813.
Join us for the Sarasota Opera’s highly celebrated Annual Gala, themed “Winter in Paris.” Be immersed in the splendor of the City of Lights while enjoying an evening of mingling, performances, fine cuisine, and dancing. Proceeds from the event and paddle raise will support our Youth Opera & Education programs. Guests are encouraged to dress in chic, boutique Parisian black-tie optional attire.
SPONSOR LEVELS TABLES RESERVATIONS
Sounds
By Reno Gomez OF THE FUTURE
For audiences who attend Sarasota Orchestra’s 2025-2026 concert season, they will experience classic and timeless pieces from a new, fresh perspective.
For Giancarlo Guerrero, who is stepping into his role as the Orchestra’s full-time music director, this season represents a commitment to leading through inspiration. His role with the Orchestra is not only lent to conducting performances, but also to planning its future.
Growing up in Costa Rica as a refugee from Nicaragua, Giancarlo found solace and passion in music from a young age. Despite coming from a non-musical family, his participation in the youth orchestra opened a world of possibilities for him to study music beyond his home. Studying percussion and conducting at Baylor University and Northwestern, Giancarlo honed his skills and developed a deep love for orchestral music.
Every performance Giancarlo leads reflects the tenure of his career and his passion for music. Whether he was learning new techniques and practices as a child in Costa Rica, or leading dynamic performances in Nashville, Giancarlo says he is inspired by the talented and passionate musicians who have been a part of his own journey through the orchestra.
“When you travel the world, you realize that music is indeed the universal language. Orchestras may have different cultures and languages, but being next to them and working with them is a privilege and a joy. One thing that I have learned while working with some of the greatest artists, and I have been incredibly lucky to work with some of the top violinists, cellists, composers, singers and others—is that they work incredibly hard. Hearing what they do, musically and artistically, is inspiring,” says Giancarlo.
In today’s ever-evolving cultural landscape of music and arts, symphonic orchestras face the challenge of reimagining pieces that are hundreds of years old in new ways, while instilling a lifelong appreciation for music in audiences and musicians alike. Inspired by Sarasota Orchestra’s forward-thinking approach to continued development, Giancarlo was drawn to be a part of the organization’s growth and reinvention of classical music for modern audiences.
At the heart of Sarasota Orchestra’s vision for the future lies its new Music Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the demands of a growing orchestra and community. The Music Center will feature a concert hall optimized for natural acoustics – the first of its kind in the region – as well as flexible performance spaces, rehearsal rooms, and more, all geared towards enhancing the artistic capabilities of the Orchestra.
Given his beginnings in youth orchestras, Giancarlo is particularly engaged with conducting training orchestras and youth education. His unwavering support for musical development aligns with Sarasota Orchestra’s mission and all the potential of the Music Center to further enhance the Sarasota Youth Orchestras program. This program has been instrumental in shaping the talents of thousands of young musicians, many of whom have gone on to perform with Sarasota Orchestra and other prestigious symphony orchestras nationwide.
We are developing the next generation of music lovers, and we can inspire impressionable youth by showing how far discipline and hard work can get them.
We are developing the next generation of music lovers, and we can inspire impressionable youth by showing how far discipline and hard work can get them.
—Giancarlo Guerrero
“Working with young musicians has always been part of my DNA. Starting as a young musician myself in youth orchestra, I know how important it is to get the right person in front of you to inspire you. I feel there is a great responsibility for those of us in my generation to give back. The idea that Sarasota has such a thriving youth orchestra, and its growth is part of the planning of the Music Center, spoke volumes to me. We are developing the next generation of music lovers, and we can inspire impressionable youth by showing how far discipline and hard work can get them.”
“Working with young musicians has always been part of my DNA. Starting as a young musician myself in youth orchestra, I know how important it is to get the right person in front of you to inspire you. I feel there is a great responsibility for those of us in my generation to give back. The idea that Sarasota has such a thriving youth orchestra, and its growth is part of the planning of the Music Center, spoke volumes to me. We are developing the next generation of music lovers, and we can inspire impressionable youth by showing how far discipline and hard work can get them.”
person in front of you to inspire you. I feel there is a great
Giancarlo stands as a distinguished advocate for modern composers, having commissioned, premiered and recorded more than twenty new works during his 16 seasons as Music Director of the Nashville Symphony. Under his leadership, the Nashville Symphony produced over twenty commercial recordings, earning an impressive thirteen GRAMMY® nominations and securing six GRAMMY® Awards.
Giancarlo stands as a distinguished advocate for modern composers, having commissioned, premiered and recorded more than twenty new works during his 16 seasons as Music Director of the Nashville Symphony. Under his leadership, the Nashville Symphony produced over twenty commercial recordings, earning an impressive thirteen GRAMMY® nominations and securing six GRAMMY® Awards.
Throughout the years, Giancarlo has lent his expertise to prominent North American orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Boston Symphony, and the National Symphony Orchestra, as well as internationally with London Philharmonic Orchestra, Frankfurt Opera and Museum Orchestra, New Zealand Symphony, Sydney Symphony and Queensland Symphony in Australia, and others.
Giancarlo has previously held positions as principal guest conductor of both The Cleveland Orchestra, Miami Residency and the Gulbenkian Orchestra in Lisbon, music director of the Eugene Symphony, and associate conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra.
Last month, Giancarlo led his first performance of the season with Sarasota Orchestra in a captivating performance titled Hidden Treasures. The program featured a selection of lesser-known works by some of the greatest composers in classical music history such as Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mahler, and Mozart. Each piece showcased Giancarlo’s exceptional skill in interpreting and bringing to life the nuances of the music, enchanting the audience from start to finish.
Giancarlo says he’s excited for the opportunity to work closely with the musicians of Sarasota Orchestra and foster a collaborative and supportive environment where each musician has the opportunity to shine. When he’s not pushing the boundaries of classical music and inspiring the next generation of musicians, Giancarlo enjoys all the rich culture and waterside views that Sarasota offers.
To learn more about Sarasota Orchestra’s concert season schedule, please visit SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Feeling
Florida Studio Theatre’s Season Celebrates Our Common Humanity Good
By First and Last Name
By Scott Ferguson
At a time when reporters and pundits often focus on political and cultural clashes in America, Florida Studio Theatre’s 2025-26 season challenges that perspective.
“The news often makes us forget how much we have in common, because it focuses on the divisions that polarize us instead of the things that bring us together,” says Producing Artistic Director Richard Hopkins. “We have much more in common than what separates us. Theater helps us realize that.”
Hopkins stresses that theater works its magic to unite us in various ways. Through comedy, drama and music, FST’s 2025-26 mainstage season is a case in point. From a musical comedy revolving around a dead body, to the story about a man whose visit to a tailor alters much more than a suit, to the creativity of maverick engineers reaching for the moon in the 1960s, to a woman who celebrates her birthdays from ages 18 to 101, audiences will experience the full range of human emotions.
Lucky Stiff (Nov. 5-Dec. 28, 2025) is a story of mistaken identities, $6 million in diamonds, a shoe salesman and a corpse in a wheelchair — all set to music. Book and lyrics are by Lynn Ahrens, with music by Stephen Flaherty (the team that created Once on This Island, Ragtime and Seussical the Musical, among others). “It’s a great musical mystery farce,” says Hopkins. “At FST, our mission includes challenging theatergoers with heavy drama, but we also like to entertain them with laughter and music. Lucky Stiff certainly does that.”
The next production is the Southeastern premiere of A Tailor Near Me, by Michael Tucker (Dec. 10, 2025-Feb. 15, 2026). A man needs a suit altered after gaining weight, so he finds a tailor. The customer is a New York writer and an urban intellectual. The tailor is from Argentina. He had big dreams, but due to circumstances beyond his control he wasn’t able to pursue the life he envisioned.
“Long story short,’ says Hopkins, ‘they’re very different people, but through conversation they discover what they have in common.”
The Blue-Sky Boys, by Deborah Brevoort (Jan. 21-March 8, 2026), is also a Southeastern premiere. Challenged by President Kennedy to put a man on the moon, engineers assigned to the task make giant leaps of imagination, inspired by Greek myths, Buck Rogers and even Snoopy and the Red Baron.
Managing Director Rebecca Hopkins, says, “The thing that struck me about the play is that the best theater is aspirational. Solving seemingly impossible problems is what makes us human, and together we’re going to figure it out. And what better example is there than going to the moon? It’s a quintessential American story. I love the play for exactly that reason, because it’s about this great achievement in our history that I hope can inspire our future.”
In Birthday Candles , by Noah Haidle, (April 1-May 17, 2026, a woman marks her 17th birthday, her 41st, her 70th and eventually her 101st,, by blowing out the candles on a cake. Along the way she lives a life of highlights and heartbreaks.
“The show is short because life goes by in a blink,” says Rebecca. “If you think about everything that happened in the last century, imagine what you’ve seen. But at the end of the day it’s not the outside world, it’s the inside world that matters. It’s the relationships, your family, your neighbors, the people in your life.”
Richard and Rebecca Hopkins are also excited about the cabaret season. They choose the songs and write these popular shows together, sometimes with collaborators.
COME TO THE CABARET
Richard and Rebecca Hopkins are also excited about the cabaret season. They choose the songs and write these popular shows together, sometimes with collaborators.
“Our patrons love the themes, the music and the intimate feeling of our two 100-seat cabaret theaters,” says Richard. “These revues run for about 20 weeks and the runs are often extended, so about 18,000 people see the average show.”
“Our patrons love the themes, the music and the intimate feeling of our two 100-seat cabaret theaters,” says Richard. “These revues run for about 20 weeks and the runs are often extended, so about 18,000 people see the average show.”
Feeling Good (now through Feb. 1, 2026), with musical arrangements by Jim Prosser, is a swinging salute to the American songbook, and classic and modern crooners, from Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett to Michael Bublé and Lady Gaga. Songs include the tune that inspired the show’s title, plus “It Had to Be You,” “Come Fly With Me,” and many others.
Feeling Good (now through Feb. 1, 2026), with musical arrangements by Jim Prosser, is a swinging salute to the American songbook, and classic and modern crooners, from Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett to Michael Bublé and Lady Gaga. Songs include the tune that inspired the show’s title, plus “It Had to Be You,” “Come Fly With Me,” and many others.
Three Pianos, written with Sarah Durham (Nov. 19, 2025-March 29, 2026), is an homage to singer-songwriters like Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Carole King and other contemporary storytellers. “Just the Way You Are,” “Crocodile Rock” and “Beautiful” are among the hits.
Three Pianos , written with Sarah Durham (Nov. 19, 2025-March 29, 2026), is an homage to singer-songwriters like Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Carole King and other contemporary storytellers. “Just the Way You Are,” “Crocodile Rock” and “Beautiful” are among the hits.
One Hit Wonders, written with Ben Liebert, with musical arrangements by Jim Prosser (Feb. 11-June 21, 2026), reminds us that one memorable hit can be enough for an artist to make a musical mark. From the rock & roll saga “American Pie” to the sage advice of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” this high-energy show salutes the singular songs we heard over and over on the radio — even if we rarely heard from the singers again.
One Hit Wonders , written with Ben Liebert, with musical arrangements by Jim Prosser (Feb. 11-June 21, 2026), reminds us that one memorable hit can be enough for an artist to make a musical mark. From the rock & roll saga “American Pie” to the sage advice of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” this high-energy show salutes the singular songs we heard over and over on the radio — even if we rarely heard from the singers again.
A HOME FOR THE ARTS — AND ARTISTS
A recent groundbreaking ceremony marked Florida Studio Theatre’s most exciting production since its founding in 1973 — the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza. Named for philanthropists Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy, the First Street complex will house a mainstage theater, two cabaret theaters, artist housing and parking.
Phase One of the project will include completion of the building’s exterior, parking garage and artist residences. Phase Two will see the construction of two cabaret theaters
and restaurants, and Phase Three will raise the curtain on a new mainstage theater. The total project cost is estimated to be $57 million, with $11 million yet to be raised.
“We’re very excited about the Arts Plaza,” says Rebecca. “We put a lot of work into it. But we could not do this without the tremendous support we’ve had in this community.”
For more information about the McGillicuddy Arts Plaza, as well as subscriptions and individual tickets to FST’s 2025-26 mainstage, cabaret and improv shows, visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org or call the box office at 941-366-9000.
'Tis the SEASON!
Reserve your seats to these unforgettable evenings of elegance and generosity. It’s your chance to look your best while celebrating and supporting organizations that make a difference in our community.
nov. 1
BASH AT THE BISHOP: A CELESTIAL AFFAIR
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature | 6PM bishopscience.org/bash/
SMHF ROCK THE ROOF
SMH West Garage Roof | 7PM smhf.org
nov. 6
NEW COLLEGE CLAM BAKE
New College of Florida | 5PM | ncf.edu
CHILD PROTECTION CENTER NIGHT OF HOPE & HEALING Venice Community Center | 6PM thegivingpartner.org/organizations/ child-protection-center-inc
nov. 7
SPARCC GALA
Selby Gardens - Downtown | 6PM
sparcc.net/events
nov. 12
ALL STAR CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION TWINKLE BALL
The Ora | 6PM allstarchildren.org
nov. 15
LIGHTHOUSE VISION LOSS EDUCATION CENTER BRILLIANCE BALL
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA & DESOTO COUNTIES CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN GALA
The Ora | 6PM | bgcsdc.org
jan. 9
PMP SUNCOAST CELEBRATION DINNER
Michael’s On East | 7:30PM perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org
jan. 22
SARASOTA ORCHESTRA GALA
The Ritz-Carlton | 6PM sarasotaorchestra.org
jan. 10
SMHF HOSPITAL GALA
The Ritz-Carlton | 5:30PM smhf.org
jan. 19
RCAD GALA
Ringling College | 5:30PM ringling.edu
jan. 23
SUNSHINE FROM DARKNESS INSPIRING HOPE DINNER
The Ritz-Carlton | 6:30PM sunshinefromdarkness.org
jan. 30
SARASOTA OPERA GALA
The Ora | 6PM sarasotaopera.org
CAC CIRCUS ARTS GALA
Benderson Big Top | 6PM circusarts.org
jan. 31
POLICE SRQ
BLUE & WHITE GALA
Michael’s On East | 6PM sarasotapolicefoundation.org
feb. 1
SARASOTA PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION GALA FOR THE VAN WEZEL
The Ora | 6PM | sarasotaopera.org
SCF AVENUES TO THE FUTURE
SCF Campus Venice | 5:30PM scf-foundation.org
GIRLS INC. 50 YEAR CELEBRATION
The Ora | 6PM girlsinc.org
feb. 7
SELBY ORCHID BALL
Selby Gardens | 6PM selby.org
CATHOLIC CHARITIES BALL
St. Regis Longboat Key Resort 6PM | catholiccharitiesdov.org
SARASOTA ART MUSEUM UNCONVENTIONAL EVENING
Sarasota Art Museum | 6PM sarasotaartmuseum.org
COOKING FOR WISHES
Circus Arts Conservatory | 6PM cookingforwishes.com
The Ora | 5PM thehavensrq.org
FLORIDA CANCER SPECIALISTS CELESTIAL SOIRÉE
Art Ovation | 6PM fcsf.org
ARTIST SERIES CONCERTS GALA
Selby Gardens | 5:30PM artistseriesconcerts.org
ASOLO REP GALA
Mote SEA | 6:30PM asolorep.org
TBD | saveourseabirds.org ART CENTER SARASOTA
Art Center Sarasota | 6PM artsarasota.org RCAD CREATIVE IMPACT GALA
The Venue at LEC | 6PM paytonwright.org
DEC 2025 & APRIL 2026
FEB 14–MAR 8
Ringling College | 5:30PM ringling.edu
MAR 13-15
SAILOR CIRCUS – HOLIDAY & SPRING SHOWS
America’s longest-running youth circus takes flight! Watch Sailor Circus students flip, fly, and soar in two spectacular seasonal shows.
CIRCUS SARASOTA
World-class thrills under Sarasota’s iconic Big Top! A family-friendly show with an award-winning international cast from top circus festivals and America’s Got Talent
CIRQUE DES VOIX ®
Breathtaking circus artistry meets the soaring voices of Key Chorale and a 30-piece orchestra unite under the Big Top.
NEXT GEN SRQ PERFORMANCE
MAR 29
The Ritz-Carlton | 6PM cpcsarasota.org SAM EN PLEIN AIR
Sarasota Art Museum | 6PM sarasotaartmuseum.org
Sarasota’s brightest young talent from leading performing arts organizations shine in this one-of-a-kind showcase.
apr. 11
CHILDREN FIRST FAIRYTALE BALL
Michael’s On East | 6PM childrenfirst.net
SCF EVENING UNDER THE STARS SCF Campus Venice | 5:30PM | scf.edu
SARASOTA OPERA CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Selby Gardens | 7PM | sarasotaopera.org
apr. 16
WBTT APRIL FOOLS’ FÊTE
The Ora | 6PM | westcoastblacktheatre.org
NEUROCHALLENGE CAUSE 4 HOPE
Michael’s On East | 5PM neurochallenge.org
DICK VITALE GALA
The Ritz-Carlton | 6PM v.org/event/dick-vitale-gala
apr. 25 may 3 may 1
THE SARASOTA BALLET GALA
Circus Arts Conservatory | 5PM sarasotaballet.org
Is it time to move to a Hurricane Proof Home? Don’t let this opportunity go! Never a power outage as is in Hospital Power Grid HOA in Town Hall and only $150/mo Lanai with lounge area and Fireplace and Kitchen Priced to sell at $3.1 Million • 5 Bedrooms 4.5 Baths Large Lovely Pool and Lake of course!
DRESS CODE:
ELEVATED
Get ready for elegant evenings on the town with fabulous fashion from Foxy Lady.
Joseph Ribkoff Black/Vanilla Wide Leg Jumpsuit Style
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Teri Jon Metallic Jacquard
Wavy Pattern Portrait Gown
This formal portrait dress is crafted with metallic jacquard fabric and features the ideal amount of coverage with offthe-shoulder sleeves and a floor-length skirt. The sweetheart neckline creates a feminine and flattering look, while the ruching throughout the waist ensures a smooth appearance.
Joseph Ribkoff Faux Fur Reversible Hooded Coat
This expertly crafted coat offers a plush, attached hood and a button-front closure for secure comfort. Its reversible design provides versatile wear options, while the fully lined interior ensures lasting coziness. Practical front pockets add convenience, and the above-the-knee length delivers elegant coverage.
Teri Jon Off The Shoulder Stretch Satin Gown
This dress will be an instant classic. The stunning stretch satin fabric is perfectly draped and ruched to create the appearance of a long, lean body. The portrait collar frames the face, allowing you to show off your beautiful smile. The ruching along the bodice is flattering on all body types.
Tadashi Shoji Embroidered Bodice Gown
This elegant gown features a meticulously crafted long sleeve bodice adorned with intricate laser cut embroidery forming an inverted V that adds depth and a touch of sophistication. The fitted crepe skirt seamlessly flows from the bodice creating a sleek silhouette that complements the detailed upper design balancing artistry with refined simplicity.
Teri Jon Metallic Jacquard Fold
Off The Shoulder Gown
This gown features a graceful off the shoulder neckline with a softly folded detail. The 3/4 sleeves add refined coverage, while the A line silhouette and full skirt create a flattering, dramatic shape. Floor length and intricately patterned with shimmering florals, this gown is perfect for black tie weddings, holiday galas, and sophisticated evening celebrations.
Teri Jon Metallic Jacquard
Portrait Collar Side Drape Gown
Understated Elegance. This regal gold jacquard evening gown is perfect for an array of special occasions. Wonderfully detailed with a seamed waistline and twist shawl neckline that offers just a hint of sleeve coverage. Pair with gold jewelry and black pumps to finish the look.
Teri Jon One Shoulder Pleat
Draped Stretch Taffeta Gown
Get ready to stun in this blush side draped evening dress! Fashioned from stretch taffeta fabric and featuring ruching throughout, this dress will flatter the shape of the all body types. The fold over asymmetrical neckline and one shoulder sleeve adds a touch of elegance to this already gorgeous dress.
WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY OF SARASOTA’S
Grande Soirée
Saturday • November 8, 2025
Honoring Sarasota’s Women in Philanthropy
This prestigious event acknowledges our honorees’ unparalleled character and generosity while inspiring future charitable endeavors, reinforcing a legacy of selflessness, leadership, and transformative impact. Nominated by five of Sarasota’s most distinguished foundations, our esteemed honorees, visionary leaders in philanthropy, have dedicated their time, talents, and resources to enhancing the lives of others and positively transforming our community.
Our 2025 Honorees
Deb Kabinoff
Eugenie Clark
Gail Morganroth
Michael Saunders
Pauline Wamsler
Mary Braxton Joseph Bertha Potter Palmer
ASOLO REP STAGES
Come from Away
The Musical Tells the True Story of 7,000 Airline Passengers
Diverted to Gander, Newfoundland on 9/11
By Scott Ferguson
Peter Rothstein, Asolo Rep’s producing artistic director, is drawn to a genre that could be called “documentary musicals.” Based on true events, they tell positive stories that unfold in the midst of unspeakable tragedies. Come from Away, the first production in the theater’s 2025-26 season (Nov. 12-Dec. 28), is a prime example.
On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked three commercial jets and crashed them into the north and south towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Virginia. Thanks to brave passengers who learned of those attacks while in the air, a fourth plane — likely headed for the White House or the Capitol — was forced down in a Pennsylvania field. Some 3,000 people were killed and thousands were injured at the crash sites.
Domestic flights were ordered to land at the nearest airport, but flights that did not originate in the U.S. were
diverted to cities and towns across Canada. Approximately 7,000 passengers from 38 international flights — all originating in Europe — found themselves in Gander, Newfoundland, population about 10,000.
“The town of Gander, which has a pretty extraordinary airport, had become sleepy in its most recent chapter, but it could handle these planes,” Rothstein explains.
“Because of security concerns, some of the passengers had to remain onboard for 28 hours before they let them off, one plane at a time. Many only learned the full scope of what had happened in the U.S. when they disembarked. As they did, the residents of Gander went into high gear, figured out food, lodging, prescription drugs, and provided emotional support for the stranded passengers.”
Come from Away, a musical inspired by what happened in Gander, with music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and
David Hein, premiered at Seattle Rep in 2015 and opened on Broadway in 2017. The show ran for over five years in New York; productions have been staged around the world — including in Gander.
The musical features characters based loosely on the people of Gander and nearby towns in Newfoundland — self-proclaimed “Newfies” — and the visitors they hosted from around the world. Actors play multiple roles, including residents and stranded travelers.
Rothstein has been familiar with the musical since he read an early draft while serving as the founding artistic director of Theater Latté Da, a company dedicated to developing new musicals.
Now that Rothstein finally has a chance to direct a production of Come from Away , he is putting his own stamp on it. For research, he traveled to Newfoundland
Peter Rothstein visiting Gander.
Rendering of the set of Come from Away
“I was completely mesmerized. It’s so compelling and it goes straight to the heart.”
—SARA ESTY
with Ross Egan, Asolo Rep’s managing director. They found the locals in Gander to be just as welcoming as they were on 9/11, and the trip helped Rothstein crystalize his vision for the new production.
“I decided we would set our production inside a rural Canadian sports bar; we’re calling it the Moosehead Lounge,” he explains. “Before the show starts, the band will play onstage and audience members can go up and get a Canadian beer.” Rothstein said the scenery will also incorporate television sets. “I knew I wanted to include TVs and live video in the production, because most of us first encountered the events of 9/11 via a television.”
Thanks to the theatrical magic of lighting, set pieces, props and acting, the audience will be transported to other settings throughout the show.
The cast includes Sara Esty, seen at Asolo Rep in the 2023-24 season in the musical Crazy For You . She is thrilled to return to Sarasota in Come from Away
“I was fortunate enough to see the show during its Broadway run,” she says. “I was completely mesmerized. It’s so compelling and it goes straight to the heart.
“I play Janice, a reporter in Gander, on her first day on the job on 9/11. I also play a flight attendant and other
Sara Esty
Peter Rothstein
characters. You definitely have to be quick on your feet and focused when you’re changing roles in a show.”
Rothstein says the show’s structure and music are unique.
“It’s a bit different than a traditional book musical. It lives somewhere between a musical and a documentary,” he notes. “There are very few moments for applause. The story just flows from song to song, and spoken words weave into songs.
“The creators listened to a lot of local bands that play a fusion of contemporary rock and Celtic styles. The accent in Newfoundland, although it varies among the rural towns on the island, is somewhere between what we think of as a Canadian accent and an Irish brogue. So the music in the show is a mix of pop rock, Broadway style and Celtic folk, with fiddle, accordion and bodhran drum.”
Esty loves the signature sound of the show, too. “The music pairs so beautifully with the story,” she says. “The orchestrations are amazing — you can’t help but stomp your feet and grin when you hear it.”
How can a story that begins with such a sad event contain so much joy? Rothstein says that, although Come from Away is built around 9/11, “it’s not about the terrorist act, it’s about the remarkable human response to it. The people of Newfoundland shined a light on the best of humanity in one of the darkest of times. The show is joyful, funny and ultimately hopeful.”
Esty agrees: “The show is about coming together in times of chaos and uncertainty. It’s about recognizing that our differences don’t necessarily mean we can’t understand each other. Humans are resilient and so much good happens when we work together.”
For more information and tickets to Come from Away and other shows in the 2025-26 season, visit AsoloRep.org or call the box office at 941-351-8000.
Dr. Robyn Bell, The Pops’ Managing and Artistic Director.
Photo by Matthew Holler.
THE POPS ORCHESTRA STRIKES A
Golden Chord
• Celebrating 50 Years of Music, Magic, and Community •
By Hunter Hageman
Fifty years ago, The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota began as a small group of musicians gathered at the Senior Friendship Center. Just seven or eight players under the direction of a choir leader, they were a ragtag community ensemble with a simple love for making music together.
Today, that humble start has grown into a 65-piece powerhouse of local talent, drawing sellout crowds across the Suncoast and launching its most ambitious season yet—a golden anniversary celebration filled with collaborations, tributes, and community pride.
At the center of it all stands Dr. Robyn Bell, The Pops’ Managing and Artistic Director. Hired in 2011 as conductor, Bell’s role has expanded alongside the orchestra itself. “When I started, I was just the conductor — pick the music, run rehearsals, lead the
concerts,” she recalls. “But as the orchestra grew, so did the responsibilities. Now it’s both administrative and artistic, more like an executive director and music director combined.”
That growth reflects a post-pandemic surge. After pausing an entire season during COVID, The Pops returned to record crowds and near-constant sellouts. Instead of raising ticket prices, Bell and the board made a different choice—add more concerts. “One of our goals is to keep The Pops affordable,” Bell explains. “When you sell out, you either raise prices or expand. We chose expansion.”
A Season Worthy of 50 Years
For its 50th anniversary, The Pops has gone big. Instead of four shows performed twice each, this year audiences will enjoy monthly concerts from October through
May, with the addition of Saturday matinees and three special performances.
The season kicks off with Hocus Pocus Pops on October 30 — a family-friendly Halloween show where costumes are welcome and the music spans spooky favorites like “Thriller” and “Ghostbusters”. But the official season opener is Rhinestone Cowboys & National Heroes , a patriotic-meets-country celebration featuring Nashville artist Ralph Curtis.
Bell lights up when describing the program. “Patriotic and holiday shows are the hardest to keep fresh. You can’t just play the same pieces every year. With Rhinestone Cowboys, we’re tracing the history of America through its wars while also honoring the country music that shaped our culture. Everyone knows a George Strait tune, even if they’re not country fans.” The concert’s second half includes tributes to veterans from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War, culminating in service medleys that invite veterans in the audience to stand and be recognized.
December brings a Broadway-caliber production of A Christmas Carol, the Concert, uniting The Pops with the Manatee High School choir and the Manatee Players.
With modern music, powerful ballads, and dramatic staging, it transforms Dickens’ tale into a sweeping theatrical event. “People walk away saying they felt like they’d seen a Broadway show,” Bell says.
February strikes a romantic note with Let’s Hang On! , a tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, while March closes the main season with Rocket Man, featuring Greg Bickley’s dazzling Elton John tribute complete with costumes and all the hits.
Between those, fans can catch All You Need Is Love , a Beatles celebration with the Liverpool Legends — a group hand-picked by George Harrison’s sister, Louise, who once lived in Sarasota. And in May, the season concludes with Organ-ized Pipes & Pops, showcasing the Elizabeth M. Eaton Memorial Pipe Organ at SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, with three guest organists lighting up the hall.
Music You Love, Musicians You Know
If there’s one motto that defines The Pops, it’s this: Music You Love, Musicians You Know. Bell explains the phrase with pride. “The ‘music you love’ is the soundtrack of people’s lives — songs from weddings, road trips, graduations. And the ‘musicians you know’
are your neighbors. Our players are teachers, doctors, retirees, students. They work in the community and play for the community.”
That grassroots identity is central to The Pops’ endurance. Unlike Sarasota Orchestra, the region’s professional symphony, The Pops is truly of and for its community. Its musicians span generations, from high school students earning scholarships to seasoned professionals who bring decades of experience.
Community collaboration is also embedded in the programming. The Christmas Carol production partners with local choirs and theaters, while the Organ-ized Pipes concert features beloved church musicians. Even the Beatles tribute carries Sarasota ties through Louise Harrison’s legacy. “That’s who we are,” Bell says. “We build bridges through music.”
Looking Back... Looking Forward
Bell admits she feels personally connected to the 50-year milestone. “I’m 51 — just one year older than the Pops,” she laughs. “I’ve been here for 14 of those years. To think that something which started so simply has not only lasted, but grown stronger every decade, says so much about our community and what it values.”
That resilience is underscored by The Pops’ history of near collapse. When Bell arrived in 2011, concerts drew just 250 people, and the orchestra was one season from bankruptcy. Through persistence, new programming, and the dedication of its board, especially longtime president Jack Barnett, The Pops has rebuilt into one of the region’s most popular ensembles.
Further proof of that growth is the addition of Melissa Warthen, The
CLASSICAL
florida’s classical music station
Pops’ new Chief Administrative Officer. Her arrival has allowed Bell to concentrate on the music and programming aspects of the orchestra, while Warthen handles the administrative tasks with ease.
And the momentum isn’t slowing. For the first time, concerts this season carry sponsorships, including a guest artist sponsor. A new rehearsal facility under construction at the Manatee Performing Arts Center will soon give The Pops space not just for rehearsals, but for a dream project—launching a Bradenton youth orchestra. “Sarasota has one, Bradenton doesn’t,” Bell says. “That’s next on the horizon.”
Another new initiative is Sundays at Neel, a recital series at SCF Neel Performing Arts Center designed to spotlight smaller ensembles and inspire residents outside of the main Pops season. Add to that the Birthday Bubbles Bash on April 11, a gala-style celebration with champagne, raffles, and live music, and it’s clear The Pops isn’t just celebrating the past; it’s building the future.
The Heart of It All
For Bell, The Pops’ success rests on a simple foundation: community. “We’re like a three-legged table,” she says. “The musicians, the board, and the patrons. Without all three, it doesn’t stand.”
That spirit of connection is exactly what has sustained The Pops for half a century and what promises to carry it forward for another. From patriotic salutes to Elton John tributes from Broadway collaborations to organ symphonies, The Pops Orchestra continues to strike a chord that resonates deeply with Sarasota and Manatee alike.
As Bell puts it, “This 50th season isn’t just a milestone — it’s a launching pad. The best is yet to come.”
CONNIE BOROS
Connie Boros is honored to serve as the new Executive Director of the Humane Society of Sarasota County, Sarasota’s premier no-kill shelter. With deep respect for the organization’s mission, she is committed to providing compassionate care for cats and dogs, expanding lifesaving programs, fostering collaboration, and educating the community. Connie looks forward to partnering with the dedicated team and community to support and grow this vital lifesaving work.
GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
& Culture
EMPOWERING Community & Culture
Author: First and Last
EMPOWERING Community & Culture
By Tom Reese
Author: First and Last
For the last three decades, Gulf Coast Community Foundation has played a vital role in bringing Sarasota’s thriving arts and culture to life through generous donor support and impactful grant programs. The wide variety of arts organizations that exist in our region play vital roles in uplifting our community while providing economic and tourist opportunities, entertainment, unique educational programs, and so much more.
For the last three decades, Gulf Coast Community Foundation has played a vital role in bringing Sarasota’s thriving arts and culture to life through generous donor support and impactful grant programs. The wide variety of arts organizations that exist in our region play vital roles in uplifting our community while providing economic and tourist opportunities, entertainment, unique educational programs, and so much more.
Since 2014, Gulf Coast’s Arts Appreciation Grants have supported Sarasota’s cornerstone arts organizations with flexible, unrestricted funding that allows them to focus on their mission and artistic vision. In 2024, the program was rebranded as the Empowering Arts Grant Program to better reflect its goal: not only to appreciate but to empower the community’s exceptional arts and cultural organizations to reach their full potential. Through this initiative, Gulf Coast continues to invest in the region’s vibrant arts scene, helping organizations create meaningful experiences for their audiences and sustain their vital work.
Since 2014, Gulf Coast’s Arts Appreciation Grants have supported Sarasota’s cornerstone arts organizations with flexible, unrestricted funding that allows them to focus on their mission and artistic vision. In 2024, the program was rebranded as the Empowering Arts Grant Program to better reflect its goal: not only to appreciate but to empower the community’s exceptional arts and cultural organizations to reach their full potential. Through this initiative, Gulf Coast continues to invest in the region’s vibrant arts scene, helping organizations create meaningful experiences for their audiences and sustain their vital work.
For the 2025-26 season, Gulf Coast’s Empowering Arts program awarded $785,000 to 13 different organizations in the Sarasota area. Recipients of these funds include Asolo Repertory Theatre, Circus Arts Conservatory, Embracing Our Differences, Florida Studio Theatre, Hermitage Artist Retreat, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, The Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Venice Symphony, Venice Theatre, and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.
For the 2025-26 season, Gulf Coast’s Empowering Arts program awarded $785,000 to 13 different organizations in the Sarasota area. Recipients of these funds include Asolo Repertory Theatre, Circus Arts Conservatory, Embracing Our Differences, Florida Studio Theatre, Hermitage Artist Retreat, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, The Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Venice Symphony, Venice Theatre, and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.
For the last three decades, Gulf Coast Community Foundation has played a vital role in bringing Sarasota’s thriving arts and culture to life through generous donor support and impactful grant programs. The wide variety of arts organizations that exist in our region play vital roles in uplifting our community while providing economic and tourist opportunities, entertainment, unique educational programs, and so much more.
EMPOWERING Community Culture
decades, Gulf Coast Community played a vital role in bringing Sarasota’s culture to life through generous donor impactful grant programs. The wide variety organizations that exist in our region play vital roles community while providing economic and opportunities, entertainment, unique educational much more.
Coast’s Arts Appreciation Grants have Sarasota’s cornerstone arts organizations with unrestricted funding that allows them to focus on artistic vision. In 2024, the program was Empowering Arts Grant Program to better only to appreciate but to empower the exceptional arts and cultural organizations potential. Through this initiative, Gulf invest in the region’s vibrant arts scene, organizations create meaningful experiences for and sustain their vital work.
season, Gulf Coast’s Empowering Arts $785,000 to 13 different organizations in Recipients of these funds include Asolo Circus Arts Conservatory, Embracing Florida Studio Theatre, Hermitage Artist Selby Botanical Gardens, The Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, The John and Museum of Art, Venice Symphony, Venice Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.
“The arts are what make Sarasota truly special. From the Hermitage Artist Retreat helping artists create, to the Sarasota Orchestra, Opera, and Ballet inspiring audiences, to Asolo Repertory Theatre and Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe bringing stories to life, our cultural organizations are the heart of this community. They are also what draw so many new residents here, people whose generosity strengthens not only the arts but the many social service organizations that care for our neighbors. Gulf Coast is proud to support the creativity, compassion, and optimism that define Sarasota’s future,” said David Green, Board Member, Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
One unique aspect of the Empowering Arts Grants Program is its flexible trust-based funding. These unrestricted grants allow each organization to determine how best to use the funds, giving them the freedom to support their priorities and initiatives without being limited to a specific project or program.
“This program gives us support in a way that we most need, which is general operating support, and we’re so grateful for that,” said Richard Russell, General Director of Sarasota Opera. “By giving us an unrestricted general operating grant, it really helps us use the money where we most need it at the moment in order to continue our various performances and educational initiatives.”
Gulf Coast invests in these organizations not just for their contributions to our region’s culture and reputation as “Florida’s Cultural Coast,” but also for their economic impact. Each year, the total economic impact of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in the region eclipse $300 million in revenue, which continues to rise year after year. This includes an estimated $107 million in revenue from dining, hotels, parking, and more.
According to the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, the arts provide over 5,000 jobs and over 200,000 volunteer hours each year. Over 2.3 million people annually attend events produced by these organizations. In addition, attendees to arts and cultural events are nearly a 50/50 split between residents and tourists, proving the reach of these organizations is massive and significant to the growth of the community.
“We are so grateful for the continuous support from Gulf Coast and this grant program because it allows us to continue and grow our art exhibitions and educational initiatives,” said Christina Fraser, Vice President Operations for Embracing Our Differences. “This funding offers support that helps us adapt to new challenges while keeping us a source of inspiration and connection for many in our community.”
The extraordinary support Gulf Coast provides to the region’s arts and cultural organizations is only made possible because of the vision of its donors, both those giving today and those who left lasting legacies. Since its inception, Gulf Coast and its donors have invested more than $611 million to strengthen the region across a wide range of causes. Safeguarded by the Foundation’s endowed structure, this generosity ensures that vital programs, from the arts to education, environment, and human services, will continue to thrive for generations to come.
Beyond the financial support of the Empowering Arts Grants, Gulf Coast helps local nonprofits grow and thrive through their Invest in Incredible program, which provides training and resources to strengthen operations and expand impact. Venice Symphony is a clear example of how this combination of funding and capacity-building support translates into real community results.
“We work with Gulf Coast Community Foundation quite a bit every year,” said Christine Kasten, President and CEO of The Venice Symphony. “They offer outstanding educational opportunities for nonprofits, and we take advantage of those as much as we can. We’re also very fortunate to be a recipient of the Empowering Arts Grants Program. Venice has experienced remarkable growth, and The Venice Symphony has grown right along with it. Thanks to Gulf Coast and this grant, we’re able to reach more people in our community by expanding the number of performances we can offer each season.”
For more information on all the organizations Gulf Coast supports through this grant program and other programs and initiatives, please visit https://www.gulfcoastcf.org/ourinitiatives.
If you are interested in learning more about how to become a Gulf Coast donor, please visit https://www.gulfcoastcf.org/ your-philanthropy or call 941-486-4600.
BEST SEATS
November Performing Arts Calendar
Artist Series
Concerts of Sarasota
941.306.1202 / artistseriesconcerts.org
How Low Can You Go?
November 13
Astral Mixtape
November 20
Fry Street Quartet
November 23
Asolo Repertory Theatre
941.351.8000 / asolorep.org
Come From Away
November 12 - December 28
Choral Artists of Sarasota / Via Nova Chorale
941.387.6046 / 941.374.0940
choralartistssarasota.org / vianovachorale.org
Future, Present, Past: Living this Moment in Time
November 7
Florida Studio Theatre
941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org
CABARET:
A Band Called Honalee: A Tribute to Peter, Paul and Mary… and Friends Through November 2
FST IMPROV: Out of Bounds
November 1-22
It’s a Blunderful Life
November 29 - December 20
WINTER MAINSTAGE: Lucky Stiff
November 5 - December 28
Fogartyville Community Center
941.894.6469 / wslr.org/fogartyville
Very Merry Jerry Day
Nov. 1, 2025
Tale of Two Nov. 7, 2025
Strangeways
Nov. 9, 2025
Fogartyville Songwriter Series hosted by Anna May and featuring Laine James and Carey Chaney
Nov. 10, 2025
O Som Do Jazz
Nov. 14, 2025
The New 76ers and Passerine
Nov. 15, 2025
Jay Nash
Nov. 16, 2025
Drink & Draw Sarasota
Nov. 19, 2025
Discovery Road Live!
Nov. 20, 2025
Jordan Tice with Patrick M’Gonigle
Nov. 21, 2025
The Sandbox open mic
Nov. 24, 2025
Mariee Siou
Nov. 30, 2025
meet the performer filippo fontana
Born in Udine, Italy, Mr. Fontana started to study music at 10 years old. After graduating at University of Udine in Multimedia and New Technologies and he graduated at the Consevatorio G. Verdi in Milan both in Opera and Vocal Chamber Music.
He made his debut at Teatro alla Scala in Donizetti’s Convenienze ed inconvenienze teatral i , singing the role of Procolo, immediately after winning the selections for the Advanced Academy of Teatro alla Scala. There he studied with Mirella Freni, Luciana Serra, Renato Bruson and pianists Vincent Scalera and James Vaughan. He was granted the Paolo Montarsolo scholarship 2009/2011. In 2010 he sang Martino in Rossini’s L’occasione fa il ladro and Taddeo in L’italiana in Algeri in 2011, both productions at Teatro alla Scala, Milan.
Recently this past season he sung Figaro in Rossini’s Barbiere di Siviglia at the Sarasota Opera House and liederabends displaying his versatility in german, french and italian chamber music repertoire. Future engagements are Guglielmo in Mozart’s Così fan tutte Marcello in La bohème at the Sarasota Opera House and more concerts with piano. He will sing his first Schubert’s Winterreise and Rossini’s Stabat Mater with orchestra.
For more information on Mr. Fontana, please visit www.inartmanagement.com/ en/artisti-en/fontana.
Glenridge
941.552.5325 / gpactix.com
Asolo’s Shakespeare 45
November 6
Gilbert & Sullivan
November 8
Maria Wirries
November 8
Steinway Concert
November 16
Island Players 941.778.5755 / theislandplayers.org A Doublewide Texas Christmas November 13-23
Joy and Wonder November 30
Pie
Through November 2
Gary Conrad
November 8
Comedy Cruise Party: Al Ernst
November 15
meet the performer
miSa kuranaga
Renowned for her exceptional artistry, precision, and emotional depth, Misa Kuranaga has captivated audiences around the world. Born in Japan, she trained at the School of American Ballet before beginning her professional career with San Francisco Ballet as an Apprentice. She went on to join Boston Ballet, where she rose to the rank of Principal Dancer and became one of the company’s most acclaimed artists. In 2019, she returned to San Francisco Ballet as a Principal Dancer, continuing to enchant audiences with her signature grace and versatility.
For the 2025–2026 Season, Kuranaga joins The Sarasota Ballet as Resident Guest Principal, marking an exciting new chapter in her distinguished career. She made her debut with the Company performing in Sir Frederick Ashton’s Birthday Offering at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival 2025, a performance that drew praise for her lyricism and command.
Her extensive repertoire includes works by the world’s most celebrated choreographers—Ashton, Balanchine, Bournonville, Cranko, Nureyev, Petipa, and Tomasson—and spans many of ballet’s great classics: Cinderella, Apollo, La Sylphide, Onegin, Don Quixote , The Sleeping Beauty , Swan Lake , and Giselle. Internationally sought after as a guest artist, Kuranaga continues to perform across the globe, earning acclaim for her technical mastery and expressive range.
Her artistry reflects both discipline and devotion—a rare fusion that has made her one of the defining ballerinas of her generation.
Manatee Performing Arts Center
941.748.5875 / manateeperformingartscenter.com Misery Through November 2
Hello, Dolly! Through November 9
Hotel Alabama: Tributes to The Eagles and Alabama November 11
The Pops Orchestra
941.926.7677 / thepopsorchestra.com
Rhinestone Cowboys and National Heroes November 8-10
Sarasota Opera
941.328.1300 / sarasotaopera.org
Apprentice Artists at Noon November 5 Brundibár Through November 9
Così fan Tutte Through November 15
Un Soirée Française (presented by Manatee Opera Guild) November 12
Sarasota Orchestra
941.953.4252 / sarasotaorchestra.org
Symphonic Dances
November 6-9
Strauss and Higdon
November 16
SCF Neel Performing Arts Center
941.752.5351 / scf.edu/music
SCF Music Presents: A Musical Landscape
November 6
SCF Music Presents: Rhapsody in Blues
November 13
SCF Theater Presents: Everyman - A Morality Play by Sarah Frankel November 14-23
SCF Music Presents: When You Believe!
November 20
SCF Music Presents: Triunfo del Piano
November 24
The Sarasota Ballet
941.359.0099 / sarasotaballet.org
Program Two: Written Motion November 21-22
Urbanite Theatre
941.321.1397 / urbanitetheatre.com
Monsters of the American Cinema Through December 7
Van Wezel
Performing Arts Hall
941.263.6799 / vanwezel.org
Neil Berg’s
50 Years of Rock N’ Roll
November 13
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
November 18
RAIN: A Beatles Christmas Tribute
November 22
One Night of Queen
November 28
‘90s Hits and Christmas Riffs with Ezra Ray Hart
November 29
Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2025 November 30
Venice Theatre
941.488.1115 / venicetheatre.org
The Amish Project November 14 - December 7
The Sound of Music Through November 23
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
941.366.1505 / westcoastblacktheatre.org
Purlie Through November 9
Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity Reimagined November 20 - December 21
ART SCENE
November Visual Arts Calendar
502 Gallery
941.400.0598 / 502.gallery
Keith Crowley: Interloper November 2025
Alexart International Gallery
813.465.1249 / alexartinternational.com
Angels by Fabio Dal Boni Nov. 1-30
Art Avenue
440.227.4592 / artavenueflorida.com
SALVADOR DALI
Exhibition of originals, etchings, and lithographs
Oct. 1 –Dec. 31, 2025
PETER MAX
Exhibition of original paintings
Nov. 1, 2025 –Jan. 31, 2026
Art Center Sarasota
941.365.2032 / artsarasota.org
Juan Alonso-Rodriguez: Earthly Glyphs Through November 15
Njeri Kinuthia: Reconstruction Mwacha
Mila Nisi Mtumwa Through November 15
Legacy x Response: SARTQ Responds to a Century of ACSAt Art Center Sarasota Through November 15
Art Ovation Hotel
Autograph Collection
941.316.0808 | artovationhotel.com
Lobby Gallery: Anthony Picardo, Expired Memories Oct. 31, 2025 – May 4, 2026
Crescendo Gallery: Group Show, The Flag Oct. 31, 2025 – May 4, 2026
Elevator Lobby Gallery (levels 3-5): John McCaskill, Survival: A Wayfarer’s Study Oct. 31, 2025 – May 4, 2026
Elevator Lobby Gallery (levels 6-8): Mimi Leone, The Place of Love – Florida Oct. 31, 2025 – May 4, 2026
Burns Gallery on Central
941.957.6439 / 530burnsgallery.com
Art | Jewels | Interiors | Lifestyle
Chasen Gallery
941.260.5787 / chasengalleries.com
Check website for current exhibitions.
Alexart International Gallery Art Avenue
CLASSY CUSTOMS
Clyde Butcher
Fine Art Galleries
941.486.0811 / clydebutcher.com
Meet Clyde & Niki Butcher
Nov. 1
Creative Liberties
Artist Studios, Gallery + Creative Academy
941.799.6634 / creativeliberties.net
Taste of Art: Artful Indulgence at Chaz 51 Steakhouse
