THE
SOCIAL SEASON Galas, Glamour & Giving Back
THE 2026-27 GALA CALENDAR
The People & Partnerships Making a Difference
THE SARASOTA BALLET
A TASTE OF SPAIN
Program 2 + A Conversation with Alexei Ratmansky
scenesarasota.com
THE POWER OF GIVING
Inside Sarasota’s New Alma de España
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Saturday, January 9, 2027 The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota 6:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception | 7:00 p.m. Dinner VISIT SMHF.ORG/EVENTS
Proceeds help SMH bring world-class healthcare to our community.
Brian and Martha Cornell / Barbara and Gary Rodkin Dona and Sam Scott / Bob and Angelia Wood
B&I Contractors Brian and Sheila Jellison Family Foundation
Anonymous Ambitrans Ambulance Birch Island Foundation Bob and Anne Essner Cathy and Frank Burzik Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation
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November 20 – 21, 2026 | Opera House Accompanied by the Sarasota Orchestra
SIR KENNETH MACMILLAN Solitaire (Company Premiere)
JESSICA LANG Lyric Pieces ALEXEI RATMANSKY Pictures at an Exhibition (Company Premiere)
SarasotaBallet.org | 941.359.0099 Marijana Dominis in Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s Solitaire | Photo by Frank Atura MEDIA SPONSOR:
64
CONTENTS // FEATURES
54
70 54
A TASTE OF SPAIN, A SENSE OF HOME Alma de España
77 ‘TIS THE SEASON
2026-2027 Guide to Galas By Harry Sayer
By Hunter Hageman
64
2026 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
70
PICTURES IN MOTION
Great finds for everyone on your list
88 GALA GLAM
Social Season Fashion from Foxy Lady
Alexei Ratmansky Brings His Acclaimed Vision to The Sarasota Ballet By Sasi Goldstein
ON THE COVER
Joseph Ribkoff Gala Glamour from Foxy Lady.
10
SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2026
CONTENTS \\ DEPARTMENTS
ARTS & CULTURE 94
BEST SEATS
100
MEET THE PERFORMER
Performing Arts Calendar Lindsey Polcyn,
101 108
Sarasota Opera Principal Artist ART SCENE
Visual Arts Calendar
MEET THE PERFORMER
PHILANTHROPY 42 INVESTING IN INCREDIBLE
46 THE POWER OF POSSIBILITY The Curran Foundation Partners with The Florida Center
By Kaileia Suvannamaccha
Be Informed Be Entertained Be SCENE scenesarasota.com
THE LIST
November Events Calendar
By Hallie Peilet Young
The Sarasota Ballet
SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2026
22
Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Kaitlyn Casey, Principal Dancer
12
COMMUNITY
60
AROUND TOWN
Foxy Lady Owner Lorry Eible
By Sasi Goldstein
ARTIST’S RENDERING
WE’RE MOVING FORWARD. AND SO SHOULD YOU.
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from the • publisher November has always been one of my favorite months in Sarasota. There is an unmistakable energy in the air. Our performing arts season is underway, calendars begin filling with galas and celebrations, holiday plans are taking shape and friends who have been away begin returning. Sarasota seems to shift into another gear. And once again, Sarasota Scene is right in the middle of it all. This issue celebrates so much of what makes our community extraordinary, but one theme kept coming back to me: Sarasota’s SPARKS—the people whose ideas, energy and passion make things happen and help shape our community. They are the artists who step onto our stages, the philanthropists who support important causes, the nonprofit professionals and volunteers who tackle difficult problems, the entrepreneurs who bring new ideas to life and the people who simply decide they want to make their community a little better than they found it. That spirit is especially evident in our stories about philanthropy. At Gulf Coast Community Foundation, its “Invest in Incredible” initiative focuses on something we don’t always think about when we talk about giving strengthening the nonprofits themselves. Great organizations need more than good intentions. They need strong boards, effective leaders, sound financial practices, smart strategies and opportunities to learn from one another. By investing in those foundations, Gulf Coast is helping nonprofits become even better at serving our community. You’ll also see the power of philanthropy in our story about The Curran Foundation and its partnership with The Florida Center for Early Childhood. The foundation is relatively new to active philanthropy in Sarasota-Manatee, but it is already supporting organizations that give children opportunities they might not otherwise have. Sometimes the results can be profound: a child speaking again, succeeding in school, stepping onto a soccer field or simply getting a chance that once seemed out of reach. Those stories are good reminders as we enter the season of giving that philanthropy ultimately isn’t about checks. It’s about what those checks make possible. November also brings another reason I love Sarasota: the beginning of an extraordinary arts season. We take you inside The Sarasota Ballet’s Program 2, including a conversation with internationally acclaimed choreographer Alexei Ratmansky. This season also marks an impressive milestone—the 20th season under the direction of Iain Webb. What The Sarasota Ballet has accomplished during those two decades is remarkable and another example of the artistic excellence that makes this community such a special place to live. 14
SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2026
H JOHN KNOWLES, PUBLISHER john@scenesarasota.com
from the • publisher
P R O P E R T I E S
inc.
And if the performances are beginning, you know the parties aren’t far behind.
LEASING DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES FOR EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE
Our annual Season Gala Calendar will help you plan for the many wonderful events ahead—and naturally, you’ll need something to wear. We turned to a Sarasota institution for a little inspiration. Foxy Lady has been keeping Sarasota women fashionable since 1972, and founder Lorry Eible is still doing what she has done for 54 years: evolving with the times while providing the kind of personal service that never goes out of style. You’ll find plenty of gala fashion inspiration from Foxy Lady in these pages. There’s something new to savor this season as well. Elier and Claudia Rodriguez are bringing the flavors and spirit of Spain to Sarasota with Alma de España, their new Spanish tapas restaurant. Elier is the master chef behind the cuisine, while Claudia, a computer engineer, brings an entirely different skill set to the venture. She has helped transform a chef’s dream into a business, overseeing everything from hiring and accounting to atmosphere and the overall guest experience. I especially like Claudia’s belief that a restaurant experience doesn’t end when a dish leaves the kitchen. Every detail matters. It’s a philosophy that seems particularly well suited to Sarasota, a community that appreciates not only great food, but the experience surrounding it. And because the holidays are suddenly right around the corner, we’ve included our Holiday Gift Guide, filled with ideas to make your shopping a little easier and perhaps introduce you to something unexpected. Taken together, I think these pages capture Sarasota at its best.
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We go to the ballet. We gather at galas. We discover new restaurants. We shop, celebrate and reconnect with friends. But beneath all of that is something deeper. This is a community filled with people who create, contribute, take chances and give back. As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m especially grateful for all of them—and for our readers, advertisers, nonprofit partners and everyone who continues to welcome Sarasota Scene into their homes and lives. There is a wonderful season ahead of us. I hope you enjoy every minute of it as well as this issue.
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16
SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2026
H JOHN KNOWLES, PUBLISHER john@scenesarasota.com
D IS C OV ER A F UTU RE AS
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Locally Owned and Operated Since 1957 Vol. 69 No. 11
LEADERSHIP
PU B L I S H E R / / H J O H N K N OWL E S j o h n @ s c e n e s a ra s o ta .c o m After a long and storied career in newspaper and magazine publishing, John acquired Sarasota Scene in 2019 with a clear vision: to preserve and elevate the magazine as the definitive source for arts, culture, philanthropy, and the enduring strength of community.
M A N A G I N G E D I T O R / / J U L I E A M I LT O N j u l i e @ s c e n e s a ra s o ta .c o m Julie has guided the editorial direction of Sarasota Scene and contributed articles since 2007. She remains deeply committed to advancing the magazine’s success and honoring its legacy through engaging, relevant content that reflects its mission.
E X E C U T I V E C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R / / D A R C Y K E L LY- L AV I O L E T T E d a rc y @ s c e n e s a ra s o ta .c o m A graduate of Ringling College of Art + Design, Darcy has designed and produced the pages of Sarasota Scene since 2017. She brings exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to every issue, ensuring that Sarasota Scene is as visually compelling as it is editorially strong.
C O N T R O L L E R / / S A L LY A . B A I L E Y a c c o u n ti n g @ s c e n e s a ra s o ta .c o m Since 2017, Sally has provided steady financial stewardship, ensuring the operational strength and long-term sustainability of Sarasota Scene. Her diligence and integrity form a vital foundation for the magazine’s continued success.
A DVE RT I S I N G H John Knowles j o h n @ s c e n e s a ra s o ta .c o m Paul McNamara pa u l @ s c e n e s a ra s o ta .c o m | 917.751.6 50 6 18
SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2026
Celebrating 54 Years of Fashions You Love
Save the date!
TRUNK SHOW 10AM – 5PM
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S T R AT E G I C PA R T N E R S H I P S Julie A Milton j u l i e @ s c e n e s a ra s o ta .c o m
PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION Production Manager // D a r c y Ke l l y - L a v i o l e t t e d a rc y @ s c e n e s a ra s o ta .c o m Sponsorship & Marketing Coordinator // Harry Sayer h a r r y @ s c e n e s a ra s o ta .c o m C o n t r i b u t i n g G r a p h i c D e s i g n e r // Laura Guzman S u b s c r i p t i o n M a n a g e r // S a l l y A B a i l e y a c c o u n ti n g @ s c e n e s a ra s o ta .c o m P u b l i c D i s t r i b u t i o n // M i k e S t r a f f i n
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS S c o t t Fe r g u s o n Reno Gomez Hunter Hageman Julie Milton To m R e e s e Kaileia Suvannamaccha H a l l i e P e i l e t Yo u n g
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS C u r t i s A n d e r s o n , J r. Janet Combs Agata Domanska Jo rd a n Ke l l y - L a v i o l e t t e Maggie Martinez Matt Roback Harry Sayer 1834 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.365.1119 | Fax: 941.954.5067 | scenesarasota.com Subscribe at scenesarasota.com/magazine/shop
20
SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2026
H John Knowles LLC, dba SCENE Magazine publishes 12 issues a year. Address editorial, advertising and circulation correspondence to the above address. Sufficient return postage and self–addressed, stamped envelope must accompany all manuscripts, artwork and photographs submitted if they are to be returned or acknowledged. Publisher assumes no responsibility for care of return of unsolicited materials. Subscription price: $12.95 per year, $19.95 for two years. All contents copyrighted. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.
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THE LIST November Events Calendar
1 38th Annual Venice Art Fest
Held in Historic Downtown Venice on west Venice Avenue and features the work of over 150 artists. Historic Downtown Venice | artfestival.com
4, 11, 18, 25 Ranch Nite Wednesdays
Sample tasty eats and sweets from local food trucks, grab a drink to-go from an outdoor bar and cheer on the largest recreational corn hole league in the nation. Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place | lakewoodranch.com/life-on-the-ranch/themarket
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SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2026
Wills, Trusts & Estates | Tax Law | Civil Trial & Business Litigation Real Estate Law | Corporate Law
6 LWR Music On Main
Local food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, and activities for the kids. This month’s event features Passerine and benefits the Sarasota Southside Rotary Club. Lakewood Ranch Main Street | lakewoodranch.com/event/music-on-main
Fresh Fridays Downtown Sarasota: Beyond The Canvas
Enjoy an exciting lineup of local vendors serving up delicious bites, refreshing drinks, unique finds and exciting free giveaways. N. Palm Ave, Sarasota | downtownsarasotadid.com/fresh-fridays
Nov. 7 - Dec. 6 (Weekends) 22nd Annual Sarasota Medieval Fair
Full-contact jousting, human combat chess matches and lots of other shows on various stages. Also enjoy rides, games, music and shopping. The Woods of Mallaranny | sarasotamedievalfair.com
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friendly and knowledgeable staff d
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P R O P E R T I E S
inc.
Scene Sponsored exceptional customer care. EVENTS LEASING DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES FOR EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE
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November 6
SPARCC Black Tie Gala
SOUTHWEST F KITCHEN & BA
941.378.5678 | THEPLUMBINGPLACE.COM
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DISTINCTIVE
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941.378.5678 | THE Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s Rock the Roof SMITHMAN, has worked hard toJOHN earn the trust of OWNE our
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SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2026
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ROLLING WORLD PREMIERE
OCT 30–NOV 29 A battle to see who has the bigger... brain.
7 Le Marché Marketplace
This Parisian-inspired marketplace features a curated selection unique gifts, artisanal goods and festive treats. Selby Five Points Park | destinationdowntownsarasota.com
7–8 20th Annual Hungarian Festival
A vibrant celebration of culture, history and tradition featuring authentic cuisine, live music and traditional folk dancing. Sarasota Fairgrounds | sarasotamagyarfesztival.com
The Bash At The Bishop: A Celestial Affair
A glamorous gala with cocktails, dinner and dancing. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature | bishopscience.org/bash
8 All Faiths Food Bank Bowls of Hope
GET TICKETS NOW!
Photo by Sorcha Augustine
VOTED #1
AUDIENCE FAVORITE
2025 MODERN WORKS urbanitetheatre.com/ahoy-hoy
$5 studen ticketst
(941) 321-1397 | info@urbanitetheatre.com 1487 2 nd St Sarasota FL 34236 26
SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2026
Enjoy soups, breads, desserts and more served by dozens of restaurants and caterers. Select a hand-made bowl donated by a local potter, artist or student. Ed Smith Stadium | allfaithsfoodbank.org
10 National Philanthropy Day Celebration
Hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the celebration will honors philanthropic contributions to the community. Keynote speaker Kristina Joy Carlson. Michael’s On East | community.afpglobal.org/ flsouthwestthrive/events/npd/npd-swfla
12 CPC Night of Hope and Healing
Enjoy delicious food from over 10 restaurants at this annual celebration benefiting children and survivors of abuse. Venice Community Center | cpcsarasota.org/events
13-16 Siesta Key Crystal Classic
Enjoy live music, local food and drink, shopping, sand sculpting demonstrations and more. Siesta Key Public Beach | siestakeycrystalclassic.com
NOVEMBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE
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TRADITIONAL | TRANSITIONAL | CONTEMPORARY
“Exceptional carpets for those who refuse to compromise” 16 SOUTH PALM AVE Downtown Sarasota
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Scene Sponsored EVENTS November 13 Sarasota Opera’s Moonlight & Melodies Courtyard Dinner: Into the Enchanted Forest with Hansel and Gretel
Enjoy an evening beneath the stars complete with live performances and fairytale wonder. Sarasota Opera House | sarasotaopera.org
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Fall Gala: Soul Explosion
The 27th anniversary fall gala, which honors supporters Ali and Gloria Bahaj, presents an unforgettable evening of music, celebration and fundraising in support of its operations. The Ora | westcoastblacktheatre.org
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13 Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee Empty Bowls 2026
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/empty-bowls
Sights + Sounds at Waterside Place
life
reimagined
The Tidewell Foundation is committed to supporting compassionate care for patients and their families in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto Counties. Inspired by generosity, we bring extraordinary Full Life Care to the communities we call home.
The Circus Arts Conservatory headlines this month’s showcase with a lively performance from Sailor Circus Academy students. Limited seating is available. Lawn chairs advisable. Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place | lakewoodranch.com/event
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
14-15 Sarasota Fall Fine Art Festival The Tidewell Foundation’s 18th Annual Signature Luncheon will artfully weave threads of hope throughout an inspiring afternoon. The organization’s premier annual fundraiser welcomes Johnny “Joey” Jones as this year’s featured speaker.
MARCH 12, 2027 The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, FL
TidewellFoundation.org | (941) 552-7546 | 30
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Browse one-of-a-kind and limitededition artwork in several different mediums by participating artists. J.D. Hamel Park | hotworks.org
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
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Scene Sponsored EVENTS November 14 Big Waters Land Trust Party In Paradise
Guests connect over land conservation and enjoy the natural beauty showcased at the Bay Preserve during this fabulous annual event. The Bay Preserve | bigwaterslandtrust.org
November 15 Sarasota Orchestra Brunch
Enjoy carefully composed music and a lively brunch to support the Sarasota Orchestra’s education programs benefitting young musicians. Michaels On East Ballroom | sarasotaorchestra.org
November 21 BGCSDC Champions For Children Gala
Boys And Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties’ signature fundraiser celebrates the many contributions of the late Louis and Gloria Flanzer. The Ora | bgcsdc.org
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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
LWR Main Street Market
Discover local vendors at Lakewood Ranch’s one-of-akind shopping experience featuring talented makers, artisans and retailers from our local community. Stroll, shop and support local. Main Street, Lakewood Ranch | lakewoodranch.com/event
Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade
The holiday season will kick-off in grand style with a magical parade down N. Cattlemen Rd, marking Santa’s official arrival in Sarasota at The Mall at University Town Center. Featuring a light show, fireworks display, live entertainment and more. UTC | utcsarasota.com
Friends Full-of-Giving
An evening of friends, food and fun overlooking the Gulf on Casey Key. All proceeds benefit the ThankFULL Tummies campaign that provides turkeys to our neighbors facing hunger during the holiday season. All Faiths Food Bank | allfaithsfoodbank.org
15 Resilient Retreat Farm-To-Table Dinner
Indulge in a carefully curated 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 | resilientretrat.org
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19 All Star Children’s Foundation Twinkle Ball
Celebrate the 5th year anniversary of All Star Children’s Foundation at The Orange with a night of connection, inspiration and hope The Ora | allstarchildren.org
22 34th 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
26 Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot
This 5K run/walk event brings nearly 4,000 runners, joggers and walkers from across the Suncoast and beyond for what’s become a new Thanksgiving tradition. Nathan Benderson Park | raceroster.com
28 Light Up Siesta Key
Festive décor and holiday atmosphere will light up Siesta Key. Enjoy the Christmas tree lighting at the Village Gazebo and the holiday parade which begins at Avenida del Mare and Beach Road. Siesta Key Village | my.siestakeychamber.com
Venice Holiday Parade
The 45+ year tradition continues when the annual Parade steps off at 6:30 PM on the streets of Historic Downtown Venice at the corner of Park Blvd. and W. Venice Ave. Historic Downtown Venice | escape-to-sarasota.com 34
SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2026
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A NIGHT OF
Camellias & Champagne SAR ASOTA OPER A GALA Honoring David and Edie Chaifetz
SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 2027 RECEPTION AT 6 PM | DINNER AT 7 PM The Ora | Grand Ballroom | 578 McIntosh Road
A
mid the elegance and extravagance of Violetta’s Parisian salon, romance flourishes beneath the shimmer of candlelight and champagne, while love, sacrifice, and indulgence collide in one of opera’s most unforgettable stories. This Gala evokes the glamour and fragility of high society in Paris, wrapped in the symbolism of camellias and the sparkle of champagne..
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(941) 366-8450, EXT. 813 | SARASOTAOPERA.ORG Sarasota Opera House • 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236
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UPCOMING sponsored EVENTS Dec. 2 | Sarasota Opera Guild 42nd Annual Poinsettia Luncheon
Silent Auction items, gift baskets galore, a scrumptious lunch, a spectacular music program and lots of surprises at the 42nd annual fundraiser. Michael’s On East | www.sarasotaopera.org/sarasota-operaguild
Dec. 4 | 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/wonder
Dec. 7 | 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 | sparcc.net/sparcc-holiday-luncheon
Dec. 11 | Sarasota Opera: A Little Holiday Magic Enjoy an intimate celebration at a private residence in the Lake Club where guests will see a display of handcrafted holiday creations. Private Residence in the Lake Club | sarasotaopera.org/minievent
FOR FULL LIST OF UPCOMING EVENTS please visit scenesarasota.com.
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A NEW CIRCUS AND ICE SKATING PRODUCTION
SAT NOV 21 - SAT NOV 28 941.355.9805 SAILOR CIRCUS ARENA CIRCUSARTS.ORG FOR TICKETS & INFO:
2026-27 SEASON
RICHARD RUSSELL, General & Artistic Director
2026 FALL SEASON Youthful wonder, courage, and strength in an enchanted forest.
Hansel and Gretel
ASK ABOUT OUR FAMILY PACKS:
includes 2 adult tickets, 2 free children tickets, plus $10 tickets for additional children.
Inspired by the Brothers Grimm fable, the story follows two siblings who stray into the forest, encounter a beguiling Gingerbread Witch, and find courage in the face of peril. Musically sophisticated but accessible for all ages, Hansel and Gretel blends rich orchestration with folk‑like melodies. The opera conveys a journey from hardship and temptation to wonder and homecoming, offering a timeless reflection on innocence, resourcefulness, and the power of family. An earlier start time of 7:00PM to accomodate families.
OCT 30 – NOV 14, 2026
Engelbert Humperdinck | Adelheid Wette
Rootabaga Country YOUTH OPERA
NOV 7 & 8, 2026 Rachel J. Peters
Call the Box Office for more information
2027 WINTER OPERA FESTIVAL
L a traviata
FEB 6 - MAR 20, 2027 Giuseppe Verdi | Francesco Maria Piave
H. M.S. Pinafore FEB 13 - MAR 19, 2027 Arthur Sullivan | W.S. Gilbert
Ariadne auf Naxos
FEB 27 – MAR 13, 2027 Richard Strauss / Hugo von Hofmannsthal
Jenůfa
MAR 6 – MAR 21, 2027 Leoš Janáček
All performances in the original language with simultaneous translations above the stage.
G E T YO U R T I C K E T S TO DAY !
(941) 328-1300 SARASOTAOPERA.ORG
Sarasota Opera House | 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL
PARTY PICS Sneak Peek of Sarasota Motor Club John Knowles joined Scott Stevenson, Founder of Sarasota Motor Club, to celebrate Scott’s 60th birthday with an exclusive preview of Sarasota Motor Club. The evening offered a glimpse into an exciting new destination where automotive passion, luxury, and community come together. With an exceptional vision and exciting plans on the horizon, Sarasota Motor Club is gearing up to redefine the luxury automotive lifestyle in Sarasota. Photos by Janet Combs.
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Melissa Ehrhardt 44
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Incredible Investing in
How Gulf Coast Community Foundation is Building Stronger Nonprofits—and Stronger Communities By Hallie Peilet Young • Photo by Maggie Martinez The strongest nonprofits are built on more than passion for a mission. Behind every organization creating meaningful change is a network of leaders, board members, volunteers and systems that makes that work possible. Investing in their strength is ultimately an investment in the communities they serve. For Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast), that philosophy has shaped two decades of commitment to nonprofit capacity building. Today, that work is entering its next chapter through Invest in Incredible, or i3, and the creation of a new full-time Director, Capacity Building role. Melissa Ehrhardt recently stepped into the position, charged with guiding i3’s continued growth and helping the initiative evolve alongside the changing needs of nonprofits throughout Gulf Coast’s service area. “Gulf Coast has been doing capacity building for the last 20 years,” Ehrhardt said. Invest in Incredible was formally branded in 2016 around a simple but powerful idea: “to invest in nonprofits, help build their strengths, their confidence, their abilities to do their job better and serve people more effectively.”
In the nonprofit world, “capacity building” is a familiar phrase. Outside of it, its meaning can be less obvious. Ehrhardt describes it in terms of what that investment ultimately allows an organization to accomplish. “We invest in you and your leadership and in your processes so that you can invest in your community and make them stronger,” she said. Beyond the Boardroom i3 began with a significant focus on board development, an area Ehrhardt says remains essential to nonprofit success. But as organizations’ needs have changed, the program has expanded with them. “If you have a strong board, the nonprofit can really flourish in a lot of ways,” she said. “We realize it’s still a need amongst a lot of our nonprofits, but there’s so much more than just a board.” Today, i3 encompasses leadership development, finances, volunteer engagement, organizational processes, fundraising, strategy, collaboration and other areas nonprofit leaders must navigate to build sustainable organizations. Programming also responds to emerging
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“We need to figure out what nonprofits are needing and finding valuable right now and then intentionally invest in those capacity building areas with them.” —MELISSA EHRHARDT
challenges and opportunities, from financial literacy to artificial intelligence. The goal isn’t simply to offer more programming. It’s to provide information nonprofit professionals can put to work. “What we want them to do is to be able to leave and say, ‘Huh, that was really good information. I’m going to take it back and be able to change things in my organization,’” Ehrhardt said. That support takes several forms. Gulf Coast currently works with a cohort of 17 i3 consultants with expertise ranging from fundraising and brand strategy to financial forecasting and market research. Nonprofits can participate in shorter workshops or more intensive learning opportunities, including the multi-day Gulf Coast Board Institute. “In addition, i3 also offers individual consulting services for nonprofits. Gulf Coast fields requests for those services and matches the nonprofit with the appropriate i3 consultant; Gulf Coast also covers 50% of the cost to the nonprofit.” For Tony Dempsey, that education proved invaluable when he joined the board of Child Protection Center (CPC). “This was my first time on a nonprofit board, and I needed to secure training to become a fully functioning productive member,” Dempsey shared in a testimonial. “Gulf Coast had the solution, and I enrolled in the i3 curriculum.” Dempsey said the knowledge and relationships he gained became increasingly valuable as he grew into
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leadership. As he prepared to become Board Chair, he returned for additional training designed specifically for that responsibility. He later participated in Gulf Coast’s Leadership Institute in 2019, forming relationships with classmates he continues to collaborate with today. His experience illustrates something i3 increasingly seeks to foster—stronger individual leaders and stronger connections among them. Investing in What Comes Next Creating a full-time Director, Capacity Building position gives Gulf Coast an opportunity to deepen that work. For the past decade or more, Ehrhardt said, Betsy Steiner, a part-time consultant, helped build a strong foundation for the program through workshop development and cohort management. A dedicated position now provides greater opportunity to listen, learn and intentionally shape its future. “I want to take time to listen and get feedback, conduct surveys and host listening groups,” Ehrhardt said. “We need to figure out what nonprofits are needing and finding valuable right now and then intentionally invest in those capacity building areas with them.” One need she is already hearing consistently is connection. Nonprofit leaders want to collaborate, Ehrhardt said, but the daily realities of running an organization can make finding the time and space difficult. She sees an opportunity for i3 to convene organizations not only to learn
from experts, but from one another— building relationships across Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties that can strengthen the sector as a whole. Geographic accessibility is also part of i3’s next chapter. Bringing more opportunities directly into Charlotte and DeSoto counties can eliminate time and travel barriers that may prevent smaller organizations from participating in Sarasota-based programming.
CLASSICAL
florida’s classical music station
For Ehrhardt, expanding access is about far more than attendance. It goes to the heart of why capacity building matters. “I truly believe that if our nonprofit community is stronger, our community will be more resilient,” she said. In many ways, that brings i3’s evolution full circle. What began as an investment in stronger nonprofit boards has grown into an investment in stronger leaders, organizations, relationships and communities.
CLASSICAL WSMR 8 9 .1 w s m r. o r g
“There’s more to dream, there’s more to come,” Ehrhardt said. “I really think in the next year or so, we’re going to see i3 just expand in ways that aren’t even on our radar right now.” And while what comes next may still be taking shape, the purpose behind i3 remains clear: give the people working every day to strengthen our communities the knowledge, confidence, resources and relationships they need to make an even greater impact.
FOR MORE INFORMATION please visit gulfcoastcf.org
Luxury Living • 80 Apartments • Three Meals Per Day Includes Utilities, Housekeeping, Transportation, 24-Hour Care Team Recreational Activities • Onsite Therapy • Salon 6: Barber Services
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NOVEMBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE
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The Power of
Possibility The Curran Foundation Partners with The Florida Center to Help Children Reach Their Potential
By Kaileia Suvannamaccha • Photo by Agata Domanska
Sometimes changing a child’s life begins with helping the people who already know how to do it.
gala in December 2025. What they learned prompted the foundation to provide a $12,000 grant.
That philosophy is at the heart of The Curran Foundation’s growing presence in Sarasota and Manatee counties, where it is partnering with nonprofits that provide children and families with opportunities to thrive.
“We were just blown away by the impact that they had for the children,” Williams says. “We were just compelled to support in any way that we could.”
Among those partners is The Florida Center for Early Childhood, a Sarasota-based nonprofit providing therapeutic, developmental and early education services. Since 1979, The Florida Center has served children and families through programs including Starfish Academy, its inclusive preschool, and Healthy Families, its homevisiting program. The organization also operates Florida’s only Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders clinic, providing statewide evaluations for individuals of all ages who may have been exposed to alcohol before birth. Travis Williams, executive director of The Curran Foundation, first encountered The Florida Center’s work when he and his wife attended the nonprofit’s
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According to a report shared with the foundation, the grant helped eight children access developmental therapy. Two had completed their sessions, while six continued to receive assistance. “Although eight children may not seem like a lot, one child having an impact impacts multiple others,” says Michael Curran, founder of The Curran Foundation. “If we feel like these eight children are far better off today than they were before we got there, then that’s everything to us.” Building a Foundation After selling his company at age 47, Curran turned his attention to improving the lives of children and young adults. In 2003, he established The Curran Foundation
Travis Williams & Michael Curran
in North Carolina, focusing its philanthropy on health, education and athletics.
“We were just blown
Curran moved to the Sarasota-Manatee area in 2021 to be closer to family. After several years spent developing the foundation’s local approach, it began actively partnering with nonprofits throughout the region in 2026. At The Florida Center, that support helps children access developmental services that might otherwise be beyond their families’ financial reach.
they had for the children.
“We don’t like to just write checks,” Curran says. “We like to be involved.”
We were just compelled
Miracles in the Making At The Florida Center, the impact of those services can be seen in milestones that once may have seemed unimaginable. Children who have experienced trauma may learn to speak again. Others gain the confidence to stand on a stage, keep up in school or participate in a sport.
away by the impact that
to support in any way that we could.” —TRAVIS WILLIAMS
Williams recalls one child who stopped speaking after violence claimed the lives of family members. With NOVEMBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE
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therapeutic support, the child eventually regained the ability to communicate. “The child was able to have a verbal relationship with their grandmother once again,” Williams says. “It was a life-changing miracle.” Another young girl experienced trauma that affected her motor skills, posture and speech. After working with The Florida Center’s specialists, she progressed to the point where she was able to speak onstage and participate in a public event. “I can see with my own eyes the good that’s happening here,” Williams says. Stories like these reinforce the foundation’s belief in partnering with nonprofits that understand firsthand the people they serve. Rather than creating programs around needs identified from a distance, Curran and Williams seek out organizations already doing meaningful work—and look for ways to help them do more. Opportunity Meets Investment Williams took the lead in developing the relationship with The Florida Center and was immediately struck by the commitment of its staff. “Hearing their passion, it’s infectious,” he says. “I just want to support them any way that we can with our funds.” The foundation is also investing in other local programs that expand opportunities for children. Avenue 941, an after-school tutoring program that partners with area churches to provide academic assistance and a safe place to learn, received funding for its first year at a new Palmetto location. Through a scholarship initiative with Manatee Soccer, the foundation is also helping children connected with local nonprofits participate in year-round club soccer. When evaluating a grant, Curran comes back to one central question: Would this opportunity exist without the foundation’s support? “If we don’t get the grant, are they not going to be able to get something, do something, be better somehow?” he says. “That’s one of our major criteria.” Creating a Local Legacy In its first active year in Sarasota-Manatee, The Curran Foundation established relationships with approximately 13 nonprofit partners and anticipates nearly doubling its local financial commitment in 2027. 50
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The foundation previously built a $35 million aquatic facility that remains a community resource in North Carolina. Curran hopes eventually to create an equally meaningful legacy in Sarasota-Manatee, although the foundation is still listening, learning, and exploring where such an investment could have the greatest impact. “You learn so much in one year,” Williams says. “We’ve already learned a crazy amount. It’s like drinking from a fire hose.” For Curran and Williams, however, success ultimately isn’t measured by the size of a check. It is measured by what becomes possible because that check was written: a child speaking again, succeeding in school, stepping onto a soccer field—or simply having an opportunity that might otherwise have been out of reach. Through partnerships with organizations like The Florida Center, The Curran Foundation is helping turn those possibilities into something much more powerful: potential realized.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about The Florida Center for Early Childhood and its programs, visit TheFloridaCenter.org.
See what generosity can make possible! Join The Curran Foundation in supporting The Florida Center for Early Childhood at its 2026 Wonder Gala on Friday, December 4, 6:30 p.m., at The Ora in Sarasota. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit thefloridacenter.org/wonder.
Legendary by name And now ready to call home.
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Wellness Center Treatment Room
Fitness Center
ARTIST’S RENDERING
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ARTIST’S RENDERING
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The Sports Lounge
ARTIST’S RENDERING
Where Life Extends Beyond the Residence At The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota Bay, exceptional waterfront living extends beyond the home and into The Harbor Club. Featuring more than 20,000 square feet of private resort-inspired amenities, this distinctive residential experience brings together wellness, recreation and social connection, all complemented by the legendary service of The Ritz-Carlton and the beauty of Sarasota Bay.
Grand Waterfront Residences and Penthouses from $4.1 million Contact to Schedule a Private Appointment or Virtual Presentation Presentation Gallery Open Daily TheResidencesSarasotaBay.com | 941-499-8704 | 475 Quay Commons, Sarasota
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota Bay are not owned, developed or sold by Marriott International, Inc. or its affiliates (“Ritz-Carlton”). KT Sarasota South, LLC uses The Ritz-Carlton marks under a license from Ritz-Carlton, which has not confirmed the accuracy of any of the statements or representations made herein. Broker Participation Welcomed and Encouraged. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This project has been filed in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Prices and availability are subject to change at any time without notice. Images are artist’s renderings and may not represent the final building. Furnishings and fixtures are for display purposes and are not included with the residence. Actual improvements, including recreational facilities and amenities, may vary from those shown and views may not be available from all units. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Dressed for the Occasion
Celebrat ing
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Rugs As Art
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6650 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231 941.921.1900 www.rugsasart.com
A TASTE oF SPAIN
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By Hunter Hageman • Photos by Agata Domanska Before Elier Rodriguez imagined a restaurant of his own, he knew what it meant to feed people. Growing up in Cuba, he watched his grandmother cook for roughly 25 workers each day. Her food became the measure against which he would judge his own cooking, even as his career carried him through professional kitchens across the United States. Now, as Alma de España prepares to open in its new Sarasota home, that memory is guiding more than the menu. It is shaping the kind of welcome Rodriguez wants every guest to receive. The restaurant plans to open November 1 at 239 S. Links Ave., the former home of Indigenous. For Alma, occupying this space is an honor: a chance to carry forward Indigenous’s legacy in Sarasota while creating its own expression of Spanish food and hospitality. Sarasota's appreciation for food and the arts first drew him here after a visit with friends. He saw a community eager to explore different cuisines and a place where a restaurant of his own could take root. He also sees something familiar in the character of Alma's new home: the feeling of an older residence, reminiscent of places in Spain and Cuba. His plans bring together a garden, new bar, open kitchen and art, with the hope that an evening at Alma will feel like a small journey.
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Photo by Janet Combs
The destination, however, remains deeply personal. Spanish cooking brought Rodriguez closer to the flavors he remembered from childhood. After developing his command of French cuisine, returning to Spanish traditions also felt like returning home. His career has included Picasso and Le Cirque in Las Vegas, Del Mar in Washington, D.C., and Loquita in Santa Barbara. California's produce left a particular impression; he was struck by the variety and freshness of ingredients available to chefs. That experience continues to influence his menus. Rodriguez wants ingredients at their best, with dishes responding to the seasons rather than remaining fixed throughout the year. He points to pumpkin soup as an example of how the calendar can guide his cooking and is also interested in incorporating more Florida ingredients, including pink shrimp from Key West. The goal is to let Spanish traditions meet the ingredients available to him here. For Rodriguez, careful cooking begins long before a finished plate reaches the dining room. He talks about
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making sauces from scratch and taking the time to caramelize onions and peppers for sofrito. Those steps create the depth of flavor he wants without losing the simplicity he associates with his grandmother's food. Among the dishes he singles out are paella, croquettes and piquillo peppers filled with crab. Carrillada is a particular favorite. Together, they offer different introductions to the Spanish cooking that has become central both to his restaurant and his identity as a chef. Barry Cohen, who serves as a strategic adviser on business issues, sees freshness and an evolving menu as essential to the experience. “Alma intends, and has demonstrated, to uphold the standards that have been set in quality, freshness and innovation,” he says. For Cohen, the new restaurant should carry those standards forward while creating an atmosphere that makes guests feel as though they have arrived in Spain—and a menu that gives them a reason to return. “The menu will be exciting with Elier’s special paella accompanied by a variety of fresh produce,” Cohen says.
Photos by Janet Combs
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Before
Before
cook with care welcome people warmly and always give them a reason to come back to the table. Rodriguez's plans extend that experience well beyond the plate. He envisions color, greenery and artwork working together to give the property a distinctly Spanish feeling. He speaks enthusiastically about the garden and bar, but the open kitchen carries an especially meaningful connection to his past.
His affection for Sarasota has grown through the people who come through his doors. He recalls guests returning from travels in Spain and telling him how much they appreciate his cooking. Their enthusiasm reassures him that food shaped by his own memories and experiences has found an audience here.
At his grandmother's house, the kitchen was a place where conversation happened alongside cooking. At Alma, he wants guests to experience something similar—to see the people preparing their food, say hello and interact with the chef and his team.
When Rodriguez talks about Alma's next chapter, his gratitude reaches beyond the dining room. He credits friends, supporters and his wife, Claudia, with helping him reach this point. He also speaks about the importance of supporting independent restaurants, particularly during the quieter summer months, when local customers can make an enormous difference.
Rodriguez is spending each day at the property during construction, watching the transformation unfold and helping keep the work moving. He wants guests to feel that same personal attention when they arrive, with the open kitchen providing a direct connection to the people preparing their meal. He also hopes to introduce a monthly performance combining Spanish dance and guitar. Like the garden and artwork, it is intended to deepen the experience, giving guests another reason to gather and linger. Families belong in that vision, too. Rodriguez wants parents and children to feel comfortable sharing a meal even as he pursues ambitious cooking. The welcome matters as much as the food, and he doesn't want a sophisticated menu to make the restaurant feel overly formal.
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That support has become the foundation for what comes next. Rodriguez wants Alma de España to become a lasting part of Sarasota's dining life—a place people recognize for its food but remember just as much for how they felt there. As he prepares to welcome guests into Alma's new home, the philosophy remains rooted in the kitchen where his story began: cook with care, welcome people warmly and always give them a reason to come back to the table.
After After
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Around Town
LORRY EIBLE A Passion for Fashion By Sasi Goldstein • Photo by Agata Domanska
Fashion changes. Sarasota changes. Economies rise and fall, hurricanes come and go, and shopping habits evolve almost beyond recognition. Yet for 54 years, one Sarasota institution has managed to do something remarkably difficult: stay fashionable. Since 1972, Foxy Lady has been dressing generations of Sarasota women, and founder Lorry Eible has been there from the beginning. Perhaps it was inevitable. Style, after all, is in her DNA. The granddaughter of famed hairstylist Mr. Nicholas of Fifth Avenue, Eible grew up watching him transform starlets in his chair. He and his work were featured in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and Eible was captivated by the glamour surrounding his world—the beautiful hair, stylish women and, of course, the clothes. Following in her grandfather’s footsteps, Eible became a hairstylist herself. But before long, she knew she wanted something more. “It just wasn’t enough,” she admits. At 26, Eible sold her New Jersey salon and headed south to Sarasota. She arrived in February intending to spend her first several months simply figuring out where—and how—she wanted to live. She didn’t stay idle for long. “By October of that year, I had opened the very first Foxy Lady on Siesta Key,” she says.
The boutique remained in its small, original location for a decade before Eible’s boyfriend at the time encouraged her to think bigger. A much larger Foxy Lady soon opened around the corner, giving Sarasota’s fashion-conscious women more room to explore the latest styles. As Foxy Lady grew, Eible’s son, Bryan, joined her in running the Siesta Key store. When he later decided to move to New Zealand, Eible found herself in need of a partner. Over lunch with longtime Foxy Lady sales associate Lori Ann Steiner, the two began talking about the future of the business—and by the end of the conversation, they had found their answer. Steiner became Eible’s partner, a role she has now held for 19 years. “Now, we do all our buying together,” Eible says. “We’re always working together to think about what the next move should be, whether that’s hiring or merchandising or fashion shows.” Longstanding relationships are what have helped Foxy Lady endure. Some employees have been with the boutique for decades. “Many of the girls working for me have been with us for 25 to 45 years,” Eible says.
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That longevity has created something increasingly rare in retail: genuine relationships between customers and the people helping them dress. Many sales associates have loyal clientele who return again and again, staying in touch so they’re always among the first to know when something new arrives. “When it comes to fashion, they know their clients better than the clients know themselves,” Eible says. That individualized attention, she believes, is what has allowed Foxy Lady to distinguish itself through changing fashions and changing times. “It’s like having a personal shopper,” she says. “Our girls make sure everyone who walks through our door gets personalized attention.” And sometimes that means telling a customer that the dress she loves on the hanger isn’t the dress she should take home. “Our girls understand a person’s body and what complements them,” Eible says. “It’s not what’s on the hanger, but what will look great on you. They specialize in fit and color and know it’s all about having the right lines for the most flattering silhouette.” The selection is equally personal. Foxy Lady carries everything from sportswear to evening gowns, with styles ranging from trendy to traditional and an extensive range of sizes. If a customer needs a size that isn’t available, Eible’s longstanding relationships with designers often allow the boutique to have one made. Alterations are handled on-site by a seamstress who has been with Foxy Lady for more than 20 years. The boutique also offers an extensive selection of shoes, accessories and one-of-a-kind jewelry, making it possible to assemble everything from a single evening look to an entire travel wardrobe.
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“We’re always looking for fabulous new jewelry designers,” Eible says. “It’s all about being unique.” Its gown department has become particularly well known, attracting shoppers from well beyond Sarasota. Over the years, celebrities including Cher and Brooke Shields have shopped there, and more recently, George Clooney’s sisterin-law purchased a bridesmaid gown from the boutique. But fame doesn’t earn anyone more attention than the longtime Sarasota customer who suddenly discovers she has a fashion emergency. “The women who shop in our store are incredibly loyal,” Eible says. “If they need us to open early or stay late for them, we can always accommodate that.” Staying ahead is equally important. Eible and her team preview upcoming collections and receive photographs in advance, allowing them to show customers pieces that haven’t yet arrived. With deliveries sometimes totaling 15 to 20 boxes a day, there is almost always something new waiting to be discovered. After more than half a century in business, Eible knows that longevity doesn’t come from standing still. Fashion changes, customers’ needs change and successful retailers must know when to change with them. For Foxy Lady, that has meant continually evolving while holding tightly to the personal service and relationships on which the boutique was built. “It’s a tricky business, so we have to stay on our toes,” Eible says. “But if you really want to knock ’em dead, we’re the ones who will keep you fashionable year-round.” Perhaps that is the secret to Foxy Lady’s staying power: always looking ahead while never losing sight of what brought customers through the door in the first place. Fifty-four years later, Lorry Eible is still doing what she loves—bringing great fashion, the latest trends, and personal service to generations of Sarasota women.
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JULEVE LARIAT NECKLACE This exclusive Juleve lariat necklace is crafted in 18kt white gold with 14.45 carats of magnificent Burmese rubies. Among its seventeen rubies are two GIAcertified “Pigeon’s Blood” rubies, prized for their exceptionally vivid and coveted red color. An impressive 8.48 carats of pear-shaped and round brilliant diamonds surround the rubies in shimmering halos, illuminating their rich crimson hues. $89,999.00 | Gold & Diamond Source goldanddiamond.com
JACQUELINE KENT CRYSTAL TUMBLER 20 oz tumbler features double-wall insulated stainless steel construction to help maintain beverage temperature, keeping drinks hot or cold for extended periods. $89 | Darci | shopdarci.com 64
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THE BANDOLERO COLOSALES ASHTRAY SET This set features five cedar-aged Colosales cigars in aluminum tubes, a custom Nelson Alfonso ashtray, and a collector’s box. $128 | Corona Cigar Co. | coronacigar.com
SEASONAL SCENTED CANDLES Fill your home with your favorite seasonal aromas with these soy-based, scented candles handpoured locally. Available at the Downtown Sarasota farmer’s market, Phillippi Farmhouse Market, Englewood Farmer’s Market, and the Calusa Brewing monthly night market. Beaver Wicks Candle Co. | www.beaverwicks.com
LET IT PLAY CROSSBODY HANDBAG Flowing piano keys, golden notes, and sparkling stars bring this eyecatching handbag to life. Whether you’re a musician or simply love a bag with personality, this one is ready to steal the show. Foxy Lady | foxyladysarasota.com
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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!
Thanksgiving order deadline: Thursday, November 19 at 5 p.m. Receive a FREE $10 gift card for every $100 worth of gift cards purchased. Offer good Dec. 1st - 31st.
Visit MortonsMarket.com to see our complete menu Serving the Sarasota Area since 1969 Historic Southside Village 1924 South Osprey Avenue ∙ Sarasota (941) 955-9856 ∙ MortonsMarket.com 66
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BLUE SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND RING A striking bypass silhouette defines this 18K yellow gold ring, pairing a blue sapphire with a contrasting diamond. Both gems feature an elegant marquise cut secured within smooth bezel settings that highlight their elongated shapes. $12,500 | McCarver & Moser | mccarvermoser.com
JAPANESE ART KEEPSAKES Divine Felines: The Cat in Japanese Art by Rhiannon Paget, curator of Asian Art at The Ringling, showcases the cat in Japanese art. The striking red ceramic Yunomi teacup showcases the iconic Japanese Lucky Cat, a timeless symbol of luck and prosperity. Book: $19.99 | Tea Cup: $12.95 Ringling Museum | ringling.org
ALEX + SVET | SCULPTURAL STATEMENT NECKLACE A bold statement in wearable art, featuring five textured spheres accented with flowing black cords. Contemporary, artistic, and effortlessly stylish. Available in white or black. $145 | Wearable Art Shop wearableartshop.com
MAHJONG GAME & MAT What’s All the Clattering About? Shelly’s has an array of Mahjong items to make game night a blast. Travel game and mat. Note pads and napkins. Mahjong themed ornaments. Shelly’s Gift & Christmas Boutique | shellysgiftandchristmasboutique.com
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Wearable Art Shop 433 N. Orange Ave. Sarasota, FL 34236 wearableartshop.com 941-487-8564
THE CONAN VASE This handcrafted vase features two perfectly balanced cones, one inverted over the other, creating a dynamic silhouette that is both bold and elegant. Vertical ribs extend seamlessly, bifurcating at the smooth transition between the forms, resulting in a designer piece that feels organic and utterly unique. Available in three colors, eggshell, ochre, prussian blue. $155 | Sarasota Art Museum | sarasotaartmuseum.org
ALEX+SVET
LUUKAA
Ozai N KU
Upscale Women’s Boutique Rosemary District Area
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ANDRÉS MÉNDEZ’S LOUIS V POODLE SCULPTURE An exceptional holiday gift for the discerning collector: Andres Mendez’s Louis V Poodle sculpture blends wit, luxury and contemporary art. Additional statement sculptures are available. Made of resin. $800 | Chasen Galleries chasengalleries.com
GOURMET GIFT BASKETS From small to large gifts within your budget, Morton’s Gourmet Market has many choices. This pictured basket includes top choice filets, silver dollar mushrooms, asparagus, potatoes, Caesar salad ingredients, a bottle of wine and more. Dinner for two: $125 or for four: $210 Morton’s Gourmet Market | mortonsmarket.com
1996 SANTA AND SLEIGH SOUP TUREEN BY FITZ AND FLOYD This highly detailed collectible features Santa Claus playing a stringed instrument inside an ornate, hand-painted ceramic sleigh filled with holiday gifts, pine cones, and festive details The top portion lifts off to reveal a deep tureen base, and it includes a coordinating ceramic ladle where the handle is disguised as a small snowcovered Christmas tree tucked into the back. The Exchange | sarasotawex.com
C. H. MACKELLAR MOONSTONE AUTUS SET A lovely set of three oval Twig bracelets featuring serenely beautiful blue moonstones along with the wonderful sparkle of diamonds. Optional Art 2 | optional-art-2.com
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Kaitlyn Casey in Ratmansky’s Pictures at an Exhibition
Ze Ellis in Ratmansky’s Pictures at an Exhibition
Pictures
By Sasi Goldstein Alexei Ratmansky’s ballets have been performed by some of the world’s leading companies, but this November brings something new: The Sarasota Ballet will perform his acclaimed Pictures at an Exhibition for the first time. Part of Program Two, Ratmansky’s 2014 ballet draws together three distinct artistic voices—Modest Mussorgsky’s celebrated piano suite, the vivid abstractions of Wassily Kandinsky and Ratmansky’s own choreographic imagination.
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Alexei Ratmansky Brings His Acclaimed Vision to The Sarasota Ballet Sierra Abelardo and Ricardo Graziano in Ratmansky’s Pictures at an Exhibition
in
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At its heart is Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, composed in 1874 in memory of his friend, artist Viktor Hartmann. Conceived as a musical journey through an exhibition of Hartmann’s work, the score moves from image to image, connected by recurring “Promenade” passages that suggest the composer himself walking through the gallery. For Ratmansky, the original piano score was essential. “A production like this is typically accompanied by a full orchestra, but Mussorgsky’s music is quite different: only a piano soloist will play. I didn’t want to use the Ravel orchestral arrangement, but instead use the particular sound of only the piano that really captures Mussorgsky’s vision.” “Mussorgsky’s music was composed as a tribute to a late friend, a painter,” Ratmansky explains. “It is a short piece and was very unusual for its time.” The visual inspiration came from an entirely different place—and a deeply personal moment.
Alexei Ratmansky
Years ago, while sitting in a hospital in Denmark waiting for his wife to give birth to their son, Ratmansky found himself staring at a print of Wassily Kandinsky’s Color Study: Squares with Concentric Circles. The image stayed with him. Years later, when creating Pictures at an Exhibition, Kandinsky’s bold colors and geometric forms became part of the ballet’s visual language, with projections derived from his work filling the stage. “Every part of the ballet is a part of myself,” Ratmansky continues. “The painting, the music, the choreography, it is all influenced by my own experiences.” Those experiences span decades and continents. Ratmansky trained in the rigorous tradition of classical ballet before encountering dramatically different approaches to movement as his performing career took him abroad. After dancing in Ukraine, he left in 1992 for Canada. “It was my first experience with the western style of dance,” he says. “It was unlike any of my previous schooling, and it took over a year to relearn everything I thought I already knew.” From there, Ratmansky went to Denmark, where the distinctive dance tradition challenged him to adapt once again. Over the course of his career, he has worked with companies around the world, developing a choreographic voice informed by those varied experiences. Pictures at an Exhibition made its debut at New York City Ballet in 2014. For its Sarasota Ballet Company Premiere, Ratmansky has entrusted the staging to Amir Ramasar, who was a member of the ballet’s original cast. “He knows the ballet from the inside,” Ratmansky explains. “I trust him completely. He is very inspiring and ready for this challenge.” That inside knowledge matters because Pictures at an Exhibition is built around 10 individual dancers rather than a traditional hierarchy of principals and corps de ballet. Each becomes a distinct presence within the work, sometimes emerging individually and elsewhere joining the ensemble. “Every dancer needs to be distinct in how they interpret the piece, allowing their personalities to come forth.
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It’s the balance of these personalities that can absolutely transform a ballet,” Ratmansky says. That is part of what makes bringing the work to Sarasota particularly intriguing. Ratmansky sees every new cast as an opportunity for a ballet to reveal something different. “Every place this ballet has been performed has resulted in a new look and feel. The Sarasota Ballet has an incredibly particular style within the American ballet landscape that fills a very precise niche.” The 10 dancers who perform the work each have opportunities to make an individual impression while also responding to one another with precision. “The dancers have a chance to shine alone, but there are parts where they also must work in unison,” says Ratmansky. That balance can be challenging. Even subtle changes in interpretation, timing or personality can alter the character of the work. “The change can often be quite dramatic.” Fo r R a t m a n s k y, t h a t i s w h e r e choreography becomes an ongoing conversation between creator and dancer. “You always want to help dancers be the best versions of themselves, so when I see that maybe something isn’t quite working the way I thought it would, I can adjust the dancer—but I can also adjust my own choreography.” Dancers can also respond differently in rehearsal and performance. Some
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Marijana Dominis and Andrii Ishchuk in Ratmansky’s Pictures at an Exhibition
may be bold in the studio yet more reserved onstage; others can suddenly find another dimension once the lights go up.
Samuel Gest and Kaitlyn Casey in Ratmansky’s Pictures at an Exhibition
city Ratmansky loves and, today, a reminder of the suffering of its people.
“You have to be a bit of a psychologist and know when to push—and when not,” says Ratmansky.
“I want to remind people that the Ukrainian people, my people, are still suffering and I hope the flag will do just that.”
That spirit of collaboration extends beyond the dancers. The ballet’s visual world is inseparable from its choreography, with Kandinsky-inspired imagery surrounding dancers dressed in costumes by French designer Adeline André.
It is a deeply personal conclusion to a ballet already shaped by memory: Mussorgsky remembering a friend, Kandinsky’s painting recalling a pivotal moment in Ratmansky’s life, and a choreographer drawing upon decades of experience to transform both into movement.
André’s understanding of the moving body was particularly important to the production.
The production demands extraordinary contributions from everyone involved—from the pianist tackling Mussorgsky’s concert-level score to the designers responsible for the projections and costumes and, ultimately, the dancers who give the choreography life.
“She made sure the projections and visuals and the movement of the dancers’ bodies all come together through her costumes,” says Ratmansky. Together, music, movement, color and design create a work that is both abstract and deeply personal. For Ratmansky, however, one moment carries particular resonance. The ballet culminates with Mussorgsky’s monumental The Great Gates of Kiev. As the music plays, the Ukrainian flag is projected onstage—a celebration of an ancient
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For Sarasota audiences, Pictures at an Exhibition offers something more than the arrival of an acclaimed ballet. It is an opportunity to glimpse how one of today’s most influential choreographers thinks—through music, color, movement and the individual artists who bring his vision to life. For more information on Program Two and The Sarasota Ballet season, please visit sarasotaballet.org.
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THEATRE WITH SOUL!
A
CREATED, ADAPTED & DIRECTED BY
NATE JACOBS
CHRISTMAS DEC 2, 2026–JAN 3, 2027
westcoastblacktheatre.org
941-366-1505 1012 N ORANGE AVE SARASOTA
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‘Tis the S eason Sarasota’s social season is here! From elegant galas to festive celebrations, our annual calendar is your guide to the season’s most anticipated events—all supporting the organizations and causes that make our community extraordinary.
S cene S ponsored
NOV. 4
children first Flip Flops + Fashion Sharky’s On The Pier // 11AM childrenfirst.org/event/flip-flops-fashion
NOV. 5
New College Foundation Clambake College Hall Bayfront // 5PM ncf.edu/event/the-47-annual-clambake
NOV. 6
SPARCCle in Paradise Selby Gardens // 6PM sparcc.net/events
NOV. 7
The Bash at the Bishop: A Celestial Affair The Bishop Museum // 5:30 PM bishopscience.org/bash
NOV. 11
The Argus Foundation Lifetime Achievement Awards The Ora // 6PM argusfoundation.org/events
NOV. 12
Child Protection Center Night of Hope & Healing Venice Community Center // 6PM cpcsarasota.org/events/
NOV. 13
Forty Carrots Family Center Wine Women & Shoes Signature Luncheon The Ritz-Carlton // 10AM winewomenandshoes.com/event/fortycarrots/
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NOV. 19
All Star Children’s Foundation Twinkle Ball The Ora // 6PM allstarchildren.org/twinkle-ball-2026
Dec. 2
Tis the season 42 annual Sarasota Opera nd
S cene S ponsored
Poinsietta Luncheon Michael’s On East // 11AM sarasotaopera.org/sarasota-opera-guild
NOV. 7
Dec. 12
smhf rock the roof SMH-Sarasota’s West Parking Garage 7PM // /smhf.org/event/rock-the-roof children first Rockin’ Lobster Sharky’s On The Pier // 6PM childrenfirst.org/event/rockin-lobster Women in Philanthropy Grand Soirée on The Bay Private Home // 6:30PM wipsarasota.com/event/ 2026-grand-soiree-on-the-bay/
NOV. 13 WBBT Gala: Soul Explosion The Ora // 6PM westcoastblacktheatre.org/productions/ wbtts-27th-annual-gala-soul-explosion/ Sarasota Opera Moonlight & Melodies Sarasota Opera House Courtyard // 6:30PM sarasotaopera.org/moonlightandmelodies
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Sarasota Art Museum Art Bash Sarasota Art Museum // 6PM sarasotaartmuseum.org/artbash
Dec. 31
Selby Gardens’ New Year’s Eve Gala Selby Gardens // 7PM selby.org/dsc/dsc-special-events/new-years-eve/
S cene S ponsored
NOV. 14 Big Waters Party In Paradise Bay Preserve at Osprey // 6PM bigwaterslandtrust.org/event/pip-26
Tis the season
NOV. 15 Sarasota orchestra annual brunch Michael’s On East // 10:30AM sarasotaorchestra.org/donate/ special-events/brunch
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Book Lovers Paradise
NOV. 21
bgcsdc Champions for Children The Ora // 6PM bgcsdc.org/event/cfc2026
Dec. 4 The Florida Center Wonder Gala The Ora // 6:30PM thefloridacenter.org/wonder
BOOKS • A R T • G I F T S 941.416.5511
theislandbookshop.com 206 West Miami Avenue
& The Island BookshopToo! 114 Nokomis Avenue South Venice, FL 34285
NEW • PREVIOUSLY LOVED • VINTAGE ANTIQUARIAN & RARE BOOKS
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S cene S ponsored
Jan. 9 smhf hospital gala The Ritz-Carlton // 6PM smhf.org/event/the-hospital-gala
Jan. 30 sarasota opera gala The Ritz-Carlton // 6PM smhf.org/event/the-hospital-gala
Jan. 10
The Perlman Music Program Suncoast 2027 Celebration Dinner Michael’s On East // 6PM secure.qgiv.com/event/2027dinner
Jan. 20
The Sarasota Orchestra’s annual Pops Supper Club The Ora // 6PM sarasotaorchestra.org
Jan. 21
IMPACT100 SRQ Annual Celebration The Ora // 5:30PM impact100srq.org
Jan. 22
Roots & Wings: Sarasota Audubon Society 75th Anniversary Gala Michael’s On East // 7PM sarasotaaudubon.org/gala-75-years 80
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Jan. 23
Mote Marine Black and White Party Mote Science Education Aquarium // 6:30PM mote.org/event/the-black-and-white-party
Jan. 29
YMCA of Southwest Florida Casino Nights: A Night in Monte Carlo The Ora // 6:30PM ymcaswfl.org/upcoming-events
Jan. 30
Catholic Charities Ball 2027 Mote Science Education Aquarium // 6PM catholiccharitiesdov.org/Events-Details/ details/67/Catholic-Charities-Ball-Sarasota
Jan. 30
Sarasota Police Foundation SRQ Blue & White Gala Michael’s On East // 6 PM sarasotapolicefoundation.org/events
Supporting the future of
New College
The New College Foundation connects generous supporters with opportunities that strengthen New College of Florida and empower its students to thrive.
Champion. Give. Refer.
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Feb. 5
Feb. 25
Sunshine from Darkness Inspiring Hope Dinner The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota // 6:30PM sunshinefromdarkness.org/inspiring-hope-dinner
make-a-wish cooking for wishes interactive dinner Circus Arts Conservatory // 6 PM wish.org/sfla/cooking-wishes-0
Feb. 6
Feb. 27
The Haven Sea The Ability Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium // 5:30PM secure.qgiv.com/event/seatheability/
Feb. 20
Lighthouse Vision Loss Center: The Brilliance Ball Lido Beach Resort // 6 PM lighthouseeducationcenter.org
Senior Friendship Centers City of Lights Gala Circus Arts Conservatory // 5PM friendshipcenters.org/col27/ Ringling College of Art + Design Avant-Garde Ringling College of Art + Design // 5:30 PM ringling.edu/about/offices-and-departments/ office-for-advancement/avant-garde/ Florida Cancer Specialists Party Under The Stars 2027 The Ora // 6PM // fcsf.org
A H O L I D AY T R A D I T I O N
D E C E M B E R 5 , 2 0 2 6 - J A N UA RY 2 , 2 0 2 7
T ICK E T S ON S AL E AT S EL BY.O RG
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S cene S ponsored
Feb. 5 Circus Gala Circus Sarasota’s Big Top circusarts.org/performances/gala/
Feb. 6 Selby gardens orchid ball Selby Gardens Downtown Campus // 6PM selby.org/dsc/dsc-special-events/orchidball/
Feb. 17 Moonlight & Melodies Dinner 2 Sarasota Opera House Courtyard // 6:30PM sarasotaopera.org/2026-27-Signature-Events Sarasota art Museum Unconventional Evening Sarasota Art Museum // 6PM sarasotaartmuseum.org/unconventionalevening/
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Dr. Reichbach and his staff have committed to the mission of providing hope to those suffering from pain and mental heal t h illnesses since first opening the Gulf Coast Ketamine Center in 2016. In 2020, the practice began a partnership with Veterans in Pain, a national nonprofit dedicated to solutions for U.S. veterans suffering from physical and emotional chronic pain. Serving as the director of the ketamine division for Veterans in Pain, Dr. Reichbach proudly offers discounted services through Reichbach Center for veterans and their immediate family members.
Experience. Relief. Call (941) 213-4444 or visit
www.findpainrelief.com to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Steven Reichbach 84
SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2026
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Feb. 19 SCF Avenues To The Future SCF Bradenton Campus // 6:30PM scf-foundation.org/avenuestothefuture
Mar. 3 Selby gardens Garden to Plate Dinner Selby Gardens Downtown Campus // 6PM selby.org/events/garden-to-plate-wine-dinner-2/
Mar. 11 SPARCC Fashion Show The Ritz-Carlton // 10AM sparcc.net/sparcc-runway-fashion-show/
Apr. 9 WBTT April Fête The Ora // westcoastblacktheatre.org 941.955.6699 • 1093 Central Ave 941.500.1212 • 5265 University Pkwy
Mar. 4
BGCSDC Youth of the Year Celebration Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club 6PM // bgcsdc.org
Mar. 11 Keiser University Cooking for a Cause Gala Michael’s On East // 5:30PM keiseruniversity.edu/events
Mar. 12
Tidewell Foundation Signature Luncheon The Ritz-Carlton // 11AM support.tidewellfoundation.org/site/ Calendar?id=100161&view=Detail Asolo Repertory Theatre: The Greatest Gala On Earth Under The Big Top at Nathan Benderson Park 6:30PM // asolorep.org/support-the-arts/eventsand-experiences/annual-gala/
Mar. 13
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation 2027 Gala The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort // 5PM performingartsfoundation.org/gala
Mar. 14
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium Farm to Fillet Mote Aquaculture Research Park // 12:30PM mote.org/support/signature-events/farm-to-fillet
Mar. 18
Planned Parenthood of Florida Sarasota Gala The Ora // plannedparenthood.org/plannedparenthood-florida/action/events
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Mar. 25
CPC Blue Ties + Butterflies The Ritz-Carlton // 6PM cpcsarasota.org/events/blue-ties-butterflies
Apr. 1
Artist Concert Series: An Enchanted Garden Gala Laurel Oak Country Club // 5:30 PM artistseriesconcerts.org/events/gala
Apr. 3
Can’t Get Enough of Sarasota Scene?
The Payton Wright Foundation Leaps of Love — Sea of Strength Gala Mote Science Education Aquarium 6PM // paytonwright.org/events
Apr. 24
Neuro Challenge Cause 4 Hope The Ora // 5PM neurochallenge.org/
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Don’t Forget To Follow Us On Social! 9 41. 3 6 5 .1119 • s c e n e s a r a s o t a . c o m 86
SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2026
May 7
SMHF Golf Tournament Laurel Oak Country Club // 8:30AM smhf.org/event/the-golf-tournament Dick Vitale Gala The Ritz-Carlton v.org/event/dick-vitale-gala
S cene S ponsored
Apr. 10 Children First Fairytale Ball Michael’s On East // 6PM childrenfirst.org/event/fairytale-ball/
Apr. 16 Sarasota art museum En Plein Air Wine Dinner Sarasota Art Museum // 6PM sarasotaartmuseum.org/winedinner
Apr. 17 SCF Foundation Evening Under the Stars SCF Venice Campus // 5:30 PM scf-foundation.org/eveningunderthestars/
May 2 the Sarasota Ballet Gala The Sarasota Opera House & The Circus Arts Conservatory sarasotaballet.org/productions/gala_2027 NOVEMBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE
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SARASOTA SCENE | NOVEMBER 2026
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BEST SEATS
November Performing Arts Calendar Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota 941.306.1202 / artistseriesconcerts.org Ehnes Quartet with special guest Jonathan Vinocour, viola November 3 Caroline Campbell – Without a Net November 12 Biribá Union November 17 94 Strings November 22
Asolo Repertory Theatre
941.351.8000 / asolorep.org Singin’ in the Rain November 18 – January 2, 2027
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Booker Visual & Performing Arts Center
941.355.2967 / bookervpa.com A Musical Gathering November 6 Grunge & Graffiti November 13 -14 Namesake November 19 - 20
Choral Artists of Sarasota 941.387.6046 / choralartistssarasota.org Voices: Of The People America’s 250th Year November 6 - 7
Circus Arts Conservatory 941.355.9335 / circusarts.org Air & Ice: Circus & Skating November 21 - 28
ensemblenewSRQ ensrq.org When Words Fail November 2
Florida Studio Theatre
941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org Mainstage: Kimberly Akimbo November 18 – January 3, 2027 Cabaret: American Rebels November 4, – March 21, 2027 Children’s Theatre: Deck the Halls November 28 - December 24
Fogartyville Community Center
941.894.6469 / wslr.org/ fogartyville Very Merry Jerry Day November 1 Joe Crookston November 5 Hiroya Tsukamoto November 6 Sam Morrow Band November 7 The Strangeways November 8 Daniela Soledade & Nate Nahar Trio Present “Girl From Imapenma” November 12 Zachary Bartholomew Trio November 13 The Wandering Hours and Morgan Brake November 14 Tale of Two November 15 Jerry Paxton and Dennis Lichtman November 20
The Johnnie Barker Project November 22 Ariella and Nicolas November 28
Glenridge Performing Arts Center
941.552.5325 / gpactix.com Diego Figueiredo November 8
Island Players
941.778.5755 / theislandplayers.org Silent Sky November 12 – 22
Jazz Club of Sarasota
jazzclubsarasota.org Jazz Jam SRQ November 2, 16 and 30 Michael Ross & Friends November 6 Rafael “Rufos” Silva November 20 Nilson Matta, Brazilian Voyage Quartet November 21 Jazz Education November 9
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Key Chorale
941.921.4845 / keychorale.org Pitch Perfect November 2 Radiance 2.0 — Bradenton November 14 Nowell Nowell November 29
Manatee Performing Arts Center
941.748.5875 / manateeperformingartscenter.com NuJazz Annual Winter Holiday Show November 7 Old Time Sailors November 17
Neel Performing Arts Center 941.752.5252 / scf.edu/neel Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! November 6 - 8 This Murder Was Staged November 13, 14, 20 and 21 Voices of Valor November 14 Luck Be A Lady November 19
The Pops Orchestra 941.926.7677 / thepoporchestra.com Born in the U.S.A. November 14 - 16
The Sarasota Ballet
941.359.0099 / sarasotaballet.org Program Two: Solitaire, Lyric Pieces, Pictures at an Exhibition November 20 - 21
Sarasota Jewish Theatre
941.365.2494 / sarasotajewishtheatre.org I Never Saw Another Butterfly November 18 - 22 Igor Turin | Jewish Theatre of the World at SAM November 30 96
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Sarasota Estate Auction
UPCOMING AUCTION: NOVEMBER 14TH & 15TH
Buying & Estate Gallery Appraisals Auction Selling Services Sales 522 South Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236 941.359.8700 SarasotaEstateAuction@gmail.com AU#4555 |AB#3375 NOVEMBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE
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The Sarasota Players
941.365.2494 / theplayers.org DRACULA adapted by Ren Pearson October 3-25
Sarasota Opera
941.328.1300 / sarasotaopera.org Rootabaga Country November 7 - 8 Hansel and Gretel Through November 14
Sarasota Orchestra
941.953.4252 / sarasotaorchestra.org Chamber Soirees: In the Mix November 15 Masterworks: Beethoven & Prokofiev November 7 - 8
Ringling Museum
941.359.5700 / ringing.org Georgia Heers November 13
Urbanite Theatre
941.321.1397 / urbanitetheatre.org Ahoy-Hoy Through November 29
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
941.263.6799 / vanwezel.org The Phil Collins Story November 5 Neil Berg’s The 70s: Long Live Rock ‘N’ Roll November 12 Blank Space – The Unofficial Taylor Swift Tribute November 13
David Foster & Katharine McPhee November 14 Floyd Nation – Inner Light Tour November 18 Cirque Dreams Holidaze November 21 ROCKYTM in Concert November 22 The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical November 23 Home for the Holidays Starring All-4-One, Sheena Easton, Ruben Studdard, Lindsey Webster November 27 The Bodyguard November 30 - December 2
Venice Performing Arts Center
941.218.3779 / veniceperformingartscenter.com Venice Concert Band November Concert November 9 SIXTIESMANIA: A Journey Through the ’60s November 15 Chris Collins & Boulder Canyon: The John Denver Tribute November 22
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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
Venice Symphony
941.207.8822 The Venice Symphony Big Band: The New Voice of the Great American Songbook November 14 Strauss and Surprises! November 20 - 21
Venice Theatre
941.488.1115 / venicetheatre.org Freaky Friday Through November 22 August: Osage County November 20 - December 13
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
941.366.1505 / westcoastblacktheatre.org Sophisticated Ladies Through November 22
For full list of local events, please visit our online calendar at SCENESARASOTA.COM.
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Meet the Performer
Lindsey Polcyn
Lauded for her rich mezzo timbre and fierce acting prowess, Lindsey Polcyn is “unforgettable” onstage (Sarasota Observer), and a quickly rising star at Sarasota Opera. She makes her debut as a principla artist with Sarasota Opera this fall, singing the role of Gertrud (The Mother) in Hansel and Gretel, onstage October 30 through November 14 this year. Most recently she appeared as Mrs. McLean in Susannah (2026) at Sarasota Opera. She started her journey at Sarasota Opera as an Apprentice Artist in 2024 and returned as an Apprentice Artist in 2025. She was a Studio Artist during the 2026 Winter Festival where she sang the role of Mrs. McClean in Susannah. She additionally has covered tour de force principal roles, such as The Omniscient Seashell in Strauss’s Die Ägyptische Helena (Summerscape Opera at Bard), Azucena in Il Trovatore and Santuzza in Cavalleria Rusticana (Sarasota Opera). She was awarded an Encouragement Award at the Philadelphia District of the Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition, and was named a winner of the Career Bridges Grant Awards. Next year she will make her debut at Virginia Opera, singing Gertrud and The Witch in Hansel and Gretel. She received her master’s in opera at the Boston Conservatory, her bachelor’s degree in both Opera and Musical Theatre at Capital University, and is now based in Philadelphia. 10 0
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A R T S & C U LT U R E AlexArt International
502 Gallery
ART SCENE November Visual Arts Calendar
502 Gallery
941.400.0598 / 502.gallery Gallery 1: Intro–First Look Through November 31 Gallery 2: Keith Losh: Our Echoes Don’t Hear Us Through November 30
AlexArt International Gallery
813.465.1249 / alexartinternational.com Red Dragon by Bill Stone Through November 30
Arts Advocates Gallery
941.356.3088 / artsadvocates.org Member Artist Exhibit: Marie-Louise McHugh November 7 Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage November 16
Art Avenue
440.227.4592 / artavenueflorida.com Salvadori Dali Exhibitions of originals, etchings and lithographs Through May 31, 2027 Peter Max Through May 31, 2027 Natasha Turovsky Through May 31, 2027 Lee Volk Through January 30, 2027 Itzchak Tarkay Through February 28, 2027 Britto Through January 31, 2027
Art Center Sarasota
941.365.2032 / artsarasota.org Karina Yanes Through November 15 St. Pete Ceramics Through November 15 Jorge Blanco Through November 15 Juried Show: Strange Weather Through November 15
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Art Ovation Hotel
Creative Liberties
Art Ovation Hotel Autograph Collection
941.316.0808 / artovationhotel.com William Kelley: A Lifetime of Landscapes Paintings from Around the World November 2, 2026 - May 3, 2027 Lobby Gallery The Dance of Light - A Living Tradition of Representational Art The Miano Academy Biennial Exhibition November 2, 2026 - May 3, 2027 Crescendo Gallery Alek Buzhaker - A Collection of Still Life Paintings: Objects of Affection November 2, 2026 - May 3, 2027 Elevator Lobby Galleries, levels 3-5 Davia Deplanche - Dreaming Realities November 2, 2026 - May 3, 2027 Elevator Lobby Galleries, levels 6-8
Burns Gallery on Central
941.957.6439 / 530burnsgallery.com Check website for current exhibitions.
Chasen Galleries
941.260.5787 / chasengalleries.com Cal Breed: The Art Of Transforming Fire, Light And Nature Into Glass November 1–30
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Clyde Butcher Fine Art Galleries
941.486.0811 / clydebutcher.com Meet Clyde Butcher November 21
Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery + Creative Academy
941.799.6634 / creativeliberties.net “BUY ME!” Exhibition: A Show of Wondrous Art November 6 – December 18 Reception: November 6 Create & Connect (every Tuesday) November 3, 10, 17, 24 Taste of Art at Chaz 51 November 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 24, 26, 27
Harmony Gallery
941.953.4252 / sarasotaorchestra.org/about/ community/harmony-gallery Laurie Maves – Shapes of Resonance November 2 – December 14, 2026 Reception: November 12, 2026
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Herrig Center for the Arts
Herrig Center for the Arts 941.746.2862 / herrigcenter.org The Art of Jake Fernandez Through November 20 New Ground Art Uptown Group Curated Show November 24 – December 30 Together Again Open Juried Show November 24 – December 30
Ligon Fine Art
832.361.0308 / ligonfineart.com Check website or call for current exhibitions
Mara Art Studio + Gallery
941.914.8110 / marastudiogallery.com Check website or call for current exhibitions
Ringling Museum
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
941.366.5731 / selby.org The Orchid Show 2026: Christian Sampson Through December 6
Ringling College of Art + Design Galleries
941.359.7563 / ringling.edu/SCS7 Nancy Hartman: Dreams and Fancies Through December 11 Patricia Thompson Alumni Gallery 10 4
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Ringling Museum
941.359.5700 / ringling.org Andrea Carlson: A Constant Sky Through November 15, 2026 Yoshida Fujio: Secret Gardens Through April 4, 2027 Canvas City: The Materials of the Tented Circus Through January 3, 2027 The Art of Care: Conservation at The Ringling Through January 3, 2027
Vi s i t P a l m A v e n u e S o u t h
SCOTT
SPAHR
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Sarasota Art Museum
State of the Arts
Sarasota Art Museum
941.309.4300 / sarasotaartmuseum.org Presence: The Photography Collection of Judy Glickman Lauder Through April 4, 2027 Chie Fueki: Painting the Floating World Through April 4, 2027 Eszter Sziksz: Seeking, I Don’t Know What I’m Looking For (And I Hope I Never Find It) Through April 4, 2027 Monica Guggisberg and Philip Baldwin: Precession Through Glass Through April 4, 2027
SARTQ
sartq.com / sartqcollective@gmail.com Check website or call for current exhibitions
SPAACES
941.374.3493 / spaaces.art Bedroom Communities: Artists Who Work Without Witnesses Through November 14 Inheritance of Place: Luz Estrella Cruz and Isveydi Moreno November 20 - December 19 10 6
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State of the Arts
941.955.2787 | sarasotafineart.com SELF Expression Through March 2027
Thomsen Fine Art
941.388.7526 / thomsenfineart.com Little Gems November 20 - January 2, 2027
The Venice Museum & Archives 941.486.2487 / venicemuseum.org Venice Turns 100! Through August 2027
Village of the Arts
1312 11 Street W, Bradenton, FL 34205 villageofthearts.com Festival of the Skeletons Artwalk November 6 – 7 Small Business Saturday November 28
Wyland Gallery
941.388.5331 | wylandgalleriesofthefloridakeys.com David Wight November 20–22
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For more than 47 years, SPARCC has been here for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their children. Your support helps ensure we can continue to be here when they need us most.
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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE WITHIN FLORIDA 1-800-435-7352 OR WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION NUMBER CH580
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Largest Selection of Waterproof Flooring in Sarasota/Bradenton Call or Visit Our Website to Request a Free Flooring Estimate 941.315.2988 • yourflooringwarehouse.com 3333 N. Washington Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34234 NOVEMBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE
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Meet the Performer
Kaitlyn Casey
Kaitlyn Casey joined The Sarasota Ballet as a Principal in 2026, bringing experience from both sides of the Atlantic and a love of ballet that began with a childhood trip to the theater. Born in Staten Island, New York, she first explored hip hop before a performance of New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker captured her imagination. Determined to dance on that stage, she auditioned for the School of American Ballet, where she trained before beginning her professional career. In 2015, Casey joined Semperoper Ballet in Dresden, Germany, performing corps de ballet, soloist, and principal roles across its varied repertoire. She returned to the United States in 2023 to join Boston Ballet and was promoted to second soloist the following year. Her lead and featured roles include Sir Frederick Ashton’s Cinderella, George Balanchine’s Apollo, Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker, and Rudolf Nureyev’s Don Quixote. 10 8
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With roots in Balanchine’s style and a particular affection for Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s choreography, Casey welcomes the opportunity to explore more of Ashton’s work in Sarasota. Its challenges offer the kind of artistic fulfillment she values, making the Company’s distinctive repertoire an exciting next chapter in her career. She arrives as the Company celebrates 20 Seasons under Iain Webb. Outside the studio, Casey enjoys photography and spending time with her cat. Sarasota’s quieter pace reminds her of life in Europe, offering a welcome balance as she settles into her new home and gets to know the community. See Kaitlyn in Program Two with The Sarasota Ballet, November 20–21, 2026, at the Sarasota Opera House. For tickets, visit sarasotaballet.org or call 941.359.0099.
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smhf.org | 941.917.1286 A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. (REGISTRATION #CH103)
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