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WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE

A season of music, magic and powerful storytelling MEET DR. DAVIS SCHNEIDERMAN

The curious mind leading RCAD’s next chapter

ORCHIDS, ART & LIGHTS

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Selby Garden’s new season is in full bloom

GENEROSITY THAT ENDURES

Making philanthropy more meaningful—before the year-end rush

scenesarasota.com

People and passions creating lasting impact

OCTOBER 2026 $7.95 U.S.

Fall in Love Your Fall Guide to Festivals, Fairs + Fun

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CONTENTS // FEATURES

30 30 52

57 GIVING EARLY, GIVING SMART

FALL IN LOVE

Community Foundation of Sarasota County

Fall Guide to Festivals & Fairs

By Sasi Goldstein “RHAPSODIES OF RHYTHM”

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe tunes up its 2026-2027 season By Scott Ferguson

66 IN FULL CREATIVE BLOOM

A new season at Selby Gardens brings together orchids, art, poetry and light By Harry Sayer

ON THE COVER

Selby Gardens’ Lights at Spooky Point.

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

Celebrating 54 Years of Fashions You Love

Save the date!

TRUNK SHOW 10AM – 5PM

SIESTA KEY • NOVEMBER 6 • 941.349.6644 | ST. ARMANDS • NOVEMBER 7 • 941.388.5239

CONTENTS \\ DEPARTMENTS

ARTS & CULTURE

PHILANTHROPY

MEET THE PERFORMER

38 SPARCCING AN EVOLUTION

BEST SEATS

By Kaileia Suvannamaccha

ART SCENE

42 A LEGACY IN HARMONY

Casey Murphy

Performing Arts Calendar

82 90

Visual Arts Calendar MEET THE ARTIST Rob Tarbell

Ed and the late Betty Campbell + State College of Florida

By Tom Reese

Betty-Jean Bavar + Sarasota Orchestra

scenesarasota.com

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

Rosemary Eure + SPARCC

62 PASSING THE MUSIC FORWARD

Be Informed Be Entertained Be SCENE

COMMUNITY

By Hunter Hageman

THE LIST

October Events Calendar

AROUND TOWN

Dr. Davis Schneiderman

By Hunter Hageman

ARTIST’S RENDERING

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ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE 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. These materials are not intended to be an offer to sell, or solicitation to buy a unit in the condominium. Such an offering shall only be made pursuant to the prospectus (offering circular) for the condominium, and no statements should be relied upon unless made in the prospectus or in the applicable purchase agreement. In no event shall any solicitation, offer or sale of a unit in the condominium be made in, or to residents of, any state or country in which such activity would be unlawful. Sotheby’s International Realty is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

from the • publisher There’s Something in the Air There is something special about October. Maybe it’s the first hint that the relentless summer heat is loosening its grip. Maybe it’s seeing familiar faces return, calendars filling up and conversations shifting to “What are you going to?” and “Have you gotten your tickets yet?” Whatever it is, you can feel the change. October is when Sarasota comes alive in a different way. The months ahead bring festivals and fairs, art shows and markets, concerts and performances, outdoor celebrations and holiday traditions. There is almost always more happening than anyone could fit into a single weekend. And that is exactly what we celebrate in this issue of Sarasota Scene. This October issue offers a look at the festivals, fairs, markets and seasonal happenings that will carry us through fall and into winter. Some are beloved traditions; others offer something new to discover. Together, they remind us of one of the great pleasures of living here: countless reasons to get out, gather with friends and experience something together. That spirit of discovery extends throughout this issue. At Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, creativity is quite literally in full bloom. This fall brings contemporary artist Christian Sampson’s interplay of orchids, art, color and light, followed by an exploration of Emily Dickinson’s natureinspired poetry at Historic Spanish Point. And, of course, the season wouldn’t be complete without Lights at Spooky Point and the more than two million lights that transform the Downtown Sarasota campus for Lights in Bloom. The performing arts are warming up, too. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe begins its “Rhapsodies of Rhythm” season with Sophisticated Ladies, celebrating the timeless music of Duke Ellington. The season will take audiences from Motown and Shakespeare to the women who defined the music of the 1960s and Stevie Wonder—an ambitious mix reflecting Sarasota’s wonderfully varied cultural landscape. We also introduce you to Davis Schneiderman, the new president of Ringling College of Art and Design. A novelist, multimedia artist, longtime educator and self-described “left-field thinker,” Schneiderman arrived in Sarasota this summer having never visited Florida’s Gulf Coast. He is enthusiastically discovering the community and its creative energy. I love his description of the relationship between Sarasota and the arts as an “ever-widening spiral”: people support the arts, that support creates more art, and the art inspires even greater engagement. That seems to describe Sarasota remarkably well.

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

H JOHN KNOWLES, PUBLISHER john@scenesarasota.com

from the • publisher

P R O P E R T I E S

inc.

Of course, our community isn’t defined only by what we attend. It is also defined by what we support.

LEASING DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES FOR EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE

This month’s philanthropy stories offer beautiful examples. Ed Campbell and his late wife, Betty, began supporting what is now State College of Florida more than four decades ago. Their commitment to music education, scholarships and opportunity created a legacy that continues today. Cassandra Holmes of the SCF Foundation compares their philanthropy to planting a tree whose shade will be enjoyed by generations to come. It’s an image that captures the very best of philanthropy. We find that same desire to pass something meaningful forward in Betty-Jean Bavar, whose love of the Sarasota Orchestra grew from concerts enjoyed with her late husband, David, into years of involvement, board service and philanthropy. Today, she continues their shared commitment, with a particular passion for music education. As Betty beautifully puts it, “I feel our generation has a responsibility to pass forward to the next generation what we were able to experience and learn.” You’ll find that same spirit in Rosemary Eure’s nearly four decades of involvement with Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC). What began with a fundraiser attended with the man who would become her husband grew into a multigenerational family commitment to SPARCC. Her story reminds us that giving isn’t always about writing the biggest check. As Rosemary puts it, “Not everyone can write the check. But we all have a voice.” We also look at how the Community Foundation of Sarasota County is encouraging people to think about philanthropy before the year-end rush—to give not simply out of habit, but with intention. It’s a fitting message as we enter the busiest season of both celebration and giving.

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Perhaps that’s what I love most about this time of year. We go to the festival. We wander through the art show. We meet friends at the market. We buy the theater tickets. We attend the fundraiser. We support the organization whose mission speaks to us. And somewhere along the way, all those individual choices become something larger. They become community. So pull out your calendar, call a few friends and start making plans. Sarasota’s season is just getting started, and there is a lot to look forward to. See you around town!

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SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

H JOHN KNOWLES, PUBLISHER john@scenesarasota.com

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Locally Owned and Operated Since 1957 Vol. 69 No. 10

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 12

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

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SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

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OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

THE LIST October Events Calendar

10/1 - 11/1 The Bay 4th Anniversary Community Celebration

Get ready for a month of memorable experiences to celebrate the fourth anniversary of The Bay with 70+ events. The Bay Park, Sarasota | thebaysarasota.org

2 Downtown Sarasota Main Street Mixer: Season 6 Fresh Friday Kick Off

Enjoy an exciting lineup of local vendors serving up delicious bites, refreshing drinks, unique finds and exciting free giveaways. Main Street, Downtown Sarasota | downtownsarasotadid.com/fresh-fridays

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

3 2026 Suncoast Walks for Wishes

Walk for Wishes is a nationwide Make-A-Wish fundraiser that supports granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota | secure2.wish.org/site/ TR?fr_id=7624&pg=entry

6PM, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2026 SHARKY’S ON THE PIER Tickets and sponsorships available at: childrenfirst.net/sponsorships or scan the QR code:

Third Annual Mighty Banyan Royale

New College of Florida celebrates three years of athletics with a fundraiser full of casino games and fun. New College North Campus | gomightybanyans.com

For more information, please call (941) 953-3877 ext. 1126

LWR Music On Main

Free concert series and block party with local food vendors, beer trucks, sponsor booths, and games and activities for the kids. The Blind Squirell Band performs, and the event benefits the Humane Society of Sarasota County. Lakewood Ranch Main Street | lakewoodranch.com

OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

7, 24, 21, 28 Ranch Nite Wednesdays

Come for the food and drinks, stay for the live music! 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. Every Wednesday, starting October 7 through May 26, 2027. Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place | lakewoodranch.com/life-on-the-ranch/themarket

8 Child Protection Center Celebrity Bartender Challenge

Drink for a cause at CPC’s annual bartender challenge. Event features six local celebrity bartenders divided into four teams competing to be named the Shaker Cup Champions. BrewBurgers Back Porch | cpcsarasota.org/events

9 Movie In The Park

Meet your friends at Waterside Park in LWR for an outdoor, family-friendly movie every 2nd Friday of the Month. This month’s movie is Wicked. Showtimes begin at sunset. Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place | lakewoodranch.com/event

Sights + Sounds at Waterside Place

The Asolo Repertory Theatre’s On Tour Production headlines this month’s showcase with a production of Shakespeare 45. Limited seating is available. Lawn chairs advisable. Lakefront Drive, Waterside Place | lakewoodranch.com/event

The Sisterhood Project USA: Golden Wings Gala

The signature fundraising event will gather community leaders, philanthropists and change-makers for a night of glamor and powerful storytelling. Aleur Event Collective, Sarasota | thesisterhoodprojectusa.org 18

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

November at6:00 6:00p.m. p.m. November 14, 14, 2026 2026 at You’re invited to an unforgettable evening at Bay Preserve Experience the beauty of The Living Landscape as you step into a celebration of Renewal and Resilience. Connect with fellow conservation-minded friends while supporting the conservation of our land and waterways. Secure your sponsorship by contacting Dawn Lansing at d.lansing@bwlt.org or 941.918.2100 Visit bigwaterslandtrust.org/pip26 to purchase tickets. SCAN QR CODE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

BENEFITING

ROB BROWN & ROSEMARY EURE

#1 AUDIENCE FAVORITE, 2025 MODERN WORKS

AHOY -HOY

by Jenny Stafford | directed by Céline Rosenthal

ROLLING WORLD PREMIERE

OCT 30–NOV 29 tickets o

n sale no w!

9–10 Jaguar Festival d’Elegance

Walk through a display of Jaguar automobiles and interact with British car enthusiasts on St. Armands. St. Armand’s Circle | starmandscircleassoc.com

10 LRW 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

11 26th Anniversary Morton’s Firehouse Chili Cook-Off

$5 studen ticketst

VOTED #1

AUDIENCE FAVORITE

2025 MODERN WORKS

tickets on sale now! SUBSCRIBE & SAVE urbanitetheatre.com/ahoy-hoy

(941) 321-1397 | info@urbanitetheatre.com 1487 2 nd St Sarasota FL 34236

#1 AUDIENCE FAVORITE, 2025 MODERN WORKS 20

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

Benefits the Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund. Sample chili from local fire departments, enjoy live music, participate in raffles and more. Morton’s Market | mortonsmarket.com

15 Sertoma Club of Greater Sarasota’s The Sound of Style Gala

This black-tie event features a fashion show and benefits the organization’s programs helping those with hearing loss and communication challenges. St. Regis Longboat Key Resort | sertomasarasota.org/sound-of-style-fashion-show

16 All Faiths Food Bank Autumn Harvest Dinner

Enjoy an exquisite farm-to-table dinner. Funds raised supports crucial produce programs in our community. All Faiths Food Bank | allfathsfoodbank.org/ autumnharvestevent

Elling Eide Center: A Legacy Celebrated, A Future Unveiled

The Elling Eide Center celebrates a decade of operation. Elling Eide Center | ellingoeide.org

16–18 13th Annual Fall Rodeo

Dust off your boots and cowboy hats and come on out for a weekend of bronc riding, barrel racing, bullriding and more. Event for the whole family. Mosaic Arena, Arcadia | arcadiarodeo.com

OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

TRADITIONAL • TRANSITIONAL • CONTEMPORARY

17 Limelight Market

“Exceptional carpets for those who refuse to compromise” 16 SOUTH PALM AVE Downtown Sarasota

(941) 951 - 5454 arttowalkon.com

Shop over 50 indoor and outdoor booths featuring handmade goods, plants, vintage finds, and artisan crafts. Food and live music. The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime | hamletseatery.com

23–24 America Vintage Market

A fun shopping extravaganza where you can find vintage delights from vendors who are passionate pickers, makers, collectors, creators and artisans. Robarts Arena | americanvintagemarkets.com/sarasota

Oct. 25

SCENE SPONSORED

Sarasota Opera Curtain Raiser Dinner

The Sarasota Opera’s season kicks off in style with a night of live performances, exquisite fare and a showcase of the music to come. Sarasota Opera | sarasotaopera.org

25 Luxury Living • 80 Apartments • Three Meals Per Day Includes Utilities, Housekeeping, Transportation, 24-Hour Care Team Recreational Activities • Onsite Therapy • Salon 6: Barber Services

Sarasota’s Boutique Senior Community 5601 N Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34243 Call us today! (941) 355-0303 • www.DeSotoPalms.com ALF# 11835

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

Taste Of The Bay 2026

An outdoor food festival presented by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals showcasing signature dishes from locally owned and operated restaurants. The Bay Park, Sarasota | eatlikealocal.com/ taste-of-the-bay

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2026 | 6:00 PM The Ora, Sarasota

Honoring Louis and Gloria Flanzer THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR Annette J. Hagens Memorial Foundation

SAPPHIRE

DIAMOND Patricia A. Goldwater

Schaeffer Family Charitable Foundation

PLATINUM Drs. Robert & Patricia Gussin

Tom & Debbie Shapiro

The Martella Family Foundation

Michelle & Jonathan Mitchell

Alexandra Armstrong

GOLD

David & Suzanne Arch

EVENT PARTNERS

Keith Monda & Veronica Brady

GALA PATRON Ken & Trish Freeman

MEDIA PARTNERS

Tickets and sponsorships available at bgcsdc.org/events

Dave & Donna Bewley and Jay & Robyn Fergeson

Oct. 30

SCENE SPONSORED

State College of Florida Foundation Annual Scholarship Luncheon

Join donors, community leaders, and student scholarship recipients to celebrate academic achievement and raise support for student scholarships. Michael’s On East | scf-foundation.org/ scholarshipluncheon

31 CLASSICAL

Mote’s Oceanic Evening 2026

Mote’s signature black-tie gala focuses on the organization’s mission to conduct world-class research, conserve natural resources and promote science education with current and prospective supporters. Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) | mote.org/support

WUSF

florida’s classical music station

Reptiday Sarasota

See live animals from around the world, purchase pets and pet products directly from the experts and learn more about reptiles and exotic animals at live seminars and demonstrations. Sahib Shrine Center | reptiday.com

CLASSICAL WSMR 8 9 .1 w s m r. o r g

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

DINNER E V ENTS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2026 | 6:30 PM | COCKTAIL ATTIRE SARASOTA OPERA HOUSE COURTYARD $250 per person | Limited Seating

INTO THE ENCHANTED FOREST WITH HANSEL AND GRETEL A magical evening beneath the open sky, where enchanting live performances bring to life the whimsical world of Hänsel und Gretel. Step into a fairytale forest filled with wonder, as music and storytelling weave a spell of childhood adventure and imagination.

RESERVE TODAY!

(941) 366-8450, Ext. 813 | SARASOTAOPERA.ORG Sarasota Opera House • 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236

OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

UPCOMING sponsored EVENTS Nov. 4 | Children First Flip Flops & Fashion

SAVE THE DATE! Ma,ke your move and join us at the Annual Scholarship Luncheon where

S cholarships C hange F utures in the Game of Life.

FFriday, October 30, 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm Michael’s on East

Tickets and Sponsorships:

941.752.5390 SCF-Foundation.org 26

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Models strut down the sandy runway in the latest fashions at this fun annual luncheon benefitting families in need. Sharky’s On The Pier | childrenfirst.net

Nov. 6 | SPARCCle in Paradise

Enjoy thoroughly curated auction packages, a cocktail reception, a 3-course dinner and live musical entertainment. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens | sparcc.net/events

NOV. 7 | Women in Philanthropy of Sarasota’s Grand Soirée on The Bay

The prestigious event returns to celebrate honorees of upstanding character and charitable action. Private Home | womeninphilanthropyofsarasota.com

NOV. 7 | Children First Rockin’ Lobster

The annual beach party promises plenty of music, libations and lobster as the sun sets over the Venice fishing pier. Sharky’s On The Pier | childrenfirst.net

NOV. 7 | Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s Rock the Roof

This annual dance party on top of the SMHF Sarasota’s west parking garage rocks a “Studio 76” boogie vibe this year and benefits women and children’s services at SMH. SMHF-Sarasota’s West Parking Garage | smhf.org

Brunch

Sunday, November 15, 2026 | 10:30 am Michael’s On East Ballroom / $200 Per Person

SUPPORT MUSIC EDUCATION Enjoy a delicious brunch and a morning of great music! Experience Sarasota Youth Orchestras in action with performances by student ensembles. Additional performances by the John Miller Jazz Ensemble, featuring American Songbook favorites.

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT Individual Title Sponsor:

THANK YOU TO OUR BRUNCH SPONSORS

Community Foundation Title Sponsor:

Family Foundation Title Sponsor:

Media Sponsor:

Betty-Jean Bavar in loving memory of David Bavar Sponsorship opportunities available.

For more information about special events, please contact Director of Donor Engagement, Special Events, India Marie Paul, at 941-487-2737 or email IPaul@SarasotaOrchestra.org.

OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

Catch S a tu rd Boogie F a y, N o e ver 7:00 v e m be –

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TIC KETS AND SPONSORSHIPS

SMHF.ORG/EVENTS HEadliNER SPONSOR

dOuG HOldER FaMily FuNd PROMOtER SPONSOR

JaNicE S. KElly MEMORial FOuNdatiON OPENER SPONSORS

HOLLIDAY GROUP/ SARASOTA ELECTRICAL

ERIC AND DOREEN SPIEGEL

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

SponSorS aS of 8/26/2026

TLG & LSG

UPCOMING sponsored EVENTS NOV. 13 | Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Fall Gala

Features exciting performances from WBTT favorites backed by a live band, a special tribute to the company’s philanthropic honorees, and a special performance created by WBTT founder Nate Jacobs. The Ora | westcoastblacktheatre.org

NOV. 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

11AM, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2026 SHARKY’S ON THE PIER PRESENTING SPONSOR

NOV. 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

NOV. 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

Tickets and sponsorships available at: childrenfirst.net/sponsorships or scan the QR code:

For more information, please call (941) 953-3877 ext. 1126

FOR FULL LIST OF UPCOMING EVENTS please visit scenesarasota.com.

OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

Fall

Festivals & Fun

YOUR GUIDE T O SARASO TA’S MOS T SPOOK TAC UL AR E VE N TS Whether you’re hunting for a haunted trail, picking out a perfect pumpkin, or just searching for something safe and spooky to do with your little monsters, there’s something for everyone this fall season!

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

Oct. 3 Wellen Park Oktoberfest

Oct. 1-31 Lights At Spooky Point Historic Spanish Point is transformed into “Spooky Point” where you can follow an eerily lit path and encounter fantastic creations and bootanically-themed decorations along the way. Selby Gardens Historic Spanish Point | selby.org/ hsp/hsp-special-events/lights-at-spooky-point

This family-friendly event will have a traditional Oktoberfest atmosphere with German dancers, a live polka band, a stein-hoisting competition and of course, plenty of beer, brats and more. Downtown Wellen Park | wellenpark.com/oktoberfest-2025/

6th Annual Taste of North Port Food & Fall Fest This event will feature local vendors, crafts, artisans, local food trucks from North Port and more! Children’s costume parade and contest at 1 p.m. Prizes for top 3. North Port City Hall Center Green | llsnevents.com

Haunted Sarasota Trolley Tour Step aboard the trolley for a thrilling and historical musical journey through Sarasota’s eerie past with Lady Melody & Mystery Spirits. Hear stories about famous murders, visit spirited buildings and explore unsolved crimes during this 75-minute, air-conditioned nighttime tour. Prizes for best costumes so come dressed to kill! discoversarasotatours.com

The BooMobile Hop on board for a fun, family-friendly Halloween party on the trolley! Children and parents are welcome for this 45-minute magical tour as WitchyPOO goes on a delightfully musical hunt for her heart missing Pumpkin all around downtown Sarasota’s historic landmarks. discoversarasotatours.com OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

Oct. 3 - Nov. 1 Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival (Weekends in October) Includes Several fall activities including face and pumpkin painting, costume contests, train and hayrides, petting zoo, carnival games and live performances. Fruitville Grove Farm | fruitvillegrovefarm.com

Oct. 9 Witches Night Out The fourth annual Witches Night Out at the historic Edison Keith Mansion in “spooky” Phillippi Estate Park will feature a live DJ, a photo booth, shopping with unique vendors, a cash bar and plenty of tasty morsels to enjoy. Dress in your best witch or wizard attire for the costume contest. Phillippi Estate Park | sarasotacountyparks.com

Oct. 10-11, 17-18, 24-29 Hunsader Farms and Pumpkin Festival Celebrate fall at Hunsader’s with live music and shows, games, hayrides, petting zoos, train rides, pumpkins and more. Hunsader Farms | hunsaderfarms.com

Oct. 10 Rocktoberfest Three days of free live music, amazing food and refreshing drinks. Sarasota Bayfront | destinationdowntownsarasota. com/rocktoberfest/

Oct. 11 Park-Toberfest at the Bay Celebrate Oktoberfest with traditional German-style games, beer, food and music. The Bay Park, Sarasota | thebaysarasota.org/event/park-toberfest-at-the-bay/

Oktoberfest at NBP: A Day of Oars and Pours Oktoberfest returns to NBP with another day of oars and pours. Enjoy delicious fall foods, music, dancing and, of course, refreshing beers. Nathan Benderson Park | nathanbendersonpark.com

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

Oct. 17

25th Annual Anna Maria Island Bay Festival A free, family-friendly street festival with live music all day, an arts and crafts market, food vendors and a kids’ zone with activities. Pine Avenue, Anna Maria Island | bradentongulfislands.com

Boo! At The Bay Join in the fun of this Fifth Annual Halloween Family and Fan-Favorite event at the Bay which includes a not-so-scary evening filled with trickor-treating, free pumpkin pickings, yard games, a not-really haunted decorate trail, a movie showing of The Nightmare Before Christmas (Singalong version) and more! Common Ground at The Bay Park | thebaysarasota.com

4420 S. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Fl 34231 941.260.8905 Monday - Saturday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

www.shellysgiftandchristmasboutique.com

Sharktoberfest Explore the Aquarium after dark as you stroll through immersive exhibits, encounter sharks, rays, sea turtles, and thousands of other marine animals, and enjoy tastings from local and regional breweries, wineries, distilleries, and other beverage partners Mote SEA | mote.org

OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

Oct. 17-18 St. Armands Fall Fine Art Festival A free, family-friendly art festival with plenty of outdoor galleries showcasing work from artists across Florida and the country. St. Armands Circle | paragonfestivals.com/festival/st-armands-fallfestival-of-the-arts-2026

30th Annual Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival Explore a diverse selection of jewelry, ceramics, photography, clothing and more. Five Points Park | artfestival.com

Oct. 25 Selby Gardens Spooktacular A family-friendly, Halloween inspired event with trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, fun ands educational games as well as more frightening (but not to scary) options for older children. Selby Gardens Downtown Campus | Selby.org 34

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Oct. 27 NBP Trick or Treat on the Lake Enjoy a special evening of trick-or-treating on Regatta Island by the lake. This is a Halloween event designed with the whole family in mind. Nathan Benderson Park | nathanbendersonpark.com

Oct. 29 - Nov. 1 U TC Fall Festival & Carnival Carnival rides, midway games, food trucks and various fall activities headline this annual festival! University Town Center | utcsarasota.com

Oct. 30 BooFest on LWR Main Street Children are invited to trick-or-treat along a festive street filled with local vendor booths and merchants handing out sweet treats. Don’t forget your costume and trickor-treat tote! Main Street, Lakewood Ranch | https://lakewoodranch. com/event/boofest-on-main-street/

Simple. Delicious. Done. Morton’s makes holiday shopping simple with a wonderful array of gift baskets that can be tailored to suit anyone on your gift list. Choose from champagne and caviar, prime steaks, seasonal fruits, decadent chocolates, gourmet goodies and much more. Morton’s gift cards are always in good taste too. Online ordering and delivery services available.

Serving the Sarasota area for over 55 years Historic Southside Village 1924 South Osprey Avenue ∙ Sarasota (941) 955-9856 ∙ MortonsMarket.com OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

Downtown Halloween Strut in Venice All ages are invited to show off their costumes in Downtown Venice for the Halloween Strut! Historic Downtown Venice | visitvenicefl.org

Fright Night on St Armands Circle Oct. 31 Annual Sarasota Dog-A-Ween Costume Contest

Decorate storefronts and frightening characters set the stage wile adults and children trick-or-treat around the circle. St. Armands Circle | starmandscircleassoc.com/events-happenings

Goblins and ghouls, candy corn and cornstalks, doggie costume contests and parades are all part of this holiday celebration! Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market | https:// destinationdowntownsarasota.com/sarasota-doga-ween-costume-contest/

Siesta Key Safe Treats Creep on over to Siesta Key Village for a great family oriented atmosphere with treats for kids at all participating businesses. Look for festive balloons outside businesses for participation. Siesta Key Village & Turtle Beach | my.siestakeychamber. com/events/details/siesta-key-safe-treats-3629

Downtown Sarasota’s Halloween Pub Crawl Pull out your spookiest costumes, grab your ghoulish friends and prepare for a night of haunted fun! It’s Sarasota County’s most frightfully fantastic pub crawl, where the spirits are high and the fun never dies! Bar Vegan | eventbrite.com

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Nov. 6-7 Festival of the Skeletons The Village will be bursting with color, energy and excitement at the 20th Annual Dia De Los Muertos celebration. Village of the Arts | Bradentongulfislands.com

SOUl ExplOSiOn WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE’S 27TH ANNUAL GALA

FRI | NOVEMBER 13, 2026 | 6PM AT THE ORA | 578 MCINTOSH RD, SARASOTA

Enjoy an evening of celebration with WBTT performers, live band and dancing to your favorite hits.

It won’t be a party without

YOU!

For more information contact Debra Flynt-Garrett at 941.404.7755 dfgarrett@westcoastblacktheatre.org OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

SPARCCing an evolution Rosemary Eure on breaking cycles, building independence and creating a family tradition of giving

By Kaileia Suvannamaccha • Photo by Agata Domanska

For nearly half a century, Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) has stood beside survivors of domestic and sexual violence, helping them find safety and rebuild their lives. For 37 of those years, Rosemary Eure has been part of that mission, witnessing firsthand the organization’s evolution and expanding impact throughout Sarasota and the surrounding region. Founded in 1979, SPARCC began with a crisis hotline. In those early days, a volunteer might receive a call, pick up a woman and take her to safety. “But then what do you do and where do they go and how do they not go back to that environment?” Eure says. That question has helped shape SPARCC’s evolution. Today, its free and confidential services extend far beyond emergency shelter, creating a network of support for survivors navigating the many challenges that come after leaving an abusive environment. A 24/7 helpline and crisis intervention provide immediate support, while counseling, safety planning,

legal services, court advocacy, and housing and economic resources address the realities of starting over. SPARCC also works with children and responds to survivors in hospitals, recognizing that the effects of abuse can extend far beyond the moment of crisis. For those who need to hear it, Eure offers a simple reminder: “It’s not your fault. It’s something you can change, and there are people out there to help you make those changes.” From Getting Out to Moving Forward For many survivors, leaving an abusive environment means stepping into another set of uncertainties: Where will they live? How will they earn an income? How will they regain financial independence? Some may never have had a checking account or credit card of their own. Others have been out of the workforce and need help creating a résumé, finding employment or learning to manage their finances independently. SPARCC’s programs address those practical realities alongside the emotional and legal challenges of starting over. OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

“It’s giving women power over their lives, power to help their children, and power to get on their feet.” At the SPARCC Treasure Chest, the organization’s resale boutique, survivors can use vouchers to select clothing and household items as they rebuild their lives. SPARCC continually updates its shelter accommodations with offerings like playground equipment, outdoor furniture, and even a thoughtfully constructed pet kennel, recognizing that a welcoming and safe environment is essential when leaving an abusive home. “For children leaving their homes, a dog or cat can provide a sense of familiarity and security at a time when almost everything else is changing,” Eure says. From crisis intervention to economic empowerment, the goal is ultimately independence. “It’s giving women power over their lives, power to help their children, and power to get on their feet,” Eure says. A Date with Destiny Eure’s own SPARCC story began almost by chance. In 1989, she attended a fundraiser with her then-boyfriend, Rob Brown. There, she met his mother—now Eure’s mother-in-law—who was already a longtime SPARCC advocate through the organization’s Auxiliary Board.

“Now I have two tables of friends and family and the girls all come,” Eure says. “It’s near and dear to all of us.” Beyond Boundaries One lesson Eure has learned over nearly four decades is that domestic and sexual violence rarely conform to stereotypes. Abuse is not confined to one neighborhood, income bracket or type of family. Yet those misconceptions can make it harder to recognize, particularly for people who have grown up around violence, control or unhealthy relationship patterns. Eure understands how easily circumstances can cross socioeconomic boundaries. She studied criminology in college with a minor in social work before becoming a workers’ compensation attorney, a career that has brought her into contact with people from all walks of life—from hospital workers and dishwashers to CEOs. She sees a parallel: Just as anyone can find themselves needing workers’ compensation services, anyone can experience domestic or sexual violence. SPARCC works to break down those misconceptions while helping people recognize unhealthy patterns and understand that abuse occurs more often than many realize.

Thirty-seven years later, the boyfriend became her husband of 35 years, and what began as a date became a multigenerational family commitment.

Changing the Next Generation

Eure has served on SPARCC’s Board of Directors and continues to support the organization through philanthropy, volunteering and community events. Her daughters volunteered while in high school, and nieces and other family members have followed. Some have modeled in SPARCC fashion shows, others have volunteered at the Treasure Chest, and still others have participated in events.

Children who grow up around abuse can come to view controlling or violent behavior as normal. SPARCC educates young people in the community, introducing conversations about behavior, bullying, power and respect. Beginning those discussions early gives children an opportunity to develop healthier ideas about relationships before harmful patterns become ingrained.

For years, Eure’s mother-in-law hosted a large table of friends and family at SPARCC’s fashion show. Now 93 and no longer able to attend because of her health, she has passed the tradition to Rosemary.

SPARCC serves all victims of domestic and sexual violence including men, women and children of all ethnicities, races, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The goal is not only to serve participants in immediate crisis

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

Perhaps some of SPARCC’s most consequential work happens long before someone needs a shelter.

on the helpline or at the shelter, but to also provide wrap around services like one-on-one safety planning, legal representation, therapy, support groups, and other services that provide help, healing and a path forward. “It starts young, and we want to make generational changes,” Eure says. A Tradition of Giving In a community filled with worthy causes, deciding where to give can be difficult. Eure believes Sarasota's generosity is one of its defining characteristics. “Sarasota just is a place that has a lot to give,” she says. “Our people are generous. We’re interested in our community.” Over the years, Eure and her husband have watched SPARCC’s reach extend beyond those who directly use its services. Fundraisers bring together families and businesses. Volunteers give their time. Donors provide resources. Advocates keep conversations about domestic and sexual violence visible. Each contributes differently to an organization that has continued to evolve. For Eure, what began with a date invitation nearly four decades ago has become something much more enduring: a family tradition passed from one generation to another. Her involvement has evolved, too—from attending that first fundraiser in 1989 to serving on the board, supporting the organization and watching her daughters and extended family find their own ways to participate. When the annual fashion show comes around, Eure now fills two tables with those closest to her. And perhaps that is the larger lesson of her 37 years with SPARCC: meaningful support doesn't always look the same. “Not everyone can write the check,” Eure says. “But we all have a voice.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION please visit sparcc.org

LANGUAGE OF LOVE A MEDITATIVE DAY RETREAT featuring special guest Khenpo Tenkyong Join us Sunday, November 8th

RSVP

3501 S Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Florida 34239 ArtAvenueFlorida.com OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

A Legacy in

Harmony Ed and the late Betty Campbell built a legacy of giving that continues to enrich education, music and opportunity at State College of Florida.

By Tom Reese • Photo by Harry Sayer When Ed Campbell and his late wife, Betty, settled in Florida in 1979, they found more than a new home in Venice. They found a community in which they could make a difference. At the time, what is now State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota was preparing to establish its Venice campus. When the new 100-acre campus opened in 1985, Ed saw both its potential and an opportunity to help it grow. “I was really interested in the development because most people in Venice at that time didn’t know anything about State College of Florida, much less that they had a campus within a few miles of downtown,” Ed recalls. He was approached about helping establish a foundation for the Venice campus, with goals that included expanding music education and creating a venue where organizations such as the Venice Symphony could perform in a college setting. For Ed, music made the mission particularly meaningful. Growing up outside Chicago, he began playing piano at age 5. His talent earned him a scholarship to the American Conservatory of Music when he was just 8. 42

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

Later, while attending military school in Tennessee, he would slip into the chapel at night to practice on its grand piano while his classmates slept. Although music never became his profession, he earned national recognition in competitive performances and maintained a lifelong passion for it. That passion would eventually become an important part of the legacy he and Betty created together. After building a successful career as a business owner in the insurance industry, Ed and Betty began considering how they could use their resources to make a lasting difference in their adopted community. “My wife and I sat down one day and began exploring various organizations that we wanted to support financially,” Ed says. “The most important thing to us was finding avenues that would be lasting and continue to grow over many years.” State College of Florida fit that vision. Planting the Seeds As the Venice campus took shape, Ed became a founder of a foundation dedicated to enriching the college experience and creating greater opportunities for

students. That organization eventually merged with its counterpart at the Bradenton campus to become today’s State College of Florida Foundation. Over the decades, the Campbells’ support became particularly intertwined with music education. Their philanthropy helped advance opportunities that included the college’s A.S. Degree in Music Production Technology, while Ed established an endowment to support the program. He also became a founding member of the SCF Music Excellence Sponsorship, which provides scholarships and performance opportunities for talented music students. Participants may have opportunities to perform with ensembles such as the Presidential Jazz Quartet and Presidential String Quartet, programs Ed also helped launch. For Cassandra Holmes, Vice President, Advancement, and Executive Director of the State College of Florida Foundation, the Campbells’ impact brings to mind a familiar saying.

“When I think of Ed and Betty Campbell, I think of the old adage: ‘Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago,’” Holmes says. “I believe this captures the essence of what they have accomplished through their philanthropy.” Their giving, she adds, has done more than address immediate needs. “They have helped plant the seeds for educational opportunity, artistic excellence, and community enrichment that future generations will experience.” Giving—and Celebrating—Together For Ed and Betty, supporting SCF was never limited to writing a check. It became woven into their life together. The couple were founding sponsors of Evening Under the Stars, the annual Venice campus celebration featuring live music and raising funds for student scholarships. Another favorite—especially for Betty—was Party Till the Cows Come Home, a fundraiser held on a working cattle ranch in South Venice. OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

“They have helped plant the seeds for educational opportunity, artistic excellence, and community enrichment that future generations will experience.” — ED CAMPBELL

With hayrides, campfires, live music, dancing and an open-air barbecue, it was considerably more rustic than a traditional philanthropic gala—and Betty loved it. Those memories remain part of Ed’s connection to SCF today. Although Betty is no longer beside him at the events they once attended together, the commitment they made as a couple continues to guide his philanthropy. Now 94, Ed remains engaged with the college and its Foundation. Following significant health challenges earlier this year, he continues working to regain his strength and hopes to attend SCF fundraisers for as long as he is able. And he has made certain that the Campbells’ support will continue even when he can no longer be there. Through a legacy endowment with the SCF Foundation, Ed has provided for future gifts to the college—extending the commitment he and Betty began decades ago far into the future. A Legacy That Keeps Growing Much has changed since the Campbells first became involved. The institution they knew as Manatee Community College eventually became State College of Florida as its academic offerings expanded. Campuses grew, programs evolved, and generations of students passed through its doors. Yet Ed’s belief in the institution—and the people leading it—has remained constant.

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“SCF has consistently had very vocal and passionate people in leadership roles, in particular former President Carol F. Probstfeld and now with President Tommy Gregory,” he says. “It has never been better. The college is outstanding and they’re doing so much more now than they were able to do before.” The numbers help illustrate that growth. Since the college opened its doors, more than 63,000 students have graduated, while students earn more than 10,000 college credits annually—an impact that extends across generations of families throughout the region. But for Ed, there is another measure of progress he can see quite literally. “As the campuses have grown, I’ve gotten to witness trees that were planted decades ago grow into full, beautiful and big trees,” he says. It is an especially fitting image. More than four decades after Ed and Betty Campbell first chose to invest in the promise of a young college campus, the seeds they planted together continue to grow—in its music programs, its scholarships and the opportunities available to students they will never meet. And through the legacy they created together, there will be shade for generations to come.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on State College of Florida Foundation, please visit scf-foundation.org.

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

SPARCCle in Paradise

Enter To Win A Luxury Montana Getaway! Value: $14,900

An Evening of Elegance and Impact.

Friday, November 6, 2026 Marie Selby Botanical Gardens For information or to purchase tickets Visit sparcc.net/events Or call 941-365-0208 x 110 All Proceeds Benefit

TICKETS: $100 EACH • Only 500 Available • Need Not Be Present To Win

PRESENTING SPONSOR Lawrence P. Castellani Family Foundation GOLD SPONSORS • Kimberly L. Tude Thuot & Greg Benedict • Sue & Tom Ghezzi • JoAnn Heffernan Heisen • Georgie Holst-Knudsen • Marlene Houret • Fred Simmons and Dr. Nancy Smith • Kimberley Pelyk • Sue & Charlie Wilson • JoEllen & John McKenzie and E-Dee & Michael Murphy

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GET YOUR TICKETS

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.FLORIDACONSUMERHELP.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION NUMBER CH580

WOMEN IN PHILANTHROPY OF SARASOTA T HE 3 RD ANNUAL

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6:30 PM ELEGANT EVENING COCKTAILS Parking at Marie Selby In a stunning Botanical Gardens. Shuttle waterfront setting service provided.

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HONORING WOME N WHOSE LIVES TRANSFO RMED OUR COMMUNITY “An evening of connection, generosity and impact.” All proceeds benefit Women in Philanthropy of Sarasota and its mission to create meaningful philanthropic impact throughout the community. TICKETS & MORE INFORMATION WWW.WIPSARASOTA.COM Designed by Gloria Newcastle

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

Around Town

Dr. Davis Schneiderman By Hunter Hageman • Photos by Curtis Anderson

Ringling College’s new president, Davis Schneiderman, brings an unconventional creative spirit—and an eagerness to discover Sarasota—to his newest chapter. Dr. Davis Schneiderman has spent his life following curiosity wherever it leads. Before he became a college president, professor, novelist or multimedia artist, he was a 17-year-old culinary student imagining a future in the kitchen. That particular plan didn’t last. The creative instinct behind it did. Schneiderman, who became president of Ringling College of Art and Design in June, has rarely been interested in following the customary path. He describes himself as “a little bit of a left-field thinker”—someone inclined to look beyond the expected answer and wonder what else the pieces might become. Born in Newark, Delaware, and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Schneiderman grew up closely connected to extended family in New York City. A December birthday just before the enrollment cutoff put him in kindergarten at four and out of high school at 17, confronting him early with a rather grown-up question: What did he want to do with his life?

Culinary Institute of America, but eventually realized he wanted to create something that might stay with people in a different way. That realization led him to Penn State, where he became an English major, wrote for the student newspaper and met his future wife, former journalist and actor Kelly Haramis. Graduate study at Binghamton University followed, bringing together writing, scholarship and archives—and allowing Schneiderman, as he puts it, to find a way to “never leave college.” Even as a writer, he wasn’t particularly interested in staying between the lines. His conceptual novel Blank is, quite literally, mostly blank. Chapter titles such as “They Meet” and “They Fall in Love” provide the narrative, leaving readers to imagine much of what happens in between. His scholarship has included extensive work on writer William S. Burroughs and the cut-up method, in which existing language is rearranged to create something new.

At first, the answer was food.

That idea of taking disparate elements and discovering new possibilities among them also shapes the way Schneiderman thinks about leadership.

As a teenager, Schneiderman worked the line at Golden Corral and loved the intensity of the kitchen— everyone moving quickly, each person contributing to the experience of feeding someone. He enrolled at the

He spent 25 years at Lake Forest College, progressing from professor and department chair to associate dean, provost and dean of the faculty, while also serving as founding director of the Krebs Center for the Humanities.

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Somewhere along the way, administration itself became another creative medium. “Being a good administrator is a fundamentally creative practice,” he says. His preferred analogy is DJing: listening for what belongs together, knowing when to create harmony and when to introduce a little surprise, and using the records and resources available to keep everything moving. He takes stewardship seriously but believes a creative institution benefits from equally creative leadership. “Ringling College has got a great groove.” Perhaps that balance comes naturally. Schneiderman’s father began his career as a high school history teacher before becoming a finance executive; his mother has long pursued painting and mosaic art. From them, he says, he inherited “the heart and the head”— the desire to make challenging, beautiful things coupled w i t h t h e p ra c t i c a l judgment required to bring those ideas into the world. At Ringling College, he sees that same combination in students developing their artistic voices while acquiring the professional skills to build lasting careers. Creativity, however, isn’t something Schneiderman confines to an office, classroom or studio. A Ringling colleague recently gave him a studentmade coloring book, a playful invitation to add his own marks to someone else’s work. He sees little distinction between writing a short story and walking across campus, having a conversation or stopping to notice something flowering nearby. Each experience connects him to his surroundings and expands his understanding of creative practice.

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“My world is pretty full,” he says. The opportunity to leave Lake Forest arrived as his family entered a new season. His two daughters had reached college age, and his mother had moved closer to his sister in the Virginia Beach area. Schneiderman valued the life he had built over 25 years, but the timing felt right to consider where his experience—and curiosity— might lead next. Then a recruiter called. “Life is always around the corner,” he says. He had never visited Sarasota or Florida’s Gulf Coast, although his grandparents had lived on the Atlantic side of the state. Ringling’s reputation initially caught his attention; its students, surroundings and relationship with the community ultimately won him over. “It wasn’t on my bingo card,” he says, “but I won bingo at the same time.” Sarasota’s beaches have been a welcome discovery, but it’s the community’s creative energy that seems to have captured his imagination. He talks enthusiastically about the Sarasota Art Museum’s transformation of a historic high school, the campus’s galleries and exhibitions, the College’s lifelong-learning and Town Hall programs, and the seemingly endless ways art finds its way into everyday life here. People support the arts, he observes; that support generates more art, which inspires still greater engagement—an “ever-widening spiral.” He’s exploring beyond the arts as well. Schneiderman and his wife plan to put day-trip destinations into a hat and choose them at random. He loves walking, natural spaces and the kitschy Americana discovered along the road.

And then there is ice cream. Ask him to name the area’s best ice cream shop and you’re unlikely to get a definitive ranking. The best cone, he says, is the one he’s eating now—or the one he’s about to eat. For Schneiderman, the pleasure is in the experience rather than declaring a winner. That openness extends even to one of the most consequential creative tools of the moment: artificial intelligence. Schneiderman explored AI through humanities and ethics initiatives at Lake Forest and prefers asking questions to prescribing a single acceptable way to use it. “Do you use technology, or does technology use you?” he asks. The goal, he believes, is to preserve human agency while thoughtfully confronting the ethical questions that accompany every new tool. As Ringling College approaches its centennial in five short years, Schneiderman describes his own place in its story with characteristic modesty. The campus, its students and the surrounding community create what he calls a “magical stew,” powered by something difficult to define but easy to feel. He’s energized by the opportunity to listen, learn and contribute—and fortunate, he says, to have a small part in stirring it. Schneiderman’s career may have taken him far from the professional kitchen he envisioned at 17, but perhaps the rhythm hasn’t changed all that much: gather distinctive ingredients, trust your senses, keep all the moving parts in conversation and create something worth sharing, while remaining curious about whatever might be waiting around the corner. OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

“Rhapsodies of Rhythm”

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Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe tunes up its 2026-2027 season By Scott Ferguson • Photos by Sorcha Augustine The music of Duke Ellington, Stevie Wonder, and the “girl groups” and solo female singers of the 1960s will take center stage in Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 2026-2027 season. The company is known and loved for its dynamic and soulful shows backed by a live band, and this season is no exception. “With our theme of ‘Rhapsodies of Rhythm,’ I wanted to focus on the beauty and universality of music,” says WBTT Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs. The company will also spread its wings beyond musicals this season, including its very first production of a Shakespeare play, the ethereal comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream; and a gripping two-man historical drama, The Reclamation of Madison Hemings, which will be staged in the intimate Howard J. Millman Black Box Theatre. The Donelly Theatre will host WBTT’s five mainstage offerings of the season, starting with Sophisticated Ladies (Oct. 14-Nov. 22, 2026). In the words of one of Duke Ellington’s most popular compositions, “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” the ensemble cast of 15 singers and dancers will swing indeed.

own kind of moment. There’s a little bit of dialogue to introduce things and tie things together, but it’s really about letting the music speak for itself.” Next up is WBTT’s annual gift to the community — a rotating trio of musicals: Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity, A Motown Christmas and Joyful! Joyful! The latter two were created, adapted, and directed by Nate Jacobs. This year, the seasonal spotlight is on A Motown Christmas (Dec. 2, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027), a high-energy revue with 16 performers that features the music of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Jackson Five, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Aretha Franklin, and many more. The show has become so popular that other theaters have licensed it from WBTT for their own holiday presentations, including Hattiloo Theatre in Memphis, The Ensemble Theatre in Houston, and Karamu House in Cleveland.

Songs include “Sophisticated Lady,” “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” “Take the ‘A’ Train,” “Satin Doll,” and many others. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s Assistant Artistic Director/Education Director Jim Weaver directs the production and is featured in the cast. The revue’s concept is by Donald McKayle. “I just love Duke Ellington’s music. Who doesn’t?” says Weaver. “This show is a celebration of his music. It speaks to a certain era, of course, but it also has a level of excellence and artistry that’s timeless. The lyrics are stories within themselves, and each song has its

OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

Each time the musical is staged in Sarasota, Jacobs changes it up a bit. “I recently heard a song called “Santa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” says Jacobs, “a twist on the James Brown classic, ‘Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag.’ I decided to put it in the show, especially for the kids.”

work, and he said, ‘Promise me the first time you do a Shakespeare play, you’ll let me direct it.’

William Shakespeare’s comedy of magic, mischief and fantasy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Jan. 13-Feb. 21, 2027), is not only Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s first staging of a work by the world-renowned playwright, it also marks the WBTT directorial debut of stage and screen actor Geoffrey Owens (The Pitt, Blue Bloods, The Cosby Show, and many other TV and movie credits). The founder of the Brooklyn Shakespeare Company, Owens is a lifelong afficionado of the Bard of Avon.

“I told Geoffrey it was finally the right time,” says Jacobs. “He came in for live auditions and we received about 200 video auditions. We have a great cast of 18 actors; everyone is so excited that we’re doing this. And I’m thrilled about Geoffrey directing the show because Shakespeare is his thing.”

“Geoffrey was teaching in Sarasota a while back at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training,” Jacobs explains, “and I got to know him. He is a fan of our 54

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Fast-forward to today, with WBTT’s creativity and reputation at a high point.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Executive Director Julie Leach adds, “Our ‘Midsummer’ isn’t set in a particular time or place, but it will have a rich look, with Africaninspired costumes. It’s a classic Shakespearean comedy, but with a unique visual interpretation.”

Beehive: The 60s Musical (March 3-April 11, 2027), created by Larry Gallagher and directed and choreographed by Jim Weaver, traces the journey of six representative female personalities through the 1960s. Along the way, they experience the profound societal and cultural changes that marked that turbulent decade, set to the music of The Shirelles, Dusty Springfield, The Supremes, Leslie Gore, Carole King and Janis Joplin, among many others. “It’s a mixture of all of these different women who were popular in that time period,” says Weaver, “with songs about empowerment, women’s strength, and getting through tough times. “With the sets and costumes, I want to celebrate the style of art that was popular at the time, because it’s so visual — with bright colors, block letters and other elements of 1960s Pop Art.” The mainstage season concludes with Stevie: A Stevie Wonder Revue (April 21-May 30, 2027), created, adapted and directed by Nate Jacobs. From the days of “Little Stevie Wonder” in the early 60s throughout his tremendous growth as a singer-songwriter, Wonder continues to project a positive force with his music, with songs like “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours), and “Isn’t She Lovely.” The show features a 12-person cast, but no one plays Stevie Wonder.

grow creatively and mount both large and small productions of musicals, comedies and dramas. “A good example of WBTT’s variety of offerings is The Reclamation of Madison Hemings in the Howard J. Millman Black Box Theatre (March 11-28, 2027),” says Leach. “Charles Smith wrote the play about Hemings (the son of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings) returning to Monticello after the Civil War to claim part of the estate as his rightful inheritance. Nate plays the second character, Israel Jefferson, a former slave searching for a lost brother. Longtime WBTT Resident Guest Director Chuck Smith (no relation to Charles) will direct the play. “We are known for our musicals,” Leach adds, “so they sometimes overshadow our dramas. But more and more, audience members have seen a dramatic play on our stage and have told us things like, ‘My God, that was so powerful.’ We want to keep presenting these serious and moving stories as well as comedic and musical shows.” For more information about Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe’s 2026-2027 season, subscriptions, and tickets to individual shows and special events, visit WestcoastBlackTheatre.org or call the box office at 941-366-1505.

“It’s thematic, rather than biographical,” says Jacobs, “with musical vignettes that focus on love, reaching ‘higher ground’ in our politics, and other aspects of Stevie’s music.” The show also includes “Sir Duke,” a rollicking salute to Duke Ellington and other creative musicians of the past who have influenced Wonder, bringing the season full circle back to Ellington. Leach says the community’s enthusiasm for WBTT includes financial support as well as accolades. The company’s seven-year, $10 million Solid Gold Campaign, launched in 2024 with the goal of enhancing its facilities, expanding its staff, underwriting its education programs and growing its endowment, has raised over $4 million so far. Since WBTT’s founding in 1999, gifts from generous donors have allowed the company to develop talent, OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

DUKE ELLINGTON’S SOPHISTICATED LADIES DIRECTED BY

JIM WEAVER

OCT 14–NOV 22, 2026 BASED ON THE MUSIC OF DUKE ELLINGTON CONCEPT BY DONALD McKAYLE

westcoastblacktheatre.org

941-366-1505 1012 N ORANGE AVE SARASOTA

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

Giving Early, Giving Smart By Sasi Goldstein The hustle and bustle at the end of the calendar year can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to philanthropy. Phone calls, emails and mailers stack up, and with so many appeals for donations, it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of requests. In fact, according to the marketing agency Nonprofits Source, 30 percent of all charitable giving typically happens in December, with 10 percent occurring during the final three days of the year alone. The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, however, can help donors avoid all that hassle. With its guidance, charitable giving can be thoughtful, intentional and accomplished long before the ball drops on 2027. “We’re a resource for people with questions,” says Jay Young, the Community Foundation’s vice president of philanthropy. “We have the data and the research to help donors make confident decisions that make an impact for everyone involved. We all want to give in a thoughtful way, and taking time earlier in the year to sort through your options helps to make sure that every donation is done with care.” It all begins with listening. The Community Foundation starts by understanding a donor’s passions and what matters most to them. Serving as a bridge between nonprofits and donors, the organization can help connect individuals with organizations with missions that reflect their interests and values.

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like The Giving Partner provide donors transparency about where exactly their gift will end up and how it will be put to use.” Another resource for donors and the community at large is the foundation’s Community Indicators Dashboard, which collects and displays hundreds of data points touching on everything from environmental resilience to mental health and beyond. Examining expectations for kindergarten enrollment in the coming years, for example, may encourage a donor to begin thinking about how best to support early childhood education and to seek out organizations working in that field.

According to Young, once a donor finds the right organization, a single gift can become recurring support and, eventually, a meaningful long-term relationship. “It may start small,” Young says, “but years later, the support will still be impactful.” To help make those connections, the Community Foundation powers The Giving Partner, an online platform featuring hundreds of verified local nonprofits. Whatever your interest—or whoever you hope to help—you can find answers in the database. From healthcare and food insecurity to dachshund rescues, there are countless organizations to discover, including some that may come as a pleasant surprise. The Giving Partner also includes each organization’s financial information and details about its programs, giving potential donors greater insight before making a gift. “We all want to be sure our donations are going to be used responsibly,” says Young. “Platforms

The Community Foundation also offers guidance on charitable giving strategies involving taxes and other financial considerations. Margaret Karakashian, the foundation’s general counsel, says that the foundation works alongside financial professionals, including financial planners and estate attorneys, to give donors a big-picture view of their philanthropic gifts and the benefits they may provide. “Sometimes more complicated giving strategies need a bit of guidance, and we’re here for that,” she says. Karakashian joined the foundation in July. She brings an extensive background in mergers and acquisitions to the technical side of charitable giving. An individual preparing to sell a business, for example, might discover potential tax advantages to incorporating charitable giving into their advance planning—creating benefits for both the donor and the causes they care about. Young emphasizes that donations of every size can be meaningful. He recently worked with a retired teacher who is passionate about education, particularly Head Start and early childhood learning.

“It may start small, but years later, the support will still be impactful.” 58

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“We were able to connect the dots for her, linking her with a brand-new school that desperately needed the help,” says Young, who also emphasizes that gifts can go to multiple organizations working in similar fields: “We can help you take one gift and divide it up over several organizations that speak to you and your interests so that everyone can benefit.” For Young, the Community Foundation’s role is ultimately about helping families and individuals identify what matters most to them. “By the end of the year, everyone is inundated and giving with intention almost becomes an afterthought,” he says. “We want to help you give smarter and with meaning long before you feel the crunch of the holidays.” While the Community Foundation serves donors, it also works to ensure nonprofits have the resources they need. Many nonprofit organizations are founded by people who are passionate about a particular mission who may not yet have the fundraising or operational experience needed to build a sustainable organization. The foundation connects them with resources that strengthen their operations and help them distinguish themselves in a crowded philanthropic landscape. Ultimately, the Community Foundation helps donors understand their charitable giving from every angle while helping nonprofits build the support they need to fulfill their missions. “Everyone, donors and recipients alike, has a different situation, but we want to make giving as easy as possible for all involved,” says Young. “With our expertise and resources, you can be confident that your gift will go far.”

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Designer Floors at Warehouse Prices

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Bringing Decades of Expertise, Curated Luxury, and Custom Comfort to the Gulf Coast GRAND OPENING! New Showroom Offers Custom Custom Comfort, Designed Around You Leather Furnishings, Personalized Design and a Shore House Leather offers an extensive selection of premium Proprietary Platinum Lifetime Warranty leathers, customizable silhouettes, finishes, cushion options, and Sarasota's luxury furniture scene has a new destination for exceptional craftsmanship, personalized design, and enduring comfort. Shore House Leather is celebrating the grand opening of its showroom, introducing Gulf Coast homeowners and design professionals to an elevated collection of custom leather furniture designed around the way people live. Built on the philosophy of “Curated Comfort. Elevated Living. Timeless Style,” Shore House Leather offers an experience that goes well beyond traditional furniture shopping. The showroom brings together premium leather furnishings, customization, expert design guidance, and a team with decades of combined experience in fine furniture and luxury interiors. At the helm is General Manager Tom McKenna, whose career in premium leather furnishings spans decades. His expertise has taken him around the world, including visits to renowned furniture manufacturers in Italy, Norway, Canada, and throughout the United States, as well as distinguished leather tanneries in Italy and Morocco. Store Manager John Silvio brings more than 30 years of experience in the luxury furniture industry. Silvio built his career managing distinguished furniture brands and later owned and operated three furniture showrooms in the Providence area before bringing his extensive design expertise to Southwest Florida. Together, the team brings an uncommon depth of knowledge to every client interaction. Their philosophy is simple: exceptional furniture should be as individual as the people who live with it.

design details. From intimate reading chairs and luxurious recliners to expansive sofas and sectionals designed for gathering, each piece can be thoughtfully tailored to complement a client's home, lifestyle, and personal aesthetic. The showroom experience encourages customers to see, touch, and experience the difference in premium leather and craftsmanship firsthand. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the Shore House Leather experience encourages clients to explore their options, customize details, and discover furniture designed around their vision. The result is an experience that feels less like traditional furniture shopping and more like a personal design journey.

Confidence Built into Every Purchase Quality and craftsmanship are supported by Shore House Leather's Proprietary Platinum Lifetime Warranty. The warranty includes limited lifetime coverage on frame construction, foam, spring suspension & mechanisms. For Shore House Leather, the grand opening represents more than the arrival of a new furniture showroom. It marks the beginning of a destination where West Coast Florida homeowners and design professionals can experience personalized service, exceptional materials, expert guidance, and furniture created with every detail is thoughtfully considered to create a space you'll love for years to come.

Shore House Leather is located at 5251 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231. The showroom is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., with appointments also available.

Curated Comfort. Elevated Living. Timeless Style. 5251 S. Tamiami Tr. Sarasota FL (Halfway between Bee Ridge Rd & SR 72) | 941.271.4742 | www.shorehouseleather.com

PASSING THE MUSIC

F orward Betty-Jean Bavar honors a shared love of the arts by creating opportunities for a new generation

By Hunter Hageman At her first Sarasota Orchestra concert, Betty-Jean Bavar was listening to the music. Her husband, David, had noticed the cookies. The couple had followed a friend’s recommendation to try Great Escapes, a concert series whose mix of light classical favorites and popular music sounded like an enjoyable evening. From their balcony seats in Holley Hall, they could see audience members below sitting at tables, enjoying sugar cookies as the musicians played. David knew where he wanted to sit next time. The following year, the Bavars moved downstairs. “We got downstairs, and we had our cookies,” BettyJean recalls. It is an affectionate memory of the evenings they shared—and the beginning of a relationship with Sarasota Orchestra that deepened over the years. Today, BettyJean serves on its board and supports the musical

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experiences she believes every generation should have the opportunity to enjoy. Her philanthropy also carries forward a commitment she and David made together: to give back to the cultural organizations that enriched their lives. Giving Back to What They Loved Betty-Jean has been coming to the Sarasota area for about 30 years, and its remarkable concentration of cultural offerings helped persuade the couple to buy a home here. They could spend an evening at the theater, attend a lecture, hear the Orchestra or enjoy the ballet—all within a community where those experiences were readily accessible. For someone familiar with Baltimore and other major cities, that convenience was part of Sarasota’s appeal. Even seasonal traffic, she suggests, deserves a little perspective compared with what it can take to reach cultural attractions elsewhere.

Betty-Jean Bavar stands for a moment of recognition as a sponsor of Sarasota Orchestra’s Brunch, an annual benefit supporting the Orchestra’s youth education programs. PHOTO BY HARRY SAYER

“If you enjoy the arts, it’s right at your doorstep,” she says. As attending performances became part of their life here, giving followed naturally. Betty-Jean and David understood that the cultural experiences they enjoyed depended upon philanthropic support, and they felt fortunate to be able to contribute. They supported the Orchestra as well as other organizations that interested them, including theater and the speaker series. “All of these wonderful activities have to be paid for,” Betty-Jean says.

Following David’s death, Betty-Jean felt strongly about continuing to support the interests they had shared. “I felt it was my job to continue contributing to the different things that had meaning for us,” she says. One particularly meaningful expression of that commitment is her sponsorship of the Orchestra’s annual education brunch in David’s memory. As its individual title sponsor, Betty-Jean supports an event that directly benefits the Orchestra’s education programs—helping extend their shared love of music to a new generation.

Over time, personal relationships strengthened that commitment. Betty-Jean came to know members of the Orchestra’s development team, Senior Director of Donor Engagement Jocelyn Udell and President and CEO Joseph McKenna. She was impressed by the people behind the organization, as well as its vision for the future, including plans for a new Music Center.

The Opportunity to Discover Music

Just as important was the sense of welcome she found there. Betty-Jean describes musicians and staff as friendly, kind and positive—qualities that mattered to someone whose relationship with the Orchestra began simply as an audience member accepting a friend’s invitation.

Those experiences stayed with her.

Betty-Jean’s own appreciation for music began early. As a child, she remembers hearing her father listen to opera broadcasts on Saturday afternoons. Later, a teacher she remembers as Mr. Wexler introduced his students to classical music and Broadway, including The Music Man.

Betty-Jean remembers having music education throughout junior high and high school and wants today’s children to have similar opportunities to discover the arts. OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

“Arts education is important to children to give them a well-rounded approach to life.” — BETTY-JEA N BAVA R

“Arts education is important to children to give them a well-rounded approach to life,” she says. Recently, she saw that philosophy come alive onstage. Fellow Orchestra board member Kim Morey Wheeler brought a group to a concert where advanced youth musicians performed alongside professional players, with Music Director Giancarlo Guerrero conducting. Betty-Jean was struck by the sight of students seated beside accomplished musicians and by Guerrero’s involvement with the young performers. She describes the experience as magnificent. It was exactly the kind of opportunity she believes arts education can provide: young people not simply listening to music but learning from professionals and experiencing the exhilaration of creating it themselves. Her own appreciation continues to deepen as well. At concerts, Betty-Jean finds herself able to relax and listen more intently. Guerrero’s introductions provide a way into each piece, while his enthusiasm carries through the performance. “I’ve never appreciated classical music as much as I appreciate it now,” she says. A Hall for the Region That enthusiasm extends to the Orchestra’s planned Music Center. Betty-Jean looks forward to a concert hall designed specifically for live orchestral music, but she is equally interested in what the project could mean for the wider community. “This concert hall is for the region,” she says.

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Plans include a concert hall, flexible performance space, and rehearsal and practice rooms that can serve education programs and community arts organizations. For Betty-Jean, those educational possibilities are central to the project’s promise. She sees a natural relationship between Sarasota’s cultural institutions and the people who embrace them. The arts draw people to the region; those people, in turn, support the organizations that make those experiences possible. Her own story follows that circle almost perfectly—from a friend’s invitation and a Great Escapes concert to years of attendance, board service and philanthropy. What Betty-Jean ultimately hopes to preserve is something both simple and profound: the opportunity to discover music, to be moved by it and to make it part of one’s life. And for those fortunate enough to have had that opportunity, she believes there is a responsibility to make it possible for someone else. “I feel our generation has a responsibility to pass forward to the next generation what we were able to experience and learn,” Betty-Jean says. “And they then have the same responsibility.” For Betty-Jean, that is how a love of music becomes a legacy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on Sarasota Orchestra, please visit sarasotaorchestra.org

Curtain Raiser

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2026 | 6:00 PM | COCKTAIL ATTIRE MICHAEL’S ON EAST | THE DINING ROOM | 1212 S. EAST AVENUE $250 per person | Limited Seating Kick off the season in grand style at Curtain Raiser, an elegant evening celebrating the opening of Sarasota Opera’s new season. This festive gathering sets the stage for a year of extraordinary music, artistry, and unforgettable performances. Guests will enjoy captivating live entertainment, exquisite cuisine, and fine wines while mingling with fellow opera enthusiasts, artists, and supporters in a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere.

RESERVE TODAY!

(941) 366-8450, Ext. 813 SARASOTAOPERA.ORG Sarasota Opera House • 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236

OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

In Full

Blo A new season at Selby Gardens brings together orchids, art, poetry and light. By Harry Sayer

There’s rarely a quiet moment at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

As one exhibition opens, another is being finalized—and others are already taking shape years down the road. For President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki, creating a season that brings together art and nature means simultaneously planning, designing and overseeing exhibitions across Selby Gardens’ two campuses.

Visitors may experience those exhibitions one at a time, but behind the scenes, the creative process is anything but sequential. “It makes for a dynamic day to day,” Rominiecki says. “We’re now always working on multiple exhibit projects at once with the goal of trying to be at least three years ahead. I think it keeps our team creative because we’re always in a creative mode, we’re always envisioning and dreaming.”

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

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oom OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

The Orchid Show 2026 - Christian Sampson - Photos by Kyle Knodell

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“I love when I get my last walk-through,” she says. “It’s really exciting to see it all come together after being privy to the planning and all the work that’s happened years in advance.”

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This fall, visitors will begin seeing the results, with a season that moves from contemporary art and orchids to poetry, Halloween enchantment and millions of holiday lights.

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Patti Smith

“In two of the negative areas in between the sections of a panel, we might have plants suspended,” Berry explains. “In effect, two then makes four because of the reflective quality of it. But, of course, as you’re moving around the thing, two of them disappear and reappear.” That interplay among plants, artwork, light and viewer has been carefully orchestrated. The Selby team even joined Sampson in studying how sunlight moves through different areas of the Gardens before finalizing installation plans. “It’s going to be incredibly dynamic and very different,” Berry says. The Orchid Show 2026: Christian Sampson runs October 10 through December 6. New Feet Within My Garden Go: The Poetry of Emily Dickinson At Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus, nature will find another artistic partner—poetry.

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

Opening November 21, New Feet Within My Garden Go: The Poetry of Emily Dickinson continues the campus’ literary theme by exploring the celebrated poet’s fascination with the natural world. Nature-inspired poems by Dickinson will be presented throughout the landscape alongside illustrations by artist Abby Wright and photographs from Dickinson’s herbarium. Adding another dimension, Selby Gardens artist-in-residence Patti Smith will provide narration of the poetry. “We’re excited to highlight Emily Dickinson’s poetry at the Historic Spanish Point campus, both her words and through a series of vignettes that our team will create,” Rominiecki says. “We’re excited that this is another collaboration with our artist in residence Patti Smith.” The exhibition continues through August 30, 2027.

Selby Gardens - New Feet Within My Garden Go - The Poetry of Emily Dickinson Illustration by Abby Wright

OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

A Little Halloween Magic Before Dickinson arrives, Historic Spanish Point will take on an entirely different personality. Lights at Spooky Point, the family-friendly Halloween experience inspired by Selby Gardens’ popular Lights in Bloom, returns October 3 with a collection of spooky—but not too spooky— illuminated vignettes throughout the historic waterfront campus. “It’s a really dynamic experience to see the Spanish Point canvas all lit up,” Rominiecki says. Lights at Spooky Point continues through November 1. A Sarasota Holiday Tradition Then comes the glow of the holidays.

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

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Gallery Sales Beginning December 5, Lights in Bloom returns to the Downtown Sarasota campus, transforming the tropical landscape with more than two million lights. “It’s such a beloved tradition,” Rominiecki says. The monthlong celebration carries Selby Gardens from one season into the next, running through January 2. And for the team behind it all, there is little time to stand still. Even as visitors wander through orchids, poetry, Halloween scenes and holiday lights, Rominiecki and her team will already be imagining what comes next. They are, after all, always in full creative bloom. For more information on Selby Gardens and its upcoming events, please visit selby.org. 522 South Pineapple Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236

941.359.8700 SarasotaEstateAuction@gmail.com AU#4555 |AB#3375

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SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

Photo byShyla Rose Photography

Meet the Artist Casey Murphy (Alexander Graham Bell) is thrilled to be back on stage at Urbanite Theatre again after previously appearing in Spaceman and The Feast, as well as four different Modern Works Festivals (AhoyHoy, A Nice Motherly Person, Therapy, and Testing Gold). Currently based in Sarasota, Casey has also worked regionally and in New York, where he spent 15 years. His local credits include Asolo Repertory Theatre (Lady Disdain World Premiere), Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (A Soldier’s Play), Florida Studio Theatre, and the Hermitage. Other theatres include Prague Shakespeare Company, Magic Theatre, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Colorado New Play Fes tival, Marin Shakespeare Company, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Bigfork Summer Playhouse, Cohoes Music Hall, and the Michigan Shakespeare Festival. Casey is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan. Learn more at his website, www.CaseyMMurphy.com, or follow his Instagram, @case.murphy.

Casey Murphy OCTOBER OCTOBER 2026 2026 || SARASOTA SARASOTA SCENE SCENE

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BEST SEATS October Performing Arts Calendar

Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota 941.306.1202 / artistseriesconcerts.org Trio SinfoniaSunday Performance October 11-12 Synchrony Quartet October 11

Booker Visual & Performing Arts Center

941.355.2967 / bookervpa.com Once Upon a One More Time October 15 - 18 Carn-evil October 30 - November 1

Florida Studio Theatre 76

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

Jazz Club of Sarasota

ensemblenewSRQ ensrq.org Roomfull of Teeth October 5

Florida Studio Theatre

941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org Sailing: Yacht Rock And Beyond (Cabaret) October 1-31 Pinocchio (Children’s Theatre) October 1-18 Murder, She Improvised (Improv) October 3-31 We’re Doomed! (Improv) October 31

Jazz Club of Sarasota jazzclubsarasota.org Jazz Jam SRQ October 5 & 19 Carl Fischer - MNJC October 5 Jazz at SAM October 8 Take 6 October 17 Rebecca Richards October 19 Jazz Education October 26

OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

Lemon Bay Playhouse

941.475.6756 / lemonbayplayhouse.com Bell, Book, and Candle October 14 - November 1

Manatee Performing Arts Center

941.748.5875 / manateeperformingartscenter.com 2026 One-Act Play Festival October 2-4 Carrie October 15 – November 1 Dear Evan Hansen October 23 – November 1 Almighty Queen October 27

Neel Performing Arts Center 941.752.5252 / scf.edu/neel Fall Festival of Music October 8 Echoes of America October 22

The Pops Orchestra

941.926.7677 / thepoporchestra.com Groovin’ In The Gardens October 18 Hocus Pocus Pops II October 30

Rise Above Performing Arts

941.702.4747 / riseabovearts.com Carrie October 8-11 & 15-18

Sarasota Contemporary Dance

941.260.8485 / sarasotacontemporarydance.org The Barker Project + SCD October 2-3

The Sarasota Players

941.365.2494 / theplayers.org DRACULA adapted by Ren Pearson October 3-25 78

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

Ringling Museum

941.359.5700 / ringing.org Night of Wonder October 16 Compagnie Leïla Ka October 28 - 30

The Sarasota Ballet

941.359.0099 / sarasotaballet.org Program One: Manner, Divertissements, Wolfgang for Webb October 23 - 25

Sarasota Cuban Ballet

941.312.7700 / srqcubanballet.org Dracula October 30 - November 1

Sarasota Jewish Theater 941.365.2494 / sarasotajewishtheater.org Kaddish for the Barrio October 7-11

The Barker Project + SCD

Quick Lunch Specials

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Quick Pad Thai Lunch Sexy Man Roll Specials S E A F O O D T H A I C U R R Y • PA D T H A I • Lobster Roll SEXY MAN ROLL • LO BSTER ROLL Lunch & Sun-Thurs 11-10 • Fri & Sat 11- Midnight Dinner Dine In • Take Out • Delivery • Catering

941.955.8404 • 1572 Main St., Sarasota www.DrunkenPoetCafeSRQ.com

Sarasota Opera

941.328.1300 / sarasotaopera.org Pretty Woman (1990) October 2 Opera at The Bay: Il trovatore October 3 Rigoletto - Opera Film October 4 Hansel and Gretel October 30 - November 14 Sarasota Opera

OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

Sarasota Orchestra

941.953.4252 / sarasotaorchestra.org DISCOVERIES: Classical Music Humor October 3 SPECIAL CONCERTS: Family Concerts Van Wezel October 9 GREAT ESCAPES: Planes, Trains, & Automobiles October 14-17 POPS: Star Wars: Return of the Jedi October 23-24 Chamber Soirees: Adagio for Strings October 29

Urbanite Theatre

941.321.1397 / urbanitetheatre.org Ahoy-Hoy October 30 - November 29

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

941.263.6799 / vanwezel.org Golden Groovers: The Music of Elton John October 1, 8 Boz Scaggs Rhythm Review 2026 October 11 Golden Groovers: The Music of The Eagles October 15 Free - All Abilities Dance Workshop: Jazz October 16 Rumours of Fleetwood Mac October 17

The Concert: A Tribute to Abba October 18 Behind The Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage October 19 Golden Groovers: The Music of Stevie Wonder October 22 The Vampire Circus October 25 Golden Groovers: The Music of The Bee Gees October 29 Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue October 31

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

Venice Performing Arts Center

941.218.3779 / veniceperformingartscenter.com Be The Light Tour Starring Eririnn Abu October 17

Venice Symphony

941.207.8822 A Ghoulish Gathering October 9-10

Venice Theatre

941.488.1115 / venicetheatre.org Four Old Broads September 18 - October 11 Blood Relations October 9 - November 1 Freaky Friday October 30 - November 22

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

941.366.1505 / westcoastblacktheatre.org Sophisticated Ladies October 14 - November 22

For full list of local events, please visit our online calendar at SCENESARASOTA.COM. OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

Andrés Mendez

A R T S & C U LT U R E AlexArt International

ART SCENE October Visual Arts Calendar

502 Gallery

941.400.0598 / 502.gallery Group Exhibition Through October 31 Rob Tarbell: Illuminations October 3 - 31

AlexArt International Gallery

813.465.1249 / alexartinternational.com Melody by Alexa Scanziani Through October 31

Arts Advocates Gallery

941.356.3088 / artsadvocates.org Member Artist Exhibit: WHY AI? The Digital Paintings of Elisabeth Trostli October 3 Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage October 19

Art Avenue

440.227.4592 / artavenueflorida.com Salvadori Dali Exhibitions of originals, etchings and lithographs October 1, 2026 - May 31, 2027 Peter Max October 1, 2026 - May 31, 2027 Natasha Turovsky October 1, 2026 - May 31, 2027 Lee Volk October 1, 2026 - January 30, 2027 Itzchak Tarkay October 1, 2026 - February 28, 2027 Britto October 1, 2026 - January 31, 2027

Art Center Sarasota

941.365.2032 / artsarasota.org Karina Yanes October 8 - November 15 St. Pete Ceramics October 8 - November 15 Jorge Blanco October 8 - November 15 Juried Show: Strange Weather October 8 - November 15

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

Clyde Butcher

Herrig Center for the Arts

Art Ovation Hotel Autograph Collection

941.316.0808 / artovationhotel.com Pascal Benichou Places and Landscapes Through October 26 Lobby Gallery Mara Art Studio + Gallery Echoes of Yesterday Through October 26 Crescendo Gallery Jonathan Herbert Liminal Alchemy Through October 26 Elevator Lobby Galleries, levels 3-5 Richard Shaffett Gulfstream Dreams Through October 26 Elevator Lobby Galleries, levels 6-8

Burns Gallery on Central

941.957.6439 / 530burnsgallery.com Check website for current exhibitions.

Chasen Gallery

941.260.5787 / chasengalleries.com Andrés Mendez October 1–31 84

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Clyde Butcher Fine Art Galleries

941.486.0811 / clydebutcher.com America The Beautiful Lecture at Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden October 8 S.W.A.M.P. Wander at Big Cypress Gallery October 24

Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery + Creative Academy

941.799.6634 / creativeliberties.net Create & Connect (every Tuesday) October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Taste of Art at Chaz 51 October 6,8,9, 13, 15, 16, 20, 22, 23, 27, 29, 30

Harmony Gallery

941.953.4252 / sarasotaorchestra.org/about/ community/harmony-gallery Voices of Color: Alicia Brown, Greg Cruz, and Ronnique Hawkins Through October 30

meet the experts

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Herrig Center for the Arts

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 86

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

Mara Art Studio + Gallery

Herrig Center for the Arts 941.746.2862 / herrigcenter.org Florida Watercolor Society Exhibition Through October 9 The Art of Jake Fernandez October 13 - November 20

Ligon Fine Art

832.361.0308 / ligonfineart.com Current Exhibit October 1-31

Mara Art Studio + Gallery 941.914.8110 / marastudiogallery.com Echoes of Yesterday Exhibit October 1-31

Ringling Museum

Ringling College of Art + Design Galleries

941.359.7563 / ringling.edu/SCS7 Sorrows Through October 9 Nancy Hartman: Dreams and Fancies Through December 11

Ringling Museum

941.359.5700 / ringling.org Andrea Carlson: A Constant Sky Through November 15 Yoshida Fujio: Secret Gardens Through April 4, 2027 Marie Selby Botanical Canvas City: The Materials of the Gardens Tented Circus 941.366.5731 / selby.org Through January 3, 2027 The Orchid Show 2026: The Art of Care: Christian Sampson 941.955.6699 • 1093Conservation Central Ave at The Ringling October 10 – December 6 Through January 3, 2027 941.500.1212 • 5265 University Pkwy

OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

Sarasota Art Museum State of the Arts

Sarasota Art Museum

941.309.4300 / sarasotaartmuseum.org Beautiful Ideas: The Prints of Sol LeWitt Through October 25 Presence: The Photography Collection of Judy Glickman Lauder October 18, 2026 – April 4, 2027 Chie Fueki: Painting the Floating World October 18, 2026 – April 4, 2027 Eszter Sziksz: Seeking, I Don’t Know What I’m Looking For (And I Hope I Never Find It) October 18, 2026 – April 4, 2027

SARTQ

sartq.com / sartqcollective@gmail.com Check website or call for current exhibitions

The Venice Museum & Archives 941.486.2487 / venicemuseum.org Venice Turns 100! Through August 2027

Village of the Arts

941.374.3493 / spaaces.art Bedroom Communities: Artists Who Work Without Witnesses October 9 – November 14

State of the Arts

Wyland Gallery

941.955.2787 | sarasotafineart.com SELF Expression Through March 2027 SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

941.388.7526 / thomsenfineart.com Check website or call for current exhibitions

1312 11 Street W, Bradenton, FL 34205 villageofthearts.com VOTA Rocks Artwalk October 2 – 3 Community Plant Swap October 24, 2026

SPAACES

Thomsen Fine Art

941.388.5331 | wylandgalleriesofthefloridakeys.com Walfrido Garcia October 28–31

Vi s i t P a l m A v e n u e S o u t h

SCOTT

SPAHR

OCTOBER 2026 | SARASOTA SCENE

Meet the Artist

rob tarbell Throughout the month of October, Sarasota artist Rob Tarbell will be featured in two exhibitions that offer different perspectives on his distinctive approach to contemporary art. At 502 Gallery, Tarbell will be featured in Rob Tarbell: Illuminations, opening in October as part of the gallery’s 2026–27 exhibition season. Known for presenting the work of local and regional artists alongside established figures, 502 Gallery provides an intimate setting for Tarbell’s work and places his practice within the broader creative landscape of contemporary Sarasota. At the Richard and Barbara Basch Gallery at Ringling College of Art and Design, Tarbell’s work will be encountered in a very different context—one that connects contemporary artistic practice with the college’s longstanding commitment to presenting ambitious exhibitions by artists working across disciplines and generations. Together, the two presentations underscore the breadth of Sarasota’s artistic ecosystem: from an intimate independent gallery in Burns Court to a major exhibition space on a nationally recognized art and design campus. For Tarbell, the opportunity to exhibit in both settings reflects not only the continuing evolution of his practice, but also his place within a community that has long supported experimentation, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. For more information, please visit: www.502.gallery and www. ringlingcollege.gallery

SARASOTA SCENE | OCTOBER 2026

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St. Regis Longboat Key | A4665247 | $2,750,000 Lynn Morris & Kim Ogilvie | 941.400.4526

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