40+ Arts events in May in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties
You can tell that the arts season is winding down in May, with fewer than half the number of events that area arts organizations presented in February and March. But there is still plenty to see, hear and experience.
Student art exhibtion
Art Center Sarasota hosts a show featuring work created by students from 18 elementary, seven middle and six high schools in Sarasota County in the North County K-12 Spring Art Show. Nearly 50 teachers are part of the effort to bring the art to Art Center visitors. It is presented in conjunction with the South County Art Show at Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave., South, Venice (running April 29-May 9). April 30-May 13, Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-365-2032; artsarasota.org
‘The Immigrant’
Sarasota Jewish Theatre closes its fourth season with Mark Harelik’s play set in Texas in the early 20th century, where a young Russian-Jewish immigrant has arrived, hoping to make a life for himself. He starts by selling bananas door to door, and eventually builds a business and a family. Michael Raver plays a character based on Harelik’s own grandfather. Gus Kaikkonen directs. May 1-12, Sarasota Players, Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Suite 1130. $18-$36. 941-365-2494; theplayers.org; sarasotajewishtheatre.org
‘Sound and Silence’
In this Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens program, noted mime and physical theater professional Bill Bowers and singer Kavita Shah join together to explore how we express ideas and feelings with and without words, movement and music. 6:30 p.m. May 2, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Historic Spanish Point Campus, 401 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. $5 registration. hermitageartistretreat.org
Pinky’s Players
Venice Theatre’s Community Engagement Program returns with a showcase highlighting performances by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who get to shine as they share their talents on stage. Becky Holahan directs the production with a cast including a theater class at The Haven. May 2-5. Venice Theatre Raymond Center, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice. $22. 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org
‘Voices — Rising Choreographers’
Sarasota Contemporary Dance once again ends its season with this annual program highlighting new works by choreographers chosen from last summer’s intensive by Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott. 7 p.m. May 2-4, 3 p.m. May 5, Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $20-$55. Virtual performances May 3-5, $25. 941-260-8485; sarasotacontemporarydance.org
‘The Woman in Black’
The Island Players on Anna Maria closes its 75th season with a ghost story told by a man who is haunted by his own experiences at an old English estate where he encountered an ancient rage that won’t die. Kelly Wynn Woodland directs Tom Horton as the storyteller, along with Mark Woodland and Tahlia Chinault. May 2-12. Island Players, 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria. $28-$30. 941-778-5755; theislandplayers.org
‘The Fifth Domain’
FST’s 40th Richard and Betty Burdick New Play Festival ends with Victor Lesniewski’s play about a man who loses his job at the National Security Agency and finds another position, without thinking of the potential for repercussions of a cyberwar in this new post. 3 p.m. May 3. FST Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. $10. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
‘Decades: Back to the ‘80s’
The Sarasota Orchestra is back with its annual Outdoor Pops at Ed Smith Stadium. The concert is filled with hits by Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Huey Lewis and the News, Queen, Phil Collins and more. William Waldrop leads the orchestra and guest vocalists Paul Loren, Colin Smith and Brie Cassil. The evening traditionally closes with a fireworks display. 8 p.m. May 3-4. Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota. $20-$60. orioles.com/arts
‘Bank Job’
Venice Theatre closes its 2023-24 season with some laughs in John Kolvenbach’s comedy. It’s about two brothers who pull off a bank heist, but they hit a snag when they make their escape, encountering numerous obstacles. Artistic Director Benny Sato Ambush stages the production, which features Ross Boehringer, Zach Tudor, Jenn Szakolczay, Alan Kitty and Steven Butler. May 3-19. Venice Theatre Pinkerton Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice. $32, $22 for teachers and college students, $15 for youth. 941-488-1115; venicetheatre.org
'Women Artists: Courage in the Lifelong Pursuit of Art Making'
The Petticoat Painters, one of the oldest continuously exhibiting women’s art groups in the United States, is featured in this new exhibition with a variety of artists. May 3-June 1, with an opening reception 6-8 p.m. May 3. SPAACES Art Gallery, 2051 Princeton St., Sarasota. petticoatpainters.com; spaaces.art
Leon Pitts in Concert
Singer and actor Leon Pitts, who has become one of the most popular performers at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, steps onto a different stage for a concert of R&B hits. He will be singing a range of music from Al Green favorites to Tony Toni Tone, some of it featured on his upcoming album “Take it Slow.” The concert will be filmed for future video pieces. 7:45 p.m. May 4. Outdoors at the Bazaar on Apricot and Lime, 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota. Free. hamletseatery.com
‘The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA’
A tribute program to one of the world’s most popular singing groups, the Swedish stars ABBA. With distinctive costumes and hairstyles, the quartet of performers will be singing such hits as “Mamma Mia,” “Money, Money, Money,” “Dancing Queen” and “The Winner Takes It All.” 8 p.m. May 4, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $55-$75. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
‘What Light Does When Nobody’s Looking’
The Arts Advocates monthly member artists exhibit features the work of Michael Cohen, who captures fleeting scenes and light in his work. He says he sees himself as much as a collector as a creator of his images. 2-4 p.m. Saturdays May 4-25. Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-356-3088; artsadvocates.org
Bach to the Future
Cellist Steve Kramer joins violinist Olga Kolpakova, bassist Michael Ross, pianist Pablo Arencebia, guitarist Phil Magallanes and special guest violinist Monty Bloom for a Music Salon of Sarasota program with a focus on American music. 3 p.m. May 5. Palmer Ranch Village Walk. Contact Steve Kramer for exact address: 610-710-6100; stevekramermusic@gmail.com
Miró Quartet
Artist Series Concerts presents this ensemble that has been performing around the world since 1995, winning the Banff International String Quartet Competition and the Naumberg Chamber Music Competition. The group will perform Beethoven’s String Quartet no. 14 Op. 131, and they will be joined by violinist Sandy Yamamoto and pianist Julie Elizalde for Chausson’s Concerto for violin, piano and string quartet. 4 p.m. May 5. First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota. $40. 941-306-1202; artistseriesconcerts.org
Venice Carillon Fifth Anniversary
A concert featuring Geert D’hollander, carillonneur at Bok Tower, marks the fifth anniversary of the Venice Carrillon outside the Venice Performing Arts Center. The event will include a door prize raffle. 5 p.m. May 5. 1 Indian Ave., Venice. veniceperformingartscenter.com/andrew-w-crawford-memorial-carillon
Kenny G
The Grammy Award-winning saxophonist who has enjoyed a four-decade career with 20 studio albums returns to Sarasota with a concert that blends smooth jazz, R&B, pop and Latin music. 7 p.m. May 5. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $60-$85. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
Impact Theatre showcase
Impact Theatre presents a showcase of stories gathered by Sarasota area high school students from conversations with African-American elders and Holocaust survivors. It will feature music by singer-songwriter Peri Smilow and members of the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. 7-8:30 p.m. May 6. Sold out. Westcoast Black Theatre, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. jfedsrq.org/jfsm-events/jfsm-calendar
‘Reimagining Famous Works of Art’
Nanette Crist presents a talk about artists who have created alternative versions of iconic paintings depicting American history, such as Emanuel Leutze’s “Washington Crossing the Delaware.” 4 p.m. May 7, Arts Advocates, Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Suite 119. $5, free for Arts Advocates members. 941-356-3088; artsadvocates.org
‘Parisian Refraction’
ensembleNEWSRQ takes part in a micro-festival as part of the Ringling Museum’s Art of Performance series. Co-founders Samantha Bennett and George Nickson lead a series of four different performances built from works and composers that speak to Paris or have been commissioned by groups in Paris. There are works by Pierre Boulez, Hanse Otte, György Kurtag, Unsuk Chin and others. May 9-11. Historic Asolo Theatre, The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. $30-$40. 941-360-7399; ringling.org
‘Bring It On’
With music by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Tom Kitt, this musical is loosely based on the 2000 film about competition for spots on a high school cheerleading squad and the lengths some people will go to fit in. May 9-19. Rise Above Performing Arts, Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1105, Sarasota. $25-$33. 941-702-4747; riseabovearts.com
‘Waves: Movements that Move Us’
Teaching artist and violinist/violist Rebecca Crenshaw joins with playwright Bess Wohl for this Hermitage Artist Retreat program that explores how artists can change our perceptions of the nature around us. Crenshaw has worked with the bands Arcade Fire and Mumford & Sons, while Wohl is known for such plays as “Grand Horizons” and “Camp Siegfried.” 6:30 p.m. May 10. Hermitage Artist Retreat Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood. $5 registration. hermitageartistretreat.org
“One Night of Queen’
Gary Mullen, the 2000 winner of ITV’s “Stars in Their Eyes” talent competition, brings this international tribute to the rock group Queen to Sarasota. He formed “The Works” to pay tribute to Freddie Mercury and the band, and has since toured numerous continents. 8 p.m. May 10, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami. Sarasota. Sold Out. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
‘Last Chance Trailer Park’
The Sarasota Players Follies presents an original musical directed and choregraphed by Logan Junkins. It’s a show about three residents of the Last Chance Trailer Park who keep an eye out for each other while watching life go by with a sense of humor and a drink in hand. The show is about the power of community and friendship. May 10-12. The Players Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 200, Sarasota. $15. 941-365-2494; theplayers.org
Urban Bush Women
The dance troupe Urban Bush Women, which promotes artistic legacies, serves as Artists-in-Residence for May at the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation. Working with BOLD facilitators, the dancers will collaborate with local female artists and other organizations to build a community through dance. Their project will end with a publish workshop performance. 1 p.m. May 11, The Oval at the Bay Park, 655 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Free. Registration requested. thebaysarasota.org/calendar
‘Becoming Tchaikovsky’
This Sarasota Orchestra Discoveries series concert ponders the idea of what would have been on Tchaikovsky’s playlist. David Alan Miller leads the concert that features works by Bizet, Grieg, Schumann and Mozart, plus cellist Zlatomir Fung performing Tchaikovsky’s own “Rococo” Variations. 7:30 p.m. May 11, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $29-$84. 941-953-3434; sarasotaorchestra.org
‘Twelve Angry Men’
Reginald Rose’s classic drama about jury deliberations in the case of a teenager accused of killing his father returns to Asolo Repertory Theatre in a whole new way. It has been adapted into a musical with a jazzy score for the 1950s setting. The score is by Michael Holland and the book by David Simpatico. Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein stages the show, as he did the world premiere at Theatre Latté Da in Minneapolis in 2022. May 11-June 9. Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $35-$98. 941-351-8000; asolorep.org
Student 10-Minute Playwriting Festival
Theatre Odyssey returns with its 12th annual festival featuring work by eight area high school students whose new plays were selected from among more than 50 submissions. Local schools represented are Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School, Booker High School, Venice High School, and Manatee School for the Arts. The top play receives a $1,000 prize with a runner-up receiving $500. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. May 11 and 2 p.m. May 12 in the Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $30. theatreodyssey.org
Trio Gaia
The Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota season comes to a close with this group that serves as piano trio in residence at the New England Conservatory. The program is made up of music inspired by folk tunes, including works by Charles Ives and Antonin Dvořák. 7:30 p.m. May 14. Studio for Performing Arts at State College of Florida, 5840 26th St. W., Building 11, Bradenton. $40. 941-306-1202; artistseriesconcerts.org
‘Seeing Oneself and Celebrating Identity’
Hermitage Artist Retreat fellow Shayok Misha Chowdhury, a playwright, director and poet discusses and reads from his work, which encompasses different languages, peoples, cultures and identities. 6:30 p.m. May 15, Asolo Repertory Theatre’s Koski Center, 1009 Tallevast Road, Sarasota. $5 registration. hermitageartistretreat.org
‘Morning After Grace’
Two people meet at a funeral and enjoy a night together before they have to face the reality of their lives in Carey Crim's comical drama set in a retirement community. She uses comedy to tell a story about grief and how seniors deal with loss of loved ones and friendship. May 16-26, Charlotte Players, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. $27, $14 for students. 941-255-1022; charlotteplayers.org
‘It’s Primary’
An exhibition of work by artist Liz Cole, who explores the power of color in art, features paintings filled with vibrant colors. May 19-June 13, Lexow Gallery, Unitarian Universalist Church, 3975 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota. Open 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday-Friday. Receptions: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 19 and 5 p.m. May 24. lizcolegallery.com
‘Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage’
Arts Advocates, which owns the artwork displayed on the walls of Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, presents its monthly docent-led tour of work by such Florida artists as Ben Stahl, Thornton Utz, Frank Colson, William Hartman and more. 1:30-3 p.m. May 20. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $15. 941-356-3088; vanwezel.org
‘Clowns Like Me’
Scott Ehrenpreis returns with a warm-up for an off-Broadway run of this one-man play about his experiences dealing with a range of mental health and developmental issues. The play is based on his own life and was written by Jason Cannon, who is also the director. The show is scheduled to run June 21-Aug. 18 off-Broadway. In Sarasota, it runs May 23-26 in the Cook Theatre in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $30. lifelineproductionsinc.com/clowns-like-me
Visualizing Culture
Visual artist Diana Al-Hadid joins with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, performer and installation artist Raven Chacon and artist Candice Hopkins for a Hermitage Artist Retreat program on perspectives on contemporary art. Al-Hadid’s has work on display in the Sarasota Art Museum exhibition “Impact: Contemporary Artists at the Hermitage Artist Retreat.” Chacon, from Fort Defiance, Navajo Nation, has had work exhibited around the world. Hopkins, a citizen of Carcross/Tagish First Nation, also has been featured in international exhibitions. 6:30 p.m. May 23, Hermitage Artist Retreat beach , 6660 Manasota Key Rd., Englewood. Free. Registration required. hermitageartistretreat.org
'Sonata in Memoriam Lloyd Arriola'
Composer Robert Pound was commissioned in 2015 by pianist Lloyd Arriola to create a piece that would be ambitious, evocative and powerful. But the pianist died suddenly a year later, and Pound used his residency at the Hermitage Artist Retreat to create something that turned into a tribute to Arriola. The Hermitage and Oak Street Stage present a performance of his piece played by Juilliard-trained pianist Charles Hulin IV. 5:30 p.m. May 24, Oak Street Stage, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota. $5 registration. hermitageartistretreat.org
Family Art Day
Creative Liberties Artist Studios and Gallery, which 21 artists use as their workspaces, hosts a family arts day, with Shelley Kishpaugh leading families in a circus-themed art project. The event will feature a stilt walker, face painter and other family-friendly activities. 9 a.m.-noon May 25. 927 Lime Ave., Sarasota. Free. creativeliberties.net
‘United We Stand’
As they prepare to take part in official observances in Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Choral Artists of Sarasota marks Memorial Day by celebrating our fallen heroes with a concert of patriotic music and selections the group will sing in France. The chorus is joined by the Lakewood Ranch Wind Ensemble. 4 p.m. May 26, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $5-$60. 941-387-6046; choralartistssarasota.org
‘Oak’
Urbanite Theatre presents the world premiere of a new play by Terry Guest, who had a hit at the theater with his play “At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen.” This new work is set in a small town where residents are warned about the red-eyed monster who is snatching up people looking to enjoy the freedoms he promises. May 31-June 30. Urbanite Theatre, 1487 Second St., Sarasota. $42 adults, $28 under age 40, $5 students. 941-321-1397; urbanitetheatre.com
Continuing
‘Beaches, Bencheds and Boycotts’
An exhibition on the Civil Rights Movement in the Tampa Bay area from the Florida Holocaust Museum is on display in Sarasota. The exhibit highlights the region’s struggle with racial equality with a focus on leaders and activists who were pushing for change in the area. Presented by the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition at the Leonard Reid House, 2529 N. Orange Ave. and Studio A, 1421 Fifth St., Sarasota. 10-1 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday through May 18. thesaacc.com
Florida Studio Theatre
Several shows continue into May, including the Florida premiere of “Troubadour,” a musical with a score by Kristian Bush of Sugarland, about a retiring country music star and the son who may carry on his legacy. Through May 19, Gompertz Theatre, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $39-$59. The cabaret show “The Flip Side,” a revue of songs that take a humorous look at life, runs through June 16 in the Court Cabaret, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $37-$46. The FST Improv show “Comedy Roulette” continues Saturdays through May 25 in Bowne’s Lab, 1265 First St., Sarasota. $15-$18. And the winning entries from this year’s Write-a-Play program are featured in “The Power of Peanut Butter and Other Winning Plays,” presented by the FST Children’s Theatre through May 11 in the Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. $10. 941-366-9000; floridastudiotheatre.org
‘Kiss Me Kate’
Cole Porter’s musical version of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” returns to help you “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” through May 12. Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton. $33-$44. 941-748-5875; manateeperformingartscenter.com
‘Marvin Gaye: Prince of Soul’
Sheldon Rhoden returns as soul singer Marvin Gaye in the fourth staging of Nate Jacobs’ biographical revue. Through May 26. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. $50, $20 students age 25 and younger/active military. 941-366-1505; westcoastblacktheatre.org
The Ringling
Several exhibits continue into May including “On the Road,” a showcase of work by photographers Jill Freedman and Randal Levenson, who captured the lives of carnival and circus performers in 1971. Through Aug. 25 in the Searing Galleries. The newly restored “Watermelon Regatta,” an 18th-century work, is on display through May 19. “Michele Oka Doner: The True Story of Eve” continues through June 2 in the Monda Gallery. “Mountains of the Mind: Scholars’ Rocks from China and Beyond” continues through June 23 in the Chao Center for Asian Art. “Embodied,” highlighting the human figure with pieces from the museum’s collection of modern and contemporary art, continues through Sept. 21, 2025. “Shinique Smith: Parade,” focused on European artistic tradition, continues through Jan. 5, 2025; 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. 941-359-5700; ringling.org
Sarasota Art Museum
“Impact: Contemporary Artists at the Hermitage Artist Retreat” continues through July 7, highlighting work by 10 artists who have been fellows at the artist retreat on Manasota Key. “The Truth of the Night Sky,” a collaboration between multimedia artist Anne Patterson and composer and sound artist Patrick Harlin, who also have ties to the Hermitage, continues through Sept. 29. 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-309-4300; sarasotaartmuseum.org
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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Top arts events in May in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties
