WELCOME
WELL, IT’S HERE! A COLLABORATIVE EVENT that has taken hundreds of hours, days and several years to make happen. It’s a bit astonishing to be at this incredible place and time. To say that this inaugural event has been a labor of love is a complete understatement. Not without our growing pains, and not without selfdoubt, and not without sleepless nights and bruised feelings. Anything of major importance like your Living Arts Festival is never going to be easy! I’ve mentioned before that I’ve never felt more like a farmer than in the last 2 years of preparing the soil, planting the seeds, watering, weeding, fertilizing, and now harvesting this regional event. And that’s just my story! I have dozens of people working right along side me. They have been selfless and understanding and because of their creativity and focus has helped get us to this incredible time. Who are these amazing people? Well, you will see them at our events. You will see their names in this program and in and Culture on Florida’s Cultural Coast. Talk about showing support and doing some heavy lifting—look at this gorgeous magazine! What an honor to be working with organizations like this and I hope you support every group that has their logo attached to ours. And, if you don’t see a logo for a group or business you love? Reach out! It’s never too early to start planning for next year.
Sincere and heartfelt thanks for everyone participating, this festival for our cultural coast could not happen without each and every one of them! Please help us build our arts community by showing up and being the audience. Live performances of ALL kinds need the viewer. They need the spectator, the questioner, the laugher, the love. Without you, our patrons, we are nothing. Thank you for taking your role of AUDIENCE so seriously. I cant wait to hear your applause at each and every event this inaugural year!
Your Founder and CEO of Sarasota Rising and The Living Arts Festival
PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS
PARTICIPATING ARTS ORGANIZATIONS
Art Center Sarasota
Arts Advocates
Artists Series Concerts
Asolo Repertory Theatre
Azara Ballet
Belles Princess Parties
Choral Artists of Sarasota
Circus Arts Conservatory
CreArte Latino
Sarasota Int’l Chalk Festival
Sarasota Jewish Theater
Creative Liberties, Artist Studios, Galleries and Creative Academy
Creative Kids SRQ
Diversity Choir
Embracing Our Differences
Endedans Contemporary Ballet
Fabulous Arts Foundation
Florida Studio Theatre
Geezer Theater
Riverview High School
Rowlett Elementary Academy
Sarasota Music Conservatory
Sarasota Opera Association, Inc.
Sarasota Orchestra
The Sarasota Players
Sarasota Pops Orchestra
Sarasota Young Voices
Sarasota Youth Opera
Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative
Strings Con Brio
Theatre Odyssey
Towles Court Art Center
School of Rock
Stage Door Studios
Venice High School
Woodland Fine Arts Academy
BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS
99 Bottles
ABC Channel 7
American Business Solutions
Art Ovation
Arts and Cultural Alliance
Tree Fort Productions Studio Theatre
Unidos Now
Urbanite Theatre
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Venice Symphony Orchestra
Venice Theatre
The Hermitage Artist Retreat
Indictus Project
Indigenous Enterprise
Jazz Club of Sarasota
The John and Mable
Ringling Museum of Art
Key Choral and Student Scholars
Living Statues - Joe Platia
Manatee Performing Arts Center
Westcoast Black Theater Troupe
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Modern Marimba
Musica Sacra of Sarasota
Nailed It DIY
North Port Art Center
Origami Air
The Perlman Music Program Suncoast
The Ringling Museum of Art
Rise Above Performing Arts
Ringling College of Art & Design
Women’s Club of Sarasota
WSLR
World of Masks
Band, Gates, Dramis Attorneys
Bank of America
Bavaro’s Sarasota
Beauty Booze and Beauty Gourmet
CCAV Event Production and Rentals
City of Sarasota
Development on Demand
PARTICIPATING FOUNDATIONS AND FUNDS
Community Foundation of Sarasota
IamYes! Foundation
Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Joan Armour Mendell Foundation
SaraSolo
Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design
The Sarasota Ballet
Sarasota Ballet Studio
Company and Trainees
Sarasota Contemporary Dance
Sarasota Cuban Ballet School
The Patterson Foundation
Platkin Family Foundation
Watts Family Fund
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS AND STUDIOS
Arts Troupe for the Differently-Abled
Booker Middle School
Cat5 - Booker High School Band
Dick & Deborah Miller Team RE/MAX
Eventeny
The Exchange
Fast Signs
Florida Festival & Events Associaton
Insightful PR
Knock Out Productions
McCurdys Comedy Club
The Media Roundtable
Next-Mark LLC
Daughtry Elementary
Dynasty Dance Clubs
Manatee School of the Arts
Music Compound
Ovation School of Musical Theater
The Players Studio
Rise Above Performing Arts
Natherson and Company PA
The Observer Group
Red Property Management
Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
Sarasota Herald Tribune
Sarasota Magazine
The Sarasota Modern
Scene Magazine
Seacoast Bank
Sights and Sounds
Senior Friendship Center
SRQ Media | SRQ Magazine
Target
Weber Scenic
WSMR and WUSF
Visit Sarasota County
FESTIVAL EVENTS
NOVEMBER 10-17, 2024
THE LIVING ARTS FESTIVAL FÊTE
An exciting pre-festival party at Art Ovation Hotel with bites and beverages. This event offers a rare ‘behind the scenes’ glimpse into the festival, the performing arts and culinary arts. Have you ever wondered how this amazing festival started? Step into ‘the room where it happens’ and be part of the magic! Enjoy live performances by Azara Ballet, The Indigenous Dance Troupe and Kathryn Parks. Tickets are available for $100 at eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=13820
A WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT — OPENING PARTY
The Living Arts Festival officially begins with this FREE eclectic opening night party. In the lobby of Art Ovation Hotel experience a global perspective of our incredible arts and culture offerings. Officially titled “A World of Entertainment,” the opening night party is a fusion of international and local arts. Imagine the world-class Chalk Festival on the streets below and music from Renesito, a one-man Cuban band that will set the tone for world-class entertainment at our doorstep.
With the support of their generous donors, they present a glimpse of the unbelievable week of arts programming, from theater and dance to fine art and music, all with an inclusive world beat. Enjoy LIVE performances by: Sarasota Jewish Theater, Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota, a premiere dance performance by Tania Vergara’s Endedans Contemporary Ballet and more!
The centerpiece of Sarasota Rising’s initiatives is an interdisciplinary arts festival like no other, staged in our beautiful, eclectic, semi-tropical region. From November 10-17, 2024, our festival will broaden our region’s audience for the arts in all its “flavors,” emphasizing performing arts while offering visual arts exhibitions, family-friendly events, live music and more. Whether you’re an artist, business, prospective volunteer or potential donor, we encourage you to connect and RISE WITH US for an opportunity to help build a special legacy for our special initiative.
FESTIVAL EVENTS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
9AM-5PM
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium
801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Various locations in Venice.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Various locations.
RISE AND SHINE SATURDAY
This family-focused FREE arts exposition at the civic green near the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium brings all of our cultural and creative families together with the explicit goal of fostering arts engagement among our area youth. Both indoor and outdoor stages proudly provide opportunities for our area schools and local educational organizations to place their unique energy on a stage for the world to see. Area dance schools, performing arts schools, and our area public and private schools will be working, playing, and growing together featuring students from the Ovation School of Musical Theater, Booker Middle School, Rowlett Elementary, Jump Dance, Manatee School for the Arts and more! The performing arts aren’t the only shining star. Hands-on mask making, creative drawing, Improv workshops, acting classes, and an opportunity to own an original piece of art from an area artist at our 5X5$5 event. This day is all about learning and growing, emphasizing children of all ages and from all backgrounds, with arts and crafts and performances happening all day long!
ALL ROADS LEAD TO VENICE
The festival hops over to the neighboring city of Venice, where arts groups takeover downtown with an area-wide celebration of the arts at bars, restaurants, and hotels for pop-up visual arts exhibitions, impromptu street performances, and a collaborative spirit.
POP-UP SURPRISES
Discover unique pop-up surprises and ‘happenings’ to help celebrate downtown with live acts, food, and spirits, bringing the arts to the streets.
For more information regarding Sarasota Rising and the Living Arts Festival, please visit: sarasotarising.org/the-festival
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Various locations.
LIVING
ARTS ROULETTE
All day long, the Sarasota Rising team will be out and about, letting members of the community spin the wheel to win tickets to the many organizations participating in the festival, and giving them the opportunity to experience the living arts.
CLOWNS LIKE ME
Art comes in many shapes and sizes and we are very proud that the folks at Lifeline Productions are helping the festival with a special film premiere. “Clowns Like Me” is a one-man show by local actor Scott Ehrenprise telling the heartfelt story of his struggle with mental illness . . . in the most comical of ways.
Thank you to friends at Burns Court Cinema for hosting this 10 a.m. showing of the taping of the Off-Broadway production. Tickets are $25, and the proceeds for this event come right back to support the Living Arts Festival. An informal talkback with the actor will be moderated after the film. Tickets are available at eventeny. com/events/ticket/?id=14921
SARASOTA RISING: A CELEBRATION OF YOUTH — CLOSING PARTY
In collaboration with The Key Chorale and The Circus Arts Conservatory we will celebrate the week with performances of our area arts youth on the rise! Our closing performance will highlight entertainment presented by many education wings of area arts groups like The Sarasota Ballet, Westcoast Black Theater Troupe and more. Expect an evening of up-and-coming actors, singers, dancers, musicians, and thrill-seeking circus acts all given the spotlight to express their passion for the Tickets available at circusart.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/ a0SPs000000BT0HMAW
FESTIVAL AWARDS We end the week at the Closing Night with our awards presentation built with pride for our region’s best and finest. A group of judges who were out in the community during the festival will adjudicate the many performances in search of the best and the brightest. These awards come with a cash prize! Current prize categories include: Best of the Festival Award, Best Collaboration, Small But Mighty Awards, Innovation Award, Excellence in Artistry and Rising Star Award.
The Arts & Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County
Visit Sarasota County
Next-Mark Marketing Agency
Bill Greaves
Pedro Reis and The Circus Arts Conservatory
Joseph Caulkins and The Key Chorale
Morgan Gerhart and Development on Demand
The Sarasota Rising Production Team
The Living Arts Festival Team Leaders and Volunteers
Our Incredible Investors, Sponsors and Donors
Participating Area Foundations and Businesses
Our Inaugural Living Arts Festival Patrons!
LEAVE A LEGACY
IT STARTED 15 YEARS AGO WITH A QUESTION. Joseph Caulkins, Artistic Director of Key Chorale, looked in the mirror and asked himself, “If Key Chorale wasn’t in this community what would be the difference?” The answer startled him. “I said to myself, well, it wouldn’t make a big difference. What I’ve realized in my later years as a conductor is that the legacy that you leave behind is more important than the music you’re bringing to life,” says Caulkins. “Obviously, the music is central to what we do, but if it’s just music without really thinking about that legacy and giving back to your community, then it’s a hollow mission.” In the years since, Key Chorale, much like many of the other arts organizations in and around Sarasota, has worked relentlessly to become a pillar of the community. Today, Key Chorale has a bevy of educational and community outreach programs. This story, however, isn’t just about Key Chorale—it’s about the altruistic spirit that runs through so many of the arts organizations that make Sarasota Florida’s cultural coast.
That spirit is what brings us to the upcoming Living Arts Festival: an all-new week-long celebration of all the arts within Sarasota, and more specifically, the closing ceremony of the festival. Together, with the Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC), Key Chorale is the chief organizer of Sarasota Rising: Celebrating Our Youth, an end of festival bash held in the CAC’s Sailor Circus Arena that looks to bring all of Sarasota’s arts organizations together in a collaborative performance—the likes of which Sarasota has never seen before. For Sarasota Rising: Celebrating Our Youth is not about merely showcasing the talents of the area’s various arts organizations, instead it is a salute to the time and effort that these institutions have put toward their youth and educational outreach programming.
THE INAUGURAL CLOSING NIGHT LIVING ARTS FESTIVAL CLOSES WITH A MOMENTOUS PERFORMANCE THAT HIGHLIGHTS THE YOUTH AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING OF THE PARTICIPATING ARTS ORGANIZATION.
“Pedro Reis, Founder, President and CEO of CAC, and I came up with the idea a while ago to try and do an event that would bring together all of the various youth programs that are part of Sarasota/Manatee and create a showcase for them,” says Caulkins.
“Pedro and I especially were talking about the fact that we know intimately what all of these arts organizations are doing for the youth and what we’re doing collectively, but many in our community are not fully aware of that message. This is a way of letting our community know the great work that all our performing arts groups are doing to build up young people and put their talents on full display.”
“We have such amazing programs in our community, but not everybody knows about them, especially their youth and educational arms. People may support the Sarasota Ballet, so they know the Ballet, but do they know Sarasota Opera or the Circus or Sarasota Contemporary Dance?” adds Reis. “And people who follow the Circus, do they also follow Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe or the Cuban Ballet? This is a way of really sharing all of our organizations that have educational components and young students and highlighting them in the community.”
Make no mistake, a collaboration of this scale is no easy task. This single night has been months in the making, from getting everybody on board to determining the music and performance choices to figuring out rehearsal schedules, Sarasota Rising: Celebrating Our Youth has taken its fair share of time and effort from all those involved. Shining through the logistical and technical challenges however, is that same giving spirit that seems to run through all of the differing arts organizations involved— they want to do more, to give back, to leave a legacy that will last longer than the art they’re making. “That’s part of what I love about our community, it certainly could be competitive, but by being collaborative it brings all of us up. Every boat rises in the tide because of our collective efforts,” says Caulkins. SRQARTS LIVING
Conservatory,” says Caulkins. “That’ll be the instrumental component and then the choruses are going to be made up of Key Chorale, our Student Scholars program as well as the Venice High School, Riverview High School and Sarasota Young Voices programs. We’ll have all of those groups combining and collaborating, to be the backdrop to everything else.”
While collaborating with the CAC is nothing new for Caulkins and Key Chorale—the organizations have come together to present Cirque : a performance featuring circus acts paired with orchestral and choral music— the concept of looping in over a dozen arts organizations into a single evening is. With the help of Daniel Jordan, Concert Master of the Sarasota Orchestra, and Jeffery Kin, Executive Director of Sarasota Rising, Caulkins and Reis determined two things: one, this collaborative effort would be an ideal way to wrap up the inaugural Living Arts Festival and two, that the performance should model that of Cirque des Cirque des Voix, we’ll have a chorus, an orchestra and then sometimes combine those with different circus aspects. We’ll have an orchestra, what we call a side-by-side in our business, consisting of half professionals and half students from the Venice Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Sarasota Music
The “everything else” is poised to be a highly choreographed series of performances by 15-20 organizations, highlighting their dedication to youth programming. From the Sarasota Ballet’s Studio Company to Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe to Sarasota Contemporary Dance and more, all will get their moment in the spotlight. Some groups will perform in conjunction with circus acts, others with the backing of the orchestra and chorus and others all on their own. “If there’s a theme to this event, it’s that it’s eclectic. It’s really across the board, everything from classical film scores to new age, it’s just a kaleidoscope of different kinds of music and performances which I think is good because it showcases what we do in our community” says Caulkins. “Because there are so many youth groups involved, we wanted it musically to appeal to a wide range of audiences. The idea is that variety is the spice of life and we’re trying to find as much of it as we can.”
Above, left to right: Pedro Reis of Circus Arts Conservatory and Joseph Caulkins of Key Chorale.
ARTS ADVOCATES
Robert C. Manteiga’s Exhibit: From Street Photography to Street Art, A Photographic Journey, Nov 9, 2pm In the 1970s and ‘80s, Robert worked as a freelance photographer for clients including Paramount Picture Cards in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He has produced videos for The Jewish Housing Council Foundation, Celery Fields, Big Cat Habitat, and The National Cemetery. For three years he was the videographer for Aviva’s acclaimed Eight Over Eighty celebration, honoring local philanthropists and supporters of the arts. ArtsAdvocates.org, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL
GARDENS Patti Smith: A Book of Days, Nov 9 - Aug 31, 2025, 10am-5pm Selby Gardens is excited to collaborate with Artist-in-Residence Patti Smith on this upcoming exhibition at the Historic Spanish Point campus. The exhibition will feature a selection of photographs taken by the famed poet and musician that offer an intimate view of her life on and off the road. The photographs are taken from Smith’s recently published, New York Times bestselling publication, A Book of Days The exhibition at Selby Gardens
will feature large prints of Smith’s photographs outdoors, bringing them into dialogue with nature, which has long been a source of inspiration for the legendary artist. Her compelling images will take visitors on a journey through time and space, charting both the course of a year and the natural environment of the Historic Spanish Point campus. selby.org. Historic Spanish Point campus: 401 North Tamiami Trail, Osprey, 941-366-5731.
SARASOTA CHALK FESTIVAL Museum in Motion, Nov 8-9, Viewing Day and Parade, Nov 10 An all-day outdoor Museum in Motion as artists from around the world start to create oversized masterpieces and 3D illusions in chalk, using the road surface as their canvas. Debuting this year, artists from Italy, Spain, India, Japan and Mexico will bring their centuries-old traditions of using natural materials such as flowers to create their oversized masterpieces. Illusion artists will create 3D illusion rooms and you will be able to become a part of the illusion in a photo. A great day to see the creative process unfold. Fun for the whole family. Purchase tickets online at chalk.LOVE, 400-600 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, 941-488-8877
SARASOTA ART MUSEUM OF RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN Free Second Sundays at SAM, Nov 10, 11am On the second Sunday of each month, SAM offers free admission for visitors, special performances, and art-making activities for the whole family. Art Making for All – 11 am to 4 pm From ceramics, to figure drawing, to watercolor and more, get creative with us each month in The Studios @ SAM. Music on the Plaza – 12 pm to 1:30 pm. Join us for music on the Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza. Asolo Repertory Theatre’s Activating Words – 2 pm to 2:45 pm Experience a one-of-a-kind page-to-stage performance where you bring the characters to life. sarasotaartmuseum.org/free-second-sundays-at-sam, 1001 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-309-4300.
SARASOTA ORCHESTRA Masterworks 1 – Going Places, Nov 7–9, 7:30pm, Sarasota Opera House Giancarlo Guerrero leads a program revised for his joyous debut as music director designate on a more intimate stage. Powerhouse violinist Vadim Gluzman performs Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, with two of Dvorák’s best-loved works embracing the stunning showpiece: the “New World” Symphony and Carnival Overture. Soirée 3 –Schubert Octet, Nov 3, 4pm Franz Schubert was 27 years old when he was commissioned to write a large-scale work in the style of Beethoven’s Septet, Op. 20. Taking Beethoven’s instrumentation and adding an extra violin, Schubert created an Octet for string quartet, double bass, clarinet, bassoon, and horn. sarasotaorchestra.org, Holley Hall, 941-953-3434.
MORNING//MOURNING, The Ringling ‘s SunHAT Eco-Performance, November 15-16.
THE SARASOTA PLAYERS AND THE PLAYERS STUDIO
The Good Doctor, Nov 8, 9 2pm, 7pm This Broadway hit, a composite of Neil Simon and Anton Chekhov, consists of a series of comic vignettes narrated by “The Writer.” Performed by the talented students of The Players Studio, the stories are droll, the portraits affectionate, the humor infectious and the fun unending.
THE VIA NOVA CHORALE
This Good Earth, 4pm Riveting choral and instrumental music of various cultures and styles that expresses our love for the natural world and envisions a new way to engage as fellow citizens of Earth. Interweaves poetry by celebrated authors Wendell Berry and Mary Oliver. ViaNovaChorale.org. Free for students college age and younger. 2050 Oak St, Sarasota.
NOVEMBER 10
SARASOTA POPS ORCHESTRA
3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, theplayers.org, 941.365.2494.
STRINGS CON BRIO
Sights+Sounds at Waterside Place: Salute to Veterans Concert, Nov 7, 7pm Join Strings Con Brio as we salute our veterans in concert and help kick off the 2024 Living Arts Festival. stringsconbrio. org Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Drive Sarasota, 941-677-3291.
THE HERMITAGE ARTIST
RETREAT Artist at Work, 10am
Our 3 locations are open to the public from 10 am - 3 pm: 901B Apricot Avenue; 927 N. Lime Avenue and 340 Central Avenue. Visit creativeliberties.net, 941-799-6634
SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE Poetry in Motion featuring (SCDE) Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble, Nov 8-9, 7pm Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble (SCDE) is opening its 6th season with a professional, evening-length showcase Poetry in Motion featuring a range of dances choreographed by Associate Directors Xiao-Xuan Dancigers and Melissa Rummel in collaboration with Poet, Sun Love Peace. This performance will feature a renowned Guest Choreographer Tania Vergara Perez. Sarasotacontemporarydance.org, 1400 Blvd of the Arts Sarasota, Muriel Mayers Box Office 941-260-8485.
SARASOTA OPERA Sarasota
Youth Opera -The Hobbit, 12pm Sarasota Youth Opera will present its acclaimed production of The Hobbit™ by Dean Burry. This prelude to Tolkien’s classic, The Lord of The Rings, recounts how a comfort-loving hobbit, unwillingly dragged into a heroic quest, accidentally acquires the golden ring of power. SarasotaOpera.org, Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, 941- 328-1300.
The Pops Orchestra’s Great Balls of Fire featuring Jason Cohen as Jerry Lee Lewis, 7pm The Sarasota Pops Orchestra welcomes actor-musician Jason Cohen to recreate his iconic Jerry Lee Lewis tribute show, Great Balls of Fire! Cohen has brought the ivory-smashing superstar Jerry Lee Lewis to life in over 80 cities across North America in the national tour of the Tony-award-winning Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet. This show will feature the band and the orchestra teaming up on the hits from the ‘50s and beyond including “Good Golly Miss Molly,” “Great Balls of Fire,” and more. In addition, the Pops will honor our nation’s veterans during this annual patriotic salute. ThePopsOrchestra. org, Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Lord Way, Sarasota, 941-926-7677
SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CENTER
The Caregiver, 2pm An adaptation of the full play written by Blake Walton. The Caregiver tells the story of a mother’s son, a middle-aged gay man reluctant to take care of his aged mother. Presented with actor Blake Walton, as the central character, who discovers romance within the most unlikely scenario, as a full-time caregiver. Tickets on the friendshipcenters.org, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, 941-556-3216.
THE SARASOTA PLAYERS AND THE PLAYERS STUDIO
The Good Doctor, Nov 10, 2pm This Broadway hit, a composite of Neil Simon and Anton Chekhov, consists of a series of comic vignettes narrated by “The Writer.” Performed by the talented students of The Players Studio, the stories are droll, the portraits affectionate, the humor infectious, and the fun unending. 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, theplayers.org, 941.365.2494.
WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE
Soul Crooners Solid Gold Edition, 2pm Soul Crooners Solid Gold Edition was written and adapted by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Founder and Artistic Director Nate Jacobs and is WBTT’s most successful original show. Soul Crooners is a celebration of the music that ushered in a new era of soul during the 1970s and features music by the Commodores, Earth, Wind and Fire,
INDIGENOUS
FROM POWWOW ROOTS TO GLOBAL STAGES. INDIGENOUS ENTERPRISE CELEBRATES CULTURE
THROUGH ART AND PERFORMANCE
IN 2015, KENNETH SHIRLEY LAUNCHED INDIGENOUS ENTERPRISE at a community college in Phoenix, Arizona, with a vision to celebrate and share the richness of Indigenous culture through film, fashion, and dance. Over these past eight years, Indigenous Enterprise has evolved into one of the most dynamic cultural companies globally. Their performances have enchanted audiences at prestigious venues and events, including the Super Bowl, Sydney Opera House, Joyce Theater and the 2020 Presidential Inauguration. Their work has graced MTV and World of Dance, earning critical acclaim from The New York Times and Vogue Magazine. Now, Indigenous Enterprise is poised to make its mark at the Living Arts Festival, where they will honor their heritage and uplift the Sarasota community through the vibrant tradition of powwow song and dance. “Our mission is to inspire and elevate audiences while fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous identity through our compelling performances,” says Kenneth Shirley, the 28-year-old CEO and founder of the group.
Shirley, who began dancing at the tender age of two—before he could even walk or talk—views powwow song and dance as a profound means of sharing a culture that has been integral to his life from the start. He believes that these traditions often bring a deep sense of peace to communities. “At our performances, everyone receives a blessing, regardless of their race, ethnicity, culture or religion,” Shirley explains. “If someone is facing challenges or experiencing sadness, our dancers have a unique ability to uplift spirits and provide comfort. We strive to spread this message of healing and positivity wherever we go.” Shirley will bring four members of Indigenous Enterprise to the festival—elaborately dressed performers who are lifelong friends. Drawing on their extensive experience as champion powwow dancers, the group promotes Indigenous culture through a multifaceted approach that includes film, fashion and dance.
Kenneth Shirley’s Indigenous Enterprise will perform at the Living Arts Festival.
diverse catalog of both The Police and Sting - from the reggae-tinged new wave of the late 70s to the jazz & pop stylings of Sting’s eclectic solo catalog. ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com; 941-748-5875; 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton.
THE SARASOTA CUBAN BALLET SCHOOL Nutcracker Rehearsal, Nov 12, 13, 15, 1pm The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School is presenting The Nutcracker on December 6, 2024, at 7pm at the Sarasota Opera House. The holiday favorite features the beloved classic choreography and the beauty of Tchaikovsky’s score, with scenery and costumes conceived exclusively for the school by a legendary theater designer. Admission to watch a rehearsal is free, but you must register in advance. Rehearsal admission is free with registration: weblink. donorperfect.com/GSGCFNutcracker, The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School, 4740 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.
NOVEMBER 13
THE JOHN AND MABLE
RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART
You Look Like a Fun Guy by Dance Heginbotham, 5:15pm
Presented as part of The Ringling’s SunHAT Eco-Performance Fest, this outdoor dance and theater presentation is inspired by mushrooms, their astonishing powers to transform dead things into living things, build underground networks spanning miles, but also their tastiness—and their surprising relationship to avant-garde composer John Cage, who, due to his knowledge on the subject, won enough money on an Italian game show to support the Merce Cunningham Dance Company. The Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Drive, Sarasota, ringling.org
THEATRE ODYSSEY
THE PERLMAN MUSIC
PROGRAM SUNCOAST
of WBTT Founder and Artistic Director, Nate Jacobs) has spent her career supporting some of the biggest artists in music: Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Elton John, and many more. This November, Naärai comes home to grace the WBTT stage again. She will traverse through decades of music and many of her favorite artists. You are guaranteed to be swept off your feet. WestcoastBlackTheatre.org. 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, 941.366.1505
NOVEMBER 14
ASOLO REPERTORY
20th Anniversary Celebration, Nov 12, 5:30pm Celebration 20 years of bringing new plays to life since 2006. Enjoy libations and munchies while mingling with playwrights, actors, directors and our board. A special treat of two award-winning ten-minute plays will be performed.Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, 7051 Wireless Court, Sarasota. RSVPs to: form.jotform. com/242085613452049.
The Zota Quartet, 7:30pm A chamber music ensemble composed of young, award-winning Perlman Music Program alumni who hail from around the world and Florida. The name “Zota” is a reference to the original spelling of Sarasota, thought to be derived from a Native American term to describe something clear, blue, and beautiful-like the Sarasota Bay. Violinists Clara Neubauer and Tong Chen, violist Cassie Drake, and cellist Connor Kim will perform Debussy’s String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10, and Beethoven’s String Quartet No.10, Op. 74, “Harp.” First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St, Sarasota. PMPSuncoast.org, 941-955-4942.
WESTCOAST BLACK
THEATRE TROUPE WBTT
Young Artist Program - Naärai Jacobs, 7:30pm For the last several years Naärai (daughter
THEATRE Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Nov 14, 8pm Her journey was as extraordinary as her music. At eighteen, Carole King wrote number-one songs for Aretha Franklin and The Drifters. At twenty-nine, she was the voice of a generation. The road along the way was full of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. It wasn’t always perfect, but it was real - and that’s what made it beautiful. A smash hit on Broadway and London’s West End, this soaring and inspiring musical features two decades of King’s hits, including You’ve Got a Friend, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman and I Feel the Earth Move. 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, asolorep.org, 941.351.8000 or 800.361.8388.
CREATIVE LIBERTIES ARTISTS STUDIOS, GALLERIES AND CREATIVE ACADEMY Artist at Work, 10am Our 3 locations are open to the public from 10 am - 3 pm: 901B Apricot Avenue; 927 N Lime Avenue and 340 Central Avenue. creativeliberties.net or call 941-799-6634.
in the galleries, Bistro and SHOP! Sip on refreshing cocktails and enjoy small bites in the Bistro. Each second Thursday of the month features a different style of jazz–from straight-ahead to free jazz, bebop to swing–programmed in partnership with Jazz Club of Sarasota. Galleries are open until 7pm on Jazz Thursdays. Jazz Thursday activities: Enjoy Sarasota Jazz Project’s performance on the Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza from 5:30 to 8 pm. Grab dinner and drinks at Bistro, which opens at 5pm. sarasotaartmuseum.org/jazz-thursdays, 1001 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-309-4300.
WESTCOAST BLACK
THEATRE TROUPE WBTT
The Carole King Musical
URBANITE THEATRE
Jennifer Who is Leaving by Morgan Gould, Nov 14-15-16, 7:30pm Set in a lonely Dunkin Donuts alongside a Massachusetts highway, Jennifer Who Is Leaving poignantly and humorously captures the demands placed on women, delving into the physical, emotional, and mental toll of caregiving–and the moments that push us to the edge. urbanitetheatre.com 1487 2nd Street, Sarasota, 941.321.1397.
25th Anniversary Celebration, 7:30pm Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe kicks off its 25th anniversary in an energetic, high-spirited, and dramatic fashion with its Anniversary Celebration. The event will offer sensational entertainment featuring WBTT founding members, WBTT’s most popular artists, and the sizzling WBTT house band. Guests can expect to hear excerpts from many of WBTT’s original musicals featuring songs by artists such as Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Harry Belafonte, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Tina Turner, James Brown and other audience favorites. WestcoastBlackTheatre.org. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota, 941.366.1505.
NOVEMBER 15
ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, 8pm Her journey was as extraordinary as her music. At eighteen, Carole King wrote number-one songs for Aretha Franklin and The Drifters. At twenty-nine, she was the voice of a generation.
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Asolo Repertory Theatre
The road along the way was full of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. It wasn’t always perfect, but it was real—and that’s what made it beautiful. 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, asolorep.org, 941.351.8000 or 800.361.8388.
CREARTE LATINO CULTURAL CENTER Voces de Inmigración, 8pm Voices of Immigration offers a sincere and moving account of the experience of leaving one’s homeland, the journey, the challenges, the victories achieved, and the process of adapting to new environments. The piece invites us to reflect on a fundamental question: does the American dream truly exist, and is the sacrifice worth it? This is a staged reading in Spanish with English subtitles. creartelatino.org/events. 8251 15th Street East, Airport Mall Plaza, Suite I, Sarasota, 941-732-7191.
tical and playful exploration of the dire political and ethical contradictions that structure current human relations with nature. The Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Drive, Sarasota, ringling.org.
event offers an inclusive space for all. Uncover newfound favorites, engage with fellow art lovers, and perhaps stumble upon the ideal piece to enhance your living or work environment. towlescourt.com, 1938 Adams Lane, Sarasota.
MANATEE PERFORMING
ARTS CENTER On Golden Pond, 7:30pm This is the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are returning to their summer home on Golden Pond for the 48th year. They are visited by their divorced, middle-aged daughter and her dentist fiancé, who then go off to Europe, leaving his teenage son behind for the summer. A heartwarming and hilarious show about generations of a family learning to communicate and care. ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com, 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton, 941-748-5875.
CREATIVE LIBERTIES ARTISTS STUDIOS, GALLERIES AND CREATIVE ACADEMY Artist at Work, 10am Our 3 locations are open to the public from 10am - 3 pm: 901B Apricot Avenue; 927 N Lime Avenue and 340 Central Avenue. creativeliberties.net or call 941-799-6634.
THE JOHN AND MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART Morning // Mourning by Gelsey Bell, 7:30pm Inspired by the book The World Without Us (2007) by Alan Weisman, this experimental opera inhabits a world in which all humans have disappeared from Earth. An ensemble of five vocalist/ multi-instrumentalists guides the audience through changes on Earth as forests grow back, new species evolve, and the human-made world erodes away. The piece is a fantas-
URBANITE THEATRE
Jennifer Who is Leaving by Morgan Gould, Nov 14-15-16, 7:30pm Set in a lonely Dunkin Donuts alongside a Massachusetts highway, Jennifer Who Is Leaving poignantly and humorously captures the demands placed on women, delving into the physical, emotional, and mental toll of caregiving–and the moments that push us to the edge. urbanitetheatre.com 1487 2nd Street, Sarasota, 941.321.1397,
NOVEMBER 16
SARASOTA OPERA The Music of Giuseppe Verdi, 7:30pm The operas of Giuseppe Verdi have been an important part of the history of Sarasota Opera, the only company to have presented all his work. Principal Artists from the Sarasota Opera with the Sarasota Orchestra, conducted by Victor DeRenzi, will present selections from these great works in concert. SarasotaOpera.org, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, 941- 328-1300.
TOWLES COURT ART CENTER
Open Artist Studios, 4-8pm Dive into an array of artistic expressions, encompassing various styles and mediums such as still life, landscape, abstract, and mixed media. Interact with the artists themselves, learn about their creative process, and gain unique perspectives on their works. Whether you’re an experienced art enthusiast and collector, or simply exploring, our Open Studios
BURNS COURT CINEMAS Clowns Like Me, 10am Clowns Like Me reveals the fascinating, heartbreaking, ultimately uplifting true story of Scott Ehrenpreis’ personal journey as he struggles against OCD, bipolar disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, social anxiety and depression. Scott discovers that being on stage and in front of the camera gives him the power, even for just a bit of time, to step into the light and leave the shadows of his mental health struggles behind. SarasotaRising.org for tickets. Proceeds from this showing go to the Living Arts Festival.506 Burns Ct, Sarasota, 941-955-3456.
CREARTE LATINO CULTURAL CENTER Voces de Inmigración/ Voices of Immigration, 8pm Voices of Immigration offers a sincere and moving account of the experience of leaving one’s homeland, the journey, the challenges, the victories achieved,
question: does the american dream
Classes as well as the Veterans’ Arts
upcoming classes. Discover “The Best Kept Secret” in North Port. 5950 Sam Shapos Way, North Port FL northportartcenter.org 941-423-6460.
NOVEMBER 17
SARASOTA JEWISH THEATRE
Rhapsody for Golda, 7pm
Starring Sharon Ohrenstein, this solo musical about Golda Meir’s inspiring journey from poverty to Prime Minister was written by Sharon and her musician husband David and directed by Blake Walton. Rhapsody for Golda was developed for the 2022 SaraSolo Festival and co-produced at the Players Centre by SaraSolo Productions and SJT later that year to rave reviews. Golda will be presented at the Sarasota Contemporary Dance Studio, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts Suite 300. Ticket at sarasotacontemporarydance. org. 941-260-8485.
CREARTE LATINO CULTURAL CENTER Voces de Inmigración/ Voices of Immigration, 8pm Voices of Immigration offers a sincere and moving account of the experience of leaving one’s homeland, the journey, the challenges, the victories achieved, and the process of adapting to new environments. The piece invites us to reflect on a fundamental question: does the american dream truly exist, and is the sacrifice worth it? This is a staged reading in Spanish with English subtitles. creartelatino.org/events. 8251 15th Street East, Airport Mall Plaza, Suite I, Sarasota, 941-732-7191.
TREE FORT PRODUCTIONS
STUDIO THEATRE The Storybook Nutcracker: The Musical, 2pm and 7:30pm This new musical shares the delights of the traditional ballet story while opening our hearts and minds to the desires of each and every character. 3501 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets at treefortproductionsprojects. com/tickets, 941-544-2276.
URBANITE THEATRE
Jennifer Who is Leaving by Morgan Gould, Nov 14-15-16, 7:30pm Set in a lonely Dunkin Donuts alongside a Massachusetts highway, Jennifer Who Is Leaving poignantly and humorously captures the demands placed on women, delving into the physical, emotional, and mental toll of caregiving–and the moments that push us to the edge. urbanitetheatre.com, 1487 2nd Street, Sarasota, 941.321.1397.
MANATEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER On Golden Pond, 2pm This is the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are returning to their summer home on Golden Pond for the forty-eighth year. They are visited by their divorced, middle-aged daughter and her dentist fiancé, who then go off to Europe, leaving his teenage son behind for the summer. A heartwarming and hilarious show about generations of a family learning to communicate and care. ManateePerformingArtsCenter.com; 502 Third Avenue West, Bradenton, 941-748-5875.
SARASOTA ART MUSEUM OF RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN
Larry Fink / Martha Posner: Flesh and Bone, 10am This exhibition explores the creative dialogue between photographer Larry Fink (1941-2023) and sculptor Martha Posner (born 1956), who were romantic partners for more than 30 years. Radically different artists, their work nonetheless shares common themes of desire,
LIVING
vulnerability, and brutality. Both also explore myth throughout their art: Posner explicitly, through her re-imagining of female subjects from various legends and mythic traditions; Fink implicitly, through his shrewd eye for human impulse, folly, and bravado, qualities he found in almost every scenario. sarasotaartmuseum.org/larry-fink-martha-posner-flesh-and-bone, 1001 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-309-4300.
ARTS FESTIVAL | NOVEMBER 10-17, 2024
the colorful world of show business. 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, ArtsAdvocates.org, 941-263-6799.
SARASOTA OPERA
The Music of Giuseppe Verdi, 3pm The operas of Giuseppe Verdi have been an important part of the history of Sarasota Opera, the only company to have presented all his work. Principal Artists from the Sarasota Opera with the Sarasota Orchestra, conducted by Victor DeRenzi, will present selections from these great works in concert. SarasotaOpera.org, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, 941- 328-1300.
ARTIST SERIES CONCERTS
OF SARASOTA PROJECT Trio, Nov 19, 5:30pm PROJECT Trio is a dynamic and innovative music group known for its genre-blending performances and captivating stage presence. The trio pushes the boundaries of traditional chamber music with their unique fusion of classical, jazz, hip-hop, and world music influences. artistseriesconcerts.org, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota, 941-306-1202.
POST-FESTIVAL EVENTS
and handed down from generation to generation. Sir Peter Wright’s internationally acclaimed staging is perhaps the definitive and most authentic production available. sarasotaballet.org/performances, 941-359-0099.
SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE SCD In-Studio Series
Production featuring Alyssa Marie Braud, Nov 23, 7pm
ARTS ADVOCATES Art Talk: Listening to Women: The Origin, The Women, The Future, Nov 19, 4pm Presenter Holly Freedman is the founder of OLLI at Ringling College’s annual Listening to Women series which highlights the life stories and achievements of women. ArtsAdvocates.org, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. com/242085613452049.
SARASOTA BALLET
ARTS ADVOCATES Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage, Nov 18, 1:30pm Take a guided tour of the paintings and sculptures owned by Arts Advocates on display at the Van Wezel. After that, step onto the stage where a Van Wezel guide will give you a peek behind the curtain and share stories and anecdotes about
Giselle, Nov 22-23, 7:30pm, 2pm The Sarasota Ballet performs Sir Peter Wright’s Giselle accompanied by the Sarasota Orchestra. Giselle premiered June 28th 1841 at Theatre de l’Académie Royale de Musique, Paris and 1884 Mariinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg. Giselle is a romantic ballet about a peasant girl who falls in love with a nobleman who is hiding his true identity. The crowning achievement of the Romantic ballet, Giselle perfectly exemplifies how ballet is a living tradition, taught, preserved, adapted,
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Untethered Breath is an ethereal dance piece that dives into one’s journey of life. The breath of our journey is impacted by the decisions of those around us, as well as our own. Ultimately, this breath changes one’s energy, radiating out to others, and affecting them in either a positive or negative manner. To enhance the perspective of the piece, this ripple of energy between souls will be portrayed using multiple mediums of art. Sarasotacontemporarydance.org, 1400 Blvd of the Arts Sarasota, Muriel Mayers Box Office 941-260-8485.
KEY CHORALE Key Chorale Winter’s Glow with The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company, Dec 1, 4pm The dancing color bursts of the aurora borealis are the inspiration for a program featuring Nordic music and tales celebrating the magic of the winter season. Ola Gjeilo’s Dreamweaver is a story of a holiday transformation inspired by a Norwegian folk poem featuring Lithuanian soprano Lina Dambrauskaite, an emerging operatic artist gaining attention worldwide. keychorale.org, Sarasota Opera House 61 N Pineapple Ave. Sarasota, 941-552-8768.
Look at all the ways you can help us and your entire community. Your Festival needs your support, so reach out to see how you can get involved. INFO@SARASOTARISING.COM Created in 2021 with the goal of unifying the region’s arts and cultural assets into a powerful beacon, Sarasota Rising is a nonprofit organization whose primary initiative is the creation and sustainment of a weeklong inter-disciplinary arts festival centered on the performing arts that celebrates Sarasota’s rich arts assets while leveraging those assets into a catalyst for tourism and economic activation during a “shoulder” season. Visit sarasotarising.org to learn more.
