Wondering what to do this weekend? Take a look at these local events and pick your favorites! See you around town, having some fun and supporting our local businesses!
~Heather
https://makingfldreams.kw.com/
Book Swap
Friday, March 01, 2024
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Searching for your next exciting read? Bring your gently used, well-maintained books to our yearly Book Swap. We welcome audio books, board games, DVDs and complete puzzles too. For every item you contribute, you’ll have the opportunity to select a fresh item from the swap. Regrettably, we cannot accept VHS tapes, out-of-date textbooks or items deemed to contain inappropriate content.
Drop off your items at the Morgan Family Community Center to register from Feb. 26-29, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Tea Time
Saturday, March 02, 2024
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Mark your calendars and make sure not to miss our Spring Teatime adventure in Wonderland! Families and children are welcome to dress up and join us for this whimsical event. Indulge in special treats, capture the magic at photo stations, engage in themed games and much more. Limited space available, so secure your spot now!
Ages: 7 and under
Fee: $15/child (child & adult/pair), $5 additional child
Pre-registration is required.
George Mullen Activity Center, 1602 Kramer Way, North Port, FL, 34286
Community Yard Sale
Saturday, March 16, 2024
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
City Hall, 4970 City Hall BLVD, North Port, FL, 34286
The event will be held at the City Center Front Green, conveniently located right by City Hall at 4970 City Hall Blvd. In addition to household items, shoppers will also have the chance to support local business at the Crafter’s Corner. The Crafter’s Corner features handmade items from creative local vendors, giving attendees an opportunity to find one-of-a-kind items. This is a great opportunity to socialize with your neighbors and find something special to take home with you. All shoppers will enjoy free parking and admission.
Do you need to declutter your garage? Join our Community Yard Sale to clean up, socialize and earn extra cash.
Seller fee: $20/space; $10/table
Food vendors interested in participating at this event can pick up an application at either the George Mullen Activity Center (1602 Kramer Way) or Morgan Family Community Center (6207 W. Price Blvd.).
Space is limited for both sellers and food vendors. For more information, please call 941-429-PARK (7275).
San Pedro Wellness Fair 2024!!
Empath Health and San Pedro Parish welcome you to their First Annual Wellness Fair!
Please join over 20 exhibitors who will be on site that day addressing the wellness needs of this local community.
This is also a wonderful opportunity to get the word out about your services!
If you think your organization contributes to the ‘wellness’ of the folks of North Port and the surrounding area, please consider joining us as an exhibitor!
March 12th, 11AM - 3PM
Free Admission
San Pedro Catholic Church
14380 Tamiami Trail
North Port, FL 34286
Flashlight Egg Hunt
Egg Hunts
Friday, March 22, 2024
08:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Ode to the Night Hunt! The sun has set, and the moon shines bright — Join us for an egg hunt at night. Bring your flashlight and a basket to fill and join us to search for thousands of glow-in-the-dark eggs! Arrive early to find your spot and grab a picture with the Bunny. Look for ‘special eggs,’ which can be redeemed for a prize at the George Mullen Activity Center.
Event opens at 8 p.m.
Egg Hunts begin at 8:15 p.m.
Egg hunt designed for ages 7-11.
City Center Front Green, 4970 City Hall Blvd.
Rain Date: Mar. 29, 2024
Eggnormous Egg Hunt — March 23, 2024
Gather on the Green for an ‘Eggnormous’ egg hunt, visit with the Easter Bunny and grab an Insta-worthy photo. For safety, egg hunters will be divided into four groups:
• Adaptive
• Ages 3-4
• Ages 5-6
• Ages 7-9
Special eggs can be redeemed for prizes at the George Mullen Activity Center. Don’t forget to bring your own basket.
Event opens at 9:45 a.m.
Egg Hunts begin at 10 a.m.
Egg hunt designed for ages 3-9.
City Center Front Green, 4970 City Hall Blvd.
Rain Date: Mar. 30, 2024
Food vendors interested in participating in this event can complete the online Food Vendor Application. Once your form has been submitted, our team will call you within 72-business hours to discuss your application. Space is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have any questions, you may call 941-429-PARK (7275).
City Center Front Green, 4970 City Hall Blvd., North Port, FL, 34286
Instant Concert
March 24, 2024 3:00 pm
We open the season with a Sequel, and we will close with one, as well. This is Part 2 of our program titled “Hooked On Classics.” We will give you an instant concert of some of the greatest and most popular orchestral works of all time. Beloved and instantly recognizable melodies will permeate the North Port Performing Arts Center as we close out our 2023-2024 season.
We cannot wait to see you there.
https://www.northportsymphony.com/mar-2024-instant-concert
Delicious food combined with hysterical entertainment. Sounds like the perfect recipe for date night! - HEATHER’S PICK!!!
Visani’s Theatre of Events
https://visanientertainmentinc.thundertix.com/
Spring Training Home of the Tampa Bay Rays
The Charlotte Sports Park is one of the showcase facilities within Charlotte County and a perfect location for special events, corporate functions, sports tournaments, 5K runs, and other recreation activities. This 82-acre park is the Spring Training Home of the Tampa Bay Rays.
This state-of-the-art facility features a 360 degree fan-friendly pedestrian concourse, a luxury hospitality suite level, two outfield berms, a children’s play area, an outfield bar, practice fields, batting cages, a covered pavilion, and meeting rooms. The stadium seating capacity is approximately 7,500.
The Charlotte Sports Park is also connected to Tippecanoe Environmental Park which features walking trails, a boardwalk, a canoe/kayak launch, and plenty of birding opportunities.
Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training Ticket InformationFor more Tampa Bay Rays information, please contact a Rays representative at 727.825.3422, 888.FAN.RAYS (888.326.7297) or email [email protected].
Contractual agreements, insurance requirements and rental fees are required for all activities, programs and events. We look forward to hosting your event at the Charlotte Sports Park!
Charlotte Sports Park
2300 El Jobean RoadPort Charlotte, FL 33948
Phone: 941.235.5010
Fax: 941.235.5019
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Special Events
Save the date for these upcoming special events and click here for more details!
https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/community-services/recreation-pools/programs/
- Easter Egg Hunt - March 30, 2024
- Sam and Charlotte’s Super Safari - April 20, 2024
- Moonlight Movie - April 20, 2024
- Pitch, Hit & Run - May 18, 2024
- Moonlight Movie - May 25, 2024
- Moonlight Movie - Oct. 19, 2024
Sullivan Street Craft Fair
March 9, 2024 - March 10, 2024
http://www.puntagordachamber.com
Artisans from around the country will exhibit their wares at this annual art extravaganza the length of Sullivan Street in downtown Punta Gorda
Location:
Downtown Punta Gorda
March 2 & 3
10am-5pm both days
Looking for Events in Punta Gorda? Check out Fisherman’s Village!
https://www.fishermensvillage.com/events
Mobile Food Pantry schedule
March 28, 2024
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
The Harry Chapin Mobile Food Pantry will continue to be in Punta Gorda on the 4th Thursday of each month until further notice, offering healthy foods for the needy.
The mobile pantry, assisted by volunteers from St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Conference, will be located in the Sacred Heart Church parking lot, 211 W. Charlotte Avenue, from approximately 10 a.m. to noon, or until the food runs out.
Fresh produce and other healthy foods will be distributed. Recipients are asked to bring a bag or box to carry their food.
The Harry Chapin Food Bank solicits, collects and stores quality food for distribution to families in need through a network of nonprofit agencies in Lee, Collier, Hendry, Charlotte and Glades counties. These agencies, including St. Vincent in Punta Gorda, provide food to thousands of people monthly.
St. Vincent is an international Catholic lay organization founded in 1833 to serve the poor, regardless of religious affiliation. It provides food, clothing, home furnishings, and financial assistance to individuals and families in need.
Dance Fusion Class
In-person and by Zoom Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:30 to 9:30 AM
If you have never experienced Dance Fusion with Carla Peralta, you are missing a great time. The music is fabulous, Carla’s energy is contagious and the participants are a dedicated, warm and welcoming group of individuals.
Dance Fusion happens at Punta Gorda Isles Association, 2001 Shreve St., Punta Gorda, FL and by Zoom on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM.
All workouts are $10 per session, pay when you arrive or register on-line to attend by Zoom.
Contact Carla with questions at email [email protected] or 941-276-1887
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950 or by Zoom
Fees/Admission: $10.00
Wine-O Bingo
Every Friday night from 6-8pm!
https://www.coastal-expressions.com/events
Come in and enjoy wine-o bingo this Friday night!
We play a couple games of bingo with wine - get your seat before we fill up! You can win a bottle of wine if you have a winning board!
Coastal Expressions & Wine, LLC
1133 Bal Harbor, Suite 1135
Punta Gorda, Florida 33950
Lori Sandage - (941)214-8599
Fees/Admission: $6 admission which gives you your wine-o bingo board for multiple games of bingo where you can potentially win a bottle of wine!
Learn how to dance Cha Cha Cha, Bachata, Lindy Hop, and Swing this month.
The Social Latin class is from 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM.
The All About Swing Class is from 6:45 PM to 7:30 PM.
Following these classes is 2 intermediate dance lessons.
The cost for classes: 1 class ($12) - 2 classes ($17) - 3 classes ($22) - 4 classes ($27)
Location:
Punta Gorda Woman’s Club
118 Sullivan Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Every Wednesday starting at 6:45 PM
To register for classes call Laura @ (330) 501-2366
Send an Email
Fees/Admission:
1 class ($12) - 2 classes ($17) - 3 classes ($22) - 4 classes ($27)
https://www.meetup.com/Charlotte-Harbor-Ballroom-Dance/photos/31770887/
History Park Sunday Market
Every Sunday Year Round from 9 AM - 1 PM, the best local food and artisans in our region gather at the History Park Sunday Market located in the heart of historic Punta Gorda, Florida.
It’s THE event of the week where you can shop for local fresh Florida produce directly from local farmers, select from bread & pastry bakers, taste home cooking from our food vendors, discover the amazing selection of flowers and plants, and of course enjoy the artisan products, music, and ambiance of a historic setting and market experience. It’s a great destination to meet your friends and neighbors, shop, and enjoy our fantastic Florida weather!
History Park opened in 1999 as an outdoor museum consisting of a collection of historical structures in a garden setting, and offers a beautiful backdrop to the market as well as an opportunity to explore history.
History Park, 501 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda FL, 33950
Punta Gorda Farmers Market
Every Saturday 8am-1pm October - April
May- September 8am - noon
Farmers’ Market with produce, seafood, meat, ethnic cuisine, arts, crafts, live music, working artists and much more.
Featuring over 70 vendors. Located in downtown beautiful Punta Gorda.
Every Saturday rain or shine (unless it falls on Christmas Day, an active Hurricane Warning day or other unforeseen event).
The Yoga Sanctuary
Check website for dates and times
http://www.theyogasanctuary.biz
No flexibility required—all ages and body types welcome! This six-week series, limited to eight students only, will walk you through the basics of yoga. Learn pose anatomy and alignment, the foundations of yoga philosophy, as well as ways to personalize your yoga practice for specific issues or injuries. Not only will you receive a copy of Yoga Fan: Practice Guide for Everyday, but you will also be given personalized guidance and support to help you to continue practicing yoga even after you finish the course.
Location:
The Yoga Sanctuary
112 Sullivan St, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Contact Information:
941-505-9642
Dance Classes - Intermediate Series
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM EST
https://www.meetup.com/Charlotte-Harbor-Ballroom-Dance/photos/31770887/
Dance Lessons with USA Dance #6126
Learn how to dance Rumba, Quick Step, Cha Cha Cha, and Tango.
Intermediate classes start at 7:30 PM until 9:00 PM.
Each intermediate class is 45 minutes.
You do not have to take both classes.
The cost for classes: 1 class ($12) - 2 classes ($17) - 3 classes ($22) - 4 classes ($27)
To register for classes call Laura @ (330) 501-2366
Punta Gorda Woman’s Club
118 Sullivan Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Every Wednesday starting at 7:30 PM
Trivia Night @ Coastal Expressions & Wine!
Every Thursday Nights
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM EDT
https://www.coastal-expressions.com/events
We are having some fun at Coastal Expressions with TRIVIA
Calling all of the smarty pants & gamers out there to come hangout with us every Thursday night from 6-8PM
Please just give us a call to make a reservation (941) 214-8599 or send us a message on Facebook!
We are located in PGI! Heres our address:
1133 Bal Harbor, Suite 1135
Punta Gorda, Florida 33950
Contact:
Lori Sandage
*** Note: Do to increased costs to pay for our Trivia Host and the cost of prizes we will have to implement a $20.00 minimum spend on Trivia nights***
Ladies Dancing Class
Learn to dance without needing a partner. Each week you will learn a routine from latin, ballroom, and swing styles. (Salsa, Bachata, Charleston, Swing, Paso Doble, Fox Trot, Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha, Disco, Samba, and more!
Class is $10 for USA members and $12 for non-members.
Date/Time Information:
Every Wednesday night starting 6 PM at Woman’s Club Punta Gorda.
Every Thursday morning starting at 10:30 AM at PGICA Punta Gorda.
Every Thursday afternoon starting at 5:00 PM at Gran Paradiso - Resident and Guest.
Every Friday morning starting at 9:30 AM at Riverwood - Resident and Guest.
Contact Information:
Send an Email
The best way to apply moves, techniques and styles learned from dance lessons. A great way to meet make new friends.
Please call to book your spot.
Location:
Punta Gorda Woman’s Club
118 Sullivan Street
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Date/Time Information:
Social Dance Party every 4th Sunday of each month.
Lesson and Party from 2:00pm to 5pm.
Contact Information:
For more information call Laura @ (330) 501-2366
Send an Email
Fees/Admission:
$15 USA Dance Members per person
$25 USA Dance Members Couple
$17 Non-member per person
$30 Non-member couple
“Stories in Light and Sound” with 2023 Hermitage Greenfield Prize Finalist Maura Brewerand Hermitage Fellow David ‘Doc’ Wallace
Friday, March 1 at 5:30pm
Hermitage Beach (entrance at 6660 Manasota Key Rd. Englewood, FL 34223)
Register here.
Registration is required. $5 per person.
At the intersection of subject and audience, an artist selects techniques to emphasize elements of a narrative. Will they sustain a particular note in a moment of suspension or communicate power with a low camera angle? No matter the medium, art tells a story about who we are. Visual artist and 2023 Hermitage Greenfield Prize finalist Maura Brewer uses video and images to investigate the world around us, while David ‘Doc’ Wallace uses music and sound to move us between thoughts and emotions. Despite different mediums, both are experts in their field and both join us to share insights into their creative process and excerpts of some of their latest work.
2023 Hermitage Greenfield Prize Finalist Maura Brewer makes essay videos and performances that explore the relationship between capitalism, crime, art and the production of identity in popular culture. Her work has been exhibited at MoMA, Art in General in New York, the MCA in Chicago, the Centre d’Art Contemporain Genève in Geneva and the Museum Moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wein in Vienna, among other places. Her work has received press coverage in The Paris Review, Art Agenda, CBS News and The Guardian. In addition to being a Hermitage Greenfield Prize Finalist, she is a recipient of a Creative Capital Award, the LENS Award at LACMA, the Fellowship for Visual Arts at CCF and the City of Los Angeles Master Artist Fellowship. Her work is in the private collection of LACMA. She was a Whitney Independent Study Program Fellow in Studio Art in 2015, received her MFA from UC Irvine in 2011, and earned her BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2006. She lives in Los Angeles, where she works as a private investigator. MauraBrewer.com
Returning Hermitage Fellow David “Doc” Wallace improvises like “Jimmy Page fronting Led Zeppelin” (New York Times). Whether playing classical viola for the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Texas fiddle with The Doc Wallace Trio, klezmer fusion with Yale Strom’s Broken Consort, new compositions with Hat Trick (his flute-viola-harp trio), or six-string electric viola at heavy metal shows, Wallace is at home in front of an audience. Around the globe, musicians have widely adopted the ground-breaking approaches of his book Engaging the Concert Audience: a Musician’s Guide to Interactive Performance (Berklee Press). Wallace’s broadcast credits include NPR, PBS, KTV (Korea), Tokyo MX, WQXR, CBS, and ABC. He has recorded for Bridge Records, BIS, Innova, Tzadik, Resonance Records, and Mulatta Records. An award-winning composer, Wallace’s commissions for original compositions and arrangements include the New York Philharmonic, Carnegie Hall, Suntory Hall, the Marian Anderson String Quartet, and violinist Rachel Barton Pine. Currently Chair of Berklee College of Music’s String Department, David previously enjoyed a fourteen-year tenure as a Juilliard professor and seventeen years as a New York Philharmonic Teaching Artist. Learn and hear more at DocWallaceMusic.com
Craft Show
March 2, 2024, 9 a.m. To 1 p.m.
Come to our craft show at Holiday Travel Park in Englewood, right off 776. Area crafters and our own park members have joined together to bring you one of the favorite craft sales in the area. From Woodworkers, sewers, painters to interesting garden decorations, this is the “not to miss” show. So, mark your calendar now and join us March 2 for the Holiday Travel Park Craft Sale!
More than 40 vendors, free parking, parking attendants, indoor event
If you are a vendor, who would like to join our sale, please reach out to Beth at [email protected] before February 16.
Holiday Travel Park
1475 Flamingo Drive
Englewood FL, 34224
Chris Golden – Two Free Concerts
Sun, Mar 3, 2024
8:30am - 12:30pm
Click here for more information
Two Free Concerts! Sunday, March 3rd at 8:30am and 10:30am
Oak Ridge Boys Musician CHRIS GOLDEN **2019 ICMA Entertainer of the Year**
In the Bullseye of Rotonda (140 Rotonda Blvd West)
Fellowship Church – fcenglewood.com // 941-475-7447
“Dancing Through Life with James Whiteside” @ Hermitage Palm Studio
Mar 4 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Hermitage Palm House (entrance at 6630 Manasota Key Rd. Englewood, FL 34223)
Registration is required. $5 per person.
Hermitage Fellow and internationally renowned dancer-choreographer James Whiteside defies genre classification. Many know him as a principal dancer and choreographer for American Ballet Theatre and have seen him perform principal roles in such iconic works as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, and Giselle. He is also a playwright, podcast host, and brilliant performer whose dynamic and hilarious content has engaged millions online. Join Whiteside and the Hermitage for a creative exploration and candid conversation about wearing his many glamorous hats, arts entrepreneurship, and the transcendent power of dance.
Returning Hermitage Fellow James Whiteside is redefining the meaning of multihyphenate as a principal dancer and choreographer for American Ballet Theatre, hilarious pop-music performer, drag queen, podcast host, and author of Center Center – adapted into the play Dead Center during a previous visit to the Hermitage (which went on to debut in 2023 at Theatre Aspen). Whiteside began his ballet training at age nine at the D’Valda & Sirico Dance and Music Centre in Connecticut. After completing his training, he was a principal dancer with Boston Ballet until 2012 and has been a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre since 2013, dancing principal roles in Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Romeo & Juliet, Giselle, and many more. Additionally, Whiteside has choreographed for pop stars Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift, and Fischerspooner. He continues to choreograph for music videos, commercials, film, and ballet including New American Romance and City of Women for American Ballet Theatre, Past Present Future for Boston Ballet and Marilyn’s Funeral for The Juilliard School. Off the ABT stage, Whiteside performs pop music under the stage name JbDubs. He writes and produces his own music and choreographs his performances and music videos, which have viewership in the millions. Whiteside’s social media channels have nearly one million followers and his sponsorships include brands such as St. Germain, Sonos, Uber, and more. He also hosts his own popular podcast, “The Stage Rightside with James Whiteside.” Whiteside has completed Harvard Business School’s Crossover Into Business program.
“Hermitage Writes @ Ringling College: Mesha Maren” with Hermitage Fellow Mesha Maren
Presented in partnership with Ringling College of Art and Design
Tuesday, March 12 at 7pm
Ringling College of Art and Design, Goldstein Library Rm 113 (entrance at 1228 Dr. MLK Way, Sarasota, FL 34234)
Registration is required.
Part of the Visiting Writers Forum, the Hermitage partners with the Creative Writing Department at Ringling College to inspire students and community members alike. Hermitage Fellow Mesha Maren joins the series to offer insight into the process and craft of a writer. Her debut novel Sugar Run “creates bold new takes on venerable genres, a much-needed refresh of worn tropes and clichés (NY Times). She followed this success with Perpetual West, which The NY Times placed in the lineage of Cormac McCarthy and described as a “forceful addition” to the history of border literature. Hear this author who is reshaping stories and genres we thought we knew read selections of her work and talk process in this in-depth conversation.
Hermitage Fellow Mesha Maren is the author of the novels Sugar Run and Perpetual West (Algonquin Books). Her short stories and essays can be read in Tin House, The Oxford American, The Guardian, Crazyhorse, Triquarterly, The Southern Review, Ecotone, Sou’wester, Hobart, Forty Stories: New Writing from Harper Perennial, and elsewhere. She was the recipient of the 2015 Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize, a 2014 Elizabeth George Foundation grant, an Appalachian Writing Fellowship from Lincoln Memorial University, and fellowships from the MacDowell Colony and the Ucross Foundation. She was the 2018-2019 Kenan Visiting Writer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is an Assistant Professor of the Practice of English at Duke University and also serves as a National Endowment of the Arts Writing Fellow at the federal prison camp in Alderson, West Virginia.
Pioneer Plaza
300 W Dearborn Street
Englewood FL, 3422434223
42nd Annual Rotary Fine Arts Festival
Sat, March 23rd - Mon, Mar 25, 2024
10:00am - 4:00pm
Masterpieces, music and stunning artwork will adorn the streets on West Dearborn Street, Englewood, Florida. Experience the best of Florida culture with fine art, music and food.
Location:
West Dearborn St
Englewood Florida, 34224
Englewood Elks Lodge Jimmy Mazz Show
Jimmy Mazz is Baaaaaack! And it’s about time! My LIVE BAND and I will perform my brand new Blast From The Past: Hit Songs & One Hit Wonders of the 60’s & 70’s show at the Englewood Elks on Saturday March 23rd at 7:30PM with a pre-show beginning at 7. Call NOW for tickets 941-747-1404. Prepare to have a blast (pun intended) sing along to every song.
See you There!
Sat, Mar 23, 2024
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Location :
Englewood Elks Lodge
401 N. Indiana Avenue
Englewood Florida, 34223
Fashion for a Cause
Don’t miss this event at The Waverly to benefit Operation Solid 7
Fashions provided by Ivy’s on Dearborn and supported by Michael Saunders & Company-Team Englewood
Our fashion show is #Chargethestorm on Mental Health for Veterans, Active Duty, First Responders, Gold Star Families and their loved ones. Solid 7 is committed to raising awareness and resources for these cherished people. YOU can help by coming and showing your support for Solid 7.
Save the date!
Wed, Mar 27, 2024
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Location:
The Waverly Restaurant and Bar
2095 N Beach Road
Englewood FL, 34223
Viva Divas Weekly Coffee Chat
Ladies are welcome to join our weekly coffee chat at Culture Coffee.
It’s a great way to meet other women in the community and learn more about the events held by the Viva Divas Sisterhood.
Free to join our group and optional events are held almost every day of the week.
Culture Coffee
405 West Dearborn Street
Englewood Fl, 34223
Artists display, sell and create art at Pioneer Plaza
On the 1st and 3rd Wednesday from October-April.
Our Artist Colony Ensemble plays classical, opera, broadway and some favorites part of the day.
Profits support, art, music and the drama department at our schools.
Musicians and Artists can contact Sydney [email protected].
Location:
Pioneer Park
300 Dearbon Street
Englewood, Florida
Jazzercise
Classes are Mon-Sat 9-10am LO Strength Tues/Thurs 10:15-11am
Our classes incorporate dance cardio with strength training to sculpt and tone your muscles in the ultimate full – body workout. Whether you’re looking for physical results or a way to relieve stress and FEEL your best, our instructors will guide you every step of the way in your wellness journey!
Location:
Jazzercise Englewood
3069 S. McCall Rd.
Englewood FL, 34224
Manta Market Fine Arts, Crafts Artisanal Foods and More!
A Great Market to find unique gifts, Art for your home and body from over 80 talented vendors!!!
Come hungry! We have Shay’s Legendary BBQ, Empanadas, J. Wandrey’s Funnel Cakes, Donuts, Fresh Smoothies, coffee drinks, ice cream treats and other sweet treats to keep you replenished! Each Market is a little different, you will see your favorite vendors and always some new ones to check out!
We have it all from watercolors, acrylic paintings, prints, photography, pottery, jewelry, fused glass, stained glass, mixed media art, customizable gifts, wearable art, home decor, resin arts, mosaics, beauty and health goods, custom wood turned art, woodwork and carvings, garden sculpture, handmade furniture, plants and More!!!
TY for supporting our local and friendly artists!
Convenient parking and restrooms! Parking at either entrance.
Please share/follow our FB page to keep updated!
https://m.facebook.com/LBHSMantaMarket/
Location:
Lemon Bay High School
2201 Placida Rd
Englewood Florida, 34223
Discover Dearborn!
A way for business owners to stay open a little later and help gain the visibility of local folks that would have missed out on experiencing the street we all love!
It occurs on the 4th Tuesday of the month, always a Tuesday!
With Music, Raffles, Food, and Fun; you’re hard pressed to have a bad time! Come and enjoy that makes our street the eclectic hang out it truly is. Be apart of the growing community of those that Discover Dearborn!
Location:
450 West Dearbon Street
Englewood FL, 34223
Farmers Market
Join Us In The Garden For Food, Produce, Handmade Jewelry and Art, Music, and More
Location:
The Open Studio
380 Old Englewood Road
Englewood FL, 34223
Community Beach Yoga
EVERY DAY! All Year Round, all ages and abilities welcome! Certified husband and wife instructor and celebrating 15 years of yoga on Englewood Beach.
Yoga classes are designed for all abilities and ages. Visitors, locals and newcomers are equally welcome to our small Beach Yoga community. No previous Yoga experience is required.
Bring a blanket, a bottle of water and clothing that allows freedom of movement.
Morning classes to get the day started right.
Rain or Shine! Please make sure to dress warm enough on colder days, we will.
The teachers are certified. Plenty of Free parking is available.
The Yoga classes are supported by your donations.
Location is on the North End of Manasota Beach
Time: 8:30am-9:15am
8570 Manasota Key Road
Englewood FL, 34223
Cruisin’ on Dearborn
Hundreds of cars and thousands of car lovers converge on Dearborn Street for this car show.
Music to cruise by sponsored by Olde Englewood Village Association.
Free Admission!
Event takes place every 1st Saturday of the month from 2-8pm unless replaced by a street-closing event.
Location:
W Dearborn Street
Englewood, FL 34223
The Englewood Area Orchid Society is an organization of beginners at orchid culture, orchid hobbyists, master gardeners, and professional growers. Everyone is welcome.
EAOS meets at 6:30 pm on the 3rd Monday of every month except December and August
St. David’s Episcopal Church, 401 S. Broadway, Englewood, Florida.
Membership in our society is $15 per year per family.
Our monthly meeting program usually features an orchid expert as guest speaker. There is a plant table for those who want to show the plants that they are growing.
Our biggest event of the year is our annual orchid show in Englewood, where orchid clubs from places like Sarasota and Venice join us to display members’ orchids. Awards are given by American Orchid Society judges. Vendors are on hand with orchids and supplies, and growing tips.
BINGO NIGHT
EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT
GREAT PRIZES FOR EVERY ROUND
FOOD AVAILABLE
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
DOORS OPEN AT 4PM
GAME STARTS AT 5:30 PM
CONTACT: CHRIS JAGELSKI 410-688- 0567
SCF Venice Presents – FILM FORMULAS SERIES – AMERICAN MOVIES OF THE 1950s
Wed, Mar 6, 2024
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Join instructor Del Jacobs for this decade-long journey discussing the changing landscape of America as seen through the lens of classic film. Enjoy theatre-style presentations of these movies, along with thoughtful conversations regarding their cultural impact during this timeframe.
The six-week series will cover:
Feb. 28 – Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Mar. 6 – The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Mar. 13 – Trial (1955)
Mar. 20 – Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
Mar. 27 – Jailhouse Rock (1957)
April 3 – Pillow Talk (1959)
Click here for flyer and more information
Hollywood movies from the 1950s were made during challenging times – the Cold War, expanded prosperity, the competition of television, an inquiry into political beliefs of many, and the stirrings of racial, sexual, and generational revolutions. We went to the movies for escape, but the musicals, westerns, crime stories, epics, and science-fiction films offered much more than that.
While many may view the films of the 1950s as formulaic, they were mostly produced by studios that were mindful of the changing nature of American society. They reflected the lived experiences of their audiences even as they offered “equipment for living”, literary theorist Kenneth Burke’s phrase for what stories and films provide with their symbols, characters, and action.
With the distance of several decades, these films provide a look at the way we were, and how they influenced the way we are…and these are moving pictures meant to be experienced on the BIG screen!
Wednesdays – February 28 – April 3, 2024
1pm – 4pm
Fee: $20 per class or $100 for the entire series
Register here – https://scf.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=16190&int_category_id=1&int_sub_category_id=225&int_catalog_id
“Hermitage Writes @ Venice Writers Festival: Elisa Bocanegra”
with Hermitage Fellow Elisa Bocanegra
Presented in partnership with Venice Writers Festival
Friday, March 22 at 12pm
William H. Jervey Venice Public Library (entrance at 300 Nokomis Ave S., Venice, FL 34285)
Register here.
Registration is required.
Hermitage Fellow Elisa Bocanegra is a theatrical thought leader, performer, and writer. A recipient of the 2022-2023 Fulbright as well as the TCG Leadership U Grant, she will speak about the intersection of writing, performance, and community building through her work on projects such as Nuestro Planeta, a ten year long new work commissioning initiative which aims to educate audiences about environmental justice in the Americas.
Hermitage Fellow Elisa Bocanegra is a Puerto Rican artist and the founder of HERO Theatre. Her work with HERO has been featured in The Los Angeles Times and American Theatre Magazine and is a favorite amongst local theatre critics. Elisa is a 2022-2023 Fulbright recipient. She also won the TCG Leadership U Grant, the nation’s largest grant of its kind, for her work with HERO Theatre. This provided her the opportunity to be part of the Leadership Team at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for two seasons. Her stage directing credits include Troy, a modern retelling of The Trojan Women about women and houselessness in Los Angeles. She directed Troy and worked alongside Kilroy List playwright Amina Henry in the development. Other directing credits include Festival Irene: A Tribute to Playwright Maria Irene Fornés, The Floating Island Plays by Eduardo Machado, and a new screen and stage project called Nuestro Planeta, which focuses on educating Latinx audiences about environmental justice within the Americas. Nuestro Planeta is a ten-year-long new work commissioning initiative. Elisa was part of the inaugural NEXUS Cohort at New York Stage and Film, where she was later the Pfaelzer Award recipient. As an actor, her first film, “Girlfight,” won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Film at The Sundance Film Festival. Her TV credits include a recurring on Apple TV’s “Physical,” and “Shameless.” Elisa has extensive experience performing at major theaters around the country and has also worked at The Roundabout Theatre Company in New York.
Wellen Park Half Marathon & 5K – Presented by Hotwire Communications
MARCH 16 from 7:30AM
Wellen Park is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Half Marathon and 5K, presented by Hotwire Communications. Starting and finishing in the new downtown area of Wellen Park, Venice, Florida.
RACE INFORMATION:
When: Saturday, March 16, 2024
Where: Solis Hall, Wellen ParkTime: 1/2 starts at 7:30 a.m. 5K starts at 7:45 a.m. *Walkers, Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome and must start in the back of each race.
PRE-RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP: Thursday, March 14th – 3-7pm and Friday, March 15th, 12-4pm.
Location: Solis Hall, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, FL 343293
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: THERE IS NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION (registration closes 3/15/24 @ 5:00 p.m.) 6:15 a.m. – 7:15 a.m. – Race Day Packet Pickup7:20 a.m. – National Anthem7:30 a.m. – 1/2 Start7:45 a.m. – 5K Start8:00 a.m. – Post race food and beverages 9:30 a.m. – Awards Ceremony 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Live Music – Modern Measure
AWARDS: 5K & 1/2 – Male/Female: Overall Winners, Masters, Grand Masters, Senior Grand Masters, Veterans. 5K – 1st, 2nd & 3rd in the following age groups: 0-10, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+ 1/2 Marathon – 1st, 2nd & 3rd in the following age groups: 13-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+. Participants must be at least 13yrs old to participate. All 5K and 1/2 Marathon participants will receive a finisher medal when they cross the finish line. Register by February 18, 2024, to guarantee your race shirt. Your race shirt is forfeited if it’s not picked up by race morning. Club Discounts All Run signup running/triathlon club active membership holders will receive an automatic $5.00 discount at registration check out. Local Non-Run signup running/triathlon club members will receive a $5.00 off discount code. Check with your club leadership for the code. Only one discount can be used. Contact [email protected] if your local running/triathlon club did not receive a discount code. 5K Course Map RunGo | Wellen Park St. Patrick’s 5K | Venice (rungoapp.com) Course is flat, paved and will be well marked. Water stop is at Mile 1.55Half Marathon Course MapThe 1/2 is USATF certified, course #FL23013JK. Course is flat, paved and will be well marked. Water, Gatorade, and GU energy gels will be provided at the aid stations approximately every 2 miles. 10K split times will be recorded and provided to participants at the conclusion of the race. Porta-potties will be located near the 10K mark. Course has a three hour and thirty minute (3:30:00) time limit. This will require you to run or run/walk an average mile pace of 16:01 minute mile. If you go over this time, you will not receive an official time.
Click here for more information.
Science Talks with Mote
MARCH 18 from 6:00PM
Florida Marine Mammals
Join us for a captivating exploration of our ocean neighbors with Mote
Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Learn how our Stranding Investigations
Program responds to sick, injured and deceased marine mammals in our
coastal waters and how you can help. Dive into the depths of our
Manatee Research Program to uncover insights into manatee behavior,
genetics, and habitat use. Then discover the world’s longest-running
dolphin study with the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program.
$10 registration fee, Sign Up Here.
Downtown Wellen Park - Solis Hall
19745 Wellen Park Blvd,Venice, FL 34293
Tai Chi – Downtown Wellen
WEDNESDAY’S FROM 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M
The Be Well Fitness Series brings you Tai Chi on The Great Lawn in Downtown Wellen every Wednesday starting November 1st.
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Classes are complimentary (subject to change).
*Please bring a mat and a towel.
This will be an outdoor class. All ability levels are welcome.
RSVP to reserve your spot and sign your waiver.
Please note all participants are required to read and accept the fitness waiver, which is available when you reserve your spot.
Downtown Wellen Park
19745 Wellen Park Blvd,Venice, FL 34293
Wellen Wednesday’s Drop-In Cornhole
WEDNESDAY’S FROM 6:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M
Join us for Wellen Wednesdays every Wednesday night in Downtown Wellen for drop-in cornhole!
Play a game or two with your fellow neighbors and enjoy the beautiful sights, sounds, and tastes of downtown Wellen Park.
Cornhole tournament draw time will be precisely at 6:30pm.
No outside food or alcoholic beverages is permitted during this event. To-go alcoholic beverages are sold by the restaurants and food containers.
Downtown Wellen Park
19745 Wellen Park Blvd,Venice, FL 34293
Dueling Pianos playing under the Heritage Tree
1st Thursday of the month from 6:00-10:00 pm
Enjoy the sight and sounds of Dueling Pianos playing under the Heritage Tree in Downtown Wellen Park on the first Thursday of the month as part of our Winter Music Series! These talented musicians will perform to the backdrop of beautiful Grand Lake.
No RSVP required to attend these events. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. To-go alcoholic beverages may be purchased from our restaurants.
Bring your lawn chair and blankets to sit on and join us for a night of Dueling Pianos in Downtown Wellen! We hope to see you there!
Rev up your engines!
Wellen Park and Co-Sponsors, Foxtail Coffee, and Antique Automobile Club of America-Venice Region, are excited to offer car enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to come together for an informal early morning gathering to share their passion for all things automotive. We welcome all makes and models to join us monthly on the first Saturday of the month from 7:30am-10:30am. Show cars will be in the parking lot behind the 2 story building downtown. Spots will be reserved for the show cars with blue cones. A directional parking attendant will be at the parking entrance off of Sunglow Blvd. We can’t wait to see you at the next gathering, and invite you to stick around afterwards for some shopping and dining in Downtown Wellen.
All attendees will receive 50% off of drip, iced, and cold brew coffee from 7-10 a.m. at Foxtail Coffee
First Fridays NoFilter Concert!
NoFilter
#NoFilter is an explosive, concert-style, dance band featuring 5 Singer-Musicians, a State-of-the-Art Lighting & Video Package, and LED Drum Routines that are all perfectly synced to the music for the entire performance! From the chart-topping hits of today to the classics of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, #NoFilter brings a fast-paced, energetic performance that’s sure to keep you dancing, singing, and entertained all night!
6:00pm-7:00pm: Opening band
7:00pm-10:00pm: NoFilter
No RSVP required to attend these events. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. To-go alcoholic beverages may be purchased from our restaurants mobile bars.
Bring your lawn chair and blankets to sit on and join us for a night of music in Downtown Wellen! We hope to see you there!
Winter Music Series
It’s officially ‘season’ here in Wellen Park and we’re showcasing our Downtown Wellen Winter Music Series. Join us for live music & entertainment as follows:
Friday Night Live – Band on Solis Hall stage from 6-10PM
No RSVP required to attend these events. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. To-go alcoholic beverages may be purchased from our restaurants.
Bring your lawn chair and blankets to sit on and join us for a night of music in Downtown Wellen! We hope to see you there!
Join us in Downtown Wellen for the Fresh Harvest Farmers Market every Sunday!
Shop fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, seafood, cut flowers and more!
Times: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location:
19745 Wellen Park Blvd.,
Venice, Florida 34293
In partnership with the Venice YMCA, you are invited to ‘shimmy’ the pounds away! A new year a new you. Join us in Downtown Wellen Park on the Great Lawn area for a ‘fabulous and fun’ Zumba class.
Meet on the Great Lawn at 9 a.m. on Mondays – Classes are complimentary (subject to change).
This will be an outdoor class. All ability levels are welcome for this class you just need to reserve your spot and fill out a waiver.
Please note all participants are required to complete a fitness waiver, which is available when you reserve your spot.
RSVP to reserve your spot!
The Be Well Fitness Series brings you Yoga on The Great Lawn in Downtown Wellen every Saturday.
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Classes are complimentary (subject to change).
*Please bring a mat and a towel.
This will be an outdoor class. All ability levels are welcome.
RSVP to reserve your spot!
Please note all participants are required to read and accept the fitness waiver, which is available when you reserve your spot.
It’s officially ‘season’ here in Wellen Park and we’re showcasing our Downtown Wellen Winter Music Series.
Join us for live music & entertainment as follows:
Dueling Pianos -The first Thursday of the month we’ll have Dueling Pianos performing under the Heritage Tree from 6-10PM
Friday Night Live – Band on Solis Hall stage from 6-10PM
Saturday Sounds – Live music under the Heritage Tree from 6-10PM (except 1/27, 2/17, 3/16 when we’ll have Outdoor Movie Night on the lawn)
Sunday Groove – Live music under Heritage Tree from 9am-1PM
No RSVP required to attend these events. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. To-go alcoholic beverages may be purchased from our restaurants.
Bring your lawn chair and blankets to sit on and join us for a night of music in Downtown Wellen! We hope to see you there!
It’s officially ‘season’ here in Wellen Park and we’re showcasing our Downtown Wellen Winter Music Series. Join us for live music & entertainment as follows:
Saturday Sounds – Live music under the Heritage Tree from 6-10PM (except 1/27, 2/17, 3/16 when we’ll have Outdoor Movie Night on the lawn)
No RSVP required to attend these events. No outside alcoholic beverages are permitted. To-go alcoholic beverages may be purchased from our restaurants.
Bring your lawn chair to sit on and join us for a night of music in Downtown Wellen! We hope to see you there!
Outdoor Movie Series
March 16th from Dusk.
Our outdoor movie series allows you to enjoy a monthly themed movie on the great lawn in front of Solis Hall! Gather your friends and family and bring your comfortable set up; lawn chairs, blankets, etc. Kick back with food & to-go alcoholic beverages from our downtown restaurants & food yard, and enjoy an outdoor movie on the Jumbo screen. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs, but please leave coolers at home. Movie starts at dark.
Popcorn is available for purchase at PopDawgs food container in the food yard.
Venice Symphony Community Chamber Concert
March 10th 3:30-5:00 pm
Sponsored by Capstan Financial, enjoy an afternoon of beautiful sounds as the Venice Symphony Community Chamber Concert performs on the stage of Solis Hall. Guests are welcome to bring chairs, but please leave coolers at home. You may purchase to go food & beverages from any one of our vendors in Downtown Wellen.
“Hermitage Writes @ Ringling College: Mesha Maren”
with Hermitage Fellow Mesha Maren
Presented in partnership with Ringling College of Art and Design
Tuesday, March 12 at 7pm
Ringling College of Art and Design, Goldstein Library Rm 113 (entrance at 1228 Dr. MLK Way, Sarasota, FL 34234)
Register here.
Registration is required.
Part of the Visiting Writers Forum, the Hermitage partners with the Creative Writing Department at Ringling College to inspire students and community members alike. Hermitage Fellow Mesha Maren joins the series to offer insight into the process and craft of a writer. Her debut novel Sugar Run “creates bold new takes on venerable genres, a much-needed refresh of worn tropes and clichés (NY Times). She followed this success with Perpetual West, which The NY Times placed in the lineage of Cormac McCarthy and described as a “forceful addition” to the history of border literature. Hear this author who is reshaping stories and genres we thought we knew read selections of her work and talk process in this in-depth conversation.
Hermitage Fellow Mesha Maren is the author of the novels Sugar Run and Perpetual West (Algonquin Books). Her short stories and essays can be read in Tin House, The Oxford American, The Guardian, Crazyhorse, Triquarterly, The Southern Review, Ecotone, Sou’wester, Hobart, Forty Stories: New Writing from Harper Perennial, and elsewhere. She was the recipient of the 2015 Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize, a 2014 Elizabeth George Foundation grant, an Appalachian Writing Fellowship from Lincoln Memorial University, and fellowships from the MacDowell Colony and the Ucross Foundation. She was the 2018-2019 Kenan Visiting Writer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is an Assistant Professor of the Practice of English at Duke University and also serves as a National Endowment of the Arts Writing Fellow at the federal prison camp in Alderson, West Virginia.
“Hermitage Sunsets @ NBP: More Than Music”
with 2022 Hermitage Greenfield Prize Finalist Etienne Charlesand Hermitage Fellow Kamala Sankaram
Presented in partnership with Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy
Thursday, March 14 at 6:30pm
Nathan Benderson Park Family Finish Tower
(entrance at 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL, 34235 )
Register here.
Registration is required. $5 per person.
Returning Hermitage alumna Kamala Sankaram and 2022 Hermitage Greenfield Prize finalist and Guggenheim Fellow Etienne Charles know that music is more than simply sound. Their work embodies the people and places of the world, fusing time and place, different cultures, and varied musical styles. The NY Times describes Etienne Charles as having a “magnetic sound on trumpet — clear and mellifluous, with a deep sense of economy,” as well as “a composer to be reckoned with” and Kamala Sankaram is “one of the most exciting opera composers in the country,” according to The Washington Post. Join these two masterful artists to discover how their work is more than beautiful music; it’s also an experience that can make you feel the rhythm as quickly as it makes you think.
Trinidad-born Etienne Charles, a Guggenheim Fellow and a finalist for the 2022 Hermitage Greenfield Prize in music, is a performer, composer, and storyteller who is constantly searching for untold tales and sounds with which to tell them. Highlighting marginalized communities and engaging with them has been his mission, evident with projects such as his Guggenheim Fellowship Project, Carnival: The Sound of a People Vol. 1, San Jose Suite, Creole Soul, and Folklore. His concerts engage, enlighten, educate, and enrich audiences with energized multidisciplinary performance utilizing original composition, thematic improvisation, dance, short films, and spoken word to create a holistic experience. A firm believer in music and performance as a tool for provoking thought and dialogue, Charles’ themes speak to the status quo while drawing parallels to history. As an Afro-descendant, his work is actively connecting the diaspora and drawing lines to the regions at the roots of migrations.
Praised as “one of the most exciting opera composers in the country” (The Washington Post), returning Hermitage alumna Kamala Sankaram moves freely between the worlds of experimental music and contemporary opera. Recent commissions include works for the Glimmerglass Festival (where she was the 2022 Composer-in- Residence), Washington National Opera, the Prototype Festival, and Creative Time, among others. Kamala is known for her operas fusing Indian classical music with the operatic form, including Thumbprint, A Rose, Monkey and Francine in the City of Tigers, and The Jungle Book. Also known for her work pushing the boundaries of the operatic form, recent works include The Last Stand, a 10-hour opera created for the trees of Prospect Park, Brooklyn; Looking at You, a techno-noir featuring live datamining of the audience; all decisions will be made by consensus, a short absurdist opera performed live over Zoom; and The Parksville Murders, the world’s first virtual reality opera.
A Night In Hollywood 25th Annual Benefit Green Gala A Night In Hollywood
Benefitting Barrier Island Parks Society
Monday march 25th at the Boca Grande Pass Club
Reach out to [email protected] for information about sponsorships and in-kind donations.
“Hermitage Writes @ Ringling College: Brandel France de Bravo”
with Hermitage Fellow Brandel France de Bravo
Presented in partnership with Ringling College of Art and Design
Tuesday, March 12 at 7pm
Ringling College of Art and Design, Goldstein Library Rm 113 (entrance at 1228 Dr. MLK Way, Sarasota, FL 34234)
Register here.
Registration is required.
Marrying the worlds of creative poetry and public health policy, Hermitage Fellow Brandel France de Bravo is a writer and poet with an expansive vision. Spanning languages and including a holistic approach to both the art and the person in the audience, her latest work Locomotive Cathedral, about our constant search for permanence in an ever-changing world, was honored by the Backwaters Prize Press in poetry and is forthcoming in 2025. Part of the Visiting Writers Forum, the Hermitage is pleased to partner with the Creative Writing Department at Ringling College to inspire students and community members alike.
Hermitage Fellow Brandel France de Bravo is the author of Provenance (a Washington Writers Publishing House poetry prize winner) and the chapbook Mother, Loose (Accents Publishing, Judge’s Choice Award). She is co-author of the parenting book, Trees Make the Best Mobiles: Simple Ways to Raise Your Child in a Complex World, and editor of the bilingual anthology, Mexican Poetry Today: 20/20 Voices. Her poems and essays have appeared in 32 Poems, The Cincinnati Review, Conduit, The Georgia Review, Gulf Coast, Poet Lore, and elsewhere. She has been the recipient of four artist fellowship grants from the Washington, DC Commission on the Arts, which also awarded her the Larry Neal Writer’s Award in poetry. As a public health professional, she has run an HIV prevention program in Africa, designed harm reduction strategies for intravenous drug users in Central Asia, and developed materials to help cancer patients in the U.S. make informed decisions about their care. She teaches a meditation program developed at Stanford University called Compassion Cultivation Training and volunteers for the nonprofit Insight on the Inside, which shares meditation practices to inspire and empower the incarcerated, returning citizens, people transitioning from homelessness, and all affected by poverty, aging, and illness.
“Piano Classics Remade” Featuring Hermitage Fellow Conrad Tao
Presented in partnership with Marie Selby Botanical Garden
Conrad Tao’s concert and Hermitage residency are made possible through the Ruby E. Crosby Alumni Music Series at the Hermitage.
Thursday, March 28 at 7pm
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens (entrance at 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236)
Register here.
Registration is required. $5 per person.
With his uniquely energetic style, celebrated concert pianist and composer Conrad Tao gives a masterful demonstration of all the nuance a piano is capable of delivering. This internationally renowned Hermitage Fellow alternates between the most cutting-edge music venues and some of the world’s most celebrated concert halls. From the New York Philharmonic to the Chicago Symphony and Germany’s Klavierfestival Ruhr, Tao has been known to play everything from Gershwin and Rachmoninoff to his own contemporary compositions, always with his instantly recognizable improvisatory panache. In the third season of the Hermitage’s annual Crosby Alumni Music Initiative, join Conrad Tao to pay homage to the music of our past and hear into the future of music.
Hermitage Fellow Conrad Tao has appeared worldwide as a pianist and composer and has been dubbed “the kind of musician who is shaping the future of classical music” (New York Magazine), and an artist of “probing intellect and open-hearted vision” (The New York Times). Tao has performed as a soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and Boston Symphony. As a composer, his work has been performed by orchestras throughout the world; his first large scale orchestral work, Everything Must Go, received its world premiere with the New York Philharmonic, and its European premiere with the Antwerp Symphony, and he was the recipient of a New York Dance and Performance “Bessie” Award, for Outstanding Sound Design / Music Composition, for his work on More Forever, in collaboration with dancer and choreographer Caleb Teicher. A returning Hermitage Artist Retreat Fellow, Tao is also the recipient of the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant and was named a Gilmore Young Artist – an honor awarded every two years highlighting the most promising American pianists of the new generation.