The cultural capital of Florida’s west coast, Sarasota’s performing arts scene is a vibrant one, especially during the winter season. Visit Sarasota has a comprehensive list of events, concerts, and performances. Also check alternative weekly Creative Loafing Tampa Bay and the “Ticket” section in Friday’s Herald-Tribune, the local daily newspaper.

The Performing Arts in Sarasota

The historic Asolo Repertory Theatre at 5555 N. Tamiami Trail in the Florida State Center for the Performing Arts (tel. 800/361-8388 or 941/351-8000) is one of the finest regional theaters in the country, and hosts a conservatory for training professional actors. In addition to the Asolo Theatre building, the 487-seat Harold E. and Ethel M. Mertz Theatre (no relation to Ricky and Lucy), originally constructed in Scotland in 1900 and transferred piece by piece to Sarasota in 1987, serves as the main performing space for both the Asolo Repertory Theatre and the Sarasota Ballet. The 161-seat Florida State Asolo Conservatory Theatre is a venue for experimental and alternative offerings. The complex is under the direction of Florida State University (FSU).

The city’s other prime arts venue is the lavender, seashell-shaped Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), at 9th Street (tel. 800/826-9303 or 941/953-3368). Recently renovated, it has excellent acoustics and sightlines, and offers a wide range of year-round programming, including touring Broadway shows and visiting orchestras and dance troupes. It and Holly Hall at the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, host performances by the Sarasota Orchestra (tel. 941/953-4252). From time to time there are also performances there by the Jazz Club of Sarasota (tel. 941/366-1552 or 941/316-9207), and the Sarasota Ballet (tel. 800/361-8388 or 941/351-8000). The Sarasota Pops (tel. 941/926-7677), plays at the Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way.

Downtown Sarasota’s theater district is home to the Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., at Cocoanut Avenue (tel. 941/366-9000), which has produces contemporary plays and musicals from December to August. It also hosts a popular cabaret series in winter. Built in 1926 as the Edwards Theater, the Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., between Main and 1st streets (; [tel] 941/366-8450), presents operas (in their original languages) as well as classical concerts.

The Club, Music & Bar Scene in Sarasota

One of downtown’s most popular places for a night out is Mattison’s City Grille, 1 N. Lemon Ave. (tel. 941/330-0440); it offers live jazz and local bands. Views, booze and a piano bar are the draw at Marina Jacks, also downtown at 2 Marina Plaza (tel. 941/365-4232).

In Siesta Key Village, the Old Salty Dog, 5023 Ocean Blvd. (tel. 941/349-0158), has a big selection of British ales and an outdoor patio. Strolling St. Armands Circle provides for an entertaining night out, especially if you stop into some of the bustling bars and restaurants like Patio Lounge in the Columbia Restaurant. It’s one of the liveliest spots along the beach strip, featuring live, high-energy dance music Tuesday through Sunday evenings. And on Siesta Key, the pubs and restaurants along Ocean Boulevard in Siesta Village have rock-n’-roll bands entertaining a mostly young crowd—SKOB, 5238 Ocean Blvd., is a major hot spot, featuring money-saving happy hours and live music nightly. Or you can retire to the pleasant confines of the martini bar at Blasé for live jazz.      
           
On Longboat Key, the Haye Loft at Euphemia Haye, 540 Gulf of Mexico Dr, (tel.941 383 3633), is command central for the cocktail set.
            
Be sure to check out all the beach bars on Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach for some salty, sandy nights. For a lofty view of the area, rooftop bars including the Perspective Rooftop Pool Bar at the Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Ave. (tel. 941/316-0808),  the one at Sage SRQ, 1216 1st St. (tel. 941/445-5660), and The Roof Bar & Eats at the Westin Sarasota, 100 Marina View Dr. (tel. 941/217-4777) are some of the city’s best.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.