Kicking off last night with the opening of the “Empowered” exhibition at SEE Space Sarasota, the annual Be Fabulous Music & Arts Pride Festival continues into the weekend with performance art tonight at the Players Studio, followed by a free community festival and concert from 3-10pm this Saturday at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, complete with live music, local vendors, a silent auction, and a closing drag show.

Formerly known as the Harvey Milk Festival, the Be Fabulous Pride Festival has highlighted and celebrated queer and non-binary artists throughout the region for 14 years, building community and raising awareness of issues affecting that community. And this year, says festival founder Shannon Fortner, the event holds particular significance.

“In light of everything that’s been happening in Florida,” Fortner says, “it's important for us to show we’re resilient—to bring the community together and create these safe spaces and celebrate your community.”

Tonight, that celebration looks like an evening performance by the queer art collective Swamp Yell, which will be debuting new work and works-in-progress at the Players Studio in the Rosemary District. Comprised of four local artists—Jess Pope, Gabriel Keusch, Erne Murphy and Mike Murphy—Swamp Yell performances and projects include everything from dance and movement to spoken word poetry and even experiments in projection and shadow, with room for audience interaction. The performance starts at 7pm and tickets are $15. ($10 for students.)

The festival comes to its climax on Saturday, with an outdoor celebration and concert, free and open to the public. Musical performers include Zeta The Babe, a saxophone player and vocalist who loops live onstage, as well as local artist Brittany Zeff, who will be debuting some original music for the festival, and Nowincolor, a younger band gaining traction in the region. “I love their energy,” says Fortner. “They have such a sound and a sense of community; you see how a music scene can thrive here.” MeterEYES, Fortner’s band, will also play a set, as well as Summer Hoop and Gracie Cespedes. The festival’s keynote address will be given by Jules Rayne, a community organizer with Equality Florida.

The close of Saturday’s event also marks the end of the festival’s silent auction, currently ongoing, where donated offerings up for bidding include gift certificates to Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Sage Restaurant, day passes to the Ringling Museum or the Sarasota Art Museum, tickets to the Asolo, spa services and even a $1500 staycation package. Proceeds from the auction will go to a new program from the Fabulous Arts Foundation, parent organization of the Be Fabulous Pride Festival, to provide mental health services that address the needs of the queer community.

Fortner hopes to have more solid information on that development later in the summer. For now, there’s the festival this weekend, the Friendly City Pride in Manatee on May 26, and plans already in motion for next year’s 15th-anniversary celebration.

“This community is my family,” Fortner says. “And being able to provide a safe space for the community to feel seen and heard has always been a passion of mine.” 

Pictured: Formerly known as the Harvey Milk Festival, Be Fabulous Pride Festival has been amplifying LGBTQ+ voices for 14 years. Photo courtesy of Be Fabulous.

For tickets and information on the Be Fabulous Music & Arts Pride Festival, click here.

On May 23, visit the Hermitage Artist Retreat’s beachfront campus on Manasota Key for a truly special program. The Hermitage, a leading national arts incubator dedicated to the development of new work across all artistic disciplines from writing to sculpture to mixed media and everything in between, boasts an alumni of highly acclaimed artists. While at the Hermitage, these artists are allotted multi-week residencies to work on their craft–the only thing that the organization asks in return is that the Hermitage Fellows participate in free community programs dedicated to giving the public an inside look into their creative processes. 

Visualizing Culture is an hour-long program featuring three Hermitage alumni, all at the top of the game in their respective fields. Diana Al-Hadid, an internationally acclaimed visual artist whose work is currently on display at the Sarasota Art Museum along with nine other Hermitage artists, will speak about her work and career path alongside Raven Chacon, a Pulitzer-Prize winning composer, installation artist and performer and Candice Hopkins, who is a multidisciplinary artist and acclaimed visual curator. All three artists come from distinct cultural backgrounds and use their work to interrogate contemporary culture and ideologies. Al-Hadid is a Syrian-born, U.S.-based artist, Chacon hails from Fort Defiance, Navajo Nation and Hopkins is a citizen of Carcross/Tagish First Nation in Canada. 

“I think when you have some talented polymaths, if you will, these super multi-hyphenates, there’s often a synergy of having an experience and conversation about what it means to pull in all of these different fields and to be a true artist in a path that is not easily defined. There isn’t one of them who has had a very linear career path, they’ve all crossed forms,” says Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director and CEO of the Hermitage. “All three also bring distinct cultural backgrounds and identities that I think are rather unique and enable them to share a common theme on talking about how their backgrounds and cultures actually infuse into their work.”

May 23, 6:30pm to 7:30pm, Hermitage Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Rd., Englewood, FL.

Pictured: Hermitage Fellow Raven Chacon at work. Photo by Neal Santos.

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) kicks off its Summer Cabaret Series with Rhinestone Cowgirls, a journey through all things country music, celebrating its evolution from humble beginnings to the giants of the music industry today. Three powerhouse vocalists help you relive classics such as Patsy Cline’s “Crazy,” Tammy Wynette’s “Stand by Your Man,” and Loretta Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” as well as new favorites like Carrie Underwood’s “Last Name.” Rhinestone Cowgirls begins playing May 21 in FST’s Goldstein Cabaret. Single tickets range from $18-$42. Tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000. 

Sarasota Orchestra returns to the Orioles’ Ed Smith Stadium for its annual Outdoor Pops concert. This year’s show, Back to the ‘80s, is a power-packed evening of the decade’s number-one songs, including Madonna’s “Material Girl,” Cyndi Lauper’s first smash hit, “Time After Time,” and “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis & the News. Featuring the music of a multitude of iconic ‘80s stars—such as Phil Collins, Stevie Nicks, Whitney Houston, Elton John, and Heart—Back to the ‘80s contains all-new arrangements by GRAMMY-winner Jeff Tyzik belted out by three incredible vocalists. Experience Sarasota Orchestra, amped up on the field at the Orioles’ Ed Smith Stadium, in an evening of hits and home runs that concludes with a dazzling fireworks display.

Friday, May 3, 8:00pm, Saturday, May 4, 8:00pm, Ed Smith Stadium, Visit SarasotaOrchestra.org or call the Box Office at (941) 953-3434. 

As part of The Ringling’s “Art of Performance Series,” ensembleNEWSRQ (enSRQ) presents “Parisian Refraction,” a four-part “micro festival” that explores new music compositions that embody or have been inspired by the City of Light. Violinist Samantha Bennett and percussionist George Nickson, enSRQ’s founders and co-artistic directors, explain that the festival is a collaboration with principal members of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, ensembleNEWSRQ Core and guest artists, and “some of new music’s brightest stars.”  They add that the four-concert festival will be presented in both Dallas and Sarasota, with faculty and students of Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) Meadows School of the Arts involved in the Dallas presentation. In Sarasota, the festival is May 9, 7:30 p.m.; May 10, 7:30 p.m.; and May 11, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Single tickets are $30-40. For more information on ticket packages and single tickets, including student ticket pricing, visit https://www.ringling.org/event/ensemblenewsrq/ or call 941-360-7399. 

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music this Saturday, May 4th! Experience the incredible talent of Leon Pitts as he takes the stage and serenades you with soulful R&B hits. From Al Green to Tony Toni Tone', Leon will bring your favorite songs to life, along with some mesmerizing original music from his upcoming album. This concert will be a one-of-a-kind event, with a live filming capturing every magical moment. You might even spot yourself in the promotions and music videos! You may recoginize Leon from one of his many performances at the Westcoast Black Theatre. His new album, Take It Slow, will be available this summer. Enjoy a delicious dinner at Hamlet's Eatery, starting at 6pm. The show begins at 7:45pm. WIne and beer is also available. Admission is  free. This is happening on the outdoor stage at The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime, located at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. Please, no outside food or drinks allowed. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to witness Leon Pitts' captivating performance. For more information, visit www.HamletsEatery.com.  

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training is excited to announce its 2024-2025 season, featuring a hilarious and bitter-sweet mid-century modern American comedy, a thought-provoking play from one of the freshest new female voices in American drama, a journey through time and history by a preeminent Asian American playwright and a rich Shakespearean masterpiece, written by the mature Bard. In the Fall, the Conservatory will bring you The Curious Savage (October 29 – November 24), a hilarious and bitter-sweet mid-century modern American comedy. The Winter Repertory will feature John Proctor is the Villain (February 4 – March 2), a thought-provoking play from one of the freshest new voices in American drama. Its companion piece, The Chinese Lady (February 11 – March 2), to be presented at the Ringling Museum, will take you on a journey through time and history, seen through the eyes of the first Chinese woman in America. The season will conclude in the Spring with The Winter’s Tale (April 1– 27), a rich Shakespearean masterpiece, written by the mature Bard, as Time drew the curtain on his career, and on the entire Renaissance era. This production will allow the audience to experience the production on the Elizabethan Stage, immersing them in the timeless story of beauty and torment.New subscriptions for the four-play season are $120 and on sale May 13, 2024. Renew your subscription now for $100 at Asolo Rep's Box Office at 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, or by phone at 941.351.8000 or 800.361.8388. 

Florida Studio Theatre (FST) announces the lineup for its Summer Improv Season, running from June 1 through September 28. With five diverse shows, including its annual Fourth of July holiday musical, FST Improv is bringing Sarasota audiences a wide range of improvisational styles and performances this summer. Tickets are $18 and are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or 941.366.9000.Taking the Bowne’s Lab stage are returning cast members: Kevin Allen, Taylor Bungo, Christian Corpora, Sylvia Day, Sarah Durham, Darryl Knapp, Will Luera, Kathryn Parks, Sal Piccolo, Christine Reagan, Autumn Steiner, and Danielle Trzcinski. Jim Prosser or Helena Rankin will alternate as musical improvisers on the piano at each performance. 

The Sarasota Ballet announces today that renowned dance educator Charmaine Hunter will be The Sarasota Ballet’s new Community Engagement Director. Charmaine will oversee Dance – The Next Generation along with the other community engagement programs, including Joyful Movement through Parkinson’s and Silver Swans®. Charmaine brings a wealth of experience to The Sarasota Ballet. Charmaine was a Principal Dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem, where she was known for roles such as The Firebird (John Taras) and Medea (Michael Smuin). While she was still dancing, she began working to provide programs for young people with little or no access to the arts. Charmaine helped to launch Dancing Through Barriers, Dance Theatre of Harlem’s flagship outreach program in South Africa, before developing it for communities across the USA and beyond. Charmaine’s extensive background includes the roles of Director of Disney’s The Lion King in Toronto, Talent Scout for Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, Co-Founder of Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater, and as Upper School Principal with Texas Ballet Theater. Prior to joining The Sarasota Ballet, Charmaine held the position of Director of Community Enrichment for Orlando Ballet, where she developed arts education programming for seven counties in the central Florida area, increasing access to dance for over 24,000 children. When asked about her new position, Charmaine said, “I am excited to step into the role of Community Engagement Director with The Sarasota Ballet. It is an honor and privilege to extend the gift of dance to the community and beyond. Celebrating the rich history of The Sarasota Ballet's commitment to giving back, this opportunity allows me to join in elevating our dance outreach offerings and broadening our impact.” 

 Arts Advocates is pleased to announce its schedule of June events, including member artist Suzanne Havens’ exhibit “Seeing With Imagination” and Jess Pope’s art talk, “The Transformative Power of Movement and Human Connection.” Unless otherwise indicated, registration is required at ArtsAdvocates.org. Arts Advocates member artists exhibit monthly in the Arts Advocates Gallery, located in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Shows runs from the first Saturday to the last Saturday of each month. Suzanne Havens’ "Seeing With Imagination" will be on exhibit from June 1-29, Saturdays only from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Following a creative career in marketing, Havens moved to Venice, Florida in 2007. In 2020, her photo won best in show at the 40th Annual Selby Gardens Juried Photographic Exhibition. Afterwards she became one of six volunteer photographers for Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Admission to all gallery exhibits is free. On June 4, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Arts Advocates Gallery, Arts Advocates member Jess Pope presents the art talk, “The Transformative Power of Movement and Human Connection” in celebration of Pride Month. Raised in a strict Pentecostal family – no tv, computers or dancing, no adornment in her hair or skirts above her knees – Pope was taken to a ballet by a neighbor when she was seven years old. Her life and dreams were changed forever. Pope’s work as a dancer and choreographer derives its point of view through issues of gender, erotic power, and queer mothering, leaning into the intersections of her experiences. Free for Arts Advocates members; $5 for non-members. The Arts Advocates’ collection of Sarasota Art Colony and Florida Highwaymen works is on permanent display in the Arts Advocates Gallery, which is open every Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. Free docent-guided tours are available for gallery visitors who wish to learn more about the art and written information is available for self-guided tours. To learn more about or become a member of Arts Advocates, or to register for programs and events, visit ArtsAdvocates.org. 

Pictured: ArtsAdvocates June Member Exhibit SuzanneHavens Walking Iris. Photo courtesy of Arts Advocates.

 Tervis, the nationally loved and family-owned drinkware company founded in 1946, recently announced it will be unveiling new merchandise and a website takeover in honor of Star WarsTM Day on May 4th, the unofficial Star Wars fan holiday. For the second year in a row on May 4th, Tervis will feature a Star Wars themed takeover on its website. Visitors to Tervis.com will enjoy seeing products inspired by their favorite Star Wars characters, including the beloved Mandalorian, Boba Fett, Darth Vader, R2-D2, C-3PO, BB-8 and more. Currently available for fans, Tervis has a stainless steel water bottle with a Lightsaber detail, as well as four-packs of double-walled 16-ounce tumblers. Additionally, Tervis has produced a new Star Wars design, available for purchase now. The new design, called Phantom Menace 25, will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. Available all of 2024, the design will feature the eyes of Darth Maul, the iconic villain, on 20- ounce and 30-ounce Tervis Travelers®. The drinkware company will also unveil a second special edition design available on its website for purchase on May 4th only. “Tervis has proudly collaborated with Lucasfilm for over two decades,” said Hosana Fieber, chief executive officer of Tervis. “All of our Star Wars offerings have been incredibly popular, and we’re excited to celebrate May the 4th with new designs that we know fans in galaxies near and far will treasure for years to come.” 

Pictured: New Star Wars Phantom Menace 25 design available now. Photo courtesy of Tervis.

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