There is a responsibility that Sarasota has as the center of Florida’s Cultural Coast. Art is transient by nature. Each season brings a new slew of productions at the area’s performing arts organizations, new gallery openings and exhibitions at the museums. For Sarasota, there is a duty to inspire the next generation of artists, to become a place where people will come to create art for years to come.

On March 23, that duty was fulfilled with the Florida Premiere of Kevin Smith’s film KillRoy Was Here at the Burns Court Cinema, followed by a Q&A with Smith. KillRoy Was Here, a comedy horror anthology film, traces its roots to the graffiti phenomenon “Kilroy was here”, a meme depicting a looming character with a large nose that became popular during World War II. In the film, which is set in Sarasota, four intertwining stories illustrate the legend of Killroy, a local boogeyman figure, and the dire consequences of saying his name three times.

More significant than the presence of the film, however, was the process of making it. Shot in 2017 and 2018 in different locations around Sarasota including Ringling College of Art and Design, Nathan Benderson Park and Longboat Key, KillRoy Was Here was made as a series of short films by Kevin Smith in collaboration with Ringling College students. Smith, who rose to prominence with the low-budget comedy Clerks, says the enthusiasm of film students reinvigorates his own creative drive.

“Young folks are hungry for it. It is something that I’ve done so many times, so being around that enthusiasm just pumps you back up,” says Smith. “It reminds you of why you started this journey in the first place, because you can see your youthful brio in their eyes. If you’re going to make pretend, which is essentially what we do as filmmakers, you want to do it with people that are open to it.”

The participation of the students—which has sparked a larger initiative, the Creative Empowerment Project, a collaboration between the Florida Wine Festival and Auction and Semkhor Productions—was more than just a learning experience, however. It was the chance to have real input on the creative process.

“The kids brought so much energy and originality, they really made it better,” says Smith. “Watching these kids reach for and achieve new artistic heights while making this little horror movie was pretty inspiring.”

Pictured: Kevin Smith. Provided photo.

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ARRIVAL from Sweden: The Music of ABBA is arriving at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the Van Wezel Box Office. The 10-12 piece band ARRIVAL from Sweden in the production The Music of ABBA was founded by Vicky Zetterberg-Norbäck and the ABBA original musician Rutger Gunnarsson in 1995 in Gothenburg, Sweden. Very soon after, they became one of the world’s most popular and most selling ABBA show bands. Since the start in 1995 the band has toured in more than 80 countries, done nearly 120 successful U.S. tours, played with more than 120 Symphony Orchestras all over the world, and has appeared in several TV and radio shows all over the world. 

Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative’s (SBAC) “Beyond Regional Boundaries” initiative continues its powerful exploration of Black artistry with a dynamic exhibition, “Tradition and the Abstract: Improvisations and the Norm,” showcasing paintings by Shannon Elyse Curry and Jeannette Bradley, April 2-28, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. An opening reception, with the artists, is Wednesday, April 2, 5-6:15 p.m., at the Van Wezel’s Grand Foyer. 

Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa is excited to announce that the April Sunset Music Series is now a free event with free parking! Guests are invited to unwind and enjoy the harmonious blend of live music and picturesque sunsets at our scenic venue located at 600 US-41, Palmetto, FL.  Each evening will feature talented musicians performing a variety of genres, ensuring there's something for every musical taste. Attendees can relax in a serene outdoor setting, taking in the beautiful sunset while enjoying live entertainment. 

The Hermitage Artist Retreat (Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director and CEO) today announced that Tony and Emmy Award nominee Eden Espinosa will perform at the 2025 Hermitage Greenfield Prize Dinner on Sunday, April 6. The Hermitage’s annual spring benefit honors composer and sound artist Rucyl Mills as the winner of the 2025 Hermitage Greenfield Prize.  

 Nathan Benderson Park (NBP), will host the Sarasota 2K, March 28-29.Presented by WinTech Racing, this event will bring together five of the finest Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) Men’s schools, 18 NCAA Division I Women schools, and 12 Florida rowing schools in a spectacular 2K Sprint event.  Formerly known as the IRA Sarasota Invitational, last year Washington took home the Men’s Benderson Cup and the University of Miami won the Women’s DI Benderson Cup. More information can be found by visiting NBP’s event bulletin on the website:www.nathanbendersonpark.org/event/sarasota-2k/