WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO – Key West Florida Weekly

THURSDAY12/5

Venice: History & Art from the Grand Canal to the Black Sea 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Selby Public Library, A presentation by Dr. Rosanne Martorella. A Sarasota Italian Cultural Events. italyinsarasota@gmail.com.

Annual Downtown Christmas Walk 5-8 p.m. Dec. 5, Historic Downtown Venice, 101 W. Venice Ave. #23, Venice. Stroll downtown. aglow with holiday lights and festive dcor. Check out the winners of the storefront decorations contest for most creative; most elegant; most traditional; most creative use of products; most whimsical; and best use of lights. You might meet Santa and Mrs. Claus who will be out for a stroll too. Stores will offer discounts and specials and local restaurants will have holiday music and dining deals. Buy local! 941- 484-6722; http://www.visitvenicefl.org.

Road to 2020 Speaker Series 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice. Featuring keynote speaker George Papadopoulos, an international energy lawyer hailing from Chicago who was Trumps foreign policy adviser during the 2016 presidential campaign. Other speakers include author, commentator and activist Trevor Loudon speaking on the Marxist in our Government Will our Republic Stand? and John Loudon, 14-year member of the Missouri Legislature, speaking on Florida Citizen Voters: The War on Your Vote. VIP Reception at 5:30 p.m. and program at 6:30 p.m. Get tickets at RoadDec.Eventbrite.com.

A Motown Christmas featuring the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Dec. 5 and 6 and Dec. 18-20, at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. http://www.sarasotaopera.org or http://www.westcoastblacktheatre.org.

Hello, Dolly Dec. 5-15, 19-22, a Main Stage production, at The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-365-2494; http://www.theplayers.org.

Assisted Living the Musical: THE HOME for the Holidays Through Dec. 22, the Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice. Recognized as one of the most successful, nonprofit community theaters in the country, entertains with full-scale musicals, oneact plays, other stage productions, and a summer childrens theater. 941-488-1115; http://www.venicestage.com.

FRIDAY12/6

Annual Economic Outlook Breakfast 7:30-9:30 a.m. Dec. 6, Venetian River Club, 502 Veneto Blvd., Nokomis. The Venice Area Chamber of Commerces annual breakfast features Dr. Jerry Parrish, chief economist and director of research at the Florida Chamber Foundation. $35 for chamber members; $40 future members. Register: https:// venicechamber.com/economicbreakfast/.

Jazz at Two Concert: The Bud Leeds Ensemble 2-4 p.m. Dec. 6, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice, 1971 Pinebrook Road, Venice. Presented by South County Jazz with Morrie. $15 at the door. jazzwithmorrie.org.

Gazebo Starlight Cinema: Home Alone 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, near the gazebo in Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice. https:// http://www.visitvenicefl.org/calendar/.

Christmas Joy 7 p.m. Dec. 6, Venice Community Church, 825 The Rialto, Venice. Michelle Kuhl, piano, and Jamal Sarikoki, organ and baritone. 941-488-5525; http://www.venicecommunityconcertseries.com.

The Venice Symphony Youth Orchestra 7 p.m. Dec. 6, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 1115 Center Road, Venice. Symphony Strings and Concert Strings performing Bachs Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, Corellis Christmas Concerto and Vivaldis Gloria. Free. http://www.thevenicesymphony.org; 941-207-8822.

Art & Design Show Sarasota Dec. 6-8, Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Formerly the Sarasota Craft Show, this juried show of premier crafts features work in decorative fiber, wearable art, leather, jewelry, glass, ceramics, wood, painting and sculpture by more than 80 of the nations top artists. Free admission. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sunday. 941-365-0818; 845-355-2400, http://www.artanddesignshowsarasota.com.

SATURDAY12/7

Prayer Walk the Loop Join Betty Osceola and Rev. Houston R. Cypress on an organized prayer walk from 9 a.m. Dec. 7 to 7 p.m. Dec. 8. The two well-known activists / conservationists are leading the charge to protect the Big Cypress National Preserve. The walk along Loop Road will start just off the Tamiami Trail in the Big Cypress National Preserve and last until 7 p.m. the following day. The goals are to educate and call attention to the plight of indigenous families and non-indigenous landholders and the Western Everglades Restoration Project. Walkers can camp overnight and stay for an evening chat with the participants Saturday. http://www.LoveTheEverglades.org; 786-897-4582.

2019 Fall Car Show 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7. The SWFL Fall Nationals Car Show takes place at JetBlue Park, 11500 Fenway S. Drive, Fort Myers. See hundreds of show cars, plus food, music, vendors and a large swap meet. Admission is $10; free for age 12 and younger and active duty military. A portion of the proceeds benefits the United Cerebral Palsy organization of Southwest Florida and Keep Lee County Beautiful. Free parking. http://www.rpcharities.com.

Venice Aviation Society Inc. Airport Open House 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 7, Suncoast Aviation, 400 Airport Ave. E., Venice. http://www.veniceaviationsociety.net.

History Walking Tour of Downtown Venice 9:30-11 a.m. Dec. 7, Michael Biehl Park, 100 Tampa Ave. W., Venice. A guided walking tour that covers the history of Venice and various buildings. $15. Reservations required at VeniceFloridaTours@yahoo.com or call Tiffany at 817-793-8433. Info: http://www.Facebook.com/VeniceFloridaTours.

Laughter in the Park (Laughter Yoga) 10 a.m. Dec. 7, Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice. An aerobic exercise with no yoga mats or poses involved. Free. http://www.laughteryogavenice.com; 203-856-6427.

Venice Area Beautification Inc.s Christmas Boat Bash 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Venice Area Beautification Inc., 257 N. Tamiami Trail, Venice. Catered by Cafe Venice, with cash wine and beer bar, live music by Cryin Shames. Tickets $50. Info: 941-207-8224; http://www.vabi.org/2019-boat-bash.html.

Venice Christmas Boat Parade 6-7 p.m. Dec. 7, Intracoastal Waterway, Venice. http://www.venicechristmasboatparade.com.

Christmas with The Gulfshore Tenors Dec. 7, Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte. $25-$35. 941-625-4175; http://www.theculturalcenter.com; sunevents.com.

SUNDAY12/8

Venice Bible Church Celebration 10:30 a.m. Dec. 8, Maxine Barritt Park, 1800 S. Harbor Drive, Venice. Praise and worship followed by a potluck and baptisms. Bring a chair, bring a friend, bring a dish. http://www.venicebiblechurch.com.

The Venice Chorale Holiday Pops with Brass 7-9 p.m. Dec. 8, Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Building 5, Venice. $20-$25, $5 for students. http://www.thevenicechorale.org; 941-218-3779.

MONDAY12/9

American Jewish Committee Gala Dinner & 2019 National Leadership Award 6-8 p.m. Dec. 9, Michaels On East, 1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota. The 2019 National Leadership Award will be given to Anne Virag, AJC Regional President. The event raises money to provide critical support its programs. Single tickets are $275 or a table at $1,250. 941-365- 4955 or email liptonb@ajc.org.

TUESDAY12/10

Merry, Merry, Sarasota! A Holiday Concert 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10, Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Classical music associated with the holidays, plus seasonal favorites. Featured soloists: Johanna Fincher, soprano; Aaron Romm, trumpet; and Nicholas Arbolino, English horn. Robert Vodnoy is the music director and conductor of the 18-piece orchestra. A free meet-the-artists reception follows the concert. $25 adults; $15 students at http://www.redeemersarasota.org/ chamber-orchestra-of-sarasota/ or at the church office, and at the box office the night of the show beginning at 6:30 p.m. chamberorchestrasarasota.org or call 219-928-8665.

Luncheon & Ken McBride himself 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 10, Plantation Golf & Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice. The Venice Area Womens College Club presents Ken McBride in a sing-along event. Guest welcomed. $22. 612-597-2299.

The Venice High School Orchestra performs 7-9 p.m. Dec. 10, Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Building 5, Venice. Free. 941-800-2610.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Winter Semester Registration Now open to the general public. More than 100 courses, classes and programs on diverse subjects, including art appreciation, culture and travel, health and well-being, global issues, science, philosophy and religion take place from Jan. 13 to March 6. Highlights include:

The Listening to Women series, featuring six sessions from Feb. 6-March 12 focusing on innovative women.

Einsteins Circle discussions, including Full Speed Ahead: Back to the Moon! with Kenneth Bechis (Feb. 5); Stalin and Roosevelt, Gorbachev and Reagan, Putin and Trump with Robert Toplin (Feb. 19);

The winter lectures series, which includes talks including Forged by Fire: RescuersMoral Heroes of The Holocaust with Andre Krauss, on March 5.

The CONNECTIONS documentary film series, moderated by Julie Cotton, screens films on Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. On tap: The Biggest Little Farm (Jan. 21); RGB (February 11); Catching Sight of Thelma and Louise (March 3); and two more.

Register at 941-309-5111 or visit http://www.OlliatRinglingCollege.org.

WEDNESDAY12/11

City of Venice Casual Bike Ride 10-11:30 a.m. Dec. 11, from the City Hall Parking Lot, 401 W. Venice Ave., Venice. An easy-paced 6-mile ride around the island of Venice along the Venice Island Loop. BYO bike and helmet. http://www.visitvenicefl.org. Email dculpepper@venicegov.com.

Holly Jolly Trolley Tour 11 a.m. Wednesday and 2 p.m. Sunday in December and a special Christmas Eve tour at 2 p.m. Dec. 24, DST Trolley Depot, 1826 Fourth St., Sarasota. Guide Jenny Jingle narrates a special daytime holiday tour with cocoa at the Trolley Cottage before the tour, carols and Christmas stories of Sarasota. Prizes will be awarded for Best Ugly Sweater on every tour. Vist the Holiday Boutique in the Vintage Sarasota Gift Shop. discoversarasotatours.com; 941-260-9818.

Handle With Care Dec. 11, FSTs Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Emmy nominee Jason Odell Williams holiday comedy about an unusual meeting on Christmas Eve. http://www.floridastudiotheatre.org; 941-366- 9017, ext. 338.

Francisca Mendoza, violin, and Aza Torshkoeva, piano Noon Dec. 11, David Cohen Hall at Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Program: Mlodie by Tchaikovsky; Liebesleid (Loves Sorrow) and Schn Rosmarin (Fair Rosmarin) by Fritz Kreisler; Romance by Henryk Wieniawski; Un Sospiro, Concert Etude, S. 144, No 3 by Franz Liszt; Meditation, from Thas by Jules Massenet; and Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs) by Pablo de Sarasate. The Music Matinee Series is presented by Sarasota Concert Association. Free. 941-225-6500; scasarasota.org.

LOOKING AHEAD

Meditate for Peace 5 p.m. Dec. 12, William H. Jervey, Jr. Public Library, 300 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice. The practice is simple: Sit in silence and meditate, pray or just hold good thoughts. Bring a peace reading to share. Hosted by the Venice Peace Project. http://www.venicepeaceproject.org.

The December Mixer 5:30 p.m. Dec. 12, Classic Creations in Diamonds & Gold, 2389 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice. Hosted by the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce. Bring a toy to donate to Child Protection Center. http://www.venicechamber.com; 941-488-2236.

VHS Guitars and Keyboards 7-9 p.m. Dec. 12, Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Building 5, Venice. The students of Venice High School perform. Free. 941-800-2610.

Under The Streetlamp: Hip To The Holidays 8 p.m. Dec. 12, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. A joyous performance of holiday tunes, plus songs from the American Radio Songbook. Sing along, dance in the aisles. 941-953- 3368; 800-826-9303; http://www.VanWezel.org.

The Venice Art Center presents Holiday Tea 2:30 p.m. Dec. 13, Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice. Win a prize for the most elegant or most creative hat. Music by Le Voci Di Venezia, a student chorus from Venice High school. $40 members, $50 nonmembers. 941-485-7136;

The Venice Art Center presents Holiday Tea 2:30 p.m. Dec. 13, Venice Art Center, 390 Nokomis Ave. S., Venice. Win a prize for the most elegant or most creative hat. Music by Le Voci Di Venezia, a student chorus from Venice High school. $40 members, $50 nonmembers. 941-485-7136;

Friday Night Concert Series 7-9 p.m. Dec. 13, Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice. Featuring Mindy Simmons. 941-484-6722; http://www.visitvenicefl.org.

Nate Najars Jazz Holiday 8-10 p.m. Dec. 13, Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota. http://www.natenajar.com/upcomingshows/.

Beautiful The Carole King Musical Dec. 13-15, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The inspiring true story of Kings remarkable life and the music that changed America. Evening shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 6:30 p.m. Sunday and matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. 941-953-3368; 800-826-9303; http://www.VanWezel.org.

Abounding Grace Fellowship Event 5-9 p.m. Dec. 14, Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice. Cookies, carols, and Christmas story. http://www.venicegov.com.

Venice Blalock Park Tree Lighting Sundown Dec. 14, Arboretum at West Blalock Park, 401 Pensacola Road, Venice. Music performances by local kids, crafts, refreshments and Santa. Pay a visit to the jolly elf near the Venice Museum & Archives and the Venice Community Center. 941-207-8224; http://www.vabi.org.

Bicycles International Glow Ride Dec. 14, starts at Maxine Barritt Park and ends post-ride food, drinks and music at Sharkeys on the Pier. A night bicycle parade-like ride through the City of Venice, stopping by the Venice tree lighting ceremony at West Blalock Park. Proceeds benefit a local charity.

Live Music for Charity 6-9 p.m. Dec. 19, Ciao Gelato, 317 W. Venice Ave., Venice. Donate a toy or cash. All musician tips go to local charities and will be matched. Music by George Byrne. 941- 445-5840; email rockbud@comcast.net.

A Very Merry Holiday Pops Concert Dec. 20-21, Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave. at the Venice High School campus. The Venice Symphony performs an eclectic selection of seasonal music, from holiday classics to songs from holiday films with special guests the Sarasota Key Chorale. http://www.thevenicesymphony.org; 941-448-1010.

The Ten Tenors Home for the Holidays 7 p.m. Dec. 22, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. A mix of festive favorites and modern holidays hits. 941- 953-3368; 800-826-9303; http://www.VanWezel.org.

Sounds of the Season Dec. 22 at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. The Choral Artists of Sarasota performs its 41st season. Tickets start at $20 at http://www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org; 941-387-4900.

Menorah Lighting 5 p.m. Dec. 22, 395 Dearborn St., Englewood. Music and food. Co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. 941- 493-2770.

A Christmas Carol 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. A cast of 23 performers weaves music through Charles Dickens classic tale, including renditions of beloved holiday songs and hymns, like God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Good Christian Men Rejoice. 941-953-3368; 800-826- 9303; http://www.VanWezel.org.

Menorah Lighting 5 p.m. Dec. 26, Warm Mineral Springs, North Port. Cosponsored by the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. 941-493-2770.

Venice Klezmer Festival 4:30- 6:30 p.m. Dec. 29, at the Gazebo at Centennial Park, 200 W. Venice Ave., Venice. A concert by Boris & Natasha and the Freilach Klezmer Band, a giant menorah made out of Legos, a live appearance by Judah the Maccabee, the lighting of the 12-foot menorah, a performance from Chabads Hebrew School of the Arts students, Dreidel House. Traditional Hanukkah food including falafel, latkes, donuts, and Matzah ball soup. Free. Cosponsored by the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. 941-493-2770; http://www.chabadofvenicec.com.

ONGOING

The Fence Through Feb. 8, Regatta Island in Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. This huge public photo exhibition a showcase of the best from Gulf Coast photographers appears on both sides of a fence between the islands twin bridges. Each photo series is comprised of as many as five images that share a thematic connection or tell a story. Free. 6 a.m.-6 p.m. 941-358-7275.

AT MAJOR VENUES

Asolo Repertory Theatre 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 941-351- 8000; http://www.asolorep.org.

Harmony for the Holidays Dec. 21-22. Shows at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 and 5 p.m. Sunday.

The Sound of Music Through Dec. 28.

In the Conservatory: Gruesome Playground Injuries Dec. 31-Jan. 19.

Bookstore1Sarasota 12 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota. http://www.sarasotabooks.com or 941-365-7900.

Kathryn D. Sullivan speaks 2 p.m. Dec. 12. The first American woman to walk in space will chat about and sign her new book Handprints on Hubble. Reservations suggested.

Book clubs meet:

The Mysteries to Die For Book Club 11 a.m. Dec. 10. Led by Elsie Souza. Book: Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon.

Short and Satisfying Book Club 1 p.m. Dec. 13. Led by Georgia Court. Meets at Book: The Linden Tree by Csar Aira.

The Poetry Book Club 2 p.m. Dec. 16. Led by Georgia Court. Book: Like by A. E. Stallings.

Learning to Love Spanish Book Club 5:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Led by Carlos Goebels, discussing Love Poems by Pablo Neruda.

Cultural Center of Charlotte County 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte. 941-625-4175; http://www.theculturalcenter.com; sunevents.com/.

The Nutcracker Dec. 14-15. Presented by Hands and Hearts For Performing Arts Inc.

Swinging Big Band Monday Nights Dec. 16.

A Christmas Celebration Dec. 18. Presented by the William H. Wakeman, III Cultural Center Theater.

Florida Studio Theatre 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. 941-366-9000; http://www.floridastudiotheatre.org.

Winter Mainstage:

Bright Star Through Jan. 3. Gompertz Theatre.

Handle with Care Dec. 11-March 8, Keating Theatre.

Cabaret:

Thats Amore! Through Feb. 2 in Court Cabaret.

Childrens Theatre:

Pinocchio Saturdays and select Sundays through Jan. 2. Keating Theatre.

The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota. 941-552- 5325; http://www.gpactix.com.

Strings Con Brio Dec. 12.

Nate Najars Jazz Holiday Dec. 13.

Pine View Jazz Band Dec. 14.

Gulf Theater at the Military Heritage Museum 900 W. Marion Ave. in Punta Gorda. http://www.militaryheritagemuseum.org; 941-575-9002.

Sun Coast Wind Ensemble 7 p.m. Dec. 7

Ring in the Holidays 2 p.m. Dec. 13-14.

Bob Hopes Christmas Gala 5:30 p.m. Dec. 20-21. Bob Hope impersonator Bill Johnson will be joined by Holly Faris as Phyllis Diller.

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WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO - Key West Florida Weekly