August is the quietest month of the year for the arts in Sarasota; people have either headed out of town seeking cooler climes or they’re hunkered at home under the air conditioning. But if you know where to go, there are still some enticing options. Here are a few suggestions.
August 3-7
Each summer, the Sarasota Players presents staged readings of new plays. One play is selected for a full production the following year. Photo provided by Sarasota Players
The Sarasota Players is giving giving a boost to a group of writers with its five-night Sarasota New Play Festival. The plays are presented as staged readings, followed by a conversation to get audience feedback. The festival begins Aug. 3 with Delaney Lockwood’s “Fulgurite,” about a high school’s annual Gender Wars event. It continues with “King of Infinite Space” by Kaleb Sierra” on Aug. 4; Douglas Gearhart’s “Swamp City Boxing” on Aug. 5; Brian S. Brijbag’s “One Seat Over” on Aug. 6; and Glenn Schudel’s “Drawn In” on Aug. 7. One play will be selected as the winner and will receive a full production in the summer of 2027. Last year’s winner, “Radical Honesty,” will be presented Aug. 11-16.
The Sarasota Players New Play Festival will be presented at 7 p.m. Aug. 3-7 at the Sarasota Players, 3501 N. Tamiami Trail. Tickets are $15 each. theplayers.org; 941-365-2494
— Jay Handelman
Aug. 4-Oct. 4
“Legacy: Motown & More” closes the Florida Studio Theatre summer cabaret season. Photo provided by Florida Studio Theatre
The rich history and sound of the Motown era comes alive in the final Florida Studio Theatre cabaret of the summer, “Legacy: Motown & More.” The show was created by Justin Reynolds in 2014 and originally featured Broadway performers he had worked with in “Motown The Musical.” His roster of artists has expanded to include veterans of other Broadway and touring productions. Reynolds will be joined by Nigel Richards, Bryce Valle and Michael Wordly performing a range of music including hits by Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Four Seasons and The Temptations.
“Legacy: Motown and More” runs Aug. 4-Oct. 4 in the Florida Studio Theatre Goldsteinj Cabaret, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. tickets are $18 for Aug. 4-5 previews and then $37-$42. floridastudiotheatre.org; 941-366-9000
— Jay Handelman
Aug. 6-16
Merdoc Augsberger, center, during a rehearsal with other cast members for “Fame: The Musical” at the Manatee Players. Photo provided by Manatee Performing Arts Center
The Manatee Players once again gets a jump on the start of the 2026-27 season with a new production of the musical “Fame,” inspired by the hit film and TV series about young students at New York’s legendary High School for the Performing Arts. The show follows a group of talented students from their first audition to their graduation as they prepare for careers in theater, music and dance. The score features the famous title song from teh film, and newer music by Steve Margoshes and lyrics by Jacques Levy.
“Fame: The Musical” runs Aug. 6-16 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Avenue, West, Bradenton. Tickets are $35-$43. manateeperformingartscenter.com; 941-748-5875
— Jay Handelman
August 6
Derek and Hayley Hough/ Provided by VWPAH
In its 21 years on the air, ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” has spawned a couple of spinoffs and plenty of dancers-turned-celebrities/influencers/actors. But probably none so recognizable or popular as Derek Hough, who has won the mirror-ball trophy a record six times as one of the professional dancers on the show.
Just off a one-night stand on Broadway in “Chicago,” with fellow DWTS alum and childhood friend, Mark Ballas, Hough is taking the lead in “Symphony of Dance: Encore,” his newest tour. This time he’s starring with his wife, Hayley, for the first time since her life-threatening cranial hematoma (brain bleed) in December of 2023. Backstage will be the couple’s first child, daughter Everley Capri, born just before the end of last year. It’s a one-night-only stop at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and tickets are going fast.
“Symphony of Dance: Encore,” starring Derek and Hayley Hough. 7 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Tickets start at $56; VIP packages sold out. 777 N. Tamiami Trail; Sarasota. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org
— Carrie Seidman
August 8
If you haven’t yet been to the newly renovated Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, here’s the perfect excuse to check it out. The venue, which underwent a facelift in June that includes a brand new bar, is playing host to an impressive double bill — the Alex Lopez Express and Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones.
Lopez, a renowned guitarist and songwriter, and his band play a blend of blues, rock, pop and funk and they’ll share songs from a just-released album, “Retro Revival” that’s topping the blues radio chart. Deming, who’s recorded with many a top blues artist, and his Jewel Tones share a blend of traditional and original roots music.
The Alex Lopez Express and Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota. 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7.) Tickets are $20. 941-894-6469; wslr.org/fogartyville
— Carrie Seidman
August 8
Calling all Parrotheads!
Grab your flip-flops, don your Hawaiian shirts, and get ready to escape to The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime for an afternoon of island vibes, great food and tropical fun during "Jimmy Buffet Tribute Day.” There will be live music from Flip-Flop Dave, Cheeseburgers in Paradise and wastin’ away Margarita’s from Hamlet’s Eatery and of course, all the usual great arts and crafts for purchase from the bazaar’ eclectic selection of vendors.
“Jimmy Buffet Tribute Day” at The Bazaar at Apricot and Lime, 821 Apricot Ave., Sarasota. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free admission. 941-445-1938 bazaaronapricotandlime.com
— Carrie Seidman
