You have a chance to experience a lot of variety this week in the Sarasota area arts scene, with a historical lecture, a discussion about New York museums, two distinct dance programs, a salute to Black women on Broadway and a celebration of music by Marvin Gaye.

July 15

Visitors to Selby Botanical Gardens can get a new perspective on some local Sarasota history with a presentation by regional historian John McCarthy, who will be showcasing photos of Sarasota taken from 1885 through 1940. The presentation is tied to Selby’s new summer exhibit “Shared Light” featuring more recent photos by famed photographer Lynn Goldsmith. McCarthy focuses on early photographers who captured the people and development of Sarasota, even before it had its current name. Among the photographers are Felix Pinard, Thomas Arnold and Marion Post Wolcott.

“Historic Photographers of the Sarasota Region” will be presented from 11 a.m. to noon at Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota. The program is free with paid admission and free to members. Registration is required. selby.org; 9411-366-5731.

July 15-24

The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is giving audiences a sneak preview of the latest show it will present in Winston-Salem, North Carolina at the International Black Theatre Festival. “Marvin: The Marvin Gaye Revue” is a mostly musical look at the career and hits of the late singer, as well as such groups as Martha and the Vandellas, The Four Tops and The Temptations. Once again, Sheldon Rhoden plays Gaye as he has in three previous productions that took more of a biographical look at his life and music. After the Sarasota performances, the troupe will perform for a week at the biennial festival (July 27-Aug. 1), where they have become a sensation with audiences.

“Marvin: The Marvin Gaye Revue” will be presented July 15-24 at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota. Tickets are $54, $24 for students and active military. westcoastblacktheatre.org; 941-366-1505.

— Jay Handelman

July 17

Want to get a leg up on what’s cutting edge in the contemporary art world – but can’t afford a week of gallery hopping in New York? Marianne Chapel, founding director of Sarasota's nonprofit SPAACES art gallery, recently visited the Whitney Biennial, the New Museum and Moma PS1 and will share highlights from these influential exhibitions, along with her own observations on current trends, ideas and conversations shaping contemporary art today. Whether you’re an artist, a collector, a student or simply someone who digs contemporary art, this talk will give you an up close perspective on what’s of the moment in one of the world’s leading art cities.

“Contemporary Art Now: Highlights from Three New York Museums,” a lecture by SPAACES founding director Marianne Chapel, at the SPAACES gallery, 2087 Princeton St., Sarasota. Noon-1 p.m. $12.50. Tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/highlights-from-three-new-york-museums-contemporary-art-now-tickets-1990651259504

July 17

Every summer, Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s artistic staff provides opportunities to several rising choreographers from around the country to develop and present a work in progress during SCD’s Summer Intensive. Presented in SCD’s “in-studio” black box theater, audience members are invited to watch these emerging performances, then share their feedback with the choreographers through a modified version of the “critical response process” developed by the choreographer Liz Lerman. Contemporary dance is often cloaked in mystery for the uninitiated; this process not only provides important information to the dancemakers, but gives audience members rare insights into the creative process.

“In the Round B: July 2026” at Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Boulevard of the Arts, Suite 300, Sarasota. 7 p.m. Tickets $15 (students) to $26.50. https://sarasotacontemporarydance.org/in-studio/

July 18

In “Black Girl Magic: A Tribute to Broadway Icons,” longtime Sarasota performer Delores McKenzie shares the stage with two other singers to celebrate some of the major women of color who have broken barriers on Broadway. She is joined by Catara Brae and Mandi Jo John and musical director Michelle Kasanofsky, performing songs from such hits as “Wicked,” “The Little Mermaid” and more at American Stage in St. Petersburg. McKenzie, who has been seen in numerous Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe shows, recently was featured in American Stage’s outdoor production of “Into the Woods.”

“Black Girl Magic” will be presented at 7 p.m. July 18 at American Stage, 163 Third Street North, St. Petersburg. Tickets are $38. americanstage.org; 727-823-7529

— Jay Handelman

July 18

As it has for the past decade, the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School completes its summer intensive program, which hosts pre-professional students from around the world, with a gala performance on the Sarasota Opera House stage, featuring the cream of the student crop and dancers from its own small professional company. There’s always a tried-and-true classic on the menu, as well as a few virutoso solos or pas de deux and a springling of contemporary work. Ariel Serrano and Wilmian Hernandez, the Cuban couple that initially founded the school in 2012 to provide a training ground for their son, Francisco Serrano, have been turning out exceptional dancers from the day their opened their doors. Francisco, now a soloist with The Royal Ballet, is just one example. Two others – Ariel Martinez of the Washington Ballet and Harold Mendez of State Street Ballet – will be featured in this performance.

“On Stage 2026,” presented by the Sarasota Cuban Ballet at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. 6 p.m. Tickets $36-$56. https://tickets.sarasotaopera.org/8574/8575