You have a lot of choices this week as the new season gets busier. Architecture Sarasota returns with its annual MOD Weekend, the Sarasota Players is hosting a different kind of fundraiser to promote its new home at Payne Park Auditorium, and the Pops Orchestra is expanding its reach with a concert celebrating veterans and Bruce Springsteen. Here are some recommendations for the week ahead.
November 10-12
The Perlman Music Program Suncoast launches a new season of alumni concerts with two performances by the Karuna Quartet. The ensemble was formed at The Juilliard School in 2025 and received the Gold Medal and Composer Prize at the 2026 St. Paul String Quartet Competition. The gorup will be performing Haydn’s String Quartet in jD Major, Op. 71 No. 2; “Blueprint” by the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw and Mendelssohn’s String Quartet in E-flat Major Op. 44 No. 3. The group, which performed at the Perlman Music Program Chamber Music Workshop during the summer, took its name from the Sanskrit idea of “karuna” or compassion.
The Karuna Quartet opens a new season of alumni concerts for the Perlman Music Program Suncoast. Photo provided by PMP Suncoast
The Karuna Quartet performs at 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at Venice Community Center, 326 Nokomis Ave., South, Venice, and 7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St., Sarasota. Tickets are $30-$40. The group will also present a free public masterclass with students from the Sarasota Music Conservatory at 2 p.m. Nov. 14 at Selby Public Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota. For more information and tickets: pmpsuncoast.org
— Jay Handelman
November 13-15
Architecture Sarasota launches its annual MOD Weekend festivities with a kick-off event at the McCulloch Pavilion in downtown Sarasota. Photo provided by Architecture Sarasota
Each fall, Architecture Sarasota, celebrates our community’s rich architectural history with open houses, neighborhood tours, lectures, panels and special events. This year’s MOD Weekend opens at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 13 with Party at the Pavilion, where guests will see the new exhibits “100 Years of Sarasota School” and “Living Legacy” featuring the work of Halflants + Pichette. ON Nov. 14, tthere’s a Sarasota design conference and guided shuttle tour or a self-guided tour, starting at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2256 Bahia Vista St. Nov. 15 offers a boat tour on LeBarge, exploring how architects and builders work with the waterfront. There’s also a walking tour of the Greenbriar neighborhood
Architecture Sarasota’s MOD Weekend runs Nov. 13-15 at various locations. Weekend passes are $225-$450 or $425-$575 for VIP tickets. Individual event and tour tickets range from $25 for members to $250 for non-members. architecturesarasota.org
— Jay Handelman
November 14
The Sarasota Players are still working to earn the funds to finish the renovation on the Payne Park auditorium, their soon-to-be new home. To that end they’re hosting a “Divas and Dancing” fundraiser, a night of celebration and community with diva performances, fundraising games, a curated grazing table by chef Rob Manley and beer and wine from 99 Bottles Taproom. There will also be dance contests, a wine pull and a sale of gently loved designer handbags and costume jewelry.
Attendees, limited to 100, are encouraged to dress “with attitude…festive, fun and comfortable.” Local actor and singer Jason Ellis — also known by his alter ego, Swanky Valli — will emcee, providing croons, quips and comedy. He’s also the theater’s executive director.
“Divas and Dancing” at The Sarasota Players, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 6 p.m. Tickets $100 (limited to 100). 941-365-2494; theplayers.org.
— Carrie Seidman
November 14
Jazz pianist, singer and band leader Danny Sinoff joins the Venice Symphony Big Band for a concert. Photo provided by The Venice Symphony
The Venice Symphony expanded its programming last season with a series of Big Band concerts that Music Director Troy Quinn described as “incredibley successful. They were very appreciated.” So the organization launches its second season with “The New Voice of the Great American Songbook.” It features jazz pianist, singer and bandleader Danny Sinoff joining the Venice Symphony Big Band. Sinoff, who is from Southwest Florida, ha sspent more than 20 years singing the music of the Great American Songbook around the state and in venues in New York, Philadelphia, Las Vegas and more. The Danny Sinoff Trio can be heard regularly performing in Naples and Fort Myers.
Danny Sinoff and the Venice Symphony Big Band perform at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Venice Performing Arts Center at Venice High School, 1 Indian Ave., Venice. Tickets are $55-$65. thevenicesymphony.org; 941-207-8822
— Jay Handelman
November 14
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation has run into a roadblock at the moment with its plans for a new performing arts stage in town, but that isn’t stopping it from moving forward with its arts education series, ArtSELF for Generations, which uses activities based on visual art, storytelling, movement, reflection, and the performing arts to support communication, emotional well-being, stress relief, and connection.
Beginning in the The Ringling’s historic Circus Museum and concluding in Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden, the November 14 interactive workshop, “Tradition and Connection” — for students grades K-8 and family members families —will reflect on the journeys that have shaped us, the stories we carry forward and the connections we continue to cultivate.
Admission is free, but tickets are required.
“Tradition and Connection,” ArtSELF inter-generational workshop. 10-11:30 a.m. at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota. Open to students K-8 and their families. Admission is free but tickets are required. ringling.org/event/artself-for-generations/; 941-360-7399.
— Carrie Seidman
November 14-16
Singer Alex Shillo joins The Pops Orchestra for a weekend of concerts celebrating the music of Bruce Springsteen and honoring the nation’s veterans. Photo provided by The Pops Orchestra
The Pops Orchestra is growing as it kicks off its regular season of concert programs. The orchestra, led by Robyn Bell, will be joined by vocalist Alex Shillo who will be performing the music of Bruce Springsteen in the “Born in the U.S.A.” program. The concert will feasture such hits as “Dancing in the Dark,” “Glory Days” and “My Hometown,” with full backing of the 65-piece orchestra. There’s also a patriotic side with a salute to the nation’s veterans. In addition to regular performances at Riverview Performing Arts Center in Sarasota and the Neel Performing Arts Center in Bradenton, the concert also will be presented for the first time at the Parrish Community Performing Arts Center at Parrish Communjity High School.
The Pops Orchestra presents “Born in the U.S.A.” at 3 p.m. Nov. 15 at Parrish Community Performing Arts Center, 7505 Fort Hamer Rd., Parrish; 3 p.m. Nov. 15 at Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota; and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at Neel Performing Arts Center, at State College of Florida Bradenton-Sarasota, 5840 26th St., West, Bradenton. Tickets are $35-$65. thepopsorchestra.org; 941-926-7677
— Jay Handelman
November 15
Jordan Soriano, an amateur theater arts dancer with autism, performs with his professional partner, Evgeniia Krasavina at last year’s Sarasota Art and Dance Night. Photo provided by SADN
For the third year, Vividiance presents Sarasota Art and Dance Night, a high-energy event that brings together live dance performances in a variety of styles, an art exhibition, dinner and social dancing Held, at the Art Ovation hotel, the gathering turns a spotlight on local creative talent, emerging artists, and community support through a silent auction silent supports local charities. Suzanne Lucas with emcee; VIP tickets available only through November 9.
Sarasota Art and Dance Night at the Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota. Doors open at 5 p.m. General admission tickets begin at $50. 941-894-4168; sarasotaartanddance.com
— Carrie Seidman
