Upcoming Events

Rounding out Friday Fest 2019 is the high-energy band, Ari and the Alibis! Infusing Funk, Jazz and Samba with Blues Soul and Rock, this 5-piece group has earned two Grammy® nods (Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance) and an award for "Best Original Song by a Local Group" in the Bradenton Times "Best of the Bay." Don’t miss Ari’s powerhouse voice filled with emotion and strength – live at the

Once features an ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage. Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Once tells the tale of a Dublin street musician who's giving up on his dream when a young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights. It's an unforgettable story about going for your dr

With a cast consisting of stars from Broadway’s greatest rock musicals, as well as incredible rock & roll singers, Neil Berg tells the exciting and incredible story of the 50-year history of the music that changed the world forever! From the progenitors of rock & roll in the 1940’s, through the glory years of the ‘50’s, ‘60’s, and ‘70’s, up until MTV in the early ‘80’s, Nei

Rock ’n’ Roll legends Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly make their Sarasota debut this Fall at the Van Wezel! Accompanied by a live band and back-up singers, this cutting-edge holographic performance with remastered audio will transport the audience back in time for an unforgettable evening of Roy & Buddy’s greatest hits onstage. Performing together for the first time, this once-in-a-lifetime show is sure to make your Rock &

Classical Romance
(Masterworks)
Gerard Schwarz, conductor
Lise de la Salle, piano
November 8-10

A true legend in every sense of the word, Julie Andrews has entertained millions for more than half a century. Ms. Andrews shares her extraordinary experiences from her early days of vaudeville in England to the popular projects and work she continues to create today, including her new book "Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years". Opening with a beautiful video montage of her work, ‘An Evening of Convers

Superstar Dwight Yoakam has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide. He is a 21-time nominated, multiple GRAMMY© Award winner and has 12 gold albums and 9 platinum or multi-platinum albums, with five of those albums topping Billboard’s Country Albums chart and another 14 landing in the Top 10. Yoakam is also the recipient of the Artist of the Year award from the Americana Music Association, the most prestigious award offered b

If the phrase "male a cappella group" conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties, and khakis singing traditional college songs on ivied campuses... think again. Straight No Chaser (SNC) are neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, but neither are they vaudeville-style kitsch. They have emerged as a phenomenon with a massive fanbase, numerous national TV appearances and proven success with CD releases. Straight No Cha

This high-energy celebration marking 20 years of soul on stage features original Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe members, including Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs, and many other audience favorites. Highlights will include songs from WBTT’s most memorable musicals, including original compositions, Broadway tunes spanning the decades and Motown hits — backed by the live WBTT house band. Special appearance b

Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a Broadway musical and new Cirque adventure wrapped into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family! Featuring the most unique cast of incomparable cirque artists, singers, dancers and talent, Cirque Dreams Holidaze has been hailed by the New York Daily News as "A delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleigh load." Broadway singers perform original music and a ne

Celebrating their 25th Anniversary, Collective Soul comes to the Van Wezel for their Sarasota debut! Known for their insightful songwriting and palpable chemistry, the band burst onto the scene in the early ‘90s with their debut album Hints Allegations and Things Left Unsaid and continue to play to sold-out crowds around the world. Songs: "Shine," "Breathe," "December," "The World I

Chart-topping, GRAMMY®-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz returns to the road this holiday season with the 22nd annual Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2019. Joining Dave will be: South African guitarist/singer Jonathan Butler, who has accompanied Dave on numerous Christmas outings; GRAMMY®-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester, known for such mega-hits as "Midnight Blue" and "Don’t Cry Out Loud";

Fresh off a wildly successful, two-year-plus run on his Stay Hungry Tour, Billboard’s inaugural "Comedian of the Year" Sebastian Maniscalco makes his Sarasota debut this Fall as he embarks on his You Bother Me tour! With a string of record-breaking sold-out comedy appearances, a best-selling memoir Stay Hungry and a role in the award-winning Green Book to his na

Celtic Angels Christmas captivates audiences of all ages with the magic of Christmas in an awe-inspiring show encompassing vocal and instrumental seasonal and Irish favorites, along with spectacular world-class champion Irish dancing! Celtic Angels Christmas features the beautiful vocal quintet starring Victoria Kenny, Eimear Crealy, Emily Carroll, Hollie O'Donoghue and Amy Penston, all hailing from Ireland. They have performed in music

Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all—and stay to find something they never expected. With a book by Emmy Award® winner Greg Garcia ("My Name is Earl," "Raising Hope") and Emmy Award® nominee Mike O’Malley ("Survivors Remorse," "Shameless") ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE is the musical comedy featuring both original songs and your most-loved Jimmy B

Tony Bennett’s career as the pre-eminent singer of the 20th and 21st centuries is unprecedented. He has received 19 Grammy Awards® including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, 2 Emmy Awards® and is a Kennedy Center Honoree and NEA Jazz Master.  Bennett is one of a handful of artists to have new albums charting in the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and now in the first two decades of the 21

It's the hit Christmas spectacular for the whole family! Dance to the Holidays! is the dance sensation that's sweeping the country. For the first time at the Van Wezel, your favorite reality TV show stars come together, live and in person, for an unforgettable evening – featuring celebrity pros Tony Dovolani and Karina Smirnoff from Dancing with the Stars and finalists from American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance!  D

Let’s get Hip to the Holidays as Under the Streetlamp celebrates with a joyous performance of your favorite holiday tunes, plus songs from the American Radio Songbook! Oh what fun it is to dance in the aisles while merrily singing along to songs from their live PBS Specials and studio album, Hip to the Holidays. Rockin’ your favorite tunes such as "White Christmas," "Santa Bring My Baby Back," "Some

BEAUTIFUL – The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation.<

Come Home for the Holidays with The TEN Tenors! With a generous mix of festive favorites and modern holidays hits, The TEN Tenors will walk you through a musical winter wonderland that truly captures the essence of the holidays for the whole family, as well as many of the rock and classical songs that have made this group world famous. There's nowhere in the world The TEN Tenors would rather be performing this show than in the USA durin

Woven throughout Charles Dickens’ classic tale are beautiful new arrangements and moving renditions of holiday songs such as "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Good Christian Men Rejoice," "Greensleeves," "The Boar’s Head Carol" and many more. Featuring a cast of 23 performers, live musicians and Broadway-style scenery and costumes, audiences cherish this sumptuous holiday classic fro

This Christmas give your family the gift of Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker! Step into a simpler time filled with sweet dreams and Christmas magic. With world-class artists, over 200 dazzling costumes, stunning sets, towering puppets and soaring birds, don’t miss your chance to ring in the holidays with this acclaimed Christmas extravaganza. The New York Times, "Hot Ticket!" Celebrate this cherished holiday

Waltz into 2020 with Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert, now an American Tradition! This dazzling performance evokes a golden age of Viennese music, brimming with energy, merriment, and romance. It is a glorious re-creation of the beloved Neujahrskonzert, the concert that has welcomed the New Year for more than 80 years in Vienna and all over the world. Led by a witty and charming conductor who is an exper

Making their Sarasota debut, Il Divo takes the Van Wezel stage for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the hall. The iconic group transcends categorization, uniting the classical and the popular in multiple languages and infusing the passion of opera into their performances worldwide for over a decade. The quartet has earned over a hundred gold and platinum awards in over 30 countries, and has solidified their status as a g

This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Now with standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, THE BOOK OF MORMON has truly become an international sensation. Contains explicit language.

The Lovin’ Feelin’ is back as blue-eyed soul pioneers The Righteous Brothers return to the Van Wezel! Original Brother Bill Medley is joined by Bucky Heard in a concert experience that features their biggest hits, including the most played song in radio history:  "You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’." Don’t miss hit favorites such as "Soul & Inspiration," &

We’ve Only Just Begun: Carpenters Remembered is the definitive concert show celebrating the music of one of the most successful recording acts of all time. Starring Michelle Berting Brett, who is accompanied by a 7-piece Nashville band, the show re-creates the Carpenters’ original sound. Experience an intimate behind-the-scenes portrait of the pop music phenomenon that defined an era, and sing along t

Celebrate our 75th Anniversary! Our inspired 2020 Great Performers Series includes the Sarasota premiere of Riccardo Muti conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Subscribe today! 941-225-6500 | www.scasarasota.org | boxoffice@scasarasota.org BEZ

Seen in Las Vegas, London’s West End, in 250+ cities around the world and by over 50 million on TV (NBC, ABC, FOX, iTV) – The Naked Magicians is undoubtedly the world’s funniest and naughtiest magic show!

The show features magic, mirth and more than a touch of mayhem as these two hot and hilarious Aussie magicians say abracadabra and take magic to a whole new level.

This b

Whitney’s musical legacy is brought to life in this critically acclaimed tribute show described as "mind-blowingly spot on." Be stunned by the breathtaking vocals of Belinda Davids – a RiSA chart-topping artist in her home country of South Africa - who has performed alongside the likes of Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole and Monica and featured on Fox TV’s Showtime at the Apollo an

It’s not a concert…it’s a party! Spend a nostalgic evening saluting three of the world's most beloved musical groups who were instrumental in creating the rock & roll/doo wop sound: Cornell Gunter’s Coasters ("Charlie Brown," "Yakety Yak," "Poison Ivy"); The Platters featuring four of America’s premier singers performing their greate

Steve Martin and Martin Short return to the Van Wezel by popular demand! Their celebrated comedy show, The Funniest Show in Town at the Moment: Steve Martin & Martin Short, featuring The First Ladies of Bluegrass redefines the form in unexpected and profound ways, from two of the funniest, most influential and acclaimed talents of the past century. Steve Martin

Inspired by the beloved film, WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna, an expert pie maker who dreams of a way out of her small town. A baking contest and the town’s new doctor may offer her a fresh start, but Jenna must summon the strength to rebuild her own life. Don’t miss this uplifting celebration of friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.

Sarasota's premiere lecture series returns for 2020! General John F. Kelly 
January 27 Rick Steves
February 11 Ambassador Wendy Sherman 
February 17 Sam Quinones 
March 2 Lisa Genova 
March 23 Annie Leibovitz

Iconic comedian and three¬-time Emmy Award® winner Louie Anderson is one of the country’s most recognized and adored comics. His career has spanned over 30 years, and Comedy Central named him as "One of 100 Greatest Stand¬-Up Comedians of All Time." The best-selling author is the star of his own standup specials and sitcoms and continues to tour the country performing for standing-room-only crowds worldwide.

Emmy® and Tony Award®-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth’s career spans film, television, voiceover and stage, earning herself a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame. She received an Emmy Award for her role in Pushing Daisies, won a Tony Award for You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown and was also nominated for her original role of Glinda the Good Witch in the Broadway smash-hit

Steve Solomon’s three-time award-winning show has been met with rave reviews and great audience acclaim throughout the country, becoming one of the longest-running one-man shows in Broadway history. Once again, we meet the people that we’re all too familiar with – the family members that make you remember why you left home in the first place. It’s a laugh-filled fest of everybody you know, have known

From three-time Tony® winner and Hamilton choreographer, Andy Blankenbuehler, comes an inspiring new American musical that explodes with infectious music and high-octane, heart-stopping dancing. It’s 1945, and six soldiers return from war to a changed nation. When NBC announces a national competition to find the nation’s next great musical superstars, they form a band unlike any the nation has ever seen. Along the

Frankie Valli is a true American legend. His incredible career with the Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, has spawned countless hit singles with unforgettable tunes like "Sherry," "Walk Like A Man," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Rag Doll," "December '63 - Oh What A Night," "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" and of course, "Grease."  His songs have been om

Stayin' Alive offers to their audiences the songs and sights of a full Bee Gees playlist, singing blockbusters such as "Night Fever," "Jive Talkin’," "How Deep is Your Love," "You Should be Dancing," "Nights on Broadway" and "Stayin’ Alive." In addition, they perform softer poetic ballads such as "I Started a Joke," "Ma

Everyone has pretended to be a pirate at some point. Set sail with this classic comedy that boasts one of the most famous patter songs in musical theatre history. On the coast of Cornwall, a band of tenderhearted pirates celebrates the coming of age of Frederic, who was mistakenly apprenticed to the pirates until his 21st birthday. Now, Frederic has vowed to devote his life to the extermination of piracy - until a ludicrous leap year snag t

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields is one of the world’s finest chamber orchestras, renowned for fresh, brilliant interpretations of the world’s greatest orchestral music. The Academy is led by Music Director and virtuoso violinist Joshua Bell, retaining the collegiate spirit and flexibility of the original small, conductor-less ensemble which has become an Academy hallmark. Under Bell's direc

Mandy Patinkin in Concert: DIARIES presents the acclaimed actor/singer/storyteller in his most electrifying role: concert performer. "Mandy Patinkin is in the business of showstopping," raves The New Yorker, and that’s exactly what he does in this powerful, passionate evening of song. DIARIES is a marriage of many of Mandy’s favorite Broadway and classic American tunes, along with selections

The Beach Boys return to the Van Wezel! The legendary band is led by Mike Love and Bruce Johnston, who, along with Tim Bonhomme, John Cowsill, Keith Hubacher, Christian Love, Brian Eichenberger, Randy Leago and Scott Totten continue the group's legacy. The Beach Boys have birthed a torrent of hit singles and sold albums by the tens of millions. Their songs have forever changed the musical landscape, profoundl

Neil Berg returns to the Van Wezel celebrating a record-breaking decade of annual performances with an exciting, all-new show! 111 YEARS OF BROADWAY recreates the finest moments from the most memorable shows of the century featuring the actual Broadway stars of shows like Jersey Boys, Wicked and Mamma Mia! Backed by an excellent New York-based band, Neil Berg presents skillful arrangements of Broadway classics as

Michael Feinstein has built a dazzling career over the last three decades bringing the music of the Great American Songbook to the world. From recordings that have earned him five Grammy Award® nominations to his Emmy® nominated PBS-TV specials, his acclaimed NPR series and concerts spanning the globe – in addition to his appearances at iconic venues such as The White House, Buckingham Palace, Hollywood Bowl,

Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, direct from its acclaimed Broadway return. Featuring the beloved songs "I Dreamed A Dream," "On My Own," "Stars," "Bring Him Home," "One Day More," and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the mos

The Russian National Ballet Theatre was founded in Moscow during the transitional period of Perestroika in the late 1980s, when many of the great dancers and choreographers of the Soviet Union's ballet institutions were exercising their new-found creative freedom by starting new, vibrant companies dedicated not only to the timeless tradition of classical Russian Ballet but to invigorate this tradition as the Russians began to accept new

Since its debut, global musical sensation Celtic Woman’s concerts continue to capture the hearts of an audience that spans the globe. Both an accomplished recording ensemble and a world-class performing collective, Celtic Woman celebrates Ireland's rich musical and cultural heritage, while continuing its remarkable legacy of introducing some of Ireland's most talented singers and musicians onto the world stage

ABBA The Concert brings one of the greatest pop phenomena back to life in a truly authentic tribute! Don’t miss the most iconic hits from ABBA, including "Mamma Mia," "S.O.S.," "Money, Money, Money," "The Winner Takes All," "Waterloo," "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme" and "Dancing Queen." Sing, dance and have the time of your life as ABBA The Con

Celebrate the legendary music of Ray Charles at the Van Wezel with Emmy Award® winner Clint Holmes, 10-time Grammy Award®-winning band Take 6, six-time Grammy® nominee and Downbeat vocalist of the year Nnenna Freelon and sax phenom Kirk Whalum. This 90-minute feel-good extravaganza includes dazzling soulful performances of hit songs including "Hit The Road Jack," "What'd I Say," &ldqu

THE COLOR PURPLE is the 2016 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical Revival!  Hailed as "a direct hit to the heart" (The Hollywood Reporter), this joyous American classic about a young woman’s journey to love and triumph in the American South has conquered Broadway in an all-new "ravishingly reconceived production that is a glory to behold" (The New York Times).

A note from Paul Anka: "Back by popular demand! The Anka Sings Sinatra tour will honor a great artist who has influenced me more than anyone else throughout my career, Frank Sinatra.  It will also feature the hits that have spanned my career on this 61st anniversary year.  It will be a night filled with his songs, my songs, my way!"

In post war Paris, romance is in the air and youthful optimism reigns. Gershwin’s soaring melodies are matched by gravity-defying dance as the world rediscovers the power of love in this breathtaking production. Hoping to start a new life, World War II veteran Jerry Mulligan chooses newly-liberated Paris as the place to make a name for himself as a painter. But Jerry's life becomes complicated when he meets Lise, a young Parisian

The runaway hit of numerous international music festivals is hitting the road for its first U.S. tour! Known across the globe as "the ultimate-feel good show," THE CHOIR OF MAN offers up 90 minutes of indisputable joy! It’s a party. It’s a concert. It’s a pint-filled good time set in a working pub (free beer anyone?!?) that combines hair-raising harmonies, high-energy dance, and live Percussion with foot-stompi

With the inspiration that Nat King Cole’s tv show brought to the American public including so many amazingly talented singers such as Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Carmen McRae and many others, John Pizzarelli and Catherine Russell will be paying homage to Nat King Cole and these iconic singers with their new show, "Nat King Cole and Ladies of Song".  Songs throughout

The iconic classic-rock favorite AMERICA has amassed numerous gold and/or platinum albums, with their first greatest hits collection, "History," hitting four million plus in sales. The Grammy® Award winners’ widely renowned singles--including "Horse With No Name," "Sister Golden Hair," "I Need You,’ "Ventura Highway," "Don’t Cross the River," "Tin

Undeniably the reigning virtuoso of the violin, Itzhak Perlman enjoys superstar status rarely afforded a classical musician. Beloved for his charm and humanity as well as his talent, he is treasured by audiences throughout the world who respond not only to his remarkable artistry, but also to his irrepressible joy for making music. Itzhak Perlman’s recordings have garnered 16 GRAMMY® Awards and regularly appear on the b

Sixteen-time Grammy®-winner David Foster returns to Sarasota with special guest Katharine McPhee! A prolific songwriter, David played a key role in the career launches of Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé and more. Some of his most beloved hits include "And Love Goes On", "Follow Me", "Only You" and "Please Hold On". A performer in his own rig

Returning to the Van Wezel are Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr. – the original stars and lead singers of the legendary group, The 5th Dimension! McCoo and Davis launched hits including "Up, Up and Away," "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In," "Worst That Could Happen," "Stoned Soul Picnic," "Sweet Blindness," "Wedding Bell Blues" and "One Les

Bruce Hornsby, the creatively insatiable pianist and singer-songwriter from Williamsburg, Virginia, always has succeeded on his exceptional gifts, his training and his work ethic. He has collaborated with Ricky Skaggs and the Grateful Dead. He has scored films and performed with symphony orchestras. Hornsby describes his new album Absolute Zero as "a compendium of what I like and moves me." Prepare for

The Pointer Sisters return to the Van Wezel! Known for hits such as "I’m So Excited", "He's So Shy", "Slow Hand", "Jump (for my love)", "Neutron Dance", "Automatic" and "Fire", The Pointer Sisters are music industry legends, securing a place in pop music history as a dynamic female group. The Pointer Sisters were the first black female gro

A worldwide sensation when she was only ten years old, Jackie Evancho has moved past the exuberant promise of a child prodigy vocalist, becoming a mature young adult with a clear direction as to where she is. Since gaining global recognition with her stunning debut on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Jackie Evancho has released a string of platinum and gold albums. Along the way, she has also made history as

For the past ten years at the Mirage Hotel, world famous singer, comedian, impressionist and ventriloquist Terry Fator has sold out night after night with a show featuring his cast of characters that includes everyone from Winston the Impersonating Turtle to Elton John, to Elvis. In addition to winning America’s Got Talent, Terry has won Las Vegas’s best show, best all-around performer, best family show

Reza has taken the art of illusion to a new level, delivering his rock concert style magic show to audiences across the globe. Young and fresh, Reza’s new show, "Edge of Illusion," has earned various awards including "Magician of the Year." Don’t miss this Sarasota premiere – LIVE on the Van Wezel stage! A world-class entertainer, Reza’s unique brand of illusion has

Celebrating his 64th year in the music industry, legendary singer Johnny Mathis is Columbia Records’ longest-signed artist. A sublime vocalist whose approach to pop music eclipses passing fads and trends, Mathis has performed songs in an incredible variety of styles and categories -- from music composed for stage and film to golden era jazz standards, contemporary pop hits and holiday music, all of which has assured h

For over two decades, Grammy Award®-winning master trumpeter and composer Chris Botti has amassed a spectacular variety of honors, including multiple Gold and Platinum albums, to become the nation’s largest selling instrumental artist. His mesmerizing performances with a stunning array of legends such as Sting, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Yo-Yo Ma, Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon and Andrea Bocelli have cemented his

A BRONX TALE, Broadway’s hit crowd-pleaser, takes you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s, where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be.  Bursting with high-energy dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes from Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast) and Glenn Slater (Love Never Dies), A BRONX TALE is an unforgettable story of loyalty and family. The New York T

Brian Culbertson is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer known for his distinct brand of genre-crossing contemporary jazz, R&B and funk. Mining the urban sounds of Chicago, he began his musical studies on piano and quickly picked up drums, trombone, bass and euphonium. Culbertson has 30 Billboard No. 1 singles and a deep catalogue of 18 albums, most of which have topped the Billboard contemporary jazz charts.

Broadway’s COME FROM AWAY is a Best Musical winner all across North America! This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Don’t mi

In 2000, Gary Mullen won ITV’s "Stars In Their Eyes" Live Grand Final, with the largest number of votes ever received in the shows history.  The record of 864,838 votes was more than twice that of the runner-up.  Gary began touring on his own, and in 2002, formed a band ("The Works") to pay tribute to rock legends, Queen.  Since May 2002, "Gary Mullen and the Works" h

The most successful reality romance series in the history of television is coming to your hometown. The Bachelor Live On Stage Official Tour guarantees all the drama, the gossip and the romance of your favorite TV show in one delightful evening for the ultimate fan party.  Previous Bachelor and Bachelorette favorites will serve as your hosts, as one eligible hometown Bachelor is introduced to local ladies from the audi