News

CABARET BY THE BAY, BAY PARK YOGA AND ADDITIONAL VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING!

Sarasota, FL (November 17) – The Van Wezel announces all new Cabaret by the Bay dates, starring jazz vocalist Whitney James! Bay Park Yoga begins this weekend, free of charge on the lawn, and continues through December. The Hall also announces three additional virtual performances just in time for the holidays: the sparkling production of Salute to Vienna and Budapest and a special holiday performance by Celtic Thunder. Tickets for Cabaret by the Bay, Celtic Thunder and Salute to Vienna go on sale Friday, November 20. Many virtual events and socially distanced shows, as well as Variety shows on the main stage, are on sale now for the 2020-2021 season. To view a full listing of upcoming events and purchase tickets, visit www.VanWezel.org.

In-person Events:

Bay Park Yoga
Every Saturday beginning November 21, 2020 through December 26
9:30-10:30 a.m. on the lawn outside of the Van Wezel
FREE and open to the public!
Erin Hurter, Yoga Instructor

Relax, stretch and enjoy a fulfilling yoga session on the Sarasota’s scenic bayfront while instructor Erin Hurter guides you along the way! Participants should plan to bring their own yoga mat and water bottle.

Cabaret by the Bay starring Whitney James
Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m., Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Tables for up to 2 guests are $40 and tables for up to 4 guests are $80
Tickets go on sale Friday, November 20 at 10:00 a.m.

Whitney James pairs incredible vocal skills with intimate, meaningful interpretations. She brings to the bandstand a flawless intonation, a broad range of colors, sounds, and an instrumentalist’s sensibility. She trained in opera and musical theater before focusing on a career in jazz and became a protégé of master jazz vocalists Jay Clayton and Sheila Jordan. Early in her career, she opened for Nina Simone and Betty Carter as well as pop giants Earth, Wind & Fire and Macy Gray. She was featured on Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz Rising Stars on NPR hosted by Jon Weber in 2012. Her album, The Nature of Love has been acclaimed by US and International jazz press. She currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Jazz Vocal Performance at University of North Texas. To learn more, visit her website at www.whitneyjames.com.

Virtual Events:

Celtic Thunder – Christmas
Sunday, December 20 at 7:00 p.m.
$35 per stream
Tickets go on sale Friday, November 20 at 10:00 a.m.
Available for purchase through December 21
Patrons will have access to the performance for 48 hours

Bringing together their affinity for a great popular song with outstanding live performances, Irishmen Damian McGinty, Keith Harkin, Paul Byrom, Ryan Kelly and Scotsman George Donaldson of Celtic Thunder pay homage to cherished Holiday favorites in their ONLINE Holiday concert Celtic Thunder – Christmas! Viewers will be enthralled by unique interpretations of seasonal classics such as “Winter Wonderland,” “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas” and “Let It Snow,” as well as beautiful original compositions such as “Christmas Morning Donegal” and “Christmas Overture.” Celtic Thunder fan favorites “Hallelujah” and their haunting a cappella version of “Amazing Grace” (which has garnered over 13 million views on Facebook), are also part of the treats that Celtic Thunder Christmas delivers.

The performance was filmed in front of a live audience at the Mid-Hudson Theatre in Poughkeepsie, NY in 2010 and has not been available to the public since 2015. This online concert version includes bonus 2020 footage of Celtic Thunder principals spreading holiday cheer while reflecting on the original performance – perfect treat for the whole family!

Salute to Vienna and Budapest
Sunday, December 27 at 5:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Tickets go on sale Friday, November 20 at 10:00 a.m.
Available on demand until Sunday, January 3, 2021

Celebrate the New Year with this never-before-seen performance, filmed in Europe! Filled to the brim with the same joyful singing, dancing, and full orchestra that live audiences all across North America have celebrated with since 1995, this concert will be available to stream on-demand after its premiere on Sunday, December 27, 2020 until Sunday, January 3, 2021 from the comfort of home. Ring in the New Year with the Blue Danube Waltz and excerpts from beloved operettas!