With a comprehensive selection of pianos, organs and sheet music, as well as a world class moving, tuning and repair business, it is not surprising that Pritchard's has a very long list of satisfied and returning customers. Owner Dave Pritchard and his wonderful staff carefully assist customers to make appropriate choices for their needs, lifestyles and budget. The store has a unique Steinway showroom and hosts Steinway performances. In addition to new pianos, Pritchard's usually has an assortment of upright and grand pianos and organs available. The company has another location in Venice, and customers can also visit the website for more information.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is a performing arts organization based on 10th Way in Sarasota. The group was founded by actor, singer, director and playwright Nate Jacobs. The troupe is the only professional black theater company on Florida’s west coast. The troupe produces and promotes numerous types of performances, including plays and dramatic productions that support and develop African-American artists, and build the self-esteem of African-American youth. Some shows include “A Raisin in the Sun” and “Sammy! A Tribute to Sammy Davis, Jr.” Check the main site for details on upcoming shows or for information on tickets or subscriptions.
The Circus Sarasota Big Top serves as one of several performance locations for the locally based company. It provides a variety of performances that include feats like aerial art, acrobatics and illusion. A schedule of upcoming shows and ticket information can be found on the website.
The South Gate Community Center can be rented out for weddings, parties and business meetings for members at a discount price. The community center features a swimming pool and a large pool house which includes a food preparation area, sitting area and party room. The South Gate Community Association, which runs the community center, publishes the monthly South Gator newsletter, a publication that reports news affecting homeowners and merchants in the area. To find out about events and activities at the South Gate Community Center, visit the South Gator website or call the number listed during office hours.
Established in 1988, McCurdy's is located in a 4,000 sq. ft. showroom, surrounded by a gated courtyard. The theatre has no obstructed views for stand-up and improvisation performances. Even the farthest seats are no more than 40 feet away from the stage. The space features a powerful sound system and a state-of-the-art, digital projectionsystem. Comedians who have performed at McCurdy's read like a Who's Who list of comedy: Jeff Foxworthy, Chris Rock, Darrell Hammond, Larry Miller, Tommy Chong, Soupy Sales, Judy Tenuta, Pat Paulsen, Jeff Dunham, Richard Lewis, Larry "The Cable Guy," Kevin Pollack, Ron White and Bobcat Goldthwait. McCurdy's features a full-service bar, with signature drinks such as Bermuda Maverick and the Brandy Alexander frozen cocktail. The space is located off North Tamiami Trail, right by the airport.
Shriners International is a fraternity based on fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. The fraternity is open to men of integrity from all walks of life and the local branch was chartered in 1982. The Sahib Shriners offer a member business directory, which is comprised of attorneys, accountants, photographers, contractors, home improvement companies, insurance providers and financial services. The group has a restaurant open for the public and also offers a facility that is available for rent for all types of occasions, including meetings, conventions, private groups and social organizations. The facility is comprised of a grand ballroom with room for more than 400 guests and a main hall that can be used for parties, weddings, anniversaries and class reunions. Banquet services include a full service bar, a full kitchen, a buffet, cocktail services and fine dining meal options.
The Historic Asolo Theater is a performance venue located at the Ringling Museum of Art. The theater was originally built in the late 1700s and hosted many famous shows and performances. Many years after the theater was dismantled it was purchased and brought to Sarasota and then restored to its original status. It now hosts many performances and shows, including theater productions, dance shows, films, lectures and more. Check the main website for a schedule or events or for details on pricing for admissions.
Mars Vision Productions is a video production company. It has worked with clients such as Proline Boats, Clockwork Home Services, state representatives, Athlete’s Oasis and more. Its demo reel is available to view on its website.
More than just community theater, The Players offers extremely high quality productions as well as dance and acting classes. Supported by grants, patronage, sponsorship and ticket sales, The Players Theater recently celebrated its 83rd season. Popular, accessible and beloved in the community, the theatre continues to run well-produced, well-attended performances throughout the year.
The Sarasota Orchestra is an 80-member musical ensemble which performs more than 100 concerts each year. It is the oldest orchestra in Florida which is still performing. The orchestra plays a wide range of musical styles and song genres, from classical to popular music. In addition to its performances, it also operates a musical education program. The education program includes a Youth Orchestra comprised of 5 ensembles, one of which has performed at Carnegie Hall. The education program also offers music lessons for all skill levels and sponsors community-outreach programs.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is home to many concerts, plays, musicals, stand-up comedians and performing artists. Sarasota Bay provides a beautiful backdrop to the Van Wezel. The box office is located on the east side of the building and the entrance is on the north. The Van Wezel opened in 1970 with a performance of Fiddler on the Roof.
Payne Park Auditorium is a city-owned facility. It is available to rent for a variety of uses. The building features a 3,000-square-foot hardwood floor and a concert stage. It can be used for concerts, plays, meetings and other events.
The Sarasota County Fairgrounds is a an event venue that hosts weddings, concerts, conventions, festivals (including the the Sarasota Medieval Festival) and the annual Sarasota County Fair. There are numerous buildings on site, with covered seating for 50 - 4000 people.
The Sarasota County Fairgrounds is also the site of Robarts Arena, which hosts sporting events such as boxing, martial arts, gymnastics, rodeo and indoor football.
A downtown Sarasota mainstay, the Golden Apple Dinner Theatre pioneered the live dinner theatre concept nearly 40 years ago. Today, it is the longest running theatre of its kind in the United States. Running six to eight shows a year for an average of eight-week runs, the modest-sized auditorium/dining room manages to seat over 260 guests while providing everyone a view of the action on stage. On Friday nights it offers free "drag queen bingo," which has proven so popular that sometimes customers have had to be turned away, so be sure to come early.