Sarasota Orchestra musicians who have been unable to take part in the indoor chamber concerts at Holley Hall, are bringing the music outside to area publics over the next few months.
With support from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the orchestra has launched a series of free concerts by three wind and brass ensembles. The concerts include musicians who are unable to wear masks while playing their instruments. With outdoor programs, it is considered safer for them to blow into their instruments.
The outdoor concert series, which began last month, continues Jan. 10 with a performance by the Sarasota Wind Quintet at Nathan Benderson Park. The same group will also perform there on March. 21.
Top 5 Things to Do this Weekend in Sarasota-Manatee: Dec. 25-27
Family-friendly events including outdoor activities this Christmas weekend.
1. Pinecraft Christmas Day Parade
One of Sarasota s most beloved events, the 25th annual Christmas Day parade is scheduled to roll through the Amish and Mennonite community of Pinecraft again this December 25th. The parade starts at 3 p.m., with participants meeting earlier at the Der Dutchman parking lot at 3713 Bahia Vista St., and then it winds through the neighborhood. Bringing a lawn chair for a sidewalk seat is recommended with folks usually lining Birky Street an hour or more ahead of the parade start time. 3 p.m. Friday; Pinecraft neighborhood, Sarasota
1. NBP Fiesta! Fridays
Nathan Benderson Park’s monthly concert series continues this week with performances by country acts The Divebombers and the Derek Lersch Band. NBP Fiesta! Fridays will also include food, drink and exhibitors on the park’s Regatta Island. Tickets, which cost $10 each for ages 15 and older and free for children 14 and younger, are limited to 1,500 people, and may be pre-purchased through the park’s website. The number of tickets “will help ensure social distancing,” organizers said. Both bands are appearing at the park for their first time with The Divebombers stating they perform the music of George Jones, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Jerry Reed, Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, and Non-Fat Elvis, with instrumental virtuosity and an irresistible sense of fun. The Derek Lersch Band will play more contemporary country music. 5:30-9 p.m. Friday; Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota; 941-358-7275; nathanbendersonpark.org
Top 5 Things to Do this Weekend in Sarasota-Manatee: Dec. 11-13
Have fun outdoors at these family-events.
1. Showfolks Holiday Circus Festival
Thanks to Sarasota’s deep circus history, this weekend will feature some amazing shows featuring homegrown talent. Instead of its annual indoor Showfolks Circus, the Showfolks of Sarasota will hold an outdoor, open-air festival featuring dozens of local and international circus artists including Sarasota-based circus superstars Bello and daughter Annaliese Nock. Performances will be scheduled throughout the day along with exhibits, food vendors, arts and crafts, flea market booths, family-friendly activities and Santa Claus. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $10, $50 family six-pack; free under 3 years old; 941-870-7444; showfolks.com