The Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens series kicks off at Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus
The Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens series kicks off on Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus with a viola performance and artistic discussion with Artistic Director Andy Sandberg.
There will be a special performance from Hermitage Fellow and world-renowned violist Ralph Farris, a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning string quartet ETHEL.
Register ($5 fee) at HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
Senior Friendship Centers set for more ‘Joyful Journeys’
The Senior Friendship Centers’ “Joyful Journeys” authors series continues this fall with support from AARP and the Phyllis Lovrien and Community Foundation of Sarasota County.
Now in its second year, Joyful Journeys offers free monthly events that invite area-based authors to share insights, stories, and personal journeys. The series includes discussions, Q&A sessions, and a welcoming space to connect with fellow book lovers. Programs take place on Thursdays from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Senior Friendship Centers, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, in Sarasota.
Upcoming sessions include “Stories and Memories of Lives Well Lived” on Oct. 23. Seven first-time authors – Janice Boring, Valerie diLorenzo, Silvia Flores, Maria Corazon Gaffar, Carol Hochberg, Art Mahoney, and Debby Vento Russek – will share personal essays crafted in a memoir class led by writing coach/editor Jason Cannon.
Joyful Journeys continues on Nov. 13 with “Sacrifices Beyond Kingdoms” by Patricia D’Arcy Laughlin, an award-winning artist and author of the “Sacrifices and Kingdoms” series; and “Think Rich! Get Rich! Stay Rich! Your Guide to Financial Empowerment” by Fran Blum on Dec. 4. For information and to register, visit friendshipcenters.org/special-events or call 941-556-3269.
Sarasota Medieval Fair plans knights, music and merriment
The Sarasota Medieval Fair returns on Saturdays and Sundays in November, transforming Mallaranny Farms in Myakka City into a medieval village for five weekends of knights, music, and merriment.
“We’re thrilled to welcome guests back for our 21st season,” said Jeremy Croteau, executive producer of the Sarasota Medieval Fair. “This year’s lineup combines beloved traditions with new experiences that make every weekend an exciting adventure.”
Events include jousting tournaments, artisan markets, live performances, and family-friendly activities. Each weekend offers unique themes, costumed parades, and interactive experiences, including Viking Invasion Weekend (Nov. 1-2), Heroes & Villains Weekend (Nov. 8-9), and Scottish Highlands Weekend (Nov. 15-16).
For information and a full entertainment schedule, visit SarasotaMedievalFair.com; facebook.com/SarasotaMedievalFair; and instagram.com/sarasotamedievalfair.
Around and about
· The IRS and community partners are seeking volunteers to support the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. Volunteers range from high school students to retirees. Visit IRS.gov/volunteers.
· The Sarasota Choral Society is welcoming more singers into the volunteer chorus. There are no auditions. Interested singers should visit SarasotaChoralSociety.org for more information and to fill out a registration form.
· The ensembleNEWSRQ chamber ensemble launches its 10th anniversary season with “Tangled Whispers” on Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota. Info/tickets (including student ticket pricing): EnSRQ.org.
· The Literacy Council of Sarasota is offering tutor training workshops in November at the Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center, 1750 17th St., Sarasota, for volunteers who want to help adults improve their basic English communication and literacy skills. Info/registration: Maricela Morgado at 941-955-0421; mmorgado@sarasotaliteracy.org.
· The Wellen Park Wine Festival showcasing nearly 40 winemakers and the culinary talents of Downtown Wellen restaurants returns on Nov. 14-15. The festival includes a five-course Silver Oak wine dinner and an introductory wine class. Tickets/schedule: wellenpark.com/wine.
· Trinity Presbyterian Church of Venice (4365 Englewood Road) will host a benefit concert on Nov. 16 to support Community Assistance Ministry. The one-hour program will showcase internationally acclaimed violinist Andrii Padkovskyi, 15, and clarinetist Yurii Padkovskyi, 21. Admission: $10 at the door. Donations: CAministry.org. Info: musicdirector@trinitypc.org.
Submissions by Monica Yadav, The Hermitage, Su Byron, Shannon Bowden, Alejandra Castro, Debye Bernard, Su Byron, Thomas D. Melville, Emily Ford, and Julie Magnifico.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens series opens with a viola performance in Sarasota
Reporting by Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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