The holidays are over, and the new year is beginning. Don’t let this weekend be uneventful! Start off this year right by attending one of the incredible events happening in the Sarasota area this weekend.

The Members of The Dickey Betts Band

The Members of The Dicky Betts Band will be joining together for one night only on Thursday, January 3 at Stottlemyer's Smokehouse. The event begins at 6 p.m. and doesn’t require a cover charge. Stottlemyer’s will be including a small additional fee on all items purchased. While some of the proceeds will go to cover the cost of the band, a portion of it will also be donated to Mother’s Helping Mothers. So enjoy great music and support a good cause this weekend!

Jay Leno

The world-renowned comedian and talk show host is coming to Sarasota! On January 3 at 8 p.m., Jay Leno will be performing at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. It will be a night to celebrate comedy, laughter, and life. Don’t miss your chance to experience Leno’s personality and humor up-close this weekend!

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Are You Experienced? Comedy Show

Seven local Sarasota area comedians are all coming to the same stage on Friday, January 4. The show will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Common Grounds Meeting Hall. Every comedian will be bringing their own style and personality to entertain attendees. Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door. Snacks and water will be available for purchase, but this location is a “bring your own beverage” location. So if you’re looking for beer or wine, bring it from home.

Summer to Winter

You’re sure to love the classical sounds of the Sarasota Orchestra as they use music to depict the joy and light and rebirth of spring and summer as well as the heaviness and harshness of winter. Bradenton local and Grammy Award-winning violinist, James Ehnes, will also be joining the stage to add his talent to this wonderful concert. The first show will be at the Neel Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. on January 4. Shows continue throughout the weekend at both the Neel PAC and the Van Wezel.

Sculpting Your Body Through Nutrition

With the new year comes New Year’s resolutions. Many of these resolutions include the desire to be healthier. Take the first step toward that goal by attending this weekend event in Sarasota. Beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 5 at Yvette's Health & Fitness Center, bodybuilder and personal trainer Moses Alyan will be sharing tips and tricks to help get your body in shape. Admission to this event is $5.

Rainforest Mask Opening Reception at Selby Gardens

From 4:30-6:30 p.m. on January 5, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota will be hosting Barucan rainforest masks. The masks depict the distinctive culture and talent of the rainforest. Cost to attend the reception will be $25 for members and $35 for non-members. This cost also includes entry to experience the garden’s Lights in Bloom.

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The Sarasota Ballet Gala

For all local ballet lovers, this could be the event of the year. With a one-of-a-kind performance by the Sarasota Ballet and a meal catered by Michael's On East, you won’t want to miss the gala this weekend. Taking place at the Sarasota Opera House at 5 p.m. on January5, tickets range from $500 to $10,000. There will also be surprise entertainment during the night!

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Wah! Healing Concert

This concert will be unlike any you’ve seen in the Sarasota area before. Using lasers, lights, and sounds, Wah! takes unique, beautiful patterns found in the natural world and creates a fantastic display that will satisfy your senses and leave you feeling calm and refreshed. There will be two performances on January 5 at the South Florida Museum. The first show will start at 5:30 p.m., and the second begins at 11 p.m.

This weekend is full of spectacular and creative events to entertain you and your loved ones in Sarasota. Don’t let the first weekend of 2019 pass by without making it great!

Find more Sarasota events and things to do in Sarasota by registering on 941area, your free guide to the Sarasota and Bradenton area.

 

Cover photo courtesy of Unsplash