The first week of August is carrying some wonderful momentum. Songbirds of the Seventies opens at Florida Studio Theatre, The Royz Band brings live rock to Mattison's Riverwalk Grille, Alex Lopez and Doug Deming play blues at Fogartyville, and the Shells and Shark Teeth Art workshop at Shamrock Park gets the kids outdoors. Here is your local's guide to the week ahead.
Songbirds of the Seventies at Florida Studio Theatre
Songbirds of the Seventies is now playing at Florida Studio Theatre's Gompertz Theatre (1241 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota) and runs through September 6, 2026. This is the latest cabaret production from FST's acclaimed Songbirds series, celebrating the iconic female singers of the 1970s. Think Carole King, Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell, and Linda Ronstadt, all brought to life by powerhouse vocalists in the intimate Gompertz Theatre setting.
What I love about the Songbirds series is that it attracts such a warm, engaged audience. The cabaret format means the performers are right there with you, sharing stories between songs. It feels personal, not like a distant concert. Showtimes vary, so check the FST website for the schedule. Tickets are around $30-$40 and tend to sell well, especially on weekends. It is about 15 minutes north of Palmer Ranch up US-41, and pairing a show with dinner on Main Street makes for a perfect date night.
The Royz Band at Mattison's Riverwalk Grille
On Thursday, August 6, The Royz Band plays at Mattison's Riverwalk Grille (1 Marina Plaza, Sarasota) at 5 p.m. Mattison's is right on the bayfront at Marina Plaza, next to Marina Jacks, and their outdoor riverwalk patio is one of my favorite spots for late afternoon live music. The band plays classic rock with a modern edge, and the 5 p.m. start time means you can settle in for an early dinner and let the music carry you through sunset.
Mattison's menu features fresh Gulf seafood, steaks, and creative cocktails. Their location at the southern end of the marina gives you a great view of Sarasota Bay and the Ringling Bridge. If you have not been, this is a wonderful mid-week outing that feels like a weekend escape. The covered patio has fans and misters that keep things comfortable even on warm August evenings.
Alex Lopez & Doug Deming Blues Rock at Fogartyville
Saturday, August 8 brings Alex Lopez and Doug Deming Blues Rock to Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center (525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota) at 8 p.m. Fogartyville is an intimate, community-focused venue that punches well above its weight when it comes to live music bookings. The space is cozy, the sound is excellent, and the audience is always there for the music.
This show features two accomplished blues guitarists sharing the stage for a night of authentic American roots music. Tickets are affordable and the venue has a full bar. Fogartyville is about 20 minutes from Palmer Ranch, located just off US-41 near downtown Sarasota. It is the kind of place where you can feel the music in the floorboards, and I always leave with my spirits lifted.
Shells and Shark Teeth Art at Shamrock Park
For a daytime activity, Shells and Shark Teeth Art takes place Wednesday, August 5 at Shamrock Park and Nature Center (3900 Shamrock Drive, Venice) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This free program invites children and families to learn about the local shells and fossilized shark teeth found on Venice-area beaches, then create art projects using their finds. Venice is known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World for good reason, and this workshop teaches young beachcombers how to identify their treasures.
Shamrock Park is a lovely setting with nature trails, a boardwalk through the mangroves, and picnic shelters. It is about 15 minutes south of Palmer Ranch down US-41, making it an easy morning trip. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, and let the kids explore the nature center afterward.
Weekend Markets & Ongoing Favorites
The Sarasota Farmers Market continues every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Main Street and Lemon Avenue. August produce is wonderful right now with sweet corn, tomatoes, mangoes, figs, and peaches all abundant. The summer pace is relaxed and the smaller crowds make it a more leisurely experience than the peak season.
The Ringling Summer Circus Spectacular is in its final week at the Historic Asolo Theater through Saturday, August 8. If you have not caught a performance yet, this is your last chance for the season. And on Sundays, the Art Ovation Hotel hosts IMPROV: 70's Game Show at 6 p.m., a complimentary evening hosted by Florida Studio Theatre that combines improv comedy with retro game show fun.
There is always something happening on the Gulf Coast. If you are thinking about making this area your home, browse the communities or reach out. I would love to help you find your place here.