Hidden Gems
Uncover a world of hidden artistic treasures right here in Sarasota! Often flying under the radar, these small yet dynamic arts organizations are making a big impact with their creativity and passion. With innovative, unconventional programming and performances that rival the highest standards of quality, they offer experiences that both surprise and delight. From intimate dance productions to eclectic musical showcases, these gems bring fresh perspectives and unforgettable moments to the local arts scene. Don't miss the chance to support and enjoy the vibrant, lesser-known side of Sarasota's thriving cultural landscape.
Discover Sarasota's Hidden Gems and be amazed!
From intimate dance productions to eclectic musical showcases, these gems bring fresh perspectives and unforgettable moments to Sarasota's cultural landscape.

Jazz Club of Sarasota
The Jazz Club of Sarasota, one of the largest and most active jazz clubs in the United States, presents over 75 events annually including the Sarasota Jazz Festival which will run from March 17 – 22, 2025. Events include Jazz at 2 on Fridays, Monday Night Jazz, Jazz Cruises, free concerts in Venice, Jazz Jams at Selby library, Jazz Trolley Pub Crawls and much more.
Members receive discounts on most events. Learn more about how to become a member
Their annual Jazz Festival in March 2025 will feature Terell Stafford as Music Director, Emmett Cohen Trio with Georgia Heers, Tony Monaco & Eric Alexander, Marcus Miller and much more. For more information, visit SarasotaJazzFestival.com

Sarasota Contemporary Dance
Sarasota Contemporary Dance (SCD) proudly celebrates its 20th season, continuing to bring innovative dance performances, transformative educational programming, and meaningful community collaborations to Sarasota and beyond. Our studio offers 16+ diverse movement classes, summer dance intensives, workshops, and serves as the home of the Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble (SCDE), providing aspiring dancers with professional training and performance opportunities.
SCD's studio is home to the Sarasota Contemporary Dance Ensemble (SCDE) for aspiring dancers.
SCD's "Dance for Joy" class SCD’s Dance for Joy class and Inclusive Dance program welcome movers of all ages and abilities, focusing on rhythm, creative play, and community connection. Designed to support individuals with movement disorders, the class blends seated and standing exercises to foster joy, mobility, and well-being.
The 2025–2026 milestone season will feature four Main Stage productions and more than 15 In-Studio showings, each paired with a live Q&A session after every performance, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.

The Pops Orchestra
As a top performing arts group in a unique, culturally rich community, The Pops Orchestra attracts full-time residents, Suncoast "Snowbirds," and vacationers to its concerts, proving to be a cultural and economic asset to the Greater Sarasota community. Led by conductor Robyn Bell, The Pops presents high-quality musical entertainment at affordable prices.
Who plays in The Pops Orchestra? They are teachers, parents, neighbors, students. They have jobs. They have children. They have homes, schedules and commitments. They teach at local colleges, high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. They work in business, the arts and health care. Some are retired. Some are military veterans. They live in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Anna Maria Island, Punta Gorda, Nokomis, Sun City Center, St. Petersburg, and Holmes Beach, among others. Some of them are snowbirds. And they are all musicians with The Pops Orchestra. This season, there are more than 65 musicians who bring their skill, passion, and talent to the stage.
This year’s 50th season is a crafted series of celebratory shows that are certain to keep you entertained, lift your spirits, and take you back in time when you turned your radio up and let your worries whisk away in the wind. Enjoy our expanded concert offerings, including a Saturday matinee option for our season subscriptions, and three “add-on” performances: Hocus Pocus Pops, All You Need is Love, and Organ-ized Pipes & Pops. This season, enjoy the Pops Orchestra from October to May!

Choral Artists of Sarasota
The Choral Artists of Sarasota, entering its 46th season, features the region's most notable professional singers and apprentice singers. The group celebrates the rich, artistic expressiveness of choral music through innovative repertoire, inspired performances and stimulating educational outreach.
Under the artistic direction of Dr. Joseph Holt, Choral Artists of Sarasota performs a repertoire spanning four centuries, and includes symphonic choral works, intimate madrigals, folk songs, close-harmony jazz, and Broadway show music.
The ensemble also specializes in premiere performances of lesser-known choral works—particularly music by living American composers. Choral Artists of Sarasota has performed premieres by René Clausen, Dick Hyman, Robert Levin, Gwyneth Walker and James Grant.
As part of the organization's educational outreach, eight young singers from area schools, colleges and universities, ages 16 to 22, are invited to join the group each year.
Learn more about their 46th season
Upcoming Events
Don't miss these exciting performances and events from Sarasota's hidden gems.
Sarasota Jazz Festival
The annual Jazz Festival features Terell Stafford as Music Director, Emmett Cohen Trio with Georgia Heers, Tony Monaco & Eric Alexander, Marcus Miller and much more.