The Pops Orchestra of Sarasota and Bradenton - Live Classical & Popular Music

Apr 28, 2026

Tenth Giving Challenge Gives Sarasota Area Arts Organizations a Welcome Boost by Carrie Seidman

The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton & Sarasota, which brought in more than $123,000 with an average of $95 per donor, finished 16th in the overall standings, representing a huge surge in support. “It’s remarkable to reflect on how far we’ve come,” said Board Chair Jack Barnett. “In our first Giving Challenge in 2013, we raised just $2,075 from 24 donors. To see where we are today is nothing short of extraordinary.”

Apr 28, 2026

Jay Handelman's ArtsBeat Article on Manatee Performing Arts Center Expansion

The fourth floor was a last-minute addition after conversations Amick had with Robyn L. Bell, the music director of the The Pops, which was looking for potential new space for rehearsals. Amick recently provided office space for The Pops in a former boutique in the theater’s lobby. The Pops has rehearsed for about 17 years at State College of Florida, where Bell was on the music faculty. Since leaving the faculty, she has realized how many conflicts with classes and other groups were limiting availability.

Apr 28, 2026

The Pops and Manatee Performing Arts Center on Bay News 9

BRADENTON, Fla. — A local orchestra is playing to sellout crowds, and now a big expansion in the works will allow them to enhance their community impact. Officials say the Manatee Performing Arts Center has outgrown its current space, so plans are in place to build a multi-million-dollar addition. What You Need To Know The Manatee Performing Arts Center is undergoing a $12 million expansion to better serve its growing arts community, including the Pops Orchestra of Bradenton and Sarasota The new facility will provide acoustically treated rehearsal rooms, expanded youth education programs, and improved space for performers The work is expected to be completed in January