As Mayor of the great City of Sarasota, I'd like to welcome you to the 37th season of music, dance and theater at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

The Van Wezel is the crown jewel of Sarasota's arts community, known worldwide as Florida's cultural capital. This fact is particularly evident throughout this landmark season, in which we are presenting more outstanding performances and more variety than ever.

We are exceptionally proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Van Wezel's membership in the prestigious Partners in Education Program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Selected because of their demonstrated commitment to the arts and education, the Van Wezel's partnership in this program provides dynamic professional development workshops designed to involve all areas of the curriculum and reach all learning styles.

Each season, more than 36,000 local students and teachers participate in the Van Wezel's Schooltime Performances, bringing the excitement of the performing arts to learning. These educational opportunities have been made possible only through the support of the Van Wezel Foundation and donors like you.

The Van Wezel continues to bring our fine community the country's most exciting performances: the best of Broadway (Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida, Bowfire, Mamma Mia), top-notch dance performances (from the Paul Taylor Dance Company and the Russian National Ballet Theatre), world-class symphony orchestras (from Chicago, Hamburg and Atlanta) and superstars from the world of popular entertainment (Liza Minnelli, Paul Anka and many more). We also continue our close ties with local arts organizations through events, including the Sarasota Jazz Festival and Festival Diapente.

The City of Sarasota is proud to be part of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, inspiring and entertaining our community through the transformative power of the performing arts.

Visit often this season and celebrate the gift of creative expression.

Fredd "Glossie" Atkins
Mayor of Sarasota