Sarasota Art Museum launches After Hours, a new program celebrating live music, dance and fine art
New event series brings the Sarasota community together with a different musical genre and style each month
SARASOTA, FL. (September 9, 2025) – Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design (SAM) is pleased to announce it will launch a new monthly live music event series, After Hours. From Jazz, Motown and Rock n’ Roll to Classical Holiday Favorites and more, each event will feature a different musical genre and style. In addition to live music, select programs will also include a 30-minute introductory dance lesson in the style of the night’s theme. Throughout the evening, attendees are invited to relax and enjoy the music or join in on the dance floor. After Hours will take place on the last Tuesday of each month in the Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza at Sarasota Art Museum. Tickets are $25 for SAM Members and $30 in advance or $35 at the door for Not-Yet Members. Tickets are now on sale at SarasotaArtMuseum.org/After-Hours.
“Live music is such a wonderful way to bring people together,” shared Virginia Shearer, executive director of Sarasota Art Museum. “We see this each month at our popular Jazz Thursdays program, hosted by the Jazz Club of Sarasota, which has brought thousands of attendees out to the Museum over the years. We wanted to expand on the success of that program by giving our community even more opportunities to connect through the power of live music and dance, while also giving attendees the chance to take in our world-class exhibitions after normal Museum hours.”
In addition to live music and dancing, After Hours attendees are invited to explore the Museum exhibitions on view with extended gallery hours; enjoy dinner and drinks at Bistro, the Museum’s on-site artisanal restaurant; and treasure hunt in the Museum SHOP all evening.
Schedule of Events
October 28, 2025: Country Line Dancing featuring The Derek Lersch Band
November 25, 2025: Motown Hits featuring Soul Sensations
December 30, 2025: Classical Holiday and Waltz featuring Strings of the Season
January 27, 2026: 1920s Jazz and Swing featuring The Jazz Phools*
February 24, 2026: Traditional Irish Music and Dance featuring The Band Trinity
March 31, 2026: 1950s Rock n’ Roll featuring Chrome ’57*
April 28, 2026: Latin and Salsa Dancing featuring Bemba Sessions
May 26, 2026: Traditional Sea Shanty Folk featuring Old Time Sailors
*Dress to impress for our themed costume contests as part of the After Hours events on January 27 and March 31 only. The grand prize winners will receive one free year of SAM Membership.
Times
5 pm | Doors open
5:30 pm | 30-minute introductory dance lesson (select nights only)
6-7:30 pm | Music and open social dancing
Pricing
$25 for Museum Members
$30 in advance or $35 at the door for Not-Yet Members
Pricing includes Museum admission
Related Public Programs:
Opening Day Talk and Book Signing: Joe Fig
Nov. 16, 1-3 p.m.
Free to Museum members, $20 for not-yet members (includes Museum admission)
Enjoy an engaging conversation between artist Joe Fig and Sarasota Art Museum Senior Curator Rangsook Yoon, Ph.D. as they explore the themes and inspirations behind Fig’s exhibition, “Contemplating Vermeer.” Discover the evolution of Fig’s artistic journey, the conceptual development of his “Contemplation” series and the unique insights that shaped the works on view. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or curious about the intersection of contemporary and historical influences in visual culture, this talk promises a thought-provoking look into Fig’s creative process and his homage to Vermeer.
About Sarasota Art Museum
Sarasota Art Museum is Ringling College of Art and Design’s dynamic laboratory for the exploration and advancement of contemporary art. As Sarasota’s only museum solely focused on contemporary artists and their work, Sarasota Art Museum offers visitors a place to see thought-provoking exhibitions and participate in education programs that start conversations and amplify the city’s creative spirit.
Located in the historic Sarasota High School, Sarasota Art Museum opened to the public in 2019 and features 15,000 square feet of dedicated exhibition space, the outdoor Marcy & Michael Klein Plaza, the Great Lawn featuring temporary sculpture and site-specific installations, Bistro, and SHOP. Sarasota Art Museum is home to a robust portfolio of education programs for all ages, including The Studios at SAM, a vibrant studio arts program, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College, which offers a variety of courses for adult learners.