February may be the shortest month (even with an extra day for leap year), but it is a busy one on the arts scene in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, with dozens of new plays, musicals, art exhibitions, classical and pops concerts, salutes to Hollywood, dance and more. Here is a look at what is happening this month in the region.
Chelsea Guo
This Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota luncheon program features singer Chelsea Guo, who won the 2022 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, and her debut album hit No. 7 on the Billboard classical chart. She is joined by pianist Joseph Holt. 11 a.m. Feb. 1, Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. $68. 941-306-1200; artistseriesconcerts.org
Musical Moods
This Hermitage Artist Retreat program features Hermitage fellows Amir ElSaffar, a composer and multi-instrumentalist, and multidisciplinary artist, musician and educator Chris Ryan Williams. They will share their own music and talk about their work. 5 p.m. Feb. 2, Nathan Benderson Park Finish Tower, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota. $5 registration. Hermitageartistretreat.org