The Ringling International Arts Festival, about to open its fourth incarnation, is the little festival that could. Four years ago, Ringling Museum of Art and the (Mikhail) Baryshnikov Arts Center joined forces to produce a fall festival featuring cutting edge performers from around the world. It was originally hoped that the festival could be re-created every two years, but the first year (2009) was so successful that it immediately became a yearly event.

Featured performers this year include the Mark Morris Dance Group from New York, New Orleans's world-famous music machine The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Philadelphia's Pig Iron Theatre Company and Ensemble Basiani, the all-male choir from the Republic of Georgia, just to name a few. More cutting edge is Adam Tendler playing a recital of American composer John Cage's Piano Sonatas for Prepared Piano. This recital is already sold out, but watch the festival's website, as extra performances are often added of sold out events.

This festival now marks the beginning of the fall arts season in Bradenton/Sarasota, and we wish them much success.

Ringling International Arts Festival, produced by Ringling Museum of Art and Barishnikov Arts Center. 5401 Bay Shore Road Sarasota, FL 34243 1.800.660.4278 (Box Office).

Be sure to Check the current schedule for theatre in West Coast Florida

See the current season schedule for West Coast Florida

--William S. Oser