Rachel Feinstein. (Courtesy photo)
Rachel Feinstein – Thursday-Sunday (July 17-20). The rising comedian, who has had specials on Showtime and Comedy Central, makes her Sarasota debut at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre. "She is a really great character comic," says co-owner Les McCurdy. "She can do almost any dialect and does male and female characters. I'm surprised she's not on 'SNL.' " Check her out on Comedy Central's website: cc.com/comedians/rachel-feinstein. Showtimes for her McCurdy's stints: 7 p.m. Thurs.; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 7 p.m. Sun. Tickets start at $15. 1923 Ringling Blvd. 925-3869; mccurdyscomedy.com.
Christmas in July – 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday (July 18-19). More than 50 merchants and restaurants in downtown Venice will show the holiday spirit (a little early, of course) with sales, specials and prizes. There's a free trolley service. 488-2236; venicemainstreet.com.
Bob Suter – 6:30 p.m. Friday (July 18). The Sarasota-based Christian singer, signed to Tate Music Group, performs at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 4726 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
Doug Burns – 9 p.m. Friday (July 18). The Venice-based Americana singer-songwriter will play songs off his upcoming album "Somewhere in the Middle" at Tap & Cork, 101 W. Venice Ave., Venice. Hear Burns here: ReverbNation.com/dougburns.
The Blue Eyed Bettys – 9 p.m. Friday (July 18). The acoustic folk group plays a free show at the Cock & Bull Pub before embarking on an East Coast tour. Kristopher James opens. 975 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota. theblueeyedbettys.com.
Pray Eat Vote Potluck Cookoff Fundraiser – 5 p.m. Saturday (July 19). Bee Ridge Presbyterian Church will host a dinner at 4826 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. Bring an entree, side dish or dessert. Top chefs will have their picture featured in the church newsletter. To enter: $4 for three voting tickets or bring paper currency for voting. 504-3818;
axhandle@comcast.net.
Nights in White Satin with the Billy Rice Band – 6-11 p.m. Saturday (July 19). Bearded Clam, 7150 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Celebrating the fourth anniversary of Parties by LeslieSRQ. Includes a mix-and-mingle reception by the pool/tiki bar. Free.
Rock Against Cancer – 7 p.m. Saturday (July 19). Area rockers Nerds Raging, Slade and the Wasters, Old Tuners-n-Punk Rock Duders, ShinraCo, Trash Can and Unity Rise all band together for charity, playing at Fubar, 658 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. $5.
Jerry's Kids – 8 p.m. Saturday (July 19). A special acoustic Grateful Dead tribute at the Flying Dog Cafe, 419 Cortez Road W., Bradenton. 727-9663; theflyingdogcafe.com.
Ellie Lee & Blues Fury – 9 p.m. Saturday (July 19). Join the birthday celebration for Lee, who fronts one of the Tampa Bay area's most popular bands. $5. The Blue Rooster, 1525 4th St., Sarasota. 388-7539; blueroostersrq.com.
