Garrison Keillor comes to Sarasota

Garrison Keillor debuted his radio program more than 40 years ago, and ever since, except for one short break, he's been that dry, monotone presence that emanates from your public radio station, making jokes about Minnesota for a couple of hours every weekend. But it you feel like you want to hear more Keillor than you can get from "A Prairie Home Companion," you'll have your chance Thursday. He'll be at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota.

On the radio, his wry observations and laconic comedy bits are punctuated by great music, often from respected non-mainstream folk and bluegrass artists. But his Sarasota performance will apparently be Garrison going it alone, sharing tales of the fictional Lake Wobegon and his own original story-songs. He's been inducted into the national Radio Hall of Fame, and his fans love his stage shows as much as they love his radio show. He sells out Van Wezel pretty much every time he plays there. There weren't any tickets available earlier in the week on the Van Wezel website. So if you're interested in seeing the show, keep trying -- usually more tickets will become available shortly before a show.

Details: 8 p.m. Feb. 19, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets: $15-$60. Information: 941-953-3368, vanwezel.org.

-- Marty Clear

This story was originally published February 19, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Garrison Keillor comes to Sarasota ."