Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning Announces 2025 Season

December 23, 2024 | Sarasota

2024 marks the 54th anniversary of Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning’s (SILL) “Global Issues” series. This hard-hitting series, which runs January 7-March 27, features internationally renowned experts discussing a wide range of domestic and global issues. The lectures are presented on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in downtown Sarasota; Tuesdays at 2:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. at the Venice Community Center; and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 5 p.m. at the Cornerstone Church in Lakewood Ranch. Lectures will also be available for purchase on video.

The 2025 season also features the popular “Music Mondays” series, which presents performances and lively conversations with renowned and emerging performers, January 6-March 24, on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Palms in Sarasota; and Mondays at 3 p.m. at Venice Presbyterian Church in Venice.

Season subscriptions for the Global Issues series are available for purchase for $110 for 12 sessions. Season subscriptions for the Music Mondays series are $110 for 12 sessions. Single-day tickets for all programs are available at the door and are $15. Multiple subscription and flex pack options are also available. For more information, visit SillSarasota.org or call 941-365-6404.

Jeff Olesen, SILL’s president, highlights the organization’s unique role in Sarasota’s cultural landscape: “For over five decades, SILL has been a cultural treasure, connecting our community with leading thinkers from around the world. Each season, we aim to inspire and challenge our audiences with fresh insights on the issues that shape our future.” Olesen adds that this year’s Global Issues series addresses such timely topics as artificial intelligence, foreign policy, global health, and demographic trends, “furthering SILL’s mission to keep Sarasota at the forefront of global dialogue.”

Olesen says that a highlight of this year’s lineup is Jeh Johnson, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, who will speak on February 6. His lecture, “What’s Next for American Democracy,” will address the policies of the new administration and their impact on the future security of the American homeland. As the head of the Department of Homeland Security from 2013 to 2017, Johnson oversaw critical efforts in national security, cybersecurity, and immigration policy, offering a unique

perspective on today’s challenges. This special event is February 6, 3:30 p.m., at Church of the Palms. Tickets are $25.

Some of the returning Global Issues speakers, back by popular demand, include Dr. Sean McFate, an expert on modern warfare; Dr. Shelley Rigger, who will address China’s evolving economy; Dr. Jeremi Suri on the preservation of democracy; Bob Bunting on the health impacts of climate change; Amb. John Beyrle on the state of Russian politics; journalist Martin Walker on major challenges for Europe; and Amb. Dennis Ross on the Israel-Gaza conflict.

New voices this year include Charles Lane, discussing key challenges for the President; Lina Tori Jan, on women’s rights in Afghanistan; Dr. Keir Lieber on nuclear strategy; and Dr. Wendy Whitman Cobb on space as a war-fighting domain.

Joseph Holt, producer and host of the Music Mondays series, explains that what sets Music Monday apart is its unique format, that combines live performances with insightful conversations with invited artists. “These discussions offer a window into the artists’ lives and creative pursuits, highlighting how musicians often engage in activities beyond music to enrich their communities. Their performances, paired with these illuminating conversations, create a truly memorable experience.”

Some Music Monday highlights include: Turkish American guitarist and composer Dr. Celil Refik Kaya; Ravon Rhoden, a steel drum performer, who has established himself as one of the most innovative and vital voices in modern reggae; jazz clarinetist Dave Bennett; and soprano Michelle Johnson, the Grand Prize winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.

General Information

Lecture Locations and Times:

Sarasota

● Monday Music sessions are held at Church of the Palms, 3224 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota; sessions start at 10:30 a.m.

● Tuesday and Thursday Global Issues lectures are held at First United Methodist Church, 104 S. Pineapple Ave. Sarasota; lectures start at 10:30 a.m.

Venice

● Monday Music sessions are held at Venice Presbyterian Church, 825 The Rialto; sessions start at 3 p.m.

● Tuesday and Friday Global Issues lectures are held in the Venice Community Center, 326 S Nokomis Ave., Venice; lectures start at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 10 a.m. on Fridays.

Lakewood Ranch

● Global Issues lectures are held on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 5 p.m. at the Cornerstone Church, 14306 Covenant Way, Lakewood Ranch.

Ticket and Subscription Information

● Series Tickets: The purchase of a $110 series ticket entitles the holder to attend all of the lectures in that series. It cannot be used for lectures in other series. To order tickets using your credit card, visit SillSarasota.org. All ticket sales are final.

● Single Day Admissions: On the day of the performance tickets can be purchased for $15 at the door.

● Video On Demand: For those unable or uncomfortable attending in person, the Thursday Global Issues series will be available for purchase. Cost is $180 for the series and $20 per individual video.

● Lecture Audio Recordings: Flash drives of all of the Sarasota lectures are available for $15 each. Guests can order lectures in the lobby at the end of each lecture. Also available are box sets of 12 lectures of your choice for $110.

● Visit SILLSARASOTA.ORG for more information.