Saturday, December 10, 2011

Frankie Lombardi at The King George Pub in Sarasota

Partial as I am to both British culture and Frankie Lombardi's music, I stopped in tonight at The King George Pub, on Superior Avenue, in Gulf Gate, Sarasota, to hear Frankie's Acoustic Revolution.

The bright, cheerful, high-ceilinged interior of The King George Pub was inviting, with friendly patrons enjoying a "swift half" or pint. Owners Nick & Christie Barthram have created an inviting "home away from home" for locals to socialize and listen to live music (Frankie Lombardi on Friday nights; Irish music on Monday nights).

An unexpected gift tonight was a flurry of expert lead guitar riffs emanating from the direction of an 11-year old boy accompanying Frankie, who provided vocals and alternated between rhythm and lead on acoustic guitar. Sarasota continues to impress with an inordinate number of accomplished young players who sit in on stage with world class adult musicians, who are gracious enough to share the spotlight with them.

As usual, Frankie's vocals were intense and passionate, his guitar playing first class, and the set list familiar enough to hum along with on several tunes.

The demise of The Irish Rover left a large void in the Sarasota live music scene, so it's cheering to discover a new spot where one can be included once again in the easy sociability of Brits who've chosen to make Sarasota their home. Brilliant!