Thursday, April 28, 2016

Tonight in Sarasota: 4/28/16

Here's your can't-miss list for great live music in Sarasota tonight:

  • 6PM - Kettle of Fish at Blue Sunshine Patio at Marina Jack, Sarasota Bayfront
  • 7PM - The Venturas at Mattison's City Grille, downtown Sarasota
  • 7-11PM - Berry Oakley's ROCKLAB at SKOB (Siesta Key Oyster Bar) in Siesta Key Village

For complete daily listings, visit gotonight.com.

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Wheel & Frame at Indigo Event Space in Westfield NJ

Visiting the popular dining and shopping destination of downtown Westfield NJ, a few nights ago, I heard interesting sounds coming from an upper floor of the Arcanum Hall building, at the corner of E. Broad Street and Elm Street. Climbing the stairs to the second floor, I made my way through the artful decor of Indigo, a co-op event space. 

The tune that drew me in was being played by Wheel & Frame, a low-fi indie/folk band from the Upper East Side of New York City. They were there as part of a multi-band showcase evening.

What intrigued me was that, along with the dense lyrics and dirge-like rhythms common to many young start-up groups these days, there was melody and musicality that made Wheel & Frame's performance appealing on its own, whether or not I caught the story being told.

Here's a track for you to sample: https://wheelframe.bandcamp.com/track/first-week-back


Friday, April 15, 2016

Gin & Juice Band at J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe

At their monthly gig at J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe in Sarasota, FL, last night, the Gin and Juice Band served up an appealing blend of blues, zydeco and classic rock covers. 

The trio includes Jim Groves on bass, vocals and harmonica; David Lowe on guitar and vocals; and Dale Harris on drums. The band's influences include New Orleans roots, jazz, soul, funk, rock, country, and the blues.

Because their arrangements are smooth and their set list well-mixed, you can just sit back and enjoy the ride. But it's also interesting to note Gin and Juice's original take on each of the familiar songs they perform. 

While it can be comforting for an audience to hear covers played back note-for-note, it actually gives us something new to take home with us when a band contributes their own flavor to each composition.



Friday, April 8, 2016

Tonight in Sarasota: 3/8/16

Two excellent choices for live music tonight in Sarasota:
  • 7PM - Stumble Creek at J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe
  • 8PM-12AM - Bain Beakley & Friends at Siesta Key Oyster Bar
For complete local listings, visit gotonight.com.

Friday, April 1, 2016

Tonight in Sarasota: 4/1/16

It's a fun Friday tonight in the Sarasota live music scene. Pace yourself if you want to keep up with a night of great musical entertainments!
  • 6PM - Mumbo Jumbo at  the Five O'Clock Club, Hillview Street
  • 9:30PM - Ari and the Alibis at the Five O'Clock Club, Hillview Street
  • 8-11PM - Kettle of Fish at The Blue Rooster, 4th Street near Lemon Ave, $5 cover
  • 7-9PM - Hymn for Her at Cafe in the Park, Payne Park at Adams Lane; NOTE: This is a traveling duo. Catch them while they're still in town. Dynamic and interesting performance.
  • 7PM - Florida Mountain Boys (bluegrass) at JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe, Old Packinghouse Road
  • 8PM-12AM - Shift Change at Mattison's City Grille, downtown Sarasota at Main St and Lemon Ave
For complete daily listings, visit gotonight.com.