tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54223132828335341602024-03-13T14:20:00.247-04:00Best Music TonightPersonal faves and raves about live music in Sarasota FL. Includes profiles, pictures, and videos of bands, performers, and venues worth checking out.Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-43374338612920845692017-02-16T08:20:00.000-05:002017-02-17T06:58:04.783-05:00JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe Reopens!!Hurray! After months of renovations and improvements, <b>JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe</b> in Sarasota is now open again.<br />
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On Wednesday night, <i>Stumble Creek Band</i> did the reopening proud, playing to a packed house of grateful patrons. Yes, that's right, a packed house on a Wednesday night.<br />
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JR has expanded the bar area, added additional outdoor porch and deck, and freshened the place with a new paint job and many invisible functional upgrades.<br />
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But the vibe still feels like "home" in the OPC's unique style.<br />
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Here's the music lineup: http://gotonight.com/venues/venue/?id=149<br />
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See you there soon!Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-82971732784677863992016-07-13T17:02:00.002-04:002016-07-13T17:02:25.686-04:00Kevin So with Buddy Gibson at JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe in SarasotaA few weeks ago, at Buddy Gibson's monthly gig at JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe in Sarasota, Kevin So shared the stage, offering up a really pleasing blend of harmonies and instrumental counterpoints. On guitar, keyboard and vocals, Kevin's presence made it an extra special performance.<br />
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At the OPC that night, Buddy and Kevin combined their individual efforts to make three--an exceptional sound that enhanced every tune they played, both covers and originals. One of my faves of the evening was "Breakdown", from So's CD, "Countryside".<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ye9MTZW3Fx8" width="350"></iframe>
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Later, listening to So's other tunes as I drove home, I was also taken with Long Way Around, a cheerful ballad that chronicles a slow-yet-steady drive for successes in various areas of life; Not Worth It, about the personal price that a traveling musician pays for long or frequent absences from home; and Why Am I Afraid, a beautiful love song that describes having it but still questioning it.<br />
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Kevin So's a talented singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who's also toured with Keb Mo'.<br />
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Hope to see him back in Sarasota when the Old Packinghouse Cafe reopens after the next few months of repairs.Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-20459532344838835572016-04-28T14:14:00.000-04:002016-04-28T14:14:45.507-04:00Tonight in Sarasota: 4/28/16<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's your can't-miss list for great live music in Sarasota tonight:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6PM - Kettle of Fish at Blue Sunshine Patio at Marina Jack, Sarasota Bayfront</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7PM - The Venturas at Mattison's City Grille, downtown Sarasota</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7-11PM - Berry Oakley's ROCKLAB at SKOB (Siesta Key Oyster Bar) in Siesta Key Village</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For complete daily listings, visit gotonight.com.</span>Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-326806476956372862016-04-24T16:53:00.002-04:002016-04-24T16:53:43.751-04:00Wheel & Frame at Indigo Event Space in Westfield NJ<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's a track for you to sample: <a href="https://wheelframe.bandcamp.com/track/first-week-back">https://wheelframe.bandcamp.com/track/first-week-back</a></span><br />
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<br />Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-44520680898664891732016-04-15T13:26:00.000-04:002016-04-15T13:26:07.546-04:00Gin & Juice Band at J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The trio includes Jim Groves on bass, vocals and harmonica; David Lowe on guitar and vocals; and Dale Harris on drums. <span style="line-height: 17px;">The band's influences include New Orleans roots, jazz, soul, funk, rock, country, and the blues.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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.</span><br />
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Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-4583382499885258132016-04-08T08:04:00.000-04:002016-04-08T08:04:58.742-04:00Tonight in Sarasota: 3/8/16<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Two excellent choices for live music tonight in Sarasota:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7PM - Stumble Creek at J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8PM-12AM - Bain Beakley & Friends at Siesta Key Oyster Bar</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For complete local listings, visit <a href="http://gotonight.com/">gotonight.com</a>.</span><br />
<br />Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-33142339718945189582016-04-01T11:27:00.000-04:002016-04-01T11:27:54.492-04:00Tonight in Sarasota: 4/1/16<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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!</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">6PM - Mumbo Jumbo at the Five O'Clock Club, Hillview Street</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">9:30PM - Ari and the Alibis at the Five O'Clock Club, Hillview Street</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8-11PM - Kettle of Fish at The Blue Rooster, 4th Street near Lemon Ave, $5 cover</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">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.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7PM - Florida Mountain Boys (bluegrass) at JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe, Old Packinghouse Road</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8PM-12AM - Shift Change at Mattison's City Grille, downtown Sarasota at Main St and Lemon Ave</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For complete daily listings, visit <a href="http://gotonight.com/">gotonight.com</a>.</span></div>
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<br />Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-78458682547715468812016-03-26T16:24:00.000-04:002016-03-26T16:25:12.075-04:00Tonight in Sarasota: 3/26/16<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Oh, my, my, tonight is rich with sure things. You might have to do some club-hopping to catch it all:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5PM - Jah Movement Reggae Band at the Five O'Clock Club on Hillview Street in Southside Village</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8-11PM - Ari and the Alibis at The Blue Rooster on 4th Avenue, east of Lemon Avenue in the Rosemary District</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7-11PM - Joey Lavallee and Bain Beakley at Marina Jack's, Sarasota Bayfront</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8PM - Lisa Ridings Band at Mattison's City Grille, Lemon Avenue & Main Street, downtown Sarasota</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For complete daily live music listings, visit <a href="http://gotonight.com/">gotonight.com</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-51946367362857634832016-03-21T08:31:00.000-04:002016-03-21T08:32:44.857-04:00The Art of the Looper<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dating back to the Great Recession, many local live music venues in Sarasota--restaurants and bars--favor single-player musical performances, in order to minimize the cost of hiring talent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In order to make up for the lack of band members at their gigs, soloists have added the "looper" machine to their setup. This allows them to record the various complimentary sounds that would have been provided by bass guitar, drums, vocal harmonies, and even horns. As the musician starts a song, he/she records each "other instrument" sequentially on the looper, layering the sounds required for that particular tune. The looper only keeps one song in memory, then is cleared before recording the next song.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Purists can deride the simple utility of this machine-based system, but when I see the looper in action, I'm impressed by the on-the-fly orchestral arranging skill of the performer. The musician has to hear each instrument's note-flow in his/her head, then has to know how to lay down each track so that it will cohere with the overall arrangement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In the Sarasota live music scene, some of the most talented looper arrangers, in my opinion, include:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://bestmusictonight.blogspot.com/2014/10/andres-colin-at-hub-baja-grill-on.html">Andres Colin</a> - Not only does he loop a wide array of sophisticated instrumental sounds with his synthesizer guitar, he sings in multiple languages.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://bestmusictonight.blogspot.com/2016/02/tommy-doerrs-new-cd-happy-to-be.html">Tommy D (Doerr)</a> - He dutifully introduces his "band", including the drummer and bass player. Creates a very danceable sound with selective use of the looper.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://bestmusictonight.blogspot.com/2015/10/bain-beakley-at-marina-jacks-in.html">Bain Beakley</a> - His arrangements, and the lead riffs he plays on top of them, have a jazz complexity that adds dimension to a clear musical thru-line.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://bestmusictonight.blogspot.com/2014/10/live-music-on-siesta-key-in-sarasota.html">Frankie Lombardi</a> - King of the long lead guitar riff, he first layers drum, bass, and harmonic looper sounds that give him a solid foundation for his intricate instrumental breaks.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Next time you're out enjoying the hard-working solo musician onstage, with only the looper for backup, notice the impressive show-design process that's going on in front of you. And maybe throw a little extra tip money into the cup to compensate all the "band members" that he/she is creating for your listening amazement!</span></div>
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Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-84308748870603404742016-03-19T08:52:00.000-04:002016-03-19T08:52:29.728-04:00Tonight in Sarasota: 3/19/16<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7PM - Mumbo Jumbo at JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe, Old Packinghouse Road (betw. Palmer Rd and Bahia Vista Street, Sarasota)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8PM - Lisa Ridings Band at Mattison's City Grille, Main Street & Lemon Ave, downtown Sarasota</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For complete daily listings, visit <a href="http://gotonight.com/">gotonight.com</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-4487683702710995782016-03-11T06:59:00.000-05:002016-03-11T06:59:08.882-05:00Tonight in Sarasota: 3/11/16<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6PM - The Instigators at the Five O'Clock Club, Hillview Street, Southside Village - rare appearance, don't miss this show, great reggae</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7-10PM - Seamus McCarthy Band at J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe, Old Packinghouse Road</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For complete daily listings, visit <a href="http://gotonight.com/">gotonight.com</a>.</span>Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-2650482408702551642016-03-10T08:28:00.001-05:002016-03-10T08:28:53.619-05:00Tonight in Sarasota: 3/10/16<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">3-6PM - Frankie Lombardi at Hub Baha Grill, Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">6-10PM - Kettle of Fish at Marina Jack's, Sarasota Bayfront</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7-10PM - The Venturas at Mattison's City Grille, Main Street & Lemon Avenue, downtown Sarasota</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For complete daily listings, visit <a href="http://gotonight.com/">gotonight.com</a>.</span>Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-81770261328876752742016-02-27T09:15:00.000-05:002016-02-27T09:16:57.586-05:00Tonight in Sarasota: 2/27/16<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The weather may be cold (again!), but it should be a hot night for live music in Sarasota:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7-10PM - Kat Crosby Band at J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe - blues with flavors of Texas swing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">6-10PM - The Jayzz at Blase Cafe in Siesta Village - John Howard and friends with great harmonies on familiar favorites from 60s and 70s</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8:30PM - Nikki Hill at The Blue Rooster in the Rosemary District, downtown - high-energy rockin' blues ($15 cover)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For complete daily listings, visit <a href="http://gotonight.com/">gotonight.com</a>.</span></div>
Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-78687330150954395602016-02-26T09:14:00.004-05:002016-02-26T09:14:58.343-05:00Tonight in Sarasota: 2/26/16<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">No question here. Guaranteed fun music night:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7-10PM - The Missing Links at J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe - nonstop greatest hits from the late 60s and early 70s; bring your earplugs, and your dancing feet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For complete daily live music listings: <a href="http://gotonight.com/">gotonight.com</a></span>Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-52949131014882754192016-02-25T08:49:00.003-05:002016-02-25T08:49:55.469-05:00Tonight in Sarasota: 2/25/16<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8PM - Strangled Darlings Touring Band at 210 Tavern (5045 Fruitville Rd) - interestingyoung non-local duo to check out; haunting sound, nice harmonies and mandolin)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6-10PM - Kettle of Fish at Marina Jack's (Sarasota bayfront)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7-11PM - Berry Oakley's ROCKLAB at S.K.O.B. (Siesta Key Oyster Bar)</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For complete daily live music listings: <a href="http://gotonight.com/">gotonight.com</a></span></div>
Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-58027085180709420952016-02-24T16:31:00.001-05:002016-02-24T16:32:35.371-05:00NEW FEATURE: "Tonight in Sarasota"<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Especially for visitors to the Sarasota area, the array of live music performers and venues in this beautiful small-town city can be overwhelming. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you want to simply explore, you're sure to come upon talented musicians all around town. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But if you're here for a limited time, you may appreciate some sure-thing structure to your evenings. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">That's the idea behind </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Tonight in Sarasota"</b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, a new feature on this blog. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Several nights a week, I'll hand-pick terrific spots for an evening of great music. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For a complete daily listing of who's playing where, you can always check in with <a href="http://gotonight.com/">gotonight.com</a>.</span>Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-52229096959199782092016-02-24T16:24:00.000-05:002016-02-24T16:24:02.597-05:00Tonight in Sarasota: 2/24/16<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Get off the couch and enjoy fabulous live music in Sarasota tonight:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7-10PM - Buddy Gibson & Zack Yoder at J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5-7:30PM - Howlin' Bob on LeBarge Tropical Cruise (Sarasota Bayfront, $28)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">For complete daily live music listings, visit </span><a href="http://gotonight.com/" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">gotonight.com</a><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">.</span>Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-22807680806134259952016-02-23T13:47:00.002-05:002016-02-24T16:17:52.115-05:00Tonight in Sarasota: 2/23/16<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hands-down, this is your sure-thing tonight in downtown Sarasota:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7-10PM - Billy Seward Band at Mattison's City Grille (Lemon & Main)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For complete daily live music listings, visit <a href="http://gotonight.com/">gotonight.com</a>.</span></div>
Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-59116866779584211302016-02-20T09:11:00.003-05:002016-02-24T16:18:00.225-05:00Tonight in Sarasota: 2/20/16<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8-11PM - Billy Seward Band at The Blue Rooster, 4th Street, downtown Rosemary District</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7-11PM - Mumbo Jumbo at J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe, Old Packinghouse Rd</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">8-11PM - Lisa Ridings Band at Mattison's City Grille, Main St & Lemon Ave, downtown</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I don't know how you'll decide. Three really fun choices tonight. Might have to just see them all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For complete daily live music listings, visit <a href="http://gotonight.com/">gotonight.com</a>.</span>Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-50577446936769058632016-02-18T07:26:00.000-05:002016-02-24T16:18:08.052-05:00Tonight in Sarasota: 2/18/16<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Either band will leave you smiling. Good food at either joint:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7-10PM: Heather Downie Band at J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe, on Old Packinghouse Road</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7-11PM: Berry Oakley's ROCKLAB at S.K.O.B. (Siesta Key Oyster Bar), in Siesta Village</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">For complete daily live music listings, visit </span><a href="http://gotonight.com/" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">gotonight.com</a><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">.</span></div>
Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-82368446439157902882016-02-17T08:17:00.001-05:002016-02-17T11:45:15.776-05:00Tommy Doerr's new CD, "Happy to Be"It's always best to enjoy Sarasota musicians live. So many dimensions that can't be captured in a CD.<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But it's also great to travel around with them in one's personal spaces, away from the distractions of chatting bar crowds and street noise. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This week I'm enjoying the variety of moods and tunes on Tommy D's new CD, "Happy to Be." One of my faves so far is "Night Trippin'", which immediately engages with a happy calypso beat that captures the gigging musician's life on the road, traveling from setup to setup. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Also, "Bubble", which reminds us that "We live a bubble/Of some kind/You live in a bubble/I live in mine," a tidy little evocation of the human condition. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Stranger" explores an experience familiar to those of us who leave our hometowns to live in a place more suited to our own needs, returning "home" to find that it no longer belongs to us, except in our memories.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sample Tommy Doerr's CD here. Then get your own copy to drive around with.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.reverbnation.com/Tommydsongz/album/112369-happy-to-be" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt=" Tommy Doerr Happy to Be" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GohyphenhyphenxT8_P4N0wYo0K8PZUZdCQkIAnm4L1c5q98W3oISezr5yNBDI4RZ6URm0tVWkBm1tbg6W7QMBxEO441iRkGM3w2xP_s59roQit-5Aw1-v2-mzWb7WjfCtWVxie4RujgNU2-SxCAs/s320/tommy+d+happy+to+be.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tommy D's CD, "Happy to Be"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-59747759397523311632016-02-17T08:00:00.000-05:002016-02-24T16:18:19.497-05:00Tonight in Sarasota: 2/17/16<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Two super options for great live music in Sarasota tonight:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7PM - <a href="http://bestmusictonight.blogspot.com/2016/01/howlin-bob-with-mark-serio-friends-at.html">Mark Serio & Friends</a> at Mattison's City Grille, including Howlin' Bob on vocals and guitar.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">7PM - <a href="http://bestmusictonight.blogspot.com/2014/02/kraig-kenning-at-jrs-old-packinghouse.html">Kraig Kenning</a> at JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can enjoy dinner at either place. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For complete daily live music listings, visit <a href="http://gotonight.com/">gotonight.com</a>.</span>Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-81021104934641539402016-02-16T09:06:00.000-05:002016-02-24T16:18:27.682-05:00Tonight in Sarasota: 2/16/16<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What a beautiful night it will be for live music on Siesta Key. Head over to Siesta Village for your choice of three excellent and unique performances. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Enjoy dinner at one restaurant, then stroll around the village to catch the other musicians:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">5-9PM - <b>Tommy D</b> at Aaron's Fish Camp </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span 16.12px="" line-height:=""><i>NOTE: Pick up Tommy's new CD, "<a href="https://www.reverbnation.com/Tommydsongz/album/112369-happy-to-be">Happy to Be</a>".</i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span 16.12px="" line-height:="">7-10PM - <b>Andres Colin</b> at the Hub Baha Grille</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span 16.12px="" line-height:="">6-9PM - <b>Kettle of Fish</b> band at Blase Cafe</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">For complete daily live music listings, visit </span><a href="http://gotonight.com/" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">gotonight.com</a><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">.</span></div>
Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-87626398114035199922016-02-03T13:04:00.000-05:002016-02-03T13:04:45.129-05:00Live Music Venues in Sarasota FL<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's an updated list of selected live music venues all around Sarasota. It seems that you can't walk anywhere in this town without hearing live music!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For daily listings of who's playing where, remember to check <a href="http://gotonight.com/">gotonight.com</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: yellow; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Downtown Sarasota</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mattison's City Grille (Main Street)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gator Club (Main Street)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Marina Jack's Dockside (Bayfront)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Blue Rooster (Rosemary District)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sarasota Farmers Market (Lemon Avenue, Saturdays 9-1)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: yellow; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Siesta Key</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">S.K.O.B. (Siesta Key Oyster Bar)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Aaron's Fish Camp</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cottage Restaurant</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Hub Baja Grille</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gilligan's</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Siesta Key Farmers Market (Sundays, 9-1)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="color: yellow;">Southside Village</span></b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Five O'Clock Club (Hillview Street)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fandango (S. Osprey Avenue)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: yellow; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>S. Tamiami Trail</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Walt's Fish House (5 nights/week)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: yellow; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gulf Gate</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Munchies</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: yellow; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">East Side</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">J.R.'s Old Packinghouse Cafe (Mon-Sat, 7-10)</span><br />
<br />Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5422313282833534160.post-6879200285858004322016-01-27T12:49:00.001-05:002016-01-27T12:49:09.495-05:00Billy Seward Band at Mattison's City Grille<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last night's first set a Mattison's City Grille, in downtown Sarasota, was interesting for how the Billy Seward Band set the stage for later, more energetic sets to come. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Seward and his bandmates--Burt Engelsman on bass, Steve Camilleri on drums, Richy Kicklighter on guitar, and Brandon Sommers on keyboards--gently rolled out the vocals and instrumental riffs like individual jetstreams in a blue gulf sky, rolling out a canvas of sound that coalesced into white fluffy clouds of recognizable r&b and blues. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Maybe it was the reprieve of balmy evening weather after days of cold that had me thinking in such metaphors. In any case, there was a pleasant haze of melody and harmony on the podium--energetic enough to attract couples and kids to the brick "dance floor", yet restrained enough to invite appreciative listening by patrons working on their appetizers at tables nearby.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This particular combination of players brings a lot of depth to the band. Each one is a seasoned master at his craft. All of them play regularly in other bands with other signature sounds. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So it's fascinating to see what happens when they back up Seward, who has his own style of Memphis soul and Chicago blues. It's soulful, but doesn't hit you over the head with howling or shouting. It alternates between telling a tale and pulling back into lead breaks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sommers' easy harmonies and Kicklighter's thoughtful counter-riffs enrich without dominating. Engelsman and Camilleri give solid rhythm and undertones, without overpowering Seward's initiatives.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's a listen from another Seward gig:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><iframe width="350" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gFdZNZun9Uc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Susan Jameshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15383152636076146869noreply@blogger.com0