Move over, Bonnie, because tonight I stumbled upon a young soulful blues singer named Taylor Opie who will give you a run for your money! Well, of course, no one can top Ms. Raitt, but keep your eyes and ears open for sightings of Taylor Opie in the Venice - Sarasota - Bradenton live music scene.
Where do I begin? Husky undertones with sweet overlayerings, and she's just got her own deeply flavored and movingly delivered way of bringing the best out of songs we thought we'd heard done best by their original cover artists.
The Dan Dembicki Trio -- drums, bass, and keyboards - provided well-punctuated instrumental backup for Opie's lead vocals. Look for Opie and her band, Dreadnot, playing in the Bradenton area, and hopefully soon a lot more in Sarasota.
Taylor Opie joins the Dan Dembicki Trio every Tuesday in July, 7:30 - 10:30PM at Ocean Blues, on Hillview Street in Sarasota. Let's catch her while she's still local!
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Friday, July 4, 2014
SoulRCoaster at Ocean Blues in Sarasota FL
Last night turned out to be double-fun with cover bands around town in Sarasota FL. A sudden downpour that soaked the edges of the dance floor at Marina Jack, at the Sarasota Bayfront, didn't deter couples and families from stepping to the enthusiastic sounds of Lisa Ridings & Vertigo, now a staple dance band in the Marina Jack weekly lineup. A surprise guest appearance by an energetic sax player added interesting visual energy and reed dynamics to the performance.
The night was young, the dark sky clear and sparkling with pre-4th of July spirit, so I headed over to Ocean Blues, on Hillview Street, to check out SoulRCoaster, another cover band -- new to me, and to the Sarasota live music scene -- this one led by powerful vocalist Sheri Nadelman, backed up by competent lead and bass guitar, drums, keyboards, and harmony vocals by several members of the group. Sheri had definitely gotten the word out to her fans, because the room was pulsing with happy dancers.
SoulRCoaster fit a lot of equipment on that little stage, so the sound was huge and complex. Perhaps a bit overproduced, but it was fun to hear, and dance to, a set list that contained more of a disco-pop mix than we hear locally. For instance, the "Happy" song made internationally legendary by Pharrell Williams. Coincidentally, SoulRCoaster also welcomed a guest sax player onto the stage for a few songs.
Will look forward to more local appearances by SoulRCoaster, now that I know they can dependably deliver a memorable few hours of high-energy fun.
The night was young, the dark sky clear and sparkling with pre-4th of July spirit, so I headed over to Ocean Blues, on Hillview Street, to check out SoulRCoaster, another cover band -- new to me, and to the Sarasota live music scene -- this one led by powerful vocalist Sheri Nadelman, backed up by competent lead and bass guitar, drums, keyboards, and harmony vocals by several members of the group. Sheri had definitely gotten the word out to her fans, because the room was pulsing with happy dancers.
SoulRCoaster fit a lot of equipment on that little stage, so the sound was huge and complex. Perhaps a bit overproduced, but it was fun to hear, and dance to, a set list that contained more of a disco-pop mix than we hear locally. For instance, the "Happy" song made internationally legendary by Pharrell Williams. Coincidentally, SoulRCoaster also welcomed a guest sax player onto the stage for a few songs.
Will look forward to more local appearances by SoulRCoaster, now that I know they can dependably deliver a memorable few hours of high-energy fun.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Billy Seward Band at Mattison's City Grille in Sarasota
I just couldn't leave. Usually, I can enjoy a few tunes and then continue on my way. And it's not like I haven't seen most of these guys play in various band formations around the Sarasota live music scene. And it was blues, in a blues town. Yawn, right? Wrong, so wrong. Tonight's lineup at Mattison's City Grille in downtown Sarasota, playing as the Billy Seward Band, just had me mesmerized -- body, mind, and spirit. One song flowed into the next, and I had to stay and sway and marvel and smile.
Tonight at Mattison's, on a slow Tuesday evening no less, I happily stumbled upon a lush, intoxicating wall of sounds that felt like one sound. One stellar rendition that stays in my head was Seward's version of "Let's Straighten it Out", written by Clarence Carter. Oh, my, my, it took me outta there.
Billy Seward is relatively new to the Sarasota live music scene. He injects a refreshing collection of variously punchy, smooth, and dynamic Chicago blues and Memphis soul sounds into a town that seemingly already provides every musical flavor one could imagine.
With rhythm in capable hands like those of Burt Engelsman on bass and Steve Camileri on drums, every song was firmly grounded. Sidney Wingfield added bright keyboards and supercharged vocals, and the ever-steady and innovative Richy Kicklighter contributed his dazzling yet seemingly effortless lead and rhythm guitar stylings. I haven't heard Seward play elsewhere, so I can't compare, but he's cherry-picked some of the best sidemen Sarasota has to offer, and they profoundly enhance what he brings to the table.
Clearly, there are no limits to where music can take you in Sarasota. There are surprises around every corner here, even when you're not looking for them.
Tonight at Mattison's, on a slow Tuesday evening no less, I happily stumbled upon a lush, intoxicating wall of sounds that felt like one sound. One stellar rendition that stays in my head was Seward's version of "Let's Straighten it Out", written by Clarence Carter. Oh, my, my, it took me outta there.
Billy Seward is relatively new to the Sarasota live music scene. He injects a refreshing collection of variously punchy, smooth, and dynamic Chicago blues and Memphis soul sounds into a town that seemingly already provides every musical flavor one could imagine.
With rhythm in capable hands like those of Burt Engelsman on bass and Steve Camileri on drums, every song was firmly grounded. Sidney Wingfield added bright keyboards and supercharged vocals, and the ever-steady and innovative Richy Kicklighter contributed his dazzling yet seemingly effortless lead and rhythm guitar stylings. I haven't heard Seward play elsewhere, so I can't compare, but he's cherry-picked some of the best sidemen Sarasota has to offer, and they profoundly enhance what he brings to the table.
Clearly, there are no limits to where music can take you in Sarasota. There are surprises around every corner here, even when you're not looking for them.
Live Music on Siesta Key
Monday is usually a slow night for live music in Sarasota. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful evening for a long walk on Siesta Beach, so I headed to Siesta Village, knowing I'd at least pass by some music along the way. As usual, the Sarasota live music scene did not disappoint!
First, I heard the clear and sweet tones of Andres Colin, smilingly engaging with the dinner crowd of vacationing families at The Hub Baja Grille. Had to stay for his renditions of No Woman, No Cry and O' Sole Mio (sung in Italian -- Andres is multi-lingual). Colin exudes fun and happiness, serving it up with rich musical talent and flair. I cannot watch him play without a big grin on my face, which is also true of the multi-generational audience he entertains.
On the way back from my beach walk (nothing like walking barefoot in the supersoft sands of Siesta Beach at sunset!), Zach Yoder's deep and plaintive voice caught my attention. He was set up at Siesta Key Oyster Bar (S.K.O.B.). I've seen him play guitar with Berry Oakley's Skylab and other local bands, so it was interesting to hear him perform in a duo. When he sings, out comes the voice of a man way beyond his youthful age, and when he plays, he goes into a fast, head-swaying trance, long locks obscuring his face. His guitar work is prodigious and deeply felt, and his vocal stylings really interesting and resonant of the 60s'.
Finally, to top off an already-top-notch night of walk-by live music, I joined the crowd gathered around The Garbage Men, a trio of high-school-age guys playing 60s rock 'n roll classics on instruments made from old cereal boxes, plastic jugs and cardboard tubes. Ya gotta hear 'em to believe it, but they really nail the sounds and feel of songs like The Doors' Hello, I Love You.
Last night's stroll proves, once again, that it's always worth it to "Get off the couch!" and go out to find live music in Sarasota!
First, I heard the clear and sweet tones of Andres Colin, smilingly engaging with the dinner crowd of vacationing families at The Hub Baja Grille. Had to stay for his renditions of No Woman, No Cry and O' Sole Mio (sung in Italian -- Andres is multi-lingual). Colin exudes fun and happiness, serving it up with rich musical talent and flair. I cannot watch him play without a big grin on my face, which is also true of the multi-generational audience he entertains.
On the way back from my beach walk (nothing like walking barefoot in the supersoft sands of Siesta Beach at sunset!), Zach Yoder's deep and plaintive voice caught my attention. He was set up at Siesta Key Oyster Bar (S.K.O.B.). I've seen him play guitar with Berry Oakley's Skylab and other local bands, so it was interesting to hear him perform in a duo. When he sings, out comes the voice of a man way beyond his youthful age, and when he plays, he goes into a fast, head-swaying trance, long locks obscuring his face. His guitar work is prodigious and deeply felt, and his vocal stylings really interesting and resonant of the 60s'.
Finally, to top off an already-top-notch night of walk-by live music, I joined the crowd gathered around The Garbage Men, a trio of high-school-age guys playing 60s rock 'n roll classics on instruments made from old cereal boxes, plastic jugs and cardboard tubes. Ya gotta hear 'em to believe it, but they really nail the sounds and feel of songs like The Doors' Hello, I Love You.
Last night's stroll proves, once again, that it's always worth it to "Get off the couch!" and go out to find live music in Sarasota!
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Brenda Kay Benefit Bash on Siesta Key - TODAY
I don't know whether to be happy or sad . . . I guess I have to feel both right now:
Happy for all the people who are showing up this afternoon at the Brenda Kay Benefit Bash (1-7PM) at The Beach Club in Siesta Key Village to show Brenda Kay how much they love her. Showing up so she can see them, hear them, hug and be hugged by them. Showing up to serenade her with incredible music.
Sad for the situation that brought out this crowd today. No one deserves to receive an unappealable sentence. No one should have to face the relentless predation of cancer. No one should have to say goodbye in the middle of a healthy, vital, love-filled life.
I'll close on a happy note: The music at the Brenda Kay Benefit Bash this afternoon (Sunday, June 1st) is fabulous. Sarasota musicians know how to show the love better than anyone out there.
There are still 3 more hours to go, filled with the best live music that Sarasota has to offer. So, please, head out to the Key, and show up. Even if you don't know Brenda. No one judges where love comes from, just that it shows up.
I don't know Brenda, but I'm glad I've had a glimpse of how much she is loved. I wish you life and peace and as much joy as you can fit into each day.
Happy for all the people who are showing up this afternoon at the Brenda Kay Benefit Bash (1-7PM) at The Beach Club in Siesta Key Village to show Brenda Kay how much they love her. Showing up so she can see them, hear them, hug and be hugged by them. Showing up to serenade her with incredible music.
Sad for the situation that brought out this crowd today. No one deserves to receive an unappealable sentence. No one should have to face the relentless predation of cancer. No one should have to say goodbye in the middle of a healthy, vital, love-filled life.
I'll close on a happy note: The music at the Brenda Kay Benefit Bash this afternoon (Sunday, June 1st) is fabulous. Sarasota musicians know how to show the love better than anyone out there.
There are still 3 more hours to go, filled with the best live music that Sarasota has to offer. So, please, head out to the Key, and show up. Even if you don't know Brenda. No one judges where love comes from, just that it shows up.
I don't know Brenda, but I'm glad I've had a glimpse of how much she is loved. I wish you life and peace and as much joy as you can fit into each day.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Seamus McCarthy Band at JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe
The Seamus McCarthy Band is a three-piece combo that features strong and melodic lead vocals and rhythm guitar by Seamus McCarthy, whose voice ranges from the tenor highs of Don McLean to the sonorous low notes of country singers like George Strait. Nicely layered into the mix is a peppy and solid bass line and backup vocals by Jimmy McCarthy, with sweetly haunting fiddle-playing and vocal harmonies by Dave Buescher.
Interestingly, there's no lead guitar here. That role is supplied by the fiddle, which serves as the "Greek chorus" or other-storyteller counterpoint to Seamus's rich narrative vocal lines.
The set lists incorporate traditional country favorites from legends like Johnny Cash, to foot stomping Irish tunes, and songs popular with Millenials. "Down with the Shine", penned by the Avett Brothers, was a particular stunner at the Seamus McCarthy Band gig last night at JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe.
There's an upbeat energy to this band, particularly on display when they line up for three-part harmonies. Worth checking out the next time you see them scheduled to play in the Sarasota live music scene.
Interestingly, there's no lead guitar here. That role is supplied by the fiddle, which serves as the "Greek chorus" or other-storyteller counterpoint to Seamus's rich narrative vocal lines.
The set lists incorporate traditional country favorites from legends like Johnny Cash, to foot stomping Irish tunes, and songs popular with Millenials. "Down with the Shine", penned by the Avett Brothers, was a particular stunner at the Seamus McCarthy Band gig last night at JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe.
There's an upbeat energy to this band, particularly on display when they line up for three-part harmonies. Worth checking out the next time you see them scheduled to play in the Sarasota live music scene.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Buddy Gibson & Richard Hombre Price at JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe
Can't say the house was full -- it surely wasn't. Just a laid-back, off-season evening at JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe in Sarasota. But the music was outstanding and deserved a bigger audience. Buddy Gibson offered up one after another of songs worked up in his idiosyncratic, high-energy, complex singing and playing styles. There were a lot of covers that he personalized so completely, you had to listen closely in the beginning to realize it was a classic he'd run through his very interesting "wash cycle".
As if that weren't enough -- and it would have been -- sitting low on the curb of the stage was Richard Hombre Price, contributing a deep and well-integrated bass line to the performance. Pardon me . . . I didn't know who he was at first, just that he looked familiar. But I found out soon enough when I chatted with him during the break, and Price filled me in on his legendary involvement with the roots and life of Southern Rock.
Lucky Buddy to have Price to play with that night. Lucky us to be there for a really special concert.
That's the Sarasota live music scene: You never know who's going to show up playing with whom, and there's so much historic talent strumming and drumming away here, proud of where they've been and yet also often eager and willing to jam with the up-and-coming future legends.
As if that weren't enough -- and it would have been -- sitting low on the curb of the stage was Richard Hombre Price, contributing a deep and well-integrated bass line to the performance. Pardon me . . . I didn't know who he was at first, just that he looked familiar. But I found out soon enough when I chatted with him during the break, and Price filled me in on his legendary involvement with the roots and life of Southern Rock.
Lucky Buddy to have Price to play with that night. Lucky us to be there for a really special concert.
That's the Sarasota live music scene: You never know who's going to show up playing with whom, and there's so much historic talent strumming and drumming away here, proud of where they've been and yet also often eager and willing to jam with the up-and-coming future legends.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Brenda Kay Benefit June 1st at The Beach Club, Siesta Key
When life is unfair, sometimes all we can do is show up. That actually goes a long way. Please take time this weekend to stop in at the Benefit for Brenda Kay, Sunday, June 1, 2014,from 1PM to 7PM at The Beach Club on Siesta Key in Sarasota. Money raised will enable Brenda to spend her remaining months at a condo on the beach.
The live music lineup promises to be really special, with performances by Twinkle, Berry Oakley, Mike Tozier, Dually Noted, Soundwall Jackson, and more.
Please join us for a special day celebrating her wonderful life. There will be lots of food from several Key restaurants, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, a live auction and many other activities.
If you are a local business and would like to support this event in kind or with a monetary donation or raffle/auction gift, please send an email to info@sunridepedicab.com listing your gift and we will contact you where you can send/drop-off the item. Thanks everyone for your understanding during this difficult time.
Our hearts go out to Brenda and Chris. Let's show up to magnify the love.
The live music lineup promises to be really special, with performances by Twinkle, Berry Oakley, Mike Tozier, Dually Noted, Soundwall Jackson, and more.
From Brenda Kay's Benefit Bash Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/events/1426112324317293/):
For those that do not know, our great friend and one of the island's most beautiful ladies in mind, body and spirit has been diagnosed with a very aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. The prognosis is one in which we choose not to believe, but in reality already know the eventual outcome.
If you are a local business and would like to support this event in kind or with a monetary donation or raffle/auction gift, please send an email to info@sunridepedicab.com listing your gift and we will contact you where you can send/drop-off the item. Thanks everyone for your understanding during this difficult time.
Our hearts go out to Brenda and Chris. Let's show up to magnify the love.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Lisa Ridings & Vertigo at Marina Jack's TONIGHT
Usually I write about bands after they play. But I don't want you to miss all the fun, so here's a heads-up: Lisa Ridings & Vertigo are debuting tonight (5:30-9:30PM) at the outdoor bar at Marina Jack's, at the end of Main Street in beautiful Bayfront Park in downtown Sarasota. Their set lists of blues, soul and rock 'n roll simply require smiles and dancing.
It was so much fun seeing this high-energy, uber-talented band at Mattison's City Grille on Tuesday night, that I already need another fix. Lisa Ridings leads off with powerful and nuanced vocals, Victor J shreds a screamingly versatile lead guitar, Kevin Voigt holds a steady and creative bass line with lead and harmony vocals, and Peter Bonagiano has a laughing good time rocking the drums.
It's off-season, it's hot outside, and there's no place like downtown Sarasota on a beautiful night. Catch the magnificent sunset and dance relentlessly! Bring a crowd, and a change of clothes, because you will not sit this one out.
It was so much fun seeing this high-energy, uber-talented band at Mattison's City Grille on Tuesday night, that I already need another fix. Lisa Ridings leads off with powerful and nuanced vocals, Victor J shreds a screamingly versatile lead guitar, Kevin Voigt holds a steady and creative bass line with lead and harmony vocals, and Peter Bonagiano has a laughing good time rocking the drums.
It's off-season, it's hot outside, and there's no place like downtown Sarasota on a beautiful night. Catch the magnificent sunset and dance relentlessly! Bring a crowd, and a change of clothes, because you will not sit this one out.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Beautiful Sarasota!
Filmed in Sarasota by Ringling School of Design students. A really fun view of how beautiful this town is. Add to the mix music every night of the week, and 'nuff said!
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