Category Archives: Restaurants & Bars

Sarasota has an amazing number of restaurants and bars for a small city. Name the category, you’ll find it here. And nightlife options are many during season.

Sarasota Fashion Show by Punk Rock Betty

Punk Rock Betty put on a sizzling fashion event at Pastimes Pub. Summer of Sin was a show of her latest alternative clothing designs. Edgy models with cutting edge styling walked the runway surrounded by a crowd of fans and photographers. Even during the summer, creative people continue to find venues for great things to do in Sarasota!

The Loft Christmas in July in Sarasota

Santa and his helpers visited The Loft Ristobar last weekend to help Veronica Pastore, DJs Jimi-O and KCONN celebrate Christmas in July. You didn’t think Sarasota had summer nightlife? Take a look at the video, it may change your mind. By the time I left this huge nightclub it was packed. In addition to music and dancing, party-goers were contributing to charity since 10% of the sales all night were donated to Suncoast Charities for Children.

Sarasota Pop Rocks Party

Sarasota Pop Rocks Party was billed as the “party of the summer”.  A combination of costume party, birthday party and fund raiser, the event was organized by Mike Drobny, Veronica Pastore, and Jawara Gordon.  Pop Rocks was hosted at The Loft Ristobar with music supplied by Deejay Simplisstick and DJ Imminent.

Sarasota Downtown Friday Night

Live Downtown, It’s Friday Night! The 1st Friday night each month, you should be  downtown Sarasota for live music, dancing, gallery shows and shopping. This is a free event that attracts locals and visitors to browse our wonderful art galleries to the accompaniment of a wide range of entertainment.  On this Friday, you could hear an incredible local string duo Bard and Mustache – Erin Murphy (the Equines) and Greg Bortnichak (Sparta Philharmonic).  Just down the street, you could see the Sarasota Ballet’s students at Studio 20.  In the mood for something Latin?  The exciting Duente duo of Joe Matsagos and Dean Johanesen offered flamenco while Wilsons DanceSport dancers entertained the crowd.  And, just for fun, Ollie and the Garbage Men, local teenagers who play instruments made from garbage and recycled materials.  I’d say there was something for everyone!

Sarasota bands play at Noise Ordinance

Noise Ordinance 2 was held at the Cock and Bull pub on April 23.  Sarasota does support the arts, but usually it is established groups and organizations that get the most attention.  This all day/night event promoted the amazing indie musical talent here in Sarasota.  39 bands played a range of styles to a crowd  of young and old.  One popular alternative band was Igor.  As you can see from the video below, they rocked the stage.

Vinyl Music Festival brings Darude to Sarasota, Florida

See a rare up close look at one of the top DJs in the world!  I’ve filmed nightclubs in Atlanta and Miami…but the energy in Sarasota last night was just amazing!  As far as I’m concerned, the VMF founders have a huge success on their hands.  It’s about time for this infusion of excitement into the Sarasota nightlife.  If you didn’t make it…so sad for you…so just plan next year’s spring break or vacation around this event – it’s sure to stay around!

Sarasota Vinyl Music Festival

Sarasota young VIPs partied at the Vinyl Music Festival opening event at the Ivory Lounge last night.  This was the kick off for the 4 day Vinyl Music Festival.  According to Rich Swier, VMF cofounder,  “we created and will continue to build Vinyl in order to bring more current world-class musical entertainment to a world class city.”  In our view, this first night was a success and generated great buzz about the festival leading up to the main event on Saturday night.