Category Archives: Music

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 hosts Jackie Evancho

The Ringling Museum in Sarasota was the location selected for filming a PBS Great Performances episode starring Jackie Evancho called Dream With Me in Concert. Check out the video below as she performs Sarah McLachlan’s song “Angel” in the Ringling courtyard. You can check the PBS website for broadcast times.

Siesta Key Drum Circle

Every Sunday evening, a circle forms on the beach at Siesta Key. Drummers begin, both talented local players and visitors with small percussion instruments. Belly dancers, hoop dancers and gymnasts join in. No special talent is required, just enthusiasm. Everyone is welcome to join the circle – from toddlers to retirees. When you’re in the circle, it’s almost impossible to be still! Locals do this year round, and – during tourist season – the circle grows tremendously. It’s fun, free and relaxing, so come on over when you’re in Sarasota.

Sarasota downtown – The Cadillac Grainer Street Band

On any afternoon in downtown Sarasota, you may have a chance to hear a street musician or a band.  On Main Street, we encountered The Cadillac Grainer Street Band with a small crowd who already knew their music.  Although their lead singer was not there, they played an original song with a bluesy bluegrass flavor as the crowd on the street grew.

The band recently opened at the Blue Owl in Sarasota for local favorite, Igor.

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 Hispanic Latino Festival

The Sarasota Hispanic Latino Festival featured Charityn and Yovany and many other well known musicians. Sponsored by The Academy of Latin Arts and Science, the event offered food, music, dancing and family friendly activities for children. Mostly a family crowd, the biggest excitement was when Charityn, who has been called the Latin Oprah, appeared onstage. She took the time to meet and take photos with her fans individually and seemed to sincerely enjoy this.

Godspeed by The Human Condition at Noise Ordinance 2

Human Condition played at Noise Ordinance 2 and claimed the stage with their own clean sounding acoustic rock.  Chosen for the movie Beautiful Noise, Godspeed is a haunting song that you’ll want to hear again and again. This video is a tribute to the song.

Lead singer, song writer Dean Johanesen can be seen at many local venues. Keep up with his schedule here.

Florida Mountain Boys play at Noise Ordinance 2 in Sarasota

The Florida Mountain boys play bluegrass – lots of pickin’ and strummin’ with great harmony thrown in.  The Noise Ordinance festival showcases all kinds of local bands from rock to folk.  They played a variety of music straight from a bluegrass festival.  Find more about them on their website.