Sarasota Music Anyone?
 

I just got an offer from a Southern gentleman, who happens to be my husband, to head to Sarasota for a night on the town tomorrow evening. Wouldn't cha know it but neither of us has any idea what might be a good time in Sarasota. Anyone from Sarasota or environs have any recs for jazz? Or small music venues?

And I take my tea w/sugar and my mojitos with crushed mint.

drinks at the Ritz! or at the Hyatt...or dinner at the Colony or SummerHouse (if it is still open)

Andrew, is there music there? I know I could make my own (ha, ha) but I'd rather leave it up to the professionals. But I might try for drinks at the Ritz or Summerhouse. Why wouldn't it be open? One of those close-in-August places?

I'm not so sure about now out of season, but there is often nice jazz at Michael's on East.
Also the DownUnder (I think it's still called that?) in the Quay, right by the Ritz, almost always has nice jazz groups on the weekends -- at least in season.

Sorry dont have any jazz suggestions, but just to clarify the Summerhouse is still open, they arent scheduled to close now until next spring, 2005. (they are closing permanently-development :( As for the Down Under, I believe that it is closed. I dont think there is any place in the Quay right now with music unfortunately.

TG-try checking to see if the "Ticket" section of the Sarasota Herald/Tribune is published online. It comes out evey Friday and lists events, local band info and who's playing at the local hangouts. The Five O'clock Club on Hillview near Sarasota Memorial Hospital usually has good music. The Ritz has the Cà d'Zan Lounge. The Gator Club downtown is an old standard.

Yes, Paul Mattison closed the Summer House--more condos are moving in. But look for his new restaurant, Mattison's City Grille on N. Lemon--we've only been once but enjoyed it very much.

Maybe start with drinks at the Ritz and check with the concierge to figure out where to go from there.

I'm staying in Lido. I guess there would be nothing there either. I assume I'll be heading into Sarasota so will try some of these places.

Thanks, Patrick, Jayne, Sherry, Andrew, all. And anymore recommendations, just keep them coming. It is so hard to find smaller music spots nowadays.

If you are staying on Lido then St Armands Circle is always good for a stroll around, grab a bite etc. Just the "people watching" can be entertaining. I havent been out to a bar in the circle in ages but I will ask a friend tomorrow morning if there is anything there worthwhile these days. The Ritz is not far, just across the bridge, as is the downtown area. There is a another place that I'm trying to think of the name of that is in the Hillsview area, I'll find it out too. Skip driving out to Siesta Key. Too far to drive home after a few drinks :) Have a great time!

Yes, St. Armand's is a great recommendation if you're staying on Lido. Lots of good restaurants but not too much music I think. There might be something on south Longboat which is easy to get to from Lido as well. Chart House on s. LBK is good. The hotel might have some suggestions for hotels/restaurants with music on Lido or LBK . Sherry, are you thinking of Hillview Grill?--always a good choice.

DH and I are off to Orlando this weekend as well for a belated anniversary celebration. We're taking advantage of the summer rates at the Ritz and planting ourselves there for the duration. Our only planned excursion is to the Home Depot Expo center--can you tell we've been married for 19 years?!

Hey TG,

Up late getting some work done while the house is quiet and just saw a commercial for "Friday Fest" on the Bay at Van Wezel (near the Hyatt and Ritz) 5:30 - 9:00 Friday. It's a family/couples etc. jazz concert on the lawn. I think it's free and people bring lawn chairs, blankets etc.

Jayne

Thank you, thank you, thank you, all. I will be thinking of you as I watch the stars, whether they be in the night sky or on the stage.