Live Music Blog

Is Live Music Dying?-We spent months preparing for the Gemini Soul tour, booking performances in Phoenix, Hollywood, Fresno, Santa Cruz and Orange County. We covered it all: a publicist, advertising, free ticket give-aways, flyers, posters, concert listings, postcards. We tried holding a charity benefit. We tried having an opening band. We tried free promotional concerts at colleges. We tried passing out free admission cards on the street. And still only a scattering of people came to each show.

The people who did show up always raved about the music, as did the doormen, the bartenders, the club managers. “You’re the best band I’ve ever seen play here, and I’ve heard a lot of bands,” was a typical response. So where was everyone?

Live music in the United States is dying. Several decades ago, a band could count on regular club dates. Unknown jazz bands could “do the circuit” and make at least some money. Not anymore. I talked to the manager of a two-thousand seat theater. She said everyone in the industry is talking about how difficult it has become to fill venues, and speculated that people have too many entertainment options at home — the internet, iPods, cable TV, Netflix — that there is less incentive to go out on the town. Fewer people are willing to take a chance on unknown music. As a consequence, many venues can’t afford to pay bands and expect you to play for tips — which is fine to get a career going, but how can you sustain that?

Live music as viable entertainment hangs on in some ways. Me’Shell Ndegeocello, thank goodness, can draw a large crowd on a Monday night to San Francisco’s The Independent. Festivals and cruises still feature performers (although they are increasingly interested in musicians with national reputations – which begs the question, how does one get a national reputation?). But if talented guitarists like Mick Fleetwood (co-founder of one of the most successful bands of all time, Fleetwood Mac) can fill only half of that two-thousand seat venue, and if Yoshi’s resorts to giving away free tickets to Lee Ritenour’s second show, where does that leave us?

Have we become too accustomed to music at the press of a button, day and night, and worse yet, many of us now expect it for free? Radiohead released their latest CD online and asked buyers to choose how much to pay. Only 38% of those who downloaded the CD paid anything. The rest — an unbelievable 62% — felt they should get the album for free! [Forbes.com] Because of the band’s stature, they still made a considerable amount of money on the sales, but at those percentages, a four-person band selling only 10,000 CDs at an average of $8 apiece would make just $30,400. That amounts to less than $8,000 per person, not including any deduction for production expenses.

I recently discovered a dozen inter-connected English-language websites based in Russia selling my music as well as music by big-name artists, unauthorized, for download for less than $1 per CD. If most musicians can’t make money performing and can’t even make money from CD sales online, how will our culture be able to nurture and sustain the next wave of musicians? Like climate change, we will glibly go about thinking nothing is wrong (or at least many of us will) until it is too late. We will have chopped down the tree that nurtured our music and gave it life.

Live Music: Choosing a Venue for Your Listening Enjoyment-Do you like to listen to live music? When you think of live music what do you think of? Do you think of going to a huge stadium or concert hall and standing with thousands of other screaming fans while your favorite artist or band plays song after song? This is the type of experience that many people prefer when they think about “live music.” But, with the technology we have available today, it is possible to have a similar experience in your home every day.

It has been decades since the first live music concert was broadcast over cable television. This is a way that not just thousands but millions of viewers all over the country and even the world can be part of a live concert taking place in New York City, London, or even Tokyo. The televisions and stereo systems that we have today far outshine those of the past, and you may really feel like you are right there at the live music venue even if you are sitting in your living room or den. You can watch whatever you want to watch, eat whatever you want, and turn it up as loud as you want. Then, you can record it and watch it again later.

The internet is also a great resource for live music downloads. However, the term “live” in this case may be deceiving. Sometimes you can listen to actual music that is live, but for the most part the live performances you will find on the internet are recorded previously. They are not, however, the same recordings that you will buy on a CD. The music and the performances are unedited and raw. Many sites now offer free downloads so if this is your type of music experience you can put it on your MP3 player and go.

If you still prefer being at the venue for the live concert, but you can’t afford to spend a fortune, check out some of the local bands-you can hear samples from some of them online at sites like myspace music.

The opportunities are there for the taking.

Live Music – The Power of Passion-Music is said to be the food of the soul. There is nothing more persuasive and pleasing than good music. Soothing music heals the mind. No entertainment is complete without music. Playing of your favorite music and songs instantly changes your tension filled mind to a more relaxed and serene state of mind.

Though people can listen to songs and music on stereo systems and walkmans, however, they do not think twice before lining up for live music concerts the reason – passion. It is the power of passion that attracts them to see the stars perform in person and live. Nothing beats it.

Live music is also preferred at parties and events. Live music entertainment consists of classical music, Jazz, Swing, World music, period music of 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and the 90’s and performed by artists who haven’t made it big. Classical music consists of quintet, quartet, trio, duo and solo. Performances of live music can be given on any instrument as a piano, guitar, keyboard, cello, harpoon, flute, trumpet, saxophone and the jazz set.

Whether it is a birthday party, wedding reception, a private party or a corporate party, live music is a must if you are not hiring a DJ to mix songs for you. Even if there is a DJ, live music is not a bad idea. Almost every city and town in the US has bands that perform live music. The choice of songs and music may be limited with a live music performance, but it is the limited selected songs and music, which makes the band endearing to people. DJs would charge 25% – 50% of what a live music performing band charges. However, the allure of live music is something that is irresistible if one can afford it. Some live music performing bands capture and reproduce the tone of music that were not recorded properly by the unsophisticated recording machines of the 50‘s and the 60’s.

A DJ can mix songs to provide you the ultimate music entertainment. What needs to be done though is that you should give the DJ a list of your preferred song long before the event. That gives the DJ time to arrange the CDs for you. The variety of music becomes enhanced when a DJ plays CDs. A sudden request from the guest also may be honored by the DJ and the song may be played. Most DJs come prepared with a number of CDs to meet immediate requests.

The success of any event depends on the music entertainment. If the guests hear the music they enjoy your party will be a success.

Live Music Seattle, Washington – People who aren’t in the know seem to still be stuck in the mindset that the Seattle live music scene is restricted to grunge and emo. Grunge began about two decades ago and, rain be damned, Seattle has more to offer than whiney emo bands. The Showbox in Downtown is one of Seattle’s premier venues for national touring acts. Since 1939 the venue has featured legendary acts including Duke Ellington and the Ramones along with today’s favorites such as Jimmy Eat World, The Pogues and The New Pornographers. The recent addition of the Experience Music Project to Seattle included new venues within—Liquid Lounge and the Sky Church. This venue also books famous national acts along with up and coming Seattle bands. For more local favorites, try Neumo’s, High Dive and Doc Maynard’s. Who knows, you might witness music’s next big thing.

The nightlife scene in Seattle is dynamic enough to suit just about everybody’s taste. This is especially true in the case of bars and clubs specializing in live music. If you dig that kind of show – rock, blues, jazz, country, or R&B, it doesn’t matter – do yourself a favor and check out the big-name acts and local bands scheduled to play at these spots.

Bad Juju Lounge

1425 10th Ave., Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.709.9951
Seattle’s tattooed and pierced set hang at the Bad Juju Lounge, a boozy local bar that’s decked out with plenty of eye candy for those that can still focus after downing some of their completely dangerous cocktails. Music at the Bad Juju Lounge, from both live Seattle local musicians and a revolving slate of house DJs, is firmly set in the rock continuum blasting tunes from the indie, alternative and punk set straight through to metal and hard-core all presented with no freakin’ cover charges. You could probably travel far and wide and this local Seattle bar would still rank among the best places to get sauced and bang your head in under the protective gazes of herpetological guardians, glass flames, metal monstrosities, freakish artwork and genuinely good people.

Central Saloon

207 First Ave. S, Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.622.0209
Good food and stiff drinks have been the staple at the Central Saloon since this local Seattle bar first opened its doors way back in 1892 and having survived all these years and still kicking is just about all you need to know if you’re thinking about swilling some booze there, but we’ll give you more. The Central Saloon is still on the cutting edge of the raucous Seattle live music scene featuring a slate of up and comers seven nights a week. Also, the food at the Central Saloon is enough to keep their loyal regulars coming back for the hearty smoked plates doused in the Central’s signature barbecue sauce or the burgers and sandwiches that virtually dwarf the plate. Heck, if all this wasn’t enough, the prices at Seattle’s Central Saloon are very reasonable, but sometimes the cover charges for bands can reach the double digits.

Chop Suey

1325 E Madison St., Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.324.8000
Chop Suey is a stylish Seattle club that caters to a hip crowd with its heavy pours from the bar and its eclectic musical stylings from local Seattle live music acts, some national touring bands and some beat DJs. Chop Suey’s interior looks as if someone rolled through a Chinatown garage sale, but had a better eye for style and retro kitsch than when your mom used to birddog one five blocks away and say “we’ll just stop for a minute.” When popular local bands play or one of Seattle’s top spinners mans the decks at Chop Suey, get there early because even though the layout at this Seattle live music club is crowd friendly, it can get a little cramped at sold out shows. Packed or not though, Chop Suey always keeps you fueled with plenty of booze.

Chopstix

11 Roy Street, Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.270.4444
A dueling piano bar seems like something out of a Jerry Lee Lewis heyday movie, but the existence of Chopstix piano bar in Seattle dispelled any notions we may have had that our time machine actually worked. Chopstix definitely has its Seattle following evidenced by the hordes of sharp patrons packing into this live music club for a sing along night of revelry, dancing, decent food and some heavy drinks that grease the social wheels. A perennial favorite of the birthday party and bachelorette planners looking for a bar in Seattle that’s a guaranteed good time, Chopstix takes reservations that are highly recommended if you want to get a table on the weekends.

Clever Dunne’s Irish House

1501 East Olive Way, Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.709.8079
Not enough Seattle bars pour you imperial pints, but at Clever Dunne’s Irish House that’s pretty much what your draft of Guinness is coming in. Besides the beers poured the way beers should be, Clever Dunne’s Irish House also has a fine selection of Irish whiskeys to warm your chilled bones and this Seattle Irish bar also serves up heart stopping traditional Irish fare for the decidedly un-health conscious. When DJs aren’t manning the decks—usually spinning hip-hop, funk and the like which is a little weird to hear in an Irish bar—live bands take the stage on the weekends with no cover and get the packed in crowds moving. The happy hours rock at Clever Dunne’s featuring drink specials nightly and sporting those discounts all day on Sunday.

Crocodile Café

2200 Second Ave. SE, Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.441.5611
The slate of local Seattle live music acts and national indie rock tourers often determines the crowds at the Crocodile Café, that has been leading the cutting edge of the Seattle music scene for years so anytime there’s a good show get your tickets and seats early. Also, the Crocodile Café serves up some decent food—especially the breakfast—and the drinks flow with a zealot’s fervor from the bar. Seriously one of the best places in Seattle to catch live music, c’mon it was the epicenter of the grunge scene in the 90’s so you know the Crocodile Café has some clout in Seattle.

Doc Maynard’s

601 1st Avenue, Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.682.3705
Doc Maynard’s, a Seattle local bar and live music club, makes the most out of what it’s got by dishing out cheap beer, usually in frat house stemware, for a young, rock and roll loving crowd whose palates have stopped developing somewhere between top ramen and spaghetti-os. But, this beer soaked and raucous Seattle party is usually one of the first stops of the night when Pioneer Square does their frequent joint cover nights—and really that’s a deal you just can’t beat—where you can catch a slew of loud Seattle local bands making the leap from garage to stage. During the day, Doc Maynard’s is the meeting spot for the Seattle Underground Tours with, well, tourists crowding the bar while they wait for their hokey guide.

El Corazon

109 Eastlake Ave., Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.381.3094
Although this Seattle live music club has changed names a few times, with the current incarnation being El Corazon, it has never lost its hard driving punk rock soul. Some of the best local Seattle punk and rock bands roll through El Corazon (the name we’ll use until we’re informed otherwise) to play to a mass of beer and whiskey addled moshers who like their music in the traditional punk veins of loud and rowdy. Also, not to worry kids, El Corazon has a goodly mix of all ages shows thrown in with the 21+ gigs so that youngsters can see what a Seattle live music venue parties like and glimpse a window into their futures.

Fenix Underground

109 S. Washington, Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.405.4323
The undisputed heavyweight live music and dance club of Seattle’s Pioneer Square, Fenix Underground is comprised of three levels for hipsters, clubbers, scenesters, ravers and aural freaks to lounge, booze and party. There’re five, yup five, wholly separate bars in Fenix Underground so getting your drink on is never a problem and with plenty of space, this very crowded Seattle club never feels cramped. Also, the live music acts that pound out the tunes from the Fenix stage are some of Seattle’s best local talent, not to mention that their line up of resident and international DJs seriously know how to drop beats and are some of the most coveted Seattle spinners. Plus, there’s never a shortage of hotties doing their thing on the dance floor—especially on the third, underground level, that houses the illustrious poles and cages—so, drop the canned beer you just opened in your squalid apartment, don some threads and check out Fenix Underground. C’mon, you work hard all week; play hard on the weekends.

High Dive

513 N. 36th St., Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.632.0212
The High Dive satisfies three of the basic needs of life: stiff drinks, inexpensive grubbin’ barbecue and live rock and roll. This Seattle local bar seriously does those three staples extremely well, the drinks are always quick and strong from the unbelievably long bar, the kitchen pumps out food that’s a step above most other joints and if you dig some loud ass alternative, indie, punk, pure rock or country, you’ve found your new hangout in the High Dive. The owner of High Dive’s strong booking skills allows live music junkies to see up and coming local bands for a pittance—and like we said, you’re not going to spend that much on the tab either—so, give this Seattle live music club and bar major value points across the board.

Howl At The Moon

315 2nd Ave. S, Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.839.1300
Self proclaiming to be the “world’s most dangerous rock ‘n’ roll dueling piano show,” Howl At The Moon in Seattle does have plenty of drinks for the partying crowd and has piano players doing their shtick, but as far as the world’s most dangerous…we haven’t been to ‘em all so it’s hard to corroborate Howl’s claim. Also, how exactly are piano bars dangerous? Well, we’ll tell you that this Seattle bar does pour the cocktails fast and furious from test tubes shots to jello shots and some huge mixed concoctions while the hokey entertainers pound away at the ivories. Also, the staff and patrons frequently join the fun making for an interactive, but not in the wannabe creepy crooner karaoke way, experience.

Liquid Lounge at EMP

325 5th Ave. N, Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.770.2779
The Liquid Lounge at EMP (the Experience Music Project) is starting to draw bigger crowds due to its cool styling and propensity for booking, not only Seattle local bands, but national and international live music acts. Although the EMP is somewhat of a Seattle tourist attraction, the Liquid Lounge is a pretty hip bar that serves a decent drink, in smoke free environs, and never charges a cover—the bonuses of that whole museum thing.

Little Red Hen

7115 Woodlawn Ave. NE, Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.522.1168
The only game in town for live country music is the Little Red Hen, an unassuming Seattle bar and restaurant that gets wall to wall with country music fans during a show and wannabe stars during their rocking karaoke nights. The Little Red Hen serves up big platted home style grub for breakfast, lunch and dinner to their down to earth Seattle regulars and if you like a little boozy eye opener in the morning, the Little Red Hen has a breakfast happy hour from 9am to noon.

Neumo’s

925 East Pike St., Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.709.9467
A hard drinking set of rockers fill up Neumo’s—the reincarnated Moe’s, a Seattle live music club institution, brought gloriously back to life, Lazarus style, by the original owners—to catch up and coming local Seattle indie bands under a booze fueled haze. The space at Neumo’s has been revamped along with the sound system to provide a better venue for the boozers and the bands, but on nights when the club’s stellar booking agent has lined up some hot band that has sold this Seattle icon out, get there early if you want to snag a seat.

New Orleans Restaurant

114 1st Ave. S, Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.622.2563
Good Creole food served hot with live jazz and blues are the staples of Seattle’s New Orleans Restaurant that consistently gets high marks for their authentic grub and good service, but ranks decidedly higher with their commitment to providing music junkies a nightly fix. The stage at this Seattle club and restaurant sits in the middle of the room which can make conversation a bit problematic when the bands start to heat up, but really with live music acts this good, your conversation can wait until between sets. Also, New Orleans Restaurant participates in the joint cover gig for Pioneer Square that seriously can’t be beat.

Paragon Restaurant & Bar

2125 Queen Anne Ave. N, Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.283.4548
Well heeled 30-somethings crowd into this chic Seattle restaurant and lounge for some cool jazz or blues stylings from live music acts that sometimes break away from their down tempo norms. Paragon Restaurant and Bar does some excellent cuisine for their “dressed for a night on the town” patrons in a decidedly American rooted culinary vein and the drinks are poured expertly, if not particularly heavy from the stylish bar. Paragon is a Seattle bar for a romantic date over a let’s booze it up and see where the night takes us sort of one.

Patti Summers Lounge

94 Pike St., Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.621.8555
Patti Summers Lounge is a cool little underground Seattle live music club where the owner—ex-Broadway diva Patti—croons to the crowd nightly. When Patti isn’t gracing the stage with her intimate renditions, local acts take center stage while Patti and her husband man the bar with a heavy hand. You can always count on them for a warm smile, some kitschy music and some homemade pizza.

SeaMonster Lounge

2202 N 45th St., Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.633.1824
The SeaMonster Lounge is a hip little Seattle bar that tries, and succeeds, at being more than just your average drinking establishment. The intimate space is made to feel more open and airy thanks to the SeaMonster Lounge’s no smoking policy and the sheer friendliness of the staff. Also the cocktails are poured pretty stiff which probably lends to the amicable vibe and the eclectic lineup of Seattle local live music acts always delivers. Plus the tapas style menu at the SeaMonster Lounge is created using fresh organic ingredients so they’re tasty and the menu aims to satisfy both carnivores and vegetarians.

Sky Church

325 5th Ave. N, Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.770.2777
Sky Church is a live music club buried deep within Seattle’s EMP so it’s a little touristy for die hard local live music fans, but even they cannot deny that Sky Church is able to book some excellent local and national acts and present them in an intimate setting. However, the vibe at Sky Church is a little on the sterile side because most of shows presented are 18 and over so imbibers have to keep their spirits in check and drinks in the bar.

Studio Seven

110 S. Horton St., Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.628.0888
This all-ages Seattle live music club caters to young and old rockers for Studio Seven’s top billing of good local and national talent. Boozers, however, aren’t going to find a huge selection at Studio Seven, but the live music acts usually outweigh the lack of cocktail selections.

Sunset Tavern

5433 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.784.4880
The Sunset Tavern is making a name for itself in the Seattle live music scene by booking strong rock shows with up and coming local talent. The ambiance at this local Seattle bar is both hip and old school with a decided nod to its past incarnation as a Chinese restaurant and dive bar. The beer selection is decent at the Sunset Tavern and their weekly events like movie nights and karaoke, along with the live music, are huge draws for hipsters seeking a toned down alternative to other Seattle clubs.

The Green Room

1426 First Ave., Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.628.3151
The Green Room, the loungier area attached to Seattle’s live music mainstay, the Showbox, is a great spot for a little swank pre-show imbibing. The Green Room serves premium liquor with a good selection of beers that gets packed with hipsters even when there’s no band playing the Showbox that night because the vibe is laid back and unpretentious, welcoming everyone at one of Seattle’s best venues. The Green Room even offers food nightly for a good price and has a basement lair with plenty of intimate seating for when the rush of the bar crowds gets to be a little much.

The Premier

1700 First Ave. S, Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.382.7870
The Premier is a huge Seattle live music club that brings home some of the best local and national acts that span genres and even branches out into performance pieces. The above par booking agent at The Premier seems to always get the hottest alt-rock, indie, metal and hip-hop bands playing to the ever-packed house. The expansive bar at this Seattle club pours ‘em fast and furious for the thirsty crowds that never seem to end.

The Showbox

1426 First Ave., Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.628.3151
An impressive slate of national touring acts spanning genres always rolls through The Showbox when they’re hitting Seattle and want a live music club with great acoustics and a rocking crowd. The Showbox has three bars in the club itself to make sure concertgoers don’t go thirsty and, for a great pre-show cocktail, you can hit the adjacent Green Room for a comfortable nip and expedited entry into this Seattle live music club. The Showbox has a large dance floor where the more adventurous hang while patrons more into the music than dancing snag one of the tables or booths that overlook the action.

ToST

513 N 36th St., Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.547.0240
An extensive selection of cocktails, brews and wine in a comfy, but industrial linked space with eclectic DJs and live music pretty much sums up ToST in Seattle where hip imbibers can chill on couches by the fireplace or get their groove going on the dance floor. Everyone is pretty much treated as a regular here and if you pop into this Seattle local bar and live music venue for happy hour, you’ll most likely be treated to free gourmet pizza to boot. ToST gets really hopping on the weekends when folk, funk, acid-jazz and world live music acts occupy the small stage and everyone in the bar is bopping their collective heads to the beats.

Tractor Tavern

5213 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle, Washington; Tel. 206.789.3599
The Tractor tavern is the live music club in Seattle to get your alt-country, rockabilly, roots and Americana fix featuring local acts and national tourers no less than five nights a week. Everything from the drinks to the barbecue fare to the crowds and bands at the Tractor Tavern seriously lacks pretension, and dang it that’s exactly what a bar like this is supposed to be like. So grab your pearl buttoned shirt and extra liver, leave your attitude at home and check out this packed house Seattle live music club for a rocking good time.

Source: Seattle.com

Live Music Sarasota, Florida – Enjoy live music at some Sarasota’s coolest bars and restaurants.  Call the listed live music venue, live music restaurant or club for specific dates and times for who is performing

Ace’s Lounge – 4343 Palma Sola Blvd., Bradenton 941-795-3886
Backwater Bar & Grill – 2080 S. McCall Road S., Englewood 941-474-2206
Banana Factory – 6919 14th St., Bradenton 941-758-5249
Beachhouse – 200 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach 941-779-2222
Bermuda Breeze – 5106 14th St. W., Bradenton 941-751-1261
The Big Easy – 385 U.S. 41 Bypass N., Venice 941-486-0026
Boca Royale Golf & Country Club – 1601 Englewood Road, Englewood 941-475-6464
Bridge Tender Inn – 135 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach 941-778-4849
CJ’s Forest Lakes Restaurant – Forest Lakes Golf Club, 2401 Beneva Road, Sarasota 941-921-7979
Cà d’Zan Lounge – Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota 941-309-2000
Cabana Inn – 2525 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-955-0195
Cajun Club Restaurant – 750 N. Indiana Ave., Englewood 941-474-3383
Captain Curt’s – Old Stickney Point Road, Siesta Key 941-349-3885
Caragiulo’s – 69 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota 941-951-0866
Casey Key Fish House – 801 Blackburn Point Rd, Osprey 941-966-3735
Celtic Tavern – 7286 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-929-1650
Calico Jack’s – 1950 Beach Road, Englewood Beach 941-475-8671
Churchill’s Bar & Restaurant – 1816 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota 941-951-0990
Classic Wax Bar & Cafe – 2119 Siesta Drive, Sarasota 941-364-8653
Club Diamonds Bar & Lounge – 5105 14th St. W., Bradenton 941-752-4737
Club Escapes – 3218 Clark Rd., Sarasota 941-925-4144
Clubhouse Tavern – 3824 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota 941-924-5103
Coasters Restaurant – 1500 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota 941-925-0300
Continental Café & Tavern – 3676 Webber St., Sarasota 941-924-1516
Crow’s Nest Marina Tavern – 1968 Tarpon Center Drive, Venice 941-484-9551
Entersection – 3655B Webber St., Sarasota 941-923-4785
Euphemia Haye – 5540 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key 941-383-3633
Fandango – 1266 Old Stickney Point Road, Siesta Key 941-346-1711
Fishermen’s Village Centre Court – 1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda (800) 639-0020
Five O’Clock Club – 1930 Hillview Street, Sarasota 941-366 5555
Fletcher’s Happy Dolphin Pub & Grill – 5717 18th St. E., Ellenton 941-722-2391
Fred’s – 1925 Osprey Ave, Sarasota 941-364-5811
Gastronomia Lounge – 1888 Main St., Sarasota 941-953-6336
The Gator Club – 1490 Main St., Sarasota 941-366-5969
Gatorz Bar & Grill – 3816 S. Tamiami Tr, Port Charlotte 941-625-5000
Gilligan’s – 5253 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key 941-346-8122
Greer’s – 6566 Gateway Ave, Sarasota 941-926-0606
Gulfview Grill – 2095 N. Beach Road, Englewood 941-475-3500
Helmsley Sandcastle Lounge – 1540 Ben Franklin Drive, Lido Key, Sarasota 941-388-2181
High Side Café – 1105 N. Washington Blvd., Sarasota 941-366-2678
Hilton Longboat Key Resort – 4711 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key 941-383-2451
Honoluana Tiki Bar & Grill – 504 S. Tamiami Trail, Nokomis 941-483-3553
Kahuna’s Bar and Grill – 1177 S. McCall Road, Englewood 941-473-2828
Khrome – 1120 North Washington Blvd., Sarasota 941-366-5545
Kirby’s Bar & Grill – 2460 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota 941-922-3777
The Landmark – 3606 15th St. E., Bradenton 941-744-9879
Latitudes on the Water – Burnt Store Marina, Punta Gorda 941-639-3650
Le Barge – Marina Jack Basin, Island Park, Sarasota 941-366-6116
Margarita Maggie’s – 1927 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota 941-951-0335
Marker 17, A Café – 260 Maryland Ave., Englewood 941-697-0241
McSwiggins Pub – 1301 Eighth Ave. W., Bradenton 941-748-1625
Mickey’s Downtown Restaurant – 301 S. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota 941-365-4430
Michael’s on East – 1212 East Ave. S., Sarasota 941-366-0007
Monkey Business Dance Club – 8440 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-355-7771
Monkey Room Bar – Colony Beach Resort, 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key 941-383-6464
Munroe’s Upstairs – 1296 First St., Sarasota 941-316-0609
The Mug – 108 44th Ave. E., Bradenton 941-751-6607
Nav-a-Gator Grill – 9700 S.W. Riverview Circle, Arcadia 941-625-4407
Oasis Pub – 5305 Fruitville Road, Sarasota 941-379-2703
Octave – 6540 Superior Ave, Sarasota 941-926-7477
Old Packinghouse Café – 987 S. Packinghouse Road, Sarasota 941-371-9358
Papadon’s Italian Restaurant – 1599 McCall Road, Englewood 941-473-7001
Phat Cats Jazz Bar – 121 W. Venice Ave., Venice 941-484-5639
Pop’s Sunset Grill – 111 Circuit Road, Nokomis 941-488-3177
Primo Ristorante – 8076 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-359-3690
Saltwater Cafe – 1071 Tamiami Trail, Nokomis 941-488-3775
Sandbar Restaurant – 100 Spring St., Anna Maria Island 941-778-0444
Sarasota Tap Room – 4015 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota 941-351-1360
Sassy Snapper – 70 N. Indiana Ave., Englewood 941-475-8975
Sharky’s on the Pier – 1600 S. Harbour Drive, Venice 941-488-1456
Siesta Key Oyster Bar – 5238 Ocean Blvd., Siesta Key 941-346-5443
Snook Haven Restaurant – 5000 E. Venice Ave., Venice 941-485-7221
Summerhouse Restaurant & Lounge – 6101 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key 941-349-1100
T.J. Carneys – 231 W. Venice Ave., Venice 941-480-9244
Therapy – 3218 Clark Road, Sarasota 941-925-4144
Trailside Bar & Grill – 1313 Eighth Ave. W., Bradenton 941-750-0980
Turtles Restaurant – 8875 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key 941-346-2207
Wheelhouse Restaurant & Lounge – Holiday Inn, U.S. 41 N., Punta Gorda 941-639-4041