Friday Fest at the Van Wezel
August 16th from 5pm to 9pm on the lawn at the Van Wezel! All summer long SRQ residents and visitors will enjoy music on the lawn 
Get your dancing shoes on because these guys know how to get the crowd moving with their energetic stage presence and pulse… read moreImpulse jams with a variety of reggae, zouk, and pop calypso. You’ll be dancing up a storm until the sun goes down with this energetic and rhythmic group!
Be sure to "Check In" at the Van Wezel upon arrival. They will be randomly selecting a winner from the list of people that are "Checked In" during intermissions! (You must be present to win)
The charming Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall opens up its beautiful waterfront terrace to bayside lounging. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair. Vendors will be available for food and drink. It’s the perfect time of the day for relaxing to some sweet sounding music by our gorgeous bay! Arts and crafts will be on display for sale.
Friday Fest is a free event… happening on the third Friday of every month during summer. The concerts will be held rain or shine and brought indoors if it rains. This delightful music series is paid for by the Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues and area sponsors.
The mission of the Van Wezel Foundation is to enrich the lives of our Gulf Coast Community, with an emphasis on area children, making the performing arts available to all children in our community during the school year with field trips to the performing arts hall.
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Venice Theatre's Summer Cabaret Festival.
Runs through Sunday, August 25th
Summer Cabaret Festival – Performances are Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm Sundays at 2pm.
August 17th 2013 at 8pm The Goldtones. The sweet sounds of street-corner harmony. Doo-Wop from the 50’s! http://www.venicestage.com/
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Have some talent? Check out the Open/Mics and Jams around town!
When it comes to discovering new talent open jams are usually quite amazing or at least pretty entertaining! You’d be surprised at all the talent in our small town. Whether you’re young or retired you won’t feel out of place with the mix of music-lovers of all ages. I’m amazed at the number of people, from all walks of life, getting together to enjoy a common interest! Open mics play a huge role in developing our local music scene. It’s an awesome way to meet new friends, network, form new bands, practice playing in front of an audience, re-ignite old passions, or just play your instrument and get out for a night on the town! Get ready to soak up some great performances…
For Jazz players:
Every Sunday from 3 to 5 pm, the Jazz Club presents its open sit-in Jazz Jams for a summer afternoon series! There are first-rate musicians on hand and you are invited to display your talent. Cover is $10. Participating musicians are free. Located at Ocean Blues. For more information visit Ocean Blues http://www.oceanblues.net/ or the Jazz Club of Sarasota www.jazzclubsarasota.org
Ocean Blues also has a Blues Jam at 7pm on Sunday and a Jazz Jam again on Monday night at 8pm. They offer upscale dining and down home music.
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Monday Night Blues Jams
Every Monday night for about the past 14yrs. The 5’oclock club has been hosting jams for Blues musicians with talent! Al Fuller has been with the group for the last 11 yrs and his band starts the night out with some original music, then on to the open Blues jams for experienced musicians. You have to be able to keep up with the group at this one! Bring your own instruments and join in with some awesome tunes. (No cover)
The Five O’clock Club for more info: http://www.5oclockclub.net
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Monday Night Open Mike at J.R,’s Packing house 7pm to 10pm.
http://www.oldpackinghousecafe.com
Bring your own instrument or use one of their guitars on hand.
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Star Keeper Cafe – Open Mic, 6-9pm (Monday evenings)
Open Mic Monday at Star Keeper Cafe every Monday from 6-9pm. Songwriters, poets, comedians, and mimes are welcome. Open to all ages and levels of talent. They serve Sliders, Cuban Sandwiches, and more. If there is rain the open mike will continue inside. You are encouraged to invite your friends to come out and watch you perform. (no cover) The couple named their café after their wedding song Keeper of the Stars… they also partner with local charities and host events.
Star Keeper Café in Downtown SRQ http://www.starkeepercafe.com/
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Tuesday night – Siesta Key Oyster Bar or as locals call it “SKOB” has open Jams from 7pm to 11pm. You’ll enjoy its laidback relaxed island atmosphere while you listen to great music in the heart of the village! For over 10 years they have been hosting jams. http://www.skob.com/
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Wednesdays: Pastry Art Cafe – Open Mic, 7m to 10pm – singers, poets, comedians, mimes, etc. http://www.pastryartbakerycafe.com/
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Thursdays: Flying Dog – Open Rock & Blues Jam. 7pm to 10:30pm
“The Flying Dog Café” was named for its location, states the owner, Bruce Famiglio, and in loving memory of his best friend, Dewey, a Golden Retriever. The Flying Dog Cafe serves food & drinks, with great entertainment. Everything on the menu is made fresh to order. http://theflyingdogcafe.com/
Author: Siesta Sand