Top 8 concerts this week in Sarasota and Englewood
With 2022 officially in the rear-view mirror, we begin 2023 with a full lineup of local events throughout January, including noteworthy concerts. This week alone sees a Grammy-nominated folk singer-songwriter and string quartet, a Grammy-winning fiddler, and a Latin Grammy-nominated jazz pianist all making their way through Sarasota, as touring kicks off in the new year.
Other concerts taking place this week include a two-day festival with artists paying tribute to Elvis Presley and other classic rock 'n' rollers, and two renowned blues musicians playing shows at Englewoods on Dearborn. Here are this week's highlights. Event details are subject to change.
More fun this week:Looking for something to do? Our top 5 things in Sarasota and Manatee this weekend
And more fun this month:100-plus things to do in January in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties
Other big shows coming to town:Biggest concerts, comedians coming to Sarasota, Tampa Bay from January to March
Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris
Fogartyville will feature a double-bill of acclaimed singer-songwriters when Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris visit the venue. Gauthier, whose songs have been covered by musicians including Jimmy Buffett and Tim McGraw, released her latest full-length "Dark Enough to See the Stars" last year, the follow-up to her 2018 album "Rifles & Rosary Beads" that was co-written with veterans and their families and earned Gauthier her first Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album. She'll be joined by Harris, who NPR said is "poised to become the next queen of Americana-folk." 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show Friday; Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota; $30, $25 members, $15 students ages 13 and up; 941-894-6469; fogartyville.org
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Shake, Rattle and Soul Fest
The annual festival featuring tribute acts performing the music of various classic rock 'n' roll and R&B musicians (with the festival's name recalling "Shake, Rattle and Roll," the song recorded by Big Joe Turner, Bill Haley & His Comets and Elvis Presley) returns to Robarts Arena. The King is the star here, with the festival held on Presley's birthday weekend and performers such as Dwight Icenhower, Robert Washington and Matt King paying tribute to him. There will also be tributes to Elton John, Little Richard, Cher, Roy Orbison and James Brown. 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Robarts Arena, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota; $109-$149 two-day pass, $29-$109 individual days/shows; tributefestival.rocks/shakerattle
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Susan Werner
Another acclaimed singer-songwriter, Susan Werner, is set to return to Fogartyville this week. Werner has had her songs covered by artists such as Tom Jones, who recorded her track "Did Trouble Me" on his 2010 album "Praise & Blame," along with releasing several records herself. Particularly noteworthy for Floridians is last year's EP "The Birds of Florida," comprising five songs all about the Sunshine State, including "Florida La La La" and "Raining Iguanas." 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show Saturday; Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota; $28, $25 members, $14 students ages 13 and up; 941-894-6469; fogartyville.org
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Luke Bulla
Listening Room of Sarasota, which has hosted various folk and singer-songwriter acts at area venues, returns this year with fiddler Luke Bulla. Along with his solo career, Bulla currently plays in Lyle Lovett's band and has appeared on albums including Lovett's latest full-length, last year's "12th of June." Prior to that, he was a former member of Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, winning a Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album Grammy while with the latter group. 6:30 p.m. Sunday; Music Compound, 1751 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota; $20 donation; email [email protected] to make a reservation
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Chuchito Valdés
After his initial show was rescheduled due to Tropical Storm Nicole, Chuchito Valdés is set to perform at Fogartyville this week. The Cuban jazz pianist comes from a musical family that includes his father, Chucho Valdés, and grandfather, Bebo Valdés. Chuchito has made a name for himself musically as well, including back-to-back Latin Grammy nominations for Best Latin Jazz/Jazz Album in 2012 and 2013 for "Live in Chicago" and "Grand Piano Live." 6 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. show Tuesday; Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Court, Sarasota; $32, $28 members, $16 students ages 13 and up; 941-894-6469; fogartyville.org
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Dover Quartet
Shortly before competing at this year's Grammys, Dover Quartet visits Sarasota as part of Artist Series Concerts. The group is up for a Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance Grammy for "Beethoven: Complete String Quartets, Vol. 2 — The Middle Quartets," with their Sarasota concert set to feature works by Beethoven and Mendelssohn. Dover Quartet previously earned a Grammy nomination in the same category in 2021, and was named one of the greatest string quartets of the last 100 years by BBC Music Magazine. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday; Historic Asolo Theater at The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota; $30-$50; 941-306-1200; artistseriesconcerts.org
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Biscuit Miller Band
Sarasota County restaurant and blues venue Englewoods on Dearborn's live music lineup this week includes bassist and singer-songwriter Biscuit Miller. The charismatic performer, whose 2010 album was aptly titled "Blues with a Smile," won two Instrumentalist — Bass Blues Music Awards in 2017 and 2012. Before embarking on his solo career, Miller also played for numerous years in the backing bands of other blues musicians including Lonnie Brooks and Anthony Gomes. 6 p.m. Wednesday; Englewoods on Dearborn, 362 W. Dearborn St., Englewood; $7; 941-475-7501; eodresto.com
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J.P. Soars and the Red Hots
Englewoods on Dearborn's live music lineup this week will also include South Florida blues guitarist and singer-songwriter J.P. Soars and his band The Red Hots. The group earned four Blues Music Award nominations in 2022, including Band of the Year and B.B. King Entertainer and Instrumentalist — Guitar for Soars. Along with his solo career, Soars has also played in the supergroup Southern Hospitality with Grammy-nominated piano player Victor Wainwright and fellow Floridian Damon Fowler. 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12; Englewoods on Dearborn, 362 W. Dearborn St., Englewood; $7; 941-475-7501; eodresto.com
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If you would like to be considered for this story, please email [email protected] with your event information at least 10 days before our Thursday publication date. Show schedules are subject to change; check with venues in advance to confirm or for questions on COVID-19 protocols.
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This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Best live music concerts in Sarasota, Englewood area
