The Suncoast BBQ and Bluegrass Bash presents one of the most prestigious barbeque contests in Florida, along with three smaller cook-offs and contests, live music, family events and what’s sure to be lip-smacking, finger-lickin’ good food.

Last Thursday  gave me an opportunity to do two cool things:  Fulfill a pledge made two months ago to visit and report on one local open mic per month, then report back on its unique “flavor.” Answer a question I didn’t even know I had: What’s the difference between an “open mic” and a “jam”?  This opportunity arose via my friend Steve, who mentioned the other day in passing that a jam happens every Thursday in a park by his house near Bee Ridge. Having never heard of this, my [...]

I have long grappled with whether I’m an actual fan of blues, honky-tonk and bluegrass. Upon hearing one of the best musicians I’ve heard live in Sarasota last weekend — Mr. Ben Prestage, “One Man Band,” who happens to excel in all three of these genres — I’ve gotten some clarity on my fandom status. My first encounter with Ben Prestage happened in St. Pete last Saturday, and ended up with me coming back for more here in town at the unique Stragglers Bar in south Sarasota. I’ve come to [...]