Sarasota Transforms Into a Live Music Mecca

From comedy clubs to private concert halls, Sarasota's live music scene is experiencing a renaissance.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 12:36am

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Sarasota, Florida, long known for its thriving cultural arts scene, is now emerging as a true live music destination. The city's intimate venues are hosting high-caliber performances from acclaimed artists like Joan Osborne, Jimmy Vivino, and Don Was, drawing music enthusiasts from across the region. Behind this transformation is veteran music industry executive Barry Weisblatt, who is spearheading initiatives like the McCurdy's Comedy Theatre's Music Mondays series and the exclusive Whiteleaf Private Concert Club.

Why it matters

Sarasota's live music renaissance is significant as it demonstrates the city's ability to punch above its weight class in the cultural arts scene. The influx of world-class talent to intimate local venues is creating a new sense of community and excitement around live music, which has historically lagged behind the city's other artistic offerings.

The details

The McCurdy's Comedy Theatre has been at the forefront of Sarasota's live music revival, hosting acclaimed artists like Joan Osborne and Jimmy Vivino. Meanwhile, veteran music industry executive Barry Weisblatt has launched the Whiteleaf Private Concert Club, which offers an exclusive, members-only experience with curated, intimate performances from big-name acts. Recent highlights include a private show by six-time Grammy-winning producer Don Was and his Pan Detroit Ensemble.

  • The McCurdy's Music Mondays: The Master Series featuring Joan Osborne took place in early 2026.
  • Jimmy Vivino and Michelle Malone will perform at McCurdy's on March 16, 2026.
  • The Whiteleaf Private Concert Club's winter and spring season runs from January to May 2026.

The players

Barry Weisblatt

A veteran music industry executive who moved from New York to Sarasota in 2019 and recognized the opportunity to transform the city's live music scene. He is the founder of WhiteLeaf Events and the driving force behind the Whiteleaf Private Concert Club.

Joan Osborne

A multi-Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter who recently performed at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre as part of the Music Mondays: The Master Series.

Jimmy Vivino

The 30-year music director for Conan O'Brien and current guitarist/co-producer for blues-rock legends Canned Heat, who will be performing at McCurdy's on March 16, 2026.

Don Was

A six-time Grammy-winning producer and musician who brought his Pan Detroit Ensemble to Sarasota for a private performance at the Whiteleaf Private Concert Club.

McCurdy's Comedy Theatre

An intimate venue in Sarasota that has been at the forefront of the city's live music renaissance, hosting high-caliber artists as part of its Music Mondays: The Master Series.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Whiteleaf Private Concert Club will continue its exclusive, members-only concert series throughout the winter and spring of 2026, with upcoming performances by The Spin Doctors.

The takeaway

Sarasota's transformation into a live music mecca demonstrates the city's ability to cultivate a thriving cultural arts scene, even in a smaller market. The success of initiatives like the McCurdy's Music Mondays series and the Whiteleaf Private Concert Club show that there is a strong demand for high-quality, intimate live music experiences in the region.